Author's Note: I'm sorry this took so long to upload! I was on vacation two weeks ago and last week I was extremely busy. The school year is nearing to an end and I've been getting more work. I'm sorry about that.

I'm pretty sure this is the longest chapter I've written and the end is pure Leyna fluff, which I hope makes up for my absense. I plan for the story to end here, the only other upload I plan to make on this story is an epilogue which should be up somewhere between tomorrow and next week.

Constructive criticism is always welcome! As well as reviews and one-shot requests!

I hope you like it! Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus, or any characters or places associated with either series. All rights go to Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion.

the last one to wake up). He wasn't sure exactly what to do with his extra time, so he thought he'd go around and explore the camp; an activity not available to him previously.

It was quite a beautiful camp, which was not surprising with the ever-so-meticulous Reina as praetor. The camp was spick 'n' span. There were gardens filled with various flowers and vegetation—most likely courteous of the Dem—Ceres kids. There was a castle being built by the kids who were lucky enough to get a full night's sleep. Leo

Chapter Nine

The heroes were permitted to sleep in late that day, taking the previous night's events into account.

In a surprising turn of events, Leo was the first to awaken (which had never happened before—Leo was always guessed it was for those war games Reina had told him about. She said they would occur tonight, and the son of Hephaestus was quite excited for them. It reminded him of capture the flag back at his own camp.

He saw every temple, every building, every field. He decided it was time to look through the city of New Rome, which had interested him when he first saw the place while aboard the Argo II. The mechanics of that place seemed complicated, overly-difficult, and totally awesome.

What Leo had forgotten was the annoying, dramatic, and obnoxious gatekeeper of the beautiful city.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?" Leo heard as he walked through the borders.

Leo turned around, scratching his head. "Huh? What did I do?"

"NO WEAPONS INSIDE MY CITY!"

"Weapons? I don't have any of those."

The statue looked agitated. "Do not fool with me, demigod. I am Terminus and I am not to be deceived." Leo's confusion grew and it was apparent on his face. Terminus sighed. "Oh, for Jupiter's sake! Your tool belt!"

Leo had forgotten the magical tool belt that had been returned to him the previous day. "Oh, right. Sorry." He discarded his precious magic item onto the tray which held two daggers—one he knew to be Piper's and another he recognised, but he couldn't recall its owner.

Terminus nodded to the demigod, allowing him to pass. Leo continued through the borders into the wondrous city of New Rome.

It really was just that: wondrous. Large Roman buildings scaled the streets. Children ran freely; happiness and mischief were easily deciphered on their small faces. Demigods and legacies of all sizes walked through the streets and shops, carrying hot chocolate, Reina's favourite, Leo thought. He ventured to try some.

He walked into a nearby café, groping for some denarii that Reina had given him. He ordered a large chocolate walking making polite conversation with the lady taking orders. She gave him his change and a small smile then walked away to make his drink.

When he got it, he proceeded to a small, hidden table in an empty corner. He took a small, cautious sip—the drink was scalding—and decided that it was easily the most delicious hot chocolate he had ever drunk.

While thoroughly enjoying his chocolaty goodness in his secluded corner, he heard two very familiar voices come in with the tinkling of the bell above the door.

"…would never, Piper," came the voice of a very-agitated Reina.

"He's my best friend, Reyna. I'm simply looking out for him," came the persuasive voice of Piper McLean. She seemed to be lacing her voice with charmspeak.

Reina seemed to be affected by the girl's voice, as she spoke in a daze. "I, um… would never do… that to… Leo." She paused, trying to get her bearings. "Besides, though I once had a crush on Jason, my feelings have long passed. I have found another to whom Jason Grace cannot compare. This boy has wild eyes, crazy hair, a sense of humour, ADHD to an extent that it's extremely unhealthy, a clumsy bearing, a tool belt, and a metal dragon head that he seems to consider his best friend and named 'Happy'. He's a train wreck, but it doesn't bother me. I like it, actually. It's… him. I can't really describe it." Reina couldn't describe why she liked Leo's quirks, Leo couldn't describe the warm feeling spreading through his chest, the immense happiness he felt, or why the butterflies flitted in his stomach.

Piper looked at the praetor in surprise. "I didn't know." Reina looked confused, so Piper clarified. "I didn't know you felt that strongly about Leo."

Reina smiled, "I didn't either."

Later that day, Leo tried to list the things he loved about his queen. He heard Reina do it verbally; why couldn't he do it with a pen and paper?

Reasons Why I Love Reina

1. She's powerful beyond belief.

2. She's gorgeous.

3. She thinks I'm funny.

4. Even when she doesn't think I'm funny, she laughs at my jokes.

5. I know she'd do anything for me.

6. She understands about my past.

7. She knows what it's like to lose someone of importance and to go without a home.

8. She likes my quirks.

9. She likes me.

10. She is strong, mentally and physically.

11. She is a true leader: one that does not abandon her people no matter what.

12. We're opposites. I'm fire and she's ice.

Leo looked up at his clock when he finished his list and ran off, as dinner was to begin soon. Little did he know that Reyna went to fetch him before dinner started. She did not find Leo, but a small list written in sloppy, slanted handwriting. She picked it up and read through it, smiling all the way through.

She sat down at the desk, copied the list, and wrote a note to the son of Hephaestus she had fallen for.

Dear Valdez,

I came by to get you for dinner, and found not you but a list. It was a simple list, written in terrible handwriting and containing only twelve points. But in the few words this list contained, I found the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you, Valdez. In these past few days you've brought more smiles to my face than have been there for a long time. You've brought more laughter than I've ever known. I can't thank you enough.

From your Reina

P.S. I made one revision to your list. I felt it of immense importance.

In number nine, Reyna had crossed out the word "likes" and replaced it with another.

9. She loves me.