Guess this is a bit of a happy birthday to me ^3^ I don't like asking people to write things for me as presents, so I just write things for myself. Enjoy.
Pairings: Octavian/Percy(main) with Nico/Jason, Paul/Sally, Reyna/Annabeth, and Frank/Hazel/Leo.
New Beginnings
Second Chances
Reyna leaned against one of the columns, raising her eyebrows at the large statue of Jupiter. His marble face was craved into a mocking a expression. Childishly, she sneered at it before rolling her eyes, bringing her focus back to the statue's base. Her reason for being there was sprawled out across the floor below the statue, tearing apart stuffed animals, or what was left of them. He hadn't noticed her presence.
Sighing, the Puerto Rican pushed from her spot and approached the augur. "Octavian," she said when she was still a few feet away, having long since learned his reaction when he was sneaked up on. "Come on. The Christmas party is tonight. You are expected to be there."
Piercing blue eyes met hers, but she did not give Octavian the satisfaction of flinching. Now, it was he who was sneering. "Will the graecus be there?"
Letting out a huff, Reyna rolled her eyes. She moved to stand in front of him, hoping her towering over his sitting figure would be more effective. "My Greek girlfriend will be there, if that's what you're asking, though I would like you not to use that word in describing her." Seeing Octavian's jaw clench caused her to smirk. "Percy Jackson isn't the only Greek at Camp Jupiter any longer. You can not use the word graecus to describe him. Plus, he is your praetor. You need to show him respect."
"I will show him nothing."
"You're acting like a stubborn child," Reyna grunted. Seeing as their positions had no affect on Octavian as it would a normal person, she knelt down, allowing their eyes to be on the same level. "The war is over. We are at peace with the Greeks. End this silly feud you have with Percy and come to the party. Do it as a show of good faith. I am not asking you to be friends with him, just be civil and acting like a respectful augur!" Her dark eyes had slowly narrowed into a glare.
Throughout Reyna's short speech, Octavian's blue eyes never left hers. He did not open his mouth to repute nor argue, instead letting her get her frustrations out. Then, he shrugged and turned back to his stuffed animal's carcass. "I am civil around him. Have I or have I not avoided argument with him? I have respected that you allowed me to remain in my position despite my...previous actions."
"I allowed you to stay in your position because, despite your previous actions, you did the right thing in the end. You stop your attack on Camp Half Blood and, reluctant as it was, apologized. I've known you longer than most and know what that meant." Reyna rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache beginning to form. "Jason agreed, as did Percy. See? He has gotten over this rivalry, why can you not?" It was a long minute in which Reyna did not receive an answer. Finally, she stood and turned her back on him. "Fine. Spend your time here like a stubborn child. I expect you to come to the party." But she did not hold out hope for it.
The praetor paused at the top step of the temple, hoping to hear a retort. At hearing none, she called back, "Christmas is a time for new beginnings. Think about that." Reyna did not wait to hear a response, instead continuing on her way out the temple. This visit had been a lost cause, she knew that from the beginning, but hadn't been enough to stop herself from coming. Somewhere inside that wicked mind of his lay Octavian's conscience and, for some ungodly reason, she was determined to pull it out.
New Beginnings
"No luck?" Annabeth smiled wearily at her girlfriend, taking her hand. She chuckled at the unpleasant sneer that was her answer. "Don't worry. Octavian will come to his revelation when he is ready. This is something you can't force upon him."
Reyna rolled her eyes at the girl, pulling her into her arms. "Maybe, but I was just hoping to kick start it. Stop looking at me like that. I know you don't understand why I'm trying, I don't much either, but I am, nonetheless. The idiot needs someone to care about him. He needs someone to stop him from doing anything idiotic and ruin everything he is getting back. Since Rachel can't be here full time, I've taken it upon myself to do so."
Snorting, Annabeth buried herself into Reyna's shoulder. The smell of hot chocolate overwhelmed her, making the blonde relax instantly. "Just don't push yourself because of this. I don't like him and don't want you risking yourself just because you think he could be a good guy."
"He stop his attack on your camp..."
Gray eyes pierced into her skin. "He still planned an attack. He was fully intent on destroy Camp Half-Blood, along with all the children inside its boarders. I will not forgive him for that. I can't ever forgive him for that and I don't understand how so many people are able to!" Biting her tongue, Annabeth pulled away from Reyna. "Stop talking about him. I need to put on a smile for the party, and not a fake one." Reyna felt her heart sink. She remembered all the nights Annabeth woke up, scream, and the fake smile she was forced to put on the next morning for everyone. She remembered how long it had taken to get Annabeth to open up about those nightmares, what a relief it was when she finally did. "This was a good idea, by the way."
Taking the distraction for what it was, Reyna nodded. There was no need to get lost in all those horrible memories simply because the Puerto Rican felt like being stubborn in regards to her augur. "As much as I would like to, I can not take all the credit. Percy, Jason, and I came up with it when Jason and Nico were visiting. We all agreed it would be a nice way of moving on from the war. Don't you think so? Christmas can symbolize new beginnings. Having a small party for it, inviting the legion as well as any Greek demigods who wish to attend, is a nice way of starting one of those new beginnings."
Smiling, Annabeth nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'll be sure to congratulate Percy and Jason as well when I see them." She bit her lip and glanced down. "For now, why don't we shower and prepare for the party?"
Grin falling into place, Reyna nodded, lifting Annabeth into her arms. She ignored the squeal Annabeth released. "Please, you love this," she laughed.
Annabeth's arms slipped around Reyna's neck. "Maybe, but not when you surprise me, silly Roman. Come now. We don't have much time."
New Beginnings
Percy jumped slightly as he felt a cold pressure on his side. Looking up, he rolled his eyes at seeing Nico sitting beside him. "Idiot. Reyna said you need to stop with all this shadow traveling," he smacked the Italian's arm in hopes of emphasizing his point. It was in vein, though, as all the ghost king did was smirk in return.
"Calm down." Nico grabbed Percy's wrist as the sea prince tried to smack him again. "I got that lecture from Jason a thousand times by now. I know my limits. Plus, my father has been helping me with it, just a bit. I won't overdo it again, Percy. I promise."
Sighing, Percy nodded and, as a form of reward, was released. "I just worry about you. You're my friend and little cousin." Closing his eyes, he rested his head on Nico's shoulder.
The Italian snorted. "Little? I'm easily over a foot taller than you. Also, let's not use the word cousin. I don't like thinking that I'm dating my cousin. Though, him being Roman does help the separation some. He'd be more like my third cousin, once removed or something."
Smiling, Percy open his eyes and found Jason was talking with Reyna and Annabeth across the room. "Really? Yet you were willing to date me? Your first cousin, never removed?"
Now, it was Nico's turn to smack Percy's leg. "I thought we went over this. You aren't my type. I'm not your type either, for that matter. You got for the blonds with bright eyes." As the Italian's eyes landed on his boyfriend, an easy smile curled at his lips. "I might have found a liking to blonds as well, recently. If it makes you feel any better, your ass is still amazing." He yelped from the sharp pain of Percy punching his leg. "Ah. Okay. I deserved that one. Don't tell my boyfriend I was staring at your ass, even if he does too. You know you're always welcome in our bed, right?"
"You're being an asshole. Stop," Percy growled.
Nico held up his hands. "I'm joking Jackson. Calm down. Relax. I'm not still pinning after you. I'm in a very happy relationship and I don't want that ruined." He offered a soft smile. "I worry about you, just like you worry about me. I'm trying to lift that dark mood you're in. This party was your idea, wasn't it? Have fun."
Letting out a sigh of defeat, the praetor's shoulders to sagged. "Yeah. I guess I should be having more fun. I don't know what's putting me in this mood nowadays." Again, Percy rested his head against his cousin's shoulder. "I think it's just loneliness. You have Jason. Annie and Reyna are very happy together. I barely ever see Hazel and Frank anymore since they got Leo back."
"Let's not talk about my sister. Hazel and I have yet to have a discussion about her bedroom habits and I haven't got the chance to threaten Frank yet."
"Not going to threaten Leo?"
Nico grinned. "Hazel is more likely to hurt the firebug than the other way around. Besides, if I threatened Leo, then I've have a hoard of people after me."
Percy snorted and nodded. "You're right. I'll be with them, too, if you hurt Leo. He's an idiot for worrying everyone, but he still has that heart of gold that gets hurt far too easily."
"You're right." Nico cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes, "Hey. You're way too distracting. Enough talking about those three. You're lonely? Have you run out of blonds to fall head-over-heels for?...Also, Jason is out of the running for that category."
"I wouldn't think of going after your boyfriend, Nico. I'm not cold-hearted," Percy laughed and shook his head. "Maybe I should just get a cat. Yeah, that would be nice. I could get a blond cat and he could keep me company and chase Octavian whenever Octavian annoyed me."
The Italian snorted. "What is with this rivalry the two of you have? I know he's an asshole, but Octavian has been relatively quiet since the war ended." He frowned suddenly. "Has he been hurting you, blackmailing you? I'll make sure he disappears if that is the case."
Percy couldn't help but smiling now. A warmth grew inside him. Yes, he loved his friends. "He has barely said one word to me. It's just...frustrating! We used to fight like cats and dogs, but now he won't even look my way."
Nico tilted his head some, watching his friend with calculating eyes. "Look at it as a blessing. No good can come from Octavian," he said in a quiet voice. Taking a breath, he stood, pulling Percy with him. "Come on. It's a party. Let's not sulk in the corner while everyone is festive."
"I'm not sulking!"
"Liar!"
New Beginnings
Percy blinked and looked up at Reyna with large, questioning eyes. "Who is this from? I already got my secret Santa present." He pointedly motioned to box of the blue cookies from Nico to prove his point.
The Puerto Rican girl shrugged, frowning now. "I'm not sure, but it has your name on it." She glanced over at her girlfriend in hopes of some form of answer. She only received a frown from Annabeth.
Jason leaned over and patted Percy's back. "Maybe you have a secret admirer! I sure hope so, then I won't have to worry about letting Nico around you anymore. Ow!"
Percy laughed as he watched the two enter a glaring match. "He likes blonds, if you hadn't noticed," Nico rolled his eyes. "I should be more worried about you around him than you should about me around him." To which Percy blushed red and buried his face into Hazel's shoulder.
Laughing, the girl wrapped her arms around her friend. "Awe, stop it brother. You're making our sea prince," Hazel cooed and kissed Percy's head.
Snorting, Nico waved her off. "Go back to coddling Leo, or you'll make him jealous."
Hazel rolled her eyes and released Percy from her arms. "If Nico bothers you again, tell me. I am not beneath using his secrets to make you feel better," she winked.
Percy laughed and hugged her. "Thanks Hazel. You're great."
"Yes, she is very great. Now, please release my girlfriend," Leo grumbled, wrapping his arms around Hazel's abdomen. "She's mine, not yours. Go find your own cute girl."
"Awe. Our little fire bug is being possessive." Hazel leaned back and kissed his cheek. "Isn't that just perfect Frank."
The Canadian nodded, wrapping his arms around both of them. "Very."
Sighing, Percy tore his eyes away from the threesome. Looking around, it fully hit him that he was surrounded by couples. All of them were very much happy and in love. His chest tightened. That was exactly what he wanted. Right after the war, it hadn't bothered him. Annabeth and he had just broken up. Both of them were leaders for their camps and neither had time for a relationship. That was part of the reason for their break up. Then, after a few months and everything settling down, Annabeth and Reyna had started going out. That hadn't bothered him much. It was only when Nico and Jason had fallen out of the closet (very literally, actually) and Hazel and Frank found Leo again (they had spent every minute looking for him) that the loneliness finally came to light. Now, he could admit what he wanted. He wanted that loved feeling.
Needing a distraction, he focused back on the box in his lap. It was a light blue, medium sized box with a sparkling silver ribbon around it. The color of the box gave away who the present was for, but not who it was front. Not seeing a tag, Percy decided to suck it up and open it. Connor and Travis weren't here, so he wouldn't have to worry about the present blowing up in his face.
Percy's breathing caught. Immediately, he put the lid back on the box, glancing around. No one was paying him any attention. No one had noticed he had even opened the present. That realized, he collected his things and stood. Before leaving, he only told Annabeth he was going back to his flat, assuming she would get the news around if needed.
New Beginnings
Octavian took a slow breath, letting it out in a content sigh. It was cool and silent on Temple Hill, something that most people wouldn't appreciate, but the blond would often crave it. After dealing with everyone for so long every day, this was a welcome change. No one else came to the temples at night, so he would often stay here longer than what was considered normal.
Frowning, he opened his eyes. "Leave."
"You don't even know who I am yet."
Lazily, Octavian turned his head, only to have his suspicions confirmed. "Perseus Jackson. Leave. I do not wish to see you here." The Greek ignored him, sitting at Octavian's side. "Don't you have a Christmas party to attend?"
Percy raised his eyebrows. "Weren't you invited to that Christmas party as well?" Octavian only offered him a glare before turning away, getting lost in his thoughts again. Before he could get too deep within them, Percy spoke. "This is Apollo's temple, correct? I know you're a legacy, but how far back does this go?"
Octavian let out a huff. "My great grandmother. I'm sure there was another, further back, but I do not have a written record of them. I only hear stories from my parents," he explained.
Seeing that Octavian was in a better mood today, Percy went on, pushing his luck. "That's cool. Did your parents come to Camp Jupiter as well?"
"My mother did. My father is involved, and always has been involved, with politics. He currently holds an office in England."
"Now, that is very cool," Percy grinned. "I've always wanted to visit England. I was planning to go after the war, but I'm praetor now." He sighed, looking at his feet. "I'll get there someday. I'm very determined on that."
The corners of Octavian's lips twitched upward. Whether in amusement or mocking, Percy couldn't decide. The blond slightly turned his head in Percy's direction, his blue eyes twinkling. "Aren't you determined in everything?"
Blushing, the sea prince nodded. "Just a bit."
Octavian snorted and shook his head, confirming the earlier smile had, indeed, been in amusement. "Of course," he muttered. His eyes traveled back to the sky, watching the stars.
Taking the chance as it was, Percy took a breath. "I got a present tonight. Jason thinks it is from a secret admirer," he muttered, pulling the blue present box into his lap. Receiving no response, he pulled out the box's contents. "I wanted to say thank you."
Finally, Octavian turned his full attention to the Greek. "Why do you think this mysterious present is from me?" His lips pulled into a sneer that didn't fully reach his eyes.
"Because you're the only one who knew I had a pillow pet when I came here. Well, Hazel knew, but she has never felt the need to replace it." Percy smiled, burying his face into the soft stuffed animal. It admitted an earthy tone he had yet to identify. "You even went so far as to get a panda. You deserved to be thanked for that."
The blond shrugged and turned away, hair falling forward to hide his face. "You are welcome Perseus..."
An odd sensation went through the sea demigod as hearing his full name. No one dared use it except his mother, and she only when angry or afraid. Normally, he would scold anyone else who called him that. After a moment, though, Percy decided he liked the way it sounded coming from Octavian, in his slightly accented voice, and he would allow it. Of course, it wasn't as if he would be able to convince the stubborn blond to call him anything but.
Percy wasn't sure when he had leaned against Octavian's shoulder, but soon found himself there, his thoughts still spiraling. Closing his eyes, he took into account that it wasn't as bony as it originally looked, causing a soft smile to play at his lips.
"Reyna mentioned something to me before." The words were near silent, making Percy strain his ears to catch them. "Christmas is a time for new beginnings. We have been feuding since the beginning, graecus.I have already been given a second chance after the war ended. Instead of grasping it, I let my ego and stubborn jealousy get in the way. I allowed my annoyance at you, a Greek and child of the sea god no less, being praetor overwhelm me. Had I gotten over that, perhaps I would not have to result to blackmail and fear in hopes of keeping my position." Octavian paused in his words. His breathing was becoming shaky, no matter how he tried to hide it. "I am grasping that chance now and taking a new beginning for what it is. Do not taking that from me Perseus."
Smiling, Percy reached over and patted Octavian's hand. "I won't. I wouldn't dare take this chance from you. Everyone deserves a second chance." He closed his eyes, breathing in the air. The earthy tone filled his nose again and Percy was finally able to identify it as the tea the blond always drank during their council meetings. His heartbeat sped at the thought that Octavian had handled his gift long enough for it to obtain that tone. "What are you doing for Christmas?" It was pushed out through rushed, unthinking words
Octavian blinked at the odd question. "I will be staying at Camp Jupiter."
"You aren't going home to your family?"
"No," the augur shook his head. "No. I do not go home often. Mother does not approve of that. She wishes me to become a success at Camp Jupiter, similar to how she had once been."
Percy frowned, opening his eyes to look at the augur now. His heart sank. "Well, now you have plans." His blinding smile received a puzzled look. "I'm going home for Christmas, to see my mother and step-father. Reyna will be staying with the camp. I'll inform her in the morning that you will be accompanying me."
Octavian made a face, though it wasn't disgusted as he had meant it to be. Instead, it mirrored the confusion he was feeling. "No. I could not. We are not even friends, Perseus."
The sea prince laughed and stood up. "It doesn't matter. Reyna will have Annabeth for Christmas. She won't be alone. You, on the other hand, will. You're coming with me."
"No."
"Shush! You aren't allowed to argue." Grinning, Percy hugged the pillow pet to his chest. "Thank you for him, by the way. Be ready to leave by tomorrow morning, early. We'll be flying there. Oh, and pack for a week's stay."
Octavian was not allowed to get another word out as Percy ran off. It seemed that he wouldn't have a chance to argue. Sighing, he rubbed his temple. This could be thought over in the morning. After all, he didn't have to go. All he had to do was not show up. What would the graecus do if he just didn't go? Perseus Jackson wasn't that scary.
