Leo Valdez- Learning to Live

Chapter 9

Hi. 

I don't own anything you recognize.

Frank hovered awkwardly in the back of the room.

This was the first time the Seven (along with Nico) had all been together since-- well, gods knew since when. They had been given a day to chew on what Piper had told them, but now Leo had requested the presence of all of them at once. Frank was dreading it. Every time someone talked to Leo, they seemed to find out some new, horrible secret.

Leo was sitting with his legs crossed on his bed, his hands handcuffed in front of him. He had his fingertips pressed together like he was plotting something and a huge grin on his face. 

"You're probably wondering why I've gathered you all here today," he smirked.

"Uh... yeah, actually we are," Percy said. "What's going on, man?"

"Oh, but isn't it obvious?" Leo's grin seemed, if possible, to grow even wider.

Frank noticed Nico, who was standing just inside the door, flinch. He wondered what that was about.

But Leo just continued with, "I'm bored."

There was a moment of silence. "What?" Percy asked, confused.

Leo rolled his eyes. "I'm boooored. I've been stuck in here for days! You can't just keep me locked up forever. That's like, illegal or something. I could call the cops on you guys." Frank inwardly snorted. As if Leo, a frequent runaway, would ever actually call the police on someone else.

Percy scratched his head. "Oh. I guess I never really thought about that."

"Obviously not, Fish Boy," Leo drawled. "So. What are we gonna do about it? The rest of you can talk too, by the way," Leo added with a wink.

An awkward silence ensued. Frank wondered why no one was saying anything, though he guessed it made sense. He certainly didn't want to. Though he couldn't see Annabeth's face, as she was standing in front of him, he could practically hear the gears turning in her brain.

As the silence stretched out even longer, Leo's smile remained constant. Frank suddenly realized what he'd done. By calling them all in like this, Leo was forcing them to include him in the conversation. Now everyone was afraid to say anything too controversial, for fear of upsetting Leo.

Frank sighed. Honestly, the solution seemed pretty simple to him, and if no one else would say it, he would. Sure, Leo probably wouldn't like it, but it wasn't like they were the best of friends anyway. Frank was willing to take the blame for this.

"Um," he began, instantly drawing everyone's attention in the silent room. "He, uh, I mean you, Leo," he hastily corrected, trying to keep him involved, "obviously need constant supervision, right? To be safe? So... why don't we just have someone handcuffed to you at all times? So, he can still get around, but he can't get away, either," he explained, turning to the rest of the group.

Frank glanced at Leo. The brief look of alarm that crossed his face was almost enough to make Frank feel bad for suggesting it, but hey, if it saved Leo's life, it would be worth it. 

While Frank was still watching, Leo quickly slapped back on his smile. It happened so fast, Frank almost thought he had imagined the look of distress in the first place. But no. It had been there. Leo had just hidden it like that. Just like he had always done, Frank realized. The thought made him a little sick.

Leo laughed. "Nah, man, that's no good. Then I'd be stealing all your time away from your significant others! And gods know y'all all need that, am I right?" he added, winking.