Judgmental (a Percy Jackson AU)

Fuel to the Fire

Piper folded the Hello Kitty blanket she had just finished making yesterday and put it into the shopping bag. Silena lifted it and grunted.

"Feels full," she said.

"I hope they like it," Piper said.

They had gathered up food, clothing, and toiletries the past three days. Silena's boyfriend, Charles Beckendorf, was a police officer and he had recently helped a couple who had lost their apartment in a fire. They were staying at a hotel for now and money was right for them, so when Silena has heard about the situation, she enlisted Piper to help gather some stuff to gift them.

"They'll appreciate any help that they can get," Silena said. "We have socks in here, crackers, mittens, two hats, a few books, and a miniature checkers game. How can they not like it?"

Piper nodded. They had also packed a few sweaters and pairs of leggings, as well as deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and two toothbrushes. The blanket had been the only thing Piper had made herself and it wasn't perfect, but she was absurdly proud of it. It was proof that she could something besides pout her lips and stare into a camera.

"Let's get going," Silena said. "Charlie said they've been staying at Mercury's Motel."

Piper followed Silena out to her car. Unlike Piper, Silena was an American citizen with a driver's license. Her car was a battered, silver Lincoln and the leather seats inside were frayed. When the engine began, it wheezes like a cat. It was cold inside the car and Piper's teeth chattered. She brought her hands to her lips and blew on them for warmth.

As Silena's car warmed up and she began driving, Piper became aware of things other than the temperature. The smell of pine wafted into her nose and she noticed a small stick of car freshener. The drive was not the smoothest and Silena was a cautious driver, but they arrived at the motel within 23 minutes.

Mercury's Motel was a one-story building with tanned, peeling paint. The sign for the motel was cracked down the center and the words were painted in a baby blue hue. Silena parked her car — there were only three others there — and the two women got out.

"Which room number is it?" Piper asked, the cold wind tossing her hair in the breeze.

Silena said something, but a gust of wind faded her words.

"Can you repeat what you said?" Piper asked.

The wind was blowing fiercer now and Piper's teeth rattled. She could smell the promise of snow in the air. Silena shook her head and gestured for Piper to follow her. Piper obliged and followed Silena to room 9.

Silena knocked on the door. There was no response, so she knocked again harder. Piper saw the beige curtains open slightly and then the door was opened.

"You're Silena?" a man with curly hair asked.

"Yes, are you Leo?" Silena asked. "Piper and I brought some stuff for you and your fiancée."

"Come in," Leo said. "Khione is inside."

The room was small and dingy and smelled like a mixture of stale ramen and gym socks. A pale, haughty looking woman with black hair and brown eyes was peering distastefully at Silena and Piper. Piper wondered how Leo had ended up with this woman. Leo was short and scrawny with an impish expression and fingers that were constantly moving. It wasn't that Piper thought Khione was out of Leo's league; it was that she thought Leo deserved a better woman.

"Thank you," Leo said. "We really appreciate this. Things have been rough since the fire. Khione lost her job and we're going to run out of money soon."

"Leo!" Khione said and the man flinched. "You're not supposed to say that."

"Yes, O Wise One," Leo said.

Piper was relieved that sarcasm was a second language for Khione. She nodded and smiled slightly at Leo's words. Silena and Piper exchanged a look.

"Perhaps you could model for some money," Silena said. "Our agent, Jane, might like you. Here's her business card."

She found one in her pocket and gave it to Khione. The dark-haired woman didn't even smile as she thanked them. Leo was more genial as he gave them his regards and said goodbye.

"That woman seemed kind of mean," Piper told Silena as she followed her out to the car.

"She's been through a lot," Silena said. "I bet she's usually not like that."

Piper stifled a sigh. Perhaps Silena was right. Perhaps she was too judgmental, but something about Khione reminded her of Jane and Medea.