-Jason's P.O.V -

I could not wrap my head around Reyna flirting. The whole thing seemed ridiculous. And Piper helping her? That must mean the World was coming to a end and aliens were about to abduct us.

Piper gave me a smile. "You're thinking of something."

"Aren't I'm always?" I stared at the ceiling. "Piper, since when were you ever friendly toward Reyna?"

"Oh gods." Piper stared at me. "Weren't you always telling me to not give Reyna a hard time? Plus, she's leading a pretty unromantic life."

"I know, but it's weird."

"Because you want to date her?" Piper said in a teasing tone. "I'm not really jealous of you and Reyna anymore. I know you two in the past were friends, but that's all, right? Besides, what would you do without me?"

"I don't know," I whispered softly.

She leaned in. "I'm an Aphrodite kid, Jason. That's means we help with love."

"I know, but what does that have to do with helping Reyna?"

Piper rolled her eyes. "Listen up, Sparky. Did you not just hear what I said?"

"So now we're calling each other names." I gave her a amused look.

She nudged me. "Hey. I love you."

"I love you, too," I said, but it was more like we were siblings than a couple. The words were so easy for me to say, without a stutter. Could me and Piper not feel the connection? Or are we just so comfortable with each other already? I wondered.

Piper frowned, as if realising what I was thinking. "I'm going to go catch up with Thalia and Hazel. See you later." She waited for a few moments, looking expectant.

What was she-? I clumsily leaned in an kissed her cheek.

She seemed satisfied, and went out. I sighed, guilty of even thinking of not staying with Piper. We were like a Romeo and Juliet - a perfect couple. That's when I remembered the ending ended in tragedy.

-Reyna's P.O.V-

Reyna was embarrassed. And humiliated, for even admitting that much to anyone.

Why on earth would she even decide about boys? They were trouble; and she heard stories how love can be dangerous. She briefly thought about Thalia and the Hunters. They seemed happy, and free. She wasn't too sure about what they did besides hunting. Or was that just a name? Maybe they didn't hunt at all?

Reyna did date a boy before. She was fourteen, and like most girls, wanted to be kissed. She faintly remembered him. He was a strong leader, but she dumped him. Every boy wasn't her type. They turned out to be brave, and resourceful, but never the type Reyna always wanted. She wanted a boy who could challenge her, a boy who could stand up and look her in the eye, and disagree. She had found that guy: Jason Grace. Former-praetor, maybe a friend, or at least an acquaintance. It hurt her to think she once knew Jason, but he slowly ended up with the pretty girl, the one who was a damsel in distress.

At first, she underestimated Piper, which she was guilty of, because she used to be like her. Not anymore. In fact, Reyna grudgingly had respect towards her. At least Jason ended up with someone good enough for him.

"Um, Reyna?" A voice said, behind the door.

Reyna opened it, a bit surprised to see Nico. "Wow. Didn't expect to see you."

"Yeah, well..." Nico took in the room's surroundings. "Wow. I think your room is bigger than Hazel and mine."

Reyna offered him a seat across from her, but he declined, standing. Nico was not looking her straight in the eye. "What's wrong?" she said.

He shrugged. "I don't know."

Even though they both didn't speak, Reyna understood that Nico was lonely. He didn't have anyone to talk to, except for Reyna. They both had a understanding what it was like to be shunned by the world.

"Before I went on here," Nico said awkwardly, "Will talked to me."

"Oh." Reyna knew Nico wouldn't want a goofy smile, but good advice. Even though she had no clue who this Will was. "When did you meet?"

"Well, officially? Behind a bush." Nico didn't bring in more details, which kind of disappointed Reyna.

"I think someone may have a crush," Reyna pressed, and surely enough, Nico blushed.

"Well, Will is the son of Apollo. He helped me in the infirmary. You know, after the war."

Apparently, this conversation was getting even more difficult. Nico hardly expressed any sort of feeling or emotion, and Reyna was touched that he came to talk to her. "Nico," she said gently, "If there's anything I know, it's about people. You're an amazing person, inside and out. I am honoured to call you a friend. Just know that I'm always here to talk to you."

Nico nodded, looking away. "I think I just want people to not treat me differently. That's my problem. I'm already this freaky kid who raises the dead."

"But people accept for who you are," Reyna finished. "And, well...I heard that you told Percy."

Nico sat down. "I don't know why I did that." He swallowed, and took a deep breath. "The most weirdest thing is...that might've been the bravest thing I've done."

"That, and other things." Reyna started to laugh. "Oh, gods, Nico. You're fourteen years old. You will do other things besides that. I've seen you shadow travel us and the statue Athena Parthenos, even in your condition."

For a while, there was silence. Nico finally spoke.

"Isn't it weird how our lives suck but then it suddenly looks better?" Nico said quietly.

"I know," Reyna said. "In life, if you accept the bad and move on, you move forward. You've done that, Nico. You stood up to your biggest secret. But...I don't think I have."