𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄, PJ2

𝟎𝟎𝟑.𝟑

Juliet's fingers drifted over the spqr lines on Percy's arm. It was an absent minded gesture, her heavy gaze was just stuck to the mark while her appetite died.

"Jules?" She heard Percy's voice as if spoken from far away, too lost in her thoughts.

"Mhm?" She replied back her fingers lightly pausing on the line.

Percy's concern was evident in his voice as he gently squeezed Juliet's hand. "You seem distracted. Is everything okay?"

Juliet blinked, her focus shifting from the SPQR mark on Percy's arm to his concerned face. She managed a weak smile, trying to push aside the weight of her thoughts. "Yeah, sorry. I'm just... thinking about everything."

Percy nodded understandingly, his thumb gently caressing the back of her hand. "It's been a lot lately, hasn't it? But we're together now, and that's what matters."

Juliet's smile grew a bit more genuine at Percy's words. "Yeah, you're right," she said softly, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. "I'm just glad to be back with you."

Percy's smile mirrored hers, and he leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead. "Me too, Jules. Me too."

"I too would be glad to have my girlfriend and not third wheel you guys," Augustus sassed from the side making the couple roll their eyes together. "By the way," Augustus leaned forward looking at the couple, "Is it only me who's seeing Piper spiral right now or are you guys seeing it too,"

The trio immediately turned to see Jason and Daphne talking while Piper glared at them, Juliet noted with a surprised glance at their entwined hands resting on the table as they seemed to have a serious conversation.

"Well I mean Piper told Jason that she likes him," Juliet spoke making Percy widen his eyes and say, "But Daphne told me her and Jason have been together for like a year now,"

"Ooh Drama," Augustus gasped while reaching for a can of coke, he looked like one of the Aphrodite children as soon as they got a sniff of romance.

"I mean if he's loyal then there really should be no drama," Percy quipped back as they watched Daphne frown at something Jason said and discreetly glance at Piper who was seething.

Juliet winced a little, "Gods, I feel like Piper needs therapy," Percy looked at her in question and Juliet pointed at her forehead, "She's a little messed up here,"

Augustus snorted, "More like batshit crazy," He pitched his voice higher to imitate Piper, "I'm so cool, I don't like makeup, I'm not like other girls," He flipped his non existent hair making them watch him in amusement.

"Also about your friends Hazel and Frank-" Juliet began ready to question Percy when a shrill sound pierced the air. Light flashed in the corner of her eye.

She turned in time to see an explosion blast a new crater in the forum. A burning couch tumbled through the air. Demigods scattered in panic.

"What the fuck?!" Percy exclaimed his hold tightening on her as they stood up together. 

As soon as he said that, the Argo II launched a second volley. Its port ballista fired a massive spear wreathed in Greek fire, which sailed straight through the broken dome of the Senate House and exploded inside, lighting up the building like a jack-o'-lantern.

"Jesus!" Juliet spoke pulling her laurel to transform it in a crossbow, "Why is Leo firing?"

"They have betrayed us!" Some Roman demigod yelled, seething and throwing a plate in their direction, Percy smacked it away easily with his arm and glared at the kid making him back down a little.