In the Shadows: A PJo x KotLC Crossover

Chapter 8

Camp Half-Blood was in chaos when Tam returned.

Travis was screaming at Connor, Connor was screaming at Chiron, Chiron was watching as Mr. D screamed at the cabin heads who screamed at eachother.

For what reason?

Well, Tam found that out when he was tackled in a hug by a tall blonde girl. "What the hell did you think you were doing?" she said through gritted teeth.

He awkwardly wrapped an arm around her. "Uhm .. hi?"

Annabeth pulled away to stare at him. "It's 4am. You were gone for almost eight hours."

"Oh."

"You can't just run off like that," she continued. "We were worried sick about you. Then you just show up like this, and .. and -"

"Tam?!" Will ran over, closely followed by Nico.

The crowd stopped shouting at eachother to stare at the group. Tam could feel their eyes boring into the side of his head. He swallowed and tried to ignore it.

"What's up, my good .. fellow humans?" he squeaked.

Nico raised an eyebrow.

Tam sighed. "Look, I'm sorry for running into the woods."

"Unarmed, and taking the tastiest dish on the table with you," Annabeth added.

"Yes, I -"

"And without a jacket," Will noted.

"Fine, also without a jacket, but -" Tam tried.

Nico cut him off. "As your senior counsellors, it's our job to make sure nothing happens to you. Do you realise how much trouble we could've gotten in if you went missing?"

Tam snorted. "Oh please, Nico. You just don't want to admit you were worried about me."

Nico went beet red and turned away. "Whatever!" he huffed.

Annabeth chuckled. "Y'know, Tam, I hate to admit it but .. you're like a little brother to me."

"Me too." Will grinned. "Group hug?"

"Definitely," Annabeth agreed.

"Oh, gods, no," Nico groaned as he was pulled into the circle.

"Aww, bring it in, buds!" Travis Stoll sighed.

"What the fuck."

~°~

"You're back," Chiron said gravely. Standing - ahem, sitting - outside of the Big House, Chiron seemed to tower over him.

"Oh, great. That thing," Tam mumbled. He reached back to pull his hood over his head and then realised he didn't have one.

He decided shoving his hands in his pockets was good enough, and then realised he didn't have those either.

Tam sighed and flexed his fingers to distract himself. "So?"

"It's surprising that you decided to stay for this," Chiron noted, chuckling. "Perhaps you're starting to warm up to us?"

"In your dreams," Tam shot back.

Chiron smiled. "I saw you with Annabeth and the others. You were so happy."