The Masks We Wear
Pairing: Leyna and implied Jasper
Onesided: Jeyna
Summary: We all hide behind masks, yet, our eyes show the truth. Who'd have thought that Reyna would find a kindred spirit in Leo Valdez?
AN: So this is my attempt at a serious piece. I haven't tried to write anything serious since my first story for this site, and looking back now, it looks like a melodramatic satire of Romeo and Juliet. Yah, not looking so great for my serious writing skills, but here's another attempt. I think it's fairly good.
Leo's POV
Leo Valdez was an expert at running away. He was used to feeling unwanted, so really, he shouldn't feel so bad now. It shouldn't hurt so much to be the seventh wheel, because, hey, at least he has friends now. He has a home, and he really should be satisfied.
He helped save the world. He shouldn't feel this inadequate.
But he does.
He still blames himself for his mother's death, for Festus, and for Percy and Annabeth almost dying in Tartaraus. He still feels rejected because Hazel chose Frank over him.
He still jokes, though, and he doubts if anyone would notice him if he didn't.
He's the jester.
That's all he's good for. He laughs and jokes because he'd be so utterly alone if he didn't.
No one knows the pain Leo hides behind his humor. The depth of the sorrow masked behind his devilish smile. None see the sadness concealed in his chocolate eyes. No one knows, and he doubts if anyone cares.
Reyna's POV
Reyna was a warrior, a queen, but she loved a son of the sky god.
Sons of Jupiter were notorious for breaking hearts, and she was among the many in his wake. She had hoped when he returned that they could pick up where they'd left off and start their love story, but now? How could she ever compete with a daughter of beauty and love?
Love and war, they say, are the polar opposite points of human emotion. But sadly for Reyna, on the battlefield of love, the daughter of Aphrodite had the upper hand. Love was Piper's element.
The Greek was a natural. She was open with her emotions, looked gorgeous without even trying, and had the heart of a rebel, with just the perfect amount of sarcasm sprinkled on top. She was everything that Reyna wasn't, and everything that Jason wanted.
The daughter of war was as tough as they come. Reyna was a warrior, a queen. She was as stoic as a statue, but just as much as she was all these things, Reyna was alone.
She had no one, but she tried to act like she was alright. She'd try to bury the pain, but all you needed to do to see the pain behind her façade was look into her eyes.
Eyes are gateways to the soul, and only if you looked deeply into Reyna's dark eyes could you see the pain behind her mask.
Most people, it would seem, hide behind their own masks, but Reyna found a kindred spirit, and love in the most unexpected of places.
Leo Valdez
A.N: That's the end folks! Hope you enjoyed it!