So um...hey?

For those of you still out there, before I provide you with a long-awaited and well deserved update,I must apologize for my absence. I had not anticipated being away for so long, and I really have no excuse. Two years is an awfully long time. I promise you, dear readers, that I will continue to update throughout 2018. Once again, thank you for all your support.

Lots of love,

Aemith

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, that right goes to Rick Riordan.

~Chapter 9~

What the heck am I supposed to do? I've never had any guys over for like a date or anything at all. It's only been Leo, and he's practically my brother. Piper mused as she grabbed more pizza for Jason and herself. The two of them grabbed several slices each, the mouthwatering cheesy aroma filling the kitchen.

"C'mon Jason, this way," Piper smiled, grabbing his wrist gently and pulling him along with her.

She's touching me, gods, her hands are so small. Jason smiled softly, letting her lead the way.

Piper settled down onto the couch, releasing Jason. For a moment, he wished that she could've held on for just a bit longer. Her hands, soft, warm, and comforting, had send shocks throughout his arm. Jason had never felt anything like it, and longed for her touch.

"So, what do you wanna watch?" Piper asked, grabbing the remote from the coffee table. "Whatever you want, my dad loves movies. He has a ton."

"I don't really have a preference. Anything that you want us fine with me," Jason shrugged, smiling at Piper.

"Well, I guess that means we'll be watching The Avengers then. It's one of my favorites."

"So, The Avengers it is then, " Jason grinned, as Piper's face lit up with happiness.

After the movie was over, the two had gotten into an argument over the most powerful Avenger. This resulted in an hour long battle, complete with eye rolls, snappy remarks, and popcorn chucking.

"Still, Captain America is the coolest," Jason argued.

"But what about Hulk? He could easily crush him," Piper lashed back, throwing a piece of popcorn at him.

"No, Captain America is literally the coolest," Jason grinned, dodging the popcorn.

Piper rolled her eyes at him, and threw a blanket directly in his face.

"Yeah, that was pretty bad," Jason's muffled voice admitted. He sheepishly pulled the blanket off his face, playfully throwing it back at her.

Piper laughed, rising to her feet. She turned the TV off and turned to Jason.

"It's actually getting pretty late," she realized, shocked, glancing down at her phone. "I'm sure your parents would be worried if you aren't home soon."

No, probably not. Jason though, his heart dropping

"Yeah, you're right," Jason lied. "I should probably get out of your hair. My parents are probably wondering when I'll be back," he said, looking up at Piper, shooting her a smile.

Piper squinted at him, her eyes piercing into his. For a moment, it seemed to Jason as if Piper had seen right through his deception, but that fear quickly dissipated as she smiled up at him.

"Of course they are. Would you like any pizza to take back with you? I can't eat this all by myself. I'm sure Thalia would like some," Piper laughed, already grabbing a few slices for Jason to take home.

"Oh, sure I guess?" Jason accepted the plate of pizza that Piper plopped down on his hands. For a brief moment, their hands brushed. Piper quickly pulled away, smiling shyly at Jason, who had turned an unappealing shade of tomato red.

"Well, goodnight Jason. It was a pleasure having you over," Piper led him towards the door. "Tell your sister I said hi, will you?"

"Of course Pipes," Jason smiled. "Thanks for everything."

Piper laughed, her happiness evident in her voice. "Goodnight Jason."

Jason slid into his car, a grin etched upon his face. It had been an eternity since he had smiled for this long. This girl, Piper was truly a wonder. Despite being a Greek, she showed him no ill will, and was approachable and friendly. It was as if he had known her forever, yet it had only been a few weeks. In her presence, he felt comforted, and warm, two things he never felt in his own house. Jason glanced back towards to doorway, where she still stood, waving at him. Grinning, he returned the gesture, and drove away.

Piper shut the door after he left, a smile still upon her face. She grinned as she thought of their lively argument. Jason wasn't bad company after all.

There was still one thing she couldn't nail down about him. His parents. Were they absent in his life? When she had brought them up, Piper could see it in his eyes; loneliness and abandonment. Piper herself was familiar with these two. With her father often being away on business trips, she was often left home alone. Piper loved her dad, but it still felt as if he was neglecting her at times. Jason's blatant lie was easy to see through, but Piper was unwilling to press. If he had truly wanted to tell her, he would've.

Oh Jason, you could've just told me the truth. Can't you see? You're just like me.

Two sets of eyes watched from the bushes. One glowed a bright red, the other a soft mischievous brown. They had just witnessed Jason Grace, the Jason Grace, newly appointed Praetor of New Rome, leaving Piper McLean's place.

Ah, so that's the guy she was talking about. One of the figures mused quietly, watching the red taillights of Jason's care vanishing into the night. Who would've thought that Piper had the hots for a Roman. And even worse, a Praetor.

"Festus, man, this isn't good at all."

I hope my writing style hasn't changed too much for you guys. Two reviews till the next update. I hate doing this to everyone, but I really don't feel like continuing if no one will bother to read this. Anyways, thanks for supporting me you guys!

Aemith