Luke Castellan | MLM

Only a few hours had passed since Luke left. The betrayal was still fresh, the camp was in chaos, and you had distanced yourself from everyone. You sat under Thalia's tree, alone, your head spinning, thinking about everything that had happened between you two before that night.

You heard footsteps. They weren't footsteps from someone at the camp. You turned around and there he was, standing a few feet away, still wearing his camp t-shirt.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, jumping up abruptly.

"I don't know ," he said, and he sounded sincere . "I guess I wanted to see you."

—See me? You just betrayed everyone.

—I know.

—And you've come here? Why? To say goodbye?

—I don't know, already? He ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. I don't know why I came. I just... wanted to be here for a while. With you.

Those last two words hit you differently. He stood still, not coming any closer. You didn't move either.

—You should leave, you said.

—Yes, I should.

But he didn't leave. He sat down on the grass, a few feet away from you, and stared at the tree.

He remained silent for a while, and you didn't say anything either. The silence wasn't awkward, it was strange. As if neither of you knew what to do with what was left between you.

"I didn't come to ask for your forgiveness ," he finally said, turning to look at you. "I just wanted... I don't know. To see you one last time. To know that you're okay."

-I'm fine.

—You're lying.

Luke chuckled softly, half-heartedly. He stood up slowly and took a step closer. Just one. Close enough for you to be near him, to smell that familiar scent.

"Can I stay here a little longer?" he asked, sounding more like a lost boy than a traitor . Just a little while. Like before.

That last sentence hung in the air. You didn't move. Neither did he. He stayed there, waiting for your answer.