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Percy sat on the floor in his cabin, his hands shakily covering his ears. The noises outside were too loud, everything was. Shouts and cheers rang from outside, followed by the sound of a bottle shattering against the ground. The sudden crash caused Percy to flinch again, his body shaking.
They were having a party. A celebration for the last quest that had just arrived back to camp. However, the Stolls had somehow spiked the fruit punch, which eventually lead to chaos. At first, party started off fine, everyone having a good time. But slowly, things got more out of hand as people began to loosen up, and Percy ended up slipping away from everything.
Beads of sweat dripped down his face, his dark curls sticking to his face. Percy could feel heartbeat quickening, the sound ringing his ears. He swallowed back the old memories brought by the sounds of shattering glass. Gabe’s shouting, his mom’s cries, and the pulsing pain from the wounds covering his body.
Percy’s mouth went dry, before suddenly becoming too wet as a wave of nausea rolled over him. He took in a shaky breath, barely being able to keep down the nauseous feeling.
Tears filled his eyes. He just wanted it all to stop.
Percy felt like he was going to die.. no, he was going to die.
—————————-
Annabeth stood off to the side, watching the party and talking to Grover.
All the other campers were thrilled to hear that the quest had been successful, not to mention that somehow Dionysus had allowed them to have wine at the celebration ( honestly, it was probably because he wanted in on it too ).
Now, the party was chaos, people shouting and running around excitedly. Most of those people were drunk, but some were just naturally crazy.
She held back a laugh as she watched a camper get tackled by a Hermes kid, followed by multiple others who were also playing “ tag “ with them.
Even though it was crazy, this stuff was usually pretty normal so she didn’t really mind.
Annabeth looked around to searching for Percy through the crowd, feeling confused when she couldn’t find the boy. He had just been here a little bit ago, before apparently leaving to go to the bathroom.
She couldn’t help but feel confused. Where could he have ran off to?
“ Hey Grover, “ She turned toward her friend, “ I’ll be right back okay? I need to go get something from my cabin. “
Grover nodded.
“ Alright, I’m gonna go find Juniper then.“
“ Ok, see you later then. “
“ See ya Annabeth! “
The two parted ways, and as soon as Annabeth was away from the crowd, she quickly rushed off to go search for Percy.
“ Percy?? “ She called, “ Come on seaweed brain, where did you go?? “
She continued to walk around camp to search for him. Eventually, she stopped at his cabin, an uneasy feeling rushing over her. As she approached the cabin, she heard small whimpers coming from inside, which only made her worry more.
“ Percy? “ Annabeth knocked on the door, “ Are you in there? “
She could hear sobs from the other side, but didn’t get a verbal response from the boy.
“ Can I come in?? “
She was met with silence once again, with the faded sounds of the celebration and Percy’s cries being the only sounds filling the air.
“ Percy Jackson, if you don’t answer I swear to the gods I’m coming in myself. “
After another minute of silence from him, Annabeth decided to go inside. She reached out and turned the doorknob, surprised when she found out the door was unlocked.
When she entered the cabin, she quickly found Percy, who sat in the corner closest to the door. He was curled up in a ball, his chin resting on his knees and his entire body shaking. Percy’s hands were clasped tightly over his ears as sobs racked his body. His breaths were rapid and sporadic, coming in short, unsteady bursts.
Annabeth felt her heart sink as she looked at him, a panicked, broken look on his face.
She kneeled down beside him.
“ Percy? Can you hear me? “
He didn’t respond to her, burying his head into his knees. Even though the sound was muffled, she could make out his words.
“ H-He’s gonna find me.. I- I- I can’t- “ A small whimper escaped his mouth followed by a gasp for air, “ H-He’s gonna hurt me.. I- I’m gonna die.. I- “
“ Hey.. no it’s okay, you’re gonna be fine Percy. “ Annabeth took his hands into hers and held them gently, “ He can’t hurt you, I won’t let him. You’re safe here. You hear me? “
Annabeth thought he gave her a nod, but it could have just been from how badly the boy’s body was shaking.
“ Alright.. why don’t we slow down your breathing a bit? “ She suggested, “ Your having a panic attack, so it’s a just bit too fast right now okay? “
This time she knew Percy had nodded at her, and she immediately began her plan. Annabeth used her left hand to place Percy’s hand on her chest, making sure he could feel her breathing. She kept the other one free.
“ So we’re going to breathe in for four, hold for four, out for four and hold for four. Your hand is on my chest so you can feel my breathing and try to match it while we do this. If this makes you uncomfortable just let me know okay? “
“ O-Okay.. “ Percy replied, his voice small and fragile
Annabeth began the exercise, counting on her fingers as she breathed. Slowly, Percy caught on, and began to follow her lead. This continued for a couple minutes until Percy’s breathing and calmed and began to return to its normal rhythm.
“ There.. “ Annabeth said softly, “ Your doing a great job, just keep taking slow, deep breaths. “
Percy continued to calm his breathing, with Annabeth whispering comforting phrases.
“ It’ll pass. “ She reminded him, “ It’s going to be okay Percy, I’m right here. Just keep breathing. “
There was a brief silence between the two, allowing them to relax for a second and process what just happened. Eventually, the silence was broken by Annabeth.
“ So, is there anything you would like to talk about? “ She asked, before quickly adding to her question, “ You don’t have to of course, but if you have anything you need to get off your chest, I’m here to listen. “
Percy took in another deep breath before speaking.
“ It’s just… the drinking and the party.. as fun as it is.. it just.. it reminds me of.. “ He cut himself off, looking down.
“ Him. “ Annabeth finished, her voice sounding both sympathetic and infuriated.
“ Yes.. “ He confirmed, his voice shaky again, “ It reminded me of him.. and.. and how he treated me and my mom.. and what he did to us..!! “
A tear fell down his cheek.
“ And eventually it was too much to bear. So I left. “
“ Oh Percy.. “ Annabeth’s voice was barely above a whisper, “ I’m so sorry. Nobody, and I mean nobody should have to go through that. “
“ It’s fine Annie, I’m sorry for freaking out and scaring you.. I should be better than this. “
“ No, you cannot be apologizing right now! “ Annabeth cried, grabbing his hands again and holding them tightly in her own, “ Percy you have no reason to apologize okay? What you experienced is traumatizing, of course you’ll be scared..! It’s natural..! Just.. just know I’m here if you ever, ever need help alright? You’re not alone. “
Another tear fell down Percy’s cheek. In response, Annabeth cupped the boy’s cheek, wiping it away with her thumb affectionately.
“ Thanks wise girl. “
Annabeth smiled softly.
“ Of course seaweed brain. “