Lock and Keys (Reader x Leo)

{Ch.10} Is This a Bad Joke?

The days seemed longer, even though it was summer. Yet, the hours couldn't seem to pile up faster then you had wanted. The only thing that could make you lose track of time was by tinkering. You figured if you were to be a child of Hepheastus, you should at least discover your newly founded talents. 

You sat on a random log near the forge, polishing your spear, your new one. It was funny to admit but you made it yourself. The shiny bronze was smooth and the engravings matched your personality, forever changing. 

"Hey (Y/n)," Without bothering to glance up, you knew it was Frank. He's such a nice kid, why is he trying to waste his time on you?

It was weird enough that you kissed your half brother a few days ago, but ever since then, he hasn't spoken to you nor made the effort to even look you in the eye during meals. It was unbearably awkward, though it still didn't feel that way. You didn't feel like his sister, you didn't even know the other Hepheastus kids until they introduced themselves when they showed you your bunk. They were really nice, but you never had siblings before. 

You really missed him, but since the whole camp knew it, you also had to keep your distance. But you could really use Frank's company so you set down your spear and faced him. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, I just wanted to check on you." 

That made you chuckle. "Why would you need to check on me? It's not like I fell in love with my supposed brother and kissed him the night I was claimed. Now the whole camp knows and it's not like I've ever felt lonelier, even though I'm completely surrounded by kids close to my age." There you go ranting again. Do you need sympathy that badly?

The large boy didn't react towards the self lashing. He simply bend down next to you and patted your back. The friendly gesture was the best thing you've allowed ever since that day. You yourself cut everyone out as Leo did to you. It didn't seem fair for anyone but this time you accepted it. 

Your whole life being isolated, it was hard coping with things alone. And now a handful of friends that care about you was also something your conscience wasn't used to. The graduate love was helping your mentality, along with Will's pills. 

You were about to give Frank a hug to better assure him of yourself, but Clarisse had other plans.

"(Y/N)!" She was stomping towards you both, her footsteps heavy and her eyes hungry for answers. Her hair looked grimy and so did her clothes. It came back to you that during the few days you locked yourself away, Clarisse had been trying to get to you. Of course it never happened because 1, you were afraid of her and 2, you wanted to be alone.

"Hey, (Y/n)!" She huffed as she came up to you. God, she looked a mess. It was horrible to say, but it looked like she hadn't taken care of herself in the days she spent looking for you. How could someone need you this badly? It felt odd to you, even more when she was kneeling in front of you and started pulling on your clothes.

"Clarisse, are you okay?" Frank placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to tug her back but she shook him away. 

"(Y/n), tell me how you did it. How did you beat my group in capture the flag?" She was pleading.

"I..." You were caught off guard. "I don't know."

She bore her eyes into you. "What do you mean you don't know??"

"I mean, that it was a few nights ago, and a lot has happened since then." You sighed. You looked at Frank full of concern; Clarisse on the other hand, looked as if she was about to lose her mind.

"I've been trying to get to you for days. I've lost time to care for myself just to get your answer and you don't know?!"

"I'm sorry. I just can't remember" You pushed her off of you and tried to get at your spear again.