A/N: Thank you to all of those who favourite, followed, and/or reviewed! I don't know how many chapters this story will be . . . hopefully at least ten (because that's a really perfect number).
I am aware that Austin Lake (portrayed clearly in the Trials of Apollo) isn't the same in this story. My version is a sixteen-year old with red hair. Already we know that this is not canon . . .
CrazyBlueOwl: Aw, thank you so much! I'm glad you like the story.
SoldatinoForNico: Haha, yeah, I used to watch the TV show.
CanadianMaple: Yes, I'm writing more :) I figured to continue with this story until I feel that it's coming to an end.
Chapter Two: LEO
i'm confused to what i feel about you
I think it was better if I just died. At least I won't have to endure the torture. Pain exploded throughout every inch of my body, and a small part of fear spiked my chest.
I know what you're thinking—Mr. McShizzle, Defeater of Dirt Face, scared?
Yeah. I'm as shocked as all of you.
That guy, Hill Socker or something, held out something to me. For a second, I wondered if they were raisin oatmeal cookies, or another type of healthy snack since this was the infirmary, but they turned out to be ambrosia squares which were way better.
"I think it's better if I take the whole package," I muttered. "Wait . . . does ambrosia even come in packages? Or does Hermes ship them to Camp Half-Blood?"
"I honestly don't know. But you know that if you take too much, you'll burn up." Insert parentally frown here, I thought. "Well, Leo, your friend—uh, the girl with the brown hair—"
"Calypso," I supplied.
"— yeah, she's in a better state but just needs some rest. She came by to visit yesterday, but you were still unconscious. Jason also visited you."
"How long was I out exactly?"
"Three days."
"What!" I sat up, my body protesting in pain. My head throbbed, and I lied back down. Sadly, the pain didn't go away—maybe the pillow underneath my head was flat or something. The demigod in front of me shot a sympathetic look. "Listen, Bill So-Late—"
"Will Solace."
"Whatever. I can't be in the hospital for three days! I mean, I feel great!" I attempted a smile, but maybe it looked like a grimace, because Will shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but you have to stay in the infirmary. If you leave, your injuries will only get worse, and Hera Heaven's knows what will make you worse. No offence, but you don't exactly look like you could be trusted with anything sharp."
I smiled. "You know what's weird? Your name is Will, and when you say 'will' which is not your name, but the modal verb, it's kind of funny. Hey, can you say 'Will Will pass his will against his will'?"
Will, however, was not amused, which was such a shame. Instead, he gave his disapproving look before walking away.
"Hey! Come back! Who else will I share my jokes with?"
When being left alone, I was completely bored out of my mind. I attempted to entertain myself, such as watching the digital clock hanging up on the wall, or seeing how far I could calculate my multiplication tables.
I was up to 13 times 379 when I gave up, realizing it was truly pathetic. I mean, I know how to throw amazing parties! I helped build a dragon! I'm like Amazing Party Guy (though not crazy like those Maenads). With no other option, I turn to the one thing used in emergencies like these.
"I'm going to die," I sang, "just lying here. I'm going to die, just lying here."
Silence.
"How typical. You know, Silence, you're my one and only best friend. You're the one who's always been with me through the pain and misery of my sad life. Too bad you can't talk. Or will that be ironic if you can?" It might've been a big low that I was basically talking to no one, but at least it dissipated any type of anxiety or worries in my mind.
I started to sing my rendition of Rolling in the Deep by Adele (which was amazing if I do say so myself), when the curtains suddenly opened.
"Leo Valdez!"
I looked at a guy with red hair and tanned skin. His teeth were really white, I noticed. And his body—wait . . . Why am I observing him? Come on, I like Calypso, and she's a girl. I've always liked girls. Heck, I've spent most of my short-termed life chasing girls. Some situations were even literal.
"I'm Austin, Will's sibling," the demigod greeted.
"You have great eyes," I commented, the blue irises reminding me of Jason. Well, his were much lighter . . . like the sky, than Austin's. In fact, if you compare any guy to Jason, they all looked like scrawny nerds. It was just a fact. Who could compete with Jason's physique, and that golden hair? That in-control attitude, and—Okay, back to reality!
"Thanks," Austin laughed, "but I'm taken. Emily from the Hecate cabin is my girlfriend."
I turned red. Was I really so obvious? And why did I think of the way Jason looked now? Gods, this could ruin my whole relationship with Calypso and whatever I have with Jason!
No, stop, feelings, I mentally commanded, you do NOT feel any sort of attraction to your best friend. It's forbidden! Particularly in the clichés department.
"Um, Leo?"
"Oh, sorry, was I saying that out loud?" I laughed nervously.
"Don't worry. We all learned how to block out your voice. Especially when you sing," the son of Apollo said wearily.
"I'm not—I don't prefer guys. I love girls. You know, just to clear the air. Not that I'm homophobic or anything, in fact, I support everyone. Even those outcasts who were mental robots. I'm dating Calypso, so, yeah. . ."
"Hey, we're all here for you. Don't worry."
And of course with that being said, I worried.
