You'll Learn to Love Me

Chapter 22: Laylana is Fucking Oblivious

Laylana's stomach bubbled with nervousness as she got through her day of training. She watched the sun slowly setting over the horizon as dinner approached. She was meeting Leo tonight, for their... date? Piper called it a date. Her mom called it a date. Hell, even Annabeth called it a date. But they never established that it was, just a hang out with two friends, on their own. In a secluded area. Oh Gods what was she thinking? 

The horn sounded in the distance, signalling dinner time. Laylana put on her usual smile and motioned for the campers to drop their armour and weapons at the table in the arena before heading to the dining pavilion. As usual, there were various kids missing as they were already at the beach building the skeleton of the boat, or were rushing to finish eating already so they could continue to help. However, out of all the faces in the crowd, Laylana didn't see Leo. 

"Lana!" She heard Piper's voice call to her as an arm swung around her shoulder. 

"Hey, Pipes." Laylana grinned. "What's up?" 

"Just wanted to see if you were ready for... ya know?" Piper had a smile on her face. 

"Gods, I don't even know anymore." Laylana groaned as she sat at her table, Piper joining her despite the rules. "Is it even a date? Why would he ask me on a date?" 

"Because he likes you, dumbass!" Piper whisper-shouted. "It's so obvious to everyone but you." 

"Nuh uh." Laylana shook her head as she took a bit of her sandwich. 

"Uh, yeah huh." Piper retaliated. "Just don't panic. Take it easy. Enjoy each other's company. You both clearly need it." 

"Is that an innuendo? Cause damn Piper..." Laylana raised her eyebrows.

"No! Gods you--" Piper shook her head. "No, don't do 'that' enjoy being able to hang out together. I know Leo is super nervous, and he wants you to have a good time." 

"Wait, really?" 

"Yeah. Why do you think he's not here? He's spent the last hour cleaning the bunker so it's 'acceptable' for you." 

"Gods, he doesn't need to do that." 

"But it's Leo. He'd do anything to impress a girl." Piper laughed. "Maybe bring him something to eat?" 

"I have to go back to my cabin to grab snacks anyway. I promised." Laylana shrugged.

"Perfect. Let me come with you. I wanna pick an outfit for you to wear." 

"You? Wanna pick something for me to wear?" 

"Hey, I can like some things to do with fashion." Piper took a bite of her food. "Besides. You need to change anyway, right? You're covered in mud and melted snow." 

Laylana went to argue before she looked down at her clothes and sighed. "I guess you're right." 

"Aren't I always?" Piper smiled at her. "Come on, let's get this taken care of so you have more time to spend together." 

The two finished their meals and trudged back to Laylana's cabin, shutting the door behind them. Piper began to search through Laylana's dresser while the daughter of Erebus grabbed some snacks and a few soda cans out of her secret stash that she would bring from the city every time she visited. Piper pulled out a pair of black leggings and a long sleeved blue blouse, laying them out on the bed for her.

"These are comfy, but also make you look nice- not that you don't always look absolutely stunning." Piper winked at her. 

"Damn, I might just ghost Leo and go out with you instead." Laylana blew a kiss towards Piper.