Picking Up The Pieces

                                    

                                          
Percy's POV
                          
The last few weeks of summer go by quickly. We are still picking up the pieces from the war with Gaea and a lot of campers are staying longer than normal to help out, Annabeth and I included. Though I also wanted to spend my birthday here for once. Annabeth and I are excited to leave though and start living our lives without a stupid prophecy over our heads. Before I knew it, it's the day before we leave. 
                          
I wake up alone in my cabin, which is unusual as Annabeth usually sneaks in and sleeps in here with me. Everyone knows, I think even Chiron, but they all don't say anything. I get out of bed and stretch, grabbing the first shirt I see. It's probably dirty but most of them are. I don't have a clock in my cabin so I have no clue what time it is. I walk outside and see that camp is already bustling so I must have slept in. I check the Athena cabin but Annabeth isn't in there. 
                          
"Hey, have you seen Annabeth?" I ask one of her younger sisters. She can't be more than 10. The little girl giggles, like she can't believe I'm talking to her, and nods. 
                          
"She's in the arena, training. Nobody is allowed in though." Go figure that's where she is. I should have guessed that. I could use the excuse that I'm still half asleep but I know Annabeth well enough that even in my sleep I can tell when something's up with her. 
                          
I start walking in the direction of the arena and several campers stop me on my way to warn me about nobody being allowed in to watch her train. Annabeth is one of those people where when they tell you to do something, you listen. I have a habit of doing the opposite, which I think is one of the reasons she's attracted to me. I'm one of the only people here that isn't scared of her. As a fellow camper, that is. As her boyfriend, she terrifies me.
                          
The doors are closed but not locked. I open one quickly and peer in. Annabeth is in full attack mode. She's been practicing more with her drakon bone sword, since she's used to fighting with a dagger. I plan to get her a new dagger soon because I know she prefers it. She hasn't mentioned it but I know that it bothers her she lost her old knife. As much as I didn't like it, it was from Luke and I know it was sentimental to her. 
                          
I watch in amazement as she slices up the dummy in front of her. She combines some martial arts moves into her attacks as well. Most people don't know this but Annabeth is well trained in jujitsu as well as classic greek fighting skills. I make the mistake of leaning against one of the armor tables, causing a shield to fall onto the ground. It clatters loudly and Annabeth startles. 
                          
She turns around and for one second her eyes are wild. I take a step back. Then she realizes it's just me and relaxes. 
                          
"Percy. What are you doing in here? I told everyone to tell you not to come in." Annabeth says, panting slightly. I can tell she's been in here awhile.
                          
"Since when do I listen?" I point out. Annabeth sighs and I meet her in the middle of the arena. I gently take her sword and drop it on the ground. I then take both her hands in mine. I can feel the calluses on her palms from training so much.
                          
"How long have you been in here?" I ask her quietly. She takes a minute to respond, not looking at me. 
                          
"Since about 5 am." She finally says. It's nearly 9 now, so she's been in here for 4 hours. 
                          
"Annabeth, you need to some sleep. You're exhausted and all this training isn't helping that." I tell her, gently raising her head with my fingers. I look her in the eyes and can see the brokenness behind them. It breaks my heart because I know how she's feeling and I would give anything for her to not be. 
                          
"I'm trying, Percy. But I just can't get it out of my head." Annabeth says and her eyes well up. It's rare that Annabeth cries but ever since.....Tartatus, it's been a regular thing. For both of us.
                          
"I know, wise girl. Me either." I tell her and she leans her head on my shoulder as she sobs. I just hold her and somehow we both end up sitting on the dirt floor. Annabeth quiets down and my shirt is soaking. I don't mind though. Chiron said it's good to get all of that out, instead of bottling it up. Doesn't help the nightmares either way. 
                          
I'm still holding her and I don't mind one bit. 



                          
So I've just published a new AU, and I'd really love it if you guys checked it out! It's based off the movie 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before'.
                          
Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to vote and leave a comment! 
                          
XOXOXO, 
                          
G