𝓢𝓞𝓝 𝓞𝓕 𝓝𝓔𝓟𝓣𝓤𝓝𝓔

EVANGELINE AND REYNA SPENT A GOOD TWO HOURS SPARRING IN THE COLISEUM, their training swords sparking and clashing against each other.

As the training session concluded, they retreated to a quiet spot in the stands. At first, they talked battle tactics and the upcoming war games. Then they had a 'debriefing on recent events', which was simply Reyna's way of describing Evangeline's gossiping.

Evangeline grinned, twirling a strand of her hair. "You won't believe it...Fabius and Lavinia are sneaking around together." Evangeline laughed mischievously, " I swear! I saw them making out last night by the stables! get this—she was squeezing his ass!"

"Ay, bendito." Reyna's eyes widened, disbelief etched on her face, "You're lying? He's dating his ex's best friend?"

Evangeline nodded, excitedly telling her everything else she knew. "Yes, way! And it gets so worse. I heard her tell Camille last week that she was taking pegasus riding lessons and that's why she couldn't hang out as often, well she's riding something alright—Her ex!"

"Oh my gods, that's awful Gigi..." Reyna snorted. She shook her head. "Pegasus riding lessons? who knew that was a euphemism for... well, you know."

"I know!" Evangeline chuckled, leaning back against the cold stone of the stands. "I can't make this stuff up! I swear I saw it with my own two eyes! And trust me—I wish I could say it was just a rumor and erase the image of a handful of ass in her grip—"

Reyna joined in laughing, her serious praetor facade momentarily forgotten.

"As romantic as forbidden love can be." Evangeline hummed, "I think Camille should totally get her back by getting with her brother. And Lavinia needs to tell him off! I mean in the stables? where pegasi eat and poop—have some class."

"Eva." Reyna chided in disagreement, "None of that would fix anything."

"Fix?" Evangeline shook her head and laughed, "Oh there's no fixing this. The moment he put his lips on her best friend it was over with. No one is getting out of that situation unscathed."

"Yeah that's harsh,"  Reyna admitted, her voice dragged on. The slightest Caribbean accent peeking out of her words.  "Is it bad I'm only thinking about how much worse the second and first cohorts' fights are going to get once they find out their centurions are sneaking around together."

"No." Evangeline shook her head, "I pity you truly. But it is kind of giving star-crossed lovers. Omg, wait, that makes Camille, Rosaline!"

"Whatever that means," Reyna sighed, "Hopefully I survive this legion drama with some of my sanity intact."

Evangeline teased, nudging Reyna playfully. "You know, it's never as entertaining when it's two girls fighting over a guy. Now, when it's two guys battling it out for affection, that's a different story."

Reyna raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And why is that?"

Evangeline cleared her throat, preparing herself as if she were about to recite a sermon, "Because when two girls fight over a guy, the solution is usually them realizing they'd be better for each other. Or that the guy actually really sucks. It's so overdone and it always has a tinge of misogyny in it, to be honest. But when it's two guys fighting—"

Evangeline's voice bubbled with excitement, "Okay, picture this: When it's two guys going all in for a girl, and it's not about some cliche 'winner takes all' scenario. It's so much more exciting! It's more about the journey, the unraveling emotions, and the unexpected turns that keep you hooked. two guys, both pouring their hearts out for a single girl, creating this whirlwind of emotions. Not about winning a prize, but this rollercoaster of passion and discovering who's the one for her! So much more or a thrilling love story, don't ya think?"

Reyna raised an eyebrow, "And when it's girls fighting over a girl? or two guys fighting over a guy?"

Evangeline smirked, "Then they should all just get together and call it a day," She raised her hands in mock defense, "But then again that would be my solution for most love triangles, I know I'd be in heaven with one of each..."

"A boyfriend, girlfriend, and non-binary lover?" Reyna snorted.

Evangeline giggled, "I was thinking more of God, demigod, mortal...The whole mythological roster, who knows, If a monster's attractive enough..."

"I can't with you!"

Reyna shoved Evangeline playfully. The girl squealed as she slipped down the stands, her butt hitting the stone step below them.

Evangeline and Reyna fell into a fit of stomach-aching laughter.

When they calmed down she turned to Reyna and reclaimed her spot next to her.  "Legion drama or not, as long as we're not the ones tangled up in it, it's all just another day at camp."

Reyna nodded, "True enough." Her expression became solemn, "I just hope the legion doesn't turn into a battlefield between the cohorts. We have enough problems arising with Jason gone and this new guy appearing...Then there's Terra. If what Hazel's brother says is true, If She's starting to wake up and giants are truly being reborn. That's another huge problem on the horizon for us...."

Evangeline froze, her eyes flickered with concern, but she masked it with a forced smile. Dwelling on looming disaster wasn't her style... The Jason situation was hard enough, and the wounds from the second Titan war against Saturn were still fresh. Yet, as Reyna spoke of Terra stirring, a chill ran down her spine and gave her goosebumps.

She didn't just want to be physically prepared; she wanted to be a force to be reckoned with when the time came. Every drop of sweat in her daily training was a silent protest against any impending threat against her.

If Terra thought she could waltz in and wreak havoc, Evangeline was determined to meet her with strength, skill, and an unyielding spirit.

People often forgot Venus wasn't just the goddess of love; she was a goddess of victory too.

Evangeline didn't just train to be good; she trained to be perfect, to embody the essence of victory.

She took a deep breath, her eyes remained focused and determined. Eva steadied her voice, "Well, it wouldn't be the first time, would it? Remember that chariot race incident last year right before the battle at Mount Orthys?"

"Let's not revisit that disaster" Reyna groaned, She looked lost in thought afterward "....Tell me, What are your thoughts on this new guy?"

"Besides the dirty ones?" Evangeline wiggled her eyebrows.

Reyna rolled her eyes, the slightest grin on her lips. "Yes, Please."

Evangeline shrugged, "He doesn't seem like a terrible guy. But most don't. I guess we just have to wait and see."

Reyna nodded, her eyes still looking unfocused, "I just hope.....Well, I hope the gods don't give us something we can't handle..."

Evangeline bit her lip, she gained the courage to ask, "For The feast of Fortuna...Who do you want to win...I mean," She cleared her throat, "If anyone else would be by your side...Who?"

Reyna's face scrunched together, "Not Octavian...but unfortunately, I think he's already won.."

Evangeline's face fell. "He's a bitch.."

Reyna raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "A bitch?"

"The biggest bitch!" Evangeline huffed, "He was acting weird with Hazel, and naturally he couldn't go without murdering an innocent stuffed animal."

Reyna chuckled, "It's his job, Eva, it's better than actual animals, no?"

"Well yes, but He's still a freak," Evangeline huffed in annoyance. She pressed her finger on the stone she sat on. Drawing little hearts to pass the time.

Reyna's eyes held a serious gaze. "What did he do now? Did he say something else to you?"

Evangeline looked up and met her fierce scowl, she squeezed her shoulder. "Doesn't matter what he said...let's just say if Hazel didn't hold me back. You'd be down an augur."

"Are you okay?" She asked.

Evangeline giggled, " Of course I am. I've got thick flawless skin. I can take more than a few insults from that naked mole rat."

Reyna's shoulders grew heavier. She pursed her lips and her face remained stoic but her eyes betrayed her strong demeanor. "Eva, with Jason gone, the Legion needs stability more than ever. Your support has been invaluable during this time. Thank you."

Evangeline flashed a reassuring smile. "Anything for the Legion, Reyna." She frowned the longer she watched her friend. Reyna weighted all of Camp Jupiter on her shoulders.

Evangeline leaned against her. Reyna leaned in closer and hooked their arms together. She wasn't one to like physical touch. That's why Evangeline allowed her to set their terms. She knew Reyna had gone through a lot, and right now, she was doing her best to keep herself from falling through the seams.

"About a missing someone..." She nudged Reyna playfully, "You know, the person who usually complements your seriousness."

Reyna's expression softened a hint of sadness in her fierce eyes. "Jason's absence weighs heavily on me. It's not the same without his presence. I...miss him.."

Evangeline gently squeezed Reyna's shoulder. She didn't care to express her feelings.

Jason's absence is tearing me apart. She could admit, we were together before he disappeared and I think I've fallen in love for the first time in my life. But now it's like he's a ghost...And my heart...it aches for him...

Instead, she said:

"He'll come back, Reyna. We'll find him. And until then, you've got me, the expert in camp affairs."

Reyna managed a small smile, appreciating Evangeline's attempt to lighten the mood. "You've been a great help, Eva. Thanks for stepping in while Jason's been gone."

Evangeline separated herself from the Boricuan girl and stood up. She turned to Reyna and blew a dramatic kiss in her direction. "Well, what are friends for, right? Now, I've got a date to catch. Can't keep my admirers waiting too long."

Reyna chuckled, "Go on, enjoy your date. We'll continue training sessions tomorrow"

Evangeline stopped herself, she looked at Reyna hesitantly, "Hey, Rey, You know if it gets to be too much for you...."

Reyna gave her a hard look, "Tomorrow I better see you at our session, Evangeline."

Evangeline grinned, she winked, "I won't keep you waiting, praetor."

Reyna watched her go with a fond smile, grateful for the distraction.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

A FAMILIAR FACE APPROACHED EVANGELINE, nervously holding flowers.

"Oh?" Evangeline's eyes widened when she saw him. She was on her way to the barracks and didn't expect to see the boy waiting for her nearby. They agreed to meet at the date location originally, and the girl was still wearing her workout clothes. She, of course, looked fabulous, but a sports bra and leggings weren't exactly date attire for her. "Someone is excited."

The legacy of Ceres stammered a greeting, and despite her initial surprise, she accepted the flowers with a gracious smile. Fog emitted from the bathhouses behind him. The whole scene was straight out of a Romantic Comedy, it caused her cheeks to flush.

"H-hey Angie, I grew these for you." He smiled, "They're Pink Azaleas...They reminded me of you."

Evangeline swooned, she giggled softly. "That's so cute Mason, Thank you.." She took the bouquet into her arms and cradled them against her chest. He gazed at her with pure admiration.

In an instant, he went for the kiss.

She became lost in thought the more he began to get closer to her, her mind wandering to memories of Jason. The boy sensed her distraction, but it didn't deter him. As he leaned in for a kiss, Evangeline's heart sank, memories flooding back.

On the rooftop, under the canvas of a star-studded sky. Evangeline pulled slightly at the Blonde locks of his hair as he traced the contours of her lips with a feather-light touch. The moment their lips met a spark ignited that set their hearts aflame. The world disappeared as she surrendered to his magnetic pull, their kiss deepening with every stolen breath.

His fingers tangled in her brunette hair, pulling her closer, while the heat of their connection intensified. Soft moans mingled off their lips in the night air as their bodies pressed together.

The night embraced them, it was the only witness to the growing flame between them. Evangeline reluctantly pulled away, a fire burned in her eyes, her heart jackhammering in her chest—an acknowledgment that this was just the beginning of a love too powerful to be contained by the boundaries of the night.

Mom, please. If love means anything. I want this to be real, I want him to be mine...

"Jason....Tell me you mean it, Are you, Falling in love—?"

"Jupiter almighty, yes." He leaned in again, his hands cupped her cheeks and his lips trailed up her neck." I am angel...I'm falling hard.."

Evangeline pulled away. Her heart was in her stomach. She stared at the poor boy in front of her without an ounce of genuine emotion.

He looked at her with dreamy eyes, Evangeline felt her skin prick with guilt and slight disgust. The kisses Mason gave her were nothing like Jason's...

"Have I told you that you're an amazing kisser?"

Evangeline cringed, at least he's sweet...

"I'm still in my workout clothes." Evangeline hummed "If you'd just give me 3 minutes."

"You're beautiful." He complimented, stopping her. "Don't worry. We won't be doing anything crazy. I wanted to spend a longer time together before muster...You look great like that! You look great in anything."

"I'd be a lot more comfortable—"

"Seriously." He insisted. "It doesn't matter what you're wearing." The boy looked at her in admiration.

Evangeline got a sudden surge of discontent and decided she was canceling the date. She just had to come up with an amazing excuse to not hurt the guy too much. Mason was a little insistent and awkward but wasn't exactly deserving of rejection by dropkick. He was kind, he genuinely liked her. If only she was able to like him back.

Just as he went to kiss her again, Percy Jackson emerged from the bathhouse with a lost and stressed expression clad on his face. He caught the scene and his eyebrows furrowed together, Evangeline was suddenly ecstatic to see the pretty boy.

Startled, Evangeline pulled away, and met Percy's gaze. The boy was in a towel and water droplets were falling from his hair down to his bare chest. 

Suddenly, I'm very very grateful to Neptune.

"Err. Hey, Evangeline." He murmured, walking closer to them. "Do you know where Frank is? He kinda promised he'd find me something to wear...Twenty minutes ago."

Evangeline smirked, "Guess it's my lucky d—"

"Excuse me." Mason interrupted her, "We're kinda in the middle of a date here Graecus."

Evangeline's eyes widened. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled sheepishly. "Ah, Right, Mason... Sweetie, Sorry, I have to help Peter here. Rain check? Reyna gave me direct orders to make sure he didn't wander our Camp alone. Duty calls," she apologized to her date, leaving him with a bewildered expression.

He grabbed her arm, "Hey but—"

She spun around and firmly removed his hands from her. She gave him a forced smile, "Go away, Mason. try again later."

Mason nodded and grinned, "Goodbye Beautiful, I'll try again later." he kissed her cheek softly.

Evangeline cringed at the feeling of his lips on her skin and turned her head away quickly. She would have rather been kissed on the lips, it would have felt much less intimate for her...

She patted his shoulder, "' Kay bye bye." Evangeline scampered off.

"Um, Evangeline—" Percy frowned, almost falling as he sped behind her. "I'm still naked."

Evangeline stopped, remembering who she used as her scapegoat. She looked beside her. Percy stood crouched over holding the towel tightly over his torso. Campers walked past watching the Son of Neptune with a raised eyebrow. There was a group of demigods giggling and hooting at him.

"Do I need to find someone else—"

"My clothes won't fit you." She thought out loud, "And I'm not going to the barracks with you like that...Romans love a good scandal, follow me, Pretty boy."

"Where are we going—?"

Evangeline just kept walking "We can't have you parading around camp in just a towel now, can we? We're sneaking into the Principia."

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

"WHOSE ROOM IS THIS?" Percy asked as Evangeline led Percy into the quarters and softly closed the door behind them. The walls were adorned with carefully displayed laurel wreaths, signifying triumphs in battles.

An array of ceremonial golden eagle feathers, each representing a successful campaign or notable accomplishment, also hung on the space with a regal touch. A miniature lightning bolt sculpture rested on a shelf, a subtle nod to his godly parentage. Next to it, was a figurine of the she-wolf, Lupa nurturing Romulus and Remus. His purple cloak hung neatly on a hook behind the door.

The air carried a subtle blend of leather and cedarwood, It was a fragrance that spoke of resilience and strength, leaving an indelible mark on the very air he breathed.

"This is Jason's room." She stated.

"He sure is...." Percy looked around at the structure of the bedroom, "Neat." He said with a slight bitterness.

Beneath the aroma lingered a subtle undertone that only Evangeline could detect. A hint of bergamot, a breath of fresh air and open skies that spoke of the son of Jupiter, a scent that triggered memories of shared moments and stolen kisses on a moonlit rooftop. It was a personal touch, one only known to those who had ventured beyond the praetor's armor, revealing a side of Jason that went beyond the disciplined Golden boy.

A desk stood proudly beside his dresser, covered in maps and old strategic plans, bearing witness to the weighty responsibilities Jason had shouldered in his time at Camp.

"What if we get caught?" Percy asked, shifting forward and keeping a wary eye on the door as if expecting Reyna to storm in with the hounds.

Evangeline shushed him, "Don't make me regret helping you, Pretty boy. Because if Reyna shows up and finds us, you're Julius Caesar and I'm Brutus. I won't go down with you, and I'll make sure to cover my own back."

Evangeline led him to Jason's dresser. "Anyways, You seem like the same size... I'll find something he didn't wear often."

Percy's jaw tensed, and a flicker of anger crossed his features as she passed by him and opened a drawer. "So, loyalty is just a game to you? You flirt with a guy, then throw him under the bus when things get dicey?"

Evangeline froze and met his gaze. She was slightly surprised at the frustration on his face, she didn't expect the boy to become so sensitive to the topic. Her tone didn't waver, "Pretty boy, don't mistake a little flirtation for anything. Loyalty, for me, is knowing where my heart truly lies—with the Legion, with my Praetors, with myself, and with my survival. A few stolen glances, stupid dates, and playful banter with anyone don't change who I am. It's a matter of priorities, not faithlessness. I choose Evangeline, always will."

Percy swallowed a lump in his throat, his green eyes bore into her amber ones. He didn't seem to understand her at all.

He sighed, and the tension in his shoulders eased a bit. "Just get me clothes, and maybe lay off with the...erm—Venus powers."

Evangeline shot him a wry smile and continued. "Because of Annabeth" She taunted.

"Don't." He hissed, trying to contain his frustration. "It's hard enough, I don't need someone using the only thing I remember against me"

"Now, you don't gotta get all grumpy fish on me." Evangeline chided him for his tone, Evangeline's fingers sifted through Jason's clothes, her eyes scanning the array of neatly folded shirts. "Plus, I stopped messing with you a while ago, You just find me attractive Pretty boy... And don't worry, Believe it or not, it's normal to find someone hot when you're in a long-term relationship. Which I assume is the case, Unless you're in a Drew Barrymore situation and forgot her after the first date..."

Evangeline pulled out a pair of grey sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt, "Hm, I'm assuming commando is the best option for you right now...Unless.."

"Just give it to me" Percy's voice held an edge. He took it from her hands.

Evangeline laughed at his outburst, she turned her back to him. "You're taller than him, so the sweats might give capris but I don't think anyone will care about your ankles—unless they're ashy. Then I'm judging."

As Percy grumbled a half-ass response about his skin being hydrated, the sound of him fiddling with the clothes rang through the air, and she found herself studying the other side of Jason's room.

In a bookcase, there were weathered books: worn-out copies of ancient myths shared space with military strategy books, their pages all marked by his thoughtful fingers.

She also noticed the spine of a leather-bound journal. She remembered how much he loved to write out his thoughts in that thing and draw poor sketches of clouds in different shapes.

Beside the books, there were framed photos hanging on the walls, one captured a rare, carefree smile on Jason's face, and another was of him surrounded by his older friends from the fifth Cohort.

There were many other photos displayed, but there was something specific that caught her eye. She walked over to a framed photo of Jason, Reyna, and her with their arms over each other at fourteen.

Evangeline reached out to pick at the picture that hid behind the frame.

She gasped slightly,

Oh, Maman, why, Why did I have to find this...

She looked over the photo, her hands softly tracing her brunette hair and wide open-mouthed smile. Her teeth were on full display and her dimples were pronounced. It was a Polaroid candid of her laughing, not of the pretty girlish laugh you see in magazines or that she often tried to display.

It was a genuine moment, and she remembered it like it was yesterday. They were fifteen, cloud-watching on the rooftop of his father's temple. Jason was failing miserably at making her look 'less like a model' for the camera, so he started reciting her favorite lines from her favorite romance movies. At least the ones he remembered, and yes, he was butchering them terribly.

In the picture, her eyes were crinkled together and her high cheekbones were especially prominent. Every single ounce of joy was evident in her expression.

She hated the photo when she saw it and told him to rip it to shreds.

"Is that a photo of you?" Percy questioned, stealing her attention. He was now fully dressed (mostly?).

Evangeline almost forgot why she was in there until she heard his voice.

"No!" She lied, stuffing it away behind the frame. She stumbled for a bit but elegantly spun on her heels to face him, she smiled confidently.

"It looked like you?" Percy raised an eyebrow at her strange reaction, "Without the little mermaid hair that is."

Evangeline shook her head, her face falling into her manicured hands. "I need to burn that photo now, ugh."

Percy didn't seem to get it, "Why you look fine—"

"Fine is not how I look! I look—Like Brittany from Alvin in The Chipmunks!" She argued, using her hands as she spoke. "There's only so much cuteness you can give a chipmunk ya know—"

Percy, undeterred, continued, "Wait so were you and Jason, like together?—I mean, you knew exactly how to sneak in here without getting caught...and he has that photo of you..."

Evangeline shot him a look, her eyes narrowing slightly. "No, Percy. We weren't. He's my great friend. My praetor. That's it."

"So you do know my name." He raised an eyebrow,

Evangeline huffed, her eyes a little distracted. She began, "Hypothetically, in a totes made-up situation. As a guy, If you kept a photo of a girl you knew, would that mean you loved her? Would that mean that you had some real feelings for her?"

Percy looked like he was struggling with something. His eyes were glazed over as he responded, "Yeah, Yeah I think so...I wouldn't want to see just anyone's face for no reason. Even if it was a beautiful one. I'd have to feel something when I saw that face.."

"You think I'm beautiful?" Evangeline hummed, hoping to change the subject.

Percy focused on her again, "That's not fair." He rolled his eyes as if he were unimpressed with her teasing. And avoided looking at her face, or any part of her really. "You know you're beautiful,"

"I do." Evangeline grinned with pride,

Percy, cleared his throat, and changed the subject again, "So, how about Mason... are you two a thing?"

Evangeline deflected, "No labels. Just one of the legionnaires that likes to take me out on dates sometime."

"You kissed him."

"No, he kissed me." She corrected,

Percy nodded but his face was pinched, "Your love life sounds complicated."

Evangeline smirked, "All love is complicated, Percy." She shot him a sidelong glance, her tone teasing, "No one owns me, but myself. I keep my options open. And honey, you're really cute. But mind your business yeah?"

"You're also kind of mean." He raised an eyebrow, "In a nice way so it's really confusing."

"I'm an enigma." Evangeline hummed proudly.

"Whatever that means." Percy sighed, he looked at her thoughtfully and brought them back to a conversation from earlier. "So, Venus? Why'd she allow herself to be put in an arranged marriage? She's the goddess of love I mean...Wouldn't she want real love in her marriage?"

"Well marriage and love don't always go hand in hand, Pretty boy." Evangeline hummed, she moved over to sit on Jason's ottoman at the end of his bed.

Evangeline checked her nails and pat the spot beside her with the other hand. Percy listened. "Of course, there was no other option for her, Not when Jupiter commanded it."

"What do you mean?"

"My maman is much too desirable, too alluring. Venus, she's the embodiment of true love, sex, beauty, this force of passion and pure human connection." She complimented her mom, the blurred figure of warmth and comfort she remembered as a young girl entering her mind.

Evangeline hadn't seen Venus since before her father got married.

"And then, there's Vulcan, a skilled blacksmith but he has a heart of iron. Don't get me wrong, he's good at what he does, but love? Not his forte. So, my mom, the goddess who thrives on true love and deep connections, was told by Jupiter, that she was being married off because she would cause too much conflict among the gods...Oh and of course to be Vulcan's prize for freeing Juno from his own trap..."

"They didn't get the memo that love can't be forged in a blacksmith's workshop. Yet they still judge her for cheating on him. I mean? What do you expect? She needs more—Imagine being in a loveless marriage just because some powerful figure thinks it's for the greater good. It's like they forgot that even goddesses deserve a say in matters of the heart." 

She scoffed, "I've grown up surrounded by stories of true love, the kind that transcends realms. Cupid and Psyche. Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Jack and Rose. Yet, my mom is stuck in a marriage that's more of a business transaction than passion..."

"Is that why you don't want to get married?" Percy asked.

Evangeline laughed, her chest ached for a moment. "Yeah... Something like that."

She stopped, looking back up at the boy. "So Pretty boy, Do you think true love is solely passion and desire? Or do you think it's about something deeper, like understanding and companionship?"

Percy raised an eyebrow, not expecting the depth of her question.

"Uh—"

"My mom gave me this vision of true love." She continued, not really caring about what his response was. "the kind that sets your soul on fire, that transcends the superficial. But her reality is a far cry from an epic love story. She was forced into a loveless marriage for the sake of divine order. It's like they handed her a script and said, Here, play your part."

Evangeline paused, her gaze distant, she looked over at the praetor cloak that hung behind the door. "I want more than just playing a part. I want a love that's real, messy, and worth fighting for. One that consumes me. One where I'm not a possession but we are still each other's. One where I am needed as much as I am wanted...I know it's cliche, especially as a daughter of Venus,  but I believe love is the strongest force of all."

She gazed beside her, meeting his green eyes with her own. "It's not something you can hammer out on an anvil or just script into existence. It can't be forced by anyone. It only hits, often when and where you least expect it, and all you can do is take the punches...and hope you're not only left with bruises..."

Percy nodded, understanding in his own way the weight behind her words. "But doesn't your mom control love? Can't she make it happen for herself?"

Evangeline sighed, "That's the thing, Pretty boy. Even for the goddess of love herself, it's elusive. It's a force that can't be controlled or manufactured. And she's bound by these divine rules, stuck in a loveless marriage that's more about her duty than truest desires. She does what she can... And I guess she does have a great love, Mars..."

Percy scowled, "She could do way better than him."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, "You know you're bold for that. That is the god of war you're talking about..."

He rolled his eyes, "Oh I know." he bared his teeth, as if the thought of the god enranged him.

Evangeline laughed, her dimples making their appearance, "You're real interesting, Percy."

They spent a while more just talking, Evangeline and he ended up on the topic of movies and shows from the mortal world. She grimaced when he told her about his dorky interests and he rolled his eyes when she told her how much better Pride and Prejudice was compared to anything he listed.

After a while, Percy looked out the window. The sun was setting outside the curtains causing there to be only a dim glow within the room, "....Hey, it's getting kind of dark—"

"Shit—!" Evangeline jumped up. "I need to get changed before we're late to muster and Reyna kills us." She waved him toward her, "Come on Pretty boy, it's time for you to get a real taste of Camp Jupiter"