[1] 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐈𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 , p. jackson

xxxv. party plans with sociopathic giants

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE ───────────
✧₊˚｡({ PARTY PLANS WITH SOCIOPATHIC GIANTS })

"  the only exception     PARAMORE  "

{ ROMA }
JULY 1ST,  2010
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ROMA THINKS SHE'S HALLUCINATING FOR a second. That the lack of oxygen is getting to her head and making her delirious and hopeful. But no. No, they're sinking. They're sinking! Just as she'd accepted her fate, it happens. A spark of hope overtakes the pain and burning in her lungs. She taps Percy's arm, suddenly full of adrenaline. He doesn't respond. In fact, his arms seem to be slipping from her. Her fear comes back. But not for herself now. For him.

          She struggles to get herself above water, especially dragging Percy up with her.

          But the gasps of air she takes when she breaks the surface are by far one of the best feelings she's ever had. She coughs and splutters, trying to stay afloat and pull Percy's body up at the same time. Roma catches a glimpse of Piper struggling with Jason too. She has no one but herself to keep Percy afloat.

          Her legs thrash in the water and her face is submerged for a good few seconds again but she manages to push Percy's face above the water.

          The ceiling gets further and further away but Roma doesn't think she has enough energy to keep herself and Percy up any longer. Her arms and legs shake desperately with exhaustion.

          "Roma! Remember you━ you have to use breaststroke!" Piper sputters out over the water. "Wrap yourself under his arms and put his head on your shoulder!"

          Maybe Piper had accidentally used charmspeak or something because Roma does this quickly and without mistakes. Even with the panic and fear consuming her from the inside out. She doesn't think she would've been able to do so otherwise.

          "P-Percy," Roma coughs, using a hand to lightly tap his face. "Percy, come on. Wake up! Please!"

          His eyes are closed at least. She doesn't think she could deal if they weren't. If they were just unresponsive. His breathing is a whole other problem she doesn't want to think about, though.

          Suddenly the water is gone, leaving Roma and Piper on the damp floor with two unconscious boys they have no idea are alive or not.

          Roma's shivering and her teeth chatter with coldness and adrenaline. She lies Percy on the ground and checks his breathing. She can hear Piper's panicked shouts about Jason but Roma can't think about that. She can't acknowledge the fact that her best friend might be━ No.