Archive of Our Own

Prologue

First Day of Safety Patrol

"Hi. I'm Calypso. Calypso Theyes Atlas." "What's your name?" I stuck out my hand to greet my partner but he only glanced at my hand and scoffed. He looked to the opposite direction and I retracted my hand slightly hurt. Okay so that isn't going to work. I sat down next to him and hugged my knees. I stayed still for a second and looked up to hear the shrill screams of children playing.

Most of the sounds that came from the playground were from the shrieks of delight of getting caught in a game of tag. Most of my class talked with each other or walked the perimeter of the playground waiting to be released from school. The small children hung from the monkey bars despite the rules against hanging upside down from the monkey bars.

I tried to continue to talk to the boy next to me but a particular sound stopped me. It sounded like a kid crying. I scanned the playground for the sound and my eyes landed on a small child screaming while trying to get down the monkey bars. I couldn't help it.

I jumped to my feet and ran over to a child that was stuck on top. I quickly climbed to the top and tried not to think how ridiculous it looked to have a fifth grader on top of the monkey bars. The girl with pigtails looked at me through her watery eyes and I extended my arms to her. Her face brightened at the sight of someone rescuing her and she jumped into them.

I carried her down carefully and then set her on the mulch. I took a tissue out from my pocket and cleaned her tear-stained cheeks. After she stopped sniffling she got up. She barely reached my hip level. I kneeled down to her level and she looked at me with her big emerald eyes. I smiled at her and she shyly smiled back. 'What's your name sweetie?" She put her hands behind her back and rocked herself slightly as if trying to decide something.

"My big sis tells me not to tell my name to strangers."

She draws out the last word, sounding out the syllables and looked up at me, pleased. I raised my eyebrows. "This girl is smart." "Alright how about you give me your sister's name so I can take you to her so she can take care of you?" The girl with pig tails nodded and I got up and waited for her to take off the mulch on her. She looked up to me and softly said "Katie her name's Katie is my sister's name." Calypso did a mental checklist to see if she knew a Katie.

Katie Gardner?

The girl stuck out her hand for me to grasp. I slipped my hand into hers a proceeded to walk around the park with her to see if she sees her sister. We walked for a while when she suddenly rushed forward to a group of kids and stumbled to a figure in the distance. I ran forward to match her pace and saw the young girl was picked up by an older looking girl that looked around my age. As I neared, I picked up on their conversation and the girl spotted me coming closer.

"Hello?" Katie cautiously said to Calypso. She was stricken by the similarity by the two girls. They both had sparkling emerald eyes and chocolate brown hair. "Hello. Is this your sister? Calypso quietly said, embarrassed that the group Katie was in had had stopped their conversation to listen on what the two girls had to say. Katie nodded. "See I told you the pretty girl saved me!" The little girl exclaimed. "Isn't that right." Katie mused and smiled at her. She stuck her hand out as a greeting.

"Hi I'm Katie. Katie Gardner."

She jabbed a finger into her little sister stomach. "This here is Lily. She's too shy to tell her name to anyone." Calypso nodded. "Oh I know were in Green club together." It was Katie's turn to look surprised. Calypso furthered explained. "Um. I'm the one who usually sits in the back so don't be surprised." Katie softened. "So you're the girl who plants the moon lace flowers. The flowers are absolutely stunning." Calypso blushed. "Thank you."

Katie opened her mouth to reply but a boy snickered. "As much as we like talking about flowers and all but what are we going to do with the party?" Katie set down Lily and sent a dirty look to the boy who interrupted her. "Look Travis I can't do anything about your broken DJ station we either have Pandora music or your crummy iPod music."

A look alike whispered "Shot down by a girl." "New low for you bro." Travis looked at his younger brother and shot him a look. "Fine. But what are we doing?" Katie put her hands up she was exhausted by this conversation. "I don't know Travis maybe-" The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them.

They both stopped their screaming match and they looked at me. "I may have a solution." Katie looked at me gratefully. "What's your idea?" I grasped the edge of my blouse and looked at all the people. "I have a few speakers. Personally I don't use them but if you want you could use them for your party. I would be glad to give them to you." Travis and Connor let out a whoop.

"Are you sure?"

A new voice piped up and I looked at the girl. A girl with choppy brown hair and kaleidoscope eyes looked at me. "You don't have to do that." I shook my head. "I'm sure." Her kaleidoscope eyes shimmered. "Well then, thank you then."

"No problem." "There small so they fit in your hand but they are powerful enough to hear around the room." Calypso said. "Tell me when you need them." She waved goodbye to the group but someone stopped her. "Well if you supplying us with the music then you're invited if you want." I turned around at the sound of the new voice. "Really?" The boy with black hair shrugged.

"Sure if you want it's a small party anyways. It's at my apartment." "It will only be me, Annabeth, Piper, Jason, Frank, Hazel, Katie, Travis, Connor, Miranda, Lily, Leo, and you." He pointed to each person for her to recognize the people. I counted off the names. "Wait. Where's the other person?"

The boy was about to answer but the bell rang, signaling that their period of recess was over. Hastily, Piper quickly said "If you need a place to sit, you can sit with us if you want." "Were at the far end of the lunchroom." She waved goodbye and so did the others when they left. Calypso sighed as she walked back to her post and waited for the other classes to come out for recess.

One more class to go. She looked forward and saw the boy still sitting on the concrete. A pang of guilt struck her in the face. "He's been sitting here like he was supposed to while you go off and leave him alone. Shame on you Calypso!" As she neared him she took a good look at him. Curly brown hair, pointed ears, a slightly scrawny frame. Yup defiantly distinguishable from the other fifth graders. He looked to be as old as her but she couldn't tell because of the way she was standing. Her shoes signaled her obvious arrival.

He didn't even bother to acknowledge her. She sat next to him and played with a blade of grass that she plucked from the ground. She put the grass into knots and she inhaled sharply when the boy next to her spoke. "You did pretty well over there."

He tilted his head to the monkey bars. Calypso face flushed. "Thank you." She twiddled her thumbs as she cast another glance at him.

His face was in deep concentration and slowly his face turned into displeasure at the thought of something. Calypso took in his expression. "Are you okay?" His face darkened and he looked down. "Yeah I'm fine." He grunted.

Calypso frowned. "You don't look fine." He looked at her funny. "What do you mean I don't look fine?" "All the ladies love me!" He grasped his suspenders and snapped them against his body. He winced at the pain but tried to hide how much it hurt. Calypso smiled at his announcement and actions. "I didn't even mean it that way!"

He smiled and stared ahead again. Calypso took more blades of grass and put them on her lap. She braided them together and concentrated to try to make it into small basket. After a while she felt someone staring at her. She looked next to her to see the boy looking intensely at her. "How did you do that?" Calypso shrugged. "I don't know, just comes naturally I guess." He stared for a little longer and pulled something out of his pocket.

He fiddled with it for a little and she realized he was taking it apart and putting it back together over and over again. "Do you like building stuff?" He looked at her and nodded. "Why?" Calypso shrugged in response. "Just asking." A comfortable silence settled in between the two kids. "Seriously what's your name?" He turned to look my direction and he had such a thoughtful expression on his face she didn't know if he had heard her.

"You know the teachers put us together so you goodness rubs off on me?" Calypso paused. "I didn't know that." Leo shrugged. "I figured it was kind of obvious on how the teachers avoid me." Calypso thought for a second. "Well if the teachers put us together then how about we get to know each other."

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you suppose we do?" Calypso tapped her chin. "How about 20 questions?" He waited for her to start. "Would you rather have your arm or your leg?" He seemed surprised. "What kind of question is that?" Calypso rolled her eyes.

"It's still a question silly." He cracked a small smile. "Well I guess my arm since I like building stuff and you can't afford to lose an arm." Calypso nodded. "Same." "Um. What are your parents' names?" His expression turned solemn. "Parent. Just parent." Calypso didn't push the topic further on. "So what is it?" "What is your parent name?" He tapped his fingers together. "Esperanza" Calypso smiled.

"That's a beautiful name." He smiled. "It means hope in Spanish." Calypso grinned. "You speak Spanish?" He nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's pretty neat." "Cool." Calypso said, impressed. "All I speak is English and Greek." He raised a fist.

"Bilingual people stick with bilingual people right?" Calypso flinched at his raised fist. "What are you doing?" Calypso asked slightly alarmed. He lowered his raised fist. "It's a fist bump." He bumped his fist with hers.

"You just do that." Calypso looked at her enclosed fist and she bumped it with his. "Like this?" He sent a lopsided smile. "Yeah just like that." "So…" "What's your favorite color?" He laughed. "That's a little deep but let's see, my favorite color has to be red." He looked at her and she nodded. "What's yours?" "Mines cream." He looked at her surprised. "Cream? That's my mom's favorite color." Calypso laughed. "Cream usually isn't someone's favorite color." He looked at her oddly but joined in her laughter.

She chuckled and she continued to weave the basket. She froze when she felt an item on her head. She sharply leaned back and the boy looked down to the floor. He stumbled over is words. "Sorry it wasn't working as a basket so I made this." He handed the crown to her and he stood up. The bell rang as he stood up and he struggled to take off the safety patrol sash while walking to the carline.

I looked at the crown of leaves and I rushed to his side. I clutched the crown tightly and I stopped him. He looked at me with frantic eyes and I took in his chocolate brown eyes. "I didn't get your name." He looked down at my hand that clutched the crown of leaves and responded to me.

"Hi I'm Leo Valdez." He mumbled and he ran off to the direction of the car riders. I stood there for a few seconds admiring the crown before realizing how much heat was coming of my face. I smiled and blushed all the way to where my dad's car war waiting.

I looked up just in time to hear my name called. I saw Leo in front of me and I waved back to him. He jumped into the car and he scurried to the backseat to clip on his seatbelt. I got into my dad's car and I sat in the back. When the line of cars started to move, I kept track of where Leo's car was.

My dad looked at me through the rear-view mirror. "Hey honey. How was school?" Left, Left, and Right I kept that glued into my mind. I didn't even notice that my dad asked me a question.

"Yes Daddy?" Atlas chuckled. "What got into your mind today?" "I said when we get home do you want spaghetti or ravioli for dinner." He kept his eyes on the road but every so often his eyes shifted to his daughter. I thought hard. "Actually Daddy, can we get takeout for tonight?"

Esperanza

"What got you all grinny today Leo?" Esperanza Valdez asked her son when he entered the car. She looked to the rear view mirror before driving out of the car loop and taking a left turn at an intersection. The car in front of her also took a left and Esperanza considered passing it. She put her blinker on and moved ahead of the car. When the cars were side by side, Leo excitedly looked out the window and a girl around his age waved at him.

She politely waved at her and Leo and then gave a stink eye to Leo. Leo gave her one as well and she turned away giggling. Her honey brown hair covered her face and Leo tried to get one more glimpse of her before Esperanza passed them completely. The driver tilted his head to Esperanza and she mouthed a "thank you" to him.

She took another left and the car behind her took a right and stopped at a fast food restaurant. She continued to drive carefully and watching out for pedestrians when she turned to meet Leo's eyes. She grinned slyly. "Quien era Leo?" Leo obviously wasn't listening. Or so she thought. "It's no one mom." Leo waved his hand as it was nothing but the grin on his face was evident.

Esperanza turned back to the wheel and nodded her head as she believed her son. They stayed quiet for a while until Leo said something. "She's my friend." Esperanza nodded her head and pretended to agree with her son. "She must have done something good because she got rid of your bad mood." Leo smiled and looked straight ahead but he didn't respond.

They pulled up into a gravel driveway and Leo burst out of the car. He raced ahead and his mom tossed him the keys to the house. The keys jingled as he ran with him and when he opened the door he was tackled down by a furry mess.

He laughed joyfully at the dog on top of him. "Festus get off of me!" Leo scratched the lab under his chin and the ten year old patted the one year old dog between the ears. Festus wagged his whole body and ran inside the house to retrieve his chew toy. Leo ran back to his mom and helped her get the groceries from the back of the car. He carried bags in both hands because he always thought one trip was for sissies.

He set the bags the kitchen top and continued to do his chores. His mom entered the house and immediately put her metal mask on. "Are you working in the back today mom?" Esperanza's response was turning on the blowtorch and letting it light up three times. "What made you guess?" her voice sounded muffled but he caught the words and he laughed.

Leo got the broom and proceeded to broom their two story house. Festus helped by retrieving garbage on the floor and throwing it into the trash bin in the kitchen. He hummed his favorite song under his breath and his thoughts went back to Calypso. He couldn't help it. He really thought that he was actually looking forward to school tomorrow just because of Calypso. There was the party at Percy's on Saturday so he had one more day to see Calypso before the weekend. A song popped in his head and he groaned at the irony but he sang along with it.

He jumped out of his skin when he heard the sound of applause. He whirled around to see his mom clapping as much she could with gloves on. "Never knew you could sing Leo." "Pass me the extension cords?" She pointed to the far end of the house and Leo ran to go get it. Esperanza shook her head at her love-struck son. Leo knew there was no extension cords at that end of the house. Esperanza smiled at the thought of her little Leo having a girlfriend.

Calypso

When I got home it was a little past eight so it was a little dark outside but I immediately went to go check if I still had the little speakers. My dad threw me the keys and I opened the front door to greet my golden retriever, Waves. In my hand I had leftovers from the restaurant we went to and I tossed it into the refrigerator. I gave Waves a treat and she trotted up the stairs with me.

When my dad entered, I shouted "I'm going to put some music on!" Atlas threw me a thumbs up and he entered the kitchen to prepare his Calypso a snack. I entered my room and inhaled the fresh air. The curtains in my room swished in the wind and I went to go close the window

I looked out the window and I was about to close it when I noticed something unusual. A car's headlights illuminated my room and I shut it quickly. I moved the curtain aside a little and peeked out. A figure stepped out of the car and handed the taxi some change.

The taxi driver nodded at him and I watched him as he sped off. I watched as the figure looked at her next door neighbor's house. Personally I didn't even know who lived in there because my dad doesn't let me go out but I knew they had to have a boy because of all the boxers they hang in the clothesline.

The car in the driveway looked familiar as well. I watched him walk up to the house and ring the doorbell. I peered at the porch light and saw that someone had answered the door. A woman with a long braid down her back opened the door and dropped the thing she was holding. She flew into the man's arms and shook in his hold. The man quickly began to rock her as a way to calm down and he hugged her as well and by the looks of it he was crying. The woman opened the door a little further and seemed to call out to someone.

The woman in the porch light seemed to explain something quickly and I noted that the woman and the man had a smile on their faces. Part of me went aww when the woman kissed the man but when he seemed motioned to my house and I paled.

Uh oh.

A bunch of thoughts crossed my mind in a flash but I quickly shutted the curtain and scurried to the center of my room. I completely forgot what I was doing. After a while I calmed down and had a rational mind again, I laughed nervously and continued to do what I was doing before my attention went somewhere else.

I snapped my fingers as I remembered what I was doing and reached into my closet. I pulled out an unopened box and then I threw it on my bed and proceeded to open the box and plug in the devices. The little speaker's barley fit into my palm but I shrugged and pulled out my black iPod.

I hooked it up with the speakers and waited for it to turn on. My iPod was on shuffle so the first song it the speakers played, it nearly made my ears bleed by being so close to the speakers but I managed to turn down the music. Waves looked up from her sleeping position to give me a sleepy look.

I apologized and walked over to her. I petted her and she shook her leg meaning that she enjoyed being scratched behind her ears. The sound of a squealing tire made her perk up and she growled slightly at the window. I casted a look at the window and decided if it was a good idea to eavesdrop again. I shushed Waves and quietly made my way to the light switch. I flicked it off so the people would think I exited the room, and I crawled to the window and opened the curtain a sliver of an inch.

My heart fluttered at the scene. A familiar curly haired looking ten-year old was hugging the waist of the figure and the father, I presumed, lifted him and the sound of Leo's genuine laughter echoed in my ears. I jerked away from the window and I put two and two together.

I grinned and excitedly peered back at the window.

Leo's my neighbor.

The Next Day

The next day was an early release so my time as a safety patrol was cut in half. I waited for Leo to come out of his classroom but when he didn't I patrolled the halls while I waited for him to come out. While I picked at my nails, I heard a familiar voice.

My ears perked up at the sound of my name and when I neared the corner, the voices increased in volume. I put my back to the wall behind me and wondered how many times I've eavesdropped today. I slowly inched my way to the edge of the wall and concentrated on the voices.

The hushed voices continued to continue and they seemed to be arguing about something.

The two voices, Leo and Percy, continued to talk in hushed conversation until I peeked out of the corner. Leo yelped and embarrassed that I have been spotted, I sheepishly said "You coming Leo?" "Were already a few minutes late for our morning shift." But that wasn't necessarily true. I was just patrolling the hallways and truly I was looking for Leo but, it was our turn to walk the halls and I didn't expect for him to be here early.

Percy sent him a thumbs up sign and Leo shot him a glare. He seemed to mouth something and Percy grinned. Leo turned away, his expression hidden by his curly hair. "Let's go Calypso." He strutted forward and I followed confused. Percy ran out the building and he opened the doors which let in the sound of playing children. Leo fixed his sash nervously and then turned to me.

His eyes gleamed and he pulled me to a corner. I opened my mouth to protest but Leo cupped it. He looked around for any signs of teachers and he bounced up and down excitedly. "Guess what Calypso!"

I stopped to pretend ponder. "Hmm…maybe it's that your dad came home yesterday night at around eight o' clock?" Leo opened his mouth to answer his own question but his jaw slackened at my saying. "But how. Why. How did you even know?" "You're the first person I was going to tell!" Leo gaped at her. "Maybe I know because you're my neighbor and you didn't tell me!"

Leo eyes were as big as saucer plates. "You're my neighbor?" "I didn't know that." Calypso huffed and put a strand of hair behind her ear. "How long have you lived in Cobblestone Leo?" Leo looked down and replied "A few months." It was Calypso turned to look down, but this time in shame. He lived seven yards away from me for a few months and just now you notice him? Calypso scolded herself for not introducing herself when they moved in, but then again her father would have never allowed it.

Calypso closed his mouth. "Come on we have to go give the systems to Katie and Travis." She pulled him in the direction of the door but Leo stopped. He held up a hand and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Wait. You're the Calypso that Travis praised for bringing in the speakers?"

Praised? Calypso shook her head. "No. All he did was whoop about me bringing in the speakers." She frowned. "What other Calypso goes to this school?" Leo wiggled his eyebrows. "I know a couple by the name of Calypso."

He smiled at Calypso and she couldn't resist smile back at Leo. His smiles are so contagious that you just can't help but to smile back. What he said hit her. Calypso frowned once again. "Seriously you know more than one Calypso?" Leo deadpanned.

"No Callie it's called sarcasm." Calypso made a face. "Sarcasm?" She tested the word out and Leo shook his head. "I'll explain later." They both rushed out of the building racing each other and they immediately scanned the playground for a group of kids that were around their age. Leo spotted them first and he took two steps down at a time. Calypso warned him to take a step at a time but he made it down safely.

Calypso quickly descended down from the stairs and one the last step her body was jerked forward and she stumbled. Her knee scraped the sidewalk and a person helped her up. She gladly took the hand and said thank you. 'You're welcome now come on!" Leo helped her up and Calypso took a step forward only to yelp in pain. Leo looked behind him and saw Calypso was reaching for her pocket.

She pulled out a bag smaller than her palm and she zipped it open. Leo ran back to her and asked what was wrong. Calypso pointed to her bloody knee and Leo reached in his backpack and brought out a clean sheet of paper towel out. He gave it to Calypso and she cleaned her wound.

"Why do you have paper towels in your backpack Leo?" Calypso asked as she tried not to wince as the sheet came in contact with her scraped knee. Leo gently blew on the scrape and Calypso sighed in at the sweet relief. He took the bandage that she gave him and he put the dolphin patterned bandage on her. He stood up and dusted his hands off.

"Those were my paper towels for wiping my mouth but I don't mind." "How does it feel?" Calypso blushed at his act of kindness and she tested her leg by rotating it a bit and surprised she felt no pain.

"Thank you Leo." She limped slightly, trying not to do any more damage to herself and Leo helped her out by putting his arm around her shoulders and helping her like that. They made their way to their group of friends and Frank noticed them first. The big guy ran to them both and he helped out Leo by heaving Calypso the rest of the way.

Calypso laughed joyfully. "Frank it's alright! I'm not dying! It's just a scraped knee." Frank blushed madly when Hazel squeezed his hand assuringly and told him how kind he was for helping them both out. Leo tried not to act hurt when Frank took Calypso away. He had it under control! Why did anyone not see that? He wasn't a weakling. Sure she probably weighed more than his scrawny figure and was probably stronger than him but still!

Travis approached her first. "Did you bring them?" Katie smacked him. "Manners Travis!" Katie smiled at both Leo and Calypso. "Hello." The group let out a series of hellos, hi's, what's ups, and oddly an odd handshake from Connor Stoll.

Connor's shimmering cerulean eyes sparkled. The nine year old looked up hopefully at her. Calypso nodded at the eager boy and reached in her bag. The next second the color drained from her face. She let out a strangled gasp and pulled out a smashed speaker. "No!" Travis moaned out and turned away from the horrid sight. Leo's interest sparked at the sight of the broken speaker.

Percy and Annabeth smiled apologetically at her and Jason and Piper sympathized her. "You're still invited to the party if you want Calypso." Annabeth said to her. Katie tried to hush Travis and Connor as they cried. They both stood up suddenly, successfully scaring Katie in the process. They took off mulch and Travis just shrugged. "Oh well. Do you just wanna hear Pandora music?"

Calypso didn't hear them.

Oh no...the speakers. There goes the only chance I had to make any friends.

She tried to blink her tears away when she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Leo's determined brown eyes. She was slightly surprised on how serious his eyes looked at the moment.

"Callie can I see your speakers? I can fix them if you want." Calypso looked at him through her eyelashes. She nodded and Leo sat on the mulch floor. He looked up to Calypso. The others noticed how the Leo was sitting down and the commotion stopped when they saw that Leo was taking apart the speaker.

"Sit next to me Calypso?" She obliged and sat herself next to Leo. Leo examined the speaker thoroughly by taking it apart and he came to a conclusion. He opened his backpack and pulled out wires, an icepick, and a little square piece of bronze.

Calypso looked over his shoulder as he furiously punched patterned holes into the bronze. Calypso tapped him and asked him to give her the bronze and the icepick. He nodded and he warned her that it was "specialized work". Calypso sent him a half smirk.

She punched the holes as easily as a knife through butter. "Specialized work huh?" Leo grinned at her and wrapped the wires through different parts of the system. Calypso gave him the bronze and he tapped it on perfectly. "Phone?" Everyone reached for their phones but Calypso handed her iPod to him. "Will this work?" She blushed when Leo brushed her hand against hers. "It will work Callie."

When he plugged the iPod to the speaker, everyone jumped when the song My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark blasted from the small device. He lowered the volume to the lowest it could go and presented it to the group.

"Is this good enough?" Percy, Jason, and Travis hooted and clapped Leo in the back. Leo kept grinning the whole time and his proud self gave it to Calypso. "See I told you I can fix it!" Calypso smiled at him and at the fixed item in her hand.

You sure did Repair Boy.

… ..

Lunchtime

"He really did! I swear Jason tried to eat a stapler before!" Piper exclaimed and wildly gestured to the eleven year old boy Jason. Calypso covered her mouth to stop from snorting. The poor boy named Jason had a look between embarrassment and mortification that all his friends were laughing at him.

His gaze fell on Calypso and Calypso shrugged helplessly at the situation. Jason sent a small grin to Calypso and she gave him a reassuring smile back. Jason chatted with Percy about what moves to use in a video game and Annabeth and Hazel exchanged notes that Hazel had missed out on. Frank was still in the line waiting for his lunch.

Calypso turned her attention to Leo and she scooted closer to Leo. Leo noticed and he only sent a questioning look to her before biting into his ham and cheese sandwich. Calypso reached into her backpack and pulled out her lunchbox that had a juice and one sandwich in it. She grasped the bag in surprise she realized that the juice container leaked in her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

She grimaced as she inspected the soggy sandwich. She stood up and she threw the sandwich away. Calypso hated good food going to waste but no way was she going to eat a soggy pb and j sandwich. She walked back to her seat holding her growling stomach and she let out a little whine that she wasn't going to eat lunch. She picked at the table and she had a bored expression on her face.

Leo munched on his ham sandwich before swallowing what he had in his mouth. He took his other half of his sandwich and his milk and put them on a napkin. He finished of his other half of his sandwich and he nudged the meal to Calypso. Piper had a striked up a conversation with Calypso and Piper watched with an amused expression on what Leo was doing. Piper tilted her head and Calypso looked behind her.

Calypso saw half of a sandwich, a carton of milk, and a small apple sitting neatly on a make-shift plate. Leo sipped his juice box and squeezed the box to get the last drop of the apple juice. Calypso tried pushing the meal back to Leo but he resisted and he demanded that she eats the meal. Calypso raised the ham and cheese sandwich to her mouth and she moaned in delight as she bit into it.

Calypso had a protein bar she was gonna save for practice but she pulled out the bar and handed it to Leo. Leo shook his head but Calypso said "I already diminished more than half of you calories Leo, just take it and eat it so you don't fall asleep in class." Leo reached for the bar and his hand connected with hers. Calypso felt a tiny zap jolt through her body and she let go of the protein bar when Leo tugged on the bar. She let her hand fall to the side and she saw Leo stuff it into his backpack. Calypso gave him a questioning look.

"You don't want to eat it?" Leo shook his head. "No I'm just saving it for tonight." Calypso mouth formed a little o and she waited impatiently for the bell to ring. Leo asked her a question. "Where did you usually sit before you sat with us?" Calypso motioned to the farthest corner of the lunchroom.

"I'm not a very social person." "Besides, a lot of kids consider you guys as the 'cool kids' in the school so there too scared to approach you guys." Leo and the others heard what Calypso said and they laughed loudly. Calypso let out a nervous chuckle. "What? Did I say anything wrong?"

Piper and Jason shook from laughter as they tried to answer her question. Leo beat them to it. "Cool kids?" "Most of us here are ADHD and dyslexic!" Leo jabbed a thumb to Frank who was holding his lunch plate. "Except that kid there." "He's lactose intolerant and not even the tiniest bit dyslexic." Frank pouted his lips and he pointed a finger to Leo. "Hey at least I can read the back of measuring labels!" Everyone at the table giggled except for Leo. Leo motioned to himself.

"Hey it wasn't my fault! I keep telling you that!" "My mom had a whole cup of baking soda put out!" "I thought that that was how much baking soda you put in a cake!" Calypso held back a giggle. She made a noise and Leo looked back at her. A smile coyed against Calypso's pink lips and a smile slowly inched on Leo's face when he saw Calypso grinning.

The bell cut the mood and Annabeth scurried to write down the address of the party since she was co-hosting it. She handed the slip to Calypso and Calypso thanked her. Annabeth smiled at her and over her shoulder she called out "Hope to see you there!" Calypso intently read the address and set to remember the address. She caught up to Leo who was patiently waiting for her by the door and she latched onto his backpack string. "Just move." Leo weaved through the crowd and Calypso tried to read tiny handwriting by the apartment number.

Leo concentrated on his task of moving through the little kids that ran past him and tried to stay away from the sixth graders. Calypso squinted her eyes and finally she figured out the number.

07563 The building in the rural area that has a trident sticking in the middle of the yard.

Calypso pursed her lips. She let go of Leo's backpack and she walked next to him. She fidgeted with the paper and she bit her lip. "Leo?"

Leo slowed his pace and he adjusted his backpack because one strap was tighter now. "Yeah?" Calypso handed the paper to Leo and he read it. "Are these directions to Percy's house?" Calypso hummed in response and Leo handed the paper back to Calypso.

"Don't worry about it." "If your dad lets you, my dad could drive you and me to the party." Calypso grimaced. No way was she going if her dad knew she was going with strangers. Leo saw it and he faltered. "Or I can ask my dad to convince your dad?" He started to separate from Calypso.

Calypso smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you Leo." Leo shrugged as if it was no big deal. "No prob. I'll see you in reading class and in the afternoon. A realization slapped her in the face. She completely forgot that Leo was her neighbor. "Yeah see you too Leo." Calypso waved goodbye and a small flutter of butterflies erupted in her stomach. "Yeah see you Leo." She had a small smile long after her class started.

….

12:17 p.m.

Percy's House

Saturday

The party started out well enough. The balloon toss was first but Leo was singled out because he didn't have a partner. Jason offered to be his partner but Leo knew he wanted to pair up with Piper, so Leo sent Jason a look saying "just go to her, I'll be fine." Jason sent him an apologetic look and he almost tripped as he made his way to Piper. Piper smiled and the game started off. Eventually, Percy and Annabeth won because they were the most competitive and Leo thought the others purposely losing for their benefit.

There was a lot of games that could keep Percy entertained for a while and Leo wondered when Calypso was gonna come to the party. Leo twiddled with his fingers. He admits maybe he had just the tiniest crush on her and being Leo, well that meant that wasn't gonna last that long until he scares her off. Leo gripped his red cup that had water in it and he quickly gulped it down.

The young boy got up to refill his cup in the kitchen, completely missing the knock at the door. He sipped the cup of water and he sighed. This was going to be boring if he didn't have anyone to talk to. Leo has already been here for around for at least two hours and the party ends at one o clock.

"Maybe I should just go home."

He gripped the cup and prepared to recite what he was going to say to Percy. A voice behind him made him jump in the air. "Leaving so soon?" "Just when I came?" Leo whipped around to see a girl in a sterling gray blouse with a satchel hanging on her shoulder.

"Hey Leo." Calypso clasped her hand on Leo's shoulders and Leo smiled. "Hey Callie." Calypso smiled and she grapped a cup. "What's up?" Leo cheekily responded with "the sky". Calypso grinned and she sipped her cup of water. "Why'd you come so late?" Leo asked and Calypso put up her hand.

"Well I sort of couldn't find the address where the house was and my dad only knew some of the directions." "Then we got to the lunch rush hour and we still needed to buy Percy a present." "Hopefully he likes the gift we gave him." Leo laughed. "Percy will like anything that's blue." Leo and Calypso came out laughing from the kitchen and they both stopped as they saw the intense competition Leo's friends were in.

Annabeth struggled to balance an egg upright on a spoon and Percy encouraged her to walk a little faster. The egg almost fell a few times but Annabeth managed to shift the spoon in time to catch the egg. Frank guilty looked at the splattered egg on the ground and Hazel quickly gathered paper napkins to clean the mess up.

Jason eyes concentrated on the egg and his tongue stuck out a little from the concentration of trying to keep the egg balanced. Sally quickly gathered one more egg and spoon and she swiftly escorted the two kids to a side of the room.

Sally handed the egg and spoon to Leo and Sally told Calypso to wait until Leo handed her the egg. Leo nervously placed the egg on the spoon and Calypso smiled as she hurried to the other side of the room.

After gathering some courage, he took a few uneasy steps forward as he kept the egg in an upright position. Calypso cheered as he was halfway to reaching her. He succeeded in passing Jason and Frank and he was just a few steps behind Annabeth. Annabeth noticed the late-comer behind her and she almost sprinted with the egg and she quickly handed it to Percy.

Percy fumbled with it for a few seconds and when Leo reached Calypso, he whispered good luck to her as he passed her the spoon. Calypso nodded excitingly and she walked forward in a straight line. Leo jaw dropped to the floor. It only took her a few seconds to cross the room compared to the minutes it took the rest of Leo's friends to even reach their partner.

She was at the end of the room before anyone noticed. Sally quickly declared her the winner and Sally said congratulations to the young girl. Calypso jumped cheering and Annabeth smiled in defeat as she shook Calypso's hand.

Annabeth accusingly glared at everyone else. "Do you guys know the whole point of party games? "You don't let one person win every single time." Annabeth smiled.

"But thank you for raising Percy's confidence on his birthday." Percy indignantly shouted "Hey!" He playfully glared at Annabeth and Annabeth playfully rolled her eyes at him. Annabeth quickly said it was time to open presents. Percy's face immediately lit up like a kid on Christmas as he ran to the presents.

Sally's eyes watered as he watched her baby boy grow up. Percy's twelve year old self called his friends over so they can take a photo with him. Sally raced to get the digital camera and Leo broke away from her to take a photo with Percy and the others.

Calypso awkwardly stayed at a corner and Percy noticed her on the other side of the room.

"Hey Calypso!"

Calypso broke her gaze form the floor and shifted her attention to Percy. "Get in the picture." "Were all friends here." Calypso made eye contact with Leo and he seemed pleased by the fact that she was being accepted into Leo's friend group. She posed next to Leo and Sally started to count down.

..3

..2

..1

Say cheese!

The camera flashed and everyone smiled as they held up bunny ears for each other. The white flash blinded her for a sec but Calypso looked around and she grinned. She gazed at Leo and his friends who all scurried to eat a piece of cake.

They all laughed as Percy's face was covered in frosting, courtesy of Annabeth painting his face with frosting. Leo waved her over to join the fun. Calypso walked up to Leo and they both laughed in delight as Percy smashed his cake in Annabeth's face. The rest of Percy's friends giggled and hooted as Annabeth chased Percy around his house screaming bloody murder.

Yeah Calypso could get used to being friends with Leo and his friends.

15 years old

The sound of hammer clashing with metal woke me up from my afternoon nap. I stood up and slid into my bunny slippers while groggily trying to make my way to the second story window. I opened the window and saw that was Leo working outside by himself. I decided to surprise him so I smoothed out my hair and brushed my teeth real quick. I grabbed two protein bars one chocolate and the other vanilla.

I raced out the door and I made my way to my backyard and moved to the farthest right corner to kick a flimsy fence post. I pushed it and I immediately felt the difference of our yards. Mine was soft and plushy while Leo's was slightly moist and lumpy. I held the protein bars behind my back while I made my way over to where Leo was. I glanced over Leo's shoulder and I frowned at the position Leo was in.

"You know-"

Leo immediately shot to his feet and he dropped what he was holding and grasped his chest. "Bronze and bulls girl you almost gave me a heart attack!" I put one of my hands on my hips and stuck out a protein bar. His eyes brightened at the sight of the treat but when he reached for it I pulled it away. "You know if you bend your body in that way, you could get scoliosis."

Leo went pfft. "Scoliosis?" I rolled my eyes at the way he dismissed the topic of scoliosis. "It's serious Leo!" Leo hummed and he returned back to his project. I leaned over him and I watched in fascination as he effortlessly bended melted bronze to shapes.

"I have mom's special gloves." He wiggled his fingers which were encased in a heavy covering over fire resistant cloth. He leaned down and crawled under the machine.

"What are you doing that for?" Leo grunted as he fought tightening a bolt on the machine. "It's for mechanics class." Calypso nodded her head and before she even said something, Leo interrupted her. "Stacey is going to come over and help me finish it."

Leo tugged and the bolt was in place. He patted the from the machine's bottom. Her resolve broke. "Who's Stacey?!" Leo eyes widened at her outburst and he slipped under the contraption.

"A friend from Mechanics club, I don't think you know her she's kinda- "The door bell rung and Leo ran to go get it, leaving Calypso alone and confused. She watched in anger as Leo came in talking to a short but pretty girl. The girl had short shoulder cut hair and the color seemed almost jet black. She wore a toolbelt almost like Leo but it was filled with more tools than his. Leo explained the situation to the girl and she nodded as she listened to Leo.

The girl took one look at the machine and she immediately set to work with Leo. Calypso climbed Leo's tree and settled in the treehouse Leo had when they were little. They always used to come here to talk and do homework with each other. She wondered why they stopped hanging out here as she traced the patterns they drew when they built the treehouse. She watched from above on what Leo and Stacey were doing. Stacey and Leo worked in almost perfect synch because of the orders they stated to each other.

Calypso snarled whenever Stacey touched Leo to get his attention to see if she fixed the part up like he wanted. Stacey was a pretty girl no doubt but that didn't explain the anger Calypso felt when the girl touched Leo. A few more agonizing hours and they were done with the machine. Calypso crossed her arms as she felt her blood boil.

The girl waved goodbye and Leo walked her to the front door. Calypso picked an apple of his tree and angrily bit into it. She munched on the apple and she ignored Leo's calls from below. Leo let out a huff and he climbed the tree as well.

She felt a stab of guilt hit her in the stomach but she ignored it when Leo popped his head in the window. He had a confused look in his face when he asked "why didn't you stay down?" Calypso shrugged. She didn't know what all the anger was about in the first place anyways. "Move over, I'm coming in." Calypso scooted to a side and Leo went in through the window.

Calypso took out the snacks she had for her and Leo. She passed a protein bar and an apple to Leo and he thanked her for the snack. Their hands brushed against each other's and for a split second Calypso felt a tingle where their hands touched. She instead looked around the treehouse.

"Why did we stop coming here?" Leo shrugged. 'I don't know, we probably grew out of it." Calypso tapped her hands on the base of the treehouse. "I still like it." Leo looked up. "You do?" Calypso nodded and she said "I had so many fond memories coming over here and talking to you." Leo grinned. "It was a lot of fun." "Do you remember the times we hid in here from my cousins?"

Calypso laughed. "Or the times you scared your dad half to death because he couldn't find you?" They both were rolling around laughing as they recalled the fun times they had with the treehouse.

Calypso brushed a tear away. "I don't know why we ever stopped coming here." Leo nodded while smiling "Yeah it would be fun if we did still." Calypso stuck her hand out. She hasn't used this phrase in a long time but she was happy that she could say it again. "Are you up for tree house time?" Leo caught on. "Yeah I'm up for it."

All that could be heard from the treehouse were the sounds of laughter and sometimes a scream of fright whenever a spider settled near Calypso. The two kids didn't get out of the treehouse until the very second there curfew ran out. The two kids giggled and from that day forward, they would at least have an hour of treehouse time and Calypso was more than glad for it.

Means more time with Leo and she was more than okay with that.

.

.

.

16 years old

….

"Gods dammit!" Atlas raised the hood of the car and helplessly watched as fumes lifted into the air. He shook his head sadly at Calypso. "I guess the old girl doesn't have any more gusto Callie." 'I'm gonna have to take the bus until I get her fixed. Calypso looked at the car and something sparked into her brain.

"Wait Daddy, I think someone can fix it. If he can't do it, no one can!" In her dolphin pajamas and bunny slippers, she raced across her lawn and she entered her neighbor's lawn.

She walked to the front door and raised her hand to knock. A second passed. Two. Leo should be awake by now. The sound of the lock unlatching behind the door signaled that someone had heard her. She held her breath as the door opened and sixteen year old Leo opened it. He stood there in Pokémon boxers and no shirt. Calypso gasped and looked away embarrassed.

"Hey Sunshine!" Leo asked her surprised. "Put on a shirt Leo!" Leo immediately looked down and his face burned. Whoops. He slammed the door and immediately went into the living room to fetch a shirt. He found a white tee and he put it on while running to the door. When he opened the door again Calypso stood there with a smirk on her face. "You've been working out haven't you?"

Leo denied what she said. "No..." "You a terrible lair Leo." He tried changed the subject. "Not that I mind or anything but why did you come here?" Calypso's eyes turned worrisome by the reason she came her in the first place.

"Can you fix a car Leo?" Leo scoffed. "Are you actually underestimating my powers as a mechanic?" Calypso rolled her eyes. "How fast can you fix one?" Leo shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe in an hour?" Calypso clasped her hands and twiddled with her fingers. "Can you possibly fix it in thirty minutes?" Leo could almost feel his eyes bulge out.

…

Leo grunted as he pushed the car battery out of the way. He could feel Atlas eyes boring into his back but he tried to shrug it off. Leo pulled out a wrench from his tool belt and in the process; he leaned over the car and wiped the battery of the oil on it. He wiped his brow and closed the lid. The engine was the toughest part of the job. Leo had to swipe most of the motors on it and wiped the exhaust clean.

He then crouched and inspected the grill of the car. Filters seem okay. He swiped his finger across the bottom. Clean. He pulled a skateboard from underneath the car and put his back onto it. He slid under the car and repaired the car from the bottom. As he worked he could hear Calypso talking to her father. Leo tried to concentrate and tried to block out the voices but when his name was brought up, he multitasked.

"See daddy! I told you Leo could do it. I trust him." Calypso indigent voice told Atlas.

"I guess he did but I need to see if he did anything to the car!" Atlas groaned. "This car was my father's and hopefully he doesn't do anything to it."

Leo body stiffened. Schist. This isn't an ordinary car. It's an heirloom. He worked faster almost fearing that if he didn't finish soon Atlas was gonna roll him out. "He can do it Daddy." Leo heart was warmed by Calypso's kind words. He heard her leave the room and he slightly panicked that he was all alone with her father.

Leo finished a little later and when he rolled from under, he miscalculated how long the front of the car was a he smacked his head against the grill. .Ow. Leo's mind repeated over and over again as he stood up shakily. "Are you okay Leo?" Atlas gruff voice almost made him wince. "I'm fine Mr. Atlas. Just bumped my head." Leo ignored the bump that was slowly forming on his head and he patted the hood of the car.

"She should run smoothly now Mr. Atlas." "I fixed the air conditioning and the seat warmers. Oh and the gas tank was slightly leaking so I fixed that as well." "The motor was the problem." Atlas eyebrows shot up and in an incredulous voice he said "That's what you did in thirty minutes?" Leo nodded slowly and savored the surprised look on Calypso's father face.

"Yeah test it out if you want. I'll give you a Hephaestus certified promise." Atlas made his way to the driver's side and he turned the car on. Immediately the car started and she started to purr. Atlas ran his hand along the dashboard. "She hasn't run this smoothly since the day I got her from my father." It was Leo's turn to look surprised. "It's a pretty good working car for the age."

Atlas agreed and a nostalgic look crossed his face. "That was the day I asked Calypso's mother out." Atlas said quietly and his eyes softened at the mention of his daughter's name. "Your daughter is something special."

Leo cupped his mouth. Schist. Did he really just say that out loud to Calypso's father? Atlas gave him a look. "She sure is Leo." "Hand me the remote from there?" Leo did a full 360 and found a white remote sitting innocently on a pile of rope. He grasped it and handed it to Atlas. Atlas leaned out the window and pushed a button. The garage doors opened slowly and Atlas stated to back up but then stopped.

Atlas motioned for him to come and Leo gulped nervously. Atlas didn't say anything for a few seconds but he swallowed and turned to look at Leo. Atlas's steel gray eyes hardened. "Leo…you've been a nice boy to my daughter for at least six years and I have to say, I'm impressed on how much you take care of her."

"You've gone above and beyond for Calypso and I wanted to thank you for that." "If it weren't for you, I don't know how Calypso would have turned out." Leo blushed at his words and he pocketed the wrench in his tool belt.

"It really isn't that big of a deal Mr. Atlas, I was just doing what a friend would do." Atlas shook his head. "I've never seen her more happy when she's hanging out with you. She absolutely jumps at the chance if it involves you and honestly if you two weren't best friends even I the father, would mistake you as a couple."

Atlas eyes bore into Leo's eyes and Leo's face fell. He looked down at the floor upset by the statement. "Well I'm sorry to disappoint but we aren't a couple." Leo sighed dejectedly "I don't think that Calypso even thinks of me romantically." A long pause filled the room.

"So you think of my daughter romantically?" Atlas gazed at the boy's shocked face and his blush as Leo opened his mouth to protest. Atlas stopped him. "Leo it's pretty obvious." Leo looked at Atlas with frantic eyes. "Is it really that obvious?" Atlas smiled while nodding.

"Does she know?" Atlas shook his head as a no this time. "Sorry Leo I don't know about that". "She'll kill me if I tell you this but you deserve to know. Ever since she was like twelve she had a crush on a boy who she demanded to be called 'Repair Boy'.

Atlas shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know if it is a coincidence or anything but you're a mechanic and known her the longest." Leo inhaled sharply. "Repair Boy?" Atlas held up a "shush" sign. He said "I didn't say anything that revealed anything." "Calypso can't say I broke a promise." Leo still held a neutral expression.

Atlas looked away and put his hand on the gearstick. "If you do ever get together…tell me personally okay?" Atlas gripped the steering wheel and Leo's heart beated erratically. "Protect my daughter Leo. She trusts you more me now." Atlas gripped the wheel until his knuckles were white. "If something ever happened to her…I have nothing else to live for then." Atlas sighed heavily and then looked at Leo with an exhausted expression.

Leo realized with a jolt on how old Atlas was now. His graying hairs made him look older than he actually was but his face and he had winkles near his eyes but he still held a hard regal atmosphere only a business man could have. Leo for once didn't wither under his gaze and instead he actually felt comforted.

Atlas started to put the gear in reverse and started backing up. Atlas sent a half smile to him. "You're the only guy that I actually don't mind Calypso hanging around with." "Have a nice day Leo." Atlas paused as if he was forgetting something.

"Oh and before I forget." Atlas glared at him. "If your ever do something with Calypso that involves something else than friendly kisses…I will personally break down your door and beat you in your own house." Atlas was almost out of the garage. Atlas waved at him.

"Glad we had this talk Leo. Thank you for fixing my car." Leo waved back almost grinning ear to ear. "No problem. See you at lunchtime Mr. Atlas!" Atlas chuckled. "That's Atlas to you Leo." The garage doors closed and Leo just stood there with the most shit-eating grin on his face. He stood there for a few seconds before jumping up and doing a small dance. He burst with excitement and he pumped his fists in the air. Leo practically skipped all the way to the Calypso's front door.

He made sure he had everything before he left and once everything was in his tool belt Leo shouted "See you later Calypso!" He grasped the doorknob and he heard a voice shout "Wait!" Leo stopped and he turned back. Calypso stood in the hallway that led to the kitchen.

She put up a hand. Leo held his breath as she neared. She let her hair down and she wore a cotton white shirt that seemed really familiar to him. Her footsteps were light and Leo let out the breath he was holding. "Are you leaving already?" Calypso asked disappointed. Leo nodded and pointed to his house.

"I need to head back home." Calypso looked at the window behind me to see my mom working in the back shop. Calypso ran back to the kitchen and she came out a split-second later with a plate. She held a foil-covered plate in front of her and she shyly handed Leo the plate.

Leo raised an eyebrow. "This is…." He trailed off the sentence when he smelled….it. A spicy scent entered his nostrils and he almost died and went to heaven. "Is this your famous pickled pepper enchiladas?!" Leo mouth salivated at the smell of it. Calypso giggled at his expression and she closed his mouth.

"I made enough for you and your family." Calypso heaved and opened the door dramatically. "Leave and never come back." Leo bowed and cheekily he replied "Maybe I will, I'll ride of off into the sunset on my cousin's stallion."

He huffed but a smile fought its way through his lips. Calypso smiled and fist bumped Leo as he exited the door. Leo turned around and walked backwards. "So were still up for tree house time?" Calypso nodded while leaning against the door frame.

"Only if you want to." Leo grinned. "How can I say no to my favorite person in the world?" Calypso rolled her eyes but that didn't stop a faint blush from rising up on her cheeks. Calypso walked outside to pick up her garden shoes and she quickly walked back inside her house. Leo got one last look at her until he realized something. She's wearing the Team Leo shirt I gave her during her birthday!

Leo slowly skidded to a stop and at the front steps of his house he glanced at Calypso's house for one last time. Leo faintly smiled as he watched her dance through the window. She spotted him staring and she closed the curtain but not before waving at him. Leo grinned and recalled the secret between him and Atlas.

Oh yeah she's defiantly on Team Leo.

17 years old

….

Sometime around 9:30p.m. ~

I could count the times that I have been in an embarrassing situation. There was Billy from second grade that kissed my cheek and I've punched him in the face. I can't forget the time my dad had to pick up my pads from the pharmacy because I was to sick that even the thought of getting up made me tired. Heck I could probably recite them all!

But nothing, nothing is as awkward than being shoved in a closet with your best friend while your so called 'friends' are outside the door chanting for you to make out.

Sometime around 2:30 p.m.

"Hey Leo did Annabeth invite you over for her 19th birthday party?" I asked as I peered at the email Annabeth had just sent me. Leo looked at his phone and searched through his emails. He started intently at the screen and he tapped his chin. Calypso had a moment of time to look at Leo and his thoughtful expression. She nibbled on thumbnail and she swallowed thickly.

Now that she confirmed her feelings for Leo, it's been getting harder for her to maintain her cool around her best friend. Leo glanced up from his phone and he muttered a 'what's wrong?' to Calypso. His thumb paused as he stopped on one email.

"Is it tomorrow?" I nodded and I blushed when Leo leaned over my crossed legs to reach his Spanish textbook. He looked at the objectives that the teacher had given us and he blinked in confusion. "Relationship terms?" "That is what you studied when I was absent?" I shrugged. "I had trouble with it."

Leo scanned the words and he mentally prepared to say a few words with a mutual tone. "Alright...how do you say corazon in Spanish?" Calypso hummed and snapped her fingers. "Heart or sweetheart." Leo muttered 'correct' under his breath. "Novia or novio?" Calypso immediately responded. "Girlfriend or boyfriend." Leo nodded his head. "How do you say 'te quiero? Calypso cursed. She hasn't studied that yet.

"I don't know." Leo gulped and he quickly said 'I love you'. Calypso paused. "What did you say?" Leo had a flare of red on his cheeks. "It means I love you." Calypso repeated the word. "Te quiero?" Leo nodded, his black curls bobbed with his head. Calypso's freckles which faintly dotted her cheeks, shown as she madly blushed. They both looked away from each other and them both where silent for a while. Calypso gr

oaned and she covered her face with her pillow. Leo coughed and he leaned back bed with an audible plop.

Calypso mumbled something through the pillow and Leo chuckled. "No I still think I'm gonna pass even though I don't study." Calypso shot upright. She crossed her arms and she let out a deep breath. "So you don't have to study?" Leo shook his head. "Nope." "I hate you." Calypso mumbled in his ear. Leo rolled his eyes. "Says the person who can speak fluent Greek." "I know you love me."

Leo said playfully and he butted his elbow with hers. Leo realized his mistake and he gulped. He hoped Calypso didn't hear the waver in his voice. Calypso stood upright and she took the textbook away from him. She cracked her knuckles and she smirked at Leo. "And I know you love me too." Calypso masked her nervousness with a gulp. "Alright give me an example of 'te quiero' or use it in a sentence."

Leo gaped at her boldness and he shook his head. "Alright two can play this game." He thought and he smirked at Calypso as well. "Which word?" Calypso smiled as she read which word she was going to choose. "You didn't answer my question." "Answer the first one." Leo cockily responded with "Te amo Calypso."

Calypso eyes shot to him as he wore a cocky grin. Calypso narrowed her eyes but that didn't stop her inside from churning.

Calypso cleared her throat but when she opened her mouth to ask another question, but her door suddenly flew open. A small child burst through the room and Leo jumped at the sudden sound. Her half-sister jumped into Calypso's arms and Calypso stood up and swinged her around.

The little girl shrieked in delight and Calypso cooed at the small girl. The eight year old sight landed on Leo and she waddled up to him. Leo crossed his arms and as a surprise attack, he scooped her up and spun her in a circle.

The girl giggled in delight and Leo set her down gently. The girl stood woozily on her feet, but she smiled at both of them. Her front tooth was missing and her new one was coming in. Calypso questioned her little sister. "Want do you want Mattie?" Her sister grinned at her adorably. "Daddy wants you and him." Calypso nodded at Leo and then she scooped her sister. Mattie looked over Calypso's shoulders.

Leo followed behind them and Mattie started to suck her thumb. Mattie twisted her head in confusion as Leo fondly looked at her sister. A smile was on his face he honestly he looked like a love-struck puppy to her. She was going to ask him later when Leo was alone. Gods the two were inseparable.

Calypso settled Mattie down on the couch and Leo sat on the couch as Calypso went to see what her father wanted. Mattie tugged his shirt and Leo saw Mattie's serious eyes. She cleared her throat and the eight year old said "Okay can you answer a question?"

Leo eyebrows shot up to his hairline. He never heard Mattie sound so serious before. "If I can answer it." Mattie nodded and she quickly said "Do you like my sis?" Leo almost had a cardiac arrest right then and there.

"What did you say?" He choked out. "Why?" Mattie tapped her chin. "I just watch you watch her a lot so I just wanted to know." Leo shamefully looked down to the eight year old. "Is it that obvious for an eight year old as well?" Mattie shook her head disdainfully. "You're lucky she likes you too." "But I would like having you as a brother in law." Leo snapped his attention back to Mattie.

"What did you say?" Mattie crinkled her face. "What that I would like having you as a brother in law?" Leo shook his head. The thought made his face flush but he tried to concentrate on what Mattie had said. "No the thing before that!" Mattie cocked her head before realization slapped her face. "Ohh! The thing I said about how lucky you are that she likes you!"

Leo slumped back to the couch. His thoughts tumbled and his stomach delightfully churned at the single thought of Calypso liking him. He couldn't believe it unless... Leo turned to her. "Are you kidding me?" Mattie quickly shook her head; the pigtails that she wore hit her face again and again.

Leo was about to say something but Calypso ran to him. "We have to leave now if we want to be at Percy's house on time." Leo nodded and they both hopped onto the truck that belonged to Leo. Leo started the engine and Calypso was oblivious to the tension that surrounded them.

When they arrived at the party, it was all fun and games until Percy had a shot of wine and everyone else had a wine glass as well. Except for Frank, Hazel, Calypso and Leo couldn't have one because they were underage. The party started getting rowdy and when Piper suggested a game of seven minutes in heaven, everyone agreed.

If Leo hadn't participated he wouldn't even be in this mess in the first place.

…

Now

Leo shuffled awkwardly and his feet made small squeaking noises. He hid his hands behind him and he had a hurt look in his eyes. "You know you don't have to do this." I shook my head in response. "If they want us to kiss, then why not?" Leo glared at the ground. "It's not just that I just want-" I slowly walked forward and I held hands with Leo. I tried to speak but the words clogged in my throat.

There were a lot of times that I have held hands with Leo but this time holding hands with him made me crave him even more. I gazed at Leo's hurt eyes and I took a step forward. I quietly asked a question that has always haunted my thoughts.

"Do you not want to kiss me?" Leo sharply looked up. He didn't expect that question. "No it's not that." "I just..." Leo paused and he bit his lips from saying anything more.

Like maybe valuable information that he only kept to himself. I cupped Leo's face to make him look at me. Hurt, anger, and sadness looked back at me and my breath flew out the window. Leo sadly smiled and he pressed his lips against my forehead.

My eyes fluttered closed and I savored Leo's lips on my forehead. I couldn't help but wonder what it felt to really kiss his lips and for him to kiss me back. My nerves tingled as Leo rubbed circles on my hands. His lips lingered on my forehead and he pulled back slowly as if he was trying to savor the contact as well. Leo refused to meet my eyes and he quietly said "let's wait this out."

He slid down against the plaster wall and I slid down next to him. It was pretty hard to ignore the whispering that was happening on the other side of the door and I suddenly wished that I had gotten the non-alcohol wine. But of course now Percy and Annabeth were drinking age so my dad had to buy the wine to celebrate. I groaned and I tugged my hair in anger and frustration.

My stomach was doing flip flops and butterflies erupted everywhere in my body. Leo sighed and he quietly said 'three more minutes.' I nodded and I twiddled with my fingers. My skin erupted in goosebumps as I looked at Leo and luckily he was looking away and staring at the light bulb. I saw his face and I could only imagine what it felt to be kissed by him.

It nearly killed me every time that a girl would flounce on him while I had his attention. I stood behind Leo as he helped the girl with her homework and I almost growled when the girl twirled a strand of hair or when she placed any part of her dirty fingers on Leo.

Maybe I was being a little possessive but when Leo was done helping her, he took my hand and we headed out to the lunchroom. The look on the girls face was almost worth the girl touching him. Almost. I snapped back to the present and I looked at Leo's direction again. I saw his Adams apple bob up and down and Leo closed his eyes in quiet agitation.

Why? Why? Why! Did he not have the balls to say that he was in love with his best friend? It wasn't anything new. Frank and Hazel. Jason and Piper. Nico and Will. Travis and Katie. Percy and Annabeth got together and so did the others and look at them know. Both celebrating their happiness together and Leo admits, he envy's all of them for their togetherness while he was stuck in the friend-zone with Calypso.

Leo glanced at his digital watch and he only stared at Calypso who was watching him intensely. I was super aware that Leo was staring at me concerned. I shifted and I let out a huff of annoyance. Leo gazed at me. "What?" I crossed my arms and I tried to maintain my cool. "What did I do to you that was unappealing?" "Is that why you don't want to kiss me?" "Did I do something repulsive?" "Do you just not like having anything to do with me anymore?" Leo had the nerve to smile at me.

"You didn't do anything." My posture deflated as I asked the last question. "Am I just nothing to you?" Leo shook his head and I felt tears prickle the corners of my eyes. "Do you just not like me anymore?" The last sentence was like a slap to the face for Leo. Calypso had no idea how much he always would want her. He just wished that he had a way to express the ways he loved Calypso.

Leo noticed the tears by her face and the bells of alarm in his head went off. He quickly cradled Calypso in his arms and Calypso didn't want to cry but when Leo started rock her, she started to hiccup. Calypso hugged him and Leo soothed her with gentle sayings. Leo shushed her as he rocked her back and forth slowly and the intimacy was almost too much for her. The close contact with Leo only made her feel worse about the situation she was in with Leo.

Calypso sniffled and Leo held her hands. He rubbed slow circles with his calloused palms and Calypso looked up to Leo and at that final moment, she saw Leo differently than all the other times she had seen him. She finally realized through all the years she had been friends with him; he had grown up to become a handsome and talented man.

Calypso stared at his lips and her lips parted by themselves. Leo glanced at the beautiful woman in front of him and he wondered for the first time, what he had done to even know her. A zap went through them both and Calypso closed her eyes as she imagined kissing Leo. Calypso felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her and she watched in nervous excitement as Leo leaned down slowly, almost to see if she wanted this. And oh did she want it badly.

He eyed her pink heart shaped lips and Calypso quietly cursed at the position she was in. She shifted herself so that she can lie on Leo's lap and Leo quickly scanned he eyes for any signs of regret. When he found none, he closed the distance between their lips and when Leo pressed his lips on hers, he felt as if he had all the time of the world in his hands.

Calypso hesitantly kissed his lips and the feelings that she bottled up for the last three years popped out like a soda can. Leo placed his hands on my waist as a gentleman would and he didn't try anything funny. Leo smiled as he tugged one of my lips with his teeth.

He pulled away for a second and he cracked a grin when he saw my pout. He kissed my cheek and whispered, almost to himself, "you don't know for how long I have wanted to kiss you Callie." My heart swelled at the comment and I tugged on one of the curls around the base of his neck. I let out a breathy laugh. "You're not the only one Repair boy." Leo glowed when I said his nickname and he gently pulled me in for another kiss.

As I kissed Leo, my body screamed as sheer pleasure coursed my body. When Leo probed his tongue with mine, I tried to stifle a groan of delight. It felt too good kissing Leo. He wrapped his arms around my small waist and I greedily accepted his hand combing my hair. I twirled his black curl and every so often I pulled on it. He hummed in response, and his hum sent a warm feeling throughout my body.

A small fire blazed in the pit of my stomach and I knew there was only one person that can quench the fire. I pulled Leo closer to me. I frenched his lips and Leo this time he groaned. The kiss slowly started to turn more and more frenzied and I pulled away to take a deep breath. I kissed his cheek this time and I cupped his face.

"You know how I feel about you? "Leo shook his head and he gulped. I whispered in his ear "l had feelings for you the day you fixed my speaker; I thought it was a silly crush at first but I realized that I needed you." "You made me actually laugh and make me happy." Leo softly pecked my lips and my toes curled in delight. "You are the best thing that happened in my life Calypso, nothing can ever change that."

"You always put me in a good mood and sometimes, I could settle being your best friend but other times I wanted you to see that I liked you more than a friend but I was too scared that that would end our friendship because of me saying that." "I always chicken out of my friends because they dare me to ask you out but it is always fun just hanging out to you."

"I made a promise to your dad that I would protect you, no matter what and I intend to keep that promise Calypso." "You are not going anywhere away from my sights." I was silent for a moment and I answered with a quiet tone. "I could have never settled as being your best friend Leo." "Never." "I need all of you, and I can only keep you to myself." I pressed my head against Leo's chest and both of us sighed contently.

It felt so good just letting out the feelings and emotions I have for Leo and now that I know he likes me I was unbelievably happy. I didn't know if I would ever stop smiling. "So do you wanna give us a try Leo?" Leo hummed and he looked down at me. His eyes were darker than usual and I could practically feel my flushed face when I said that. Leo chuckled and the vibrations shook me.

"That's all I wanted to ever hear Calypso." "Of course I'm willing." "Are you?" I pressed my lips against his and I nibbled on his lip. Leo groaned and I laughed. "What do you think?" Leo hoisted us both up and when the door slid open, Leo whispered something in my ear before we both stepped out of the closet.

After all commotion died down about us finally getting together and Leo reciting on how long it took for Percy and Annabeth to get together, Leo pulled me to the side once again he leaned down to kiss me. I lead him on but at the last second I stood on my tip toes and I kissed his cheek. I patted his cheek and I stared at his shocked expression.

He narrowed his eyes at me and I stuck out my tongue at him. He chuckled at my childish behavior and he stuck out his tongue out at me. I pulled away from him to yawn and that caused Leo yawn as well.

It was well past eleven and I had a curfew of three a.m. So I had four hours to blow with Leo. "Do you wanna head home?" Leo nodded and he informed about him going home with Calypso to his friends.

His friends were disappointed but they understood. Calypso headed to the passenger side of the truck and she switched stations the radio until she found a song she liked. She tapped with the beat and Leo pulled out of Percy's driveway. He watched behind him for any oncoming cars. When he found none, he pulled out and in no time they sailed smoothly on the deserted highway.

Leo shifted gears and they raced down the highway. Both of them knew that no law enforcement would be out on a lonely highway at this hour and they sang off tune to a song that blasted out of the radio. Calypso laced her fingers with Leo's and he ran his pad of his thumb over her knuckles.

Calypso's insides tumbled and a jolt of delight shot through her. Leo leaned out the window and he slowed his pace when he saw another car heading his way. He saw lights up ahead and he slowed to truck to see what was going on.

A woman stood outside her car with a baby in her arms. She raised her car hood and Leo and Calypso saw a plume of smoke rise up from the car. Leo without even hesitating stopped the car completely and they both got out to help the woman. Calypso saw the woman press against her car and Leo and Calypso both held their hands up as a gesture we weren't trying to rob her. The woman still had a frantic look in her eyes as Leo spoke. "We are just trying to help ma'am."

The woman realized they weren't trying to do anything to her and she sadly smiled at them. Leo strided forward and the woman stepped sideways so he can examine the car engine. The woman stepped near Calypso and as she rocked the baby, Calypso noticed that baby only had one baby bootie.

Calypso heart hurt as she watched the baby bare foot kick in the air. The woman noticed her staring and she sent a small smile at Calypso. "Thank you so much for helping me, I was out here for a few hours already." Calypso waved the topic off. "It's absolutely fine, it's really isn't no trouble." The woman eyes turned worrisome. "I don't think I have enough money to pay your boyfriend."

Calypso heart jumped to her throat when she heard that. She felt blood pool around her cheeks and she hoped Leo didn't hear that. Calypso nervously stuttered "Really it isn't that big of a deal." The woman sent a grateful look at her. "Its people like you and the boy over there that make the world better with your acts of generosity."

Calypso felt a tingle of pride ride up her spine when she heard that. Calypso gave the woman one last look before walking over where Leo was examining the car. She bumped her hip with his and she leaned over the car to see what was wrong.

"What's wrong Repair Boy?" She settled her hand on top of the car battery and Leo quickly moved her hand out of the way-just in time to see the car battery sizzle and sputter sparks onto Leo's wrist and hand. Leo stifled a yell and he bit his tongue to stop from yelling any words that he might regret saying.

Leo spoke loudly and he said "your battery was the problem; you should be fine from now on." He finished and the woman grinned at him. "Thank you so much! You don't have any idea how grateful I am!" She exclaimed. A small smile rose to Leo's lips. "Hey it was no problem really." "Have a nice evening." Leo waved to the woman and both of the teens made their way to the red truck.

Calypso yawned as she slumped against her seat she leaned over the space between the drivers and passengers seat to peck Leo's cheek. "You always surprise me." Leo laughed. "I know Sunshine." Calypso had to fight a smile when Leo grinned at her. "Don't call me that." Leo shook his head. 'Wouldn't dream of it Sunshine." Leo started the car and he laced his fingers with Calypso's nimble hands.

Calypso blushed a light pink and she squeezed his hand. "Are we going home?" Leo nodded his head and they let the woman go in front of them. She trailed behind her and when they got on an intersection, they went there separate ways. Leo hummed a song and Calypso started to nod of as he sang softly. The grip on Leo's hand loosened but he didn't mind. His mind trailed back from what today had to offer

I never had any idea how amazing it felt to be with someone. Someone to share my feelings, my deepest thoughts, and my greatest wishes with. Today was the day I felt at most peace because I finally revealed everything I held for Calypso. I glanced sideways and I saw Calypso's face in the moonlight. Her skin glowed and her eyelashes fluttered ever now and then.

She was the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on and I wondered what I did to deserve her. I heard her snore lightly and I smiled as I drove. The hum of the car was soothing as I sailed through the road. I put on some music to keep me alert and when I saw other cars and city lights, I made a right turn and headed to a not so rural area.

A few more minutes down the road and we would both be home. I quietly cut the engine when I was in front of her house. I still saw lights in her house on and I wondered were her parents still awake. I hopped out of the driver's seat and I moved towards the passenger side of the truck. When I opened the door, Calypso was jolted awake by the sound of the door opening.

She rubbed her eyes and she saw Leo holding the door open for her. She stepped out of the truck and Leo helped her down. She closed the door behind her and she stared at the two houses that stood side by side. Leo traced patterns on her hand with his thumb and he had a hesitant expression on his face. He tapped his hands on his pockets and he nervously licked his lips.

"Can I kiss you goodnight?"

Calypso smiled and she stood there waiting for Leo to make the first move. Leo shuffled a little closer to her and she raised one eyebrow as he fumbled to take his hands out of his pockets. A small sigh escaped he lips when Leo held her hands.

Leo moved closer and he cradled her face. He licked her bottom lip. Calypso's opened her mouth a little wider in response and she pressed herself against Leo. After a few tender moments, the porch light flicked on and it showered the area with light. Both of them had to stifle a groan when Calypso's dad stepped out into the porch.

Calypso quickly stood on her tip toes and before she had to go inside, she nuzzled her head on Leo's neck. Leo's breathing hitched and Calypso sighed contently. Leo kissed the top of her hair and he mumbled a 'buenas noches'. Calypso kissed his cheek and she mumbled a 'good night' to him.

All Atlas could do is to watch with a sight thrill that Leo and his daughter finally got together. He went inside to give the couple a few more minutes but he watched through the window to see what Leo would do and so they wouldn't try anything funny.

With her dad waiting, there was a shortage of time before either one of them have to go inside to go to bed. Calypso didn't want to leave yet and when Leo drew patterns on my neck and he too seemed not willing to go just yet. Calypso insides erupted in butterflies and she looked up to him and before she could cup her mouth, she whispered 'te quiero'. Leo paused and all his thoughts went into over drive.

Instead of saying something, Leo hugged her tightly and he rubbed the small of her back. Calypso pressed her head to hear his beating heart and the nights events finally hit her. She was going out with her best friend. The friend she swore she saw as a brother. Leo held her hands and he leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"Te quiero también mi corazon."

With that, he placed a final kiss on my lips and he put his hands into his pockets and he walked to the direction of his house were his mom was outside smiling down at him. I stood there flustered for a moment and I rushed to where my father was.

Atlas took in his daughter's red face and he said "We'll talk about this tomorrow" with a small smile beaming from his face. Atlas trudged up the steps and Calypso frantically looked for her notes she took in Spanish. She quickly gathered them and she translated what Leo had said and when she did, a massive grin spread on her face. Her cheeks flushed but that didn't stop her from relishing what Leo had said to her.

She whispered as she looked to the direction of Leo's house. She saw him taking of his boots and him stretching he glanced up and saw her staring. He smiled and turned off the lights, leaving her to her own thoughts. She recited the words that the paper had as she looked down at the sheet of Spanish words.

She fondly smiled as she held the paper close to her heart.

"Te amo también Repair boy."

"I love you too Leo."

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