Chapter 2: Counting Stars
Octavian's POV
I'd thought about it. I'd once considered the possibility of Reyna and I dating. She was a girl. I was a boy. She was pretty. I was... something. She was a praetor. I was an Augur. She was single. I was single. Perfect match, right? Wrong. It was always known how big of a crush she had on Jason, and the only time I got the courage to ask her out, she was flirting with Jason. Of course, it didn't help that I was mean to her most of the time. But I was mean to everyone! And she was throwing me mixed signals, asking me to move in, then running away at my first show of affection.
"Who am I kidding? She was just being a leader." I sighed.
Maybe sleep would help me. Nope.
I dreamt of Reyna. I dreamt of her laughter filling the Garden of Bacchus, more joyful than I'd ever heard her. I was chasing her. I finally caught up to her and pulled her in for a kiss.
Venus' laughter filled the Garden next. "I was right. You two are perfect for each other!"
I pulled away from my kiss with Reyna, finding her frozen in time. "What do you mean?"
"Octavian, don't you know why you've never found love? Why Reyna seems to only chase men who don't want her?" Venus giggled.
"No. Why?" I questioned.
"Because, I've saved you two for each other. And you two were attracted to each other before I ever interfered." Venus smiled.
Was Reyna attracted to me? "But, she runs away when I get close to her."
"That's because she doesn't want to get hurt. She knows she can't successfully date demigods. And she hasn't considered the fact that you're not a demigod. You're a legacy." Venus smirked. "When the time comes, remind her that you're not a demigod. You're a legacy."
With that bit of advice, Venus disappeared and my dream dissolved. I was awake again. After a look at a clock Reyna had had in the room, I realized that it was afternoon. My shift at slave work was starting soon. I got up and headed for the border, in search of Terminus.
"Ah, there you are. Just on time." Terminus said. "Follow Julia to the bridge near Temple Hill. You'll continue helping with the rebuild."
I nodded and followed the little girl to the bridge. None of the other workers had shown up today. It looked like I'd be building alone again today. I picked up a brick, carried it to the place I was putting it, and made sure the cement would hold it in place. I continued this process a few more times.
"Octavian?" Reyna's voice came from behind me.
I turned to see her, wearing a purple shirt and a pair of jean shorts, weapon strapped to her side. I was wearing something similar. "Visiting Temple Hill?"
"Yes." Reyna said. "Where are the other workers?"
"Looks like they decided not to show up today." I shrugged.
"Does this happen a lot?" She asked.
"Occasionally." I admitted.
She studied the bricks, as well as my method of rebuilding. Then she picked up a brick and started building herself.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"This bridge should be rebuilt as soon as possible, and no one else is here to do it, so I'm going to help you." Reyna shrugged.
"Are you sure? This was meant to be my punishment, not a job for a praetor." I pointed out.
"Even Atlas needed his burden lifted at times." Reyna said.
"He's evil. And you just used his Greek name." I said.
"That's not the point." Reyna put another brick into place. "The point is, this needs to get done."
I shrugged and continued putting bricks into place. We built in relative silence for about an hour, but then Reyna decided to speak.
"Octavian... I'm sorry. I wish the Camp wouldn't ostracize you and treat you like a slave." Reyna apologized.
"It's not your fault. You gave me a fair punishment, and they misinterpreted it as an excuse to hurt me. You don't have to apologize to me." I said.
Reyna stared off towards New Rome. That momentary lapse in attention caused her to slip on some mud, so I tried to catch her. I only succeeded in falling with her. We'd landed in a big pile of mud.
"Gross." Reyna spit out some mud, which promptly landed on my face. "Oh, I'm so sorry Octavian..."
"It's okay." I wiped the mud off and flung it on her face. "Now we're even."
Reyna had a playful smirk I'd never seen before as she wiped it off and put it back on my face. I immediately knew what game we were playing, so I put a handful of mud onto her face. We had a mud war like that for a while before we were interrupted.
"Reyna? Octavian?" Jason's voice broke through the sound of our playful laughter.
Reyna immediately stopped dead in her tracks, eventually pushing me off of her. "Jason? What are you doing here?"
"I came back to visit with Annabeth and Percy. Piper's here too." Jason said. "What are you two doing?"
Reyna's face showed conflicting emotions. Sourness, probably directed at Jason mentioning Piper, and toleration, also likely to be directed at Piper. "We slipped in some mud while I was helping Octavian rebuild the bridge. We decided to have fun with it instead of complaining about getting mud on our clothes."
"Don't you two hate each other?" Jason questioned.
"Why do you care? You're never here, so we could all die and you wouldn't notice." I snapped.
Jason shot me a look. "I wasn't talking to you. And from what I heard, you're practically a slave now."
"Actually, he's a probatio, but he's doing some labor as punishment for what he did." Reyna piped up.
"Since when does treason only denounce you to probatio? And why are you helping him instead of the builders?" Jason was starting to annoy me.
"He's been denounced to probatio because Percy, Frank, and I agreed on a less harsh punishment than death, and I'm helping him because the other workers didn't show up." Reyna looked uncomfortable.
"This place has really gone downhill since I left. Slackers, denouncement, and a praetor reduced to helping a traitor." Jason sighed.
I saw Reyna's demeanor change from uncomfortable to depressed within seconds. She no longer looked like she could fight, her eyes turned sad, and I think I saw tears forming, but I can't be sure since she hurriedly stood up and bolted. She'd ran out of my line of sight in thirty seconds or so.
"At the moment, you're worse than I ever was. You just single handedly insulted Reyna and broke her heart all over again. You're one of the few people who's opinion she cares about, and you just insulted her leadership skills. And bringing up your girlfriend just rubbed salt in a wound that wasn't fully healed yet. You reduced her to tears, and I don't think you even care." I stood up and headed in Reyna's direction.
"Who made you high and mighty? Why are you acting like you're better than me?" Jason called out.
"A lot of things have changed since you left, Jason. For better or worse." I said.
After getting directions from a few lares, I found out Reyna was in the public baths. And although you may call me crazy, or even a pervert, I had to know she was okay. I decided I'd break into the girls' section of the baths.
"Apollo! Apollo!" I whispered vehemently.
He appeared seconds later, a stupid grin on his face. "Octavian."
"Can I ask a favor?" I asked.
"Depends on the favor. And how it benefits me." Apollo wiggled his eyebrows.
"I need you to sneak me into the girls' section of the public baths." I said.
"You lady killer!" Apollo exclaimed.
"No, I'm looking for someone specific." I sighed.
"Ooh, what's her name?" Apollo smirked.
"Not for that reason. Agh, I don't have time for this!" I groaned.
"Well I do. So tell me her name, or you're not getting in." Apollo folded his arms with a grin.
"Reyna. I have to see Reyna." I sighed.
"Ah, so you're going for the nut." Apollo said.
"Nut?!" I exclaimed.
"Yeah, she's a tough nut to crack. The only reason she was attracted to Jason and Percy so easily is because they're special. They're not just lady killers, they're slayers!" Apollo explained. "Girls like that sensitive kind of guy."
"Yeah, Jason's really sensitive." I rolled my eyes. "Can you get me in there now?"
"Best of luck." Apollo grinned.
Apollo disappeared, but in his place, the public baths appeared. With me standing in the water, right in front of Reyna. A few girls screamed, but Reyna just jumped a little and held her hand to her chest. One of the screamers was Annabeth.
"Octavian, what are you doing in here? Scratch that, HOW did you get in here?" Reyna questioned.
Luckily, the bath water was covering the chests of every girl who was sitting in the baths, otherwise I would be in bigger trouble. I blushed. "I didn't think Apollo would put me RIGHT in the middle of the baths, but I wanted to make sure you were okay..."
Annabeth was sitting next to Reyna and had a rare dumbfounded look, her face completely red.
"Octavian..." Hazel looked scandalized. "No matter why you're here... I think it would be best to take this conversation somewhere else. We had to work through a lot of modesty issues just to get Annabeth IN here..."
Annabeth proceeded to elbow Hazel before covering her chest again.
"Can... I talk to you? Outside?" I was beet red.
"Just... wait for me outside. I'll need a few minutes to get dressed." Reyna was starting to look a little red herself.
I nodded and turned to leave, girls giving me nervous looks on my way out.
Reyna's POV
"So... you and Octavian are friends now?" Annabeth asked.
"Even I don't understand this situation. Over a month ago we were at each other's throats. Now... he's decent as a person. It's strange." I shrugged as I pulled my clothes on.
"He must at least think of you as a friend. Why else would he sneak into a girls' public bath?" Annabeth shook her head.
I wasn't sure on that one either.
"For Gods' sakes." Hazel rolled her eyes. "No wonder you didn't date Percy until you were sixteen. Even I can see that Octavian is developing feelings for Reyna."
I stared at Hazel as though she'd just said Gaea was rising again.
Annabeth got a look of surprise that slowly turned into a smile. "Actually, you might be right. This is pretty similar to the way Percy acted when I realized he liked me. Except he didn't sneak into a public bath. And I knew Percy liked me! He was just too big of a Seaweed Brain to figure out I liked him!"
"Whatever you say." Hazel snorted.
I walked away quietly, both girls calling out to me. I just ignored them and headed outside to meet Octavian. He was waiting just outside the entrance, Terminus scolding him.
"Sneaking into a public bath!" Terminus exclaimed.
"I'll take it from here, Terminus." I said.
"Of course, Reyna." Terminus disappeared.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" I asked.
Octavian looked concerned. "Are you okay? After the way Jason..."
"I'm fine, Octavian." I lied. "Jason just doesn't understand..."
"Stop making excuses for Jason, okay? He abandoned us for the Greeks, rubs his girlfriend in your face every five seconds, and acts like he's the only one who knew how to run this Camp. You've done a perfect job as leader, even I have to admit that. And it was almost like he abandoned us before he even left." Octavian ranted.
I was speechless for a second. "What do you mean?"
"Even before he knew about the Greeks' existence, he was always talking about leaving Camp for somewhere better, and saying things about how we should change in a way that made him sound Greek. And don't you remember back when I was your friend? Just for a day? Don't you remember why?" Octavian explained.
I did remember the day Octavian was my friend. Clearly. When we'd had somewhat of a dance for the Camp—because they'd requested it for so long—, Jason and I had agreed to go together as friends. I'd even bought a nice dress. But a few hours before the dance, Jason had told me he'd found someone to go with as his date and said he hoped I wasn't angry. I lied and told him I wasn't. But as soon as he left, I cried in my room. Then Octavian had come. He said I was late to the dance and he knew Jason was the reason why.
"If you really want to be a strong praetor, you need to show up with or without him. I'll even be your date." Octavian had offered.
I'd ended up agreeing and put my dress on. Octavian stared at me open mouthed, but he played it off as his jaw hurting. When we'd shown up to the dance, everyone was whispering about Octavian and I showing up together. Jason had stared at me guiltily from across the room.
"I do remember, Octavian. I do remember." I said.
"Then stop defending him. I was one of your enemies, and I was a better friend than he was." Octavian said.
I wasn't sure what to say to that. "It's almost time for dinner. We should go."
"I don't really want to go back in there." Octavian admitted.
"You'll be sitting with me. And if they say anything, they'll have to deal with me." I promised.
"Reyna, you can't get the entire Camp in trouble." Octavian sighed.
"Why not?" I countered.
Octavian smiled and we headed to dinner without any further argument. As we walked in, people stared at us. I wasn't sure if it was because we'd walked in together, or because I'd subconsciously let Octavian hold my hand. I pulled my hand away and walked to my seat in silence, Octavian trailing behind me.
"You're here on time." Frank smiled.
"You sound like that surprises you." I said.
"It surprises me." Hazel covertly looked over at Octavian.
I rolled my eyes and continued to eat my dinner.
"Great, you've been taking my advice, Octavian!" Venus appeared behind us.
I nearly spat out my pizza. "Venus?"
"Surprised to see her, Reyna?" Mars laughed.
"What advice?" I cleared my throat.
"Well..." Venus' mouth was covered by Octavian's hand.
"Nothing." Octavian was obviously lying.
Annabeth came up and started pulling Venus away.
"What are you doing?!" Venus exclaimed.
"Leave it alone, Aphrodite. For once, just leave it alone." Annabeth continued pulling her.
"Is Percy here?!" Venus' form shifted slightly, probably into Aphrodite. "You two are still my favorite couple."
"Damn it." Annabeth muttered.
I didn't blame her. Being Aphrodite's favorite couple usually meant a lot of obstacles.
"Typical Venus. She's not even that different as Aphrodite." Hazel rolled her eyes.
I stared at Octavian, trying to figure out what advice Venus gave him. When I couldn't figure it out, I finished my dinner in silence. At least, I started to.
"Hey Reyna." Octavian said.
I turned to see Octavian with five butter knives hanging out of his mouth like fangs.
"Grr." Octavian gave a poor excuse for a growl.
I smirked at how ridiculous he looked. That earned me a smile from Octavian. Then he stuck a spoon in each of his ears. "I'm an ogre! Argh!"
Octavian had used Shrek's accent. I couldn't help but give a small laugh. Then I watched as Octavian crafted a bunch of forks into what looked like a makeshift crown. He placed it on my head. "All hail Reyna. The best praetor Camp Jupiter has ever had."
I laughed a little more loudly this time and I turned to notice that most of the Campers were staring at us. Even the lares, Venus, and Mars were staring. The only difference between the Gods and the rest of the room was that Venus and Mars had entertained smirks.
"What?" Octavian snapped. "Have you never seen a praetor laugh at an idiot before?"
With that said, Octavian left the Mess Hall.
"Octavian, wait." I stood to follow him.
I ignored the eyes watching me around the room, focused only on going after Octavian. As I stepped outside, I couldn't find Octavian. Sadness welled up within me as I decided to go home. As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but check the room I'd given Octavian. He was on his bed.
"Octavian, I don't know if you're asleep. But if you're awake... I hope you know I wasn't laughing because I thought you were an idiot. I laughed because it was funny." I got no response from Octavian. "Well... goodnight Octavian."
I walked to my room and prepared for bed. I also put the crown of forks on my nightstand. Then I let myself drift into sleep. It wasn't a long sleep. I woke up around midnight, a cold feeling creeping over me. I'd thankfully had a dreamless sleep, but I couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong. I got up and peeked into Octavian's room. He wasn't there.
"Octavian?" I turned the light on.
I couldn't find him. I checked the entire house, but he wasn't there. I made the crazy decision to check outside and let my feet guide me to where they thought I should go. I finally found Octavian in the Colosseum, lying on the same bench with the same blanket and teddybear from earlier.
"What brought you out here?" I asked as I sat next to Octavian.
"I could as you the same question." Octavian tilted his head. When he got no response from me, he answered me. "I couldn't sleep. I'm used to sleeping out here now, counting the stars."
"I thought it was impossible to accurately count all the stars." I said.
"I can try." Octavian shrugged as he sat up.
"I used to try counting stars. I got to a thousand before I lost my place." I smiled.
"What made you stop trying?" Octavian asked.
"Frustration. Lack of sleep." I shrugged.
"Do you want to try counting them with me?" Octavian asked.
"Okay." I agreed. "Where do you want the start point to be?"
"The horizon where the sun comes up. That way we'll be less likely to lose our place if the sun comes up." Octavian said.
With that, we started trying to count the stars. I wasn't sure how long we counted, but I do remember falling asleep.
"One thousand and twenty five..." Octavian yawned.
"One thousand and twenty six." My eyes started to droop.
"Maybe we should try again tomorrow." Octavian suggested.
"Maybe..." I yawned as my head drooped onto his chest.
We were lying on the ground of the Colosseum.
"Thanks for thinking I was funny." Octavian must have heard what I said earlier.
"Thanks for the crown." I yawned.
"Goodnight, Reyna..." Octavian sounded like he was falling asleep.
"Goodnight, Octavian..." I trailed off as the world became black around me.