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Jason never heard of this till now. There was an end of the year dance at camp half blood. He had never thought that could be possible but it was.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me about it last year?,” Jason asked Percy before he realized his mistake.
“That was two years ago Jason.,” Percy whispered looking at him with sorrow filled eyes knowing he was still adjusting to the fact he died and came back 8 months later just thinking it was a day he was gone.
“Yeah I-,” He stuttered slightly.,” I realized my mistake.”
Jason was walking around camp and saw people being asked out left and right, Clarrise LaRue and her boyfriend- what was his name again? Jason always forgot. One of the new Apollo campers were asking Drew Tanaka, and even she said yes. And so on.
Jason kept walking toward his cabin feeling a bit odd before he felt arms wrap around him from behind, now when any of his friends did this- actually- when Leo did this he knew who it was, because Leo was the only one who did it.
Piper did it once on a dare from one of her siblings, but she was taller than Leo and didn’t reach down to his lower back.
“Hm,” Jason hummed as he accepted the arms that were wrapped around his lower back,” Hi Leo.”
“How’d you know it was me again?!,” Leo yelled as he ran around Jason to look him in the eye.
“First, im not dumb. Second, you’re the only person who does it to me. Third, you’ve been the only person to touch me, other than Will and his siblings to heal me, since I died,” Jason explained before he seemed to realize what he said.,” And came back to life.”
“Hm, that's kinda sad.”
“I know”
“Anyways wanna go to the dance with me? I already asked Piper but she asked some girl from the Hermes cabin.,” Leo shrugged as he looked over his shoulder.,” I mean not that you’re a second choice, you would’ve been my first if I didn’t already think Drew asked you. I mean I realized she didn’t when I saw her and- I’m not sure what his name is- we’re going together!”
“Uh sure.,” Jason laughed at his younger friend.,” Whatever you say about me not being a second choice”
“I’m serious!,” Leo yelled, punching him on the arm.,” You’re hot! The ladies should be all over you!,” as Leo said that he felt the blood drain from his face before looking up at Jason and seeing him looking at Leo confused.,” April Fools!”
“I-,” Jason stopped.,” It’s not April.”
“Yeah but I can still joke right?!,” Leo laughed before slapping him on the shoulder.,” You’ll find a date, I know it, you’re good looking.”
“Right.”
“Yep. Now I’ve gotta get going, Bye!”
“Uh- bye-,” He was gone,” Leo…”
Jason was at his cabin thinking about what Leo said, why was he nervous?
Leo being nervous was something new that started happening after he came back to life, Jason hadn’t been able to ask anyone about it because he can never get anyone who talks to Leo on the daily alone without Leo there.
It was scary as the small Latino boy, who used a screwdriver to mess with a small satyr, that was his gym coach at the times’ megaphone to say stupid phrases sometimes. The boy who built a warship at the ripe age of 15. The boy who almost BURNT down camp half blood from a lack of sleep. He was quiet now, more self dependent, odd(er), and just genuinely so different that many people had been whispering about it when he first came back.
And Jason had no clue why.
Why about Anything.
Why was he quieter?
Why was he more self dependent?
Why was he not himself anymore?
It scared Jason that something- no someone- might’ve said or done something to make him like this.
And Jason thinks he knows who that might’ve been.
Jason walked toward the big house not knowing what exactly to do, just needed to get Chiron to listen.
“Hey Chiron, we should invite the Hunters because I think they would love a dance!,” Jason told himself as he walked up to the big house before sighing. This isn’t going to go well, at all. Jason thought as he leaned onto a nearby tree with a heavy sigh.
When Jason walked in he got the exact perfect view of none other than Nico Di Angelo and Will Solace kissing. There was nothing wrong with it, Jason was really accepting of Nico when Eros, or Cupid he would say, had made Nico out himself. But something about seeing it after his conversation with Leo made him say one thing-
“Lucky”
Will looked up, his face went bright red immediately after meeting Jason’s eyes.,” Hey!,” He yelled waving gently as Nico physically flopped into his chest, his ears mimicking the brightest shade of red Jason’s ever seen in his life.,” What’s up?”
“Oh uh, I was trying to find Chiron.”
“Oh I can take a message, I'm going to be here all day!,” Will smiled before it fell in realization.,” Obviously.”
“Right i just wanted to ask him if we could invite The Hunters of Artemis, and maybe a few Camp Jupiter campers to the Dance, Only if they want to come but I think it would be cool, since they’re out ally’s and should partake in our activities!,” Jason rambled before a hand fell on the back of his shoulder making him jump lightly and look to see- Chiron- holding his shoulder with a smile.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea Jason!”
“Really?!”
“Yes it sounds perfect! Why don’t you invite your prophecy friends and I’ll get a hold of the Hunters?,” Chiron smiled, obviously not seeing anything wrong with not knowing Hazel and Franks names.
“Yeah sure no problem!,” Jason smiled at his idea in excitement.
”Come on, answer me!,” Jason grumbled as he threw another golden drachma into a spraying water fountain that was in the Poseidon cabin.,” Oh Iris, goddess of the rainbow, please accept my offering and show me Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque.”
The image rippled and nothing showed, making Jason growl and throw his head back.
“Jason, Jason.,” Percy smiled as he a hand on his shoulder.,” Let a master try.”
“Knock yourself out.”
“I will!”
“Oh Iris, goddess of the rainbow, please accept my last golden drachma and show me Frang Zhang and Hazel Levesque!,” Percy recited before the image rippled and it showed Frank and Hazel sitting on a couch seeming to be planning something for New Rome.,” Hey guys!”
“Percy, hey!,” Hazel laughed as she hopped over the couch to them.,” Oh Jason too! Let me guess Leo’s going to pop up next?!”
“Nope it's just us two in here!,” Jason laughed Frank came into frame, having walked around the couch instead of hurdling it.,” Anyways Camp Half Blood holds a dance each year after the summer is almost over, you guys can and should come. Chiron’s words.”
“You guys hold dances?,” Hazel asked looking at Percy for a confirmation.
“Yeah pretty much!,” Percy laughed scratching his head.,” They’re really fun too! I’ve been going with Annabeth since we were 13!”
“Wow!,” Frank gwaked,” Who asked who first?”
“Annabeth asked me first.,” Percy smiled making the three of his friends around him laugh.,” What?”
“Nothing!”
“Don’t worry about it!”
“Hm mh!”
“Ok..,” Percy hummed after they said that all at once.,” It’s fine! Anyways you guys coming?”
“Sure why not!,” Hazel shrugged.,” We don’t have anything better to do.”
“Yeah sure.,” Frank hummed.
“Cool! We might see Renya too since Chiron is inviting the Hunters!,” Jason smiled making Hazel and Frank look up slightly.
“Really?” They has both asked at the same time.
“Yep!,” Jason smiled letting out a small laugh.
“Alright!,” Hazel laughed, I’ll finally meet your sister!”
“That’s what you’re excited about?,” Jason laughed back.,” Not meeting your own sister? Your half sister?”
“Oh no! I’m definitely excited to meet Bianca, it’s just if Nico is with me to introduce myself to her it’s probably be fine. Your sister on the other hand supposedly stabs people!”
“Fair.,” Jason nodded at Hazel’s reasoning before the image started to ripple again.,” Oh better get going. If you guys need any help getting here just say I’ll give you a list of ways to make it across country in a day or less!”
“Ok thanks Jason but I think we have a way already in plan.,” Hazel smiled before the connection cut.,” Bye!”
“Ok there’s them!,” Percy smiled as he turned to Jason and raised his hand for a high five.
“Yep!,” Jason smiled back as he high-fived him and stood up.,” Your cabin floor can do a number on my back.”
“Yeah it can to anybodys back.”
“Ew”
“I know”
Jason sighed as he walked to his cabin. The cabin he had alone and no one wanted to go into because of his dad’s statue. Annoying.
He halted to a stop at the front door and turned, he remembered where he was at this time of day, and it wasn’t his cabin.
Jason walked through the woods letting his feet take the lead because his brain worked overtime today. But when Jason arrived he couldn’t help but smile he feet had led him to bunker 9. Where Leo was at this time of day.
He had started to scrounge around looking for a small button Leo installed so his siblings without fire powers could get in, but Harley, Leo’s youngest sibling, had accidentally spread the face there was a button around camp and now some people would just walk in.
But here Jason was looking for the button and failing misribly.
“You’re not going to find it there.,” Leo’s voice spoke behind Jason making him jump and turn to see him staring at him while sitting on top of a nearby rocks
“I-,” Jason stuttered.,” Where will I find it?”
“Here.,” Leo whispered as he pushed away a small chunk of leaves and dirt, to reveal a big red button.,” It’s my favorite. Big, red, and ready to be touched.”
Jason stared at Leo for a few seconds before it hit him.,” That was a sex joke.”
“Yeah!,” Leo laughed out loud almost doubling over in laughter before pressing his hands to the rock and setting them on fire. ,” Anyways blondie come on in.”
Jason followed the smaller boy with dark curly hair into the bunker in silence until,” Hazel and Frank are coming to the dance.”
“Really?,” Leo gwaked as he climbed onto Festus and started working on him.
“Really!,” Jason nodded with a smile and nod.
“Hm, are you going to ask Hazel?,” He asked looking at him with a smile.,” I mean I’d love to ask her but we are such platonic soulmates it’d be depressingly weird. Ya know?”
Jason didn’t know but he nodded.,” Right.”
“I’m honestly surprised you haven’t been asked out yet!,” Leo smiled while looking up at Jason.
Jason smiled back,” Yeah.”
He’s been asked out almost 10 times by girls he’s never even noticed before.
Jason said no to evey single one, he didn’t want to go with them, now or even ever.
He wanted to go with Leo.
“Can you hand me a socket wrench?,” Leo asked snapping Jason out of a trance he didn’t know he was in.
“Yeah also uh- how long was I-,” Jason paused as he handed him the wrench.,” Ya know- out?”
“Only a few minutes I let you go because you seemed off.,” Leo shrugged,” Speaking of which, you ok?”
“Uh-,” Jason stared at Leo,” Do you want to go with me to the dance?”
Leo stared at him in utter silence before
“Ha!,” Leo laughed,” You got me! I thought you were serious!,” He smiled shoving Jason’s arm away with enough force that it made Jason stumble slightly.
Jason just stared at Leo with his face soft.
“You-,” Leo paused to stare at Jason’s face and take it all in.,” You’re not joking.”
Jason shook his head making Leo burn red.
“Me? Who would want to go with me?,” Leo asked as he leaned his back onto the wall with a light sigh.,” I’m not attractive nor pretty in any way.”
“You’re very pretty.,” Jason whispered to himself not exactly knowing why he didn’t just say it upright.,” Well,” Jason hummed after adjusting his throat.,” You’re the only person who’s been so willing to hold onto me since I went missing, you have been the living embodiment of best friend. And before you say anything about your looks, you’re not ugly Leo, everyone just says that because your dad is inconveniently attractive and no one wants to admit that he's not actually ugly after so long.”
“You think my dad is attractive?,” Leo’s voice squeaked out past his dumb smile.
“You’re focusing on the wrong thing here!,” Jason yelled, shoving him lightly.
“No I'm not! My dad and you are technically half brothers, therefore I am not focusing on the wrong thing!,” Leo laughed, shoving him back.
“Nuh-uh!,” Jason hummed,” Demigods don’t count our godly family because it’s not genetic! And if we did that would technically make me your uncle!”
Jason paused and so did Leo before they looked at eachother.
“Uh-“
“Well-“
They glanced at each other before coming to a silent agreement that they would never talk about their godly family relationship ever again.
When Jason left the bunker that night he gained some and lost some.
He got a date to the end of the summer dance, and lost every ounce of confidence he ever had just like he did any other time he was around Leo.
Why did he?
He had no clue.
“I do.,” came a random voice making Jason jump 5 feet in the air quite literally.,” Don’t need to fly I’m not going to kill you.,” It was Nico and Will sitting around the fire.
“Are you guys even supposed to be out here?,” Jason asked, noting the hour as he stayed in the bunker until past nightfall just to hang with Leo.
“No.,” Will shook his head with a smile.,” But the cleaning harpy’s are scared of Nico! He’s technically my big scary dog!”
“Yeah what he said,” Nico smiled lightly before hesitating.,” I think.”
“You’re right!,” Will smiled, making Nico visibly relax before nodding his head.
“Yep I’m right!”
Will and Jason both laughed at that.
“Anyways what did you mean ‘I do’,” Jason asked as he turned his head to Nico with a raised eyebrow as he sat down across from the dating boys.
“I meant I knew why you acted the way you did, you don’t exactly think In your head, you talk out loud.,” Nico shrugged, making Jason flush.
“I say my thoughts out loud.,” He said it not sounding like a question whatsoever.
“Yep”
“Ya”
They both agreed at once.
“Oh.”
“Anyways, you like Leo.,” Nico shrugged, making Will shove him in the arm.,” What?!”
“You can’t tell him outright he had to realize himself!,” Will whisper yelled as he pointed at Jason.
“You don’t whisper that well Will, I can hear everything you’re saying.”
“Oh-“
Jason sat there and listened to Will and Nico talk about how they realized they liked each other. Nico acted the exact same way around Will before he realized he liked him. The same way Jason acts around Leo.
“So then you asked him out?,” Jason asked as Will finished the story.
“No!,” Nico yelled stopping Will before he say anything.,” Will stood there stunned, I was the one to ask him out! He just lies and tells everyone he asked me out because he’s a liar!”
“I’m not!,” Will gasped fakely and slapped a hand to his chest.
“Are too!,” Nico laughed with a smile spreading on his face. The prince of death, the child of Hades smiling at the son of Apollo always made Jason laugh.
But now he was realizing it wasn’t only because it was funny, no it was also because he wanted him and Leo to be like that, Jason realized.
Seconds after his realization he whispered out.,” I like Leo Valdez.”
“We know.”
“I actually, like, like him!,” Jason yelled standing up quickly before he paused.,” But I’m straight?,” He asked, looking at the boys who were still sitting down.
“You can figure that out yourself.,” Nico deadpanned although Jason could tell Nico knew before him.
“Right.,” Jason nodded.,” Thanks! I needed that!,” He laughed before turning and walking away towards is cabin while waving.,” I’ll see you Nico and Will, thanks for helping me!”
“You're welcome!”
“Whatever.”
Jason walked back to his cabin with a million thoughts a minute, he liked Leo, the way Nico likes Will, he’s not straight.
What was he then?
Bi?
Pan?
Jason stopped and halted to a turn and started walking towards the cabin of people who could help him.
Knock knock knock
Jason was hesitant to knock thinking they would be asleep by now but-,” What do you want?,” Drew Tanaka growled as she opened the door and glared at Jason.
“Piper?,” Jason smiled sheepishly before Drew sighed and turned to get Piper leaving the door ever so lightly cracked.
Jason stood outside for a bit while there was quiet arguments inside the room between the Aphrodite kids.
“It’s almost 11 at night!,” One complained.
“Mabey he wants to ask her out to the dance!,” Another one interjected.
“Pipers going with Seren!,” Someone who Jason was 80% sure was Drew.
“Guys please!,” Piper laughed lightly.,” Jason and I are friends! Friends can come knock on your door at ungodly hours of the night and not get any backlash, ok?”
A array of oks came from the cabin before the door opened and Piper was standing there in her Hello Kitty onsie with her black sneakers, and recently cut hair pulled out of her face.
“What’s up Jason?,” Piper smiled at him.
“I need help finding out if im Bi, Pan, or something else.,” Jason said straight up.,” I thought you and your siblings of all people could help me.”
“Oh.,” Piper whispered.,” What- How’d you find out your not- well straight?”
“Nico and Will told me how they felt about eachother and stuff and I realized I felt the same about Leo.,” Jason summerized like crap.
“Ok.,” Piper nodded like this was an evey day occurrence.,” Do you want to kiss him?”
Jason stopped and stared at Piper for a moment before thinking.
Did he want to kiss him?
Leo was beautiful, Jason thought he was gourgeus, amazing, untouchable. He just thought he was amazing, but did he want to kiss him?
He thought about it, his lips on Leo’s big soft pretty lips. Leo’s lips on Jason’s. Leo smiling as he kissed him, Jason smiling back them just in beautiful silence as they kissed, and-
Jason stopped himself.
“Oh- yeah.,” Jason nodded with a flush.
“Ok do you want to do anything else with him?,” Piper asked while waving her eyebrows at him making him realize what she meant.
“Uhm-,” Jason paused, did he want-
“Oh- Yeah, I think so.,” Jason whispered his face brighter red from thinking of doing ‘those’ things with his best friend.
“Did you ever want to kiss me in the same you wanted to kiss Leo?,” Piper smiled at him making Jason pause.
Did he even like Piper when they dated?
I mean Piper was nice and all, she was his best friend and all- but- he never actually liked her?
“I-,” Jason stared at her for a few seconds.,” If I say no, what does that mean?,” Jason smiled hesitantly making Piper laugh.
“Means your probably not straight!,” Piper laughed.,” I mean did you like me romantically at all?”
Pipers words resonated in Jason’s chest before he spoke.,” No.,” He looked Piper in the face,” I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize!,” Piper laughed at him before slapping his arm.,” I didn’t like you like that either! Why apologize?”
“That’s. So, weird.,” Jason whispered before Piper gave him a face.
“That you’re gay?”
“No! That neither of us actually liked eachother yet Hera had been so-,” He paused,” I think the right word would be pushy, I’m not sure, but she was just so on us that neither of us realized for a year that we didn’t like eachother. And what we did feel towards eachother was platonic.”
“Hm, I get what you mean.,” Piper smiled lightly, before wrapping her arm around his neck and pulling him down a few inches so they were face to face. Then- she kissed him on the top of the head before whispering,” If you hurt my baby brother you will get beat the fuck up. Do you understand me?”
“Yep.,” Jason nodded, not wanting to test the Aphrodite kid who could throw him into a chokehold without missing a beat if she wanted to.
“Good.”
Piper let go of Jason and he sighed.,” So I’m gay?”
“I mean I think so, you could always take a test to check though.,” Piper shrugged her shoulders.
“Ok.,” Jason hummed taking out his phone.,” What test would you recommend?”
“IDRlabs.”
“Ok.”
Jason waved bye and opened google on his phone and typed into the search bar ‘IDRlabs gay test’ he clicked on the first link.
He read the first question. ‘I identifiy as..’ There was 3 options, Male, Female and Other.
Jason clicked other and let the next question pop up.
‘In the past two weeks, I have fantasized about non-sexual petting and/or bodily closeness with a man.’ The question read with 5 small buttons below it.
Two thumbs down, one thumb down, a sideways thumb one thumbs up and two thumbs up. In that order.
Jason clicked on the 4th button, the one thumbs up.
Questions kept coming, 15 to be exact. And Jason answered each one, no matter how embarrassed he felt.
The questions consisted of asking if he felt certain ways about both men and women, adn as he did it he really thought about it and, he didn’t like women at all.
He was still going to be shocked when he saw the results though because, he never thought he was before.
The last question read ‘In the past two weeks, I have entertained the fantasy of being in a long-term romantic relationship with a man.’
It made Jason hesitate, he didn’t know why. But it did then he let himself press the 5th button.
The two thumbs up.
The results came and the small black dot which he assumed was him fell into a pink box, Your sexual orientation is 3.6% heterosexual, 85.7% homosexual, which places you in the homosexual quadrant., the results read.
Jason stared at him. After everything that happened today he should’ve been in shock but he was.
Eveyone knew but him.
Was that good or bad?
Jason didn’t know when but he fell asleep and woke up at 6:45 am. The same time each day.
But instead of getting out of bed he laid there exasuted.
Before Jason could process anything he fell back asleep.
“Jason?,” A voice came as he started to wake,” Jason wake up!,” It yelled, it was a girl's voice, she was no older than 18 by the sound of it.
“Ugh.,” Jason groaned as he opened his eyes and saw a girl with pitch black hair and eyes like his own standing over him.,” Thalia.”
“Hey.,” She nodded with a small smile,” It’s nice to see you’re awake. Piper, Percy, Annabeth and your other three friends were all worried about you since you weren’t up yet. They asked me to come in here and see if you were in here, since they’re unable to set foot in here or Dad would probably strike them.”
“Yeah, he’s tried to before.,” Jason groaned lightly as he sat up and looked at his sister.
You would never guess they shared both the same mortal mother. Jason was blonde while Thalia had pitch black hair. Jason dressed like your typical white boy according to Leo and Reyna, and Thalia dressed like a punk princess with her head wreath Artemis gave her.
“Can I tell you something?,” Jason asked as he sat on his bed criss crossing his legs, Thalia doing the same.
“Shoot.,” Thalia nodded as she turned her head up.
“What if I told you I was gay?,” He asked looking at her out of the corner of his eye to see absolutely nothing change on her face.
“I don’t see what the problem is?,” Thalia shrugged.,” Usually when you ask me that you’re having a problem with something.”
“I am!,” Jason yelled standing up.,” I’ve dated almost 4 girls and have kissed them all, and now I’m finding out I’m gay?!”
“Did you ever feel anything when kissing them?,” Thalia asked as she pushed herself to stand next to her brother. She stood no taller than 5’6 with the face of a 15 year old girl yet she’s been alive far longer than Jason.
“No.”
“Then what’s the problem?,” She asked, turning her head to the side like a lost dog.,” Getting older is just the process of finding yourself out. I might be stuck at fifteen for the rest of my life but that doesn’t mean I'm going to stop learning about myself. Just last month I found out I have an allergy to olives!”
“Well, there isn’t a problem I’m just-,” Jason paused before sitting back down.,” Nevermind.”
“Scared?,” Thalia asked as she put a hand on his back and earned a small nod.,” It’s ok to be scared Jason. If you don’t get scared I don’t trust you because that’s just not human! We’re both human, I mean our dad is the all mighty Greek and Roman god of gods but we're still mortal!”
“I guess.”
“I would support you no matter what, because you’re my baby brother and I love you.,” She smiled while hugging him.,” I'm proud of you!”
“Thank you Thalia!”
“I got him, Percy! He was there!,” Thalia yelled at Percy and the rest of the seven who were hanging outside of Cabin 1.
“Wo Ho!,” Hazel cheered at her and Frank high-fived and everyone else celebrated.,” Jason you should’ve seen me and Bianca meet!”
“Really?”
“Yes Really! She instantly knew I was her sister, even if it was from Dad's Roman side!,” Hazel laughed as she jumped up and down.,” Also I’ve never seen Nico so smiley!”
“It’s like he’s 10 again.,” Thalia agreed with a smile, Percy and Annabeth also agreed with nods and small stories of their own.
Jason smiled at his friends' excitement about the boy they all worked together to save from giants once before.
He walked with them towards the dining pavilion forgetting about everything until he was yanked away.
“You ok?,” It was Leo.
Jason stared at the boy, somehow overnight he had gained blonde and red highlights throughout his shoulder length thick curly dark brown that Jason constantly tried not to touch like it was a game.
He lost the game.
He ran his fingers through the end of Leo’s hair accident catching it in a small knot that was then brushed out from Jason’s finger.
“Your hair,” Jason whispered looking at it trying to hide the redness he felt on the tips of his ears, nose and cheekbones.,” It’s-“
“Oh that was from Nyssa and Harley!,” Leo smiled, as he pulled one of his hair tires off his wrist and pulled some of the front from his face, a few strands that were too short for the ponytail staying on his forehead.,” Nyssa had hair bleach and red hair dye so she asked me if I would let her dye it. I was thinking like the underpart was going to be dyed or something since that was the picture I saw on her phone, but no it was chunks. She said some of it not being dyed was cute but I didn’t care, because Harley was practically threatening me the whole time.”
“What was he doing to threaten you the whole time?!,” Jason laughed, ignoring the raging feelings he felt all night and just smiled at Leo’s familiar company.
“He was holding the comb that Nyssa used to part hair. You know the one with a sharp metal end. The uh- on the rat tail comb!,” Leo laughed, as he was moving his hands around trying to describe the comb.
“That wasn’t threatening, he was just being helpful for his big sister!,” Jason laughed back as he and Leo sat on the ground underneath a tree nearby.
“Still Felt it!”
Jason let himself just wander mentally while letting his body do the same. Both of which stayed right next to Leo the whole time.
Anytime Leo made one of his dumb jokes or remarks he would feel his lips curl into the brightest smile he’s ever made in his life and laugh like it was the funniest thing he’s ever heard ever.
He would let Leo take his hand and lead him around camp, sneak him towards where the party was going to be held to try and find out what it was going to look like and so on.
He loved every second of it.
He let Leo hold his hand while they were doing a game of group tag with the rest of the camp.
He never left Leo’s side and he couldn’t stop smiling.
The end of the day came and Jason knew the dance was tomorrow and he was going with Leo.
He was happy and knew absolutely nothing could tear him down. Not even a quest where he dies again, he’d still be so happy that he spent the day with his best friend.
The next morning Jason knew it was the day not only because the signs that were plastered around camp said the day's date but also because everyone at camp was running around doing everything. The Aphrodite cabin had a stand that did hairstyles, haircuts, nail sets, makeup, and fashion advice for 50 cents apiece. Apiece has been counted as only one of the many things.
Jason found it kind of funny that everyone was so scared for a small dance, but he didn’t judge.
As he walked by the Aphrodite stand the back of his shirt was grabbed and choked his quickly.
“Ow!,” he yelled turning to look to see Piper McLean.,” Thanks for choking me out.”
“You're welcome!,” Piper smiled,” Anyways I wanted you to know I will help you get ready for free!”
“Ok.,” Jason shrugged,” I’ll come by your cabin at 5:30!”
“Uh-,” Piper stopped and looked at him.,” The dance starts at 5:45?”
“Yes I know that.,” Jason nodded before Piper stared at him.
“You’re brave Grace.”
“Thank you?”
9:00 AM
It was close to lunch and it only got more crazy, Nyssa and Drew were working together to hem other girls dresses who need them fixed before the dance. And surprisingly they worked together excellently, don’t think their parents would be super happy about that. But then again that’s what Camp Half Blood was for to try and not to become a carbon copy of your parents and be yourself while still using their powers
Jason watched as Nyssa took one of the Demeter kids dresses and started to fold and cut it. Then Drew took out a pin ball and started pinning it and then started to drag it to the sewing machine.
They definitely knew what they were doing together.
1:26PM
Jason sighed before he saw the Hermes kids working together to stop a prank that another cabin set up to sabotage the dance.
You’d probably think they made it and set it off just to get the heroism but no, they always had something special about it and this one didn’t have it.
Jason was in shock for a solid 5 minutes before walking away hesitantly.
4:20PM
Jason sat in his cabin watching a movie waiting for Piper as all hell was breaking out outside, but Jason just ignored it and ate a snack.
5:20PM
“I know you said 5:30 but I’m just impatient!,” Piper smiled as she walked in her hair was styled to a T. She was wearing a dress that looked identical to the one her mother put her in when she was claimed.,” Also I didn’t believe you could get ready in 15 minutes!”
“Ok thanks, I think.,” Jason hummed as he sat up and walked over to Piper.,” Do I get dressed first?”
“Yep, then I can take it over from there!,” Piper smiled as she stretched her back making it crack.
“Ew”
“Oh shut up you’re a white boy!”
Jason got dressed into a white button up, black dress pants, and a simple purple tie and socks. He wore his new converse with, even though Piper protested.
Piper had styled his hair by sticking it straight up with some hair gel.
She then put some makeup on him, verily light mascara, chapstick, and liquid blush.
Putting it on was hell for them both.
When he was finally done he looked awesome and they did it in 15 minutes.
“What did I say Pipe?,” Jason smiled,” 5:30 would’ve been perfect.”
“Well I was scared ok? You’re Jason!”
“If I'm Jason, who's helping Leo?!,” Jason laughed thinking about his date and best friend getting ready.
“Drew and Nyssa!,” Piper laughed before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him out of his cabin.,” Let’s go! I agreed to go check with the Hunters to make sure their hair was good!”
When they got there the Hunters were reluctant to let Jason in but Thalia vouched for him.
Jason looked at the Hunters. There were some familiar faces and some he's never seen.
There was his sister, Bianca, Calypso and Reyna. They all knew him and he knew them.
His sister was obvious.
Bianca was Nico’s older sister; she had only met Jason vaguely when Leo, Piper and him were on their first quest together.
As for Calypso, she knew Jason through Leo. She dated him and used him just to get back to civilian life. Jason hated her at first and still kinda held a small resentment because how broke Leo was when she did.
Then for Renya; Jason was her first friend after the joined New Rome and they were inseparable for so long, then they had dated for a while.
Kinda funny now that Renya realized she was Aro Ace and Jason realized he was gay.
But one thing for sure: these girls knew how to do hair and get dressed.
Jason ended up walking to the dance with the Hunters of Artemis, Piper and Piper's date from the Hermes cabin, he still wasn’t sure of her name.
He had been walking around for a bit before.,” Jason!,” Leo’s voice yelled behind him, making him turn.
He was gorgeous.
His hair was half up half down with the part that was up in a bun halfway on his head. He was wearing a black button up shirt with red dress pants and a white tie. He had red socks and he was wearing his black worn out vans.
Jason smiled,” You look-,” He paused hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt.,” Wow. Drew and Nyssa knew what they were doing.”
“Ha ha yeah!,” Leo laughed,” I wanted a red tie but Drew said it would look ‘trashy’ whatever that means. Oh but I was able to convince them to let me wear my Vans!”
“I was able to convince Piper to let me wear my converse!,” Jason laughed, pointing at his shoes,” Though they are new unlike yours.”
“Yeah but you know.,” Leo shrugged, making Jason laugh.
Jason had the time of his life with Leo. They talked and joked and laughed almost all night then the bonfire started. Apparently even with a dance they do food offerings, Jason didn’t mind but he knew he had to thank another god other than his dad for tonight.
He got in line with his plate of food and waited his turn when it was his he scraped a good chunk of his mashed potatoes and chicken into the fire and whispered.
“Thank you Aphrodite.,” It was small and quick but Jason swore he saw a small blue heart of fire flicker after he spoke.
He walked back to the party after everyone was done giving their offerings and prayers.
You were allowed to take some of the food and put it on a disposable plate and carry it around or eat at the pavilion, without the table restrictions.
Jason chose the second option; it was less crowded, plus, everyone was scared to sit at one of the big three tables, restrictions set or not.
As he was eating his chicken he felt a small weight get added to his left making him look next to him.
“Did you really think you could sit here and not get me next to you Jay?,” Leo asked as he looked at Jason with a bright smile.
“Hm I guess not.,” Jason shrugged sarcastically, earning a slap on the shoulder.,” Careful!,” Jason gasped,” You could’ve made me choke!”
“Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!,” Leo gasped sarcastically making Jason laugh.,” Am I that funny? Huh maybe I should go to college for stand up comedy instead of Math sciences and mechanics?”
“No don't!,” Jason choked on his laugh before gently putting his hand on Leo’s arm.,” You’re so smart don’t waste it on comedy!”
“You think I’m smart!,” Leo smiled, slapping a hand to his chest as he blushed lightly but Jason assumed it was part of the joke.,” Stop! You’re making me blush!,” Leo giggled lightly.
“Oh you're the smartest! Valdez!,” Jason smiled, as he did a weird sitting bow and winked up at him making Leo visibly flush.
“Ha! Right!,” Leo laughed before poking at his food and standing up.,” I’m going to dump my food, I'll be right back!”
“No you’re not!,” Jason smiled at Leo as he pulled him back to sitting down.,” You’re going to eat at least half of your meal.”
“What?”
“Don’t think I don’t know your tricks Valdez.,” Jason’s smiled, lightly this time trying to be genuine without being too genuine that it scared Leo.,” I know how to struggle to eat. I don’t want you to do that.”
“I-,” Leo stopped.,” Who told you?”
“No one, I just noticed something was wrong,” Jason smiled before he thought about it,” I actually have a very important question for you.”
“What is it?”
“Why did you change after you died?,” Jason was straightforward because he wasn’t exactly sure there was another way to be.
“I saw some stuff while I was dead that affected me. I-,” Leo took a deep breath.,” I saw so, so, so many people get punished. I was terrified that it would be me someday. I still get nightmares. I know you’re going to say I would never deserve that but. I killed my own mom, I burned so many people just to run away from my problems as a child, I was the Niño diablo, my auntie was right.”
“Leo look, if I learned anything while I was dead it’s that if you know what you did and you’re willing to change that, you can, and it could be so much easier for you after death. But the thing is Leo, you won’t be dying anytime soon, I swear on the Stix.,” Jason smiled as he looked Leo in the eye smiling when he saw the weary fire behind them become more steady.
“Thanks Jay.,” Leo smiled looking down.,” And I will swear on the stix that you won’t be dying anytime soon. Therefore it’s a pact, if either of us break it, the other will die.”
“Ha ok!,” Jason giggled at the small boy before looking at his plate again.,” How about we go dance, and once you’re done dancing you can eat your food, it will give you the missing energy?”
“Why’d you say that like it was a question?,” Leo laughed as he pushed his plate away and stood up.
“Because it technically was one!,” Jason laughed as he stood up and took Leo’s hand to drag him to the party.
Jason never danced with anyone before, apparently Leo hasn’t either. They were dancing and tripping all over eachother the whole time but they were both laughing and having a good time.
“Ha ha! I’m going to grab a drink! I’ll be right back!,” Leo laughed as he let go of Jason’s hand and walked towards the refreshments table.
“Is that why you asked?,” Thalia asked coming out of nowhere scaring Jason.
“Gods! Just become Nico if you’re going to scare me like that!,” Jason yelled as he slapped Thailia earning a laugh.,” And yeah. I really like him but, he’s straight.”
“He’s straight?!,” Thalia asked her eyes practically bulging out of her head.
“Yes! Why would you even question that?!”
“He just isn’t though!”
“What do you mean?!,” Jason almost yelled getting a few small looks from other campers. Thalia didnt notice this and yelled again.
“It’s obvious that h-,” Thailia was cut of by Jason’s hand slapping over her mouth and him shaking his head.
“People will hear you, you’re loud.,” he hissed through his teeth while pointing out the people who were around them and obviously listening in.
“Sorry”
“It’s ok.”
Before Thalia could say anything else Leo came back over with two drinks.
“Hey Jace! I got us our drinks! I know you don’t als for one but ya know!,” Leo smiled handing him a small cup of fruit punch.,” It’s fruit!”
“I thought it was Fruit punch?,” Jason asked already having know the joke.
“Oh I’m sorry I can punch you to fix it for you!,” Leo laughed as he gently punched Jason’s arm.
“Ow!,” Jason laughed as he rubbed his arm.,” That actually hurt!”
“Sorry!,” Leo giggled as he nudged him in the side with his elbow.,” You’re awesome Jay!”
“Jay?,” Thalia hummed with sarcasm dripping in her voice.
“Yea!,” Leo laughed,” I was tired once and was to lazy to say Jay son so I just said Jay. Jason responded so I’ve been using it since then!”
“Well, Jay, how have you been?,” Thalia smiled with her smile slanted to the side a bit.,” We haven’t een able to talk that much since me and the Hunters got here!”
“Don’t butter it blondie.,” Jason sighed rolling his eyes.
“You’re the blondie, not me.,” Thailia snorted before walking away while sticking up a not so nice finger for Jason.
“She dyes her hair black, she’s a brunette naturally, or dirty blonde, kinda a mix.,” Jason whispered to Leo making him laugh.
“I can’t imagine her with any mother colored hair then black.,” Leo whispered looking at Jason with a smile.
“I can’t either but a baby picture I found online ruined it for me.,” He smiled down at Leo blushing lightly.
“Gay.,” Leo laughed.
Jason paused and stared for a few seconds. Before deciding to do it.
“I mean I’m gay, so makes sense.,” Jason shrugged attempting to make it seem like he wasn’t just panicking internally a second ago.
“I- you are?”
“Yeah. I am.,” Jason smiled, he didn’t want any one to know yet but for some odd reason telling Leo just felt, right.
“Wow I’m proud of you dude!,” Leo smiled nudging him in the arm.,” Any guys catch your eye.”
“You”
“What?!”
Jason panicked what did he just do.,” I- I’m so sorry!,” Jason turned and started to walk away slowly.,” I gotta go!”
“Wait Jason!” Was the last thing Jason heard before he dashed off.
Jason didn’t think where he went he just ran and let his legs take him. He espected to end up at his dorm but he didn’t he was at the lake and he only noticed once it was too late. He ran right in and tripped instantly soaking himself head to toe in cold night water.
He had grumbled out some complaints as he dragged himself out of the water.
The second he hit dry land he let his emotions take over, he started crying.
He was so mad at himself, he couldn’t believe he did what he did, it was stupid, he just told Leo like that. What would Leo be thinking?!
Jason didn’t know how long he was laying in the snad next to the lake, could’ve been minutes, hours, or more. He didn’t care, he was an idiot.
He kept scolding himself the whole time ignoring the ice cold shivers that ran down his back every 5 seconds.
He was drenching wet and felt like he was getting hypothermia.
He didn’t care though.
He laid there staring at the sky looking at the constalations trying to relax before he heard someone lay down next to him.
He turned his head and saw a very exhausted Leo Valdez.
He turned his head to Jason.
“Me too.,” Leo whispered staring into his eyes. Jason had watched the fire behind them soften and practically hold him still.
“What do you mean?,” Jason whispered still looking at Leo not wanting to break eye contact.
“I think your cute too.,” Leo smiled sheepishly as he sat up Jason doing the same. Leo looked away.,” I have for a while.”
“Really?,” Jason felt his face warm up, and considering he was so close to getting hypothermia he knew his face was red from Leo.
“Yeah.,” Leo nodded smiling at Jason while staring into his eyes.
They both sat there in silence for a few seconds before.
“May I?,” Leo whispered as he leaned closer to Jason.
Jason nodded his head as he broke eye contact for a second to look at Leo’s lips.
He sat there and waited for only a few seconds before- Leo’s lips were on his.
It was kinda aquward but still amazing.
His lips were soft and plump. Different compared to Jason’s small chapped ones that were still wet from the dip in the lake.
Leo was the one to break the kiss, Jaosn wanted to protest but he was just in a daze and stared into Leo’s eyes with a smile.
“You’re beautiful.,” Jason smiled as he put his hand on Leo’s face and held him close before leaning back in,” May I?,” He asked his lips lightly brushing on Leo’s.
“Yes.”
They connected their lips again, it’s time it wasn’t as aquward it was more comfortable but it was still odd.
“Come on lets go to your cabin so you can shower and change.,” Leo smiled as their foreheads were pressed together after they broke the kiss. He stood up and held his hand out for Jason and he took it.
They walked hand in hand to the Zues cabin, Leo letting off a little heat to keep Jason from freezing completely.
It was nice and comforting to them. Leo could hold Jason as close as he wanted while they walked.
When they got to the cabin Jason turned on the lights which just showed how bed both of the boys looked.
Jason was soaking wet his hair was unstyled, the makeup Piper put on him melted off, and his clothes were plastered to him. All in all, he looked like shit.
As for Leo his hair was pulled out of his half up half down hairstyle, so all his curls were all other the place, he had dry tears streaked down his face, his eye bags that Jaosn assumed were covered by makeup were showing and they were deep. As for his clothes there were now stains on the red dress pants and his white tie was undone and just hanging there.
He looked as equally as shitty.
Jason let himself let out a small breath before wrapping his arms around Leo.
“I told you to get a shower and change or else you’d freeze to death.,” Leo laughed lightly as he let Jason hold him still for a while before he sighed.,” Ok go shower I’ll hang out in here until you’re done. Ok?”
“You’re going to need to change too.,” Jason whispered as he burrowed his head into Leo’s shoulder, having to lean over to reach it.
“I’ll go to my cabin and change once I know you’re ok.,” Leo smiled as he finally wrapped his arms around Jason and held onto him by the neck.
“You can borrow some of mine.,” He hummed as he stood up then walked to his dresser and opened the top drawer.,” I can lend you a sweatshirt and drawstring sweatpants since I doubt you’d fit ones that were drawstrings.”
“Are you calling me short!,” Leo gasped at Jaosn sarcastically trying to hold in his laugh.
“I’m not calling I’m saying you are. Oh you’re also skinny, and not the good way.,” Jason smirked watching as Leo’s face fell into shock before he snapped back into it.
“Oh well-,” He paused.,” I’m-,” He stopped again.,” I don’t know but you’re real mean!”
“Ha ha ok!,” Jason laughed as he threw a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt at Leo.,” You can change in here while I shower and change ok? And if you need the sink to wash up your face just knock and I’ll tell you if you can come in.”
Leo stared at Jason for a second before smiling,” Ok. But I want you to promise afterwards we are laying down and going to sleep. I hate admitting I’m tired but I really am today.”
“Ha ok! I promise!,” Jason giggled before kissing Leo on the forehead and walking into the bathroom.
Jaosn didn’t realize what he did until he was about to get into the shower and it hit him.
“Omg Leo I’m so sorry!,” Jason yelled as he threw open the bathroom door after wrapping his towel around his waist.
“Jason I’m changing!,” Leo yelled as he pulled the sweatshirt over his head, it instantly falling down and making his small figure look big and boxey.
“Ah shit sorry!,” Jason yelled as he turned around and ran back into the bathroom.,” I didn’t mean to do that I’m just very sorry about kissing you without asking!”
“It’s ok! If it wasn’t I would’ve said something!,” Leo yelled back wanting Jason to hear him as he knew the Zues cabin the the thickest walls out of everything at camp.
“Ok but I’m sorry again!”
“Jason shut up and get in the shower!”
“Ok I’m sorry!”
“And stop saying sorry!”
“Sorry!”
“Jason!”
“Sorry!”
About 4 minutes into Jason’s shower there was a small knock on the door.,” Can I wash my face?,” Leo called through the door.
“Yeah come on in!,” Jason yelled over the sound of the water.
A few seconds later the door opened and Jason heard the water in the sink turn on.
About a minute later the water turned off and Leo spoke.,” I stole your towel to dry my face so I’m going to grab you another one from the Big house real quick!”
“Ok!”
Jason didn’t know what to do while he waited for Leo so he just sat down and looked at himself in shower head.
‘Hm. I need to brush my teeth.’ He thought as he smiled at the shower head then.
“I’m back!,” Leo smiled as the bathroom door opened then the towel was thrown over the top of the shower.,” Here it is! I’ll be on your bed when you’re done!”
“Oh really?,” Jason laughed at how bed Leo worded it.
“Oh shut up you pervert!,” Leo yelled as he shut the door making Jason laugh.
When Jason was done getting dressed, brushing his teeth, and brushing his hair he went into his room and saw Leo sprawled out all across his bed smiling contently.
“What are you doing?,” Jason laughed as he walked in and sat down on the bottom corner.
“Your bed is so-,” Leo stopped with a smile.,” -so mmmm and comfy!”
Jason laughed,” What’s ‘so mmmmmm’ mean?”
“Just mmmmmm!,” Leo hummed as he nustled his face into Jason’s pillow.
“Ok well you’re moving since that’s MY Spot.,” Jason smiled as he shoved Leo aside then laid down in the center of the the larger bed.
“Well then I have no choice but to lay on top of you.,” Leo sighed shaking his head lightly before physically flopping onto his chest making Jason groan in pain.
“Ow.”
“Ha ha!”
Jason and Leo fell asleep like that. How? They had no actual clue. We’re they comfy? Yes and no. They were together so they were as comfy as they could get. But actually comfy? No. Leo’s knee was centimeters from making it so Jason could never reproduce, and Jason’s hand was rested on Leo’s back. Was that uncomfy? No. Did it make Leo accidentally light his nose on fire when he woke up and felt it? Yes.
Yes it did.