Because We Can

2~ Supergirl

sorry, but i just really really REALLY want to get to the part where Percy and Annabeth are back and everything is damaged and MY GODS I CAN'T GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY. so... yeah. not depressing, but i can't say it's the fluffiest one-shot I've ever written. (well yes depressing but please don't kill me)

happy reading... :|

Piper.

Annabeth was broken - inside and out. She looked terrible, even with Percy. I guess he hadn't been affected by Tartarus as much. I mean, he was the one who had carried her back on the deck of the Argo II, but he was concerned for only Annabeth's sake, not his own. The whole way back to Camp Half Blood, he was holding her in his arms, cradling her when she screamed about her nightmares. I knew this because I (accidentally) found them in her bed and I (accidentally) cracked the door open a little bit to see what was going on.

Unfortunately, it only gave me ideas.

Why couldn't Jason be like that? He was the best looking guy in the world - a blond Superman, for the gods' sake! But why couldn't he be like Percy with me - caring, strong, romantic...

But I knew Jason wasn't like that. That was the whole reason why I was in love with him - he could lead a whole army of demigods without hesitation. Then again, Annabeth had told me before the war that Percy had done that, too. Jason was sweet, not that Percy wasn't, but smart about what he said. He played it cool when everyone else was freaking out, and just completely shut down when he was alone. He would never open up to me, and maybe I shouldn't have opened up to him.

~~

Sitting on the dock at CHB in a new camp shirt, the sun was setting, and I expected the diner conch horn to go off any second. Annabeth was probably with Percy. Leo was probably flirting with one of my half sisters. Coach was probably in the forest, doing what he does best (swinging his club at random trees and killing imaginary monsters - nothing unusual). Jason was probably in his cabin, and ever since we got back only three days ago, he'd shut down. Again.

I wondered what Hazel and Frank were doing on the west coast. They were probably finishing up lunch, or starting a war-game. It made me wonder why Jason hadn't gone back with them. I knew I was a factor (thank the gods) but what was the point if he was just going to crash anyways? What kind of boyfriend is he, letting me sit her alone, while he sulks in his cabin.

"Hey," a voice said behind me. His footsteps were soft and barefoot, and I knew exactly who it was.

"Hi," I sighed, looking up at Jason. He sat next to me, touching my hand with the tips of his fingers. I suddenly had the urge to hug him. He had shut the world out, including me, and I missed him so much. It didn't matter that I saw him everyday. His body was here, but his mind was obviously absent.

"I'm sorry," he told me, and I looked away into the lake. The afternoon sun reflected off the water and sent beams of light into my eyes, but I couldn't - wouldn't - look away. "Pipes?"

"What." I gritted my teeth, and realized I sounded much harsher than I had meant to. I still didn't apologise. Percy was always there for Annabeth. Why couldn't I have that?

"I'm sorry I haven't been spendind time with you," he said, reaching for my hand. His fingers were warm, and when I looked at them, his hand was so much stronger and tougher than my delicate one. It didn't make me feel any sympathy for him. I had suffered from the war, too.

"It's okay," I lied. "You were busy sulking in your cabin while I brought you food everyday. Everyday, Jason! I wanted us to be the same after all of... this!" I waved my hand at the Big House, whose roof had collapsed when the Romans had attacked. He tried pulling me into his lap, but I pushed him away and stood. My legs trembled. "Annabeth has Percy, and not saying I love him, but he's doing a much better job of taking care of his girlfriend than you!"

I regretted the words immediately.

He was silent, and the signal of diner was loud in our ears.

"I wish I could tell you how sorry I am," he murmured, looking down at the water. "I know I should have been there for you. I'm so, so sorry, Piper. Please let me help you now, at least." He looked up at me, and his eyes were electrifying blue.

I could have walked away. I should have, anyways. But I didn't.

"I don't need a boy to lean on," I said, a lone tear dripping off of my chin.

"I didn't say you needed to lean on anyone," he whispered, standing beside me. "You're the most independent person I've ever known. We're a team, remember? But you don't need me as much as I need you."

I broke down and pushed myself into his arms. He held me, and I told him, "I need you. You're my Superman."

"No. You're Supergirl. I'm just your sidekick."

I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Death Cab for Cutie

^^total Percabeth/Jiper/Frazel song for ya... or Lazel. Whatever floats your boat. (<< HAHA GET IT?! CUZ SHIPPING AND BOATS AND... NEVERMIND :| )