Judgmental (a Percy Jackson AU)

The Last Blizzard

Piper was still thinking of her date last night with Jason when Khione entered the room like an avalanche. Her eyes were feisty and her lips were pressed thinly together.

"I can't believe they make us come on this weather," she said icily.

"It's the way of the world," Silena said simply.

Piper nodded. Silena was right. It was the way of the world — their world. Piper wonders how many young girls would still want to be models if they knew it involved long hours, demeaning agents, and valuing their self-worth on numbers. To be a model, it was never enough to be pretty; it was never enough because agents demanded perfection and the models were only human.

"When is the show starting?" Khione asked, sniffing.

"Five minutes," Lacey squeaked, coming in. "You guys better change into your first outfits."

She handed them each a gauzy gown. The fashion show was futuristic themed and the clothes were all metallic or oily looking. They were like pieces of art Piper could admire in a museum, but would never wish to own herself. She was glad they were being paid in cash today. She was tired of being paid in shoes and handbags. What was the use of designer clothes if you didn't have enough money to pay your bills or eat?

When Piper finished changing, she waited next to Silena and Khione. The fabric felt silky against Piper's skin, but the thin garment did little to warm her up. She had started growing a layer of fuzzy hair all over her body, but the air-conditioning still caused her teeth to chatter.

"Di immortals!" Khione cussed, looking at her phone.

"What happened?" Silena asked.

"My boyfriend broke up with me over text!" Khione said.

"Oh, that must suck," Silena said.

She and Piper exchanged a meaningful glance.

"He doesn't even own a phone," Khione said. "He used someone else's. I was right to take his away."

"You took his phone away?" Silena asked.

"That's way too controlling," Piper said.

"It's time for you guys to walk," Khione responded.

Silena walked first. As always, she had a natural grace that Piper envied. When it was Piper's one turn, her legs felt as heavy as blocks of wood and she was still shivering. She raised her chin and tried to act calm and collected as she walked past a sea of faces. The five-inch heels she was wearing were causing her feet to feel sore, though, and on the way backstage, she tripped.

Her hands hit the ground first and she was aware of the crowd reacting. She felt a jolt of pain as she scrambled to her feet. Her head felt woozy and her stomach was growling like a yeti; she hadn't eaten in three days to prepare for this.

She managed to make it backstage and collapsed into one of the chairs. Silena patted her on the back and brought her some water. Piper drank it gratefully, but she still felt like she had run a marathon instead of walked s couple hundred yards.

Piper was aware of someone saying her voice. Silena's eyes were wide and she shot Piper a sympathetic look as Jane marched up to Piper. Her eyes were narrowed and her strong perfume smelled like metallic flowers.

"You're fired," Jane said. "You messed up big time. You made me look bad."

"I won't make the mistake again!" Piper insisted, her heart racing in her throat.

"It's too late," Jane said, a smirk appearing on her face. "You better pack your bags. Your visa will expire soon."

The reality of the situation hit Piper. This was not just the end of her career — this was the end of her life in America. She would go back to her small town in France with few opportunities. Maybe it's for the best, she thought, but her heart sunk. She wouldn't miss her job, but she would miss Silena and Lacey. They hugged her and she said her goodbyes. There were so many people she's never see again: Lacey, Silena, Jane, Medea, Jason — Jason. Piper knew she had to say goodbye.
****
After a long walk, Piper arrived at Jason's apartment. She was shivering and he gave her a blanket when she walked in.

"You look pale," he said. "I'll get you some tea and soup."

Piper wanted to argue, but he directed her to a couch and she felt herself lay down. It was so comfortable and she was so exhausted. Her face was streaked with frozen tears and her nose was crusty, but when Jason handed her a bowl of noodle soup, he thought she looked beautiful.

Piper ate slowly. Her stomach was acting weird. It yearned for more, but rebelled at the thought of food at the same time.

"Piper, is something wrong?" Jason asked.

"I'm moving back to France soon," she said.

"Is there a specific reason?" Jason asked.

Piper bit her lip. She wanted to be in this moment forever with a blanket around her and Jason's soft gaze.

"I lost my job with the modeling agency," she explained. "My visa will expire. I won't be able to legally live or work here anymore."

"There has to be a way," Jason said. "I could help you apply for another visa maybe or..."

"Jason, it's all right," Piper said, though everything felt wrong.

"She doesn't have to leave necessarily," someone said.

"This is my neighbor, Leo," Jason said as the curly-haired man walked up to the couch. "He just broke up with his abusive girlfriend earlier today. I'm letting him stay here until he finds a place."

"I know Leo," Piper said.

"And I know that you can stay in America if you want, Beauty Queen," Leo said.

"How?" Jason and Piper asked at the same time.

"It's simple," Leo said. "You two will get married and Piper will have citizenship."

Piper and Jason exchanged a look. A softness passed between them. They hadn't known each other long, but they were out of options and desperation made them bold. They both nodded and Piper realized that Leo was right; her career in modeling was over, but not her life here.