Nico's POV

Nico is jolted awake by Percy shaking his shoulders. His eyes widened, remembering his dream. He reached out for Percy and wrapped his arms around the older demigod, burying his face into Percy's chest.

"Percy..." Nico mumbled.

"Nico, what's wrong? Were you having a nightmare? Please, tell me. You didn't wake up right away." Percy asked worriedly.

Nico could only nod, not wanting to meet his eyes. The image from the dream still fresh in his mind. "It…it was pretty bad…" Nico managed to get out.

"You wanna talk about it?" Percy asked cautiously.

Nico shook his head "Not yet." He replied.

Percy stroked Nico's hair and just held him for a while. How far have we traveled? Nico wondered briefly. It looked like New York, so they must be almost home by now. Home. Since when did he refer to Percy's apartment as home? No, not even Percy's apartment. His mom's apartment. That reminded him…he sat up to address Percy's mom.

"Umm, Ms. Jackson?" Nico said hoarsely. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Ms. Jackson, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me stay the night. I'll leave for camp tomorrow." Nico mumbled.

"Sweetie, it's no problem at all, really. I think you should stay with us for a few days." Ms. Jackson responded gently. "And call me Sally."

Nico had forgotten how kind Sally was. She was the most selfless person he knew. Except for Percy, of course.

"Okay" he answered quietly, tightening his grip on Percy's hand.

Percy looked at him questioningly, but didn't say anything. He just sat there comforting Nico, even though he didn't know the reason for his discomfort.


About an hour later, they pulled into the apartment complex and got out of the car. Nico stretched lazily and stood there for a moment, soaking it all in. He's been so cut off from the world these last two months, he wasn't really sure how to act. He stood aside awkwardly, waiting for Percy or Sally to make the first move. Percy broke the tension by wrapping an arm around Nico's shoulders and leading him towards the apartment.

"You know you shouldn't act so awkward around us. My mom will smother you until she thinks you're comfortable enough to share your whole life's story." Percy leaned in to whisper in Nico's ear. "Though I wouldn't mind hearing about that."

Nico stopped abruptly, remembering his nightmare. Is Percy for real? This just seems too perfect.

"Hey Nico, what's wrong?" Percy asked.

"Why do you like me Percy? Did you lose a bet or something? I can't think of any other reason you would be so nice to me." Nico asked what his nightmare had been nagging at in the back of his mind.

Percy stared at him with hurt in his eyes. "Nico…you can't think…" Realization struck his face. "Nico, is that what your nightmare was about? I would never do that. I like you because…umm well…" Percy blushed and rushed out the next part. "Because I think you're cute and I'm always happy around you."

Nico and Percy stared at each other, mulling over what was just said. Percy thinks I'm cute?

Sally interrupted their staring contest to suggest they finish the conversation inside. She grabbed Nico and led him to their apartment, with Percy following behind. Sally unlocked the door and stepped inside. It felt musty, like it was not frequently in use. He wondered briefly why that was, before Sally spoke up.

"Percy, why don't you get Nico some water and go clean up your room real quick? Sorry it's such a mess dear, we've been coming and going since we started searching for you." Percy disappeared momentarily to get Nico some water and returned only to give the cup to Nico and rush off to clean his room.

"You know, he really does care for you sweetie. Why else would he have searched for you for two months?" Sally said when Percy was out of the room.

"I'm sorry Sally, I just don't know what to believe anymore. I never thought I would have friends, and I definitely never thought someone would care enough to come look for me." Nico admitted. "It's just, being the son of Hades and all, everyone thinks I'm some sort of freak who enjoys being around the dead all the time. Or that I don't like the sun. I love the sun! It reminds me that there's something above the Underworld. Somewhere I can be myself, and not what my father wants me to be. Although, I don't have a home or family anymore..." He rushed on, unable to stop himself once he started talking.

"Oh honey, you can always stay here. Our home is your home anytime." Sally hugged Nico close. "That was really brave of you to admit that. Why don't you go talk to Percy? He's very worried about you. Okay sweetie?"

"Okay, thanks Sally." Nico nodded absently and headed towards Percy's room, thinking about what Sally just said. I have a home now. Well, if I didn't screw things up with Percy, that is.

Speaking of Percy, he walked in to find him sitting on the bed with his hands covering his face, fingers entangled in his hair.

"Perce? You okay? I uh wanted to talk to you." Nico said softly, placing a hand on Percy's shoulder.

Percy's head snapped up and he swiped his hand across his eyes, wiping away his tears. He scooted over so Nico could sit down.

"Yeah, I'm okay. What's up?" Percy tried to sound casual and failed.

"Haha" Nico laughed nervously, "You're doing what I do. Not talking about your feelings." Nico said, bumping Percy's shoulder to try to lighten the mood a bit.

"I just…don't understand how you could think that about me…I know it seems sudden, but I do like you Nico. Have for a while now actually…" Percy said, falling back on his bed and dramatically draping his arm over his eyes.

"I'm sorry for what I said Percy. I just never expected that. I've liked you for a while too. Since I met you, in fact. And it seemed too good to be true that you liked me back. I'm sorry for freaking out and I'm especially sorry for running away." Nico finished, falling back too.

"Hey umm Nico?" Percy asked softly.

"Yes?" Nico answered hesitantly.

"Can I ask you a question?" Percy asked again.

"You just did…but sure." He answered warily.

"Why did you…run away…exactly?" Percy managed to get out.

Anything but that question! Nico wanted to say, but instead just sat there in silence for a while. He really didn't want to get into this now, or even ever. He thought maybe Percy had fallen asleep, but then Percy suddenly sat up and looked at Nico. Damn he thought.

"Yeah, umm…you know, I'm kind of thirsty now. I'm going to get my water." Nico tried to get up, but Percy grabbed his hand.

"Nico. Why did you run away? Please tell me." Percy tightened his grip on Nico.

Nico sighed heavily and sat back down. "I ran away because I thought I would never fit in anywhere, but I was too scared to end my life. I know, the son of Hades, scared of death. How ironic, but I'm still just a kid. I am only human after all. So I thought I would go to the Lotus Hotel where I could at least lose myself in games and have no sense of time." Nico was interrupted by Percy suddenly throwing his arms around him.

"Nico! I didn't know it was that serious. It's not ironic at all! Please don't ever think like that again! I am here for you as long as you need me." Percy said, his voice cracking from crying. Maybe he truly does like me. If that's the case, then that would make me unbelievably happy. Nico thought, his eyes watering.

"Thank you, Percy. For everything." Nico whispered, hugging Percy back.

They lie there hugging and mumbling a few random comments here and there until they fall asleep in each other's arms.