A Proper Date

After spending so much time in the Aphrodite cabin, Piper found that she was a lot more comfortable with attention.

  She'd decided to grow her hair out and get rid of all the choppy layers. But she still kept in a few of her signature braids and one or two feathers. It was a little bit of an improvement, and her cabinmates couldn't really complain (it was progress, after all) but they were still trying to get makeup on their counselor. However, that was where Piper drew the line.

  Until Jason decided to ask her on an official date.

  "I figure," he started, "that we've never really had a real date. So we can head into New York or something, get dinner, whatever you want."

  "Okay," Piper agreed. She beamed. "Sure. You pick the place."

  Jason ran a hand through his hair. "Um, yeah. I don't really know too many restaurants in New York..."

  "Just ask Percy. I'm sure he'd know."

  So they decided on a restaurant at some hotel called Le Parker Meridien.

  When Piper told her half-siblings about this date, "Nothing fancy, you know," they all practically screamed.

  "Piper, no! You can't possibly wear that!"

  "What are we going to do with your hair?"

  "You definitely need makeup!"
  
  The screaming became so loud that Piper finally consented.

  When they were finished with her, she had to admit she didn't look bad. Her make up was subtle and understated, not enough to be noticeable, but enough to be noticed. The dark eyeliner brought out her multicolored eyes and her lips were perfectly glossed. She had been coerced into putting on an off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved, dark blue dress that wasn't too fancy. Her siblings had paired it with black boots and tights. Her hair was loose and wavy, two feathers pinned in and one, small braid over her left shoulder.

  "Too much?" Lacy asked.

  Piper smiled. "No. I think it's perfect."

  Jason seemed to think so, too. His mouth opened and closed several times like a fish before he finally managed a smile and offered her his arm without a word. Piper thought maybe—just maybe— she could get away with a little makeup every now and then.

  Dinner was perfect. The waiter left them alone for the most part, and Piper couldn't remember a time she had that much fun. They cracked jokes, and laughed about everything, and wondered if this peace between the Romans and Greeks would be kept up, and generally avoided the topic of whether or not there would be another war.

  Like a gentleman, Jason walked her to the door of her cabin. Piper could her her siblings inside, trying to listen quietly. She kissed Jason on the cheek. "I had a lot of fun, Jason. We should do that again."

  He frowned. "That's all I get? I take you out on a date to some expensive restaurant and—"

  She cut him off by pressing her lips to his suddenly. He pulled her closer and they wrapped their arms around each other. The door to her cabin was flung open and several screaming Aphrodite campers rushed out.

  "Ohmygawsh you two are so cute!"

  "Aww, I can't believe you guys!"

  "Get a room, you two."

  Jason pulled away, blushing, and smiled. "Night, Piper."