invisible string | f. zhang

xvi. jason grace

When they part, Annabeth grabs Percy's wrist and flips him over her shoulder. He slams into the stone pavement. Romans cry out. Maribelle surges forward, the small voice in her head whispering about trust and betrayal, but Frank holds her still.

Reyna shouts, "Hold! Stand down!"

Annabeth puts her knee on Percy's chest and pushes her forearm against his throat. Maribelle can't make out what she said from the distance between them but Percy laughs.

Annabeth rises and helps him to his feet.

Jason clears his throat, "So, yeah . . . it's good to be back."

He introduces Reyna to the girl by his side: Piper, then to Leo, who grins and flashes a peace sign.

"And this is Annabeth," Jason says, "Uh, normally she doesn't judo-flip people."

"You sure you're not a Roman, Annabeth? Or an Amazon?"

"I only attack my boyfriend like that," Annabeth promises, "Pleased to meet you."

"It seems we have a lot to discuss. Centurions!"

A few of the Roman campers hustle forward. Maribelle, Frank, and Hazel also shuffle closer, wanting to be closer to Percy. Maribelle refuses to glance in Jason's direction, she keeps her eyes right on Percy (and occasionally to Annabeth because she could feel the girl staring at her).

". . . Tell the legion to stand down. Dakota, alert the spirits in the kitchen. Tell them to prepare a welcome feast. And, Octavian—"

"You're letting these intruders into the camp? Reyna, the security risks— " Octavian begins.

"We're not taking them to the camp, Octavian. We'll eat here, in the forum."

"Oh, much better," Octavian grumbles, "You want us to relax in the shadow of their warship."

"These are our guests. We will welcome them, and we will talk to them. As augur, you should burn an offering to thank the gods for bringing Jason back to us safely."

"Good idea," Percy adds, "Go burn your bears, Octavian."

"You have my orders. Go."

"Don't worry about Octavian," Percy speaks up, "Most of the Romans are good people—like Belle, Frank and Hazel here, and Reyna. We'll be fine."

"We'll be fine," Annabeth repeats.

"Excellent," Reyna says, "Let's talk, and we can have a proper reunion."

     Maribelle allowed Frank to lead her away from the crowd for a few moments before they joined the feast. She was thankful that he'd noticed she needed a minute.

He says nothing but stands close beside her.

Maribelle drums her fingers against her thighs as she breathes deeply. She hates that she can't stop thinking about them; Gabe and Jason. Especially Jason at the moment. Not while Frank—sweet, kind Frank—is standing patiently beside her.

"You should talk to him," Frank then suggests carefully.

Maribelle hums but says nothing.

"To Jason," Frank continues, "Just to see what he knows and remembers. Maybe you'll get a second chance."

Maribelle shakes her head, "He'll find out either way. I couldn't lie to him." Never again . . . not after she had lied to him all that time.

From the corner of her eye she sees Frank raise his hand, leaning towards her, but then stops and drops his hand. Instead he shoves his hands deep in his pockets and waits.