caughtinanetwork | Plan 4 → [video] & [action]

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Plan 4 → [video] & [action]

[ Annabeth doesn't usually cry as a rule. Demigods don't have easy lives and most emotions can be rationalised away with the motivation of 'getting on with things'. But for some reason, this time whenever she thinks she's stopped crying somehow more tears come. It's not just that he's gone... it's also what he's gone back to.

She sits and stares at the jellies outside the bubble until she's sure she can make this video post without crying. Drawing her coat more tightly around her - Hades, it's cold lately! - she shivers and turns on her SFC for the first time since Percy had left. ]

So, I don't know how many of you knew Percy Jackson, my boyfriend, but he's gone. Just thought I'd do the courteous thing and let everyone know. [ She wipes quickly at one eye but manages to hold off tears. ]

[ooc: This is a network and action post! Feel free to respond either by SFC or with awkward cuddle curse actions out by the jellies. ]

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[And Nanaki heard about what was waiting for Percy and Annabeth back in their world, thanks to the truth curse and talking about dreams.]

Oh no...

Do you want someone there with you?

[ That's the hardest thing for Annabeth to think about. That Percy has gone straight back to falling into Tartarus. ]

Thanks Nanaki. If... hah, usually I'd say no, but if it's not too much trouble? I'd like that.

[ Nanaki knows what Percy's going back to and somehow that's a comfort. ]

I'll be there in a moment.

[And true to her word, she's there as soon as she can get there. And she'll give Annabeth a hug as soon as she's in the door too.]

Leo already knew Percy was gone. It was hard not to notice the lack of an extra person around the house. Or the fact that Annabeth had been depressed about it. So when he saw her make a post on the network, he left to go find her.

Once he does spot her, he sits down next to her quietly and gives her a gentle nudge, but doesn't say anything. What is there to say? Sorry your boyfriend is gone just doesn't seem to cut it.

She's grateful when Leo turns up and doesn't say anything. The oddest thing happens when he nudges her though - a liquid shot of warmth rolls straight through her. She turns to look at Leo at first, wondering if he's holding a hot water bottle or something.

"Did you just..." But Leo doesn't seem to be hiding anything. He looks almost as down and out as she feels. Still, that was weird. She nudges him again and lo and behold, she feels the same warmth. "Do you feel that?"

"Yeah. It's the curse. Crazy getting one so close to the last one, right?" Leo hasn't figured out all the details of the curse yet, but he does know that contact makes the cold go away, so he drapes an arm over Annabeth's back, his hand resting on her shoulder. Partly for the curse and partly for support over Percy leaving.

"Another curse? I thought we only got them once a month!"

Annabeth wants to shrink away when Leo puts an arm around her. Part of her feels like this would be Percy's job, and part also just doesn't want to be touched right now. But when warmth floods through her for the first time in a day she reasons with herself and accepts the embrace. There was no point going cold and Leo was one of her closer friends. Like a little brother really.

Gratefully, she nudges in closer to him and almost sighs with how warm she suddenly becomes. "Thanks. Seriously, thanks, this feels so much better."

"Yeah, I thought so too. Maybe this means we won't have one at the end of this month?" Leo doesn't want to think too much about the possibility of another curse happening this month.

And Annabeth was like a sister to him. There was no way he was gonna let her get so cold that she gets sick or anything. Plus, it would help keep him warm, too. And there was also the fact that Percy was gone and this probably offered some sort of comfort to her knowing that she's still got people who care about her here.

"Yeah, no problem. You can hit me up for warmth any time you want this week."

"Thanks Leo. You too. Maybe it does mean that we'll spend the rest of the month curse-free but I don't know, I'm not going to count on it."

She curls in a bit closer and gets comfy, wrapping her arm around Leo's waist. What a stupid curse, especially when her boyfriend has just been taken away. She probably would have barely noticed it if Percy had still been here. She tries not to let that bother her since Leo's trying his best to make her feel better.

"Wasn't saying I was counting on it. Just hoping. Or that maybe the next one won't affect me."

Leo settles in and looks up at the jellyfish. He hadn't even bothered to look at the view when he got here, he was more concerned for his friend than the marine life. But now that he was looking at it, it was really cool.

[It's not long after this post goes up that Dirk sees it. At first, he considers responding just via text. He doesn't know Annabeth that well, really. But that would be pretty damn impersonal, which is particularly shitty when he can sympathize with what she's feeling.

So, eventually, he pulls on a hoodie to ~~ineffectively~~ combat the cold, and goes out wandering the edge of the bubble. Fortunately for him, it doesn't take long to find her.]

Hey.

[He goes to stand next to her, but pauses belatedly. Really, he's so good at this comfort thing.]

You mind?

[ Annabeth had felt a similar way when Dirk had lost Jake recently. She hadn't known Dirk long, or even how close their friendship had been, so she'd felt a little awkward intruding on his sad times. In the end she'd gone with a text and a dinner invitation because she'd felt that would be most appropriate although she'd still felt a little impersonal doing it that way, no matter how fine he'd seemed about the whole thing.

They all had to look out for each other here though and people inevitably get closer. She finds that she's really grateful to hear his voice, even when she hadn't been sure she wanted to see anyone. Looking up at him with red-rimmed eyes, she nods and even manages a smile as she pulls her coat even tighter. ]

Sure. Thanks.

[That's actually what's on Dirk's mind as he stands there. If he's quantifying grief, Annabeth has much more reason to be upset right now than he did then. She lost a boyfriend she was clearly in crazy epic love with, whereas Dirk just got a second-time disappearance of an ex he was still trying to repair his friendship with.

But he's not a robot, and therefore has at least a little empathy, and enough to keep him from being a complete dick about this. It still takes a while before he starts talking.]

Y'know, Jellyfish glow because of this protein called aequorin. I saw one when I was maybe eight. Spent hours after that finding out every damn thing I could about jellyfish.

[Axel's usually out and about at this time of night because he's just spent the last hour or so staring out at the sunset over the dome, so when he receives this message over the network it doesn't take him that long to see her staring out at the jellies floating by.

Quietly he walks up behind her, hand in his pocket, then speaks up.]

... Those are pretty cool looking, aren't they?

[he says, looking up at the jellyfish.]

[ Annabeth hadn't expected anyone at all to drop by, so when it's Axel, she's more than a little surprised. Quickly she wipes at her eyes, hoping she doesn't look too pathetic sitting here crying. ]

Yeah. This was one of our favourite spots to come.

[ She says it with a smile but every word hurts. ]

[Yeah, he can kind of tell that she's been crying; it's not that hard. But he won't bring it up.]

Y'know, I've been here for a year now and I've never actually stopped to look at 'em.

[Head tilt]

... Did you know they don't have brains?

[Axel, you dork.]

[It wasn't that Mr. D came out to see the jellies because Annabeth was upset (although he did see her message). He was out there because it expended less energy to be angry about being unnaturally cold at something like jellyfish who wouldn't argue back... unlike people, so he'd discovered. His temper was unusually short, and the whinings of mortals was not something he was willing to put up with at the moment.

Mostly because he wanted to whine about it himself. But since such behaviour was unbecoming for a god, he'd take it out on jellies.

And so he is grumbling as he subconsciously makes his way toward the daughter of Athena. The circumstances of Percy Jackson's disappearance are troubling to him, although only because caring for the heroes is part of his obligation to Zeus. He spots her, but doesn't immediately approach, staring out at the offensive jellies with a look of pure annoyance.]

[ Annabeth continues to look out at the jellies, finding their presence both calming and sad. Percy had loved coming here at night. Sometimes you even got to see the dark shape of Fluffy the Sea Monster swimming by. She figured it was better than sitting at home moping about the house by herself, even if it was unusually cold, and at least this place had good memories.

With her attention so diverted she doesn't notice the grumpy wine god approaching from behind. She's honestly not really expecting anyone to drop by, except perhaps Leo. Sure, she's met a few people since she ended up here, but not many she would consider close yet. ]

[ Mr. D grumbles his way until he happens to be standing next to Annabeth, still staring out at the jellies and pointedly not paying her any attention. He is so specifically not paying her any attention that when he clears his throat loudly, he doesn't look to see if he's gotten her attention. ~~It takes an awful lot of effort for him to show that he doesn't care about her sadness. He has troubles of his own. No need to worry about hers.~~

If anyone were to ask, he is only there to get a fine strategist's head back in the game. Not any sort of moral support or comfort or anything foolish like that. Even though the god does know quite a bit about losses and being separated from loved ones. ]

Saber had seen Annabeth's network post, and it was obvious the girl was upset. Who could blame her? She had someone who was close to her here, and then they disappeared. Annabeth had many possible reasons to be upset over that.

The issue was that Saber couldn't really empathize. Yes, she could sympathize, but fully understanding what Annabeth was going through was out of her reach. Saber had never had a lover, and never truly felt that kind of loss. Really, she couldn't even claim she had such friends to miss so dearly..

That line of thinking had stopped her from calling back Annabeth, although Saber had left her home and began to make her way towards Annabeth's location. By time Saber gets there, Annabeth may not even be there anymore. That realization comes to Saber's mind well after she's nearly there, causing the knight to feel slightly frustrated with herself.

She's unsure what Annabeth truly thinks about her, but she does respect the girl and feels they could be close friends. What better way to show one cares than be for them in need?

So, when the King of Knights comes across Annabeth's form, Saber is momentarily relieved the girl is still out there. ..It was a good thing her feet had decided to take her out the door when they had, as she wouldn't have even likely known what to say or do if this hadn't been the timing.

Annabeth is facing away currently, so Saber speaks out before she gets too close so the girl can gather herself if need be.

"Annabeth, hello," she states, falling silent after that. What would be most appropriate to say here? Are you alright? seems almost redundant. But what else was there to say?

By this time, puffy eyes are all that's left of Annabeth's earlier crying. She's talked to a couple of people and miraculously, that's helped. Annabeth's the sort of girl who usually deals with things on her own. Even being percy's girlfriend had been difficult that way at times, with her being so headstrong and independent. Talking about her feelings with other people, especially sad ones, was not usually a luxury or a vulnerability she allowed herself.

Saber, though, was someone she felt a real kinship with. Someone who was also independent and headstrong, who fought on the side of justice. Sometimes she could swear that the knight was a daughter of Athena too. It was amazing just how often she seemed to know what Annabeth was thinking, and Annabeth was really grateful that they'd become more friendly over the past few weeks.

When Saber speaks, Annabeth turns on the stoop she's sitting on, drawing her coat more tightly around her.

"Oh, Saber hi. Out for a walk?" She motions for the knight to come closer, a tired smile on her lips.

The knight's gaze softens as she can see the look of tiredness even in the little light present. Nodding, Saber steps over beside Annabeth to join in her jellyfish watching.

It takes the knight a few moments to reply, mostly because she has mixed feelings about the situation now. Initially, she felt almost relieved that it seemed Annabeth was pulled together. That was a terribly selfish way to think, though, as that was only more convenient for Saber. She can't help but feel guilty for that type of thought arising. The least awkward and quickest way to move onto brighter topics would be to say she had been out for a walk, however..

"..No. I saw your message on the network and came to see you," Saber starts, her hands folding in her lap as she looks outwards, "and I.. apologize for taking so long to arrive. I was unsure of .. how to approach you.."

Saber's eyes close as she sighs mentally. That was definitely not the best way to go about this, but it was the truth. For something like this, Saber felt that digital communication would have been too impersonal, even if more convenient. This wasn't about her, though, and she needed to make it obvious she was here for Annabeth.

"I'm here for you if you'd.. whether you need someone to listen or.." the knight pauses, "..be here."

How else did you say that? That you just wanted to be there for someone? That was the simplest way to put it?

Edited 2013-07-04 12:51 (UTC)

[Well seeing this, Minako is sure that losing someone that close sucks a lot. This is one of those times that she has genuine concern and sadness for someone she's only just seen once. But ye, she would still consider her someone who could be a friend.]

That really sucks. It's times like this that having friends around is the best thing. Even if it only helps a little bit.

[ Annabeth smiles wanly into the SFC when Minako answers her. She's only talked to the other girl once before but she doesn't mind. She feels her usual mask snapping into place as she attempts to put on a brave face. ]

Yeah, it does suck but what can you do. It's the nature of this place. I'll be fine, don't worry. I've been through worse than this without Percy before.

[She wasn't sure what to truly make of it, but never the less a sad person makes Minako want to help all the more.]

True, but it's still a pain. They should just decide who should be here and who shouldn't. I mean, people should be with those they care about. Not have them taken away.

[Piper leaves immediately to find her friend. She can only imagine what Annabeth is feeling about Percy being sent back to Tartarus without her.

When she finds the daughter of Athena, she simply sits down next to her without a word, letting Annabeth break the silence if she wants to.]

[ When Piper arrives Annabeth feels an incredible sense of relief. One that unfortunately translates into a fresh, yet silent flow of tears. It's like having her best friend there means that she doesn't have to put up a front any longer. She hooks her arm trough Piper's, feeling the resultant warmth, and leans in against her gratefully. ]

Are you affected by the cold curse? [ She puts a tissue silently up to her eye and catches a stupid tear. ]

[She smiles a little as she leans into her friend, too.]

Unfortunately. It makes sleeping a little awkward, so I'm hoping the week goes by fast.

[When Gamzee comes across Annabeth, he hasn't actually heard her SFC at all. And while he is cursed like most of them, he's hardly cold. He's Gamzee motherfuckin' Makara. (unwanted) Physical touch is his modus operandi. He gets up close and physical with so many people regardless of curses or not. Okay, by now he has figured out the curse, but hell, to him it is just something cool. A little extra incentive to lay the cuddlemagics on other motherfuckers that he didn't even actually need.

Right now, most of his attention is captured by the colourful jellies, and he hasn't really taken note yet of Annabeth's state.]

Mind if a motherfucker joins with you?

[He says while already dumping himself down on his glutes next to her.]

[ By the time Gamzee joins Annabeth she's mostly stopped crying. If she doesn't think about Percy too hard then the tears stay away, so she stops thinking about him as best she can. She hates crying, and she hates feeling vulnerable and maybe crying in public hadn't been the best idea, but the jellies were so calming and beautiful and she'd needed to get out of the house.

So it's in a state of attempting to cheer herself up that Gamzee finds her, which is probably impeccable timing on his part. Something about the troll just makes her smile anyway. He's so amazingly... chill. Which also reminds her that she's cold and she huddles into her coat, not minding when Gamzee plonks himself down next to her. Especially not when he accidentally brushes against her and sets off a small reaction of warmth. ]

Hey Gamzee. Sure thing. They're so pretty to look at aren't they?

[It is goat luck is what it is. Goats are very lucky creatures, you know.

He stretches out his long legs in front of him, leaning back on one hand.]

Hell yeah, just perfect lil' miracles all getting their float on being fuckin' shiny and shit. How do they even know how to all do that, you know?

[It is actually meant to be a rhetorical question. No answers, please! You'll ruin the magic.]

You'll see him again, right?

[She only mentioned him, but he thinks they're from the same world, so as long as he's not disappeared or anything back home... It still sucks, but he thinks it should be a comfort.]

I... guess I will, when you put it that way. We're from the same world.

[ Roxas is right. They were from the same world and already dating when they arrived. Of course, they were both falling into Tartarus, the deepest pit of Hell, when they'd landed in Vatheon first, so knowing he's gone back to that isn't the most comforting thing.

His comment makes her wonder though; something Dirk had said about other versions of the same person arriving in the bubble. ] Wait. You don't mean... if another Percy came here?

Huh?

[Her question throws him. He has experienced different versions of people, like Hayner and Tidus, but he didn't think it was common. Usually it's just the same person returning with or without their memories.]

No, I mean... Once you go home, or if he comes back again.

Oh no! Annabeth, I'm so sorry...

Maybe he'll come back soon. That does happen a lot. The matesprit of a friend of mine just showed up again and she hadn't been gone long at all.

Nepeta, hi. Thanks. [ She sniffles a bit but she puts on the same brave face she's put on for everyone else. ]

Someone else has mentioned that to me as well. You think it's possible another Percy may show up? ...I don't know how to feel about that.

It won't be another one! The same one, just not remembering the he was here before.

[When he finds her, it's completely by chance as his attention is drawn by the sound of a name he recognises, yet it seems to be someone sitting and talking to herself. The pointy-limbed yellowblood creeps up closer, a small, almost puzzled little frown pulling the corners of his mouth down.

His attention is on her, mostly, until he gets close enough to see the glowing jellyfish in his peripheral vision. Then, his jaw drops, he leans forwards.. and abruptly falls over his own feet, hitting the ground next to Annabeth.]

Sorry to hear that. Are you going to be all right?

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Plan 4 → [video] & [action]

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( later on in the night )

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[Action] I'm sorry about him.

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