I sighed, sitting up in my blankets.

I tried to sleep.

But I can't.

You know what?

I'm gonna go for a walk.

But this time, I'm not going to leave a note.

I should be back before Dick or Bruce.

So no need.

Yawning I walked over to the door and stepped out.

Maybe...

Nah. I'll be fine without a jacket.

I quickly made my way down to the beach.

And...I just kept walking.

I did the exact same thing I did before.

Like not pay attention to anything at all.

But this time, I kinda let my powers loose.

Which in hindsight... probably wasn't a good idea.

The waves crashed angrily, wind swirled around me.

So yeah. Probably not my best idea.

"Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" I kicked some sand up.

Nothing.

I didn't do anything.

I didn't ask for any of this.

I didn't ask for everyone close to me to get hurt.

I guess it would be better if I just disappeared huh?

I mean, nobody would be in danger because of me.

Dick would be safe.

Wally too.

And Kaldur...

I felt my face heat slightly as I thought about the Atlantean.

No!

Don't get close!

I can't lose anybody else.

I wouldn't be able to take it.

But still...he is kinda-

I swear. If this is Aphrodite...

I silently sank to the sand, I can't...

I can't.

I just can't.

A few tears fell down my face.

I should just go as far away as possible, keep them all safe.

Yeah.

That's what I'll do.

Unfortunately... I'm too tired to vapor travel again.

So I'll just keep walking.

Standing I kept walking along the shore.

This way if I need to...I can sleep.

"May I ask why you are up?" A familiar voice questioned.

Dam it.

I'm trying to keep you safe.

And what do you do?

Show up.

"Couldn't sleep."

"Do you mind if I join you?"

I sighed. "Yes actually. I do mind."

But he didn't leave.

Instead he drew closer to me, easily keeping pace.

"I have a question for you. Why have you been avoiding me?"

I didn't look at him. "I have my reasons."

"Like what?" He didn't ask it rudely.

Just based off of knowing him for this week...that could have given me a heart attack.

The wind picked up, causing me to shiver.

Kaldur quickly unzipped his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"Thanks." I looked up at him, and stopped.

"What is-" Then he realized, covering the side of his neck with his hand.

"C-Can I see them?" Dam it Percy, stop stuttering.

He hesitantly met my eyes. "Are you sure? Will it not freak you out?"

I shook my head. "Kaldur... I'll be fine."

He slowly lowered his hand, and I leaned up to see them.

In the bright moonlight, his gills were clearly visible.

"That's so cool." I mumbled. "Do you care if-"

"You touch them? Go ahead, I do not mind."

I gently reached out a hand and traced them, careful to not hurt him.

Then I looked up at Kaldur who was staring at me.

"Sorry, they're just really cool." I blushed under his gaze, withdrawing my hand.

He shook his head. "It's fine. Honestly, I did not expect you to react that way."

This time I found myself staring at him.

He really is adorable. His politeness, his little smiles-what did you just tell yourself Percy!?

I can't risk it.

I'm leaving to keep everybody Dick and Bruce care about safe.

That includes Kaldur.

But is it...no.

No.

No way I could actually care about him beyond that.

No way.

Nada.

Nope.

I shook myself out of those thoughts.

And then I slipped my arms into Kaldur's jacket.

Man this thing is cozy.

Speaking of the Atlantean, he seemed to be flustered, his eyes looking anywhere but me.

"Something wrong?" I tilted my head.

"No. Nothing is wrong." He sighed and finally looked back at me.

Then he reached forward and zipped up the jacket, his face close to mine as he tried to fit the two ends together.

Okay now my face is definitely red.

"There. We do not want you to get sick after all." He looked at me, our faces inches apart.

I quickly looked down.

Ignore it until it goes away. Ignore it until it goes away.

Doesn't work with most things but let's hope it works this time.

Kaldur gently lifted my chin so I was looking at him.

"Is something the matter?" He asked, a small frown on his lips.

I stared into his pale green eyes, and replied. "No. Everything's fine."

A small smile replaced the frown. "That is good."

His eyes never left mine.

At least until he slowly leaned towards me, closing his eyes as he did so.

I leaned in as well, despite everything I've been telling myself.

As his lips met mine, I tensed.

No. Percy don't-

That thought quickly left my head as Kaldur gently tugged at my bottom lip.

Dam it. Why am I acting like this?

I can hold a train of thought while trying not to die so why can't I hold one now?

Anyway...

Kaldur cupped my face with his other hand, before licking my lower lip.

I hesitantly parted my lips.

He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into my mouth.

It wasn't rough or violent, nowhere close to needy; it was soft and gentle, kinda clumsy but gentle.

Eventually though, he pulled away.

"I am sorry. I should not have done that. It was not right of me." He apologized.

My face burned for the millionth time today. "It's fine."

Woo! Didn't stutter!

As much as I hated to admit it...I enjoyed the kiss.

Not just the kiss. The fact that it was with Kaldur.

"Kaldur, this- this can't happen again. Okay?"

He looked confused before realization came over his features.

"You have a boyfriend?"

I quickly shook my head. "No. But...I can't. I can't do this."

"Do what?"

I looked up at him. "Get close to anybody. Everyone I care about gets hurt. I'm not going to let it happen again. Please don't stop me."

I took off his jacket and handed it back to him.

Then I started walking away.

He didn't follow.

At least...

That's what I thought.

Because a hand wrapped around my arm, stopping me.

I turned around to face him.

"I-" I was cut off as a pair of lips covered my own.

"Don't leave." Kaldur whispered after pulling away. "Please."

Sighing I shook my head. "I don't want you to get hurt. Or Dick. Or Bruce. Or even Wally annoying as he is."

"I understand that. But what about you? Do you not care if you get hurt?"

"If somebody I love gets hurt, then it hurts me." I realized what I said way too late.

"You- you love me? And Wally? And Dick and Bruce? Even though you have known us for just about a week?"

Dam dam dam.

I refused to look at him. "Bruce took me in. Dick treats me like a sister. Wally is important to Dick and so are you. That means you're important to me."

"Yet if Wally tried to kiss you-"

"He'd be dead three times over." I replied.

And once I realized what I said...

I turned away from the boy in front of me.

"I hate you." I mumbled.

I was pulled against him in a hug.

"I think I love you too."

Here you guys go.

Stupid Wattpad deleting my well thought out AN.

Well...

Got to work concessions tomorrow yay

And then Driver's Ed.

Double yay.

And...

What do you think is gonna happen?

(I had a nice little thing about how I've had like four quest and how I get ideas from what you put even if they're like five light years away from what you put.)

So...

See yah