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Leo’s hands were blackened with soot, and the forge glowed hotter than it had in hours. Sparks flew every time he struck the metal, and yet he barely noticed, lost in the rhythm of hammering and bending.
He had been at this for a while. Days, if Leo was being honest. The demigod had, of course, taken some breaks to grab food. Not exactly healthy food. More like chips and sweets. Leo did have water though, so hopefully Jason wouldn’t murder him. The son of Hephaestus was surprised none of his friends had confronted him yet. It had been three days now since Leo had entered the forge. It had been three days since he had slept too.
There were deep, dark circles under Leo’s eyes, and his face was pale. Likely from a lack of proper food, light, and such. He felt more exhausted than tired. Adrenaline was the only thing keeping the demigod upright, and even that would run out eventually. So really, Leo was a mess. Physically and emotionally. He couldn’t explain why he was a mess. It was just one of those weeks where his mind was too quiet. When only working, physical aches forced him to feel. When Leo wasn’t in the forge or pushing himself to the bone, the quiet would return. Empty is a better word, supplied Leo’s mind. It was like his body was on autopilot. Leo’s feelings were muted. Even intense feelings like anger fade as quickly as they appear.
So here he was, working. Leo had really no plan, no idea what he was making.
Snap
Snap
Snap
The sound of various metals being shaped into an odd-looking lamp rang out in the empty room. Leo felt sweat race down his face and fall onto his, like, stained shirt. He was hot, like really hot, despite being flame resistant. The demigod’s vision blurred slightly as he swayed, hammer clanking as it hit the ground.
“Shit!” Leo cursed, hands bracing on the table to stop his descent.
“Shh, I have you, little one,” a deep voice said.
Leo sagged back into the strong arms holding him. The demigod tilted his head backwards, meeting a pair of dark eyes and a face similar to his own.
“Dad,” whispered Leo, smiling slightly. “Didn’t hear you approaching.”
“I doubt you would have heard anyone approaching in your state, Leonidas,” replied Hephaestus, his tone turning a bit more scolding.
Leo winced, face turning pink. His dad was right on that account, but still, ouch. Hephaestus didn’t have to point it out. Leo was well aware of his endless supply of shortcomings. It cycled through his head constantly. Tearing him apart.
“So is there a reason you stopped by?” Leo asked as he tugged himself out of his dad’s arms. A charming and oh-so-fake smile crossed his face.
Hephaestus’ raised eyebrow made Leo’s stomach clench. Most people couldn’t see through his fake happiness, but his dad, Jason, Piper, and surprisingly Percy could. It made him feel more exposed than he liked. He was standing bare in front of someone who knew every secret he tried to hide. His chest felt tight, a lump forming in his throat as he swallowed hard, trying to hold back the emotions threatening to spill.
“No one has heard from you in three days, Leonidas. Chiron IM’ed me, telling me.
Hephaestus’ disapproving tone made Leo’s eyes water. He hated disappointing his dad. It hurt worse than being pissed and firing on his own friends. It almost hurt as much as his mama dying.
Leo felt hot burning tears slide down his face. He glanced at his dad and then the floor. He sniffled in an attempt to stave off any crying.
“Leo, shh, my little flame. Why are you crying, little one?” Hephaestus asked as he scooped his child up and walked towards a couch he had out in the forge when he had designed it.
The god had made sure the lounging area was quite a distance from the forging part of the whole bunker. But nonetheless, he had thought it a good idea to have the area. It served him well. He could speak to his children privately, one-on-one without interruption. It was also easier on his leg.
Hephaestus grunted as he sat down. He adjusted Leo so his child was on his lap.
“Now then, let’s talk,” said the god, his tone gentle so as not to set his son off. Leo tended to get defensive about such matters. “Is there a reason you haven’t been taking care of yourself?”
Leo paused, mouth opening then closing. His hands moved upwards, gripping Hephaestus’ own tightly.
“I can’t explain it. I don’t know how,” admitted Leo. “Sometimes, I just needed to be alone. To work, so I—.” The demigod’s voice trailed off, but Hephaestus understood all the same.
Leo’s actions were not dissimilar to the god’s own. However, neglecting one’s well-being and safety was something Hephaestus didn’t tolerate. Not from his kiddos. Leo needed some discipline but also some comfort.
“Leo, baby, I can’t let this go unpunished. You could have seriously hurt yourself, working with these tools and such while being sleep deprived. Not to mention, not drinking and eating can kill you.” Hephaestus’ voice was an even mix of stern and daring. He didn’t want to spank his little one, but actions had consequences.
Leo nodded. He had expected this to some degree. His dad was rather laid back compared to most of the gods, but even Hephaestus had lines. One of which was not risking your well-being.
“I know,” replied Leo, eyes both sad and understanding. He whined when he was gently shifted, so he was lying across the god’s lap.
Hephaestus placed a restraining hand on Leo’s lower back before landing the first smack.
“I think we need to have a little chat on the rules again,” declared Hephaestus as he spanked his son. “Are you allowed to ignore your needs, Leonidas?”
“No!” Leo shouted/yelped as his dad’s hand made contact with the undercurve of his backside.
“Mhhm, and are you allowed to stay locked away in the forge for three days?”
“No—Ow! Dad, please,” cried Leo, hips shifting to avoid the swats as the sting began to pick up.
“Correct. And are you to skip meals and overwork yourself?” Hephaestus asked, his tone pointed and scolding.
“Noooo!” Leo squealed as his dad’s hand hit his backside again. It burned a lot. For more than usual, but then again, Hephaestus rarely spanked them.
“A few more.” Said Hephaestus gently. He pushed one knee upward, making Leo’s thighs more accessible, and then landed a flurry of swats, making sure to cup his hand so Leo really felt the burn.
Then, it was done.
Leo barely had a moment to process the switch from him being over his dad’s lap to sitting on it. Warm, strong arms wrapped around Leo, holding him close and offering the demigod comfort.
He sniffled, face wet and mind tired. He was always emotional after a spanking and even more so when he had slept 72 hours.
“Shh, rest. Close your eyes, my flame,” whispered Hephaestus gently as he held Leo close. “Dad’s got you.”
And so Leo did.
Slowly, Leo’s eyelids grew heavy, the heat from the forge and the lingering sting of his dad’s hand finally giving way to exhaustion. Wrapped in Hephaestus’ strong arms, the demigod felt a quiet safety he hadn’t allowed himself in days. His ragged breaths slowed, each one grounding him back in the moment.
“You’re safe, little one,” Hephaestus murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Leo’s head. “I’ve got you.”
Leo let the last traces of tension leave his body, allowing himself to sink fully into the embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, he didn’t need to push, fix, or fight. The forge’s heat faded to a dull glow in his mind as sleep claimed him, carrying him away from the chaos of the past three days. And in that warmth, Leo understood—even just a little—that he mattered, that he was seen, and that he was loved.