Daughter of Mother Earth

Chapter Sixty-Six

Crystal's pulse quickened at Leo's words. Even though Annabeth had told her about his crush on her, hearing it from him made the butterflies in her stomach go crazy.

"I know," She responded. "I like you, too."

A comfortable silence fell over the pair like a blanket. The warmth of Leo, along with the gentle rocking of the ship, lulled Crystal to sleep.

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Crystal yawned as her eyes fluttered open. It was early, too early. The sun wasn't even up! Crystal groaned in annoyance as she tried to flip to her other side, but something held her fast. It took a moment to register who exactly had a death grip on her, but once she did, there was nothing that could be done to stop the grin from spreading across her face. Crystal wiggled around and finally faced the still slumbering Leo Valdez. As much as she wanted to stay there forever, Crystal knew that the others would be up soon and if they were caught, they'd never hear the end of it. Coach Hedge would also have her head if he found out.

"Leo," Crystal whispered.

No response. Crystal flicked Leo's pointed ear. With a quiet groan, he brushed away Crystal's hand like an annoying fly. Smirking, Crystal repeated her action multiple times. Just as she was about to go in another time, Leo grabbed her wrist and pinned it to his chest.

"Stop that." His eyes were still closed, but his brows were furrowed.

Crystal swallowed thickly, nearly melting at the sound of Leo's morning voice.

"Well, if you'd woken up properly the first time I flicked you, I wouldn't have had to do it four more times." Leo finally opened his eyes, meeting Crystal's gaze.

He chuckled and pulled Crystal closer, squishing her face. "I was having a good dream."

"Please," Crystal pulled her head away from Leo's grip, massaging her cheeks. "We're demigods, there's no such thing as a good dream."

Leo mumbled something that Crystal couldn't make out, but she could've sworn he said something about her.

"What was that?" The corner of her mouth turned up.

Leo turned red. "Nothing!"

Crystal laughed and tried to escape from Leo's still present hold. "Come on, I gotta be back in my room before Annabeth wakes up. If she finds out I snuck out, she'll skin me alive!"

"That chick is terrifying," Leo replied, finally releasing her.

Crystal stood up and stretched. "One time I misplaced her favorite combat boots and she chased me with her knife."

"You're joking."

"I don't joke, Valdez."

Thankfully, Annabeth was still asleep when Crystal returned to her room. Crystal quickly changed out of her pajamas into a pair of shorts and an orange sweater from camp. She made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth and tie up her curls. By the time Crystal re-entered the bedroom, Annabeth was awake.

"Good morning, punk." Crystal greeted her friend with a smile.

An evil glint Crystal knew all too well flickered in Annabeth's eyes. "New accessory?"

Crystal froze. She had forgotten about the necklace Leo gave her and it was very much still around her neck. Crystal mentally cursed herself as she strapped her dagger's holster to her thigh.

"Yeah, uh," Crystal cleared her throat. "Leo gave it to me."

Annabeth tilted her head. "When? You didn't have it when we went to bed last night."