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

Chapter 21: Laylana's Birthday

Laylana enveloped her mother in a hug as they stood in her room, Paul following shortly behind. It was Nightfall in Manhattan on New Years Day, the day before Laylana's birthday, and the girl was heading back to camp to continue her camp duties while helping the Hephaestus cabin where she could. She was set to begin preparing the younger campers for war, in case they were attacked while the eight were on their quest. 

"Happy birthday, honey." Sally said.

"Happy birthday, kiddo." Paul grinned as he and his wife stepped back from the hug.

"Thank you. And thank you for the gifts, I really didn't need anything else after Christmas." Laylana assured them, a backpack on her back and another in her hand with the stuff she had gotten from them for her birthday and for Christmas.

"Nonsense. You should be set for your trip now..." Sally reached out and cupped her daughter's cheek. "Just... please be careful. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." 

"I'll be okay mom." Laylana put her hand overtop her mom's, trying to hide her own worry. "Iris messages have been wonky lately. I'll try and keep you updated on anything." 

"Please do. You and your brother stay safe. Take care of each other." 

"We will. I'll give him a lecture for you when we find him." 

Sally just let out a half-hearted laugh and hugged Laylana again. When they let go, Laylana turned off the lights and melted into the shadows, picturing her cabin at camp. When she opened her eyes, she was right at the foot of her bed. She laid her bags down, unpacking some of the clothes, her speakers and the DVD player she promised to bring to Leo. She put that back in the bag and slung the backpack on her shoulder. 

Upon looking outside, there was snow scattering the camp which was typical. Campers were gathered around the campfire, and along the beach Laylana could see the beginning of the construction of the ship; with all the building materials, and machinery they were using to construct the skeleton of the ship were all gathered on the edge of the water. 

Laylana tightened her grip on her coat and stepped out into the cold, shutting the door behind her as she trudged down to the campfire. Various campers weren't there, having been gathered on the beach a bit of a ways away, or at the Bunker as Laylana assumed. 

"Lana!" She felt a body crash into her, and instantly hugged back upon realizing it was Piper.

"Hey! How are you?" Laylana asked as they let go of each other.

"I'm good. How was home?" 

"It was good. Glad to be back though." 

"I can imagine." Piper grinned at her. "So...  I heard from a certain someone that you're 'hanging out' alone soon?" 

"Oh my gods, not this again." Laylana groaned. "I don't get why it's such a big deal when we have bigger things to worry about." 

"It's a chance to feel normal, even for a little bit." Piper nudged her shoulder. "Come on, you wanna take a seat?" 

"Well... do you know if Leo is at the bunker? I have something I promised to give to him." Laylana asked.

"Oooh~ You wanna see him already? Yeah he's at the bunker. Want me to come with?" 

"If you're gonna keep teasing me like a bitch, no." Laylana flipped her off as she began walking off towards the forest, listening to Piper's laugh as she left. 

There were a few people around the bunker as expected, some just going in and out carrying various machinery parts and plans. Most smiled at Laylana as she ducked in, spotting Leo tinkering with something on one of the tables. He didn't notice her.