Fatal Flaw (a Percy Jackson AU)

Love Conquers All

Hazel
I saw Nico and ran up to give him a hug. "I was so worried about you," I said. "I didn't realize how much you were going through. I thought you were getting better. I'm sorry if I wasn't there for you."
"Hazel," Nico said softly. "You were always there for me. I'm just scared of sharing my feelings. I'm scared of being judged. It's not your fault at all. My life is much better with you in it."
I gave Nico another hug. Nico was obliging the hugs more so than usual. I wondered if he was craving human contact because he missed it so much. Maybe his near-death experience left him longing for comfort. Whatever it was, I just wanted him to be happy; he was my brother and I loved him.
After spending half an hour with Nico, Dionysus shooed Will and I out. "I'm glad he's alive," Will finally said.
"I am too," I replied. "However, you, Mr. Solace, better not break my brother's heart. If I hear that you hurt him, then you'll wish you were in a casket at our dad's funeral home."

Silena
I felt disgust explode in every cell in my body as I stared at myself in the mirror. I had just eaten a fattening lunch of an apple and peanut butter. I felt nauseous as I saw how my stomach bulged out and the fat of my legs jiggle. I couldn't stand it. I just wanted some control over my life and I couldn't even control how thin I was.
Unfortunately, my clothes weren't fitting. I couldn't wear anything but the sweats and oversized t-shirts. I liked fashion, but nothing for me and fashion demanded beauty. Looking at myself in the mirror, all I could see was a miserable, ugly creature who would never be good enough for anyone. I didn't even know what to do anymore.
I had always compared myself to my mother. A lot of people think that they are better in every way than their parents, but I never have. I always admired how my mother always looked perfect. She had to for her job, but it was a surreal living with such a perfect-looking person. I remember my mother taking me to photo shoots and runway shows when I was younger. I remember seeing my moms on billboards and knowing that I was nothing compared to her; it hurt more than anything.

Annabeth
I woke up screaming. Images of the man with a gun in his hand killing the child were seared into my brain. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I didn't know what to do anymore. I was so scared and my worst fears kept coming back. The worst part was that life wasn't a dream.
Sometimes, I felt anxiety fill the insides of me like a balloon being filled with air. I was so afraid of what could happen in the future that I couldn't enjoy the present. Sometimes, I felt like the human mind can create fears far greater than anything in the universe.
    My thoughts were broken off by Percy's voice. "Are you alright, Annabeth?" he asked.
    I looked at him. I didn't want to throw my baggage at him. I wanted to make his life as best as it could be. Percy didn't deserve to be burdened by my problems. "I'm alright, Seaweed Brain," I lied as I tried to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. "I'm perfectly alright."