This Christmas, didn't feel right, Piper had decided. She couldn't figure out why. She was having a blast with her friends, Percy's mom had offered to have them celebrate with her and her husband. Dinner was amazing, hot chocolate was great, and the movie was perfect. But it didn't feel right. None of it. Should couldn't put her finger onto the details. As to why she felt this way.
Percy had rented a karaoke machine and was currently singing some rendition of Let It Snow. Piper was laying in Jason's warm arms, with him leaning down to kiss her every so often. Annabeth laying beside them, with Hazel and Frank on the other side. Nico and Will were pretending not to be totally into one another (Oh please as if she didn't know what they were thinking.). Reyna and Rachel were laughing at Percy as he belted out each note.
Then Piper realized what was missing. More like a who actually. Leo, her best friend. He was supposed to be with them, singing and laughing. He was supposed to be young, vibrant, alive. That stupid boy was supposed to be alive. Piper had half a mind to drag his ass out of the underworld and kick it back down there. But... Even if she saw a bit of him now, she'd probable just cry.
"Who's next?" Percy held up the Microphone like a trophy.
No one moved, no one said a thing.
"Um... I'll go." Piper volunteered.
"Really?" Jason asked, he knew she hated singing for people.
"Yeah." She nodded searching for a song. She smiled sadly to herself, "This one's for Repair Boy."
Suddenly everyone sat a bit straighter, intent to listen. Gods she regretted saying that. She took a deep unsettled breath, "Now I'm nervous." She chuckled. No one said a word.
"Uh... I'm not sure if any of you know this, but he loved Christmas. Loved it. He told me that when he was a kid, Christmas was easier. Not because of money or anything, but because it just made him feel better... His mom loved Christmas too. I hope they're celebrating together now."
She saw small smiles grace her friends faces. Jason's smile was the brightest, teeth even showing.
"Here it goes." Shestartedthesong, "I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love. Even more than I usually do. And although I know it's a long road back, I promise you, I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe, and presents under the tree.
"Christmas Eve will find me. Where the love light beams, I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.
"Christmas Eve will find me. Where the love light beams. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams. If only in my dreams."
She looked at her friends, eyes shining with tears. She realized she herself was shaking terribly.
She sat back down, gently placing the microphone on the coffee table. Jason held her a little tighter.
MAybe Leo wasn't with them that Christmas. But he was definitely in her heart.
