Her finger tips intertwine with his, the blood tricking from both his wound and hand. She blinks, her electric blue eyes filled to the brim with tears. "Luke," she breathes, looking at the once happy, full of life boy she knew, now slowly fading away.
Somehow, he manages a smile. Not for himself, but for her. The last thing he ever wanted to do in this mess was hurt her, although he knew he had failed; failed Thalia, failed Annabeth, failed his mother. He winces slightly at the thought, still trying to maintain his half hearted, weak smile. "Don't cry," he says almost inaudibly, breathing become harder with each passing second.
As a few tears slide down her cheeks, she manages to return the smile. She uses the back of her free hand to wipe the tears away. "I was always the strong one," she says, sniffling. "I guess a little change is always nice."
Luke closes his eyes momentarily, which are back to his old bright, baby blue color, all of the gold washed away. Annabeth, who was currently cuddled into Percy's side, let's out a small cry. Percy puts his arm around her, bringing her closer. He strokes her hair softly, doing the best he can to comfort her. Luke turns his head to look at her, brushing his fingertips against her's.
"Did you love me?" he whispers. She blinks back more tears rapidly before looking at Percy. He's staring at her, green eyes full of concern, curiosity, and warmth. Looking back at Luke, she knows the answer. She shakes her head.
"You were like a brother to me, Luke," she replies, "but I didn't love you." Luke nods, as if expecting her answer.
"I did," Thalia whispers, her tears ceasing to exist. He turns his head, his eyebrows knotting together at her sudden response. Annabeth forms a small smile. She knows Luke doesn't have much time, but she can't help but imagining how beautiful of a relationship her two old friends could have had. She wraps her arms around Percy's waist, leaning her head on his chest.
"You were all I thought about, Thals. Your gave your life to save Grover, Annabeth and me. The gods betrayed you, made my life a living hell. They took my best friend from me," Luke says. "Took the girl I was in love with," he adds, so soft she almost didn't hear it. Thalia places her hand gently on his chest and leans forward, brushing her lips against his forehead.
"It wouldn't of worked, anyways," she tells him. "Joining the Hunters was my fate."
Luke squeezes her hand tightly. "No matter where we are, or who we are, our fates will always be intertwined, Thalia. You'll be a hunter and I'll be.. I'll be," his voice falters, not wanting to say the words that are playing in the back of his throat. "Dead," he finally manages after a few seconds. Tears flow from Thalia's eyes once more.
"Try again," she protests. "Be reborn three times. Go for the Isle of the Blessed!"
He shakes his head, his smile fading somewhat. "You have to die a hero each time, Thals. I've already messed that up." It's Thalia's turn to shake her head.
"No," she says, kissing the back of his hand softly. "You're a hero, Luke. And you always will be." The corners of his mouth take the place of a smile once more for the last time.
Both Thalia and Annabeth shed tears for quite some time. Not just for the friend they lost, or the lover she could have had, but for the mother of a son who would always be waiting for a visit that would never come again.