LEO'S POV

It's safe to say I screwed up.

I watched, wide eyed, as Peri shot down the stairs like lightning. And hell, there might've been some lightning because I know I saw storm clouds of rage in her eyes.

I frowned and stared into my lap. I didn't mean to make her mad. I thought that if I made her think I had chicks macking on me all the time she'd like me more. I mean, girls like pimps don't they?

Oh smooth move, Leo. Festus scoffed. Smooth move.

I glared at the wall. "You're not helping!"

Festus made a whirring sound almost like laughter. You messed up with her big time.

I fell silent at that, knowing full well that he was right.

But I know you care about her.

I bit my lip. When it came to Peri, my thoughts and words jumbled up like alphabet soup. I got all confused and didn't know what to say or do, but I did know that I cared about her.

A lot.

"So what should I do?" I asked him finally.

Give her some time to cool off, then go talk to her. Festus advised.

I nodded and slowly stood, making my way towards the stairs. I headed into the bathroom and turned the squeaky faucet, steaming water rushing from the shower head. Undressing quickly, I stepped under the hot spray for a long shower. The water rolled off my skin, heat quickly filling the small bathroom. My mind wandered to this and that as sweat, grime, and motor oil streaked down the drain.

Somehow my thoughts roamed back to Peri. She seemed so upset. I can't believe I pulled a Jason on her. How stupid could you be, Valdez?

I sighed and stepped out of the shower, shutting the water off. I wrapped a clean towel around my waist and headed out of the bathroom. Padding down the hallway, I quickly slipped into my room.

The bronze lantern hanging from the ceiling flickered on, artificial constellations faintly illuminating the walls. A lone backpack sat on my bed, carrying everything I held dear in this world. A pang went through me as I realized just how few items there were.

Unzipping the dark bag, I rummaged through the contents hurriedly. Picking out a clean pair of boxers and shorts, I threw on a shirt that smelled pretty clean to me.

Sighing, I lied on the cushiony bed and stared up at the ceiling, not bothering to make my way underneath the covers. My hand slipped underneath the bed's pillow, and my fingers grasped at a weathered piece of paper.

I brought it out and stared at the photograph. It was old and worn, the edges burned a bit from. . . that night.

It was a picture of my mother and I - back when I was just a little dude. Mom's curly hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her face was a mess with motor oil and machine grease. But she was smiling. And she was beautiful. She held me in her arms, and I could just see the love in her eyes.

And it made my own eyes burn with a flood of emotions. I bit back the tears. I was sick and tired of crying all the time then smiling like it was all okay. Things weren't okay. Gaea took my mother away from me.

My grip tightened on the fragile photograph.

And now she was gonna pay.

I slipped the picture back into its place underneath my pillow. I closed my eyes, allowing exhaustion to overtake me. However, the familiar creeping of sleep didn't influence my body. I lied for hours staring at nothingness, but no matter what I could not fall asleep.

There was something I had to do.

I rose from the bed and made my way to the room's door, silently slipping out into the hallway. I went to Peri's room next door and knocked softly.

"Peri," I whispered. "Peri, it's Leo."

No answer.

I knit my brows. Was she that mad at me?

I knocked on the door a little harder. "Peri, open up!"

Still no answer.

"Fine," I muttered and stuffed my hands in my pockets, heading up the stairs to the deck.

Warm air whistled through my curly hair, and about a billion bright stars shone in the dark sky. Kicking the ground lightly in frustration I slowly made my way towards the helm. Just as I was about to tell Festus his advice totally sucked ass, a soft sound hit my ears.

It sounded like someone was humming a familiar tune into the night. I looked around lazily to find the source of the noise, and I peered over the side of the bronze warship in curiosity.

And there she was.

I spotted Peri's small form wrapped in a thin blanket. She sat on Festus's head, the grooves in his framework a very applicable saddle as I knew from personal experience. Her head and neck were the only parts of her exposed, and her medium tone skin appeared to glow in the moonlight. Her hair was down and blew in the gentle summer breeze, shining its pure, golden hue.

She hadn't noticed me yet, and her head bobbed gently as she hummed softly to herself.

I leaned over the railing. "Made yourself comfy then?"