Jiper/Jasper Life at Camp Half-Blood

Chapter 22- Piper

I can't sleep. Again.

But this time it's from excitement not anxiety. It reminds me of this one wall decal quote from Dr.Suess that dad got for me. I think it went something like, "You know you're in love when you can't fall sleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."

I get out of bed and walk over to the circular window. I wonder if Jason is asleep right now.

This time I don't hesitate at the door but I all but run to his door. I knock softly just in case he's asleep. The door opens instantly.

"Oh thank gods. I couldn't sleep." Jason says with a huge smile on his face. He grabs my hand and pulls me in, closing the door after him.

He crushes his lips against mine. The world falls away. I clutch his shirt and pull him closer. His lips are rough and he tastes like autumn rain. My hands slide through his hair. We pull away, he puts his face on the crook of my neck.

Jason breathes, "Piper." And soon his lips are trailing kisses up my neck to my jawline and finally he brushes his lips against mine slowly. Excruciatingly slowly. I feel my hands pulling his shirt up a few inches as my hand slides over his abs. I hear him groan against my lips.

He pulls away. "You're killing me, Pipes."

"Funny. I never knew killing someone could feel like this."

"Okay, I never knew how much I missed you."

"No one ever does. Only after losing someone does it ever really hurt. All our time together, I kind of took it for granted because I never thought this would happen." I add, "Sorry."

He shakes his head, "When are you going to get it? I don't care about that."

I nod, biting my lip. I feel like this habit will never go away.

Jason yawns. "Hey, let's sleep. You can sleep here. That is, it you want to."

I jump into bed and pull the blanket over me as an answer. He lies besides me. I look at the wooden ceiling.

"Stop staring at me, Jason. I can see you in the corner of my eye." I say while still looking at the ceiling.

Jason pulls me close and I cuddle up against him. "I don't get a chance like this everyday so of course I'll stare."

I close my eyes, "Sleep. It's late." I try to hide my smile by cuddling closer to him. I feel his fingertip touching my closed eyes and sliding to my eyelashes. I open my eyes. His face is inches from mine.

"What?" I whisper.

He says,"Your hair's gotten longer."

I smile." Speak for yourself." My run my hand through his hair. He puts his hand on top of it and laces his fingers through mine. His eyes seem like their looking into my soul. "Stop that."

"Stop what?" He asks.

"Your gaze. It's like you can read my mind."

"Are you nervous?" He says gruffly.

"Why would I be nervous?"

"We're here in this dark room, alone, in bed..." I sit up and push him away. He laughs. "You're so easy to fool, Pipes."

"Jerk." I cross my arms, still sitting up. Jason tries to pull me back down but I don't budge.

I hear rustling fabric and arms circle around my waist from behind. Jason puts his chin on my shoulder. His hair tickles my neck. He whispers in my ear, "I think I may be addicted. Because everytime  your not with me, I feel like I'm going crazy thinking about you."

I shiver. But not because it's cold.

Jason lies back down, pulling me along with him. I shift my position until I'm lying on top of him. My hair lies on his cheek. I move it away. I put my hand on his cheek. His eyelashes glisten in the moonlight from the window.

"You're right, Jason."

"About?" I hear the unsteadiness in his voice.

I smile, "Never mind." And I lay back down.

"Come on, tell me."

"Shut up," I laugh. "Your going to wake up everyone."

"I don't care. Tell me. What was I right about?"

"Jason. Stop pestering me. I'm tired."

"I'm not. Tell me." He adds, "I really thought you were going to kiss me. You know, it's a waste not to make out on a night like this."

"Shut it." I punch his chest. He laughs. "Why are you so silly today?"

"I'm happy." He grins.

"Well, be happy more quietly."

"Yes, darling."

"Don't call me that." I say with a hint of a smile in my voice. I change my position, facing away from him on my side.

I feel him hug me from behind. He whispers, "Fine, let's sleep."

"Goodnight, Sparky." I whisper back.

"Goodnight, Beauty Queen."

This reminds me of another night. And it reminds me that we'll be okay.