It's been a long time since I posted ssomething. For some reason, all I can write nowadays are sad scenes. This is short, but it was just an idea I had. Hope you all like it. I'm not sure, but I think I'll keep it as a oneshot. I might continue, but I'll need ideas. Anyway, please give me completely honest and frank opinions of what you think and if you think this is complete shit, please say so. Criticism is always welcome and appreciated. On to the story-

"Don't you dare leave."

He jumped, surprised. He turned around to see her sitting up in the bed, glaring at him fiercely.

"I have to." He replied, looking away. He couldn't let his resolve crumble.

"You don't have to." She got up, standing in front of him. "It was not your fault!"

"You don't understand. I can't stand hurting you like this. It's killing me!" He buried his face in his hands, willing himself to calm down.

She softly pried his hands away from his face and stared into his eyes. They were swimming with anguish and desperation. "Please, don't do this to me. I love you."

He raised his hand and cradled her face, his thumb just brushing her cheek. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering close at his caress. "You deserve so much better than me, love."

A single tear slipped down her cheek. She could feel her composure slipping away, bit by bit, vanishing in the face of her grief. "I don't want anyone else! You're the only one for me. It would kill me to see you go."

He drew away from her. He could feel his heart shattering, breaking into a thousand unfixable pieces. But he had to do this, for her sake. "You'll get over me eventually, when you find someone else who deserves you. He'll take care of you and never hurt you like I did."

Her tears were flowing freely now, her body shaking with silent sobs. It pained him to see the hurt in her eyes, the betrayal written on her face. I'll stay with you forever.Another promise broken.

"I'm sorry, love." He said, his voice breaking. He reached up and kissed her forehead tenderly. She ducked her head, her hand reaching out for him. But he backed away, turning to leave.

"Please." The word was barely audible, filled with so much heartbreak that he felt a knife slicing through his chest.

But he didn't look back. And with a silent whispered goodbye, he was gone, leaving a broken girl in his wake.

…

That single moment completely changed Annabeth. It's amazing how time passes, how a few minutes can change the course of life. It became a constant struggle for Annabeth, every single second without Percy was like drowning. She strived to breathe, to live, she steeled herself against the world, build walls that no one could overcome.

And from the ashes, rose the Phoenix.