I came up with this little one-shot when I was falling asleep, and I knew I had to write this right now. Anyways, enjoy 'What Jason Would Never Know'.

Leo was a simple guy in most eyes. The class clown to his classmates. Immature to his foster parents. The jokester to his friends. And, this was true at times. But there were a few tender subjects. His mom. His time in the foster care system.

His best friend. Jason Grace.

Jason woke up to crying. Which was weird, because the only other person in the dorm was Leo- and Leo never cried.

Turning over to see his best friend across the room have tears running down his face, Jason was in genuine shock. "Leo?" he rasped, his throat dry from sleeping.

And suddenly, there were no more cries. Only sniffles. "Hey, Jason. Shouldn't you be sleeping? And, not, ya know, being awake?"

"Leo, stop it. What are you crying about?" By this time, Jason had gotten out of bed and turned the light on, moving to comfort his friend.

Leo's jaw tightened. "I wasn't-"

Jason sighed. "Leo Valdez. Come on, tell me."

And that was the night Leo told him about his mom, the abusive foster parents. Leo had never said anything about his past to others, but now, seeing Jason's reaction- a bit of anger, sympathy, and kindness, Leo knew he was there for him.

After that night, things were different. Leo wore more genuine smiles, and told Jason more about how he was feeling. Jason always listened, and never judged.

However, there was one thing Leo hadn't spoken about, and Jason knew it. What that was, he didn't know.

Until one day, after classes, Leo had disappeared. Filled with worry and a small amount of determination (but mostly worry), Jason found him.

On fire.

Jason yelped. "Leo! You- you..." Jason blinked. "You don't seem that worried."

Leo was staring, mouth agape, at the new presence. "I-I can explain." Jason knew something- this wasn't happy Leo, or sad Leo- this was panicked Leo.

And that was the afternoon Leo told Jason the real story of his mom, of the night she died, and his babysitter Tia Callida. He told him of his powers, and how he tried to keep them hidden.

And the thing Jason couldn't know the day he woke up on the bus, heading to the Grand Canyon, was that Leo was on the verge of crying. That his best friend, the guy who accepted his powers and his past, didn't remember a thing.

What Jason didn't know, was that Leo blamed himself for his mom's death.

What Jason didn't know, was that there were nights where they would talk about their pasts until 3 AM.

What Jason didn't know, was that Leo hated his powers, and tried to control them as best as he could.

What Jason didn't know, was that Leo had met Nemesis and had hated himself ever since.

What Jason didn't know, was that Leo met Calypso and made an impossible promise.

What Jason didn't know, was that Leo was going to sacrifice himself to Gaea.

But Leo won't tell him about that.

Because there are things the son of Jupiter will never know.

That was really short, but I honestly feel like it conveyed so much emotion.

Anyways, for everyone wondering about my absence, one reason- school is literally my life. So, after catching up on sleep, I am back!

I'm thinking of making a sequel about what Leo didn't know. Feedback?

Questions? Comments? Concerns?