Snow blanketed Chernobyl. Thin strands of smoke and embers were the only thing left of the fire they kept the previous night. Blake woke up as the truck rumbled its way back home. Taylor was still asleep when he entered their room, so he took a shower, lest she scolds him.

It is Christmas day. Blake never celebrated Christmas, or even knew what it was. He remembered some of the demigods at the pitt did have a small ‘celebration’. The son of Hercules decided to plan something for today. Hopefully Taylor would enjoy it. He’d also prompted others to do something today.

“Roman” he called out to Taylor’s personal bodyguard “Listen, you have to keep her busy, alright, buddy?”
“But-”
“No buts”
Eventually the Roman agreed.

For the past day, Blake and Ace travelled out of the City, hunting animals for the feast. They did quite well, for men who have not hunted before. There had been some complications though, like the two halves of the boar. Or the deer with like 5 arrows sticking out. But they were content.

The two men set out the cooks to prepare the feast while they set up some tables.

“So, we don’t have a long table?” Blake asked
“No, Blake” Ace replied
“But why not?”
“Cause we’re not rich ass nobles from England”

So instead, the pair grabbed all the tables they could and arranged them to form a mega table.
But it had a problem, the two knew what it was.
“It looks ugly as fuck mate” Blake blurt out
“Cover it with a giant blanket or something” Mark suggested, stepping into the light. Ace and Blake took a second to process what he said, before praising his genius.

The three set work to make it look picture perfect, while Alton and Arik watched from a distance, not helping.

Later that day, in the town square

It looked the most festive it could be. Multicoloured light hung across the buildings. It wasn’t just about Christmas today, it was a celebration to themselves. They survived, while others didn’t and now they fight in the honour of their fallen comrade.

A makeshift stage had been erected and on it, a band. It was hard to find those who had even thought of music in this day and age, but Blake manage to gather them. A child of Apollo began on a lyre of his own making.

“Do you like it?” Blake asked the woman beside him. Taylor’s slight frown lit up. Her dark hair had been tied to a messy bun. She gazed at the sight with her ocean blue eyes. He felt her squeeze his hand.
“I guess this is why Roman was harassing me the entire day” she remarked with a smirk, before kissing the fiery haired demigod. “Thank you, Blake”

The couple then made their way to their group of friends, who had been marking their territory by the beverages bar.

They laughed
For a mortal, you can’t drive Mark

Teased
So, when’s the wedding?

For the moment, they were happy.
Blake stood on the stage before the citizens of Chernobyl “Now, demigods, let us enjoy a feast!” he announced.

“There’s more food?” Taylor questione her boyfriend as he made his way down. Blake and Ace shared a mischievous glance.
“In the tower” Ace told the group, which most had sprinted back.

“Mark” The son of Hercules called, to their mortal companion. “Hey, I just want to thank you. You’ve done a lot for us and I really appreciate you. Helping Taylor on her journey, the demigods you saved. I’d gladly die by your side”

Mark had an uneasy look for a split second, before he smiled. “Oh, thank you. Blake.”

The big man let out a roar of a chuckle “Let’s eat my friend”

The other demigods had a feast outside. Blake had given Leon and Avis the job of getting the food, by it Grazer rations or others. The scribes meanwhile took the weird assortment and turned it into a bountiful range of food.

But for the inner circle, they had a different delight. The cook prepared favourite food and even more for them.
“Lasagna!” Taylor exclaimed. They enjoyed the meal and each other’s companion, while having more of their previous interactions. Ace and Devin had a big grin on their faces. Peter was joyfully smiling at the group. Blake and Taylor were both inhaling their meal. Mark and Elizabeth happily, and quietly ate their food. Alton was playing with his drink, till Peter told him to be mature.

It was a good day, Blake thought as they retired to their room.
“Tay, I have something for you” He said taking out a small pendant and placed it around her neck. It was a two scythes that were shaped to a heart, made of stygian iron and imperial gold. He thought it would be fitting.

She toyed with it, before embracing him. “Merry Christmas Taylor”
“Merry Christmas”