The Real Leo Valdez

Run

A/N: as much as I love being mistaken for a middle aged American author, sadly I am not Rick Riordan. All rights go to him.

TW for implied sexual assault, child abuse  but nothing too graphic and implied panic attack.

No Calypso in this fic, however it takes place after Gaia's defeat. She's just not here. Idk why I just didn't want her in this fic.

For reference, this is all from Leo's perspective and his thoughts intertwine with the descriptions. Anything in italics is invasive thoughts to contrast to his regular thoughts.

Thanks for reading! :)

Bolting upright from my desk in bunker 9, i distantly felt sweat dripping down my forehead. I was somewhat aware of my surroundings but over my heart threatening to jump out my chest and do the conga, and my head feeling as though it had drunk a whole liquor store, I didn't really register where I was.

With the sudden realisation that the world was spinning onto its side, I slammed shaking hands on the desk in front of me, breathing hard.

I couldn't see. All I could hear was ringing. It was too hot, even by my standards.

Today is important. Why? Why is it? Why do I feel like this?

These thoughts swirled around my already dizzy mind, making me feel the need to bend over and throw up.

Barely resisting the urge, I blinked hard, forcing my eyes to see.

Darkness dissipated slowly from my vision, and the blurry outline of bunker 9 came into view.

Breathing shakily, I gulped stuffy air into my lungs.

In for 5 seconds, hold. Out for 5 seconds. Hold.

I repeated this until I was fully calm.

That was my mistake.

Upon clearing my mind and senses, the realisation finally dawned on me.

I felt the heat creep back into my skin as I desperate attempted to stop panicking.

It's been 8 years now.

I miss her.

Regaining my composure, I decided I didn't want to be alone today. My trembling legs threatened to collapse under me, but i forced a grin onto my face, steadied myself and sauntered into the woods as if I had no cares in the world.

How could I?

I'm Leo Valdez, supreme commander of the Argo II.

Camp began to come into view through the density of the trees.

Hero of Olympus.

Piper and Jason were sat in front of the big house. They saw me and grinned, beckoning me to join them.

One of the prophecy of seven.

Annabeth and Percy were walking back from the beach. They were walking towards Piper and Jason and noticed where they were looking. Turning to look at me, they smiled and waved.

McShizzle Bad Boy Supreme.

I began to walk towards them, grin still on my face.

A joke.

What? I trip slightly at the thought but continue forwards, albeit slower.

A Diablo.

My grin drops into a smaller smile. Nothing noticeable. Not to anyone but myself.