Lots of positive feedback so far. I am pleased. This took me forever to finish, because… Idk. I have no good reason for it.

Oooh guess what guys. My birthday's on Sunday. So, as with every year, I will update a couple stories of my choosing. But, if you have something you want to see, drop me a comment. And while we're on the topic, if you feel comfortable sharing it, when are your birthdays?

…

"Hey," Percy whispered as he let himself into Nico's room. He closed the door softly behind him. He looked around. Nico's room was always dark (after all, he liked it that way) but he usually had the blinds open, or his desk lamp on in the corner. Nico stirred, then groaned and lifted his head off his pillow. Percy sat on the edge of his bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Not any better," Nico croaked, clawing his way over to Percy. He plunked his head on the brunette's lap. "Ugh." He smeared a hand across his face. "I've been sleeping on and off all day. I have, like, no energy left." Percy frowned again, stroking Nico's hair. He was extremely worried, but he wouldn't let his boyfriend know that. After all, people got sick. It was normal. Then why did it leave such a bad taste in his mouth? Probably because Nico hardly ever got sick. Sure, he got headaches, but that was about it. "Hey, whatcha thinking about?" Nico asked suddenly, startling the brunette out of his thoughts.

"Who says I'm thinking at all?" Percy asked, smirking. Maybe if he was sarcastic he could hide his worry from his boyfriend. He didn't want it to relay his feelings to Nico. After all, he had enough to worry about. "Let me look at that leg of yours," Percy said, suddenly remembering the reason he was here.

"My leg?" Nico asked, blinking. Percy sighed and rolled his eyes. He loved his boyfriend to death, but sometimes he could be so clueless. He rolled up Nico's pant leg, getting a good look at the bruise. It wasn't any bigger, thank god. But it was still an ugly purplish/blue color.

"Hey what's this?" Percy asked, catching sight of Nico's middle. He lifted his shirt. "Dear god baby boy what did you do?" he asked. Nico blinked up at him. "Did you fall again?" Percy asked gently.

"No?" Nico replied carefully. "I haven't left my bed all day. Why?" Percy bit his lip. He wasn't sure if he should tell Nico what he found. But the dark-haired boy craned to see his midsection. "What is it Perce?" he asked.

"Another bruise," Percy admitted. "Slightly bigger than the one on your shin." Nico's face clouded in confusion. What? That shouldn't be there. How could he get a bruise from just lying in his bed all day long? He threw his covers off and struggled to his feet, nearly face-planting to the floor. Percy surged forward and supported his unsteady boyfriend.

"Mirror," Nico gritted out, trying to swallow down his drowsiness. Percy gave his boyfriend a concerned look, helping him struggle to the full sized mirror attached to his door. They stood there for a moment while Nico studied himself, looking at the bruise with just as much confusion as earlier. "You sure you didn't fall again?" Percy asked tightly, just barely hiding his worry.

"I'm very sure," Nico replied. "I haven't left my bed all day. In fact, I've only been awake about two hours all together, and they haven't been consecutive." Percy bit his lip, helping Nico back to his bed. They both sat down, and the dark-haired boy rested his head on his shoulder. Percy gazed down at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite his worry, there was one feeling that would trump any other. And that was love. If it was possible to love someone with every atom in your body (and Percy believed it could be done), then he did. He loved Nico with absolutely everything in him. And seeing him like this tore his heart in two. He kept telling himself it wasn't that bad. That Nico would be okay. These were just random occurrences. But he couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong. No matter how many times he told himself that it wasn't that bad, there was a nagging feeling telling him it was.

"Nico," he said carefully. His boyfriend jerked awake, and a small surge of guilt travelled through the brunette. He'd been unaware Nico had fallen back asleep. "I'm sorry baby boy," he said, kissing the dark-haired boy's forehead. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"No, no, it's alright," Nico assured around a huge yawn. "I really don't mind. I've slept enough today."

"Alright," Percy agreed reluctantly. "I really think you should go see a doctor." Nico screwed his face at the suggestion. He hated going to the doctor. It always made him uneasy. It smelled like sick people, and he felt anything but taken care of afterwards. "I know how you feel," Percy said softly, drawing a long kiss from him. "But please. I'm so worried about you Nico. I need to know if you'll be okay." Nico's face fell. He had a feeling Percy was worried about him, but to actually hear him say it…

"Alright bambino," Nico said. "I'll have mom schedule me an appointment soon." A look of relief flashed through the brunette's eyes, and Nico felt like he made the right choice. Oh, he wasn't doing this for himself. Nope. He was doing it for Percy. He'd do anything for Percy. Nico sighed, closing his eyes. He'd already changed his clothes twice, but he felt all sweaty and sticky again anyway. "Hey, uh, can you stay with me tonight?" Nico asked quietly. He felt Percy's fingers working through his hair, lulling him back to sleep. He fought to keep his eyes open.

"Of course baby boy," Percy whispered. "I need to go get some things though, alright?" He slid away from Nico, watching as he jerked awake again and sat up straight, slightly swaying from side to side. "I promise I'll be right back," Percy said. Nico heaved himself to his feet.

"I'm going to take a quick shower," he said, staggering to his dresser. "I feel way too hot and sticky." Percy bit his lip.

"Do you need help?" he asked. Nico waved a hand at him.

"I got it," he said, sounding a little more alert than he had the entire time Percy was here. "Just go get your stuff and not worry about me." Percy backed out of Nico's room, shaking his head. Of course he'd worry about Nico.

He'd always worry.

…

"How'd Nico doing today?" Percy mother asked as soon as he walked in the door. His dad looked up from his laptop on the couch. Percy confessed his worry to them both last night. After all, it wasn't like Nico got sick often. So they both knew something was up. They knew as much as he did. Which, sadly, was very little.

"Not really any better," Percy admitted, raking his fingers through his hair. "He'd really tired today. He skipped school even. And I went over for a little bit, and he had another bruise on his side. But he's been sleeping all day. So how could he have a bruise if he literally hasn't moved from his spot?" Percy ducked his head, feeling tears prick his eyes. He wasn't sad, per se. More like frustrated. There was only so much he could do to make Nico feel better. "Oh, that reminds me, Nico asked if I would stay with him tonight. I told him okay. That is okay, right?" He gazed at his mother anxiously. It was very rare that she said no, but a handful of times she had.

"Of course sweetie," she replied, and the brunette released the breath he'd been holding.

"Thank you so much," he said, going over and giving her a hug. "I promise I'll be good while I'm over there. We'll obey all their rules, and I'll listen to whatever Mrs. Di Angelo says." Sally smiled softly at her son. She had no doubts that he'd behave while he was over at Nico's house for the night. But it was still sweet of him to reassure her that nothing would happen.

"I know honey," she said, ruffling his short hair. Percy grinned easily and wandered down the hall to his room. He shut the door and leaned against it, finally letting out the tiny sob that had been building his chest. He didn't want to worry his parents any further. But fuck was he so worried about Nico. Something just didn't add up. He didn't know why. He quickly composed himself. Now was not the time for tears. Everything would be fine. Nico would be fine.

That's what Percy kept telling himself as he packed an overnight bag. Nico will be fine. Nico will be fine. But if he stopped for even just a moment, all the doubt flooded back. So he had to keep moving. Had to keep focusing. His hands and body moved without his mind actually following along. His mind was focused on one thing, and one thing only. And that was Nico. It was always Nico. Not that it was a bad thing.

Percy really loved Nico. Like, if he hadn't said it before, he loved him with every fiber of his being. Except for maybe basketball, which had an equal part of his heart. He'd been doing it for so long. Really, there was no other sport for him. But Nico. Nico was everything to him.

"Percy?" Percy blinked, pulled from his thoughts by his mother. "Are you ready honey? I'm sure Nico is waiting." Percy shook his head. Right. He shouldered his bag. Nico was waiting for him.

…

Nico stepped out of the shower, feeling better than he had all day. His weariness was gone, at least for the time being. And he could pretend that everything was normal. Almost. He caught sight of his side in the mirror, and the smile he'd been wearing vanished. He gingerly ran his fingers over the bruise. It didn't really hurt, and he could forget it was there if he didn't look at it. The one on his leg didn't bother him either. In fact, the only thing that bothered him right now was his head. He felt the first traces of a headache coming on. He rummaged through their cabinet until he found some Tylenol. He downed a couple pills, taking them dry.

"Nico." The dark-haired boy split into a huge grin when he heard that voice. He'd know it anywhere. He quickly dressed himself and opened the bathroom door, finding Percy standing in front of him, a backpack slung over his shoulder and his laptop bag dangling by his side. "Hello baby boy," Percy said, a soft smile breaking his features. He gathered Nico in his arms and gave him a soft kiss. If he closed his eyes, he could almost imagine things were normal. But reality caught up with him again. He sighed. Things weren't okay. At least, not yet. Hopefully Nico's doctor's visit would clear things up.

"Are you okay bambino?" Nico asked. Percy gave a little laugh. Nico was asking him if he was alright? That was about as backwards as it got these days. Percy kissed Nico's temple, holding him at arm's length. He seemed to have a little more energy. But that wouldn't last. If he'd been weak all day, and he hadn't eaten, he'd soon be weak again.

"Have you eaten at all today?" Percy asked instead, carefully avoiding answering the question Nico asked because, no, he wasn't alright. Far from it. Nico seemed to think about it for a moment.

"No, not really," he said at last. "Mom brought breakfast for me, but I took three bites and felt sick, so I didn't eat it." Percy made a little noise of sympathy, finally releasing the dark-haired boy.

"Well, you're mom's making dinner," he said. "Do you wanna go eat?" Nico's stomach heaved at the idea, but he swallowed that down. He nodded. He had to get something in him, or he'd never get better. "I think she's making spaghetti," Percy continued, leading the way down the hall.

"Great," Nico mumbled. Usually, his mom's spaghetti was his favorite. But, he didn't feel all that hungry. They found themselves in the kitchen, surrounded by yummy smells. Percy inhaled deeply. He loved the smell of the di Angelo household. There was always something cooking.

"Hello boys," Maria said without even turning around. "It's good to see you Percy. How have you been?" Percy smiled. It was almost like he was part of the family already.

"I'm good," Percy replied, leading Nico over to the table. They sat down, and Nico immediately put his head down, groaning. Percy rubbed his shoulder, looking at him in concern. "Are you okay baby boy?" he asked. He wasn't afraid of using Nico's pet name around his mom. She'd heard it enough times.

"Just a headache bambino," Nico replied. "I'll be okay. I already took some Tylenol. Hopefully it helps." Percy nodded slowly. Another headache? That was stranger still. Nico didn't get headaches that easily.

"Eat up boys," Maria said, setting plates of food in front of them. Percy tucked in eagerly. He loved spaghetti, almost as much as pizza and cheeseburgers. But Nico pushed his food around with his fork, only occasionally taking a bite. After about five bites, he didn't feel very hungry another, so he got to work building a little mound in the middle of his plate. Percy paused in his eating to study his boyfriend. Nico had his head on his hand, and he seemed to be drifting off at the table.

"Hey baby boy," he said, and Nico glanced at him. "Wanna go into the living room and watch a movie?" Nico nodded, carrying his still full plate of food to the sink. Percy brought his as well. He was still hungry, and he only had a few bites left, but Nico was far more important than food. He let Nico lead the way to the living room. Nico sat down on the couch, resting his head on the armrest. "What do you want to watch?" Percy asked.

"Anything's fine," Nico replied sleepily. Percy glanced over. Nico fought to stay awake, but he was losing. Percy popped in Big Hero 6, Nico's favorite animated movie, and went down to his room. He grabbed Nico favorite blanket off his bed, the one Percy bought him for their first year together. He went back to the living room, stopping in the doorway. Nico was curled up on the end of the couch, already sleeping soundly. He smiled softly, going over and gingerly laying himself down behind the dark-haired boy. He wrapped him up in his blanket and laid his head on his boyfriend's shoulder, watching Baymax and Hiro interact. He chuckled to himself. He actually really loved this movie as well. It was charming.

"Is he doing alright?" Maria asked, sticking her head in. She smiled at the sight. Her son was already asleep on the couch. But his boyfriend was just cuddling with him and quietly watching a movie. Had she mentioned she absolutely loved Percy? He was so good to her son, who maybe wasn't always the most sociable child in the world.

"He's sleeping," Percy whispered. "But he's okay otherwise." Maria nodded, disappearing back into the kitchen to finish cleaning. Percy ran his fingers through Nico's hair. The dark-haired boy made a noise of pleasure in his sleep. He loved it when Percy toyed with his hair. Percy chuckled. Nico's hair tickled, but since Nico loved it, he loved it as well. "I love you baby boy," he whispered, kissing the side of Nico's head. "So, so very much."

…

Thus ends chapter two. Woo! Feeling accomplished, even if I'm exhausted. I realize Nico doesn't have any siblings right now, or a visible father, but he will. I'm just going to hand wave this by saying they were out. You'll see them next chapter. And Nico's appointment will be next chapter as well. Fingers crossed for him!