A/N: IT'S SO FREAKING LONG AND IT TOOK FOREVER!! To say it was a challenge to force Leo to open up (and find the right motivation and situation to do it) would be an understatement! (reminding you that TOA is NOT canon in this fic) I hope you'll appreciate it. And my new headcanon that has nothing to do with this chapter but I love too much not to share: Nico uses The Italian Hand Gesture ALL. THE. TIME. For those who don't know, it LITERALLY means "WTF...?" (can be also used as why/how/when/where TF?). NO ONE on Earth will convince me Nico-no-patience-for-bs-canon is not using the Hand at any opportunities. Stupid example, BOO, when Leo just swoops in and snatches Gaea. Nico would look at Will and do the hand while saying "what- how-?", 100%. Can we make it canon? Is it canon in TSATS? I haven't read it yet.

Leo's Flashback

SUNDAY, 19th February

P: Hey, I should've asked this before, but is the flower shop close to you open today?

L: It was, but they close in the afternoon.

P: Damn it.

L: If you're romancing Jason, Dr. Passionate Hotness here can help find alternatives.

P: I won't touch that even with a ten-feet pole.

P: And it wasn't for Jason.

L: Pipes, you didn't need to!

L: I knew what I was getting into when I decided to join you in our torrid affair.

L: I knew going in that being the side chick meant being used with no care for my fragile heart.

L: You don't need to buy me flowers to ease your guilty conscience.

L: I'm still yours, even if you only come to me for my body.

L: I beg you, keep using and abusing me, you know I can't resist your sexiness.

P: Oh, my darling hero, don't worry.

P: Next time I see you, I'll tie you up and relieve ALL my frustrations on you.

L: ...On second thought, I might accept the flowers.

P: Oh, love, who said they were for you?

L: Oh. OH, my heart! You're already disregarding all my devotion?

P: Not that your dramatic ass deserves to know, but they were for Will.

L: Will? Oh, why Will? Why him?

L: What could I do to seduce you back into my arms?

L: You know he's not a real doctor, right? He just binges medical series. It's all fake!

P: I'm telling him that.

L: Don't forsake me like that, my dove!

L: Do I need to beg on my knees for your love and mercy?

P: That does sound appealing, maybe later.

P: And he wanted to buy them for their mother.

P: I just forgot to check with you before we got inside the Uber.

L: You're coming here?

L: Callie and Erica leave close to the shop; I could ask them for a favor.

P: Would they say yes?

L: Of course, who can resist THIS?

P: Do you want the list? It's about a mile long.

***

He'd forgotten Callie would be out for the weekend, but that might've been for the best. Erica was easier to convince to do him a favor. By the time Piper and Will arrived, Erica had already unlocked the door and turned on the lights. Maybe because he rarely saw the other demigods, but he had forgotten for a moment that Will was stuck in the opposite gender, and had a fraction of second of asking himself who was the girl with Piper and where was Will. He didn't know why, but the moment it clicked, he felt an almost uncontrollable need to laugh. Despite doing his best to conceal it, Eric still looked at him curiously. Luckily, by the time Will and Piper got close to them, he'd managed to play it cool enough to handle the introductions.

When Erica started to guide Will to check the options, Piper moved to stay on his side. Before he could say anything, she pinched his waist, hard. Jumping to escape her assault, he massaged the area, glaring at her.

She didn't have to use her nails as well!

Just why?

"Why did you do that!?"

"I don't know. I just had an overwhelming feeling you deserved. I'm sure you can find a reason if you think hard enough."

***

When showing Will the yellow lilies, who didn't seem convinced, Erica gestured to get Leo's attention, then did an ASL sign, likely hoping he would translate.

Oh, God, what did she just say, I don't remember.

I didn't know there was going to be a test! No one warned me! Why didn't you warn me there was gonna be a test?

And you think I knew?

"It's not about the color. Even if they were white, I don't think my mom would choose lilies."

Leo looked at Will, impressed.

Right, that meant white.

Piper recovered before Erica.

"Will, you... know sign language?"

"Just a couple of signs, I can't keep a conversation; it's nothing impressive."

Erica was looking at Will with a different level of respect. Truth be told, so was Leo.

"Could've fooled me. She's been trying to teach me for weeks and I can barely spell my name."

Piper snickered, physically incapable of resisting the chance to mock him.

"Well, you can barely spell your name in English, so..."

Leo made a show of gasping in shock.

"Beauty queen, this kind of betrayal hurts even more than knowing you're cheating on me."

A choked sound grabbed the demigods' attention and they could see Erica with her mouth open, pointing between Leo and Piper. All three yelled at the same time, making the poor girl jump.

"We are not dating!"

"They are not dating!"

Feeling bad for startling Erica, Leo gestured to Piper, trying to explain.

"She's like my sister, that was just a joke, I swear!"

"He just has a weird sense of humor, I'm sure you already know that."

Erica looked at Piper and nodded, agreeing. Leo breathed a sigh of relief.

You can't see it, but I'm facepalming right now.

***

While Will tried to argue with Erica about how much to pay, Leo took the opportunity to lean closer to Piper while they were waiting just outside the shop.

"I'll be honest, I didn't expect to see you hanging around Will."

"He tried texting Claire to ask about a flower shop she'd recommend, but she didn't answer."

"Claire, not answering her texts? That's odd."

Piper gave him a look.

"I know you guys became friends, but it's still a bit weird hear you talk like you know her."

"I do know her!"

"I know, but it's still weird. Anyway, Will called me to ask if something had happened to Claire."

"Did something happen?"

"You mean, apart from a date disguised as a 'friendly outing'?"

"Oh, right. Niel is taking her out today."

"He told you that?"

Leo shook his head.

"She did, actually. I wish I could watch him trying to romance her just to fail."

Piper sighed, crossing her arms.

"I'm just hoping he doesn't mess up and traumatizes her. Anyway, I told Will I knew a place, just forgot today is Sunday and it could be closed."

He gave her his most brilliant smile.

"Luckily for you, I know some people."

When Will and Erica left, the former holding a bouquet and the latest closing the shop behind her, Leo realized he didn't want to go back to his room binge watching whatever series grabbed his attention that afternoon.

"Hey, do you guys feel like doing something, since we're all here?"

He could see Piper checking with Will, before the blond shrugged his shoulders.

"Eh, I'm not expected anywhere for another three hours. Might as well."

"What could we do?"

Leo grinned.

"Well, I might have some ideas..."

***

Keeping his unspoken promise to help Nora socialize and let go, especially now that she was making the effort to treat Harshad like a little brother, he convinced the others to also invite her to join. They hadn't yet reached an agreement on what to do, but no one opposed adding one more person. Leo could see Will had a moment of doubt, but he also knew he would recognize Nora the moment they met. When she finally opened the gate and found not one but four people waiting for her, she took a step back, caught unaware. Leo saw Will's instant recognition, and even though Piper already knew about Nyssa, she either forgot to play it cool or didn't care, moving straight for a hug.

"Hi!"

He could see the question Nora was shooting at him from over Piper's shoulder but he pretended not to understand.

"Hm, hi? I'm Nora, and you are?"

Piper finally released his sister, but her bright smile was still making Nora a little uncomfortable.

"I'm Trish, and that one is Will. It's very nice to meet you."

"So... you're friends with Leoni?"

Will shook his head and moved to squeeze Nora's offered hand.

"She is, and I'm closer to her. I mean, I know him, but..."

Nora shot Leo a look.

"It takes some time getting used to him, I know."

Excuse me? I'm a delight to have around!

"That's only because no one is truly prepared to deal with a sexy-ass Latino peep with mad skills and a fire personality like myself."

"That just proves my point, you know?"

***

After calling Purnima to ask if it's okay, Nora invited them all to the apartment. The Meunier had accompanied Harshad to one of his friend's birthday party, while Nora chose to stay behind. Will propped the bouquet for his mother on the dining table and moved to help the hostess get refreshments for everyone.

"Are you sure it's okay? We've just met and we're already invading your house."

"It's fine. Aunt Nima is more than used to Leoni at this point, and even Erica has been around a couple of times. He dragging two other random friends is on point with his personality. But somehow, what I don't understand is why, except for Niel, why is it always girls?"

Having overheard Nora, Leo couldn't resist singsong his answer.

"That's 'cause what Niel and I have in common is that we're reliable with the ladies!"

He saw Will showing him the finger while Nora facepalmed, but Erica and Piper were laughing.

Just 50% success rate with this crowd.

Eh, I've worked with worse numbers.

***

Took some effort to convince Nora to play cards, since she was the only one who wasn't familiar with any of the games they suggested. After some trial games, she got the hang of it and accepted they play for real. Leo made sure to keep an eye on Piper, making sure she didn't try to... tip the game in any direction.

Are you really that sure she's gonna cheat?

We used to play just the two of us in the Wilderness School, before Jason appeared out of thin air and dragged us to the demigod world. Trust me, she'll try to cheat. If not in this game, in the next.

Does it even matter?

Of course not. She might have learned everything from me, but I didn't teach her everything I knew.

Faking a morose sigh, Leo exposed his cards.

"Let me just crush your poor maiden hearts because I... win."

Like he expected, Piper didn't even check his cards before refuting his claim.

"It doesn't count, you cheated."

"I did not, how dare you accuse me of such underhanded tactics?"

She put down her cards and glared at him.

"You're not fooling anyone, let alone me; I know of your light fingers abilities."

Leo crossed his arms, his challenge very clear in his raised eyebrow.

"Look who is talking; are you really in a position to accuse me of light fingers?"

Will sighed, interrupting their argument before either said something they shouldn't.

"I don't think it really matters if Leo cheated or not, because in the end... I win."

Leo started at the cards Will laid on the table, not believing his eyes.

"What!?"

I did NOT see that one coming.

***

"Ok, that's it, HOW are you doing this?"

That had been the fourth game in a roll Will had won, even after they changed game. The blond waved one of his hands like he had no care in the world.

"I guess I'm just that lucky."

"There is no way you're that lucky. You ARE cheating."

The problem is that even I can't see when or how he's cheating.

Could he really be lucky?

No way!

"Why would you think I'm cheating? Or even that I'm capable of such... underhanded tactics, was it?"

Nora had barely grasped the rules, but Erica seemed to be having fun with Will thwarting every attempt made by Leo in winning. Piper looked every bit impressed as him.

"How can you be so good?"

"I guess it's a gift."

"I didn't even see you cheating, and I was paying attention."

Will sighed heavily, locking eyes with Leo.

"Do you truly wish to know my secret?"

Leo squinted his eyes in suspicion, not believing for a second it could be that easy.

"You will tell me, just like that?"

Will nodded, doing his best to look innocent.

"Of course, I do feel bad for you. After all, you thought you had a chance with a two-times winner, five-times finalist of the Stoll's Card Tournament."

Even if Nora and Erica had inquisitive and politely impressed looks in their faces, only Leo and Piper truly knew the weight of that statement. Will's condescending smile morphing into a smirk resembling a Hermes' kid so closely made Leo wanted to hit himself for forgetting the son of Apollo had more than enough time at camp to get close with most campers. The blond reclined against his chair, crossing his arms and looking incredibly smug.

"As you can see, you never even stood a chance."

Should we ask for a rematch?

It's not use; everyone at camp knows about the Stoll's Tournament. Half of the entries are Hermes' kids and their father is the god of thieves. The two times I tried it, I only reached the quarter finals; even using every trick I know. And he WON? TWICE?

So you will just... give up.

I'll let him keep the cards. I also hold my own title at camp.

"Oh, yeah? Next time, it's ping pong."

There was a fraction of second when Will seemed unsure, but he quickly masked it.

"Whenever you're ready. Bring it on."        

Piper laughed and clapped her hands.

"Oh, I like where this is going! I'm joining it."

Leo smirked, knowing Piper was the only one on camp who could make him sweat to keep his title. There was no way Will had any chance against her, no more than he had against Leo.

***

Nora had shown Leo her progress with the prosthetic's design, but surprisingly, Will had something to add, correcting some of her assumptions about the muscles' strength on Dolinde's remaining arm. In the meantime, Piper seemed to be having the time of her life trying to teach Erica how to kick using Nora's punching bag, with his sister's permission.

Unexpected good new, she's teaching Erica, not Callie.

Predictable bad news, I don't think Callie needs lessons.

Fair point.

"Leoni, pay attention. Based on what Will has said, I'm thinking of modifying it like that, what do you think?"

Before Leo could fully concentrate on the Nora's project, he and Nora jumped in surprise of Will's incredibly loud ringtone. The blond picked up his phone and made a face at it, pocketing it again.

"That was my alarm. Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go, my mom is expecting me."

Piper left the punching bag behind and joined them, with Erica right behind her.

"Will is right, we should go. We're about to overstay our welcome."

Despite Nora's reassurance their company was welcomed, they all moved towards the front door, just to have it open before they could touch the doorknob. Purnima was on the other side, slightly surprised to find all teens in front of her. Claude was a step behind his wife, with their son asleep in his arms.

"Why are you kids here? Did you hear us coming up?"

"No, they were already leaving. Will, Trish, this is Aunt Nima."

The new ones introduced themselves while Leo and Erica saluted her with more familiarity. While Claude moved to put Harshad in his room, the teenagers again start to exchange goodbyes, this time including Purnima. When Leo got to her, she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from leaving with the gentle touch.

"Are you sure you want to go? You could stay for dinner."

"It's fine, I don't want to intrude."

"You wouldn't be intruding. Are you sure you don't want to stay?"

"Absolutely. Besides, I already have plans, so let's do it some other time."

Purnima removed her hand and he turned to leave, just to find Piper standing at the door, staring at him with an expression he couldn't recognize.

What is that about?

I'm not sure I even want to know.

***

All the time until they exited the gate, took Erica to her home, saluted her and moved to the point Will said their Uber was waiting, Piper kept shooting different looks and glares at Leo, not saying anything.

She's making all my nerves light up like Christmas lights.

What in the world did you do to earn this level of scrutiny?

And you think I would be this anxious if I knew?

Will got inside the car and turned to check on his companion.

"Piper, you coming?"

"You know what? You go ahead, Will. I think I'll stay a couple of minutes."

Sensing it was not worth to stay and argue, the blond nodded and closed the door. Seeing the car speeding out gave Leo a sense of anxiety he'd only experienced as demigod.

Why do I have a feeling she's telling Will to go as if she was getting rid of witnesses?

That's probably because that's exactly what she's doing.

And... what did you do to deserve response not fit for witnesses?

I don't know, but I'm sure we're about to find out.

"Now, Leo, why don't we have ourselves a very interesting talk?"

Leo sighed, knowing there was no other choice.

I wish she'd given me another option.

And then he bolted, with Piper reacting after only a second and giving chase.

***

With his hands on his knees, Leo fought to pull enough air into his lungs so he could speak.

"It's – not fair – why are – you – faster than me?"

Piper, a few feet from him and also taking deep breaths, still didn't seem as winded as he was.

"You chased – sugar rushed Claire – ONCE – I've been doing it – for MONTHS – and Trish – for YEARS."

That makes sense.

Yeah, Claire could put anyone in top shape in just weeks.

"Why – are you – chasing me?"

"Why are – you running?"

"Because you – told me to."

"I didn't!"

Leo gave her a look, waiting for her to think back to her actions and words. He saw the grimace when she realized it.

"Yeah, I see it now."

"Forgot about – not having charm – speak to stop me?"

For some reason he couldn't even imagine, Piper looked almost uncomfortable when he mentioned her strongest power.

What was that about?

Didn't you tell me she liked her power?

She does. ...Or did?

"Anyway, stop pretending to still be dying. Let's go back to your room."

"My – my room? You mean Leoni's room? Why?"

"One, I still haven't seen where you've been living. Two, I need to talk to you about something that requires a little privacy."

He didn't answer her, looking to his left and calculating his chances.

"If you try to run away, not only will I chase you, but I WILL tackle you."

Groaning in defeat, he righted his posture.

"Fine, but if you're still here in an hour, you're paying for pizza."

"You know I'll be paying for pizza either way."

"I'm glad you understand your position."

***

"Welcome to our luxurious abode! Como siempre, mi casa es su casa."

For someone who had used the excuse of needing to see where he was living, Piper barely spared a look to his room, moving to sit in his only chair and leaving the bed to him. Usually, he would be too anxious to sit down, but trying to run away from Piper had tired him out more than he'd have thought. Going against every single of one of his instincts, he spoke first.

"Now, what was the sensitive subject you needed to talk to me about?"

"First, I can't believe you were so lucky to have found not one, but two of your siblings."

Ok, changing the subject, I can get behind that.

"You know me, luckiest guy in the world!"

"Why did you say no?"

But I just said 'yes'?

Did you say 'no' to her when you didn't want to talk?

"No? I never say 'no'. I'm a 'yes' guy. You can't be crazy saying 'no'."

"Why did you say 'no' when Nora's mother, guardian, or whatever, invited you to dinner?"

Oh, that.

"You mean Mrs. Purr?"

"Her; why did you refuse her invitation?"

"Are you worried if I offended her? I didn't! I promise you she's okay."

Just drop it, Pipes.

"That wasn't what I asked."

"Then what did you ask?"

"WHY you refused her invitation?"

"Oh, I see. You don't need to worry."

Leo knew he was deflecting – and doing a pretty good job at it. Piper was struggling to hold on to her patience, but Leo knew how to crack her. He didn't want to, but she should've expected it.

"Still not answering my question."

"I promise I was not being rude or anything."

"... Ok, let's try something else. Get up from the chair and sit on the floor."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

Too intrigued to question, he did as she said, sitting down on the floor with crossed legs. He saw and then heard Piper moving to move behind him and sit down, with her back against his.

"Here, that's better."

"What is this?"

"Something I want to try with you. You can feel me behind you, right?"

"That's what she said. OW! What is between you and pinching my waist today?"

"Just try to focus, this is an exercise."

"Well, certainly more comfortable than doing planks. Oh, is it like arm-wrestling, but with our backs? What are the rules?"

"No, this is a trust exercise."

"So, instead of falling to the floor, we already start from the floor? That's brilliant."

"Leo?"

"Hm?"

"Can you shut up for even just one minute?"

He almost felt like cackling at her question, but figured it might be a little too rude.

"Relaying only on my self-control? Hm, I gotta say, your chances aren't looking good."

"Leo?"

"Yes, queen of my heart?"

"SHUT UP!"

"More like Queen of Hearts. Are you gonna cut off my head? OW! Leave my waist alone, woman! I still fit all my three pair of pants; you don't need to check if I got fat."

He couldn't see her, but knew her enough to imagine her frustrated expression.

"Oh, my doves. You're really going to make this hard, aren't you? And no, that's not what he said."

This time, he couldn't resist a laugh.

"Your words, not mine."

"Leo, I want to ask you some things while sitting like this. Can I tell you why?"

"Why you want to ask me questions? Because you're nosy and loves to gossip?"

"Because I think this position can remind you that I'm here and I will ALWAYS have your back. I also trust you to guard mine, because we're friends."

"Are you gonna make me sing a friendship song?"

Despite his tries to change the subject, he knew she'd decided to ignore him and just say what she wanted to. This made it hard for him to redirect the conversation, but it didn't mean he wasn't going to keep trying.

"As friends, I'm not here to judge you; but I'm here to help you, even if you don't admit needing help."

"Oh, this is sounding like intervention. Shouldn't there be more people?"

"But sitting like this, you don't need to look at me-"

"But I don't mind looking at you, you're a babe."

"- and you don't need to see me looking at you."

"But I'm a catch!"

"Especially when I'm making you questions that make you uncomfortable or waiting for answers you resist giving."

"It's you I can't resist."

"Why did you refuse the woman's invitation for dinner?"

"I already answered that one."

"No, you didn't. You answered four imaginary questions while avoiding the real one. WHY did you do it?"

"Fine. If you truly must know, I already had plans for the evening. Which is-"

He wasn't sure which excuse he would come up with that would also work in kicking Piper out, but she didn't let him get that far.

"I'm not going anywhere. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't need to look at you to know when you're lying to me. I knew it back then, about the Physician's cure, that something was wrong, but I didn't want to believe you'd lie to us about something that important. And look where that got us."

"What do you mean, everything worked out."

That was the wrong thing to say, if Piper trying to turn and stare at him was any indication.

"Everything worked out!? Do you have ANY idea what I felt in that moment?"

Leo didn't realize how much he didn't want to see Piper hurting until she got back to her position against his back.

"When you made Festus drop us and I had to watch you turn yourself into a ball of fire, knowing I wouldn't be able to give you the cure? How utterly useless I felt? How responsible I felt for your death!?"

"Pipes-"

"No, now you're gonna listen. You were my oldest friend; we survived that crazy school because we had each other. We learned how to be demigods together, we survived our first quest together. We TRUSTED each other."

The last sentence contained a certain amount of poison and he squirmed uncomfortably, but she wasn't done, not by a long shot.

"I was by your side when you'd spend every available hour in that bunker. I was the one bringing you food and dragging you to see the sunlight or the shower. I was the one using Charmspeak to help you and Annabeth calm down and concentrate enough to find solutions. I was the one putting a pillow under your head when you fell asleep on your desk. I was still by your side when you fired the Argo II against the Romans. I did my best-"

Her voice cracked, but he was frozen. He knew Piper would be angry about his death, but except by some punches and a 'You're such an idiot', she hadn't reacted much when he came back. He wasn't sure he wanted to keep listening, but she had recovered enough to keep going.

"I did my best to stay by you, to help you in any way I could. And you LIED to me. Looked me in the eyes and LIED. You knew from the beginning I wouldn't be able to be close enough to give you the cure; and you still let me believe I had the chance, and the mission, to save either you or Jason. You DIDN'T TRUST me. Not only with your life, but with the truth. I trusted you with EVERYTHING I had, but you... you never allowed me to be closer than you could tolerate. You REALLY think that I, a daughter of Aphrodite, wouldn't understand sacrificing oneself for love? Even if I hated your plan, even if you'd asked me to hide it from Jason and everyone else, I would still stay beside you, like I'd been doing from the very beginning! But no, you never allowed yourself to truly trust me."

Leoni wasn't saying anything, and that was okay for Leo, because he also didn't know what to say.

"You're still doing the same. You can get close to people, but you don't let them get close to you. Not me, not your siblings; not even Calypso, and don't think she didn't notice it. That's the real reason you refused their dinner invitation, isn't it? Because when people try to get close - truly close - you panic, deflect, hide, and play it off. Others might accuse you of not being able to take anything serious, but the real reason is not that simple, is it?"

Piper might be wiser than she thought, because the last thing he wanted at the moment was to see in her face the same disappointment he could hear in her voice. Maybe staying back to back had been the right call.

"You're just irrationally afraid of getting truly close to someone, to allow them to see beneath the surface, all the hurting and ugly, all the fear and anger, all the poison and resentment you keep inside. Because if they don't see it, it can't hurt them, and they won't leave. Or they won't look at you with contempt or disgust; because that's what you believe people will feel if they see all that you keep hidden, isn't it? And if people leave without knowing anything, at least that means you didn't open up to someone who wouldn't stay by your side anyway, right?"

He was almost sure he heard disgust in her voice, but she kept going, getting angrier.

"There's no need to let them in and risk hurting them. And you know that hurts because it hurts YOU. You're the ONLY one who knows what's inside and you know how much it hurts. Guess what, Leo!? It hurts way less when you let it out! Both for others and for yourself! I speak from experience, after all. Hiding from you and Jason about Enceladus kidnapping my father was eating me away from the inside, but once I told you, it was like I could finally breathe."

He opened his mouth, wanting to argue or comment, but couldn't think of anything. Finally winding down, Piper allowed the silence to settle between them. As sharp and almost uncaring towards his feelings that her words had been, her warm presence on his back, breathing in tandem with him, felt almost healing. He allowed himself to close his eyes, leaning his head back and finding hers. Giving it a slight knock to provoke her – which earned him a chuckle – he settled down to take deep breaths. He hadn't realized how much he was holding his breath until he started to almost feel dizzy. After at least three minutes, which still felt too short for Leo, Piper spoke again, her voice much softer this time, with only a dash of reprimand.

"Now that you know keeping it hidden for me didn't help, that I could guess even from the outside, how about you just be honest with me and with yourself for ONCE in your life?"

"You seem awfully sure of what you're saying."

"You forget who my mother is, Leo. Despite what you might believe, you're not a machine, but a person with a LOT of feelings, either you understand them or not. And I GET feelings, especially from my best friend. Now, WHY did you refuse their invitation for dinner?"

"If you know everything, don't you know that?"

She reached behind to pinch his waist again, but this time it was symbolic, light enough to not cause any pain.

"It doesn't matter if I know or not; the point is, DO YOU?"

He would've preferred dying all over again instead of joining this conversation; but Leo had seen Piper literally Charmspeak Jason back to life, so he wasn't sure he wanted to find out how far she would go to get the answers she wanted.

"It's because she's always inviting me out of politeness, it's not good manners to accept every single time."

"It didn't sound out of politeness."

He rolled his eyes, even knowing she couldn't see him.

"You saw her for two minutes."

"Call it intuition. Didn't you notice how she looks at you?"

"How she looks at me? Is this the moment you say she finds my presence secretly revolting?"

She lightly hit his head with hers, payback for earlier.

"She was maternal, Leo."

"Well, she IS a mom."

"I mean, like she wants to be your mom."

He knew his laugh had no humor and Piper could hear it, but he couldn't help himself.

"What!? Don't be absurd, she has her hands full with Nora and Harshad. Trust me, she has no desire for more children, let alone one like me."

"What does that mean?"

"What?"

"Why 'let alone one like you'? What's wrong with you?"

He groaned in exasperation for Piper getting hung up on the one thing he'd hoped she would overlook.

"Really!? Like you didn't spend the last ten minutes dressing me down? You were so fired up I could barely keep my underwear."

"Being afraid of opening up doesn't make you a bad person, Leo. Besides, you told me Nora wasn't all that nice and calm the first times you met her. I don't think... forgot her name again."

"Mrs. Purr? Purnima?"

"Right. I don't think Purnima is made of glass. Even if you think you're too much, she might be the one able to handle it."

Yeah, like that's gonna happen.

"And even if she did? Why would she do it? Why should she bother with it?"

"'Bother' with it? Why shouldn't her?"

Maybe you should shut up.

You say that because you don't know Piper; she won't let it go.

"Pipes, let's be honest. There's NOTHING I could offer her."

"What about Leoni?"

Me!? Why is she dragging me to the conversation? I'm good where I am, thank you.

"... What?"

"We won't be here forever. And when you leave, Leoni will go back to his old life, except it'll feel even lonelier. Because all the time you two spend talking, singing, joking, inventing... will become empty hours. Doesn't he deserve you make an effort to leave him with more than when you came?"

Why is she talking like she knew anything about my life from before? Besides, we already talked about how much you improved my life.

"He says I'd already be leaving him with much more than he had."

"But a maternal figure is where you draw the line?"

"Pipes, we-"

"Shut up."

"I didn-"

"Before you say anything else, let me ask you something. I know Hera made sure you couldn't stay with family, she kept convincing family members to keep you away, because she had her own divinely twisted plans for you. I know you were forced to listen to harsh words and accusations over and over again, and it was never any easier. Even without being chosen as Hera's pawn, did Leoni experience ANYTHING like that?"

He would've preferred not to answer, but knew he hadn't been quick enough to do it before she noticed his hesitation.

"... Maybe?"

"Was he also accused of being responsible for his mother's death?"

Well... not those specific words.

"Not really."

"No? I thought- wait. Was he accused of being something worse?"

Leo could feel Leoni mentally wincing at the same time he did it physically.

"Leo? I was spot on, wasn't I?"

He groaned, knowing there was no point in denying.

"You owe us so much more than a pizza."

"I know. But I'm not doing all this prodding for fun, you know that. I want to give you something much more valuable than pizza."

"My weight in gold?"

Knowing this would earn him another waist pinching, he managed to slap her hand away, grinning proudly even if she couldn't see it.

"The possibility to learn how to open up and even find a family."

"We already have a job and a place to live."

This time she was faster than he expected and the pinch was just enough to be register pain, but not strongly.

"This is not the only function of a family and you know that. Leoni, I'm not saying you have to move in with them, abandon your privacy and independence to play devoted son. I just want you to have somewhere to go for meals, where people laugh while eating together and ask about your day. I want you to have more opportunities and liberty to get close to your... siblings, for lack of better word. I want you to have a mother figure to hug you when things feel especially hard, with no justification or exchange necessary."

She talks about this like it's easy and magical, like everything will be fixed faster than it takes to sneeze.

"I only saw Purnima for two minutes and I could already feel how much she cares and worries for you. She has a small son who's obsessed with you, a teenage adopted daughter who could've ended up like you if she hadn't stepped in. She sees a boy of her daughter's age who has been working to sustain himself and lives alone, with barely enough space to cook simple meals for himself. I think she can't help but want to adopt you as much as you'd let her. If that's only two meals a week or fourteen, if it means joining them on family celebrations and trips, I don't know. The right proportion would be a combination between you two."

Again, much easier said than done.

Do you want me to tell her?

... I don't know.

"I'm partially speaking from experience. Trish's, anyway. Her father would also spend most of his time on the road, leaving her alone. Claire's father stepped up, and would constantly invite Trish to playdates with his daughter or to join them during holidays. Trish had an official father, but Claire's father did his best to offer support when he could. Maybe Purnima just wants to do the same, just wants you to know she's there for what you need."

Leo waited, but Leoni stayed silent. When Piper realized they weren't going to answer her, she sighed and tried to infuse some lightness in her next words.

"Pause for pizza?"

"Yes, please! I thought you were gonna starve me!"

***

While waiting for the pizza to arrive, Piper finally bothered to look around Leoni's room. Leo knew she must've seen the miniature portrait he did of Calypso tapped to his desk, but she didn't mention it. There was also one of Erica he'd done on Leoni's request, hidden in one of folders with other projects and sketches. She updated him on the other demigods, since not being with them at school meant he was mostly out of the loop. She talked about Trish's father returning, but he was sure she was hiding something related to it. On his side, Leo told her stories from their work, along with series and movies he had started watching – half of those unfinished because he'd lose focus halfway and had to switch before letting five episodes pass just to realize he didn't absorb anything. He made sure to avoid anything related to Callie, Erica and the Meunier, but luckily, Piper didn't push it. When the pizza finally arrived, they started eating in comfortable silence, although he doubted she and Trish weren't talking.

She's right, you know.

About?

I should be thinking about what I'll leave to you.

And I already said you'd be leaving me with so much more than I had before.

... But is that enough?

Leo, you don't need to worry about doing me some big favor, you don't have to compensate me or something.

It's not about that.

Then what is it about?

I have camp. I have a cabin full of siblings and I spend my days with demigods my age doing a bunch of things that are fun; and a bit dangerous, but mostly fun. As long as I don't skip meals, I'll always have company at the table. It's even unlikely I'll get to skip meals because someone will come find me. You don't have that.

Thanks for reminding me.

I don't say it to gloat. Even made by different demigods and half-siblings from all over the country, I have a family. I got you some friends, but not a family.

It's not your responsibility to get me a family, that job is already taken.

Yeah, and how that worked out for you?

...

Sorry, I shouldn't have said it like that. What I meant was, we don't know why or how I'm here. But whatever the reason, it couldn't hurt to help you in any way I can. Harshad came to us naturally, but I invited him to keep hanging around because of Harley. And that put you on the Meunier's radar, for better or worse. Alone, you would've steered clear from Nora and kept your distance from their house because of her. But because of Nyssa, I didn't give up on her and now we even invited her to hang out with us and she said 'yes' in a heartbeat. Maybe I've been accidentally paving the road for you to join them as an almost adopted son. And the only thing missing is for you to accept.

And if I don't?

Then that's your choice and I'll respect it.

But you won't agree with it?

No.

Why? Why did you suddenly change your mind? Is it because of Piper?

Not really. Remember when we told Nora she was ungrateful, that she never knew how the system could be cruel with orphans our age? That we would've given anything to be in her position? That wasn't just me, you were feeling that too. And now that we, that YOU, have the chance, it sounds kinda stupid to not take it, doesn't it? I might have found another kind of family, but if Mrs. Purr really thinks like Piper feel she does, this could be it for you. She wouldn't be forced to take you; she would choose to do it.

Leo, you know it's not so simple as choosing what shoes to wear. You KNOW why I can't believe it's that easy. You know better than anyone.

We could ask Piper.

And what good would it do?

She may look like that, but Beauty Queen has more to her than meets the eye.

"Pipes?"

"Yes?"

"Can we go back to your trust exercise?"

He couldn't really say if she was surprised or if she'd expected it, because he was already avoiding looking at her.

"... Sure."

Once they were back in position, he tried to dry his already sweaty hands against his pants.

"Now, what have you discussed?"

I truly hope you know what you're doing.

And I hope you know I'm doing this for you. You might not have anyone to talk to about things like that-

Except for you.

Except for me, but I'm dying of pretty much the same death as you. But I trust Piper.

She said you'd hidden things from her. And lied.

Ok, I might not be good at exercising that trust, but I do trust her.

"First, you were right. I thought Hera had messed up my relationship with my relatives, but she might've actually held them back. Because Leoni's relatives... they were even more messed up."

He still remembered most of the things Leoni had told him, even if it'd been only once and months ago. He knew first-hand how humans could be cruel, even to their own kin, but it had shocked it all over again knowing some of the things Leoni's relatives had told him. He tried to keep his voice even, talk like he was reading it off a book, but very soon, it became clear it'd be impossible.

Not only his own memories were triggered, reimagining the confrontations with his own relatives in an uglier light with crueler words; but it also awoke Leoni's memories, bringing forth his feelings from that time and all the anger, indignation and resentment he felt while revisiting those moments with a more mature look at life. A younger Leoni might've been heartbroken at being called a murderer, hijo del demonio, devil's curse, worthless, maldito, among others. But beyond the heartache, an older Leoni felt righteous rage any adult would call a child that, especially a little boy who had just lost his mother in one of the most traumatic ways it could happen.

Leo had feared Piper would ask them about how exactly Leoni's mother had died, but she didn't. She was suspiciously quiet, barely breathing. He had an itching that she was crying, but he didn't want to see it, mostly because he had no desire to make her see his own tears. He knew the breaking of his voice wasn't doing much to hide his emotional state, but she did what he needed her to. Just a silent and warm support at his back while he vomited all those repressed memories, feelings and sensations, starting to feel physically ill from the avalanche of anguish, misery, grief and despair that came flowing out.

It reached a point when his voice faltered, and refused to work again, that was the moment Piper decided enough was enough and moved to hug his back, trying to infuse as much support through it as she could. He distantly noticed her tears wetting his back, but he was too busy trying to rein in his feelings and Leoni's.

"Don't do it. Don't close up, just let it all go. Nothing is leaving this room, so just feel. I haven't left you until now and I promise to never do it."

***

Leo didn't know how much time it took him to calm down, and he didn't want to know. He knew his eyes were red and puffy, but so were Piper's – he'd decided to not think how eyes fresh out of fears would have very different effects on a Hephaestus or Aphrodite's child. Still sitting on the floor, but this time with their backs against his bed, she scooted over until their shoulders were touching.

"Leo, have you told Leoni about your fatal flaw? I know they are not us, but I have a feeling they're always at risk of falling into the same traps we do. Warning them about our fatal flaws sounds like a good idea, in my opinion."

"Trust me, he knows my fatal flaw, because he already feels the same."

"... Leo? What do you think it's your fatal flaw?"

"You know my fatal flaw."

"I think I do, but I want to know what you think it is."

"Piper, my own father told me that, like him, his children have trouble fitting in, that we can't work well with people, we're outsiders. Nemesis didn't call me the seventh wheel just to make fun of me."

"I'm not so sure about that. She is Nemesis after all; being gentle and offering free useful advice doesn't sound like her at all. You know how her kids at camp are. It's almost impossible to get a straight answer from them. One of them even tried to negotiate with me to tell me his name. And when I offered mine, he said he already knew it so it wasn't an equivalent exchange. I didn't meet with the goddess herself, but unless you could tell her something she didn't know about herself, I have trouble imagining she would volunteer valuable information you didn't know about yourself."

Leo thought over her words, having to admit it made sense.

"Still, my own father said the same thing."

"Yeah, but... I mean, not wanting to offend anyone, but... would you really go to your father for emotional advice? He's a god, and they have very different views of things. I wouldn't go to my own mother for advice and she IS the goddess of love. I've learned to take everything she says with a grain of salt, and use it to reach my own conclusions. I don't know if it's their own essence or the effect of being alive for millennia, but their visions are... a bit skewed. I mean, Percy had to wage saving the Olympus to get the gods to recognize their own children. You'd think they would like to have a cabin full of demigods burning offerings and being willing to go on stupid quests for their parents, but apparently not."

"I suppose so... then what do you think it's my fatal flaw?"

"Don't you know? Think it over for a bit."

Ok, help me out here.

I don't know if I can, but...

It's fine, just say whatever you want. Try to pretend you're also Hephaestus' son. Which would be our fatal flaw?

We... bring misfortune?

That'd be Tyche's kids.

I mean, we don't fit in, so we mess up their balance, and this brings misfortune?

But Piper said it's not about not fitting in.

Actually, she didn't say that isn't it.

... you're right. Maybe it's more... not that we can't fit in, but more like we have trouble doing it?

That could be it.

When he relayed their theory to Piper, she considered for a moment before shaking her head.

"I can see why you would think that. But I think your fatal flaw is closer to mine."

"Your... actually, I don't think I know your fatal flaw."

"I'll tell you what I think it is in the end. First, I want to help you understand what I think it's yours."

"Hit me."

The stinging slap on his thigh surprised him, even when it shouldn't have.

"Not literally!"

"Sorry, but you didn't specify and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up."

He rubbed the abused part of his thigh, silently promising her payback.

"In some ways, you remind me of Annabeth. Not that it comes as a surprise, but the part I'm talking about it's how she always needs to know what's happening and have a plan at ready; while you always need to know how things work and have a plan to fix it."

He nodded agreeing with her, but didn't interrupt.

"When I visited the Spartan temple for Ares with her, she was forced to face and feel her worst fears all at once. I don't know how many times she tried to think of a plan, but we both know that wouldn't have been a small number, even with fear flooding her senses. What I tried to show her that time is that emotions are not rational; never were, never will be."

Piper's hand searched his own and held tight.

"If we're talking about essential emotions, like fear, love or hate. That's even more true. I'm not talking about ordinary fear, like 'I drank coffee so I fear I'll have trouble falling asleep tonight'. I'm talking deep-seated fear, the kind that rings all kind of alarms in your head and test your flight-fight-freeze response. And for you, this fear activates when you don't know how to fix something. Do you know why?"

"Because if I don't find a way to fix something, this usually means our short demigods' lives are about to become even shorter?"

"I mean, that's certainly a reason, but that's not the one I was going for."

"Then please, share your wisdom, O Beautiful One!"

"One of your problems is that not all machines can or should be fixed. Some loves are destined to end, some losses are destined to happen, some machines are destined to break. Nothing can keep existing forever, and some things must end much sooner than we might've wanted them to. Sometimes, destruction must come, to give space for the birth of something even more beautiful. Or something worse. It's all about the balance, after all. I know you spend most of your time in the forge or Bunker 9, but the Nemesis and Tyche kids would often talk about the balance of things. Equivalent exchange, bad and good luck, entropy and what not. To be honest, the moment an Athena and a Tyche camper brought up quantum physics theorems, my brain clocked out. Your own father throws away some of his machines, isn't that right?"

"Yeah, he has several junkyards all over."

"So, first thing to understand is that not being able to fix something doesn't have to mean the end of everything. Although Annabeth hates not having a plan, she realized that between Percy and I, she might've to throw away her plans and learn to improvise just a little more than she'd be comfortable doing."

"Then my fatal flaw is that I want to fix everything?"

"Not quite. Your other problem is that you think people are machines."

"I don't think that. If people were machines, I would know what to do. The whole problem is that they aren't machines."

"Ok, let me rephrase that. Your problem is that you think society is a machine and people are the pieces."

"... Ok, I heard you, but I'm not sure what you mean by that."

"When you take apart a machine, and then have to put it back together, all the pieces fit, right? They have their own corner to fit in perfectly and execute the function they were designed for. And you can know and explain exactly what each piece is for. You might even replace a broke piece that looks exactly like the previous one, to make sure the machine starts working again. Am I wrong?"

"No, that's pretty much it."

"On machines, that's okay, but society doesn't work like that. It's organic, it grows, changes and develops on its own, and not always in a logical or economic way. People don't have one position or function to fill. They move and morph, sometimes crossing the whole 'machine' and settling in a completely different part from their starting point. Sometimes they never settle. Or they do for only some time before changing all over again. And those are all the pieces, not just one. Some pieces die, some leave for another machine, some new pieces arrive from the outside or are born. Can you imagine machine working perfectly if the pieces behaved like that?"

"You don't have to know anything about machines to know that's impossible."

"So you agree we cannot consider society as a machine?"

"Yes?"

"Then why would you reduce yourself to a seventh wheel that has no place in a machine, when society isn't a machine?"

Leo froze. He wasn't sure where Piper had been leading the conversation until then, but it made sense why she had presented it that way.

Did she just...

Did she just demolish the biggest belief you had about yourself in one sentence?

Yeah, that.

I believe she did.

"Maybe in a machine, you'd have no place. But society doesn't work that way. Besides, people don't need to have a clear function to deserve a place in society. Politicians should be the biggest example of that."

He almost chocked on his saliva with the laugh that bubbled up.

"I mean, when you put it like that..."

"It's only fair I provide an example to my explanation."

"Is that my fatal flaw? Thinking of society as a machine?"

"More or less. I think your fatal flaw is to think of everything, even society, as a machine. And yourself as a piece that has to fit perfectly or has no place in it. It's not that you don't fit in, it's that you feel an irrational fear of not fitting in. But when you stop looking at society as a machine and you as a piece, you realize you don't even to fit in properly, because the whole machine and the other pieces are constantly changing and adapting, and so can you."

"Why did you mention the first part, about not every machine being fixed?"

"One, it was about things constantly changing because they need to change, just like society. Two, because not every broken thing around you deserves to weight on your conscience about not 'not doing your part' and fixing it. You're a person, and you don't need to always be useful or have a function to keep your place in society. Now, we need to talk about your fear."

"My fear?"

We're not done yet?

"The irrational fear of not fitting in. I can repeat a hundred-more times how you can fit in even if you don't know how to fix everything, but it won't change anything. This kind of fear is instinct as much as it's emotion. In both cases, you can't think your way out of it. You could get every strategist god from every pantheon and they still wouldn't be able to find a solution; because you can't reason with primal emotions like fear. You can make a twelve-thousand-steps plan and it'll be for nothing. Do you know the only way to face your fears? By using another irrational emotion, its opposite."

"Which is... what, love?"

"Not quite. Fear makes you think of everything that could go wrong. You need an emotion that tells you everything will be alright. Faith."

"You want me to forge an armor based on faith? Are we bringing back the crusades?"

"You can't make an armor of faith, and you shouldn't either. You cannot escape the fear. You'll feel fear no matter what you do, so you first need to accept it, partially surrender to it. It's like a current in a river, fighting it head on will only tire you out, until it drowns you. You need to ride the current and use it to go where you want. Sometimes, you'll end up being somewhere you can, not quite where you wanted to. But that's okay, because you didn't drown by fighting something you shouldn't."

"I'm not sure I like your method."

"Neither did Annabeth. But sometimes it's necessary to surrender control. That's where faith comes in. It's okay even if you're not in control, because you trust everything will be okay anyway. You don't have to like or want to do it, but when it comes to fear, sometimes that's all you can do it."

He groaned, releasing her hand and bringing both of his to massage his temples.

"Machines are so much easier."

"I know, emotions are messy. Unfortunately for you, you're human, so they are part of the basic package; there's no avoiding all of them forever, no matter how much practice you've accumulated over the last years."

***

P: You should stop by my house one of these days. You need a haircut.

L: Are you sure? I think I'm rocking these longer locks.

P: Trish says you look like a Puli.

L: What's a puli?

P: You should google it.

When he did, he laughed, which he would never admit to Piper.

L: Really, Trish? REALLY?

P: I have to say, I agree with her.

P: I offer you a haircut.

P: You offer me the tofu tacos I can't reproduce, even with your recipe.

L: That's because tacos is not about a recipe, it's about the ART.

P: I'll invite Claire.

L: Just say when.

L: And you didn't tell me your fatal flaw.

P: Won't you let a woman keep a few of her secrets?

Flashback over, back to present

MONDAY, 20th February

"Hey."

Leo turned to see Nora approaching him, still with her backpack from school.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

I know we said Ryan is lenient with me, but if she keeps just strolling in like she owned the place, it might not last. He's still not completely okay with Harshad around every once in a while.

"Harshad is not here."

"I know, I came here to ask you something."

"Yes, I'm this handsome when I wake up."

"Did Aunt Nima offend you?"

"What!?"

She didn't feel offended yesterday! Did she!?

"Why would you ask that?"

"Because you have started to refuse her invitations more than to accept it. When I couldn't even look at your face, you were around all the time. But now..."

"Now you're feeling withdraw from my handsome and rugged looks?"

"Now you're making Aunt Nima ask herself if she did something wrong."

"She didn't do anything; you can reassure her!"

"Yeah, but... do I look like a carrier pigeon? You can tell herself tonight at dinner."

Without waiting for his answer, she turned and left the shop.

Did we just...

Get invited for dinner?

Felt more like an intimation.

What do you want to do?

What else can we do?

I meant, based on our conversation with Piper yesterday, should we... try?

And trust her to be right?

Maybe more like trust ourselves to be alright?

***

"AAAAHHHH, HOTHOTHOT!"

Beside him, Nora almost climbed over the table to grab the water pitcher. The whole table watched as she drank half of it before sitting back down with a sigh.

"Oooh, that was intense!"

"Do you really think so? Huh."

He kept his eyes on his plate, but could feel Nora slowly turning her head to glare at him.

"... What?"

"Nothing."

"Spit it out already."

"I guess it's... I just hadn't realized how much of a weakling you are."

"You did NOT just call me a weakling."

"Are your ears not working? Because I believe I just did."

"You either take it back or I'll make you swallow those words."

"Can you make a threat like that when you can't even swallow spicy without water?"

"You-"

Whatever Nora was about to say was cut off by Purnima leveling a look at the teenagers.

"Enough, both of you. Leoni, she must have bitten a seed, she was fine through the whole meal. Nora, it was just a little teasing, there is no need to escalate to violence and threats."

"Why are you defending him?"

"I'm not defending anyone; I'm stopping both of you."

Despite Purnima and Claude's attempts to redirect the conversation, Leo was having too much fun mumbling provocations towards Nora, just to fight to protect his shin from her kicks under the table. When he said she had a 'white person's taste buds', she pinched his waist, hard enough to make him jump and try to escape.

Is Piper giving her lessons or what?

That hurt, even I felt it.

He opened his mouth but Purnima said it before him.

"Fine, you two want to settle this matter once and for all?"

Leo and Nora exchanged a look, trying to guess what the other would say.

"How?"

"Do you or do you not?"

Nora gave the slightest nod with her head, and he accepted her challenge.

"... Yes?"

"Wait here."

Leo looked at Claude to see if he had any idea what his wife had planned, but the guy looked as confused as the rest of them. Purnima got up from the table to fetch something in the kitchen.

What do you think she means?

I don't know, but you better win.

When Purnima got back to the table, she offered each teenager a plate with a chili Leo could not place.

"This is Bhut Jolokia, my brother brought from India during his last visit, Americans call it ghost pepper. Since you're both overplaying your tolerance to spicy, shall we put it to the test?"

"Can I try too?"

"No, Harshad. Your chance will come, but tonight, it's about those two."

I never heard about this one.

Is this good or bad?

I can't say for sure...

"One small bite each, let's see which of you won't cry."

If Piper could see Mrs. Purr now, I don't think she would say that looks maternal.

Nora carefully reached for the pepper, turning her head to give him a haughty look.

"Are you scared?"

Leo grabbed his own pepper.

"Not really, I already lived longer than I expected."

Nora's arrogant expression seemed to slip just a fraction.

"...Are you okay? Do you want to call someone?"

"Yes, I want you to call an ambulance, but it won't be for me."

She glared.

"We'll see."

Counting down to three, they both bit down and waited for the effects to start.

Ok, hot hot HOT HOT!

Oh, I'M feeling it.

It almost feels-

Leo forgot what he was about to say, because that's when the heat began to exponentially grow. He stood up just a second after Nora, both looking at a relaxed Purnima in shock.

"I feel I should warn you; the effects might take at least fifteen minutes to pass."

SHE SAYS IT NOW???

A/N: I love dropping little references to what I imagine goes on camp when not on war or battles. Stoll's Card Tournament sounded so canon, and I could see Will learning to cheat from the Hermes' kids just so he'd have a chance. My note for this chapter was 'piper cheats, leo cheats better, will cheats best'. I'm the kind of person that always forgets the rules (or name) of every card game I play (except UNO), so you could just imagine whatever game you wanted. I also love dropping hints of what happens even when we don't see the characters. Like Erica trying to teach Leo some ASL (but she was unsuccessful, obviously) or Piper chasing sugar-rushed Claire (Valentines was a grave crisis, doesn't mean it was the only... incident).

Piper going off on Leo was NOT in my original script or sketch (neither was writing THIS MUCH in a Leo's chapter). She was supposed to be there just to help Leo open up, not unload on him. Apparently, she needed that, and who am I to stop when a character wants to borrow my hands to tell their story? And although TOA isn't canon in my fic because I started it before the THO, I love that Leo got two mamas by the end, so I want to give Leoni a "family" as well. Not only his 'siblings', but also a mother figure. Purnima is unintentionally inspired on my own mother (just figure it out in this chapter). If you allowed it, she would adopt you. My sister dated a guy for less than three years and four years after they broke up, he still showed up to gift my mom a bouquet for her birthday. My mom was the one he would go for advice, despite having both parents. She was always willing to listen and help him as if he was her own son, the only thing he had to do was give her permission to do it.