The First Times

First Grounding & Argument

The ride back home was silent as a tomb.

Will hadn't argue that he should drive, as he was more concern about Ana's face, so he sat down besides her and started to heal her with pastes and bandaids. Ana remained silent all the time, even when Will 'accidentally' touched some tickling spots. That gave away that, whatever had happened at school, was more important than Ana was letting know.

And, despite liking it, Nico couldn't stand the silence.

As soon as they arrived, Nico and Will guided Ana to the living room's couch. She sat there, as if she was a zombie and her eyes were unfocused. The grownups shared a look, thinking that for the first time, aggressive tactics were needed.

"Anastassia." Will began, earning at least, the attention of the before-mentioned. Though it was unfocused. "Could you please explain why you started a fight in the middle of the cafeteria?"

"You wouldn't understand it." Both Nico and Will blinked in surprise. They had expected Ana to start crying in shame and guilt and launch at their arms, promising she'd never do it again. However, the almost cold voice tone was not expected.

"Try us." Will tried again, trying not to sound too... demanding. Nico was already frowning and Will feared he would take things a little far.

"Those girls were saying mean things about me." Ana shrugged, as if it didn't matter. But Will could see the hurt in her eyes when mentioned it. It mattered to her, and lots. "I'm over it."

"You couldn't be over it if you launched at them at the end." Will glanced at Nico and saw some kind of disappointment. Maybe he was hoping she didn't hold grudged like him? Ana simply looked at them, as if her emotions were gone, so he decided to take charge before Nico really took it further.

"While we don't condone what the other girls may have said, you're grounded, Ana." Ana looked confused when hearing that. "Ana, you started a fight and thought it may have been justified, you have to understand that it's not the way to resolve conflicts. Two weeks without allowance and hang outs-"

"Too soft." Will closed his eyes, trying to play mediator for a second.

"Nico..." He called him, gently. "Nico she's nine and she barely gets out of the house, whatever that's harsher would make us look like monsters..." He whispered at him, trying not to say that he wanted her to understand her lesson. Nico glared him a little, but Will shrugged it, he knew it was just the disappointment speaking.

"I still want an answer, Anastassia." Will noticed Ana wincing. It must have been harsher to hear Papà calling her like that. Ana looked at him, trying to hold the hard look on her.

"Or what? You're gonna return me to the orphanage?" Will gaped at that, but Nico simply narrowed his eyes.

"We're your parents-"

"NO!" Ana finally shouted, getting up from the couch. She was trembling and tears started to fall down her cheeks, but she was glaring at Nico with all her strength, a sight that Will thought it was impossible. "You're not my parents! My parents are dead!! DEAD! I should be dead too!" Will glanced at Nico, seeing the mortified look on his face. He had realized he had pushed too much.

"Ana-"

"I don't wanna hear it!" Ana interrupted Will, covering her ears with her hands, tears falling freely while her eyes were shut. "You don't want me! You just picked me to make fun of me! You don't love me! You're gonna return me!!" By now, Nico was the color of ashes and Will wasn't very good either. A shared look told them what really went down in the cafeteria that made Ana snap.

This weren't kids just behaving bad, this were kids taught to be mean on purpose. They haven't heard those sentences coming out of Ana's mouth since her first nightmares and those were long gone. Will saw her trembling and hurried to kneel next to her, just in case she wanted a shoulder to cry. The moment he touched the floor, Ana crumbled and sobbed on his shoulder, allowing Will to wrap his arms around her.

"Shsh... It's alright..." Will cooed her, seeing as Nico was still in shock state. "We love you very much, and we will never make fun of you with that purpose on mind, and we will never return you to that orphanage, I swear it on the Styx." A loud thunder was heard in the distance, making Ana squeak in fear and snuggle in her Dad's embrace.

"W-why I-I didn't d-die w-with t-them...?" She mumbled on his shoulder, holding on tight. She looked up when she saw another pair of arms wrapping around them and her Papà's crying face full with worry.

"We're very lucky you didn't, or you wouldn't be our wonderful daughter..." That only made Ana cry harder, in guilt and shame this time. How did she listen to those mean girls? Why she doubted her Daddy and Papà? That was unforgivable of her! She knew they would never lie to her, but the words got stuck in her head and wouldn't leave.

Soon, her cries and sob got lower and lower until, without realizing, she fall asleep on Will's shoulder, who quietly took her to her room and tugged her in bed. Outside, they had a very adult conversation, that showed how much they knew each other.

"No wonder she launched at the end of the ambush."

"She's still grounded."

"Not arguing. Change of school?"

"I rather deal with the brats' parents first."

"Leave that to your father, Neeks."

"I think Nemesis owe me a favor."

"That's parenting demigod-style."

----

Good morning/afternoon/night!

How are you? First of all I'm proud to say that, last Friday, my younger brother graduated from college and now is a certified Physical Education Teacher. The last four years' hard work paid off, bro!! Now, get a job!

Now, onto our business... As the end of the year approaches, I found myself not knowing how to start the new year, fictionally I mean. I do not know which story to start or anything, which is why I, instead of giving you titles, I will give you pairings and YOU, the audience, will tell me in the comments. No pressure, you have chances till the end of the year! If you vote from here, comment counts. You can also comment on the poll site, if you wish too!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwh3KzVtHtXCKBUocA-z-cuQT_tusfQBggMKeZuseEm7F4Ig/viewform

Story time now!

The First Times: 1 chapter!

Oh! And before I forget, this Thursday is my bf's birthday, which means I'll pos a non-PJO story. I'll tell you name later, but check the author alert, in case you want to read it!

See you next weekend!
xoxo, SilverHuntresses