Disclaimer: Sorry in advance. This story is full of conflicted feelings. I don't own PJO and HoO
Author's Notes: I apologize in advance. I killed some characters. Thank you getting into this new drama of probably 20 chapters. I am still thinking in the end. It's close. I can feel it. I hope to update Thursdays.
Happy Teacher's Day! Here in Mexico we celebrate every May 15th with no school. Hurray! I am staying home, probably grading papers, sniff, sniff
Read my other on-going stories like: 'Prophecy of the Strong Legacies' and 'The Beginning of the End' which are sequels. Read also my already completed stories and one-shots.
1. The Party
The engagement party was in full swing next to the Camp Half-Blood's lake. The happy couple was smiling and greeting friends from both sides. After the war, it was only natural to be marriages. Historically, it happened too after WWII.
Piper looked happy even glowing with Malcolm by her side. Nobody thought they would get together, less get married so soon after six months of dating. There were a lot of casualties in the war. Jason Grace was one of them, also Frank, Reyna, Dakota, Travis, Kate, Butch and many others demigods of both Camps.
Percy and Annabeth were still dating. Every guessed, they would get married right after college. They looked happy as they slow-danced in the middle of the dance floor.
Hazel was sitting in the last table alone. All her friends were dancing, and she wasn't in the mood. These happy occasions made her sad. She missed Frank a lot but she was happy that Piper had moved on. Piper and Malcolm looked happy together. Piper was so heartbroken when Jason died. Hazel was the same and she hasn't recovered yet. At 18, she felt like the oldest person in the room which she was in a way.
"Hey, sis" said Nico kissing Hazel's cheek. Hazel jumped lightly as she was startled by his brother's display of affection.
"Hi" said Hazel and Nico sat by her side.
"What are you doing all alone?" said Nico and took her sister's hand.
"I am just watching everybody dance. I'm not very good" said Hazel.
"I can't believe that. You are from New Orleans. You have it in your blood" said Nico smiling. He was half-joking making Hazel giggled.
"Well, I also have magic too, and I can't charm a guy to dance with" said Hazel smiling.
"Sure you can. Come on, dance with me" said Nico and pulled Hazel's hand.
"Do you know how to dance?" said Hazel really surprised. She would never imagine her brother dancing.
"Bianca taught me when we were little. I'm a terrific dancer" said Nico and soon they were on the dance floor dancing over a slow tune.
Nico was a different man after the war. He was more open to everybody, not just Hazel. He smiled and laughed more and he was just happy.
"You look beautiful" said Nico and kissed her sister's cheek.
"Thank you, you look very handsome too. You should get yourself a date" said Hazel and arranged Nico's collar.
"Maybe after you, sis" said Nico with a sad smile.
"Maybe. I'm not just ready to date just yet" said Hazel matching his smile.
"It's been four years" said Nico and kissed Hazel's forehead.
"I know" said Hazel sighing.
"Frank told you to live your life" said Nico.
"I know" said Hazel sadly and leaned her head on his shoulder. Hazel felt like crying but she didn't want to ruin the happy occasion.
The song finished and Hazel walked back to her table. Nico followed her and they talked for while over meaningless things and less meaningless things.
Nico left around one hour later to hang around with his Camp friends and Hazel stayed watching everybody dancing when a good friend spotted her and walked to her table.
"Hi" said Leo as he sat next to Hazel.
"Hi. Where have you been? I haven't seen you in ages" said Hazel smiling.
"You know, just out" said Leo shrugging. He was still looking for Calypso. After four years, he sailed and returned empty-handed every single time.
"No luck yet?" said Hazel as he saw Leo alone too.
"No" said Leo with a sad smile. Hazel smiled and punched his shoulder softly.
"I see. Don't give up. You will find her" said Hazel trying to cheer him up. Leo looked gloomy at the happy occasion too.
"Thank you. What are you doing here all alone?" said Leo with goofy smile.
"I was just looking…" said Hazel.
"For an excuse to leave?" finished Leo and giggled softly.
"Kind of… I mean. I'm happy for them" said Hazel trying so hard not to stammer. Leo sighed goofily and nodded at her with a grin in his face.
"I get what you mean. I also get sick of their lovey-dovey. Piper and her charmspeak…" said Leo. Hazel giggled making Leo laughed softly.
"They can be very corny" said Hazel rolling her eyes.
"Extra corny with a cherry on top" said Leo rolling his eyes too. They laughed softly.
"Are you drinking?" said Hazel noticing the hip flask on his hand. He seemed to be a little more relaxed than usual.
"A little. Do you want some?" said Leo and offered the flask to Hazel.
"Sure, why not? I'm over 21 about some decades ago" said Hazel taking it in her hand. She stared at the liquid inside for a second before taking a sip. The hard drink burned her throat but she swallowed it swiftly. She felt good as the liquor flooded her senses.
"Do you want more?" said Leo with a mischievous smile.
"Ok, don't tell Nico" said Hazel and took another sip.
For the next hour, they talked and drank. They were giggling and whispering in a corner while everybody danced and laughed around them. In overall, they were having a great time.
Around two o'clock in the morning, some friends were starting to call it the night and left the party. Piper and Malcolm were by the entrance saying goodbye and hugging everybody. They were a little drunk too.
"Do you want to go to my bunker?" whispered Leo in Hazel's ear. She blushed but she didn't know if it was the buzz talking or not.
"Ok. I haven't been there in a while. I want to see your latest project" said Hazel smiling. Leo took her hand and she blushed at the touch.
"Let's go" said Leo and soon they were walking in the forest. They were singing loudly trying to wake up the whole forest to continue the party.
They stopped at the entrance of the famous Bunker 9. Hazel was feeling chills of the fresh spring night and Leo hugged her. They stared at each other not knowing what to do next.
"Hi" said Leo breaking the silence.
"Hi" said Hazel blushing. She felt good in Leo's arms, better that she was admitting to herself.
"Let me open" said Leo awkwardly and removed his arms to search for the key in his pocket. Leo opened the door and they entered the semi-dark place.
As soon as the door was closing, Leo kissed her and didn't let her go.