PERI'S POV

I couldn't help but smile as I watched Leo snoring softly. He had passed out almost immediately despite his earlier protests that he didn't need any sleep.

His lips looked so soft, they were parted slightly with his sleepy breathing, and his curly bangs framed his face perfectly. When he was dreaming peacefully like this, there was no denying his handsome features. Part of me wanted to reach out and caress him or even climb into bed with him.

My face burned at my own thoughts, and I shook my head fervently. Getting into bed with him?! What an insane and totally lewd idea. What next? I'd want to shower with him?

Oh gods, Peri!

I glanced at Leo's slumbering form once more before quickly turning on my heel and leaving the boy's room. I shut the door tightly behind me and glanced around the hallway guiltily.

Thankfully there was no Coach Hedge waiting around the corner with a baseball bat to pummel me into dust for my.. hormones.

I bit my lip in thought as I started up the staircase leading to the deck. Thick tendrils of fog still hung in the air, and it reminded me how hazy and cloudy my mind was at this time. Who was I kidding? Trying to navigate through this foggy sea would be loads easier than trying to understand what was going on in my labyrinthian melon.

My combat boots thumped softly against the wooden floorboards of the ship's deck, and I made my way towards the main controls. Glancing around, I saw Percy and Bonnabelle speaking urgently with one another, but their voices were too low to make out what they were saying. When I caught his eye, Percy gave me a kind smile and a wave. I reciprocated his gesture, somewhat touched.

I smiled to myself as my hands gripped the ship's wheel. It feels good to have friends. People to protect.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on connecting with the ship. I felt a familiar warm feeling in my chest that spread throughout my body, making every cell feel alive and vibrate with powerful energy. I heard Festus whirr and click to life.

My, my, Miss Storm, you are becoming very proficient at that.

"Why thank you, Sir Festus." I beamed at the Celestial Bronze dragon, and he blew a pillar of white hot fire into the sky. In an instant, I had gathered all kinds of information from the ship, including our exact position in the Mediterranean. I groaned. There was a lot that needed to be done to get the ship in tip top shape.

I decided to start with repairing the ship's stabilizer, and turned to head belowdecks once again when my eyes met shiny kaleidoscope colored ones.

"Piper?"

"Hey, Peri. Good morning." Her choppy brown hair blew in the salty sea breeze. She looked pretty as usual, but somewhat troubled. "How's the ship? Do you think it's still possible for us to get to Rome in time and save Hazel's brother?"

I rubbed the back of my neck and chose my words carefully. "I'm on my way to do some repairs right now- Shrimpzilla really did a number on the ship. But we can't lose hope."

Piper nodded fervently. "You're right, we'll save Hazel's brother for sure. Is there anything Jason and I can do to help?"

I tapped a finger to my chin thoughtfully. "Actually, yeah, it would be great if you two could clean up the lower decks. They were thrown into complete chaos when the monster attacked."

"No problem, Peri, we'll take care of it." She smiled. "And make sure you eat something soon! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Piper waved at me as she grabbed Jason and headed belowdecks.

I mentally checked off one thing from the long list of repairs the Argo needed. Teamwork was the only way we were gonna make this dream work.

My stomach grumbled as if on cue, and I decided to heed the daughter of Aphrodite's advice, strolling to the dining hall. Hazel and Frank sat together and were they.. sharing a stack of pancakes oh my gosh that's adorable.

They both smiled kindly at me and gestured for me to sit with them, but I shook my head.

"Sorry guys, I've gotta head to the engine room and work on repairing the ship. I just came to summon a little breakfast." I picked up a golden platter, willing it to fill with Belgian waffles, eggs, and lots of bacon. Within seconds the platter was full to bursting with breakfast goodies.

Hazel seemed downright disappointed that I wasn't going to be joining them. Her golden eyes looked almost as large as the platter in my hands, and she purses her lips. "Oh, fine, then just promise me you won't work too hard."

I couldn't help but smile at her motherly tone. "I promise, Hazel."

"And we better see you for dinner!" Frank chimed in with a playful glint in his eye.

I promised them both countless times before finally being able to slip away from the pair. I headed down to the engine room, clutching my golden platter of deliciousness. When I whipped open the door I was greeted with a blanket of steam and a sweet and familiar scent.

My soul stirred, and I inhaled deeply. Gods, I loved this smell so much. Being surrounded by precious metals like Celestial Bronze and Imperial Gold always made me feel so damn good. I set my breakfast down on a nearby work table, picking up a wrench.

"Let's get to work."