The sun was nearly set on the warm Californian beach as a lone surfer was riding the waves. He gave no indication that he would stop, either by choice or that he no longer focused on anything other than the rolling waves that crashed against the sand. In the light of the waning sun, his usually auburn hair was a bright orange that looked as if it were on fire and his pale skin glowed.

He was beautiful, everyone seemed to think so. Even with the zinc oxide on his nose and his shoulders slightly pink from the sun, he was frequently given compliments and flirted with. The attention made him humble and he answered those people modestly with a simple thank you while shaking his head saying that he is really not.

He was odd and jovial and fantastic. He was always smiling, except now. When he concentrated-really concentrated-there was an intense look in his eye and his face was unreadable. That was the exact look he had when he was surfing and the uncharacteristic expression revealed a different side of him. A determined, serious side that was rarely seen by anyone who wasn't close to him.

Though, in the beginning, Nico would never have imagined that he could be serious at all. He was fun-loving and happy, even when they were alone. It seemed as if he wore his emotions on his sleeve and he hid nothing from no one. That was something Nico didn't mind, it contrasted with his dark, cynical personality quite nicely.

In the year they've known each other, the two of them have seen so many different sides of the other. Nico has seen the caring, earnest part of the other. He has seen the vulnerable, scared element of Nico's persona that he has concealed from those around him.

Somehow, they fell in love (although Nico hadn't made it easy for the both of them). And this is the story of how Nico di Angelo and Theo McGonagall found each other.