Chapter IX: Leo

Life just never gets better.

Here they are, in the middle of the Aegean Sea, waiting to encounter the so-called Charcoal Lady, or whatever she was called.

Honestly, Leo isn't very enthusiastic of meeting her, but he has to keep that impression of being fearless in front of his friends. He wouldn't exactly want to be centaur meat.

Their trip to greece was longer than he expected. Of course, the monsters cut part of their time, but seven days? If they reached Greece within that limited amount of time, Leo's vegetables would turn into cake.

"Leo! How much longer till' we reach Sparta?" Piper calls anxiously.

Leo snaps himself out of his gaze. "Uh... I don't know, probably a few more hours?"

Piper slouches back into her chair. "Hours," she grumbles.

Hazel sighs. "Well, we better get back to sleep, then."

They both get up and make their ways toward their cabins. Leo wishes he can say that for himself, but unfortunately, he was stuck steering the Argo II. He wouldn't get any sleep tonight. However, Leo told himself he was doing it for the crew. He would do anything for the sake of them, and steering the ship was included.

Leo notices Percy is watching him intently. Leo turns. "What?"

Percy puts his hand on Leo's shoulder. "Go."

Leo gives him an awkward look. "Uh, where to, exactly?"

Percy rolls his eyes. "To your cabin, duh."

Leo gapes at him. "Um, Perce, I am the only one here who can steer the ship."

"Who told you I can't steer a ship? Besides, I know where we're headed to."

Leo eyes him suspiciously. "How do I know I can trust you for not crashing the ship?"

Percy sighs exhaustedly. "That's not exactly my problem."

He prys Leo's hands off the wheel. "Get some sleep, fireboy. You deserve it."

Leo finally gives in. "Fine. Let me know when you get tired."

Percy laughs, a weak laugh. "When it comes to sea, I'm never tired."

Leo walks down the hall and dives into his cabin.

Leo lies on his bed, his arms folded across his stomach. He stares at the ceiling, humming the tune of the 'Candy Man'. Leo imagines what it would be like to not be one of the seven, to be a normal, regular mortal teenager. He would have a nice, enjoyable life; fewer monsters, infinite amount of sleep, no problems. But Leo could only dream of that.

His thoughts drift to Calypso. He remembered her big, warm smile, her dark almond eyes glistening with wonder. Her long, curly hair blowing in the wind. Her…

Leo commands himself to snap out of it. Yes, he has to agree, he had fallen in love with the grouchy but beautiful Caribbean girl, and he had very high hopes for seeing her again, but he knew it was impossible.

He had swore to come back for Calypso before he left, before she kissed him, kissed him on the lips. Leo smiles dreamily and begins talking to himself. "I don't know what to tell the others. They all know something's happened. Is it better to keep it a secret or probably tell one of them...? I miss her and I really wish-"

He is interrupted by a laugh. Percy stands at the doorway, his head thrown back in laughter. Leo turns a bright red "How much did you hear?"

"The entire thing"

Leo covers his face with his hands. Percy walks inside. "Buddy, if you've got to say something, say it."

Leo takes a deep breath. "I met Calypso."

Percy's face goes slack."What?"

"When Khione blasted me out in the sky, I landed on her island. And apparently the gods were supposed to free her but they forgot, so she was mad with them and with you. She started crying when I mentioned your name. So she was pissed with me for the first few days, but then she helped me build an escape raft because the main one wasn't working. So a few days before I had finished, the raft appeared and she told me to go. And I swore to release her, I'm not sure if that was the best move. But now I miss her and..." Leo explains his adventure in detail, the island and his oath. He leaves the kiss out, however.

Percy's face is mix of emotions. "Are you in..in love with her?"

Leo isn't sure how to answer this.

" I...I just don't know...but I've never felt like this with any other girl."

Percy takes a lot of time to answer this. Leo feels extremely awkward and adds on. "Now I know I might never see her again and it hurts. Not to add I might die if I can't do it."

Percy closes his eyes. "I never meant to abandon her. And when I requested for her freedom, I seriously thought the gods would do it. "

"She was hurt when you chose to go."

" I know. She even cursed Annabeth."

"What?"

"Long story. Never mind."

"Do you mind if...you know...like um..." Leo stammers.

"Dude," Percy claps his shoulder ." You've finally found a girl!"

"But you can't tell anyone."

"Jeez man, can you trust me with one thing?"