Percy walked out of the door, but not before picking up the picture of when he and Nico were together. He just wanted to go to a local bar to drown in his own misery. When he got there, he couldn't help crying his heart out for the one he loved so dearly, not caring who witnessed it.

A dark-haired male then walked through the doors, and saw the person who was crying. A sense of familiarity shot through him, although he didn't know why. He slowly made his way towards the man who was crying before easing down into the seat across from him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned

Percy peeked up slightly to see who was speaking to him. He started when he saw who it was. Then he hung his head lower. How could he face him after what he'd done? Percy thought his heart was going to split even more than it already was; being near him again reminded him of his love that was so strong before he broke his heart. If only Percy had listened to his heart rather than his parents.

Percy had his head buried deeper into his hands by now, and his muttering got louder without knowing that the male across the table could hear everything he said.

"I'm so sorry, I never ever meant to break your heart. I love you so much it hurts, but there's no possible way for you to forgive what I done and put you through. I miss you so much it hurts."

Nico raised his eyebrows in confusion about what the man was saying, but then he saw the picture. He couldn't quite get a good look at it, but apparently by the words muttered, he had broken someone's heart, had sincerely regretted it ever since and was still in love with them. Now that Nico truly looked at the man sitting across the table, he reminded him so much of his ex, Percy Jackson. But it was impossible for it to be him. Percy was happy with his life. He had crushed his heart and left him damaged and broken, remembering how Percy had used to say 'I love you' in a way that meant 'I'll never leave you', but Percy had discovered that he was head over heels in love with Annabeth after all. He had made that very clear the night he had left. Nico may have cried more that night than he ever had the rest of his life, but Percy was happy, and there was nothing Nico could do about it. It didn't matter that Nico was still in love with the beautiful boy that had swept him off his feet, that had taken him so high it had only hurt harder when he let him fall. It didn't matter that Percy was the only person to ever actually understand and love him like he was his entire world.

When Percy finally really looked up at Nico, his eyes bloodshot from all the crying he had done, Nico gasped in complete shock. The picture had to be one of his favorites when he and Percy were together, but that couldn't be Percy, he looked so heartbroken and lost just like Nico himself felt. 'Could he still love me, even after all these years and what he did?' Nico thought to himself and considered running away, but he shook his head to remove that thought.

"Percy..." Nico finally spoke hesitantly.

Percy was just staring at Nico before new tears streamed down his face and once again buried his face in his hands to hide the tears.

Nico slowly got up and walked around the table to Percy. He lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, getting Percy to raise his head and look at Nico. "I... aren't you mad at me for what I did?" Percy asked, his voice trembling with each word.

"I was, and still am. I didn't know you were just as heartbroken as I am, though," Nico answered.

"I couldn't ever forget you, you were literally my lifeline. After you left I fell apart without anyone to pick up the pieces. You loved me and I still treated you like dirt, I never deserved to have you," Percy said while his eyes watered.

"Aren't you married to Annabeth?" Nico asked with a bitter taste in his mouth.

"I cancelled everything that had to do with her and just left. I can't marry someone who I never loved."

"Then why did you break up with me if you never loved her?" Nico's voice started to crack.

"My parents forced me into it, saying that you were only a phase and that I would be happier without you. I knew from the beginning you were never a phase and I just ended up depressed because of my parents. All I wanted to do was find you and explain everything, but you left no way to get back in contact," Percy's voice shook when he started to cry again.

Nico studied Percy for a moment and thought what he had just said. He bit his bottom lip before giving in and wrapping his arms around Percy in an effort to comfort him. Percy tensed, but, slowly, he relaxed in the hug and gladly accepted the comfort. Percy hadn't been in such close contact with anyone since they had broken up, even with Annabeth or his parents. It just reminded him of the person he loved and wanted to be with most. Percy finally raised his face to look back at Nico, who wiped away the remaining tears that ran down his face.

"Percy, I would like to give us another try," Nico finally said, slightly hesitant but confident in his decision.

Percy just stared at Nico, his mouth gaping. He always wanted another try but gave up when realizing that he could never reach Nico again after trying for a year. All Percy could do was nod his yes. And for the first time in years, they both smiled.