One Too Many Heartbreaks

XXVI. The Holidays (Leo's POV)

OCTOBER

Leo tiptoed up behind Nico as quietly as possible, waiting for the perfect moment.

"Boo!" Leo shouted, grabbing Nico's shoulders from behind. He dissipated into shadow, sending chills up Leo's arm.

Leo turned in circles, looking for his crus- his friend. Then a small weight fell on him and he jumped.

"Happy Halloween!" Nico said, grabbing Leo's wrists and pulling him into the darkness.

When they reformed, Nico was still holding Leo's wrists. He let go with his left hand and slid his right into Leo's.

Leo looked around. They were on a tall, steep hill, and a city stretched out below them.

Nico pulled Leo down and they rested their backs against the first giant O in the Hollywood sign.

"This is a great place to look at the stars," Nico said, gesturing around with his free arm.

Leo looked at the boy incredulously. "Did you just make a pun?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Nico's lips but all he said was, "There's a nice view of the blood moon too."

Leo chuckled. "So, what's your costume?"

Nico thought for a moment, then disappeared. Leo's hand felt cold, something he wasn't used to. Nico appeared again and immediately slid his hand back into Leo's. Leo smiled.

Nico reached over hesitantly and put his hand in Leo's tool belt. When he drew his arm out Leo was sure he was about fifty times more red in the face than usual. Why? He asked himself. It's not weird. It's just my tool belt. The thoughts didn't make his face any cooler.

Nico pulled out a white bandage. Leo watched as he wrapped it around his head again and again, covering one ear.

He turned to Leo when he was done with the cheesiest smile. "I'm Van Gogh!"

Leo laughed and squeezed his boyf- his friend's hand. "If your costume was right here, where'd you just go?"

Nico pulled a small red ball out of his pocket. "To get your costume," he said, placing it on Leo's nose. "You're going as yourself this year."

Leo shoved his shoulder and Nico laughed. The boys sat for a while, gazing up into the sky. Even though Nico's hand was naturally cold, Leo's kept it warm. The night was freezing, but the joy of not being alone kept them both from shivering.

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NOVEMBER

(1)"Despertar, príncipe," Leo said, shaking Nico's shoulder.

(2)"No, il sonno." Nico whined, trying to pull Leo to the floor with him.

Leo smiled. "No, príncipe, it's November first! Know what that means?"

"That Halloween was yesterday and I'm tired?" Nico grumped.

"No," Leo said softly. "Today's not quite as fun."