Chapter Text
Last month, I found this spot. Completely mines. I’ve been going there. Just to sleep, obviously.
I found out that no one knew about it but me. The sun hits just right by it, creating amazing warmth. And it was just on top of the stairs. Behind the gym. It was peaceful enough to take naps. I’ve been trying, mind you, during class. I did fell asleep eventually. That’s when the lunch bell decided to ring. I startled back up just after putting my head down for five minutes max. It was limited sleep. So not fair. Percy kept tapping my shoulder, talking about how I should play basketball with him and the other dudes. I said no thanks. I don’t want to spend my lunch air balling. Frank always beats me without even trying. Or anyone does, really. So I grabbed my bag and headed out of class. Oh freaking boy.
I was walking to my secret spot. Dragging my feet through the school halls. It was louder then debate club during their arguments during lunch (trust me, I went to Annabeth’s). Kids were out for lunch, teachers on breaks. The day went on as usual. I was daydreaming about my nice long nap, my eyes getting the break they deserve, no need. The sun hitting just nice—I stopped abruptly. My eyes moved up the stairwell. A guy was at the top, lying sideways. Cuddling with a guitar. Why is there a guy sleeping here? I called dibs already! And why is he cuddling up with a guitar out of all things. Couldn’t it be with, I don’t know, a plushie or a pillow? Geez.
I thought I was the only one who knew about this spot. I was gatekeeping.
I think I was staring for a long time because guitar dude rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, blinking his haze away. I stepped back. Our eyes met. My throat went dry, hands turned sweaty. This guy wasn’t even trying to be intense but he was.
His eyes were blue. Although they kinda seemed… empty. Sorrow? Emotionless? I don’t know but they carried something. Guitar dude was blond. His hair was nicely cropped, and just by the corner of his lips was a tiny scar. Like he tried to eat a stapler when he was little. I think he was in the other class. Was he in the same grade? I don’t remember.
Hm. What was his name?
He clutched his guitar, like I was gonna steal it from him, and then scooted. He waved his hand towards the free space next to him. Uh, I guess he wanted me to sit by him. Ugh. I really wanted to be alone. Whatever, I need that nap. I can just ignore him.
I climbed up the stairs, and took my place by him. He didn’t say anything. He was still hugging the guitar. Cornering himself, trying to make himself look smaller. Which was impossible, this dude looked strong. He definitely didn’t seem like the shy type. Broad shoulders, defined jawline, and could probably bench press me. He seemed like the type to be someone like Percy. Loud and proud.
I thought he was gonna walk away. You know take a hint but no. He was still here. When is he going to go away. I glanced at him. He was handsome, no doubt about that. What? I have eyes.
Is he hiding here away from his admirers or something?
“Dude,” I mumbled. “Say words. The silent act is creepy.”
He blinked and turned to me, almost startled. I don’t think he expected me to speak. He forgot that he was the one who invited me over. I still would’ve claimed my dominance over this spot if he didn’t. I eyed his guitar. I know a good model when I see one. Gibson ES-330. 1962. Cherry red. The real deal. But the strings were rusty and on the verge of breaking. Who on earth treats a guitar like this.
“Your strings are old, fix them.” I felt my eye twitch. Instruments are literally god’s gift to humans. You definitely do not treat them so poorly. Especially that guitar so nice. “Why do you own a Gibson ES-330 if you don’t know how to—“ This seemed to get guitar boy’s attention. His eyes widened of curiosity, and he leaned in. My ears grew warm. He was way too close.
He pointed to his guitar. “You know what model this is called?” What the, he actually speaks.
I raised my brow. “Uh, yeah. A Gibson.”
“A Gibson.” He repeated. Mostly to himself. He clutched on the strings. “And this… can be fixed?” He whispered. It costed him a lot to speak a few words.
“Of course, it can,” I responded as I leaned back. Guitar dude really needs to learn personal boundaries.
“Really?” He repeated.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure I said yes.” He didn’t noticed my tone, or he probably didn’t care.
“Can it be fixed right now?” He fidgeted around with the peg.
“Not right now,” I mumbled.
This guy deflated like balloon. He frowned and lowered his head. I felt a huge pang of guilt. Why is he acting like I stepped on his puppy. I bit my lip. I felt so annoyed. This dude shows up on my spot and just broods around acting mysterious! While this whole time I could’ve been sleeping! I clenched my fists. I slapped the floor and got up. “Stop acting like the world’s ending cause a few strings are broken!” I ran away. Then I found myself back to the same spot with pliers, and new guitar strings, I found both in the music room. I was out of breath cause I ran around to the other side of school and back for this guy! I snatched the guitar out his grip. “You’re making me feel like I’m the bad guy!” I yelled, and yet I was fixing his guitar strings.
“Just shut up with the guilt trip!” I complained yet again. He blinked at me, his eyes surprised. So he does have emotion. I inserted the ball end of the string into the peg hole. Replaced the pin. Pulled the end of the new string through the tuning post. Hey, I wasn’t in a band for no reason.
“And give me my nap back!” I huffed. Turning in the last string. My work was complete. He still had that stupid look of awe when he tried to reach for it. “Not yet,” I turned, pulling his guitar away from him. “I still need to tune it.” I kept turning the pegs until I get the right rhythm. I struck one riffle. One. But that was enough for blondie. He got up on his knees. “You—you play guitar?” My eyebrows shot up. His voice was soft. Too soft for someone so ruggedly handsome. “I guess—“
Then guitar dude grabbed the collar of my shirt and shook me like I was a rag doll.
“I—“ His eyes were desperate. His grip on my collar tighten. “Please, teach me how to play!”
I was so shocked. This guy was shy one second and all up in my face the next.
I lost my voice in that moment. Blinking hard. Our noses just barely brushing against each other. We stayed like that for a few seconds, just staring at each other. Then I found my voice again.
“Uh. I still need to tune it.” I’m pretty sure I let out a little squeal.
“Oh.” He let go of me, looked down at his hands like he was just realizing how he had just grabbed me. He sat back down, embarrassed. Face flushed. Head low.
That’s it. Guitar dude officially lost it.
“I’m really sorry.” He palmed his eyes.
“I—uh,” I blinked. I adjusted my collar. “It’s… cool. I think.” It was most definitely not cool. I don’t appreciate being shook by the collar but he gets a pass. Dude was tugging on his hair.
He slowly lifted his head, his hands rested on his knees. He turned to me, but his eyes didn’t meet mines. Face still red, I noticed. He pointed to himself, a shaky finger landing on his chest. He mumbled something.
I squinted. “Huh?” He bit his lip, and repeated it but I didn’t catch it.
I scooted in. “Say what?” His hand clutched his chest. He couldn’t speak for the life of him.
“Dude, speak—“
“Jason! My name’s Jason!” He blurted. Then he looked down, face reddening again. “Jason Grace.” He repeated, softer.
Huh. Jason Grace. He’s new and he’s in the class next door, I know that much. Reyna briefly mentioned him, how smart he was or whatever. I didn’t really care until now. I guess I start knowing someone after they grab me by the collar and threaten me to teach them guitar. Real memorable.
“See?” I grinned. “Wasn’t that hard.”
I struck a single cord for good measure. Then handed his guitar back to him. He took it gingerly. His eyes didn’t leave my face. Guess this is the part where I introduced myself. Shouldn’t let all of Jason’s effort to talk go to waste, huh?
“Leo,” I said. “Leo Valdez.”
He nodded. “Teach me guitar, Leo.”
”Uh, no.” I replied flatly.
And oh, man, he didn’t take no for answer. He followed me for days after that. Never left me alone. Begging me to teach him. He never said it directly, he still was quiet but he didn’t need to. His presence said more than enough. Also, it was way more annoying than any words he ever spoke.
That was the start of it all.