And I tread a troubled track, my odds are stacked, I'll go back to black [W3 Fri Post-Investigation]

[hydrokinetics]

[By the time Percy comes back upstairs to the room he shares with Harry, he probably looks like a hot mess. There's blood all over his clothes and cradled in his arms is the newly patched up, formerly mauled Mrs. O'Leary. He doesn't seem to care that she's a little big to be carrying. He's doing his best and that's what counts.

Somehow, though, when he gets to the room and through the door he hadn't been expecting Harry to actually be in the room. He stares at the other boy for a moment, grip tightening on his dog and dagger strapped to his hip as he takes a deep breath.]

...it's only been three weeks.

Comments

[hydrokinetics]

[He shakes his head almost frantically.] I'm not...I'd rather not leave her tonight? [He sounds uncertain at least.] I appreciate it but she's my responsibility and I owe it to her for sending her to fight coyotes.

[expelliarmed]

[ His eyebrows lift slightly, but then he nods. ] Alright. What are you going to do now?

[hydrokinetics]

[The million dollar question, huh.] I don't know yet. I have to find whoever did this, don't I? But the trial doesn't even start until tomorrow. I could get a head start today, maybe there's something we missed or I can start putting together a list of suspects...something. I don't know. I just need to do something.

[He's cradling Mrs. O'Leary closer and he should probably, maybe, consider washing the blood off but no he's focused on finding Annabeth's murderer.] Why do you ask?

[expelliarmed]

[ That's about what he expected. ]

Just...we don't need any more bodies tonight. [ His tone is careful. ] Watch out for yourself.

[ He'd offer to help, but he knows this is something Percy needs to do on his own.

He hates how much he gets this. ]

[hydrokinetics]

[He gives Harry a considering look again, knowing that tone but not knowing how to deal with it.]

Don't worry, it's Friday. Murders only happen on Thursday, remember? [A shake of the head.] Nobody's stupid enough to come after me right now.

[expelliarmed]

[ COYOTES DON'T PLAY BY THE MURDERGAME RULES, PERCY ]

No, they probably wouldn't. Still.

[hydrokinetics]

[THAT'S WHY PERCY KILLS THEM? DUH, HARRY.]

Still nothing. [It's a firm tone to drop the subject.] I can take care of myself. I promise. [No?] There's still a lot I need to do before tomorrow but I...[A glance down to Mrs. O'Leary.] How long will you be here, do you think?

[expelliarmed]

[ His brow creases, but he doesn't protest further. ]

Probably the rest of the night. Just...I might take a walk around the hotel.

[ He doesn't plan to leave, though. ]

[hydrokinetics]

[There's a nod.]

Right. [He knows it's stupid to question Harry now, but he just wants to be sure. More than that, he also wants to know in case he disappears as well.] I think...I should probably wash the blood off? And then yeah. I might do the same.

[The wind seems to be knocked out of his sails for now, at least.]