Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I get sick of Piper, my childhood best-friend, at times; she doesn't understand just how different it's going to be. We are changing, we just got into the new exchange student program recently. That's why I ran off from her, I guess I just didn’t want to talk right now.

Dashing down the street toward the park, eyes glazing over it. Trees stretched to the sky.  Soon fixed on a tree, one perfect for climbing. Moving automatically, eyes locking on each branch, I climbed higher and higher. 

On a branch, my eyes finally slipped down to the ground. My gaze landed on an inky kitten sitting near me; eyes beading into me, black fur falling onto them trying to hide their glare. 

The kitten blinked, “Mewo⁓” its voice echoed up the tree. “Awww,” I cooed at the kitten. Looking around, I tried to find its owner. Looking back, the kitten had disappeared. Disappointed, I leaned back, eyes loosely moving to the clouds. “Mewo⁓” a voice echoed from nearby my ear. Scanning, where the voice came from, almost not noticing the kitten in my hair. Slowly, I lifted the kitten, setting it gently on my lap. It purred into the palm of my hand, melting into my embrace. My eyes flicked, checking for a collar. As I spotted one, my fingers wrapped around a tag, which hung loosely.

Festus,

If Lost; return to Leo Valdez, 18 Avenue, Castor Valley 

Scanning the writing, I realised the address was near the park. “FESTUS! FESTUS!” a panicked voice called. Festus meowed happily upon hearing it. I assumed the owner might have come running to look for him. “Over here! I think I found your kitten!” I watched as a boy, with tan skin and curly/fluffy black hair, came into view. He paused, looking confused. I realised he didn’t notice me above him, and a laugh came over me as his head snapped up. His dark chocolate eyes locked into mine, blush spread on my cheeks. “Hi, I'm Jason!” I spoke with a cheery smile, giggles exploding from me. I watch as the boy, who I assumed to be Leo, relaxes upon seeing Festus save in my arms. I wanted to keep him there, so I talk more to Leo in front of me. I knew I shouldn’t be feeling like this. But how could I not?

Chapter Text

Sprinting over to where the voice came from, I paused, looking confused, as a laugh came from above me. My head snapped up. A boy sat above me on a branch. “Hi, Im Jason!” He spoke with a cheery smile, giggles exploding from him. A light smile spread across my face as I couldn’t look away from the most beautiful boy in the world, who looked like a Greek god. My Festus lay, comfortably, on his lap and in his arms, his blue, watercolour eyes staring down at me.

A soft smile on his face, an angelic one. “You found him, Festus?” I spoke so I wouldn’t creep him out and, embarrassed myself. His eyes trailed down to Festus, “Yeah, but it’s more like he found me? Isn’t that right, little guy?” He cooed out, scratching Festus under the chin as he purred in agreement. I laughed at my touch-staved kitten, even if he’s spoiled with attention every minute of the day. “You probably want him back, Don’t you?” He asked, finally looking back at me. “Oh yeah, Thanks,” I stumbled out as he handed me Festus back, who at first hissed from the loss of chin-scratches but then soon melted back into my arms. 

Hungrily, My eyes scanned Jason’s appearance to ingrain him into my mind as he laughed and tilted his head up to the sky. He wore a white collared shirt, with some denim jeans and black laced-up Doc Martens. A varsity jacket sat on his waist and a silver chain with a a lightning bolt hung around his neck. Aphrodite must have blessed his beauty, no other way around it, I thought. “See you around?” I desperately asked to be able to meet him again soon. “You bet you will!” He grinned at me, his dimples popping out. Sheepishly, I smiled back at him.

Slowly, turning to walk back home, I realised Hazel and Frank must be waiting for me. “Leo, right?” I heard Jason’s voice quietly from behind me. “Leo Valdez, that's the name. Don’t wear it out!” I called to him, continuing home, not sparing a glance at the beauty behind me, worried I wouldn’t be able to walk away if I did so. The last thing I heard from him, was a gentle thud of him either falling or jumping down the great oak tree. I hoped he fell, secretly.

I rushed home to grab Festus’s leash and harness before Hazel got off from her work at the Art Gallery. I promised Hazel and Frank that I hang out with them. Dashing down the street, Me and Festus rush to the cafe nearest to us, The ‘Fruity Kettle’. “LEO! Your regular, Cinnamon Latte?” called the worker behind the counter, who I recognized to be Onyx, the cafe assistant. I had become a regular here, when I started college at Castor Community College, also known as The ‘Triple C.’ 

“Yeah! Thanks, Onyx,” I called out as Festus rushed me to the back table, our usual spot. Festus jumps onto Frank’s lap where he is sitting with his coffee, while I move to sit opposite him. He unclipped Festus’s leash from the harness, choosing to scratch under his chin instead. “How long have you been here?” I asked as Frank looks up. “Oh, Not long,” he mutters as he swirls her drink. I noticed his grown-out black hair sink over his face as Festus smacked loose strains. A Jacket was thrown on the back of his seat, and cargo trousers sat low on his waist, with his graphic t-shirt hanging loosely off his shoulders. “Are you alright?” I ask Frank, as I thank Onyx who handed my drink to me, carefully. Frank slowly shakes his head, taking a deep breath, and he starts, “I don’t know Leo. I feel like the new students... Are going to change everything? I don’t think I like that idea, you know? Just so… Over-whelming? Especially with everything at home right now.” His voice trembles, the memory of his grandmother dying in a horrible fire last week still hurting him. Trying to take in his words, my mind keeps going over what he said.“New students?” I mumble out loud as I sip on my Latte. “Yeah- Duh. The new exchange students? From Rome?” Frank stares at me, “ Are you living under a rock?” Festus purres at a figure which rushes towards us, chocolate-brown hair flying everywhere as she flings “SORRY!” to the people sitting in the otherwise calming mutter. 

The girl in a plain green frilly skirt, with a dark brown vest, and a lace, button-up collar shirt, stopped to carefully sit down next to me as shuffled down the booth sofa. “Hazel! Leo doesn’t know about the exchange students?!” Frank spoke with a smirk on her face as Hazel dramatically gasped turning to face Leo. “HOW COULD YOU NOT KNOW?” Hazel yelled out, which caused the whole cafe to look at them, “MY BAD I’LL BE QUIET! Anyways, Leo- How did you not know this? Mine and Franks’s childhood scout leader is one of the exchange students?! I have been talking about this all week.” I finish my Latte, with a guilty look. The others gasp and laugh at my expression, knowing me, they would probably expect me to be zoning out while they talk. Festus meowed trying to grab our attention after realising Frank had stopped scratching under his chin. Giggles exploded from us again. Soon we ordered a few snacks and meals from the menu.

Drinks:

1. Coffee  [Latte/Cappuccino/Americano/Espresso/Mocha/Macchiato/Flat White]

Flavors;  Matcha/Cinnamon/Almond Milk/Caramel/Toffee/Hazelnut/Chai/Pumpkin Spice

• Iced Coffee/Tea  [Vanilla/Shortcake/Raspberry/Strawberry/Chocolate]

• Tea  [Green Tea/Chai Tea/Matcha Tea/Black Tea/White Tea/Herbal Tea/Boba]m

• Cola  [Normal/Diet/Zero Sugar/Cherry/Vanilla]

• Pepsi  [Normal/Diet/Zero Sugar]

• Hot Chocolate  [White Chocolate/Dark Chocolate/Gingerbread/Peppermint]

Meals:

• Soups  [Tomato/Broth/Cream] [Spice or No Spice]

• Sandwiches  [Ham/Tuna/Chicken/Grilled Cheese]

• Croissants  [Vanilla/Shortcake/Pumpkin Pie/Raspberry/Strawberry/Chocolate]

• Pizzas  [Ham/Chicken/Pepperoni/Cheese/Hawaiian/BBQ Chicken/Veggie/Buffalo]

• Bagels  [Onion/Egg/Garlic/Plain/Cheese/Blueberry]
• Tacos  [Cheeses/Beef/Onions/Lettuces/Tomatoes/Avocados]

Side Meals;

• Salad [Fruit/Garden/Greek]

• Bread [Garlic/Olive/Tomato]

• Pigs in Blankets

• Chips [French Fry Cut/Curly/Wedge/Waffle]

Desserts:

• Donuts  [Vanillia/Chocolate/Strawberry/Cherry/Raspberry]

• Macarons  [Vanillia/Chocolate/Strawberry/Lemon/Lime/Raspberry/Red Velvet]

• Ice-Cream  [Vanillia/Chocolate/Strawberry/Mint/Cherry/Raspberry/Pistachio]

• Cakes  [Vanillia/Chocolate/Strawberry/Red Velvet/Carrot-Cake/Cheese-Cake]

• Custard/Puddings  [Vanillia/Chocolate/Banana/Pistachio/Butterscotch]

“Could I get the-? Hmm… Blueberry bagel and some herbal tea, please, and thank you,” Hazel ordered first as me and Frank thought about our order. Frank ordered next, “Could I have a cream soup with some garlic bread on the side? And a refill of my drink, coffee,” he said calmly as he handed the drink to Onyx. I waited until Onxy finished writing to start my order. “Could I get a salad?” I watch as Onxy tilts their head, “That's all for me today.” I thank them with a smile as they turn to the kitchen. “I swear they have the best food here!” We all nod and laugh as we wait for the food.

As the food arrives, they start taking the mick out of me. “So, Leo… You didn’t know about our childhood scout leader coming to visit?” I shake my head as Hazel gasps, “Really? Oh my god. You need to meet him!” Sighing, I nod my head, starting to dig my fork into my salad. Not sure why I even bought the salad, not hungry. Hazel and Frank move the conversation onto a different topic, about their major. Is a project due? I wasn’t paying attention, my mind still focusing on the boy from earlier. Wondering if he is the student that is joining my history class, did he even major in Greek mythology? Knowing my luck, probably not. Maybe I should of asked for his number or something?

We soon paid and left, all being busy people, we don’t normally have time to talk for long during the week.

Chapter Text

After Leo left with Festus, I smiled like a little kid after getting a present. I was so entranced with Leo, I forgot I was sitting on a tree branch. With a thud, I fell onto the muddy floor. My white collared shirt getting decked with dirt. I groaned, my clothes were decorated with dirt. My stepmother and father were going to be mad. Wiping most of the dirt off, I set back off home. I frowned as I realised that I forgot to ask for the Leo’s number. I sigh, annoyed with myself.

“LIGHTNING BOY!” A voice yells from behind me. I look behind me, seeing Piper McLean charging at me. I stop, waiting for her to catch up with me. “Yeah?” I ask confused, taking Piper’s bags which were falling from her hand. “We aren’t in the same group!” Piper scowls, handing me her bags, “They separated us in the exchange groups.”

My jaw drops in disbelief. “What?” I ask in disbelief, everyone knew me and Piper was never separated in anything. Even after we broke up, we were stuck at the hip due to our parent’s connections to each other. “But.. Weren’t we in the same group earlier?” I scowl, not wanting to be separated from my best friend. Piper shrugged, clenching her jaw as she reads me an email. “Bla, Bla, Bla. Unfortunately, certain instances have called for the groups have been altered. Piper McLean and Calypso **** have swapped groups.” I gasp in shock, realising that meant Calypso, Percy, Grover, and I were going to be in the same group. “Oh… Shit. This is going to be chaos. Percy and Calypso hate each other.” Piper nodded, it was a proven fact that those two hated each other after their rocky relationship and very public break up a year ago.

After a while, we finally got to our apartment block for the exchange program. We walk into our shared dorm, where I dumped Piper’s bags almost immediately. “Oi! Watch where your dumping them- You could of ruined my newly painted sneakers!” Piper scowled me, she was always doing arts and crafts around the apartment that my dad, Jupitor, paid for (annoyingly luxurious). I rolled my eyes, waving my hand dismissively, collapsing onto the couch. “What’s got you so down? Mister Lightning~” Piper teased, although her question was serious. I groaned, “I meet this cute-“

“Girl-?”

“No-“

“Ooo- So it’s a boy-?“

“Piper!”

“Sorry-“

I sigh, “Yeah.. It was a boy. His name was Leo Valdez.” I watch her, focusing on her movements. After a minute, she turns to face me. “Told you- You’re gay.” I stare at her in disbelief as she turn to grab a sandwich from the kitchen. “That it-? That’s all you’re going to say-?!” 

“What else is there to say-?” I froze, pondering. Shrugging, I chose to go sunk in my room over my past mistakes in life like I always do.

As I reach my room, letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, I collapse on my cold bed. My room didn’t feel like me. It looked more like a fancy hotel room, with marble pillar supports and wide windows. Although lately, I been keeping the blinds shut on the windows- The sunlight hadn’t changed much, still brightening the room like the blinds weren’t there. 

I sigh, my thoughts impatient as I plan out my dream redecorated room. There would be book shelfs against the back walls, a table for mapping out fantasy maps (my newest hobby since Piper said I need to pick up some) and maybe a place for my electric guitar on the wall. I look over at my skateboard rack, which is laying on the floor, wishing I had nails to hang it up on the wall. I plan to leave that for the mechanic Piper hired, after she accidentally drilled a hole through the walls. At least it made a great late night talking window-

“JASON! PERCY IS AT THE DOOR-!”

Shit. I promised Percy to go skateboarding with him.

Grabbing my skateboard, I rush to the door. “Percy!” I grin sheepishly. Percy rolls his eyes, grabbing my shoulder and pushing me out of the dormitory. “Come on- Lets go, you big loser.” I glare at Percy, as he starts walking down the stairs. I try to avoid thinking about his swimmer/athlete body- How his muscles move effortlessly- How his abs… Shit. I’m gay. Don’t blame me- 

Percy walks me to the skate rink, I can’t help but ask how he knows this place so well. “Eh- Me and Annie come here often when I’m visiting here in the holidays,” He explains. Nodding along, I realise Annie must be the girlfriend he talks often about. “Annie?”
 “Annabeth Chase.”
“Oh! The champion for the Athena competition?”

“Yeah! Isn’t she so smart!” Percy grins, from his tone I could tell he wasn’t trying to be condescending and was actually proud of his girlfriend’s accomplishments.

We skate for a while before taking a break to sip on some slushies from the ice-cream truck which drove past. My eye catches a figure walking up to us. “Jason! I didn’t know you skated! Whose your friend?” Thaila said teasingly.
”Gods sis- Fuck off.”

”I’m Percy.”

”Oh shit- Your Calypso’s ex?”

A awkward silence spills between us as I glare at my sister. Why would she mention that? After she joined the ‘hunters’, she was never around anymore. It sucked. But she was happier in her gang, so I said nothing. Dad just thinks she is with her friends all the time and I do nothing to correct him, because technically he’s correct so-

Chapter Text

I watch as Percy and Thalia awkwardly stare at each other, maybe I should intervene? “Thalia, How have you been?” I grumbled out, suppressing my disdain. I knew it wasn’t her fault, she didn’t do anything to me. And that was the point, I wish she had. Anything. But, she just left me behind with our father. Percy turned to look at me, a sense of relief on his face.

My mind phases Thalia out while she talks, I had other matters on my mind. Like Leo- or school. One of those two options, definitely. My skateboard boards slides under my foot, the scraping of the wheels loud in my ears. Fingers numbed from the slushie, the ice dripping water onto my hand. I tried to focus on something, my eyes lingering behind Thalia as two people walked past. Who were they? A couple? They reminded me of my old friends.

”I have to go for a moment- Keep my skateboard safe, Percy.” I excused myself, heading towards the couple.

”Frank? Hazel?” I called out, watching them turn their heads. “Jason? Jason!” They said excitedly. Hazel ran over, hugging me. Frank followed her over. “How are you guys?!” I asked. Listening carefully and intensely as they talked, my mind overwhelmed with the amount of information. Almost… Almost.. missing when they mentioned Leo.

”Leo? Leo Valdez?” I asked, double checking I heard them correctly. “I meet him earlier when I found his cat, I forgot to get him number,” I explained after seeing their confused faces. Embarrassingly, I get Leo’s number off of Hazel, a couple minutes later. Making sure to save it onto my phone, I also add Hazel’s and Frank’s new numbers. 

Remembering about Thalia and Percy, I say goodbye to Hazel and Frank and run off back to the others. When I get back, I see Reyna standing next to Thalia as well. “Oh. Reyna- Hey?” I mumbled out a greeting. Me and Reyna used to be close, before I got into a accident. She most hangs out with my sister and her gang nowadays. Wait. But if she’s here- 

From the opposite side of the park, I can hear and see Percy and Calypso arguing. I ponder over if I should try to talk to my sister or-

Hello? Is this Leo Valdez? :Jason

Leo: Yes? Who is this?

Leo: How did you even get my number- OR NAME?

Oh! Sorry, I’m Jason. I was the one who found your cat earlier :Jason

I got your number from Hazel And Frank. Lol :Jason

Leo: Please never use ‘Lol’ in a sentence ever again💀😭

Leo: You sound like a grandpa-

Screw you- :Jason

Leo: Well.. If your suggesting😏😙

Jason changed “Leo”’s contract name to “Pervert”

Leo: WAIT- NO- NOOOO  [Read]
Leo: JASON PLEASE- DON’T KEEP THAT AS MY NAME [Read]
Leo: Fuck you [Read]

2 Minutes later:

When and where. 😏 :Jason

Jason thought about how much he was already interested in this boy, it was almost embarrassing. He was raised as this pure straight boy, who would marry as soon as he was 18, by his father and step-mother. Yet here he was, falling head over heels for the first boy he saw during college, after finally convincing his father to send him here. Gods, He hoped this would never get back to his father. Or step-mother… Especially Hera-

Chapter Text

Leo sighed, his hands pressing against his phone. Has enough time passed to text Jason again? He didn’t want to seem clingy. He groaned, this would have been so much easier if Hazel and Frank never gave Jason his number. Look.. Leo loves them in a platonic way, he does! But.. Did they really need too? Leo’s mind was already full of Jason, but know having the boy a click away.. Oh gods… Leo was screwed…  

He panicked, slightly. What if Jason found him annoying? His fingers pressed against his phone screen, his skin scratching against the cracks. Blood from the glass slashed his skin. He sighed in frustration, tucking his phone into his pocket as he went out looking for bandages.

Long story short- Hazel forgot to buy bandages and plasters, so Leo was left with having to go to the store himself. He stepped out of his home, rushing down the street to the local convenience store. Trying to keep his head down, he accidentally bumps into someone.

”SHIT! Sorry-“ Leo mumbles as he realises he got some of his blood of them. He feels a hand pull him up, wrapping bandages around his bleeding fingers, soft gentle fingers with chipped nail-polish. “It’s fine. I’m Piper, you are?”

”Leo.”

”Oh-! Your Jason’s friend~!”

”Well- I only just met him-“

Piper dragged Leo over to an group of boys. A short boy with black hair, who was clinging onto a taller boy… Solace! The new Med student! Leo knew about Will from all the rumours in his class of a cute Med student joining. Looks like the Med student is gay, who would of guessed? Certainly not Leo, Leo’s gaydar was broken since day one. 

“That’s Nico and Will!” Piper introduced them, “This is Leo-“

”Jason’s friend?” Leo felt creeped out about how they all knew him, was Jason talking about him?

”Jason mentioned saving a cute owner’s cat from a tree-“ Nico said, almost like he sensed Leo’s uncomfortable aura.

”Oh okay… Wait-“ The others laughed as Leo’s cheeks turned slightly red. They all agreed they were going to be great friends.. Piper invited Leo over to her apartment to hang out with her, Nico, Will and her roommate.

Leo accepted.

BoyToy Male-Wife:

I’ll see you soon… :Leo

Jason: Wtf

Jason: LEO?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN??

Jason: 😭😭

Oh yeah. Leo was going to have his fun. He tightened his bandages as he followed them, easily merging into their group. Sticking to them like he was glue.