For the Drabble Game Challenge, LukeThalia, old photographs, for Sophy.
Thalia kisses his cheek, her fingers forming bunny ears that are half cut off from the camera's angle. Luke studies the photo, guilt heavy in his chest.
She wouldn't kiss him like that ever again.
In another, half a cheeseburger pokes out of her mouth as she glares at him. Seconds after snapping the picture, Luke had discovered that ketchup bottles hurt when thrown.
He'd give anything to sit with her again, laughing and stuffing their faces with greasy food.
They stand together at the Grand Canyon. A tourist had been kind enough to take their picture.
He had planned to see more of the world with her. They had spent hours at night, imagining the adventures they would have, the sights they would see.
The last photograph would seem out of place to anyone who didn't know. A tall pine rests upon a hill.
He still visits her tree, hoping for a miracle each time. Of course, a miracle would mean that the gods actually care. A miracle would mean that the universe has some sense of fairness.
Angrily, Luke returns the photos to their hiding place. Thalia will never come back, and he knows that he's an idiot for trying to hold onto hope.
And yet, without his permission, his heart still dares to dream.
A/N: I'm hosting the Gift Giving Extravaganza for 2017. My requests are still open. If you would like a fic written for you, follow the link on my profile or PM me for details.