Hello Hello! Lev here. Accepting Mortality should have an update out soon! I have the next two day's off so I'm going to make sure that I can get that done here soon. Anyways, I'm now hype fixated on Preyna. Why? Who knows. I can't find enough good books to satisfy my hunger for it so... You know. Here we are. I am aware that it seemed kind of rushed but I couldn't exactly make a whole story based off it now could I? I've already been neglecting my wonderful Pertemis books. I do have an idea on a full length gladiator style Preyna story though. Maybe one day. Without further ado, read on.


There were many things that could be said about the Son of Poseidon. He was the bane of many monsters and immortals alike. He was fearless and had the humor of a grumpy old man. Pissing things — Immortals — off was Percy's hidden talent. It's just like… an automatic switch that turned on whenever he was within 100 feet of a god. Did he regret the things he said? Well, sometimes. Most of the time though? He really didn't care. And yet he found himself sitting on the porch of his home in New Rome. A half empty beer bottle hung out of his left hand, half hanging over the side of his chair. He was blinking rather slowly and seemed to be lost in thought. His right hand half covered his face, his eyes clouded and unfocused.

Truthfully? Percy wasn't thinking much besides the last fight he had with Annabeth. Now, usually Percy didn't regret what he said but in that moment he regretted everything he had said. Spiteful and angry that Annabeth had once again brushed off their plans like nothing he had lashed out. Deep down he was just bitter and hurt that the girl had completely ignored his feelings.

"I shouldn't have came to this fucking city! We were supposed to come here and relax. Relax and start a life together but all you're doing is going out with your stupid brainiac friends and brushing off every attempt I make to hang out with you. Fuck you, Annabeth Chase. Fuck you for not caring enough about us to realize I'm hurting."

Of course, That wasn't the right thing to say because the look of rage and hurt that filled her eyes was enough to immediately regret what he had said. He had tried to apologize but she wasn't having it. She had walked into their shared closet and started to pack her things. Percy had tried to stop her, grabbing her arm and begging her to just talk to him. She kept telling him to leave her alone but he had refused. Ultimately Annabeth pulled her arm back and knocked him out. He had a nasty black eye and broken nose the next morning.

They haven't spoken since then. Hell, it was a feat of its own to even get the man to leave their— his house. It had been roughly two weeks since they had fought and everything between the two of them had been radio silent. Percy didn't try to speak with her and Annabeth wanted nothing to do with him at the moment other than a text saying she couldn't do it anymore and a blocked number.

Percy respected her decision and didn't even try to reach out. As much as it killed him to not speak with the girl he had spent the last 9 years of his life fighting every major challenge in his life with, he wouldn't make a bigger fool of himself. He scowled down at the beer in his hand. It had caused his emotions to inflate that night and caused much of the issues within their relationship. Percy wasn't an alcoholic by any means but there were also moments where his emotions went out of control. Shame filled his stomach as he found himself being reminded of Gabe. He had never and would never lay his hands on someone while intoxicated, much less sober.

He cleared his throat and set the bottle of beer at his feet. He buried his face in his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. Shame was still filling his gut as he thought about his actions. Of course Annabeth wasn't an innocent party either. She had also contributed to the downfall of their relationship thoroughly. She had started brushing him off, too focused on school and her work to keep making plans with him. At first it had been wonderful living in New Rome with her. He had been so utterly happy to start a life with her. Their house having an empty room that they would always whisper out late at night. Percy had even gone out of his way to ask Lady Athena for permission to marry her daughter. The ring hiding in their now half empty closet.

The permission from Athena was really biting him in the ass now because all he dreamed about recently is owls staring at him in disapproval. Definitely the Greek Goddess expressing how disappointed in him she was. While Annabeth and Athena weren't what you called civil Annabeth was still her daughter.

All of their friends had come by to talk to him, expressing their concerns but otherwise Percy knew they took her side. Percy had been the one to take it too far and as such he had caused their relationship to crash. Piper had even said they were all waiting for it to happen. The tension between Percy and Annabeth had been thick.

"How did we go from holding each other at night to one of us sleeping on the couch to avoid another." Percy muttered bitterly to himself.

Looking back out at the setting sun, he sighed and stood up. Pitying himself would not help him, he needed to pick himself back up. Thankfully summer break had just started, that gave him 3 months respite before college came to add more annoyance in his life.


Percy leaned over the shopping cart, his shoulders hunched in. He had a hoodie on and sunglasses hiding his face. Listen, He knew he said he wouldn't pity himself but the past 3 days have just been Percy laying in bed and doing nothing but taking showers to replenish his hunger and energy. It wasn't the most ideal thing because it wasn't the ocean but it certainly helped him get at least some semblance of energy.

Standing at an easy 6'1, The Demigod was definitely one of the taller people in New Rome. He was just glad he didn't have bulging muscles that would definitely point him out. He had a swimmers build which allowed him to collapse into himself, something that definitely helped him in this situation. He was already wearing the sunglasses when he walked in trying to hide the now faded purple and yellow bruise covering his right eye, he had seen Annabeth alongside Piper and Hazel. That had quickly caused the Son of Poseidon to cower in on himself.

Of course the one day Percy finally manages to gather the courage to leave the house she's there. Is he that surprised? No. He can't say he's really that surprised the fates love to toy with him. He was fairly sure they loved to jumble up his life string and toss it to their 50 cats. As he was trying to walk into the demigod store he swore he cowered so low he probably looked to be 5'4. Still that seemed to just point himself out to the group of girls. All of them turned to stare at him and he swore he whimpered ever so slightly.

Percy expected Annabeth to glare at him but instead she frowned and her stormy gray eyes watched him pitifully. Piper leaned closer to Annabeth and whispered something to her. Hazel nodded her head and agreed with whatever Piper had said. Annabeth seemed to contemplate her words before setting the book she had been holding down back on the table she had grabbed before starting the walk over to him.

He gulped and quickly started to walk faster and in the opposite direction. Percy did not want to deal with the woman in front of him. He felt terrible for avoiding her but there was no way he was going to sit there and let her apologize for punching his lights out. He had deserved it but apparently Annabeth was not going to take that sitting down. She sped up after him and grabbed the sleeve of his hoodie.

Percy let out a low sigh and hung his head in defeat. He shook slightly before whispering hoarsely, "Annabeth, I don't think I'm ready to talk about what had happened. Maybe soon, but not today."

For a second, He thought she was going to argue judging by the sharp intake of breath she had taken before sighing heavily. "Okay Percy, When you're ready to talk you can find me at Piper and Jason's."

Without another word she had walked off and he was alone. His stomach knotted terribly and he felt like his heart was going to leap out of his throat. He had been so close and yet so far. He couldn't possibly speak with her at the moment though, there was no way he could face Annabeth. He just wasn't ready for it.

Continuing on into the store, he set off to try and get some food. He had dwindled the supplies that he had. Of course it wasn't much to start off with but still. His body was definitely showing signs of the little eating he had done within the past 3 weeks. Looking around the frozen isle he had walked down too, he zeroed in on the frozen pizzas. He contemplated within himself, did he want to eat the frozen pizza instead of the fresh meals he used to cook? Yes, Yes he did.

With confidence in his stride he hadn't had in a long time he walked straight for the pizza. Unfortunately that focus meant he was not looking at anything else around him so he crashed into someone. The person he had walked into let out a loud groan. Percy started to rub his chest. A shoulder to his sternum hurt a lot more than he wanted to admit it should.

Quickly leaning down to help pick up the person he had knocked down he immediately choked on his words, "Here let me- Reyna?"

The woman in question let out another loud groan before giving him a very intimidating stare. "Percy, you idiot, watch where you're going."

Percy was quick to help pull the girl up before shoving his hands into the pockets of his hoodie, his face bright red in embarrassment. "I'm sorry! I just.. I really wanted that Red Baron Brick Oven Cheese Trio pizza."

Reyna tried to remain stoic, she really did but cmon. She had just been shoved down to the ground for frozen pizza. She snorted slightly and shook her head. Percy was an idiot. Giving him a once over she almost did a double take when she saw how he held himself. The once strong young man was now hunching over on himself, his head lowered. She had heard that Percy and Annabeth had broken up – to be fair the whole mythological world knew at this point – but she didn't think that it was this bad.

Reyna frowned when she noticed his weight, the once slim fitting hoodie hung on him loosely. She couldn't help but notice the slight bump on his nose and the sunglasses he wore even in the dark store. She remembered when Annabeth had banged out Piper and Jason's door. Everyone from the group was there besides the couple of course. Annabeth had been in tears with a suitcase full of her things. Piper had immediately let her in and she explained what had happened. Reyna had been shocked when she heard how Percy had lashed out because it was just so unlike him.

Thinking about it, Reyna had seen the way Percy had stared after Annabeth whenever the whole group had gotten together. A look of utter sadness and loneliness. The Daughter of Athena didn't seem to even notice the sadness in his eyes. Reyna had been sitting next to Nico and Will at the time. Both of them had also noticed the way Percy looked after her. There was very clearly a rift between Aphrodite's favorite couple that had been waiting to blow over. Percy had always been too quiet about his emotions not wanting to push Annabeth away. The tension between the two had been there since they escaped Tartarus. Something that everybody else seemed to miss.

"Eyna! Reyna!" A hand waved in front of her face and she quickly focused back on the man it was attached to.

Percy couldn't help the eyebrow he raised at the Daughter of Bellona. She had looked him over and then suddenly her eyes had glazed over, zoned out staring at his chest. Percy had let her think for a minute but after a while Percy's ADHD couldn't handle it anymore and he had to snap her out of it. Frantically waving his hand in front of her face she had seemed to finally snap out of her thoughts.

"I apologize, I got distracted." Reyna couldn't help the red tint that had ever so slightly taken shape on her face. She hadn't meant to zone out like that but it seemed that it was extremely easy to do when the person in front of you is a whole question within himself.

"It's okay, I'm sorry for knocking you down but I hope you have a good rest of your day" He waved at her slightly before continuing on to the pizza. Reyna looked at his basket and she couldn't help the twitch in her eye. He had lost muscle and he was going to just eat pizza? Yeah, no. She wasn't going to let that slide. Reyna was still the Praetor of New Rome and in no way was she going to let him slack off on taking care of himself. Making the quick decision to toss her hand basket into his cart causing the poor demigod to let out a very uncharacteristic scream. He turned around, his back pressed against the glass and his arms wrapped around the pizza boxes in his hand.

Reyna couldn't help the laugh that escaped her while she shook her head, amusement filling her body. Percy was blushing head to toe and it only made her laugh anymore. He let out a whine and muttered something about women and causing heart attacks. Reyna wiped her eyes to clear them before shaking her head.

"Come on then, Jackson. You're not living off of frozen pizza so long as you're living in my city." With that she grabbed the front of the basket and started walking off to another aisle.

Percy scrambled to follow after her, still unsure why she was trying to get him to eat something else other than pizza. To be fair, he knew that he couldn't live off frozen pizza but he sure as Hades wanted to try at the very least. Reyna would hear none of it though, obviously as she started the walk to the produce quickly scanned the stands before grabbing a couple apples and putting them into a bag, setting it into the basket she made quick work of grabbing other produce. Tomatoes, Cantaloupe, Strawberries, Peaches, Grapes. Percy just watched her curiously as she grabbed everything he could possibly need.

With a vengeance she started to walk to the refrigerated area. She glanced at him and back at the bagged meat before frowning. Grabbing salami, pepperoni and a variety of cheeses she casually tossed them into the cart. She made quick work of walking around and grabbing things for him. Bread, Cereal – Demeter would have been proud to know it was Kellogs – Oatmeal, Poptarts, A variety of meat, Seasonings, Sides and more. Percy just followed her around like a lost dog. He was vaguely aware that Annabeth, Piper, and Hazel were following the two around. Percy didn't have much of an option other than to follow her around otherwise she would probably leave him in the dust but that didn't stop him from grabbing certain things.

Reyna looked at the now stuffed basket full of all sorts of food and looked at Percy who was holding a thing of some blue marshmallows. Percy had seemed to long accept the fact that Reyna was approving of what he wanted but still. He was staring at her with puppy dog eyes, trying to get her to approve of the marshmallows. She sighed and nodded her head. He let out a happy shout before shouting Koby and tossing them into the cart.

Reyna shook her head at the man who had saved the world twice over. Although she did watch him curiously as he held up his hand and ran off. She leaned against the basket waiting for the man to come back and almost choked as she noticed the alcohol in his hands. He had two cases of beer and a thing of tequila. He grinned brightly at Reyna and not like he wasn't holding something that was possibly the cause of his failed relationship.

"I hope you don't plan to drink that all in a week, Perseus." She scoffed out.

Percy's eyes widened in horror, "No of course not! This will last me a month and a half at the least. I'm not that into drinking, I just think it helps loosen me up on the nights where my PTSD is bad."

Reyna nodded and gestured for him to put it into the basket. Reyna herself had gone shopping for all of her things three days ago but she had run out of some personal items and needed to get more. She hadn't expected to help Percy shop on one of her days off but she shrugged to herself. She didn't really mind it that much. It was almost endearing watching the man run after her.

Percy himself was staring at Reyna with wide eyes, wondering why she had decided to help him. He couldn't help but be incredibly curious. Still she started the journey up to the front of the store and Percy was right behind her. Together they made quick work of unloading the cart – Reyna noticing that there were some things she hadn't approved of – so they could get out of the store sooner. Percy almost blanched when he noticed the triad of girls from the seven standing behind them in line. He slouched in on himself again and Reyna noticed fairly quickly. She decided to step behind Percy and sort of shield him from them. Although he was fairly tall, So was she at a height of 5'9.

Percy made slight conversation with the teenage cashier who happened to be a legacy of Mercury. He left a handsome tip, perks of being the youngest prince of the sea. Before Reyna could say anything Percy had started to pay for her Groceries as well. She almost attacked him as she tried to shove him out of the way from the card reader but he had refused. He kicked her knee and she stumbled. It was enough for him to slap his Olympus Plus card on the reader and it dinged.

Reyna growled loudly at him while he grinned cheekily at her. Reyna was not going to let this go, Percy knew that but he couldn't help it. It was almost amusing to see how worked up she was about it. Even if she was probably going to throttle him in his sleep. Percy couldn't help but get lost in the fact that he was messing around with Reyna, completely oblivious to the girl behind him who had made his life miserable not even an hour before.

Reyna walked with him out of the store making small conversations and a promise to visit him soon to make sure he was actually taking care of himself. Percy had laughed and told her he would be okay but a part of him hoped she was being serious.


It didn't take long for Reyna to follow up on her promise. Percy had been asleep on the couch, his head leaning back. Drool dropped down the side of his mouth. He had stayed up all night because he really didn't want to deal with Owls. So of course he spent all night playing God of War. It was around 2:40pm when Reyna walked into his house. He was incredibly lucky she wasn't a hungry monster because if she wanted to he'd be dead.

Shaking her head at the sleeping man she went off into the kitchen. If he was going to sleep, that was fine but she wasn't going to remain idle. Although Reyna had always had a tough outside demeanor she definitely cared for the people she considered her friends. Sure, They had a rough start on Circe's island but after the second Giant War she had let the past grudge she held die. Now that had taken a lot of her pride but still, she couldn't help but be slightly happy in her decision. She had gained a great friend, even if at one point she had liked him.

Reyna glanced back at the man in the living room and frowned slightly, he hadn't shaved since she last saw him and he was starting to grow a beard. Unlike Jason's it wasn't patchy. She shook her head, a smile gracing her lips. Jason would probably mope about if he saw Percy's beard. Even if he could grow one, Piper would probably kill him.

Reyna had to admit, Percy looked good with it. Although it wasn't more than a rough stubble, in another two days it wouldn't look so rough. Turning back to the kitchen she hummed slightly and thought about what she could cook. Opening the fridge she glanced around and noticed some of the ground beef had been cooked. Looking in a tupperware she frowned, without a second thought she turned around and dumped the seasoned meat into the trash.

She had heard Percy could cook so she really didn't like the fact she was staring at white people taco meat. Quickly making up her mind she started to pull things out of the fridge to make a traditional dish from Puerto Rico. Something she used to eat at the diner she'd sneak off to with Hylla on Sundays.

Grabbing a package of chicken, seasonings, oil, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, olives and potatoes, sofrito — she had expected to cook some dishes for him so she had prepared with some different spices — tomato sauce, chicken broth and finally some fresh parsley.

Reyna reached down and hunted through the cabinets as silently as she could, looking for a large pan she could use. After finding a large pan and a cutting board she turned back to her ingredients. Grabbing the largest kitchen knife she sharpened it quickly, making quick work of something that had become second nature to her. Pulling the sweater she wore off and folding it before setting it onto the table she returned to the kitchen and washed her hands.

Reyna made quick work of chopping up the packages of chicken before tossing it into a bowl, seasoning it all the while with adobo and sazon. Setting down the pan on the stove and filling it with oil she started to put the chicken into it. She was vaguely aware of the music that had started to play from the direction Percy was. She could feel someone watching her so she was fairly sure he was awake but otherwise letting her do her thing.

While she waited ten minutes, occasionally flipping the chicken to make sure it cooked thoroughly, she started to chop up the onion, pepper and garlic. When she slammed the flat of the knife on to the garlic to break it up Percy had called out something about her being a Garlic Murder. She smiled and shook her head.

Percy hadn't expected to see Reyna when he woke up, truthfully. It had almost given him a heart attack when he heard the rustling in the kitchen. He had immediately grabbed Riptide in a tight grip, his eyes glancing around rapidly. He was surprised that whoever it was had managed to sneak past Mrs O'Leary before realizing it was Reyna. The hellhound had been cuddled up to Percy. Now you're probably thinking, Percy? How is Mrs O'Leary in your house let alone on your couch? Truthfully Percy didn't know either. One day she had just shown up smaller after Percy told her she couldn't come in because she was too big.

Casually playing some music from the TV he had started to pet his dog. He was also vaguely aware that Blackjack was in his backyard as well. It was almost comical to be fair, his neighbors weren't too fond of the Pegasus. His neighbors were a nice couple who had one child. They also had two dogs and Percy didn't complain about their barking all night. That got the neighbors off his case about Blackjack because the horse refused to leave Percy alone since he got kidnapped.

Focusing back on Reyna, Percy watched her work. He wasn't aware that Reyna could cook but he also figured that she had done many things in her years learning to be the person she now was. Not for the first time, Percy found himself admiring her. Of course, he had always known she was beautiful. It didn't take a genius to know that but he had never taken a second to stop and look at her truly. Her black hair was in a loose braid, her obsidian eyes almost seemed to flow while her skin looked to be kissed by Apollo himself. Percy wasn't shy to tan skin, his own skin tan as well but there was an exotic tinge to Reyna's. Her nose curved up slightly, her eyes focused on the task at hand.

It was something Percy had always admired about Reyna. She was thorough and never let anything slip past her guard. He smiled slightly and rubbed the stubble growing on his face. He had been too lazy to shave recently and now he probably looked like Fred. Shaking his head Percy turned back to Reyna just in time to watch her absolutely slaughter some garlic.

"Damn Reyna! What it do to you, you garlic murderer!"

Percy stood up — much to the chagrin of Mrs O'Leary — and stretched. His bones popped and he winced as he rolled his shoulders trying to loosen up. He really needed to start working out again. What Percy hadn't expected was to come face to face with Aurum and Argentum.

The metallic dogs were staring up at him and he blinked down at them. Slowly reaching down he patted them on the heads before walking off to his room to make himself just a little more decent.

Reyna was making quick work of the food in front of her. She was trying to get it done in a timely manner while also making sure it wouldn't taste horrible.

Adding the chopped vegetables, and sofrito to the chicken and oil she stirred it every once and awhile. After four minutes she added the olives, potatoes, bay leaves, tomato sauce and chicken broth to the pan. She sat there and waited for it to come to a boil before setting a lid on it and lowering the heat.

She glanced back into the living room and raised an eyebrow when she noticed Percy disappeared.

"Well Aurum, Argentum. Where did he go?"

The two dogs barked and at that Mrs O'Leary leapt up and growled glancing around. Reyna's eyes widened slightly when she saw the hellhound. She had completely missed her when had walked in. Reyna was lucky the hellhound knew her.

"Whoa! What's going on? Why are you all growling?" Percy called out in confusion as he finished stepping downstairs.

She noticed that his hair slightly clung to his forehead and his ocean smell had seemed to double. He was also in a new set of clothes indicating he had probably showered and changed. She was pleasantly surprised to see he hadn't shaved off the stubble she was sure he would have.

"Well, well don't you look presentable. Only took me breaking into your house and cooking for you to do something with yourself though." Reyna teased, a smile playing on her lips.

Percy rolled his eyes at her, "Shut it, I wasn't expecting company."

"I did warn you that I was going to be coming over when we were shopping."

A ding filled the room and Percy groaned loudly. Reyna tilted her head at his reaction and Percy elaborated, "It's Piper. She's been trying to get Annabeth and I to talk since we… broke up. I'm just not ready yet and she doesn't seem to take the hint."

A scowl had started to mar his face much to Reyna's disappointment. She frowned even more at her own thoughts wondering why she was thinking of him like this. Shaking her head she ignored it, she couldn't be getting a crush on him the second that he's single. Percy had gone through hell for Annabeth, Reyna just couldn't live up to her.

Before Percy could react Reyna had strolled over to his phone and grabbed it, raising an eyebrow at the message on the screen.

'Percy, you guys can work it out. Annabeth understands what she did wrong. Please just talk to her.'

Reyna turned to Percy, "So are you going to respond?"

"No, I'm going to leave it on read just like the last 15 messages she sent me in the past three weeks." Percy asked irritatedly.

Why couldn't they take a hint? Percy needed time to calm down and relax. He may regret what he said but he doesn't necessarily regret the breakup. Sure there had been longing for her but he wasn't ready to forgive the rift she had built in their relationship.

Percy had expected Reyna to push the situation but instead she dropped it, nodding in favor of upsetting the Son of Poseidon further. Collapsing onto the couch in the living room she hummed to herself. She gently laid a hand on Aurum and pet the metal dog. She wasn't too sure if he truly felt it but he did seem to enjoy it so she continued with the ministrations.

Percy threw himself down next to her with a grunt causing Reyna to glare at him slightly. He just grinned at her that stupid lopsided grin and she was forced to look away quickly.

"So… What do you have against Piper?"

Reyna froze. Percy had just asked a loaded question and he wasn't even aware he had. Now she knew better than most that Percy wasn't stupid, he just had terrible people skills.

"Well, there was a time that I figured Jason and I would end up dating. I liked him a lot and he just went and got kidnapped by Lady Juno and suddenly… He was dating piper. It was like a kick in the gut because we had known each other and fought well together. To realize that the guy you liked for so long was suddenly with another person."

Reyna trailed off for a second, her eyes glazed over with a sense of hurt.

"And well, then you came along and the process started over. You had destroyed my home with Circe and then you had come to New Rome. The only thing you had remembered was Annabeth. Still, I found myself hoping that maybe you might be the person I had been waiting for. It wasn't meant to last though and I'm not upset about it. Things happen and I've made a lot of good friends since meeting you all."

Reyna had turned to smile at him, truthfully she wasn't bitter at what happened but Percy was staring at her like she had just turned into Lady Diana herself. She frowned and tilted her head.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You— I mean, what? Reyna you liked me?"

"You idiot, did I not just say that to you? It's done and over with though. I'm happy being single and you're also getting over Annabeth so why are you making a big deal about it."

Percy still looked like a fish out of water which he assumed Reyna found incredibly amusing to her. He was, technically, a merman out of water but he'd save that for The Little Mermaid later.

"Well… Am I still your type?"

Reyna burst out laughing as she hunched over and cradled her sides. Out of all the things she had expected him to say it was not that. Nico had really done a number on this poor man's heart about not being his type. He was never going to let it down even when he was in Pluto's realm.

Collecting herself she mumbled out, "Sorry, I have a thing for blondes."

The poor man immediately let out a groan and buried his hands in his face, flushed with embarrassment. Reyna was very good friends with Nico and Will so this was really doing a number on her usually stoic personality. She hadn't expected Percy to ask such a question.

The two fell into a comfortable silence as a song drifted through the speakers of his tv gently. The smell of Reyna's cooking was slowly getting strong and it left Percy's mouth watering but together the two of them just enjoyed the presence of a friend.


And just like that, Reyna found herself visiting Percy at least three times a week. It had been a month since the first time and she very quickly discovered she often looked forward to it. It was a break from the harsh coldness of the Senate and their gods forsaken meetings. Percy never complained and he himself oftentimes even had dinner made for them by the time she arrived.

Although there was one thing that Reyna just couldn't wrap her head around, No matter how much she told the Hellhound to go back home Mrs O'Leary would follow her around the city. Alongside Aurum and Argentum people seemed to avoid her with the three very deadly dogs following her around.

Eventually she came to accept the hellhound tagging along. She almost suspected it was Percy that had asked the hellhound to do it.

Now though she found herself resting heavily on her couch, her head leaning over the back. She was beyond tired, she had a long day with the Senate and training with the Legions. Mrs O'Leary had left to go join up with Percy and her own two dogs currently resting in the living room alongside her.

Now, Reyna would never admit to anyone that she let out a very loud, girly scream when she saw two figures suddenly approach from the shadows. Her tired mind didn't really allow her to think about the fact she has friends who can actually do just that. Well one, the other just so happens to be his boyfriend.

Reyna threw herself over the back of the couch and cursed herself for taking her armor off. Thinking quickly she saw her helmet right in front of her so she grabbed it, stood up and launched it at one of the figures heads. A loud clang filled the air as well as a shout of her name.

Groggily she realized that she recognized the voice, "Nico? Will? What?"

Nico had hurried over to Will's side who was groaning loudly. Instantly guilt filled her stomach and she quickly turned around to grab a thing of Ambrosia. She felt terrible but he was still conscious so it couldn't be that bad.

"Will, I am so sorry. I didn't recognize you guys. Gods forgive me, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Has anyone ever told you that you have a mean arm woman?"

Reyna had the decency to blush several shades of red as Nico suddenly burst into laughter. Now that he wasn't afraid his boyfriend was on the verge of death it was almost quite comical how everything had happened.

"Shut up Nico!" Both Will and Reyna hissed for two different reasons which only caused him to laugh even louder.

Nico had come a long way from being the scrawny, depressed emo kid he had once been. He was much more sure of himself and Will had started to play dress up with him. He hung out with everyone more and he was just all around a happier person now. Of course he was now about the age of 19 going on 75 but that's a conversation for another time.

Will looked hot — no pun intended — as well. Although she didn't find him to be her type she could understand he was good looking as most Sons of Apollo were. She also had to listen to Nico rant about how hot he was and how much he loved, "Doctors Orders." It definitely made the Praetor view Will in a different light

"So do you mind explaining why you attacked us?"

Truthfully, Reyna had stayed later than she should have at Percy's house playing Call of Duty all the while shouting at him for killing her. Her pride wasn't going to take the beat down he gave her sitting down so of course she had tried to avenge herself but unfortunately it just wasn't the case.

By the time she had realized she needed to go it was almost three in the morning and she had meetings at 7:45AM. That surely whipped her into action as she had frantically apologized for overstaying her welcome and complained about the lack of sleep she was going to get Percy had tried to walk her home but she refused. She had said she had taken enough of his time up and he needed more rest then she did.

He had started to hit the gym in the mornings — Reyna would never admit that the muscle he was gaining back definitely made him hotter — and as such he didn't look like a broken down tree anymore. Reyna had seen his fridge and had also shopped with him on multiple occasions. The two of them took meal prepping to another level on top of the cooked meals they made for one another.

So naturally, she responded with the truth. "Oh, I lost track of time last night at Percy's and got home really late."

They were silent for all of two seconds before Nico asked, "So wait let me get this straight. You were at Percy's late into the night?"

Reyna nodded her head in confusion. Yeah didn't she just say that?

"You. Percy. Alone in the night?" Will added which only served to confuse her more.

"Yes, I just said that, didn't I?"

Nico snorted and Will let out a whistle. Reyna looked between the two of them not catching their drift.

"Is his dick big?"

Reyna choked loudly on the spit she had been trying to swallow. Before she got a chance to reply, Will had her beat.

"We asked you if you guys were alone, not a demonstration of what happened while you were alone."

Reyna swore she saw Mors and Pluto calling her name. She pulled the hoodie of her sweater up and tightened around her face. There was no way they needed to see her blush that could rival Mar's pig.

The couple started to laugh loudly and Reyna couldn't find it in herself to defend against their opinion. If she denied it they'd only tease her more.

They seemed to calm down after a minute or two of laughing their asses off much to Reyna's shame. What did she do to deserve these two as her closest friends?

"I didn't think you were that bold Reyna. I mean especially so soon after Percabeth broke up but you were never one to lay and wait." Nico commented while Will agreed.

"We didn't do anything like that! Percy hasn't been properly taking care of himself so I've made it a point to come to him every once and awhile just to make sure he's not dead yet. We were playing video games and lost track of time." Reyna groaned out.

"Lies and Slander. You two were definitely raw dogging each other, there's no other way around it." Will called out and Reyna groaned in despair.

She knew they were just teasing her so she didn't mind the embarrassment at her expense because it was nice to joke with friends like this. Percy and her were friends but there was definitely something different between the two. When she was with Nico and Will, it was all laughter and fun and teasing but with Percy? There were moments where the two would do nothing but stare at one another after having a deep conversation.

Reyna had come to trust Percy with all of the flaws in her past and she couldn't help but think of the prophecy Aphrodite had told her about. "No demigod shall heal your heart."

A pang ran through her chest as she was reminded of those words once again. Reminded that no matter what they had, it wouldn't help her out. Nico and Will seemed to take note of her mood drop and were quick to switch moods.

"What's wrong, Reyna?" Will asked soothingly, something she probably had to account for his "doctor" skills.

"She likes Percy, idiot." Nico grunted out before pushing the taller male out of the way and hugging her tightly.

"Did I ever stop liking him, Nico?" She asked weakly. It wasn't her intention to fall for the demigod but there was just something different about him. Something that Percy showed her when they were alone and nobody was there to judge them.

"Probably not, unfortunately he's just so unbearably likable. Like a stray dog you found on the streets and can't turn away." Nico grumbled out.

Nico himself knew what it was like to have feelings for Percy. Being around him was a new sort of just held Reyna as she gained her composure. Will sat there patting her back kind of awkwardly.

"Gods, I'm such a hopeless romantic that it just ends up with me getting hurt." Reyna sulked. Usually she didn't wallow in her own misery but time in and time out she had found herself loving people that didn't return it. Her father, Jason, Percy. Reyna just wanted to avoid being hurt, she didn't want to have to gain feelings and then suddenly be unhappy.

"I know you're probably thinking about what Aphrodite said but that might not mean it's necessarily something to do with your love life, God's always have double meanings." Will answered, continuing to provide the girl with some comfort.

"Maybe, you need to heal your own heart?" Nico added, trying to sound hopeful.

Reyna shook her head and laughed slightly, grateful that they were there for her. She probably would have started to avoid Percy if she realized she still liked him while alone. Of course it wasn't going to be easy trying to ignore those feelings but she would try.

"If he hurts you though, I'll send him back to Tarturus."

"Nico, no!"


Only two days after Reyna had been interrogated by Nico and Will, did Percy find himself in the same situation except his interrogator was far more dangerous.

Percy was coming home from a workout session, his thighs and lower back killing him from the squats he had been doing. He had packed on a little more muscle and although he slightly mourned the loss of his swimmer build he was much happier with the more Greek God style he had going on.

Percy tossed his keys onto the counter, slinging the bag off his shoulder and onto the couch. He took off the headphones and stalked off into the kitchen, looking to grab a glass of water. He hummed along to himself as he grabbed a water bottle from the fridge before turning around and spitting out all the water he had just drank.

Staring back at him with a very familiar raised eyebrow was Bellona herself. Reyna's mother. Percy felt horror in his gut when he realized he had got the Goddess wet.

"Hades! I'm sorry My lady!" Percy stuttered out awkwardly. He didn't know why he was so awkward but still he felt like he should show the goddess respect.

Amusement seemed to fill her obsidian eyes. Percy couldn't help but notice how much Reyna looked like her mother. They both shared the same obsidian eyes and jet black hair. The differences started in the facial structure and skin tone though. While Bellona's nose was almost hooked, Reyna's was slightly upturned. Bellona's skin being a more pale shade while Reyna's was rich with a tan color. Personally, He figured Reyna looked much more beautiful than her mother.

"Mind your manners boy, it doesn't bode well to provoke your girlfriend's mother. Where are your manners?" Her voice was rich and demanded authority, the same as Reyna's.

Percy gulped and glanced around quickly, he didn't want to piss the Goddess off. He didn't really think he could explain to Reyna that he had attacked her Mother.

"How can I help you, Lady Bellona?"

"Hear this now, boy. Reyna has been put through a war in her terms of her love life. Aphrodite herself is pitied against her and I don't wish to see my daughter suffer anymore. If you aren't serious about Reyna then stop what you're doing now. Stop giving her pieces of yourself because she will return the favor and you will reject them then."

Percy blinked slightly, he was trying to figure out just what Bellona met. It was clear she was viewing them in a romantic light but is that what they were? Percy thought back to a week before on a night where Percy had cooked. He had made them pasta — spare him he was craving it — and they had been telling stories of their past the whole night. Percy remembered how her black eyes had reflected the dull light of the room as they sat on the couch facing one another. Alcohol coursed through their systems and it gave them the courage to speak about things that normally wouldn't speak about on any normal occasion.

Percy had the memory of her engraved in his mind. The camp half blood shirt that hung loosely off her shoulders because the two had started to wrestle and spilt pasta sauce everywhere. The way she whispered to him softly, her voice low. Her cheek squished against her cheek and her hair down for once. Reyna has just finished explaining to him the view from San Juan and Percy had held onto her every word. She had spoken with such nostalgia that even Percy felt like he missed it.

Percy didn't know why he had done it; maybe it was the liquid courage he had. In reality he knew it was because the alcohol had enhanced his feelings, encouraging him to show his affections for the beautiful girl in front of me. She had been in the middle of explaining her journey from the Wolf House to Camp Jupiter when he had leaned forward more. His eyes filled with some emotion she couldn't name. His hand pushed a strand of her hair behind her for once before resting on her cheek, his thumb rubbing it gently.

Reyna had leaned into his hand, her face flushed and her cheeks warm. He had leaned in slowly, making sure she could pull back if she so desired. She didn't and she swore a shock went up her spine when his lips finally connected to hers. The kiss was slow, barely a whisper against her. Her own hand came up to grip his forearm tightly and yet he held her gently.

She was inexperienced with affection like this but he didn't shy away. He was slow in his actions and she picked it up quickly. Eventually they both had to pull away to breathe but it was only ever so slightly. Reyna could feel his breath fan her lips and she had shivered again. She wasn't sure what had gotten into him but she pulled away more, the emotion in his eyes never leaving him.

Percy realized that he was in deep with his affections for Reyna. While being similar to Annabeth there were things that made stark differences. Annabeth's obsession with learning and satisfying her pride are the biggest threats to their relationship. With Reyna though, Percy just knew it was different. He knew that at the end of the day she just wanted a beer and to relax. It was almost comical how she would slump about in full armor in his house on the days they shared dinner. Annabeth always wanted to go when Percy just wanted to relax. Annabeth always had something to do, something to build. Peace and quiet just didn't seem like an option for them anymore.

Percy focused back in on his surroundings and looked for the Goddess that had been there prior. He realized fairly quickly that she was gone.

'Peace, Perseus. You have made your decision, now act on it."

Percy was quick to grab his phone and shoot off a quick text before running up the stairs to shower and rest. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.


Percy cleared his throat awkwardly and he glanced around the coffee shop. He was currently waiting for someone to meet up with him. He swirled around his Vanilla Bean Frappuccino — sue him — and looked back out of the shop's window. It was almost midday and he was expecting to be somewhere within two hours. He gulped nervously and glanced back around the coffee shop. Many families and young teens were pointing him out. It wasn't often you saw the Hero of Olympus out and about.

A ding at the door caused his attention to snap back to in front of him and there she was. She was the cause of all his nervousness. Her eyes were cloudy as she glanced at him briefly before nodding her head in the direction of the counter. He shook his head and pointed to the still steaming coffee in front of him. She nodded gratefully and pulled the chair out, sitting down.

They were silent as they stared at one another. Their conversations were once so lively, they would chat for hours on end but now it was like something had changed. He had noticed it awhile ago, she had too. They had just chosen to ignore it and now look where it got them. Percy's jaw clenched and he snapped his eyes shut. He sucked inca deep breath and went to speak.

"Look—"

"Percy—"

They both were silent for a second before laughing gently.

"It's okay, go first." Percy nodded to her and she smiled softly at him.

"First of all, I'm sorry I broke your nose." Annabeth pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear before continuing on. "Secondly, I don't think we should be together."

Percy's heart skipped a beat slightly. He thought he was going to have to apologize to Olympus and back but she was saying what he wanted to say. Although a part of him did feel sad at the loss of what they once had he couldn't help but feel slightly relieved.

"I… I agree. I think whatever happened in Tartarus really pushed us apart. I just miss my best friend." Percy whispered out softly, almost afraid. He still wanted Annabeth around; he wasn't trying to lose the woman who knew him like the back of his let out a sigh and started to laugh suddenly. Percy's head shot up and he stared at her with wide eyes. Why was she laughing? Although he couldn't stop the sheepish grin that spread across his face as she laughed. It had been a long time since he had heard her laugh like that and it definitely helped to lighten the mood.

Annabeth took a long drink of her coffee before leaning closer. Naturally Percy leaned in closer to hear her better. "So, Reyna huh?"

Percy choked and immediately hid his face in his hands. He heard the barista let out a gasp when and quickly turned to glare at him who suddenly decided he needed to grab something from the back.

"Does everyone know that I like Reyna?"

"Pretty much, yeah. Nico walked in on y'all kissing and then proceeded to tell everyone in a group chat without you two."

Percy's jaw dropped. They had kissed once and it wasn't even that long and yet the both of them hadn't noticed the company? Percy had to admit, he was heavily distracted by the woman in front of him at the time. Still he had not noticed the teenage boy that could hide in the shadows? Nevermind. If Nico didn't want to be seen, he wasn't gonna be seen.

"Listen! We kissed once! It isn't that big of a deal."

"Percy, Your eyes are literally sparkling and you're just thinking about her. You definitely like her." Annabeth chastised him before holding her hand out to him.

Percy looked at it awkwardly before grasping it, her smile only growing. "A little birdy told me that the Senate is getting out sooner than usual. If you wish to get an audience with the Praetor you should probably leave now."

Percy stood up and quickly hugged Annabeth before mumbling to her, "I still love you very much. You're still my best friend, don't forget that Annabeth. We might not be dating anymore but I will always be on your side."

With that Percy took off, slamming into the door and sprinting to Camp Jupiter. He needed to arrive soon so that he could catch Reyna before someone else had caught her attention. He wasn't sure how Annabeth knew that the Senate was getting out earlier than usual but it probably had something to do with the fact she's been hanging out with a Son of Apollo. The Roman kind. It was kind of amusing.

Percy had run long distances before but his heart was already beating rapidly before he had taken off so now it was definitely a mess but he still pushed on. He had a certain Daughter of Bellona to hunt down. Families cried out at him as he sped past them, shouts of annoyance escaping them. He heard a fair share of curses about insolent Greek demigods much to his amusement. His bright orange camp shirt was a dead give away to his heritage. They definitely wouldn't be too happy when they realized he was speeding through their city because he had plans to ask their precious Praetor out on a date.

He ran straight past a cohort practicing their marches and shouted a sorry over his shoulder. They shook their heads at him, figuring it wasn't worth the fight. It wasn't the first time Percy had sprinted through their training grounds and it most certainly wouldn't be the last time. Especially if he accomplished his goal.

Stumbling slightly in his haste to come to a stop he looked up at the Senate building before glancing down at his watch. 12:25 the clock read, signaling that he was early. He noticed a couple of his friends starting to walk over to him. It had been a long time since he had been around the whole seven – minus Annabeth – and he was glad to see them. He grinned brightly at the group but immediately choked upon seeing Nico who was practically glowering at him.

"Perseus Achilles Jackson. I swear to god if you hurt her, I'll hurt you. I'll slam my fist into your pretty face so many times you won't be able to charm even a Cyclops. Do you hear me? That is a warning." Nico practically growled out. His brown eyes filled with malice but Percy couldn't help but laugh.

"I hear ya loud and clear Neeks. I promise, I won't do anything stupid."

That seemed to satisfy Nico as a horn sounded, the ending of the meeting announced. The whole group turned to eagerly await their friends. Reyna and Frank we're in a deep conversation with Gwen and Dakota. They were clearly trying to discuss something important but Percy decided he had waited enough.

With a vengeance he started to walk up the steps approaching the oblivious Daughter of Bellona. The seven plus Nico and Will were quick to follow after Percy but still he walked faster then he should have. He had been eagerly waiting for this moment since last night when he had made up his mind and Gods be damned he was going to get that date.

"Oh, Percy! How can we help you?" Gwen said, turning her gaze to Percy.

Percy didn't even blink as he was just out of arm's reach from Reyna.

"Percy! What are yo–MMPH!" Reyna had tried to exclaim before, he had grabbed her cheeks with both his hands and firmly planted his lips on hers.

It took a second for Reyna to recognize what was going on but when she did it didn't take long for her to return the gesture. Her head tilted slightly to the side as she grasped at the taller man's four arms. She heard catcalls and immediately pulled away before hiding her head on his chest in embarrassment. She had forgotten that they were in a public place and surrounded by members of the senate as well as her friends.

"Do you know that Nico likes to stalk us while we're making out?" Percy asked curiously.

Reyna turned to stare at the Son of Hades as his eyes widened with horror.

"Does he now?"


Reyna would like to say it was easy, loving Percy Jackson but the truth was it was fucking awful. And that awfulness? That's what made it great. They had taken it extremely slow for the first year of their relationship. Reyna was still worried that Percy was suddenly going to wake up one day and not like her anymore. It drove her nuts, Aphrodite's words playing on repeat in her mind in times of doubt. Even so, Percy never flinched from the responsibilities of loving Reyna. Percy was the one thing that kept her grounded on days where she felt completely and utterly useless.

The Senate did its best to drive both Frank and her mad but they held out strong. Reyna had been given a key to Percy's house after awhile and would just start showing up to stay in his house. Eventually Aurum and Argentum decided to stop returning home but rather head to Percy's house. It was slightly amusing to her when she would walk in with Percy's bed being filled with three dogs. Two of them metal and the other a hound from hell. Those we're the nights where she felt the most grounded. Where Percy would wrap his arms around her tightly and hold her to his chest. Her worries would melt away and she finally found herself getting the rest she needed.

Eventually Reyna had already moved all her belongings to Percy's and neither of them said a thing. Reyna stopped returning to her house and Percy didn't mention the fact they hadn't discussed it. Of course with Reyna came a lot more of Nico and Will. Many times the two we're often found on a double date whenever they all had the time to spare. The group liked to joke that they we're going to be parents - It was actually Jason and Piper - soon if they kept up living in the same house. The two of them had laughed at the idea, they could hardly change within close proximity to one another let alone a child.

The second year of them being together though? It had changed their relationship drastically. Percy was done with school and that now left the major question of the next, "What if." Reyna wasn't too sure she could do long distance so she started to reevaluate her time as Praetor. She did it silently and in her office so as not to clue Percy into what she was doing. She didn't want the man to think she was making this decision because she couldn't stand to be without him. She felt that it was time to hang up her purple cape and look forward to the next couple steps in her life.

The day she announced her retirement to the Senate she was happy to be greeted with acceptance. She had long since proved her worth to the Legion. Reyna had done her service and now she was ready for whatever she had waiting for her next. She knew Percy was going to go back to New York, to be close with him. To be close with his little sister, Estelle, and his parents. Reyna had approached him one day while they we're both about to lay in bed. Percy had suspicious that she hadn't gone to a meeting in over four days. The shock in his eyes when Reyna expressed that she was going to be coming with him to New York was enough to let her know she had made the correct decision.

Reyna remembered the packing they had done, the way they had turned it into a game as they ran around their home in New Rome. Reyna had to admit, she had been so worried about the What ifs and never the What's next. Reyna had never thought about it but the feelings that used to suffocate her had slowly but surely started to recede. While it hurt to step down from her position she knew that it was time to care for herself. Eventually she found herself miles away from the city she had know so much and standing in front of a nice apartment door. It was definitely modest for someone who was supposedly an award winning writer which just seemed to further prove she was Percy's Mother.

When the door opened to reveal a woman with soft blue eyes, dark brown hair and crows feet in the corner of her eyes Reyna couldn't help but think that things we're really starting to look up for her. From that moment on, Reyna went out of her way to visit Mrs. Blofis. Sally was quick to adopt Reyna as her daughter-in-law much to the couples embarrassment. The embarrassment didn't last long because sure enough Percy did end up asking Reyna to marry him. Of course the idiot had done it so unintentionally that it was amusing.

They had been filming a video on self defense for the next batch of Demigods that were going to arrive in the coming years and Percy had just casually tossed her an apple. The whole arena had fell silent as Reyna sat there clutching the apple and starting at Percy in disbelief. Percy had looked around in confusion wondering why they had fallen silent before going to ask Reyna and the question had died in his throat when he saw the apple in her hand and the shocked look on her face.

The whole mythological world really had a field day with that video, much to his sorrow. Well, he wouldn't call it sorrow. It had gotten him his wife but still it had definitely been far better then what he has originally been planning to do.

So that's how Reyna found herself watching her husband dangle their 4 year old daughter upside down with a big grin on his face. They we're at the beach that his family had loved so much. The whole family was there, multiple screaming babies and toddlers running around the beach. The Seven, Nico and Will, Thalia and The Blofis family had all come together like all did during the summers to spend a week at the beach. No phones, no books, limited weapons to anything that can change shape. Of course monsters would attack the whole group together but it's always nice to be cautious.

Reyna found herself looking back at her husband who was still grinning at their daughter, her laughter piercing through the air. "Perseus, Do not drop Zoe or you will feel my wrath."

"I got it! I got it, don't worry!"

In the end, Aphrodite was right. A demigod didn't heal her heart. Patience, Understanding and Compromising we're the reason she was where she was. For as long as Reyna had remembered she wanted a solid home? Now she finally had it.


Seeee? Kinda rushed but I still think its fairly good. The more I've been writing the better my chapters are getting (In my Opinion at least.) Well then, I appreciate you reading this One-shot. I hope you have a good rest of your day and for those who are waiting for an Accepting Mortality update? Be on the lookout, it'll be here soon. Peace out.