Kinda Want to Kiss Him, Kinda Want to Push Him Into Traffic

                                    

                                          
Leo's team lost, so he isn't in the ideal mood to have a serious talk, but Ara goes through with it anyway. While everyone's distracted singing and eating s'mores, she starts the awkward conversation.
"I wasn't hiding things intentionally," she speaks in a whisper, even though the kids around them are loud.
"So why does it feel like you are?" Leo's got a frown on his face that she hates to see.
She clasps her hands together and places them against her lips. "So, basically, I'm dumb."
"You could at least try a compelling excuse."
"I thought you wouldn't care!"
"I don't want you to go," he stares at the campfire, shoulders falling a little, "I know your parents asked you to—"
"They're not forcing me. I mean, they decided without telling me first, but if I were to push back, they wouldn't stop me."
"So you're saying... you want to leave?" Leo looks at her. "Is it your prophecy?"
Ara thinks of the vision she saw of Janus, and a chill runs down her spine. The place is not that dark, but they're still close enough to get away with a few things. Ara reaches for Leo's hand and holds it firmly.
"Rachel has recited it twice by now, it's getting serious..." Ara makes a face. "That's not what I wanted to talk about, though."
"Alright... so what is it?"
"Last year, Percy was hiding from more than just a prophecy, and I understand him better now," she sighs. "I watched him tiptoe over his feelings for years until he couldn't anymore, and it only made things harder. We're alike that way."
Leo stares at her with a frown. "Your mother is the goddess of love, Ara."
"And that's all the more reason to be afraid of her!" She exclaims. "And don't even get me started on Eros! There is a reason why my siblings play matchmaker with others and not themselves—"
"But aren't you supposed to... well, love it?"
"It doesn't mean I understand it. My sister Silena advocated for romantic love, defended it, and made use of it. Others, like Piper and I, focus on prosaic beauty and platonic love. Kids like Drew focus on the physicality and idolization of it. Love has many faces, and I never look where to look."
Ara focuses on the kids around the campfire, it's during this time that she gets to see everyone's soul light. She knows what they love, and to have that leverage over so many people can be overwhelming.
"I can't tell if I'm leaving because it's going to make me a better leader, or if I'm going away because I don't want to like you more than I already do."
Leo doesn't want to laugh, but it comes out involuntarily. "You're afraid of liking me too much?"
He's talking in a normal voice now, so she speaks in an even quieter whisper. "You're the first boy that likes me back—"
"Shut up."
Ara looks around in alarm. "Why?"
"No, I mean, that can't be right," Leo scowls. "That can't be true."
"I told you—"
"I remember what you said, but you also mentioned having a first date—"
"Yeah, and you know how that went! Even my first kiss was a fiasco..."
"Please, tell me you're not talking about me," he pouts.
"What? No, it was with a friend—"
"You kissed Lily?" Leo raises his voice.