You have no idea how long this took me. Not because it was hard, so to speak, but because I had nO TIME TO DRAW IT---
BUT. It's done. Congrats to the one person who guessed Leo could use portals to fly -- that was like. A huge plot point I wanted to delve into.
It's not satisfying to him, so to speak. As he says, it's not ACTUALLY flying. There’s not a lot of control here, he can’t maneuver or turn without needing another portal boost. Plus, he doesn't exactly LIKE the feeling of falling, knowing that should he screw up, should he not catch himself, or should his portals fail him like they do oh so often, he doesn't have any natural way to save himself... A fear that was only truly realized after Draxum tossed him off a roof.
However, the method helps ease his desire a bit. It's something he'll do for hours at night, when he can't sleep, until he's exhausted his mystics or the feeling of freefalling just gets to be a little too much for him. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
Were-wolf Jason trying to flirt/bond like a wolf would towards dragon Leo.
Bumping his body against Leo's, making soft whining noises, nuzzling him, rolling on his back why laying down, etc
Meanwhile, Leo would flirt more dragon like. Bringing Jason trinkets and gifts,bumping heads together,displaying his wings(which only show up in his smol dragon form,form which Jason finds adorable),etc
Both nuzzling and cuddling close together in Leo's nest/bed. When both are turned during the full moon, you can easily find them curled up in their other forms fast asleep. Jason curled around tiny Lil dragon Leo. He growls at anyone who gets too close hdhd
Based on AUideas Advent Calendar December 1st prompt: Steam vs. Smoke AU
Words: 920
Will had seen a lot of strange things. In fact it was impossible not to since he worked at the only coffee shop in the entire market place. Apparently people who wield magic need an uncommonly large amount of caffeine to function, but as a result there could be a few odd reactions. People sporadically turning into animals, or turning a deep shade of lavender. One time someone even grew two extra arms. None of this however, had prepared him for what he was about to see.
It had seemed like a normal day, but when Will looked up from where he was wiping the counter clean to see a lone figure covered head to toe in black. Shadows seemed to drip from the edge of his cloak, spreading across the floor like a thin fog. He clearly had a strong presence since the lively chatter of the tiny cafe dimmed to hushed whispers and pointed fingers. As the man came closer Will noticed why; barely visible for the chin length dark curls were the tips of his ears. They were pointed. This man was an elf.
Elves, although they could often pass for human, had a higher level of magical power within their bodies. They also kept mostly to their own kind, living in cities in the middle of nowhere. Will himself had only seen an elf twice in his life, this being the third time. Nevertheless when the elf stepped up to the counter, Will put on a smile and asked him what he get for him.
The elf looked up from beneath his shaggy bangs to reveal eyes that looked like liquid chocolate. Will’s heart pounded in his chest as the elf mumbled something out in a soft voice and handed over the money. In return Will gave him his change and began to make the elf’s drink.
A hushed phrase brought Will to glance over his shoulder, where the elf had his chin tucked in and it seemed almost as if he was talking to himself.
“Yes, I know you don’t like hazelnut, but the drink is for me not you,” the elf whispered, “No I will not get a drink just for you.”
The second time however, Will noticed the slight snort in response and a bit of smoke rising from under the lapel of his coat. If he looked closer, Will could just see the of a snout and what seemed to be the tip of a wing. No, Will thought, It couldn’t be.
Dragon tamers were amongst the rarest of all magic users, because it wasn’t something you could just acquire. You had to be born with it. Not to mention, dragons tended to be a bit unpredictable, bursting into flames at random times and crushing buildings beneath their feet. Well this one probably couldn’t do the latter since he could probably fit in a teacup, but as Will began to bring the elf’s drink back to the counter, there was a tiny sneeze and a whoosh as the dragon erupted into a fireball beneath the elf’s lapel.
“Calm down Leo,” the elf said.
The flames themselves didn’t seem to bother the elf, who just carefully patted his lapel and putting the fire out. Will though, had just frozen in place, half holding the drink out, half watching in amazement. The dragon gave another little snort, but this time the elf seemed startled, the tips of his pointy ears turning a flushed red and he pulled the little dragon out from under his lapel for the first time.
The dragon itself was a shiny bronze color, with his feet being as black as night, almost like little boots. It stared at the elf as if it had said something obvious, but the elf just looked scandalized.
“Leo!” he scolded, “You can’t just say something like!”
The dragon rumbled a response.
“I don’t care if he can’t understand you, you still can’t say it!”
Will looked at the duo, thoroughly puzzled as the blush on the elf grew to take up his face as well. For a being that looked so serious and dark when he first walked in, Will had to admit that he looked pretty freaking adorable at the moment.
The dragon didn’t seem to care what the elf said, nipping at one of the fingers in the hand that held him. The elf growled a bit in response, forcing himself not to drop the dragon on the counter as blood welled up on his finger. They seemed to be glaring at each other, and from the looks of it the dragon won, because the elf gave a little huff and rolled his eyes.
“Fine, I’ll ask, but I do hope you know that I’m not giving you any tacos this week,” the elf told the dragon as if it were the worst thing in the world.
The dragon seemed to deflate a bit in response but simply crawled up the elf’s arm until he reached his spot under the jacket’s lapel. The elf twisted his hands together, looking more than a little uncomfortable. By this point his face was brighter than the flames of his dragon. He looked up at Will from beneath his long eyelashes, teeth tugging at his bottom lip as he shifted from foot to foot.
“Ummm,” the elf said, glancing down at the counter then back up to Will, “I was wondering when you get off.”
The mug dropped from Will’s hand, glass shattering across the ground.
Jason Grace always been a lonely prince. Raised to be nothing but a symbol and a pawn to his kingdom and family.
So of course he's a tad protective over the first person outside his cousins and sister to treat him like a person. Doesn't mean anything else...right?
Ao3 Link:
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Jason should've known better to keep his mouth shut.
His father and stepmother reminded him of that constantly growing up. Keep his mouth shut, behave like a rightful prince.
But it was very hard to do that when he was feeling like this.
“Do they have to be so touchy?” Jason grumbled as he watched one of the visiting nobles interacting with Leo,his personal royal servant. Though Jason always considered him one of his closest friends.
“I think they'd be rather caught dead than actually respect boundaries of anyone not a noble human or sorcerer.” Percy,Jason's cousin,snorted.
“You don't just touch someone's wings without permission.”
“I know man. You could tell them off.” Percy pointed out.
“I'd probably get in trouble.” Jason grumbled.
“I mean,I could do it but I'd probably be far less professional than you-”
“Point taken.” Jason said quickly. Knowing Percy didn't have as much care about appearances as Jason was forced to have. If a noble complained,Poseidon would probably just laugh and clap his son on the back. Zeus on the other hand? Not so much. Hera's influence and Lupa's work to actually raise him was the only reason he actually made it past two. Sometimes he wondered if Zeus was just waiting for a good excuse to be rid of him.
Jason took a steady breath before stepping forward,slipping over beside Leo and the noble.
“Ah! Your highness! Intriguing thing,your servant.” The noble said, still pulling at Leo's wings. The were- dragon was very obviously trying hard not to snap at the noble.
“I'd rather you not be so handsy with our staff, sir.” Jason said, keeping a professional tone.
“Ah. Apologizes your highness, but a type like him is so rare to see. He's quite cute too.”
Jason bit back a growl, if his own wings weren't hidden they would've been fluffed up.
“Still. We rather our staff not be handled in such a way.” He tried to stay professional,he hated dealing with nobles.
“Of course your highness.” The noble pulled away, much to Jason's relief. “Where did your family get such a beauty for a servant?”
Leo growled, his own tail lashing back and forth.
Jason managed to keep his composure.
“I believe that would be more of a question for Her Majesty, the Queen.” He said. “Now, if you don't mind, our attention is needed somewhere else.”
He didn't wait for the noble to respond,instead he grabbed Leo's wrist and pulled him away. Heading out into the garden until they were on their own. He let out a sigh of relief.
“I'm so sorry about that. Are you okay?” Jason turned to Leo, frowning.
Leo managed his usual grin that always sent butterflies in Jason's stomach.
“Me? Yeah! Yeah it's fine. Should be use to it at this point right?”
“That's not something you should be use to. He didn't hurt your wings did he?” Jason asked worriedly.
“They're fine. Don't worry. Thanks for the save back there though.” Leo chuckled softly. He made a point to dramatically lean against Jason, arm over his face. “Oh my hero!”
“Okay, okay.” Jason laughed, ignoring the way his stomach flipped and face flushed when Leo leaned on him. “No need for all that. I should've been more aware. They always get like this at parties.”
“Yeah. But it's whatever.” Leo shrugged, pulling away. “Just like that with humans and such. You know?”
Jason bit his cheek. He sadly did know. That's how his father ran his kingdom. Humans and sorcerers always had the higher respect, others were lucky to be allowed about. It was the one thing Zeus kept from when his father ruled before him.
Another reason Jason was pretty sure Zeus was waiting for a reason to be rid of him. Unlike his sister and most of his cousins, Jason was born Fae. Storm Fae to be exact. Or at least more obviously so, though his father forced him to hide his wings and tail to expel rumors.
A big reason he was so insistent on Leo being treated better. Jason was so use to not being, at least when it came to his father and stepmother.
“You think they get mad if we left the party early?” Leo asked, glancing over Jason's shoulder back towards the party.
“Uh- I don't know-”
“We could say you weren't feeling well.” Leo grinned. “Wouldn't want his highness feeling sick around so many people, right?”
“I. I guess not?” Jason wasn't so great with lying, but Leo seemed great at getting them out of situations Like this. He was pretty thankful.
Jason headed back inside with Leo, the were- dragon stayed close to him as they walked through the crowds. Jason muttered soft ‘excuse me’s as they squeezed by others.
Jason caught the staring of two of the nobles, one the same from earlier. Jason suddenly felt an urge to stay closer to Leo, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Leo looked up at him, giving him that same stupid grin that made his heart flutter.
“You good, man?”
“Huh? Oh. Yeah. Just…people are staring.” Jason mumbled.
Leo looked around before spotting the two nobles. He seemed uncomfortable for a moment before forcing a grin again.
“What, you jealous?” Leo teased.
Jason didn't answer.
“Let's just get to the room. Before they try to mess with you again.”
Leo raised a brow, looking Jason over for a moment before smirking.
“As you wish your highness.” He laughed.
Jason couldn't read Leo sometimes. He decided not to question what was going through his head this time.
As soon as they got back to Jason's quarters, Leo sighed dramatically and flopped onto Jason's bed. Having no problem laying out on the prince's bed like he owned it.
Jason didn't mind, he never did. He'd probably sleep on the floor if Leo asked.
Not that he would. Leo was always much too kind to him despite the situation Jason's stepmother forced him in.
“Public gatherings suck.” Leo announced. “I don't think anyone there enjoys each other's company.”
Jason laughed, sitting on the bed beside him.
“It's mostly business.” Jason said, looking down at Leo. He was trying so hard to ignore the flutter in his chest he got when the were- dragon looked up at him.
“Have to keep face and make deals and what not.”
“Boring!” Leo stretched out his limbs and wings. “None of them seem all that interested in it either.” He chuckled.
Jason frowned. “Yeah…sorry again about them getting touchy with you.” He said.
Leo scoffed. “It's fine. Use to it.” He shrugged before grinning at Jason, shifting around so he was leaning on Jason's shoulder.
“At least I had my big strong prince to defend me!” Leo joked, laughing that warm laugh that sent butterflies through Jason's stomach. He prayed he wasn't sparking.
“You don't get much choice being here. I want you to be as comfortable as possible.” Jason said.
Leo chucked, moving to lay his chin on Jason's shoulder. Those ember brown eyes sent a warm feeling in Jason's chest.
“You already let me have a spot in your room and don't force me to bind my wings. Dude, you don't have to push to make sure no one messes with me as well. You're a prince!” Leo motioned.
“You deserve better than that.” Jason said. Really? He'd give Leo the world if he could, it felt like even that wasn't enough in return to just how much Leo has done for him.
“It's that way you looked like you were gonna bite that noble's hand off earlier?” Leo teased.
Jason blushed. “I- I didn't look that angry did I?”
“Oh you looked furious. I thought you were gonna snip at him, really.”
Jason went redder.
“Oh.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I just…didn't like how he was treating you. You don't grab someone's wings like that.”
Leo smiled a bit, scanning Jason's face as if looking for something. Jason felt his cheeks flush at the attention.
“Really? You sure you weren't jealous?” Leo joked.
Jason blushed more, “Why do you keep saying that?”
“Nothing particularly. Just the look you had I guess.” Leo said. “If it's anything, if anyone is allowed to touch my wings like that, it's you.”
Jason blinked, “What- really? Why?”
“Cause I trust you man!” Leo playfully nudged him. “And you trusted me enough to show me your wings. I don't see why not.”
“Yeah- but touching and showing are two different things.” Jason said.
Wings are delicate parts to any being that has them. They're symbols of their owner’s freedom in a way. The reason Jason made the decision to openly put his foot down about binding Leo's wings when he first received him as a servant, and the same reason that Jason being forced to not only hide his wings but as well as clip his feathers hurt. To let someone hold and grab your wings in any way was entrusting then not to take away your freedom to the skies. A freedom Jason never got to enjoy. He never got a say of who did what to his wings. He didn't want Leo to go through that too.
“Still. I trust you,J-Man.” Leo said. “Plus, maybe one day I can convince you to give me a wing massage.”
Jason laughed, the warm feeling rising in his chest. He was glad Leo didn't act professional around Jason. The prince was tired of either getting tugged about or walked eggshells around, Leo treated him like a person. Jason made it clear that their relationship was a mutual one and Leo met that in full. Even when Jason himself forgot, grasping to try make up for Leo being in the situation he was in that was beyond either of their control, Leo managed to get him to lay down and relax. To not worry himself over everything just to make Leo happy and comfortable.
Yet. Each time it just made Jason fall for him more.
Jason didn't think he deserved the kindness and care Leo gave him. He never truly received it from many others before. What did he do to earn it now?
“Speaking of wings-” Leo said,sitting up. “You can stretch yours out, you know? No one's here that's gonna fuss at ya.” He nudged him playfully.
Jason blushed brightly. “Oh. Right.”
He took his coat off, hanging it up before taking a breath and taking off his dress shirt, leaving him in an off white undershirt.
The sigil on his back glowed for a moment before his wings popped out of the holes on the back of his shirt. He winced, keeping his wings hidden like this wasn't as easy as his wings disappearing and reappearing. It was like putting his wings into a small box, he very much still felt them and it wasn't rare to get cramps.
But it kept others from seeing them, that's all really matter to his family it seemed.
“Hate they make you do that.” Leo grumbled. “You always look in pain.”
‘Probably because I am.’Jason wanted to say, but he didn't want to worry or freak Leo out.
“It's fine.” He said instead, forcing a smile. “At least I get to stretch them and my tail out at night.”
Leo frowned. “That's like, the bare minimum, dude.”
Jason shrugged, before grabbing some sleepwear from his drawers. “I guess. Better than nothing though. Anyway, I'm gonna change. Be right back.”
“You know I'm not going nowhere, man.” Leo chuckled.
Jason chuckled softly as well before heading into his washroom to change.
It felt good to be out of the stuffy dress clothes. Getting into something more comfortable.
He returned back out to his room, smiling seeing Leo hanging off the side of Jason's bed.
“What are you doing?” Jason asked, chuckling a bit.
Leo shrugged. “I don't know. It's fun.” He said before patting a spot next to him. “Join me.”
“I'm gonna get lightheaded doing that.”
“Oh come on. It's fun!” Leo grinned.
Jason sighed, unable to fight back the smile on his face. “Alright,alright.”
He got onto the bed beside Leo, stretching out his wings a bit before leaning off the side of the bed.
“Oh.”
“Right?” Leo grinned. Jason couldn't help but relax,Leo always made him feel comfortable to just..be. It was nice.
Leo had to rambling about something Jason really didn't understand, but he listened intently to everything Leo said. Just watching how his eyes lit up when he talked. The way he seemed so enthusiastic about what he talked about.
They stayed like that for hours. Before Jason found himself drifting off,falling into a comfortable sleep.
_____
@keefessketchbook (I believe they asked to be tagged for a Valgrace fic ^^ apologizes if I've miss tagged hdgd)
Jason is the crown prince to Olympus and son of one,and the highest,of the many great Lords of the lands of Hellas
Leo is the son of another great Lord, a dragon who has hidden himself away from most of Olympus.
What happens when feelings start to form?
Confusion and emotional crisis of course!
Aka. My excuse to explore customs and courting in my own au fdgdf
Also aka. Jason's autism rizz gets a whole dragon guy falling in love with him
Ao3 Link:
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Jason was a mess.
He been laying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. His thoughts seemed to be rushing around his head.
He been laying there for hours at this point,partly hiding from his father and stepmother,partly having a crisis.
“You're kidding, right?” Nico,Jason's younger cousin, was leaning against the door with his arms crossed. “A dragon? Seriously?”
“I know!” Jason groaned,covering his face with his wings.
“Wow.” Percy,Jason's older cousin, whistled. “How did no one notice you sneaking out for, what, 3 months?”
Jason sighed, “I didn't have any lessons or important events…” He said. “So,I don't think anyone really cared to notice.”
“You say that like people just not keeping tract of the literal crown prince just cause they don't need him is the most normal thing in the world.” Percy grumbled.
“It's…not?”
“...Jason, buddy-”
“Not getting into your obvious situation of neglect- Jason,again,a dragon? How you even meet him? Was that the one they wanted you to take care of?” Nico asked,raising a brow.
“Well no- their his son..?” Jason laughed nervously.
“His- Your telling me you were sent on a mission to push out a dragon from an nearby cave, but instead you befriended and now have fallen in love with his son?”
“I…Maybe?”
“Damn.” Percy said, “Talk about a wild way to enter teen rebellion.”
Nico groaned, “I'm no longer letting you guys make fun of me for Will.”
“Your crush turned out to be a fae prince,Neeks.”
“Not important right now.” Nico said quickly before looking back at Jason. “What are you gonna do about this now?”
“Ignore it and hopes it goes away…?” Jason laughed nervously.
“The Nico route of having a crush I see.”
“Jackson I swear,I will throw you out that window.”
Jason sighed, burrowing his face in his pillows
“Thanks for the help guys. So encouraging.” He groaned, muffled by his pillow.
“Look, just tell him man.” Percy said. “Can't be that hard.”
Jason sat up, “I'm still not even sure if it's a crush! What if it's not? I might just be getting closer to him and just- I don't know.” Jason sighed. “I've never really had a friend like this before, how am I supposed to know what feelings are platonic or not?”
Percy and Nico looked at each other before back at Jason.
“You're seriously not sure?”
“Seriously! I don't- I've never- I don't know. It's confusing!” Jason sighed, flopping back and curling up in his wings. “I don't want to ruin our friendship. He's just- he's so nice and funny. He doesn't look at me like I'm something else. It doesn't feel like he's pretending to enjoy my company. I feel like I can be myself around him.”Jason said softly, he felt like his mind was flying fifty miles a minute.
“Yeah. That sounds like a crush dude.”
“Does it..?” Jason frowned. He wasn't sure, he never was good knowing exactly what having a crush was supposed to be like. Even though he heard it time and time again from his cousins,it never sounded too far off from platonic feelings to him. Really, the idea of dating always just sounded like a premium version of being close friends. He never quite knew the difference.
Which made what he was going through right now even more confusing. He really didn't know what he was feeling, and it scared him.
“I mean, you've been having a freak out all day thinking about him. So yeah, I say so.” Nico snorted.
“Just tell him, man.” Percy said. “Just say how you're feeling. Better than letting it build up, right?”
“But I don't know how I'm feeling!” Jason complained.
“Just try,explain what you do know. Can't end that badly if he's how you describe!” Percy grinned.
“I guess…” Jason sighed. He still wasn't sure. “I'm still not sure.”
Jason really didn't want to ruin what they did have. Leo was so kind to him. He made things so much easier to deal with. Jason was one of the only fae in his family. Something he got from their grandmother. For some reason, his father didn't want others to know. Really, his father cared too much for his image. He liked to still seem in control of his kingdom and situation,so any sentient being other than human or sorcerer was banned from Olympus.
To find someone else not at all human or sorcerer,who he felt like he could talk to without feeling like he was pushing weight off his problems onto, felt great. To be with someone who'd see his wings and tail and not either scorn or pity him for it? It was a relief.
What if having and admitting to a crush changed that?
“Okay, but there's another problem.” Nico said, pulling Jason from his thoughts. “What if you get caught seeing him? Surely they'd get suspicious at some point.”
Jason stiffened up,anxiety hit him like a boulder.
“I-I don't know. I hope they won't..maybe it'll just be them catching me sneaking out and I can make enough of an excuse that won't expose Leo.”
“You’ll still get in trouble dude. And you know we’re not here enough to bail you out.” Percy said.
“I know. They'll probably just have me on quarters arrest or something, maybe clip my feathers. I'll be fine.” Jason said softly. “I'll just make sure that I can't be followed. That's what's important.”
“Your safety is important too, Grace.” Nico said, frowning.
“I know. I'll be fine. I just…yeah, maybe I should at least try to bring this up to him. I'm just not sure how…”
“Do what feels right, you'll know it.” Percy grinned.
The next time Jason went to see Leo, he was a nervous wreck.
Managing to sneak out of the castle grounds, wearing nothing but a simple blouse under shirt and slacks that allowed him to have his tail and wings out. Something that still felt odd to do when not on his own in his room.
He flew off in his small form, able to move without easily being spotted on the sky.
His flying was atrocious, even after three months of doing this regularly, but he managed to get to their usual spot without much issue. Turning back to his common form once he was there, landing messily on his feet.
“Okay.” He breathed, talking to himself. “Alright. Good. You got this.”
Jason had a few days to think about what he really wanted to say to Leo about what's been going through his head.
Despite that, the only thing he really could clearly think about was bringing a gift of some sort. A warm orange-brownish gem he found that reminded Jason of Leo's eyes. He wasn't sure why it called to him to bring it, it felt almost instinctive when he saw it, but he thought he wouldn't hurt.
He perked up when he heard movement in the trees. Looking up at the branches, before seeing a pair of familiar ember brown eyes. He felt a flutter in his chest, like he was still flying.
“And the feathered prince arrives! Sup, sparky!” Leo laughed as he jumped down from the tree he was hiding in, landing right in front of Jason. “Thought you might not been able to come tonight!”
Jason smiled, “I managed. Had to make sure I wasn't caught and all. Oh- and I-uh- got you this?”
Jason nervously handed him the gem,anxiety pricked at him. Scared Leo would find it weird.
Leo looked confused at first, the dragon tilting his head a bit.
“A gift-? Oh, man thanks- but I didn't get you anythi-”
“No. No need.” Jason said. “Just saw it and thought of you I guess.” He blurted out without thinking. “Well, I'm mean-’
Leo's blinked at him, seeming shocked, before chuckling.
“Aww~ You think of me!” Leo said playfully, his smirk was almost enough to make Jason melt.
“Oh- Yeah- I mean- you've been very kind to me, so- thought I get something.” Jason rubbed the back of his neck.
Leo smiled.
“Well thank you very much,Sparks.” He chuckled,pocketing the gem.”Sooo,how's castle life going?”
Jason smiled back, “Nothing new, really.” He shrugged. “Cousins’ been over, that's usually chaotic in itself…what about you?” He said quickly, not wanting to get into his home life too much.
“Eeh,same ole same ole. Dad and Aglaea are away finding scrap for another of dad's projects,so Jake's in charge.” He shrugged. “He can be pretty serious about it, we have to remind him not to push himself all the time.” Leo rolled his eyes.
Jason managed a soft chuckle, he always liked hearing about Leo's family. Leo had such a close bond with his siblings.
They sat and talked like they did every time, Jason mostly listening as he really wasn't use to actually telling others about himself to begin with. Leo seemed genuinely interested in learning about him though, which was new to Jason.
He was used to nobles who liked to up themselves up to him. Leo wasn't that.
“So, like, no offense dude- but how often you preen your wings?” Leo was now hanging off a branch, his tail curled around it to keep him from falling on his head.
“I'm sorry?” Jason frowned.
“Like, you know, clean out molts and such- that's what preening is right? Only a couple of my siblings have feathers.” Leo shrugged as he swung on the branch he hung from.
“I-uh-i don't know. Why?”
Leo stopped, “You don't know?” He frowned.
“I mean- I try to get it when I'm cleaning I guess? It ain't have my wings out during the day, so-”
“Dude, no wonder you always look in pain. You're just asking for cramps!”
Jason blinked, he did have cramps on his wings but he learned to ignore it. It wasn't like he had much of a choice.
“I guess. I just…kinda do what I can to keep them healthy,I don't really know for sure how often I should be doing so.”
“Wait,really?” Leo tilting his head. “No one taught you?”
Jason shook his head, “Not really…my family's mostly sorcerers.”
“Dam.” Leo got down from the branch. “Even dad taught us how to deal with the shedding season.” He shrugged, before plopping down next to Jason.
“Yeah, well, just never really was taught. Even my governess only was allowed to teach me the basics. I think she wanted to teach me more about fae but…well, father forbade it.” Jason sighed. Lupa really was the only one who actively taught him anything he felt was important.
“What a jerk- or uh, no offense- I know he's your father and all, but good lords.” Leo snorted. “I can help with preening at some point, if you want.” He said before suddenly stuttering. “I-Well-I mean if you need the help- just get you getting better at it and such and- uh-”
Jason felt his face flush, he didn't know why the offer made him so flustered.
“I- sure, yeah- that would be nice.” He breathed. “Thank you.”
“Right. Yeah. Cool.” Leo nodded. “Of course.”
— — — — — — —
By the time that reached the end of the night, and Jason was off again, Leo's head was racing.
Well, it was always racing, but even more than usual now.
He slipped back into the cave, flopping down into his part of the nest and groaning.
“Damn. That bad?” Leo's older brother, Jake, said as he sat down beside Leo.
Leo looked up at his brother and pouted.
“I offered to help with preening-”
“You what?”
“-And he said yes.” Leo groaned. “What was I thinking?”
“He said yes??” Jake scoffed. “Oh he definitely likes you.”
Leo sat up, “He might not know allopreening and such is usually seen for family and partners! Poor guy isn't even allowed to stretch his wings out most of the time! Lords,you should see him flying!” Leo sighed. “The offer just slipped out,I didn't even think about it, I definitely didn't think he'd agree to it!”
“Okay. Even without social views of allopreening,I think he'd at least have a personal feeling about it being for people you're comfortable with.” Jake said.
Leo sighed, “I guess- and, lords- he gave me a gem-”
“A gem??” Jake's mouth went agape.
Leo nodded, taking it out of his pocket and showing him. “He said he saw it and thought of me- what am I supposed to do with that??”
Gifting gems and such was often part of dragon flirting customs,surely Jason hadn't known though. Right?
“Oh he has it bad.” Jake said.
“He probably didn't think anything of it-”
“Leo, he picked up a gem because it reminded him of you and accepted an offer to allopreening.” Jake sighed. “He's like one step away from nesting at this point. I can't believe you managed to get a crown prince to fall for you, a storm fae at that, and yet your self esteem is still at rock bottom.” He shook his head. “Just ask him out.”
Leo fell back into the nest, “What if he says no? Then I've made it awkward. I'm still processing I find him hot!”
Leo covered his face with his hands. Jason was definitely out of his league anyway.
Jake rubbed his eyes, “You are more of a demisexual disaster then my own boyfriend,dear lords, is this how Lee and Charles felt?” He grumbled to himself.
“Hey-!”
“He obviously cares about you.” Jake went on, “Even if he really turns out to not like you back, I doubt he'd hate you for it. If anything he's more likely to think you hate him if you start avoiding the topic or thinking about it.”
Leo sighed, flopping his arms out beside him.
“Yeah, yeah guess you're right.”
“Of course I am, I'm your big brother.” Jake chuckled ruffling his hair.
“Come on!” He complained,”not the hair! It's already a mess to fix with nest head!”
Both chuckle, before Jake got up,offering a hand to Leo to help.
“Come on. Let's go hunting for everyone. Past dinner anyway, Harley might start chewing on Christopher if he's not fed soon.”
“Oh Lords, I could hear the fussing already!” Leo laughed, he was thankful for Jake tugging him out and on his feet. Why he wasn't great at hunting, he often did the cooking of everything. It helped him to do something active.
As much as he hated to admit, Jake was probably right. He just needed to yank the dagger out. Even if the thought scared him,at least it would be better than having a crisis everytime Jason Grace even smiled at him.
