PJO Fanfic

Instructions

The Big House was unusually quiet. No monsters were attacking. No prophecies had been delivered. No one had accidentally set anything on fire. For once, the Seven, Nico, and Reyna were simply hanging out indoors. Hazel and Frank had claimed the biggest couch, along with two blankets, a bowl of popcorn, and a stack of movies. “This is perfect,” Hazel said, resting against Frank. Frank nodded. “No quests. No training. No being chased by monsters.” “And no going outside.” “Definitely no going outside.” Leo dropped onto the floor in front of them. “You two are becoming indoor people.” Hazel looked at him. “We have always been indoor people.” Frank nodded proudly. “The outdoors has bugs.” “And dirt,” Hazel added. “And surprise snakes.” “Those are mostly Leo’s fault,” Piper said. Leo placed a hand over his heart. “I only released one snake into the cabin.” “Why?” Reyna asked. “It looked lonely.” Reyna stared at him. “You are not allowed to explain things anymore.” At the other end of the room, Percy and Annabeth were arguing over what movie to watch. “We should watch something educational,” Annabeth said. “It’s a hangout, not a lecture.” “Some movies can be both.” “Annabeth, you tried to make me watch a documentary about ancient architecture last time.” “It was interesting.” “You fell asleep.” “I was resting my eyes.” “You snored.” Annabeth grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Percy caught it and smiled. “So that means I win.” “That means I’m getting another pillow.” Percy immediately hid behind the couch. Annabeth followed him, but instead of throwing another pillow, she sat beside him. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” she said. Percy grinned. “I know.” “You’re also annoying.” “I know that too.” She leaned against him anyway. On the floor, Jason and Piper were building a tower out of snack boxes. “Careful,” Jason said. “The structure is unstable.” Piper placed one more box on top. “It’s fine.” The tower wobbled. Jason reached out to steady it, but Piper grabbed his hand. “Don’t ruin it,” she whispered. “It’s going to fall.” “Then we’ll blame Leo.” Leo looked over. “Why am I always blamed?” “Because you’re usually responsible,” Jason said. The tower collapsed. Piper and Jason burst out laughing. Leo pointed at them. “You two destroyed a perfectly good snack building.” Piper leaned against Jason. “We created memories.” “You created crumbs.” “That too.” Nearby, Nico sat in an armchair with a book while Will sat beside him. “You’ve been reading for twenty minutes,” Will said. “I like the book.” “You’ve been on the same page.” Nico glanced down. “It’s a very detailed page.” Will smiled and gently bumped his shoulder against Nico’s. Nico tried to focus on the book, but he was smiling. Reyna noticed and smirked. “You’re not fooling anyone.” Nico looked up. “I’m not trying to fool anyone.” “Good. Because you look happy.” “That sounds awful.” “It is,” Nico said, but he leaned closer to Will. Frank reached into the popcorn bowl and accidentally grabbed a handful of Hazel’s favorite candy mixed in with it. Hazel gasped. “Frank.” He froze. “I didn’t know.” “You knew those were mine.” “I thought they were communal.” “They were in my bowl.” Frank carefully placed the candy back. “I’m sorry.” Hazel stared at him for a moment, then smiled. “You’re forgiven.” Frank relaxed. “But you owe me three pieces.” “Of course.” “And a hug.” Frank opened his arms. Hazel immediately curled against him. Leo watched them with exaggerated disgust. “You two are disgustingly adorable.” Hazel smiled. “You’re just jealous.” “Of your candy?” “Of our relationship.” Leo pointed at Jason and Piper. “I already have enough couples to be annoyed by.” Jason raised his hand. “You could always find someone.” “No, thank you. I’m too busy being charming and mysterious.” “You’re loud and covered in crumbs,” Reyna said. “That’s one type of mystery.” Percy reached for the remote. “Can we finally choose a movie?” Annabeth took it from him. “We’re watching my choice.” “Which is?” “A fantasy movie.” Percy blinked. “That’s your compromise?” “It has dragons.” “Fine.” Everyone settled into their seats. Hazel and Frank shared the couch. Jason and Piper sat on the floor together. Nico and Will stayed in the armchair. Reyna sat beside the snack table to keep Leo from experimenting with the food. Percy and Annabeth took the remaining couch cushions. For the next hour, nobody went on a quest. Nobody fought monsters. Nobody saved the world. They watched the movie, argued over the snacks, made fun of the characters, and occasionally threw popcorn at Leo. It was simple. It was comfortable. And, according to Hazel and Frank, it was the perfect way to spend the day. “This is nice,” Frank said quietly. Hazel rested her head against him. “Told you. Indoors is better.” Frank smiled. “You’re always right.” Annabeth heard him and looked over. “Don’t say that too loudly. Hazel will start expecting it.” Hazel smiled. “I already do.