So, I'm kind of, sort of, ending this. But I do plan on giving it a sequel of sorts, which would be a series of one-shots in the universe where I can more easily deal with the things I didn't know how to add to the story without over-extending.
15. Intertwined, part 1
Magnus is surprised at how worried Nico looks as he carries Leo into his apartment, carefully laying Leo into the bed Magnus points him to, he reassures the young demigod that Leo simply had taken more oxygen than needed, body used to a set amount to keep him constantly burning; but Nico is still somewhat tense.
"I'd still feel better if we could get him some nectar"
It's the second time Magnus' heard that word, the first from Leo, who had been trying to explain why he was 'bothering' him.
"I understand ambrosia, but what is nectar?"
Nico seems to study him for a moment, as though trying to decide if telling him is a good idea; Magnus wonders if maybe all demigods are so cautious, or if Nico and Leo are the odd ones out. Nico eventually sighs, shrugging his body as he releases air.
"Ambrosia has a nasty effect on mortals, and since we're half-bloods, using too much of it can easily get us killed"
He turns towards Leo, and Magnus finally makes sense of what's going on here, because the look on Nico's face is one he's seen many times.
"Nectar is a lot safer, though it's not as effective; but I think it'd work for something like this"
He turns back to Magnus, and immediately flushes, clearly aware that Magnus knows the truth; but before either of them can say anything, there's a groan from the bed. Magnus manages not to make any remark on how fast Nico is at Leo's side, helping him sit down.
"What happened?"
His eyes are still a little unfocused, but Magnus doesn't worry.
"You over oxygenated yourself into fainting"
Leo closes his eyes, nodding once.
"Guess that proves that theory"
He opens his eyes again to give Magnus a tired sort of smile.
"Sorry for the trouble"
Magnus sighs and lays over the nearest wall.
"Don't worry, I didn't even have to use magic"
Leo nods sluggishly.
"Cool so I'll be free to go in three more days, sorry ángel"
Nico lets out a breathy chuckle.
"What are you apologizing for?"
Leo turns back to him and Magnus decides he should leave them alone; they could use the privacy.
- ... .- -/.- .- .../-.-. ..- - ./.-. .. -. - ..-..
Leo allows himself to look at Nico, really take him in. He looks healthier, like he's been actually sleeping, and eating; he also looks a lot better than he had when they first re-met.
He wonders about that, but Nico asked him a question and...
"Three days is too much time, hiding will be harder"
It's too soon for it, but Leo wants to keep Nico; which is maybe a little possessive. Nico takes hold of his hand, and the rush of cold is different, but it still undoes Leo like nothing else.
"But I want you to stay"
There, Leo's said it out loud; Nico surprises him, lifting Leo's hand so he can press a kiss there, which is extremely unfair to Leo's heart.
"Then I will"
There's an edge to his words that transforms them from statement to oath, and carves them directly into Leo's bones like absolute truth. Nico is stubborn beyond belief, if he's promising to stay then Leo fully believes him; still, Nico seems to have something left to say, so Leo keeps quiet.
"I've spent too much time trying to find you to let you disappear on me"
And Leo knows there's something he's not being told, but can't demand an answer because he's hiding things from him too. Sure, it's rushed, because it's only been…
"Two years"
The hand holding his squeezes lightly.
"Leo?"
He turns to him, realization hits him like an explosion, like ringing ears and heat that harmed, like acknowledging that he's dying.
"I've been a rogue for two years"
Nico's gaze om him is like steady ground, holding him into this moment and place, and Leo… Leo can finally let himself feel this, thank everything holy. Nico's alarmed look tells him that he's really crying and not imagining it like he feared, Leo's still human enough to tear up over ridiculous things, and the relief that washes him over at this is immeasurable.
He laughs a little, then worries he's freaked Nico out and looks at him, then immediately blushes, because Nico is looking right at him, waiting patiently for Leo to process.
"I think I'm nose-diving for you ángel"
Nico's nose scrunches as he frowns, Leo notes but does not find cute he does, huffing a little; Leo wiggles his eyebrows, and Nico rolls his eyes but smiles at him.
"You're gonna drive me insane leone"
At the very least they both suck at this whole confessing shtick, it would've been sad if it was just Leo who did; and now he knows the feeling is mutual… Oh gods, it's mutual!