ajbraeden

[ajbraeden]

Delivered to your character’s address by Senate Courier is a sealed document with the official senate wax stamp on it. Once your character breaks open the wax seal they find that inside is a thick piece of parchment that reads the following:

Dear Alexander James Braeden,

We recognise you as a Legionnaire of the First Cohort. This letter officially summons you to attend the military tribunal and court marshall of the Praetors Reyna Ramirez-Arellano and Frank Zhang. The court marshall will decide whether the Praetors are responsible for the charges of treason, conspiracy to arm a foreign army and conspiracy to aid and abet enemies of Rome.

The tribunal will take place on the 31st of January. We require your attendance as a member of the a witness for the prosecution. You will be required in the Bank of New Rome at 0800 hours. Should you believe that your life is in danger due to your testimony security will be provided for you. Should you require accommodation ahead of the tribunal, this will also be provided.

Any questions, queries, objections or other problems can be addressed to the office of the Senate.

Otherwise we look forward to seeing you on the 31st of January 2018.

Regards,

The Office of the Senate.

He’d gone to check for his daily post when he noticed it, a small envelope but the blood red seal caught his attention. Reaching in and plucking it out he eyed the neat cursive handwriting on the front addressing it to him, his jaw tightened a little before he huffed and shoved the letterbox shut heading back up the stairs two at a time until he was back in the security of his flat.

Only when he crossed the threshold did he shove his thumb unceremoniously under the wax seal breaking it free and sliding the parchment out from inside. A cursory scan gave him all the information he needed and there was no helping the derisive snort given when he read the rather cheery sign off.

Looked forward to seeing him. 

Sure they did.

With a shake of his head he screwed up the envelope tossing it in the bin and shoved the letter on his noticeboard spearing it with a pin. Turning he grabbed his backpack he slung it over his shoulder and headed for the door. Life went on and he’d warned Reyna to be smart about what she did. She was in the limelight after all, her every move watched and disputed. What did he think about this? Not much beyond the fact that giving weapons from her own personal store was a god damned stupid move.

But apparently, no one liked to listen to decent advice. 

[ajbraeden]

12thpraetor:

“The fact that I’ve been a praetor for most of the time I’ve spent at Camp, isn’t really that important to the Senate. Justice and loyalty are more important than friendship.” Reyna knew very well that that was how the Legion was supposed to work as well, but trust was nowhere to be found in their list. Authority and respect weren’t complicated matters in their city: first came the Senate, then the praetors. She squinted, wondering if AJ had somehow caught onto her endeavors, but decided that he probably hadn’t, so she let it slide and took another sip.

“I know. It was just the easiest way to phrase it right now.” She shook her head, thinking back to the conversations she had with Fergus when Reyna first rose to praetorship. “I’m just glad he found some good people who support him instead. You included,” she added with a nod. “Concerned for him. I’m always concerned about my legionnaires, AJ. I haven’t even heard about any scandal, but I’m assuming you’re not going to tell me.” She’d have to talk to Fergus as soon as he returned anyways, but knowing what was going on would certainly speed that along. “He’s been AWOL, and I can’t accept that. He’s served the legion well, like you said, which is why this is so strange.”

Reyna was intrigued by his words. He didn’t seem like he wanted to reveal more about said interesting stuff. “Ah. I don’t suppose you’re gonna share that with a figure of authority, huh? You never liked that much.” She grinned, sitting down opposite him. He’d often gritted his teeth when she’d commanded him to do something, but never outright refused, which made his case an interesting one. “I’m off duty until I’m not, soldier. So you can…” she gestured vaguely, “do whatever. I don’t really care anyways. As long as you don’t make any inappropriate advances, we’re good.”

“Where’s the loyalty these days though? Has it really ever existed or is it all smoke and mirrors?” he questioned genuinely curious to what she thought about it. 

Was there really any easy way to phrase it? Needed a new family was sugar-coating it to say the very least. The Fitzgeralds needed to be removed, at least Oleana did. But he kept his tongue held on that particular matter, if anything did go down he didn’t need to cause undue suspicion on his own behalf. He really hated it when people acted like he cared. He didn’t care-- he just, wanted to look out for Fergus because he was Adri’s cousin. That was it. There was nothing more to it than that. God it was like Tayla was prattling in his ears. But such thoughts were sidelined when Reyna said she-- “wait-- what? You’re joking” he said after a moment blinking at Reyna like he didn’t quite believe a word of what he just said. She was going to sit there and say that she-- praetor of the legion who no doubt several channels fed to didn’t hear about the rather large sea-monster that had risen out of the lake after a fight with none other than Percy Jackson. “You’re literally going to tell me you don’t know what happened down at the lake? Isn’t there a report or something on it?”

AJ was finicky about who he spoke to and what he spoke to them about. This was just one of those things he felt like keeping his mouth closed about right now. “Nope, at least not without a letter of immunity or whatever” did they even do those here? He didn’t know but he had better things to do than risk his neck.  “Plus, you said it yourself you’re not on duty which means technically you’re not a figure of authority.” He almost snorted as Reyna made her final remark, coughing a bit and beating his chest as he tried not to laugh. “Me? Inappropriate advances?” he tried to look a little scandalised by the sheer prospect but mischief glittered in his eyes and the grin that curled his features gave proof to the joke “I have no idea what you’re on about darling. As if I would consider making inappropriate advances. But now that you mention it-- that sounds like a challenge” he was teasing for the most part this being his general humour after all.

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

[ajbraeden]

12thpraetor:

“What am I going to do about it? The question at this time should be what I can do about it, which is absolutely nothing. The Senate is above me.” Reyna didn’t really care about eavesdroppers, as this was probably the worst thing she would ever say about her superiors, and it wasn’t even that bad. It was all truth, too, so she felt like she was in the clear. Besides, she knew her boundaries. She wouldn’t allow herself to get drunk and lose her grip, spilling things about the Senate she wasn’t supposed to. “I’m trying very hard not to.”

She nodded slowly, recalling Fergus’ past with his family, which wasn’t very pleasant to think about. “I know. He deserves a better family.” She phrased it like it was a fact, which, in her mind, it was. “He’s never broken a rule in his life, which is why I’m… concerned, to say the least. I don’t want to have to take measures against him unless I’m forced to do so.” The unspoken question of whether AJ was going to be the one to tell her, was conveniently left in the middle. 

“I bet drunk Romans spill all the beans to you, don’t they?” Reyna smirked as she took another sip, nodding approvingly at the purple drink, following AJ to the back of the pub. “It may not be your calling, but you can’t fight forever. The Legion life ends and we move on in the city. It seems you’ve nailed that part.” As they sat down, Reyna shook her head. “All legionnaires are worthy of my time, so don’t flatter yourself too much. The mere fact that you can call me ‘darling’ rather than praetor or ma’am, without feeling any sort of guilt, proves that you don’t see me as currently being in charge of you, which is exactly what I need. You haven’t fucked up, you’re genuinely good company.”

“Oh there’s always something to be done about it, you’re a praetor for Gods know how long, you have people’s respect and their faith. It’s simply a question of how you go about utilising it” he remarked thoughtfully. Unlike Reyna, AJ preferred to keep his interests on neutral ground holding no particular allegiance to either Roman or Greek but also certainly not above inciting sadition so long as he didn’t get it in the neck. It was a careful line to tread. Though the persecution that seemed to be occurring struck him as generally ridiculous “point is you just have to be smart, and not caught out for it.” 

He deserves a better family. The remark made his mouth twist a bit, “he deserves way more than that. Thing is the kid doesn’t realise it and ‘til he understands it himself not much is going to change.” He could tell she was fishing, even if she tried to frame it otherwise “concerned for him or the potential PR scandal at the lake?” Or both? Perhaps it was cruel but AJ was loyal to a specific few. Fergus happened to fall into that circle. The shards of amber flecked in his dark hues glinted as he studied her in the low light of the bar gauging and studying what she wanted out of this. “What d’you want from him anyway?” he didn’t say he knew where Fergus was, this was simply asked from his own curiosity into what Reyna intended to do about the recent incident.

“Depends, I certainly hear interesting stuff--” a lot of it was mostly relationship drivel but occasionally the odd bit of intel fell his way and AJ kept a personal store of anything he might be able to utilise to get ahead of the pack. Holding the pint he wound through the crowds and up some steps to a quieter area where a few pool tables sat and some sofas. “I can fight until I can’t.” Though if he was honest he was already considering abandoning the legion, he’d never felt particularly affiliated to it. Reyna called him out and there was a flash of sharp canines as he sank down on a sofa posture indolent and legs kicked out casually. “Currently perhaps. Or maybe it’s just because I’m feeling cocky and like taking the risk for reprimand. But dealer’s choice” he waved his hand a little taking a sip of his drink Reyna knew how much he hated authority as it was.

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

[ajbraeden]

Pariahs : Tayla + AJ

It was a short trip from the city limits to the loft conversion he called home located just outside the city in the slightly more industrial area of New Rome. It had decent enough views though it was mostly the space he enjoyed about it even if it did cost him a bit extra to keep ticking over. Thankfully work, work and... his side hobbies kept the bills paid and a roof over his head. Since Christmas this had grown to be common place; meeting Tayla somewhere outside the city limits and heading to an old warehouse he happened to rent out as a personal training area. The only difference being he’d agreed to meet her there today. He was just clearing some space when the rattle of the door echoed through the space causing him to look over, “all set?”

@tayxdelknight

[ajbraeden]

12thpraetor:

She rolled her eyes, but actually smiled as she did to ensure AJ it wasn’t serious. “Fine, fine. You’re right, of course. The Senate is breathing down my neck and Greeks don’t know what to do. It’s a lot.” In all honesty, Reyna could use more people who were as straight-forward as AJ in the legion. She’d take that over the backstabbing and cunning of so many of them any day. “Oh, definitely. All I’ve been doing lately is reining in Romans who actively do so and hurrying Greeks to gather their stuff before things go downhill quickly. The centurions help, but surprisingly, it’s been happening a lot.”

His smile was contagious, and soon Reyna felt her own lips pull into a sincere one, rather than the half-grin she’d flashed him before. “Yeah, we’ll see,” she mused. When he brought up the Fitzgerald, she hesitated for a moment. It was the perfect opportunity to jump in, but she didn’t know whether to take it. “I… didn’t really feel up for that place.” She might as well just get it over with. “Fergus hasn’t shown up for training in a while.”

She shook her head. “Never.” As he started preparing the drink, she watched his every move, from the fluency with which he poured to the bright colors of the ingredients he added. “You’ve really found your calling, huh?” When the bright purple drink was placed in front of her, she twirled the glass around. “Nice work, AJ.” Taking a small sip, she was almost overwhelmed by the flavors. “Really nice work.” She put her hands up, raising her eyebrows. “Hey, this is me taking a break, alright. Be grateful I deign you worthy enough to spend it with,” she grinned.

“Mm, no shit it’s a lot, question is what are you going to do about it?” AJ asked glancing over at her wondering what she was going to do. “Actually, hold off on answering that” considering they were rather exposed here and the nature of where he already had a feeling this conversation might be headed meant eavesdroppers... Probably wouldn’t be welcome. “So effectively letting the antagonisers win?” he queried curiously as Reyna effectively summarised that she was getting the Greeks packed up and set to ship off effective immediate by the phrasing she opted to give.

“Don’t blame you,” he groused a little at the mention of the Fitzgerald pub “his mother’s a bitch anyway so you’re not missing much except more of the shit-talk behind your back” whether Reyna knew the true extent of it AJ wasn’t sure and it wasn’t his business to share. This was Fergus’ private affairs after all but AJ had always felt a protective streak towards the young man as demonstrated by currently harbouring him after the... creature issue. AJ refused to call it a monster or a beast because to use such terms would be to imply the same of Fergus which he didn’t believe to be true. “No?” he echoed as she mentioned Gus his expression betraying nothing more than a casual interest “seems odd for him to break protocol like that... Y’know what a stickler he usually is.”

“I wouldn’t say calling, I’m better with a sword in my hand than a cocktail maker hm? It pays rent and keeps me in the know.” Once the drink was served up and the shaker discarded he gave a shrug moving to pour himself a pint from the tap and put it into the till to be due later. Once that was done he clocked out, rounding the bar he gestured with his head to indicate they go further inside away from the main crowds “oh trust me darling, I’m honoured truly so, though still admittedly confused as to why you’d consider me worthy of your time. Much as I love to brag usually I don’t get attention unless I’ve really fucked up.” Perhaps it was cynical, but everyone had some sort of motive and angle they were playing especially in a city full of cheats and liars such as New Rome.

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

[ajbraeden]

tayxdelknight:

Tayla nodded along for a moment until she caught the last half of his comment and she flicked her gaze over to him. “Really? You want to go out saving someone?” Quirking a brow, she smirked at him. “That sounds an awful lot like something someone who cares about others would say.” 

“You must have quite a few good days then. I’ve yet to run into you and have you genuinely be a jerk.” Listening to him explain how the Senate viewed him, Tayla frowned softly. It was an absolutely ridiculous notion to her that AJ would be looked down upon just because he happened to be a demi-titan. It’s not like he could do anything to change that. Then again, there was nothing she could do to change the fact she was Greek and they didn’t seem to have any qualms about hating her for that too. “I’m sorry, AJ. That is so fucking stupid that they would dislike you for something you had no control over.” She shook her head and leaned back against the rock beside him, an irritated sigh working its way out. “I’ll never understand how people can justify looking up to them when they’re so blatantly judgemental assholes.” 

“Nah, it sounds like someone self-centred enough that they want to give other people some certain standard to live up to when it comes to going out in style.” Morbid as it was this was his opinion of it, and it certainly still meant he still did not care. Nope. Not at all.

Stretching a little and raising his arms to fold behind his head he leaned back against the stone facade of the shrine head tilted back and eyes closing seemingly entirely content to relax right here. “No point being sorry, it is what it is and I’m used to it... My point being they aren’t going to change soon so better to suck it up and get on with your life than make a big deal out of every minor inconvenience...” Though as Tayla questioned why he cracked open an eye, “because they were raised with these beliefs, and their parents before them were raised with those beliefs and New Rome is an endless cycle of self-fulfilling prophecy. That’s why.”

[ajbraeden]

12thpraetor:

Reyna let out a heavy sigh of relief. She didn’t mind Felix, that definitely wasn’t it, and at any other time of the day she would happily attempt to bond with any legionnaire or citizen, it was just that she knew AJ better and he was the reason she went to his pub in the first place. “Overworked and underpaid? That’s a description of me if I ever heard one.” Reyna had always known she was a workaholic, but now that her work was finally getting to her, she allowed herself to dial it back a little. She had Frank to take over some of it.

She nodded, rubbing her temples. “I think you’ll do for now,” she half-joked, and flashed him a smile to make up for it. “Seriously, AJ, half the bars in New Rome are either owned by old people I don’t know or turned into clubs or coffee houses. You’ve done Rome, and especially me, a service setting up shop here.” She glanced at the bottles behind the bar, quickly making a decision- which wasn’t a decision at all. “Surprise me. Something strong.” She took a seat at the bar, leaning her elbows on it to watch AJ work. “Like I said, I needed a break before I go back to camp Jupiter.” And she wanted to talk about Fergus, but that could wait until the small talk was over.

“You know me-- I say it how I see it and if there’s one thing you are it’s overworked ‘specially with everything going on in the city these days what with all this finger-pointing going on hm?” AJ should have probably reined in his tongue a long time ago, but he never quite could help himself, if something needed to be said he more often than not said it regardless of whether it helped or not. He didn’t have time to bullshit people with false sympathies or molly coddle them if a truth was staring them in the face, some people appreciated it-- other people, not so much. “I’m also sure you’r aware that bill the senate passed is stirring up tensions too-- people are feeling discriminated against, hm?” For once his tone lacked judgement aware it was not by Reyna’s choosing it had been implemented, it simply was what it was.

Still a slightly crooked grin graced his lips as she reiterated he would do and he gave a small chuckle “we’ll see how long that lasts.” Though a part of him felt a bit proud when she thanked him “I mean you always have the Fitzgerald place but they hate my guts and I’m banned from even breathing near the premises so y’know... Not to mention I’m biased to saying this place is better considering we’re just here to serve decent drinks and food at a reasonable price as well as cater to Colosseum goers on game days.” 

With it left down to him to decide what to make her AJ took a moment to look at her before he turned and gathered up a couple of bottles and started to fix up a drink “ever tried an aviation? Not many people have-- different but it’s refreshing and not too heavy either.” He measured out two ounces of gin, a quarter ounce of crème de violette, another quarter ounce maraschino and finished it off with half an ounce of lemon juice, iced and then shaken before served smoothly into a chilled glass he’d fetched from the fridge. He tsked as she mentioned going back to work sliding the cocktail garnished with two cherries across the bar for her “Always working, do you ever take a break to do y’know, normal, fun things?”

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

[ajbraeden]

12thpraetor:

It had been a long day for Reyna, but all her days were long. She got up early to be in her office before the legionnaires woke up and went to bed late to ensure all her work (or most of it) was done before she slept. Often, she got a good six hours a night, but that obviously didn’t suffice. Reyna did have to keep up appearances during the day, but once her work was done around the weekend, she kicked back and relaxed in the city. She’d never been to the pub near the Colosseum before, and she knew AJ worked there, so she headed over to see if he was working tonight.

It was definitely nicer on the inside, exactly what a proper pub should look like. So when she saw AJ and approached him, clearing her throat in the process, she couldn’t say she expected to be shot down so abruptly. “Are you sure you can’t make an exception? I won’t stay long,” she muttered. “I need a break, a drink, and some acceptable company. In no particular order.”

Being the son of a dawn titan meant AJ had little choice about when he woke up, the first light of day whether he wanted to or not was his wake up call. He’d grown used to it over the years but it didn’t go to say he liked it, especially when he took the night shifts to close down the bars. It meant running on a few hours of sleep and frankly he was generally in a bad enough mood with enough sleep let alone without it.

Honestly, he hadn’t been expecting the praetor of Camp Jupiter to grace the establishment of his part-time legal occupation explaining the surprise in both his expression and tone when he realised who was sat at the bar. Abrupt had always been his way though, it was a generally defensive tendency but in this case he simply hadn’t realised who he was speaking to until the words were out of his mouth. He debated for a moment before he pressed his lips together and nodded his head, “I guess I can make an exception for someone who looks overworked and probably underpaid for their efforts” even his dislike for authority didn’t surpass his respect for the woman sat on the other side of the bar.

“As for those requests-- I can give you two of those three things-- the acceptable company part is highly questionable though depending on who you ask,” glancing down the bar before back to her he leaned against it “alright then praetor, what’ll it be for you this evenin’? Though I’m also curious to know what brings you all the way out here for a drink-- reputation of this place spread or something?”

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

[ajbraeden]

tayxdelknight:

Laughing a little, Tayla nodded and tilted the bottle back for another swig before holding it back out to him just in case he wanted more. “I guess it would, huh? Definitely more interesting than dying of old age at least.” Looking over at him as he complained about her sense of optimism she shook her head, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “You know, that’s kind of sad because this isn’t even as optimistic as I can truly be. I tone it down a few notches around you.” While around AJ she tended to let more of her sarcastic side come out since he had already proven to not only not mind it, but be able to equally engage in it. But she rolled her eyes at his response to her comment about Percy and shrugged as she threw a smile in his direction. “No, but you don’t seem to give a fuck about a lot of things. Doesn’t mean I’m not gonna say them.” 

She looked over to meet his eyes as he explained and bit her lip gently. It seemed like it would be exhausting, acting like a jerk to everyone just to know who to push away. Then again she supposed at the end of the day she wasn’t all that different. But instead of being a jerk, she was still trying to be kind while not letting anyone get too close. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you aren’t really that much of a dick. Sarcastic, hell yeah. But you’re one of the only Romans still being decent to me.” 

“Who wants to get old and wrinkly? I’d rather go out in style hm? Battling some monster or defeating some warrior to save someone-- something that’ll leave a legacy...” All AJ wanted from life was to matter in some shape or form, but it was hard to do that when really what was he beyond a small part making up some overarching machine.

If it meant he got hurt less then what did it matter, it worked, more or less. “Well you seem to catch me on my good days, either that or there’s alcohol around-- I’m way more tolerable when there’s booze involved case and point” he explained plucking the bottle out of her hands and relaxing back against the stone edifice. “And maybe it’s because I get what it is to be discriminated against--” he pointed the bottle at her “y’know-- Most of the rich elitist fucks who make up the senate hate my guts. For the fact I apparently tarnish their elitist cohort and what was it Oleana said once-- That I’m just another bastard child of a godly whore who amounts to less than a rat in the guttering? Something like that-- point being, I get kind of what it’s like to be hated for what you’re born as-- fuck I’m not even a demi-god I’m part titan like if anything is gonna breed resentment that’ll probably do it.”

[ajbraeden]

𝓉𝑜: 𝓐𝓙 𝓑𝓻𝓪𝓮𝓭𝓮𝓷 

    𝒮𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎,

Pretty sure at least ninety percent of your gifts are going to end up relating to fighting and/or alcohol, so obviously I had to get you something way neater. I had a new camera strap personalized for you because I noticed your current one is starting to wear a bit. There’s a bag designated for all of your photographer’s junk, with some added lenses and such that you might find useful. This way your camera isn’t under threat of being jostled too much during travelling. And of course I had to throw in a hat too, since you wear them so stylishly. Not that your style needs any further boosting. We both know your ego is reaching its maximum.  

𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓈,     𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼

𝒫.𝒮. you still owe me a fucking photo album, asshole

[ajbraeden]

AJ,

I think the sweater says it all :P

Best wishes,

Maia

[ajbraeden]

AJ,

Merry Christmas from you favorite centurion. (Don’t worry, I won’t tell Cat) It only seemed fair that the rest of the Cohort be as able at night vision wise as Cat and I are— so I got you each a pair of these top grade night vision headset. In addition you’ll find a brand new utility belt outfitted with numerous little weapons here and there, as well as pockets for you new grenades. Though they’re not all your usual grenades. Each one brings about different effects such as but not being limited to: your standard explosion, a smoke bomb, exploding burning jelly, a series of loud flashes and bangs, etc. Here’s to another great year in the First.

                            Sincerely,                                  Jax Karavadra

[ajbraeden]

Tree of Probabilities: AJ + Reyna

It was almost eleven PM and AJ had just finished up his shift for the night and handed over to Felix for the closing shift. He’d just been finishing up wiping down the bar when the door of their quaint little pub situated opposite the Colosseum swung open and clicked shut. He spoke without looking up at the person who’d just entered, “if you’re looking t’be served Felix there will fix you something, I’ve just finished.” He was intending on fixing himself a beer and having a game of pool before heading home for the night. 

Ever since Fergus had ended up crashing in his spare room since the ‘incident’ AJ had done his best to try and keep the semblance of a normal routine to keep people from getting suspicious about where the other demi-titan had vanished to recently. The less people who knew of his whereabouts the better, at least until he was stronger. Only when he looked up realising who had sat down on the stool opposite did his mouth open, promptly shut and brow furrow a little “evenin’ praetor, can’t say I was expecting you round these parts at this hour” or ever, but it was what it was “what brings me the pleasure of your company?”

@12thpraetor

[ajbraeden]

ramseyswrath:

“Daisy. I’m in the 3rd Cohort.” She scowled a bit, more at the idea of her being stuck in the third rate cohort than anything else. But, at least she was there and not in the fifth. They were made up of losers and weirdos.

“Third huh?” he echoed unable to help his laugh at seeing her scowl “oh shit luck of the draw there. Though honestly I can’t say the first is any better, way more rich kids in it that probably bought their place with daddy’s money than actually deserving of the prestige if you ask me.”

[ajbraeden]

tayxdelknight:

“Whoops?” She smiled, feigning innocent and shrugging one shoulder. “I’d say I’m sorry but I think we both know that would be a lie.” Stealing back the bottle from him once he seemed more focused on his cigarette again, Tayla took a sip then looked over the Camp for a moment before looking down at the bottle. “Do you think your mom hates that we’re drinking and you’re smoking on her shrine?” 

Listening to him explain his methods, she actually found herself nodding along. It did make sense, in an odd way. Though she found that people’s quirks and odd behaviours were sometimes the most endearing traits about a person. “Wow, I’d hate to hear what you think my annoying habits are.” Her knack for sarcastic commentary certainly could have be considered, though he tended to throw it right back so he obviously wasn’t too bothered by it. Laughing softly at the image of Percy prancing around Camp, she shook her head. “Just for the record, I’m pretty sure Percy actually hates that title.” At least he always seemed to whenever they spoke. She could recall in the early days, just shortly after she had met him, someone had seemed particularly starstruck around him and he had tried to brush it off as if he was just a regular demigod. “But how do you figure out who to drop the barrier around?” 

“We would know it’s a lie wouldn’t we?” despite it all he chuckled slightly letting her take the bottle without too much protest, he had spares elsewhere. “Well,” he said slowly pausing to tip his wrist and ash out his cigarette on the stone before flicking the butt off idly, “I’ve not been smited down by almighty wrath yet, so I’m going to say probably not... But who knows, at least it’d be an interesting way of going out. Smited by a titaness.” 

His worldview had an odd amount of sense, pessimistic that it was it served to keep him and his safe at the end of the day. He’d lost enough and he didn’t want to lose anything more. “You and Maia are probably matched on your annoying amounts of optimism, it literally just saps all my energy even listening to the optimism you both go on about” he answered candidly with a nice smile to accompany the words. “Do I really look like I give a fuck?” he questioned when she spoke of Percy his nose scrunching slightly though this was his general response for most of them. “I don’t know,” he admitted glancing aside at her with a slight furrow appearing in his brow “honestly I’m still working on that one. It’s just easier to be a sarcastic dick and whoever gets offended by it are the ones I don’t bother with... Not worth my breath or my effort.”

[ajbraeden]

This large poster is delivered to AJ’s door with a haiku attached:

A Merry Christmas From Cohort Three’s pint-sized bitch Refigerator

[ajbraeden]

AJ Sweetie

Did you know you’re an incredibly difficult person to shop for? Seriously, you need more interests than fighting and alcohol to make it a little easier on me next time. 

Either way, I managed to find a few things. The liqueur pairs extremely well with hot chocolate or splashed in coffee and I feel like the french press explains itself, though I can offer a tutorial if you’ve never used one before. And please appreciate that I was actually kind enough to get you the shirt in black; it was almost bright yellow. 

Have a merry Christmas and try not to get killed in your next match whenever that may be!

Love, Tayla