HoneySim: Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying it! So sorry for taking sooo long to reply to this D: I'm keeping this account like a chapter behind AO3

Strange, was one word for it.

Since their last meeting Jason and di Angelo had been in more frequent contact- frequent as in emailing at least twice a week. Di Angelo still didn't know who was behind the assassination attempts or the theft, but he didn't think they were connected. Jason once asked why exactly di Angelo was giving him this information. His response was short and clipped, saying that so far Jason hadn't published any information that he hadn't explicitly said he could, and also Jason was the only one who knew about the attacks made against him. Everyone needed someone to talk to, Jason supposed.

He didn't mind being that person either, but since Annabeth's visit he truly realized how careful he had to be with his words. He had grown so accustomed to nearly everyone he talked to on a regular basis knowing about his superhero identity, that when he made slip-ups around people who didn't know, it didn't matter as much because he likely wouldn't see them again.

Annabeth was right, he was a bit of an idiot.

But there wasn't much he could do about it now, and honestly he was tired of thinking about what he could have done differently.

Jason leaned back in his chair and sighed, his phone beeped just as he got comfortable. It was a message from Thalia, listing a location and the codeword for robbery. Usually they left simple car chases and theft to the local authorities when Jason was working his 'day job'; but this incident must be serious.

Thalia explained the situation while Jason made his way to the scene so he would be prepared.

The small group of culprits had exited the bank by the time Jason arrived. Supposedly they were armed with 'mysterious' weapons, which were most likely stolen di Angelo tech.

Jason touched down in front of them made a quip about banking before he recognized them. For the past five days these guys had hit similar establishments, they had eluded the authorities every time. But this time they were being much bolder, this time they were stupid enough to rob a bank in broad daylight. They didn't even look afraid, their arrogance came with the weapons.

Jason found that arrogance often led to stupid mistakes.

One of them jutted his chin to the others, who had the bags of money, motioning for them to go. They only hesitated a moment before scattering.

Jason made to go after one and was already planning on how to get the others after he did.

"Not so fast Superman!" The leader yelled. Jason glanced back, the man had an ugly smile on his face as he fired the weapon.

The choice was clear: go after the thieves or stop the green ray blast, which was currently headed toward the hospital. Jason flew after it.

It all happened so fast. He barely managed to get in front of it in time before he was being thrown back. He curled his body around it to prevent it from doing any further damage; he could already feel himself crashing through several walls. It felt like a giant balloon filled with stabbing cold ice had popped.

When he was sure the ray was gone and he had stopped moving he rolled over onto his back. He didn't think he had been injured like last time, but still everything hurt and he felt like he was frozen to the core.

For a while he just laid there on the hospital floor, papers fluttered around him and the lights flickered. He could hear the doctors and nurses rushing to check on their patients, a few even crowded around him to see if he was alright; but they still kept their distance.

He groaned as he rolled over to get up, he almost didn't see the hand offering to help. He looked up at the young nurse as he took thier hand and thanked them once he was standing.

Jason turned to look at the giant hole in the walls, that was minimal damage from these weapons. What would they be capable of without Jason's body as a buffer?

Jason still felt the remnants from the blast well into the next day. He wasn't as cold as he had been but every so often he had to repress a shiver.

Currently he was visiting Piper a couple floors above where he worked. Her new role as head of CatCo suited her well; it wasn't easy to take over after Ms. Grant left, which had left behind some big shoes to fill- which meant that Piper was busier than ever.

But finally things had calmed down enough that she could have a simple lunch date with her friend. As they ate she told him about the challenges and excitement of the new position. Jason remembered when Ms. Grant had suggested Piper be the one to take over, Piper had been hesitant to take it, but now she looked like she was really happy.

"And I know that a lot of people only think of us as a fashion or gossip publication," she said. "But we're becoming so much more than that, we can really make a difference."

"It sounds like you already have."

"Well, not all heroes wear capes." She said taking a bite of her salad and giving him a knowing look.

"Mr. Grace," a voice said behind him. Jason turned to see di Angelo walking toward him.

"Mr. di Angelo," Jason stood to meet him. "What are you doing here? Did I forget a meeting or-"

"No, no, this is a personal visit actually."

"Oh."

"Did I interrupt your lunch?" He asked as he noticed Piper behind Jason.

"Not at all," Piper said holding out a hand for him to shake, which he did after a moment of hesitation. "I'm Piper McLean."

"Yes, I'm aware. Um, congratulations on your new position."

"Same to you." She looked like she wanted to say more, but she left it at that.

Awkward tension started to fill the air. "So what brings you to CatCo?" Jason asked before it could get worse.

"I'm hosting a gala this weekend," he said, "a fundraiser for the hospital that was damaged yesterday."

"You don't seem like the party type," Piper said. "No offense."

"I'm not, to be honest. But it's the least I can do since it was my stolen technology that caused the damage."

"A lot of people would argue that was Superman's fault."

Jason shot Piper a look, it seemed to go unnoticed by di Angelo.

"The damage would have been a lot worse had he not been there."

Piper hummed at the response and di Angelo turned his attention back to Jason.

"Anyway, I was wondering if you would come. You're pretty much the closest thing I have to a friend in this entire city. It would be nice to have support."

"I-of course, I'll be there."

Di Angelo glanced back over to Piper. "You're invited as well, if you want to come."

"I'll be there." She glanced down at her watch, reluctantly noticing the time. "I should get back to work. It was nice meeting you."

Piper packed up her trash and was gone, leaving them standing there.

"I should get going as well," di Angelo said.

"I'll walk you out." Jason offered, di Angelo looked like he was going to protest. "I'm headed that way anyway, just give me a sec to clean up?"

The elevator ride down was awkward but not as unconfrontable as expected.

"Thank you for walking me down Mr. Grace," di Angelo said when the doors dinged open.

"Jason."

Di Angelo's brows furrowed in confusion. "What?"

"If we're going to be friends we can't keep calling each other by our last names. It's a bit weird, don't you think?"

He actually seemed to think about it before he said, "I suppose it is." He stepped out of the elevator and turned around to face him again. "Thank you for walking me down, Jason."

"You're welcome. I'll see you around, Nico." The corner of his mouth twitched.

The doors slid shut between them.

The next day Nico had contacted Jason again, this time asking for a favor: a meeting with Superman.

Currently Jason was hovering out of sight near di Angelo Inc. wondering what he wanted. A month ago he might have suspected it was a trap, but now the thought hardly crossed his mind. He set himself down gracefully on the balcony outside di Angelo's office. The door was open like the last time he'd been here, but unlike last time there were still a few lights left on.

Nico turned in his seat upon hearing him land.

"You came."

"You wanted to see me?" Jason said as he made his way into the office. Nico stood and followed him around the desk.

"I assume Jason's told you about the gala I'm hosting this weekend."

"He mentioned it."

"I wanted to invite you as well."

Jason turned to face him. "This fundraiser is a bad idea, it's definitely going to be a target for this gang; you're practically painting a target on your back as well as everyone else that will be there."

"That's why you'll be there, to protect them."

"So you'd put yourself at risk? And for what?"

Nico dropped his gaze to the floor briefly, as though he were putting his words together. When he looked back up his eyes held something that Jason couldn't quite place.

"I've spent too long in the shadows," he said, "whether it was of my own volition or by my father's hand, I'm done hiding. I'm trying to clean up my father's mess and take responsibility. This is how I choose to do it and I'm asking for your help."

Jason sighed and thought it over for a bit before reluctantly saying, "Okay."

"Thank you. I'll have Jason give you the details."

Right. Both Jason and Superman were supposed to be there. At the same time.

Crap.

The event had already started by the time they arrived (they being, Jason and Piper, with Leo in tow).

"You're sure that your device works?" Jason asked.

"Of course I'm sure!" Leo said. "Have I ever been wrong before?"

Jason and Piper both gave him a look.

"Okay, fair point," Leo amended. "But I know it will work. It should let us know if there are any 'super' weapons within a hundred feet….give or take."

The weather was still warm enough for the venue to mostly be held outside. Lights were strung along the walls, a few pictures of what one could assume were people from the hospital were on stands, and there were table scattered here and there for mingling.

"I have to admit, I'm impressed," Piper said, "di Angelo knows how to throw a party."

"Yeah, I definitely didn't expect this many people to show up." Leo looked around and said more quietly, "I wonder how many people are from the black market."

"Why would they be from the black market?" Piper whispered back.

"Obviously di Angelo is using his father's contacts, there's no way he knows this many people on his own."

"...You really think that people from the black market would donate to a hospital?"

"They have to get their illegal organs from somewhere right?" They were both smiling now. "I've done it. I've uncovered the mystery of what di Angelo Inc. is really hiding!"

"Guys." Jason said, he was giving them a look that clearly said knock it off.

"Party pooper."

"We're just kidding, Jason."

"I know, I just-there's Nico." Jason said once he spotted him through the crowd. Leo and Piper followed his gaze.

"Right! Commencing Operation: Parent Trap." Leo said before walking away.

"Did we really have to call it that? It doesn't make any sense."

"Just let him have his fun." Piper said as she looped her arm through Jason's.

Jason looked at her quizzically, but she just shrugged. If she wasn't going to make it weird he wasn't either.

They made their way over to Nico and Jason called out his name before realizing that he was speaking with someone else. When Nico turned around he didn't seem upset that he'd been interrupted.

Jason almost missed the quick glance down at his and Piper's intertwined arms.

"Jason. Ms. McLean." He greeted. "I'm glad you could make it."

"It's a lovely party." Piper said.

"Thank you." He said with a small smile before looking back to Jason. "Um, have you seen Superman anywhere?"

"Oh, I'm sure he's on his way."

Just then Leo appeared with a drink, practically running over Nico.

While he was apologizing and making sure he didn't get anything on Nico's suit Jason rushed away, changed, and was back in a matter of seconds. Landing right in front of them.

There were awes and gasps from the crowd around them.

"Superman, you made it."

"I still think this might be a bad idea."

"I guess we'll just have to see won't we."

"I guess so. I'll check the perimeter, and be back at the first sign of trouble."

Jason turned and took off, knowing that people were watching him. People were still looking up at the sky when Jason returned back as a civilian.

Briefly Jason thought that Annabeth would be proud.

Over the course of the evening Jason mingled with the other guests but didn't have much opportunity to speak with Nico again. That is until he saw him off to the side seeming like he was trying to blend into the wall.

After grabbing himself and Nico a drink he made his way over. They nodded to each other in a silent greeting. Nico raised an eyebrow and looked at the offered drink skeptically.

"Very presumptuous of you. You don't even know if I like that kind of drink."

"True, but I figured since you're not really a people person and hosting this party you're probably going to actually serve a drink you like." He offered the drink again and this time Nico took it.

"Lucky guess."

"That, or I just saw you drinking the same thing earlier."

Nico scoffed but he had a small smile behind the rim of the glass. It wasn't like the smile he'd given Piper earlier or the ones that were shown on TV or pictures.

"Your girlfriend seems...friendly." Nico said after a bit, Jason nearly choked on his drink.

"W-what?"

Nico nodded over to where Piper was talking to a small group of people. Men and women alike were enthralled by her-and honestly how could they not be-which she was using to her advantage, networking and making connections were important in her line of work after all.

It took a second for Jason to realize what Nico had actually said.

"Oh! Oh no, she's not-I mean-we're not. She's not my girlfriend."

"Oh. Sorry for assuming."

"No, it's fine. I mean maybe in another life, but we just sort of missed our chance."

"Ah, I can relate."

"Oh?"

Nico hesitated for a minute before elaborating.

"There was this one guy in Italy, but there were reasons that got in the way." Nico glanced at Jason quickly before looking away. Nico gripped his glass a bit tighter and leaned slightly away from Jason, a motion that was barely noticeable if you weren't paying attention. "I seem to keep giving you information that you could very well blackmail me with."

"I haven't let you down so far have I?"

"No," Nico said seriously. "You haven't."

Jason took another drink from his glass. "It'd be kind of hypocritical for me to use that information against you anyway." He said as he leaned back against the wall.

Nico's eyebrows shot up and his eyes widened before narrowing slightly. "So you're…?"

"Both. I like both."

"I suppose using that information would make you a hypocrite then." After a moment Nico continued. "But even if you were, I'm not hiding it….haven't for years at least. I just don't go around shouting it from the rooftops."

"But you envy those that do?" Jason guessed.

Nico stared at his glass as he swirled his drink. "Who wouldn't? They have the luxury to be open about who they are without the entire city watching their every move." He looked back at Jason. "I mean I know it's still not completely safe for anyone to be-"

"No, no, I know what you meant."

I can relate Jason thought. He finished his drink and set the glass on a nearby table.

Eventually Nico worked himself up to rejoin the crowd.

Jason checked in with Leo, there was still no signs of any super weapons nearby. It should have been good news but it only made Jason worry more. It didn't make sense, this party was a perfect target.

"Dance with me." Piper said off to the side. "You worry too much."

Jason sighed as he accepted Piper's hand and followed her to the dance floor. "I just don't get it. I thought for sure that they would be here."

"Isn't it a good thing they're not?"

Jason shook his head, "I don't know."

"So," Piper said after a few minutes. "What were you talking with di Angelo about?"

"What?"

"I saw you two earlier, it was like no one else existed."

"It's not like that. We're just friends."

"Really?" She didn't sound convinced.

"Really."

One minute the band was playing and the next tables were exploding and people were screaming.

They were finally here. Jason ran off as the gang leader was making his demands about handing over valuables.

Jason hovered in the air after he'd changed and watched the leader move on from Nico, who looked like he had confronted them, and to the other guests.

"You really thought I wouldn't be here?" He called out.

"I was counting on it actually." The leader said as he turned. The weapon was already charged up, ready to fire. Jason counteracted the blast with his laser vision.

Another member shot him from behind. Jason crashed onto the ground, making a significant dent in the pavement. Jason shook it off as he stood and then dashed back into the air.

Guests were now running in every direction, making it a bit harder for Jason to hit the gang members, also making it hard to keep track of any one of them for very long.

As he was searching for them through the crowd he saw Piper in front of one of the gang members, picking herself up off the ground and standing defiantly in front of a couple of guests. He barely got there in time to shield her from the blast, which threw both of them back.

The leader approached them again.

"Goodnight, Superman." The leader said before firing. Jason's only defense was his laser vision, which could take on the blast from one gun; but when the others joined in, it was only a matter of time.

A pulse rippled through the air. The gang's weapons were yanked out of their hands and flew into the air before exploding. Everyone stood in stunned silence for a few moments before Nico and Leo appeared crawling out from under a long table. When he caught Jason's confused stare he started stammering.

"Oh, no-we weren't- it's not-" he paused. "We stopped it." Leo snapped his fingers and finger gunned.

Piper and Jason looked at each other smiling, and ever so grateful for Leo Valdez.

After making sure all the guests were okay and they had their valuables returned to them people started to go home. Leo told Jason what actually happened under the table. Nico had hidden a device that would disable the weapons. The whole gala had been a trap for the gang.

"So your plan worked." Jason said as he caught up with Nico.

Nico looked at him like he was unsure of what Superman thought of it. "It did."

"You took a big risk. Why didn't you just tell me in the first place what you were up to?"

"Would you have believed me? Not many people turn to di Angelos to see justice done."

"Well, I wouldn't have been able to stop them without you. Thank you."

Nico looked slightly surprised at the thanks. "You shouldn't thank me. I mean afterall it was my father's-"

"You've proven you're not your father, or at the very least have given strong evidence. Perhaps we can work together again in the future."

"Perhaps." Nico glanced around, like he was trying to find someone. "Um, you haven't seen Jason have you? I haven't seen him since before the fight."

"He's fine, he, uh, he already went home."

"Oh." Nico actually looked disappointed. "Well as long as he's safe."

Jason didn't quite know what to do with that.

"Yeah, he's fine."

"I should probably get back, make sure the rest of the guests have cleared out."

"Right. I should get going as well. Until next time."

He took off and Jason couldn't shake that feeling the entire flight home, not even when he got ready for bed. It wasn't until the next day as he was getting ready for work that he remembered his conversation with Piper and he nearly dropped the coffee pot.

"Oh no."