Work Text:
It’s been a while since Leo has been to Sea Breeze Café. He thought a year away would do him good, but that obviously isn’t true.
“Leo?” someone whispers.
He checks the front counter. She still has the same shoulder length wolf-cut hair, the same piercings on her ears and nose, the same eyes.
“Hey, Pipes,” he grins. “Did you miss me?”
“Leo!” Piper screams. Her eyes seem to beam with happiness and she plants her hand on the counter and jumps over it. “Jason, Jason, he’s back!”
“Holy shit, Piper, don’t jump over the counter-“
She starts to run and Leo prepares himself for the full body slam Piper gives him.
Her arms wrap around his waist and she squeezes so tight Leo swears by everything that she cracked his back.
“I missed you,” she murmurs. Piper nuzzles her head under his chin and he finally brings his arms over her shoulders.
“I missed you, too,” he says.
“Holy fuck, Leo?”
Leo lifts his head a little higher and Jason stands with his glasses crooked and flour all over his apron. He’s panting and his hair is messy. It’s a beautiful sight to see.
“What’s good, Jase?”
“Oh my God, you little shit, I can’t fucking believe you’re back-“
Jason starts to stumble over his feet to get to them, wincing when he hits his elbow on a table.
Piper shrieks when Jason joins the hug. “Fuck, Jason, did you take the apron off?”
Jason pulls back when Piper does. He looks down at his apron before moving Piper around to assess the damage. “Oh. Shit.”
“Jason!”
Leo smiles as Piper starts whacking Jason in the arm because God , did he miss them.
“Wait, Leo, what are you doing here?” Jason asks.
Piper stops hitting him, saying, “No, seriously. I thought you said you weren’t coming back?”
Leo shrugs. “Who else am I going to spend Thanksgiving with, dipshits?”
“Okay, wow , rude,” Jason says, dramatically reaching his hands up to clutch his chest. “Never have I once been so offended-“
“Shut up, Grace.” Leo smiles.
“How long are you staying? Don’t you need to get back to, uh.”
“Knoxville?” he supplies. “Yeah, but I guess I helped around the shop enough so they gave me until New Year’s.”
“Holy shit, Leo, this is amazing!” Piper cheers. She grabs his hands and starts to twirl him around.
“We’re so glad you’re here, Leo,” Jason says. Leo looks at him and Jason grins. “You always did have better taste when it came to decorating for Christmas.”
“You bet your ass I did.”
The cafè doorbell rings and all three of them look up.
“Hey, Pipes, I was wondering if I could get my-“ a guy starts.
“Yeah, no, definitely, I got it.” Piper drops Leo’s hands and rushes back behind the counter, shoving Jason with her.
Percy Jackson looks up, confused, but he stops short when he catches sight of Leo.
Leo gulps. “Uh. Hey?”
Percy blinks and keeps staring. “Leo. I-I didn’t think you were coming back.”
“Yeah, well, I got a long break from work so I’m spending Thanksgiving and Christmas here.”
“Oh. That’s. That’s really cool.”
“Yeah.”
They stand awkwardly until Piper calls out Percy’s name. It takes him a second to look away from Leo, but when he does, Leo wishes he was still looking at those eyes.
“Hey, I’ll see you guys later,” Percy says to Piper. He starts walking backwards towards the door when it jingles again.
“Hey, babe, I was wondering if- Percy, stop walking!” Annabeth orders. He does.
Percy turns around and smiles at her. “Hey, Beth. Come to pick up your girl?”
“Shut the fuck up, Percy,” Piper says.
Leo turns to look at her, only to find her blushing.
“Oh, you guys finally got together?” he asks.
Annabeth startles and looks around before she finds him. Her jaw drops. “Holy fuck, Valdez.”
Leo chuckles and says, “Hey, Chase.”
Annabeth looks at him for a long while. Then she looks at Percy and her face hardens. Leo stiffens when she looks at him again. He hasn’t missed that look in the slightest.
He takes that as his cue. “Well, gang, lovely reunion, but my hotel is calling for me.”
“Wait, Leo,” Piper frowns. “You’re staying at a hotel?”
“Uh. Yeah.” Leo snorts. “Where the fuck else would I be staying?”
“I mean, I think Jason has an extra room,” she offers.
“Nah, Pipes. I think it’s better if I stay at a hotel.”
“Why?” It takes Leo a second to realize that it came from Percy.
Percy, who clutches his drink tightly. Percy, who looks as angry as the day Leo left town.
“Why what?”
“Why do you think it’s better? Because it’ll be easier for you to run away? That’s it, right?” Percy questions. He sounds angry and Leo hates it.
He hates that Percy still knows him.
“I- No ,” Leo tries to deny but Percy doesn’t give him a chance.
“Cut the shit, Leo, that’s all you’ve fucking done,” Percy snarls. “Too fucking scared to-”
“Okay, that’s enough,” Jason says.
Percy huffs and looks at Leo one last time before turning around and leaving the café.
It’s silent as the others watch him watch the door until he says, “Well, that seemed a bit much.”
Annabeth scoffs and Piper shakes her head.
“Leo.” Jason frowns. “That’s rude.”
I know .
“Sorry.”
“Just do us a favor and leave, yeah?” Annabeth says. Leo acts like it didn’t hurt.
“Annabeth,” Piper warns but Leo cuts her off.
“Don’t, it’s fine, Piper. I guess I’ll see you guys around,” he says, leaving with a wave.
The moment the door closes, Leo buries his face in his hands.
“You’re a fucking idiot,” he whispers.
He takes a deep breath then straightens. His legs start moving and before he knows it, he’s sitting on his hotel bed.
-
When he wakes up, he doesn’t feel well rested in the slightest. In fact, Leo feels extremely exhausted.
He grabs for his phone, unlocking it. Three new texts are waiting.
pretty gal: leo, do you wanna hang out today?
pretty gal: jason and i are going on a quick trip to folly.
lighting mcqueen: leo, you’re hanging out with us today. final. done deal.
Leo rolls his eyes. He opens his chat with Piper first.
me: sure
me: jase said i didn’t have a choice
pretty gal: mr grace would be correct
me: whatever
me: <3
pretty gal: <33
He rolls himself out of his bed. Shaking his head, he approaches his suitcase. Opening it, he scans his options. It’s November by the beach, so it’ll be cold.
But does he want to swim?
In the end, he chooses an old shirt, sweatpants, and his favorite Converse.
He’s closing his door when Reyna calls him.
“ Dickwad. Why didn’t you tell me you were here for Thanksgiving and Christmas? ” Reyna starts off.
“Yeah, hello to you too,” Leo muses.
“ Yeah, hi ,” she says shortly. “ Why didn’t you tell me, Leo? Seriously. ”
Leo bites his lip, chewing on it before he sighs. “I didn’t think you’d really want to see me.”
“ Are you for real? Leo, you’re practically my little brother. Was I upset that you didn’t say goodbye to me? Yeah, I was fucking pissed. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it for you. But even if I’m mad at you, I’ll always want to see you. ”
He huffs as he begins to walk out of the hotel. “I’m still sorry about that, Rey. I didn’t think.”
“ Yeah, obviously .” Reyna laughs. “ Do you have any plans for today? ”
“Yeah, I’m going to Folly with Jason and Piper, walking there right now.”
“ Where are you staying? ”
“A hotel.”
“ What hotel? ”
Leo scoffs. “What makes you think I’m gonna tell you?”
He can practically see her eyes roll. “ Because I know you won’t leave without seeing me and I also know that you’re too scared to see me first. So I’m not leaving you a choice. ”
Leo kicks a rock. He hates that she knows him this good, even after a year.
“Fine. I’m staying at The Hearth .”
“Oh, does that mean you’ve seen Auntie Hestia? ”
“Nah, not yet.”
Reyna hums. “ A shame. ”
Leo shrugs. “I guess.”
Reyna is quiet for a moment before her voice comes through the speaker again. “ Leo, I love you. I’ll see you soon. ”
“I love you too, Reyna. So much.”
“ I know, loser. Alright, I got stuff to do. See you. ”
“Bye.”
When the call clicks, Leo drops his phone and he feels his shoulders slump.
His eyes catch the familiar surf shop and restaurants as he speeds up. He spots a break between the buildings and sees the waves breaking against sand. He checks his surroundings before booking it.
He’s forgotten how nice it is to hear the ocean. When pavement reaches sand, he stops. He pants, putting his hands on his head, trying to catch his breath.
“Goddamn, I’m out of shape,” he laughs.
Dropping his arms, he begins a light jog down the wooden steps. He starts looking down the beach on the left when he sees Piper waving frantically. He laughs and keeps up the jog until he reaches them.
“God, it was such a bad idea to wear these shoes,” Leo huffs when Piper and Jason are within earshot. “I can practically feel the sand come in my shoes. Why didn’t you tell me not to wear them?”
Piper exchanges a look with Jason. “Yeah, like we asked what you were going to wear today.”
“And it’s a shame you didn’t,” he scoffs playfully.
Piper shoves him with a laugh. “Whatever you say, Leo.”
“Jason!” Leo cries. “Are you gonna let her treat me like this?”
Jason shrugs, raising his hands in defense. “This is Piper we’re talking about, I can’t stop her from anything.”
“Damn right.” Piper sniffs.
Leo feels Jason drop his arm on Leo’s shoulder and he takes it as an opportunity to lean into his side.
“Yo, how’ve you and Rey been?” Leo asks.
Leo turns his head and catches Jason smiling. The one specifically reserved for Reyna.
“Ah, we’re good.” Jason ducks his head. “She’s so wonderful. I still can’t believe she’s with me sometimes, you know?”
“Yeah, me too.”
Jason punches Leo’s shoulder when Leo starts to laugh.
“Honestly, Jase, if you hadn’t tapped that when you did, I probably would have,” Piper says.
They both whip their heads to look at her. Piper stares at them back. “What? It’s true. Reyna’s hot and amazing.”
“And my sister,” Leo says.
“And my girlfriend!” Jason whines. “Stop thirsting after her!”
“You can’t tell me what to do, asshat.”
The three of them laugh loudly.
“Leo,” Jason says when they’ve quieted. “We need to talk about Percy.”
Leo feels any happiness he previously felt, leave. “Why?”
“Because of what he said in the coffee shop, Leo. You didn’t even tell us why you guys broke up,” Piper says.
Leo sighs. He slips from Jason’s hold and sits on the more solid sand. They follow his lead, Piper on his right and Jason on his left. Piper plops her head on his shoulder and hugs his arm to her chest.
“Do you still love him?” she asks softly.
“Of course I still love him. I always will,” Leo says.
“Then what happened?”
So Leo tells them.
-
Leo and Percy lay on Percy’s bed, legs and fingers tangled, pressing sweet kisses to each other’s lips.
“Love,” Percy whispers in between kisses. “Love, I wanna talk.”
“Yeah?” Leo drops his head beside Percy’s.
Percy brings an arm next to Leo’s head, prompting him to lift it. Percy slides his arm underneath and Leo places his head on it, snuggling into the skin.
“What do you wanna talk about, cariño?”
Percy brings his other arm over Leo’s waist, grasping at his back. “What does our future look like to you?”
Leo freezes. “Huh?”
Percy nods. “Yeah, I’ve just been thinking about it a lot.”
Leo feels sick. “Oh.”
Percy scans his face. “Leo?”
“I just,” he starts, “I just didn’t think we’d be together in the future.”
Percy’s brows furrow. “Excuse me?”
“I mean, we’re two dudes, Percy. Who’s gonna hire two gay men?”
“Is this about jobs ? Seriously ?”
“No!” Leo shakes his head.
“Then what?”
“Percy, I think you’re misunderstanding. This was for fun, wasn’t it?”
Percy takes both of his arms back and sits up. Leo follows and his stomach feels acidic when he sees Percy’s face.
“This was for fun?” Percy repeats before forcing a laugh. “Are you fucking serious, Leo? Fun ?”
“We said it wasn’t anything serious,” Leo tries.
“Leo, I introduced you to my fucking family!” Percy shouts. “Was that just fun to you?”
“No! Percy, of course not-“
“Stop lying. I can’t fucking believe this.” Percy glares at him. “Was this all just to prove something to someone?”
“Okay, that’s too far,” Leo snaps. “You weren’t a fucking bet or anything, Jackson.”
“Oh, so I’m Jackson now?” Percy scoffs.
“What is so bad about what I said?” Leo demands.
“What’s so bad about it? Goddamnit, Leo, I love you!” Percy screams. “You were the first person I said that too and all I get is that my love is fun ?!”
“Stop it!” Leo shouts. “Stop making this all about you!”
“I’m not!”
“Yes! You are!” Leo spits. “This isn’t just about you. When I said fun, I meant a high school fling because they don’t make it to the future, Percy. Everyone knows that.”
“So fucking what?” Percy hisses. “We don’t have to be everyone else!”
“And I know that!”
“Do you?”
Leo can hear their panting. He feels blood rush in his ears. He feels so sick.
“Are you just afraid of a future where things are good?” Percy guesses. “A future where you’re happy with someone you love, with a family?”
Leo can’t describe how afraid he is of that. Because if he’s happy, all the more things to lose. He’s learned that.
“No,” he denies. His voice shakes.
Percy shakes his head. “What happened with your mom doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a happy future.”
Leo stiffens. He can feel Percy’s flinch when he looks at him. “Don’t talk about my mother. You have no fucking room , Percy Jackson .”
Leo slides off of the bed and grabs his overnight bag.
“Wait, what?” Percy gulped. “Where are you going?”
“Away from here,” Leo says shortly. “We’re done, Jackson. Our views obviously don’t match. I think it’s best we don’t make it worse.”
“What about what I think?”
Leo turns and finds Percy sitting on the edge of his bed. His green eyes are wide and Leo can see tears pooling. Percy’s hair is still a mess from Leo playing with it just fifteen minutes earlier.
When things were still happy.
“I’m sorry, Percy.”
Leo leaves the room and when he’s walking out of the apartment, he pretends Percy’s crying doesn’t exist.
-
Piper and Jason sit in silence after he finishes.
“Jesus, fuck,” Piper says finally.
Leo looks at Jason for his reaction. Jason blinks, gaping.
“You royally screwed the fuck up. Like. So much.”
“I still can’t believe you said that your relationship with him was fun ,” Piper breathes out. She shakes her head and pulls away from Leo.
He ignores the twinge in his chest when she does.
“I- I don’t know why I said that,” he admits. “I was scared.”
“Why?” Jason asks gently. He brings his hand to rub at Leo’s neck.
Leo gulps before saying, “I never thought I would have a future.”
Jason makes a sad noise before dragging Leo in a hug. Leo buries his face in Jason’s chest, breathing in his smell.
“Dude, did you shower,” Leo mutters into his shoulder.
“Shut the fuck up, Valdez.”
Leo can hear Piper cackle and Jason complain.
Leo didn’t think he would ever have a future, but he wouldn’t be upset if it was this.
-
Thanksgiving goes with little flair and by December 1st, Piper and Jason have enlisted Leo’s help in decorating Sea Breeze Café.
“Leo, should the tree be beside the counter or like. Out in the front?”
Leo looks over at Piper from where he’s helping Jason decorate cookies, watching her stand with her hands on her hips.
“Definitely outside,” Leo agrees, “but do you want lights on the tree?”
“Oh, good point,” Piper admits.
Jason huffs a laugh. “We have a plug in outside?”
“Are you serious?” Piper and Leo say.
“That’s so fucking cool!” Piper cheers.
Leo grins as Piper celebrates.
The door chimes and he turns his attention to the costumers.
It’s Percy.
Piper catches sight of him and stops dancing.
“No, no, don’t stop on my account,” Percy says. He winks at Piper, making her groan.
“Hey, Pipes!” Leo calls. “You wanna try one?”
“Leo, don’t give out the cookies,” Jason chides but Piper skips over anyway.
“Do I?” Piper grins.
Piper leans on the counter, opening her mouth. Leo grabs a Santa cookie, popping it in her mouth. Piper chews, humming softly as she does. Swallowing, she gives a thumbs up.
“Hella good,” she praises.
Leo can see Jason beam out of the corner of his eye.
“Can I try one?”
Leo looks at Percy. He’s standing in front of the counter. He’s wearing his favorite flannel, Leo notes.
“Yeah, sure,” Leo murmurs.
This time, Leo reaches for a candy cane cookie when Percy opens his mouth. Leo fumbles the cookie for a moment before moving it to Percy. Leo holds it in front of Percy, making Percy lean in and take a bite. Percy holds eye contact with Leo as he does.
Leo thinks he’s blushing. Percy makes a happy noise.
The door chimes again and Leo takes it as an opportunity to shove the cookie in Percy’s direction. Percy catches the cookie when Leo sees Reyna.
“Hey, Rey,” Leo greets. “Come to see your favorite?”
“Yeah. Totally,” she says, rolling her eyes.
She approaches the counter and Leo can see Jason grin.
“Hey, pretty lady,” Jason says.
Leo and Piper share a look before fake gagging at the same time.
“Don’t be a hater,” Jason snaps.
Reyna leans over the counter, saying, “Hey, pretty boy.”
Jason leans forward, pressing a kiss to Reyna’s lips.
Leo ignores the bubbling jealousy in favor of fake gagging even more.
“Yuck, PDA,” Leo groans. It makes Percy smile.
“Hey, Reyna,” Percy says, making her turn and smile.
“Hey, Jackson,” she greets. Her eyes stay warm as she gives him a hug. “How’s Sally?”
“Oh, she’s great! She still has her hands full with Estelle,” Percy says, “but she’s really happy.”
Reyna grins. “How is Estelle, anyway?”
“A trouble maker,” Percy laughs. “Or as much trouble an 1 year old can make. She’s not screaming so much anymore, thank fuck.”
They all laugh at that, then laugh some more when Percy pushes his chest out in accomplishment.
“Hey, Leo, can you set up the tree?” Piper asks, making him jump. He had forgotten she was there.
“Yeah, definitely. Wanna help?” Leo offers, stepping out from behind the counter.
Piper makes a face that screams I would rather do anything but . It makes Leo smirk.
“Aw, what’s that face for,” he teases.
She catches sight of him walking to her and starts to groan. “Leo-“
“Don’t you wanna spend time with me? Your absolute favorite in the world ?”
“Annabeth isn’t here,” Piper jokes and Leo smacks a hand to his chest dramatically.
“Why, I never,” he begins, leaning on her, “have felt such betrayal, from my-“
“I’ll help you,” Percy suggests. “If you want.”
Leo stumbles away from Piper and glances at Percy. Leo can feel his jaw drop and he closes it quickly.
“I mean, um, well,” he stutters.
Percy’s face drops and Leo scrambles to fix his mistake. “No, sure, I’d love some help! As long as you have time.”
“I have all the time in the world,” Percy assures.
Leo can’t help but smile at him. Leo can feel his face flush and he wipes the butt of his palm on his cheek.
“The tree is in storage,” Piper calls. She’s stringing up lights around booths and conversing with the few customers they have.
Leo looks at Percy and shrugs. “You wanna get it? You’ve always been stronger.”
Leo hopes Percy doesn’t catch the underlying message.
Percy nods and moves to the storage room. As soon as he’s out of sight, Leo whirls to Reyna.
“Rey,” he pleads, “help us. I can’t be with him by myself.”
“Don’t be a coward,” she says cheerfully. “Make good choices on the ornament placements.”
“Reyna!”
Percy comes back from the storage room, carrying the boxed tree like a baby. “Damn, you guys only have a five foot tree? Shorties.”
“Shut your face, Jackson,” Piper hisses.
“Whatever you say, McLean.” Percy grins.
Leo turns around and pushes the door open for them, Percy nearly bumping into the doorframe.
“Holy fuck, that was stressful,” Percy jokes when the door closes.
Leo hums. “Set the box down? We gotta set it up and then we’ll go back for the ornaments.”
Percy does as he’s asked, laying the brown box down gently. Leo crouches and reaches for the tape holding it shut the same time as Percy and their fingers brush. Leo jerks his hand back, rubbing the butt of his palm against his cheek. Percy looks at him, hand still hovering in the air.
Leo forces a chuckle and starts to take the tape off carefully. Percy keeps looking at him.
“You know, Knoxville did you well,” Percy compliments. “I see you got some muscle.”
Leo looks down at himself for a moment, his dirty gray hoodie and ripped black jeans, willing a very stubborn blush down. “I. Thanks.”
This time Percy hums. He stares at Leo again.
“Do you remember when we did this last Christmas?” Percy asks. “When Piper and Jason sicked decorating the tree on us and hung mistletoe everywhere?”
“Yeah,” Leo says. “What about it?”
“Nothing,” Percy says. “Was just wondering.”
Leo shrugs.
It’s quiet for a moment and Leo finally tears off the last bit of tape. He peels the flaps of the box open and gently takes the tree out. Small flakes of the leaves fall to the ground when Leo sets it against the wall.
“Pass the base?”
Percy hands it over and Leo angles it how he wants.
“Can you put the tree in? I’m gonna hold the base,” Leo asks.
“Yeah.”
Percy stands and grabs the tree. He lines it up with the hole in the base and carefully plops it in. He takes a step back and moves his head to look at Leo.
Leo stares at the tree, refusing to meet his eyes. Leo starts wondering about how the limbs should be placed to make the ornaments look good.
“Leo, are we seriously going to work on this goddamn tree without talking?” Percy sounds exasperated.
“We are talking,” Leo says smartly and he turns his head in time to catch Percy rolling his eyes.
“Very fucking funny, Leo. Seriously. We have to talk eventually.”
“Why?” Leo snaps. “The moment the New Year comes, I’m going back to Knoxville. What’s there to talk about?”
“You running away!” Percy explodes. “You’re scared of a happy future so you run before it comes to fruition! But guess what? I want to have a happy future! With you !”
“Oh my God, Percy,” Leo groans. He brings a hand to his face, dragging it down until it flops in his lap again. “Whatever issues I have are mine. Can you just fucking stop ? You’re not my goddamn therapist, so stop acting like it! Back the fuck off!”
Leo looks at Percy and finds the man angrily stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“So fucking sorry that I care about you.” Percy takes a step back. “I’ll get the ornaments.”
Leo watches him enter the shop and sits fully on the ground. He wishes he could turn back time, fix this, fix them, fix himself.
Percy comes back with the ornaments and they don’t talk.
-
Leo’s walking around downtown Charleston when someone calls his name.
“Leo Valdez?”
He turns around and sees his half-sister, Nyssa Barrera, jogging to him. “Holy fuck, it is you!”
When Nyssa reaches him, she lands a hard punch on his shoulder and Leo has to practically bit his tongue to stifle the pained squeak.
“Hey, Nyssa,” he greets. “Why’d you hit me?”
“Well, for one, that’s for leaving with literally no warning.” Nyssa crosses her arms. “I thought you said we were supposed to stick together?”
Leo winces. “I know, I know, but shit happened and I just. Had to go, you know?”
“No, I don’t,” she says. “I should punch you again.”
But Nyssa links her arm through his and tugs him towards the shopping stalls. “Come on, I’ll get you something as a Christmas gift.”
Leo thinks he gets deja vu because he blinks and it’s Percy instead of Nyssa.
Percy pulling him through the shopping stalls with sparkling eyes and a cheesy grin. Percy pulling him into the cookie store and making him try all these different kinds of cookies until he can’t anymore.
But Leo blinks and Nyssa is still trying to get him to pick something out.
-
Leo is looking at the cats in the animal shelter when he feels someone watching him.
He looks over his shoulder and Percy waves in his uniform. “Hey, Leo.”
“Percy,” he greets. He turns back to the cats and Percy steps up next to him. “You still work here?”
“Yeah. I love them, I love working here. I don’t plan on leaving until I know I have a solid job.”
“Is the bakery still an option?”
Percy grins. “Hell yeah. I just gotta find the right time to invest and whatnot. Find a place to start shop, the like.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Leo looks back at the cats, watching kittens tackle each other.
“Any of them catch your eye?” Percy asks.
Leo nods and points at a Siamese cat named Riri. “She’s super cute. Looks like a good friend.”
“She is!” Percy beams. “She’s 2, a real cuddle, and she purrs really loud. You did say you always wanted a cat, right?”
Leo feels his chest tighten because why on Earth does Percy remember that? He wouldn’t.
“Yeah,” Leo says. “Yeah, I do.”
“I’d recommend you adopt her then,” Percy tells him. “I think you’d be a great match.”
“I don’t really have the money for that,” Leo says. “And I work a lot and I want to give her as much attention as possible. I don’t know if I can do that.”
“What’re your hours?”
“8 to 6.”
“That’s what, 10 hours?” Percy says. “That’s really good! And all you have to do is just leave food out for her and then clean her litter box however many times a week you want to. It’d be different if you wanted a dog.”
“Well, yeah,” Leo agrees, “but I still feel guilty.”
“Why?”
Leo turns to Percy, watching the other man shift to face him.
“I mean. Aren’t I just leaving her?” Like I left you?
“But you’ll be back.” Percy sounds determined. “You always come back.”
Leo blows out a sigh and his curls fly up from his forehead. Percy reaches out a hand to fix them in what seems like a subconscious manner.
When Leo flinches back, Percy freezes.
“I’m so sorry,” Percy apologizes. “I didn’t mean-”
“It’s okay.” Leo sallows down the urge to bring Percy’s hand back. “I know you didn’t mean to.”
Percy frowns like he wants to contradict Leo, but someone calls for him. Percy looks down at the floor with a sigh. He takes a couple steps back, still looking at Leo.
“See you soon?” Percy calls.
Leo nods and watches Percy turn around. Leo looks back at Riri, watching the cat curl up in a ball.
“You and me both, girl.”
-
“Merry Christmas, Leo!” Piper screams in his face when he enters her apartment.
Leo watches her spin in her ugly Christmas sweater, the biggest smile on her face and he feels so…content. He drops the bag of presents he brought carefully and opens his arms.
“Merry Christmas!” he shouts back, taking her into his embrace. She sinks into the hug and rubs Leo’s back gently. When he pulls away, he pecks her temple.
“I’m really happy I got this break,” he whispers.
“Me too,” she whispers back.
“Trying to make a move on my girl, Valdez?” Annabeth asks, coming up behind Piper to wrap an arm around her waist.
Leo can’t help but snort. “As if. Sorry, Pipes, you’re really a pretty girl, but no.”
Piper laughs. “I’m glad you think I’m pretty, then.”
He grins, picking up his dropped bag to walk further in the apartment.
He sees Reyna and Jason cuddling on the couch, whispering to each other as they point to the presents beneath the tree.
“Wanna see some cool stuff?” he asks them.
Jason automatically looks behind them, beaming when he catches sight of Leo. “You got more presents?”
“Hell yeah!”
Leo walks to the Christmas tree in the middle of the room, kneeling on the carpeted floor. He starts taking the presents out of the bag carefully. He sets them according to name, two to each.
“Leo, how many presents do you have?” Reyna laughs airily. “You have so much!”
“These are handmade,” he tells her. “I felt like it would be inadequate to only make one for everyone so I just made two.”
“That’s really nice of you,” Annabeth says, coming from the doorway to sit on the unoccupied side of the couch, dragging Piper on her lap. “Even Percy and I?”
Leo frowns. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I?”
Annabeth shrugs and Leo leaves it alone.
The doorbell rings and Piper sits up from Annabeth’s lap, saying, “Percy’s here!”
Leo watches her walk and open the door, but he turns to the couch when he hears Percy cheer, “Merry Christmas! Mom made cookies.”
“Shut up,” Reyna demands, perking up from her spot on the couch. “Sally made cookies?”
“Hell yeah.” Percy grins. “She knows you love them so she even told me to set aside a certain amount for you.”
“I fucking love your mom, Jackson,” Reyna says seriously.
“Thanks, I love her too.”
Percy moves to the kitchen to drop off the cookies and Leo watches Reyna rise and pad to him.
Jason leans back on the couch and Leo looks over to him.
“Where are your gifts?” he asks and Jason nods to the gift bags, stuffed full with gift paper. “Jesus, Jason, how much damn gift paper do you need?”
“Is it my fault you and Piper are so fucking nosy?” Jason says defensively. “No! So leave me alone!”
Leo can’t help but laugh.
“We’re laughing?” Percy asks, coming to sit next to Jason. “Over what?”
“How nosy Leo and Piper are,” Jason grumbles.
Percy snorts. “Yeah, you’re on your own.”
“Wow, thanks, Percy,” Leo jokes and Percy winks.
Leo flushes and bundles his bag into a ball, rising from his crouch. He tosses it somewhere and sits in the grandpa chair Piper loves.
“Okay, what are we waiting for,” Percy complains. “Reyna! Get over here! Piper, Annabeth! Stop making out and get ready for presents!”
Leo looks to where Annabeth had been, finding her seat empty. When had she gotten up?
Piper and Annabeth stumble into the living room, faces red and hair messed up.
Leo rolls his eyes and fakes a gag.
Piper kicks his leg as she passes him. “Shut the fuck up, Valdez.”
Reyna walks from the kitchen, plopping herself in Jason’s lap and kicking her legs into Percy’s. Jason wraps his arms around her waist and noses her hair.
“So much domesticity,” Leo whines.
“Hater,” Reyna snips.
“Okay, who wants presents first?” Jason asks.
“Me!” Piper screeches, sticking her hand in the air. Annabeth laughs from beside her.
Piper rises from the couch and gathers all of her gifts in front of her.
“Okay, Beth, I’ll open yours first,” she says.
Piper takes a snowflake-wrapped box and starts tearing into it.
“Jesus,” Percy whispers quietly.
Piper rips open the flaps on the box and promptly grins when she sees what’s inside. “A record player? Annie, you shouldn’t have.”
“You’re right, I shouldn’t have,” Annabeth agrees.
Piper sticks her tongue out and sets the gift to the side.
“Mine next!” Reyna demands. “You’re gonna love it.”
Piper huffs a laugh and reaches for Reyna’s. She grabs the small gift bag and plucks the gift paper from the bag. She peeks inside, jaw dropping.
“Allerano, shut the actual fuck up. You fucking didn’t.”
“I fucking did,” Reyna grins.
“What is it?” Percy asks eagerly, leaning over Reyna’s legs.
“This bitch got me fucking Taylor Swift tickets,” Piper says and Leo can see tears forming in her eyes. “Really, Rey?”
Reyna laughs loudly. “You think I would fake something so big? It’s just for us two, no Annabeth or Jason allowed.”
Annabeth and Jason look at each other before shrugging, making Leo chuckle.
“I love you so fucking much, Reyna,” Piper cries. She sniffles, reaching up a hand to wipe the tears off her face.
“I love you too, Pipes,” Reyna says softly.
“Okay, no more crying,” Leo says. “Pipes, pick your next present.”
“Jason, everyone else, your gift won’t even fucking compare to Reyna’s, I just want everyone to know that,” Piper says, looking at everyone seriously.
Percy laughs and says, “I’ll take my chances.”
“Just for that, I’ll open yours next.” Piper points at him.
Percy leans back into the couch causally. “Do your worst, McLean.”
Piper rolls her eyes and grabs the snowman-wrapped present and opens up the box. She smiles and pulls out three vinyls.
“Thanks, Percy!” Piper says gratefully. “Did you and Annie plan it?”
“Yeah,” he says, “I hope you listen to them a lot.”
Piper smiles widely.
“Okay, my turn,” Jason whines. “I’ve been waiting so fucking patiently -“
“Shut your trap,” Leo snaps playfully.
“No!” Jason sticks his tongue out.
“Reyna, have you been dating a child?” Leo asks her.
“Leo, have you been friends with a child?” she replies.
Percy and Piper start shouting. “Oh, damn, Leo! You gonna take that?”
Leo melts back into the chair in defeat.
“Okay, okay!” Jason screeches. “My turn!”
Piper and Leo share a look and snort.
Piper grabs Jason’s gift bag and opens it, pulling out a carefully folded sweater.
“Can you tell he’s worked in retail?” Percy says and Jason punches his shoulder. “Abuse!”
“Shut up.”
“Awe, is it the Taylor cardigan? Thanks so much!”
Jason preens. “No biggie.”
Leo watches Piper reach for the two gifts he made her.
“I hope you like them,” he says quietly.
Piper gives a small, sweet smile. “I love them.”
She unwraps the smaller gift, finding a music box. Piper gives him a weird look but turns the handle carefully. The notes for “Our Song” play in the silence.
Piper stops playing the music box and turns to Leo quickly. “You made this?”
Leo nods shyly and Piper lunges at him, embracing him tightly.
“I love it so fucking much, Leo, swear to everything good and holy,” she says. She leans back and Leo can see a tear on her cheek.
He brushes it off and says, “Go open the other one.”
Piper sinks back to the floor and opens the other gift and promptly bursts into tears.
Annabeth worriedly drops beside her and looks at the gift before giving her a hug.
“Oh my God, Leo,” Pipers says thickly. “I can’t fucking believe you, oh my God.”
“What is it?” Reyna says.
Piper lifts up the detailed wood burning portrait of her and Annabeth and shows them.
Jason gapes and stares at Leo. “Holy shit, Leo.”
Reyna stares too. “When did you find time to do this?”
“I had actually already made them before I got here,” he says. “I just waited to give them for so long because you each got such personal things and I knew that I couldn’t do so many in a month.”
They continue to stare and Leo shrinks back.
“Leo, I can’t even.” Piper’s voice broke to sob. “I love them, Leo, I love them.”
He smiles. “I’m really glad, Pipes. Honest.”
When Piper calms, Annabeth sends a smile his way. He flushes and looks at the worn fabric of the chair.
Jason opens his gifts next, getting a new keyboard from Piper, an embroidered jean jacket from Reyna, an annotated book from Annabeth, a new blanket from Percy, and the music box for “Enchanted” and the wood burning portrait of him and Reyna from Leo.
Jason sends grins to everyone and gives each of them a lengthy hug.
Reyna gets an ukulele from Jason, the recipe for Sally’s cookies from Percy, a cute stuffed animal from Piper, new rings from Annabeth, and the music box for “Come Back… Be Here” and the matching portrait from Leo.
Annabeth gets new pens from Percy, new architecture books from Jason and Reyna, a signed book from her favorite author from Piper, and the music box for “Long Live” and the matching portrait from Leo.
When Percy’s turn comes, Leo almost wants to take his gifts back.
He gets an electric guitar from Piper, a journal from Annabeth, and flashcards for sign language from Reyna and Jason.
When Percy reaches for Leo’s gifts, he catches his eye and holds it, even as he opens the music box and plays “Cruel Summer”.
Only when he pulls out the wood burning portrait does he look away. Leo watches Percy break out in a large smile, eyes crinkling around the corners as he gazes at the portrait of Estelle.
Percy looks back to Leo and stands from the couch to hug him.
Leo gently holds Percy’s back, patting once, twice, then lets go but Percy holds on.
Percy holds him for longer than should be a acceptable for exes , for fuck’s sake, even for friends.
Only when Reyna coughs does he let go.
But he drags it out, fingers slowly dragging against Leo’s shirt until Annabeth grabs Percy’s collar and yanks him back to his seat.
“Leave him alone, Jackson,” Annabeth scolds.
Percy smirks at her.
“Leo, it’s your turn to open gifts,” Jason says.
They all turn to him and Leo wiggles his fingers. “Who wants to be first?”
“Me!” Piper shouts, raising her hand quickly.
“Damn it, I wanted to go first,” Jason groans.
“You snooze, you lose, Grace.” Piper shrugs.
Leo reaches for Piper’s, lifting it to his lap. He shakes the box a bit, just to see her squirm.
He tears the wrapping paper and opens the box, finding a scrapbook inside. Leo gives her a weird look as he lifts it out.
He tosses the box away from him, snickering at Annabeth’s huff. He gingerly opens the scrapbook, finding a picture of him, Piper, and Jason decorating the first page.
“Pipes,” he breathes out.
He keeps flipping through, seeing pictures of him and Reyna, him and Jason, him and Piper. There’s even a picture of him with Annabeth.
On the last page, there’s a picture of him and Percy cuddling on a bed, legs tangled together and eyes closed.
Tell him that you love him before it’s too late .
Leo’s chest tightens at the words and he looks at Percy. He’s still staring at the page, at Piper’s written words.
Leo clears his throat. “I love it. Thanks so much, Pipes, honest.”
“Don’t get all sappy on me, loser,” she sniffs.
Leo rolls his eyes and closes the scrapbook. He tries to sneak a glance at Percy, only to find the man watching him. Leo raises a brow, asking silently if he saw Piper’s words.
Percy mouths, “Love?” and Leo looks away.
Reyna pushes her wrapped gift his way with her foot. Leo looks at her with a grin. “And what did my dear sister get for me?”
“Open it up for fuck’s sake and find out,” she snaps.
Leo picks up the small box, laughing. His chest fills with excitement because as long as he’s known Reyna, she’s always had the best Christmas gifts.
He digs into the candy cane wrapping, ripping the box open with his excitement.
He dramatically closes his eyes before slowly opening one to peek inside the box.
Leo’s jaw drops in shock. “Holy shit , Rey!”
“What is it?” Piper says noisily.
“A freaking Avengers Tower Lego set!” Leo cheers. “This is so cool!”
“It frightens me that Legos still make you this excited,” Reyna teases.
“Shut up! Let me have my fun!”
Reyna laughs and leans into Jason. “I’m glad you like it, kid.”
Leo scowls, muttering, “ Not a kid.”
“I’m older than you.”
“By 42 days!”
Reyna hums. “Sounds like something a younger sibling would say.”
“Okay, my turn,” Jason interrupts. “You’ll love it, Leo!”
Leo smiles at him. “I will.”
Leo grabs Jason’s gift bag and throws the gift paper all around him. He sticks his hand in the bag and feels something soft.
He pulls out a small sweater and it looks like something a cat or dog would wear.
“Dude, I don’t have a pet,” Leo reminds him.
“Not yet.” Jason beams.
Leo must make a face because Piper bursts out laughing. “Oh, God, Leo, that was fucking gold. Damn, I should have taken a picture.”
“Uh, no.”
Annabeth nudges her gift in his direction.
He grabs it and gives her a look. “This won’t kill me, will it?”
Annabeth rolls her eyes. “Of course not, dumbass.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“If I killed you, I wouldn’t have witnesses,” she states simply and everyone slowly looks at her. “What?”
“And on that note,” Leo mutters.
He opens the wrapped box and finds… cat toys?
Leo throws his hands in the air in exasperation. “Guys, why am I getting cat stuff? I don’t even have a cat!”
“It’s my gift, now!” Percy says, standing up from the couch. “Be right back.”
Leo watches him leave before asking, “What the fuck. Guys.”
He watches them share a grin and he feels like whining. “Guys, seriously!”
Percy comes back in the room and he has-
Oh, my God. He has a fucking cat in his arms , Leo thinks. He has a fucking CAT in his arms?!
Percy walks over to Leo and gently presents the cutest cat Leo has ever seen. “This is Riri! She’s the cute baby you were looking at when you went to the shelter.”
“You went to the shelter? Willingly ?” Piper gasps. “Character development.”
Leo ignores her and just gapes .
Percy frowns and pulls Riri back a tad. “Leo?”
“You did not get me a motherfucking cat,” Leo says quietly.
“I got you a motherfucking cat,” Percy says, grinning widely.
Leo stares at Riri, opening up his arms for her. Percy lays her in them gently, brushing careful fingers over her furry head. Riri yawns and blinks up at Leo, meowing softly.
Leo smiles and whispers, “Hi, baby.”
Riri meows some more before burrowing her head in the crook of Leo’s elbow. Leo shoots his head to stare at the others with wide-eyes.
Jason and Piper are grinning. Annabeth has a half-smirk on her face. Reyna has a gentle look on her face. Percy-
Percy is staring at him.
Leo blushes and faces Riri again but Percy’s hand comes under his chin and turns his face towards him.
“Please,” Percy begs quietly. “Please stop hiding.”
Leo opens and closes his mouth for a moment, like a fish. “I- What?”
“We should talk,” Percy says. “Maybe now is a good time?”
“Yes!” Piper shrieks. “Now is a wonderful time!”
“Shut the fuck up , Piper!” Jason screams back.
Leo watches Percy’s lips quirk upward before standing up, carefully maneuvering Riri in a more comfortable place. It makes her squeak.
Leo hushes her as he follows Percy to Piper’s guest bedroom, closing the door with his foot once they’re both inside. They sit on the ends of the guest bed and stare at the floor.
“So,” he starts, looking at Percy. “You wanted to talk?”
He sees Percy roll his eyes with something that looks eerily like fondness as he nods. “Yeah.”
It’s silent for a moment when Percy speaks up again. “So, uh, the scrapbook? What did Piper mean?”
“Nothing,” Leo says hurriedly. “She’s a jokester, you know that-”
“I do know that,” Percy interrupts. “But I do also know that she doesn’t joke about shit like that. Like this.”
Leo can’t help but sigh. His fingers start moving up and down Riri’s back, causing purrs to erupt from her chest. It fills the silence of the room.
“Leo, please.”
Leo makes eye contact with Percy and suddenly, he’s pouring his heart out. “I just- yeah, I still love you. I mean, I always will, that’s just who I am, you know? But I just. I love you, I guess.”
“You guess?” Percy teases. He scooches closer to Leo.
“I mean. I know that I love you but I wasn’t sure if-”
“I’m fine with it,” Percy interjects. “Because I love you too. And I regret blowing up on you that day, it wasn’t mature and definitely not the right thing to do.”
Leo nods. “Yeah. I wasn’t any better either, I shouldn’t have left you like that and I could have phrased it a lot better.”
“Yeah,” Percy agrees.
Leo moves closer this time and places his hand in the empty space between them. He feels Riri squirm with the new placement and she leaves his arm to curl up on the bed beside him.
“What did you mean by fun, Leo?” Percy asks.
“I. I don’t even know. I was scared and I didn’t think we’d even make it past high school, let alone your freshman year of college. So I said it was fun, because it was. I always had fun with you,” Leo admits.
Leo can feel Percy’s hand come to hold his. Percy grasps at it like Leo will try and take it away.
But he won’t. He’s learned this time.
“I always had fun with you, too.”
Leo smiles and Percy nudges his shoulder. “Do you think you’re not as scared?”
“Nope, definitely still scared,” Leo denies. It gets a laugh out of Percy. “But I’m willing to, I don’t know. Not run away?”
“Oh, really?” Percy raises a brow. “Big talk.”
“Yeah, well, you always said I couldn’t put my money where my mouth is. I’m doing it this time.”
Percy leans closer. “That I did.”
Leo leans in too.
They stare at each other for a moment until Percy breaks out into nervous laughter. “We really gonna try again?”
“Yeah,” Leo says. His voice sounds confident and he’s glad because he currently feels like someone is shaking him around. By the hair. “We’re adults and we know how to communicate now.”
“Woah, big words.”
“Shut up.”
“Gonna make me?”
Leo rolls his eyes at the shit-eating grin Percy sends him and leans in to peck Percy’s lips.
Percy pulls back for a second before coming back to fully capture Leo in a kiss, moving his lips slowly against Leo’s.
Leo’s eyes shut for a moment before he pushes Percy back for air.
“Not in front of the child,” he gasps out.
“I swear to God , Valdez-”
Leo can’t help but laugh. “I love you, Percy. I really mean it.”
Percy throws his arm over Leo’s shoulder and pulls Leo against his side. “I love you too.”
As Leo fully rests against Percy, he can’t help but think that-
Maybe this is what happiness means .