The Player's Proposal

43: The Recovery

Annabeth POV

"WISE GIRL, I'M SO BORED. I want to go home," Percy whined. 

I shrugged while putting my book down and walking over to Percy. I came to the hospital as soon as school ended. I knew that Percy was bored out of his mind. 

I took his hand in mine before turning his annoyed face. 

"Doctor's orders are that you stay here for at least a few days. It's for your own good."

"I feel trapped here. First of all, the food stinks, and they won't let me eat anything that the guys bring. Secondly, there's nothing to do. Third, my stupid hospital gown is chafing, and it's very uncomfortable," Percy complained. 

"First off, remove the hospital gown. It's fine." I smiled as his face flashed towards mine. 

He was smirking. "You'd like that, won't you?" 

"It wouldn't be the worst view, and you won't have to deal with chafing. Strip down if the gown is bothering you so much," I teased him. 

Percy grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him. He still couldn't move much because the pain would flare in his stomach. However, he was doing a lot better. 

Only a few inches separated our faces. Percy leaned forward and kissed me softly. It was a nice, sweet kiss. 

"Seriously, Percy, you have to heal before they send you home," I affirmed.

Percy sighed. "I wish there was some sort of magical drink that will heal me faster. That would be so wonderful." 

"Yeah, well, this is the real world." 

"Don't remind me."

I rolled my eyes while grabbing my book again. I snuggled next to him in the bed as I continued to read Shakespear for English class. 

"Oh the bright side, (at least) I don't need to do homework. I don't have to read Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Ugh," Percy groaned. 

"It's a classic love story," I expressed absentmindedly. 

"It's such a stupid love story, Wise Girl. Rather than fight, they decided to perform suicide. Rather than change the system, they died. I'd never do that." 

I set my book down and turned towards him. 

His sea-green eyes sparkled. He was doing that player move with his eyes again. It was an irresistible gesture that he used on me from time to time. His piercing gaze is distracting enough to pull me away from my work. 

"So, you won't die for me?" I asked softly. 

"No," Percy answered honestly. "I wouldn't die for you, Wise Girl, because that would mean that we can't be together. Instead, I'd fight to keep you alive with me." 

I got lost in his eyes. Somehow, what he just said was a hundred times for romantic than Romeo and Juliet. I love him for it. 

"I love you, and I'd do the same," I whispered. 

"I know," Percy expressed with a smirk. "You can't live without this hot piece of ass. I know that already." 

"Shut up," I laughed heartily. 

Only Seaweed Brain could make me laugh like this. He always managed to make me laugh and feel better. I knew that I could always rely on him to lift my spirits. Whenever I'm down, he'd raise me again. 

Before we could kiss again, the Grace siblings barged in. I sighed as Thalia pulled me off the bed while shouting about not wanting to see a make-out session again.