Chapter Text
Leo carefully shut the door to his room. He quietly trotted up the stairs to the deck of the Argo II. The wood was cold against his bare feet and the frosty wind whipped through his unruly brown hair, but he didn't care. He walked silently up to the front of the ship. He pressed a hand against Festus's head. The bronze dragon's eyes flickered. Or maybe it was just a trick of the light. Leo smiled sadly.
"You know buddy? You were the best friend a person could ever have. I'm really gonna miss you." He ran his fingers along the snout of the metal creature hypnotically. Hot tears welled in his eyes. He clutched the railing that circled the deck. Then he turned his head to the stars.
"Are you proud of me, mom? Did I do something worthwhile with my life?" Tears rolled down his cheeks. He pulled himself over the railing. He landed carefully on the thin ledge between safety and a long drop. He looked down. The ship floated high in the air, over a vast expanse of water.
"Leo?" Speaking of water... Leo spun around, grabbing the riling to stabilize himself. Quickly wiping away his tears, he forced a bright smile.
"Oh! H-hey Percy! What's up?" Percy walked forward slowly, a deep frown on his face and genuine concern in his eyes.
"Leo. What... What are you doing?" Leo glanced over his shoulder at the dark waters below. He tensed. Percy could ruin everything... He faked a smile again.
"Nothing! Just, uh, some work on the ship! Yeah, nothing to worry about!" Percy obviously wasn't buying it. Soft footsteps sounded from the stairs. Leo's heart sunk as he looked behind Percy to see the other demigods-previously sleeping but now wide awake- walking up behind Percy.
"Leo," Percy said slowly, "Climb back over the railing. We can talk about this!" He sounded almost desperate. Leo smiled, genuine this time.
"You guys are making this much harder than it needs to be, you know." Hazel started to cry softly.
"Please, Leo. Don't do this, please!" Frank put his arms around her comfortingly. Leo bit his lip to keep from lashing out. This was exactly the problem. He was the seventh wheel. He didn't fit in. He shook his head slightly.
"Don't cry, Haze. You know I can take care of myself, right? You don't have to worry!" It was Jason's turn to move to the front of the group.
"Think about this. We can all talk this through if you just come over here!" Leo shook his head.
"No," Leo said firmly, "Talking won't stop the nightmares. It never has, it never will." Jason opened his mouth to protest, but Leo cut him off. He grinned tiredly
"See you on the other side." He let go of the railing and fell.