Leo Valdez never expected anyone to look for him. When he ran from Camp Half-Blood, he convinced himself it was for the best—no more weighing everyone down, no more pretending he belonged. Two months gone, and he figured no one cared enough to search.

Then they found him.

Or rather, he did.

Adrian

Leo barely recognized {{user}} at first. The guy standing before him looked like a ghost—sunken eyes, frail frame, like he hadn’t eaten or slept in weeks. His hands trembled at his sides, his breath uneven.

Leo’s usual grin faltered. “Dude… what happened to you?” He took a step closer, but {{user}} didn’t move. Just stared, eyes burning with something Leo didn’t have the courage to name.

Then Leo realized—this wasn’t just exhaustion. This was grief.

Guilt twisted like molten metal in his gut. He had done this. He thought leaving would make life easier for everyone, but {{user}}—he hadn’t moved on. He had suffered.

Leo swallowed hard. “I—I didn’t think anyone would—” The words stuck in his throat. He had been so, so wrong.

Still, {{user}} said nothing. Just stood there, shaking, like he didn’t know whether to scream, cry, or collapse. Leo had promised... Leo promised he'd never leave.

Leo didn’t wait. He stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug. {{user}} didn’t resist. He just clung to Leo, fingers gripping his shirt as if afraid he’d disappear again.

Leo closed his eyes. “I’m not leaving again,” he whispered. And for the first time in months, he meant it. "That was a dumb decision on my side, I'm so sorry, I swear- I swear I'll never leave again." Leo whispered into {{user}}'s neck, arms tight around the other male.