Percabeth Fluff

Starved for Light (part two)

Hey, it's Sophia! I took a short break from writing for a few days because I had finals, but today is my first day of summer! This story was requested by writingforfun222. This is the second part and I will be adding onto it.  Trigger warning: This story contains talk of food, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia. Please do not read this if you are sensitive to any of these topics. I myself have struggled with anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia, so I would warn against reading this if you are actively struggling. Also a reminder that not all eating disorders look the same and you are still valid if yours did/does not look like how it is portrayed in this story. I am not in any way, shape, or form promoting eating disorders and body dysmorphia. You can always message me if you need to talk/want support. Please comment if you have any requests, questions, or corrections. Hope you enjoy the story!

-Soph

Annabeth's POV:

I never thought I would find myself in this situation- wandering aimlessly through camp my stomach hollow and empty. My insides squirming with ever step, my stomach begging for food. As I walked my steps became smaller and the world began to spin every so slightly. Every step  I take is a struggle to stay upright. It's as if gravity is playing a cruel trick on me, trying to pull me in all directions at once. My vision turned spotty until all I could see were foggy lights dancing in front of me. 

The floor felt like it was being ripped out from under my feet. I plunged back into the darkness. 

Down, down, down. 

I stumbled and tripped over rocks, clutching my sides. My breathing quickened and my hands were slick with sweat. The walls began to shake and my heart jolted in fear. I know where I am, I'm back in Tartarus. 

The smell of bleak antiseptic filled my lungs as I inhaled. My eyes fluttered open and the harsh light blinded me. My limbs were heavy like lead and I strain with effort to move. A hand reached out and gently pushed me back down onto the bed. 

Percy leaned over me and whispered, " Hey, Beth." 

He got out of his chair and yelled into the hallway," Will, she's awake!" 

Will came into the room carrying a clipboard and pen.

"Hey Annabeth, how do you feel?" He asked, while writing something down. 

" Like I just fainted." I replied, my voice shaky. 

I tried to cover up the uneasiness in my voice, but Percy noticed, he always did. He managed a small, sad smile and took my hand, squeezing it softly, concern evident on his face.

Get it together.  I told myself. You're a daughter of Athena. Don't let them see you like this. 

" So, mind if I ask you a few questions?" Will asked.

" Not at all." I replied nonchalantly, trying to make it seem like I didn't care, maybe too nonchalantly. 

Will sat down next to Percy and looked down at his clipboard.

" When was the last time you ate?" He asked me. 

My heartbeat started to quicken and my hands started to shake. I couldn't give in, I couldn't stop, not after all I had sacrificed. 

"Um...at breakfast this morning." I said. 

Percy looked at me disappointedly," Annabeth I haven't see you eat in three days." 

 "I have! I just haven't eaten when you were there, but I've been eating, I promise." 

"Annabeth, it's okay, we're going to help you get better. I just need you to answer the questions honestly." Will said. 

" What? What do you mean "get better"? I'm fine." I protested. 

" Annabeth, Percy told me you haven't been eating much lately and you're not acting like yourself. We think you have an eating disorder, anorexia to be specific. I know you don't want to talk about his, but we have to in order to help you get better." Will told me. 

I tried to ignore my anxiousness so they couldn't tell I was nervous, but it didn't work. Percy knew me too well. Ever since we had dinner at Sally's, he had been watching me more intently. 

"I-I don't understand. I don't have problems with eating. I'm fine. I just got a little dizzy and passed out is all. I don't know why you are making such a big deal out of this." I replied.

" Annabeth I know this is scary, but if you just answer my questions we can get through this. You know, Nico struggled with anorexia too, and he's so much healthier now. Please just try."

I don't know why, but for some reason I stupidly gave in. 

"Ok." I agreed.

"Why haven't you been eating and how long has this been going on?"Will asked me. 

"Well..." I started," I guess ever since Tartarus I just started to eat less and less. I knew what I was doing to myself, but I just didn't care. It helped to numb the pain I was feeling. It helped my anxiousness and I just wasn't as worried about other things. I don't really think it's about how I look. To be honest, I liked how I looked better before this. I don't know, it's kind of stupid when I say it out loud." 

" Hey, it's not stupid Beth. We're here to help you. You can tell us anything." Percy said, rubbing his thumb in circles over my hand. Tears began to stream down my cheeks and I put my head in my hands. 

"Hey, it's okay. I'm right here." He said, wrapping his arms around my shaking shoulders.

Percy didn't leave my side for that entire day. 

Again, you can always message me if you need to talk/want support. Please comment if you have any requests, questions, or corrections. Hope you enjoyed the story!\

-Soph