Hey! Another chapter. You guys are lucky- it hasn't been near as long as it normally takes me. I finally got a computer that works, so I'm no longer writing on my phone. Yay!

I start school in two days, so I'll either be updating more or less often, depending on how life goes. My emotional problems have been a lot better- I talked to my mom, and haven't hurt myself in four weeks! :) I love you guys. Thank you for supporting me.

Skyfir3S4kur4- Thank you! I'm so glad you like it! That's very sweet of you. Hope you like this update!

Guest- Thank you! That's a good suggestion- I'll see what I can do! Thanks again :)

wh- Thanks! Haha, I completely agree! :P

Mondmaedchen- Thanks! Yes, yes. We've never been nearly as poor as Leo and Esperanza, we've just never had much money and sometimes struggle.

killua minamoto- Thank you! I absolutely love Esperanza, and I think her memories were the most fun to write. I know, I say that every chapter, but I mean it this time. :P Here's an update, and it's faster this time! :) I am still fighting, and I'm starting to get better. Thank you for your support!

Guest- Thank you so much! Mothers really are amazing people (usually- sometimes they sadly aren't). Thank you so much- I think you are also a beautiful and amazing person, if the way you support and encourage even strangers is any clue!

Alright, time for chapter seven! Enjoy!

Warning: Descriptions of a panic attack, suicidal thoughts, and extreme violence/torture.


Chapter Seven- Breathe Me

Leo was distracted, which is why he didn't notice that he was being followed until he reached the engine room. Leo heard a noise behind him, and he turned quickly, his heart racing, until he saw that it was just Frank.

"Oh, just you. You scared me for a minute, iguana-man."

Frank narrowed his eyes. Leo seemed to sense the tension radiating off of Frank, and he took several steps back towards the wall. He tried to pretend he was unfazed, but the glare he was receiving wasn't helping his still-racing heart to calm down.

"Leo, we need to talk." Frank said, menacingly stepping closer to Leo.

Leo shivered, reminded of a similar incident in the past, but no, don't think about that, just calm down Valdez, why is your heart beating so fast? It isn't Snake, it's just Zhang, calm down, freaking calm down, idiota!

Leo tried to plaster a grin back onto his face, or at least a normal expression.

"Yeah, sure man, wassup?"

"Leo, I've tried and tried to put up with you, and Hazel said I should be patient with you, and Jason said you don't know when you're being insensitive, but I'm tired of you, okay! You treat me like I'm worthless and stupid and you're constantly getting on my nerves."

He stepped closer, and Leo tried his hardest to regulate his breathing, but he couldn't seem to catch his breath and his hands were tingling and he didn't know why he was so scared.

"I've been laying down and taking your crap, but I'm done!" Frank was as close to shouting as he ever got, and he had grabbed Leo's shoulders, slightly shaking Leo's thin form.

Just breathe, Leo, breathe, calm down, what's wrong with you, why can't you calm down? You're such a wimp, gods, Leo, why are you panicking?

Snake was standing over him with an evil smile, as his cronies laughed and moved closer, forcing Leo against the stone wall of the abandoned basement they were in.

Damion had sold Leo out, this was all a trap, and Leo wasn't sure if he'd even make it out of this one alive. Snake was ruthless to those he hated- and he hated Leo more than almost anyone.

"...better stop antagonizing me, or I'll have to make you. I know you think I'm a wimp, but I'm practically twice your size and a heck of a lot tougher than you! Understand, Valdez?"

Leo was shaking. He wasn't sure if Frank really hadn't noticed, or if he just didn't care.

Of course he doesn't care, stupid. No one cares. He's right- you're weak and stupid and worthless and such a pathetic wimp. Why are you even here? Maybe it would have been better if Snake had killed you.

"Leo Valdez. My least favorite enemy. Well, I warned you that if I ever caught you I'd make your life hell, and I intend to keep that promise."

He motioned for his cronies to attack, and attack they did. Leo tried at first to fight back, but he knew it was hopeless. After several minutes that felt like forever; full of punching, kicking, scratching, and smashing, Snake called for them to stop.

Leo tried to pull himself back into reality, tried to act normal.

It isn't real. He isn't here.

"Sure, whatever, Zhang" he managed to mutter, out of breath.

"Will you leave me to my work now?"

Frank simply grunted and turned to storm out. As soon as he was out of sight, Leo sank to the ground and curled up, trying his hardest to just focus on breathing.

Two of his men held Leo down, as Snake drew a long, thin knife from his belt. He laughed sadistically and knelt down next to the bloody, half conscious Latino.

It isn't real!

He traced his knife along Leo's neck, slowly putting on more pressure, but not enough to cut an artery. He laughed as Leo tried to pull away, moaning and flinching, arching his back and hitting his head against the stone floor.

He slowly, very slowly, brought his knife down to Leo's forearm, and without warning, began carving a word into his flesh.

Make it stop! Leo begged, his hands completely numb as they clutched at his throat and chest, trying to tear an invisibly noose away so that he could breathe again. It isn't real, it isn't real. He couldn't remember how to breathe.

W. "How does this feel, weakling?"

O. Leo screamed.

R. He writhed around, tears mixing with the blood on his face.

T. "Stop!" He gasped. "P-please!"

H. Snake laughed again.

L. "I hope you'll never forget the lesson I'm teaching you. That is, if you survive."

E. Leo screamed and screamed, and didn't stop until his voice gave out.

S. Snake pressed the knife even harder.

S. Leo shook with silent screams and dry sobs, slipping into unconsciousness.

"You are pathetic, Valdez- don't you ever forget that."

And Leo never forgot.


Leo wasn't there at dinner. They waited a bit, but after 20 minutes, the crew decided to go search for him.

Naturally, Frank headed for the engine room, as that was the last place he had seen the scrawny Latino Elf. He thought about their last encounter, feeling slightly guilty as he remembered his conversation with Annabeth, and realized that he had been unfair to Leo.

The sight that greeted him was not a pleasant one. Leo was curled on the floor, clutching at his shirt and gasping for breath. His eyes were closed, he looked incredibly pale, and he was muttering incomprehensibly.

"Valdez! Hey, what's wrong?"

When Leo didn't answer, Frank decided to go get help. The first people he found were Annabeth and Piper.

"Quick, it's Leo, he's this way- hurry!"

They followed him without hesitation.

"What's wrong?" Piper half-shouted as they ran.

"He- he's having trouble breathing, and- well, you'll see, just hurry!"

They reached the engine room.

Annabeth was the first to reach him. She immediately felt for his pulse.

"Leo- Leo, can you hear me? What's wrong?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and muttered slightly louder, but didn't open his eyes. Now his hand was frantically tapping against his knee. Annabeth realized it was morse code, and deciphered it as quickly as she could.

Can't breathe. I'm scared. Help me.

"I think he's having a panic attack."

She took his hand, and Piper sat next to him, wrapping her arm around him. She'd witnessed a few of his panic attacks in the past.

"It's okay Leo. We're here. Whatever's in your head, whatever you're remembering- it's not real. You're safe. You're safe. I'm here."

Leo made a sort of whimpering sound, and slowly opened his eyes.

"Pipes?"

She smiled weakly and kissed his cheek.

"Yeah, it's me, Leo. See, you're okay. Just breathe…"

His breathing began to slow.

"He said…. he said…" Leo began, whispering so that only she could hear. "I'm worthless… pathetic...I-"

"Shhh… He's wrong, okay! Don't believe it."

"I- No!" he said, his voice rising. "No, no, he- he's right…" he got quiet again.

"Piper?"

"Yes?"

"I want- I want…"

"What?"

"I want to leave."

"Leave where?" She asked, her voice shrill with worry.

He didn't meet her gaze, merely shaking his head. His breathing was close to normal now, though he still looked pale.

She looked extremely alarmed.

"Leave where, Leo?"

"Just... forget it, Pipes."

"I can't forget it. Leo, you're scaring me! What's wrong?"

He sighed.

"Just leave me alone."

She looked hurt, but seemed afraid to provoke him, lest he have another panic attack.

After assuring them that he was fine, Leo told the others that he wanted a nap, and they went back to the dining hall, though rather skeptically. They all showed the same fear that Piper had.

Leo didn't go to his room, but rather climbed up the watch tower.

He simply stood there, staring, breathing in the cold night air. Trying to clear his head.

Trying to ignore the nagging thoughts that had been at the back of his mind since his conversation with Piper.

End it now.

They don't really care.

You're worthless.

You're so tired. So empty. Just do it.

Jump.

He shook his head.

Then, a giant eagle appeared, and transformed into Frank.

Leo stepped back, startled.

"Look..." Frank said. "I just want to apologize. How I acted earlier was out of line, and I'm sorry that it took something like a panic attack to make me realize that. I don't blame you if you want to keep your distance from me."

Leo smiled weakly, not having the energy to make a joke.

"It's all good. Thanks for apologizing. I'm like to try at becoming friends- or at least allies? If you want…"

He seemed nervous and self-conscious.

"Yeah, I'd love to try. Hey, um… what are you doing up here anyway?"

Leo flinched involuntarily.

"Just clearing my head. Don't worry about it, big man. But do me a favor and don't give Piper too many details okay? She worries too much."

Frank looked suspicious for a few moments, and then reached a decision.

"Deal. You hungry?"

"Sure, I wouldn't mind some food."

Frank smiled nervously.

Leo smiled back.


There you go! Hope you liked it. I don't think I did so well writing angry Frank, sorry about that. Love you all!