A/N: February fic! I've always planned to continue the oneshot since I left it on a cliff hanger. Obviously, I have a soft spot for Malcolm and Rachel together. I think the complement each other well enough to be a good couple. Follow Malcolm's POV of the events of Say My Name. Enjoy!

Prompt: That otp that calls each other by any other name but their first names… and then one of them gets hurt.

Say My Name - Malcolm

Malcolm leaned against the railing of the Big House, observing Annabeth as she studied the faded map of the United States. There's a manic look in her gray eyes. Lines of x's littered the map where search parties were sent. Her blond hair tied tightly, possibly pinching her head. Smudges of blue ink smeared over her forearms from when she leaned on the ink. She drew another x over a section, letting out a frustrated sigh. Malcolm frowned. The east coast was covered with blue blotches.

"How about Florida?" Annabeth asked, looking up to seek Malcolm's approval, an un-Annabeth motion. She never needed his approval. The girl is so sure of herself, charging ahead with a clear plan in her quick mind. She's a shell of her former self. Dark circles sat underneath her usually bright gray eyes. She spun the pen between her fingers, a nervous habit she picked up. Malcolm stood up, pulling the map towards him. His fingers graced the lines, pressing his lips together as he thought.

"Now you're just stabbing in the dark, sis." He said, pulling the pen out of her hand. Annabeth curled her fingers closed, unable to distract herself with the writing utensil. Malcolm tapped it against the map. "I want to see what's keeping Hedge before throwing more demigods out." Annabeth bit her lower lip, resisting the urge to argue with him. She doesn't like sitting idle. "Hey, don't give me that look, Annie. I'm not giving up but we have two demigods in the infirmary. We need to think logically."

"I know." Annabeth whispered as she rubbed her right hand over her tired eyes. It was driving her crazy with Percy suddenly disappearing. Malcolm felt for her, gently grabbing her hand. She looked up at him with a slight smile. He held his arm out, coaxing her towards him. She didn't need a critic or second. She needed a big brother.

"Come here." Annabeth hesitated a moment before caving and wrapping her arms around his waist, squeezing tightly. Malcolm hugged her tightly, rubbing his hand against her shoulder. "We'll find him. I promise." He felt her nod against his chest before pulling back. "Now, what else can I help you with?"

"Rachel." Annabeth whispered. Malcolm blinked at the Oracle's name, looking up at the wooden ceiling where Rachel's room would be. "Can you check on Rachel, Malcolm? She's been in her room for a while. I'm worried about her." Malcolm nodded his head, curious about the mortal girl as well.

"God it, sis. I'm on Oracle duty." He answered, gently nudging her away from the map. "Get some rest, please." Annabeth pouted, ready to argue against him. Malcolm grabbed the small stack of pens from the table, wiggling them in front of her face before slipping them into his pocket.

"There are more pens around camp." Annabeth replied as she crossed her arms, trying her hardest not to smile.

"Can't blame a guy for trying." Malcolm said, grabbing the door of the Big House. He didn't move until Annabeth sighed and walked away towards the cabin. He waited until she was out of sight before turning around, mentally preparing himself from the spunky Oracle.

I don't think I've officially met her. Malcolm thought as he hiked up the stairs to the attic. Rachel is a whirlwind of curly hair, quick wit and charm. She took their world in stride and confidence Malcolm wished he had at her young age. Many like her around the camp but she kept to herself or hanged out with Percy and Annabeth. Malcolm paused at the trap door, taking a moment, before knocking.

"Hey Dare, you alive up there?" He called out before poking his head in. The tall slender girl stood in the middle of the room like a statue. Her red hair pulled back into a messy bun. Her fingers smeared black with charcoal and graphite. Dark leggings hugged her skinny long legs. The patterns of galaxies and stars dipped and curled around her curves. Malcolm blinked at the pile of balled up sketches. "Found anything in your sketches?" He asked, stepping in.

"Some poor fool is going to have a very bad day." Rachel commented flatly as she nudged the few sketches at her feet. She rubbed her head in frustration, turning quickly and pulling her chair out. Malcolm frowned as he picked up the drawings, taking in the detailed scene. Her muse was violently attacked by snake-like creatures. A shiver rippled through his body like they were biting into him.

"Sucks for him…" Malcolm said lamely as he looked up. "Not Percy though?" Rachel shook her head, burying her face in her hands. She looked lost but it's a different type of lost than Annabeth. This young woman was haunted by visions she couldn't interpret. She's stuck in-between worlds, not belonging to either. Malcolm noticed a patch of her pale freckled skin against her tank top strap, slightly flush from staying out in the sun. "Come on, Red, you're driving yourself crazy in here." Rachel looked up sharply, green eyes narrowing.

"Red?" Rachel repeated. Sarcasm dripping from her voice. "Real original. Am I 'Red' because of my hair or my initials?" Her green eyes twinkled as she met his gaze, challenging him. Malcolm chuckled as he inched closer, resting a hand on the back of her chair.

"Please give me some more credit." Malcolm replied, lifting his hand and gently traced the patch of skin. Rachel shivered and jumped, reaching up to cover the spot. "You're starting to burn." A blush bloomed on her face as she reached for her cardigan, quickly hiding her bare skin. Malcolm smirked at her cute reaction, intrigued by the girl in front of him.

"Thanks Doc." She murmured before shoving her chair out suddenly. Malcolm caught it before she could ram him in the stomach, laughing at her attempt. Rachel invaded his space, face inches away from his. She smelt like paper, paint and underneath the art supplies, strawberries. "So Oracle duty?" She whispered, crossing her arms. Malcolm's smile slid off his face.

"Ah you heard that."

###

"You like her." It took Malcolm a moment to register Katie's words. His gray eyes flickered towards the Demeter girl, noting the curve of her smile and tilt of her head. He licked his chapped lips, looking towards where Rachel and Will were on the beach shore. The water lapped at their winter boots.

"It's easier to protect someone when you like them." Malcolm deflected, tucking his hands into the pocket of his jeans. He's Rachel's personal distraction, as half of the camp coined him. Whenever she arrived at camp, he would pull her away from the attic. They spent time around the camp, getting into heated discussions about books, television shows and current events. Last night, Malcolm showed her a few winter constellations without the city light pollution. He was starting to run out ideas to keep her distracted. That's why he asked Will and Katie to come along, not play matchmaker.

"Malcolm, you know what I mean." Katie said tucking her cold fingers into her burgundy coat pocket. A fluffy white scarf wrapped around her neck. Katie's brown curls framed her heart-shaped face. Her cheeks slightly red from the cold air as she looked at him, expectantly. Malcolm crouched down, avoiding her judging gaze, to grab a hand full of flat rocks. Yes, he does know what she means. Athena kids aren't the only observant ones.

"It's complicated." He murmured, getting a sigh from Katie.

"She's funny." Katie started, ticking off her fingers. "Witty. Beautiful. You smile a lot more when you're around her."

"Hey, I'm not that depressing." Malcolm said as Katie laughed. "Sarcastic." Malcolm counted. "Crazy. Nearly got me arrested." Katie blinked, tilting her head in confusion. He waved his hand. "I'll explain later."

"Makes your life so much more interesting." Katie said as she picked a stone from his hand, trying to skip it. The waves were rough, consuming the rock before it could hop.

Malcolm shook his head and looked towards where Rachel and Will sat. Rachel brought a bag of stale bread for the seagulls. Will coaxed the birds towards him, tossing bits of bread as they swooped down. Rachel laughed from her spot on the boulder. A stray seagull tried to sneak beside her to steal her unprotected bread. She had her sketch pad out, pencil moving rapidly over the paper. A beanie tamed her red hair from the wind. Like she could sense his gaze, Rachel looked over and waved. A warm feeling grew in Malcolm's chest as he returned the wave.

"You're smitten." Katie said, pulling Malcolm's gaze back towards her.

"Oracle." Malcolm whispered, tossing a rock as far as he could into the ocean. Katie blinked as she processed the word. The title felt heavy on his lips. He couldn't imagine what it meant to Rachel. Katie grabbed Malcolm's arm, rubbing it reassuringly.

"It doesn't mean you can't like her like that." Malcolm laughed as he shook his head. No, he could like her all he wants. He squeezed Katie's hand as they walked towards their friends. Rachel closed her sketchbook, heading towards them with a bright smile. Malcolm's chest tightened as he took her in.

"I know, Katie." He murmured, swallowing a lump in his throat. "It means she can't like me."

###

"What about the West Coast?" Malcolm asked, running his fingers through his blond hair. A large worn map of the United State spread on in front of him. Soft yellow light glowed from the small bulbs placed around the cabin. Annabeth stood on the other side of the table, crossing her arms over her chest. A quietness hanged around the cabin without the majority of their siblings around. Malcolm disliked the silence. It lets his mind wander, float to unimportant thoughts. An idle mind is a dangerous one. His father once said. Annabeth lifted her gaze to her brother. "My family's over there. I have a few demigod contacts. Will can come as backup."

"Isn't that just a stabbing in the dark?" Annabeth teased, echoing his words a few months ago. Malcolm chuckled in response, spinning his pen in his nimble fingers. The West Coast was largely unexplored. Sending demigods over there was extremely risky.

"Better stab than most." Malcolm shrugged as he tapped a city. "I'm going back anyways. Abby's birthday." Annabeth pressed her lips together and furrowed her eyebrows. Her hand reached up and toyed with her beads. Malcolm resisted the urge to do the same. He stepped to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You're not going to lose me, Annie." He whispered, pressing a brotherly kiss to her forehead. "You've done crazier things at age twelve."

Annabeth chuckled against him before looking up. "Shut up." She pinched his arm before softly before patting it. There was something in her gaze as she stepped back. "I'll tell Chiron." Malcolm nodded his head and watched as she left. Once the door shut behind her, Malcolm let a sigh escaped his lips and shoulders slump. There was so much to get done before his flight. The bed creaked in the distance, reminding him he wasn't alone. Malcolm turned, expression relaxing at the sight.

Rachel lounged on his bed in black leggings with soft fuzzy socks. An oversized dark green hoodie consumed her form. She held one of the books he recommended for her. A small smile tugged at her lips as she played with the corner of the novel. Like she sensed him, Rachel looked up and smiled. It felt like all the tension from the earlier conversation melted from his body.

"Heard all of that, Red?" He asked, grabbing an atlas from the shelf. Rachel nodded her head as she curled her long legs, creating room for him. She easily draped her legs over his lap after her sat down, the motion so natural. "Was I a little rough on her?"

"Nothing Annabeth can't handle." Rachel replied, tugging at a stray strand of her hair. A far off expression settled on her face as she studied him. Her green eyes softened as she inched over. "Google, you rarely throw the big brother card." Malcolm chuckled at the nickname. Their war continued, getting more and more ridiculous over time.

"I never needed too." Malcolm started, flipping his atlas open. "Annabeth's been calling the shots since I've arrived. It's odd. I'm the older sibling but Annabeth is head of the cabin. Her word is usually law." Malcolm thought back to when he first arrived at Camp Half-Blood. Confused and lost, unsure what was going on with his life. A girl two years younger than him stood there, smiling brightly as she held out her hands. She reassured him everything was alright. "When I heard Percy when missing, I flew back. A lot of us did. Percy's our friend as well." He did it for Annabeth too. She may be strong, confident and self-assured but she's still his little sister.

Rachel shifted closer, brushing her shoulder against his. "Who's on the West Coast?" She asked, changing the subject. Malcolm looked at her profile. The soft light bounced off her hair making it a soft red than usual. Her green eyes twinkled as she looked up from the map.

"My dad." Malcolm answered, playing with the corner of his book. Where would he be if Percy didn't disappear? At home, preparing for exams, arguing with his dad, working towards a future not-so-entwined with Camp Half-Blood. "He's a history professor but it's his sabbatical this year. He's focusing on finishing his book right now. Athena liked him for his brains." Rachel rolled her eyes and pressed her cheek against Malcolm's shoulder. It felt good talking about home. Malcolm didn't realize how much he missed it until now. "My step-mom is a fantasy author. She loves talking about demigods and myths with me. I have two half-siblings, both younger. Joey and Abby. They're amazing. We have a place by the beach. Will's going to love it. The sun, the waves."

"Hey, it's not a vacation." Rachel reminded, pinching his knee. Malcolm laughed as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She was warm against his side, pulling the map towards her. Her fingers traced the city. "Malibu…" She read before looking up towards him. "I think this is my new favorite nickname for you."

"Some days," Malcolm whispered low. His eyes flickered towards her lips. Rachel is so close if he leaned down he could kiss her. He looked up, ignoring the way his heart pounded. "I wonder if you know my real name."

"Bob?" Rachel asked and giggled at Malcolm's dramatic grown.

###

Malcolm yawned as he grabbed an apple, two muffins and filled his red mug full of black coffee, carefully balancing the food on top of his notebook. He blinked, looking around the room as his feet took him towards the Athena table out of habit. There weren't many demigods up this early. The Apollo table was full, the poor kids rose with the sun no matter if they wanted to or not. Will looked exhausted as he sipped out of his yellow mug. He looked up, noticing Malcolm's gaze, and lifted his cup as greeting. Malcolm returned the gesture before taking a huge gulp and sat down alone.

Rachel wasn't up yet. She usually joined him for breakfast around this time. They spent most of the night talking in her room about college. She was torn between going for an art or social science degree. Malcolm, on the other hand, already accepted a scholarship to the university his father taught at with plans of pursuing an engineering degree.

"How do you know?" Rachel asked sleepily from her spot on the bed, her cheek pressed against her pillow. Malcolm sat on the floor. His back leaned against the bed with his personal laptop balanced on his knees. Pictures of the luscious campus with tall green trees, solid brick buildings and smiling students cycled on the screen.

"I don't but it's something I want to try." Malcolm answered back as he turned his head. Her eyes closed as her breathing evened out. Malcolm shook his head and pulled the blanket over her shoulders before returning to his email to his dad about his and Will's travel itinerary.

"Ambrosia?" Malcolm blinked at the sudden voice, looking up. Will smiled nervously, reminding the older boy Will hasn't been out of camp for a while. "Yes or yes?"

"Yes," Malcolm chuckled as he moved to take another sip. He frowned at the empty mug before sighing and standing up. "Just don't take the whole infirmary." Will nodded absently as he followed Malcolm. His fingers tapped against his jeans in a quick pattern like finding chords on a guitar. Malcolm pondered if he knew about his nervous tick before looking up. "You worry?"

"I don't know." Will answered truthfully as he followed the older boy out. "Something feels off but I'm not sure what."

"Are you an Oracle now?" Malcolm teased as he bumped Will's shoulder. The boy chuckled, rubbing the spot. It felt like there was an extra weight on Will as he assumed head counselor and primary healer. Time away from camp could be good for the boy.

"Nah, I'll leave that for Dare." Will countered as they walked down the path towards the cabins. "Speaking of the redhead, isn't she over there?" Malcolm squinted, noticing the artist on the dock. "Be a dear and deliver her breakfast." Malcolm glared at the boy but couldn't counter as he did hold her favorite blueberry muffin and a bottle of juice she was fond of. He shook his head but walked towards the dock.

Rachel didn't react to the creek of the wood as he stepped onto the dock. Her head bent down as she frantically sketched over the white pages. Surrounding her were piles of art supplies. Charcoal. Pastels. Pages and pages drawings held down by pencils or stray rocks so they would fly off the pier. She wore a large hoodie with the sleeves shoved up revealing her pale freckled arms. Her unruly red hair fell in curls over her shoulder. She sighed, holding her drawing arms length observing it with a critical eye. Malcolm looked at the drawing as well, sucking in a breath.

"That's a Scythian Dracanae." He whispered, eyes roaming over the lines. The monster was half-woman, half-snake. She had an alluring body with womanly curves and dark curls falling just so. Her slender hand reached out, beckoning men into her lair where she could wrap her snake tail around them and suffocate her prey. He pulled his gaze away from the image, meeting Rachel's eyes. "You weren't at breakfast." Malcolm answered her unasked question. "Here." He handed her the muffin and juice before sitting down beside her. He shuffled a few drawings around, taking stock of the swampy area and monster. "So, that's what the poor sucker is going to face."

"Seems like it." Rachel answered as she flipped through the various pages. Malcolm caught little details like a deep pit, large vines and steep inclines. She stared intently at her first sketch of the 'hero' who plagued her dreams. The person had an athletic frame with defined arms and legs but they were always faceless in her images. "This is so frustrating." Rachel groaned before smacking her forehead against the pad. "Who. Are. You?" Each word followed by a smack.

"Hey, don't kill your precious brain cells." Malcolm ordered as he grabbed the pad. She glared at it as he pulled it away, replacing it with his notebook. The background around her hero was complete. It was an in-depth drawing of a pit or something with high walls, mossy trees and huge ferns. "Eat your muffin." Malcolm said absently, still staring at the picture. There was something familiar around the picture like Rachel plucked it from his childhood memories. Malcolm flipped to another sketch, a stretch of trail leading down a valley. There's no way. He thought as he recognized the huge boulder, thinking of the trails he and his father hiked before he learned about his godly lineage.

"Malibu?" Rachel's soft whisper pulled Malcolm away from his rapid thoughts.

"You said this is a vision?" Malcolm demanded, tightly gripping the pad. His knuckles turned white as connections started forming. It can't be.

"I think so. I've had it since Percy disappeared. Why?" Rachel asked curtly, confusion and concern in her green eyes. Malcolm looked back at the sketches, mentally mapping each one to a trail in the state park near his home, one that lead down into a valley. "You know something, don't you, Malibu? Tell me." Rachel grabbed Malcolm's arm, pulling him towards her. Her brow furrowed in frustration and possibly fear. Malcolm forced a calm expression as he reached over, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. Rachel's breath catched slightly.

"It's nothing, Oracle." He lied, keeping his tone light despite the lurking feeling at the pit of his stomach. "Don't worry your pretty head."

###

His breath flew out of him as Malcolm's back slammed against the stone. He slipped slightly before the Dracanae pressed her large hand against his chest, holding him against the wall. The heavy weight made each breath harder and harder. Her dark eyes gleamed smugly. "Now, now, boy," she whispered before digging her sharp claws into Malcolm's side. Malcolm held back a gasp from the wound. Will's frantic shouts felt so far away as Malcolm tried to focus. The Dracaena leaned forward he could see the edge of her fangs. "Don't pass out yet. I like to play with my meal."

"Play with this." Malcolm murmured through clenched teeth before sliding the hidden dagger out of his back into the monster's gut. She hissed at the celestial bronze dug into her bare skin. She flung him across the pit. Malcolm's head knocked against the mud as his vision spun. A blood curdling scream erupted her lips as she pulled the dagger out and tossed it aside. Malcolm staggered to his feet, trying to get his bearings as he patted the ground for his discarded sword. The Dracanae snarled and slithered towards him with her claws ready to rip through him. Malcolm gripped his sword. She rose up, arm lifted to strike when three arrows lodged in her chest before she could attack. With the last of his strength, Malcolm charged forward, plunging his sword into her chest. Her face leveled with his. "Die."

"You're coming with me, demigod. Your little Oracle lead you to your death." She whispered back before falling limp. Malcolm swayed as he took a shaky step away, panting before crying out. It felt like something stabbed at his side. He collapsed to his knee, head pressed against the ground as he clawed at his shirt. It felt like waves of flames attacked his side. Malcolm howled, rolling to his back as he gasped for breath.

"Malcolm! Malcolm!" Will shouted as he slide down the dirt wall, reaching for his backpack. He ran his hand over Malcolm's forehead, assessing the situation quickly as he held a golden cube up to Malcolm's lips. The creamy fruity taste of strawberry milkshake from the local dinner exploded in his mouth, soothing Malcolm's racing mind. The pain receded from the ambrosia for a moment but Malcolm could feel like lingering, waiting. Malcolm reached for Will's arm. "I'm here, buddy." Will replied, grabbing Malcolm's forearm tightly.

"It was a trap, Will." Malcolm whispered, looking at his dark blue eyes. "Rachel…" Malcolm blacked out as the loss of blood, poison and fatigue took him under.

Malcolm groaned as he gradually woke up, squeezing his eyes shut before slowly opening them. White shapes and dots filled his vision before he grew used to the lighting. Where? He wondered as he tried to move his stiff body. An IV drip of golden liquid connected to his arm, feeding ambrosia into his system. Though, Malcolm felt more fatigued than rejuvenated. A thin curtain surrounded his bed, sheltering him from the other half of the infirmary. "Hmmm…" Malcolm moaned as he tried to sit up.

"Not so fast, superstar." Will said from the other side before parting the curtain. "You're still recovering." Dark circles lined Will's blue eyes. He set his clipboard on the bedside table before placing his hand on Malcolm's wrist, counting the beat of his pulse against his cool fingertips. Malcolm closed his eyes, taking slow deep breaths. He was home. How, Malcolm wasn't exactly sure.

"My dad…" Malcolm croaked as he opened his eyes. He tried to push himself into a seated position but Will's glare forced him back. "Does he know?"

"He knows you're at Camp Half-Blood. He doesn't know about the attack." Will answered, satisfied by Malcolm's pulse. "Chiron thought it's best if he didn't. The liquid ambrosia hasn't burned your insides yet which is a good sign." Will commented as he poured a cup of water and helped Malcolm up. He held a cup to Malcolm's lips as he continued. "We'll need to monitor you but the venom should be out of your system." Malcolm's hand fell over his stomach, remembering the Dracaena's claws as she raked his skin. Will noticed the motion. "You're going to have a scar."

"Beggars can't be choosers." Malcolm murmured as he ran his fingers through his hair. He glanced over to the other side of the room, finally noticing the young woman curled up in the chair beside his bed. "Rachel…" The redhead slept awkwardly with her legs pulled up and arms hugging them to her chest. A large blue sweatshirt consumed her form with the hood pulled over her flaming hair. Malcolm reached out, gently brushing his fingers against her arm. She didn't stir.

"She's been by your side the whole night." Will answered as he glanced at the girl as well. A soft concern expression tugged at his face. "Her vision came true. Rachel Iris-called us right after you collapse from your wounds. If she didn't contact us, I don't know if a team would have gotten there soon enough." Will's gaze harden as he glared at Malcolm. "Why did you shove me out of the way? We could have fought it together."

"You're better at a distance." Malcolm replied as he met Will's angry expression. "The Dracanae thought I was lost, weak and alone. It was a trap and I was going to spring it. We had an advantage if you remained hidden."

"You knew it was a trap?" Will said as Malcolm cringed. "Malcolm, we could have been more prepared. That's just like you." Will quickly gathered his things, muttering something about stupid Athena kids. "I'll tell Annabeth you're not dead." Malcolm reached out, wanting to apologize but the young boy left without looking back. Malcolm sighed, curling his hand into a fist.

"You better apologize to Will later." Rachel's soft voice commented after a second. She pushed the hood up, revealing her green eyes. There were slightly red and puffy from crying. "He did save your life." Malcolm didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at the beautiful young woman in front of him. She allowed him, also taking him in. Rachel's lip quivered and she reached up rubbing her eyes as she held back tears. "You're so stupid. Why did you go if you knew it was a trap?"

"Hey, hey," Malcolm cooed as he reached out. He wanted to gather her up in his arms but his body was too stiff to move. Rachel crossed the distance instead, placing herself on the edge of his bed. Her green eyes narrowed angrily at him. Her hand grabbed his arm, shaking. "I'm sorry, Rachel. I needed to know if that was what your vision was about. She manipulated your powers."

"And you almost died, Malcolm!" Rachel shouted, going on about how stupid his decision was and how unconcerned about his well-being and how it would affect others. Malcolm half-listened to her rant, lips curling up at the way she said his name. Not Malibu or Google. But Malcolm, she said Malcolm. "Hey, are you listening, Malcolm? Why are you smiling? I'm still angry at you."

"I know, I know." Malcolm laughed as he squeezed her hand and looked straight into her eyes. "It's just you said my name." Rachel blinked, like she didn't realize her slip. A half-laugh escaped her lips as she inched closer, pressing her forehead against his.

"Stupid Malcolm, of course I knew your name."