She didn't talk. At all. But the glares she sent at some people said enough. Some guys were wolf-whistling, while others frowned at her, for reasons unbeknownst to Leo.
They found a quiet corner in a small coffee shop in the north-eastern part of the city. Leo asked her a few questions- favourite animal, best prank, favourite music- but she didn't talk. "You can talk, can't you?" She gave the slightest nod. "Why don't you?" She shook her head, looking pained. "Well… it would be easier for both of us if you responded." She gave a small smile, but still didn't talk.
Leo discovered quite a bit about her by watching her movements, things that caught her attention and watching the emotions that appeared- either interest or disgust- at the things that caught her attention. He found out that she liked butter shortbread and chocolate digestives, but chocolate bourbons were a no-no. They had lunch as well, at a nearby restaurant. Leo thought she might have been a regular as she only gave a nod to the waiter to order spaghetti and meatballs in tomato sauce. The little things he noticed about her helped to build up the bigger picture, but at this rate, it would take years.
Leo often found himself staring at her when she wasn't looking. Yeah, he had grown up around Percy, the same eyes and similar hair. But there was something about her eyes and her hair that was completely different from Percy. Her eyes had more layers of emotions, a glint of cheekiness, a flash of pain or a simple glimmer of mischievousness. They were a rich, emerald green and sparkled in the light, often glinting as if she were planning endless torments for him whenever he did or said something stupid- which was a lot, because, hey, he's Leo flaming Valdez. He did and said stupid things all the time. Her hair was thick, slightly, yet naturally curly at the ends, which Leo liked, having messy, curly hair himself.
He walked her home, talking to her and trying to persuade her to talk. It didn't quite work. Well, it didn't work at all, but Leo liked to think he had made some sort of impression to make her talk soon.
"So, uh, see you tomorrow?" She shook her head. "Why?" He asked, feeling his heart sink. "Have you got work or something?" She nodded and Leo relaxed slightly. "Day after?" She hesitated, but nodded again. Leo grinned. "Cool. Uh, I'll pick you up about lunch, yeah?" She nodded again and waved, closing the door.
Leo's grin didn't falter.
He had just bagged himself a date.
Kind of…