Leo Valdez x Reader

A Gift

*A Couple Weeks Later*

It was only a week before Christmas now, and I still had no idea what to get Leo. I wasn't a mechanic or anything cool like that.

Also, Leo had been pretty distant and quiet at meals, almost as if he was afraid that speaking might spill his secret.

I needed some help.

"Nyssa?" I asked. She had just gotten up from breakfast.

"Y/n. Hey," she said.

"Hey. Could we talk for just a second?"

"Uh, sure."

"I know this is really random, but I was wondering what I should get Leo for Christmas. For my birthday, he built me a piano, and I kinda want to do something spectacular back."

"Well, I know he really wants your dad's approval. After our conversation with him on Olympus..."

I sighed. I loved my father, but I could tell that both Leo and Nyssa were hurt by his comments. Leo was worried that my father wouldn't approve, and he would lose me as a girlfriend.

"So what should I get him? My father's approval?"

"I was thinking something more...sentimental."

"Like what?"

"Well, Leo's been making something for you, so maybe I could help you make something for him."

When she told me her idea, and I incorporated mine into it, we had created a pretty cute and sweet gift for Leo.

We went to the forge, where she grabbed some celestial bronze and began molding it into a ring.

After she showed me how to engrave, I grabbed the ring and began etching:

To my favorite Bad Boy Supreme, I love you.

At first, I was scared to admit that I loved him. What if he didn't feel the same way? But I remembered what Leo had told Hephaestus, and confidence soared through me.

The ring didn't turn into a hammer or anything cool, but Leo already had his toolbelt, and Nyssa and I had no idea how to do that.

I gave Nyssa a hug and brought the ring to my cabin.

Will noticed it, and curiously glanced at it.

"You planning on proposing to Leo?" He joked.

"No, you walnut," I joked. "It's a Christmas gift for Leo. I wanted to get him something nice, so Nyssa helped me make this."

"Can I see it?"

It felt weird showing my brother a ring that was telling my sixteen-year-old boyfriend that I loved him, but I figured now was the best time to tell him.

"Wow. He's going to love it."

"I hope so. I'm nervous to make things so serious," I said.

"Hey. I know it seems difficult, but I know Leo feels the same way. I see it when he looks at you."

"You really think so?"

"Yes. Leo and I have had a few bro-to-bro chats."

"Oh," I bursted out laughing. Will followed suit.

After rummaging around for a box, I found a nice one. I wrapped the gift up and placed a bow on top. I was really scared, nervous, and worried. I hoped Will was right about Leo's feelings. I placed it in my chest and went to archery lessons.