Jason

"It's nice to meet you, Bianca."

She smiled at him as they shook hands. "Good to meet you as well."

Bianca wore a pair of sunglasses and her brown hair was tied up in a ponytail. She wore a bikini top and jean shorts, showing off her tanned skin. She reached into the truck and took out a bag of towels and a beach chair.

"Jason," Percy called. "You want to help over here?"

"Yeah,"

The warm July weather had driven Jason, Percy, Annabeth and Bianca to the beach. They took several beach chairs and a big umbrella out of the truck and Percy took out a red cool chest, full of drinks and snacks.

They walked down the sandy hill and set up next to the water.

Annabeth and Bianca giggle and whisper to each other as they roll out towels under the umbrella.

"You were right," Jason looked at Percy as he rummaged through the cool box. He pulled out a can of Dr. Pepper. "She's hot."

Percy smiled.

"Hey would you toss me one of those?"

Jason nodded and took out a second can of soda.

"Catch,"

"Thanks," He opened the can, only to have the contents bubble and spew out, spraying his shirt and face.

Jason laughed.

"Are you ten?" Percy lifted the bottom of his shirt up to wipe his face.

Annabeth and Bianca walked over to them.

"Uh-oh! What happened here?" Annabeth laughed as Percy sipped that drink.

"Oh, so you're 10 too."

Annabeth laughed and lightly punched his arm.

Percy set down the can and pulled his shirt over his head. He tossed it aside.

"Race you down to the water," he grinned, poked her side and sprinted down the beach.

"Now who's the 10 year old?!" Annabeth yelled as she ran after him.

Bianca sat down next to Jason, taking a water and opening the bottle. "So," she whispered. "How do we get them to bone?"

Jason grinned. "Maybe by setting the example."

Bianca choked on her water. She capped the bottle thoughtfully, then turned back to Jason and smiled.

"Well, I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea. Ground rules though: none of the mushy gushy shit. I'm thinking... once or twice we can booty call each other but then we're done. It's not a relationship. Just a beneficial friendship."

Jasons eyes widened. "I think I love you."

Bianca stuck a finger in his face. "Hey! What did I just say about mushy gushy!?"

Jason put up his hands. "I surrender!"

The next thing he knew, her lips were locked onto his.

Nico

The train pulls into the station with a squeak. Jack stands and stretches, Nico follows suit. They take bags from the luggage compartment and walk down the aisle.

They step out into the platform, and begin to ascend the stairs, coming out into the crowded streets of St. Petersburg. Thick dark clouds blanket the city, promising a shower of rain and sleet.

Nico looks at his watch, it's 10am.

"Lets go get breakfast."

Jack stands at the counter, talking with the Russian mechanic.

"Нет, я заказал шплинт. (No, I ordered a Gudgeon Pin)"

He's an elderly man, with white hair and a goatee. He leans foreword and taps on his ear, Jack repeats.

"я заказал шплинт"

"Ahhhh! За Jack, да?"

Jack nods.

The man turns away and disappears into a back room.

Nico laughs. "Old people, ik hou van ze (I love them.)"

The man comes back with a large cylindrical machine part. Nico steps up and takes out a wallet.

They pay and the old man walks back into the shop. As they walk away, another customer walks in.

"Shit,"

Nico looks over at Jack. "What?"

The other customer squints, then smiles at them. Jack freezes, he hands the Gudgeon pin to Nico. "I'll meet you outside."

Confused, Nico takes the part and begins walking away. He turns the corner and opens the door- the bell jingles. Nico lets the door shut but stays inside, listening to the conversation.

"I thought it was you," the man spoke with a thick Russian accent. "I think he is going to be very happy to see you."

"He's not going to see me." Jack spat back. "I'm done with him. I'm done with you all. And unfortunately for you, I can't have you talking."

There's a scuffling sound and Nico peeks around the corner. He sees Jack holding the man in a headlock: his arm wrapped firmly around the Russian man's neck. Jack kicks out his knees and, using his other hand, begins to suffocate the other man. Several seconds pass and the man droops. Jack sets him down and stands.

"So," Nico steps around to face him. "Nu komt de aap uit de mouw..."

Jack looks over but doesn't say anything.

"I think you're more than just an engineer, what are you running from?"

He takes off his backpack and reaches inside, taking out a black glasses case. "You should leave, I will understand if you no longer want me on the ship." Jack says as he kneels down by the man.

Nico shrugs. "I was not going to end your employment. Although, mercenary might be the better position for you. It would not be the first time if we run into trouble. I only want my questions answered."

Jack stops. "Alright. Then I will meet you outside. You shouldn't be in here." Nico nods and walks out the door.

He steps out into the street and tucks the metal cylinder into his bag. His breath puffs out in front of him, like a wispy cloud. The rain begins to fall and splash down on the sidewalk.

Behind him the bell on the door jingles. "Alright let's go." Jack begins walking back the way they came. Nico follows. Not long after leaving, an ambulance passes them, siren blaring.

Author's note:

Jesus, this is getting long. Should I keep writing or leave it at that? (I have a general outline for the next few chapter but I need to polish them up before posting.)