Credit for this chapter goes to morbid bookworm, who use the first chapter in their story Be Happy! Check it out, it's awesome! Also, I don't own any of the characters. That privilege goes to Rick Riordan!

Propped up on numerous pillows in an abandoned hotel room the demigods were using as a base, Reyna glared at her legs. They were all wrapped up and splinted, but she couldn't walk. How was she supposed to lead the roman army if she couldn't walk? The war was over and she had to take everyone back to Camp Jupiter, and figure out who the other Praetor was, and a whole bunch of other stuff. She couldn't afford to be bedridden, not now when her people really needed her.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," she mumbled, annoyed.

"Hey," Leo popped his head in.

"Heard you got hurt. You okay?"

"I'm fine," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Leo came in and perched on the end of the bed.

"You don't look okay," he said pointedly, "your legs are busted and you look mad as hell right now."

"Well I'm fine!" I snapped.

We were silent for a moment. I was expecting him to make a stupid comment or joke to lighten the mood, but he didn't.

"What's it to you,Valdez?" I finally asked angrily. "I don't want or need your sympathy. If you don't have anything to say, then get out."

"Sheesh, all I wanted to do is see if you were okay, I didn't come to be yelled at," he grumbled.

"Well if you really want the truth, I'm pissed because I'm supposed to be leading my warriors back home in victory, not stuck here, unable to do anything!"

"Well if that's the only problem, you could ask me for help. That's what I'm here for after all, querida."

"What do you mean by help, Valdez, and why do you call me querida all the time? What's it mean?"

Ignoring her second question, Leo cocked his head and asked, "Do you want my help or not?"

Reyna pursed her lips and thought about it.

"Yes. As long as it isn't humiliating."

Grinning, Leo held out his arms.

"What are you-"

He swept her up and proceeded to carry her bridal style out of the room.

"Ahhh, damn it Valdez, put me down!' Reyna cried.

Leo looked at her and saw her face was white with pain from her legs, and she was gripping his shirt.

"Sorry querida," he said, shifting her so her legs wouldn't jostle.

"Ohh, just take me to the leaders of all the cohorts, if you insist on helping," Reyna growled.

Leo ferried her around as she discussed organization with everyone, from deciding exactly when they should leave, and how, to the proper way to bury the dead and treat the wounded. Leo was impressed with her leadership skills, and said so.

"Shut up Valdez," Reyna said, blushing.

Leo smiled at her. He noticed how perfectly she fit in his arms, her small body curled snuggly to his chest.

As the day wore on, Reyna noticed Leo getting sweaty and quiet, panting slightly. His chest had waves of heat coming off through the thin material of his tee shirt, effectively warming her in the chilly air. He had already shed his jacket.

"I'm sorry," Reyna said guiltily, "I know I must be heavy and you've been carrying me all day."

"That's not the problem," he said frowning, a look of in intense concentration on his face, "you are actually really light, and I'm not tired." He smiled weakly. "Naw, the Supreme Commander of the Argo II is tougher than that." Then his face furrowed again.

"Then what's the problem?" Reyna asked softly.

"I'm not sure," he muttered desperately.

Reyna reached out and gently rubbed in between his eyebrows, trying to smooth out the worry line there.

"Great Belladonna, you're burning up," Reyna cried, "you must have a fever!"

Leo's eyes widened.

"Not a fever," he said, looking around frantically. Then his eyes fell on her in his arms, and his face went pale under the heat flush.

"Crap," he whispered, "Sorry, but I have to put you down."

He gently lowered Reyna onto a park bench, and then took off at a dead run.

"Leo wait!" Reyna called.

"I'll send someone else to get you!" he yelled back over his shoulder and then he was gone, leaving Reyna looking stunned and confused at his ashy footprints in the dead grass. What had she done?

oooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo

"This is going to hurt," Annabeth said.

Percy grimaced. "Just do it fast."

"Ow," he howled as she popped his arm back in its socket.

"That's what you get for thinking you can take on a giant all by yourself," Annabeth said sternly, but she gently massaged the sore joint before handing Percy a square of ambrosia.

"Thanks," he muttered, abashed.

"Hey guys," Jason said walking into the room.

"Percy, could you do me a favor and check on Leo?"

Percy looked at him, startled.

"I could," he said slowly, "but why do you need me to do it, and where is he?"

"That's actually the same question. I just saw him, burning like a bonfire, run into the ocean, cursing Aphrodite at the top of his voice."

Percy and Annabeth stared at him.

"Why did he do that?" Percy finally asked.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "If he knew that, would he be asking you to look for him?" she asked with fond exasperation.

"I don't know," said Jason, cutting off Percy's reply. It was usually best to head those two off before they really got into it. "But could you do it?"

"Sure," Percy said standing up, "I'm on it."

"Don't strain your arm," Annabeth cautioned as he kissed her on the cheek and the two boys left the room.