Just a little something I made a while ago, waiting for a decision to put it on. I am not sure if you guys will like it, but here you go, my lovely readers!

Point of View: Third Person

Reyna Ramírez-Arellano sits on the beach, looking out to sea, thinking about the man she fell in love with. Perseus Jackson. She sighs and hugs her knees to her chest. 

"Funny, I never thought I'd see you here." A familiar voice comes to Reyna's ears. She turns in shock to see the man she is moping about. Percy. He glances at her and then watches the sea. "May I join you?" He asks softly.

Reyna nods, dumbstruck. She looks at his natural tanned skin, his tall and lean frame that deceives people about the muscle he carries, his beautiful sea green eyes, his jet black hair that makes them stand out, and his gentle smile, the one that promises kindness and love and warmth. She fell harder for him than she did for Jason. It's no wonder why.

He settles down next to her, but gives her, her space. He leans on the arm farthest from her and his eyes scan the horizon before looking at her. He smiles at her. "So, what's a woman like you doing out in the middle of nowhere in a place like this? Abandoned beach, forgotten, no signs of any life, nor any travel of how you got here. Not even footprints. This is the place where I come to think, Reyna. A perk of being a son of Poseidon is, you can always find land. I found this a little while ago. Long before the wars. I just never told anybody. Snuck out after lights out. But what draws you here? Hmm? The quiet? The serenity? The way it makes you feel at home? A safe haven? No pollution?"

"You." She blurts out and then claps her hand over her mouth.

Percy smiles softly. "Me? I hardly ever cause people to come to the domain of my origin. Not unless I broke their hearts." The wind sways through their hair, Reyna staring at Percy in surprise. The way he said it, like he knows.

"I am well aware that I broke your heart, Reyna. But I wasn't the first one to break it. Jason Grace, now he is a piece of work, that guy. And I am sorry about my role in your shattered heart. Being near the sea with you, it's hard not to feel it. I'm a little different than others of my bloodline. I actually care about what I do and those around me. I'm not greedy like they were. Go ahead, scream at me all you want. It won't bother me. You could even cry and I wouldn't judge you." He tells her.

"Percy, why are you here?" Reyna asks.

"To think, as per usual." Percy shrugs, his other arm slinging over one of his knees.

"About?" Reyna prompts.

"Love." Percy sighs and looks over at her. "Just as you are."

"Annabeth." Reyna mutters bitterly.

Percy just smiles a little. "Yes, Annabeth. Oh how will the world turn without her?" He chuckles and she looks at him.

"She isn't dead, is she?" Reyna asks, terrified and guilty.

Percy shakes his head as he bursts out laughing. He calms down enough to answer, the bright look on his face. "No, she's not dead. Don't worry. I was talking about my world. It was the sarcasm of a love drunk fool."

Reyna nods. "Oh." She says. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, we have our differences but I know the real reason. I could see it in her eyes. She broke up with me out of fear of what I was able to do to Misery down in the Pit." Percy replies.

Reyna freezes. Percy, Annabeth, and Nico never talk about their time in Tartarus. Does Percy really trust her so much? Can she still love him? Annabeth is gone. Maybe she has a chance. She just needs to find the chance to ask. Looking at him now, he seems so peaceful. It feels so wrong to disturb him.

"Oh, may I ask what you did?" Reyna asks.

Percy shrugs. "I don't see why not." He looks over at her, darkness on his face and in his eyes. But his voice is emotionless as he tells her of the memory. "To get to the Doors of Death, we needed to be shrouded in Death Mist. Misery was the only one able to provide it easily enough. But she wanted to kill us, so it ended up into some stupid fight and insults thrown at everyone's pride. In the end, before she could kill either one of us, I started to...manipulate the water in all the poisons, then, I started manipulating the blood in her body. It made her suffer." He puts his head between his knees. "The only thing that stopped me was Annabeth's terrified expression. I don't know what came over me, but...in that dark place," He looks at Reyna. "It brings out the worst in you." He says sincerely and with so much conviction she believes every word he says instantly. "I almost died before that, trying to save Annabeth from the Arai. As I was dying, the Mist over my eyes lifted and when I survived, it didn't come back." His voice breaks. "And from what I managed to get from Nico, he didn't see what I saw. He's lucky, just like Annabeth is. They both were. I saw Tartarus for what it really was. Horrifying, and it made me snap when I fought misery. Now, I can tell what you look like from the inside out because of the blood running through your veins. I can feel that stupid tree eight miles from the coast just by the water in the atmosphere around here. It's so weird, I don't know what's wrong with me. And when people lie, their heart rates quicken, the blood pumps faster, and I've learned to read it."

Reyna scoots closer. "Percy, I'm so sorry."

Percy smiles weakly at her. "It's alright. I've grown used to it. But I haven't told my father. I'm afraid of what he might tell me." Percy admits.

Reyna's eyes widen. "Am I the only one you've told?"

"You are." He confirms.

"Why?" Reyna asks.

"I don't know. You're my friend, I like you, you're great to have around, you apparently like the sea, I'm ranting, and you're just here in my thinking place. Where I think aloud. You ask the right questions without being probing." He lists them off and then trails off. "It's just nice to be with you." He says honestly and it warms her heart.

She blushes bright red at knowing what he'll interpret from that with his powers. He chuckles and looks at her. She won't look him in the eye.

"I don't mind how you feel Reyna. You can be open about it if you want. I'm not saying it won't bother me, which it won't, but I'm not saying I don't return the feelings either. If you're going to blush and panic every time I compliment you or say something I like about you, try not to worry me with your racing heart." He says without looking, his toes digging into the sand.

She looks at him, really looks at him. Without thinking about it, she raises her hand to his arm and traces the scars wrapping all the way up and down the length of it. From fingertips to shoulder. She jerks away after a little bit, pulling out of the mesmerizing pattern. She looks up to see he was watching her.

"A lot of them are from over the years, but Tartarus did have its toll to survive and come out alive." Percy says, but doesn't look away. "Do they bother you?"

"No, they just add to your appeal for me." She admits without filtering her words right.

He looks at her and smiles. "That's a first. Normally I get the sappy line of 'Oh, I hope you're alright.' Then the pitying look and then they leave looking all gloom and doom." He sighs.

Reyna giggles and he smiles some. "Really?"

"Yeah, you'd think they'd realize I've been preparing for war for the last eight years of my life. Just caught my first break." Percy jokes half heartedly.

Reyna frowns. "I am sorry about that though."

"Aren't we all..." Percy whispers his eyes dancing with the light of the sun on the sea.

"Percy, why did we have to fight?" Reyna asks, gazing at the sea with him.

"Because we were needed, Reyna. We had what it took when others didn't. Determination, loyalty, love, family, and leadership. We were the generation the Fates needed to end the wars for the benefit of the gods. The people who would stand and fight for those they wanted to protect. We were chosen because we were able to do the job and get it done and come back alive, alive and with scars. Scars that we could live with but never get away from. That's why." He answers truthfully and without hesitation.

"Do you think it will ever come to pass once more?" Reyna asks.

"I believe there will come a time when there will always be people like us around and as long as they are, the gods will prevail. If it ever cycles back in, they will be there to put an end to it. An end to all this suffering. But," He pauses and Reyna looks at him confused. "When I gave Luke that blade, he sacrificed himself because of the decision I made. The decision I made out of forgiveness and loyalty, a decision to end all conflict from Kronos. Fate just doesn't let things cycle back in so easily after something like that. It is safe to say that Kronos may never rise again. Gaea, when I ran her through, I crushed her. I made sure she wouldn't ever have enough power to even sleep walk, let alone rise, ever again. If there ever is another war, it won't be from them and we won't be around to see it. That, I am sure about."

She blinks and she can see why this man can change a set destiny so easily. The way he promises things and then does them. He makes those words come to life and be the truth of the world. She smiles hugely. "Then I'm glad it happened with you around."

"Yes, well, it may have been me who did all of that, but I couldn't have gotten to those points without those I love." Percy tells her.

"I agree, but you deserve some credit at least." She shoves into his shoulder and he smiles.

"Maybe. I can allow that I suppose." He says.

"Percy?" Reyna asks.

"Yeah?" He replies, lost in thought.

"Why did I fall in love with you?" Reyna gets it out.

Percy was expecting something similar, but not the root question so soon and outright. He smiles and looks down at her. "Why did I fall in love with the world?" He retorts.

She frowns, not understanding. "What do you mean?"

Percy reaches up to her face with one hand and holds it in place as he leans forward. "I fell in love with everything about everyone everywhere. Including you. In the end, Annabeth and I weren't meant for each other. I'm in love with everything my eyes see, but whatever holds the most love is true beauty. In my eyes, when war and strife is over, the world comes to life. I can see even the smallest light shining in the blackest dark, the brightest person in the most evil of beings, the kindest person in the most broken hearted, and the lovers in the lost and lonely. Whenever I look at a lot of people, sure they're bright in my eyes, but there are some who stun me into silence." He smiles.

Reyna's breathing starts to come and go faster at how close he is to her.

"But when I saw you, you almost made me mute. You were blinding, radiant, and absolutely stunning. It didn't help matters that I was an amnesiac who didn't know his first name from his last. And Hera made me think all about Annabeth. You know, Annabeth was cheating on me with Jason, if it makes you feel any better. Piper hasn't been in camp for a long time. She went to stay with her dad again." He lets go of her and she relaxes, but feels a pang of loss.

"Why would she do that?" Reyna asks, disbelieving.

"Oh, she wanted to date the two people who brought the Romans and Greeks together, simultaneously. It's not really my style. If they're happy, that's fine with me. Piper is still a little pissed however." Percy laughs heartily, not even affected by the way he just complimented Reyna.

"How do you know?" Reyna asks.

Percy digs into his pocket and brings out a cell phone. He taps it before returning it to his jeans. "I text her all the time. She's still one of my best friends. Pipes always made me laugh, especially after Annabeth. She helped me get over her."

"How long have you been apart?" Reyna asks curiously.

Percy looks at his watch and then up as he thinks about it. He drops his arm as he speaks. "About three and a half months I think. It was like two months after the war. So that sounds about right. She started dating Jason around the time before I fell into Tartarus for her. Piper and I found out about a week or two before we were both broken up with. We confronted the both of them about it and got the breakup speeches together. So, break up friends and war buddies and therapy pals. All that fun stuff. But not a rebound. Piper is not my type and I'm not hers. Though she figured out I'm not actually like she thought I was."

"No romantic interest at all?" Reyna asks in surprise.

"Piper's gorgeous like Aphrodite and more appealing than her other siblings, I'll give her that, and she's a really bright person and all, but no. She's definitely not my kind of girl. I'm not picky either, just not interested." He shrugs.

"Who is your type?" Reyna asks, being open like he suggested.

"What's yours?" He counters, smirking, but playfully.

Reyna blushes again but shakes it off. "Well," She thinks about it. "I've never put much thought into it."

He chuckles. "Why not? Did I steal your heart before you could?" Reyna stares at him and he laughs, falling back on the sand. He pulls her down to lay beside him. "Relax, I'm just kidding."

She nods and watches as the setting sky turns to twinkling constellations. "I think that the funny, smart, strong, and family based guy is more my thing."

"And do I seem like any of those to you?" He asks gently.

She blushes a perfect crimson and she knows he knows without looking at her. "You fit it exactly."

"I'm not that smart, mind you. I'm pretty reckless." Percy tells her and sits up, staring up at the moon. "When I think about love, I feel like I should be in a Hunt for males. I'm so compassionate and it's so easy to fall for the wrong people. My loyalty painful when it breaks or cracks. Not having to deal with it...that would be something. Living forever with an oath that made you swear off the company of women. It seems cowardly, but really it's better. Easier. It'd be better for me not to tie myself to so many people and a home like that for me would be the most beneficial for a lot of people. Sometimes...I don't even want to love."

She lays still, watching him. "I think I get it."

He turns and looks at her, his skin shining brightly in the moon and his eyes dancing to a melancholy tune. "Not many ever do." He tells her and lays back down.

They lay like that for a very long time and when the sun starts to rise Percy sits up again. He turns a little, but doesn't look at her. He smiles and a stray tear falls down his face. "I'd like to talk to you again. Here, if you don't mind. It seems easier for the both of us." He tells her. "Goodbye, Reyna." He whispers and stands up.

Reyna grabs onto his hand. "Wait." She pleads.

He looks down at her and she pulls him back down to her level as she sits up. "What is it?" He asks sadly.

"Do you love me, Percy?" She asks and his eyes seem to grow dark. "Please! I need to know. At least let me move on if you don't."

His eyes widen and he grabs her face again. He looks unsure but then kisses her and she responds after a minute, right when he is about to pull away. He lets her take over and after a few minutes, they are breathless.

"Reyna..." He breathes.

She is sitting on top of him and looks down at him, blushing like crazy. "I'm sorry." She tells him.

His hand comes up to her collar bone and then lightly brushes up to her cheek. "Your blush is mesmerizing to me. It invades my world." He whispers, which only makes her blush further and he smiles. Then he's quick and brings her face right down to his, surprising her. He holds her so that their lips ghost over each other as they speak. "Don't be sorry." He growls playfully. "I started it when I answered the question. You have nothing to be sorry for."

"I thought I had went too far." Reyna mumbles.

"I wanted you to, stop worrying over it." He looks up into her eyes. "I just feel like..." He sighs and looks away.

She begins to stress again, frantic. "What is it? Did I do something wrong?"

Percy's eyes snap up to meet hers. "Stop thinking like that. You have done nothing wrong. It's just that I don't want you feeling like you're a replacement for Annabeth. I don't want to do that to you. To anybody really. But especially not you. I already broke your heart once. And I want to fix that, but not by making you think it's all pretend either. I really, truly love you, Reyna. I hope you'll believe me."

Reyna grins. "I'm afraid I believe everything you tell me."

Percy sighs softly. "That's dangerous you know, you're lucky I am who I am or you might be in big trouble."

"I do know." Reyna tells him.

"Good, just so we are on the same level." He says.

"Percy, can you say it again?" Reyna asks, her skin turning red at her request.

He chuckles, but he's not laughing at her. The smile on his face makes her heart race faster and he looks into her eyes as he says it clearly. "Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, I am in love with you." He tells her and kisses her in her surprise. He knows her full name?

She kisses back forcefully and she can feel the laugh in the kiss from him, his chest shakes with it. She pulls away and he's laughing freely, causing her heart to do strange things in her chest. It might beat right out of it. "What?" She asks, listening to the twinkle as she sits up.

"That was scary, you virtually attacked me. I wasn't expecting it." He tries to sound like a frightened innocent, but he can't stop laughing.

She hits his chest half heartedly as she turns pink. "Whatever."

"You're so beautiful when you blush. You should do it more often." Percy sighs and let's his hand fall. He just lays in the sand, Reyna sitting on his midsection.

"So, what do you want this to be? What are we marking this down to?" Reyna looks at him seriously.

"I'll tell you after I hear one thing." He breathes deeply and closes his eyes.

She is confused until it comes to her. She leans down to his face and he looks up at her. "I love you, Perseus Jackson."

He smiles. "Then I have a question."

She nods slowly. "Okay." She says, befuddled.

"Will you go steady with me, Reyna?" He inquires softly.

She grins. "Yes, I will."

"You know, if I do happen to love the girl I am with, and in this case I do, more than last time it seems, I am the type of guy who courts the girl he loves." Percy tells her and she looks at him, blushing madly. "I'll take you out on dates, present you with gifts, and all of that." He chuckles.

"But how will you do that? You're staying at Camp Half-Blood." Reyna frowns.

"I'm still a legionnaire, right?" He holds up his arm that has the tattoo.

She looks ecstatic. "Are you serious?"

"I'm serious about everything." He rolls his eyes at himself, making her laugh and to him it sounds like pealing bells.

Then he takes the breath out of her lungs by getting to his feet and shifting her across his body to hold her on his back. She wraps her arms around his neck and breathes in his ocean scent, surprisingly liking it.

He walks over to the sea and begins to wade into it. She freaks out immediately. "Percy! What're you doing?!"

"Relax, Reyna. You'll be able to breathe. And there's nothing wrong with the sea, despite what you Romans might think. By the way, Poseidon gave me a big explanation about my birth. It's interesting, to say the least." He is laughing until he turns a little sad.

"What did he tell you?" She asks curiously.

"I'm not just Greek." Percy sighs.

Reyna blinks. "How do you mean?"

"I'm Greek and Roman." Percy murmurs and stops, thigh deep, looking up at the red sun as it rises.

"How is that possible?" Reyna implores.

"My mother merged his two warring aspects with her love and then they had me while he was blended into Poseidon and Neptune in one like he is now thanks to the rift between Greeks and Romans being mended. He told me that...that he only sent me to Camp Half-Blood so Zeus, or Jupiter if you want to see it that way, wouldn't know I existed. Also because of the omens that led to my arrival at camp. If it weren't for that stupid prophecy, he would have sent Lupa after me to take me away from my mother when I was two, to keep me from monsters until I could prove myself. He basically told me he was sorry...again." Percy sounds a little angry but also somewhat upset.

Reyna practically jumps when his phone goes off. Percy reaches into his pocket and opens the text. He lets Reyna read it. 'Hey, Percy, can you come help me? Jason is at my house...with Annabeth. They are freaking me out.'

"I don't mind." Reyna shrugs.

Percy nods and closes his eyes, taking in the sea breeze and the sun on his skin.

"Did he tell you sorry before? What is he sorry for?" Reyna asks.

"My life. He told me he was sorry that he sired me, just like when I first met him. I hate him right now and if he comes near me I'll slug him, but I still love him, I guess." Percy heaves a big sigh.

"Oh." Reyna gasps.

"Perks of being a kid of the Big Three." He laughs lightly, but it's strained and his smile doesn't reach his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Percy." Reyna tells him.

"I got used to that kind of feeling a long time ago. No father wants me but the man my mom is marrying." Percy says. "Come on, let's go."

"Where does Piper's dad even live?" Reyna asks as Percy starts walking again.

"I think he's shooting a movie in France right now. So, France at the moment. Piper has a huge hotel suite to herself. So, that's where she'll be. She's been teaching me French, I guess we'll see how well I do when we get there." Percy shrugs.

"Holy Juno." Reyna deadpans.

"Yeah, I visit her most of the time. I'm normally with her to hang out. I'm not at camp usually. Just a free roamer you could say. When I'm not in either place, I'm with my parents. They love that I live with them for about three days a week rather than being MIA due to Hera or Juno, whichever. She looked a little Juno if I think about it. The goatskin. Hmm. I like Juno better." Percy explains.

"I don't have to be jealous, do I?" Reyna asks playfully.

"Like I said, the only feelings I have for Piper are the ones tied with friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. I'd die for her just like I would any camper." Percy tells her.

"So, what do we tell Piper? How are we going to help her?" Reyna says.

Percy bursts into laughter. "Well, it might be a little awkward but I'll explain our plan to you."

"Plan?" Reyna chirps in curiosity.

"Yeah, Pipes and I have a plan set for when either Jason or Annabeth or both of them show up on either one of our doorsteps. We act like we are an item. Of course, we are not excited about the actual thing, we decided we could act like it to deter the unwanted parties. However, that's not going to work because I'm dating this amazing woman who practically kills my heart every time I see her and leaves me speechless. Wouldn't happen to know her, would you?" He turns serious near the end.

Reyna's blush is completely visible in the light dancing across the surface of the water. "No, I don't think I do."

"Oh, too bad. You would have hit it off with her I'm sure." He chuckles.

Then she gasps as she looks around her. Especially when a school of fish comes right up to them and somehow looks excited.

'Lord! Lord! Who's the girl?!'

'Ooooh, is this a lady friend?'

'She's adorable.'

'She's ravishing.'

'Why are you here?!'

'What's with the girl in the sea?!'

Percy holds up a hand as he smiles. "Calm down. This is my girlfriend and I'm just traveling. The sea is the best and easiest route for me to go anywhere. And I know she is beautiful."

'This isn't Annabeth. Doesn't she have blonde hair?' A fish swims around them.

"Yes, Annabeth has blonde hair, but we are no longer together. This is Reyna." Percy explains and Reyna sees what Frank and Hazel mean about the sea life Percy can speak to. But she doesn't see their mouths moving but to filter water. It must be a mind link.

'Oh, the Bellona woman. The younger sister of the Amazon Queen.'

"Yes, that's her." Percy nods.

One fish comes up to Reyna's face. 'I think she looks good for you.'

Percy laughs softly. "Thank you."

'Where are you going?'

"To France to help a friend." Percy tells them.

'Good luck.'

'Have a fin of a time.'

Percy chuckles at the little joke but waves along with Reyna as they swim off. "You can be weirded out if you want." He tells her as he continues to walk along the sand floor.

"No, if it means getting to see amazing sea life, I'm fine with it. What all likes you down here?" Reyna smiles.

"Oh, you know, anything and everything. The plants are the worst though. They never shut up." Percy sighs.

"The plants?" Reyna asks.

"They're alive too." Percy reminds her and she nods. "But I think coral has the most attitude." He walks off course as far as Reyna is concerned and bends down in a reef of amazing and colorful plant life. After a few minutes of silence, he picks a sea flower that is red and hands it to Reyna. As he starts walking, he talks. "I asked if I could pick one." He explains before she can ask.

"That's nice." Reyna smiles and puts the flower in her hair.

"The reefs appreciate the gesture. They are so used to my bloodline just picking away and never saying thank you. It's the reason a lot of sea life comes up to me." Percy ripostes.

Reyna screams all of a sudden when a huge shark comes gliding past her. But more so that it swims beside Percy and her slowly. Percy is laughing and she can somehow guess that the shark is too. "Calm down, Reyna. As long as you're with me, it won't bite. Not unless I want it to."

Reyna nods and waves a little shyly at the shark. "I have a clue, but what kind is it?"

"A Galeocereo Cuvier, or Tiger Shark. You'd know it best as the latter. It's one of the best predators the sea has to offer." Percy pets the Tiger Shark and it nuzzles into his touch affectionately.

"Let's leave the scientific names out of it." Reyna laughs nervously.

Percy sets Reyna down, but holds her hand so she can breathe and she feels exposed. Percy chuckles. "Alright. I'll just tell you the basic names. This little guy-"

"Little?!" Reyna flips out.

Percy is suppressing his smile into a line as he shakes with laughter. "Yes, little. The Whale shark and the Basking shark are both bigger than him. So are whales. There are other species bigger than he is. Especially when you take the mythological species into account down here. He's a cute little guy, but he is dangerous. Don't let it fool you."

"You're crazy." Reyna says, but walks closer to Percy.

"Aw, he won't hurt you. He'll even nuzzle you." Percy says and to prove his point, the shark comes over and cuddles up to Reyna before swimming back to Percy's other side.

"Okay." Reyna squeaks.

Percy smiles. "It isn't that bad. Like I said, they won't harm you if you're with me. He's just another fish in the sea, if a bit more well known and adored."

"So, he's nice." Reyna states a little unsure.

Percy grabs her other hand and sets it on the shark's head. "Completely harmless to you. Go on, he won't bite you." Percy nudges her.

She runs her hand along the shark and pets it like Percy did. The shark seems to like it. She takes her hand away after a little while and Percy gets an idea. He puts his hand right next to the shark's mouth and it grabs onto it. Reyna screams and Percy is laughing, which calms her down.

"Reyna, for me it's a love bite." Percy shows her his hand after the shark lets go of it. No teeth marks or anything. "It didn't even hurt. I wouldn't suggest you do it though."

"I don't think I could." Reyna admits. "You did that on purpose." She glares when she sees the look on his face.

He laughs harder and pulls her closer to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Yes, I did." He says, the humor in his tone unmistakable. "Only to show you he's a lovable guy and that I'm a lover of all sea species. Including the dangerous ones. They're all big softies at heart. Just like me." He ends whispering and lightly kisses her before he pulls away laughing.

She sighs. "You're going to make me have a heart attack, aren't you."

"Possibly. I can show you all the predators in the different parts of the domain. They are all beautiful." Percy says happily.

"Will it attack its food when it's around you?" Reyna asks, beginning to get used to the shark, even reaching over and petting it on her own.

"Hmm, it's never happened, but I suppose it could. I understand. It's the food chain, Reyna. I won't stop it, except for humans. It wouldn't bother me. All a part of life." He looks up at the surface of the water.

"Where are we anyway?" Reyna asks as she looks around.

"Mm, still a long ways away from our destination." Percy tells her.

"How long will it take?" Reyna implores.

"Depends on what speed you want to go at." Percy shrugs.

"What do you mean?" Reyna asks.

Percy grins mischievously and sweeps Reyna into his arms. He says goodbye to the Tiger shark and then uses his powers to blast through the ocean. He doesn't stop until he can set her down on the next level of sand across a huge span in the ocean that reaches clear across from continent to continent.

When he does set her down, she's breathless and winded. He smiles and waits for her before they walk. He holds her hand out to comfort her and to help her breathe. He waits patiently, which she thinks is great.

"You might want to look around you, when you catch your breath. It'll just take it again." He whispers.

She looks up and he's right. She's missing her air again at the beautiful sights around her. Tons of different colorful fish swim around up and down in a hypnotizing way. The reef is amazing and has all sorts of plant life for her to admire. The shells, starfish, coral, and a few other things make noise and she realizes it's a song. He pulls her over slowly to the starfish and she looks up at him in question.

"I think they won't mind. Just make sure you remember to put them back." Percy smiles.

She bends down and gently picks up a blue one. Her eyes light up and she stands slowly as to not hurt it, not for sure if it would or not. "It is breathtaking, even this one on its own without its surroundings. It's amazing you get to see all of this whenever you want." He nods and watches her with a soft expression. She sets the starfish back down, trying to put it back right where it was and succeeds, to the starfish's approval.

"Yeah, I do love it with all my heart. I just wish Poseidon would act like my father for once. He has before, but he always ends it with a sorry or an omen and expects me to be alright with just that. A ten minute visit with warnings and apologies of having you doesn't end well. He told me he loves me, sure, but then he ruins it so utterly. I hate it." He turns depressed and the fish swarm to him immediately. He brightens for them and talks with them. He is assured that Poseidon loves him greatly and that he is the best child of the sea ever, that they'll always be there for him. Reyna even gets to hold one of the most beautiful fish, letting it breathe and not hurting it at all.

"Wow." She says as she uses her other hand, which Percy still holds, to pet it carefully. She lets it go and it swims around her head, nuzzles her cheeks, and rejoins its friends.

Percy smiles and scoops up a conch shell. She notices it's a little different than ones she has seen. It has different holes through it and Percy places one end at his lips. She listens with her head on is shoulder as he plays a tune through the shell. The music makes her feel loved, cherished, and accepted. When it's over he gives the shell to her. She holds it delicately and gets an idea. She wraps it in a cloth she has in her bag and sets it in so it won't break.

"Thank you." Reyna tells him and the reef.

"It says you're welcome." Percy tells her after listening to the reef. "Off we go, c'mon. Have to save the damsel in distress now before she has a cow."

Reyna giggles but is cut off as he sweeps her off of her feet again and shoots to the surface. He lands on the beach where no one can see him and sets her down. They walk along until they reach a part of the city that Percy leads them to. He reads signs and then walks up to a lady with a dog. He gets directions and they are at the hotel in less than ten minutes.

They walk up to the clerk and Percy knows he speaks English, according to Piper who keeps texting him. "I'm looking for Melody White's room. I am Nathaniel Greenman."

The clerk's eyes widen and he rushes them into the elevator with a card key. "Ms. White is in room 506, Mr. Greenman. Sorry for the wait."

"Thank you, sir." Percy says and smiles, waving.

Once the elevator door closes, Reyna turns to Percy and raises an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Alias. We use it for special purposes and security purposes. Since her father knew about me, he insisted I be able to get past security without much bothering me since I'm helping Piper and I keep her out of trouble. So, the head of security and I had a little chat. Annabeth most likely used the Mist on whichever poor guards were on duty outside Piper's door. Whenever I want to get past, I use an alias. That was the one for this week. We have to meet once a month to come up with different names and next year they'll cycle back in on a different month." Percy elucidates for her.

"That's neat." Reyna smiles.

Percy nods. "And convenient."

The elevator dings and Percy leads her out into the hallway. He walks down until he finds the right room. He knocks and then uses the card key. He walks in and scowls when he sees Annabeth arguing with Piper heatedly.

But he puts on a big smile. "Hey Pipes!" He says and Piper jumps up to her feet and walks over, Annabeth and Jason left staring. Piper hugs him and leads them over to the couch, sitting Percy in between herself and Reyna.

"Hi, Percy." Annabeth says in a trying tone.

"It's Perseus to you, Ms. Chase." Percy smiles winningly and she just stares.

"So, Perce, why did you come by? We thought Nathaniel was coming?" Jason sounds unsure.

"I am Nathaniel. It's a little name I use to hang around Pipes as her best friend. You know, can't have security shooting my head clean off." Percy smiles, it's not even tight but only he knows it's fake. "And don't call me that. My name is Perseus, Jason."

"Oh, how come?" Jason replies.

"Because it is my name and I only use that name for people who I consider close friends. You don't have that privilege." Percy's smile unnerves both him and Annabeth greatly.

Annabeth turns to Reyna hopefully. "Why are you tagging along with Perseus?"

"Percy and I were hanging out. But he was coming over today to hang with Piper and he brought me along." Reyna says.

"Why were you two hanging out?" Jason asks, somewhat angrily.

"She's my girlfriend and it's France. Plus Piper is our friend. What's wrong with hanging out with the girl you're dating?" Percy inquires.

"Dating?!" Annabeth screeches.

"Yes, he's most charming." Reyna says, fighting her blush away.

But Percy can feel her blood rushing and has to stop himself from laughing. "Any problem with that?"

"Yeah, it's too soon!" Annabeth shouts.

"Like fucking pretty boy here behind my back in the woods wasn't?" Percy's smile stuns her.

"I-uh-I..." Annabeth stutters, at a loss for words.

Jason is completely red in embarrassment. "Oh, I told Piper all about it. You didn't think I would notice the girl I loved running off to the woods almost every night by herself only to be followed by the hotshot son of Jupiter after a few minutes? I got suspicious, naturally. I followed you both and I couldn't believe my eyes. After the first time, I was sad and then I got angry. So, to prove to Piper I wasn't lying just in case, I filmed you. And guess who owns them now."

Annabeth turns pale, losing all her color as it drains from her skin. "Oh my gods, you wouldn't."

"Oh, I definitely would. It was betrayal, Annabeth. I don't take kindly to that. I gave it to the Stoll brothers. I asked them to show it once you were both out of camp. The date shows up in the corner and they'll point it out to show just how much you two really love each other. I mean," Percy chuckles. "Going behind one person's back is a big deal, but two? The Aphrodite cabin and the goddess herself will have a field day with you two. And I'm sure Athena would just die of embarrassment when the word gets out about her favorite daughter, her most prized mind child. It might even start a war." He smiles even wider.

"Please tell me you're joking." Jason looks frightened.

"I'm afraid not." Percy sighs. "But you don't belong here. Do us all a favor and leave this hotel and free the mortals from your little Mist trick. Piper doesn't want you here, I don't want you here, and Reyna doesn't want you here. You're strangers here. I suggest you depart immediately before you lose what you use on Annabeth at night, pretty boy."

Reyna giggles along with Piper and Jason huffs in anger. "You can't beat me in a fight, Jackson."

"Though I'd love to prove you wrong, this is not the time and place. Goodbye, sky spawn." Percy waves and makes a shooing motion at him.

Annabeth gets up and runs out the door crying. Jason glares at Percy and then runs after her. He slams the door behind them.

Piper whistles low. "Harsh." She nods. "I like it. Way to go, Perce."

Piper high fives Percy as they bellow with laughter. "I can't believe I kept that smile on my face. My cheeks hurt." He says.

Reyna is laughing with them. "That was funny."

"So, what do you want to do or are you going to go around France with your new girlfriend?" Piper asks, sitting cross-legged on the couch, facing both Percy and Reyna.

Percy looks at Reyna curiously and she looks sheepish. "Sorry, Piper. But I want to be alone with Percy."

Piper waves it off. "Oh it's fine. I got Maurice." Piper whistles and a huge greyhound comes bounding in. "You remember Percy, don't you Maurice?" Maurice barks and licks Percy's face. Percy uses his shirt to wipe it off when the dog isn't looking, knowing it would hurt his feelings. "This is his girlfriend, Reyna." Piper points. He licks Reyna's face after sniffing her. She does what Percy did.

"Smart dog." Reyna compliments and Maurice barks, wagging his tail fast. It beats against the couch.

"Yes he is. You love doves go have fun. It's a great city. Though I think you should try out Italy after France. Percy is Italian from Sally, he even learned it to make his mom happy. She was taking the class and was struggling." Piper informs Reyna.

"You're Italian? Didn't your dyslexia go nuts?" Reyna fires at him.

Percy shrugs. "Mom was having trouble with it and Paul didn't know how to help her. So, I sat down with her to give her something to make it easier. She said if I could do it, then she could too. I've learned to suppress my dyslexia, so it was fine. I just don't try in school unless it's a subject I like."

"That's very sweet." Reyna says, making Percy smile. "When did you learn how to do that?"

"In fourth grade." Percy tells her. "The ADHD can't be helped though. It didn't hinder me, but I wasn't into books and all that. If I wanted to, I could learn and then outsmart even that blonde witch, but I'm not into books all that much."

"Why not?" She asks.

They are walking along the streets now, holding hands and people smile at them, though some stare. "Oh," He huffs out air to calm himself. "I don't know. It just wasn't my thing. The only math I liked doing was the Greek math I found in a book in a library when I practiced with my dyslexia. It was simple, easy, fun. Even the complicated stuff. Mortals just made math boring and stupid. I understand everything, I just don't feel like it's the right way to do things. I'm not worrying about it though. Not unless I want to go to college for math. I don't know what I want to do."

"I was planning on going to the University in New Rome." Reyna says.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that." Percy nods. "If I'm moving to Camp Jupiter, I might as well get used to the idea."

"You're still a part of the fifth cohort. Since you were put there by Juno and we thought you were just Greek, we were just going to leave you alone instead of making you serve the rest of your time." Reyna says.

"I think I want to serve the rest of my time, Reyna. I like the Roman way of things better." Percy admits.

Reyna's eyes sparkle with mirth. "Really?"

"Absolutely." Percy tells her.

"Since you served in the war, you are supposed to get two bars for that service. But you still have to serve ten years." Reyna tells him.

Percy nods. "I'd like that."

"So," She starts, looking uncomfortable. "Did you...um...watch? What you filmed them I mean."

"No, I just set up cameras around the clearing they always used. It's the same one every time. I left them there and they never found them. It went on for two weeks. I showed Piper like two minutes of one tape before she told me to turn it off. She believed me. We waited for two to three weeks to confront them and they sat us both down together and dumped us then and there since it was out. Jason threatened us that if we told anybody they cheated, then he would tell everybody the opposite. He said he had more friends than I did and was better in with you and all the other Romans, except for Frank and Hazel. Piper didn't want to deal with any of it and just came to her father. She told him but Jason doesn't know that. They keep tabs on me and I don't really care. I haven't been spending time with anyone but Pipes, Clarisse, and the Stolls. Leo would be a neutral party because he loves Jason and Piper both to equal pieces. Though he might side with Piper because I explained the whole Calypso thing and got her freed. She forgave me, blah, blah, blah. He's now my 'fire buddy' because I am fire resistant and he can hug me while on fire for approximately two minutes before I turn pink." Percy explains.

Reyna nods. "You got any more of those tapes?" She asks.

"Yeah, they're in my cabin." Percy shrugs.

"After our little walk, let's go to Camp Half-Blood." Reyna tells him.

"What about Camp Jupiter?" Percy asks.

"I still have a month left of leave on Lupa's orders. I've been bored as Hades all week. I want to see what our fellow Greek campers think about the tapes. Then I'll show them to the Romans." Reyna shrugs.

Percy chuckles and shakes his head. He lifts her off her feet and sets her on his shoulders. She had squealed when he lifted her that high but calmed down when she was fine on his shoulders.

"Do I weigh too much? Am I breaking your neck?" She starts to fret.

"Reyna," He laughs. "It's fine. To me you weigh nothing and I don't think you are overweight. No, if you were going to break my neck, I wouldn't have put you there in the first place. I'm not answering anymore weight questions either. It's rude."

Reyna blushes rosy and people giggle and chuckle as they walk by the new couple. She leans on him with her arms on his head and points out things to him from the new height, enjoying it immensely. He explains to her the meaning of the words she pronounces slowly and sometimes spells for him.

After about four hours of walking like that, Reyna gets worried. "Aren't you tired or sore or something?"

"Nope." Percy answers simply.

"Where to now?" Reyna inquires.

Percy remains silent and walks down to the beach. He enters the water and Reyna doesn't worry this time. In a matter of an hour, they walk onto the beach at the Greek encampment and Percy walks clear into the dining pavilion. A movie is playing, courtesy of the Stoll brothers. Percy walks in and sees that it is one of the tapes of the times he caught Annabeth and Jason.

Chiron is watching in horror and the Stolls are talking while some people are covering their eyes. The Stolls turn it off and people seem to realize Percy and Reyna are there. But Percy and Reyna see Annabeth and Jason cowering in a corner in the back of the pavilion.

"Hey, Perce!" Connor waves.

Percy waves back. "Sup, Connor?"

"Oh nothing, just a little justice going on tonight. Where have you been?" Travis answers before Connor can.

"Oh, I found Reyna on a beach and we both visited with Piper. Her dad is shooting that new movie in France. We stopped by once and it looked pretty good. Got some nice action in it as far as I could tell." Percy replies.

"Sweet!" Connor jumps up and down.

"Yeah." Percy says.

Those four are in their own little bubble as everyone else is yelling at Annabeth and Jason. Chiron just looks sadly at the two.

"Can I have the tapes?" Reyna asks, holding out her hand.

Travis shrugs and hands her the four tapes. "Sure."

"What for?" Connor asks curiously.

"Camp Jupiter needs some intelligence on a former praetor and two of the Seven." Reyna says.

The brothers grin. "Cool. Mind if we tag along?"

"I don't mind, Percy?" Reyna looks down at Percy.

He chuckles. "Fine with me."

Two Days Later

Camp Jupiter is in an outrage and the legionnaires cannot believe what they can no longer not stare at before Reyna turns it off.

"Jason did that?!" One screams.

"Oh, he's dead meat, man. Dead meat." Another one slams his fist into his hand.

"Toast, baby, toast. I'll eat him for breakfast." A girl growls.

"Reyna, I think you just created a mob." Percy whispers in her ear as he leans down.

"It's okay, they aren't mad at us. And those two are in the other camp." Reyna whispers back, Percy nodding.

"Can we encourage them?" The Stolls ask at the same time.

Percy shrugs and Reyna motions her permission.

"Awesome." They grin and jump into the crowd from the stage, splitting off to go rile them up more.

"So, I smell the love between you two." Lupa walks up and Percy bows his head. "Oh, pup, do not bow to me."

Percy blinks as he looks back up at her.

"Does this scent mean you are rejoining here? May I ask why this happened between my two favorite students?" Lupa looks between them.

"I will be moving back into the fifth cohort, my lady." Percy smiles. "I hope you do not mind if I wait until Reyna is off leave."

"Not at all, Perseus. You'll be getting three bars and you still have a little over nine years left to serve." Lupa says.

"Three?" Percy looks confused.

"Two for service in the war. The third comes from Juno." Lupa smiles warmly.

"Lady Juno?" Percy stares at Lupa. "What did I do?"

"As a part of her bridge and the backbone of the Seven, you completed your task. The one she gave you. You were always meant to defeat Gaea, Perseus. Hera knew you would either join her or send her back to her eternal slumber. She gifts you with this honor because you have fulfilled her quest of sorts. She is proud of you. You did not think she would not notice?" Lupa explains.

"She normally says something of that nature during celebrations." Percy responds.

"She wants the world to know." Lupa winks. "Enjoy your time with my praetor, Perseus and make sure she doesn't get too worked up. When you come back, expect a big fuss. I'll be planning it with your patron and your father."

"Patron?!" Percy freaks out.

"Percy, you should be proud." Reyna giggles and elbows him in the side playfully as Lupa rejoins the throng of roaring demigods.

"I don't get proud about much. And a patron? Oh my gods. She'll kill me. I thought she was Jason's patron. Why didn't she just ask?" Percy is worried.

"You're part of the bridge thing, aren't you?" Reyna laughs.

Percy sighs. "Alright, fine. I'll...accept her as my patron."

"Good, I was not taking no for an answer, young man." A female voice sounds behind Percy and Reyna.

Percy freezes and Juno comes to stand in front of him. "My lady." He acknowledges her.

Juno smiles. "Do not worry, I do not loathe you, Perseus. I actually always liked you." She pats his cheek. "I refuse to let you stay unmarried, I hope you know that."

Percy blushes a deep, dark rosy as he stammers and it makes Reyna giggle. "I-I-what?"

Juno sighs. "Just propose before three years time is up. You'll do fine, dear." She laughs. "I will straighten my little brother out, he does not need to be telling you such things. I know you aren't very happy with him. Until the ceremony!" She pops out.

Three Weeks Later

"Perseus Jackson, will you please come to the stage?" Lupa calls and everybody cheers as Percy comes up to the stage.

"In thanks for your service in the wars and for doing what needed to be done, three bars of service. I will be recognized as your patron, wear it well." Juno says and places her hand over his tattoo.

After the searing and burning sensation is gone, his tattoo now has four bars instead of one and beside the trident is a peacock feather. "Thank you, Lady Juno." Percy expresses his gratitude.

"I am proud of you, my son." Neptune comes up to Percy and goes to hug him, only to land on his hind end on the stage, the sound of Percy's fist connecting with his jaw audible to even those in the back row. Gasps sound all around and Juno is smirking.

"That felt really good." Percy breathes out.

"Son?" Neptune asks.

"Don't you dare start with me." Percy snaps and Neptune turns pale, everyone else has their jaws touching the floor. "The next apology I get from you will land you in the Olympus infirmary for a year. I don't care if you're my father or a god, I am not dealing with your crap. I think I did pretty damned good for once in my life and I won't hear another stupid apology. And if you have another kid, I'll kill you and send you straight to the Pit. Am I clear?"

Neptune nods slowly as he rises.

Percy breathes deeply. "Good. I love you." He turns to the side.

Neptune smiles. "I love you, too, son."

"Now that that's settled," Juno laughs. "Please, eat! Get acquainted once more with your praetor!"

"Praetor?!" Percy flips out again.

"You were raised on the shield and no one has taken your place nor have you stepped down. You would have eventually been called in once things settled down, but now they do not have to worry. I have had you and Reyna instated until you retire from the legion. I know that this place will be safe with the both of you at the head." Juno shrugs and then kisses his cheek, stunning everyone in the room and Percy is red in the face. "I'll see you later, young man." She pops out and Lupa sits down with Chiron, who came to watch his favorite demigod be welcomed back with open arms.

"Percy?" Reyna asks.

"Yeah?" Percy replies, half there as he tries to make sense of what just happened.

"You going to be alright?" Reyna laughs a little.

Percy chuckles. "I'll be just fine, Reyna."

Three Years Later

Reyna walks down the aisle, a vision of pure white. Her father next to her as he guides her to the altar where Juno stands. Piper is the Maid of Honor, Hazel, Clarisse, and Rachel the other maids, all in red dresses. Percy stands at the altar, Reyna blushing crimson as she sees how amazing he looks in his black and white suit, his tanned skin making it more attractive. Leo is Percy's Best Man, Frank, Dakota, and Chris standing there with Frank.

Reyna's father studies Percy for a few seconds before setting Reyna's hands in Percy's, then goes to his seat. Percy smiles warmly and it takes Reyna's breath away. She barely gets it back in time to say, "I do."

But soon enough, Percy's lips on hers takes it all away again and when he pulls away, he whispers in her ear, "The perfect vision of a blushing bride and the definition of true beauty." He chuckles to himself and she can hear it as he walks her back down the aisle and out the door into the reception.

Outside the doors, he stops and puts his forehead on hers, surprising her.

"I love you." He whispers softly.

The End