A/N: Hey everyone, new fic! I know I need to get a new chapter of With You Always, Café Jupiter, and what could have been out but I can't get those chapters exactly right. If you've noticed, I really like those four or five times sort of fics. This one is a Liper one with Jeyna on the side. A Summer Camp AU following Piper and her relationships and growth. Spring Break is winding down and I have one more month before graduating college. Yikes! I probably won't publish anything else until June when school's over. Thanks for reading and please review!
Prompt: Liper- Camping
15: The Start
"Summer camp will be good for you, Piper." The sulking teenager doubted it but she kept her mouth shut as her father's assistant pulled into a crowed parking lot. Parents hugged their kids goodbye. Large bright yellow school buses dropped large groups of energetic teens as they bolted off, already used to the summer camp routine. Everyone looked so happy. It felt so false to Piper, all the smiles and grins. "Piper…" Mellie cooed as she parked the car, turning to the fifteen year old. Her dark brown eyes combed over the young girl with a sad expression. "Your dad wants you to have fun. It's tough with him traveling for work and rarely having time for you. Camp Half-Blood is wonderful. I spent my summers here. It'll change you."
"Sure…" Piper whispered underneath her breath as she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned around to grab her bag. Mellie reached out for a consoling pat but Piper moved faster, jumping out of the SUV. She couldn't stomach the way Mellie was trying to act motherly. She pulled the back door open, grabbing her larger pack. "See you in a few months." Piper called out before slamming the door and disappearing into the crowds. She tried her hardest to keep the sulking frown but the beautiful sight in front of her took her breath away.
Grudgingly, Piper had to admit Camp Half-Blood was gorgeous. A large wooden sign welcomed the campers. The beaten path led to large facilities and cabins. The camp was built beside a crystal clear lake with fresh water flowing from the rivers. Lush trees lined the other side of the camp with paths for hikes and games of capture the flag. There were flat green meadows for other camp activates. All the cabins sat beside the lake with canoes on the shores. Campers of all ages ran around eagerly, laughing with each others as older campers and counselors kept tabs on.
Piper dragged her second bag idly behind her as she took it all in. Her sneakers shuffled uneasily. Piper was a city girl at heart, growing up in LA with movie and music stars. She's been to private parties, premieres, and large concerts. A silly little summer camp shouldn't scare her. "This is going to be a long summer." Piper murmured as she twisted her braid. She was so lost in her thoughts; she nearly missed a frantic shout.
"HEAD'S UP!" Piper screamed as she ducked just when a soccer ball sailed over her head. She lost her balance and fell on the yellowing grass. The girl groaned as she rubbed her bottom, glaring at the two boys who jogged up to her. "Crap, are you alright?" One shouted as he approached. He was short, about Piper's height, with a wiry form. A pair of goggles flattened his curly brown hair. A bright orange t-shirt tugged across his lanky form. The sleeves were rolled up, revealing thin arms. Piper nodded her head as her eyes roamed to his friends.
"Leo, give her some space." The blond ordered as he leaned over to offer Piper his hand. She could only look at him for a moment. The young man was extremely handsome. Piper usually doesn't swoon over guys being surrounded by movie stars but there was something about him. Maybe it was the twinkle in his blue eyes or the way his lips curled up, making the tiny scar twist. He wiggled his fingers, reminding her. "You ok?"
"Yeah…" Piper breathed, accepting his hand as he pulled her up easily. His hand was warm against hers, making butterflies explode in her stomach. The muscles underneath his purple t-shirt rippled. He was lanky but had broad shoulders that he would soon grow into. "I'm fine…"
"You're new." Piper turned sharply, forgetting about the other boy. He seemed to be vibrating with energy as he intercepted between her and the blond. He grabbed Piper's hand, giving her a firm but friendly shake. "Hey, I'm Leo. He's Jason."
"Piper McLean." She replied automatically, laughing as she shook his hand. Something about Leo reminded her of an energetic puppy. He tilted his head like he was racking his brain for something. His amber eyes lit up before a mad grin tugged at his cheeks. Piper's eyes widen, realizing what she said. The girl physically braced herself for a gush of 'you're Tristan McLean's daughter!'
"You're Reyna's new cabin mate!" Leo exclaimed loudly. Piper blinked as Jason laughed, a full laugh that made Piper's belly flutter. "What? I bet I'm right."
"I'm not doubting you. You're the only idiot I know who would remember something you glanced at once." Jason shoved Leo's arm. "Are you going to let go of her hand anytime soon?" Leo jumped back, releasing Piper's hand, and ran his fingers through his curly hair. He laughed, grinning at her. "We can show you to your cabin." Jason offered Piper. "If you haven't realized, our friend's staying there."
"Thanks," Piper replied as she allowed Jason to take her heavy bag. He slipped it over his shoulder as they headed towards the cabins. Leo eagerly pointed everything out in the camp, adding bits of commentary here and there. "So which one of you nearly took my head off?"
"That one." Jason pointed to Leo who smiled sheepishly.
"I like to say fate was control that ball. We would have never met otherwise." Leo countered, walking backwards with a grin. There were a few scribbles on Leo's arm but he was moving them too much she could barely read them.
"Sure, sure, because Reyna would totally hide her away." Jason replied as he stopped outside a well-built cabin. He bound up the stairs and knocked, peeking into the open screen door. "Knock, knock, Sunshine. I have a present for you." Piper bit her lower lip as a tall lanky girl appeared, twisting her dark hair into a ponytail. Jason reclined against the doorframe with a fond smirk. The girl leaned against the same doorframe, unbothered by Jason's proximity or nickname. "Miss me?"
"I miss the peace and quiet." She replied, poking Jason's chest. They traded grins that spoke how deep their friendship ran. The girl was beautiful with long tone legs and lithe body from playing sports. She wore simple white shorts and matching purple t-shirt like Jason's. A pair of dark eyes zeroed in on Piper as she lifted her hand for a little wave. "Hey, I'm Reyna. Sorry you had to deal with these two idiots."
"But we're your idiots." Jason added as he tugged a stray strand from Reyna's ponytail. He placed Piper's bag down before turning to address the girl. "Leo and I are staying at the cabin over there. We'll pop by when you two are settled in." Piper nodded her head as she walked up the creaky steps, still observing the two. "You owe me a game of cards after dinner. And be nice to her."
"Me? Not nice? Never." Reyna said sarcastically as she shoved Jason off. The boy laughed as he grabbed Leo, waving to the two girls before running off. Reyna shook her head with a warm smile. "Come on. You can have the bottom bunk. It's a tight squeeze with four girls but it's home for the next three months."
"You really suck at this camp thing." Leo commented as he plopped down beside Piper, wiping the sweat from his face. Piper glared at him but pulled out a burning marshmallow. She smothered the poor thing in the dirt. Piper acknowledged she's not a natural camper. Things are a little rough. Bugs seemed to be drawn to her, biting her legs and arms. She failed to notice poison ivy, nearly siting in a bush of it until Reyna caught her arm, stopping her. Piper tipped the canoe Jason and her were on, dunking them into the cool water. Piper groaned at the memory.
"I… Yeah…" Piper admitted as she stuck her stick in the ground. It was an evening campfire they had in the clearing. A few campers were playing night capture the flag. The field they were playing on had glowing paint lining the boundaries. Kids were running back and forth with glowing paint on their shirts to differentiate them. Laughs and shouts pierced the night air as they tagged each other. If Piper really focused, she could make out Jason and Reyna's forms on opposite teams. "How are they so good?"
"Golden Boy and Rey?" Leo asked as he stabbed a marshmallow into his stick. He held it over the fire, twirling it as it toasted. "They're really competitive. It's sort of bad how competitive they are. Also, this is their third year here. They're veterans. That's why they wear the purple shirts. It's for the younger campers know who they could rely on. Piper, don't compare yourself to them. You just need a little practice and the right teacher." Leo winked at her as he pulled out his perfectly toasted marshmallow. "Grab me the chocolate and graham crackers." He ordered, blowing on the hot sweet.
"How long have you been here?" Piper asked as she slid the things over to him. In the dim lights, Leo looked a lot different from the energetic boy she met earlier. The lights bounced off his face, accenting his sharp jaw and nose. His eyes glowed amber in a haunting way. His nimble fingers crafted a smore before he turned to Piper.
"This is my second year." Leo held out the treat to her that she took. His voice was low and deep, pulling Piper in. He had something else he wanted to say. With Leo, Piper felt a sort of companionship that she lacked with Jason and Reyna. Leo pulled out a few string of cords, twisting it to create something. Piper watched his agile fingers as she bit into her smore, waiting for him to speak. "If you haven't guessed, I'm a bit of a troublemaker at home. I've actually ran away from a few foster homes by the time I was fourteen." Leo sucked in a sigh, looking at the dancing flames as he collected his thoughts. "About the fifth time running away, the judge gave me an ultimatum. Spend one summer at Camp Half-Blood or a year in Juvi. Half-Blood was the obvious choice. I never thought I would enjoy it." Leo let out a chuckle as he continued weaving something. A smile tugged at his lips. "That damn judge knew I would like it too much. I wanted to come back immediately. He said I'd need to stay at my foster home, get good grades and cause no more trouble if I wanted to come back. He played me like a fool."
Why did you run? Piper wanted to ask but it felt too soon. "You sound thankful." She said instead, touching his arm. Leo looked up at her and smiled. She liked smiling Leo more than somber Leo.
"I am. I wanted to dislike it but people here are too good. Reyna and Jason made it so much fun. They accepted me as me, not some troublemaker or something." Leo lifted what he made and Piper's eyes widen. It was a hair ornament with a tiny blue feather on the end. He held it up to her ear, nodding his head. "I knew this would be perfect for you. Everyone has a rough first week, Pipes. It gets better, trust me." Piper nodded her head, accepting the charm as she unraveled her tiny braid. She was certain things will get better.
True to Leo's words, things did get better. Her first few weeks weren't horrible. Yes, the beds were lumpy. The food isn't exactly amazing. Waking up every morning to a damn trumpet, Piper could do without. But, Piper's cabin mates made it bearable. Rachel was interesting. Her art supplies were scattered around the cabin, appearing in random spots like the bathroom or bed. She's exuberant and eccentric in a wonderful way. Lacy was a city girl like Piper. She knows every bit of juicy gossip on camp like who's dating who or what goodies people smuggled in. Reyna keeps both girls in check, used to their antics since last summer. She pulled Piper into her little group of Jason and Leo, actually pleased to have another girl around. Which was why Piper felt so awkward about broaching the topic about a certain blond boy.
"Leo, does Jason like anyone?" Piper whispered as she nudged the boy. Leo hummed in respond, still staring intensely at the old radio in front of him. It's funny how Leo could be so intrigued by wires, nuts and bolts. One of the few times he would sit still is with some sort of machine in his hands. "Leo…" Piper repeated, poking his side. The boy looked up, sending her a content smile.
"Yes, Beauty Queen?" He replied, twirling the screwdriver between his fingers. They were in the mess hall after dinner. The wide room was lined with tables and benches. The double doors were open, inviting campers in for a few broad games or activities before the main evening events. Teens cheered and shouted over an intense game where Piper's eyes lingered on a certain someone. Leo's eyes followed hers before a soft sigh escaped his mouth. "Don't tell me you have a crush on Golden Boy?"
"Shut up." Piper murmured as she blushed. Leo has gotten better at reading Piper over the weeks. He was her best friend, pushing her to do crazy things like zip lining or rock climbing. They really bonded after their chat by the fire. Leo set his things down and turned to her without any judgment in his brown eyes. "Maybe I do."
"Of course you do." Leo sighed as he ran his fingers through his curly hair. "Everyone has a crush on Golden Boy except Rey." Piper looked up a little shocked. She always assumed Reyna and Jason had something. They two were sitting across from each other with a pile of poker chips on the table. Cards were dealt as they studied their hands. Jason threw in a few chips, nodding to Reyna as she played with hers. She peeked at her cards again, rolling her eyes at one of Jason's sly comments before tossing her chips in the pile, paired with a little air kiss. The two friends grinned, oblivious of the crowd around them as they played their game.
"They're not…" Piper prompted, trying to coax information out of the boy. The only dark spot in Lacy's gossip were about Reyna and Jason. Everyone in camp knew about them being close but how close was always a mystery. It felt like forbidden topic. Jason made Piper feel giddy. He was always checking in on her, making sure she was doing well. Sending her flirty winks or smiles while on hikes or during little camp-wide games.
Leo sighed as he struggled with his thoughts. "I don't know, Pipes. It's complicated. I know that's a cheap excuse but it's the truth. You can see how close they are. They seemed to have their own way of communicating." Piper glanced at her hands as they twisted the tiny feather charm Leo made her. Leo slipped his screwdriver behind his ear, nibbling in his bottom lip as he debated his next words. "Here's a bit of advice. Wait a bit. This could be the summer they figure out everything." Piper nodded her head, looking at the table again. Jason was looking straight at her now, winking with his charming smile. Piper smiled back, feeling the butterflies again in her stomach. She was so focused on Jason; she missed the dejected expression on Leo's face before he looked down at his radio.