Soul Mates AU (Heroes of Olympus)

Something's Up

(Katie's POV)

I look around in awe.

We are in what looks like a secret garden.

There is a huge weeping willow tree in the center, with beautiful purple flowers cascading down in its leaves and beaches. It's colors are vibrant and gorgeous, as if the whole tree is tinted lilac.

At the foot of the massive tree is a red and white plaid blanket. A woven picnic basket sits in the center.

About five feet away from the tree is a ring of flowers, enclosing and surrounding the whole place. I can see chrysanthemums, lilacs, lilies, orchids, tulips, and a vast assortment of roses.

Behind the beautiful ring is an ivory colored wall, covered in vines and plants that grow up and down it.

I turn around to look behind me, and see that the little tunnel that I came through is made of cement.

I look at Travis in wonder. "What is this place?"

He smiles. "This," he starts, gesturing to it all, "is my sanctuary. Connor is the only other person that has been here. It used to be open to the public, but it got overgrown and abandoned. I noticed it sitting at the edge of the park, and asked if I could go inside."

"The city didn't like the idea of me poking around in their 'trash', so I got my dad to buy it from them for me. Ever since the purchase, I've owned, taken care of, and fully restored this place."

I look at him with love practically emanating off of me. This is the greatest thing I've ever had the pleasure of seeing!

I mean, plants are my passion. I love gardening, and I am totally blown away by this place. There are even fireflies floating through the air!

Travis looks at me nervously. "Do you like it?" He asks, twiddling his thumbs. I smile at him widely.

"It's absolutely astounding, Travis. I love it," I say, kissing him softly on the lips. He wraps his hands around my waist, and I rest my hands on his arms.

The kiss is gentle, and we break away after a few seconds.

"Come on Gardner, I've got dinner," he says, taking my hand and taking me to the base of the willow tree.

We sit down on the blanket, and I stroke the pretty branches that cascade towards the floor. It takes my breath away.

Travis opens the picnic basket, revealing a mass of tinfoil. I raise an eyebrow, and he begins to unwrap it.

Inside are six slices of pepperoni pizza. I laugh in surprise, and he hands me a slice. "Hey, who doesn't love pizza?"

I just laugh even harder, and he rolls his eyes at me. "Katieeee!"

I take a deep breath, wiping the tears from my eyes. "Sorry, sorry! Pizza sounds fantastic," I say, trying to catch my breath. He just lightly pushes my shoulder and starts to eat a slice.

"So, what did you do today?" I ask, and he grins evilly.

"Well, I pranked Mrs. Eidson, and that was pretty spectacular. So, you see, she has this closet in the side of her room where she keeps everything from school supplies to confiscated items."

I face palm. "Oh no, Travis, what did you do?"

"Hey, Connor helped! Anyway, we broke into her closet, stole back all of the confiscated stuff, then filled the entire closet to the brim with fake, rubber spiders. When she opened it up during class after lunch, this huge wave of spiders just buried her and it was hilarious."