Burned out (A leico fanfic)

Chapter Seven

Nico’s POV

    Nico entered the stables, and the first thing he noticed was the stench. It smells like death in here. How can Hazel stand it? Nico thought, covering his nose. He saw Hazel brushing Arion in the back. Nico spent no time beating around the bush

    “Hazel, what do you have against Leo?” Nico asked, and Hazel stopped brushing Aroin abruptly.

    “Leo likes you.” Hazel said, and Nico’s eyes widened in shock. She knows! No, I can’t lose another sister. Nico thought, his fists clenched.

    “Call me old fashioned if you want, but I think two people who are the same gender should not be together. Leo seems nice enough, but I can’t let him turn my brother into a little faggot.” Hazel ranted, her eyes brimming with hate. That’s right Hazel came from the past too. Nico thought, tears threatening to spill onto his cheeks.

    “You can’t be with Leo unless I am present, understood.” Hazel said, staring into Nico’s eyes. Not Leo! Nico thought, thinking of pillow fights and video games.  Nico looked down, his fists clenched.

    “You can’t forbid me from seeing him! He is the only reason I’m still here, and not back in the underworld! I understand how you feel, but I can’t deny the feelings I have for him!” Nico yelled, realizing the words were true as he said them. A sharp sound resonated through the stalls, as Hazel slapped Nico across the face. Hazel, Why? I thought we were family. Nico thought, his hand on his cheek.

    “Maybe the underworld is where you belong.” Hazel said, before walking out of the stables. Nico fell to his knees, and cried. Why do I always lose the people I love?  Nico thought as his body trembled in silent sobs.

Leo’s POV

    Leo burst into the stables to see Nico on the floor sobbing. I can’t believe he has feelings for me.  Leo thought, as he made his way to where Nico was kneeling.

    “Are you ok?” Leo asked, and Nico only glared at him in response.

    “Guess that was a pretty stupid question.” Leo said, scratching his head. Nico sat there silently, in response. Leo had heard Nico’s outburst, since Nico was so loud. Leo had not heard what had happened afterwards though, but seeing Nico’s reaction let him know that something horrible had happened. Leo sat down next to him. I’ll be the shoulder he can cry on. It works in all the romance movies. Leo thought, as he grabbed Nico’s head, and placed it on his shoulder.

    “Ow, What the Hades.” Nico mumbled, sitting up and rubbing his face. Shit! I must have grabbed him too roughly. Leo thought.

    “I’m so sorry. I just thought that I could be the shoulder you could cry on, like in those romance movies. Not that I watch them or anything.” Leo said, clearly flustered. Nico let out a small chuckle at Leo’s awkwardness. At least I made him laugh.I should probably ask him what happened. Leo thought, and took a deep breath in preparation. It smells like shit in here. Leo thought, his eyes watering.

    “What are you doing? It’s a stable, what did you expect it to smell like?” Nico snapped. Leo just smiled, and fidgeted with his hands. Looks like I struck out again. I never was any good at baseball. Leo thought, twisting pieces of metal in his hands. Leo reached into his pocket, and pulled out a metal rose. Leo had been working on it over the last week. He handed the rose to Nico.

    “Since you were sick, I made you this. Since you know, people normally give flowers to people who are sick.” Leo said, looking away. It feels like my face is on fire. Leo thought, but realized he was blushing.  Leo looked over to see Nico gazing intently at the flower. His slender fingers were tracing the petals, and his cheeks were a crimson color. He’s so adorable. Leo thought, as he stared at him.

    “Leo, thank you. The craftsmanship is amazing. How long did it take you to make this?” Nico said, his eyes never leaving the flower.

    “I started after Hazel took away my visitation. I didn’t know how long you would be out. Since I couldn’t be there in person anymore, I wanted you to know that I’m always with you.” Leo said, gazing at Nico. Nico wrapped his arms around Leo, and buried his face into Leo’s chest.

    “Promise me you will never leave me.” Nico said. Leo looked down at Nico, his eyes wide.

    “I promise.” Leo whispered, holding onto Nico with all his strength.