The late autumn breeze held that distinct quality that could only mean the onslaught of a storm—shivering with cold, whispering of wind that was yet to be. Already the windows were beginning to fog over as the temperature dropped, turning the rooms beyond into a maze of blurs and shadows.

His footsteps were light as he darted across the stone sidewalk despite the fact that he wore heavy black combat boots. There was only a slight crunch crunch as he made his way through the streets, as if the sidewalk was refusing to acknowledge his presence.

Nico pulled the beanie down, attempting to cover his ears. His breath escaped his mouth in wispy tendrils as he exhaled. He really hated the cold. He hated it with a passion.

As he crossed yet another road he felt his cell phone buzz in his pocket. Fumbling for a second (his fingers were nearly numb) he fished the phone out and glanced at the screen.

Where are you? The coffee is getting cold.

Nico rolled his eyes before responding, his numb fingers moving sluggishly across the keyboard.

I'll be there in 2 minutes.

He clicked send and tucked the phone back in his pocket, picking up his pace. He was aching to get out of the cold and into the warmth of the café. Night had begun to settle on the city, casting an orange glow over the buildings as the darkness descended.

The door chimed cheerily as he pushed it open. A wall of heat met him, pushing his unruly dark hair out of his eyes—if only temporarily. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the squashy armchairs (most of them occupied) and the wall of photos situated behind the ordering counter. Soft violin music carried through the still air, intermingling with the strong odor of coffee and freshly baked pastries.

"Nico!"

Nico turned toward the sound, spotting a familiar face in the back corner of the café. Though he had long since stopped smiling, the edges of his lips curled upward ever so slightly when he caught sight of the person sitting there, next to the window.

Nico sat down in the chair across from him, taking in every detail. His hair was golden blonde like he remembered, perpetually ruffled as if he had just escaped a wind storm.

"Hey," said Nico breathlessly, a slight waver to his voice. He had never really been good with social interactions, something that had only gotten worse since the accident.

Jason smiled at him from across the table, his eyes glittering with warmth and kindness. A pair of glasses rested on his nose, the lenses reflecting the muted lighting in the room.

A wave of relief swept through Nico. He had somehow expected Jason to be…different in some way. A different person that had moved on and left him behind, like everyone else had. But here he was, wearing one of his characteristic preppy sweaters and that calm, heroic-like smile that always made Nico wonder what he was thinking.

"It's been a while," said Jason, pushing a cup of coffee toward him.

"Yeah," said Nico, wrapping his fingers around the ceramic mug, grateful for the near-scalding heat. A moment of silence stretched between them, only punctuated when Nico realized that he should probably say something else.

"How have you been?" he asked, glancing up from his cup of coffee.

Jason took a sip of his own drink. "I've been good! I got a new job in central London that pays pretty well, so I moved into a bigger apartment, which is always fun."

Nico nodded absentmindedly. Of course Jason's life was going well. He was Jason after all. He was one of the most charismatic people Nico had ever met. He wasn't sure what he had expected. Nico raised the mug to his lips and took a long sip, relishing the feeling of the hot drink tracing a path down to his stomach.

"And," continued Jason, leaning in a little over the table, so Nico could see the thin white scar on his lip. "I've met someone."

Nico swallowed hastily, coughing as the hot liquid seared his throat.

"You what?" he managed, dabbing at his face with a napkin.

Jason sat back in his chair, looking smug. His clear blue eyes glinted cheerfully.

"I wasn't expecting it," Jason admitted. "It kind of all just…happened."

"What's her name?" said Nico, a bit warily. Romantic endeavors were something that he had never been comfortable with. It was only because Jason was his friend that he didn't change the topic completely.

"Piper," said Jason, saying the name in a way that made Nico shift uneasily in his seat. Obviously this girl meant a lot to him—and this was precisely the reason why Nico was so uncomfortable. Affection had always bothered him, partially due to the fact that he had never really experienced it himself. He couldn't understand how two people could unite in such a way, creating a bond different from any other relationship.

"Ah," said Nico softly, looking into the depths of his mug, as if that could provide an escape from the topic.

Jason seemed oblivious to Nico's discomfort. "We've been dating for six months. She's moved in with me, can you believe that?"

Nico chanced a glance at Jason, his dark eyelashes fluttering upward.

"A bit quick, isn't it?" he questioned.

Jason shook his head slightly, his gaze far away. "She's perfect. I knew it when we first met. We just connect. You get that, right?"

"Sure," said Nico quietly, though he didn't get it, not at all.

"Enough about me," said Jason, his eyes returning to Nico's. "What have you been up to?"

Nico fiddled with the edge of his napkin, not really sure how to begin. The last thing he wanted was Jason's pity, but that was almost inevitable. For what felt like the hundredth time he mentally cursed himself for being so pathetic.

"Well," he began slowly. "After…you know. The accident. I decided to leave America."

Jason nodded, his smile slipping slightly.

Nico cleared his throat. "I just needed to get away."

"Understandable," said Jason, his voice quieter now, as if he was trying not to frighten a skittish animal.

"I travelled a bit. I wasn't really sure where I wanted to be. Nothing felt right," said Nico, willing his words to come out as monotone as possible. "And then I found myself in London. I heard that you were living here…" Nico's voice trailed off. There were gaping holes in his story—you simply couldn't sum up the last two years of your life in a few sentences—but he knew he couldn't say what had really been going on during that time. He didn't want Jason to worry. Jason, who had never been anything but kind to him didn't deserve to feel bad for someone like Nico. Even if Nico still blamed him for what had happened.

"And now we're here," finished Jason, his voice still soft.

They were both silent, the ambient noise of the café attempting to fill the space between them—and failing. In truth there was so, so much more separating them now, the past two years only a minor factor.

"Have you met anyone?" asked Jason at last, obviously attempting to lighten the mood.

"What do you mean?" said Nico quickly; though he had a feeling he knew what Jason was on about.

"You know." Jason winked and realization hit him. A dull flush crept across Nico's cheeks.

"No," he said shortly, reaching for his coffee again. He raised the cup to his lips and took a big gulp.

Nico swallowed and set the cup down again, slightly harder than he meant to. It clattered against the wooden table, the coffee sloshing up the side of the mug. Jason's eyes were still on his, thoughtful behind his glasses.

"You know, I could find someone for you," he said seriously, excitement creeping through his words. "I'm sure there's a nice guy that would—"

"Stop," said Nico sharply, glancing around quickly to see if anyone was listening in on their conversation.

Jason blinked. "Nico, I didn't mean to—"

Nico shook his head quickly. "I don't want to talk about it," he said stiffly. When he had told Jason his secret he had somehow thought that that would be the end of it. He had never anticipated Jason asking about whom he had a crush on or the horrible awkwardness when Jason tried to point out guys for him. Even though it had felt good at the time to confide in someone, he had quickly started to regret the decision. Jason tried too hard, and in the end it had just pushed Nico away.

"Fine," said Jason easily, though Nico could tell that he had irritated him. "So, what are you planning on doing in London?"

"I'm not sure," said Nico honestly, looking out the window. Night had fully collected, the store windows glittering in the darkness.

"Have you thought about going to university?" asked Jason.

Nico turned back toward him in surprise. "University?"

Jason shrugged. "Why not? There are some nice ones around here. They're good about financial aid too, if that's what you would need."

Nico met Jason's eyes thoughtfully, trying to see past the clear blue and into his mind. What was he thinking?

"I don't know," he said at last. "I've kind of gotten used to moving around whenever I feel like it. I'm not sure if I could handle staying in one place for so long."

"Nico, I know that you haven't been happy these past two years. And it's not your fault…what happened. Really. You could start over here. Take a few classes. I'm here for you. I can help you with whatever you need."

Nico swallowed hard. He had never been comfortable with displays of emotion or affection, and Jason's voice was undeniably laced with both.

"Thanks," he managed. "I'll think about it."

Jason's eyes sparkled. "Good. I want you to be happy."

I want to be happy too, Nico thought. Deep down, however, he doubted that he ever would be again.

Jason checked his watch.

"Well, I hate to cut this meeting short, but I really have to be going," he said apologetically. "Piper's waiting for me."

Nico nodded as Jason pulled on his coat.

"I'll see you soon, alright?" he said, reaching out his hand for Nico to shake.

Nico took his hand and shook it, trying his hardest to absorb some of Jason's warmth. But all too soon Jason was leaving, and Nico was alone, with only a cup of cold coffee sitting in front of him.