Annabeth
Falling, falling, darkness, screams, sobbing, no, he can't be gone he can't-
"Annabeth Chase!" boomed the professor. She sat up straight in her seat, fighting back tears. "Y-yes sir?" He glared at her, clearly having caught her drifting again. She'd been doing a lot of that lately.
"I'm sorry, it won't happen again," she mumbled, even though she know she could never keep that promise. She blinked rapidly and rigorously copied notes, not allowing any other thought into her head.
College was the challenge she had been waiting for her whole life. Every school had been too easy, too predictable, not catered to her needs. But college was-well, it was something else altogether. She took all of the most challenging classes, and had hours upon hours of homework every night. Some might find it tedious, or exhausting, but Annabeth needed it.
It kept her mind from wandering.
Thinking too much led to thoughts of him, and she couldn't go there. She didn't allow herself to.
But she was visiting camp next week, and there was no way she could make it through the three days she was staying without having an emotional breakdown.
Everything there would remind her of him.
For now, though, she focused on class, and blocked everything out. Work was an excellent distraction.
Jason
"Fifth Cohort, to arms!" he shouted, raising his sword. Cheers and whoops sounded behind him as they charged. Frank was in the lead, Hazel beside him. They fought incredibly together. Jason was just behind them, taking out the enemies who made it past the two, which were few. In no time they had reached the other team's flag, and victory was sealed. Hazel laughed and gave Frank a kiss.
"Excellent fighting. Could've turned into a dragon and made it a whole lot easier, but I suppose you boys like the challenge!" She winked and headed off to take her armor off. Frank followed her. Jason grinned. They were wonderful together.
"Hey," said a voice from behind him, small and quiet. Jason turned.
Nico DiAngelo stood there, grinning shyly. It was a rare occurrence, seeing the son of Hades smile. Jason was taken aback, but glad to see him, nonetheless.
"Hey yourself," he said, walking over and sheathing his sword. "Where were you earlier? I thought you said we would meet this morning."
Nico shrugged. "Out and about. Around. You know." Jason raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I don't know. How about you come with me while i get this armor off, and we can get some food in town?"
Nico shrugged, which for him was as close as you could get to a yes.
Jason quickly changed into normal clothes and they set off for the town that joined Camp Jupiter.
"Nice night, isn't it?" Jason said, trying to make some conversation to fill the silence. Nico nodded, not saying a word. He could be frustrating that way sometimes.
"What are you in the mood for?" he asked, gesturing towards the shops. "Your choice."
"I'm up for anything," Nico said, so they settled on burgers. Dinner was quiet. Halfway through the meal, Jason brushed his fingers against Nico's hand, who sharply pulled away, frowning.
"Not here," he muttered. "Come on, man."
Jason couldn't be sure, but he thought Nico was blushing. He grinned to himself.
After dinner, they headed back to Jason's cabin, which was mercifully empty. As soon as the door closed behind them, Jason grabbed Nico and pulled him in for a kiss.
He'd missed the feel of the younger boy's lips on his, their warm touch, his fingers running through Nico's soft, unruly hair. "Don't go away for so long next time, 'kay?" Jason murmured. "Reyna kept trying to get me to go to dinner. It was awful."
Nico chuckled, pulling back and looking into Jason's electric blue eyes. "And what did you say?" Jason trailed kisses down Nico's neck. "I said I had other commitments." Nico laughed outright that time, quickly clapping a hand over his mouth. They looked towards the door, but no one came in or knocked. Nico smiled shyly. "Did you specify what those⦠commitments were?"
"Of course not," Jason said. "I didn't want her trying to steal you from me."
"Uh huh," Nico said. "That's the reason."
"Well of course," Jason said, pulling Nico towards the bed. "But that's not important."
He kissed him again, and this time, they didn't pull apart for what felt like an eternity. It could have been the next day, for all Jason cared. "I have to go," Nico whispered, pulling away. "I told Hazel I would visit her now that I'm back. Don't wanna be late."
Jason sighed. "Two weeks, you were gone, and all I got was dinner and a few minutes alone? I expect a better reunion at a later time." Nico smiled and gave Jason one last kiss.
"Count on it," he said, then he was gone.
Jason watched him leave, the door swinging shut, and fell back on the bed.
How much longer could he keep this from the other campers?
