We're almost at chapter 20! I don't have much to say for this note, so again, review, check out the poll, and let's get on with this! Also, disclaimer: I don't own HOO or PJO! (Don't worry, there will be plenty of Preyna in this chapter!)

Reyna's POV

The meeting with the senate had been finalized, and everyone had left the senate house. Reyna stood alone, and she stared up at the domed roof of the Senate House. Sunlight filtered through and shone down on the marble floor of the Roman building. Reyna sighed. It would've been the perfect scenery to sit and relax, but praetors always had priorities. And Reyna's focus right now was making sure that Ezra, Donna, and Sierra made it off safely. That was her duty right now. Relaxing would come later.

Finally, she exited the Senate House. She glanced around. It looked like most of the demigods had returned back towards the camp, past the Pomerian Line. The forum was completely empty, except for a few stragglers. Some elderly demigods were standing around, and a few children in togas ran around playing tag. Reyna supposed that she better head back to camp as well. She knew there would be plenty of questions awaiting her.

When she reached Camp Jupiter, several demigods came up to her, just as she predicted. "Who are the two other demigods?" A younger-looking boy asked.

"You can ask Sierra yourself," Reyna said. She brushed aside a few other questions aimed at her. It almost surprised her. Most of the time, the legionnaires would avoid Reyna. She held an aura of leadership that made people anxious to enter her presence. Perhaps their curiosity had gotten the better of them.

Finally, she said, "legionnaires, you can witness tomorrow when they leave. Until then, hold off from any further questions."

A few demigods mumbled, frustrated at being disregarded. Most of them though, hurried away, with fright that they might face Reyna's wrath. She then strode towards the barracks. Reyna wanted to be sure that the demigods that were questing were prepared to leave tomorrow. She had made it quite clear that they would withdraw from camp at the first light of dawn. The very first light of dawn. Better that they get searching as quickly as they could, though Reyna knew that the giant army wouldn't kill the two missing half-bloods immediately. They needed them as collateral, which was classic when taking prisoners of war.

Alas, Reyna found that the three were packing. They were packing a lot actually. Maybe more than was needed. It was apparent that they had never gone on a quest before. Well, only one way for them to learn, anyway.

As Reyna left the general area of the barracks, she ran into Annabeth. The daughter of Miner- sorry Athena, was alone, which had been a rare sight that day. Ever since their time shared together near the Tiber, Annabeth had stuck to Percy's side like glue. Percy hadn't described her as the clingy type, but then again, the poor girl was probably just anxious about Percy leaving her again. Reyna couldn't exactly blame her, though. Percy was such an influential person, it would be hard not to feel anxious if he suddenly disappeared from one's life. Especially if one was... attracted... to him.

"Uh, Annabeth," Reyna said, nodding.

"Hey. How'd the meeting go?" Annabeth asked.

"Fine, though I can't say Octavian was too pleased to be there," Reyna said.

Annabeth scowled, her grey eyes flashing. "I don't know what it is with that guy, but if he makes one more side comment about my mom being Athena, I swear to all the gods-"

Reyna was tempted to laugh but suppressed her smile. How was this girl not a Roman? She was so strong and confident, and she even stood up for her mother, too. Like Reyna thought time and time again, they could've been long-lost sisters, if it wasn't for their being Greek and Roman.

"I apologize for his behavior. He's a hard pill to swallow. I know how people treat you because of your... parentage. Honestly, I don't know if I would stop you if you decided to fight him one day."

"Good, because I swear he's going to get it. To be brutally honest, if my mom wasn't in this state of mental confusion, she would've probably stricken Octavian down a long time ago. Her fatal flaw is pride, after all. As is mine," Annabeth ranted.

"Well, be my guest to chew him out," Reyna said, smiling this time.

Annabeth smiled, too. "Well, see you around."

Reyna returned the gesture, as Annabeth retreated to the barracks, most likely to go study her laptop, which Reyna had learned was Daedalus's laptop. Reyna was impressed. She did know the famous Greek architect and was surprised that Annabeth had been granted the opportunity to meet him, let alone secure his laptop and plans. It was cool, Reyna had to admit.

However, she walked past the barracks and to the praetor's cabins, and she yearned for some space. Reyna was in no way introverted, but every once in a while, she needed some time alone. A lot of time alone. Co-leading a legion was tough, ok? Besides, the time between dinner and curfew was downtime, anyway, so campers could get in some extra training, or just relax. Including praetors.

She stepped inside and leaned against the door, exhaling slowly. Was it bad that she was isolating herself from the campers when they needed her leadership most, especially with the missing half-bloods? Perhaps, but she needed the space, so she didn't much care.

Which is why she didn't care when there was a sudden knock on her door moments later. She was on her bed, reading a book about the ancient Roman government system. She sighed and ignored it. At best, it was a legionnaire. At worst, it was Octavian. No, at worst, it was Percy. The thought of Percy coming to chat with her now, made her want to open up the door and scream, "go away," regardless if it was the son of Poseidon, or not. Especially after that little stunt she had pulled that afternoon. So at any rate, she stayed put.

There was another light rapping on the door. Reyna groaned internally. Please don't be Percy, she thought as she dragged herself away from her book. She trudged to the door, fixing her messy braid. She straightened her posture as she stood a foot from the door. She was making this way too big of a deal. Even if Percy appeared at the door, it was just Percy. Nevertheless, she prayed to the gods that it wasn't.

However, the gods must've laughed hysterically when Reyna opened the door. She almost shut the door in his face but restrained. There was Percy, in the flesh, with a concerned look on his face. He was wearing a Camp Half-Blood T-shirt with his purple cloak; the mark of a praetor. "Hey-," Percy started.

"What do you want?" Reyna demanded a little bit too harshly.

"I, uh, are you... mad or something?" Percy said.

Reyna breathed out, "I'm... I'm fine."

"Look, is this about-" Percy began. A demigod walked passed them, staring at them out of the corner of their eye, though Reyna could see the confused look on their face.

"Come on," Reyna grumbled, grabbing his shirt collar. "You're attracting attention."

"Someone's in a good mood," Percy mumbled sarcastically.

Reyna shut the door behind Percy. "Look, do you want an apology?" Her voice softened. "I just-"

"I don't want an apology," Percy said cutting her off. "I want answers. And to apologize to you if I did anything wrong."

Argh, this guy was too nice. "I, well, you know how Annabeth showed up. I think it's for the best I wasn't there. You of all people should know best how she would've reacted."

"I know what it would've looked like, but as I said, we're just friends, and she knows that. Trust me," Percy said.

"Percy, you and I know that, well..." Reyna said. She couldn't find it in herself to finish that statement.

"What?"

"This isn't up for discussion. What's done is done," Reyna pronounced.

"Reyna, you don't have to treat me like a legionnaire. We're equivalent in rank."

"Technically-," Reyna began. She wanted to go on a rant about how really, she was superior to him, seeing how she had been a member of Camp Jupiter longer, not to mention a praetor longer, as well. Anything to track the conversation off-topic. Away from their previous subject...

"Ok, you do kind of outrank me, but that doesn't matter," Percy stated. "Stop changing the subject. Just let me know if I'm doing anything wrong."

"Percy I..." she paused and looked down at her hands, which were slightly clenched. She loosened them, but they still hung stiff at her sides. "Look, Percy, I don't know what it is that we're doing, but I don't know how much longer it can go on."

"Is that what was bothering you?" Percy exclaimed.

Reyna frowned. "I suppose. It's just, you have a girlfriend, and..."

"Reyna-" Percy started, then a small smile crept onto his face. "Are you... jealous of Annabeth?"

Reyna shook her head rapidly. Was that what was eating inside of her? No, it couldn't be. "I simply implied that-"

"It's alright," Percy said, putting up his hands in order to calm her down. "Just a hunch. I didn't mean to offend you."

Darn Venus, Reyna thought. Venus and her jealousy. If I could replace one goddess-" Reyna thought, but Percy's words interrupted her.

"You can talk to me. I'm here to listen," Percy said softly.

Why was Percy Jackson so nice?! "What are you, my therapist?" Reyna snorted.

Percy rolled his eyes. "I'm here as a friend."

Reyna wished she could only see him as a friend. But she thought- No, she knew that things had escalated from just a friendship. She thought for the second time that day, friends don't kiss each other.

Reyna wanted to avert the subject from her. She needed to focus the conversation on something else... "Well, are you jealous of Jason?" She asked accusingly. The statement had simply popped out. She had no idea where it came from, but she did want to know.

Percy looked taken aback and confused at the same time. "What?! This is about you and Annabeth!"

"Well, remember when you said that I should move on from Jason because you cared for me? What was that all about?"

"Well, those weren't my exact words," Percy said.

"Percy," Reyna grumbled.

"Right, sorry! I do care for you, Reyna. And I do think that you should give someone else a chance."

"That's what you said before you... well, you know," Reyna commented.

"You're not making this easy," Percy groaned. "The point is, he has a girlfriend now."

"As do you," Reyna said. "What's your point?"

"Argh! I don't know what I meant! Would you just shut up and kiss me already?" Percy exclaimed.

Reyna sat, stunned. Did he seriously just say that out loud?

"Did I seriously just say that out loud?" Percy said, echoing Reyna's thoughts. He had a very embarrassed look on his face.

Oh, gods, Reyna thought. Her face must've been bright red. Now, this was a whole new level of awkwardness.

Reyna stole a glance at Percy, his green eyes, and tousled black hair. He was lean, muscular, and tan. Reyna tried to think of a logical way out of this situation. What would her mom do? Well, Bellona would probably kill the poor guy, so that was not an option. She tried to rack her brain for something to say, but all she could think of was how cute Percy was when he was flustered. So, even though she knew this was a horrible idea, and that she would regret it later, she took a step closer to him and heeded Percy's command.

She could tell that he was stunned at first, based on his gasp, but eventually, he relaxed. He pulled her closer, and she soon eased up as well but was quickly overcome with emotion. She had never had this much affection poured out toward her before. It felt comforting but weird. Reyna suddenly knew one of the reasons why Annabeth was so attracted to Perseus Jackson. He was a great kisser. Not like Reyna had much to compare it to. She had only kissed Jason once, and he had quickly pulled away. Reyna didn't know how she hadn't noticed it before, but she now understood how much practice Percy had had. Maybe she only recognized it now, because this was the longest kiss she had ever shared with him.

Percy wrapped his left arm around her to join his right arm. Reyna sat for a little while longer, but soon, she became too overwhelmed with physical contact. Stop, stop stop! She screamed internally. She let go and took a deep breath. Percy released his arms.

Happy?" Reyna demanded, clenching her fists. Yeah, here came the regret, rolling in like waves. Just as she had predicted.

Percy looked like he was in a daze but quickly snapped out of it. "Um, what?" Sorry, I uh..." Percy trailed off.

Just great! He was speechless! Now what? "Just go!" Reyna demanded, flooded with mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry Reyna," Percy said, heading towards the door. "I didn't mean to make you do anything you didn't want to do." Then, he left.

The thing was, Reyna did want to do it. Deep down, she truly had. Sure, they had kissed, what, three times before? But this one, this was different. Maybe it was the length? No, that wasn't it. Reyna couldn't pinpoint it, but this was special.

Reyna grumbled loudly and picked up her book. She prepared to throw it at the wall in anger at herself. She stopped before it left her hand, though.

She had tried to avoid him, and look where that had got her. What could she do? This attraction had to stop. She couldn't live like this. She couldn't live in a lie. Ok, new plan, she told herself. Be sterner with him. He can't play you like this.

Yeah, that was what she would do. Reyna would become tougher. Though, she knew it would be hard. Maybe even impossible. Percy was just so, well, inviting and kind. He was quick to seduce and had hopeless charisma.

Maybe Reyna could continue to do this. To have a secret appeal to him. No, she couldn't. She was a demigod daughter of Bellona, not some naive teenager with a crush on a cute boy. It was quite possibly time for Reyna to adopt some of her mother's tactics. Not killing of course, but isolating herself more, and focusing on her duty. Her priority as a praetor. So many maybe's...

So, let me know what you think! Also, do any of you have tips on how this story will resolve itself? I'm not planning on ending it soon, I just need suggestions. They would be greatly appreciated! I could read other Preyna stories, but all the stories I've read end up as Percabeth or a hiatus. Yes, I love Percabeth, but this is a Preyna story after all. So, if any of you would be so kind as to offer up any ideas, I would be forever grateful to that user, and so happy! Anyway, thanks for all your support, and the next chapter will be out as soon as possible!

-Bookish77