My problem is that I have a set idea for how Leo and Nico's relationship works once everything's settled, but I have to get there first.
2. First steps
Nico wakes up to the feeling of wind rushing a little harsher than before, and the telltale feeling of his ears popping from the change in pressure. It's a weird sensation to wake up to, very different from travelling through the shadows; but Leo is nothing but patient as he helps him down from Festus, and lets him lean on him until Nico's legs stop tingling.
It's a bit of a walk to the city, as Festus wouldn't be able to land and take off so close to mortals without causing some sort of commotion; Leo tells him this with the tone of someone who's made that mistake before. When Nico asks, Leo sighs and starts telling him about his very first quest, the one he'd gone on before Gaia and the Argo II.
He stumbles in some parts, voice trailing off when talking about Piper, something resigned in his tone; Nico gets him to keep going every time, his bitterness towards the Aphrodite child worsening bit by bit. It's clear that there's some part of Leo still holding onto hope, which is understandable as it is heartbreaking, because Piper has no intention of seeing reason, infatuated as she's become with the goddess; but there will be time to talk about that later, for now Nico wants to learn as much as he can about Leo.
But that is a two-way street, so when Leo finishes his story, Nico tells him about his own adventures; and finds it a lot less painful to remember than ever before. Leo takes it all in almost avidly, seemingly as greedy for this sort of exchange as Nico feels; and that is unsurprisingly reassuring.
They make a stop for breakfast, and have some close brushes with creatures not in the Greek or Roman mythological catalogue; which prompts Leo to talk about his time away.
That story leaves his lips in much brighter way, and Leo sounds actually proud in some parts. Nico knows he's really into Leo, but everything he's learning seems to cement that further.
The best part is the certainty that Leo is interested in him; not the way Nico is yet, but at least he has a very tangible chance.
"What about you? I know you mentioned spending time away, after..."
He makes a motion with his hand, like he doesn't want to say it outright; and Nico appreciates that more than he cares to admit.
"Learned to control my powers with the original Ghost King, helped Percy become invincible"
He shrugs as he says it, feeling flustered under the look Leo's giving him now; the Latino huffs loudly, steam coming from his mouth.
"People at Camp Half-blood really are idiots"
Nico arches an eyebrow, appreciating how Leo's temperature rises as he gets angry on his behalf; and maybe there's a part of him that is flattered.
"You saved their asses and they treat you like an outcast? What sense does that make?"
He rolls his eyes, turning to face Leo with his whole body.
"You did too, but they still trust a stranger over you"
Leo sighs and presses their foreheads together, looking drained; they'll have to get somewhere they can rest at, and possibly some food.
"How is it that it took me this long to realize I like you this much"
Nico gets a giddy sort of feeling hearing those words, and he's probably giving Leo the most lovesick look, because he's completely enamored, like the fool he is. The moment is broken by a roar nearby, Nico detaches himself form Leo's warmth, hand already going for his ring.
"Come on leone, we have work to do"
Leo laughs, bright, and breathy, and a little crazed; and Nico feels absolutely enchanted.
"Ok, let's do this ángel"