before we both turn into ghosts ┊p. mclean

08

Annabeth cracked a grin and pulled him up. Jason coughed into the silence.

"So... yeah. It's good to be back."

He introduced Reyna to Piper, who looked mildly disappointed she didn't get to use her speech. Then Leo, who offered a peace sign and an obnoxious wink. Finally, Jason turned to the girl standing beside him.

"This is Juno Luciano. Daughter of Hecate."

Juno met Reyna's gaze without blinking. "Hey," she said flatly. "Nice fort."

Jason winced. "She's... uh. New."

Reyna stepped forward, studying her. "Hecate. That's..." she trailed off.

Juno crossed her arms. "We're not here to start a turf war. If that's what you're thinking."

"And what are you all here for exactly?" Reyna asked, not bothering to hide the irritation creeping into her voice.

Juno glanced sideways at Jason. "Just following Mother dearests orders. Making sure this whole Greek-Roman alliance doesn't end in fire and screaming. Ideally."

Jason stepped in. "I trust her."

Reyna held Juno's gaze a moment longer. "Trust is rare."

"So is time," Juno replied, chewing on her lip. This felt entirely too much like an interrogation rather than a friendly chat between allies. "And we don't have much."

A long beat passed. Then, Reyna nodded—once, sharp as a command. "It seems we have a lot to discuss. Centurions!"

A few of the Roman campers hustled forward - apparently the senior officers.
Two kids appeared at Percy's side, the same ones Juno had seen him messing around with earlier. Now that they were up close, she could see them eyeing her. Juno shifted her feet uncomfortably.

Reyna was giving orders to her officers. "...tell the legion to stand down. Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen. Tell them to prepare a welcome feast. And, Octavian—"

"You're letting these intruders into the camp?" a tall guy with stringy blond hair elbowed his way forward. Juno scrunched up her nose, moving slightly to stand next to Jason as the said boy only rolled his eyes at the sight of the blonde.

"Reyna, the security risks—"

"We're not taking them to the camp, Octavian." Reyna flashed him a stern look. "We'll eat here, in the forum."

Juno shuffled forward until she was shoulder to shoulder with Jason, the boy bending down so he could hear her, "He seems like joy to be around."

He scratched his nose, trying to hide his smile. "You have no idea."

"Oh, much better," Octavian grumbled.

He seemed to be the only one who didn't defer to Reyna as his superior, despite the fact that he was scrawny and pale and for some reason had three teddy bears hanging from his belt.

"You want us to relax in the shadow of their warship."

"These are our guests." Reyna clipped off every word. "We will welcome them, and we will talk to them. As augur, you should burn an offering to thank the gods for bringing Jason back to us safely."

"Good idea," Percy put in. "Go burn your bears, Octavian."

Reyna looked like she was trying hard not to smile. "You have my orders. Go."

The centurions dispersed. Octavian shot Percy a look of absolute loathing. then he gave Annabeth a suspicious once-over and stalked away.

Percy slipped his hand into Annabeths. "Don't worry about Octavian," he said. "Most of the Romans are good people. Like Frank and Hazel here, and Reyna. We'll be fine."