of half-bloods and happenings
repair boy
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Leo had always been good at fixing broken things. Of course, most times he was the one who'd broken them in the first place, but that was beside the point. He always knew what he'd done wrong, and he always knew how to make it right. Until, today, that was. Because Percy Jackson was standing in his workshop, scarred, scared and no longer handsome, and Leo had no idea what to do.
Percy was clearly broken, but Leo hadn't the faintest how to fix him.
"So, Percy," he tried, fiddling with his tool belt. "What can I you for?"
Percy scanned the workshop, looking uneasy and awkward in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Nothing," he said finally, his eyes coming to rest on Leo. The sea lived inside of those eyes, Leo was sure of it. "Nothing at all."
They both knew it was a lie.
Leo pulled out two stools and offered one to Percy. They sat. "You know, when I first heard that prophecy, I wanted to run away. Like I always do." Percy stayed silent. "I've been to - I don't know how many foster homes. I've lost count. I could never stay. I don't know why, I just -"
"You were different," Percy murmured, almost talking to himself. He smiled sadly. "I know the feeling."
"When I heard to storm or fire the world must fall, I just wanted to leave as soon as I could. Because I'm the fire guy. It was obvious I was meant to - to -" Leo let out a snort of laughter. "Well, you know how it turned out. You're the storm guy, huh?"
"Yeah." Percy let out a reluctant grin. "You ever feel like we got the short straws in life?"
"All the time, man."
Percy sighed and stood. "Thanks, Leo. You're a cool guy. You remind me of -" He faltered and cleared his throat. "Well, you know." And Leo did. Beckendorf.
"Stay golden, Percy," he called as the older demigod turned to leave. Percy paused for a moment in the doorway and let out a smile that wasn't sad or reluctant.
"You too, repair boy."
Leo stayed in his workshop for a long time after Percy left. Maybe he'd just fixed something that was broken, or maybe he'd only tried to. Maybe Percy would never be whole again. But that was okay, Leo finally realised, because he knew he wouldn't be either. They were broken together, and it was a million times better than being broken alone.
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