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The son of Hephestus hadn’t been sleeping well.
It had drawn Jason’s attention. The way the boy would lay his head down on the table whenever he sat down, how he would lean his full weight on Jason when they were next to each other, his thoughts and words becoming more sluggish, scrambled.
Not just that, but the dark eyebags that had always seemed present on the scrawny boy had only deepened.
Jason was concerned to say the least. Sometimes he considered saying something, but he knew that if he did Leo might shut down again.
That was one of the few things that sucked about his new relationship with Leo. The boy was fragile, shutting down rather easily when confronted.
It made communication a struggle. So he decided it was best to talk to Piper about it. When it came to emotions, there was no one better than Piper.
Specifically Leo. As well as Jason thought he knew Leo, Piper always seemed to know more.
He was as jealous as he was glad of that fact.
On one hand, it stung that he wasn’t Leo’s first choice when it came to talking about his struggles, or some things much proper than Jason could imagine.
On the other? It lightened his load.
As much as Jason loved Leo, the boy clearly had a lot of baggage. It was good to know he had more people to share it with. Plus, Jason never really knew how to react when others vented to him.
Leo always seemed to know how to act when Jason rented his frustrations out, though. It made him both guilty and glad. He was a much better listener than the others gave him credit for.
The demigod never compared Jason’s feelings to others, shared his own experience in the middle of Jason’s moments, knew when to be silent, and always validated or called him out when it was needed.
But somedays, it seemed as if a cloud of darkness gathered around Leo.
He would become distant, as if not attached to his own body. Jason never knew how to deal with those days, but whenever he spoke to Piper? The boy would slowly come back down to himself.
It always made Jason feel as if his problems werent as important. Leo seemed to be struggling constantly, while the only issue Jason had was not feeling Greek enough or Roman enough.
Maybe he should talk to Piper about his concerns, she was his friend afterall. Hopefully she would be willing to listen to his ramblings.
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Piper had seemed a bit surprised to see him when she’d opened the door. It made Jason a bit self conscious, though he still sent her a small smile.
“Hey, Jay. Wanna come in?” He nodded, and watched as Piper stepped back, allowing him space.
Jason nodded, and wondered inside her cabin. If Leo’s cabin was messy, and Jason’s was clean? Piper was the perfect middle ground.
Her bed was nicely made, yet loose pieces of clothing seemed to have been half haphazardly tossed around the room.
A hoodie Jason was pretty sure was his had been left on a chair, her socks screwn across the floor, Hazels shirt on her pillow, yet it had a sort of organized rhythm to it.
“Admiring my room? It’s amazing, I know.” She teased, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere Jason hadn’t even realized he had brought with him.
“Well, it’s surely not up to the Roman standard. But, you’re Greek. I wouldn’t expect anything more than this.” He mocked back. Judging by the smile on her face? It worked.
Piper walked across her floor, avoiding a stray sweater and sitting down on her bed before patting the spot next to her. He followed her example and sat down next to her.
When they used to date, it was in these quiet moments where they would kiss. Though it had never felt as natural as it had with Leo, more like a performance the two put up because they thought they had to.
“So, what’d you come here to talk about? I can tell theres something weighing on you.”
“Gods, Pipes. Can a guy not come visit his friend just to chat like regular people?”
She chuckled, “We’re demigods, there is nothing regular about us. Much less when we’re currently standing in a flying ship on our way to defeat earth itself.”
A bit of dread formed in his stomach. Just the thought of Gaia made him queasy sometimes. But he swallowed that back down, and sighed.
“Okay, fine. Maybe i’m here to talk about something,” he finally admitted. “You feeling up to hearing the fortunate whine about the few misfortunes I face in my lifetime?”
“Gods, you’re so dramatic. You’ve started to sound like Leo, y’know? spending too much time around him lately, clearly. And don’t worry about sounding too whiny. I’m the daughter of an actor and I still have my own struggles. Feel free to bitch your heart away.”
Jason smiled, he already felt a bit better. “Its just, sometimes I feel like I don’t belong anywhere? In New Rome, I was always seen as different. Nobody treated me like a person, more like some untouchable figure.”
Piper nodded along, silently urging him to continue.
“Things were also fine in camp half blood, until they found out I was Roman. I became a sort of other to them in a way? It felt like they didn’t really see me, more like a slip of paper that said ‘Romans exist, and they’re violent!’. But when I got back to New Rome, they saw me as softened.”
“...Why do you have to fit into one?”
“...What?”
“I mean why do you need to fit into one camp? Times are changing, and if we manage to unite the two camps, then you can be part of both. You feel connected to the two of them, don’t you?”
Jason knew it was an optimistic view. Piper’s idea relied on both them successfully saving the world, and both camps actually getting along together. Right now? Those tasks seemed impossible. But he still have her words some thought before replying,
“I mean, yeah. But I have a feeling both camps won’t really want me there. Nobody really worried when I went missing, all they cared about was who would fill my position. And it wasn’t like I have any siblings in camp half-blood or any friends outside of you and Leo there.”
A small frown appeared on Piper’s face. She seemed deep into her own thoughts.
“Why not try and change that? I mean— I know it isn’t easy to make new friends. But I think you should first try it in camp half-blood. Before you ask, yes i’m saying to go to the Greek camp first so I can spend more time with you, sue me.”
“And if that doesn’t work?” Jason couldn’t help the doubt that wormed its way into his voice.
“Well, they aren’t the only places on earth. You could try and live among humans. Sure, there would be a few monster attacks. But, you’re the son of Jupiter. Theres nothing you can’t help. Plus, Leo would probably be by your side.”
He raised an eyebrow at that, the mention of Leo seemed almost deliberate. Though he decided not to mention it.
“...I guess that would work.” As much as he didn’t want to admit it, that idea had relieved a weight off of his chest.
Jason had never really considered the thought of simply separating his life from all the demigod baggage he was born with. Though, as Piper said it, he couldn’t help but dream.
A life with Leo, living among mortals. His friends visiting occasionally as the two studied for college, getting normal jobs and living a regular life together.
As mundane as it might’ve seemed to others, after all Jason had lived through? All he craved was normalcy.
Abruptly, he got up. “Thanks, Pipes. I’m feeling a bit better already.” He shot her a grin, she sent one back.
“Glad to be of service! Come back again, just make sure to schedule next time. I myself am quite the busy therapist friend.” She joked, though Jason could see the exhaustion hidden under those words.
“I’ll make sure to write you a fancy letter and everything, m’lady.” He teased back before a memory resurfaced, an earlier concern. “wait, Piper?”
She turned back to him, “Yeah?”
“Uhm, could I ask you a favor?” curiosity gleamed behind those hazel eyes, “Sure, Jay. what’d you need?”
“Could you check in on Leo for me?” He blurted out. Jason hadn’t really thought much before saying that, he just needed to get it out and didn’t have time to phrase it better.
“I mean, sure. But could you at least say why? Like I don’t mind checking in on him, but Is there a reason why you aren’t reaching out to him yourself?”
Piper always sounded so logical in these moments. It made Jason feel calm, as if an emotional situation could be solved by something as simple as a few words.
“Uhm, I sort of noticed he hasn’t been sleeping well? You probably noticed too. I mean, he’s been laying his head on our table whenever he has the chance, always leans against me when we’re standing up, and constantly seems on the verge of falling asleep.”
He rambled on, trying to think of more examples. He could name more exact examples, but he didn’t want to seem too stalkerish or obsessive.
The daughter of Aphrodite raised an eyebrow at that, “I assumed he was just doing that because he was bored and wanted to be dramatic. You think he’s actually more tired than usual?”
Jason nodded, He was absolutely sure about this.
“Yeah, he acts different when he’s acting. He bumps up the drama, kind of like how he did when we were in the Grand Canyon. Like he would at least make some joke or loud complaint about his boredom. This feels different. He seems more tired than usual.”
“Damn, Grace. For how long have you been thinking about this? No, scratch that. For how long have you been thinking about Leo this deeply?”
His face flushed a scarlet red, “what!?” The son of Jupiter exclaimed, voice squeakier than usual.
“Well, you must’ve been watching him quite intently if you picked up on all of that. Like, damn. You got every one of his little habits down.”
He shoved her, albeit gently on the shoulder, “it doesn’t matter— just, will you talk to him?”
“Well now I’m curious on why you’re asking me instead of doing it yourself.”
“Uhm, it’s complicated? You know how Leo is, I feel like he’ll shut down the moment I try and talk to him.”
“And you think I’ll do any better with him?” She knew what Jason meant, at least.
“I mean he always seems to come back to himself a bit after talking to you, so I assumed you might have more luck with him.”
A small smile appeared on her face, “you really think so?” She shook her head, “yeah, no. I think you should talk to him about it yourself.”
“What? No I won’t. He hates being vulnerable with me.” Jason admitted, it still stung to know Leo didn’t trust him in that way.
“Well, then don’t ask him to be vulnerable" she spoke as if it was obvious, a fact of the universe. Yet, Jason had no idea what she meant.
“…what? How will I help him if he doesn’t even tell me what’s wrong?”
She sighed, clearly having had this conversation with others before. “When helping someone, it’s not always about words. Sometimes all they need is comfort. Especially Leo, he doesn’t like using his words for actually serious topics most of the time.”
“What can I even offer for him not being able to sleep? Telling him to sleep in my bed and see if that works?”
Pipers expression became thoughtful once more, “that might work, actually.”
“What?” His voice had gone to an undignified pitch, but Jason couldn’t help it.
“Well, we both know how clingy Leo gets when he’s upset at something, or struggling. But he only ever does it when someone gives him permission. And sleeping with someone else around might actually help him sleep more.”
Jason weighed the pros and cons in his head. On one hand, he could make Leo uncomfortable by offering something the boy wasn’t ready for.
On the other? Being able to share a bed with Leo sounded like heaven. Waking up next to that gorgeous face every morning? Jason would sign up in a heart beat.
“…I’ll offer it to him. Thanks, Pipes.”
She smiled, “any day. Just, tell me how it goes?”
That was a slightly odd request in Jason’s opinion. But, the girl had helped him. So, he nodded then left.
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Finding Leo hadn’t been as difficult as Jason had expected it to be. It was almost as if the boy wasn’t hiding from him anymore.
Today, he found the son of Hephestus in the canteen talking to Frank.
Well, Jason wouldn’t exactly call it talking. The two were communicating through Morse code, constant taps against the table speaking messages Jason couldn’t decipher.
It took Jason clearing his throat quite loudly for Leo to finally look up at him, frank following the skinnier boys eyes too. “Hey, Leo.”
“Hi, Superman. Give me a minute. I’m just telling Frank the end of this awesome joke,”
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Frank gave Leo the most deadpan expression, clearly trying to hold back a chuckle. “Gods that’s a terrible joke.”
“It made you laugh” The boy argued.
It brought such a warmth to Jason’s heart, seeing Leo acting like his old self again.
He watched as the two bickered for a bit before Leo finally turned back to Jason, “oh, yeah. What’d you wanna talk about?”
“Just wanted to talk with you in private for a bit? I swear it’ll be quick. Then you can get back to telling Frank your ‘Super awesome jokes’. Kay?”
Leo suddenly seemed a bit more nervous, fidgeting with his own hands. But, he nodded before turning to Frank “I’ll be right back, don’t leave yet.”
The two headed towards the hall, and Jason turned to face Leo, “Don’t worry, it isn’t anything serious.”
“Then why’d you feel the need to pull me into the hallway instead of saying whatever it is in front of Frank?”
“Just didn’t want to embrass you.” He stated, Jason had learned being direct with his intentions was always easier while dealing with Leo.
“What could you possibly say that would embarrass me if stated in front of Frank?” Leo challenged, a bit of annoyance creeping into his voice.
“Look, I don’t want to seem like i’m attacking you or anything, what i’m about to say comes from a place of concern.” The son of Hephestus raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t interrupt the other boy. “Leo, i’ve noticed you haven’t been sleeping well. I literally saw you fall asleep mid meeting yesterday.”
The demigod sighed, “I don’t want to talk about it, Jay–”
“That’s not what I’m here for. I don’t want you to talk about it— Well I do just not right now if you aren’t ready. I just wanted to offer letting you sleep in my cabin for a few days, to see if that helps?” His voice broke on the last word, coated with nerves.
Leo seemed to freeze for a moment, his mind clearly trying to process words he hadn’t expected to hear. Then, his face flushed pink. “...You, Jason Grace, are offering me to sleep in your bed?”
Jason felt his own face heating up, “Well, when you put it like that… I just want you to get better, Leo.”
A thoughtful look overcame Leo’s face, his hand fidgeting with a screw driver he was pretty sure the boy wasn’t holding before. Jason always thought Leo’s fidgeting habits were cute.
“You know what? Why not. We can try it tonight and if it works, we can do it more.”
All the tension that had been building up within Jason relaxed. That had been easier than he expected.
“You will owe me a kiss for that, though. Since i’m doing your bidding.”
A mix of fondness and anticipation washed over Jason.“Thats not— Fine.”
Leo smiled that cocky grin of his, and kissed Jason on the cheek before rushing off back to the canteen.
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Leo and Jason’s moments had slowly become more common. After long quests one of the two would go on, or after battles on the ship itself.
They started seeking comfort from each other almost instinctively.
Finding Leo in Jason’s cabin had become commonplace in his life. The other boy seemed to always get there before Jason. He'd grown used to the sight of waking up next to the sleeping boy, face soft and oh so kissable.
Jason had never felt so obsessed over another person to this extent before, how could one boy be so maddening?
Only one thing was clear: Jason loved Leo too much to let go.
The simple thought of losing the son of Hephestus was enough to make his heart drop to his stomach
The best part of it all? How much more affectionate Leo had become. He would lean into Jason's touches as if they were second nature, kiss his cheek in fleeting moments and so much more that made him just melt.
Now all Jason wanted was for a confirmation that Leo truly loved him, even if it was the simple title of boyfriend.
He’d been planning on asking Leo out soon, but lately no moment seemed good enough yet. And due to all the damage the ship had obtained which Leo had to fix, it seemed impossible to get the boy to sit still.
But alas, Jason would wait. He would wait until either something happened or Jason finally managed to move on, which wasn’t likely.
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Jason had been hurt by imperial gold. Not just hurt, but stabbed, and it was horrifying.
He’d felt his own soul splitting, as if trying to forcefully leave this realm wanting oh so badly for him to just let go. Yet, the whole time all he could think of was all the things he didn’t do.
Never actually getting closer to his older sister Thalia, being able to help Nico come to terms with himself properly, make Percy feel worthy, or properly bond with Frank while teaching him of his new responsibilities.
But worst of all? Having left his relationship with Leo as a “What if?” because he never had the balls to speak up.
Back in the ship, Jason ended up reflecting on that a lot while he healed.
If he just kept waiting, it would never happen. Jason would die never having been able to become more with Leo. That thought horrified him more than anything else.
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By the time Leo finished fixing the engines pressure distribution problem, a very specific knock drew his attention. It was one in the same pattern Jason always used.
…- …- …–.-. It was nonsense in morse code, yet Leo’s brain always tried to translate it. His brain had started to associate it with joy, an overwhelmingly giddy feeling always appearing throughout his body when he heard it.
¡Come in!” he exclaimed cheerfully.
Jason stepped in, all his usual glory radiating off of the boy. By the way he held himself, Leo could guess the conversation ahead was already making Jason nervous before he’d even started it.
Though he seemed a bit weaker than usual, shoulders slumped and a preference for his left side. Clearly still injured.
Leo didn’t want to admit how much it had terrified him when he saw the way Jason had been hurt, unable to do much but sleep for days.
“What’re you doing up? You’re meant to be in bed resting,” he complained, though Leo made no attempt to kick him out.
Then he noticed the broom the boy had brought with him.
“Jason, why is that thing in here?” He practically hissed, which made the taller boy laugh.
The demigod rolled his eyes, “You’re acting as if I brought a bomb in here. It's a broom.” All thoughts of Jason’s injury left his mind, replaced by both fondness and annoyance for the boy.
“I know what it is, I’m not that stupid—” “You’re not stupid at all” Jason cut off. Leo felt his own face go red. “Anyway, I’m simply asking what it's doing in my precious engine room.” He exclaimed, putting as much drama as possible into his voice.
“Well, the other day I was complaining about how dirty it was here. In reply, you told me to just clean it myself then. That's what I’m here to do, clean it.” The son of Jupiter deadpanned.
Gods, he had said that, hadn’t he? Why didn’t Leo know how to keep his own mouth shut? Maybe it wasn’t too bad of a feature if it got Jason Grace in his space.
The thought of Jason remembering that conversation, and caring enough to actually follow through with it brought a warmth to his heart. “Uh, Leo. Your nose is on fire.”
“Is it? Damn it, it is.” He groaned, “Give me your shirt.”
“...What?” Jason looked so much like a lost puppy, it made Leo’s heart ache.
“Just hand it over, Grace.” He meant to sound demanding, snappy. But it came off more as a resigned beg.
Jason quickly took his shirt off. Leo eyed the boys toned midriff for a moment before snatching the shirt from his hand and using it to put out his own fire.
“Was that really it? You just wanted to ruin my shirt with fire?” His voice was full of amusement, though a tense undertone remained. Gods, Leo loved it.
“Nope, it’s not ruined yet.” He used it to scrub some grime off of a corner in the room that had suffered from an oil spill earlier. “There, now it’s ruined. And my floors clean, you can take that broom out of here.”
The son of Jupiter watched with equal parts amusement and horror. “Hey, that was a perfectly good shirt! And a waste, considering this place is still nasty. Move aside, the cleaning expert is here.” Jason playfully shoved Leo a bit, making some space for himself
Leo grumbled, but he listened. Watching intently as the Roman scrubbed his place clean.
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By the time Jason was done, the tension in the room had seemed to have skyrocketed.
It wasn’t exactly a bad sort of tension, more like anticipation? As if the two were animals waiting to see who would make the first move in whatever this weird dance was.
He wasn’t as emotionally dumb as most people thought Leo was, he’d noticed the tension on Jason’s shoulders since the moment he’d walked in.
Eventually, Leo couldn’t handle it anymore. He broke first.
“Just spit it out, Jace. I can tell that whatever you want to talk about is eating you alive.” Leo prayed for it to be what he hoped it was, he just wanted to hear the boy say it.
Jason seemed to sweep harder for a moment, trying to put his thoughts together before putting his tools to the side and finally turning to face Leo.
The boys face was adorably red, clearly nervous.
“c’mon, Superman. We don’t have all day, out with it.” He leaned against Jason as he spoke, using a singsong voice.
“...Leo, what are we?” His heart shattered, that wasn’t what Jason was meant to ask.
“What’dya mean?” He did his best to sound clueless, trying not to let a bit of his heartbreak leak into his voice.
“You know what I mean. Sleeping in the same room, making out…” He muttered the last bit before continuing, “The casual touches, its just, confusing at this point? I don’t know if you actually like me or if it’s just physical attraction.”
Truly, Leo didn’t know what to say. He went silent for a moment, mulling over Jason’s words. He loved Jason, he truly did. What could he say to make the boy realize that?”
His chest ached at the thought of Jason thinking Leo only liked him because of that. He went up to the son of Jupiter, and cupped his jaw.
“Jason, I love you. Not just for your body, though it is amazing…” The other boy grinned a bit at that part while Leo continued talking. “I love you for who you are. For your kindness, the comfort you bring and your being.”
For a moment, he wondered if he said the right thing. Such honest words felt foreign in Leo’s mouth. He rarely told someone how he truly felt about them.
The son of Jupiter seemed frozen in place, trying to process his words.
“...You love me?”
“As much as you like me, well I sure hope you love me. I mean I can’t speak for you but—”
Jason cut him off with a deep, loving kiss. It was different than the others.
Their usual kisses were always in fleeting moments, always seeming on the edge of slipping away.
This one felt so different. He could feel Jason savoring him, as if trying to capture Leo’s flavor, ingrave it into his brain.
Leo kissed back, feeling Jasons hands gripping his waist and slowly pushing him against the wall.
Eventually, Jason pulled away. “...So, what are we?”
“Well, I love you, and if you really love me…” Leo drawled out, taking his time. He enjoyed seeing the look on Jason’s face as he waited for him to finish.
But, Leo didn’t. He wanted Jason to be the one to ask him out. If he waited a bit longer it should hit the boy.
The son of Jupiters eyes widened, “Oh.” There it was, “Leo Valdez, would you want to be my boyfriend?”
“Obviously, if I didn’t I wouldn’t even have let you into the engine room.” He teased, enjoying the small grin that appeared on Jason’s face as he spoke.
“You’re so annoying.” The taller boy said, though his smile said otherwise.
“You know you love it.”