𝙸 𝙲𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚜

𝚂𝟺𝙴𝟷𝟻: 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚎

Inspired by Community S6E13: "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television."

Jason POV

The end of finals is supposed to be a joyous occasion. It was that way last semester, even though the group assaulted a faculty member to an extent, and it was the semester before, even though Octavian turned evil and took over New Rome Community College.

So why can't it be a happy time today?

Bittersweetness.

The grades are out. Everyone passed. Everyone walked the stage and received a diploma with a name somewhat similar to their own. In a few days, everyone will be going their separate ways.

This is the last ever meeting of Jason's study group that was formed so Percy could hook up with a girl. After today, the New Rome Seven will be officially disbanded.

Jason is brave though. He can do this. Just because they're all going their separate ways doesn't mean they can't still be friends.

He's got a great day planned for them. They're going to say their goodbyes to the study room that got them through so many assignments and sitcom tropes, and then they're going to the Waystation for a couple of drinks. After that, Jason's giving some rides to the airport and he'll go back home to his apartment, cook up some chicken nuggets, and go to bed early.

Or maybe he'll get drunk and cry but he's sure the others are feeling the same way.

Jason takes his seat in the study room, next to Annabeth, who occupies the head of the table. He saves the seat on the other side of him for Piper, who promised she'd be here, but is running a little late.

Percy sits across from Jason, showing everyone pictures of his little sister who is super cute. Despite that, he can only offer a nod by the time they get to the thirteenth picture of her hunting for Easter eggs. There's only so much a guy can take.

Leo is next to Percy, fidgety as ever. Graduating and moving on is already making Jason feel anxious. He can't imagine how much harder it must be for a guy like Leo, who freaks out every time they reset the clocks for daylight savings.

"Congratulations, brats!" It wouldn't be a typical day on the campus of New Rome Community College if Dean D didn't interrupt their study session dressed in a drag outfit of some fashion. Is it weird that the feminine graduation cap and gown make Jason a little emotional?

"Hey, Dean," Annabeth says.

The dean smiles, which is a little unsettling, but Jason appreciates the sentiment. "Are you idiots really celebrating your accomplishment in the library? You've been complaining about this place for the past four years."

"Yeah," says Percy. "I guess... we made a lot of memories here."

Frank rushes into the study room, red in the face. Hazel is supposed to be with him.

"Hey Dean," he says, completely unfazed by the dean's getup. "Guys, I have some good news and some bad news."

"Shit," Dean D swears. "I have an outfit that is perfect for good news and bad news. Should have worn it."

Nobody wants to know what that means.

"Go ahead," Piper says to Frank. "Where's Hazel?"

Frank takes a seat at the table and wrings his hands. Not making eye contact with the rest of the group, he says, "Hazel's wrapped up at Berkeley. They want to help her franchise her sandwich shop; they're going to replace their Chick-fil-A with it, actually, which is awesome, but she isn't able to make it for drinks today."