The first time Reyna said, "You really want. . .me?" it nearly broke Piper's heart. Piper had asked Reyna on a date, getting hot chocolate at the cafe in New Rome.

She knew Reyna'd been hurt before, by Jason, and indirectly by Percy, but when the reclusive and confident praetor's icy voice broke into self-consciousness Piper got a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Of course, Rey," she replied, throwing an arm around her girlfriend, and proceeding to jokingly sing You're The One That I Want from Grease. Reyna tried to hide her relief, but Piper knew better.

xxx

Three weeks later, snuggled up on a couch in Reyna's room with movies and popcorn, they decided they were a couple, yet Reyna was frowning down at her tightly crossed arms. Piper looked away from the movie and gently placed her hand over Reyna's.

"What's wrong?"

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Reyna forced a blank expression. Piper could still see the pain in her eyes.

"You know I love you."

So why did Reyna tense when Piper pulled her hand away?

xxx

Their one month anniversary happened to fall on Percy and Annabeth's one year, and all four double-dated to an Italian restaurant in the city. Percy and Annabeth were. . .well, Percy and Annabeth, teasing and bickering and gazing lovingly over the breadsticks.

Reyna, however, did not make googly eyes at Piper over her risotto. When she smiled for Annabeth's newfound talent of photography, her eyes weren't happy. She let Piper hold her hand and tug the end of her braid affectionately, but when Piper whispered I love you in her ear, Reyna flinched as the words hit her.

Piper pulled her aside under the pretense of getting fresh air (Percy and Annabeth didn't seem to mind being alone). She led her outside and leaned against the building. Reyna stared into the street.

"Are you okay? You seem distracted."

Reyna sighed. "I just—I don't want you to feel like you have to be with me. If it isn't what you really want?"

"What are you talking about? Don't say stuff like that. Of course this is what I want," Piper said, frowning.

Reyna looked at Piper. She looked like she was trying not to cry, and she smiled bitterly."You could do so much better than me, Piper. Look at you. Daughter of Aphrodite."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That you're you, pretty and charming and kind, and everyone. . I intimidate them." She looked embarrassed.

"But Rey, why does that matter?" Piper laced their fingers together. "I love you, you love me. Who cares about other people? Can't we just be. . .us?"

"I don't want you to be with me out of—out of pity, or something—"

"Reyna, how high is the sky?"

"How—what?"

"How high is the sky?" Piper repeated.

"I don't know. What's that got to do with anything?"

"Because I'm not with you out of pity. However high the sky is, from the ground up, that's how much I love you."

Reyna was silent for a moment, clearly taken by surprise."Dork," she whispered.

But, for once, she was smiling.