A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 128 - Leo's POV

SATURDAY

Leo took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders to relax them.

Okay. We can do it.

Yes, we can.

We're brave.

Yes.

We're nice guys.

Yeah!

We can talk to her.

Let's do this!

Leo took three more steps to the flowershop.

What if she hates us now?

He stopped.

Really? What happened to you?

Had a first date possibly ruined because the one controlling my body has a girlfriend?

Look, the main reason I'm doing so maybe you have a shot with her after I leave, so let's work together, right?

Right. We can do this.

Leo took the last steps and carefully opened the door, ready to tuck at some flying flowerpot flying to his head, but it wasn't necessary. Callie wasn't around, but he could see Christina, the one who went to ask for him for the fridge-like thing. She raised her head at the bell ringing and her face showed surprise at seeing him there. He smiled shyly.

"Hm, hi! I was wondering... is Erica around? I would like to talk to her. Oh, and if you could PLEASE not let Callie know I'm here...?"

Christina smiled knowingly and walked away to call for Erica. She came, her hair in a crown braid and eyes shining when she saw him. His breath caught when she smiled and his heart squeezed when her smile turned into an uncertain expression, a little unsure about him.

... I like her.

Ok, let's just stick to the plan, alright?

I wish the plan was to take her out again.

He cleared his throat, embarrassed by Christina looking from one to another.

"Hey, Erica, I was wondering if we could... I don't know, get something to drink or eat?"

A grin broke out, and she ran behind the counter to get her board and pen, holding them in one hand and offering the other for him to hold.

So much for keeping at friendship...

You won't turn her down, right!?

Leo held her hand with a small smile and they walked outside.

***

Leo made sure to sit facing her, though it was a bit hard to pretend he didn't understand she wanted to sit snuggling in one of the caffe's booths. She got a pie, and he asked for only a juice. He needed his throat free and hydrated to talk to her. Erica kept stealing glances from him, and smiling shyly each time. His heart constricted at the sight and he could almost feel Leoni trying to fight imaginary bonds that kept him more as a spectator than an actor.

Stop stalling and just ruin my chances at once!

You know I'm trying to do the opposite.

Whatever.

Leo took a deep breath and sent her a small smile, preparing himself.

"So... hm... first, let me apologize for taking too long. Second, I was thinking... maybe we're going too fast, maybe we should slow down a bit...