LEO

When Festus landed, Leo clambered off his back and offered his hand to Calypso. She looked at him.

"Such a gentleman," She sighed but took his hand anyways and leaped off, gracefully landing on the ground beside him.

Leo turned around and faced his friends that charged upon him like raging bulls. They stopped right before him, silent.

"Well?" Leo said, joking, "Where is my hero's welcome?"

They all leapt onto him, except for Nico, who stood a little off with a smile plastered on his face. There was hugging and sniffling, and much shouting in happiness and annoyance. His friends were crushing him and Leo struggled to breath.

"Um – ack – guys!" Leo coughed out, "Need. Air!"

They reluctantly let him go.

"Leo Valdez! You've got a lot of explaining to do!" Piper said dangerously. The others nodded in agreement, eyes flashing.

Leo put his hands in the air in surrender, chuckling, "Yeah, I know. I owe you guys one."

He glanced at Calypso, who had been standing quietly and awkwardly away from the commotion, watching.

"But first, let me introduce you my girlfriend, Calypso."

That night, there was another huge celebration and a bunch of demigods greeted Leo with hugs and tears.

"Yeah, praise me guys! Leo the Hero!" Leo had teased.

He had told everyone all about his genius plan and how he had come back to life.

"So, are you like, a zombie now?" Percy had asked.

"That's right, bro!" Leo replied, winking at the others.

After the biggest commotion calmed down, Leo looked for Calypso who was mingling with the demigods. He found her talking with Piper, Annabeth, and Reyna. They were probably having some girl talk.

Leo walked in on them and said mischievously, "Sorry for interrupting your chit-chat but I'd like to steal Calypso away right now."

Piper and Annabeth wrinkled their noses at him and Reyna gave him a warm smile. Calypso looked like she was trying hard not to laugh.

Leo took his girlfriend's – gods, he loved being able to call Calypso his girlfriend – hand and they sat down on a log in front of the campfire.

"So, did you have a talk with Percy?" Leo began, looking at Calypso and gauging her expression.

She stared into the fire and said, "I did." She glanced at Leo, smiling, letting relief wash over him.

"He apologized and we came to an understanding. He did try to go on his promise but the Olympians didn't follow through on his request. It's all okay now."

Leo felt giddy and elated and gave Calypso a big bear hug. She accepted it without a word. A few tears stained his shirt.

"Thank you so much, Leo," Calypso murmured through his shirt, "I can't –"

Leo stopped her. "Shhh...no more talking."

Then, he kissed her.

Leo couldn't wait to spend the rest of his future with Calypso.