95. Present
Reyna's past birthdays have gone by without any notice.
It makes sense, Leo knows, because she never told anybody the date except Jason.
And he also knows, even though Reyna would never admit it, that every birthday she'd wanted something special, something for her.
(The most Jason had ever given her was a happy birthday and half of a brownie he'd had for lunch that day.)
He knows that even though she's not a needy person, all Reyna has ever wanted was to come first. To matter to somebody more than anything- more than anyone- else.
This year, though, he has plans for her.
She's not big into gifts. That's never been what she's wanted or looked for on her birthday.
What Reyna wants is recognition. It's love and acknowledgement.
It's for someone to show her that they care.
Even Hylla, Leo has seen, has been sorely neglectful when it comes to Reyna's birthday. She's always made sure to send a message as soon as she remembers, but more often than not it's the day before, or the day after. The day of, it seems, is always very busy.
Leo has Iris-messaged Hylla. He's reminded all of their friends for weeks that Reyna's birthday is coming up and they better not forget and-
He's been the receiver of many eye-rolls and "We know, Leo, gods, you only remind us every half hour!" from Piper, but he needs to make sure that this year, at least, Reyna gets a perfect birthday. Not many of them have had one. Percy, lucky guy, has always had a mother who cared about him. Lately Annabeth's family have made more of an effort, and she's had Percy for years now to make it special. Frank's had some good years, Piper occasionally, on the days her dad wasn't dragged to work.
But the majority of demigods? Not a chance.
Reyna deserves so much more than half a brownie given to her as an afterthought.
"Come on Rey," he leads her blindfolded to the lake at Camp Jupiter. It's dark out and the Venus cabin (at Piper's request) spent all day decorating the edge of the forest and the beach with things like fairy lights, streamers, etc. Party stuff.
There's also a huge cake in the shape of a pegasus and all of their friends. Plus Clarisse.
Hylla was present in Iris-message only, but still. It mattered.
"Leo, what are you-?"
He pulls the blindfold off and smiles as almost all of their friends yell excitedly. "Surprise!"
After a slow yet huge smile dawns on Reyna's face she turns to Leo. "Let me guess, this was you?"
He shrugs before moving closer to her. "Happy Birthday Rey," he murmurs against her lips.
She kisses him briefly but passionately, ignoring the catcalls and cheers. And when she pulls away she momentarily rests her forehead against his and says in a whisper. "Thank you."