Thank you Ryan and Riley for your ideas! I'm definately considering them for the next chapter! For those who review, it means a lot :)

Nico squinted into the darkness. "Connor, is that you?"

A familiar chuckle came from one of the dark figures. "Yeah, Nico. It's me."

"But..who's.." Nico slowly approached and then grinned, "Travis! Katie!"

"Hey, Nico." Travis responded.

Nico ran back to the camp and shook awake Chris and Clarisse. "Guys! Connor found Travis and Katie!"

Clarisse glared up at him groggily. "What?"

"Travis and Katie. Look!" He pointed in the direction of their approaching friends.

Chris and Clarisse rose quickly and ran to greet their long-lost companions, Nico struggling to keep pace with them. Clarisse took Katie from Travis and looked her over for open wounds. Clarisse didn't care for most people, but for some reason she was fond of Katie. She was just so sweet and amiable; it was hard not to like her.

"Good to have you back, man." Chris placed a hand on Travis's shoulder and gave him a friendly hug.

Travis smiled warmly. "Thanks, Chris."

When Clarisse was satisfied that Katie was alright, she stood and nodded awkwardly to Travis. "Stoll."

"Aw, c'mon Clarisse." He spread out his arms invitingly. Under different circumstances, she would have slugged him just for offering. Instead, she rolled her eyes and hesitated before surrendering and giving him a brief hug. She hated to admit it, but she had missed him. Just a little.

"Are you guys hungry? We've got plenty of food down by the hut." Connor suggested.

Travis nodded and knelt to pick up Katie. "It's okay, Travis. I can walk." She stood unsteadily and took a few faltering steps. Her leg was healed but still incredibly weak, and buckled under her weight.

Travis scooped her up before she hit the ground. "I'm carrying you." he said firmly. She sighed in defeat, but didn't argue.

...

Travis peered up at the well-built, durable hut. He stepped inside and marveled at how elaborate it was. Grass woven pillows and matts were arranged on the palm frond floor. Thick sections of vine dangled from the ceiling, acting as curtains that separated one sleeping quarter from another.

"Impressive."

"It better be. We worked on it for days." Connor grumbled.

"Well you did a great job." Connor smiled up at his older brother, thankful for his approval.

"Guys," Nico called, "We're making a campfire. C'mon!" The brothers ambled over and lowered themselves into the sand. Chris lit the match and tossed it onto the pile of wood. Within seconds, the flame engulfed the logs and cast a bright, orange light over their camp.

Katie sat down next to Travis with Clarisse's aid. Clarisse walked around the campfire and plopped down next to Chris.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" Travis asked.

Katie smiled. "Better." Travis couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, illuminated by the warm glow of the fire. Flames danced in her vivid green eyes and her long brown hair tumbled down her delicate shoulders.

"Good." He kissed her lightly on the nose.

The six demigods laughed and conversed around the fire for about an hour. Nico could barely keep his eyes open, and Connor worried that he would fall face-first into the fire.

"Alright. Time for bed." he announced, slinging a half-concious Nico over his shoulder and heading for the hut. Clarisse and Chris followed him, leaving Travis and Katie alone.

Travis stood and offered Katie a hand up. She gladly took it and leaned up against him for support.

"Katie-" Travis began, but stopped himself.

Katie stared up at him expectantly. "Yes?"

"I-um..." He stared down at the ground and prayed Katie couldn't see him blushing.

"It's just that.." He sighed. He was making this harder than it needed to be.

He forced himself to look her in the eyes. "I love you." he blurted.

Katie grinned and threw her arms around his neck. "I love you too, Travis."

Travis laughed in relief, pulled her to him by her waist, and kissed her passionately. She giggled and kissed him back.

They stopped to take a breath and Travis whispered, "Let's get some sleep." Katie nodded, suddenly realizing how tired she was, and followed Travis into the hut to join their friends.