"Nico!" Leo shot up, shivering in a cold sweat. He looked around, the image of the Nico's pale, terrified face still fresh in his mind. Leo laid back down, breathing heavily. He fought down the urge to vomit.
I could of saved him. He didn't have to go.
Leo had never really gotten to know Nico that well, but Tartarus was a fate no one deserved. Annabeth and Percy had barely survived.
To distract himself, Leo thought back to the events of that day, fiddling with his pillowcase and a few springs.
When they had finally gotten back to camp, Chiron had been intrigued by Argo. She had immediately bowed to Chiron, who looked surprised, but did not stop her.
"You do not seem to be a Half-Blood, my dear," he said, "and yet, you are not mortal?"
Argo had just looked mystified.
"I don't think I am a Demigod, Master Chiron, I thought I was human." Chiron looked pleased at being referred to as a Master. He shook his head, his face unreadable. "You are able to eat ambrosia and nectar.. So you would not be a simple human." Argo had looked crestfallen.
"Ah, my manners. As a gift from the gods, you may make your home here for as long as you require. Piper, some clothes perhaps?" Chiron said, eyeing the the hoodie.
Piper had nodded, putting an arm around Argo, "You can stay in my cabin, sweetie. Don't worry, I'm sure that we can get you some clothes that fit,"
Leo had stared after them, unsure of what to do. His godly parent had just handed him a girlfriend.
What had Aphrodite called him? Tragically Adorable? Was that good or bad?
There had to be a catch.
"Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Leo looked up. Chiron was smiling at him, kindly. "My Dad just turned my boat into a girl." Leo was sitting uncomfortably, twisting paper clips into small, moving animals. "I figured, the gods wouldn't just give me a gift like that without getting something out of it. I want to, but.."
He trailed off. Chiron sighed. "There is no obvious reason why the gods do anything, young man." Then he smiled.
"However, if you seek my advice, I offer that you do not question their motives."
Leo took a moment to decipher this. "So you're saying I shouldn't worry?" Dionysus entered the conversation from the table.
"Exactly, Lars!"
"Leo." Mr. D continued to deal the deck of cards. "You should be young. Go do whatever young people do these days. Enjoy it."
Mr. D sounded almost, wistful? Leo sort of did feel bad for the guy, he had been stuck at a summer camp for so long, it would get boring. "I'll do my best sir Mr. D sir!" Leo said, adding a salut.
Dionysus nodded, "Now leave. Before you become the first fire-breathing dolphin."