The beginning (Mortal AU Valdangelo)

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Nico's POV

I was in the hallway next to Leo's locker, again. I'm very worried about him, it's been 2 months since his mom's death and I haven't seen him since he left the hospital. 2 months, 6 days, 7 hours, and about 48 minutes without seeing my Leo.

I know he still goes to this school, I ask the secretary every day but he never shows up. I called him, no answer, I texted him, no answer, I even visited his foster mom's house, only Teresa answered saying that Leo's busy and to get out of her property. I hate that woman.

"Hey Nico," I heard Hazel say, "Are you waiting for him again?"

I sighed, "You know I am Haze, I know he will come...someday"

Hazel looked at me sadly, "Nico...I-...I think he's not coming back.."

I looked at her dumbfounded, "Really? You too?" She sadly nodded.

"Nico, he's mom died, he went to foster care, he probably changed school." She tried to reason with me, but I wasn't willing to listen. She was the last one besides me that thought Leo was coming back, now is just me..

"I can't believe you're saying this Hazel. You know I ask the secretary every day about Leo, and she always says the same thing. That no, he didn't change school, he's just not coming. But he will, I know it"

Hazel just looked at me sadly and left. I know Leo is coming back, he just needs time to accept his mother is gone, I understand him.

The bell rang, signaling it was time for class, I sadly looked at Leo's locker, I guess he's not coming today either.

(Skip classes to lunch)

I was at the table eating and chatting with Percy and Hazel, constantly glancing around for any signs of Leo, when I saw a guy, he was wearing jeans and a grey hoodie, with the cap on. I frowned, he wasn't here at the beginning of classes, and there was something telling me to approach him, so I did.

I stood up from my seat, excuse myself, and made my way to the guy, he was looking at the floor, his head down, sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria. I placed my hand on his shoulder, he flinched, and I immediately put my hand away, he slowly looked up and I saw some part of his hair, it may not mean that much but his hair is very unique, it was.., "Leo?"

He looked up completely and saw me and my eyes widened, he looked horrible.  "N-Nico?" He said. He had a red cheek, his eyes were bloodshot, his hair was messier than normal and he looked tired, and..."Oh my god, is that a black eye??!" I asked, extremely worried. What happened to him?

Leo's eyes widened in panic but he played it off, "Oh I was just too dumb, I fell down the stairs. Can you believe it?" He laughed, but I could tell it was fake.

"Leo, what happened, and not lying." I firmly said.

He sighed, "I'm... I'm telling the truth" he looked nervous and panicked, constantly glancing around, as of waiting for someone to charge in and attack him.

I looked at him in disbelief and sat beside him, he throw me a glance and for a second, I saw fear in his eyes but as soon as I saw it, it was gone. I softly placed my hand on his cheek, making him look my way, I caressed his cheek "Hey.. you ok?"

His eyes filled with tears, his face crumbled, and he shook his head, pulling me in a hug and burying his face on my shoulder. I hugged back and started saying sweet nothings to calm him down, I thought he was still sad about Esperanza, but I could tell there was something more.

"Let's go to the bathroom ok?" I said softly, he nodded and let go of me, taking my hand and quickly heading to the bathroom. Luckily the bathroom was empty, as soon as I closed the door, Leo burst into tears.