Disclaimer: I do not own or Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus. They are property of Rick Riordan.
A/N: (*-m-) I don't know with this chapter! It's kind of a filler to introduce a few characters and get into the bulk of the story. Reyna is awkward with her feelings which she probably gets from me. . Sorry if she seems a bit OOC. Give me your opinions! Is she in or out? I need to set her straight somehow.
Other announcements: If you haven't noticed, I wrote two Jeyna one-shots. Shh, a Hogwarts!AU, and The Queen, a Game of Throne inspired AU. These were both prompts I've received via tumblr. So if you want to request one, please send it through my fanfic tumblr: inspirationsinseconds in the ask box. I'll try to do as many as I can. I've also started a five-shot story called Stories Behind the Scars. It will be updated very very slowly. Inspiration is a funny thing. :)
Thanks for favoriting, following and reviewing as always.
Chapter 4: Boys
Reyna nervously tapped her boot-clad foot against the tiled floor of the lecture hall. Between her fingers, she spun her pen, nearly tossing it across the room. There was a stifled chuckle behind her but she didn't turn, already knowing who was laughing at her expense. She pulled her phone out, quickly texting the giggler. More stifled laughter could be heard from behind as Reyna shook her head, trying not to smile. Around the room, students were nearly falling asleep to their professor's droning voice. The sun was peeking out from behind the clouds, warming Reyna's back, trying to lull the girl asleep. Right now she was too wind-up, knowing what lay in their professor's brown briefcase.
"I am so sorry to cut this compelling discussion short." The professor said suddenly, jolting a few students from their lazy position. His voice was dripping sarcasm as he looked around the room. "Now I have your exams. The average wasn't what I've expected but there's always …" He continued speaking but Reyna tuned him out. Worry and anticipation bubbled in her stomach as everyone shuffled in their seats. "Drew Tanaka."
"Hey, quit fiddling." Reyna turned around at the sound of Malcolm's voice. His seat was slightly elevate above hers as he stood up, stretching. "You'll be fine." Reyna ignored him, grabbing her bags and draping her trench coat over it. The gray-eyed boy walked down the steps to stand beside her, waiting for their names to be called. Reyna took a deep breath, playing with the straps of her second bag. "Rey, relax, looking at you is making me nervous."
"Then don't look at me." Reyna stated, shoving him lightly. The easy-going boy laughed and the tension lessened in the pit of her stomach. She envied his ease. That was probably why they were debate partners. Malcolm was one of the few people who could keep her calm. But right now the nerves were making her sick. Instinctively, Reyna reached into her second bag, running her fingers over the fabric of Jason's red sweatshirt, remembering him calming her down a few nights ago. His warmth wrapped around her, soothing her nerves. She kept his coat, unable to find time to swing by. Right now, just the memory of waking up with his coat calmed her down.
Reyna turned her body away from the small sliver of sunlight shining into her eyes. Her bed was oddly uncomfortable and smelt like roasted coffee beans and a soft hint of men's aftershave. It wasn't a bad smell, something clean and fresh like pine needles and soap. Reyna buried her face into the warm fabric, inhaling it deeper.
"Is she sniffing his jacket?" Reyna's body reacted before her mind could catch up. Her right leg swung out, kicking whoever was at the foot of her 'bed'. "Ow! Jeez, she fucking kicked me!"
"Bobby?" Reyna murmured, pushing herself up and blinked at the hopping boy. She blocked the sun with her hand as she yawned. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Your room? I wasn't aware you owned the café now." Reyna rubbed her eyes and glanced around. She was in one of Café Jupiter's soft armchairs. Bobby was nursing his shin as he sat down in one of the empty arm chair. The café was just opening up. She must have spent the night there. "You kick freaking hard, Avila." Bobby muttered.
Dakota laughed as he walked over, carrying two steaming mugs. "Morning sleeping beauty." He greeted, placing her purple mug in Reyna's hand. "You were asleep when Jason left last night. I didn't have the heart to wake you up. How's your back?"
"Fine." Reyna answered, running her fingers over the jacket in her lap. It was huge, easily draping down to her knees. It was warm like a hug and the boy who wore it.
"Reyna Avila – "
"Here!" Reyna shouted waving her hands before the professor could finish his sentence. She jogged down the steps and stopped in front of the stern professor. "Is it bad?"
"Ms. Avila," he laughed, handing her exam over with a slight smile. "Very good as always. You have nothing to worry about." Reyna let out a relieved laugh as she looked at her score. A big red ninety-eight stared back at her on top of the page. "Have a good weekend."
"Thank you, sir." She replied, slightly shell-shocked by her amazing score. She left the stuffy lecture hall and leaned against the window sill, hugging her test to her chest. A few moments later Malcolm appeared, as happy as ever. "Oh, you've actually waited for once." He commented, falling into step beside the dark-haired girl. He was dressed casually in a sweater and pair of faded jeans. He held his coat at the crook of his arms with his backpack slung over his broad shoulders. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." He teased, waving his test in front of her eyes.
"Mal, way to sound perverted." Reyna replied, snatching his exam out of his loose fingers before handing hers. Malcolm winked as he glanced over her exam. Reyna groaned. "You ass, a ninety-nine? You ruined the curve." Malcolm laughed and waved her test in front of her eyes as they traded back.
"Excuse me? We ruined the curve, my dear. It's a group effort." The two debate partners laughed as they left the huge building, walking across the impeccable college campus. The unusually decent Seattle weather allowed students to lounge outside and eat their lunch. Reyna tucked her exam in her bag as the breeze tickled her cheeks. "Heading to Café Jupiter?" Malcolm asked as they left the campus, pausing at the crosswalk.
"Yeah, I need to return my friend's coat." Reyna replied, holding up the bag the held Jason's hoodie.
"Oh yes, you're 'friend'." Malcolm repeated, adding air quotes. Reyna tried to kick the back of his knees but the boy dodged it. "Come on Rey, you're so predictable." He laughed, throwing his arms around Reyna's shoulders. She returned the hug, poking his side. "I have a few errands to run. I'll swing by and pick you up?"
"Sure," Reyna answered as he turned to walk away. "Hey, go save a cat from a tree or something!" She shouted after him. Malcolm laughed, throwing his head back. She stood there as the crowd consumed him until it was just another group of college students and random pedestrians. She smiled for a fraction of a second before turning and walking towards Café Jupiter.
"What the…?" Reyna stood in front of the familiar café. It was crowded with people spilling out onto the streets. "What is Jason doing?" She pushed her way through the crowd, slipping between the tiny spaces. The lunch hour was notoriously busy, needing at least two baristas to keep the crowds happy. "Excuse me. I just want a table. No coffee. Jason?" She asked when she finally reached the counter.
"Reyna!" The attractive blond boy cried out. He looked like a hot mess with his hair ruffled and tired blue eyes. A pen was tucked behind his ear but there were tiny marks on his cheek where the pen point marked him. "Help!" He pleaded as he turned around. He had a circle of to-go cups surrounding him. The oven where they warmed the pastries was open which he tried to close with his elbow and nearly knocked a bottle of flavoring if it wasn't for Reyna's fast reflexes.
"Jeez, hold on." Reyna ordered, placing the bottle on the counter before dashing to the break room. She dropped her bag onto the worn-out couch, peeling her coat off and grabbed Gwen's purple apron. She came out, tying it around her waist, and pulled her long hair into a manageable ponytail. "Why are you on shift by yourself?" She asked, pushing her sleeves up and plucking the pen tucked behind Jason's ear as she walked past. Their shoulders brushed as she smiled at the customer before taking their credit card.
"Usually Gwen and I can handle the rush but she ran out a few moments after I clocked in. I tried calling Bobby but was sent to directly to voicemail. Dakota wasn't picking up his phone either." Jason explained as he handed a cup over to its owner. Reyna nodded her head as she ducked underneath his arm to grab something from the pastry case. "You don't usually work."
"You should quit being a barista and try detective work." Reyna said sarcastically as she popped a chocolate croissant into the oven. Jason poked her side, giving her a playful glare. "I can handle the cash register and oven. Just focus on the drinks." She delegated before turning around and facing the huge crowd. She smiled, putting on a brace face. "I'm so sorry for the wait. How may I help you?" She greeted professionally, remembering when Café Jupiter first opened.
The pair moved efficiently after a few moments of adjusting to each other's pace. It wasn't quite like working with Gwen, who Reyna was more accustomed too. Jason had a way of taking up a lot of space without trying. Their elbows would knock together whenever Reyna turned and Jason's fingers would wrap around hers when they trade cups. She felt jittery with each touch or brush, hyperaware of Jason's presence. Working beside Jason, Reyna could really appreciate the boy. He was really good at his job, making drinks effortlessly and chatting animatedly with the waiting customers. It was like watching a magic performance, Jason as the amazing magician and Reyna as his assistant.
"Thanks Nyssa, just wait a few." Reyna told the sweet engineering student. "What is it, Jason?" She could feel Jason's eyes on the back of her neck as she scribbled Nyssa's drink down. Double shot mocha with extra whip cream. The lunch rush as thankfully passed, leaving the café full of chatting or studying students. She handed the cup over, crossing her arms.
"Do you know everyone here?" Jason asked staring the mocha. Reyna hopped up on the counter, squeezing in a cozy spot between the espresso machine and various flavoring bottles. Gwen had dubbed it 'Reyna's spot' two years ago when she worked the counter with the café crew. Gwen even created a tiny label for it. Jason's electric blue eyes met hers as he reached for the chocolate syrup. She could feel his warmth from his jean clad leg against hers.
"Not exactly," Reyna answered as she tugged the loose strings of Gwen's apron. She just always had a knack at memorizing things especially after spending so much time at the café. "I eavesdrop, not intentionally but after hearing the same order over and over again." Jason chuckled, tapping her knee to grab her attention. His lips were curled up, accenting the tiny nearly unnoticeable scar above his mouth. Reyna always wondered how he got. She reached out, touching the little scar.
"Well, if it isn't my little Rey of Sunshine?" Reyna turned sharply, recognizing the voice. A very attractive young man stood at the door with a backpack slung over one shoulder. His v-neck t-shirt revealed a hint of his tan skin and hugged his lean body nicely. Reyna's mouth slowly opened as she took in the blond hair, blue eyes and distinct music notes tattooed on his right forearm. "Are you going to say hello, Rey?"
"Will? Will Solace?" Reyna repeated, sliding off the counter, forgetting for a fraction of a second how close Jason was. The barista caught her elbow, looking at the two friends with confused eyes. Will strolled over the counter with complete ease. She hasn't seen the musician for at least a year.
"In the flesh." Will winked, holding his hands out. "Don't I get a hug?" Reyna smiled, leaning over the counter, and smacked his arm."Ow! What was that for?" She knew by the tone of his voice he wasn't really hurt. He grinned at her fondly. Will was handsome in the surfer way. His blond hair was wavy with natural highlights from hours in the sun. He rested his elbows on the counter, drawing attention to his well-defined arms. "Kiss it better?"
"No one is kissing anything better." Jason interjected, standing beside Reyna. The two boys studied each other silently. Reyna glanced between the two. "Your drink, sir?" He asked, frowning.
"Latte with cinnamon and vanilla." Reyna answered, grabbing a cup, and shoved it to Jason's chest, gently inserting herself between the guys' staring match.
"Oh I do love your amazing memory, Reyna." Will complimented with a flash of his charismatic smile. "No need to rush the order. I need to catch up with my favorite girl." Jason's jaw clenched and his blue eyes flashed dangerously before turning around, starting the drink. "I guess someone doesn't like me. You've upgraded. Your female customers must be really happy. He's a real eye-candy."
"That's really funny coming from you." Reyna countered, taking Will's credit card and punching in the amount. "But seriously, where have you been? I haven't seen you around campus."
"It's kind of hard to see people when you're out of the country. I was abroad for the last few quarters. Here," Will pulled his phone out, sliding it over to the girl. There were pictures of amazing views, shots of the beach and typical tourist shots of the Greek ruins. Reyna flickered through them as Will continued speaking. "Greece was amazing. You really should travel, Rey." She nodded her head, still absorbed in the pictures. "Have you seen anyone else from the English study group?"
"Not really. Just Malcolm." She replied absentmindedly.
"Of course it's Malcolm. You two are basically connected at the hip." Reyna bit her lip at his comment, silently sliding the phone back to Will. Jason was the only one who noticed her little nervous habit. "Now Sunshine, do you think Malcolm will let you out of his sight for dinner with me? You can't keep refusing me forever."
"Yes, she can." Jason cut in, sliding beside Reyna and placed the steaming drink in front of Will. His right hand hovered above the small of Reyna's back, not quite touching her but there all the same. "Your drink, sir." Will took it, nodding thanks to Jason before biding Reyna goodbye. Jason waited until Will left the café. "God, I thought he would never leave."
"He's a customer. Be nice." Reyna reminded as she turned to him. "He's just a flirt."
"Then I like him even less now." Jason replied, heading to the sink to clean the mugs. He had a frustrated expression on his face as he furiously scrubbed the dirty mugs. Reyna smiled slightly at his adorable face. "I mean he acts like girls fall for him left and right. What's with that smile?"
"I never pegged you as the jealous type." Reyna confessed, picking up the drying cloth to help him out. "Will Solace, blond hair, blue eyes, adorable dimples whenever he smiles." Reyna listed, grinning when Jason's frown grew with every trait. "Surfer's body, sure he's a little arrogant but he's actually a decent guy." Jason rolled his eyes and scrubbed the mug even harder. "A pre-med student with a bright future and he's a musician."
"So he's any girl's type?" Jason asked through clenched jaw, handing the mug to Reyna.
"He really does cover all the bases." Reyna replied dreamingly before laughing. "Stop pouting Jason. I'm joking." He still had a miffed expression which didn't look right on his usually cheerful face. "Now listen, Jason, because I'm only going to say this once. You can get any girl you want without trying. Who wouldn't fall for this face?" Reyna teased, patting his cheek before walking towards the cash register. "God, I never thought you would need a pep talk."
"Thanks Sunshine." Reyna groaned but allowed Jason to laugh at her expense. "Who's Malcolm?" Reyna's back stiffened and she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Can you handle everything? I need to grab my things and study." She quickly ran towards the employee's door before he could respond. Reyna wasn't going to talk about Malcolm to Jason. If he acted like that with Will, Jason would probably flip out. He's jealous. The voice in her head pointed out. "No he's not. He's just protective." Reyna murmured, pulling the apron off. "There's no reason for him to be jealous." A little smile tugged at her lips at the thought regardless.
She head back to the main room, Jason's coat held in her hands. "Jason…" she trailed off and quickly held the door close. Through the tiny window the employees' only door had, she could see Jason flirting with a very pretty girl. Reyna knew he was flirting by his body language. He was leaning against the counter; similarly to how Will was earlier. His blue eyes were focused on the young woman like he was entranced by her every word. He was definitely interested. Reyna bit her lower lip, recognizing the girl he was speaking too. She wore a pair of leggings with ballet flats and a long flannel shirt. Draped around her neck was a large digital camera held in her hands. A large camera bag sat at her hip, revealing rows of lens and other photo-related items. The girl was one of the few art students at the university. "Piper…" Reyna whispered, remembering her name.
You should have asked him out. Hylla's voice in her head jabbed. You like him.
"No boys." Reyna murmured, ignoring the slight pang in her heart as Jason and Piper laugh at something. "Boys are only trouble."
"Reyna?" The dark-haired girl turned around to see Gwen standing there. The blonde was hugging her laptop to her chest. Her emerald eyes widen at the sight of her best friend. "Is something wrong? Are you ok?" Reyna let out a soft chuckle, trying the hide the quiver in her voice. She silently scolded herself. Jason had the right to ask out whoever he wanted to. You can get any girl you want. Reyna regretted saying those words as she noticed Jason pulling out his phone to hand to Piper. "Did Jason do something? I'm going to hurt that boy."
"No, I'm fine." She said quickly, wiping her eyes and realizing she was still holding Jason's jacket. "I have to go. Can you give this to Jason?" She shoved the coat into her friend's hands before disappear out of the back entrance. Gwen stood there, watching as the back door closed with worried eyes.
"Oh sweetie." Gwen murmured before pushing the door open.
"So the gallery is this Friday, Piper?" Jason asked, confirming her invite. "It's a date." He added a flirty wink which Piper giggled at. Gwen watched as the brunette with choppy braids walked over to Reyna's table to clean her camera lens. "Hey Rey… Gwen?" The smile from Jason's face wane a bit as Gwen walked to the counter. "Where's Reyna?"
"She left but you were too busy to notice. Here." She shoved the red jacket over. Jason held the jacket in his hands, noticing how Reyna's soft subtle perfume seemed to cling to the fabric. A tiny note was fold in the jacket's pocket.
Thanks for the jacket, Jason. It kept me warm through the night.