Dpov

At first, I thought I might have misjudged Lorelei. Her flirty femininity was pretty on brand for a daughter of Aphrodite, and not exactly the type of energy I was used to, but she seemed to be fairly polite and even tempered. Key word being 'seemed'.

Turns out, she was just as crazy as the rest of her cabin. Maybe even more so. And it took all of about five minutes of actual conversation with her for me to figure that out.

"You want me to do what?" I asked incredulously, putting down a Danish, only to realize, belatedly, that I'd eaten almost half the basket of pastries myself. They'd been much better than I'd expected them to be. Or maybe I was just hungry.

"It seems pretty straight forward to me." She said brushing a non-existent crumb off of her skirt in a careless manner and fixing her gaze on me. "What aren't you getting?"

"The entire thing." I said, wondering how someone that flawless on the outside, could be that twisted up in the head. "You want to get back at the people who cheated on us, by pretending to date each other?"

"It doesn't have to be pretend." She said with a shrug, but from her tone I got the feeling like she considered this to be an afterthought. "You're attractive and I'm, well, look at me."

She waved her hand vaguely as if the acceptance of her good looks was widely attested to be one of the great truths of the world.

"You're crazy."

"I am not crazy." She said impatiently. She looked as if she thought I was being ridiculous.

"I'm pretty sure you are."

"Look. We were cheated on."

"Yes, thank you for reminding me." I said irritated, trying to push the image of Heather kissing that idiot out of my mind.

"We were wronged." She continued, and I was surprised at the anger in her voice. "They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. They need to pay."

"Yeah, well, they didn't get away with it did they?" I pointed out. "I dumped Heather, and if you had any sense you dumped that guy too. And now they're both dating a cheater." I shrugged. "If you ask me, that's punishment enough."

"Not for me." She said quietly and something about it had me feeling a little wary.

It was clear that she wasn't just angry about being cheated on. Something about this situation had violated her sense of order in the world. Some sort of natural law of what was and was not allowed. Then again, considering who her mother was maybe it had. Maybe in her mind, cheating on a child of Aphrodite wasn't something that should be able to happen. And if someone did manage it, it was something that couldn't go unpunished.

"Do you think Caleb feels bad about hooking up behind my back?" she asked with an indignant gesture. "Did Heather even apologize for what she did?"

I didn't answer, but she didn't seem to need me too.

"No. They jumped into a shiny new relationship where they can justify their behavior to each other and never feel bad about their actions."

She looked at me clearly expecting some sort sign of acknowledgement or agreement, but I didn't give her one.

"Well that sounds like your problem." I said with a shrug. "I broke up with Heather. I don't care what she does."

"Of course, you care." She said rolling her eyes. "She hurt you."

"Maybe, but she'll get what's coming to her."

"And you're happy with taking such a passive role, are you?"

"As opposed to the active one in your suggestion?" I asked and she smiled.

It was angelic and it freaked me out a little, considering how much of a contrast it was to the glimpse of darkness this situation seemed to have stirred in her mind.

"Exactly." She said lightly. "Don't you think we deserve justice for what they did?"

I shook my head.

"You don't want justice." I pointed out. "You want revenge."

"Nuance," she said lightly waving this away and I looked at her, trying to get a read on what was going through her head, but her expression revealed nothing.

I couldn't tell her what was going on with her, if she was just hurt, or cruel, or maybe insane. Either way it didn't matter. There was no way in Hades I was going to get involved in something like this. Not for all the thrones on Olympus.

"You seem pretty hell-bent on making people suffer." I said frowning. "Hasn't anyone told you the 'The best revenge is a life well lived' or whatever the hell the saying is?"

"Why do you think I'm here?" she asked her smile returning. "How is moving on from an insect like Caleb with a tall, smart, extremely hot guy like you that looks like he can tear firewood superhero style not moving up? Especially when it will piss his current girlfriend off." She added as if it was a pleasant after thought. "Girls generally don't like it when you trade up."

I ignored the vanity in her last statement, figuring I shouldn't encourage it, besides, there were things in it I found more distressing.

"Superhero style?" I asked confused, then I remembered the scene from the movie she'd been talking about, and feeling a flash of indignation go through me. "Are you objectifying me?"

"Is it bothering you?" she countered.

"Well, no." I said honestly as I considered the mattered.

What she'd said wasn't that bad really, I'd just never had someone be so upfront with me. Especially not a girl that looked like her. But maybe the way she looked was exactly why, it didn't bother me. I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

There was a moment in which neither of us spoke, and while I expected her to continue to keep raging about her ex-boyfriend, she didn't.

She seemed remarkably calm, which seemed sort of odd for someone who'd come up with such an insane reaction to getting cheated on. But the more I talked to her, as delusional as her plan had been, insane wasn't the impression I was getting. Calculated, certainly. Cruel, maybe. Insane though…

"Look." I said with a sigh trying to go for patience in my tone, but not quite sure I was achieving it. "I'm sorry if your boyfriend hurt your feelings or whatever. It sucks. I get it. But just because you're pissed off doesn't mean I want to get involved with this crazy scheme you have of getting back at him and Heather." She raised an eyebrow at this, but let me continue. "But there's nothing you can do about him being an ass." I shrugged. "You're a pretty girl, and there are plenty of people out there." Another shrug. "Just move on."

I stood and looked down, at her wondering if she'd be angry or upset I'd rejected her idea. But she wasn't. She was still unsettlingly calm. By her eyes I could tell she was thinking, but they gave nothing away.

"Thanks for the food," I said awkwardly. "But I've got a lot of work waiting on me back at the shop."

I gestured over my shoulder back towards the cabins.

"Seriously though." I continued and I was surprised that I really meant it when I said. "I hope you feel better."

Despite all the smiling and flirting, and the fact she seemed to have taken after her mother in the looks department even more than the kids from cabin 10 usually did, I didn't think the person who could have seriously thought to act on this sort of plan, and that others would as well, could be very happy.

I turned and could feel her eyes on me as I started to walk away. She let me get only a few steps before saying.

"She thinks you can't do better than her."

I stopped.

"What?" I asked turning, but there wasn't really a point. We both knew who she was talking about.

"Heather." She said evenly, but there was something calculated in it, and I determined right then and there that I wouldn't react to what was coming next, whatever she said. "It's what she's been telling everyone." She continued, her tone casual. As if she didn't feel one way or the other about this information. Even though she knew it would hurt me. "That you were nice, but she was tired of dating such a 'boring guy.'" She put air quotes around the words, as if by this, she could remove the sting they would cause. "She says she knew you would take her back after she's had her fun because you can't do better."

"I don't believe she said that." I said shaking my head, but I knew I was lying and I had the feeling she knew it too.

"You don't have to." She said with a shrug, put removing a cell phone from a pocket in her skirt. "But I've got the screen shots if you want proof."

She held her phone up and before I could stop myself, I was walking back to the blanket against my own better judgment.

She pulled up her photos and selected the start of what looked like a series of pictures recording a text conversation. I didn't need to see the number to know the person on the other end had been Heather

"How did you get these?" I asked quietly, hardly believing what I was reading but knowing it was probably true.

"Caleb's little sister." She said nonchalantly. "She hates Heather."

"Well it doesn't change anything." I said flatly. "I wasn't going to get back with her even if she did ask."

But even I could hear the bitterness in my tone, and I realized that despite them being Heather's words, Lorelei had gotten exactly what she'd wanted from me. One mention of my ex-girlfriend and I'd come running like a trained pet.

It was infuriating.

"We broke up." I said handing her back her phone and while expected her to look smug, she didn't. She just looked at me, considering. "She can do whatever she wants."

"Well then I guess you're a better person than me." She said putting her hands up in a shrug, completely throwing me off. "Personally, I think Heather's a total bitch and I'd want to get back at her, but," another delicate shrug. "To each their own."

Was that it?

'What was the point of getting me back over here?' I thought a little disconcerted. 'If not to keep trying to convince me further?'

"Anyways." She said sounding unconcerned as she started to pack up the food and fold the picnic blanket. "I know you have to get back to work, but think about what I've said."

"About your fake relationship plan?" I asked unable to keep a hint of irritation out of my tone at this point. What was this girl up to? What was she trying to prove?

"I never said it had to be fake." She said quietly, and while again, she seemed remarkably composed, something about her tone brought something home to me. She'd spent most of this conversation essentially spelling it out for me that she thought I was dating material, whatever ulterior motives she may have. I, on the other hand, had made it pretty clear that I thought she was insane.

Did I deserve to feel this guilty?

"Either way." She said reaching into her pocket again, and pulling out a folded piece of paper and of course it was pink. "Here's my number. Call me if you change your mind."

It was never going to happen, but I didn't feel as if it was required to say this out loud.

"I'll see you around, Dex."

"Yeah." I said and though a part of me was hoping I wouldn't, in fact, ever talk to her again, I couldn't help but watch as she walked away.

This time, it was my turn to call after her.

"Why me?"

She turned, clearly a little confused at the question.

"What?"

"Why are you coming to me about this?" I asked still a little confused. "I mean, I know I'm Heather's ex, but I'm sure any guy would be more than willing to run along after you for as long as you'd let them." I felt my self-frown as the sense of genuine curiosity running through me. "What do you want with me?"

I wasn't particularly popular around camp or anything. After the break up with Heather, didn't even have that many friends. The only really claim to fame around here I had was my talents in the shop. That was pretty much all people really talked to me about these days. I couldn't believe that would be enough to peak a girl like Lorelei's interest however. None of this really made any sense to me.

It was hard to describe her expression as she looked at me. It was almost as if she couldn't understand why I was asking her this. And I didn't know if it was because she didn't expect anyone would ask her to explain herself, or she thought the answer was so obvious, she'd never have to.

Eventually, she answered.

"Because, Heather was wrong about who was settling in your relationship." she said neutrally. "And 'any guy' isn't going to cut it. Not for me."

The words his me like tidal wave.

Did she really believe that?

"You really think she'd care?" I asked. Gods, was I actually considering this?

"Well, as you said, 'life well lived,' right?" she asked with a smirk. "What guy isn't living his best life with me around?"

She laughed at my expression which I was sure was one of incredulous disbelief. Hades, how could I have ever entertained the idea of getting caught up with someone like this? Even if it was for less than half a second.

"Gods never mind." I said shaking my head and she laughed again. "Forget I even asked."

"Bye Dex." She said, and with a wink, she continued walking away, still laughing to herself.

I watched her for a moment, wondering what in Zeus's name had gotten into this girl that would make her come up with an idea that was so crazy, then, with a jolt, realized I should probably go after her. Lunch was most likely almost over, and people would be going back to their activities soon. I didn't want to be found out on the lake all by myself gawking after one of the Aphrodite sisters.

"That was quick." Lorelei said smiling, and giving me a sidelong look as I fell into step next to her. "Change your mind already?"

"No." I said putting my hands in my pockets and ignoring her gaze. Lorelei wasn't exactly short for a girl, but I was much taller, with longer legs. It hadn't take long to catch up to her. "We had to walk in the same direction."

"Alright." She said with a shrug. "But if you won't do me a favor, will you at least let me do you one?"

The cabins had come into view now, as well the campers who were coming back from the dining pavilion.

"What do you mean?" I asked raising an eyebrow, this time looking at her and again, she smiled.

"Just trust me."

And with that, she linked her arm with mine, then, without warning, started to laugh.

"What in Zeus's name are you doing?" I asked, but she simply put her free hand on my arm then stood on her toes pulling me down slightly, to kiss me on the cheek.

"I'll see you around, Dex." She said in a bright, flirty tone, then pulling herself free.

She gave me one final smile, before walking towards her cabin, and for the second time in a matter of minutes, I found myself watching Lorelei walk away in complete confusion.

This time however, the reasoning for her actions became almost immediately apparent.

As I turned towards my cabin, I saw that at the front of the group heading back from the pavilion, was a familiar figure. Her long dark blonde hair pulled back into braids, something like fury, in those familiar green eyes.

Heather.

She was holding hands with a tall boy, also blonde, who was wearing an irritated scowl. It was clear that Caleb, at least that was what I thought Lorelei had called him, was annoyed by the display, but it was nothing compared to Heather's expression. She looked as if she was contemplating murder, and whether or not she could get away with it.

"So," A familiar voice said and I turned to see Priya standing just outside our cabin door, giving me the smuggest smirk I'd ever seen on her face, which, for Priya, was saying something. "I take it the picnic went well?"

"Shut up Pri." I said rolling my eyes and she laughed, following me into the cabin.

"Fine, don't tell me anything, but I know you Dex." She said sagely. "Even if you won't admit it, I know you had fun."

"Yeah?" I asked sitting on my bed and looking at her. "And why is that?"

"Because in the past week, all you've done is grouch about this and complain about that ever since you got here." She said crossing her arms over her chest before giving me a knowing expression. "But I don't hear you griping about her at all."

"I didn't have fun actually." I said stubbornly, annoyed at the way she was smirking at me. "Lorelei is nuts."

"That doesn't mean you didn't like her." She continued cheerfully and I frowned, not sure how I could even begin to respond to this intimation.

I wasn't exactly an extrovert, and I tended not to like people in general. Not more than I did spending time on my own anyways, but, as insane as Lorelei's plan had been, she had been polite. Even when I'd been pretty rude to her at first. And there had been something about the way she'd looked at me, under all of the flirting and muffins and fairytale princess vibes. Something calculated, intelligent even. It had me wondering if with Lorelei, there was a lot more than meets the eye.

Whether it was good or not, the jury seemed to be out on that.

"I don't like anyone Pri." I said dismissively and she laughed.

"What about me?" She asked and I grinned.

"You might be the one exception." I admitted as several of my siblings filtered in to the cabin and started getting ready for their activities.

"Well." she said playfully. "I guess I'll have to enjoy it while it lasts. Something tells me I won't be the only one soon."

Lpov

I smiled as I stepped out of my cabin only to see Caleb waiting for me to walk me to breakfast.

"Hey." I said feeling my heart rate increase and immediately jogging over to him

"Hey Lore," he said easily, and for what might have been the millionth time, I couldn't believe how cute he was when he smiled.

I couldn't believe I was going out with someone like him, someone so smart and talented and funny, let alone going out since last summer. His light eyes darted towards the cabin where several of my sisters were just dashing in from the showers, clearly still getting ready for the day.

"Why are you the only one of your sisters who's ever on time for breakfast?" he asked sounding a little amused but taking my hand as we made our way to the dining pavilion.

"You save a lot of time by not having to micro manage the angle of your eyeliner." I said with a laugh and he grinned a little.

"What, you're saying you didn't spend an hour getting ready today?" he asked tugging my pony tail playfully.

"I might have spent a few minutes deciding which hoodie I've worn the least." I said thoughtfully, well aware that the one I was wearing was the one I always wore recently. His.

I glanced back at my cabin, watching as yet another one of my sisters ran through the door.

"I honestly don't know why they go through all that." I said shaking my head and turning back to Caleb, enjoying the way the sunlight seemed to turn the blonde to gold in his hair. "It just seems so silly."

"Well," he said with a shrug. "Your mother is the goddess of love and beauty."

"I guess." I said quietly.

He seemed to realize there was more on my mind however because he said.

"You ok?"

"Yeah," I said frowning. "It's just, sometimes, when I hear the rest of them talk, I wonder if they even really know what that means."

"What what means?" he asked looking confused.

"Love." I said avoiding his eye, trying to sound casual about the word, even if I was pretty sure I knew what it meant… More than the others at any rate.

I woke up from the dream confused, half expecting to see Caleb, then after realizing what had happened, just feeling annoyed.

"What a waste of mental energy." I muttered to myself getting out of bed, already preparing to start the day in a bad mood.

As usual, I was the first of my sisters to wake up and immediately started my morning routine, I grabbed my toiletries and checked I had everything for my skin care routine, then started making my way to the showers noticing as I stepped outside, the sun had just started peaked over the trees of the forest where the camp held games of capture the flag.

I squinted at it resentfully, wishing that the camp didn't always have to have such perfect weather. It wasn't Apollo's fault that his son had turned out to be such a twit, but still, I could have stood to have a few rainy days this summer. I didn't need a constant reminder of my stupid decisions above me in the sky every day. That was just unusually cruel.

"Good morning Lorie-loo." A familiar voice said cheerfully and I turned to see Jake also headed towards the showers, a towel of his shoulder and wearing gym clothes that told me he was fresh from the arena and his morning workout.

"Jeez," he said with a laugh as he caught a glimpse at me. "You look awful."

"No I don't." I said automatically. I never looked awful, not anymore. I did scowl at him however. "And I thought we discussed leaving the name Lorie-loo in the freshman year."

"You discussed." He said with a grin that told me he'd be making it a point to call me that more often. "I refused to give a definitive answer."

Normally I would have laughed at this, but I didn't and, being the amazing friend that he'd always been, he picked up on it.

"Something wrong, Lore?"

"Not particularly," I admitted. "The thought of putting on eyeliner today makes me want to drill a hole in my skull but that's pretty much every morning."

"So then don't put it on." He suggested, his tone making clear he thought this was on obvious conclusion.

"You and I both know why I can't do that." I said sourly.

"Mom's still pissed at you then?" he asked gingerly and I nodded.

"Yeah, she sent me another dream last night."

"Vindictive." He said pulling a face. "Is that why you're so annoyed right now?"

"Among other things." I said with a sigh.

It was bad enough I had to see Caleb in all his suck-tacular glory nearly every day at camp, but now I couldn't escape him at night time either.

Unable to help myself, I glanced at Cabin 9 wondering vaguely if Dex was even awake right now. Part of me hoped Jake wouldn't notice this, but of course he did.

"I take it things with tinker boy didn't pan out?" he asked and this startled me into a laugh.

"I will pay you a hundred dollars to call him that to his face."

"You might as well just give me that money now." He said grinning, clearly pleased he'd gotten me to smile. "You know I'll do it."

"I dunno." I said pretending to be unconvinced. "Dex isn't like most people you mess with, he's pretty big." I gave Jake a thoughtful one over. "He might actually be able to take you in a fight."

"Yeah, but he doesn't fight." Jake pointed out which I had to admit, I didn't have an answer for.

We continued to walk in silence for a but just as we'd almost reached the showers, he said.

"Your mother can't be mad at you forever, can she?"

"You do remember who my mother is Jake, don't you?"

"I know." He said shaking his head. "It's just, I hate seeing you like this all the time. You seem so unhappy."

"What does she care how I feel Jake?" I asked with a tired sigh. "I'm pretty. What has that got to do with happy?"

I reached for the shower doors and was about to step through them when I heard Jake say.

"You were always pretty Lore."

"Maybe." I agreed with a shrug, but refusing to look back as I said. "Just not pretty enough, I guess."

I let the door swing closed behind me, not giving him a chance to respond to the statement partly because I needed to get going if I wanted to have enough time getting ready this morning, but also, because I didn't want to hear what he might have to say.

…

I tried not to think much as I went through the motions of the morning. Selecting an outfit, going over my activity list, hesitating for just a moment, before grabbing my makeup bag and sitting in front of one of the many vanity mirror that lined the walls of the cabin.

Memories of my dream last night presented themselves as autopilot took over, but I pushed them away, picking up products, hardly noticing what I was holding as I was using it.

Finally, after a quick spot check to make sure none of my foundation or mascara had been rubbed off while changing, though it never did, I uncapped my favorite bottle of perfume.

This was without a doubt my favorite part of my routine, and I felt some of the tension leave my shoulders as the familiar mist of vanilla and cherry blossoms settled around me.

By now, most of my sisters were awake and moving, scrambling for outfits and things like shower gel and conditioner.

I continued to look in the mirror, still trying to get used to the super model that how somehow, over the past several months, seemed to have infiltrated my body and taken Lorelei's place. Without really meaning to, I glanced at the locket that rested over my camp shirt, trying not to think of everything that it was supposed to remind me of. Everything it was meant to represent.

"Move over," one of my sisters, Amabelle, said in frustration practically pushing me out of one of the vanity chairs once she realized the rest were taken. "You don't need the mirror anymore. Not all of us get magical help you know."

She quickly uncapped her lipstick and I didn't bother to argue or make a retort. She knew as well as I that she could have run me over with a bulldozer if she wanted and not so much as a single one of my nails would have been chipped or out of place. It was why I got up early, so I could have those five minutes to look in the mirror before anyone bothered me for it.

Instead, I turned away from my siblings and started walking towards the cabin door, wincing a little as I remembered how, in my dream, Caleb had mentioned my habit of being the first of my sisters being ready each morning.

It wasn't Caleb, however, who was waiting for me as I stepped outside.

"I see you went with the eyeliner." Jake said, clearly trying not to smirk as he spotted me down the steps.

"And I see you've ruined another camp shirt." I responded looking at the sleeves that looked as if they'd been torn, none too gently, from the rest of the shirt.

"It's not my fault my arms are phenomenal." He shrugged, looking completely unabashed at my mockery as he put his hands into the pockets of his shorts.

"It is absolutely your fault." I said indignantly, but laughing all the same. "You have two arm days each week. Two." I reminded him, emphasizing the number a second time.

"Yeah, well you think looking this good is easy?" He asked smirking. "It takes a lot of effort. I deserve to show them off."

"Why are we friends again?" I asked but linking my arm with his all the same.

Several people were looking in our direction, clearly wondering if yet another Aphrodite Ares cabin pairing had occurred without the camp noticing, but I mostly tried to ignore the stares. I still wasn't used to them.

"Because we everyone else sucks and we hate them?" He suggested and I grinned.

"True."

"That and you're the only one who can fix my controller when I chuck it out my window." He added as an after-thought.

"Just switch to mouse and keyboard," I said in exasperation.

"No."

I rolled my eyes but didn't feel like bring up a conversation I was sure we'd had about thirty times, knowing I wouldn't get anywhere, and he seemed to notice.

"Gods what has gotten into you today?" he asked as we cleared the line of cabins and the dining pavilion came into view. "I know it's the morning, but usually you're a lot more fun."

"Just figuring out how much emotional baggage I'm going to be responsible for before the end of the summer." I said with a sigh looking at the campers around me, feeling sorry for all of them, especially the boys.

He glanced at the chain of the locket before letting his gaze mine.

"You can always turn back." He pointed out. "You don't have to do what she wants."

I let my eyes drift over a couple holding hands in front of us, a pretty girl from the Iris cabin and a boy from the Dionysus cabin.

"Of course I do Jake." I said quietly.

One look told me everything I needed to know. Or maybe I didn't want to.

The girl liked the boy far more than the boy liked her. A situation I was unfortunately familiar with, and was how I'd fallen into the hole I'd dug for myself now.

"Well," he said sounding a little awkward, but clearly determined to change the subject. "On the bright side. I've got some good news. You know that graphics card you were asking about?"

"Yeah?" I asked hopefully as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, thin box, offering it to me.

"It got here early."

"No way," I said beaming as I looked over the specs.

"Believe it sweetheart." He said clearly pleased with himself at my reaction. "Top of the line, just came out last week, sold out everywhere though I'm a little surprised you wanted it." he added giving me a quizzical look. "Your rig can't handle this thing."

"No, you're right." I agreed a little distractedly, still inspecting the packaging. "I'm going to have to build a new one. But it's not for me."

"Then who is it for?" he asked frowning, but I shrugged it off and looked up to him, trying to distract him with a question.

"How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing."

"Jake…" I said in a warning tone.

"I'm serious Lore." He said with a shrug. "The manufacturing company messed up and shipped my brother an extra card with his pre-order. So he had an extra, and he said I could have it."

"What? Why?" I asked incredulously.

These things were going for over a grand easy. Even if he didn't want to return it, he could have made some decent money selling it to someone else.

"I may or may not have mentioned who was interested in acquiring it."

"Oh gods…"

"And I might or might not have given him your friend code on Crash Battle, not that I think he'll actually have the guts to actually use it," he added hastily when he caught my expression. "Buuut some light flirting in that direction might be appreciated."

I almost protested against this, but let out a sigh and glanced down at the graphics card. This was what I was supposed to be learning how to do right? How to be a proper daughter of Aphrodite.

"Fine." I said eventually, resigned to the process. "I laugh at a few of his stupid jokes."

"Good girl." He said with a nod and putting an arm around my shoulder in an encouraging manner. "Besides, you can always block him if he gets too annoying online." He continued cheerfully. "And I can always deck him if he gets too annoying in person."

"Or, I could just, you know. Ignore him." I pointed out and he scowled.

"Yeah, but then I don't get to hit anyone." He said irritably and I smiled.

"Ah, how could I be so foolish to suggest otherwise?"

"I dunno." He agreed, pretending to ponder the question. "You think I would have taught you better by now."

We'd made it to the pavilion now and I almost dreaded going inside. I didn't want to sit with my siblings right now, not after the dream.

"Well I can always learn." I said with a shrug disentangling myself from him and he laughed.

"One can only hope."

Just then, a few of his brothers passed, cat calling at me and I waved and pretended to laugh then turned back to Jake.

"This is your fault." I accused and he grinned

"It's the price you have to pay love." He said an imitation of wistful remorse and I felt an eyebrow jump up.

"Pay?" I asked skeptically. "For what? A graphics card or being pretty?"

"Both," he said with a smirk and glancing at the Ares table were several of his brothers were not so subtly glancing over at us with obvious interest.

Clearly, this amused him.

"You know, it's weird hearing how much they talk about you now."

"Yeah?" I asked trying to sound neutral but when he caught my expression because his sobered.

"Don't worry about them Lore." He said quietly. "They're just being idiots."

"I know."

"Just say the word and I'll get them to stop."

At this I couldn't help but grin a little.

"With your fist?"

"If I deem it the best course of action." He said with the sort of expression that told me, if he had his way, it would be. Even if they were his brothers.

My smile grew.

"Thanks Jake."

"Any time Lore." He said and I knew he meant it. Say what you will about the Ares campers and their tempers, but when they liked you, you couldn't ask for a better friend.

"Well, I'm going to go eat my weight in bacon." He continued after a pause. "I'll see you in the strawberry fields later?"

"Of course."

He grinned.

"See ya there dollface."

"Bye meat head."

He laughed and gave me a mock salute before jogging towards the breakfast line, but when I started to go after him, I felt myself hesitate.

I glanced down at the box in my hands, then around at the tables, noticing that, as I expected, one of the familiar faces wasn't among them.

'Now that's interesting.' I thought to myself, and after ten more seconds of rumination, I turned away from the pavilion and started making my way back to the cabins, in the direction of cabin 9.