Falling ⇔ Thalia Grace

[3] Hired Healer

THE DOOR SWUNG open, making the bell jingle. Adeline looked up and saw bright, electric blue eyes.

"Thalia?" She asked.

Thalia rolled her eyes. "No, Santa." Then, sliding over some coins she ran to the back.

"Hey! You can't just do that!" Adeline said, floating behind the tall demigod. "The coins doesn't mean you are granted permission. This is trespassing!"

Thalia ignored her as she grabbed many ziplock bags of ambrosia and bottled nectar.

Adeline ripped the things out of Thalia's hands. Thalia crackled with electricity and glared at the small wind spirit.

"Give them to me." Thalia said, her voice was low and threatening.

"What's going on?" Adeline asked, ignoring her threat.

Thalia glared holes into Adeline Seles but sighed when Adeline continued to stare back, showing no sign of backing down. Her fist tightened and then loosened as she gave up trying to fight her.

"Annabeth's hurt, she's the girl." She said, quietly. "And we need the ambrosia and nectar fast."

Adeline frowned. "Are any of you guys even medics?" She asked. There was no way that they think eating ambrosia and nectar was enough if her injury was that urgent.

Thalia paused, almost like she could tell that maybe they should've thought of something more. "... We know what we need to know." Thalia grabbed the things from Adeline's grasp and ran out.

Adeline followed the tall demigod and threw her little green apron Hermes gave her on to the counter. "Let me come with you. I know how to heal."

Thalia froze, then turning around. Cars raced in the streets behind her, the black night and bright lights seemed to be blurred as Adeline waited for Thalia's response.

"You have your place." Thalia said, coldly.

"I am a wandering spirit." Adeline shot back. "I have no place."

Thalia hesitated but then realization shot through her eyes as she realized that Annabeth was still injured and ran off, ignoring Adeline who was silently following Thalia.

They wandered through a park, then into a forest under a highway and into a small tent that was hidden in the trees.

"Thalia!" The blonde boy said, then frowning when he saw Adeline. "Adeline?"

"How do you know my name?" Adeline asked, confused.

"Thalia told me, she talked ab—" But he was cut off by Thalia punching him and rushing to Annabeth's side.

"Are you going to heal her or not?" Thalia snapped.

Adeline frowned at her tone but nodded, never less. Kneeling by the small child, she examined the wound.

"Well?" Thalia asked, anxious.

"Shut up." Adeline replied, monotonously. She was still a middle miffed from the rude greeting earlier.

The boy muffled a snort as he handed Adeline a towel. Adeline nodded in thanks, wiping away the blood and pouring some nectar in her bloodstream.

Annabeth hissed, her knuckles turning white as she squished Thalia's hand.

Adeline covered her wound with her hand and mumbled a verse. She felt a familiar light breeze of wind some into the tent but it felt warm, signaling her healing is taking into effect.

The wounds and Adeline's palm started to glow the tiniest bit before dying down. Soon all was left was the dried blood as the bruises and cuts fade away.

Annabeth, slowly, relaxed her grip and let out a sigh in relief. Her eyes struggled to crack open, wanting to look at Adeline and give her thanks. She opened her mouth to say something but Adeline just shook her head and put a finger against her lips.

"Just doing my job." Adeline smiled, softly. "Now you need to rest, doctors orders."

Thalia watched in marvel. "Thank you." Thalia said.

Adeline got up, flipping her hair jokingly. "You're welcome."

Thalia had a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she just smiled. They left the little tent, leaving Annabeth to sleep.

____

Outside, Adeline suddenly felt a little drained. While not enough to cripple her, she felt the weight of all of Annabelle's wounds. That poor girl must have been carrying a lot.

The boy got up from his seat and let out a sigh of relief once seeing them.

"You're a lifesaver, Adeline." He said, offering a hand out. "I am Luke. Thank you for taking care of Annabelle."

Adeline shook his hand, "No problem."

Luke and Thalia, then, took a peek into the tent to make sure the youngest was sleeping.

Adeline glances at the sky. The breeze felt especially cold that night. Who knows what could've happened if she didn't come and looked at the girl in the tent. She let out a deep breathe.

While the skyline of the city seems to be always lit, she could tell it was dark. Her father would know soon that her break is taking a little longer than expected.

She took one glance at the trio and started making her way back.

"Adeline."

Thalia jogged up to her, once noticing her departure.

"I'll walk you back."

Thalia's cheeks were red from the cold. To be truthful, if Adeline was a honest doctor she would say Thalia needed to be close to heat source and Adeline could make it back but she didn't. Adeline was curious about Thalia and wanted to know more about this trio.

And plus, Adeline isn't a doctor, she's a UPS worker.

"Sure."