Leo wasn't a liar.

At least, not in the sense of deceiving others. He didn't realize just how much he lied to himself, though.

"You're a fool to think you could have her." "She's too good for you." "You don't deserve friendship." "You're ugly; too skinny, too weird, too gross."

But he got even closer to you! You didn't see his insecurities; you only saw that he was a caring person and a funny friend.

Yeah, friend.

Naturally, it was hard to see you the same way. Everyone knew that Leo Valdez fell in love easily... but he just couldn't help himself. He was a teenage boy, after all. And you... you were perfect in every way.

Your presence used to make him feel more confident in himself, but now when you were around him he felt like there were spotlights on everything he loathed about himself. You were just too good for him; way out of his league.

And it didn't help that you matched his flirtatious energy perfectly.

Usually, it weirded people out when Leo flirted with them. But you? You dished it right back! It was one of Leo's favorite things about you. He loved it when you threw back another witty comment that left his heart secretly racing. But he knew it was just a joke; just another lie.

You two were hanging out in the Hephaestus cabin, watching a movie on an old junky TV Leo fixed up, bantering as usual.

"No, don't cut your hair! I like it as it is; it fits you. Besides, it's your only redeeming feature," he joked, boyish laughter filling the room.

Gods, he had no chance with you.