#leo and calypsos garage

[bleeding-ambrosia]

getting to know calypso better in ttoa has been so fun i love her sm so far!! anyways ✨them✨

[caleohateclub]

caleo if they slapped

[shewho-conceals]

she looks just like a dream..

uh hi I guess. i'm calypso. unless your close, then cal (you know who you are and if you can call me that.) anyways, if you ever find yourself in Indianapolis, feel free to come down to leo and calypso's garage! run by me and my best friend leo :) and the waystation is always looking for new visitors, and my (basically) moms are always happy to help! //OOC hey there hi there its me ya alien castor *cheering erupts in the back* hato calypso RP blog cause I miss her yk au not mine! hermits and the olympians au goes to @ahllohehn //TAGS hatolypso - general character tag hato - general au tag hermits and the olympians - also general au tag hatolypso answers - answering ur asks

the prettiest girl i've ever seen <3

[patheticbatman]

I don’t do this super often, but when I was 13ish I spent hours thinking about Percy and Annabeth’s future house. Idk why. And I wrote out their magical house in an iPhone note. I updated it every so often for a couple years, but as an adult I leave it alone as a monument to my childhood and my OTP.

But I just saw a really cool themed house from that home tours blog (it was pirate themed!) and wanted to share my ‘home tour’.

Please keep in mind the following was written mostly in 2014 by a young teen who made some shit up. So some of it may not be canonly possible now/never was a thing 

Percy and Annabeth's underwater cave house

Front entrance: dead tree on edge of Chase cliff. Whisper Jackson, and a slide that can take you up and down using antigravity and gravity leads to the house. You can notice tiny little jewels all over the house, enchanted for anti monster.

First level hallway: kitchen, dining room with conveyer belt leading between, gym, living room, bathroom. This is the second lowest level. The rest of the floors also have the slides to get there.

Kitchen has a large island, with lots of counters and cabinets. The walls are turquoise and everything else is chrome grey, like the fridge and such.

Dining room as a chandelier of rainbows, with a mini fountain that spurts any drink you ask for is in the middle of a ring table that could fit 16. If you give a coin, it can create an iris message. The table is silver grey wood while the wall is also turquoise.

The gym is just a mini work out area. Not decorated.

The living room is decorated with pictures of their friends. It has silvery gray walls, blue furniture, and a ten ft by ten ft tv. The dead tree actually has many minisatelites disguised as moss. They are enchanted to actually literally grow.

Third lowest level

Party room twelve guest rooms with their own bathrooms

,library.

Party room is just a blue room with food slide from the kitchen, some rables, and a disco ball with a wooden track around the large room for skating. Percy, with help from a friendly kid of Boreas, sometimes turn it into a winter wonderland in the summer.

Spare room 1

Frank n Hazels room usually, or will be when they start doing stuff. Green painted with gold furniture pretty much describes their rooms

Spare room 2

Will and nicos room usually. Black and silver furniture with gold walls

Spare room 3

Rachel's room Murals and a rainbow everywhere. Every surface is painted. Wicker/newspaper/hodgepodge furniture everywhere

Spare room 4

Piper and Jason's walls are red, and furniture is purple and pink. Actually looks nice and not too girly

Spare room 5

Calypso and Leo's room, done in red and oranges. Ps all the rooms had a small window like the ones in the hobbit

Spare room 6.

Hedge and Mellies room, with cradle. Everything is in light blues and dark greens

Spare room 7

Reyna's and future partner's room

Purple walls with gold and silver looking furniture, and 2 dog beds for aurum and argentum

The rest are kids rooms/ unplanned for when the guests have kids. They are plain. The last is a sort of playroom, with same size tv (everyone has a 2 by 3 tv in room)

Top level

Percabeth's room, future kids room(4), mrs. O'Leary's room, the offices, window room, carport, and percy and Annabeth's iwn offices

Future kids rooms are in pastel blue, yellow, green and orange

Mrs. O'Leary's room is giant, with lots of rubber yaks and other toys, and bowls filled with food and water always (they refill themselves). Done in red and silver. with special portal just for her and her owners to go out to Central Park.

Carport is just a garage that has a magical door that allows car to go through tree portel.

Lowest level

Garden and port and demigod Runaway shelter

Port is this giant cave, hidden by the mist to look like a cliff face that makes mortals just suddenly think about other things to do. It opens up to the sea, and they have this great boat called the sea owl, with eyes on the front. It also has a submarine, a small seaplane, and an elevator that goes to two portals to Olympus, and Atlantis. Has automatic spell where you have the small air bubble around you and your stuff. is painted on by enormous mural by Rachel.

Garden

Fruit trees that make all fruits (a rare tree called a cornucopia tree) lots of flowers and a gazebo. Painted and lighted to look like the outside that day. In middle there is a five-tiered fountain that sprays a rainbow. First level is made of Stygian iron, then celestial bronze, then Atlantean silver, imperial gold, and then heavenly steel that has a little dirt in it with a blue stemmed silver First Orchid. Has imported bees

Demigod safe base

A special Door that opens only to demigods and their helpers. and only let's demigods in leads you to the shelter. It has an ambrosia and nectar fountain, a water fountain that could turn to rainbows, free drachmas sent from the gods (only those in need can grab them), and ten beds with heated blankets. Small altar. Fridge full of ever re supplying food. Cabinet full of whatever medical stuff you need. Door that leads to Percabeth house, but only opens when you have permission.

[citrusreadstoa]

Reading The Dark Prophecy: Chapter 22 (SPOILERS)

"how you collapsed that brick wall. You should do that more often." I struggle to think of many situations that would be improved by a collapsing brick wall, but hey, if Leo thinks it'll help.

"Leo and Calypso's Garage: Auto Repair and Mechanical Monsters." . . . "It didn't sound like a very funny joke." You had to be there.

"A demigod child of the sewer goddess Cloacina would have been welcome" Holy cannoli, she's real. Wikipedia says, "Cloacina was a goddess who presided over the Cloaca Maxima ('Greatest Drain'), the main interceptor discharge outfall of the system of sewers in Rome.

"trying to avoid flashbacks of my long-ago, unintended trip through a sewage-treatment facility in Biloxi, Mississippi." No, no, I want to see it.

"This runs on a clepsydra lock" CLEPSYDRA (n.): an ancient time-measuring device worked by a flow of water

"videos of Commodus looped over and over on the giant television screens." Ngl that sounds like heaven.

"If you have ever tried to walk while immersed in a swift stream, you know how difficult it is. Also, if you have tried it, then may I ask why?" It's called a water park.

"My least favorite Cornhusker" The Cornhusker thing is funny now that I know he used to challenge people to harvesting contests in his past life.

"blemmyae bulldozers." Are those supposed to be worse than regular bulldozers? Whatever the case, Brieanna was right. They shouldn't remain at the Waystation.

"I had failed once again. I had unwittingly betrayed the location of our safe haven." I wouldn't say that. They wanted the griffins back and they got them. It's not like there was time to check for tracking devices at the zoo. Apollo got got, that's all.

"When can you have the Waystation destroyed?" Lol like it's just another regular chore. Put it down for noon on Wednesday. "Two days?" "TWO DAYS?" Two days is pretty quick. They don't even know what kind of magic is guarding it.

"Incursion at the front gates!" Who tf?

"Perhaps we could take him--three on two?" The two in question are one almost-godly man and one fully suited and armed soldier. Y'all've got squat for armor and hypothermia for a weapon. "Except that we were all about to pass out . . . I decided to stay put." It's for the best.

"Alaric." Was he one of the Germani from The Hidden Oracle? I swear I've heard his name before. "How long has Lityerses had this job?" Oh, the beheader's about to be beheaded.

"try on our racing outfits" What are they racing? The ostriches?

"Meg considered this, then seemed to realize she was thinking" Whoops, can't be caught considering the consequences of your actions in the middle of a life-or-death predicament!

[saiyan98]

Childhood Love Story (Childhood AU) Part 3

Disclaimer:

Leo Valdez: The following is a non-profit fanbase series. PJO, HoO and ToA are owned by Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion. Please support the Official release.

Inspired by another Fanfiction I read called Safety Patrol (In Fanfiction.Net)/ Something More (In Archive of Our Own) made by EthnicToken (Fanfiction.Net)/ StarriNights (Archive of Our Own).

[Table Of Content] [First Chapter] [Mid Chapter]

Summary:

Leo and Calypso have been neighbors and friends since kindergarten. The two were inseparable all the way to high school. However, in their Junior years, Calypso was about to confess to her crush, Percy Jackson. However, he turned her down and made her realize that who she truly loves is her best friend, Leo. Will she finally let her true feelings out? Or will she bury them deep in her heart, never to see light?

Story:

Calypso looked everywhere in the library, but Leo was nowhere to be found. 

“Maybe he’s at the Mechanic’s Clubroom?” She thought. She headed toward a small garage near the school where some students go when doing some mechanical projects for their club. Leo would tend to be there every now and then but due to his… wild ideas, he was not allowed to work on any projects there. Instead, he tends to help out the other students when they ask for his help. 

Calypso looks around to find Leo. Then suddenly, someone spoke inside. Calypso peeked in the garage and saw Leo with another girl. A club member named Jessie. She has brown hair and wears a little bandanna on her forehead. She’s wearing a jumpsuit that all club members wear when they’re in the garage. 

‘What’s going on?’ Calypso thought. 

“So… I… I like you… for a very long time.” 

Calypso's heart stopped for a second and realized what was going on. Leo was getting confessed by a girl. She’s panicking, fearing that Leo will accept her confession. That Jason was wrong and he doesn’t see her as a lover. 

“So… will you go out with me?” She asked. It was quiet for a moment, putting suspense on his answer.

“Yeah, I’d love that.”

Calypso lost her breath and her heart just stopped instantly, as if it shattered into many pieces and was unable to be rebuilt. Tears were starting to fall on her cheeks and before anyone could spot her, she ran off. 

She failed. 

She should’ve realized the truth of her feelings a long time ago and confessed to him. He was always by her side through thick and thin. He was there for her when she was heartbroken; he was there when she got her first period; he was there when she was grieving the loss of her sister. He was there when she needed help with her garden and fixed up her tools as well. He was always there for her. And now… he won't be anymore. He’ll be too busy with his girlfriend and won’t make time for her. And the thought alone is unbearable.

Meanwhile, back at the garage. 

“And Scene!” Leo said. “And that’s how you’ll confess to him, okay?” 

Jessie sighs, “Leo, there’s no point in practicing! I’m just gonna make a mistake and end up stuttering on my words!”

Calypso was unaware that Leo was actually helping Jessie practice her confession to her crush. 

“Besides, I’m not even that pretty.” 

“Looks aren’t everything, Jessie. Plus I think you have a fair amount of charm on you. Look, the guy you like seems like he’s totally into you. I mean, he practically comes and visits everyday just to see you. There’s literally no reason for anyone to come here unless it’s us club members. Look… If a guy like me can get a girl like Khione, then you’ll definitely hit it off with your crush.”

“Didn’t she use you just to get to Jason?” 

“She did, but she saw me as a threat to one of the hottest guys in school. So…” 

Jessie snickered, “Did you just call Jason Grace hot?” 

“Yes, but don’t tell him. It’ll go to his head.” 

Jessie rolled her eyes and thanked him for support. She ran off, leaving Leo by himself. 

He really should take his own advice and just confess to Calypso. But, the thought of their friendship ending because of his love for her was too much to bear. He was content with just being her friend. 

But he wants more.

Is it wrong to be selfish sometimes?

Leo and Jason met up at the Library as usual but Calypso was a no show. Both are unaware that she saw the confession and did not know it was simply an act. 

“She usually comes here,” Leo said, concerned. 

“I’m sure she’s just caught up with some of her other friends.” 

Leo grumbled, “I guess, so what do you want to talk about?” 

Jason told the news that he finally asked Piper out and she said yes. 

“FINALLY!” Leo yelled. “It’s about damn time!” 

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear that from you! You still haven’t confessed to Calypso.” 

“And I told you, I’m fine where we’re at.” 

“No you’re not, and you know it.” 

“Can we just focus on you right now?” 

Jason sighs but nodded. 

The two talked about how his date is gonna go. Jason’s gonna take Piper to the Pier and go on some of the rides and play some games. He’s hoping to take her to a nice restaurant and confess his feelings to her. If things go smoothly, Jason might have a shot. 

“If Calypso was here, she’d give us a woman’s point of view,” Leo said. “Where is she?” 

“I already told her earlier today. She already knew. In fact, she was supposed to see you afterwards.” 

Leo was now getting more concerned until the bell rings, announcing for next class. 

“Head to class, Jason. It’s my free period right now. I’m gonna go find Sunshine.” 

Jason understood and nodded. As Jason headed off to class, Annabeth came in, looking for Leo. She saw him and marched toward him, furiously.

“What did you do this time?!” Annabeth asked angrily. 

“I swear, this time I didn’t do anything.” 

“Then why is Calypso crying in the girl’s bathroom?!” 

“What?!” Leo said. “Where?!” 

Annabeth told him that she found her crying in the girls bathroom on the second floor. Leo ran off to find her when he started hearing crying in the bathrooms. He knocks the door just to make sure no one else was in there. 

“Calypso?” Leo said. 

“Go away, Leo!” Calypso said, sobbing. 

“Calypso? What’s wrong?” he said, concerned. “Did something happen? Was it your dad again?” 

Calypso's dad was the reason her sister died and for some reason is fighting a custody battle with her mother for her. The truth was that he doesn’t care about her health at all, he just using her for his selfish gains. 

“No…” She replied. 

“Was Khione being an Ice Queen again?” 

“No…” 

“Then, what’s wrong? Tell me, please? I don’t like to see you upset. If it’s about Percy-” 

Calypso slams open the door and Leo sees her with puffy eyes and tears flowing down her cheeks.

“What’s wrong?! You! That’s what’s wrong! You just love playing with a woman's heart, never thought that maybe what you’re doing hurts them! Have you ever thought about how I felt?!”

Leo was confused. He genuinely does not know what he did that made her upset.

“Look, I’m sorry for whatever I did. But Sunshine-”

“AND DON’T CALL ME THAT! I’M NOT YOUR SUNSHINE! YOU ARE THE WORST! I DON’T WANT TO EVER SEE YOU AGAIN!” She yelled and ran off

Leo just stood there, confused and shocked at what just happened.  He doesn’t know what he did that made her this upset, but he needs to find a way to apologize. 

The thought of his Sunshine hating him hurts more than every confession he was denied. 

The day arrived for Jason’s date with Piper, but he was very concerned about the argument Leo and Calypso had. Leo told him of what happened and he was just as confused as him. Nobody seems to know why she yelled at him and it’s making Leo worried. 

“Don’t worry about me, Jason. Go enjoy your date. You earned this moment. This is my mess so I’ll clean it up… somehow.”

That’s what Leo said. 

As soon as Jason arrived at Piper’s place and rang her doorbell, she opened it and he was speechless. She was dressed casually, but to him she is the most beautiful being on the planet. 

“Hey Sparky,” Piper said, smirking.

“H-hey, Pipes,” Jason stuttered. Piper chuckles at his shyness but grabbed his hand gently. 

“Ready to go?” She asked. He nodded and the two headed off to the Pier. Their date was going smoothly, they went on a couple of fun rides and games. Piper was having a really good time, which gives Jason some hope that this date may end up with a chance to be in a relationship with her. 

“I’m having a fun time, Jason,” She said.

Jason blushed and replied, “Me too… it’s fun with you around.” 

As the two continued walking around, Piper had to use the bathroom real quick. Meanwhile, Jason spotted Calypso by one of the benches near the sides of the pier. 

“Calypso?” Jason said. “What are you doing out here?” 

“Oh… hey Jason. I… I just came here to avoid Leo.” 

“I heard that you two argued, but what happened?” He asked. 

“Leo… L-Leo…” Calypso started to cry. “I was too late, Jason. Another girl already confessed to Leo and he said yes.”

“What?” Jason said. 

“It’s true, I saw it with my own eyes.” 

Jason was surprised. Leo did tell him earlier before the fight, he was helping a club member practice so that she can confess. He now understands what happened. 

This was all a misunderstanding. 

“Wait, Calypso, I think you misunder-”

“It’s fine, Jason. I knew it was a waste. This was my punishment for realizing too late my feelings. You go enjoy your date. I’ll… I’ll be okay.”

Jason wanted to tell her the truth, but he can see that she won’t listen.

The only person that can talk to her is Leo. And he’s currently at home, working on a way to make up with her. 

The whole situation was just frustrating and Jason’s the only one who has all the answers. But if he does this, it’ll ruin his date with Piper. 

“I’m back,” Piper said. “Something wrong?” 

“Oh, uh… nothing. Just thinking about some stuff.” 

“Oh okay, then shall we get going?”

The two kept walking, but Jason was still thinking about Leo and Calypso’s situation. After a short while, it was time to get something to eat.

“You want to grab something to eat?” She asked.

“Uh before we do. There’s… something I want to ask.” 

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Well… why did you agree to go on a date with me? I mean, you’re funny, pretty and all the guys and girls like you. I just want to know why me?”

Piper was quiet for a moment, then answered.

“Because you’re kind.” 

“What?” 

Piper blushed, “Last year, you were always supportive of my suggestion for the project, yet you also guided me so that I didn’t make any mistakes. I also saw how you are with your friends. You always give them support and push them to do the right thing. You never asked for anything in return nor do you put others in harm's way. You weren’t just some high school cliche Jock. You were more than that. You were… a good guy. Like a real hero.”

Jason's heart stopped. 

It was at that moment he realized he truly had fallen in love with this girl. And it pains him that she’s right. 

He brought out a frustrating sigh.

“Jason?” Piper said with concern. 

“I’m sorry, Pipes. You’re gonna hate me for this. And you have every right to be. But, I need to go help a friend.” 

Before Piper could reply. Jason already ran off to his car.

To get Leo.

To fix this mess. 

Meanwhile, Leo was trying to figure out what he can do to have Calypso forgive him. It’s only been a day and he misses her badly. He misses her sassy remarks; her laugh; her judgemental look toward him. But most of all, he misses her smiles.

If he doesn’t fix this soon, he’ll lose her forever. 

HONK HONK

Leo heard a car horn outside his house and looked out the window. He sees Jason in his car. Leo ran outside to see what was going on.

“Jason? What are you doing out here? Did you just ditch Piper on your date?!”

“Shut up and get in!” Jason said. 

“What? What are you-”

“JUST SHUT UP AND GET IN!” Jason yelled. 

Jason has never yelled at Leo before. This baffled him but he obeyed and got in; he did not want to make Jason more mad. Jason drove off and explained to Leo what happened. 

“I found out why Calypso was mad. She saw you and Jessie practicing and she assumed it was real.”

“What?” 

“She told me.”

“But why would she get mad over that? I was only-”

“BECAUSE SHE LOVES YOU! YOU DUMBASS!” Jason yelled. “After she confessed to Percy, he told her that he thought she was dating Leo. Afterwards, she realized she was in love with you the whole time!”

Leo was shocked and speechless at the sudden news. 

“T-there’s no way that she loves me.” 

“Really?! Think of all the guys she was crushing on! Literally every guy has some sort of trait similar to you! Odysseus was as smart as you; Drake was courageous as you; and Percy is just as loyal as you! She was subconsciously in love with you and it took Percy to help her realize the truth! And now, she’s crying at the Pier thinking it’s too late! So I had to leave Piper to get you to clean this mess!” 

“What?!” Leo said. “She’s at the Pier, alone?!” 

“Yes! Calypso is crying and I left Piper too; all so I can help you clean up your mess! I just ruined my one chance to be with the girl I like so that you can be with your true love!” 

Leo was baffled at Jason’s intention. He ruined his own date to help Leo apologize to Calypso and confess their true feelings. 

Leo truly was a dumbass.

He owes both Jason and Piper an apology.

They arrived at the Pier. 

“Jason, I-”

“Save it. Just go get your girl,” Jason replied. 

“I owe you one,” Leo said and ran off.

He owes Jason more than one for this one.

Calypso looks around as she continues to sit on the bench. She remembers when she was little and she and Leo would go there with his mom. They’d go on every ride and play every game available. She remembers one time they were at a shooting game and Leo won a teddy bear. He gave it to her because he thought it was childish.

She still has it in her room and kept it since. 

They had so much fun together and were alway by each other’s side. And now, Calypso regrets never being able to tell her true feelings to her Leo. 

“I wonder if they’re having fun right now,” Calypso said, wondering about Leo and Jessie.

“Sunshine!” 

Calypso jumped a bit as she heard his voice. As if just thinking about him summons him.

“Leo?! What are you doing here?” 

Panting, Leo replied, “Sorry, Sunshine. I know you don’t want to see me. But, I had to find you.” 

“Why? Shouldn’t you be out with Jessie?” She asked with a harsh tone. 

“That’s why I’m here. This is a huge misunderstanding.” 

“What do you mean?” 

Leo explained to her what happened at his club. However, she refused to believe since it sounds like a cliche thing to happen in romantic-comedy movies. 

“There’s no way that happened.” 

“But it did, Sunshine!” Leo said. “And even if she did confess to me, I’d turn her down.”

“Why? You dated other girls before; isn’t that you wanted? To have a girlfriend?!”

“I only want you!”

He finally said it. 

“Every girl I try to go for shares some similarity to you! You’re funny; smart; beautiful and not afraid to get your hands dirty!”

Calypso wants to believe, but she feels like Leo is only doing this out of pity. 

“That’s not true!” 

“Why do you think I’ve always asked you when I went off to see a show? Or those times we spent at the treehouse. And what about those times you cried after every rejection you went through?” 

“You did it because you’re my friend. We’ve been friends since we were kids.” 

“Exactly, Sunshine!” 

“Don’t call me-”

Calypso got interrupted when Leo moved forward and kissed her. 

Her brain and heart halted for a second as she realized what was happening. Suddenly, her memory of their first kiss came back to her. 

“That didn’t happen!” Calypso said, blushing. 

But Leo was dazed at what just happened but nodded. 

Neither wanted to admit that it was amazing.

And now, back at the present, Calypso was one that was shocked. Leo slowly distanced himself and said, “That did happen, Sunshine. I… I love you.”

Her eyes were getting teary out of the sudden confession. 

“I’ve always loved you and always will. I can’t imagine my life without you. You’re my best friend; my partner in crimes… my first and only true love. I’d follow you and save you from every hell that awaits us, especially college.”

Calypso laughed but was still tearing up from his words.

“I… I love you too, Leo.”

Leo let out a huge breath of relief. 

“Oh thank god, I thought I was gonna have to get a jukebox and play it by your window,” Leo joked.

Calypso laughed, “You are such an idiot sometimes.”

She kissed him.

The two held on to each other tightly, fearing that this was all a dream and that they’ll wake up. But they didn’t; they’re feelings finally let out and they have each other now. 

Meanwhile, Jason spotted the two as he went after Leo. He sees them kissing and let out a sigh.

“It’s about damn time,” He said.

“You said it.” 

Jason jumped and looked behind him and saw Piper there.

“Piper?!” 

“Hey.” 

“What are you doing here?”

“I was wondering why you ran off, then I saw Calypso there earlier. I kind of put two and two together.”

“Yeah… I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” She said. “If I knew you were helping them get together, I’d have help too.” 

“What?” 

“I swear, those two took their damn time.” 

“So, you’re not mad at me?” 

“Oh I’m mad.” 

Well, there goes Jason’s hope.

“But you can pay me back with another date,” Piper smirked.

“What?!” Jason said. 

Piper laughed and replied, “I had a really great time with you. And like always, you put others before yourself. Always acting like a hero for everyone.”

She took his hand and squeezed it gently. 

“But even heroes deserve to be loved too,” She said as she pulled Jason by his shirt collar and kissed him. 

Time has passed and as Senior year was near its end, we found our main couple up in their little treehouse by the backyard, cuddling.

“Leo?” Calypso said. But Leo was not responding since they did take a quick nap during break. She sighs and climbs on his lap and flicks his forehead. 

“Ow!” He said. He looked up and saw his Sunshine on him and smirked.

“Now this is the best way to wake up.” 

“Oh really? Getting flicked by your pissed off best friend?” She said.

“No, waking up from my beautiful girlfriend who’s also on my lap… half naked.”

Calypso blushed as she remembers earlier before they napped that they had a very intense make-out session that most likely the neighborhood has heard. She’s gonna be too embarrassed to face the neighbors now. 

“Shut up! That was your fault for being-”

“Cute? Irresistible?” Leo interrupted.

“Irritating,” She finished.

Leo laughed but held Calypso by her waist. 

“Admit it, you love me just the way I am,” He said as he kissed her by the neck. 

“Whatever,” She said, unable to reply well due to his kisses. “Please tell me you got everything set for college?” 

“I did, don’t worry. We’re still getting a nice apartment close to the university, just the two of us.”

Calypso smiled. 

After they finally confessed, the two were back to their old self. Except this time, it was mixed with some strong affections and whispers and several other lovey-dovey stuff. Especially the most spicy moments, like what they just did earlier. And now, high school is almost over and they’re both graduating. Their plan is once they head to college, they’ll have a nice little apartment together to save up money and hopefully one day, come back home to take over the family business, or at least, Leo’s family’s business.

“I still think we should add some entertainment in the garage,” Calypso says. “It’d be nice for some people who come to the shop. Oh, and we should definitely have a restaurant too, giving the visitor a place to relax while you work on their cars.” 

Leo chuckled, “You do realize it’s my family business?” 

“And what? Am I not family?” Calypso frowned as Leo stopped his action and stared at her.

“What?”

“I mean, you said that after college you were going to take after the shop and you want by your side, right?”

Leo blush as she points toward the old drawings on the wall. 

“W-we were kids, Sunshine! I wasn’t thinking and-”

Calypso cupped his cheeks and kissed him gently but passionately. She let go and leaned her forehead to his. 

“Well neither am I. Right now, I’m listening to my heart. And it’s telling me to never let you go. Never again. I love you, Leo.”

Leo’s heart took a big leap and can’t stop himself from grinning. 

“I love you too, Calypso. Always.” 

Leo kisses her passionately, then continues down toward her neck and lower. Calypso moans as he continues to shower her with all of his love and more.

I think it’s safe to assume that in the end, they lived happily ever after.

[thisdamfan]

Just a reminder of Calypso and Leo’s idea for a Machine shop that also sold cider and stew.

Dam caleo is cute.

[tamaytka]

One year improvement  

[imaginechb]

Hi ! Can i request a songfic with a femreader? The song is "déjà vu" by Olivia Rodrigo.

Calypso's pov

Where Leo and yn are dating and Calypso is like sweet/sour

Deja Vu

Synopsis: You and Leo are in a happy relationship, and Calypso is left to pick up the broken pieces of her heart.

Calypso watched as he put his arm around you. She looked on with a bitter taste in her mouth because she used to be the one snuggling into his side at the campfire.

Leo helped you make a s'more and Calypso was unwillingly brought back to those summer nights when Leo would squish the marshmallow in between the graham crackers and feed it to her, or that one time she had leftover chocolate on her lip and he kissed it away.

She felt the bile rise in her throat as he kissed you in the same fashion, and she had to excuse herself from the festivities. Sneaking off toward the beach, she allowed herself to cry that first tear which brought many more.

Calypso didn't hate you. She hated that she couldn't, actually. She hated that you were sweet and adorable and so good to him. She hated that you loved him, and even more that he loved you. She hated that the two of you were a better couple than her and Leo had ever been.

He was her savior, her knight in shining suspenders, her supersized mcshizzle. She was supposed to have the happy ending, the one she had always dreamed of. The one she had envisioned having with him. He would rescue her from Ogygia, show her the world. They would get married and open a repair shop together. 'Leo and Calypso's Garage: Auto Repair and Mechanical Monsters'.

But alas, just because she was in love with him did not mean he was bound to love her. Much like how she had once loved Percy but his heart truly belonged to Annabeth, Leo's heart had always belonged to you. He may have kept his promise in rescuing her from her island, but he was forever yours.

Calypso wondered if Leo ever thought about her, and how the things he was doing with you were the things they had once done together. That though he loved you now, it was Calypso who had first taught him how to love.

She pitied you, honestly. You truly believed that all of this was for you. The dancing in bunker nine when the rest of the camp was asleep. The blanket sharing at the campfire while he fed you s'mores. The kissing in the strawberry fields and the rides on Festus. You thought it was so unique, so special, not realizing that he did those things with Calypso mere months ago.

But even she had to admit that he looked ten times more genuine with you than he did with her. With Calypso he had been tripping over himself trying to impress her, trying to win her approval. With you he did it purely out of love and joy. With you, he was happy.

Before she realized what she was doing, she let out a sob of despair. She let out another. And another. She let herself fall into the soft sand and cry. Leo hadn't done anything wrong, and neither had you, but that didn't stop her heart from hurting every time she saw the two of you. Yet again, she had been scorned by love and by men.

She turned when she heard footsteps approaching, praying to the gods it wasn't you or Leo. She was relieved when Percy sat down beside her.

She had been in love with Percy at one point (who hadn't?), but those feelings faded over time, and now she was just grateful to have him there as a friend. He didn't say anything, but just his presence was enough.

Together they stared into the nighttime waves. It would have been a beautiful sight to admire under happier circumstances.

As much as she hated it, she thought about what Leo was doing at that moment. Probably walking you back to your cabin, kissing you goodnight on the porch. Smiling like a fool as he walked back to his own. She started to cry again. Percy wrapped his arms around her, letting her cry it out.

He stroked her hair until eventually she calmed down. She stared at the ocean once more and knew that one day she would be okay again. One day, she would no longer envy you, and one day Leo Valdez would be a distant memory.

Rae

[cabinofimagines]

Philautia ; self love

I did a thing, which is not a bad thing. I do love this a bit myself, although that's because I am doing this out of pure reasoning so I can maybe at one point write a multi part fic

The second part will probably be done at the end of summer?

Pairing: Leo Valdez x reader, platonic Nico and Hazel x reader Requests: at the bottom, because of the amount of them! Word count: 2k Warnings: mostly fluff, two curses or so

-Asnyox

[Part 1] [Part 2]

───────────

You hadn’t met Leo in any conventional way. Instead of the normal ‘Hey, who are you?’ he had decided to literally crash his dragon five feet in front of you. However, this was not the first time you had encountered strange people. You were well aware of your heritage as a child of Loki, and were actually kind of surprised that Leo did not move to attack you. Actually, he did not move at all.

Of course, at this point you were unaware of his name, or how he would change your life.

Leo was not the first Greek demigod you had met either. At one point, Nico di Angelo, son of Hades had crashed into your apartment. At this point it had been a few years, but he kept up his promise of visiting you every so often. You considered him some kind of distant brother - and you were sure that the feeling was mutual. He had once offered to take you to one of the camps - but you argued against it, figuring that a child of Loki, a different pantheon would be much less welcome there as you were welcome in this world anyways.

Back to the crash - one of the passengers of the dragon was passed out, and the other one seemed in a hurry to leave. You couldn’t make out the shape, but as they ran away from the crash site, you ran towards it, determined to help the unfortunate soul that was left behind.

Pulling the person out of the wreck he seemed to stir slightly, not at all dead. Then why did that other person run away? Suddenly, the boy jerked awake and pushed you off.

'Who are you? Where am I?' he breathed out and you put your hands in front of you as a form of defense. 'Hey, hey,' you tried to soothe him, 'Calm down. My name is (Y/n) and you just crashed here. How is your head?' his hand quickly went to his hair and he looked behind him at the wreck.

'Festus!' He exclaimed, suddenly scrambling to look through the remains. 'Uhm,' you hesitantly took this in, 'If Festus is the person that just ran away, I think they’re fine. They just left you here?' You offered him and the boy turned around, a confused look on his face. 'Person? Who- oh,' his whole form deflated, 'Calypso left me?' You carefully nodded. 'Figures.' He sounded heartbroken, but not surprised.

'Can I help?' you softly asked the boy, who had returned to trying to salvage the remains of his dragon. 'The crash has heated the metal, I wouldn’t touch Festus right now if I were you, you would burn yourself.' he said, not bothering to look at you. 'But you’re touching him…?' 'I’m fireproof.' he bluntly stated as he seemed to have retrieved what he needed. He let out a deep sigh and sadly regarded the wreck that was his dragon.

'Do you maybe have somewhere I could stay?' he asked, finally looking at you, 'I need to rebuild my dragon before I can continue on my way.'

'Oh yeah, that’s fine. I don’t have a garage, but my apartment is hopefully big enough.' he smiled and you gestured to him to follow you.

───────────

During the first week of Leo’s appearance in your life everything was chaos. You sort off had expectations in the beginning - these came mostly from Nico, your adoptive brother of sorts, who had taught you that demigods are anything but calm. Nico himself travelled a lot, moving around all the time.

What you hadn’t expected was Leo to generally move around the apartment all the time. One second he was in his assigned work-and-sleep room working on Festus, and the next he was breathing in your neck asking about food or a tool he needed. This boy had enough energy to power a nuclear plant, you swear on it.

Another thing you were slowly getting used to was how handsy Leo tended to be. You weren’t complaining whenever he physically moved you out of his way by putting his hands on your arms, or how his touch always seemed to slightly linger when your hands brushed against each other while handing him a tool.

Or that time he jokingly gave you a good night's kiss that you just can’t seem to shake.

But this, your growing feelings towards the disruptive force that was Leo Valdez, did not stop you from noticing how his smile would always falter. He cracked a lot of jokes, but the joy never fully reached his eyes. You were worried for him, he didn’t want to open up about his feelings, given that he was just left by the ‘love of his life’.

A thing you quickly noticed was how Leo tended to beat around the bush whenever you wanted him to talk.

‘You looked sad today,’ you studied Leo’s face as he looked up from his dinner, ‘While working on Festus you didn’t once smile.’ Leo shrugged.

‘Work’s just going slow today,’ you noticed how he had started playing with his food, moving it around as if the spirals of it reflected his mood.

‘It’s not just that and you know it.’ Leo’s fork stopped moving and he stared into his plate.

‘You don’t know that, (Y/n), you don’t know me.’ he said and he sat up straight. ‘Leo, I am not stupid, please, just talk to me,’ you softly begged him as you reached over the table but he quickly moved away. ‘I am going back to work, thank you for the food.’ he coldly said as he left.

That night as you walked past his room at 1 am you could’ve sworn you heard him whisper to Festus. You softly opened the door as you carefully took in the dimly lit room.

‘Hey,’ you looked at Leo, noticing small tear stains on his cheeks. ‘Hey,’ he said back, slowly putting Festus’s head next to him on the floor. ‘You wanna talk?’ ‘Not really,’ Leo laid down on the floor, gesturing to the spot next to him, ‘Join me.’

You laid down next to him, surprised at the lack of stuff on the floor. As you looked at the ceiling you felt Leo’s warmth next to you.

‘Turn off the lights.’ you told him and he did, the darkness engulfing both of you. He reached for your hand, and you felt his calloused fingers wrap them around your hand. You squeezed his hand, letting him know you were there for him.

‘Life sucks,’ Leo got out before a sob escaped his throat, ‘Everything- always- and I don’t know how to get it to work-’ he didn’t make an attempt to move closer to you, and you felt that he needed the space. He could share his feelings with machines- because they never judged, they didn’t respond- so for now you were willing to be a clog in his brain, in his heart.

Leo didn’t need to speak anymore, but he did. He wanted someone he could trust - he thought he’d had that person in Calypso yet she’d ran. He feared he was broken - unfixable - unlovable - unknowable. He lost so much, he had run so much, he wanted a break. Yet,

‘I don’t want to anymore, (Y/n).’ It was the first time that night he addressed you. He sounded calmer than before, but it was just the eye of the hurricane. ‘Want to what?’ You felt the pressure of Leo’s arm on yours disappear as you noticed him gesturing around. ‘I don’t know, I really don’t.’ With a deep sigh he returned his hand to your side. ‘Then why are you still trying?’ Your question echoed in the room. After a few moments you heard him take a deep breath. ‘Because I can.’

───────────

The next morning you woke up with an arm on top of you. As you opened your eyes you stared right at Leo’s sleeping face.

‘Oh,’ you huffed as you sat up, feeling soreness over your whole body. Geez, that’s what you get from sleeping on the floor. Leo seemed to awaken from your movement and he cursed as he sat up next to you.

‘Why did we sleep on the floor?’ he asked no one in particular and you let out a huff. ‘Next time let’s have a breakdown on the couch, shall we?’ you teased him, however Leo tensed up at your comment. ‘About that, maybe we should forget about tonight?’ he carefully offered and you sighed.

‘Look, Leo, I know this can be strange, however,’ you looked him in the eye, ‘It is better to work on your problems than hide them. I am happy you felt comfortable enough to confide in me.’ Leo seemed to get lost in his thoughts as he stood up. You followed his lead, and then proceeded to walk to the kitchen. Breakfast wouldn’t make itself, you know.

Leo’s silence was worrying you, given that he normally seemed to be all over the place. You felt his gaze on you while you were making breakfast and as you set a plate with food in front of him he seemed to break away from his mind.

‘I’m sorry.’ he said as he looked down at his plate. ‘What for?’ you inquired, getting a small bite of food. ‘Burdening you?’ he sounded uncertain and you laughed at this.

‘Leo, honey, never do that again.’ you took another bite as he seemed to process, you swallowed and continued, ‘It’s stupid to apologize for letting your feelings out. If I didn’t want to be there I wouldn’t have gone in, you know.’

Leo didn’t understand what he was feeling right of this moment - dread in his stomach, fluttering in his chest. Yet, for some reason, when he looked at your face, he felt like you could understand him, maybe you could help him.

───────────

Night talks became Leo’s and yours thing. It wasn’t always in his room - sometimes you would sit on the balcony, or go to the park late at night. One night he promised to take you to the stars with Festus when he was rebuilt.

‘You know I can’t breathe in space right?’ you laughed, looking at Leo’s grinning face. As soon as you had finished the phrase his eyes lit up. ‘You know I can’t breathe when I’m with you right?’ He shot back and you sighed.

‘Leo,’ you sounded disappointed.

‘I know, first work on myself then work on a relationship.’ he sighed, although with the smile that came through right after you figured he was joking. Most things to Leo were a joke, because if he was never serious nothing could go wrong.

That’s why he played this off as a joke - he had meant the compliment. Yet, he knew what you thought of him chasing romance again - even if it was flirting with random people in the street on the way to the supermarket. Leo didn’t know why he felt the need to be in a relationship - maybe it was to pretend that he was alright, it was to hide the real problems he dealt with at night, it was to chase the feeling of being loved.

And he felt loved by you. With all the times you were there when he broke down, every time he felt himself grow more attached to you. As if you were a missing clog in his heart. However, he was adamant on listening to your advice, because he knew you wanted the best for him.

This all is why instead of going into the topic of him bettering himself right now, he talked about taking you places. He talked about travelling the world with you.

‘If I were to ask you to leave with me, would you?’ he carefully asked. ‘I don’t know, the last time you traveled Festus crashed,’ you laughed, ‘but if it is safe I would join you.’ you told him, looking at the stars above.

Leo on the other hand was looking at the stars in your eyes, cursing himself.

───────────

[Part 1] [Part 2]

taglist; @beneaththeiceandsnow , @noisyalmonddreamer @fangirlofanythingrickriordan @a-taken-url @mmmelanie @diaphragmjellyfish , @hermionessimp @mols832 @asadremixofdespacito @percysbluehairbrush

requests: howdyyy. could you maybe do an angsty leo x reader where reader is a child of hades and nico is protective of her?? also i love your blog ❤ /// Idk if you are taking requests but would you do a college!Leo x reader where he is in love with the reader who is a visual arts major and theres a bit of angst and fluff? You can switch things around and you can ignore this if you dont want to, i understand. Have a nice day /// *debby Ryan hair thing* so...could y’all do somethin with Leo based off the song “good for you” from Dear Evan Hanson? Like maybe he gets back with C**ypso and hasn’t really told the reader about how they kissed and stuff and ones he does he like is like “I’m sorry...she’s just so-“ and like yeah...angsty stuff? /// idk if requests are open but can i get a kid of loki x leo valdez???? /// Please can I request a Leo x Reader? where Hazel finds us crying, asks us what's going on and we tell her it's Leo ( can there be at least 1000 words? I hate OS less than 1000 words ...)

[wisegirlandseaweedbraininsta]

It’s so disappointing that Rick Riordan didn’t write an epilogue set years in advance for any of the riordanverse books like in The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. Like, imagine getting to see Percabeth married with kids. Seeing Estelle grown up. Seeing Leo and Calypso open their garage. Seeing Will and Nico married. Development of Piper and Shel and them potentially married too. Maybe even confirming Theyna as canon. And this could’ve worked so well, too, but I don’t think this man is ever gonna stop writing in the riordanverse and that is why he didn’t include an epilogue.

[solangelover]

"Look Both Ways First, Kids!”

Submission Prompt: Hello…I just thought of this prompt and love the way you write. Will is an elementary school teacher as a side job and his classroom habits slip out while talking to Nico and the others. Like when they go out in a group, Will is like: ‘Okay now everyone hold your buddy’s hand.’

A/N: I’m going to tweak the prompt a bit since like, elementary school teacher is not a side job LOL. So now we have a mortal AU with teacher!Will, grad student!Nico (not that it matters), and they’re hanging a mix of friends (I always do Cecil and Lou Ellen so I’ll try to mix it up more haha). (YO I’VE HAD HALF OF THIS WRITTEN FOR AT LEAST A YEAR SORRY)

 Read on AO3 or FF.Net

“Bye, Mr. Solace!”

Will enthusiastically waved goodbye, his last student filing out of his classroom. Man, second graders were really just adorable. Also, very messy. Will turned his gaze upon the desks covered in glitter and paper scraps and sighed. Nico did tell him that this particular art project was a bad idea, but how else was Will going to teach the kids about the states in the US if they couldn’t cut them out and color them?

Will began the arduous process of cleaning up, humming lightly to himself. He had to actually get his gum scraper (yes, he always had it on hand even if gum was not allowed in school) to get glue off the desks. After vacuuming as much glitter out of the carpet as possible, Will dusted himself off and headed to a faculty meeting.

He came back to his room to find his boyfriend wiping down his desks. He let out a noise of surprise, startling slightly in the middle of the doorway. Nico looked up, a slow smile spreading across his face as he stood up from where he was leaning over a desk.

“Hey, Sunshine,” he greeted. “I see you went ahead with the glitter.”

Will rolled his eyes but didn’t respond to the jab, electing to walk over and throw his arms around the dark-haired man. “What are you doing here?”

Will leaned back to see Nico’s face as he started speaking. “We’re going out, aren’t we?”

“It’s like 4:00! Isn’t it kind of early?” Will untangled himself from his boyfriend after giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

Nico shrugged. “Jason said I should just get you from school. You know how he’s like an old man now and he sleeps early.” They both laughed in agreement. Jason got some government job out of college that fit his regiment of rising early and hitting the ground running. While he used to be able to hang with everyone late into the night, starting his career flipped his “adult switch” and he became “less fun,” in Leo’s words. Piper doesn’t mind much since Jason’s routine has helped steady her often turbulent schedule. She had started a small fashion company in college that really took off in the past year, meaning she had meeting after meeting with various people and often had no consistency between her workdays. Jason and Piper’s daily lives were drastically different, but they did good to balance each other out and keep each other grounded.

“Did Leo say he was coming?” Will asked as he began putting things away and shutting his windows.

“Yeah, I think so. And he’s bringing Calypso too.” Leo’s small mechanic shop had a few loyal customers, which was enough to make Leo content with his life. Then, as he tells it, a beautiful goddess waltzed into his garage covered in grease and dirt smudges, claiming to have broken down nearby and was in need of help. Leo said she gave him a decent rundown of what she found wrong with her car and was ecstatic to find that she was spot on. He was in love and, while it took a bit of charming and annoying, Leo convinced her to go out with him a few months ago.

“Oh, that’s good! I like her,” Will replied enthusiastically.

“I can’t believe she puts up with him,” Nico said in a flat voice.

“Don’t be so mean, Neeks,” the blonde said as they made their way out the door. “They’re good together and you know it. Besides, she teases Leo just as much as he does to everyone—“

“Probably why he’s whipped,” Nico cut in.

“Oh my gosh,” Will rolled his eyes as he grabbed Nico’s hand, swinging it between them.

They continued to talk and joke as they got into the car and drove downtown, where they were meeting their friends for dinner.

Once they parked and were getting out of the car, they heard a shout behind them. “Looks like the love birds finally made it!”

Nico rolled his eyes and replied without even turning around. “Don’t even talk, Pipes. You know you’re the queen of sappy romance.” Will could see the smirk on his boyfriend’s face as he rounded the car to stand next to him.

They turned in time to see the Piper’s offended expression as she strode up to them. “Excuse me,” she scoffed. “How dare you make such an accusation against me when we all know Jason is the mushiest one and he’s standing right here.”

The aforementioned blonde only sighed exasperatedly, knowing he never wins this argument. Then, a shameless grin grew on his face as he snaked his arm around his girlfriend’s waist, tugging her toward him. He shoved his nose in her face and crooned, “And don’t you forget it.”

“Woah, Jason, where’s my loving embrace?” an indignant voice cried out to their right. Will turned to see Leo walking hand-in-hand with a beautiful girl, her caramel-colored hair blowing back lightly in the breeze. Her cheeks were tinted pink as she giggled, watching her ridiculous boyfriend ramble on about being Jason’s first love and how no one cared about him around here.

Jason, ever the gentleman, immediately turned to Calypso to introduce himself, prompting everyone else to do the same.

“Leo’s told us a lot about you,” Will said politely. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

“I’m glad to be here,” she said good-naturedly. “Leo’s told me many stories about you all, though I feel like they were a bit… embellished. I know for a fact that he isn’t a smooth, suave hero at all times.” She shot Leo a look that caused his cheeks to darken, even as he placed a hand on his chest in mock exaggeration. Nico was right—he was whipped.

“Oh, don’t worry. We have an endless list of embarrassing things Leo has done. We’ll fill in the gaps he probably left out,” Nico cut in. In all honesty, getting back at Leo for anything and everything he’s ever done to him was probably what he had looked forward to most about this dinner. Will couldn’t hold him back if he tried.

Before things could escalate any further, Will gestured toward the road. “Let’s head toward the restaurant before we spend the whole evening insulting each other in a parking lot. I like to have food with my entertainment.” He winked at Calypso, who laughed as she nodded in agreement.

The group mingled together, conversing loudly as they made their way toward the edge of the lot. Nico had clearly considered jaywalking across the street to the restaurant, but one stern look from his boyfriend had him pivoting to the nearest crosswalk.

Will pressed the crossing button and turned toward the group as they waited. They all continued chatting, not really paying attention to where they were going. He glanced at the crossing sign, hoping everyone could at least look forward when they stepped into the street.

When the sign lit up and his friends hadn’t moved, he spoke up on instinct. “Everyone, grab your buddy’s hand; we’re crossing the street!”

The chatter stopped, and Will blinked as all eyes stared back at him. “Um…” He glanced again at the sign, which was now counting down their seconds. Technically, you weren’t supposed to enter the road at this point, but the timer was still high. However, none of his friends seemed poised to move, so maybe he’d have to hold them back before they ended up sprinting across the street. “Are we—?”

A loud snort to his right cut him off. Will turned his head to see Nico doubled over in laughter. “You—” he tried to start, but he couldn’t hold his laughter in long enough to even form two words.

Soon enough, the others started laughing too—Leo and Piper, rather loudly, and Jason and Calypso, a bit more politely, the latter holding a hand over her mouth as her shoulders shook. Will continued to look confused, part of his mind still preoccupied with the light they were missing.

He replayed the last few minutes in his head, then promptly turned red as he groaned. His friends only laughed harder when he buried his head in his hands.

“I just want to cross the street,” he lamented through his fingers.

“But, Mr. Will,” Leo exclaimed. “You forgot to tell us to look both ways first!” He had tears gathering in the corners of his eyes from how much he was laughing. Honestly, Will thought they were all overreacting.

“Oh, come on! It wasn’t even that funny!” he cried.

“Will,” Jason started, in a consoling tone that the teacher did not think was warranted in this situation. “You didn’t hear it like we did.”

“You used your teacher voice!” Nico finally caught his breath enough to speak, though Will kind of wishes he hadn’t. “It was all high and cheery and—” He wiggled his fingers in an effort to express Will’s tone.

The blonde man turned back to see the light had changed, the red hand now mocking him and preventing him from leaving this conversation.

“You’re a teacher?” Will found Calypso looking at him with genuine curiosity in her eyes as the other four calmed down from their fits of laughter.

“Yes,” he sighed heavily. “And we had a field trip the other day. And I came straight from the classroom today.” He gazed at the others around him. “I guess I forgot I wasn’t dealing with second graders.”

Calypso carried on over the noises of indignation from the others. “Aw, second graders, how cute! Tell me about it!” Bless her, this saint of a woman, engaging in conversation and pushing Will’s slip-up away. It was a kind gesture and Will ran with it.

He quite literally turned his back on the others as he described what his day of geography and glitter was like to the woman.

In the next minute, when the light changed and the crossing sign lit up once more, he felt a hand slip into his. Nico was staring up at him, a grin on his face. “I call you as my crossing buddy.”

Will rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah.” He looked to his other side to see the other couples also holding hands and smiling at him. The teacher rolled his eyes again and, before he stepped off the curb, brightly called out, “Look both ways first, kids!”

[fbfh]

thankful for my (found) family - demisquad + reader thanksgiving special

2.4k

platonic everyone + reader, implied future/potential leo x reader if you look real close, thalia has a girlfriend that I had to make up bc they never mention hunters of artemis but go off rick, calypso is not included bc she acts more like an antagonist imo, gif doesn’t have anything to do with it besides nostalgia lmao

happy thanksgiving <33

You and Leo are cooking in the kitchen 

You have been all day

The doorbell rings, and Annabeth goes to answer, binder full of travel plans in hand

“That should be-”

Clarisse enters with a loud greeting and a hug to everyone in arms reach

Percy’s loud cheers echo from the living room as he calls out the new score of the football game he’s keeping everyone updated on

She drops her bag, hopping over the back of the couch to watch with Percy

“Woah woah, catch me up Jackson! What'd I miss?”

Hazel is helping Rachel make cute diy table settings and party favors 

Rachel, as with most art projects she takes on, is very focused on making it Martha Stewart levels of cute and amazing 

Frank and Piper are keeping everyone updated on the parade 

Frank pops down the stairs, calling out, “The last performance just ended, the dog show starts in 5!”

Hazel drops what she's doing and exclaims, “THERE’S A DOG SHOW?!” 

She runs upstairs to watch with Frank, her yellow dress swishing behind her

You chuckle, calling over to Annabeth as you mix batter in a bowl, " Hey Annabeth, how are the travel plans looking?"

She shuffles through some papers in her binder

"Magnus and Alex had another layover, but they should still be able to make it in time. Thalia and her hunter friend will be here in 10, and Travis's flight got delayed because of a sudden snow storm."

"Really?" You reply, "This time of year? That's pretty ironic for a son of Hermes..."

"I know, I'm looking at some shuttle services to see if that would be faster…" Annabeth replies

Nico enters, stealing a couple appetizers, "This is so stupid, I could just go get him."

Will, right behind him, eats the appetizer Nico hands him and replies, "No you can't. Doctors orders."

Nico starts to protest 

Will shoots him a look 

"Boyfriend's orders."

Nico tries in vain to stare him down,  "… Va’ a farti fottere." he says, cracking a smile

"Love you too," Will counters 

You and Leo shoo them out of the kitchen before they steal more of your recipes

Jason and Grover walk by with a bunch of pillows and blankets, setting up guest rooms. 

Grover calls through the pile of fluff he's carrying, "Hey, we're gonna need a few more pillows-"

Jason, over his pile of bedding, corrects, "A lot more!" And Annabeth runs over to help carry some of the blankets he's about to drop

"-A lot more pillows…"

You grab your keys

"okay uh… Grover, do you want to head to the store to get some more pillows-"

Leo, vigorously sautéing something adds over his shoulder, "And basil! And, uh… red wine vinegar, olive oil, and potatoes."

You rip a piece of paper off the notepad on the fridge and scribble a quick list 

You're probably going to need some more ice, too 

Tyson, very distressed, holds up an empty container of mellowcream pumpkins, declaring, "THERE'S NO MORE BABY PUMPKINS!" :(

you loudly add candy pumpkins to the list

Rachel approaches. 

"Are you going to the store?"

"Yeah," you reply, "how's crafting going? You need anything? "

"We're almost out of glitter and mod podge. It's not looking good. We could use some more fake leaves, warm toned glitter, and rhinestones - the nice ones."

Grover looks slightly lost 

You narrate as you add to the list, "Fancy rhinestones, mod podge, fake leaves, red, yellow, orange, and brown glitter…"

Tyson, still distressed, yells, "AND BABY PUMPKINS!"

:(

You hold up the paper, "Already on the list, bud, Grover's gonna get them!"

"What if he gets the wrong kind?" Tyson asks 

You, turn to Grover quietly, "Grover, can you take Tyson?"

Grover nods

"Hey Tyson, Grover has a lot of stuff to get, could you go be his shopping buddy? That way you can pick out the right baby pumpkins."

He doesn't look convinced

He wants to keep working on a secret project he’s been doing out by the garage

"And…" you add, sweetening the deal, "you can get two candies for the way home."

He agrees

You turn to Grover; "I'll call you guys an uber-"

"I'll drive."

You all turn around, shocked to see Reyna awake. 

You thought she was still passed out 

She showed up at 9am and immediately fell asleep from traveling all night 

"Reyna, hi! Are you sure-"

"We'll be fine, I need to stretch my legs a little." She proves by rolling her shoulders

"Okay, as long as you're sure," you hand her the paper, re-entering the kitchen

She takes the paper from your hand as you shut off the beeping timer and grab a pair of oven mitts from the drawer

Reyna examines the paper, "...This is a weird list. Where are we supposed to get all this?"

Leo moves to the side as you pull out the rolls from the oven, using tongs to set them on a wire cooling rack, "Maybe target?"

Leo, still very focused on cooking, announces, "If you get me generic brand spices I will burn this place to the ground."

"O-kay," you turn back to Reyna, laughing, "there's a Wegmans and a Joanne's right next to the TJ Maxx, you can probably find everything there."

"We'll be back within the hour." She states, taking your keys. 

Rachel meets her at the door. "Here, use my card. Also, make sure you get the flat backed swarovski crystals. And please pick some glitter with a nice color shift!"

You remind them to call or text with any questions and be safe

Heading back into the kitchen, you fill up a big bowl with carrots, celery, cucumbers, and mushrooms

You grab two cutting boards, knives, peelers, and a plastic bag for the peels, tips, and tails

You set it all down on the coffee table in front Percy and Clarisse

“Can you guys get the relish tray started?” 

They agree, and immediately return to yelling at the referee

You shake your head laughing, and head back to the kitchen

“How we looking, Sparky?”

“Stuffing cups just went up in the oven, pie crust dough is chilling, and the green beans are almost done sauteeing. Rolls are cooling - could you stir the cranberry sauce? - and… the turkey is going up as soon as the stuffing is out.”

You stir the sauce as you continue talking

“Great! We’re making good time so far. Oh, I found a recipe for brown sugar pie, which Frank requested - apparently it’s a Canadian Thanksgiving thing - so I figured if you’re doing turkey I can handle the pies.” 

He pours some cooking wine into the pan, and shakes it as the alcohol burns off

“Sounds like a plan, babycakes.” 

You laugh at the nickname, and grab butter, salt, some herbs, and a stick blender to finish the potatoes

A few minutes later, you hear the door open 

Reyna and the boys are back already? That was quick

You wonder if they need help bringing groceries in

“Eeeey get over here you knucklehead!” 

Bags drop, and you hear Jason laughing in protest

You poke your head out of the kitchen, and see Thalia with Jason in a headlock

In spite of the fact that he’s about half a foot taller than her, she’s still noogie-ing him, pretending she can’t hear him objecting through his laughs

She finally lets him go, greeting everyone as he adjusts his glasses

She bear hugs Annabeth, punches Percy in the arm, and high fives and hugs pretty much everyone else

You run up the stairs to the guest room Grover was setting up before he left

You finish making the bed head back down, meeting Frank and Hazel on the way 

"Oh, Hazel, what did you think of the dog show?"

"It blew my wig!" She says giddily 

A confused smile settles on your face

"It was awesome and she loved it," Frank translates smoothly

He and Will are understandably best at deciphering 40s slang

Thalia is introducing everyone to Amber, a girl she’d met on the hunt and become really close with

You greet her, and turn to Thalia

“Your room is all set up if you wanna get settled in,” you turn to Amber, “and yours will be ready soon,” 

They share a look

“Oh,” Thalia starts grabbing their bags, “that’s fine, we can share a room. We share a tent on the hunt all the time, right Ambie?”

"Oh,”

And then it clicks

“yeah, however you’re comfortable.”

You grab one of the bags, and help them upstairs

“Why don’t you guys take a while to settle in, I’ll tell the others you’re resting.”

They thank you, and you start to leave

“By the way,” you poke your head back in, “you two seem really cute together. Welcome to the family, Amber.” 

She blushes and Thalia gives you an appreciative look

You nod and head back down

You let the others know they’re going to nap for a little while, and not to wake them up

“Hey, any travel updates?” You ask Annabeth, on your way back into the kitchen

“Alex just texted, she and Magnus are finally on their way, should be here in the next few hours. As for Travis…” 

She holds out her phone, showing you Travis’s tiktok

He’s filming the mirror in the airport bathroom

“So uh, my flight’s delayed, I’m bored, I’m gonna fuck with some people,” he holds out a hand full of stickers that look like outlets

He records himself putting them around the airport, then gets people’s reactions when they try to use them

He ends the video asking for more prank ideas

You look back up at Annabeth, holding back a laugh, “Seems like he’s doing okay,” 

“Oh,” she replies, “that’s not all.”

She scrolls up, showing the next prank video where Travis goes around the airport having fake phone conversations to get people’s reactions

Conversation topics including ‘I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but slept with your grandma’, ‘hey bro I can’t come to the party, also turns out I’m going to be your stepdad’, ‘hey dude remember that old lady we used to cat sit for? Well, I found out I got chlamydia from her, so…’, and ‘yeah man, I’m so excited for the poetry slam. Also, it turns out my jazz fever is actually syphilis.’. 

Your hand flies over your mouth, trying not to laugh loudly enough to wake Thalia and Amber

“Yeah,” Annabeth says, fighting her own laughter, “he’s doing okay.”

You start putting together ingredients for pie filling

“That is the most in character thing I could have imagined,” you laugh, and Annabeth shows Leo the videos

“There’s a bunch more, too,” she adds, “Around making tiktoks, he found a bus heading this way. He’ll be here in a few hours.” 

“Cutting it close,” you muse, filling pies, “I’m glad he’s not stuck at the airport though. How about Connor?” 

“Haven’t heard much from him, but he said he'll be here in time for dinner."

A little while later, Thalia and Amber re enter, joining Percy and Clarisse in the living room 

The door opens shortly after, and Tyson enters, arms full of containers of candy pumpkins 

Reyna and Grover are right behind him

You take Grover's bags, announcing that Thalia got here a little while ago

He bleats excitedly and runs to hug her, Reyna right on his heels

Piper and Tyson bring in the rest of the groceries

Tyson sets down the last bags in the kitchen, looks out the window, yells, "IT'S ALMOST SUNSET!", and runs back out into the back yard, presumably to finish his mystery project 

Everyone eventually makes their way to the living room, nibbling on appetizers and watching classic Thanksgiving specials 

The food is almost done, all that's left is decorating the pies and a little tidying up 

You walk over to Leo, placing your hand on his shoulder 

He looks up at you

"Why don't you go take a quick shower and change before dinner," you muse, knowing the hoodie and jeans he's been cooking in all day isn't the outfit he'd picked out, "I'll wrap things up in here,"

He thanks you, dramatically presses a kiss to your forehead, and exits the kitchen 

You decorate the pies distractedly, catching the doorbell right before the second ring 

You smile at the people about to enter

"Annabeth," you call, "Magnus and Alex are here!" 

She drops what she's doing, and runs over to greet them 

Leo is back down stairs a short while later 

His brick red hoodie replaced with a burgundy one - his fancy hoodie as he calls it - a heavy flannel layered on top, and a beanie pulled over his almost dry hair

His pyrokinesis makes you forget how cold he gets sometimes 

You're about to go upstairs to change out of your cooking clothes when Tyson enters dramatically 

"The surprise is done!"

Everyone files outside to see what Tyson made as he leads you all out to the garage 

Perfectly attached to the side, is a very small horse stable 

"Wow!" Percy starts, "Great job, dude!"

Tyson is beaming as he's showered with confused praise 

"So uh," Percy ventures, "what did you build it for?"

"Maybe something like this?!" Descending voices declare in unicen 

Travis and Connor land in front of you on no other than Blackjack

Everyone erupts into cheers

“I thought you were stuck at the airport! What about those tiktoks?”

“Saved in my drafts, baby!” Travis laughs

Percy greets Blackjack and everyone else heads back inside with Travis and Connor 

You run upstairs to shower quickly and change, and are back downstairs just in time for appetizers and drinks 

You're about to take a sip of coffee when the door opens 

An irregular set of footsteps echoes into the room, along with a familiar voice 

"Ah, children, I hope there's room for one more," 

Everyone turns in surprise as Chiron enters the room 

After lots of warm excited greetings and making sure he has a warm cup of tea, he settles in to chat for a while

"I was on my way to meet with my more, ah, rambunctious cousins, but I couldn't let a day like today pass without stopping by."

After two cups of tea and lovely conversations, Chiron heads out to meet up with the other party ponies 

Thalia, Percy, and Will get all the food on the dining room table while Rachel makes the finishing touches to the centerpieces 

Everyone finds their seat, and you make the first toast

"I think I can speak for everyone when I say I'm thankful for you guys - my found family."

Every glass is raised

You can all drink to that. 

[saiyan98]

Nostalgic Love Story (Childhood AU) Part 2

Disclaimer:

Piper McClean: The following is a non-profit fanbase series. PJO, HoO and ToA are owned by Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion. Please support the Official release.

Inspired by another Fanfiction I read called Safety Patrol (In Fanfiction.Net)/ Something More (In Archive of Our Own) made by EthnicToken (Fanfiction.Net)/ StarriNights (Archive of Our Own).

[Table Of Content] [First Chapter] [Last Chapter]

Summary:

Leo and Calypso have been neighbors and friends since kindergarten. The two were inseparable all the way to high school. However, in their Junior years, Calypso was about to confess to her crush, Percy Jackson. However, he turned her down and made her realize that who she truly loves is her best friend, Leo. Will she finally let her true feelings out? Or will she bury them deep in her heart, never to see light?

Story:

School has ended for the day and we find Calypso contemplating in her old treehouse that’s behind her house. From Kindergarten to Middle School, Leo and Calypso would hang out in that treehouse and would mostly just play games, talk about stuff they like or just simply to get away from parents or school. But ever since High School arrived, they rarely came up anymore. Calypso wasn’t bothered by the sudden change at first; but ever since she realized her true emotions for Leo today, she has gotten more conscious about the changes. 

Now… she misses it. 

She looks around her treehouse and nostalgia hits her like an ambulance. There were old drawings pinned to the wall; she and Leo made them back in the days, mostly just doodles of either plants or cars. Calypso chuckles as she looks at each one, memories coming back to her. Then she looked at one drawing that Leo made a long time ago. 

It was around when the two were in elementary school and Leo was in the middle of drawing.

“What are you drawing?” Calypso asked. 

“My future,” Leo replied. “Ms. Gomez told us to draw what we want to be when we grow up.”

Calypso looked at his drawing. It was a doodle of a garage with a car inside and himself with a wrench. 

“You want to be a mechanic like your mom?” Calypso asked. 

“Yep, when I grow up, I’m gonna take over the family business,” Leo replied with a grin. 

“Who’s that?” Calypso pointed toward another character in his drawing. It was a girl with orange hair and carrying flowers.

“That’s you.” 

“Why am I in it?”

“Because,” Leo answered sincerely with a bigger grin. “I want you by my side when I grow up. That way, the future will be more fun.” 

Calypso was shocked at his answer and frowned. 

“There’s no way I’m working in a garage! It’s dirty and messy and a lot of work.”

Leo laughs, “I know, Sunshine. That’s why I drew flowers with you. When we grow up, I’ll work in my family’s shop and you can make a small garden in the back, sell all sorts of plants and vegetables to our clients.” 

Calypso giggled, “I can probably make some nice food too. I’ve been learning to make some nice stew from your mom.”

“Really?!” Leo said. “I can’t wait until we grow up!” 

The two laugh as they continue having fun in their little treehouse.

And now, they’re in high school, with college just around the corner. And Calypso would like nothing more but to make that dream a reality. 

It’s been years since they made that promise; both of them completely forgot about it, until now. Calypso can’t comprehend the thought of a future WITHOUT Leo. He was always there for her when she needed him. Sure he’s an idiot; chaotic and just a plain trouble-maker. But he always finds a way to warm your heart. And now that she realized the truth, she doesn’t want to let that go. College is just around the corner and she has no idea if he’s even going to the same one as her. Four years without Leo is a nightmare for her. 

“Sunshine?!” Yelled out in the distance. 

Calypso looked outside and saw Leo with his backpack, coming home from his club meeting.

“I’m up here!” Calypso yelled. 

Leo climbed up to the treehouse and sat next to her. “So this is where you've been hiding. I thought you were gonna wait for me after the club meeting?” 

“I-I was bored so I went home. I figured you can find your way back on your own,” Calypso lied. Because she realized her true feelings, she’s more conscious about the atmosphere when she’s alone with Leo. 

She wants to be him, but she doesn’t want to lose him forever. 

“It has been awhile since we've been here,” Leo said. “I can see that our old drawings are there too.”

“Y-yeah…”

“Oh hey! I remember this,” Leo says as he looks at the drawing Calypso was earlier. 

“Man, we were so young. I told you how I was gonna take the family business and that we’d live together,” Leo laughed as Calypso also joined as well, hoping to hide her blush.

“You’re still going to do that, right? Become a mechanic like your mom?”

Leo nodded, “Yeah, but I doubt you’ll be living with me.”

“W-what? Why?!” Calypso asked. 

Leo scoffed, “Because you hate the noise and the smell.”

“O-oh! Yeah! I mean… like, who wants to live with you when you’re all dirty, smell like oil and never bother to wear a shirt most of the time…” Calypso said, unaware that she spilled the fact that she tends to see him without a shirt sometimes at the family shop. 

And the fact that she sometimes stares. 

“Wait, what?” Leo asked. He wasn’t fully paying attention after the comment about the smell. He kind of zone out whenever Calypso complains about him. 

“I mean, you’re always a mess once you finish up at work. No girl would want to date you.” 

Leo chuckled, “You’re right about that.”

Calypso cursed in silence, “B-but maybe you’ll find the right girl, you know? Like, someone who knows you better than yourself and always keeps you on your toes?”

Leo shrugged, “I doubt it, every girl I try to go after is either not interested in me or just hates me. But enough about me; how about you? How’d it go with Percy?”

Calypso flinched, she hoped to avoid that conversation for several reasons. The main reason is that it’ll prove Leo right and she hates how much he’ll gloat about it. 

And to think, this is the boy she fell in love with in the end.

“I-it went well, just that…” 

“He turned you down, huh?”

Calypso tries to hide it, but her expression says it all. As she waits for Leo to laugh and call her out that he was right, he sighed.

“I’m sorry.” 

“Huh?” Calypso said. 

“I’m sorry you had to go through this mess again. Percy is a nice guy, but he’s obviously in love with Annabeth. If he wasn’t, he’d totally would’ve dated you.”

Calypso frowned, usually Leo would tease her and tell her ‘I told you so’. Why is he being… well, nice? Of course, he always watches over her and helps her out. But he usually teases her about her love life, telling her that she’s better off without them and too good for them.

“Why would you think that Percy would date me?” 

“Because you’re Calypso, silly,” Leo laughed and answered. “You may not be the smartest, coolest or most popular girl in school; but, you’re kind, quirky and always help out those in need. You have a bright smile and loving singing voice that ANY guy would kill to hear.”

The way Leo talked about her made her feel giddy and heartwarming. And yet, she still believes he doesn’t see her as a lover. Most likely as a sister or a friend. So badly, Calypso wants to be more than just friends with Leo. But she’s too afraid to lose what she has now. 

“T-thanks, Leo.”

Leo shrugged, “I’m just speaking the truth. But…” 

Leo smirked at Calypso, “I told you so.”

Calypso rolled her eyes as Leo laughed. Even when she realizes she’s in love with him, he’s still the same crazy pyro-mechanic who annoys her to death. 

It has been a week since Calypso realized the truth and it’s getting harder to hide it from Leo. Jason continues to persuade her to confess, but she won’t do it. Considering that she was turned down three times in a row, she doesn’t want Leo to be number four. Instead, she decide to talk to one person who understands her situation more than anyone. 

“Percy!” Calypso yelled as she called him out in the school hallways.

“Yeah, Calypso?” 

“I need to ask you something?”

“Ask him about what?” said another voice. Behind Percy was Annabeth, his childhood best friend and first (and only) love. Calypso was jealous of her back then because she has Percy’s attention. Now, she’s the one person that can help her.

“Oh, Annabeth! Perfect! I was looking for you!” Calypso said. 

Percy and Annabeth were confused but Calypso asked Percy for some privacy for the two. He agreed and went to class. 

“So, what do you need, Calypso?” Annabeth asked.

Calypso took a deep breath and asked, “How do you manage to keep your feelings buried when you’re around Percy?”

Annabeth blushed, “W-what?! I don’t know what you’re-”

“Annabeth, everyone knows you’re in love with Percy. Only Percy doesn’t know. He’s, as you say, a Seaweed Brain.”

Annabeth blushes harder at the comment. “What's your point, Calypso?” 

And so she told Annabeth everything. How she confessed to Percy but was turned down, only for him to make Calypso realize she’s in love with Leo. Because of this, it’s getting harder for her to be around him without wanting more than what they have. 

She wants to hold his hands.

She wants to hug him. 

She wants to kiss him. 

She… she wants him in her life, even after graduation. 

“So… I just want to know how you managed to do it. How do you manage to be with Percy without showing your feelings?” Calypso asked. 

Annabeth was silent for a moment and then answered.

“Calypso… I wish I could answer that to you but… I don’t know. Everytime I’m with Percy, I get all nervous and I overthink about what I would say to him. A day doesn’t go by where I wish I could just kiss his idiotic face.”

Calypso nodded. Everytime she sees Leo’s iconic grin, she resists with all her willpower not to just grab him and kiss him on the spot. 

“But… I’m just scared.” 

“Scared to lose him over a crush?” Calypso asked. 

She nodded. 

“So even you are no match to the boy's stupid charm,” Calypso said.

Annabeth laughed, “Well, regardless, I think you have a chance with Leo. I saw how he looks at you sometimes.”

“Then why doesn’t he ever try his charms on me?”

Annabeth shrugged, “Maybe he believes you deserve better than some cheap flirt. You two have been friends since kindergarten. Just… talk to him. I’m sure you’ll find some sort of hint of his affection towards you.”

“You really think so?” Calypso asked.

“I know so. Anyways, I gotta head to the Library. I promised Piper that I’d help her out with her homework.”

“Thank you, Annabeth. And for your information, Percy really likes you. You shouldn’t hide your feelings.” 

Annabeth blushed at the sudden information. 

“Y-you really think so?” she asked. 

Calypso nodded. 

“W-well, we’ll see… see you around, Calypso.”

Meanwhile, Leo and Jason were chilling once again at the Library. 

This time, it was Leo in distress. 

“Come on, Leo. I don’t see why you need to hide it anymore, just try at least,” Jason said. 

“It’s not that simple, Jason! If I ask her out and she says no, it’ll be awkward and she’ll distance herself from me. I can’t bear that.”

Leo was talking about how he found Calypso in their old treehouse. Reminiscing on old memories and promises. And how he wishes their promise becomes true. 

“Look, Leo, trust me when I say this. You have a guaranteed chance with her. Better than I ever can with Piper.”

Jason argues with Leo, hoping to convince to ask Calypso out. Ever since she confessed to him about her feelings towards Leo, Jason was doing everything he can to get them together. Everything except telling them the truth. 

Jason sighs, “Leo…”

“Just forget it, okay? Focus on your issues with Piper.”

“What about me?” Said a feminine voice. 

The boys looked behind them and saw Piper, coming out of dance practice and taking a break in the library. 

“Nothing,” Jason replied quickly, hoping to change the subject. “Leo here is just being stubborn and refusing to ask Calypso out.”

“Really?” Piper said. “Leo, I’ve seen the way you look at her. You have it badly, worse than with Khione and Echo. You two are meant to be.”

Leo groaned, “Guys, just give up. No way in ANY universe would Calypso fall in love with me.”

“And why’s that?” Jason asked. 

“Because she’s amazing! Okay? She’s smart, funny, kind, sassy and beautiful. She’s a goddess! And me? I’m just a crazy mechanic-to-be teenager with ADHD and creates things that end up crash and burn. Why on earth would she love someone like me?!” 

Leo got fed up and left. 

Jason sighs, “Leo… why can’t you see that she loves you too?”

“Wait, what?!” Piper asked. 

Jason explained how Calypso confessed to Percy but was turned down and was given the realization that she was in love with Leo the whole time. And now, both of them are trying to hide their feelings so that they won’t lose the friendship that they have right now.

“Oh my god,” Piper said. “It’s like your classic cliche romance movie. They’ll probably won’t say anything until graduation. And by then it’ll be too late.”

“Exactly,” Jason agreed. “They just need a little push.”

He sighs, frustrated at the situation, ignoring how his heart is beating just by being next to Piper. Even though he’s doing what he can to help his friends, he can’t ignore the chance he has just been given. 

It’s better to at least try and fail then to not try at all.

Jason chuckled at the advice Calypso gave, despite not following it herself. 

“Well, I gotta go. I promise Annabeth I’d meet her here at the library so she can help me with some homework that’s due tomorrow. I’ll see you around, Jason.”

As Piper was getting up, Jason took a deep breath. 

It was now or never.

“Wait, Pipes?”

“Yeah?” She replied as she got up.

“… Are you… busy this Saturday?”

“Not really.”

Jason took another deep breath as his palms were getting sweaty.

“I… I was wondering if… maybe if you… I don’t know, want to hang out with me at the Pier?”

Jason feels really sick, heartbeat getting louder and palms getting sweatier. But he needs to follow Calypso's advice. If he can do it, so can she. 

“Like a date?” Piper asked.

“…Yeah. Like a date,” Jason replied. 

Piper was quiet for a moment, giving more anxiety to Jason. Then she replied. 

“Sure, I would love to. Think you can pick me up around 7pm?” She asked. 

“Y-yeah…” Jason replied, still shocked at her answer.

As Piper left to find Annabeth, Jason quickly got up and ran to find Calypso.

He just asked Piper McClean, one of the most beautiful and popular girls in school, out on a date and she said yes. He needed to tell her what happened. And hopefully, give her the courage to go out with Leo as well.

Unaware that Jason was looking for her, Calypso was by herself by the football field, contemplating on what to do with her feelings with Leo. 

One side to risk everything and confess, hoping that everything works out and that they will be together, even after high school. But on the other hand, if she did and he rejects her, he will most likely distance himself. It’ll be awkward between them and their friendship will fall apart. 

She couldn’t bear that to happen.

As she debates her choices in her head, she reminisces on a memory that happened a long time ago, in that same Treehouse. 

It was around middle school and somehow, boys were being attracted toward her. She hated it because it made the other girls jealous of her and it made her time in school more difficult. 

The only reason she was able to bear through it was because of Leo. He was always by her side, even when the other girls were spreading rumors about her. She remembered how one time in the treehouse she complained how she'd never get her first kiss if these events continued. Calypso is a hopeless romantic kind of girl; she hopes her Prince Charming would come for her. Leo would listen to her complaints for a while and come up with a surprising suggestion. 

Calypso still blushed at the idea.

Leo suggested that they try a kiss together. 

Calypso was going to deny the request, but she feared that she wouldn't get a chance to experience it. But the crazy thing, at the time, she was hoping for it.

She still remembers the experience. Short but sweet. Quick but felt like a lifetime. Calypso remembers how she wished it was longer. But, being as stubborn as she is, she hid the fact that she enjoyed it. Maybe if she told him the truth, would he see her as more than a friend?

“Calypso!” Yelled Jason as he ran toward her. 

“What’s up?”

“I did it!”

“What?”

“I finally asked Piper out!”

“Oh,” Calypso replied. “What did she say?” 

“She said yes!” Jason replied with excitement.

Calypso smiled. Jason was crushing really hard on Piper ever since last year. Which is understandable, Jason is a good guy. But he’s always been a “yes” man; helping everyone in need. He never once thought about what he wanted, just listened to what his parents wanted; what everyone expected from him; what he needed to be. But whenever he looked at Piper, he saw someone who wasn’t afraid to be herself; wasn’t afraid of failure or disappointment. She is something that he wishes to be.

Free.

“That’s great, I hope it works out,” Calypso said. 

“Thanks, but I was able to do it thanks to your advice. I took my chance and asked her out.”

Calypso shrugged, “I was just helping a friend.”

“I know that, that’s why I’m telling you to follow your advice and go after Leo.”

“Don’t,” Calypso replied. “Leo had all this time to be interested in me. But he isn’t.” 

“That’s not true. I see the way he looks at you. He truly cares about you more than anything. More than his love for engineering; more than his dream. I know for a fact that if he had to choose between you and his dream, he’d pick you.”

She scoffed. 

“Look, Calypso, just try at least. Even if, and that’s a big if, he doesn’t like you, he’d still be by your side. No matter what.” 

She wants to believe that.

She wants to believe in a future with Leo. 

But the fear of losing him is too great. 

Think of it like this, imagine that you found your soulmate and you never knew. You've been together for most of your life, but you never became more than friends. When you finally realize your feelings for them, you fear that you’ll lose a part of yourself to take that first step forward. Fear eats you more than curiosity. 

“I want to believe that, Jason.”

“I know, Calypso,” Jason said. “Look, I know it’s scary to take that first step. But that’s how I felt too when I asked Piper out. I had a better chance of being rejected, but I wasn’t.”

“… You really think I have a chance with Leo?” Calypso asked. 

Jason scoffed, “I’m willing to bet my life on it. You two have always been inseparable. Heck, you might as well have been in a relationship without the benefits.

Calypso rolled her eyes.

“Thanks, Jason. I’ll… consider trying.”

After listening to Jason, Calypso had made a decision. If Jason was willing to ask out Piper, she might as well try as well. Damn the fear. Even if Leo doesn’t see her as girlfriend material, he loves her. Their friendship is stronger than any fear. She needs to remember that this is Leo Valdez. The boy who was always by her side when she suffered from her heartbreaks; the one who always invited her to most of his trips to see car shows; the one who always made her laugh with terrible jokes. Leo Valdez is many things, but he would never abandon his friends; especially Calypso. 

She shook her head and stood up with fierce determination.

“You’re right, Jason! Screw my fears! That little idiotic mechanic-loving trouble-maker will be mine!”

Jason laughs at her sudden change of mood. But I was glad.

Maybe there’s hope with these dorks after all.

Leave a comment if you can. Thank you for reading my stories, hope to see you on my next update. 

[lemonadeandstew]

Moments from The Dark Prophecy that I love

I actually liked TDP because I thought 1)Leo and Calypso’s issues weren’t that grave 2)they would figure it out before the series ends. But the whole it’s still complicated part in Tower of Nero threw me off. Anyways, we ignore ToN for this post. Here are the things I liked in TDP:

‘GPS?’ ‘Godly positioning system.’ ‘That’s not a real thing!’ ‘Guys, cool it.’

Calypso calling Leo Leonidas+him calling her Cal

Calypso punching+kicking Nanette

Cal failing at improvisational comedy(why does Rick deprive us of moments like this?! I want details lmao)

Leo cursing in spanish+Cal cursing in ancient Minoan

‘We don’t leave anyone behind.’ idc what y’all say but Calypso is caring

Calypso roasting singing with Apollo ‘Most worthless of teens!’ ‘Vary your adjectives.’

Just Emmie and Jo♥

Leo bonding with Jo and Calypso bonding with Emmie

‘When I am a god again, I will make a constellation out of you. I will call it the Small Exploding Latino.’ ‘I like it!’

Calypso being amused by Apollo’s interactions with the Arrow of Dodona

Leo saving Cal from Britomartis’s trap

Leo believing in Cal ‘It ain’t about powers, ese. You watch. Calypso will still save your sorry butt tomorrow.’ and he’s right!

Cal knowing Leo’s favorite food(maybe that’s her love language, listening and remembering little details about someone and it’s only fair that she wants Leo to listen to her too)

Calypso opening the locks with her bobby pins

‘Let me use my super vision to look through this wall and check’, she said. ‘Oh wait.’ that’s some fine sarcasm here, you’re doing amazing sweetie!

Calypso fake hexing Apollo and using a pancake recipe in ancient Phoenician to scare the Germanus away

‘What do you want with Leo? You will not hurt him.’ Cal being protective✨, Apollo has to hold her back

Apollo driving the train and Calypso just walking alongside him lmao

Again, Calypso refuses to leave anyone behind, Meg in this case; she truly is a sweetheart🥺

‘What did you do to her? Is Cal going to be okay? But you could’ve killed her!’ Leo being protective✨, Jo has to hold him back

Leo talking about Leo and Calypso’s Garage(this needs to happen, istg if not-)

Leo and Calypso deciding to stay at the Waystation, going to school, wanting to take things more slowly, Cal wanting to make friends

Leo and Calypso throwing bacon at each other and Apollo saying it all feels so cozy and homey

[winryofresembool]

Things We Lost in the Fire, ch 37

aka Caleo uni au

Fic summary: Calypso starts studying at a new university, but to her annoyance her new flatmate is a loud mouthed mechanic who also likes to sneak his dog in whenever. But as she learns to know him better, she realizes they might have more in common than what she first thought. Eventually, even the darkest secrets come out…

Chapter summary: New Year’s Eve, pt 2

A/N: A new chapter! We'll finally find out what happened after that annoying cliffhanger in the previous one. Anyway, I would like to note that this chapter deals with some mental health related issues and there is also a mention of a shooting (note: mention) so if you'd rather avoid that kind of stuff, then it may be better to skip this chapter.

That said, I hope you'll still enjoy this chapter! And don't forget that I'm always really happy to hear from you guys!

Words: 3500+

Genre: romance & hurt/comfort

Warnings: panic attack, mentions of shooting 

previous chapter / AO3

...

“Calypso, I think you should come. Something’s not right with Leo.”

It took Calypso a moment to register what Nico had said. She just kept staring at him, a frown creeping on her face as she was trying to figure out if she had heard him correctly.

“Something’s… not right with Leo? Wha-what do you mean?” She finally managed to ask.

“We were just talking… I don’t know, not about anything special… and suddenly some fireworks went off nearby. Like, too close for it to be legal. He got really restless - even more than usual - and he wanted to go and look for you but given his state I told him it was probably better if he sat down while I would find you.”

“When you say restless, what exactly do you mean?” Calypso asked.

“He was shaking and his breathing was labored and he got this panicked look on his face… as if he was seeing something I couldn’t see. And when I tried to talk to him, he didn’t respond. He started tapping with his fingers, like he was trying to message me something that way. I don’t know. But I think he’s having a panic attack.”

Calypso’s heart sank. She wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with panic attacks either so she knew how horrifying it could feel. Based on her own experiences, when you were having one, it was really, really hard to convince your brain that it was going to be OK. It just wouldn’t listen. And that could go on for a long while. The worst part was that it could get triggered totally unexpectedly, like now in the middle of the party.

“Oh gods… where is he now? I don’t think he should be alone.” In that moment Calypso didn’t care what the others thought about her worrying; her instinct to be with him was much stronger.

“He’s still in the kitchenette…” Nico responded and Calypso didn’t waste any time, marching out of the balcony as fast as she could.

“So, you think the fireworks triggered the panic attack?” she asked Nico over her shoulder while she was walking.

It took him some effort to keep up with her. “Probably. Before it happened, he was just explaining to me that his family always needed to put Festus into the most light and sound proof room of his home during New Year and 4th of July because he really hated the fireworks. Apparently Festus’ fear is one of the reasons why he himself doesn’t like them.”

“That would certainly make sense,” Calypso agreed. She didn’t have time to ask more when they already reached Leo’s resting spot. Even though she had seen him angry and scared before, this felt different compared to those times. He had wrapped his arms around his shaky legs and when he heard the others approaching, he looked up, his eyes bewildered. Calypso even noticed that there was also wetness on his cheeks and she needed to brace herself so that she didn’t start tearing up as well. She sat down next to him and started speaking in as soothing a voice as she was capable of in that situation.

“Leo… It’s gonna be OK. I’m right here.” She started stroking his back with light, gentle motions.

“Cal?” He muttered with a broken voice. “Thank goodness… I was afraid that…”

“Afraid of what?” Calypso frowned, still trying to sound as calm as possible. “That I was going to go somewhere?”

“Not… here…” he murmured, referring to the fact that they had several pairs of ears listening to them.

“Oh. Right,” she replied understandingly. “Hey… I’m going to ask Frank if he’d allow you to rest in his bedroom for a moment. You know… just until this passes.”

“Fine,” Leo nodded slightly. Luckily Calypso didn’t have to go searching because Frank entered the room as if on cue.

“Frank, I think Leo needs some quiet space for a moment,” Calypso told him when he was observing the situation. “Can we borrow your bedroom?”

“Sure, of course,” Frank agreed instantly.

“Thanks a lot. Don’t worry, you’ll get your room back once he recovers,” Calypso addressed Frank before turning back to Leo. “OK, let’s go then.”

She took his hand and pulled him up, directing him towards the bedroom. When she turned to give the hosts a reassuring nod, she noticed they were watching her and Leo worriedly.

“Uh, do you need any company there?” Hazel asked.

“What do you say, Leo?” Calypso didn’t want to make any decisions for him.

“Just Cal is fine,” he muttered.

“Thanks, though,” Calypso addressed Hazel. “I will let you know if I need any help. I, um, have some experience with this kind of stuff so I think I can handle it.”

“Alright. We’ll make sure no one interrupts him,” Hazel referred to the other guests who were still partying on the other side of the wall. Calypso didn’t understand how anyone could still feel festive but then again, they didn’t know her boyfriend like she did.

Closing the door behind her, Calypso helped Leo on Frank’s bed and turned on a light on the bedside table. Then she sat down next to him and swept his hair from his eyes, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. When she pulled away, she sighed:

“I’ve also had panic attacks in the past. I’m no expert by any means, but for me, it usually helps a bit if I lie down and just try to focus on my breathing. Maybe you could try that.”

“Alright,” Leo complied. He laid down on the bed, using her legs as a pillow for his head, and rested his hands over his chest. Calypso ran her fingers through his hair and kept talking to him soothingly.

“So what I do is that I breathe in slowly – I try to count to four when I do that – then I hold it for a moment, and then breathe out just as slowly. And repeat.”

Leo blinked to let her know he understood and followed her advice. Calypso knew that she should try to reduce the distractions in that situation so she didn’t say anything for a while; she just kept combing his hair with her fingers and humming the first song that came to her mind; New Year’s Day.

“Do you feel any better?” she asked once Leo’s hyperventilating seemed to have calmed down somewhat. She herself felt lighter as well seeing that he was starting to recover.

“A bit,” Leo answered hoarsely.

“It’s OK. Sometimes it takes a moment to pass but you’ll get there,” she said encouragingly. “Just keep your eyes closed and try to focus on something that keeps you grounded to this moment. Like something you feel or hear or smell or anything…”

“I like it when you play with my hair. It feels nice,” Leo stated bluntly.

“OK. I’ll keep doing that, then.”

It was quiet for a while again, aside from the sounds outside the room. Calypso was thankful that the firework sounds weren’t that loud at that moment because it could have set back Leo’s recovery process.

“Talk to me,” he said suddenly. “About anything.”

“Alright.” Calypso stopped to decide a topic for a moment. “This may sound weird, but when I’m having one of my bad moments, I try to picture my happy place. I think that was something my mum advised me to do already when I was a kid.”

“What is your happy place like then?” Leo asked quietly.

A tiny smile raised on Calypso’s lips when she started imagining it.

“It’s some place warm. Somewhere where I can see the sun shining and birds singing and smell the salty sea air and maybe some eucalyptus trees… Earlier… when I tried picturing it… I was usually alone there. Like, I wasn’t able to picture anyone else with me there for some reason.” She was glad that Leo couldn’t see her blushing because his eyes were closed. Normally, she would have a hard time admitting these kinds of things but seeing Leo’s vulnerable state, she felt her walls disappear. “But now? I think I’d want you to be there too. And why not Festus and maybe some other animals too if you liked that. Georgina doing her things somewhere in the background. And… Well, that was it.” Calypso did have another wish too, but it was way too personal and way too early into their relationship to even mention it, especially in the current situation.

“I think that sounds great,” Leo answered. A tiny, lopsided smile appeared on his face briefly and Calypso took that as a good sign. He wasn’t trembling anymore either.

“Yeah. Well, what about you? What’s your happy place?”

Leo thought about it for a while. “I… I feel most comfortable with my machines. So… I think I’d like to be in a giant garage. Where it smells like machine oil and where I get to listen to Rolling Stones or some other old school rock bands…”

Calypso remembered that Leo had once told her his mom had used to listen to those bands. “I get why you would want that, but wouldn’t it be lonely there?” she asked.

“No,” Leo shook his head. “I wouldn’t be alone there. I would like you to be there too. If you wanted to. And of course my family and Festus too.”

“But what would I do in your garage?” Calypso asked confusedly.

“You would have your own space there,” Leo answered slowly. “You know, for your own things. Sewing machine, fabrics, painting equipment, you name it. Maybe there would be a greenhouse outside the garage for your plants… or a garden… Whatever you prefer.”

“Oh.” Calypso’s mouth formed an ‘o’ when she tried to picture it. Leo had clearly thought about this topic more than she had expected. “That sounds amazing…”

She was already going to change the topic when Leo surprised her again by continuing: “You and I are both good with our hands, making new things, so we could try to create something together, combining our skills. Who knows, maybe we could even start a company or something together. Once we’ve graduated, of course.”

“Hold on.” Calypso furrowed her eyebrows. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this. Would you actually want to do that?”

“Yeah, why not?” Leo asked, finally opening his eyes and looking up at Calypso. In the darkness of the room they looked almost black but the lamp on the bedside table gave them a warm glow.

“You mean it?” Calypso had never had anyone who would have included her into their future plans in her life before and suddenly she felt a bit overwhelmed with emotion when she understood that someone actually cared about her that much.

“Yeah. Of course. You really think I start joking about that when I’m…” he gestured at himself, “in this state?”

“No, of course not,” Calypso tried to reassure him, removing one of her hands from his hair and squeezing his hand instead. “It’s a… really nice dream. Maybe… if everything goes well… it can become true,” Her voice started cracking because she had just realized how much she’d really want the dream to become true, for both of their sake, but she found it scary to think too far into the future. The quietness from her father’s end kept her on her toes even now and there were a lot of other question marks in the air as well.

“Maybe.”

“You’re not hyperventilating anymore,” Calypso decided to change the topic before she got too sentimental. “That’s good.”

“Your advice really helped,” Leo stated. However, his eyes were focused on something Calypso couldn’t see and that made her believe that something was still bothering him.

“Does this happen to you often?” Calypso wanted to know. “I mean, the panic attacks.”

“Not so often lately,” Leo replied. “Believe it or not, for the past year or so I’ve been pretty good.” He lowered his voice into a whisper when he added: “Even better when I got a new roommate. But before I moved in with my family and got some therapy, it was… it was pretty bad.”

“I hate that you had to go through that…” Calypso tightened her grip on his hand slightly.

“It is what it is,” Leo sighed. “At some point… you almost get used to it. But really, I have made some progress. Um, despite the slight setback at Christmas,” he added when he saw Calypso’s skeptical expression.

“But that was understandable. It can be a difficult time for anyone…” Calypso left the words ‘who has lost someone important to them’ unsaid because she doubted that Leo needed more reminders of that particular incident in that moment.

“Yeah… You might be right,” Leo muttered, and silence fell into the room again. Calypso kept absentmindedly running her thumb on the back of his hand while she listened to the chatting and laughing on the other side of the wall.

Eventually, she asked quietly: “Do you know what caused the attack? If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, of course.”

“The fireworks… I remembered some things when I heard the bang…” Leo managed to say.

Calypso raised her eyebrows. “I’m sorry if I ask too much, but what things did you remember?”

“It was… I was living on the streets back in those days…”

Calypso allowed Leo to take his time, not pushing him to continue with his answer.

“It was late at night… I was still in Houston back then. I had this spot in the outskirts of the town where I thought I was safe from the cops and other people I didn’t want to run into so I used to hang out there a lot.”

“Safe from cops? What do you mean by that?”

“I knew that if they caught me, they would bring me right back to my old foster home… Or worse, a new one that was even worse than the previous. I’ve told you, I didn’t have good experiences in my foster homes.”

“Yeah… I remember,” Calypso nodded understandingly.

“Besides, I didn’t exactly have a lot of money so I may have had to shoplift once or twice to keep myself alive while I was on the streets. So, not exactly the cops’ best friend. But anyway, that wasn’t the point of this story. I was gonna tell you what happened on one specific day.”

“OK. No rush,” Calypso said. She noticed that Leo seemed to get stiffer again on her lap but as long as still wanted to keep talking, she didn’t want to interrupt.

“So, I was settling into my hiding spot for the night when I heard it. Gunshots nearby. At first I hoped that someone was just out there hunting in the forest, but it was pitch black outside so the timing didn’t make sense. Then I heard footsteps coming closer to where I was hiding and more gunshots. I decided I needed to leave my hiding spot until the people were gone but I made a lot of noise when I tried to withdraw farther from the road so the shooter probably heard me. I don’t really remember what exactly happened after that but I know there was another bang… and a bullet on the tree right behind me… only a few feet from my head.”

“Oh gods,” Calypso gasped. She wished she could say something comforting as a response but it was easier said than done. Leo saved her from the trouble, though, because he added bitterly:

“I got lucky that the shooter had the police after him because he didn’t have time to stop and make sure he had hit me. But… from what I later heard… not everyone was that lucky.” Leo sniffed loudly and rubbed his eyes, trying to hide the tears.

Calypso clenched her fists. “Sorry… I shouldn’t have made you tell me that. But what… What kind of person does that to other people? Especially to kids? I don’t… I don’t get it…”

“Yeah… me neither.”

“But that incident… The sound of the fireworks made you remember the shooting?” Calypso attempted to connect the dots.

“Yeah... When I heard that sound… I dunno. My mind started racing and I started wondering what if it actually was a shooter and not just some fireworks? I didn’t see where the sound came from because the curtains were closed, after all. And when my mind starts racing, it really starts racing. You weren’t there at that moment so I got afraid that something had happened to you. And the panic attack was ready.”

Calypso understood perfectly. When she was having one of her bad moments, she kept reliving her sister’s accident and worrying it would happen again with someone else. It had taken her a long while to convince herself that it was safe enough to drive a car or to be a passenger in one. Even though she was able to drive again these days, the small nagging noise still hadn’t entirely disappeared from her head and she doubted it ever would.

“Well, I’m here now. I’m alright. You’re alright.” She gave him a small, encouraging smile. “Come here.” She patted the spot next to her to tell him to get up from his lying position so she could hug him. Leo looked at him questioningly for a moment, though.

“But what if someone comes in and sees us?”

“I kinda don’t care right now,” Calypso stated seriously. “Besides… I think we are not that great of actors. They probably know anyway.”

“Alright,” Leo replied and sat up on his spot on the bed. He buried his face against her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist, stroking her back as if to get a verification that she was really there with him.

“Gods, I’m making you regret your decision to be my girlfriend, aren’t I?” he mumbled against her skin.

“No,” Calypso said firmly when she broke the hug. “If anything, I think I love you even more when I hear about these things. You’re a really strong person who has just been through too much, too young.”

“But… you shouldn’t have to be my therapist,” Leo noted.

“I don’t see it that way. I want to help you feel better because you’re important to me. Besides...” Calypso added, thinking that a little humor wouldn’t hurt in that situation, “I’m trusting you’ll do the same for me when I need it.”

“Okay, I’ll be prepared,” Leo promised.

Suddenly the two realized that the people outside the room had gathered together and were doing a countdown.

“Ten, nine, eight…”

“Woah, sounds like it’s midnight already. We must have been here for at least an hour…” Calypso said.

“Seven, six, five…”

“Yeah. Time flies fast when you’re having a panic attack,” Leo managed to ‘joke’.

“Four, three, two, one…”

“I don’t get how you can joke about it already, but OK.”

“Happy new year!” yelled a big group of people in sync outside Frank’s bedroom.

“Happy new year,” the flatmates said at the same time.

“Or at least a better year than the previous one,” Leo added. “Although, I will admit it did have some good mo… woah!”

Calypso surprised Leo by gently pulling him closer to her, her hands coming to rest on each side of his neck when her lips touched his. Even though they had already shared a few kisses since the moment when they had decided to cross the line between a friend and a lover, Calypso still felt the sparks flying down her spine like fireworks when she felt Leo responding to it. His lips felt so soft (had he been using lip balm, she wondered) and his body so warm against hers, and it wasn’t until then that she realized that she had been actually feeling rather cold in her dark sleeveless dress.

“Goodness, Cal, you’re freezing,” Leo noted when they broke apart, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. “This is where a gentleman would offer you a coat but as it happens, I don’t have one.”

Calypso smiled at him. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine. Guess I was at the balcony just a bit too long.”

“Oh. Well, don’t do that again,” Leo said seriously.

“What if I will?” Calypso questioned.

“Then I’ll build a sauna into our flat and make sure you use it no matter what my fear says.”

“Wow. I doubt our landlord would love that. I mean, you building a sauna without permission.”

“Pfft, who cares about his opinion?” Leo asked before turning his attention to the sounds of celebration on the other side of the door. “Hey, should we go back to the others? I think I can handle it now.”

“Alright,” Calypso agreed. “And remember, we can leave any time you feel like it.”

“Okay,” Leo nodded and got up from the bed. They held hands for a moment longer before opening the door and having to act like nothing had happened again. Calypso didn’t mind the acting too much, though, when she saw that Leo was able to smile and joke again. Hopefully that year really would be a better one.