Demigods, Dates and Dragons

When I finally open my eyes, I’m sitting on the porch of the Big House, back in Camp Half-Blood, sipping ambrosia and eating nectar through a straw. I catch Charlie’s relaxed face to my right, sleeping. Diomedes however, is nowhere around to be seen.
‘Easy Silena. You, Charlie and Diomedes took quite a beating.’ Chiron’s clear soft voice make me feel safe. The centaur’s striding in front of me, looking glorious under the beaming sun.
‘What happened to Charlie? Where’s Diomedes?’ The moment I ask, I know something must be wrong with me for actually worrying for Dio.
‘Charles is recuperating. Nothing a little healing won’t fix. As for Diomedes, he requested from Argos to drop him at his apartment. Don’t worry. I took a look at him and he gave the talisman back to you mother. As for his injuries, Diomedes has only suffered only a few cuts. Some rest and he’ll be fine. Now, please explain to me what happened last night.’
I tell him everything. And he congratulates us. But then, he gives Charlie and me our chores for next week. Full schedule. No free time. As soon as we heal enough to stand on our feet.
I stay by Charlie’s side until he opens his eyes somewhat during the afternoon. I don’t think about it. I simply drown him kisses and hugs.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asks, laughing and embracing me tightly.
‘Nothing. I’m just happy to see you’re actually fine after what Dio did to you. Only problem is, Chiron has given us enough chores to last until the war with the Titans is over.’
He smiles, as I explain to him what happened after Argos came and picked us up.
‘How do you think our pet owl is doing?’ I ask, messing with his giant hand.
‘Dio? He’ll probably catch a three-day sleep, eat for a whole day straight, nag for three more days and by next week, he’ll start the repairs.’
I close my eyes and hear Charlie’s chuckle. ‘Pet owl. Nice one, Silena.’
I spend some time basking under the sun with my eyes closed, purring on his chest when he takes my head and peers into my eyes.
‘Charlie?’
‘Don’t worry. I love seeing your eyes in their natural. Like when I met you. Blue. Clear. Calm.’
‘Yeah, the blood-red was a little striking, huh?’
‘Hey, it was Dio who said it. You’re straight down scary.’ We laughed together and then came an awkward silence for a fluttering moment. After that, I saw him biting his lips, dubious about something and he took my hand.
‘Silena. You think we’ll make it?’ His voice came out dragged and scary. Like he wasn’t Charlie speaking, but someone I didn’t know.
All of a sudden, there was a bitter taste in my mouth. Kaleesha’s words from last night echoed inside me, making me shiver. Everything I considered myself to be was stripped away for a moment.
Then I take a look at him and just hug him. He strokes my hair and takes his time. When he talks, I evaporate.
‘Hey Silena?’
‘What?’
‘We’ll make it through. I just wanted to say, in my own messed-up way, that I love you.’
‘Forever and ever, cornball.’

Notes