You'll Learn to Love Me (Leo Valdez x OC)

Chapter 4: And I'm Free Falling

"Piper," Laylana asked once they were in the air and Jason finished explaining what had happened. Piper perked up with a small 'hm?' "Can you braid my hair? I don't want it to get in the way."

"Do you have hair ties?" Piper asked. Laylana nodded, grabbing the two around her wrist and handing them to the daughter of Aphrodite. "One or two?"

"Just one is fine. There's a brush in my bag."

Piper dug through her backpack and pulled out the hairbrush. It was surprisingly easy to braid the girl's hair while they flew. And Piper had to admit that she enjoyed having something to distract herself from everything else she was dealing with. Laylana also appreciated the sentiment; usually Annabeth would braid her hair if it was long enough, and they used that as their bonding time to talk, and just have time to themselves without Percy.

"You were amazing," Laylana heard Jason say from behind Piper. Piper just mumbled something in another language, French she assumed from the few words she caught. "What'd you say?"

"I said I only talked to Boreas. It wasn't so amazing." Piper's voice was quieter than it had been.

"Piper, I'm sure you did fine. I mean, I wasn't there but we're not dead." Laylana cut in.

"Laylana is right," he said, "you saved me from joining Khione's subzero hero collection. I owe you one."

It was quiet for a little bit as Piper finished braiding Laylana's hair. It sat in a tight French braid, and she was assured if it came out, Piper would redo it. Leo passed them some sandwiches from his pack, before he began to whine. "I still can't believe Khione. She looked so nice."

"Trust me, man," Jason said. "Snow may be pretty, but up close it's cold and nasty. We'll find you a better prom date."

"Maybe Laylana will go with you." Piper teased.

"When the fuck did I get signed up for this shit?" Laylana looked back at Piper, sending her a playful glare. Piper just smiled, but Leo didn't seem pleased. Neither did Festus, though Laylana assumed that was just from the cold.

They ate their sandwiches as they flew. The cheese and avocado sandwich was awesome. Laylana wished she had something sweet to ease her sweet tooth, but alas she did not. Nobody talked. Whatever they might find in Chicago, they all knew Boreas had only let them go because he figured they were already on a suicide mission.

The moon has begun to rise over their heads. Laylana had gotten a full night of rest, but the cold was taking a toll on her. She had never been one for liking snow, she preferred the heat, which was a surprise considering her dad was the god of darkness. Darkness and shadows are usually cold. Apparently she wasn't the only one as she felt Piper's head on her shoulder, and realized the girl was nodding off.

"Piper?" She turned around, looking at the girl as she sat up, blinking rapidly.

"Sorry..." She mumbled.

"It's okay," Laylana hesitated. "I don't mind."

Instead, the girl leaned back against Jason's chest. He didn't complain either as she closed her eyes. Laylana smirked at the two of them, Jason sending her a glare.

"Not a word." He said.

"What? She looks cozy." Laylana threw their words back at him.

"I'm starting to think Annabeth was lying when she said you were soft."

"I may be soft, but doesn't mean I can't have fun." Laylana turned her head back forward. As time grew on, she felt more comfortable on the dragon, but she was still wary. "Leo?"