She didn't know what she would have done if he'd held her tight but he didn't. It was easier to close her eyes, and feel warm hands against her. Not claws, not monsters, not things. Just Percy- just Percy with her.

"It's just- it's not- I'll get better." Coraline murmured, pressing her head against his chest so she could listen to his heart. It raced beneath her ear. It felt human and wonderful and alive. She didn't lie to him and tell him she was okay or that it was just a scratch because it wasn't but she wasn't ready to talk just yet. "Can I stay at yours? I don't want to stay here."