Summary: It's complicated. But in demigods' live there is nothing easy. Especially when you add war AND feelings in the picture. Is there going to be a happy ending? Read to find out.
A\N:This came up to me while I was listening to ''It must be love'' by Enrique Iglesias.
It's my first one-shot, based on PJO and HoO. I hope that you like it and that you will leave your reviews in the end. I'm planning on more one-shots in the future, because the ideas just can't stop coming.
I'm a true Jasper (Jason&Piper) fan. And I am so disappointed to tell that I don't own PJO or HoO.
Enjoy!
It must be love
Jason was alone on Argo II's deck. It was late in the night and no one was around – the other seven passengers were drained and were sleeping. They all had just defeated Gaea's servants and sailed off from Rome to Greece. They had completed the first part of the quest-closing the gates of Death. They had also saved Nico, who had gone missing while trying to help them. Hazel was the happiest of them. She had thought that she had lost her brother, her only family right now. And now they were together again.
Jason sighed and lied down on the empty deck. The stars were beautiful. ''But not as beautiful as her eyes'' he thought. He closed his eyes and decided to forget the war just for five minutes, maybe ten. The other topic that was bothering him was as complicated as the battle though. Maybe even more.
Piper. From the moment he saw Reyna again, Jason understood that she was like his sister, maybe his best friend at Camp Jupiter but nothing more. And from that time he found himself very aware of Piper's presence around him.
For example, when she was entering the room, he could feel it. Always. And it was so weird that he couldn't even say it to Leo, his best friend, because, knowing him, he would going to make fun of him. But the feeling was there. Jason didn't like it. After all, he was a Roman warrior, he wasn't supposed to feel all mushy and…girly. He had to be tough.
But he had realized that he was feeling delighted and a little flushed every time he had caught a certain daughter of Aphrodite looking at him. Of course, every time when he turned around to look at her, she would be in a deep conversation with Hazel, or Leo, or Annabeth. But her cheeks were giving her away-always red.
During the battle in Rome he wasn't fully concentrated. He was always looking for Piper: if she was okay, if she was in danger. He almost got slashed when he saw her on the ground, her face full of pain and her camp shirt soaked with blood. But his Roman side kicked in and he managed to destroy the monster, he was fighting with, without him getting to a Roman salad. It turned out that it wasn't that bad. He heard his own sigh of relief when he saw Piper get up on her feet with a deep frown on her face. She then had started to fight again and that reassured him that she was going to be fine for now.
And now Jason couldn't deny that he was feeling something towards her. But he was Roman, they were in a war. That battle was the first, but not the last one and he had to be concentrated next time. He couldn't afford it to think about something else except about the battle. He new very well that a fraction of a second separates success from failure, win from lost, life from death. And he couldn't loose anyone from his friends- new ones and old ones. They couldn't loose the war either. All in all, there was too much that depended on the chosen ones and he couldn't lead them down. He had to leave his feelings for after the battle, if he wanted to succeed.
He had closed his eyes from exasperation when he heard a door shutting closed. He shot to his feet; hand in his pocket, reaching for his magical coin. He saw a figure with dark hair walking slowly to the far end of the deck. It took him only two seconds to recognize the choppy, braided hair, even if it had gotten longer during the last months.
He sighed again, getting out of a battle stance and silently made his way to her. He decided not to walk so silently after all-she could get pretty scared.
''Hey.'' He said quietly.
Piper turned sharply but when her eyes met Jason's, their color changed from stormy grey to an inviting brown.
''Hey. I didn't know that there was someone up. You should be sleeping though. The battle was difficult.'' She said to him with concerned eyes.
He shrugged it off.
''I've been through worse. I'm used to this. Roman, remember?'' he smiled at her and she smiled back weakly.
It was like someone had stabbed him in the chest. He knew that something was wrong. She was always cheerful, always smiling kindly at everyone, always the optimist. But now something was bothering her. She was staring at the dark water ahead of them. Her small smile had already faded away.
He decided to forget his previous thoughts for a moment and took another step so now he was standing right next to her.
''Are you alright, Piper? Does your back hurt?'' he asked, trying to stay calm and almost managing.
After the battle it turned out that the blood on her shirt was from a large cut on her back. Annabeth said that even the scar will fade away but, after all, that was only a day ago.
''No, no…it's not that. I just…'' she sighed but didn't continue. Jason waited but Piper didn't have any intentions to say anything more.
''You know that you can tell me everything, right?'' he whispered to her and when she looked at him, he opened his arms to her. She leaned against his chest but didn't say a word. Jason didn't want her to be pressed against the wall. He knew that when she wanted, she would talk. He was ready to wait.
''I'm afraid.'' She finally murmured so quietly that Jason wasn't sure that he had heard her.
''It's normal.'' He said but was cut short. She turned around to look at him, her voice thick with tears and her eyes-glassy green.
''No, it's not. I'm supposed to be tough, brave, cool. I'm supposed to be collected and decisive. I'm supposed to be a fighter, a hero. But it seems that I'm only getting weaker and weaker. I don't know if I can handle it.'' Her tears were streaming down her face by the end and Jason was dying slowly inside, seeing her like that. He did the only thing he thought of- he hugged her. His hands started massaging her back for comfort.
''Shh, it's gonna be okay.'' He whispered in her ear, trying to make her feel better. He honestly didn't know how to comfort her so he just kept her close. She hugged him by the waist.
''You don't know that.'' She mumbled in his shirt. He laughed humorlessly. She was right, of course, he didn't know that. But he knew that he would do anything for this girl.
''Everyone is scared. Some learn how to mask it, others-how to fight it. You are the most optimistic person I know. That's why I'm sure that you will make it. And even if you don't, never forget that no matter what I'm going to be right here, with you.'' He stated.
She looked up, tears still on her face.
''Really?''
''Really.'' He said and hugged her even tighter.
Jason knew that Piper would go through this. Every new camper has a breakdown after his first great battle. But she was a tough girl. And he would always be there for her, to make sure that she is okay.
''I will be here for you.'' Jason repeated out loud and her grip on his waist tightened.
''Thanks.'' She mumbled
He just put his chin on her head. Her hair smelled like peaches. He closed his eyes and let himself be a normal human for a while longer.
This night had shown him something. Piper was much more important for him than he had thought. But he couldn't let his feelings take control now. It wasn't the right time. Not now, but someday soon. And until that time comes, Jason could only make sure that Piper is alright and alive.
The first thing Jason new when he woke up was that everything was over. They had won. The giants were defeated. And most importantly, Piper managed to charm speak Gaea into sleeping again. Jason smiled at that thought-no more fights.
The second thought that passed his mind was Piper. Piper! She was injured. Jason tried to stand up but his head felt heavy and dizzy. His right leg and his left shoulder were bandaged. His whole body hurt.
''Don't get up. You can't have more nectar so you will have to rest.'' The voice was unexpected and he started at its owner.
''Thalia?'' he asked amused. His sister just smiled and nodded. ''What are you doing here?''
''The story is long. In short terms-I'm no longer a huntress. And I'm sorry that I didn't manage to come and help with defeating Gaea. But the fight was yours. And you won. I'm so proud of you little brother!'' Thalia grinned at him
''Hey, I'm not that little! One year is nothing.'' Jason grimaced at her.
''You will always be mi little brother!'' Said Thalia and ruffled his hair. They both laughed. Jason was so happy to see his sister. He didn't care for anything else at that moment. But then he remembered.
''How is Piper? Where is she?''
Thalia's face darkened. Jason felt cold. The most horrible thoughts passed his overactive mind in a second-stupid ADHD.
''No, no, Jason, listen to me. She is alive.''
Jason relaxed against the pillows in his bed.
''Then what happened?'' his voice was controlled. He was Roman after all.
''The battle was three days ago. She gave almost everything from her will to make Gaea fall asleep again. Piper was nearly dead when we found her, but we found her on time and gave her nectar and ambrosia as much as we dared without killing her. However, she hasn't woken up yet.''
Jason tensed.
''But that's normal. She just needs to regain her strength the normal way. Don't forget that you woke up five minutes ago.''
Thalia was smiling kindly at her brother. But still, Jason wasn't in ease with himself.
''I want to see her. Please sis.'' He begged. Thalia sighed but helped him on his feet.
''Be careful, that leg of yours will probably make some trouble.'' She warned him. And she was right, it hurt like it was chopped off and now it was healing on its own. Thalia was almost carrying him around.
''Thanks.''
''No problem. I actually missed taking care of you all those years.'' She laughed causing Jason to chuckle weakly.
''How are the others?'' he asked suddenly, feeling embarrassed by his selfishness. His friends were also fighting with him after all.
''Well, Percy is with three broken ribs, broken leg and angry Annabeth on his head. He was acting overprotective during the battle. Same old Kelp-head.'' She chuckled and continued. ''Annabeth is with broken left arm and a minor wound on her leg. Nico is with a wound on his \left side but it's already half healed. Hazel is a little scared but like a true Roman doesn't show it. Frank is tired as hell, but he managed to stay out of trouble. Leo is untouched, just a few scratches, but you all have them so it's not a big deal. Don't worry about them. They are happy that this is over.''
''We all are.'' Jason agreed while they were slowly making their way to Piper's room.
''I suggest you don't bother Percy and Annabeth. They are too happy about this and are…how he said it: ''celebrating the victory.''. Thalia snickered. She then opened a door and they were in.
And there she was, lying on the bed. Her hair was brushed, her eyes were closed. She wasn't smiling, nor frowning. She looked pale and fragile. Through the sheets Jason could see that her waist was bandaged. There were some minor scars on her face and forearms which were already fading.
Jason wasn't able to talk. He let Thalia lead him to a chair next to Piper's bed.
''I'm going to leave you here. If you want something just raise your voice- I'll be around.'' Said his sister then.
Jason just nodded.
''She's tough, Jase. You have to believe in her.'' That was her last words before she left. Then the room fell silent.
Jason took Piper's hand in his. It felt as usual-soft and slightly cold-Piper wasn't from the warm-blooded ones. He liked that feeling.
''Come on Beauty queen, open your eyes. Please.'' Jason begged in a whisper. He closed his eyes and his head fell forwards.
He felt beaten up. He could deal with monsters, furious minor gods, titans, giants and so on, but this was making him tired in a whole new way. This was destroying him from the inside out. What if she never wakes up? What will he do then, without her? No, he shouldn't think like that. He had to believe. Again, stupid over-active mind. He dragged his hand through his messy hair in exasperation.
''Please Piper.''
''What?'' he heard the most beautiful voice and his head snapped up to meet a pair of ever-changing eyes. He was speechless, trying to believe what he was seeing.
''What are you pleading for, Sparky?'' Piper asked him, her lips forming a small, tired smile.
He didn't answer. He just rose from his seat carefully and sat on her bed.
''How are you feeling?'' he asked concerned.
Piper frowned slightly but answered almost instantly:
''A little tired, sore and actually hungry.''
''Want me to bring you something?''
''It's okay, I prefer not to be alone.'' She said shyly and looked away. ''Also, you doesn't seem capable of actually moving around.''
''Can I lie next to you then? My leg is really killing me.'' Jason asked. He was saying the truth-the pain had increased.
''That was the most original tactic I have heard of. I'm impressed.'' She smiled while moving away to make space for him.
''I'm trying.'' He said, acting coy.
He nestled on the bed and turned on his side to face Piper. She had carefully turned on her side too.
''You got me scared there for a moment. That isn't easy.'' Jason admitted.
''I'm sorry.'' She answered.
He just chuckled and shook his head. His hand trailed her jaw line and she tensed. Her eyes were big from surprise.
''Jason…'' she started but was cut short.
''Piper, listen. I had to tell you this long time ago but I just couldn't find the right time. And now I almost lost you and…'' he trailed off and closed his eyes, unable to finish the sentence.
He then felt Piper's cool fingers on his cheek and opened his eyes once again. He pressed her hand against his cheek, admiring the feeling. All the insecurities, the doubt now had left him and he was finally able to tell her everything.
''You changed me. And it must be love, because I have no idea what else could it be. I can't breathe, knowing that you are endangered. You are always on my mind, and I know it sounds cheesy but I don't care anymore. I love you, Piper!'' Jason stated then took a few deep breaths. Now everything was out in the open. But would Piper accept it or say that he was too late. Will she reject his love? He was getting more and more anxious with every second.
''You…you mean it?'' she asked weakly.
He did the most convincing thing he could think about-he kissed her.
She kissed him back almost instantly. Their lips were in prefect sync. Piper couldn't think of rejecting-she had waited for this for too long. And now both of them finally had what they wanted-each other. Eventually, they broke apart gasping for air. Their foreheads were touching
''Is that convincing enough?'' Jason asked.
''Mhmm.'' Piper mumbled with closed eyes. Her lips were curved in a beautiful smile.
''And Jason, just in case you don't know it yet, I love you too.'' She whispered, looking him directly in the eyes.
''You are mine.'' He stated finally with a big devilish grin on his face. '' You are my girlfriend.''
''Yes.'' She answered even though Jason wasn't actually asking.
He then pressed her to his chest. She didn't mind it at all. Carefully to not hurt either of them, she nestled against his chest. She was feeling secured for the first time in so long. Jason encircled her bandaged waist, pulling her even closer, if that was possible. He felt her relax, her breathing became deeper and he knew that she was falling asleep again. She needed to regain her strength and he didn't mind it at all.
At that moment he felt completely relaxed. He couldn't recognize himself. But it must be love that changed him so much. He smiled and closed his eyes, falling asleep too.
Yep, this definitely is love.
A\N: So, this is it. I don't know if you guys liked it or hated it. Review and let me know.
It was actually a bit difficult, trying to present the things from Jason's PoV but I hope that it didn't turn out so cheesy and…girly like.
Thanks to everyone who had read this and know that your support is everything to me. Love you all! :))