*I got an review today asking for a romantic moment between Jason and Piper. The review was by a guest, so I'm not really sure who to shout this out to. Well...Whoever you were, this one's for you. Jasper fans, please go easy on me*

Chapter IX JASON

That night back on the Argo II, Jason found Piper, alone on the deck, staring out at the stars. Jason stood beside his girlfriend and put his arms around her.

"Hi." he said softly.

"Hi." she replied, laughing.

"Do you know any Greek constellations?" he asked,

"Well, there's Ursa Major, the Great Bear." she said, pointing,

"And that's Pegasus. I'd probably be better at Cheeroke constellations though. Do, you know any Roman ones?"

"Gods, no!" he said, pulling a face.

Piper grinned, but seemed kind of forced.

"Hey, you okay?"

"I'm just kind of worried."

"About what?"

"Us." she said finally.

After a long pause, Jason shook his head, wondering what he was hearing.

"Is this a break up?" he said at last, his voice cracking.

"No, of course not! It's just- you're Roman, I'm Greek. Once this entire crazy quest is over, will we be okay? Will we be kept apart or-"

Jason kissed her to get her to shut up.

"Pipes, for a child of Aphrodite, you seriously need to learn a lot about relationships." he said with a tiny smile.

"Of course we'll be fine. I'm not giving you up! After this, hopefully the romans and Greeks will settle their difference. And if not, we can just elope and live in the woods."

Piper's face cleared and Jason hugged her.

"Come on, we'd better get back inside." she said.

"Yeah, we wouldn't want to pull an Annabeth and Percy and fall asleep out here."

"I don't think Coach Hedge or Hazel could deal with the scandal."

They walked to the mess hall and Jason made two cups of hot chocolate for them to drink together. They sat down and Piper sipped her drink cautiously. As she did this, Jason observed her thoughtfully. What had he done to deserve a girl as awesome as her? Whatever it was, he was glad Piper was in his life. She was so smart, brave, and beautiful. Jason couldn't imagine what he'd do without her, honestly. He knew Reyna had tried to start a relationship, but he just didn't feel it. Reyna was his fellow praetor, his fellow leader. He wasn't attracted to her in that way. Not the way it was with Piper. Being with the daughter of Aphrodite was like- being on a roller coaster that you never wanted to get off of.

Piper must have noticed him watching her, because she blushed and set her mug down.

"What?" she asked self-consciously.

"Do I have hot chocolate on my face or something?"

"No." Jason said softly.

"I'm just so happy that I think my chest is going to explode."

Piper grinned and leaned over to kiss him. She stopped about an inch away and then said,

"Why do I get the feeling that my mom and your dad are about to get very., very angry at us?"

"Who cares?" Jason said, closing the distance between them and kissing her.

*Why is Jason so difficult to write! This is so frustrating! I don't think I'm doing him justice, honestly :(*