Chapter One: Nico
This fucking sucks. I understand that Jason wants me to open up about this, but I can't. Open up about what? Oh, did I mention I'm gay and in love? Oh, did I mention I'm in love with Percy Jackson? Yes. I am in love with the Hero of Olympus. In fact, that wind bag came up to me and basically begged me to open up, and come out to the Argo II crew. He said that I should at least open up to them. But I know that I must soon leave. They cannot see me cry. So, I decide to try and leave. I exit my cabin, but my sister Hazel is waiting for me.
"Nico, Jason told me to come talk to you. He said something was wrong. Are you alright?" Hazel said, with her golden eyes looking at him with such pity. I need to make a list of people to strangle.
"I'm fine. Always have been, always will be." I've been lying through my teeth for so long. It should be easy by now.
"But you've been acting different since we got Percy and Annabeth back. Even after the battle with Gaea, you still are distant." Great. She noticed.
"I told you Hazel. I'm fine. I guess… I guess I just needed time to recover from… Hazel, come here." I said as I led her to the cabin next to mine, which just so happened to be the Hermes cabin.
"Hazel, I've been trying to get over someone. Someone I love. But… it's someone I can't have."
"Who is it? It must be someone from the Argo II? Is it Piper?"
"Ha! No. It isn't Piper." I hope she can get the message.
Her eyes open wide, and I can see her eyes 100% now. I think she may have realized that it isn't a girl.
Hazel leans in close, "Is it Leo? Considering Jason knows who it is… it can't be him. I know who he is! You have a crush on Percy!" she says, a little too loudly.
"Hazel! Shush! We're right next to the Hermes cabin! They can overhear!" I say while blushing.
"So it is!" Hazel squeals with delight. Did she always want me to be gay?
"It just sucks, you know? I'm an outcast. The son of Hades, not accepted by many, and I just HAD to be- to be…"
"I get it. You know your secret is safe with me. But, are you able to go on, and be happy?"
"No, after today, I'm going to leave. Forever. I'm keeping my promise to Jason, that after I fulfilled my promise to defeat Gaea, I will leave, and never return. Hopefully, one day, I will be over him. Only then, will I be able to return. But until then… I love you, dear sister. Only you will know where to find me. The Underworld." Then I left her by shadow traveling back into the confines and safety of my cabin.
