The Seventh Wheel

Leo sat on the deck of Argo II, watching the stars twinkling as they sailed through one more wretched night. He was among the seven yet all alone, the seventh wheel, always the odd one out. He never felt he could be one among those top notch, crazy and super powerful demigods. He felt like he was one of those machines which is beyond repair. His grimy hands automatically reached for his tool belt as if they had a life of their own.

He recollected his memories and the people he would never meet again. He recalled his halcyon days with his mother, they were the most amazing days of his life up till now, he never had to purport. There was always somebody to take care of him. And one day all the strings inside him broke, he never knew it would end so soon.

He pretended as if nothing had bothered him, but deep inside he was broken, crippled and writhing in pain. He soon learnt that humor was a good way to hide pain. That goofy smile of his had sure deceived many.

He continued gazing up at the stars as his hands worked magic though he was not sure what he was doing. Just then he felt some one sit beside him. He turned his head towars the person hoping it was Jason but his eyes met a pair of sea green ones, which were twinkling in the night sky.

He never had a decent conversation with Percy, screw decent! He never had a conversation with the son of Poseidon. He heard a lot about Percy Jackson at Camp Half Blood. But facing Percy's wrath the first time they met had scared the shit out of Leo.

'Ssup man?' asked Percy.

'Just gazing at the stars'

'Then why that forlorn look?'

'Nah that was nothing.'

'But you looked really sad.'

'Did I? I was just checking if I was hot enough when I looked sad. You know I have to look hot all the time to impress the ladies' joked Leo and looked at Percy. He had a poker face and Leo was definitely sure Percy didn't buy his answer.

'So that's why you set yourself all the time?' questioned Percy.

'Huh?'

'You set yourself on fire to become hot. Well that's cool'

'That's not cool silly that's hot.' And this time Percy smirked.

Leo started to believe that he and Percy were a lot alike. 'You need not hide Leo" said Percy 'I recognize that look all too well. You are always one among us. And yeah sorry about the outburst, just when things were taking a right turn I thought you messed up. I did not know that you were actually possessed. But remember Leo you belong here with us, this is home. We've always got your back. And nobody dares messes with you when you are on fire; you are just so damn hot.'

'Thanks waterboy! You sure made me feel much better. It's just that when you are lonely for most of your life not knowing who to trust'- ' It's okay Leo you can count on us.' Leo was feeling grateful and did'nt feel so scandalous of himself. He actually felt he might belong among them.

'Percy! A small favor' requested Leo.

'Yeah sure anything man.'

'Could you just spare me from that evil-i'm-gonna-kill-you-right-now-by-throwing-you-into-the-ocean-and-slamming-you-with-my-giant-water-fists-and-then-have-your-body-ripped-by-sharks-and-throwing-your remains-in-an-underwater-volcano-so-that-no-one-knows-what-happened-to-you look when I do something wrong because believe me it's worse than Jason's lightning. I don't want to go through that again.

'Gee okay. I didn't know that I had such an evil look.'

'Well, you do have one'

'Now don't tell me you were afraid of me all this time dude.'

'Kinda.'

'Oh c'mon Flame Boy! I am not that bad and I think we could make one crazy, sassy, cool, hot duo.'

'Yeah sure we could.' Percy got up and brushed his jeans when Leo said 'Thank you once again Percy, the talk sure did help.'

'Anytime man and remember me, Annabeth, Jason, Piper, Frank, Hazel, Nico, Coach and CHB are always there for you. Okay?'

'Okay' answered Leo and with that Percy walked away to his room. For the first time Leo felt happy for meeting the son of Poseidon.

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AN: This is set before House of Hades.