~ I ~ Feather in the Wind ~ I ~

~ Jasper ~

~ Historical (fan) fiction ~

~ Chapter 10 ~

1845. After a forced agreement with Europeans, 15 year old Piper is betrothed to Jason Grace, son of the one who has caused much harm to her people. Yet she doesn't know that and it doesn't help the vast rumors of forced marriages with the lightly-colored she had heard of. But yet she never thought that she would fall for him, despite the knowledge that he might leave.

~ Keeping It Together ~

~ Piper ~

One month later…

The town mayor has composed a masquerade ball in honor of the new shipments from Europe. Invitations are sent out and the Grace family is invited. Better said all of the high-society clans in town are invited.

"Can I go too?" Reyna asked just after Jason read the invitation that was slipped from under the door.

"Uh, I don't think so Reyna. It says 'Please remain children under thirteen at home.' Sorry, baby." Jason told his sister.

Reyna had grown close to Piper so when she heard that, she recoiled in her sister-in-law's arms. Esperanza says that it's because Piper's pregnant. The baby acts like a magnet to small children and they instantly feel warm with Piper; that and her personality.

Reyna pouted. "But I am already seven."

"Don't worry, Reyna. I'll tuck you into bed. Tomorrow your teacher is coming extra early." Piper told her.

In the past month, since Reyna's father is no where near Virginia, Jason and Piper have taken care of Reyna's education. Jason pays the home teacher and Piper tries to help Reyna in reminding her to do her daily tasks. She hasn't been able but to notice that whenever she looks after Reyna, Jason's eyes twinkle in the sunlight at her.

"Okay," Reyna pouted quietly.

"Say goodnight to your siblings." Piper instructed.

"Night, Jason." She kissed Jason's cheek, "Night," she kissed Thalia's cheek.

Piper held out her hand to Reyna, "Let's go."

Reyna joined her hand with Piper's and they made their way to Reyna's room.

"Let's get you into your night gown." Piper said, gathering Reyna's gown from the drawer. Reyna yawned and nodded, rubbing her eyes. She lifted her arms and with Piper's help she was ready for bed in minutes.

Piper folded the covers and patted the bed for Reyna to jump in.

"Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?" Reyna asked, eyeing the bed space.

Piper grinned, "Sure. Come."

Piper sat at the edge of the bed and let Reyna in her arms. Piper began to play with Reyna's hair until the seven year asked a question.

"Piper, how come you are to have a baby?" Reyna asked, poking softly at Piper growing baby bump.

Piper laughed nervously. "We'll it's what happens when a couple get married."

"Oh like Dylan and Catherine? And Annabeth's brother Luke with his wife? And Annabeth and Percy?" Reyna asked.

Piper frowned, "I am not sure, I don't know them, except Annabeth and Percy. But yes, maybe like them if they have children. If the wife is to have a child it's because the couple is ready to have a family."

"Oh so you are going to have a family, too." Then Reyna frowned, "But you already have a family."

"You are right. A wonderful family. So instead of starting a new family, Jason and I are making ours bigger." Piper tapped Reyna's nose.

"Can it be a girl so we can play with my stuffed dogs?" Reyna lazily pointed behind her where her favorite gold and silver stuffed dogs laid.

Piper smiled, "I don't think I have control over that but I hope it is to fulfill your wish, sweetie."

Reyna smiled and nodded off to sleep.

Piper hadn't noticed that she fell asleep in Reyna's room until someone came to find her around midnight.

"Pipes?" She felt a distant voice call her and shake her. "Pipes?"

Piper's eyes shot open as she made a small move and almost feel off the bed.

The voice chuckled and caught Piper right on time. "Careful, Love. You fell asleep in a bad angle. The baby."

"Right…" Piper muttered.

Jason, she noticed, helped her stand. "Are you okay?"

Piper nodded and rubbed her eyes, "Just sleepy."

Then Jason grew worried, "And the baby? Is it okay?"

Piper smiled at him. She still hasn't gotten used that they are to be parents in a few months. Jason is always more careful than she ever is. And that is not good.

"Sleepy as well." Piper rested her head on Jason's shoulder. He chuckled and made a gesture to give him a second.

"Let me pull the blanket over Reyna." He repositioned the blanket on Reyna and landed a hand on Piper's waist.

Piper then got an idea. She lifted her arms up like she used to do at her father. Her father would carry her to her cot. Hopefully, Jason would get the message.

He did. "Really, Pipes?"

Piper giggled slightly and nodded.

"The works…" Jason chuckled. He carried Piper, bridal-style, out of Reyna's room. "My little girl."

Piper rested her head on the crook of his neck and crossed her arms around it. Jason tensed as he felt her breath on his neck. He closed the door and walked down the hallway to their bedroom. He shut the door and proceeded to bed.

~ I ~

~ Jason ~

As Jason laid Piper on the bed he had to resist the urge to kiss her lips as his face hovered over hers. Piper curled lazily into a ball on the bed. Jason chuckled, steadying himself in the mere spot aside her, still hovering her just slightly higher.

"Piper," Jason said, seeing as her eyes fluttered shut.

"Hmm?" she responded.

"Can I have a kiss good night?" Jason smirked, playfully.

"Hmm?" Piper's voice vibrated through his arms.

"A kiss?" he tried once more.

Piper 'hmm'ed again. Then she lifted herself up and planted a kiss on his cheek. She smiled warmly at him and her eyes gleamed in the candle lit room.

Jason had to avoid his male mind's words. He wanted Piper again. He wanted to make her his once more. But he had to make the best of this situation. Piper was still a young girl. She had just given one more reason to remind him; with the carrying her to bed and all.

Keep it together, He thought.

Then Piper kissed him sweetly, just barely playing with his lips. He wanted more but he stood his ground. "Good night."

His voice was hollow and low. She smiled once more and layed back down. He kissed her cheek and glided to his side of the bed. He laid against her back, overdoing a hand on her belly. Soon he fell asleep after her.

~ I ~

The Next Day…

He let Piper sleep more, for the baby's sake. He kissed her forehead and got dressed.

Today was the secret meeting with the mayor. The mayor didn't want to come out and say it but he supported Jason's activism. A month ago, when Percy and Annabeth came over, he and Percy went to see the mayor. They are planning to seek a letter in which they state their beliefs. Of course they have to get signatures for it.

And that is why they are planning a stand-up.

He quickly headed down stairs to the kitchen. He headed straight for the pantry. He needed a glass of orange juice at least for the hard day.

"What do you think your doing, young man?" A voice said behind him.

Jason flinched and slowly turned around.

Esperanza was standing at the doorway, arms crossed, "Off my realm, boy."

Jason chuckled, "Sorry forgot."

He retreated from the pantry. He leaned against the wooden island and watched the old lady go into the kitchen and serve him a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you, Nana." Jason told her as she sipped the juice.

"Where are you going so early?" Esperanza chuckled.

"I'm off to see the mayor with Percy." Jason told her, "Please don't tell the others where I'm off. It's orders from the mayor."

"May I know?"

"As much as I would like to tell you, I can't. Not even Pipes know." Jason clarified.

Esperanza smiled, "You care for her."

"I'm sorry?" Jason sipped his juice.

"I've noticed the nickname." Esperanza chuckled.

"Oh that. It just stuck to me." Jason admitted with a laugh.

"Yes. And the way you care for her. The way you talk to her; you talk about her. I bet my dishcloth that you are starting to love her." Esperanza reasoned with a pointing finger.

Jason blinked. Did he?

Well, Piper is always on his mind. The baby never fails to appear in his futuristic dreams at night. Piper is always there, being the mother. He feels weak whenever they share a sweet kiss or even a minor encounter. He wants to spend every night in her arms. He falls for her eyes every time his meets hers.

Jason had gone into space confirming Esperanza's words.

"Don't you have somewhere to be, son?" Esperanza smirked, the crow's feet at the sides of her eyes entwining.

Jason snapped out of his reverie. "Um, yes. Thank you Nana. Tell Piper I'll be back by supper."

"Oh son. I think you'll have to come back sooner than that." Esperanza warned.

"And why is that?" Jason said, putting on his coat.

"Your brother sent a letter. He is to arrive this evening. He is bringing his wife and child. To meet them. Isn't that great? And well for the ball." Esperanza smiled wide.

"Oh, I'll try, Nana." Jason assured her. "No promises though."

"Okay, boy. Go now before the family wakes."

"Okay Nana."

Wow, chapter 10 already...

Piece of advice, keep in mind Piper's roots and character's relationships for near future chapters. Well more precisely, next chapter…

Review please!

~ BeautiWind –heart-