PJO/HoO Around the Campfire

Chapter 39: The Date

I'm back!! It took way to long for this to update, but finally, here's the next chapter...

December 18, 2022

"This is so romantic, I have sand in my shoe." Leo said, trying to make it sound sarcastic, but the affection he was feeling made its way through, too.

"Yeah, sorry about that, but once we're seated it should be much nicer. You can take your shoes off if you want." Connor said while walking beside Leo, holding the picnic basket.

"Absolutely not, I want you to feel ashamed for your date choice," Leo laughed out.

"Hey, this is a wonderful date idea. You know, if Percy were here, he would absolutely side with me."

"Woah, woah, woah. Are you saying you plan a date based on what Percy Jackson would like and not based on what I, your boyfriend—" Leo couldn't help but smile at the word— "would like?"

"What? No, I'm just saying other people have been on dates just like this, and have enjoyed it."

Leo didn't say anything but slipped his hand into Connor's.

"And maybe if my boyfriend could look past the sand in his shoes, he would enjoy it too."

"Hmm, maybe." Leo tugged on Connor's hand so he would stop walking and turn to face him. Then Leo pulled Connor in for a chaste kiss and went back to walking like normal. He let go of Connor's hand when he felt resistance since Connor hadn't taken even a step yet.

"Coming?" Leo called back without looking.

Connor was left speechless for a moment, taking in all that was his in this moment, all that he could enjoy.

Then he jogged to catch up with Leo, careful with the picnic basket, and grabbed Leo's hand again.

"You are a menace, I hope you know that." Connor said laughing.

Leo smirked at him, "oh, I do."

Connor stopped walking and pulled out a blanket for them to sit on. "I think this spot is perfect."

They both sat down and Connor started bringing out the food for them.

"This is perfect," Leo said.

"Why thank you."

"Hey Leo!"

"Gods, why can't we ever get a break?" Connor muttered under his breath as Piper walked up to them.

"I was just wondering if you could come with me to the dining pavilion, it's still a little awkward..." her last word trailed off as she realized what she had stumbled upon. "Um, I'm so sorry, am I interrupting something?"

All Leo managed to get out was a mumbled, "uhhh..."

"Yeah." Connor said to the ground.

Hearing Connor's voice made Leo come back to his senses fully, he jolted towards Piper. "Um, yeah. You are actually, so sorry to push you out in your 'time of need' but maybe find Annabeth? Percy? I promise I'll be there for dinner, okay?"

"Um, yeah, okay." And Piper walked away, stealing one glance before jolting into a run.

Connor waited until Piper was out of view before he turned back to Leo. "Sit down," he gently ordered, "eat."

Leo smiled, any worry or thoughts about Piper pushed to the side for now. He had more important things to think about.

"This really is lovely. Despite the sand that I guarantee we will both be finding everywhere after this," Leo said, smiling.

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