A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 181 - Jason's POV

A/N: Allow me to apologize for this chapter right now, especially this first part. It did NOT go where I was planning to, it was all him, I swear it! Read it at your own risk and be ready for the feelings. However, the later part came out about 10x times longer than the original plan and VERY GOOD, so I think I can be forgiven. Again, as it happened for some chapters now, it's one of my best. It's 4:30 AM, I've writing non stop since 5 PM, so I'm tired, cranky and not caring at all for any mistake there might be in the last part, so it's been published like it is (I'll NOT review over 6k words of description).

SUNDAY, 26th February

"Oh, it's just to help him navigating the streets."

Piper raised an eyebrow at Claire's explanation as to why she wanted to accompany him in picking up Kenzie.

"There's GPS for it."

"Oh, you know that GPS is not always reliable, and Jason is not that familiar with our city yet."

Jason observed the two girls staring at each other, likely having a whole conversation he wasn't privy to.

Does Claire remember I'm here? Who does she think have been doing the GPS work when you use my car?

This is likely the first excuse she thought about.

Then why is she so determined to come?

No idea, but I'm not worried about it. Why, does it bother you?

Well, whatever her reason, I'm 95% sure is related to you, not me, so...

He saw Piper narrowing her eyes and then searching his own, with an unsaid question. He nodded in agreement and she visibly relaxed, although there was still a little suspicion in her voice.

"Sure, if you're so determined to help him not get lost, be my guest."

***

For the first five minutes, he wondered if Piper's suspicions behind Claire's insistence in coming with him had been misplaced. She fiddled with the radio, trying to choose a station, then talked about how much fun Leo could be, and how much more chaotic was Piper when interacting with him.

"You're not that chaotic, are you?"

He gave her a small smile, amused at her rambling.

"What gave it away?"

"The vein popping in your forehead while we were playing beauty saloon with Leo."

The laugh came out stronger than he was expecting.

"Fair enough."

"Is that because of your upbringing in Roman camp or your overall personality?"

Well, way to go; first time picking up a dart and she gets a bullseye.

"Maybe it's a bit of both?"

"Is it?"

Her tone was odd, and he gave her a quick look, just to find her staring intently at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I talked a lot with Piper and Leo about camp, but mostly about the Greek one, since that's their side. Their impression of the Roman camp was more of... stifling rules and mass production."

"Mass production?"

From the corner of his eye, he could see her give a shrug.

"That's my own judgement from their point of view with my own understanding of Roman history."