Leo kicked his feet through the dust; fingers busy in his pockets, fumbling with nuts and wires. None of them fit properly. It was a bright sunny day at camp; everyday was. The perfect temperature a bit hot with a slight cool breeze bringing in the scent of fresh strawberries from the field. Other campers trained on the climbing wall, screaming as they dodged lava, laughing to each other as they rushed to beat their high score, but Leo, with his overwhelming incompetence in seemingly every area couldn't bring himself to join in. He was a repair boy at best, a seventh wheel, and even on a day like this couldn't get a single gadget to function. The sun sneered down at him. It was so beautiful as to mock his dilemma. He collapsed onto a nearby tree stump wondering what was wrong in the world. Coming up with far too many answers.
He glanced over his left shoulder seeing a boy with raven black hair settled under a big oak tree. He seemed to be asleep and little sighs escaped his lips now and then. He was clad in black jeans and an avatar jacket that was all together too hot for the weather, but he seemed at peace in his dreams; something rare among Demi-gods. Leo didn't want to disturb that, but just as he was turning away the boy yawned, raising his fists up to rub his eyes and squinted in the sun.
Leo could just about imagine short whiskers trailing off the corners of the boy's cheeks. Little cotton candy pink ears, a button nose, and a flickering tail from underneath him. He looked down at his loafers. The lace was frayed on the right shoe. And scuff marks adorned the sides. He'd worn them on the quest to defeat Gaia. He suddenly recognized the boy. He was different now. He had changed from the gnat boy in the jar of death. The one with skin so pale it was blue and bones so prominent you could see them through his shirt, yet he wore the same jacket. A token like Leo's shoes. As lucky as them to have survived.
He turned to the boy who he now recognized as Nico to see his hair in a mess and his still sleepy eyes scrunched up in a halfhearted glare. Leo couldn't help himself, he erupted into laughter leaning back on his seat and even slapping his knee in pleasure. He hauled himself to his feet and grinned back at Nico with all the shine he could muster, still whipping away tears. Nico started then and reached up to pat down his wild hair.
"What?" He snapped; completely mortified.
"Nothing, man! Leo exclaimed, holding his hands up in surrender. "It's just good to see you!"