wrath - percy jackson

22

"Chief." Leonardo called as he approached his leader. Perseus turned his head as his door was opened, he smiled warmly.

"Hey, Leon. What're you doing here at this time?" He said softly as he patted the spot next to him. Leon hesitantly sat next to his leader, unsure if it was his place to sit next to him. "Don't look so stiff, you know we're friends otherwise I wouldn't have let you into my room." Perseus said jokingly which made Leon visibly relax.

They were both in their pyjamas since it was well past midnight and the Wrath Sin was about to hit the hay but Leon had chosen to pass by. "Uh," He hummed nervously as he fiddled with his thumbs. He wasn't sure where to start. "You're the only person I can come to Chief. I-I think I-"

Leon paused as his eyes glazed over, glassy with unspilt tears. His eyes spoke for him, showing Perseus all he needed to know. This was painful for him to speak about. He hugged the boy comfortingly, keeping him in a warm embrace. "Hey, hey. Take your time, you're safe here. I won't judge you for anything, you can tell me whatever you want, whenever you're ready." He said reassuringly as he stared into the boy's stormy, grey eyes that trembled with conflict. 

The son of Athena gulped audibly, steeling his nerves. There was no going back now. "I-I.." He trailed off taking a deep breath to compose himself. It worked, for a moment before the dam broke. "I think I'm gay." He choked out as hot tears streamed down his cheeks as he sobbed into Perseus' chest. The older soothed him lovingly, cooing comforting nothings into the younger's ear. The son of Athena's body wracked with uncontrollable sobs and tears as he let out a gut-wrenching muffled scream that tore right through Percy's heart.

"Hey, hey. It's okay. There's nothing wrong with being gay." Percy comforted, and he could feel a quarter of the gears in his head come to a stop. He drew small circles on the boy's back to calm him down, swaying their bodies softly as he hummed a soft lullaby - the same one his mother used when he was a child and when he came out to her.

Leon drew back as he looked into Percy's calm, ocean-like eyes. He smiled at the younger and kept swaying their bodies side to side, not too fierce so it didn't feel weird but enough so it felt like a comforting cradle. 

"M-My da-dad," He sniffled as more tears streamed down his face, years and years of denial and oppression finally being let out. "He used to be-beat me every time I mentioned anything about being gay a-and I was so afraid he would leave me if I even," Leon paused as he choked back a sob. "If I even considered being gay. I didn't have a Mom that was there for me, I didn't want to lose my da-dad too."

Percy soothed him, continuing to draw small circles on his back. "He's not here now, so there's nothing to be afraid of, okay? There's nothing wrong with being gay, you can't help who you love. It's completely natural." He took a deep breath. "When my ex-step-dad overheard me talking to my Mom about boys, he marched in and slammed me into the wall. He beat me until sunrise, in front of my Mom who he tied to a chair. He called me many things, many horrid things but eventually I got over it. You know how? I learned that it was okay, it was okay to love whoever you wanted. Love is love and it shouldn't be restricted, or looked down upon."

"Really?" Leon whispered. He couldn't believe Percy had gone through all of that, and he was till the strong leader he was today. Leon wasn't alone, he wasn't the only one who had gone through such oppression. There was someone out there who understood him and he couldn't help the tears that escaped his eyes. Percy smiled at him, tucking Leon's bangs behind his ear. 

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Leon. Love is love and you have every right to be who you are. Don't deny a piece of yourself because someone else doesn't like it. You don't have to worry about losing your family anymore, Leon, because we are your family now. We will never leave you, not even for the world. So if you ever need any advice," Percy winked at him and Leon couldn't help but laugh. "Don't be afraid to talk to me, okay? I'm always here for you just like I am now. Always have, always will."

The son of Athena tackled him onto the bed and Percy chuckled heartily. After a few moments staying like that, Leon drew away. "You're not straight, are you? You mentioned boys before."

The son of Sally raised his eyebrow, amused. "I'm bisexual, actually. Love me a bit of both sides." They both laughed as it echoed across the room.

Leon wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "I see the way you look at Luke, chief. Saw how you helped him yesterday, saw that look you sent him. Don't think you can fool me."

The son of Poseidon rolled his eyes playfully but didn't deny it. "It's getting late, do you want to stay here or do you want to go back to your room?" Leon was like a little brother to Percy, and he knew if he left him on his own tonight he'd start doubting himself despite what the ravenette had told him. Sally had slept with him the day he came out to her for the same, exact reason.

Leon nodded shyly. "If it's not too much of a bother." Percy grinned as he tucked the son of Athena into the covers, snuggling him affectionately. It warmed his heart that Leon went to him tonight, he trusted him with his secret and he was grateful. He was also thankful that he had successfully calmed him down and reassured the young boy, it put him at peace that Leon didn't feel bad about himself anymore. He was free.

"Goodnight, little brother."

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