Percy Jackson & the Curse of Love

Campfire Night

Percy POV

Nico just left my cabin. I decided to go to the campfire, mostly because of Jason, like Nico said, but I'll never admit it to him. I was just about to leave, and then I went a presence behind me. I turned around and I saw the one, the only: Lady Aphrodite.

"What do you want?" I snarled.

"Don't treat a goddess like that, young man," Aphrodite said.

"You ruined my life, how could I treat you right?"

"I could ruin your life even more."

"Fine. Why are you here?"

"Well, I must say something before you do it. You cannot tell anyone at the campfire about your dream. I heard that you told Jason Grace and Nico di Angelo, but I shall not allow for you to tell anyone else. You hear me, Jackson?" Aphrodite said, with a hint of charmspeak in her voice.

"I understand, Lady Aphrodite," I said, as I snapped back to reality. "I—I had a dream with A—Aph—You little..."

"Now that's enough, Perseus, nothing more about your little dream. Off you go to the campfire, and in case if you're wondering, Jason Grace and Piper McLean's breakup has nothing to do with your breakup with Annabeth. Perhaps... I could help you out with another love interest..."

"Okay, I get the point, Lady Aphrodite. I'll go to the campfire now," I said.

"Awesome! I can't wait to watch it!" Aphrodite said, turning into pink dust.

Great. I just doomed myself. I told Nico because I trust him—Jason told me once on how he was outed by Eros. I told Jason because... I don't know actually. Why did I tell him? Do I... love him like Nico said? No, no way, I thought to myself. I don't like him... at least I don't think so.

I waved off my thoughts, and decided to take a moment to brush my hair, because it's a mess, and I haven't done it in a while. Plus, I don't have anything to do, so it wouldn't hurt.

By the time I finished, it was time for the campfire—the conch horn proving that. I went outside and saw Jason waving me over. My heart skipped a beat—at least, I think that's the phrase. I followed over to him and waved him hello.

"Hey Jase," I said.

"Hey Perce, perfect timing. The campfire's about to start, and I have to explain my breakup with Piper today. I hope Nico invited you over because I need some moral support and Leo's not here to do that," Jason said, giving me a soft smile.

My face probably flushed the color red, but I don't think Jason noticed. "No problem, bro, I know it's been hard—like my breakup with Annabeth. Speaking of that, they want me to explain?"

"I'm pretty sure," Jason muttered. "Just sit by me—that's all being my moral support is. Being by my side. Thanks, by the way, if I haven't thanked you yet."

"Uh, no worries, bro. It's all in a day's work."

Chiron stomped his hoof on the ground. "Campers! Today we bring forth Jason Grace, the son of Zeus, to explain his breakup with the daughter of Aphrodite, Piper McLean. Start whenever you'd like, Jason."

"Ah, so, it was the choice on my part. Piper and I had a fight around 3 days ago. I won't go into too much detail, but let's just say that resulted in me ending our relationship."

Piper sighed. "I tried everything to make it seem like we were on a break. Are you really convinced that we're over, Jason?"

Warning bells went off in my head. Piper was using charmspeak to try and get Jason back. If he broke up with her, and not the other way around, then he shouldn't be forced back into the relationship he was getting out of. I concentrated and put my hand up. I felt myself grasp something, and I pulled it towards the campfire. Maybe... just maybe I was overprotective of Jason.

"I—Piper, well, I don't—"

That's was all that Jason could say before a wall of water accompanied my earlier movement, and the campfire went out. The campers collectively gasped.

"What happened? Wait, Piper... were you trying to charmspeak me?" Jason interrupted.

"I—No! I just want to know, plus we have to light the campfire again!"

"That doesn't matter now. We're over. I can't believe you," Jason said with disappointment, walking towards Cabin 1.

"Jason! Wait!" Piper yelled, running after Jason.

"Wonder who did that," Annabeth said, smirking in my general direction.

"Don't even, wise girl," I muttered, getting up, walking towards my cabin to go to bed.

I never did make a whole lake overflow itself to defend Annabeth. Maybe it's more than just a friendship, I thought. Maybe I really do have a ridiculous crush on Jason Grace.