Once a hero - Riordan_LeoGreyson

Chapter 15

They're like animals

I woke up with the worst headache ever. In the history of ever. It was pure pain. I groaned and opened my eyes, but quickly shut them tight due to the light in the room. My head throbbed and it didn't help that the world was spinning. Quiet whispers sounded around me, but when I tried to focus on what they were saying, the voices quietened.

I slowly tried to open my eyes and repeatedly blinked to get used to the harsh light.

"How are you feeling?" Bruce's friendly face came into view. A small frown went over my face.

"Where am I?" I muttered, not sure if the doctor heard me.

"The med bay..." Bruce answered, indicating that he heard me. "You eh... was hit pretty hard in the head with a skillet."

I blinked, "I'm sorry what?" my voice sounded muffled.

Bruce nodded, "Yeah, Nathan hit you pretty hard."

"Nathan?"

"Yes. I... I think you had a blackout," Bruce looked at me probably anticipating some kind of bad reaction from me.

"Oh..." Was all I could muster to say. I swallowed, "Did... did I hurt anyone?"

"No," the doctor shook his head. "Well, those that you did hurt are all fine now, so it's no biggie."

"Who did I hurt?"

"The other Avengers, beside Thor he returned to Asgard." I widened my eyes. Gods, I had hurt them.

"How did I hurt them?" I whispered.

"I'm not sure, though Nathan explained to me after we had stabilized the others and you, that you probably controlled their blood." I visibly paled. "Whoa, you alright?" Bruce's worried eyes scanned me over.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"It's fine, everyone's fine. They have all forgiven you, knowing you wasn't in control." Bruce tried to reassure me, but I kept on apologizing, guilt twisting and turning in my stomach, wrapping around my lungs. Preventing me from breathing properly. Black dots startled to swirl in my vision and tears gathered in my eyes.

"I'm so sorry," I said for the hundred and fifteenth time.

"Percy," Bruce firmly placed his hands on my shoulders. I averted my eyes to the bed. "Look me in the eyes." I slowly looked up and met his soft brown eyes. "None of it was your fault. You're not being held accountable for it. We have all forgiven you. There is no reason to apologize. Okay?" he stared into my eyes, and I slowly nodded, I swallowed a lump in my throat. Though he had assured me everything was alright, guilt still twisted and turned in my stomach.

"Now," Bruce smiled and let go of me, "Are you hungry?" as if on cue, my stomach decided to grumble loudly. We chuckled lightly over its antics and Bruce helped me up from the bed. I swayed slightly as the blood returned to my head.

We walked out of the med bay and Bruce helped ground me in the elevator as we moved to the living room.

When I walked into the kitchen with Bruce, the guilt grabbed ahold of my stomach once again. The Avengers were seated around in the kitchen on chairs and tables. Clint was sitting on top of the fridge, overlooking the small gathering. Their heads all turned to me as we entered, and I shrunk slightly from the eyes.

"Percy," smiled Steve and approached me. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

I looked up at him and shrugged. "Guilty."