𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜

Part 4: JUST BREATHE

WORD COUNT: 1262

@Dhdhrhhshfhdud had another awesome request! Again, I was inspired by her stories! She's a great writer!

The weight of expectations, coupled with the harsh reality of racism took a toll on Leah during filming.

Leah's distraction was shattered by an unwelcome discovery on Instagram, her expression tightening as she scrolled past a racist comment tied to a popular Percabeth edit. Soon, another comment came in. 'OMG I love Leah so much! The best Annabeth that ever existed! She won't ever let us down! ❤️❤️'

Charlie's gentle touch on her shoulder was a sudden interruption to the digital chaos unfolding on her screen, a tangible reminder of the world beyond her phone. "Hey, Leah." Leah's gaze shifted upward, meeting Charlie's pleasant expression as he knelt beside her, their faces now on the same level.  "We're about to film a scene. It's pretty challenging cause we gotta go a few times but, probably not for you." Charlie's deep voice was supposed to offer comfort, but Leah found his tone jarring, its soothing quality somehow grating on her already frazzled nerves. A strained smile crossed Leah's face as she swiftly silenced her phone, shutting out the toxic comments that had begun to overwhelm her.  "Thanks, Charlie." He nodded and left to film. Leah sighed heavily, hoping she'd get the scene perfect.

*Time Skip*

The elevator doors slid open, and Leah stepped inside, only to be immediately confronted with an unexpected stranger, looking a bit older than Leah. Leah's gentle smile faltered as she took in the girl's hostile expression, her body language screaming dislike and disdain. Leah's unease was palpable as she avoided eye contact, her hands twisting anxiously as she stood frozen, the charged atmosphere making every glance feel like a challenge. "Can't believe you're Annabeth. Rick's so stupid to choose you." She let out a venomous parting shot as the elevator doors closed behind her, the insult hanging in the air like a festering wound before disappearing into silence.

Leah's entire world crumbled around her as she slumped against the wall of the elevator, her cries of despair mingling with the muffled sounds of distant footsteps. Every fiber of her being screamed in agony as the cruel words shattered the fragile threads of her sanity, plunging her headfirst into an abyss of self-doubt and despair.

Leah fled into her room, slamming the door closed behind her. She collapsed against the door, defeated, and slid down to the floor in tears. Suddenly, Leah felt intense fear, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. She felt overwhelmed by all of the commotion of the outside. Leah huddled on the floor, her knees clutched and tightly pulled to her chest as her breath came in ragged gasps. She sobbed uncontrollably. The turmoil within Leah built up, eventually leaving her isolated and helpless during the panic attack.

"Leah?" Walker cautiously approached the room, hearing Leah's frantic breathing and gentle calls, and slowly opened the door to speak softly. Walker's gaze fell upon Leah, her body racked with sobs as she huddled against the wall, and his heart sank with empathy- filled pain.

With tender reverence, Walker sank to his knees beside Leah, his arms cradling her like precious cargo as he carefully lifted her off the floor, drawing her close to his chest As Walker held her securely, Leah's slender arms wrapped snugly around his neck, her face buried in the warmth of his skin, and with each tender stroke of her tears, lips against his nape, Walker's soft whisper soothed her, "Shh, breathe, Leah. It's okay," his voice a gentle balm to her frayed soul.

In the sanctuary of Walker's arms, Leah's racing heart gradually stilled, its frantic beat slowing to a gentle hum, as Walker's soft lips brushed against her forehead, leaving a trail of gentle kisses, his own rhythm synchronizing with hers as he swayed gently, holding her close.

"I was there with you when you felt it, Leah," Walker's breath was a warm caress against her hair as he asked gently, his hold on her growing just a little tighter, encouraging her to open up to him. "Want to talk about it?" "No." Leah whimpered quietly. His hold softened slightly, but only barely, as Walker leaned in, his voice a whispered promise, "It's okay, Leah, whatever it is, I'm here for you."

With a gentle reverence, Leah's whispered confession hung in the air, "I just want you," as Walker's lips pressed against her forehead, his kiss lingering softly, calming her troubled heart.

Time stood still as they savored the intimate connection, until Walker slowly began to move, carrying Leah with him to her bed, where he gently settled onto the mattress, keeping her close in his enveloping arms.

The quiet intimacy of the moment was almost palpable as Walker shifted his weight, looking down at eaLh's serene face, her tear-stained cheeks a poignant reminder of the depth of emotion they'd just shared. A soft, gentle smile spread across his face as he gazed at her  As the tranquility washed over them, Leah eased into a peaceful sleep, protected in Walker's arms.

In the gentle repose of sleep, Leah's limbs relaxed, her arms still clasped tightly around Walker's neck, her backside nestled comfortably in the cradle of his lap, her legs and feet resting lightly on the mattress, as if she'd melted into him.

Walker's eyelids fluttered shut, no match for the exhaustion creeping over him, but Leah's sudden wakefulness sent a jolt through both of them, their faces mere inches apart, a spark of awareness crackling between them.

The silence was a balm to their souls, wrapping around them like a warm blanket, as they locked gazes, their eyes roaming, darting, drawn inexorably back to the alluring curve of each other's lips, the tension between them palpable, a living thing. The air was filled with unspoken longing, as Walker and Leah stood poised on the cusp of something new, their lips yearning to connect, yet held back by uncertainty, their faces inches apart, frozen in a moment of tender hesitation.

The gentle push of Leah's head drew Walker inexorably closer, their noses touching in a soft, tentative touch, leaving mere inches between their lips, which hung suspended, trembling with anticipation, as if reluctant to breach the threshold of their mutual reserve.

Leah's movement was a fleeting dance of avoidance, her cheek brushing against Walker's, as she hesitated, her lips far from where they would have sealed with his, the uncertainty of her first kiss sending a shiver of vulnerability through the delicate balance of the moment. "I'm sorry." Her whispered apology hung in the air, a note of vulnerability clinging to the simple words, as Leah's gaze drifted away from Walker's, her attention fixed on a distant point beyond the present moment. "Don't be, Leah." Walker's soft whisper wove a gentle reassurance, his breath dancing across Leah's skin, sending delicate tremors coursing through her frame.

Leah's eyes met Walker's once more, and she leaned in, laying her head against the nape of his neck, a quick and gentle kiss sending a bloom of color rising to Walker's cheeks, his skin flushing a deep crimson as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Walker's pent-up breath escaped in a quiet exhalation as his eyes widened in surprise, his expression a picture of mild astonishment. Leah's gentle chuckle broke the tension, her teasing nickname - "Seaweed brain," - a wry reminder of Walker's momentary lapse into stunned silence, as he blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the surprise still fogging his mind.

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