Asphodels (Valdangelo)

Twice-met (part 2)

The interactions between Nico and Leo are different because the context is different, but I am trying to keep them as close to their character as possible while respecting said context; some things are inevitably going to feel off, because canonically these two interact like thrice.

Tomato soup is a whole thing, and I wish I could have some right now.

The very first thing he notices about Leo Valdez is that the guy is dying, and when his thoughts skid and he goes back to make sense of that, he notices the guy is cursed; he isn't the only cursed person on the ship, but his just stands out more to Nico. The second thing he notices is that he seems set on making Hazel laugh, which means that she probably knows about the curse, and that they two are close enough for this to be the result of that.

As time passes he learns a little more, Leo sometimes comes alone, because Hazel gets sea sick and sometimes has to lay down because of it; this is something Leo tells him the first time he comes on his own. He learns that Leo likes to tap his fingers in a very particular pattern in between tasks, as he tries to help Nico get back on his feet, while verbalizing everything; Nico figures the talking is a nervous thing, though Leo doesn't seem particularly afraid of him, just weary because he has no reason to actually trust Nico, the tapping though, seems more of a mindless action.

He still thinks that even after he learns it's Morse, in one of the few times Hazel visits alone, which is how he finds out Hazel knew Leo's great grandfather, and about the trip through memory lane the two did together. It' obvious it's brought them close, and he's glad Hazel has the sort of friend who'd risk getting attacked by a fellow demi in order to let her rest; and the fact that Leo was cautious just helps Nico's impression of him.

Nico's become very good at differentiating soups, which is a weird, weird sentence to think through; the thing is, they've realized pretty early on that he couldn't hold solid food down at all, the soups were just slightly easier, but he still couldn't take all that much. He was getting better though, slowly, all while having to fight and take people places, and help the seven here and there.

He east best when it's been made from scratch, he finds, as the ship does have the necessary equipment to summon food in a similar fashion to how camp Half Blood did; particularly this one tomato soup that was just a tinge spicy.

He's actually going to the kitchen to see if there's any left, which is clear sign of progress, when he hears violent coughing from inside; he gets in quickly only to find Leo on the floor, fists clenched and dripping blood, whole body shaking. For the first time, Leo looks at him with actual fear, as though he expects to be attacked over this; but he clearly needs help, and Nico owes him a lot.

He approaches carefully, as one would a wounded animal, and slowly kneels in front of him, pulling at one of the fists; that seems to break Leo out of his stupor, turning his face away.

"It's not hurt; I just spit some blood on it"

Nico arches an eyebrow, unconvinced, Leo remains stubbornly looking away.

"Please"

He watches the other bite his lip, but the fist opens to reveal petals covered in blood, Leo still refuses to look at him.

"It's part of this stupid curse I have on me"

He offers the other hand too, also covered in blood and petals.

"Why flowers?"

Leo turns to him then, quickly, a little like he's surprised at the question, and huffs a breath when he sees his hands.

"I don't actually know the answer to that"

Nico nods pensively, and then asks his next question.

"So why is it stupid?"

Leo lets out a breathy chuckle, and he gives Nico this resigned look as he finally sits down on the floor; Nico follows him, noticing that his knees hurt slightly.

He explains how the curse works first, telling Nico how it started with an unclear memory of a person, and worsened the more he thought about them; then he explains how he realized it was to do with unreciprocated affection.

"That's the stupid part, by the way, the fact that I'm this gone for someone I don't actually know"

And Nico, who still burns every time he sees them being happy together, thinks of how similar he is to Leo right then; how he could've easily become the victim of the same curse that's killing the son of Hephaestus.

Then, Leo bites his lip, and looks away once more, the tips of his ears turning pink; and Nico thinks he sees some smoke trailing from his hair.

"He definitely doesn't know me"

Nico makes a decision, right then, heart beating widely in his ribcage: he's gonna help Leo Valdez survive this quest; and, when it's over, he'll help him get rid of this stupid curse.