Percy was just about to start his senior year of high school. He felt like he was going to attend college because it was an all boy private school, required dorms, and professors instead of public-school teachers. The only thing okay about it was that after classes, he didn't have to stay on campus, thanks to Chiron. His mother kept reassuring Percy this school was highly recommended for him.
Still, he wasn't looking forward to it. And the summer at Camp Half-Blood did not go as planned either. Annabeth decided it was best for them to take a break, since she was leaving to study abroad in Europe. She would text Percy once a week, maybe every two weeks. Percy tried to forget about Annabeth, but he saw her in everything around him. His sword, his camp necklace, his own reflection. Nearly six years they've known each other, and it all disappeared.
Sally Jackson, Percy's mother and ultimate blue baker, knocked on the wall before entering the bedroom. Percy forced his camp hoodie into a blue duffel bag.
"Are you almost ready?" Sally asked her son. She walked to him and folded the hoodie correctly, so it fit easily in the bag.
"Thanks," Percy said. "I'm a little nervous. About having a roommate." He sat on the edge of his bed. It was only an empty mattress now; the sheets and comforter were in the trunk of his car.
Sally continued to fold other pieces of clothing. "Don't worry. Chiron said he found a roommate that won't mind any weird monsters." She winked at Percy before ruffling his hair.
Percy dodged out of the way then fixed his hair. "Like who? If they notice anything I'll be kicked out or something. What if he doesn't like me?"
She zipped up the duffel bag. "It's Nico," she said. Percy had a blank expression. "Di Angelo. Percy, you go to camp together." Still no response. "Son of Hades?"
After Percy realized what his mom was telling him, he dramatically fell off the bed and onto the floor. "Mom, he hates me."
"Oh, no he doesn't," she playfully kicked his side. "Now get up, you're going to be late."
Together they packed the rest of Percy's things into an old blue Prius. Sally straightened out Percy's swimming team t-shirt from his old school before she gave her son a big, long hug.
"Don't get into too much trouble okay?" Sally wiped a tear from her cheek.
Percy kissed her cheek. "I won't, mom. I promise." He sat in the driver's seat and rolled the window down.
"I'll see you next month, honey," Sally said. "Say hi to Nico for me!"
Percy laughed and nodded. The engine turned on. "I love you," he said before driving down the street.
The radio distracted Percy from thinking about being away from his mom. Sure, every summer he leaves to camp, but this was different. Percy wasn't ready to be alone, he wasn't ready to go to school. The whole time he's been back home he hasn't responded to Grover's texts, or Jason's, or Frank's, or Leo's, no one. Talking about the "break" wasn't going to help at all. And he most importantly, wasn't ready for Nico's hatred.
Pennsylvania was pretty, sure, but it was a little boring. As Percy drove, he couldn't help but miss Manhattan and its craziness. And as his new school came into view, he gained a little hope of happiness. The campus was amazing, tons of trees and places to picnic. The main building looked like a typical boarding school, but the dorms were new and functional. Percy even spotted an indoor swimming pool.
Percy parked his car in the student parking. He saw other guys bringing their things to the dormitory with their parents. Watching fathers and sons say goodbye to each other made Percy a little jealous. He understood Poseidon was busy being a god and all, but sometimes he can try, right? He shrugged off his feelings. Time to see Nico.
The hallway was packed. He could barely walk without bumping into someone or knocking over something people were carrying. Finally, he found his room, 402. He took a deep breath. Please don't be here yet, Percy thought.
The door was already unlocked, and he swung it open a little too hard. It banged against the wall. Nico stopped talking and turned toward the noise. Percy's breath sharpened. He wore a simple long sleeve black shirt, black skinny jeans, and a pair of Vans. And, Nico looked, well, different. His skin was more olive than the usual ghost pale. He wore diamond stud earrings, which surprised Percy. Long shaggy black hair framed carved cheekbones and a well-defined jawline. Nico would always be that scrawny kid that scares people. That didn't stop Percy from at least wanting to talk to him, and he was relieved Nico was doing so well.
Their room was small. Two beds were in each corner of the room in the back. Nico took ownership of the left one with black covers. The room was identically, split down the middle. Each side also had a closet with a built-in dresser, and a simple desk by the foot of the beds. On Nico's desk he had notebooks, pens, and a family picture. Percy noticed something move by the window that was in the middle of the wall. Hades took a step forward. He wore a slim black suit, which complimented his height.
"Hades," Percy said, shocked. "I'm so sorry, I-I didn't see you there."
The god's mouth curled into a smile. "No worries," Hades said. He rested his hand on Nico's shoulder. Percy saw Nico slightly grimace at the fatherly gesture. "I was just giving my son some advice. Well," Hades clapped his hands together, both boys flinched, "you two have fun, I will stop by again soon." The god of death walked to the door, also giving Percy a pat on the shoulder and moving him out of the way at the same time. The hallway fell silent as Hades walked towards the stairs. Percy guessed the Mist couldn't hide the sense of death of too.
The air of the room lifted, it even seemed brighter. Nico still stared at Percy with an expression that was hard to read.
Percy cleared his throat and closed the door behind him. "Well, that was awkward," Percy laughed lightly. He threw his backpack, duffel bag, and bedding on the empty mattress.
"I'm sorry," Nico said. His voice gave Percy a shiver down his spine. "I didn't actually expect him to drop me off."
"No worries." Percy sat on the bed, when he heard the springs, he bounced slightly. "This sounds terrible."
Nico laughed, "I know. It's honestly not that bad if you get some padding." He pulled his sheets up and showed Percy the memory foam bed topper on his bed.
"Oh," Percy said, he bit his lip. He didn't want to ask his mom to buy him another thing.
As if reading his thoughts, Nico suggested, "We can go get you one later today. My treat."
Percy looked up at him questioningly. "Are you sure? I don't want you to waste your money."
Nico shrugged and put his hands in the back pockets of his black jeans. "Hades gave me plenty of money for the year," he explained. "I'm sure it doesn't matter what I spend it on."
Percy felt bad for being jealous of the relationship Nico had with his father. Poseidon never gave Percy any money for school. Child support would be appreciated.
"Sweet, thanks man."
"No problem." Nico pointed at Percy's things. "Did you need help carrying your other stuff in?"
"Nope," Percy smiled. "Got it all here."
"Oh, okay. Well, did you want to just go now? We can get something to eat for dinner too." Nico grabbed a pair of car keys on his dresser. There was a framed picture of Nico and Hazel taking a selfie. Nico had a big smile on his face with Hazel kissing his cheek.
Percy stood up, stretching his arms above his head which caused his shirt to ride up a couple of inches. Nico glanced at Percy's stomach before looking at his watch. The older boy took no notice, of course.
"That sound's awesome. I'm starving." Percy rubbed his stomach with a grin.
Nico led the way out of their room, locking the door behind them, before walking side by side to the stairs. They walked down to the first floor in silence, Nico didn't mind but Percy felt like he should say something.
"So," Percy said, holding open the door to the parking lot for Nico. "How's Hazel been?"
Nico walked forward. "She's been good. She said she's tried to reach you this summer." Nico glanced back at Percy and could tell the question was uncomfortable. Percy ran his fingers through his hair.
"Yeah, I've just been busy."
Nico nodded and decided to drop the conversation. A black Jeep beeped in front of the two boys. Nico opened the passenger door, gesturing with his other hand for Percy to get in. Percy followed his instruction.
Percy waited for his driver to get in the car. "Smells knew," Percy said, inhaling through his nose deeply.
"Gift from dad."
As soon as Nico started the engine, Percy bolted for the volume of the stereo, so he didn't have to fill the silence. The voice of Harry Styles sang through the speakers. Nico slightly blushed and Percy smiled. The younger, now embarrassed boy reached to change it to a radio station, but Percy slapped his hand away.
"Keep it. I like it," Percy reassured him.
Nico sighed in relief. He backed the Jeep out from the parking space and headed to a Mattress Firm. Percy tapped his fingers to the beat of the song. The sun was starting to set, making Nico's skin look even more inviting to touch. The jet-black hair now looked as if there were dark brown highlights. His strong grip on the wheel revealed more muscle than expected under those sleeves. It was attractive to Percy how Nico could drive as crazy as he was, yet still make the ride feel safe.
"Do you see something?" Nico startled Percy with the sudden question. Nico glanced out his own window, tensing up for anything dangerous.
Without fully thinking, Percy lay his hand on Nico's thigh for reassurance. "No, no. Sorry I was just spacing off." Nico didn't relax, his jaw clenched, his eyes glared ahead, and he shifted his leg uncomfortably. The energy from Nico darkened. Percy quickly retracted his hand. "S-sorry. I didn't mean-"
"It's fine," Nico said sharply.
Nico took a hard-right turn into the parking lot of a Mattress Firm. The car stopped abruptly, making Percy brace himself against the momentum. Nico exited the Jeep, slamming the door a little too hard. Percy closed the door behind them and lightly jogged to catch up with Nico, who was already inside the store.
After a couple of minutes of searching for the Ghost King, he found him looking at different brands of mattress pads. Nico noticed Percy out of the corner of his eye, then pointed at a green memory foam. It was airtight and compressed in a small plastic packaging.
"That's the one I have," Nico said.
Percy checked the price and whistled. "Sixty-four dollars? I can get a cheaper one, it's no problem."
Nico grunted with annoyance, grabbing the padding, and walking to the cash register. Percy stood close behind him in the line. He noticed Nico was only a couple inches shorter than him now. Percy bit his lip thinking about it.
"Have a nice night," said the cashier who handed Nico the receipt. Percy picked up the item, wishing the lady a nice night too. Nico already left the store and was waiting in the car by the time Percy caught up. Percy hopped in as if it was his old beat up Prius.
"Where did you want to eat?" Nico asked.
"Um... Are there any good restaurants around here?" Percy responded.
"I don't really want to be stared at the whole time."
Percy understood that, Nico always had an unpleasant presence around mortals and demigods. "What about McDonald's?" Percy pointed across the street at the big M. "We can just eat in the car if you want."
Nico nodded, "That sounds good."
It took twenty minutes for the boys to order in the drive through and get their food, because Percy kept changing his mind. In the end it was worth it, he was satisfied with his ten chicken nuggets, large fry, large coke, and Big Mac. Nico settled with a cheeseburger and water.
In between bites, Nico asked, "How's Annabeth?" Percy sighed and sipped his Coke with food still in his mouth.
"Well," Percy swallowed, "she's good. But we're on a, um, we're on a break."
"A break?"
"Yeah"
"That's dumb."
"Yeah," Percy scoffed.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Nico swirled the ice in his cup with the straw.
"No, thank you though. I'm okay." Percy watched Nico for a couple of seconds. He knew Nico wasn't the talking-about-your-feelings kind of guy, but it was nice he kind of cared. "I thought you hated me," Percy blurted out.
"What?" Nico looked at Percy. "Why would you think that?"
"With what happened to B-"
"I've gotten past that," Nico interrupted, remembering what Bianca told him in the Labyrinth. "I've learned how to deal with it. With the help of Hazel, and my dad has been around more now after I told him I'm gay." He took a bite of his cheeseburger.
"You're gay?" Percy asked.
Nico nodded. "Yes, have been, for a while now." He laughed.
Percy smiled. "How come you never told me?"
"Why would I?"
A small pain hit Percy's chest. "I guess, well, we've known each other for a long time." His voice trailed off and he sank back in the seat, playing with the fries.
"I didn't mean for that to sound rude, Percy. But we were never close, you were always doing heroic things, I was always alone. All of you didn't have time for me." Nico's eyes saddened.
Percy sat back up. "Nico, I have always wanted to get to you know you better. You always pushed me and everyone else away. And I understand, trust me, losing people you love is hard and unbearable. But you didn't have to go through that alone. You had me," Percy took a deep breath. "I care about you, Nico, I want to be your friend, I want to be there for you. We've shared the same experiences, we have more in common than you might think. Just don't push me away anymore, okay? Especially since we're rooming together."
"Okay," Nico said.
After dinner, Nico drove the jeep back to the dormitory. Once they were parked, Nico noticed Percy fell asleep. When the door closed Percy didn't budge. The passenger door opened, and Nico unbuckled the seat belt. Even though Nico worked out, he still wasn't strong enough to carry Percy. The Ghost King carefully dragged Percy out of the car, making sure to gently lay him against the asphalt. Nico sighed as Percy slept on.
Before continuing with his plan to shadow travel the two of them to bed, he made sure his Jeep was locked. Nico lay down on his side next to Percy, putting one hand on the older boy's stomach and the other behind his neck. Percy shifted slightly closer to Nico, wanting more warmth in the cold night. The sign of affection made Nico's heart hurt, he wanted more of it. He wanted to feel loved and wanted, he wanted to feel reassured that who he was wasn't bad. Nico stared at Percy's peaceful face. His hair felt soft and he smelled of the ocean. Gods, he is beautiful, Nico thought. Nico's fingers weaved through Percy's hair. He closed his eyes, focusing on the shadows swallowing the two of them and taking them to Nico's bed. Under normal circumstances, that short of a jump wouldn't have worn Nico out so much. But he was already tired and being close to his childhood crush wasn't helping his nerves.
Percy's eyes slowly fluttered open as Nico was sitting up. Nico noticed and looked over his shoulder down at Percy.
"What time is it?" Percy muttered, trying to hold open his heavy eyelids.
Nico smiled slightly, "It's okay. Go back to sleep." He swung his legs over the side of the bed.
Percy pulled the blanket over himself and rolled on his side, happily enjoying the warmth and comfort it brought him. The musk and earthy smell of Nico swooned over him. A small smile grew on his face. Nico stood up from the bed, stopping Percy from falling asleep.
"Where are you going?" Percy asked Nico, leaning on one elbow.
"I'll sleep in your bed tonight," Nico whispered back, unfolding Percy's blanket. "Go back to sleep, Percy."
"Come back."
"What?" Nico stopped what he was doing and faced Percy.
Percy lifted the blanket, inviting Nico in. "Please, I don't want to be alone again."
Percy's eyes were full of hurt and pain, and fear. At that moment Nico understood why he was ignoring everyone. Perseus Jackson, hero of Olympus and Savior of the World, was sad, maybe depressed. Nico knew what it felt like to be alone more than anyone else. Every day he fought with voices inside his head telling him what a piece of shit he was. Nico couldn't stand the thought of Percy doing those things. Despite the powerful urge to jump in that bad, hug Percy, and tell him that he wasn't alone, Nico shook his head no. Those sea green eyes bore into Nico's soul.
"Please," Percy said again.
Nico took a shaky breath, "Okay."
Percy lifted the blanket higher as Nico joined beside him on the twin sized bed. Nico thanked him and pulled the blanket up to his chest. The older boy watched the nervous one position himself comfortably on his back. Percy remained on his side and rested his head on the pillow. The two boys were inches apart.
"Thank you," Percy whispered, shutting his eyes.
The warm breath against Nico's cheek made him tense up. His breaths became audibly uneven and heavy. The blanket crinkled as he gripped it tightly.
"Nico, are you okay?" Percy asked. Nico turned his head to Percy, locking their eyes together.
"I-I'm," Nico stuttered. "I'm nervous." He looked up at the ceiling. The moonlight lit up the dark room.
Percy lay his hand on Nico's shoulder. The contact shocked Nico. Years of hatred and resentment towards Percy swarmed back into Nico's mind. He doesn't care. He killed her. He hurt you. He's disgusted by you. He ignored you. He's scared of you. He hates you.
Nico didn't realize he was shaking until he was pressed against Percy's chest. Percy had one arm against Nico's back and the other playing with his hair softly. Nico took deep breathes, his head in the crook of Percy's neck.
"It's okay," Percy whispered, rubbing Nico's back. "You're okay. You're okay."
Nico listened to his soothing words. His breathing calmed down, his body relaxed. He felt exhausted.
"I'm sorry," Nico said. "I'm sorry." His voice broke and tears formed in his eyes.
Percy shushed him, but he didn't understand. Nico was sorry for pushing him away, for being angry, for being an unapproachable person. He was sorry that Percy was hurt and that he was responsible for part of that pain.
The feeling of Percy's steady breathing eased Nico's sorrows. Nico hugged Percy, thanking him without words. Percy smiled, he enjoyed the feeling of Nico against him and his hot breath against his neck. Their legs intertwined, Nico snuggled closer. Eventually the two fell asleep in comfortable silence.
Thank the gods class didn't start the next morning.