Warmth
Leo came up to me today. We had a short conversation. He called me Death Boy three times, and told me I should try out a smile for once. Then he laughed and left.
Usually, this would make me angry. But it didn't. It left me feeling annoyed, definitely, but warm.
That's the sort of effect Leo has on people. That lovable annoyance, that heart-warming idiocy. You can't seem to not like Leo. He's always feels so friendly, and he always has a smile on his face – even if he's usually laughing at some crap joke he made … or you – and you can tell he always tries.
Not to say, of course, that he isn't annoying. I find Leo very annoying. Most of the time, I can't stand more than five minutes in his presence. Although, this might be an over-protective brother issue.
I love Hazel. And Frank's a great guy. And I would much rather Hazel be going out with Frank than Leo. Luckily I don't have to worry about that anymore, now Calypso's here, but still, I've probably harboured some of that tension.
Because that's what I do. I harbour things (makes me sound like a port). Leo, on the other hand, doesn't.
Leo is like the opposite of me. He makes an effort to hide his scars, to keep his pain hidden from the world, whereas I must admit, I don't often tend to care what people think about me. And Leo always tries to be nice, which is something I can't say I'm fond of doing.
He just seems to be this bubble of energy, jumping around hyperactively, keeping you on your toes and dancing around you like a naiad.
I've only ever seen that bubble break once.
It was a few months ago, when Leo had just got back from 'being dead'. I was wandering through the forest when I heard noises coming from a huge face of rock. So I went over to it, and there were these enormous doors, swung open, seemingly carved from the stone.
I went inside, and followed the noises. I was met with Leo. He looked like he was in the middle of something, but something looked a lot like a broken engine. He kept cursing at it and hitting it with his wrench. Eventually he just slumped to the floor and curled up. I started to feel uncomfortable, so went to leave. The last thing I heard him say was "Why can't I do anything right?"
That very afternoon, he was jumping around as usual, his cheerful grin restored on his face, his eyes shining again. But seeing him like that made me look at him differently.
I realised that we're not so different. We both lost our mothers, and both had to deal with being tossed around like a bundle of clothes no one wants. But at least I had Bianca there with me, to look out for me. Leo had no one.
But he still came out of it smiling. He cracks bad jokes, makes sarcastic comments, laughs at himself. These are still things I'm having to remember how to do. And it just all seems to come so naturally to him.
He's like a flame, blazing around and warming everyone else with the heat of his jolliness. You can't stand near him without feeling a little better, even if it's only a miniscule amount.
But all flames need kindling every now and then.
So I've taken to leaving piles of wood on his bed marked 'for the fire boy' in the hope that it'll give him the laugh I get from him every day.
He keeps glaring at me though, so I'm not sure he understood the message.
Jeez Nic, who knew you could be so adorable? All these little entries are so sweet!
Jason, you bought me this book, if you want me to use it then STAY OUT! And DON'T call me NIC!
Alright Co, calm down.
JASON!
Thanks for the lovely reviews! This was Calefe's request.
I'll update sooner next time, promise!
Flamingo