Part Two:
Chapter Ten –Talk Is Cheap
"Cold pain, I cannot sustain it, that's what I'm thinking, not what I'm drinking: I hold up my ways, these thoughts are pervasive, it's not a statement, but peace can be evasive"
- Chet Faker, "Talk Is Cheap"
Annabeth marveled at Perseus' willpower. They had been running for hours, the noises of the Extradite compound a mere distant memory. Her cheek stung and her rubs ached from Alpha's strikes. Her lungs struggled to keep up with her body's demand of oxygen but she never complained, never gave word to her discomfort. The path was hard going. The moon was little help to evade the darkness curling around Annabeth's body, obscuring even the littlest of paths. They stumbled and tripped, often into each other and still, they hadn't stopped or looked back.
She couldn't think about what she had just done, or Annabeth wouldn't be able to move or function coherently. She focused on her footfalls, keeping their direction roughly towards the north-east. Her nose had gone numb, her fingers the same; Annabeth hoped Thalia put some blankets in the bag. She checked on Perseus regularly, who scowled at her constant concern, eventually snapping at her to leave him alone. She knew his annoyance wasn't truly directed at her but she left him to set the terms; until he wanted to stop, she would keep running. The bag at her back bounced against her body, its weight unbalancing her stride every few metres.
The stars twinkled down on the two of them and through the breaks of the trees, Annabeth's eyes searched for familiar constellations, tracing the patterns as she ran under their guidance. Her footfalls were softer as they entered a clearing, the sky's display wide open for the first time on their journey. Grass spires at waist height slowed her run to a jog, her breath a white cloud of mist curling around her cheeks. The night sky was beautiful with all of its stars brightly lit above them. Annabeth's jog became a walk, her face gazing at the sight above her. She heard Perseus' laboured breaths behind her, the swish of the grass clutching to his body as he strode through it to join her. She felt his eyes on her before he lifted his own head towards the heavens, trying to see what she could. An Extradite and a Dissenter, standing beside each other in a bare field, star gazing. Annabeth's sore lips pulled up into a smile.
"What are you seeing?" asked Perseus, noticing her smile.
She faced him, still smiling. "I haven't seen this many stars in a long time. I haven't even been able to just pause for a minute to see their beauty."
Perseus stayed silent, letting her absorb her freedom. For it was freedom. She was no longer under the heel of Luke, no longer had she have to pretend she was okay with his violent decisions or that of her allies. The overwhelming emotion of what she had done was threatening to surface. Annabeth ducked her head, closing her eyes tightly, clenching her fists to stop their shaking. She could not show weakness.
"I didn't mean to stop," she breathed out, watching it steam away. "We should keep moving."
Annabeth started pushing her way through the grass, her body making an indentation of her path. It was a huge beacon to the trackers on their tail and with disdain, Annabeth knew it was unavoidable. Perseus controlled his breaths, following Annabeth's trail.
"We should really stop and have a break," said Perseus. Annabeth stopped and faced him, falling in step as he continued to walk. "Get into the clump of trees there. We should be safe for the moment."
They walked in silence, occasionally brushing arms. Annabeth wanted desperately to light a fire, the air around them growing colder in the early hours of the morning. Perseus decided against it, not wanting to risk exposure to anyone. With reluctance, Annabeth agreed, feeling around in her bag for anything to break the cold wind. She threw on a sweatshirt and then her leather jacket with its hood up to cover her ears. Perseus was still wearing the jacket he stole from Annabeth's attacker but accepted another larger sweatshirt Annabeth suspected was Kevin's. Guilt settled over as she tried to squash it down. Annabeth uncurled a blanket and wrapped it around her body before her eyes settled on Perseus, leaning against a rock across from her.
"Is there a few more clearings between here and your base?" asked Annabeth, letting her curiosity squash her tumultuous emotions.
Sensing that curiosity, Perseus smirked at her. "A few. Not as unkempt as that one though. There's hills and mounds everywhere. We'll hit a ridge in an hour or so, overlooking the northern beachfront, double back and travel directly east. We have to go straight through the forest and then from there … the hilly plains. Over them and …"
Perseus' eyes were wistful. Annabeth didn't need him to say the end. 'Home'. He was going to get home while Annabeth had to flee hers. The thought dug into her like a knife. She didn't belong anywhere. And she was alone without her friends.
"Your base," Annabeth started, noticing his attention focus back on her. "How did you come by it?"
"They say it used to be owned by one of the founders," answered Perseus, his tone still slightly guarded. "Whichever one is a mystery."
"You're holing up residence in a mansion?" Annabeth's eyebrows rose in disbelief.
Perseus chuckled. "Trust me, we did it a service. It was falling into disrepair. Once we get there, you'll see why it was chosen."
She smiled at him, wishing it was genuine. She was glad Perseus would be returning home but she wouldn't be joining him. Annabeth had decided once he reached the sanctuary of his people, she would leave and find Thalia. She was taught to track and it wouldn't be so hard to glean information from any who strayed across her path. If rumours spread of Annabeth's objectives, Thalia herself might even find her. Perseus wasn't stupid. She had to keep up pretences of following Thalia's request.
"So…" said Annabeth, stretching slightly and wincing at the pain in her ribs. She straightened her posture, gasping through her teeth. She had forgot about her injuries. "… Are you taking first watch or am I?"
"I should look at your ribs," said Perseus, standing.
"No, there's no need," said Annabeth quickly, watching him warily. "They're just bruised."
"Just bruised, huh?"
Annabeth watched him bend down and with a small grunt, his arm swung towards her. Annabeth flinched, then gasped in pain when something thudded into her side. It throbbed from the point of contact and her arm automatically went to her side. Perseus crouched in front of her.
"Was that necessary?" Annabeth barked, grimacing at her pain.
"That was just a stone and I didn't even throw it hard," said Perseus, unaffected by her scowl. "That tells me that you are not, fine." Annabeth's scowl deepened as she looked away from him. He sighed. "Just let me examine them. Think of it as a repayment. You did clean me up after releasing me from the chains, remember?"
"Yes, but I was just rectifying my people's behaviour towards you," replied she, surprised he remembered it.
"And so am I," he said. Annabeth clenched her jaw, staring at the ground. She willed herself not to breakdown. He let her steady her emotions before speaking again. "I can get the right healing plants tomorrow on the way. We have a three day trip ahead of us, possibly four. You won't be able to walk far on broken ribs." When she refused to respond, he added. "I won't tell anyone."
Annabeth scoffed at the stupidity of his last statement, her eyes returning to his glittering ones. She shifted sideways, putting her arms out as far as she could without inflicting too much pain. His hands pressed against her side. Even through the layers of her clothes she could feel the coolness of his fingers. She flinched and hissed at the contact, knowing just by his movements and her pain that it wasn't good. He continued to lightly press at the swollen ribs, her grunts becoming angered depending on the pain. It didn't deter him as he felt the other side.
With a sigh, Perseus pulled away slightly, his eyes trained on hers. His posture changed, his shoulders stiffening. Annabeth watched his eyes with wariness, her arm wrapped protectively around her ribs. He was steeling himself for something. Annabeth leaned forwards, trying to discern his actions. He took a deep breath, their eyes keeping contact with each other as his hand came up and lightly brush her swollen cheek. She flinched back violently, not from his roughness but the foreign contact. He pulled away, his breaths laboured to match hers. What was that?
"You, uh …" Perseus cleared his throat. He focused on his hands. "Three ribs cracked on your left, a couple more fractured and only fractures to your right side." He stood up, shifting back over to his rock, not looking over in her direction. "There's a remedy where a certain plant's leaves added with its sap and a bit of moss will reduce the swelling and knit your muscles together. It's an uncomfortable experience but the fastest way to heal."
"I've heard of it," said Annabeth shortly.
He nodded. "With your cheek …" Annabeth felt her face grow hot. Her eyes travelled to her feet. "… If you chew on the leaves, it'll work to the same effect, probably even greater. Would it be stupid of me to ask you to not get into any rigorous activity?"
Annabeth glared at him, not bothering to give him an answer. His look was resigned amusement, nodding at her while he settled against his rock. She dug through the front pockets of her bag, her ribs protesting with every slight movement from her lack of adrenaline. She found something wrapped in a handkerchief. Pausing, Annabeth stared at the discovery, before she carefully unravelled her prize. She stared at Rhonda's gift, chuckling at her tenacity. Under Perseus' curious stare, she revealed the slices of chocolate brownie. He scooted over, not quite believing it was real.
"I asked Rhonda to make it once, just to see what the fuss was all about," explained she, letting him take a piece. "She would've guessed where my strange request came from."
"It's hardly a sustenance requirement," said Perseus, squinting at it in his hand. "She should've packed better food."
"Just shut up and eat your brownie," was Annabeth's reply.
She attacked her first piece without restraint, only pausing to scowl at the dense taste in her mouth. It wasn't one of her favourite treats but she was starving and needed some form of sugar. She watched over the rest of her piece Perseus sniff at his with suspicion before gingerly placing a portion in his mouth. He chewed it carefully while Annabeth finished her piece, grinning at his overreaction. Sensing no secret ingredient, he ate the rest of his pieces faster than Annabeth thought possible. She gave him the last piece of hers while she searched for a water container she heard sloshing as they ran. Feeling sluggish after taking her fill of water, Annabeth hunkered down in her blanket, shivering in the air.
"Sleep Chase, I got first watch."
Despite her comfortable position and her fatigued body, Annabeth didn't want to sleep. She was ashamed to admit she wasn't entirely trusting of the Dissenter companion across from her. She tried reasoning with her suspicious mind that her qualms were towards other Dissenters but just when she thought she was drifting to sleep, an image of an ambush would flare in her mind and snap her conscious to alert. The cold air didn't help matters and her body shivered with each brisk breeze that attacked them. She understood why Perseus offered to take the first watch; he would have the same misgivings as she was.
Eventually her fatigue won out, her sleep fitful from a combination of dreams, pain and chilly temperatures. Perseus asked her to wake him in a couple of hours and he settled in. Annabeth watch his chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm, sometimes shuddering from the cold. She relinquished her blanket, wrapping it carefully around his shoulders. She envied his knack for finding sleep so easily, only to remember he had a month to get used to less than favourable sleeping arrangements.
The two of them continued their journey before the sun had a chance to rise. Annabeth did a final sweep of their area to make sure they couldn't be tracked. Luke's men wouldn't be able to discern any direct path from the Extradite compound straight away with Annabeth knowing what the trackers were looking for, but ruling out the chance of an eventual discovery would be foolish. Perseus was light on his feet, his imprints almost discernible which Annabeth expected from a seasoned guerrilla. They had paused at the ridgeline so Perseus could collect his plants. Annabeth could see Perseus' fondness of the ocean when he gazed out toward it while mixing the tincture for her. She wasn't able to admire the view herself for very long before they were off again, her ribs compressively wrapped with his tincture.
The trek afterwards over the next couple of days was smoother than the first night. Having the sunlight helped to navigate the uneven ground which was interspersed with roots and the odd stone. Annabeth could handle the rough terrain but her ribs protested the sudden jolts, even when they were wrapped tightly. She was constantly gripping her side and wincing at the impact, her breath often becoming short gasps. Perseus kept their pace at a constant, even speed. When he claimed it was because the danger of being caught now slim, Annabeth knew he was really slowing it down for her benefit.
The third night since their escape and the silence started to get to Annabeth. Dinner was a pot of broth, sipping it quietly while they sat opposite each other across the fire. Her ribs were itchy and irritating; a sign Perseus' tincture was working and very quickly. Her cheek had lost its soreness but it still needed to heal properly so she chewed her leaves, even if the flavour was bland. She had given Perseus space and she had a feeling he was doing the same as they both tried to come to terms with their actions. For Annabeth, she got to relive it in her dreams.
She shivered, remembering the feel of Alpha's hands on her skin. It wasn't the first time a guy had dared to overstep the boundaries but it didn't mean the fear was dulled. She could only think of those girls who weren't strong enough to fend them off and she felt faint, knowing that might have been her with the right knock to the head. But that wasn't the only thing she had done. Her shoulders hunkered down, a small groan escaping her lips as her hands tried to wipe images from her eyes. Perseus was watching her when she pulled her hands away, his eyes lingering on her face. Could he see where her thoughts had travelled? Could he hear her tossing and turning every night?
Thalia's words rang through her head again and she shut down her emotions with the equivalency of a steel trap door. Defying her people would define her for the rest of her life and had consequently entwined her and Perseus together. Timing had never been quite a skill Annabeth had managed to control and considering she was travelling directly towards people who thought she was below the scummiest muck ever created, her emotions were about to get very overloaded.
Even just the prospect of entering their territory had Annabeth feeling light of breath, her stomach clenching most uncomfortably. She brushed her hair from her face in a nervous gesture before a puzzling thought made her pause. Annabeth guessed they were over halfway towards Dissenter territory and the terrain, though beautiful in its dark and untamed way, was hardly one that held any resources that would cause a party of four men to stray this way, let alone delve further and enter enemy territory without noticing.
"How did you travel unknowingly into Extradite territory?" asked she, her voice a little raspy from its disuse.
He seemed to consider his answer as he chewed the last of his apple before tossing his core out into the darkness. He brushed his hand through his dirtied hair.
"We're taking the more scenic route, if that helps your confusion but we were chasing a stag," he explained. "We hadn't seen one in months and a pack of wolves were also interested. Trying to beat them to our meal caused us to stray."
"But you have to be in that area to spot it," said Annabeth, through her chewing. "You still haven't answered why you were lurking around there and you're not going to." Annabeth added when she saw his face.
Perseus smiled mysteriously, his eyes travelling towards the dark forest around them. She had noticed through their travels that he had seemed more resigned from their escape. Annabeth pondered his lack of enthusiasm, wondering if his thoughts were almost as troubling as hers. He stood, grabbing a handful of sticks to feed the fire. Instead of returning to his spot, he came and sat beside her. Annabeth stiffened, unsure of his motives.
"How are you feeling?" Perseus asked her, his green eyes fixed on her.
"I don't know," said Annabeth honestly. She gave him a weak smile. "I don't know what to feel."
He nodded, expecting her answer. "You don't blame me, though?"
She gave him a surprised look. "Why would I?" She sighed. "I pride myself in my articulate planning and thought process but really this was a situation waiting to happen. Maybe not in the exact circumstances …" she trailed off and they shared a tentative grin.
Silence again and Annabeth spent the time to look at him. She found her eyes always coming back to him when they were walking. He moved with grace despite his beaten, injured frame. His arms were fluid and the muscles surrounding them moved rhythmically as he did. The power of his strides almost had Annabeth running to keep up. Everything he did, he made it seem easy, as if anyone could be captured for a month and still be able to trek across a forest with little to no exhaustion.
At that moment his eyes were downcast, head bowed, his hand rifling through his hair again. His smile lingered but his eyes were faraway. Their food wasn't substantial but its protein and nutrition was enough to bring some colour back into his cheeks. If Annabeth ever saw Rhonda again she would thank her.
Thinking of Rhonda brought a pain to her chest. She didn't mean for her bad choices to get wrapped around her friends also and she hoped desperately that Luke wouldn't treat them harshly. He would certainly suspect them of knowledge about her actions and his questioning would be fierce to the point of torturous … Annabeth shuddered, guilt making her hands shake.
"You're thinking about your friends," said Perseus.
"How would you know that?" asked Annabeth, a little snappish in her surprise.
"It's … difficult to explain," replied he, his hand in his hair again. "I just know."
"I suppose it wouldn't be hard to imagine what topics keep springing to mind with only a few selections."
He smiled at her and Annabeth noticed it was still guarded. It was with a pang that she realised the awkward way they tried to communicate with each other. They worked together to escape, yes, but now they were facing the prospect of spending a lot more time together; a factor neither of them were prepared for. The slight crinkling of Perseus' eyes and the way he chewed the inside of his cheek showed he had just realised this too.
"Do … do you want to talk about it?" asked he, a little awkwardly.
For some reason, his tone made Annabeth look away uncomfortably and shake her head. That vulnerability and unsure tone coming from Perseus wasn't what she had come to expect. She was used to tough indifference but he was making an effort to break the barrier between them so she brought up another topic.
"It's weird, isn't it," said she, stating what they were both feeling.
"You were an Extradite. You're supposed to, I don't know, attack me or something," he replied. "I'm not used to trying to make polite conversation with, well, anyone really."
They both laughed through the tension but stopped rather quickly. Annabeth looked at his shy frame, wondering how she had come to this moment. Perseus returned her gaze and again, she had a feeling he knew exactly what she was thinking. It wasn't as if they hadn't been able to talk to each other but sitting out in the middle of the forest alone made it seem more intimate. Annabeth reasoned it would only be for a few more days if she was to search for Thalia. It was only logical that she should just try and make it work in case she needed him in the future.
"I want …" she started and Perseus straightened attentively. She sighed and tried again. "We need to learn to talk to each other, right? And I understand we'll have, friction, constantly but …"
"You want to protect your friends," finished Perseus. "That's understandable. If I step over the line just tell me. I probably won't hit you, too hard." He got up to get more wood for the fire.
Annabeth gave him a look. "You could try." He grinned at her challenging tone from over his shoulder.
Hours later, a sharp howl awoke Annabeth from her sleep. She flung up into a sitting position, her hand flying to her holster. Alpha's leering face faded from her eyelids as an answering howl echoed through the forest. Not wanting to attract unwanted attention with a gunshot, she gripped the handle of her knife. Her head spun towards the sound, even though the fire was only dull embers and her eyes met only darkness.
"Wolves," came Perseus' voice from her other side.
She spun around to face him in her fright, freeing her knife slightly from its sheath. He was staring past her into the darkness, his posture relaxed even though his eyes were tight. Annabeth had fallen asleep while Perseus was gathering firewood and he had returned to sitting beside her. He kept enough distance so she felt comfortable but close enough if he needed to wake her in a heartbeat. Annabeth yawned, knowing she wasn't in any immediate danger, uncoiling her death grip from her knife. She took another look at Perseus, squinting in the darkness. Judging from his position and stature, Annabeth doubted he had gotten any sleep.
"They're far away," said Perseus as yet another howl pierced the night. "Sounds like they've found another meal to devour."
"You should get some sleep," said Annabeth, rubbing her eyes.
"I should," he agreed, he gave her a knowing smile, as if he was sharing a joke only he understood.
"What do you see in your dreams?" she asked, hugging her arms around her knees.
"Probably the same thing you do," replied he, with that same smile.
Annabeth was shaking from the chill, her breath floating up into her face. She blew warm air into her hands, cupping them around her mouth and nose. Her eyes drifted to Perseus, who sat there quite calmly, only occasionally a chill rattled his shoulders. He prodded a stick into the embers, coaxing them to give out their remaining heat. He threw on the last remaining of the smaller twigs, hoping they would catch alight, but Annabeth thought it was more for her benefit than his. Again.
"Aren't you cold?"
He shrugged. "I guess I've gotten used to it."
Annabeth's stomach squirmed uncomfortably and then she shivered as the breeze swept through the camp. She pictured his cell, all cement that would do nothing to buffer the chill.
"How was it really in there?" asked she in a quiet voice.
"Some days were better than others." He turned to face her, a ghostly smile shadowing his face.
"Did they torture you often?"
He looked away. "More like torment."
"What did they say?"
"The usual sorts of things," he said with a shrug. His jaw was clenched. "It wasn't anything I haven't experienced before."
"But daily? For a month. Perseus, I don't even know how you aren't, well, insane. I wouldn't be able to handle something like that."
"Yes, you would." He turned to her, his gaze direct. "You're strong. Stronger than I think you realise. It was one of the first things I picked up from you. They aren't many women who can hold that sort of strength."
Annabeth felt herself blushing under the compliment. She looked at her knees, taking a deep breath. She didn't understand him sometimes. She could feel the distance he was trying to put between them and says something personal, letting the barrier drop for that second. Was he trying to remain unemotional so once he was safe he could torment her in the same way and then let his buddies kill her? Her eyes were drawn back to him and she once again noticed the dark splotches on his neck from Luke's attempted murder. She flinched.
"Maybe you should save some of your tincture for your neck and face," she suggested, trying to be nice after his comment.
"The bruises don't bother me."
She nodded, her gaze shifting to the howls. She was never obsessed with her appearance, coming to the conclusion that scars and bruises were just part of war. On the off times when she considered the hindrance of a serious injury, she only focused on how it handicapped her, rather than what people would say when they saw it. Sitting alongside Perseus, she realised that she was very, very lucky. If only her dreams would see it as such.
"What do you see when you fall asleep?"
In the dim firelight, she could see her question was more emotional than she anticipated. His jaw clenched and a stiff anger emitted from his seated frame. His eyes focused on the small flames, ignoring Annabeth entirely. They had to trust each other and opening up was one way to do so.
"You need to sleep," Annabeth urged slowly, knowing she was treading on thin ground.
"And what good has it done you?" he asked evenly. Annabeth couldn't detect his anger in his voice, only his mannerisms. "Who's in your dreams that haunt you?"
Annabeth hated people who tried to privy into her privacy but it was hardly private when he could hear and see her cringe as memories twist and sculpt into horrific nightmares. Swallowing her pride was a lot harder than she thought. Perseus somehow knew, however, that answering his question would cement her commitment towards their communication issues.
"Luke," she answered. "Ordering Alpha to do … what he did but this time I can't fight him off. Sometimes it's Luke abusing me, other times I have to stand and watch while another girl is abused. And then there's my favourite when I'm fleeing for my life, Luke captures me and then everyone watches while he puts a bullet in my head."
Perseus was silent for a few minutes before he said. "Mm…"
"I just told you the basis of my nightmares, which can be association with my deepest fears and all you've got to say is, 'mm…'?" asked she indignantly.
"We're not heart to heart people, Chase," replied Perseus, his eyes hard. "If I was going to say something, I would tell you that your dream sounds like you're afraid you'll end up like my friends being executed now you've freed me. Sounds like you're regretting your decision."
"Of course I'm not," she snapped outraged. "For the first time in years I felt as though I have finally done the right thing and yes, maybe I do feel upset for your friend's lives but you need to stop blaming me for what happened to them."
Annabeth thought Perseus was about to turn and punch her. Anger radiated from his body, his eyes piercing hers with venom. Annabeth was almost as angry, her shoulders bristling and hands shaking. He was right, though. Her latest string of dreams were almost identical to Perseus' would be execution. She knew it in her heart she would never regret saving Perseus, even if he was ungrateful most of the time. What happened to his friends was barbaric but it was war and soldiers in war never received peaceful deaths.
As if a switch suddenly turned off, Perseus anger was gone. His eyes were downcast when he sighed, the anger dissipating from his body. He lifted his head, staring out into the darkness. Annabeth was so startled by his sudden change that her anger dissolved just as quickly as his. A month ago they would've erupted into a punching match, Annabeth winning of course, but Perseus' submission signalled the shift in their feelings towards each other. Feelings, Annabeth depicted, that were still murky to their person. She took in his downtrodden posture and went to say something when his eyes snapped to hers. Even in the darkness, the green was soft and just as striking. There was a sense of vulnerability in his irises.
"I don't blame you," said he quietly. He looked down, embarrassed by what he admitted to.
Annabeth thought about the words they fired at each other, the accusations, threats, insults. She thought back to their interviews, to his body language compared to her own. Her eyes travelled back to his body language before her. Head bowed, hands tightly squeezed together, shoulders trying to stay upright when he really wanted to curl in on himself. The realisation struck quickly as she took him in.
"We blame ourselves," said Annabeth.
Those soft green eyes swam across from hers, his shocked acceptance at her words displayed on his face. He nodded to himself, breathing out his withheld breath. He looked out into the night again, letting the breeze rush over his face. Annabeth watched him, captivated by the way he simply accepted things even if they only made the slightest amount of sense. He acted so strong and confident but as Annabeth continued to stare at his posture and expression, she began to realise just how lost and vulnerable he really was. He hid it well underneath his anger and sarcasm but Annabeth could see the layers to his exterior slowly peeling away as they continued to spend time together. She wondered whether she was unconsciously doing the same with him.
Perseus' head turned so he could look at her again. His eyes were slightly downcast, as if he wasn't sure whether he should be speaking to her or not. "Do you think you could keep watch for a few hours?" asked he, shyly.
She gave him a smile. "I think I could manage that, yes."
"Thanks. Um, we should try, um, that talking to each other thing tomorrow. If only so we can come to an understanding of sorts."
"Okay. I'd like that," said Annabeth sincerely. "Perseus," she said when he went to lie down. He looked back at her. "You, we, shouldn't blame ourselves for what happened. We're still at war and as awful as what happened to your friends was, it still could've been someone else. Casualties are to be expected in war."
He was silent for a long time, his eyes on the ground. Annabeth went to leave, thinking she had overstepped and to give him space when he spoke.
"Zach, Nicholas and Grover."
"Sorry?"
"My friends," he stated, looking at her again. The green was brighter than a few minutes ago. "Their names are Zach, Nicholas and Grover. I thought you should know who caused your guilt. It lessens the blow a little knowing who someone was."
He gave her a nervous smile, then shuffled a little away to give himself some space. He caught her gaze again and smiled, shuffling his hand through his hair as he did so. She returned the smile before getting up to gather more sticks to feed the fire while he settled. Perseus was already asleep by the time she got back. Quietly, she fed the fire, keeping more on the side for later. Her eyes drifted to a noticeably more relaxed Perseus. There was almost a child-like sheen to his face while he slept, his mouth hanging open slightly. His face ticked as he dreamed, frowning or snuffling his nose. Without the stress and weight of war on his shoulders, Perseus appeared to be any young adult, maybe out on a camping trip that he has done all his life. Asleep, Annabeth could picture him as her friend and ally, rather than second guess his loyalty towards her.
More entertained by him than the dullness around her, Annabeth continued to watch him sleep away his demons.
The next couple of days, Annabeth and Perseus tried to converse more with each other. During breakfast the morning after their conversation was still awkward but as they walked, their minds on other tasks, they found speech more freely, even if most of their comments were after the other stumbled or tripped. Annabeth found the banter refreshing and was surprised when she laughed and smiled at him. Perseus, she had discovered was easy to get along with and almost just as easy to get annoyed at.
Sometimes when the comment went a little too far, the silence would come thick and fast but eventually it would fizzle out again through another unrelated topic. Annabeth found arguing with him about insignificant things quite entertaining as well as infuriating. She never had someone question so much about her and her beliefs as he did. She had been used to her people just accepting her thoughts with very little arguing. They never broached the subject of allies, bases, or the war; it became an unspoken topic that hung over them in the moments of silence. Annabeth knew they would have to discuss their unique position but like Perseus, tried delaying for as long as possible.
As the night fell around them, Annabeth watched Perseus with morbid fascination while he skinned a rather fat rabbit that was too slow to get out of their way. They had needed the food as Rhonda's supplies were heavily depleted. She had already became disgusted when he gutted and drained it, refusing astutely to come anywhere near him when he childishly flung the stomach at her unsuspecting seating spot. Curiousity walked her back after she stormed off yelling abuse at him. She made sure she was seated as far away as possible, getting the fire pit ready between her looks.
"You've never had to skin or gut your prey before?" asked Perseus for the tenth time, continuing his work.
"No and you're not wasting any of our water washing your hands either," came her curt reply. She hadn't forgiven him for throwing the stomach at her.
He shook his head in disbelief. "You've been out on raids and missions and never done this? Unbelievable."
"I told you, the guys did it, if it was necessary. I was busy sketching or planning our next moves," said Annabeth with forced patience, blowing on the sparks of the fire to get it to grow.
"You should really learn this," he insisted, pulling the pelt from the skin.
Annabeth felt her stomach roll. "I really think I don't."
She turned her head towards the trees, in the direction Perseus had pointed out where the mansion was. He promised they would reach it tomorrow but he didn't seem excited about nearly being home. If anything, he almost sounded reluctant. Thinking about the distance, Annabeth was startled by the lack of people and predators they had encountered on their journey.
"Aren't you afraid about Rogues finding us, or wolves since you're cutting up the rabbit?" asked Annabeth.
"You bury what you don't eat. I'll throw something over it to disguise the smell for a day or two," shrugged Perseus, tying the legs to a stick with a twine. "And Rogues don't come through this way."
"Even the ones that have gone mad?"
Perseus looked up, his face thoughtful. He placed the carcass over Annabeth's small fire, adjusting it so it sat directly over the flame. "Maybe some madden Rogues but not really. They aren't focusing on one small rabbit. They tend to aim for bigger civilisations." His eyes found hers as he lounged on the other side of the fire. "Did Luke ever delve into finding a solution for the Rogues?"
"Not that I'm aware of," replied Annabeth, tossing him a water container. "He always focused on finding your location and making Dissenters submissive."
"Figures," snorted Perseus, taking a draught of water. "There are more Rogues than you realise. Can you pass me those herbs Rhonda packed?"
Annabeth's curiousity was driving her to ask what he meant about the Rogues but she knew just from his abrupt change of subject that something more was going on with these peaceful Dissenters than she had originally thought. Annabeth let her mind delve as they set about getting their dinner prepared. She watched her dirty hands, longing for a hot shower, knowing her face was probably equally as dirty as the one across from her, just less hairy. If Perseus had truly wanted to keep whatever it was about the Rogues from Annabeth, he wouldn't have stated what he did. It was a taunt for Annabeth, a push for her to try and work out his hidden message but she was too exhausted to try. Eating her delicious rabbit, denying its taste to a gloating Perseus, Annabeth was ready to just lie down and let the world sort itself out.
The fire was small but its warmth projected to Annabeth was the worth of a bonfire. The night's stiff breeze worked its way deep into her bones. Even Perseus was shivering as he handled the remaining bones of the rabbit, piling them together to bury later. Annabeth watched him over the fire, unnerved by his sudden silence. The flames made the light bruises dance across his face, his eye colour washed out with the yellow tongues of the fire. She wanted to know what was going through his mind but even his expression was closed off from her, making it impossible to even guess.
Annabeth stoked the fire as the night wore on, chewing on more leaves. The pain had gone from her cheek but she found chewing helped her thought process. Her ribs were still healing and if she shifted position too fast they protested but it was certainly an improvement. The temperature was dropping, quicker than usual and Annabeth yearned for a pair of gloves. She could almost smell the beginnings of snow in the air. It was a colder autumn but even winter didn't get cold enough for snow over the past few years. She wouldn't be impressed if she froze to death, not after everything she had already survived. Perseus shuffled closer to the fire and Annabeth had a strange urge to sit beside him. She put it down to the cold addling her brains but she couldn't deny the thought sent a warming pleasure through her. She really was going mental.
"You're not going to like this," Perseus finally said, gazing at her over the fire.
Annabeth straightened at his wary tone, trying not to react to the pain of her ribs. She spat out the leaves, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. From beside him, Perseus lifted up a piece of rope as the fire crackled. Annabeth wondered where he had gotten the rope until she remembered his watch shifts. A twinge of annoyance shot through her at the thought of him snooping through her bag. It took her a second more to realise what he was implicating.
"I'll have to bind your hands when we enter the compound."
Annabeth didn't bother to hide her anger. She shot him a venomous glance, crossing her arms over her chest. Instead of wanting to sit beside him, she toyed with the idea of shoving his head in the fire.
"Do I have to go blindfolded as well?" asked Annabeth, her voice dripping heavily with sarcasm.
"You know it's the only way –."
"Oh, do I now?"
"Yes," stated he seriously. "Say you saw two people coming towards your compound, one of them an ally and beside them an enemy, what would you think?"
Annabeth looked away with a huff. She scuffed her shoe against the ground. She wasn't planning on telling him until they reached the boundary edge that she wasn't actually going in there with him but being brought in like a prisoner stretched her humble capacities. She wanted to admit her plan but instead she answered his question.
"I would be convinced my friend had become a turncoat but who's to say they would recognise me?"
The look of Perseus' face was answer enough to her ridiculous question. Of course they would know who she was. Her reputation was infamous. Her name had been whispered from the mouths of friends and foes for years. Her curly blonde hair and stormy grey eyes were a dead giveaway to her identity, even if they were dampened by the dirt and grime. She reached into her jacket and grabbed the middle bead of her necklace, its representation the cause for her notoriety. This was why she couldn't go with him. She tried to tell him again.
"Per –."
"I understand that you would rather not be vulnerable among people who want to kill you," Annabeth snorted at this. "But if I can make them pause for a minute to explain, we might stand a chance."
"We?" The necklace dropped from her fingers.
Perseus' eyes went to the ground, his jaw clenching. His reluctant tone and closed off emotions now made sense to Annabeth. After the euphoria of escaping and being able to return home, the reality of what he is about to address as a welcome party will be tougher than any. He was gone for a month, long presumed dead. He was beaten, imprisoned and starved but he kept his resilience, his resolve but they won't see him that way. He left with three of his friends but instead he is returning with a highly wanted enemy at his side. He will be mistrusted almost as much as Annabeth.
And just like that, Annabeth knew she wouldn't be searching for Thalia after they reached the border. She would follow Perseus into Dissenter territory and support his claim of innocence and ask for clemency on her part. She couldn't leave him to deal with the fallout alone, especially when he had to go through so much already at her hands. Even if he wouldn't admit it aloud or even to himself, he needed Annabeth and maybe, maybe she needed him a bit also.
Annabeth sighed, unhooking her gun from its holster. She would hate herself for this later, she decided. Perseus heard the movement and looked up, catching the gun seconds later with surprise. She raised her eyebrows at his confused expression, waiting for him to understand her gesture of alliance. He gave her a small nod and smile, tucking the gun into the waistband of his pants.
"I don't want my hands behind my back," said she.
"I wasn't going to do that," he reassured hastily.
"My knife stays with me," she stated.
"But –."
"It stays, Jackson." Her voice rang with finality.
He gave her a funny look. "Alright."
Annabeth stood with a satisfied nod. Perseus watched her movement with careful eyes. She pulled her blanket with her, placing herself at his side. Ignoring his incredulous stare, she got herself comfortable making sure the heat from the fire was still on her. When she was set, she gave him an exasperated look. He looked frozen in place.
"What?" asked she pointedly.
"Nothing," he replied in a small voice. He coughed and repeated it. "Nothing."
"It's freezing, Jackson and I am not freezing to death out here."
A small smile played on his face. "Fair enough."
He understood what she was doing, even if she wasn't too sure about it herself. The connection that had begun between the two of them grew stronger and whether it was from their skill of reading other people, Annabeth could tell when he needed company and when he preferred to be left alone. Letting her in on his own doubts about his return home was a signal of his need to know he had her support. A strange fluttering feeling in her stomach worked its way into her system as she watched him from the corner of her eyes, with that small but genuine smile still on his lips as he gazed at the ground. Surely it couldn't be …
"Why haven't you killed me yet?" she blurted out.
He looked at her. "Do you want me to?" he asked with an eyebrow raised and a slight chuckle.
"No. I just … I got you out. You don't really need me anymore and yet here we are, still together wandering towards your allies and my enemies. Once we're there, what's stopping them from killing me? Or yourself, for that matter?"
Perseus was silent as he pondered her words. His eyes glistened over as he gazed in the direction of his home. "I told you once that I didn't feel compelled to hurt you, remember? That hasn't changed because I'm now free. Despite your misgivings, we are in this together, for better or worse."
The fluttering returned but she pushed it away impatiently. It was not the time for such misgivings. She hunkered down in her blanket, checking slyly that Perseus didn't drift closer. Annabeth had made sure there was ample space between them so he wouldn't get the wrong idea. Perseus gazed down at her, that same small smile on his face. He figured out her intentions and although he didn't say it allowed, the way his body relaxed indicated his gratitude. Rolling onto her side so her back was to her, she smiled to herself. Despite wanting to deny it, his presence was a small comfort to her as well.
I'm baa-aack! For now, anyway. Some of you may think, this was a rather dull chapter but I needed to build the relationship between Annabeth and Perseus so it hinted at a certain direction … The next chapters should bring more suspense and questions as Annabeth enters the Dissenters compound.
Thank you for your support and I'm trying real hard to update faster but unfortunately life can be a bugger sometimes.