I'm alive. Let's just... move on.
Previously:
I crawled out of bed and shuffled to the door. I opened it, and stood dumbfounded as I saw who stood there.
"Nico?"
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Annabeth POV
Nico gave both of us his signature glare, and was pushed into the room by someone behind him. Will Solace poked his head out from behind Nico, his cheerfulness seeming out of place in the room.
"Hey guys!" Will chirped. "How's it going?"
Nico butted in, "Obviously not that great, as they are being held in a hospital against their will and better judgement, being forced to spill their thoughts and feelings out to a mortal who cannot possible help their situation." He plopped into a chair and crossed his arms.
"Actually, it's not as bad as you think," Percy countered. "Yes, I would rather not have to talk about stuff and it is rather boring, but it is kind of nice to take a break from everything."
Will walked over Nico and nudged his shoulder, only to have his hand swatted away. "See Nico, wouldn't you rather chill out here than clean out the doghouse?"
"So, what brings you here Nico?" I questioned. I know how hard it is to make the "ghost king" do anything, especially if its putting him in a place where he has to talk about his feelings.
"Will found out that you two were here, so he convinced my dad that I should come too." He glared at Will. "Dad suddenly wants to become a good, loving parent so he demanded that I stay here with you or else I would have to clean Cerberus' doghouse. Normally I would gladly take the physical labor over staying in this hellhole, but have you seen the mutt's pen? No thanks."
"I'm just here to make sure he actually came here instead of travelling to a McDonald's instead." Will added, "Then I'm headed back to camp."
"I'm just gonna go to my room. I have to meet with this stupid doctor in 10 minutes." Nico stood and headed towards the door.
"Wait a minute," I said quickly. I told him about out cover story about the family feud. Hopefully he will remember and try not to freak the doctor. Nico nodded and left, while Will gave a little wave and headed out as well.
After the door closed, Percy sighed dramatically and ran his hands through his hair. "What's next, the gods send the whole camp here? That could be exciting."
I chuckle, "I doubt it, they probably are just sending the really messed up kids."
"Now what do we do?"
I pondered that for a moment, there wasn't really much to do here except for eat, sleep, and talk to counselors and doctors. "I think I saw a playroom or something yesterday, want to go check it out?"
Percy nodded.
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Dr. Wright POV
I looked at my schedule. Next up was a new patient, Nico Di'Angelo. Apparently he was related to Percy and was involved in the same family feud. Hmm... Similar symptoms. PTSD, trouble sleeping and lack of communication. As I turned the page in his file to look at any medical history, I was interrupted by a knock on my door.
"Come in!" I called.
Emily opened the door and ushered in a teenager. I thanked the nurse and gestured for the boy to sit down. He was young, probably about 14 or 15, pale with dark hair and eyes. The most disturbing thing was the dark circles under his eyes, mostly likely due from a lack of sleep. He wore a baggy hoodie and dark jeans, so I couldn't tell if he had a healthy amount of weight on him. He sat in a disinterested yet defensive manner, leaning back in the chair with his arms folded. This kid clearly wanted to be somewhere else.
"Hello Nico, my name is Dr. Wright, I will be your main doctor for the time being so please feel free to ask me anything you want."
He shifted uncomfortably in the chair. "Can we just get to the part where you ask your questions and then I can leave?"
"If that's what you want then sure." I tried to ignore his "moody teenager" vibe. "Why are you here, Nico?"
He scoffed. "Apparently I need your help doctor. Apparently I am messed up and need some way to get back to normal. Apparently that's the right thing to do after a scary experience." I noticed that his eyes flickered from the desk, to me, to the door, never looking at one thing for too long.
"And what is "normal"? Do you think you are acting or feeling differently since the ordeal?" If I can get him to admit that he needs help with something, then we can start helping him with a particular issue. It is always difficult to work with patients who feel like there is nothing wrong.
"I think this is a waste of time." Nico scowled. "If Percy and Annabeth want to be here, then fine. But I am perfectly capable of moving on and continuing to live my life like things never happened. I handled things on my own then in the pit, and I can handle things now. So, if there is nothing else you can help me with, can I leave now?"
"What about sleeping?" I argued, "Do you have trouble sleeping, or have issues thinking about or doing certain things?"
He thought for a moment. "I never have slept much. It's normal for me. And what happened has no influence on my daily life, so there is no point to keep talking about it." He looked me in the eyes, challenging me to argue. His gaze was of steel, hardened and unforgiving. My other questions died on my tongue.
"Ok then," I said calmly. "I can't help you if you insist there is nothing for me to help you with. I can't keep you here, but I strongly encourage you to talk to me. Trying to ignore things is not beneficial in the long run, it is best to deal with them now. Please consider staying, or at least talk with Percy and Annabeth."
He stood up. "I may not need counseling, but those two do. They are different now and I don't think they will ever be the same. But they need help with moving on. Don't mess them more." And with that he walked out of my office.
I sighed and leaned back in my office chair. That did not go so well. And that happens sometimes, that a patient has put their past behind them and has decided to move forward. They may still have a hard time sleeping or thinking about certain things, but they have the ability to function. I wish he would allow me to offer advice for closure and how to deal with things, but I don't think he will actually take that advice. Percy and Annabeth though... they seem more open to assistance. Maybe they can help Nico and Nico can help them too.
Author's Note
It's been what, 2-3 years? Hope y'all enjoyed.
Please review with what you want to happen next! I still have some ideas for this story, but am open to suggestions.
Song of the Chapter: Fire and Fury by Skillet
~Ellie