It's been a while!

Disclaimer: Y'all know I don't own anything you recognize ;)

Frank and Reyna

Frank POV

Moving is stressful.

Especially when the only help you have is your new boss.

Frank sighed, mostly out of exhaustion. It was a few weeks after the fall of Gaea, and he was finally moving into the praetor house. Not Reyna's, of course, but Jason's old place. It was a bit weird to be taking Jason's house, but since Jason wasn't praetor anymore and he was busy setting up shrines all over the place, Frank figured it was okay. The only downside was that everyone was too busy to help him out. Even Hazel was out helping some of the Roman kids with Pegasus lessons. Since Reyna previously owned the only Pegasus in the legion, most Romans had never had the chance to ride one. And since he could hear the whoops and screams all the way across the forum, Frank figured they were having a great time.

At least Reyna was helping him out. She claimed it was 'only right to assist her new co-captain'. Don't get him wrong, Frank liked Reyna. But he still doesn't know her that well, and to be honest, she's a bit intimidating. Tall, strong and she had that piercing gaze and a commanding presence about her. Frank wasn't sure he would ever develop that air about him, or even gain enough respect from anyone to follow his commands. After all, when he left he was just the least respected person in the least respected cohort in the legion. Nobody. Now he is expected to lead the entire legion. Yikes.

Anyway, currently he was carrying a trunk of clothes over to his new home. Reyna was by his side carrying some towels and blankets.

"You're awfully quiet." Reyna remarked.

"Just thinking." Frank replied, "And focusing on not dropping this thing. That would be bad." He could just picture all his clothes, socks and underwear rolling across the forum in the breeze.

Reyna chuckled. "When Jason and I moved our things to the praetor houses, this one Lar kept messing with our sheets, trying to be humorous yet only becoming extremely annoying. I'm glad everyone is busy." She grunted as she stepped over the threshold and dropped the heavy basket in the hall. Frank set his trunk by the bed.

"Now Jason will have to move his stuff out." Reyna continued, looking around rather wistfully.

Frank didn't say anything. He was rather uncomfortable, like he was a replacement. He felt awful that Reyna didn't really have a choice in making him praetor. Jason just made a spur of the moment decision. He was also uncomfortable with the fact that the house was filled with Jason's old things. Pictures on the walls, an old basketball in the corner, clothes and little knick-knacks that just screamed "This is Jason's house-what are you doing- get out." Jason had meant to move all his stuff out last week, but then he got held up by some minor sea goddess.

Frank felt Reyna's sideways glace at his face. "Don't worry Frank. This house will be all yours soon. I'm pleased we will be neighbors. Will Hazel be moving in too?"

He felt his face redden. "Uh… no? I think we're a bit young to live with each other quite yet. And I think Hazel prefers her own space." He quickly changed the subject. "Want to go back for the dresser?"

Her eyes twinkled. "Just making sure. And you can use the dresser that's already here, I'm sure Jason won't be carrying it around with him everywhere. You and I need to talk."

Frank swallowed nervously. They hadn't talked one-on-one very much, and her serious voice indicated that they would talk about serious things. What if he made a fool of himself? What if he makes her regret Jason's decision? What if he's not right for the job? What if- Stop. He stopped his anxious thinking. I can do this.

"Sure." He answered. "Let's go sit on the porch."

They went to the back porch and sat down on the steps. Reyna turned to towards him, her dark eyes searching every inch of his face.

"You're nervous." She stated.

Frank paused, then slowly nodded.

She smiled warmly. "Everyone's nervous when they have an important job. I was nervous, Jason was nervous, and I'm sure the praetor's before us were nervous too. It's normal. So don't be afraid to admit it. You and I are partners now. We work together. We make decisions together. We aren't afraid to share our thoughts with each other. So what are you thinking about?"

"I…" He trailed off. She had a point, of course, they would be working together for the foreseeable future. But he wanted to start off on the right foot. He wanted to be confident. How could he share all of his insecurities just like that? But Reyna saw right through him. "I… How do you know that I'm the right guy for this? I mean, you are kind of stuck with me now, but why do you seem so okay with it?" He rubbed his face with his hands.

"Hey." He felt her hand on his shoulder. "I am most definitely not 'stuck with you'. I am proud of Jason for making you praetor. You are strong. Dependable. Trustworthy. Humble. You take responsibility. You have a good head on your shoulders. You make good decisions and try your best to do the right thing. Those are all the makings of a great leader. A great praetor. You are not a replacement, but a successor. I know Jason declared you praetor for a reason, and I can think of no other person more suited for the job. So stop looking down on yourself and take courage Frank." She lifted his head to look her in the eye. "You got this."

"But what if I mess up? What if I lead the legion down the wrong path? You clearly can run this place single-handedly, so you probably don't even need me. What if nobody follows me? I can't just…"

"No."

Frank stopped. Then ferociously reached up to wipe his eyes. Great. Now he just shed tears in front of her too.

"You are not allowed to think like that. Sure, there will be tough choices. There will be those who rebel against you. But those are opportunities to learn, and to become a better leader than before. I cannot do this alone. See what happened during Jason's absence? Octavian nearly destroyed this legion. I am not enough to run this community smoothly. I need someone to support me. Someone to discuss decisions. Someone to keep me in check. It is a team effort. You help me, and I help you. You are not in this alone, remember. I will help you learn and become a good leader, even better than me. You'll see. But it will take time. Give it a chance."

Frank sighed. Her words shook him. He would have to act brave. No, not act, be brave. Be in control. Be the one people look up to. He would try.

He looked up at Reyna, who was looking expectantly at him. "I'll try." He whispered.

"Trying is the first step to doing." She rose to her feet. "Come. I think there are still some small items in your old place." She turned to leave.

"Wait." Frank called. She looked back. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For believing in me. Not many people do that."

She smiled again, Frank thought it looked a little sad. "You have friends, Frank Zhang. More people believe in you than you imagine." She then walked off, not waiting for him to follow her.

Frank felt warm. Maybe he can do this.

Author's Note

Definitely not my best work, but, hey, gotta love some Frank and Reyna friendship! Thank you so much for the suggestion, guest!

And thank you for the other suggestions too, daughterofthanatos (I really like the Piper/Rachel thing) and Koolkat0207 (I like yours too!)

I figured since we recently had a chapter with Piper, and Nico, that we should save them for another time.

Keep sending me character suggestions, or even plot lines! I absolutely thrive on all the reviews and comments!

~Ellie