[Author's Note]: Hey guys, I just finished this chapter at 4am, so I'll make sure to edit it later. Excuse the grammar for now. But anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy the chapter~3
[Disclaimer]: Don't own the characters they belong to Rick Riordan.
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"They're taking too long." Leo groaned, resting up against the cave wall, his hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling of the cave. Jason and him hadn't found anything within their search,but trees (which because of Leo not paying too much attention ran into one), bushes, and flowers. Finding nothing within a good fifteen to twenty minute search, Jason and him had gone back. It was about twenty minutes later, and Leo was somewhat worried about them. He didn't get worried too often, but he always got uneasy in places that he's unfamiliar with.
"Be patient, they should be back soon." Leo could hear how uneasy Jason was, and couldn't help but smile. He was trying to reassure himself more so than Leo.
"Noted, but you should take your own advice." Jason looked up from what he was doing, staring at Leo who only smirked at him, his eyes closed, but his face still tilted up a bit. Leo heard Jason shuffle, probably leaned back from his weapon (which he'd been cleaning).
They were quiet for a good five minutes, Leo could hear a dripping sound from inside the cave, the male's hands were still behind his head, and eyes still closed, but he felt like he could see Jason's expressions. It was stern, and he probably had a glimpse of worry on his face, especially since Piper was with someone who he didn't trust. It didn't bother Leo in the slightest though, he understood it was going to take time for the blond to trust Nico, but eventually he would. At least, Leo hoped he would.
"What's your relationship with Nico?" Leo's eyes shot open, lifting his head as he looked over at Jason, an eyebrow raised as he gave the other a look of curiosity. He hadn't expected the other to question him so straight out, honestly he expected Jason to beat around the bush a bit before being straight forward.
"Why?" He questioned, not going to hide his mixed feelings on the question. His tone was emotionless, at least that's how it sound to Leo when he heard himself.
"I'm only asking a simple question," Leo was more than positive he must of sounded harsh because of how the other sounded like he was trying to reassure him that it was only a question out of curiosity, "but it's because you seem a bit defensive of the male. Every time Piper, you and I talk about him, you always try and give a reason why neither one of us should be suspicious. You don't know him, and-"
"What would you do if someone helped you out? Especially when they could've left, and didn't need to lend a hand?" Jason went quiet at Leo's comment, it was true, it wasn't the only reason why Leo defended the other, but it was a good one. He just hoped the other would drop it, but his luck wasn't that good.
"I'd owe them, but I wouldn't completely defend them like you do with Nico. He hasn't done anything wrong yet, but you don't know him, I don't know him and Piper doesn't either. Just cause he helped you, doesn't mean you should defend him like you do, so why do you?" Leo understood where Jason was getting at, and honestly, Nico had given him enough reasons to trust him. The male could've easily taken off with the ship and ditched when they stopped at the town and he had to go out. He also could've killed the mechanic, but he didn't do any of that, so there was that.
"Can we just drop it? You've been talking to me about this every chance we get time alone, rather Piper is here with us or not. Why can't you just be like your girlfriend and trust him because I do?" Leo was saved from an answer from Jason when they began to hear footsteps making their way to the cave entrance. Both males grabbed their weapons just in case, holding onto them tightly. When a familiar faces came into view, Leo smiled with glee.
"Hazel! Man it's good to see you again." Leo wanted to stand up and hug the girl, but it would've been too awkward for the both of them. There was sort of an uncomfortable situation between Hazel, her boyfriend Frank, and him. There was more than just that reason, but that was the main one.
Hazel gave him a kind smile, and Leo felt the familiar butterflies go through his stomach. Instead of continuing to look at her, his gaze found it's way to Nico, and Leo couldn't help but take in how Nico looked extremely uncomfortable. The Latino furrowed his eyebrows, that was odd, he figured Nico might be more comfortable around Hazel than any of them. She was a nice girl, and she did do a good job with making someone feel at ease when around her. It was only different for him because of certain events neither were fond of remembering.
Nico made his way to Leo, sitting next to him. Leo looked at him, worry was beginning to build up, but he looked over at the two girls, noticing the expression on Hazel's face as well. He gave a confused expression, looking over at Jason who looked back at him. It wasn't just Leo then, Jason had the same expression.
This lasted for a good minute before the Latino couldn't take it. He looked between the two girls and the male, lasting a few more seconds before he spoke.
"Okay, what happened?" Both girls looked at Leo, Nico's gaze was still on the ground, which worried Leo even more about him. He wanted answer, what could make Nico feel like this? He was going to get them, even if he had to pester the three of them about it. Lucky for him he didn't.
"Um...well, Leo..." Hazel looked to Nico, who finally looked up, a mental agreement passed between them, because after Hazel let out a relaxed sigh, obviously trying to calm her nerves, her gaze went back to Leo. "Nico and I are brother and sister."
Leo let the information sink in, staring a blank for a few moments. He looked to Jason, and his facial expressions were honestly displaying how he felt. Shock. It was odd information, but it explained why the three of them were acting weird.
"I..." he trailed off, trying to think of a good way to put what he was feeling or what he wanted to ask correctly. There was a lot he wanted to ask too. "how?" Okay, asking like that was actually a bit cruel, but it was the first thing out of his mouth, and the first thing to pop into his head, from the looks he was getting from everyone they obviously disapproved in his words of choice.
"Leo, that's mean, apologize." Piper scowled, causing the brunette to flinch. She used that tone, and that tone meant that he should probably do what she said.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry for putting it like that, but I'm serious. I'm not trying to be racists or anything like that, but fuck-"
"Language" Hazel interrupted, Leo forgetting the girl wasn't fond of 'vulgar language', but honestly, Leo could careless. He still used it, just not a whole lot around her.
"Sorry, but I really do want to know." Leo stated, this time getting elbowed in the side by Nico, causing the Latino to yelp in surprise. It didn't hurt, it honestly would've made him start laughing if it were a different situation. He shot a glare at Nico who was only glaring back at him. "Fine, guess I don't want to know." Leo mumbled, slightly aggravated.
"We're half siblings." Leo opened his eyes, turning his head to look at Nico, who had been completely quiet since they got back on the ship and even before. He hadn't spoken when he got back, not till now anyway. They sat in the engine room like they typically did when they wanted to be alone together.
It was quiet for a little bit after the comment, and Leo wanted to continue the conversation, and maybe ask a few questions, but he waited for the other. He didn't want to be glared at for something like this again. Nico obviously just wanted to inform Leo of that, cause he didn't speak after that. He just went quiet again, resting his chin against his knees that were to his chest.
"You have a wonderful sister, Nico." Leo murmured, looking back at the engine as he sat there. From the corner of his eye he saw a small glimpse of a smile pass over Nico's expressions.
"I know."
