I am not winning this year. This fic was written solely because i felt shitty and my birthday is today (when this is posted lol) and i had plans but SOMEONE (my entire nuclear family) decided to get SICK (im not blaming them just upset i can't bake cake for them and have dinner with them and etc etc etc) (there are still other bday celebrations which i will have) (I just hope that my sick feelings ALSO go away when i wake up in the morning and that i was just sleep deprived)
Sorry for the rant. Anyways! It's my birthday :), the banner pic is beanjamin in the flesh.
Pairing: Poly!Solangelo x reader, Will Solace x reader x Nico di Angelo
Request: No!
Word count: 1.2k
Warnings: Vomit mentions, general sickness.
-Asnyox
Today was supposed to be a special day. You thought it would be- you had planned everything out beforehand, the cake, the invites, the one free day this month that all your friends could show up. But then the first camper came down with a stomach bug, and then the second and before you knew it the birthday prep started getting mixed with the extra shifts in the infirmary. Nico got it as one of the first people, Will not too long after. You counted yourself lucky, nothing could hurt you, right? Nico and Will were already better again, so everyone should be able to attend. Your birthday was going to be in two days- none of the gods hated you that much.
Except two days before your party you were hanging above the toilet bowl. As you felt like you reached the bottom of your stomach you moved away and leaned against the wall. You felt a little silly about the sorrow which you felt. Certainly you were tired, but come on you just wanted a get together, to see your friends and feel celebrated.
But you were just being silly.You weren’t up to it, so Nico called everyone with the news and the rain check. Will offered to be your personal doctor, but you were just without any energy and feeling quite miserable so you told him to just focus on everyone else instead.
Nico didn’t want to feel too guilty about probably giving you the stomach bug. He also didn’t care about his own birthday that much- but he knew you valued birthdays. He knew because every year you organized something for him, every year Will did something because he knew you enjoyed celebrating them. Every year you try to celebrate your own birthday, making all the preparations and stressing an appropriate amount for one's birthday. Nico knew you were upset, and he knew you would pretend to be fine. Nico might not understand exactly why you care so much about birthdays, but he knew you did and just couldn’t figure out how to make it right. You were going to be sick on your birthday and he hated it.
Whereas Will decided to focus his energy into healing you in every way possible. He had seen you get more tired the days before you officially got down with the bug. If anything, the way you deflated when you asked Nico to call everything off had his heart aching. Sure, you were firstly stressed about going to the store still, as the plan had been to go last week but it was simply too busy to go, but now you were unable to go anyways.
At least since the bug had already passed through most of your siblings, you were staying in your cabin. Since it was already past breakfast, your boyfriends gathered up some easy to digest foods and made their way to you. Nico had their presents for you, all wrapped up. He hoped that even if you couldn’t celebrate, they could at least make you feel a little better.
You had hoped that this morning you would miraculously feel better. Perhaps then you could still do something- hang with your lovers, maybe get some of the closer living friends together. But no, your body was against you. For birthdays to always seem so big and magical, only to just be another day when you’re sick felt like a crime to you. Mostly though you were upset at how upset you were. How did you never realize how important your birthday is to you, unless you’re missing it. At first you thought you might just have been upset at the change of plans because you had planned it all, but then you figured it was missing your friends, missing the shot to have them all come over and talk to them. Sure you never needed a reason, but having a reason on a set date was always nice. And now you were stuck in bed, hugging Beanjamin close, as you blinked away some more tears.
“How is our birthday buddy doing?” Will’s voice sounded careful. You quickly wiped some residue tears away before turning around in your bed to face your boyfriends. You didn’t feel like sitting up just yet.
“I’m still nauseous, but it is less than yesterday.” You sighed, “Also rub it in that all I’m getting this year is puke.”
“That’s not true,” Will mused as he crouched before your bed, “firstly you are getting some breakfast if you’re up for it, if not at least some water.” You stared at Will for a beat before slowly going to sit up. Nico was moving your pillow in no time, so you could lean against the wall next to your bed. You spotted the gift bag prepped up against your bed, but didn’t say anything. Something about being polite about it.
Will checked once more what you wanted to eat and carefully watched while you ate. He seemed content with the fact you were at least ingesting foods now, so with a little ‘proud of you!’ and other encouragement you got down a semi decent breakfast. As soon as that was over, you leaned your head against Nico’s shoulder, as he had sat down next to you and kept Beanjamin safe from any spills. Beanjamin was his plushie, but he had lend it to you as you weren’t feeling well, a guardian of sorts. As you closed your eyes for a little, you didn’t react to the knock on the cabin door. You felt Will get up from the bag, and opened your eyes as he let someone in.
“Special delivery from Hermes express,” said Hermes himself, as he emptied his sack full of post. After he was done he winked, before going “And a happy birthday, kiddo,” and disappearing to wherever his next delivery was. You sat up a little more, eyeing the small pile of stuff and letters on your floor.
“Did you set this up?” you eyed Nico who just shrugged.
“I didn’t ask anyone, did tell them you were bumped about not celebrating your birthday,” Nico moved off the bed, grabbing a blanket and putting it on the floor, “You want to get started? Only go so many hours on your birthday.”
You sat on the blanket, boyfriend on each side as they helped you spit through the mail. Most of your friends had written cards, small promises of ‘we should still meet to celebrate!’, ‘hey sucks to miss you but love you nonetheless!’ and a few ‘feel better’ did help to lift the mood. Some had included a present- care packages, birthday gifts, a pair of knit gloves from Hazel. If anything, you might have shed another tear or two simply feeling the love your friends held for you, and even though you didn’t do much special you felt like you were celebrated.
I didn't really know what to say for this one, but an attempt was made!
Pairing: Sibling PLATONIC Nico di Angelo x gn!reader
Request: Can I ask for headcanons on what it would be like to be Nico's younger sibling? Like how they met, when they first started bonding, their dynamic. Sorry if this doesn't make sense.
Word count: 0.7k
Warnings: mention of injury!
-Asnyox
To be honest, you probably only met Nico after the second war. Of course, he built the Hades Cabin after the first great war, but he never stayed around for long enough to get to know him. You arrived at camp sometime before the Argo II left, and was one of the few who did still get claimed even as the gods were split between their two parts. Perhaps Hades had a moment of clarity just enough to peek through and claim you.
Either way, while Nico was on the Argo II he had heard about you in passing, according to Leo you’re “less scary, more energetic,” and Jason had voiced his surprise at the cold shoulder Nico gave him. They had both agreed though that both of you had been the same amount of awkward socially, although you dealt with it differently. Nico wasn’t sure what to make of the hypothetical new sibling- was he scared? Excited? Did he fear for your fate?
Anyways, the first meeting would be after the fight, Nico going to his cabin ready to collapse. You had already gone back to your cabin and were currently sitting on your bed, trying to comprehend what had happened, what you had seen in the day. It had been a horrific day, and in your silent contemplation you hadn’t noticed Nico coming in. Nico, in his tiredness, only noticed you after a moment and with a small yell he tried to grab his sword, which he currently wasn’t carrying.
You shot up hearing the yell and scrambled backwards, getting your feet underneath you and standing on the bed. You had been ready to sleep, but now adrenaline was once again in your limbs as you stared at the stranger. But as you stared at the pale stranger, realization dawned on you.
“Nico di Angelo?” your tone was questioning, and Nico nodded slowly, still staring at you. His gaze was intense, although you didn’t know that Nico didn’t mean to be intense. You slowly get off your bed, and hesitatingly hold out your hand.
“I’m (Y/n) (L/n), nice to uh, meet you?”
At first your relationship was hardly there- Nico had his own shit to deal with mentally, and he genuinely thought that you didn’t need him. You had friends from different cabins, and Nico thought that associating with you might get you judged. However he always kept an eye on you.
One day, while he was helping rebuild the infirmary with Will, you got carried in by Paolo. There was a huge gash in your lack, and Nico felt a protective surge in his chest.
“What did this?” he asked, as he moved next to you. He didn’t know how to heal, but Will was on it.
“There were some monsters at the border,” you shrugged, “They almost got to Paolo. Are you angry at me?” your voice got quiet near the end, and Nico looked questioningly at Will, who had looked up from bandaging your leg.
“No.” Nico stared at you.
“You look angry.” You said, looking at your half-brother. Nico felt his heart drop a bit at your innocent face. He was angry at the monsters- but he also realized that he might care for you.
Since then Nico seemed to seek you out. It started with training together, then talking about the underworld, learning about the dangers and perks of summoning the undead and shadow travel. Nico learned that although he had to figure it all out himself, you wouldn’t have to if he taught you.
He even took it upon himself to teach you about the different myths using Mythomagic, and it warmed his heart to see you enjoy yourself. Nico’s life had been hard but he didn’t want that for you- he secretly promised himself to make sure your life would be better.
As for your dynamic, it’s much like Nico and Hazel. You care for one another, and are very close. In the beginning it was simply that, protecting each other and just being kind. Over time, as Nico got more mentally healthy, he started being a bit more cheeky and made (lovingly) fun of you, just as you did in return.
Who doesn't love our goat boy! I suppose I should say spoilers for those who haven't read the books on this one- as it is based sometime after Battle of the Labyrinth :)
Pairing: Grover Underwood x gn!reader
Request: Hi guys! I hope you guys are doing good. Can I request a Grover x reader where reader is trying to tell him they like him, but they keep getting interrupted by people needing him for things and viceversa? And then finally getting to tell him? Just some cute fluff with a happy ending lol. M!reader or gn!reader are fine! Thanks :)
Word count: 1.1k
Warnings: None!
-Asnyox
The first time you met Grover, the only thought you had through his stammered introduction was ‘he’s pretty cute’. It took a lot longer for you to find out that at some point ‘he’s cute’ grew into a crush on the kind satyr. But, you accepted that it was what it was, and maybe it would be something more at some point- but for now it was enough.
However, that was before he became a Lord of the Wild, which meant that he needed to do a lot more work around and outside of camp. At least you were allowed to go with him on his travels sometimes, but you spend less and less time with him. You didn’t blame him, but you missed him and felt him slipping away from you. Thus you decided you needed to tell him how you felt before it was too late.
You had yet to anticipate how hard it would be to get a moment alone with him. The first time you stumbled upon your friend, you didn’t get past “how are you-” before he quickly told you he had to get going or he would be late. Late for what only the gods know, but he slipped away.
The second attempt was slightly more successful- Grover was sitting at the campfire, and you sat down next to him.
“Busy week, huh?” you asked and Grover’s head shot up.
“Ah, (Y/n), I hadn’t seen you come-” Grover bleated, “I’m sorry, it has been busy.”
“Finally catching a break?” You asked, as you bumped into him lightly. Grover smiled and started leaning against you.
“Sort of, I’ve missed you.” he said as he laid his head on your shoulder. His horns had started growing out more, and you could feel them poke in your neck, but you decided not to say anything, lest you scare the poor soul.
“I’ve missed you too,” you let out a breath, “Hey, I need to tell you some-”
“Hey, G-man, do you have a moment?” Percy spoke up from beside Grover, and you glared slightly at him as Grover sat up.
“Of course! Whatcha need?” Grover sat, and Percy gestured away.
“Just wanted to check something, am I interrupting?” Percy asked. Grover looked at you, in turn. He clearly wanted to see if you needed him, but you shook your head.
“No, not really. Go ahead, I will see you soon?” you asked Grover and he nodded excitedly as he stood up and followed Percy.
Well, third time's the charm you thought as you saw your beloved goat boy stand not too far away. So, you almost sprinted towards him, smiling.
“Hey Grover! Do you have a moment-” Grover looked at you, but you could already see Chiron approaching him from behind.
“Of course I do, always for you.” he was adorable, but you shook your head, as you eyed Chiron getting closer.
“I don’t think you do- you know what, never mind.” you pouted, “Wish I wouldn’t have to make a reservation for your time just to talk to you, but it is what it is.” Grover looked confused, but you continued, “Just come to me when you have five minutes? Me approaching you is clearly not working out.” Grover was worried about what you meant, but before he could even ask what was going on you turned around and walked away. And before he could even reach out, Chiron’s voice asked for his attention.
Third time was not the charm it seemed.
Grover hadn’t seen you since then. Apparently you truly wouldn’t come to him whenever he had a moment- which normally you really had a knack for finding him just as he had nothing to do. He really hoped you weren’t angry at him- and he felt like he was irrationally anxious about the possibility of you never wanting to talk to him again. That couldn’t be it right?
So, a few days later when he hadn’t planned anything for at least an hour- a feat as far has his schedule went these days- he quickly ran to you, took your hand and dragged you away from your cabin, into the woods.
“What-” you stammered, but Grover was quick to turn around and face you.
“I have not much time but I asked the dryads to make sure no one finds us for a bit. It’s just us, no interruptions, nothing,” Grover wished he had a can to chew on and get his anxious energy out, “So, what do you need?” he asked, his voice turning soft and quiet at the last words in the sentence. Before answering you grabbed one of Grovers hands, an appreciative smile on your face.
“Grover, I need you,” you took a deep breath, “I need you too, I know you’re busy being lord of the wild and that it’s hard staying still but please, I need you to know I love you.”
Grover bleated, as he hid his face behind the hand you weren’t holding.
“Do you mean-” Grover slowly lowered his hand, and he saw you nod.
“I love you, romantically, goat boy.” Your heart stammered, “and if you’re not ready- or not interested, it’s fine. I’m just glad to have told you.”
“I’m too- uh I mean,” Grover shook his head, “I love you too,” You smiled, and you moved closer pressing a kiss on Grover’s cheek.
“You’re all I need then,” you sighed, “now go, I know you promised the dryads something. See you at dinner?”
Grover had a dazed expression, with a big grin on his face as he nodded.
“See you, love you,” he turned around, hoping that he could quickly finish the requests he still had to do today, so he could spend time with you.
And if Grover dazed off a bit more during that day, nobody asked questions. Grover realized that he needed you too, and that he perhaps needed a bit of a break. A picnic sounded nice, or going to that one secluded spot that he found while he was doing favors for a herd of sheep last week. Yeah, he was elated thinking of you smiling, surrounded by nature, and him being the reason for it. Would you enjoy berries or bread more at the picnic?
Yeah you had to wait for part two, even if I finished it early. Finally an ending, I guess.
Pairing: Poly!Solangelo x gn!reader, Will Solace x reader x Nico di Angelo
Request: In part 1
Word count: 2.2k
Warnings: Hurt/comfort- bad feelings, but eventual comfort.
-Asnyox
The next day was again peachy. You woke up, your eyes still a little grimy from last night's crying. What if you didn’t show up to sword practice today? Or you simply didn’t leave your bed at all. No, not leaving your bed would eventually just make you feel worse than how you’re feeling currently, so you have to get out. You didn’t have a shift at the infirmary today though, so perhaps you should just go to sword practice, eat breakfast and lock yourself away afterwards. That seemed like a good midway - maybe starting your day would let the blues leave.
So out you went, got dressed, got to the training arena, faced Sherman, not Nico, showed up to breakfast, ate something, waved at Will, didn’t feel any better. The day continued and around three in the afternoon you called it quits. It didn’t matter what you tried to do- nothing was giving you satisfaction, or felt like it was useful. Throughout the day your brain decided to suggest other activities that might be worth your time more than whatever you were doing, but those activities seemed to be even worse than what your initial plan was for the day. It was dreadful. Therefore, maybe doing nothing would feel good.
Thus there you were, laying on top of your blanket, in your bed. Nobody else was in the cabin, and you were grateful for it. You had, as a good intention, grabbed your journal and a book you were currently reading, for perhaps your bed would give you enough comfort to do something. It hadn’t, however you kept the two near just in case someone would walk in. You would be able to quickly grab either and pretend to be busy to dodge any questions or requests. Or, at the least, you hoped you wouldn’t look like a depressed little shit. So, you just laid there, sometimes urging yourself to pick up the book, only to stare at the same page for ten minutes before closing your eyes. Eventually the dinner bell rang and you got up, head a little painful. You felt tired, but food might help?
Food did help, at least with your energy level. You even found yourself a little excited to go to the campfire, more or less unable to say no to your friends. And you had spotted Nico sitting with Mr. D, and Will at the Apollo table so maybe you would be able to sit with them.
Yet, as you made your way to the campfire surrounded by some of your friends, you didn’t see your boyfriends. After a bit you spotted Will with his siblings- ah, of course they would lead the campfire songs. He didn’t look at you, so you looked away. You couldn’t find Nico, but he might have gone to bed early.
Gods you were touch starved. Even the warmth of the campfire couldn’t make you pretend that your boyfriends were near, and the fact that that was the first thought in your mind was upsetting. You indulged in conversation with your siblings for a bit, but still, seeing Will so far away, it just made you want to lock him, Nico and yourself up in your room, in your bed and be cozy.
And you truly thought you were making it up when Nico sat down next to you, and pressed a kiss on your cheek. After a moment of surprise you smiled at your boyfriend.
“What are you doing back?” you asked as you reached for Nico’s hand, which he gladly gave you.
“I missed you and Will,” Nico looked you over, “and I’ve been worried about you.” a pit formed in your chest, as you tried to laugh it off.
“Why?” you didn’t like how your voice trembled just there, “I’ve been fine.” you tried to correct your tone, to no avail. Nico shook his head.
“Don’t lie to me.” his tone was angrier than he was expecting it to be. He had known you were feeling less than okay from the date yesterday, and he realized how little he had seen you in the past weeks. He had missed Will and you and when he saw you in passing today you looked miserable, but then he hadn’t been able to find you again during the day and he got roped in the last few things he wanted to do for the troglodytes, so this was the first time he got to you again. Seeing you made his heart a little lighter, but his worry bigger. You were radiating yearning and he had seen you stare at Will from across the amphitheater. Either way, he could see that his tone had affected you, as you were no longer smiling, but instead staring at him, sadness barely contained behind your eyes, guards up.
You weren’t saying anything, and Nico knew the feeling too. Instead he decided to stand up, tugging at your hand without words. He made eye contact with Will, and beckoned him over. Will took a moment, laughing as his siblings probably teased him, before he walked around the campfire towards the two of you.
“What’s up with the two most beautiful people in the world?” he asked, although he could clearly sense the tension between the two of you. You looked away from your boyfriends, not wanting to face them just yet.
“We’re going to have an intervention,” Nico said casually, and he squeezed your hand, “You coming?” You didn’t know, but Will nodded as he looked at you. He had been worried too, and this morning he had found Nico, but not you, and talked with him about how weirdly distant you felt. He knew he hadn’t found much time for you recently, and felt bad, but he did hope you would come to him if you truly felt bad, or if you at least felt ready to deal with your feelings. He hated forcing emotions out of people, but it hurt him to see you hurting. Will walked wordlessly to your other side, grabbed your hand as you looked up. You were met with a worried smile of your lover, before he softly kissed you on the cheek.
“Let’s get this strong one checked out, huh.” His words were soft as your boyfriends led you to the Hades cabin.
It hadn’t taken long to walk to the cabin, but when the warmth of the campfire was removed it seemed as if the cold hit twice as hard. You didn’t want to do this- but then again isn’t this what you had wanted? Alone time with your boyfriends? You had thought that they didn’t know, or wouldn’t notice but of course they do. Your significant others loved you, and would notice it whenever you’re unwell.
So you walked into the Hades cabin, the lovers on your side moving to stand in front of you, neither letting go of you as they grabbed each other's hands, completing the circle. Your boyfriends looked at you, hoping you would start talking, telling them what was wrong. Instead, you tried to push their worries away.
“I am fine, now that we’re all together.” your voice wavered, but you smiled, unaware of it not reaching your eyes. Nico wanted to call out your lie again, but decided to change strategies. “You’re allowed to feel bad, love.” Nico spoke softly, careful with his tone, “ You can talk about it, or not- that’s up to you but at least let yourself feel bad. Don’t force yourself to have a good day, like you did yesterday, or feel good.”
“I wasn’t forcing myself,” you objected, “the day truly got better when I hung out with you!”
“But afterwards? Or today?” Nico squeezed your hand, a knowing look on his face, “You’ve been feeling bad for longer and going on a date isn’t going to fix that.”
“But it helped.” your voice was quiet, “I didn’t want to ruin our first outing like that.”
“It might’ve helped, still it doesn’t mean we’re not worried.” Nico matched his voice to yours, and as a short silence fell Will spoke up.
“And you should talk to us, or anyone, even if it would ‘ruin’ a date.” Will sucked in a breath, “I know it sucks to hurt- but we would be more worried if you didn’t tell us than if you do. We care about you and want to know when you’re unwell.” There was a lot of emotion in his voice, but after his little speech the room got quiet again. He let go of your and Nico’s hands as he cupped your cheeks.
“What do you need?” Will asked, wanting to leave behind his doctor ways of prescribing help. Will acknowledge that this time you were the only one who would know how to help yourself.
“I don’t know.” you choked back tears, you did know. It wouldn’t fix anything in the long term, but it would make you feel better. “cuddles?” your voice came out as a whisper, gone from the emotions you were feeling. Will smiled, as he softly gave you an ‘of course, love’ and intertwined his hand with yours. Nico silently propped up the pillows on his bed, before guiding you to sit next to him. As you sat down you leaned your head on Nico’s shoulder, as he put his arm around your shoulder.
Will laid his head on your shoulder, still tightly holding your hand and leaning on to you. You didn’t want to move- but hiccups shook your body as you let out more tears, slowly you moved your legs up, going more into a fetal position as you leaned further into Nico, but Will pushed your legs softly downwards a little, refusing to let you curl up.
“It will feel better, I promise.” he said as he looked you in the eye. He put his palm under your chin, using his thumb to move away some of the tears. It was futile- more were forming and falling while he did it, but he tried anyways, lovingly, catching them, catching you. His face was one of concern and so, so much love, as he made a final effort of clearing your face of tears by pressing a kiss on your cheek before once again leaning against you, his head on your shoulder.
Nico’s grip on you tightened, but he was unsure of what he could do, and wanted to do. If Nico was honest, he hadn’t gotten much, if any comfort previous to dating Will and you whenever he had breakdowns. He didn’t know how he could help- he just understood the need to be independent, and the relief when he found out he didn’t have to be that anymore. This wasn’t about him, but he would need to be told what you needed before acting.
Nico felt guilty, most of all. Perhaps if he had kept you closer he would’ve noticed sooner, he was often the most perceptive of the three of you. Then again, you knew how important communication was, and he knew how hard it was to communicate. The cycle of emotions would never go without its stumbles, and next time Nico swore to himself he would catch you. He would much rather fall with you, and find you at the bottom of a spiral. So he held you, and would hold you until you were steady again, and hopefully long after, he would hold you in his embrace.
Will was, although worried, contend with this right now. He didn’t want to admit feeling some tears of his own form, but he blinked them away. He held you a little closer, and slowly felt your body calm down. Will had been worried, and he had missed you and Nico. Perhaps, he should’ve been blaming someone for not taking care of you- whether it be you or himself, but he simply didn’t think that would help anyone, solve anything. Instead, he would focus on your breathing. He noted that he should get you some water soon- make sure you stay hydrated, and your hand was unusually cold, but it might have been the stress causing that. If anything, Will was planning ahead- ways to make you slowly feel better, and of course, ways to converse about these topics without upsetting you. He loved you too much to not want to build you up from the ground, and admire your true smile once more. And you? Finally letting out your feelings, telling your boyfriends, being held by the loves of your lives? You weren’t sure- this was nice, but what if it was temporary? You wanted to feel guilty, but could you really when they clearly wanted to be there for you, when they did this for you? All you knew right now was that you were in the arms of those you hold so dear and you were warm, warm, warm.
Happy birthday Nico! I changed up the request a bit, otherwise I just mentally wouldn't have written it, sorry. also remember MORE CONTENT IF MORE INTERACTION thank you
Thanks to the lovely Franckentstein of being on the banner, I love danny's cat more than my life.
→ synopsis ; You go out on one (1) date, lose will for five (5) seconds and he comes back with six (6) cats.
Pairing: Will Solace x gn!reader x Nico di Angelo, Poly!solangelo x reader
Request: GN!S/o showed up with a kitten (I imagined it with black, orange and brown fur) and tells Nico and Will that they are all parents now +++bonus if when they come to 'talk' to the cat he talks come back with lots of cute meows I need this confort PLEASE🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Wordcount: 2k
Warnings: I don't think so
-Asnyox
Nico, Will and you were out on a date. It wasn’t often that Chiron would permit an outing, although that might be because you almost never asked. Who cares whether camp rules would let you, and whether you would be safe, if you can just get out and be back before dinner.
It would all have been fine, if it wasn’t that at some point in your romantic outing the three of you got split up. Chiron did have a point when he said it was dangerous to go out, as it was common for you to encounter monsters on the road. It wasn’t a lot, but you had pulled Nico out of the monster's way, and started running in the opposite direction of Will and luckily the monsters had followed the two of you. Knowing Will, he wouldn’t have taken any weapons with him.
But that was not what today’s story is about. Instead, it is about how your boyfriend was acting when you found him. He was basically cradling his bag, smiling suspiciously. However, as you all knew to not hang around after a monster attack, you didn’t question him at all, and when you sneaked back into camp and went separate ways you promptly forgot about Will being suspicious.
Or rather, you would have, if he stopped acting that way the next day. Nico had grabbed Will by the arm as Will had just tried to sneak away after lunch without talking to either of you. But instead of answering to your questioning looks, he wriggled his arm out of Nico’s grip.
“I just need to do some stuff- I will catch up with you later.” Will slipped away quickly, leaving you and Nico alone.
“He’s hiding something” You stated and Nico nodded.
“Since yesterday, let’s follow him.” he suggested, and you both were on your way.
Will had seemed to leave camp, going towards Rachel’s oracle cave. He finally crouched down before something, and Nico and you silently followed him. Will seemed too preoccupied with whatever was in front of him to notice Nico and you sneaking up to him. As you came closer, something darted past Will, and as he quickly turned around, to grab the creature he spotted his lovers.
“Oh! Hi, what are you doing here?”
“We could ask the same of you, William.” Nico stepped closer, “Whatcha got there?”
“A smoothie-”
“Will.” Nico sternly glared at his boyfriend.
Will pouted, “Remember yesterday? When we encountered those monsters?” Both you and Nico nodded.
“Well, I found these,” Will gestured for you to come over. In his lap were a bunch of kittens. You crouched on Will’s left, as Nico did the same on his right. Three of the kittens made their way over to him, climbing on his knees. Nico panicked, and fell backwards on his butt, giving the kittens more access to his lap. Will was mindlessly petting the remaining kittens on his lap, and you were watching Nico intently. Nico reluctantly tried to push the kittens away, but he was so gentle that he ended up petting them instead.
It was a soft moment, as Nico relaxed and got used to the kittens. But good things never last.
“I think we’re parents now,” Will declared, and you shot him a panicked look.
“Will, love, light of my life,” you carefully grabbed a kitten from his lap, softly petting it, “We cannot keep these?” Will pointed at Nico, who hadn't looked up from the kittens he was petting but you shook your head.
“Nico has the cocoa puffs! Certainly cats would be fine!” He exclaimed. Nico looked up and shook his head.
“I don’t think they would be safe at camp, or happy.” he said, still unconsciously petting the kittens on his lap, which started softly meowing.
“Let’s ask Chiron.” You offered.
“No!” Will quickly grabbed the kitten back from you, “He would never allow it. Look how about we just try it for a week. I’m sure you both will be convinced to keep them by the end of it.”
You were not convinced by the end of the week. Sure, the cats were cute and even talked back whenever you addressed them. However, getting them enough food, supplies and a safe shelter while keeping them out of sight was hellish. First up was naming the cats, which Will had attempted before you arrived. However, most of the kittens looked very alike and he kept messing up, so in the end it was either settling for leaving them unnamed ( “Until!” Will had exclaimed, “We decide to keep them.” “Or we get them other forever homes, love.” Nico tried to reason, but Will shook his head.)
Next up was shopping for supplies. The kittens had been staying in Rachel’s cave, as she was not currently at camp, but the slight dampness was worrying you. Therefore you had to go to a pet store. But as you got there, you found out cat supplies weren’t the cheapest and in addition you had not a clue on what to get. You had asked the clerk for help, after Will refused to do so (“I’m sure I can find out what my children need,” “I can’t believe you’re killing your own kids by being stubborn,” Nico had rebutted). At last, you had a list of things and had started putting them in the basket. Suddenly, a worried looking Nico had shown up before you, telling you to hurry up.
“There may or may not be monsters just outside of the store.”
“Where’s Will?” you asked worriedly. You couldn’t stop yourself though- “he’ll find more cats while we fight the monsters again, where’s he?” Nico laughed, before answering.
“He’s already convincing the clerk to let us through the back door, to throw the monsters off.”
After your successful trip to the store it was decided that if the cats could be taught anything then that meant they were more likely to stay away from let’s say the lava walls or other dangerous places at camp. At least, that was Nico’s condition for raising the cats. Determined, Will and him set out to teach the cats tricks.
Setting aside a small calico cat, who was the most calm thus far, you watched as your boyfriends started their endeavor. It certainly was cute seeing them try, but they clearly weren’t built for teaching a creature with no intent of listening. The kitten kept crawling onto Nico’s lap, and after being removed from it for the fifth time, it made a beeline for you, meowing angrily. Your boyfriends sighed in defeat as you started cuddling it, an unsaid ‘I told you so’ on your tongue.
Meanwhile, about a quarter of the people at camp had caught a whiff of the cats one way or another. Besides that a camper or two had complained about allergies (not that they were exposed to the cats-), the week was coming to an end. You knew very well it was time to rip off the band aid for Will.
But there was one final card Will had up his sleeve. He wanted to incorporate them into date night, as it would be ‘such a cute thing! Family time!’
That wasn’t the only reason, it was going to storm, and Rachel’s cave was out of camp borders which meant that the kittens would be caught in the middle of it. After careful consideration, you smuggled them into Nico’s cabin, where you had set out a ‘cat-proof’ blanket fort. With a cat-friendly movie on the screen cuddles ensued. Will sat in the middle, Nico on the wall side and you were on the other. All was going well, although a little chaotic at first, as the kittens wouldn’t sit down. But with enough pets, the six kittens were seemingly getting sleepy.
That was, until Will suddenly paused the movie. After a moment, he groaned.
“I got peed on." he picked up the evil doer, “This little one peed on me. We should get them off the bed and blankets.”
“Ah, yeah you didn’t manage to potty train them, did you?” you laughed and moved the kittens off your lap. Nico seemed a little more worried about getting the cats off, as it was his bed you were sitting on. When you all put the kittens in a cardboard box, Will sighed.
“Well, where are we going to keep them now? They will for sure pee everywhere in here, and the cave is unsafe.”
“Do you think we should tell Rachel there is cat pee all over her cave now?” Nico asked, unhelpfully.
“Probably, maybe-” you heard a knock on the door. It wasn’t past curfew yet, so you wouldn’t be in too much trouble if you were found hanging out, but there was a different problem as the kittens were meowing loudly. The three of you had a moment-long staring contest, not speaking up, in the hopes the kittens would also quit talking, which they didn’t.
“I know you three troublemakers are in here,” Chiron’s voice sounded loudly, “I just want to have a word.”
“He knows,” Will whispered, looking accusingly at you. You put up your hands.
“I didn’t tell him- I swear.” you whispered back. Nico shook his head, as he made his way to the door.
“Hello, Chiron,” he tried to sound casual, “what brings you here?”
“Oh, I simply want to see the box and its contents that you brought over here.”
“Of course, just a moment-” Nico was interrupted.
“Now, young man.”
Will looked at you, panicked. You grabbed the box but Will tried to stop you.
“Please (Y/n)- we can-” But you turned around, determinedly going to Chiron. As you walked out from behind Nico, Chiron looked at the kittens.
“So, that is why I kept finding dead mice at the front step of the Big House.” Chiron grimaced, “I am sorry to inform you that we cannot keep the cats near camp,”
“Look, we can teach them to stay away from danger and-”
“It is not that, young man.” Chiron looked heavily at Will, “The cats will hunt the wildlife near camp, and I cannot excuse that. It is harmful for the environment to keep the cats here, and I have already heard worries from several satyrs about the sudden uptake in disappearing animals. But worry not, there is a satyr supported stray cafe not too far from here, and Sam Greenwood has offered to take the kittens there, as he was going to visit it anyways . They will be treated well, and possibly adopted by satyr approved households.”
“stray cafe? And why would satyrs run it, aren’t they against domestication?”
“They take in any stray animal that should not be let out in the wild. Snakes, cats, lizards and the more. Invasive species are harmful to natural habitats, and by extension if the species does not have a habitat where they do belong, as is the case with your cats, they cats are better adopted and kept inside than letting them roam around until they run out of wildlife to kill. It’s one of many efforts to clean up after humans make a mess.”
So, you gave up the kittens. Will pouted, but he handed over the kittens.
“It’s for the best,” Will sighed, “but maybe we can visit the café at some point?”
“That’s a paw-mise,” you smiled, and Will groaned.
“You have to be kitten me-” Nico said, and Will groaned louder.
“The entire week they have been here and you two start when they’re gone?” Will complained.
“This was just the purr-fect moment, sunshine.” You smiled, and Will put his head on your shoulder.
“You are lucky I love you,” he said as Nico smiled widely.
I changed the text a bit from the request, but this is what worked for me!
Pairing: Poly!Fierrochase x gn!reader, Alex Fierro x reader x Magnus Chase
Request: Uh, hi. This is my first request so i don't know how to start, but can you make a poly!Fierrochase one? Maybe add a little bit of angst where the reader nearly dies in the mortal realm but suddenly Sam takes the reader to Valhalla (Sorry i suck at spelling cuz English id my second language) but Alex and Magnus doesn't know that and sobs themselves to sleep and becomes a lil' depressed until they see the reader at breakfast the next morning? If you can ily and thank you! If you can't it's fine and thank you and ily regardless :)
Word count: 1.1k
Warnings: mentions of death etc.
-Asnyox
The day had started just fine, you were hanging with your lovers for most of it, going on a date. It wasn’t much of a date, as you three mostly decided to walk around Boston for the day. Away from Hotel Vahalla, away from other friends or duties at the Chase place. However neither of your lovers had expected to find you, passed out, after saying goodbye.
Sam had been the way to inform them. Apparently you were caught off guard when you were making your way back to the Chase place, and you had been lucky enough to have stumbled upon Sam afterwards. Magnus couldn’t move fast enough to your location, and somehow he had felt like he had been too late, even if you were still alive, but unconscious.
“Look, if I had been around-” Magnus started but Alex gripped his shoulder.
“You weren’t,” Alex glared at Magnus, “You couldn’t have been! So don’t fucking blame yourself when you better worry about (Y/n).” Alex took a shuddering breath, “I will not grief- let you grief when they’re not yet dead.” She had been holding on, keeping up her appearance thus far, but it was crumbling. Alex sighed, holding back the tears she could feel behind her eyes, “Just focus on regaining energy, maybe they need more healing.”
Magnus wasn’t a stranger to losing a loved one, but it had become rarer. He knew now that he could heal people, and that’s all you needed to get round, right? When he was around pain wouldn’t last long- yet somehow he hadn’t been enough to heal you. There weren’t any physical wounds, but why hadn’t you woken yet? Magnus wasn’t entirely stunned- he had noticed that when he tried to heal you, he hadn’t caught any glimpses of your memories and consciousness. Magnus normally didn’t have control over it happening, but when bringing one back from the brink of death if had always happened, and yet, with you, it hadn’t. Were you too far gone? Or did Magnus know you too well to need to catch your memories?
Alex didn’t want to face the reality- the fact that even in this world of gods, you might die. Alex had seen the impossible happen again and again, yet right now the possibility of losing you seemed so real. And she didn’t face any of this- not yet, not when you were still breathing. She wouldn’t mourn, cry, panic until you were truly six feet under. She had to be strong, she’s always had to be strong.
It took you three days to wake up. Throughout these days you were never alone, Magnus and Alex took shifts, barely able to put up with the other while you were struggling. It wasn’t t that they blamed each other- it was their own inabilities to face their feelings and be vulnerable while you weren’t yet gone. You wouldn’t be gone is what they both wanted to believe, but crying over your unconscious form together was too close to admitting the dire situation. There was strength in denial.
And then your eyes shifted, your mouth felt dry but your body didn’t hurt. You were uncomfortable- that was sure, but as you tried to move your arm to rub your eyes you were met with resistance. As you stretched your hand you notice another hand holding it tightly. Softly, you heard Magnus’s voice whisper your name, and you wanted to respond but it came out as a groan. The warmth- oh, the hand holding yours had been sweaty- left your hand, and you moved your fingers, bringing your arm to your face and finally rubbing your eyes, ridding it of some grub that had seemed to keep them closed.
As you opened your eyes the room seemed too bright, and for a second you considered you had, somehow, arrived in Heaven. But, luckily, Magnus’s face disproved that theory.
He helped you up, and at the same time Alex made his way into the room, carrying a tray. As his eyes looked at you, he moved quickly, putting down the tray next to your bed and helping Magnus to sit you up.
As you drank your water, Alex realized he had been crying. He no longer needed to be strong, because you were back and breathing. There were still things to worry about but your imminent death had passed- and that allowed him the breather he needed to feel the emotions he had been denying himself for the past few days.
Your glass was discarded- whether by your own hands or by Alex grabbing it as you finished neither of you know, but you are quickly engulfed in a hug.
“Never do this again.” Alex demanded but you knew you couldn’t promise it, so you simply hummed in response. Magnus hesitantly joined the hug, not wanting to overwhelm you as you had just recovered, but he didn’t want to stay back either. After a moment you broke apart, although neither of your lovers let go of you entirely. Alex had unexpectedly kept his hand on yours, while Magnus had moved to sit next to you on the bed, entangling his arm with yours.
“Sam said she didn’t know what got you,” Magnus said, staring at you unwaveringly, “but for some reason my healing didn’t work afterwards. Do you remember?” Your brain was still lacking any comprehensive thought, so you simply shook your head. You genuinely didn’t remember what happened, but it might come back to you. Magnus sighed, but did not press. He had hoped that maybe there was a reason, a simple ‘Oh this Norse creature cancels out healing magic’ but there wasn’t one. Yet, somehow he didn’t find himself caring too much, as he could feel your breath next to him.
It had been a bad time for your lovers, but they would get over it sooner rather than later. You hoped this would be the last time such a thing would happen, but you could never know, and in Valhalla your lovers were face to face with death every day, and eventually you would learn to just be grateful for the days that pass without injury. You only live once, after all.
Is it weird to say I miss a fictional character, even when I can consume the media at any point?
Pairing: Hearthstone x gn!reader
Request: Hi! Love all your writing :D I was hoping it was ok to request? Feel free to ignore if not obviously lol. A oneshot where Hearthstone first realizes he’s in love? No need for anything specific, whatever you think would work! Thanks :D
Word count: 1k
Warnings: none!
-Asnyox
It wasn’t a moment, or something specific. It was rather that Hearthstone had not realized yet that maybe he cares about you differently than how he cared about his other friends. You had always been close together, and supported each other. On days where his magic practice was going too slow for his liking, you always had his back, and when you were feeling unwell Hearthstone tended to drop what he was doing in favor of making you feel better.
He didn’t realize he was in love when you randomly showed up with a gift for him- endearingly so, handing it over, signing “I thought of you,” and making him literally speechless as he carefully unwrapped the present. It was silly, a goose wearing a scarf that resembled his, but even so you had thought of him, and he carefully pocketed the goose. He thanked you, and whenever he felt nervous he noticed he would seek out his silly goose, and think of you and your comfort.
He didn’t realize he was in love when he was crying because you almost died in a fight defending him. He hadn’t yet realized he was crying either, it had been a stupid moment- his runes were scattered on the floor, and you were fighting off the wolves in front of him, trying to give him a chance to grab the runes off the floor. In hindsight, saying ‘almost died’ was a bit of an overstatement, but you were battered, and bleeding, and smiling at him. You put away your weapons, and signed “are you okay?” as if he was the one with gashes on his arms. But ultimately you were okay, and Hearthstone knew that it meant that he would be okay. His tears dried, and his heart beated.
He didn’t realize he was in love when it was just you and him on a walk together. It had been winter, and the loss of sunshine had been taking a toll on Hearthstone. So, you took it upon yourself to drag him out on a walk whenever it was supposed to be a sunny day. The sun still wouldn’t be strong, but it would be natural. You were just walking in the park, side by side, looking for a spot to simply stand or sit in the sun for a bit. He had noticed you had packed a blanket- perhaps to sit on, or under, as the weather was rather cold. He wondered whether you had brought snacks, you probably had, as to prolong the time out, and he wondered what it would feel like to be the sun on your smiling face. To be the warmth that embraced you, to be the reason for your little contend smile. These thoughts should’ve caught him off guard, if it wasn’t for the fact that they seemed to be recurring ones. More often he found himself to be in a more poetic mood with you around, and more often he found himself reaching for your essence.
He almost realized he was in love when you were studying together. He was practicing rune magic, and you had asked if you could do your own thing within the same room. He kept getting distracted by your presence, even if you weren’t moving much at all. On the contrary, you were sitting perfectly still, engrossed in your work, and every so often Hearthstone just wished you would look at him like that. Like he’s all you’re thinking about, working on. But then he shook his head, and went back to his own work. He had after all a goal in mind, and that goal wasn’t yet dating you.
He should have realized it whenever his mood soured and he hadn’t seen you in a few days. He never could pinpoint the correlation between the two, not that it was too obvious to his friends. It always started with the day seemingly more tedious than before, although not bad, and perhaps a bit more gloom at the corners of his thoughts. Yet, he never knew you were the fix for it, because to him it was obvious that spending time with those you love simply make you happier, and love you he did. Although, admittedly, the label platonic wasn’t one he could relate with anymore.
So, when did he realize he was in love with you? Was it when you smiled at him for the hundredth time, or when you carefully cupped his face when he got a bruise on it from a fight? Perhaps, it was that one time you simply hosted a get together for all your friends, and hours later everyone found out you hosted it because of your birthday. You explained that being with them was the only present you needed, but in the coming week most of your friends still gave you a little something, and Hearthstone’s first idea for a gift was a kiss. Maybe he had realized it late at night, laying in his sunbed at Blitzen’s, eyes closed but thoughts running, unable to get you out of his mind, unable to let go and fall asleep. He might realize it tomorrow, when Magnus jokingly says that it’s almost like he’s in love with you, and Hearthstone will deny it, while also denying his feelings. But he knows one thing, he would never want to be without you.
Happy Birthday Danny!!!! This is the FULL version of both Cryptozoology and the newly written additional content. If you've read those before- there is like 200 words extra in here, if you haven't go ham! This is a LONG fic (for our doing on this blog- I'm assuming nobody will read this because you never do read the bigger fics)
Pairing: Leo Valdez x gn!reader, this is a solangelo fic at it's heart
Request: That's between me and Danny's chat, as many things.
Word count: 7.5k
Warnings: None!
-Asnyox
Will Solace cared for his friends, making sure that they ate enough, slept enough, and were happy. However, to Will’s chagrin, there was only one thing that at the moment would get Leo Valdez to eat, sleep and be happy. It was the exam period and Leo simply was not listening, unless Will would get him a significant other- something that Leo thought would only happen after pigs learned to fly, but Will had other plans...
“Leo, I promise I will get you a lover soon enough!” Will waved his hands, “You just have to trust the genius that I am!”
“Sure thing,” Leo scoffed, “And how will you do that?”
“I have a plan.” Will assured his friend, “I simply need an appropriate candidate.”
And perhaps he already had one. He didn’t even need to try too hard to stage the first meeting and start Leo’s infatuation. Will passed you on your way out, went straight to Leo’s, and forced him to take a break. While Leo was out he watched the first meeting through the window of Leo’s dorm.
The first time Leo Valdez met you was at two in the morning.
It was mid exam season, and you had decided that maybe you should take a walk to clear your mind a little. Nothing crazy- maybe just around the dorms, take a deep breath outside and go back to your room. The lights outside of the dorms were broken, so you just found the closest tree and stood against it, facing the door towards the dorms.
Suddenly a Latino boy walked out, looking like he had not slept for the entirety of exam season. As he stretched, he spotted you from the corner of his eye. However, you were not feeling like interacting with the Leo Valdez, who was known to be able to keep a conversation going and you sort of were ready to go back to bed. So, as he squinted into your direction, trying to identify you, you quickly took three steps back and hid behind the tree. You had never actually held a conversation with Leo, but that did not mean you didn’t think he was cute, and you did not want to meet him like this. Hence, you did the only logical thing that your sleep deprived mind could think of. As Leo slowly circled around the tree you were standing behind, you circled the other way and dashed for the door when it was in sight.
Leo was certain only moments ago there was someone underneath this tree – he could have sworn¸ but as he circled the tree, his earphones still blasting music, there was no one. Leo was disappointed, whoever this person was they looked good- and he thought that maybe it was that one person that always managed to slip away from his conversations. There were only about 5 people on the floor he had never talked to, and he wanted this to be his chance, what better moment to meet his possible love-of-his-life than two in the morning? Leo sighed sadly as he removed his earphones, just in time to hear doors close. He quickly stumbled backwards, tripping on his own feet as he tried to catch a glimpse of whoever was there. Looking up from the leaves on the ground, he stared at the treetops, wondering what he just met.
And Will felt very content with what just happened. The target acted just as Will had suspected, hiding away from Leo, and Will could not wait until Leo’s sleep-deprived brain would start acting its magic. Sure, Will might’ve been unaware of their name, but he had seen them around in the cafe where he worked and he just knew they would be a good fit for Leo.
“Dude!” Leo stormed into his room, “I think I just met Mothman!”
All according to plan.“I swear to you! There was something else outside!” Leo exclaimed as Jason slowly petted his arm.
“Leo, you were outside in the middle of the night, you might have just been sleep deprived.” He tried to console his friend.
“I am not, and I will find this cryptid- even if it’s the last thing I do!” determination flooded Leo’s face, as worry filled Jason’s.
“Please don’t,” Jason pleaded, but Leo had already stood up and embarked on his mission. Jason sighed and looked at Piper, who was distracted with her phone.
“Why did you not try to stop him?” Jason asked and Piper looked up.
“Stop what?” She blinked once, “Uh, where did Leo go?” Jason sighed.
“Piper please just ask the girl out so you can finally be present in the moment,” Piper glared at Jason, “Leo is on a mission to find the ‘campus cryptid’ he saw last night at two in the morning.” Jason explained and Piper laughed.
“They could be anyone, well, good luck to Leo. This will be great.” Her laugh got just a bit louder as Jason tiredly sighed into his hands. Leo spotted you with headphones on, sitting underneath a tree in the shade. He had to do a double take, because he was unsure whether you were in fact his campus cryptid. The world fell away as Leo heard his own heartbeat in his ears. He wanted to approach you, yet he felt scared that he would bother you. Leo was not even sure whether you were his cryptid or not- however as he watched you grabbed an apple, eating it in only 5 bites, core and all. If you were not the person who was standing outside yesterday, you were definitely a different type of cryptid. A cute cryptid at that. Leo had not realized how long he had been standing there, but he realized he should do something soon. As he took a deep breath, being lost in his feelings, he stepped forward … and you were standing up. How could he approach you now? You were worth a shot though- except you were walking in the direct opposite direction from Leo. Dammit. Leo’s day progressed rather well- his test did not go horrible, however he was running late for a seminar he had to attend. These people standing in the hallway were not helping him.
“Ah- coming through- I am in a hurry- let me-“ he stopped his apologies as he spotted you at the centre. You were holding a lizard, carefully in cupped hands and the students crowding you were each taking turns looking at the lizard, not touching it for every time someone tried you scolded them.
“Don’t reach for my buddy! You will dry his skin!” This was the first time Leo had heard your voice- and his breath stuttered. He wished you would say his name- but you two had not yet properly met so that would only be a dream.
“What did you name the little guy?” Leo overheard one of the students say, as he was slowly begrudgingly making his way away from the crowd- the seminar was mandatory, and he could not afford to be late-
“Little Lizard Leo,” you laughed, “He was just walking around here so I picked him up, he needs to go back outside.” Could you read Leo’s mind? He had turned abruptly at hearing his name, being sure now that you were at least a cryptid. Leo glanced at his phone for the time, hoping he might have a minute to spare, but alas, he cursed as he ran the rest of the way towards the seminar.
During a small 15-minute break in the seminar, Piper smiled devilishly at him.
“Jason told me about your crush,”
Leo’s head shot up. “I have a crush? No, no way-“ He felt his face get warmer, a crush on who? The cryptid? His heart skipped a beat as he thought about the concept of having a crush on you- your hair and eyes and laugh and -
“I mean, he said it was the ‘college cryptid’ or something, but given,” Piper gestured at Leo, “Your reaction I am guessing you do in fact have a crush on someone.” Leo shook his head.
“I barely know the cryptid,” he shot back and Piper’s smile widened, “Besides I am not sure whether they would be the cryptid,”
“Well, ask them, it’s not creepy at all to just go, ‘Hey, were you outside last night? At two? Me too! Wow, we have so much in common!’ And then bam- you are dating.”
“Thank you for the suggestion, but I will not.” Leo told Piper off, Piper’s smile never dampening, “You are by the way only allowed to tell me to ask someone out when you finally ask her out. You have been pining for a good two months now!”
“I don’t even know whether she likes girls!” Piper exclaimed and Leo rolled his eyes.
“She does, believe me.” He comforted Piper, as she looked doubtful.
“Fine. I will confess if you can prove that your college cryptid actually exists.” Piper challenged him, “Because maybe we can help identify your cryptid if you have a picture of it.” The day after your chance encounter with Leo Valdez (where you heroically ran away from him, after hiding behind a tree, and then a second time in the hallway), you ranted to your friend about it, much to his dismay.
“I mean how embarrassing! I named a lizard after him!” You pouted, “What is the chance? I wasn’t even aware he was near until I saw him bolt away!”
“I’m sure he’ll not mind that,” Nico said, “If he’s as idiotic as you paint him to be, he might even find it endearing. What’s his name anyways?”
“I’m not telling.”
“And why won’t you tell me the name of your crush?” Nico was exasperated.
“Because you’ll try something!” You squint your eyes at him, “I know you will.”
“So we’re calling him fireboy? Because he is hot?” Nico teased, and you laughed, but Nico was not deterred, “Okay, tell me the name of your lizard then.”
“No.”
From the look in your eyes when you talked about Fireboy, Nico knew that he needed to figure out who Fireboy was and how to get you together, if he were to enjoy a calm lunch ever again.
What Nico wasn’t expecting was having to fend off another guy.
He had stared at the blonde barista in the past (for no reason at all) and didn’t like the interest the guy was showing in you. Of course, he could believe that you didn’t have any interest in the barista, but the way that, since entering the café, the barista kept staring at you intensely, rubbed him the wrong way. Clearly this guy had an interest in you that went past you as a customer. Yet, it was busy and Nico was keeping your seats occupied while you stood in line. He glared as the barista handed you more than just your coffee.
“So you’re saying you won this ticket?”
“Yes.”
“From the barista just now?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re sure he wasn’t just hitting on you?”
“With the way he was eyeing you, I don’t think so?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Nico, unwillingly, felt his face warm. You simply shrugged as you smiled at your friend teasingly, and Nico sighed, “Guess I’ll get a ticket and we can go to the movie together.”
So, a few hours later, you were sitting together in the movie theater. You were pretty sure you might have switched up the seats, but did it matter? You both had the tickets for these seats anyways. Nico had gotten the popcorn, and the ads had just started, all was good.
Except, all was not good for Will. While Leo had just told him that the ‘cryptid’ had named a lizard after him, it took Will a moment to realize that his ‘cinema date’ had failed. Someone was sitting in the cryptid’s seat, and Will didn’t like that. He had invited Leo, and the plan had been to get Leo and mothman to sit together. If this black-haired guy had not been sitting in the wrong seat, it would have been a date! Basically! The worst part was that now he had to make sure Leo wouldn’t see Mothman, otherwise the whole ‘cryptid’ mystic would stop and Will’s efforts would be all for nothing.
Fine, Will Solace resigned himself as he quickly pushed past Leo so he would get to sit next to the black-haired boy, fine, Will Solace would have a ‘date’ with this kid. Fine.
Nico, on the other hand, felt triumphant as he noticed the big ass glare on the blonde’s face. Clearly this had been some kind of setup for a date, and he managed to fuck it up. (Y/n) was not even aware that the barista had entered the cinema and sat next to Nico, all for the better. Nico made eye contact with his seat neighbor, and stuck out his tongue, to which he saw the blonde tense up. Take that, barista boy.
Will Solace felt his heartbeat speed up, as he realized a second flaw in his strategy- he might have started crushing on the enemy.
Will was not giving up, and a few weeks later the perfect opportunity presented itself. He found a very good sale on fresh fruits and filled his arms with them to use them as a matchmaking ploy. The plan was simple- give you the cold fruits, tell you to hand them out to Leo, and bam! You would get talking, get a hamster, get a house- but first…
“Hey, do you like mandarins?”
“You’re that barista, aren’t you?” you looked at him suspiciously. Will nodded.
“Look, as a promotional bit I need to hand these out,” Will lied, “but if you just take them off my hands, then I will be free to have a lunch break!” Will pushed the fruit in your hands and started backing away. Flabbergasted, you made sure not to spill any as you looked at the blonde.
“Why would I need this much fruit?” You looked like you really wanted to hand the fruit back to him, so Will had to act quickly.
“Just hand them out if you don’t!” Will turned around and took a small sprint. He quickly rounded a corner and not-so-subtly spied on you. With only a bit of luck, you would instigate a conversation with Leo, who was sitting alone, within the next five minutes. And that would mean-
Oh no. Will glared at the black-haired boy who approached you, the same kid that had prevented you from sitting with Leo. His ‘definitely not a crush’. Why was he putting the fruit in a bag? Goddammit! You walked away with your friend, and Will knew he couldn’t keep taking this (cute) boy's interference. Something had to be done. Will wasn’t sure what yet- but murder was still on the list.
Meanwhile, Nico smiled to himself. He saw the blonde glare, and he felt great having meddled with his plans again. Sure, Nico had to admit that the blonde looked cute when giving away the fruits to you, but there was no way you would fall for someone who was simply giving out fruits, instead Nico subtly walked you into the canteen, spotted your Fireboy (he stopped caring about the name now that he had a face), and nudged you to hand out the fruits there. You might not have put together that Nico knew what your crush looked like (although he did not know his name), but that would all help Nico’s plans. You would never figure out that he was playing Cupid (all in order to get you to shut up about Fireboy during your Mythomagic games, certainly not to rile up the blonde barista who is trying to hit on you).
Which went pretty well. Leo was getting antsy. It had been almost two weeks since he had spotted you- the last time he saw you, you were just handing out cold tangerines from your bag. You had walked up to the table he was keeping occupied for his friends, said “You’re with three, right?”, put three tangerines down, said and walked away as he nodded. Leo had been working on his essay, and he got out of the essay brain fog a moment too late, for you were gone again.
“Whatcha looking at?” Piper had asked five minutes after you had gone and Leo just responded with a hum as he returned to work on his essay. The deadline was later that day- last deadline of the semester luckily - and he could not be bothered to be made fun of because of his crush.
Nico was a little proud of his plan- and the next step of it. Earlier, he overheard Fireboy’s friends mention a party happening, and Nico had to find a way to get you to the party, although he would be the last one to go, he had a foolproof plan. Of course, you still weren’t invited but he guessed that it would matter little to you if you found out the real catch at the party.
“There are cats.” Nico deadpanned, and he immediately saw you crack. Sure, you weren’t planning on going out today, but how often does an opportunity like this present itself?
“But they’ll be inside!”
“With that amount of sound? I don’t think so, but your loss.” Nico picked up his Switch again, continuing his Hades run.
“Why do you even want me to go?” You sounded a little suspicious, as you squeezed Nico’s Blahaj.
“So you’ll stop trying to steal my plushies. Just go, nobody cares you’re not supposed to be there!” And that stinky Fireboy would be there, which is why you should go. Of course, Nico didn’t really want to miss out on hanging out with you, but he had to keep his priorities.
“How many cats are there?” You considered your options.
“Four.”
“Fuck.” and there you went.
Meanwhile, as the exam season was finally over Leo found himself at a party. This one was at a different dorm from his own, but he was excited to see new people. Maybe the cryptid would show up. He hoped so, he would finally find the courage to talk to you or something.
As Leo walked around the party- lights flashing, the music a little too loud for a conversation, and a beverage in hand - he was disappointed to not spot you in the crowd. Piper had already left to be with her own crush and Jason was having fun in another corner of the room. Leo sighed, the music and sadness getting to him as he went outside for some air.
The full moon was out, and Leo took a sip of his drink. Suddenly, he heard sounds coming from the tree line. The bushes rustled and Leo carefully stepped closer. He was about to ask whether there was someone there when a blur shot out of the bushes and into a low-hanging tree. Another bigger blur quickly followed, and when Leo finally gained sight within the moonlight, he saw you petting a cat in a tree.
“What?” Leo said out loud, staring at the sight before him. You were still crouching on the tree stem, the cat slowly sitting down on your knees. Your back was leaning against the bark behind you, as the cat finally accepted your affections. Leo wished to be that cat. Wait- that’s a weird thing to think.
You had frozen in mid pet, but started again when the cat headbutted you, demanding your affection. You were staring at Leo Valdez, in the flesh. He sounded surprised to see you, almost happy. The darkness of the night was enough to make sure you were unable to make out his actual face. You decided to do the best thing you could think of- ignore the situation and keep petting the cat. However, as you saw Leo slowly get out his phone from his pocket, your head shot up. You did not want a picture of this, because it was not the most normal position to be in and you did not need your crush making fun of you. This movement resulted in the cat quickly jumping out of the tree, and you quickly tried to follow, only to see it running inside the dorms.
“Fuck,” was all you said. Leo had forgotten his initial plan because of your sudden movements. You were about to just turn around and be sad about losing the cat, but you were interrupted by Leo.
“Why don’t you follow it inside?” He asked and you squinted at him.
“I wasn’t invited to the party.” You shrugged, looking at Leo as he cocked his head.
“I was, we can get your cat out together if you want.” He suggested and you considered it for a second before nodding. You grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the dormhouse. Leo struggled for a second to get his footing, as he kept staring at your hands. He smiled dumbly, liking this feeling of your hand in his. He felt happiness in his chest as he realized he had talked to you- was having a conversation with you to some extent.
As the two of you entered the building, Leo wanted to get you to his friends- proof you exist. However, you seemingly had other plans.
“I go left, you right. Be back in 20 with or without a cat. Good luck, detective.” You let go of his hand, on your mission of finding the cat. Leo smiled as he started looking too, stumbling upon Jason in the progress.
“They are at the party!” He yelled into his friend's ear. Jason looked at him confused.
“Who?” He yelled back.
“The cryptid!” Leo responded.
“Cool! Where are they? What’s their name?” Jason looked at Leo, as Leo’s face changed into one of realization.
“Fuck! I don’t know! I will be back! Tell me if you see a cat!” Leo started moving through the crowd, trying his best to spot you. You hadn’t disappeared on him, right? He passed an empty room when movement caught his eye. As he looked inside, he saw you with four cats all cuddling you. Leo slowly made his way into the room.
“I see you’ve found some cats!” He yelled over the music, and you looked at him surprised, before a smile filled your face as you nodded excitedly. Leo sat down next to you, keeping a little distance between the two of you. Your shoulders brushed as he leaned back, letting one of the cats climb on his lap. He started petting the cat, as he looked at you, being fully captivated by the cats.
Leo wanted to talk to you, but you seemed so content with your activity and he dared not interrupt this time you had. He just wished to be able to scooch a little closer, to know your name, to be able to open his mouth a tell you how good he thinks you looked like this. His courage once again failed him. He figured that in a bit, if you stood up, he could strike a conversation.
An alarm sound rang from your watch, and you looked at it in shock.
“I have to go, thank you for the cats, detective,” Is all you said as you put the two cats that were on your lap on Leo’s.
“Wait- Let me!” But you made a run for it, “Shit!” Leo exclaimed. Why did you have to leave? He looked at the cat in his lap, who purred against his chest. Leo pouted as he pets the cat.
“Your campus cryptid was a cat?” Jason walked into the room. Leo shook his head.
“They just left.” Was all he said. Jason sat down next to him.
“Did you get their name?” He asked and Leo once again shook his head. Jason looked at his friend worried. “You alright, buddy?” Leo leaned against Jason’s arm.
“I just- I couldn’t get myself to talk! They seemed so happy with the cats and-“ Leo yelled a little, “Jason, I am in deep shit and I don’t know how it happened.”
Jason smiled as he petted Leo on the head. “It happens sometimes, Leo. You better catch your cryptid before you regret it.” Leo nodded, still petting the cats on his lap. Unbeknownst to Leo, Jason had spotted you on your way out and he knew exactly who you were. Jason figured he could ask after the weekend though, for now he had a friend to comfort.
Besides, Jason didn’t know but you had a show to catch, so you wouldn’t have stuck around anyways. When you finally arrived back at Nico’s dorm you knocked on his door, just in time for the both of you to catch the newest episode of the show you were watching together. Yet, you seemed a little fidgety to Nico and it only took a little prodding from Nico to figure it out.
His plan had worked perfectly. Take that blonde barista! He would never stand a chance against the power of cats and your weirdness.
Yet, Nico’s plan seemed to work a little too well, for one of Fireboy’s friends had spotted you and put the puzzle pieces together.
Lucky for Nico, the friend who spotted you was not Will Solace, unlucky for Nico, Jason Grace was a noisy bitch when something had to do with his friends.
This morning during your lecture you had been approached by Jason Grace. You had worked together with him on projects once or twice, but you never took the energy to become good friends with him. He was just a guy you sat next to sometimes, however today he seemed to be in a chatty spirit.
“So, you know Leo?” He side eyed you and you nodded, opening your laptop to take notes, “He has been obsessing over this ‘campus cryptid’ as he calls it.” Jason tried to gauge your reaction, however it was nine in the morning, so there was little emotion on your face except from ‘tired’, “And I think that you might be this cryptic crush he has.” That woke you up.
“Me?” You gave Jason your full attention, “Cryptid?”
“That is what you focus on?” Jason laughed, “You should talk to Leo, I fear he cannot approach you even if it was life or death, (Y/n).” You shook your head.
“I do not think I should approach someone who calls me a cryptid, Jason. Besides, I also do not think Leo can physically have a crush on me.” Jason looked at you, begging you with his eyes.
“Look, he probably just wants to find the cats we petted or something-” You sighed, “Okay, I won’t run away from him next time I see him.” Jason nodded approvingly.
“You were running away?” He smiled and you looked at him tired of the conversation.
“Shut up, Grace.”
Lucky for Nico, Jason Grace was not Will Solace, unluckily for Nico, Will was also a noisy bitch, who worked at a café. Will slid Jason’s favorite drink towards him.
“Hey, Jason, can you do me a favor?” Will intensely stared at Jason, his hand still on the lid.
“I don’t know, can I?” Jason looked from the drink to Will, who nodded as he moved the drink a little closer.
“Yes you can.” Will said as Jason picked up the drink and examined it closer. On the side of the drink, Will had scribbled ‘for the best dude I know’ with a very badly drawn sun on it. Jason didn’t like the prospect of the favor being bought out of him, but he wasn’t complaining. He could always feign forgetfulness and not do it.
“I need you to figure out who the cryptid is. Name, address, age-” Will paused, “It sounds like stalking, but you have a class with them, so maybe you can talk to them?”
“Oh, I know the cryptid. We did a project together once.” Jason squinted at Will, “Are you trying to get (Y/n) and Leo together?”
“Pfft, what? It’s not that obvious, is it?” Will laughed curtly, before going back to being serious, “Their name is (Y/n)?”
“You didn’t know their name?” Jason sighed, “Of course not- either way, Leo’s obsessed with the cryptid simply being a cryptid.”
“Good, all according to plan!” Will smiled, “I need you to approach (Y/n)’s friend and ask whether the cryptid is interested in Leo at all.” Will shrugged, “Not sure if the magic is working from that side.”
“You mean Nico?” Jason asked
“The cute black-haired boy?” Will asked.
“No.” Jason said, “I will not ask your crush whether he likes you.”
“He’s not my crush,” Will shook his head, “He just keeps intervening with my plans for Leo and (Y/n)!”
“I suggest you just talk to him yourself, Will.” but as Jason suggested the normal thing to do, Will shook his head again.
“Pretty please?” Will looked at Jason as he lifted his hand, clearly indicating that he would push the drink off the table if Jason did not agree. Jason shook his head as he gave in. Will did make his favorite after all, and perhaps he could befriend Nico on the way. He would probably be a little less weird than his current friends- and even though Jason could tell Will how you reacted to his probing this morning, he figured he should take the chance the approach Nico.
“How do you know Nico’s name anyways?” Will asked after a moment.
“He and Frank play Mythomagic together sometimes,” Jason looked at Will, “You sure you don’t want me to find out whether he likes you?”
“No” Will blushed, “Not until Leo and (Y/n) are together! Then I can focus on myself. Who’s Frank anyways?”
“Dating Nico’s half-sister,” Jason explained as Will seemed relieved, “Not that you would care, as you don’t have a crush” Jason laughed, while Will glared at him.
It took a bit for Jason to find Nico, but he eventually got word from Frank that Nico would be at their usual place for Mythomagic. When Jason got there, Frank hadn’t yet arrived, but Nico was going through his deck. Jason felt relieved that (Y/n) didn’t seem to be anywhere near.
Jason sat down opposite of Nico and cleared his throat. Nico looked up from his deck.
“You’re Jason Grace, right?” Nico asked, “You finally got a deck?”
“Not yet, maybe you can help me though.” Jason looked at Nico, whose poker face was all too good. He could not make out what Nico was thinking, so he simply continued, “I have a friend who’s interested in you and was just wondering if-”
“Not the Fireboy, right?” Nico interrupted him.
“What?” Jason took a moment, “Who?
“Small, curly hair, petted cats with my friend yesterday,” Nico sounded a bit disappointed in his next sentence, “you know, ‘Fireboy’, as my friend will not give me his name.”
“Oh! No, not the cryptozoologist. Any reason why you’re asking?”
“For said friend, mostly. Would be disappointing if Fireboy fell for my charms while my friend swooned for him. Anyways, cryptozoologist?” Nico asked and Jason grinned.
“He thinks your friend is Mothman.” Jason elaborated, and Nico nodded.
“He’s not wrong.”
“Sure, anyway, you’re single then? Not interested in the cryptozoologist yourself?”
“Pft, I’m not that pathetic.” Nico laughed, “Why are you interested?”
“Asking for a friend.”
“Toucheé” Nico shrugged, still taking the boy before him in. He had never really spoken with Jason before, but he seemed friendly enough, and if there was something he needed, it was more friends (especially if you were to ever start dating the cryptozoologist, who would entertain him then?). Besides, perhaps he could actually get Jason involved with Frank and his Mythomagic games. They needed more players, desperately.
“Either way, the cryptozoologist is going to the library later today–”
“Why tell me?”
“No reason.”
“Well, so are (Y/n) and I, we’re studying together today.” Nico answered shortly, “Look, Jason, great conversation we’re having, but I only engaged in it because I thought you were going to get into Mythomagic.”
“Oh!” Jason hesitated, looking at the cards, “I mean I would love to, I just really do not know where to start.”
“I have an extra deck,” Nico started going through his bag, “I can explain the basics in a duel now, and then you can try it against Frank when he shows up. I think Frank also has a more beginner-friendly deck with him- so you won’t be annihilated too quickly.”
“Uh-” Jason was not prepared for Nico to start talking so fast, or so much.
“Of course, you’ll eventually have to find a deck structure you like,” Nico kept going, “or invest in something more competitive, but just for getting the hang of the game this should be enough.” Nico laid out some cards and grabbed a few figurines, “let’s start with the kind of cards that you can encounter, before going to the phases of your turn.”
“Firstly! On a different topic, would you know if (Y/n) (L/n) is interested in Leo?”
“No” Nico glared at Jason, he didn’t know this Leo kid but you only had one crush and that was your little cryptozoologist. Jason, in the short span of their conversation, blown away by the sudden development of Nico’s talkativeness, had forgotten that Nico mentioned he didn’t know Leo’s name (or maybe, he simply figured that Nico was joking. Nico could joke, right?).
“Okay,” Jason seemed disappointed, “Alright, let’s get into this game”
Nico started enjoying the conversation a lot more after that.
After a few hours and some intense Mythomagic games (Jason won once with Frank’s beginner deck! Nico seemed proud), Jason encountered Will on his break, drinking tea.
Jason leaned down, next to Will’s ear.
“So the good news is, Nico is single.” Jason told Will, who spit out his drink and then quickly turned his head.
“Why did you ask him that? I gave you a simple-”
“I can see the way you eye him.” Jason cut Will off, “Also, be quiet, or do you want people to approach you on your break?” Will grumbled a little before continuing.
“It’s because he keeps messing up my plans!” Will watched his tone, “I eye him in disdain, not longing.”
“Yes, I see the romantic tension is to die for.” Jason feigned drama as he moved on, “The bad news is, I’m not sure whether (Y/n) is interested.”
“That’s a lie.” Will looked Jason in the eye, “Ask (Y/n). For me?”
“I’m not a messenger.”
“I will get you more staples.”
“I will be a messenger.” Jason agreed, “You better get the staples, because I asked them this morning-” Will looked at him in surprise.
“I only asked you to check at lunch?” Will raised an eyebrow, “You knew already and kept me waiting?”
“I didn’t know whether Nico liked you, buddy.” Jason shrugged, “(Y/n) seemed like they’re interested, but Nico gave a definitive ‘no’ when asked. Maybe he doesn’t agree with the pairing, maybe (Y/n) simply got flustered at the thought of someone liking them. Who knows?”
“You’re supposed to find out!” Will exclaimed, “I’m not sure whether this information is worth the staples.”
“Well, perhaps if you would talk to Nico you would ‘find out’ that you have a lot in common!” Jason bit back.
“I don’t think I can, Jason.” Will quickly took another sip from his tea, definitely not out of nervousness.
“He’s going to the library today with (Y/n)- and Leo is too. Who knows what he will be planning?” Jason offered, “He might try to put Leo in a bad light, I don’t know.” Will glared at Jason.
“And what am I supposed to do? Be a distraction?”
“Yes.”
Sadly, Will needed to make sure that Nico didn’t intervene with your study date. He needed to talk to Nico, and he needed to get back to work as his break was over. He only had two hours left- hopefully he would be at the library in time.
“We should study in the library today.” Nico said, as if he didn’t overhear Fireboy complaining about wanting to do that.
But right as he was about to walk into the library, the blonde barista was in his way.
“Nico di Angelo, we need to talk.”
“How do you know my name?”
“I’ve been trying to get Leo to date someone for weeks now!”
“I don’t know this Leo guy, but I was matching (Y/n), and if it wasn’t for your meddling it would have worked!”
“Well if it wasn’t for you, (Y/n) would already be dating someone. Leo, for example.”
“I don’t care about your plan, just leave them alone!” Nico scoffed, “You need to understand that (Y/n) only has the hots for that weird cryptozoology guy anyways.” Will glare dropped, and after a moment, he started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Nico was filled with confusion, but Will just kept laughing. Nico realized he kind of liked this laughter from his opposition, especially as Will's face got a little red in the process. Could he make Will blush like that too? Before more thoughts could develop, Nico half-heartedly hit Will on his head, “Answer me.” Will looked at Nico, realizing that Nico’s pout was pretty cute.
“Leo is the cryptozoologist.”
“Oh, oh.”
From here on out they needed a plan, together.
Luckily things were already moving in the right way, because during the time Will and Nico talked, Leo and you had interacted. Not a conversation, of course not, but an interaction nonetheless.
Because while they held their conversation, you were sitting in the library, not looking forward to having to confront Leo. Alas, you promised Jason and perhaps you would actually become friends with Leo in the end. You had liked hanging out with him last weekend, petting the cats. You just hoped that Leo did not actually think you were weird enough to be a cryptid. You had already figured out your plan- you found a book on cryptozoology in the library and put in some paper with your name and number on it. That would be funny, right?
Anyways, the book was to your side as you worked your way through various papers you had to read for next class. You were so consumed in your work that you had not noticed Leo grabbing his phone, not so subtly pointing it your way, and taking a picture of you. However, Leo had kept the flash on, and you did notice that. Your head shot up and you looked straight at him, staring into his eyes. Unblinking you watched as he stumbled on his words, quickly putting away his phone.
“Sorry!” Leo exclaimed, putting his hands up and he quickly turned. You blinked twice quickly and realized you messed up. Maybe this was slightly cryptic.
Leo on the other hand was panicking. He messed up massively, how could he ever approach you now? You just caught him taking a sneak picture of you like some fucking creep. He cursed himself for messing up this badly. He should just, run away, change his name and never set foot on campus again. Yeah, that seems like a good one. On his way out he fully missed his friend Will being right down the hall. Will didn’t miss Leo bolting though, and he nudged Nico to join you in the library.
“You don’t want (Y/n) to become too suspicious of your absence,” Will shrugged when Nico questioned him, “Besides Leo just bolted out the door, so I do not think you can ruin this study date anymore than Leo just did himself.”
“We’re on the same team now, Will,” Nico deadpanned and Will smiled.
“Doesn’t mean you can’t ruin Leo’s chances, buddy.” Nico flipped Will off, as he turned around to join you in studying.
“You’re late.” You stated as Nico sat down in front of you.
“So?” Nico shrugged, “Mythomagic took a little longer than planned as we got Jason to join.”
“Grace?” You asked, and Nico huffed.
“Clearly, I meant Todd.” He stated
“I fucking wish,” You sighed, “Either way, Fireboy just took a picture of me.”
“Seems like me being late is the least of your issues.” Nico opened one of his textbooks, “Maybe you should just talk to Fireboy, or I don’t know, leave a note written in code and see if he figures it out.”
“I won’t, what do you care anyways?” you sighed again, as you looked at Nico.
“I care about getting a good grade on the next exam, which I will not get with your fireboy-complaining,” Nico glared at you.
“If you played less Mythomagic and Hades you wouldn’t be complaining about my complaining,” You stated and Nico rolled his eyes.
“We’ll see- maybe you’ll run into Leo again soon.” Nico focused on his books, and you figured he didn’t want to continue the conversation. You also figured that Nico finally found out who Fireboy was- but you didn’t know how. Maybe it was an accident, or maybe it was the blonde barista you’d spotted talking to Nico through the windows just now. They would look cute together.
Yet, before you could get on your plan to get Nico and Will together, you had to face the music, which sounded a lot like Leo Valdez. Therefore you decided to put together a little something, and wait for Leo at the place where you first ‘met’.
Which means that the next time Leo saw you was the next day, right outside of the dorms. You were just standing there looking at your phone. The sun had set, and Leo had stayed behind in the library to work on his essays. Leo had wanted to apologize for taking the picture, and maybe he had also thought you would have been there because he knew he had seen you there yesterday. He was disappointed that you weren’t there, but he sat down and kept working on his essays until it was well past dinner time.
However, now you were standing underneath the same tree where he first spotted you, and before Leo’s brain could put anything in, his legs had carried him towards you.
“Look, I want to apol-,” Leo started but you quickly cut him of with an abrupt hand movement.
“Wait!” You took three steps back, “Here!” you finished your sentence, and you ran towards your dorm. You quickly grabbed the cryptozoology book from your bag and ran back. Luckily, Leo was still standing there, looking bewildered.
“Uh-,” You alerted Leo of your presence, as you held out the cryptozoology book to him, “Jason said you uuh- were into cryptids and-” You felt your impromptu courage deflate as you started to stumble over your words, “so I found, uh, this book- it’s from the library but you should- look inside!” you finished your sentence, looking uncomfortably at Leo. He hesitantly grabbed the book and was about to put it away when you grabbed the book and made him open it.
Leo looked down at the loose page of white A4 paper, which contained a shitty drawing of what could resemble moth man. Underneath was written ‘CAMPUS CRYPTID a.k.a. (Y/n) (L/n)’ and a phone number.
“This is-” Leo felt a smile on his face, “You?” he laughed. You smiled awkwardly in return.
“Jason told me that you called me the campus cryptid and you know,” you vaguely gestured towards the book, “I thought this would be smooth enough for a cryptid.”
“It’s awesome, I love it,” Leo had almost said ‘you’ but that would be too soon, “Would you maybe get some cryptic coffee with me?” He asked, nervously looking you in the eyes.
“Only if there are cats,” you smiled at him. Leo laughed
“You sure like your fellow cryptids,”
“Pft, whatever, cryptozoologist.”A few weeks later, Nico invited you for a double date. You found the date alright- but Nico was nowhere near, nor was his apparent date.
You wondered why Nico had stood you up. He was normally really punctual, but somehow he was not in front of the café, and after a bit he messaged you, asking you to just go in and sit somewhere. It was as if you were out of luck- every table was taken, and there were not a lot of free chairs. You figured you could get a coffee to go if nothing else, so you made your order with the blonde barista, who was smiling brightly. He pointed you to the only empty chair in the cafe, where your boyfriend sat. You were a little hurt that Nico hadn’t introduced you to Will yet, but if anything you appreciated that they were still trying to get you and Leo together. You both swore Jason to secrecy and he just shrugged as he kept working on his Mythomagic deck.
“Will recommended I visit the cafe today, and get an employee discount on the drink.”
“Nico stood me up on a ‘double date’.” You smiled, as you tried to spot the blonde in the cafe, “Did Will just leave?”
“He didn’t actually have a shift today,” Leo laughed, “I checked with his coworkers, it’s wild what they do to get us together.”
“When do you think they’ll figure out we’re already dating?” You asked, as you purposefully kept your awkward distance from Leo.
“At the marriage ceremony, most likely.” Leo laughed.
“Ours or theirs?” You asked, as you joined his laughter.
“Whichever is first…”
From across the street, Nico and Will shared a fist-bump as they noticed the awkward banter between the two of you. “Well, job well done,” Will sighed, “I guess it’s time for our date!”
“Our what,” Nico blabbered, as Will simply smiled and grabbed his hand.
