Percy blinked vision blurry. His gut ached, it felt bruised. His throat felt dry, and scratchy. His arm was bandaged, but didn't hurt more like stung. He rubbed his eyes and once his eyes adjusted, glanced around, he was in the infirmary it was covered in shadows, but he could still make out the sleeping form of Annabeth in the bed next to his. His shoulders relaxed slightly, nearer to the front of the room were the sleeping forms of Will and Nico.
Somehow they had fallen asleep in the chairs nearest to the door. Though it was clear Will had fallen asleep first because his head was resting partially on Nico's shoulder, Nico's arm was resting on the back of the chair, his hand lying on Will's shoulder. Nico was asleep as well head leaned slightly back to rest against the chair's tall back. The infirmary was empty besides them. Percy internally flinched, how long had it been since the capture the flag game? He didn't really want to know.
Percy gently got up and tiptoed to the sink, grabbing one of the small paper cups that were always sitting there. He quietly filled it, feeling better as some of the water ran over his fingers as he placed the cup under it. Once he'd had his fill of water, Percy snuck back to the infirmary bed, and stared up at the ceiling, replaying what had happened in his mind. One thing he didn't understand was that he'd healed himself multiple times, never once had it taken nearly as much willpower or his reserves as it had to heal Annabeth. He didn't even know how he'd done it and as far as he knew it would remain a mystery. He closed his eyes and pondered about this turn of events, until eventually he fell asleep.
Percy had to fight the urge to back down. Both Annabeth and Will were arguing with him, over the use of his newly discovered powers.
"I've used these powers before." Percy tried once more.
Annabeth glared at him. "That was different."
"Was it?" Percy challenged. "It's the same principle, the same powers."
"The last time you used them, you tried to kill someone." Annabeth said sharply.
Percy flinched. Nico took a sharp breath, Will turned pale.
Percy's eyes weren't truly focused anymore, He was still focused on the room but memories swirled in the back on his mind. Cruel and unforgiving.
Annabeth swallowed, "Percy. I…"
Percy held up a hand to stop her. "If it really freaks you out that much than I won't use them."
Percy stood and left, making it pretty clear he was no longer willing to talk about the subject.
After about an hour a soft knock came at cabin three's door. Percy had a good idea of who it was, "Come in."
Sure enough Annabeth quietly came in. She swallowed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."
"I know you didn't mean it, but it still hurt." Percy said moving over on his bed, inviting Annabeth over.
She sank on to the bed.
"I'm sorry."
"And I forgive you, but I've been blood bending on myself for years I don't see why blood bending on others should be any different."
Annabeth sighed, "I know but it hurts you to do it on someone else and I don't want you to hurt yourself."
Percy grabbed her hand, "It wasn't the blood bending that was hurting me." He admitted.
"It wasn't?" Annabeth asked fixing her eyes on his.
"No," Percy said.
"Then what was?"
Percy hesitated, and Annabeth squeezed his hand.
"You were so close to dying." Percy said at last, "Then he came. And I refused, I couldn't lose you."
Annabeth's eyes were wide. "You… you fought him for me?"
"Of course I did, every time."
Annabeth lunged forward and hugged him; Percy wrapped his arms around her.
"Am I allowed to blood bend?" Percy asked after a moment.
Annabeth pulled away. "Only in emergencies."
Percy sighed, but he guessed it was better than nothing.
A/N: Now this was supposed to be a one shot. And if you don't like the second part as much as the first then that's okay but I wanted to post something at your guy's request.