𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒¹

𝑀𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑆𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝐺𝑎𝑏𝑒

‧̍̊˙· 𓆝.° ｡˚𓆛˚｡ °.𓆞 ·˙‧̍̊

ASTORIA FOLLOWED PERCY WHEN he ditched Grover at the bus terminal. The satyr's constant mumbling and pitiful looks really creeped the boy, and she couldn't blame him. At least her indifference allowed her to stick with him on his  way home.

"East 104th and First." Percy told the taxi driver. He put both his and her luggage into the trunk. Opening the door, he slipped into the backseat with Astoria following after. The driver started the car again, and they were on their way.

"Thanks for letting me hitchhike with you." Astoria humored. Percy gave a small smile.

"It's not like I could leave you with Grover freaking out." He said. She could see how troubled he was with Grover's abnormal behavior. If she didn't know what was going on, Astoria would've felt the same.

"Cut him some slack," She playfully slapped his arm. "He's under a lot more stress than you think, and so will you."

"Maybe," he muttered.

"We're here." The taxi driver spoke. Percy shuffled through his pockets and handed him a twenty dollar bill. In return, he received change in cash. Astoria held the door open as Percy got out and shut it when he walked out.

"Where are we going?" She asked even though she already knew.

Percy sighed anxiously as he continued his path. "My house." He looked at Astoria with an indescribable expression. "If you want, you can come inside if mom's home. I'm sure you'll love her." he faltered. "But with Smelly Gabe, it'd be better to stay outside."

"I'll stick with you." Astoria smiled sympathetically. "Especially if Smelly Gabe is there. You must not like him at all with you giving him that nickname and all."

He stared in surprised, but mirrored the same smile she had. "Thanks. But don't say I didn't warn you. He might do something..." They finally reach the little apartment. Percy wiped his sweaty hands on his jacket and opened the door.

Rather than Sally 'the best' Jackson, Astoria and Percy entered Smelly Gabe playing poker with his chumps. The television blared ESPN. Chips and beer cans were strewn all over the carpet. She pursed her lips at the sight of the gambling and empty beer bottles. 'It's okay.' She thought. 'Nothing will happen to me.'

Not even taking a second's glance, Gabe said around his cigar, "So, you're home and brought a little girlfriend with you." Astoria closed her eyes and Percy gave her a look.

"Where's my mom?"

"Working," she heard Gabe say. "You got any cash?"

"I don't have any cash," Percy answered. Gabe raised his eyebrow.

"You took a taxi from the bus station," he said. "Probably paid with a twenty. Got six, seven bucks in change. Somebody expects to live under his roof, he ought to carry his own weight. Am I right, Eddie?"

Astoria opened her eyes and looked at Eddie's uncomfortable expression. "Come on, Gabe. The kid just got here." Gabe didn't take any sympathy.

"Am I right?" Gabe repeated.

"I wish I could knock his lights out." she muttered under her breath. She heard Percy chuckle quietly, but nothing could be humorous about this situation.

"Well?" Gabe held out his hand.

"Fine," Percy said. He dug out his change and threw the money on the table. "I hope you lose. C'mon." He pulled Astoria to his room.