Percy Jackson {Περσεύς} Does Not Gawk (sonof_) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2014-02-01 14:46:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, annabeth chase, ariel (the little mermaid), percy jackson |
Who: Percy Jackson, Ariel and Annabeth Chase
What: Ariel is helping Percy get over his fear of water. Annabeth checks in.
When: Saturday, February 1st. Afternoon
Where: Pool near the USC Campus
Rating: Family Friendly
Status: Complete
Percy had been meeting with Ariel on the weekends for the last two or three weeks, at the pool where she was taking lifeguard classes, so that he could attempt to get over his fear of water. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to swim, because he did, but his fear came when he had to be submerged in water, considering he’d almost drowned while rafting at camp over four years earlier. He’d explained that event to Ariel as well as the reason he wanted to get over his fear, which was that if there was a possibility that he might develop water based abilities, it would probably be better if he wasn’t afraid of water. Annabeth had gone with him the first time and even brought the water wings that she’d gotten him as part of his Christmas present, which he still thought was extremely considerate of her, because it meant that she wanted to help him, but this time she’d had to work so it was just him and Ariel today.
Ariel had been surprised, and then very flattered, that Percy had asked for her help on such a personal matter. Of course she had agreed to help, and she was determined to do everything she could to assure Percy that he had nothing to be afraid of. After all, she’d been swimming since she could walk, more or less, and she was about as comfortable in the water as she was out. But Ariel was glad for Annabeth stopping by. There was only so much Ariel could do if real panic set in, and Annabeth would be good for that.
So it was a bit nerve-racking for Ariel when Annabeth couldn’t be there this time, but she told herself that Percy had been doing good so far. They still kept to shallow areas of the pool. That way, if Percy did start to feel like he couldn’t do it, all he’d have to do was stand up. Ariel sat at the edge of the pool, feet dangling in the water, and she had a stopwatch in her hand.
“I was thinking we could maybe see how long you can stay underwater. This part of the pool is pretty deserted, so you don’t need to worry about getting crowded over or anything.”
Percy had liked when Annabeth was there the first time they met up with Ariel, because he’d felt more at ease near the water with her around, but over the last few weeks he’d become comfortable with Ariel so it was okay that Annabeth had to work and wouldn’t be by till later on. He’d also gotten better in the water and was no longer so afraid that he would somehow drown. When he really thought about it, it was strange how his fear had come about, because before the incident, he’d loved swimming in the lake at camp and would be the first one to jump in, but then he’d gotten trapped under that raft and it had all changed. So, for the last four and a half years, he’d steered clear of pools. Now however, he needed to get over this feat once and for all.
When Ariel suggested he see how long he could stay underwater, Percy glanced around at the chest deep water that he was currently standing in then nodded, “Alright.” Green eyes flicked up to where Ariel sat, “But if I don’t come back up, come get me.” Taking a deep breath, he submerged himself in the water.
“Oh, Percy,” Ariel said, almost laughing, “of course I’ll come get you.” She watched his hesitance come and go, then clicked the button when he sank under the water. As the milliseconds sped by, Ariel kept her eyes focused on where Percy was, trying to gauge his body language through the water.
The first few seconds were easy, it simply felt like he was holding his breath anywhere else, but then it got more difficult, especially when his body wanted to float up to the surface and his lungs started burning. He hadn’t had to hold his breath to swim underwater in quite awhile so they simply weren’t used to keeping air in for such a long time and this caused Percy to come up for air sooner than he might have liked, “H...how long was….that?” He gasped for air as he looked up at Ariel.
Ariel leaned forward, as if ready to spring in, but except for being a bit out of breath he didn’t look bad. “Just under seven seconds,” she reported. “But that’s not bad! You were underwater and you looked calm! That’s a great start, you know.” She grinned encouragingly.
“That was it?” It felt like longer than seven seconds and now Percy felt like he could have stayed under longer, but at the same time he felt like he couldn’t have stayed under any longer. He ran his hands through his hair, slicking it back as his breathing slowly went back to normal. “How long can you stay underwater?” He knew that he used to be able to hold his breath longer underwater, but four and a half years of not swimming meant he was out of practice.
“It’s good, Percy! Really! You just panicked a bit is all.” Ariel gave him a thumbs up. She was nothing if not encouraging. “Oh … I don’t know. A long time. It’s been a while since I actually timed myself.”
Percy nodded, “Should I do it again?” Ariel had helped him a lot in such a short time and he was grateful to her for that. A few weeks ago just getting into water that went up past his waist caused him to panic a little. He never had full on panic attacks, but the thought that he could easily be submerged was always in the back of his mind and that made it difficult to go very far, but the fact that he was currently in water that went up to his chest was a big step.
“Do you feel like you want to do it again?” Ariel certainly wasn’t going to push him if he was uncomfortable. She felt like maybe that would sort of ruin the whole point of everything. “Because if you want to, then I think that’d be a great idea.”
Percy thought about it for a moment or two then nodded, “Yeah. Yeah, let me try that again. He took a few deep breaths before looking back over at Ariel to make sure she was ready to time him, “Ready?” Taking another deep breath, he sank down between the surface of the water, pushing himself down so he wouldn’t float back up to the surface. He was determined to stay under longer this time around.
“Great!” Ariel looked delighted. Percy was great, though, because she knew he wouldn’t just give up if he could go again. She gave him a thumbs-up and set the timer, watching him closely through the water. Mentally she tried to will him to stay relaxed and wait it out.
This time Percy was a little more prepared and he managed to stay under a little longer. Or at least it felt like he stayed under longer and when he finally came up, he was hoping Ariel would confirm that. “How long was that?” He asked, pushing his wet hair back, away from his face as he looked up at the redhead on the side of the pool.
Ariel gave a delighted laugh and clapped. “That was great! See? Once you focus, you’re great. You can totally do this.”
Percy couldn’t help the grin that spread across his lips as she praised him. It felt a little silly, being eighteen and working to get over a fear of water, but at the same time it felt good at the same time, “I keep wondering if I would have done this if it weren’t for the dreams.” He said as he moved through the water, towards the ladder where Ariel was sitting, “And I keep coming to the conclusion that I wouldn’t have. Before now, I was perfectly fine, just going through life without swimming or doing anything else that had to do with water….except showering of course. I knew I wouldn’t drown in the shower.” He smirked as he sat down beside Ariel, “So, as crazy as it is to be the son of Poseidon, I’m glad I started having these dreams.”
She rolled her eyes, amused, and then shrugged with a smile. “Well, it makes sense, doesn’t it? To me, anyway, but I’m the daughter of the king of the seas and a mermaid in my dreams, so maybe I’m not the best one to be talking to about if things are crazy or not.”
Ananbeth had decided to check up on Percy at the end of his swimming lessons because she wasn’t see what kind of progress he was making. It sounded like he was doing quite well and hopefully having fun with with as well. It was great that he was ready to face his fears and the dreams had helped push him along to this point. So, she walked out to the pool deck and smiled as she saw Percy and Ariel sitting there, “Hey guys, how’s it going?”
Percy was about to ask her to clarify who exactly her father was when he heard Annabeth’s voice and he turned to look over his shoulder at her, smiling, “Hey. Done with work already?” Well obviously, unless she’d left early and Annabeth wasn’t the type to leave early unless she was sick. Getting to his feet, water dripping off his legs from where they’d been draped over the edge of the pool, he walked towards her, kissing her when he reached her, careful not to get her wet since his trunks were still damp.
Ariel glanced over and waved, then rolled her eyes teasingly at the kiss. “Oh my gosh, you guys, not in public,” she joked. But then she grinned. “It’s going great. I mean, really. He’s doing amazing, even if he says he’s not.”
She was a little surprised when Percy came over to kiss her, but luckily it was a pretty chaste kiss, but she immediately flushed when Ariel called them out on it. She pulled away from Percy and laughed, “Sorry! Blame him. And yes, done with work and just wanted to check out the progress. And I’m glad he’s doing great, you’re awesome for helping him out, Ariel. Soon enough he’ll try out for the swim team or something. Are you ready to go, Percy? Study group starts soon.”
Percy laughed as Ariel called them out on the kiss and ran a hand through his damp hair, “I don’t know about that.” Then again, he was curious as to what abilities he’d get the more he dreamt. So far he could heal himself by touching water and control water, but that was only in the dreams. Would it happen in real life too? “Oh right. Studying.” He’d almost forgotten about studying. Moving away from Annabeth, he went to grab his stuff, pulling a t-shirt on then sliding his feet into sandals. It was crazy to think that it was January and he was wearing sandals and swim trunks, “Next time maybe we can do more than just seeing how long I can stay under.” He said, turning to Ariel. He really was thankful to her for all her help so far.
“Next time, I’m throwing you to the sharks. And by the sharks I mean we’re moving into populated pool territory,” Ariel pointed out as she stood up. “I think the more you dream, the more confidence you’ll have, so I’m pretty certain you’ll be taking to the water like a fish in no time.” She smiled, then gave them both a wave. “Have a good time at study group. Or as fun as studying can be, anyway.” She didn’t really envy them.
“I’m not sure if I should be scared or not.” Percy laughed again and grabbed anything else he’d brought with him. He really did hope that he’d get more confidence the more he dreamed. He liked that Ariel already had so much confidence in him, so now he just needed his own, “Right. Fun studying. Maybe if my brain didn’t mix everything up all the time.” He waved to Ariel then headed out with Annabeth.