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

Chapter 64: Heartbroken

As the ship slowed to a halt, Laylana got up off the bed, waiting for the signal that it was safe to come up. Piper entered the room after a few minutes, assuring her it was all good. She ran up to the deck and overlooked the island they had landed at. There were various boats in the harbour, but one of them caught her eye. A hundred yards ahead, tied to the end of the longest dock, was a makeshift raft with a simple mast and a square canvas sail. On the back, the rudder was wired to some sort of machine. It glinted with the familiar shine of Celestial Bronze.

"He's here." Laylana felt a smile spread across her face as the others climbed up on deck. Together, they all climbed down the rope ladder and landed on the dock.

They found Leo at the top of the city fortifications. He was sitting at an open-air café, overlooking the sea, drinking a cup of coffee and dressed in an outfit that was identical to the one he wore when he met Laylana that day at the Grand Canyon. Jeans, a white shirt and an old army jacket. Leo mustered a small smile as he laid eyes on Laylana, her being the first to race towards him and leave the rest of the crew behind. He opened his arms as she collided with him, almost knocking him out of the chair. She felt herself begin to cry as part of her stress seemed to melt away as he held her, kissing her head softly. 

"Gods, I missed you so much." Laylana cried.

"I missed you too, querida." Leo cupped her cheek, his hands for once completely stable. "Are you okay? Is the ship okay?" 

"The ship is fine, more or less... I fixed what I could." Laylana rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

"You did?" Leo looked a bit surprised. 

"I tried." 

Leo was quiet for a second before he leaned forward and kissed her feverishly. Laylana was surprised he showed so much affection, considering he never really kissed her like that in front of anyone but Jason and Piper. Sure, there were short kisses, or hand holding, or hugs. But never a kiss with such passion that Leo was currently putting into it. Laylana didn't think much about it as she kissed him back, her anxiety slowly melting away. When they pulled away, the others had arrived, watching the couple amusement or just averting their eyes (ahem, Nico and Hazel). 

Piper smiled. "Leo! Gods, where have you been?"

"Valdez!" Gleeson grinned. Then he seemed to remember he had a reputation to protect and he forced a scowl. "You ever disappear like that again, you little punk, I'll knock you into next month!"

Frank patted Leo on the back so hard it made him wince. Even Nico shook his hand. Hazel kissed Leo on the cheek. "We thought you were dead!"

Leo shook his head. "Hey, guys. Nah, nah, I'm good."

Something in his tone told Laylana otherwise. Leo wouldn't look at the others, she was the only one his eyes would meet. And when she looked into them, she could see the amount of... guilt weighing in them. All his nervous energy had drained right out of him, replaced with this guilty expression that clearly was directed to Laylana, and everyone noticed it.

Laylana and the others grabbed chairs from the nearby tables, Jason leaned in and squeezed his friend's shoulder. "Hey, man, what happened?"

Leo's eyes swept around the group, like he didn't want to say. He avoided eye contact with Laylana as he looked which only made her more nervous. Their hands brushed against one another, and Leo grabbed onto hers and squeezed it tightly.

"I got marooned," Leo said. "Long story. How about you guys? What happened with Khione?"

Gleeson snorted. "What happened? Piper happened! I'm telling you, this girl has skills!"