A/N: Yay, I'm back. Cool. Anyways, school's over (in my place) and I have 2 months of vacation. Boo. I also have drum lessons 4 days a week and I'll start by next week. Forgive me if I don't update for a long time but I'll try my best.

Song: So Alone by Anna Blue


Personal Space, Dam It!: Chapter Three

"Jason, we need to discuss this" the wiser one of the two demigods declared. That's when Jason looked at the daughter of Athena, contemplating whether to tell them or not.

Nico's POV

I can't handle this anymore! I just had to get out of that place. After I stumbled across Jason's cabin and shadow travelled for the second time, I felt exhausted. I don't know where to go from there and suddenly appeared in a dark place. I looked around and heaved a sigh when the area looked somewhat familiar. I've been here a couple times and I'm happy I'm away from Percy and Annabeth for a while. I'm in the New Orleans Graveyard.

The full moon illuminated dimly down the tombstones and trees cast an eerie dark shadow. I strode past graves towards my lone bench underneath the dark shade of a specific tree. I wished to forget all the troubles for a while and talk to someone. Gods, do I really deserve this? I froze in my tracks when I saw a dark figure sitting on my bench. At first, I thought the shadows were playing tricks with my eyes but after blinking, the figure became clearer.

The boy looked like a sixteen year-old, like Percy. His hair is black and tousled. From the distance, his skin seems pale like mine. He wears a black leather jacket and black jeans. Sensing my presence, the older teen glanced at me. "I didn't know anyone else went here at night", he said. I continued to walk forward and as I come closer, something seems… different. Unlike how I approach ordinary mortals, this one had a different aura. I finally stood in front of him. "That's my spot", I crossed my arms and mumbled. The teen in the black shirt raised an eyebrow. He attempted a smile and moved aside, leaving enough space for another person. I nodded, as a sign of thanking him, and sat down.

"I don't think I've seen you here before" the older teen looked at me. I frowned mentally. I don't feel like socializing right now. But, gathering my wits, decided to entertain the other boy. "Neither have I. I come here occasionally" I muttered, not looking at the other boy.

He pursed his lips and nodded. "I'm Anubis," he paused. For a minute, I thought he was going to say something else. There's definitely something up with this guy. My eyebrows knitted together and that's when my mind snapped. "You mean, the God of funerals?", I turned to him and my eyes went wide when he reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, keep it shut" He—Anubis— grinned. I twisted my head and looked around at my surroundings. "It's not like anyone's going to hear" I grinned back. He shrugged and placed his hands behind his head. For once, my night felt calm and collected. Forgetting my troubles temporarily, I leaned back. "I'm Nico di Angelo, son of Hades" I said. The cold breeze swept past us and blew gently on our faces. I'm glad I wore my aviator jacket. "Hades? The Greek god of the underworld?" Anubis tilted his head in confusion. I nodded.

"So, what brings you here?" The god of funerals fiddled with the zipper of his jacket. I frowned, yet again, remembering what caused me to go here in the first place. Should I tell him? I just met him, after all. But isn't that what I've been thinking about earlier; my wish to talk to someone who's willing to listen? I don't know if I could trust this guy yet but I think this is what I needed right now. Someone to talk to (besides Jason).

I sighed, finally deciding to confide to him. "Long story actually" I murmured. He slouched forward and placed his elbows on top of his knees. Anubis placed a hand under his chin to support it and glanced at me expectantly. "I'm listening," He responded. Looking closer, the teen had soft brown eyes and it was breathtaking. I inhaled and exhaled silently. This is it. "Okay, so, I have this friend in a camp for demigods like me. He's what you call the "hero" or "protagonist". He saves everyone and he's been idolized by many. We're friends but… I feel something else for him,"

"Whoa, wait, you're gay?" the teen raised a hand to stop me. I sighed loudly and nodded. "Okay, go on" He waved his hand as a sign to keep going. I rolled my eyes and continued. "Unfortunately, he has a girlfriend," I muttered darkly. "Harsh…" Anubis mumbled. I glared at him and he raised his hands in surrender. "Anyways, I have this other friend from another camp and he knows about my feelings. I talk to him sometimes when I'm worried or if I feel like I need to," I left out the part where I cry and break down. It doesn't look good for my posture right now. "But this night, Percy, my crush, started to worry about me being distant. Then a miracle happened," My voice raise in sarcasm and venom.

The younger god furrowed his eyebrows in interest. "His girlfriend came to visit me and asked how I've been feeling," I growled lowly. "Then along came the hero and tried to make me feel better. I shadow travelled to my other friend's camp and in his cabin. I told him to ignore the questions Annabeth, Percy's girlfriend, would be asking him in attempt to 'try and help me'. Obviously because the problem is the both of them" I looked back at the older boy to see if he's still listening. His eyes were full of understanding and it comforted me to know someone's not judging me right now. His transfixing orbs caught mine. Brown to black. He smiled calmly, not breaking our eye contact.

"Percy and Annabeth iris messages my friend. Iris message is like Skype through a mist" I explained when he tilted his head. "As I said, they tried asking my friend and I had enough of it. I shadow travelled again and I landed here. I can only shadow travel at a maximum of two times since a lot of energy is needed for it. So I'm practically stuck here till tomorrow" I ended. The older boy stayed quiet before leaning back on the bench. "You've taken it hard. It's good to know you have someone to talk to about your problems. It helps relieve anxiety sometimes" he said. I nodded in agreement.

The leaves on the trees rustled as cold air hit us again. I breathed in and shivered a bit. Tugging my aviator jacket closer to me, I nearly panicked when I found out I left my sword in my cabin after running away from the couple. Great, the last thing I need is a bunch of harpies or whatever attacking me. Sensing me worry, Anubis clamped a hand on my shoulder. "Nothing's going to get you here. I'll protect you, don't worry." He reassured me. Okay? One minute, we were strangers, now he's offering his life to protect me. How endearing…. and unusual. I sighed in relief and figured to not look into it too much. Hey, at least I gained a friend.

My mouth opened and stifled a yawn before my eyes started to droop. I grimaced and blinked hard, forcing the sleep out of my eyes. It was hard trying not to sleep with the cold air brushing past us and the moon's light gazing down on us. "Y'know," Anubis started, "My friend has this apartment I'm currently staying in. Since he left, there's another spare room. I could let you crash in for the night" he offered. I was about to decline when I remembered I felt too tired to shadow travel back. Swallowing my protest, I nodded.

"Thanks", I mumbled. We got up and he led me to his apartment. Upon arriving, he showed me where I'll be staying and even offered clothes to change. I'm surprised I'm this welcomed in his place. I thanked him again. After showering, I changed into his clothes. Maybe I could get used to this. I smiled to myself as I slid in the sheets of the bed.

Percy's POV

Sunlight filled my cabin and bothered me to wake up. Groaning, I pulled the pillow closer to me to block the rays of sunshine. I nuzzled into the soft material and sighed. Apollo, feeling cocky, made sure the sunlight shone bright. I groaned, yet again, and threw the pillow across the room. "Okay, okay. I'm up" I mumbled. I sat up and stretched for the whole world to see. Blinking several times, I remembered what Annabeth and I planned to do today. I got to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, fixed my hair and changed into another shirt then I'm out! I walked down the steps of my cabin and trekked down the path to the dining hall for breakfast. I frowned, recalling the events of last night.

I feel hurt. Nico doesn't trust me and I feel guilty too. What have I done wrong? I have no clue and it's hurting my Nico!

I stopped in mid-step and stared at the ground. My… Nico? I shook my head. Why do I suddenly feel overprotective about him? It's probably because he's my friend. And I hurt him! I bump into a table and I muttered an apology at the person sitting before looking up to find my table. This day isn't gonna get any better….

"Look, I can't do this to Nico" Jason frowned. After breakfast, Annabeth IMed the son of Zeus to meet us in Starbucks. We chose an area where less people sat. Annabeth and I pleaded to know what's been up with the child of Hades and Jason isn't helping. "We're doing this to help him. Please?" Annabeth cried. Sadness washed over me at the thought of not helping Nico at all. I really want him back now and he hasn't returned from his shadow traveled vacation yet. Jason said Nico usually comes back by the morning before breakfast. Breakfast already passed and it's already 11 AM. I started to worry and Jason sensed this. "Don't worry. I'm sure the kid's on his way now. I know him", he muttered. I frowned mentally. What makes him so different than me? Why did Nico choose him to reveal his feelings to but not me? Is there something the blonde understands that I don't? But what could I not understand? All it takes is explaining. It's not that hard. Is it? I bit my lip and shrugged. "And if he doesn't? Then you don't know him at all" I retorted coldly.

The teen across the table glared daggers at me and rose from his seat. "Oh yeah? And what makes you think you know him more than me? He didn't even tell you anything about his crush!" Jason hissed. His glare immediately turned to shock as he processed what he said. Annabeth's eyes widened at the sudden information. Crush? Nico had a… crush? I felt a weird sensation in my chest and grimaced. The older teen clamped a hand over his mouth and slowly sat back down. Gulping visibly, he nodded, his hand still shutting his mouth. I crossed my arms and glared at the floor. "Is this why Nico's been feeling distant lately?" I blurted out.

No answer came from the blonde. "It is, isn't it?" Wise girl pushed. Jason stared at the table. After antagonizing seconds of silence, he pushed his chair back and stood. "I need to go" he muttered a quick goodbye to us and left hurriedly. "But wait!" Annabeth tried to reach out to him but I pulled her back. "At least we know what's been bothering Nico" I said. She sighed and stood up. "Let's get back and ponder on what we could do to help him" I nodded in agreement. We left the coffee shop and grabbed a taxi. The driver, in his mortal point of view, dropped us in the middle of nowhere while we, demigods, can perfectly see where camp half-blood is located. We paid him mortal money then he drove off in the distance.

"Do you really think this is the cause of Nico running away?" Annabeth asked when we walked down near a river. I plopped down on a dry spot and shrugged. "To be honest, I don't know. Maybe. The kid's probably scared to admit his feelings", I assumed. The daughter of Athena sat down beside me and gazed at the river. The sounds of water rippling invaded the silence mixed together with the screams of other demigods sword fighting; the clanking of swords and the battle cries.

"I'm no child of Aphrodite but why don't we find out who Nico's falling over heels for and help him admit his feelings? At least he knows what his crush thinks. If he's rejected, which I doubt he will, then we can help him move on. He can't stay stuck on the girl forever" I reasoned. Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows when something seemed to dawn on her. Her hands tapped on her jeans lightly and quickened when she caught onto something. "But what if his crush isn't a girl?" She wondered out loud.

"I mean, look at it this way. He's afraid to admit his feelings. I've seen Nico face all kinds of monsters and he's scared of a little crush? It's not a big deal if it's a girl but… a guy? That takes a little hesitation. I understand the fear of rejection", she rambled. My eyebrows raised in thought. It could be possible. "And he talked to Jason about it. Jason's a guy and thought Jason can understand, which he did", she said. I straightened my back and stopped her before another word escaped her lips. "But why couldn't he tell me? I'm a guy. And I understand" I frowned. Annabeth gaped at me in thought. She sucked in her lips and her eyes darted towards the river to avoid mine. After the uncomfortable silence, she muttered low.

"I don't know"

Her response sounded hesitant so I pushed further. "Aren't you catching onto something right now? I thought maybe you figured it out. Anyone in mind?", I asked. Her eyes started to glisten and quickly closed them. "No" she answered. "I need to go help the Athena cabin with a project we're working on. See you later, Seaweed Brain", she stood up almost immediately and shuffled back to her cabin. I frowned. What is wrong with everyone today? I stood up and thought about going back to my cabin when I suddenly remembered something. I walked closer to the cabins and headed at the very last cabin in the last row. The Hades Cabin. It doesn't look like it's been entered yet. I turned back and entered the sword arena. No sign of him. I asked some of my friends if they have seen the child of Hades roaming around. All of them shook their heads no.

Three hours passed and it's already 2 PM. I ate lunch and felt lonely. I'm about to give up with all hope lost. I trudged down towards my cabin feeling empty when I caught a sight of the black figure heading towards the Hades cabin. My face brightened up and I ran towards the demigod. "Nico!" I shouted. The raven haired teen froze in his tracks and turned. I wrapped my arms around him tightly. I nuzzled my nose in his dark locks of hair. Gods, I missed this kid. I heard him gasp for breath and I chuckled. "Where have you been? You've got me worried sick" I pulled away and rested a hand on his cheek. His cheeks heated up and his eyes widened.

"Are you okay? You look flushed", I said. "Y-yeah. I'm fine" He stuttered. I laughed and brought him closer again, hugging him. Nico doesn't like hugs or any kind of intimate contact but I'm just here, hugging him for the second time of his life and he's not pulling away! I smiled in contentment when I felt him wrap his fragile arms around me.

"Where have you been, buddy?" I asked again, still nuzzling into his hair. His arms tightened slightly but I didn't protest. I like the feeling. Being hugged by the deadly son of Hades. Ha! Life achievement right there. "I accidentally shadow travelled to the New Orleans graveyard and met a friend. He seems nice. Since I couldn't shadow travel back here due to the lack of energy, he let me sleep in his apartment. His name's Anubis, the god of funerals. He's pretty cool once you get to know him" His eyes gleamed of adoration. All these praises about "Anubis" sent a spark of jealousy in me. Why am I jealous of a god? I reached up and stroked Nico's hair. "That's good to know. At least you got your sleep" I smiled. He blushed and nodded, separating from me. My hand fell back to my side. Welp, it was good while it lasted.

"Have you eaten lunch already?" I asked just to make sure. Nico nodded and shoved his hands down the pockets of his jeans. "Yeah, Anubis took me out and even paid for my meal. I kinda owe him. So tomorrow, I'll treat him lunch. He has no idea how much I got since dad's been giving me lots of money. Y'know, god of wealth and all", the younger teen said. Nico's leaving tomorrow again? I frowned visibly and didn't go unnoticed. "Is something wrong, Percy?" Nico asked, concern lacing his words. I scratched the back of my neck and looked away, suddenly embarrassed. "Well, you're leaving again tomorrow. I won't get to see you" I admitted.

The child of Hades stayed silent and I looked back to see him pondering what I said. He glanced up and caught me staring. "I'll be back. No worries", he said. I nodded in comprehension.

"Promise?"

"… Promise"

Nico smiled. He raised an eyebrow and looked at me funny. I grinned wider. "What?" Nico asked. "You're smiling," I shrugged, "it fits you". His smile dropped and replaced it with a pout. "Smiling is contagious sometimes", he frowned. I laughed and ruffled his hair. "Whatever you say, Ghost King". He swatted my hand away and grunted. "Why don't you go get your sword in your cabin and let's practice?" I nodded my head behind us. He nodded and stepped inside his cabin to retrieve his Stygian iron sword. The blade looked sharp and dark that it sucked all the brightness in the path it is heaved at. I smiled and led him away from our cabins with Riptide in my hand.