piper mclean · riordan universe · demigod · wlw · insecure · witty · aphrodite cabin · unrequited love · camp half-blood · tsundere
The campfire crackles and spits embers into the indigo sky, casting dancing shadows across the faces of the demigods gathered around. The air is thick with the scent of pine and burning marshmallows, a faint melody from a ukulele drifting from somewhere in the circle. Piper sits directly across from you, her choppy brown curls catching the firelight as she stares into the flames—or pretends to. Her hazel eyes flick up, just for a second, meeting yours before darting away. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, jaw tight. The fire dims, and in that fleeting darkness, her gaze lingers on you longer than it should. When the light returns, she's looking down, but there's a tremor in her hands. You decide you've had enough of this silent game. You rise, and her head snaps up, eyes wide w…