They're also more focused on the Seven's friendship than Leyna. Sorry about that.
51. Storm
Leo grimaces beside her. "Yeah. And how much demigod aura do you think we're sending out right now? A monster could come and attack us at any second."
At almost that exact moment a clap of thunder sounded outside. Reyna squeezes Leo's hand.
"Don't mind him," she says calmly, much calmer than she feels. "He's just mad because he had to wake up before 11:00 this morning to get here on time."
Percy grins and gestures to Sally. "This is my mom."
"Call me Sally." She smiles at them all perfectly comfortable. "My husband Paul will be here shortly, he just had to run out and get some vegetables."
Piper frowns. "In this storm? Are you sure he'll be okay? It looks like it could get pretty bad outside."
Sally purses her lips but nods. "He'll be okay, the store is just around the corner."
"Thank you for having us, Sally," Jason says sincerely. "Your home is beautiful."
And that's how it starts.
The first year they go it's slightly uncomfortable and awkward, not to mention at every clap of thunder or flash of lightning they all jump and put their hands on their weapons, ready for a monster to show up at any moment. But that doesn't happen. In fact, they all make it home safe and sound and perfectly happy after eventually loosening up.
Time goes on, they stay in touch and slowly drift in different directions with their lives.
Now they're all 25/26 years old and they show up at the Jackson's apartment for Thanksgiving. And like that first time almost 10 years ago, it's storming outside.
No longer Sally and Paul's apartment, here they are at Annabeth and Percy's and Reyna immediately hangs up her coat and goes to help Annabeth in the kitchen while the boys watch football or something.
They hug quickly and immediately get to work. They've done this before- many times, not just on Thanksgiving, and Reyna knows that she's in charge of vegetables and salad. (Not that anybody except Frank, Jason, Annabeth and Piper have any. Reyna and Hazel wrinkle their noses at the rabbit food and Percy and Leo pretend it isn't even there when there's things like turkey to be eaten.
These days they drink beer and wine instead of soda and eat much more neatly. (Well… some of them drink alcohol.)
Reyna glances at Annabeth's round belly. "How many more weeks is it now? Until she's born?"
"Just 3," Annabeth looks at her and catches her eye before smiling. "It's gone by fast, to be honest."
Reyna nods. "Are you nervous?"
She shouldn't be, Reyna thinks. Everybody knows without needing it to be said out loud that Annabeth and Percy will be amazing parents, just like they've been amazing husband and wife. Once again they're leading the way for the rest of them, starting new journey's in their lives while the rest look on and think that maybe they'll follow.
Reyna looks at her new wedding band. It's simple but elegant, made by Leo's own hands, and Reyna loves it.
"Not nervous," Annabeth answers after a bit. "Just… anticipating, I suppose."
Reyna smiles. "You two will be great parents."
"I think so. At least I hope we will be." She glances quickly to the living room before meeting Reyna's eyes again. "Percy's nervous. He thinks- he worries he won't be a good father."
Reyna shakes her head at Percy's needless worrying. "He's never been the smartest guy."
Annabeth smiles. "I told him he'll be great," she places a hand on her stomach without even realizing she's doing it.