Chapter Text
"C'mon Valdez, just one date. C'mon, it'll be fun!” "I already said no," Leo said, exasperated. "Why not?" Jason asked. "I swear, it's not a joke." It was the second time he had asked, and he was starting to get desperate. He had been dared to ask Leo out, and thinking that it would be easy, had agreed. But clearly this was going to be harder than he thought.
Leo scowled and walked away, "I already said no, leave me alone." Jason sighed. He thought about running after him, but his thoughts were cut short when the bell rang, signaling that 5th period was about to start. Jason ran a hand through his blonde hair. He'd just have to come up with a better plan later then.
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Jason sat at his usual lunch table with Reyna and Octavian, his two best friends, while picking at the school lunch. The cafeteria was loud, as per usual, and it helped drown out his thoughts, but unfortunately not all of them.
"Hey Jason, you ok?" Octavian looked at him worriedly. "Yeah, I'm fine," Jason grumbled. Reyna raised an eyebrow, "Uhuh, sure, what's got you all pouty then?" "Nothing." She rolled her eyes, "Really? It's pretty obvious something is wrong, spill."
Jason groaned. "How do I get Leo to go out with me?"
Reyna and Octavian shared a look. "That's what's bothering you?" Reyna questioned. "... perchance." She facepalmed. "You are such a dumbass."
Jason banged his head against the table, "Ugh, I know. I've already asked him twice, and he rejected me both times! I don't know what to do!" Octavian puts his chin on his fist, "I'm sure you can do it, don't worry, just ask again, and you'll see, besides, I heard him saying he had a crush on you, " he encouraged. Reyna gave them both a look.
"Maybe you should just leave him alone, like you said, he rejected you twice, I doubt he would actually want to go on a date with you." Jason lifted his head, looking at her with a determined expression, his eyebrows scrunched. "I can't just give up on the dare, I'm already this far in." Reyna gave him a pointed look.
"Ok, how about this," Jason said. "Third times a charm, right? I ask him one more time, if he says yes, then great! And you can't say shit about it. And if he says no, then I'll leave him alone."
Reyna scrunched her eyebrows, eyes flitting across the cafeteria. Finally, she looked back at Jason. "Fine," she muttered, lips pursed, clearly resigned to the idea.
Jason's eyes lit up, and he almost jumped out of his seat. "Thank you!" He exclaimed. Octavian looked up from his sandwich, slightly amused, though there was something a little off. "Someone's excited, got a little crush?" His mouth tugged up as Jason blushed a little bit. "N-no," he stammered. They snickered at his red face.
"I don't!" Jason defended. Reyna twirled a piece of hair, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Then why are you blushing?" "I'm not!" Jason insisted, though he could feel his face heating up.
"Mhm, sure you're not," Reyna chuckled. They dropped the conversation, finishing their lunch, discussing their classes and their plans for the weekend until the bell rang.
They left the cafeteria, walking together until they reached their lockers, and they departed to head to their individual classes.
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Leo was sitting outside high on the football field bleachers with Piper and Nico, where they usually sat for lunch. It was quiet out there, most people stayed inside so there were only a few others around. On the other side of the bleachers, near the bottom, he could see Percy, his adoptive older brother, and Annabeth, who was Percy's long term girlfriend and one of his best friends.
Percy and Annabeth were practically attached to the hip. They'd been best friends since they were twelve, two years before Sally had adopted him when he was thirteen. He remembered the day Percy had come home slightly flushed and with the biggest smile on his face, Leo was confused when he saw him like that, that is until Percy admitted that he and Annabeth were officially dating.
They were both in their senior year, while Leo and his friends were juniors, and had been in a healthy relationship since the summer before their sophomore year. Leo was happy for them, even if they were so in love that it was actually kind of disgusting. He wouldn't be surprised if Annabeth had a promise ring on her finger by the end of the school year.
Percy had his arm around Annabeth, his hand resting on her hip, fingers playing with her belt loop, his head on her shoulder. She was leaning against him, eating while scrolling on her phone with him, ranting to him about something, probably architecture. Percy was looking around the field and bleachers, until he caught Leo's eyes. He smiled at him and waved, and Leo waved back, a grin on his face.
He looked back at his friends, who for some reason were debating whether smooth or crunchy peanut butter was better, Nico siding with smooth and Piper siding with crunchy.
Leo chuckled at his friends’ antics, zoning out of the conversation.
It was only when Piper started shaking his shoulders did he realize they were trying to get his attention.
“Wha- oh sorry, what did you say?” Leo asked. Nico rolled his eyes while Piper gave him a smirk. “I said, any news on the Jason situation?” Leo flushed. He'd had a small crush on Jason since freshman year, and it only got worse as time went on. Jason had asked him on a date twice, which would usually be something Leo would've said yes to immediately, if it weren't for the fact that he knew it was a dare.
“Well, let's see. Jason asked me out again,” Leo replied. Nico's eyes widened a bit, and Piper let out a small gasp. “He did?” Piper cried. Leo hissed, “Shhh! Be quiet!” Piper smiled sheepishly, “Right, right, sorry.” Nico looked at him intently, “So I'm guessing you said no?” Leo sighed, nodding. “Yeah, I did. I just wish that he actually wanted to go out with me, not just as a dare.” Piper looked at him empathetically. “Well that sucks.” Nico nodded, agreeing.
Then all of a sudden, Nico sat up quickly, looking at them intensely. “I have an idea!” Nico whispered excitedly. “But,” he said, “you're gonna have to hear me out.” Leo raised his eyebrows, “Go ahead.” Nico settled down. “So,” he started. “What if, you went along with Jason's little game?” Piper's eyes lit up excitedly, realizing the direction Nico was going. “Nico, you're a genius!” Piper exclaimed. He smirked, “I know.” Leo looked between them, confused. “I don't know what kind of telepathic conversation you two are having, but please explain to me why exactly I would go on a date with someone who's doing it for a dare?”
Nico grinned at him, “Because you'll be playing him at his own game.” Leo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Care to explain?’ Leo asked. “Why of course,” He replied. “So, Jason is trying to get you on a date with him, because he's trying to play you. But if he's going to do that, why not play him back even harder?” Leo's eyes widened, processing what Nico had just said. “You know, that's not such a bad idea,” he mumbled.
Nico nodded excitedly. “Mhm. So, like I was saying, when he asks you again, say yes, make him fall for you, hard, and beat him at his own game.” Piper's leg started bouncing. “This is perfect!” She grabbed Leo's hand in-between her own. “Come on Leo! You could do so much with this! It's a perfect opportunity!” Leo pondered this for a few minutes, before a mischievous grin started to grow on his face. “You know what? Why not?” He looked back at his friends, who were looking at him expectantly, with matching shit eating grins on their faces.
Piper and Nico looked at eachother, before sharing a fistbump. They looked back at Leo. “So, you know what to do?” Piper asked. Leo nodded at them, “Yep. First, say yes to him. Second, play along. After those two steps are completed, we’ll go from there.”
Piper grinned at him, “Bingo.”
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Leo was at his locker when Jason asked again. It was a Friday, he was putting all his books away so he could meet up with Percy and go home and crash, when Jason walked up to him, leaning against the locker next to his.
Leo looked up at him, closing his locker shut. Jason gave him a smile, “Valdez, how are you doing?” Leo gave him an unimpressed look. “I'm doing well, what do you want?” Jason raised his arms playfully in defense, a smile still on his face. There was a sort of shyness to it though, Leo couldn't tell if it was fake or not. “Nothing, nothing. Just wanted to see how you were doing. Y’know, maybe we could be friends? Exchange numbers?”
Leo scrunched his eyebrows, confused. “Friends? Why?” Jason shrugged. “It'll be fun. I'll show you a nice spot and we'll have a good time.” Leo stared at him. “Are you sure that's the only reason you want my number?” Jason laughed. “A little blunt now, are we? I think you know what I want. C'mon, one date. Please?” Leo gave him a small smirk, “Okay.” Jason raised an eyebrow, “Okay?” “Yeah, okay,” Leo agreed. Jason grinned at him. He pulled out his phone, and gave it to Leo.
“Here, put your number in. I'll text you later tonight.” Leo put his number in. “Sounds good, Grace. See you around.” Leo was walking past him, when Jason grabbed his arm. “Wait a second, won't you?” Jason chuckled. “I just need to know, what day works for you? For the date?” Leo thought about it. “Ok, umm, how about Saturday? Not tomorrow, but the one next week? How does that sound?” Jason let go of his arm, giving him a grin and wink. “Sounds good. See you around Valdez.”
Jason walked off. Leo continued to the front of the school outside, where Percy was waiting for him, hand in hand with Annabeth. Percy looked up when he heard the door open. He grinned, “Hey chico, what took you so long?” Leo walked over to them. “I'll explain later. Hey Annabeth, are you coming with us?” He gave her a hug that she returned. She smiled at him, ruffling his hair. “Yeah, I am. Are you ok with that?” He smiled back at her, “Of course, you're awesome.” Her face softened as her smile grew wider. “Aw, thanks.” She put her hand over her chest. Leo turned to Percy, giving him a hug as well. Percy hugged him tightly, “Great seeing you too, hermanito. We were thinking about getting ice cream before going home. How does that sound?” Leo grinned up at him, “Sounds great!” Percy grinned back, releasing him, intertwining his fingers with Annabeth's, and throwing his arm around Leo's shoulders. “Perfect! C'mon, we should get going then.”
They walk over to the car, Percy giving Annabeth a quick kiss before going to the driver's seat, Annabeth in the front passenger's, and Leo laying in the back. They drive over to the ice cream parlor, before heading home, where Leo flops onto his bed, immediately passing out.
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Jason was getting ready when Thalia walked in. It was 6:30pm, he would be picking Leo up at 8:00pm, but he wanted to make sure he looked nice. They planned on going to the movie theater, and afterwards would get ice cream and go to Central Park, where they were having small performances. He was currently shaving his face when Thalia, his older sister, walked upstairs.
“Hey Jason, whatcha doing tonig- oh?” She stopped abruptly, taking in the scene. She raised her eyebrow, leaning against the bathroom door frame. She was wearing black sweats and a Green Day tank top, her dreads freshly done, dyed electric blue at the ends, a similar color to her eyes, one of the only features that they shared.
Her arms were crossed, she looked him up and down, before meeting his eyes with a smirk. “So,” she started, “Where are you off too?” Jason gave her a glance before going back to shaving. “I'm going on a date.” Her smirk grew slightly bigger. “You are? With who?” Jason paused for a moment, before replying. “Leo Valdez.” Thalia scrunched her eyebrows, thinking for a moment, then her eyes lit up and she snapped and pointed at him.
“The short Mexican one? The hyperactive one who makes tiny contraptions?” Jason snorted at her description of Leo. “Yeah, that one.” Thalia nodded, before she scrunched her nose. “Leo Valdez… Wait, Jackson's brother?” Jason smirked. Percy and Thalia have always had a rivalry since they met. Sure, they were friends, but they were always butting heads at the same time. “Uhuh, He's Percy's little brother. But you do know they're not related, right?”
Thalia gave him a deadpan look. “Of course I know that. But that doesn't matter. What time is the date?” Jason finished shaving, washing the shaving cream off. “I'm picking him up at 8:00pm. We're going to the movie theater and then to Central Park with ice cream.” Thalia nodded. “Ok, got it. What time will you be home?” Jason hesitated. He wasn't exactly sure what time he'd be home by, since they would be gone for a few hours. “Umm… I'm going to say anywhere between 11pm and 12:30am. 1am at the latest.”
Thalia nodded. “Okay then. Makes sense, considering this starts at 8.” She looked up at him, giving him a grin. “Well then, I'm sure you'll be responsible. Have fun!” She clapped him on the shoulder, leaving the restroom and heading downstairs, but not before calling out, “You better not come home with any hickeys!” Jason blushed, eyes widening. “THALIA!” he yelled, stepping out of the restroom to face the direction she went off to. Thalia cackled, heading downstairs. Jason shook his head, running a hand down his face, still blushing. His sister was going to be the death of him.
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Jason was nervous. He knew he shouldn't be, it wasn't a big deal, but he still found himself biting his lip, adjusting his clothes, his heart beating faster than normal.
He was parked in front of the apartment lobby, waiting to go in. It was 7:57, he knew if he wanted to arrive at the door at exactly eight O'clock, he'd have to get out right now. He opened the car door, stepped out and walked into the apartment building.
Leo had said that they lived on the third floor, apartment 23, the door Jason was currently in front of. It was 7:59, and Jason's nerves were still acting up. What if he made a bad impression? Or the date went completely wrong? Stop it, he told himself. It really wasn't a big deal, he shouldn't care so much. The clock on his phone hit 8:00. Jason sighed. “Here goes nothing,” he mumbled to himself as he knocked on the door.
About ten seconds later, the door opened. Jason was expecting to see Leo's face, but instead, he was met with Percy's. Jason took a small step back. Percy's face looked intense, to say the least. In other words, he looked pissed off. He'd gotten used to the fact that Percy has what Thalia calls a ‘resting bitch face’, but he was pretty sure that right now it was more than just that. Percy looked him up and down before settling on his eyes. Jason had to repress a shudder. Percy raised his left eyebrow, which Jason had just noticed was decorated with a ring. Percy tilted his head slightly, “I’m guessing you’re here for Leo?” Jason nodded. “Y-yes, I am. Is he ready?” Percy continued to look at him, as if he were about to ask him something, but seemed to decide against it.
Percy stepped out of the doorway, letting Jason in. “Come in. You can sit on the couch.” Percy led him through the apartment and into the living room, where there was a comfy couch and loveseat angled in an L, both with blankets thrown over them, and a TV against the wall. Jason sat awkwardly on the loveseat, while Percy went into the hallway. “LEO!” Percy called out. “YOUR DATE IS HERE!” Jason blushed slightly. “COMING!” Leo replied.
Percy shook his head, chuckling slightly, before turning back to Jason. Percy looked at Jason, giving him a slight glare. “Treat him right,” he said. “I swear, if you hurt him…” Percy left the threat hanging. Jason paled, visibly gulping. “I will.” Percy narrowed his eyes. “You better. Besides, I think you and I both know what’ll happen if you don’t. Right?” Jason shuddered. He knew Percy was protective of Leo, and if he deemed the way Jason treated Leo to be unacceptable, Jason knew he’d be leaving with more than just a few broken bones.
Just then, Leo walked in. He looked from Percy to Jason, smiling slightly. “Ok, I'm ready. Hey Jason.” Leo was wearing a light brown tee and a pair of dark wash baggy jeans. His hair was as curly as ever, and he had his usual brown converse on. Jason thought he looked cute. Percy's gaze softened as he looked at Leo. He smirked. “Hey hermanito, te ves bien, ¿estás listo?” He ruffled Leo's hair with his left hand, which Leo attempted to smack away. Percy chuckled as Leo stuck his tongue out at him. “Yeah, yeah, I am. Shut up.” Percy rolled his eyes playfully.
He gave Leo a hug, then patted him on the back. “Well, have fun you two. Don't come home too late.” Leo and Jason started walking towards the door as Leo shot him a grin. “Will do. Bye Percy!” Percy waved as they reached the door. “Bye Leo! diviértete con tu novio!” Leo blushed. “¡No es mi novio, cabrón!” Percy laughed. Leo gave him the finger as they walked out the door, Percy still laughing.
Jason looked at Leo, confused. He didn't know Spanish, so he had no idea what they had just said. But by the blush still painted across Leo's cheeks, it was probably something embarrassing. “What did he say?” Jason asked. Leo glanced at him, then looked away. “Nothing, it's not important. Percy just likes being a bitch sometimes.” Jason furrowed his eyebrows, but decided to drop it.
They got to the car, where Jason opened Leo's door for him, gaining him a small smile and a ‘thanks’. Once Jason was in, he started the car and let Leo choose the music. “So,” Jason started, clapping his hands together. “Movie theater?” Leo grinned at him. “Movie theater.”