A million things went through my mind when Annabeth left my dorm. How can I be such an idiot and being in love with my best friend, and hoping she will break up with her boyfriend. I felt so ashamed of myself, but at the same time not even caring 'cause I am selfish; I want her all to myself.

Ordering the food, a knock on my door sent knots through my stomach. I opened the door and saw Annabeth standing in nothing but short shorts and a singlet. Was she trying to test my willpower?

I smiled and let her in.

I asked, "So where do you want to sit? On the floor or on the couch?"

Without a reply she grabbed a blanket and placed it on the couch, along with a cushion and lay down with a hand in the air inviting me to lie with her. Yea this was definitely was not helping; I didn't want to do anything stupid when she is vulnerable like this.

Biting my tongue, I put the movie on and dropped onto the couch and snuggled with Annabeth. I could feel Annabeth's warm breath on my neck and her hands gripping my shirt. My hand found its way into her hair, while the other stroked her back gently. What was I doing? I was just encouraging her. While her boyfriend is out there somewhere, and totally unaware of how troubled she is, I'm here on this couch…snuggling with her. This should be him, not me, but I want to stay like this! Good thing he will never find out, as selfish as that sounds. For now I just wanted to stay in this moment, with her.

A few minutes later the food came.

I gave Annabeth her food, "Satay chicken for you and honey chicken for me. We can share the rice and the noodles."

"Yum! Thanks Percy. You think anyone will realise we are always ordering take away?"

I laughed, "I hope not, otherwise we would probably get kicked out."

I sat on the couch and pressed play. Annabeth sat down next to me.

I asked, "Annabeth why are you all over me?"

Annabeth stopped eating and looked over at me curiously. Was she blushing?

I almost immediately regretted the question. Idiot!

"Sorry that was so stupid."

"It's ok. I just want company tonight. Nico doesn't care about me like you do."

I looked at Annabeth and kissed her cheek. I really have to stop encouraging her!

"That's because you have been my best friend for seven years. Can you please tell me what's really going on?"

Annabeth sighed, "It is about him. Last night we got a phone call from the hospital. He has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, and that he has only one week to live."

I put our food on the table and brought Annabeth's head to my chest. My soft touch made Annabeth burst into tears. It made me wonder how long she has been holding the tears in. She was a stubborn girl.

I rocked her gently in my arms until she stopped crying.

Worried I asked, "Does the dean know? Does Nico know either?"

Annabeth huffed, "No, I told you, I don't tell Nico anything. If I was in love with him I would, but I'm not. And yea the dean knows. My parents sent an email yesterday. I got an extension on some of my work. That's why I am here, and not working."

I wiped away a few tears that escaped from Annabeth's eyes.

"Ok, I will drop it then. Do you want to visit the hospital together tomorrow afternoon?"

Finally she smiled.

"Sure. He will probably want to see you one final time. Plus I am going to need a shoulder to cry on. Anyway it's late. I'm going to bed."

I got up and grabbed Annabeth's hand.

"Stay here with me. I don't want to leave you alone. Piper and Jason won't be back for another hour. Please?"

Smiling she replied, "Ok. Is it ok if I sleep with you then?"

I shouldn't take advantage of her, but how could I resist an opportunity like this?

Putting our food in the fridge, I walked over to my bed and pushed back the covers for her to hop in. I got in after Annabeth and felt her nestle into me. I turned off the lamp and fell asleep, with my best friend soundly asleep cradled in my arms.

A noise awoke me from my sleep. I reached over to see what the time is. 6. 25 Am. As quietly as I could, I detached myself from Annabeth and got out of bed. I met Jason in the kitchen.

"Hey man. What are you doing?"

"Sorry to wake you. I just got back from Pipers room. I thought it was best to give you guys some privacy. I am up so early because I have a lecture in ten minutes."

"Privacy aye? More like; seeing the opportunity to do 'it' with your girlfriend."

Jason pushed me and walked his way to the bathroom. I laughed at him.

"So you did! I'm just teasing you dude. I am happy for you two. I wish I had it."

Placing his hand on my shoulder, he looked at me sincerely.

"And you will. Look at her Percy, she cares about you. Just maybe she feels the same way as you. Don't give up, and actually tell her instead of hiding it."

I shrugged, "Fine. When a good time comes, I will be honest. Now go have a shower, you smell like perfume."

I walked back over to the bed and watched Annabeth sleep. Grabbing my phone off my drawer, I called my Mum.

"Mum, hi. Did you hear the news? He has stage four prostate cancer."

My mum shrieked, "Really? How long does he have to live? How's Annabeth?"

I sighed, "Only one week. She stayed with me last night. She's really upset, but staying strong."

"Honey I'm sorry I have to go to work. Send my regards to them both. And Percy don't do anything stupid."

"I won't. Bye Mum."

I looked back over to Annabeth and noticed she was staring right back.

"Who was that?"

"My mum, she sends her love."

Annabeth got out of bed and kissed my cheek.

"Thanks. I have to go. I have to study for my test tomorrow."

"What? No, you need to sleep, just forget about work."

Annabeth laughed and opened the front door.

"Don't worry so much. Thanks for last night. See you later."

I gave Annabeth a final hug before she left.

What was I going to do? I could write a letter to her about my feelings, or I could just man up and tell it to her face. Man why was this so difficult. Maybe it's best I just never tell her. Argh that's even stupid thinking.

A few minutes later Jason came out of the bathroom.

"Ok I am going. You know what would be good for you? Going to a Skillet concert with me and Leo this Saturday. You up for it?"

Then it hit me! I knew exactly how I was going to tell Annabeth how I feel.

I beamed, "Dude you just gave me a great idea how to tell Annabeth I love her. And yea that would be good, tell me later the price."

Laughing he responded, "Ok. Do I even want to know what you are up to?"

"Probably not. See you later."

"See ya."

Now it's a matter of how I am going to do this and an appropriate time. Hopefully it turns out well and not into a complete disaster!

Thankyou for reading!

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Until next time...