From The Private Polaroid Collection of Jack Dalton and also this post:
First Christmas after they're discharged, Mac's hair has gotten pretty long and if you don't think Jack breaks out the Legolas/Barbie/Rapunzel jokes, I respect that opinion but you're wrong.
So, Christmas morning comes around and Mac is tryna be nonchalant about this giant gift he's unwrapping and--
It's a l'oreal hair care basket. Oil treatments, masks, shower cap, the works.
The Polaroid of Mac's deadpan expression while he holds up the gift is one of Jack's most prized possessions and lives tucked away in his sock drawer.
"Your cell is nicer than mine" Nicolas said, casting his gaze over the piled costumes and painted scenery. He did not bother explaining what he meant by that. He doubted Sebastian would stay here- be allowed to live- long enough to see him in one of his frenzies.
It was when Sebastian claimed to know his secret that he turned his gaze to the blond youth. "What, that I'm dead?" His grin deliberately showed the inhuman length of his canine teeth. "That's hardly even a secret. I tell everyone that comes here. Sometimes I scream it to all of Paris." He leaned in, taunting, conspiratorial. "How innocent of you to think I have only one secret."
Reyna's place was quiet. Aurum and Argentum laid in front of the couch curled up together. While their owner sat on the couch reading The Great Gatsby while her girlfriend sat on her lap. A pastel blanket laid over them. It was an addition from Drew. Since her and Reyna began dating Drew would add or recommend things to make Reyna's place more homey.
They've been together for a little over a year now. Drew graduated from high school a week ago and will be attending UC Berkeley to study psychology and art. Reyna noticed how great Drew is at helping people believe in themselves and suggested she do something with that. And Drew ran with that idea deciding to become an art therapist, though she isn't sure if she wants to specialize in child psychology and development yet.
Drew pointed at a line of text. "Remember this, Reyna."
"Why? It's just a billboard?"
Drew turned to look at her girlfriend. "It's important if it was written in here. And it's a symbol of something mortals can't see. The eyes are judgmental like Hera."
Reyna nodded. "Juno isn't all that bad. What do you mean it's a symbol of something mortals can't see?"
"It's kind of like love. You can't physically see it. You can see it in things but you can't see it in things."
"Unless you've met Venus."
"Hmm. I guess so. But speaking of Venus she's a god. We can't see her true form just like mortals can't see the person in the billboard."
"So the billboard is a god judging American's."
"Capital 'g', Reyna. Fitzgerald is probably talking about the Christian god."
"And this Christian god doesn't like what Americans are doing."
"Yes that's what many readers believe."
"Does everything in this book have dual meanings?"
"No. I've found that only things that show up throughout or are highly detailed compared to others are symbols. Like if a detail is emphasized."
"So is the car a symbol?"
"Not sure. I know the billboard is because a teacher told me it was. Let's continue reading."
Reyna nodded and looked back at the book.
They continued reading occasionally pausing for discussion. Drew was the one who began these reading sessions. Reyna loved reading. It was how she grasped a better understanding of English. She has a high reading level despite reading mostly comic books. Because of this Drew decided to introduce Reyna to some classics and had created at least a page long list of literature she added to every few weeks.
They started with names Reyna knew like Plato and Homer. They read The Allegory of the Cave and pieces of The Odyssey where Reyna told her Circe no longer turns men into pigs but animals occasionally less smelly and easier to manage, Guinea pigs. She Also told her that Percy made a very cute Guinea pig. Drew wished Reyna had the opportunity to take a picture.
A knock on the door interrupted their quiet weekend. Reyna's dogs ears perked up and their ruby eyes turned towards the door watching to see if the person behind the door was a threat.
A key slipped into the lock and Reyna groaned. "I should have never given her a key."
"Who?"
"Your sister."
"Pretend we didn't notice?"
"Of course."
They returned to their book as the door opened. College aged Piper, Jason, Leo, Percy, and Annabeth walked in carrying bags for an impromptu sleepover (even though Percy and Annabeth live in New Rome and see Reyna nearly every day) with Nico.
"Why does Nick always describe Gatsby that way?"
"Cuz he's gay."
"Isn't the author straight?"
"Was anyone straight in the roaring 20's? When swing music existed and women wore more revealing clothing, smoked in public, cut their hair, and everyone lived in excess?"
Piper coughed.
Reyna looked up at her friends (except Leo he was still on thin ice). Percy looked like he just rolled out of bed sporting a five o' clock shadow while his girlfriend looked like she had been up for hours. Piper was as gorgeous as always wearing skinny jeans, a loose shirt, light sweater and vans. Jason looked like Annabeth, but he had done a better job at brushing his hair (his straight hair is easier to manage than Annabeth's curls), and much to Reyna's annoyance, Jason still had the rivet in his hair from the bullet Percy's brother fired at him. Jason had kept his hair trimmed like that for two years now. Reyna, Piper, Drew, and Nico were tempted to shave his hair while he slept. Nico wore the jacket Will gave him on their first Christmas together, and his mirrored sunglasses hung from the pocket. He had gotten a haircut. The sides of his hair did not touch his ears, but the top that he left long would in a few weeks. Leo looked exactly the same as he did two years ago with scorch marks on his fingers and arms and small bandages one a few of his fingers.
"Hey, what's up?"
"I wanna say that they made me come."
Reyna smiled at her little brother.
"Oh come on Nico. It's not like we had to force you." Jason said putting his arm around the fifteen year old who now reached his eyes.
"Friday night sleepover." Piper said. "We always have them."
"One, no we don't. It's more like twice a month. Two shouldn't most of you be at some college party? Three it's Wednesday."
"So we're a little early." She answered sitting on the only empty spot on the couch.
"Percy and I did all our homework that's due tomorrow early." Annabeth added taking a seat at Piper's feet with Percy close behind. She petted Aurum behind the ear muttering something about them being a good dog.
Nico sat on the other side of Reyna's dogs while Jason and Leo sat in front of him. Well, Leo sat closer to Percy than Nico. Reyna's dogs weren't his biggest fans and had no problems making it obvious to him.
"What piece of literature do you have Reyna reading this time, Drew?" Jason asked, adjusting his glasses like they would help him see the page better.
"Gatsby. We're almost done with this page. Do you mind being quiet for a few more minutes." Drew didn't wait for an answer; she turned all her attention to the small book.
Leo struggled to stay quiet. He kept opening his mouth to say something then quickly close it. He distracted himself the best he could by planning out the most fun night ever. First some of the greatest movies ever paired with the best snacks and drinks. Did Reyna even have the best snacks?
Leo didn't stay on that thought long. As soon as he heard the book close he spoke. "Okay! What movie does everyone want to watch." He dug through his bag. "I've got 50 First Dates, The Nanny Diaries, Love Actually-"
"Leo, I love you. But I don't think anyone wants to watch romcoms."
"What do you have in mind, Pipes?"
"Horror, action, thriller."
"Horror sounds fun." Nico stated.
"As long as no one throws their popcorn on me I'm good." Drew added.
"Reyna, got any horror movies?"
"The Sixth Sense, maybe Friday the 13th."
After a bit of arguing they settled on The Sixth Sense. The boys minus Nico prepared snacks. Nico and Annabeth made the hardwood floor more comfortable by adding a quilt Reyna had buried in a closet and laying out the blankets everyone brought.
Snacks were finished and everyone ended up with their own container. Nico with popcorn and chocolate chips, Jason with popcorn and m&m's, Annabeth with popcorn and butter fingers, Percy with blue m&m's, Piper with sour gummy bears, and Reyna and Drew sharing Jelly Beans and sour straws. Drew had made Piper make sure Aurum and Argentum had a plate with a few dog treats and marshmallows, and Nico had tossed a blanket over them.
As the movie played Leo Jason Percy and occasionally Annabeth yelled at the characters on screen. Piper occasionally stated behind the scenes facts.
During a particularly tense moment, Piper, realizing her hands were cold, poked her sister's foot that was barely out of the blanket making her yelp and Piper roar with laughter.
"Gods-damn it Piper!"
Piper waited a few minutes then did it again. Then a third time.
"Piper." Reyna warned.
"Alright, alright." She scooted closer to the arm of the couch and waited.
She looked over at Reyna and Drew. Drew was watching the movie one hand on the bowl of candy and the other on Reyna's, but Reyna on the other hand was watching Piper. She shook her head slowly with a slight glare. Drew, feeling Reyna move, looked up at Reyna then at Piper mimicking the Puerto Rican's glare.
Piper glared back then looked away pretending to barf. They were almost disgustingly cute.
A few minutes later she scared Drew again this time receiving a harsh kick.
"Ow! What was that for?" Piper yelped, rubbing her arm.
"I didn't kick you that hard."
"You totally did, Reyna."
Not even Reyna kicking her was enough to stop her. She tried one more time to scare Drew. This time she was unsuccessful.
"Hermanito." Reyna said.
And suddenly Piper was freezing then she found herself on the floor. She looked at the couch where she was once sitting and found Nico curled up with the darkness partially swirling around him. Actually, the dark in the entire room seemed to be moving as if Nico was making the room appear as dark as it did when she was afraid of it.
Piper settled in her new spot petting the nearest dog.
It was towards the end of the second movie when Drew tried scaring Piper. It worked only once. Piper nearly jumped out of her seat surprising Jason and Percy who were way more afraid of the movie than they let on.
Beginning of the third movie was when Reyna began to mess with Piper. She used a bit of magic she picked up from Circe and tried to make it feel like a spider was walking on her. It worked for a few moments then Piper figured it out and began ignoring the sensation.
Reyna switched tactics. She poked Aurum with her foot who pressed their cold nose into Piper's side hitting her ticklish spot.
Piper pressed her palm against the dog's nose and turned it's head away. "I know that was you, Reyna."
"I don't control their every move."
"Oh please. They would do whatever you asked."
Reyna opened her mouth to respond when Drew silenced her. "Ssshhhh. We're at the good part."
Reyna kissed her head and returned to watching the comedy. The older boys insisted on one happy movie to negate the scary before bed.
By the time the movie watching session ended Reyna was sitting between her girlfriend and her best friend/little brother. And both of them were nearly asleep on her shoulders.
"Nico, it's time for bed."
Nico nodded, sitting up and gathering his blanket. A second later he disappeared into the shadows and probably into Reyna's guest room / home office.
"Nico gone?"
"Sí, Amor. It's time for bed." Reyna told her standing up. She offered Drew her hand.
Her girlfriend shook her head. "Too tired. Carry me?"
Reyna smiled while rolling her eyes. "Alright." She picked up Drew with ease (something that made Jason and especially Percy jealous) and walked to her room. Aurum and Argentum followed, nudging the door open as they got closer.
Reyna set Drew down carefully. It wasn't the right moment to drop her on the bed. They were both too tired for the game that would begin if she did.
Reyna moved to the door and locked it.
"What kind of pajamas do you want today?" She asked, grabbing her own.
"I'm good."
Reyna turned around and saw her gorgeous girlfriend sitting on her bed shirtless. Today had been a stay at home no bra necessary day. Reyna looked down briefly and felt her cheeks grow warm. She put her pajamas away and joined Drew on the bed.
Drew kissed Reyna tugging on the edges of her shirt. “You don’t need this.”
Reyna let her pull her band tee (courtesy of Thalia) over her head. “What do you want to do?”
Drew ignored her and tugged at her shorts. “You don’t need these.”
Reyna slipped them off and tossed them aside. “What do you want to do?”
Drew rested against Reyna. “I’m too tired to want to do anything, but I’m too awake to sleep.”
Reyna turned off the lamp and rested her hand on Drew’s stomach. The pair laid down, and Reyna kissed Drew’s shoulder. “Thank you, for reading with me today.”
“No problem, Amore. I love reading. Especially with you.”
“What would you like to do tomorrow?”
“Walk on the beach?”
“Alright.” Reyna kissed Drew’s shoulder once more. “Want to go swimming?”
“Sounds nice.” Drew said quietly. “Hey, why did Annabeth say she and Percy had finished their homework early? Isn’t it summer?”
“It is. Annabeth convinced Percy to take a few summer classes so their schedule can be lighter during the year and they can graduate a bit early.”
“What is Percy studying again?”
“He started with Marine biology, but he realized it was going to be a lot of science. I think he’s doing physical therapy now and keeping Marine Biology as a minor.”
“Physical therapy?”
“Yeah. Annabeth showed him a video of a pool being used as part of someone’s therapy. He’s been interested ever since. That and he can heal using water.”
“I guess pool is not a bad thing to smell like.”
"Neither is the beach."
"Think we can leave everyone else out?"
"Maybe every one but Nico and Will."
"Will isn't here."
"For now. Nico will probably go get him to avoid being a third wheel."
"Double dates are fun."
"Glad you think so."
Reyna kissed Drew's shoulder blade and pulled her closer. She breathed in her scent noticing Drew's perfume and sweat. Reyna settled down more and closed her eyes and fell asleep.
As soon as Drew trusted Reyna wouldn't wake up at the slightest movement she changed positions to face her gorgeous girlfriend. She also moved Reyna's arm so she wouldn't be laying on it. Reyna often let her sleep on her arm only to later wake up because the limb had become painfully asleep. Then she settled down draping an arm across Reyna's ribs. Her fingers traced an old injury. She didn't know the story behind the scar but trusted one day Reyna would tell her.
She spent the next few minutes trying to relax enough to fall asleep. She loved snuggling with her girlfriend, but said girl was always a furnace. Don't get her wrong, she felt incredibly lucky to have someone as amazing as Reyna. She would have never expected to be this happy a year ago, and yet here she was laying with the hottest girl ever.
She adjusted the blanket so her feet would stick out and settled back down.
She was nearly asleep when a whimper startled her awake. She lifted her head and spotted the source. Two sets of glowing ruby eyes were watching her. "Come on." She whispered.
Given permission the two fully grown greyhounds jumped on the queen bed. The siblings spun around a several times (accidently hitting each other a few times) and plopped down laying on the teens' feet.
The cold metal was too cold for comfort; Drew pulled her feet out from under the dog and instead lowered the blanket uncovering her shoulders. Drew relaxed once more and fell asleep.
Read it here or on AO3. Let me know what you think
Nico looked at the gift Reyna gave him. It was still trying to figure out what it was. If it was up to him he would have already ripped it open, but he had to wait. Will asked him to wait until after dinner to open presents, and Nico who hadn’t celebrated Christmas in years agreed.
He was in his cabin with Will and one of Will’s sisters. The two children of Apollo insisted on decorating the place yesterday. Nico was surprised the place had turned out good. Maybe it was the way the natural dark of the cabin mixed well with the red and green’s of Christmas. Or maybe it was the way the low light was reflected off of the metallic looking decorations.
Will and his sister were trying to make a section of floor comfortable with blankets they found around the cabin. It was not working. Will decided to go to the Apollo cabin to get better blankets and a few festive ones. On his way out he kissed Nico on the head. “When I get back we can open presents.”
“Thank you for letting me spend the holiday with you and Will in your cabin. And for letting me decorate the place.”
“It’s not a problem. I think Reyna would have been upset with me if she found out I celebrated without decorating.”
Will placed a large box in Nico’s lap and sat in front of him smiling. “I hope you like it.”
The wrapping paper was pulled off and Nico was looking at a plain clothing box. He looked at Will seeing the teen’s bright, dorky smile like he couldn’t contain his excitement. He smiled softly and kept his eyes on his boyfriend as he opened the box.
Nico’s eyes went wide. It was mirror sunglasses and an aviator jacket. How did he know to get me this?
Setting the sunglasses aside Nico slipped on the jacket. It was big on him, but comfortable like the one that got destroyed by werewolves. “Thank you, Will.”
“So you like it?”
“Of course. How did you know?”
“Reyna told me your other one got torn apart. Drew helped me find it.”
“Does that mean I have to thank her too?”
“No. But don’t tell her that.”
“I won’t.”
“You still have the gift from Reyna. Let me get it.” Will picked it up surprised by its weight. “What is it? It’s heavy.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out since she gave it to me.”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Open it.”
Nico did. He struggled to rip the tape on the box; Will cut one side of it and the box opened.
Nico jumped up surprising Will. He was jumping up and down. “Oh. My. Gods! I can’t believe it! Will, This is amazing.”
“What is it?”
Nico sat back down and began taking out the figurines and deck of cards. “This is Myth o Magic. The greatest card game ever. And it's a complete set. How did she find this? Have you ever played?”
“No.”
“I’ll teach you.”
Nico pushed the box aside and began setting up while explaining the rules. Will listened intently as Nico handed him his cards. They started with a trial round to teach Will and his sister the rules. The next round was for keeping score, and so was every round after that.
Will’s sister dropped out after a few rounds leaving the younger teens to laugh. They laughed and played round after round until they were both too tired to continue.
It was Nico's best Christmas that he could remember.
This is the final part of this fic. Let me know what you think, if you have any questions or if their are any obvious grammar errors. Only part one is on here, but you can read the rest of the fic here.
Lacy and Valentina knew something was up with Drew since she returned from New Rome. Well, Drew had been acting a bit nicer since she began talking to Reyna but this was different. Drew actually listened to their ideas and was a bit more helpful when it came to beauty tips. When either one of them asked her what was up Drew would act like nothing was wrong and add something snarky to prove it. She also would avoid talking about Reyna and hardly said her name. Valentina and Lacy were going to find out why and they needed Piper’s help.
Piper knew something had happened between Drew and Reyna since she first spoke to Reyna the day after Drew left. She seemed happier and when Piper pointed it Reyna would say there'd been less problems with the legion giving her a few more minutes to relax. Piper bought none of it but let it go until Reyna and the Legion arrived at camp. Drew would talk to Reyna briefly then disappear for hours and she knew from Reyna, Lacy and Valentina that they were close and would probably spend every spare second together if they could.
What really told Piper something was going on between them was when she found Drew watching Reyna train. Piper understood that watching Reyna train was fascinating.She was toned, agile, and strong, and today she was wearing leggings and a sports bra which showed off just how much muscle she had. Even Piper got lost for a few seconds. Focus.
Piper turned her attention back to Drew who had scooted a bit closer. She had a small smile and her eyes were carefully taking in Reyna’s form. It reminded her, a bit, of Annabeth whom Piper had once caught watching Percy so intently that when Piper walked up behind her and asked why she had jumped and quickly answered with something along the lines of ‘for science’. The only difference was Drew was further away from Reyna than Annabeth was to Percy. Part of Piper wanted to scare Drew but decided instead to talk to Reyna.
“Hey, I thought Drew was done with the stalking?”
“She is.”
Piper looked back at Drew. Was she pouting? “Then what is she doing?”
“Watching.”
“And you’re not bothered by it?”
“Not at all. I don’t think it’s that different from when you watch me train. I know you were watching me a few seconds ago.”
Damn, she did see me. “Why do you notice everything?”
“Training. Speaking of which, can I get back to it? I'm sure we can talk more later.”
“Yeah sure.”
Piper was leaving the training grounds when Lacy approached her. “Piper, can I talk to you about something?”
“Is something wrong Lacy?”
“Yes, and no. Drew has been acting nicer than usual, and Val and I think it has something to do with Reyna because Drew used to talk about Reyna a lot, but she stopped a few months ago.”
“So Drew and Reyna are acting differently.”
“Val and I want to figure out why, but we need your help since you’re friends with Reyna.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“When Silena was cabin leader if one of us was acting weird Silena made all of us sit in a circle and we would talk about it.
“An intervention of sorts.”
“I guess.”
“We need to get them in the cabin without them knowing what we’re doing.”
The sisters came up with a plan and began letting other siblings know to put the plan in motion. That night after the campfire, Piper would bring Reyna to her cabin for a sleepover. There she would figure out why Reyna is acting different.
A few hours later Piper and Reyna were walking together. Piper looked down and noticed something sticking out of one of the pockets on Reyna’s belt.
“What’s that?”
“Nothing.”
“So then you can show me.”
“No. It’s not yours.”
Piper tried reaching for it only to be held back by Reyna. She tried again and again until she managed to grab it. She opened her hand and found a flower without the stem. It was made of violet tissue paper and had a chocolate in the center. Piper had crumpled many of the petals.
“A flower?”
“I told you, it’s not for you.” Reyna sounded angry, but when Piper looked up she looked sad like a grade schooler whose project was just trampled.
“Why don’t we talk about this in my cabin. I’ll help you straighten out the petals.”
“Alright. But I’m mad at you.”
In the cabin they found many of Piper’s siblings to be inside. Piper led Reyna to a bed and handed her back the flower.
Piper walked to Valentina and whispered “Find Lacy and Drew. Take your time but not too much.”
She walked back to Reyna and began to help her fix the problem Piper caused while muttering apologies as they worked.
Drew followed Lacy and Valentina back to their cabin. She was told one her siblings was having a fashion emergency and Drew needed to settle a debate. Drew was happy to help her siblings look their best. After all she was very fashionable, but when she entered the cabin she was concerned. Her reine was sitting on a bed and siblings were nearby prepared for a gossip session.
“Reyna. What are you doing here.”
“They said I couldn’t leave, and I didn’t feel like fighting.”
“What’s going on between you two?”
“You knew about this, Dear.”
Lacy smiled. “I know you could have predicted this would happen. You’ve been acting different for months.”
“If it’s any consolation,” Piper added. “Reyna has been acting a bit different.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, please. Reyna, you’ve been happier. I love that for you, but you go from talking about where you took Drew to avoiding talking about what actually happened. And the flower.”
“Flower?”
Reyna held out the paper craft. And Drew’s eyes went wide.
“You remembered?”
“Of course. You said any accomplishment deserves to be celebrated.”
“I did.” Drew examined the flower noting the wrinkled petals and knowing Reyna wouldn’t be so careless. “Okay, which one of you messed up the petals.”
“That would be Piper.”
Drew narrowed her eyes.
“She did help make it better.”
“It is beautiful.” Drew sat next to Reyna. “So tell me, how many times did you have make this.”
“Six I think.”
“Okay before you two get really cute we need the whole story,” One of Drew brothers said.
“I’m guessing we’re not getting out of this.”
“Absolutely not, Drew.”
“Alright. Where do you want me to start.”
“Your trip to New Rome in February.”
Drew nodded and began with when Nico dropped her off. She told the story with as much detail as she could remember. Over time she began to get closer to Reyna. It started with holding hands. Drew reached for Reyna, stopping just short of her hand. Reyna met her the rest of the way. Then Reyna had her arm around Drew. Finally, Drew ended up sitting between Reyna’s legs with her hands resting over her girlfriends on her stomach. Drew made it through the last four months. Their first kiss, letters after Drew left, and Drew’s nickname for Reyna (Reine).
Reyna give her input now and then either correcting Drew on some details or adding something Drew missed. Other than that she remained quiet, content with holding Drew.
And the entire Aphrodite cabin was happy for them. As Drew told the story they all listened carefully with occasional “Aw”. Piper and a few others asked Reyna questions through out the story that she answered.
“So it’s your anniversary. And you need a date. Or do you already have something planned?
“We can help with it.”
“What do you have in mind?”
Different siblings began to give their ideas. “There’s the beach.”
“Oo. the beach. Dinner under the stars.”
“Or you can leave for dinner and sneak back in later.”
“Or the Artemis cabin. No one is ever in there. And I don’t think she’ll mind.”
“Or here. We can make this place look nice.”
“Either way we can cover for you.”
“I think we’re going to let go of the beach. What do you think, Reine?”
“It was the first date and the trip to Oakland. I don’t mind where we go as long as I get to spend time with you.”
“Aw, that’s sweet. You know, you planned all the last activities, let me plan this one?”
“Of course.”
“How about here, for dinner?”
“Alright, but there is one problem with that. How are we supposed to get food in here?” Lacy asked.
“The tent the Hunters gave me contains fresh fruits, always. I can leave it here for a bit.”
“I might be able to get some other things, and we can always pick up meals.”
“There should be snacks in the camp store and if not, Will keeps some snacks in the med bay,” Drew added.
“We’ll figure it out. You two do whatever you think you need to,” Lacy said.
About two hours later just before the cabin went to the mess hall Valentina and Piper led Reyna and Drew back to their cabin. The entire cabin had done a great job of making the place date worthy. They laid out a few soft blankets on the floor with a tray of assorted fruits and what looked like chicken and mac n cheese. Candles were laid out at various points of the cabin and at some point incense were burning making the cabin smell like roses.
Drew’s siblings bust into a collection of voices asking if they liked it, hopes that they have fun (but not too much as a brother had said). Drew gave many of them hugs as they left. Reyna gave Piper a thank you and told Aurum and Argentum to move to the side.
Reyna and Drew sat next to each other sharing the bowl of chicken mac n cheese. They talked and had a good time. Even Aurum and Argentum were relaxed laying on the edges of the blanket. Drew kept the flower Reyna made her admiring it in the light. She never had anyone she dated before make her something.
“I got you something too.” Drew placed a wrapped package in front of Reyna.
“What is it?”
“You’ll have to open it, ma reine.”
Reyna did. It was the Wonder Woman comic Reyna wanted to read, but she hadn’t found the time to go to buy it. “Thank you mi amor. How did you know this was the one I needed?”
“You told me which one you were reading in your letters, so I did a bit of math to figure out how long it would take you to read a book and guessed which one you would be on. Then you told me you couldn’t find the time to go buy it so I did and hopped you didn’t.”
“You did math?”
“You know, I’m actually fairly good at math.”
“I’m sure you are.”
They were both silent for a few seconds.
“Reine.”
“Yes, mi amor.”
“Tu es mon amour.”
“Lo sé, tú también eres mi amor. I’m glad you said it though.”
“How much French do you know.”
“Only the parts that sound like Spanish.”
“Wanna learn more?” Drew asked leaning closer.
“I’m sure I can.” Reyna said meeting Drew’s lips. “How good of a teacher are you?”
“Don’t know, I’ve never taught anyone before.”
“I guess we’ll find out.”
The cabin members returned to find Reyna holding Drew whispering in her ear, making the asian laugh. Her gold and silver dogs were curled up nearby. All of Drew’s siblings found it adorable and very domestic of their sister.
“Was your date good?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Piper, Lacy, Valentina, and others joined them on the floor.
“You guys are adorable.”
“Thanks.”
“We’re always happy to help.”
“A few wondered where you were at dinner. I told Frank that you were taking a nap and not to bother you unless he wanted to clean the stables.”
“Thank you, Piper.”
“Seriously, though, Drew? Of all the people you could have dated.”
“Hey!”
“She can be nice. She’s smart too.”
“I can be nice to everyone but you.”
“Does that mean I can be rude to you?”
“Nope. My girlfriend might beat you up.”
“Will not.”
“Aw why not?”
“Don’t get into a fight that isn’t necessary.”
“Not even because someone is bullying your girlfriend.”
“Drew, amor, Piper only picks a fight with you because you sassed her first. And you’re both stubborn.”
“Am not!” protested the sisters.
They let go of their petty argument fairly quickly letting the cabin dissolve into chatter about the day filling Drew in on what she missed during her date until they all decided to go to bed.
Reyna laid down first holding up the blanket for Drew who settled in pressed against Reyna. The blanket covered both of them and Reyna put her arm around Drew providing enough support so she wouldn’t fall off of the twin mattress. Reyna fell asleep with the faint smell of hibiscus and cinnamon hitting her nose.
In the morning she woke to voices saying she and Drew looked so cute, “I didn’t know Drew could sleep so long,” “They look so peaceful,” and “should we wake them?” Reyna sat up carefully causing a few of Drew’s siblings to jump.
Everyone quickly recovered. Reyna slipped on her boots, Drew got ready for the day, and as others finished getting ready for the day they chatted on their beds waiting for everyone to be ready to go to the mess hall.
At the mess hall Reyna went to check on Frank before heading to the Aphrodite table.
“Everything went well last night?”
“Yes. Where were you last night? Piper said you were taking a nap?”
“I was tired.”
“Is that- are you wearing Drew’s perfume?”
“I slept in the Aphrodite cabin. Perfume is the smell of the place.”
“Okay.” Frank said. He wasn’t sure whether or not to believe it.
Drew reached for Reyna’s hand as soon as the teen sat down. She held it the entire time she was eating and sat a bit closer no longer concerned with her siblings finding out. Part of her loved the idea of sharing this with them, but when it was a secret it was fun too. Though finding them to be so supportive reminded her of the way the cabin was when Silena was cabin leader, and that was something Drew found to be amazing.
Later that day everyone gathered in the arena to settle the debate over which camp was better. They were going to select one person from each camp to run in a foot race. Campers on both sides were trying to decide who should go. Aries and Mars cabin members challenged each other for the spot and the rest looked between their cabin leaders and their cabin or their Praetors and their friends.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Reyna yelled. “I’ll do it.”
Every one fell silent. Who ever Camp Half Blood chose would be up against the Praetor. Annabeth began whispering to the other cabin leaders and others began talking once more.
A voice cut through the noise. “I can do it.”
Everyone turned to the direction of the person’s voice. Members of the Aphrodite cabin moved out of the way revealing Drew as the source. “I can do it.”
“Drew, no offence, but this isn’t the time.” Annabeth said.
“Annabeth, Drew is a fast runner.” Will said.
“I was invited to join my school’s track team.”
“I’ve never seen anyone faster. She helped me out during the war running supplies to others in my cabin and bringing the injured out of the battlefield.”
The cabin leaders whispered to each other once again until Clarisse spoke up. “Some one in the Aphrodite Cabin used to go on runs with Silena. Silena said they often beat her in races. And anyone who knew Silena knows she was the fastest on her school's team. Was that you, Tanaka.”
“Yes.”
“Alright,” Annabeth said. “You can run. You and Reyna change into appropriate clothes and meet back here in five. We’ll set up.”
Five minutes later Reyna and Drew showed up in proper running shoes. Reyna wore grey joggers and a matching crop top. Drew wore black leggings that transitioned to pink and a matching pink sports bra. Frank handed Reyna Camp Jupiter tank top while Piper handed Drew a similarly designed Camp Half blood tank top.
In five minutes campers smoothed out the arena’s dirt track and added the line that would serve as the start and finish line. The two racers were lined up toes touching the line.
“I hope you two at least stretched before this.” Will said.
“Okay,” Clarisse began. “At the sound of the flare gun you two will run to prove which camp is better.”
Leo looked excited as he stepped up holding the flare gun. Where he got it no one knew. “Alright, people count down with me.”
“On your mark!”
“Get set!”
“GO!”
Reyna and Drew took off. Campers yelled encouragement. As Reyna and Drew approached the first curve they appeared to be teasing each other. One would speed up making the other follow. Then they would slow down briefly. Camp Half blood (and anyone who missed Reyna and Drew’s run in February) were shocked that Drew was keeping up with Reyna.
As they approached the second curve Drew began to sprint. Reyna cursed and followed. They kept getting just a step ahead of the other. Just steps before the finish line Drew tripped just barely catching Reyna’s foot taking Reyna down with her.
They both crossed the finish line.
Reyna laughed and asked Drew if she was okay.
“Yeah, I’m fine. You?”
“I am.”
Drew kissed Reyna. They could hear the people freaking out around them. When Drew pulled away Reyna whispered “I think everyone knows.
Reyna stood up. She felt a bit of pain in her ankle, but she could put her weight on it without much problem. She offered Drew her hand and pulled her girlfriend to her feet.
Drew winced and moved to balance on her toes on her foot. “Does your ankle hurt this much?”
“No, not really.”
“How long have you two been together, Reyna?” Annabeth asked at the same Will said, “What the hell, Drew. I thought we were friends. You’re supposed to tell me these things.”
“Sorry, Sweetheart.”
“Not long.”
“You two hurt?”
“Nothing I can’t handle, Will.”
“I’m alright, Hon.”
“Damn, Tanaka. You were holding out on me.”
“I am not being your target so you can practice your aim.”
“Since you crossed the finish line together it means both camps are equals.” Frank said.
Shortly after everyone left returning to their usual routines leaving Drew, Reyna and much of the Aphrodite cabin in the arena.
“I think I need a nap, Reine.”
“Then let's head to your cabin.”
They began slowly walking. They didn't make it very far. Drew’s ankle hurt more than expected. Reyna rolled her eyes and offered to carry Drew. She accepted. It was fine until they were about 100 meters from the cabin. Turns out Reyna’s ankle did not like the extra weight it was supporting, but Reyna pushed through.
Drew was placed on her bed, and Piper- who stopped to see Will- offered them ice packs. Drew and Reyna sat next to each other on Drew’s bed elevating their ankles and icing them. Reyna offered Drew some of her water mixed with lemon and unicorn draught.
After a few moments Drew placed her hand on the center of Reyna’s chest. “Can I lay here?”
“Yeah.”
Drew patted Reyna’s arm. “Up.”
Reyna listened and adjusted her position to accommodate Drew. Once Drew was settled Reyna returned ro reading her new comic book. She went to turn the page when Drew stopped her. “I’m not finished reading yet.”
They read the story together. Drew asked Reyna frequent questions and Reyna was more than happy to answer them. Drew loved how excited Reyna sounded talking about the particular comic series but also related facts. She continued to ask questions, grateful that Reyna didn’t tell her to stop talking. She looked over at the bunk that used to be Silena’s and smiled remembering one of the many nights when they were younger where Silena told her that love could be found in even the simplest of things, and Drew believed it.
