Chapter 6

I tried to stop laughing, I really did, but each time I did manage to calm down, I would see that big silly grin on her face.

For a second I allowed myself to believe that the smile was the go ahead for us and my heart swelled. I let myself laugh out of pure joy. And then I pictured her face again and I just lost control all over again.

Btu I abruptly stopped laughing when I felt her hand on my back.

"No! Not yet!"

But she had already pushed.

My heart stopped and I closed my eyes so I would not have to see her face when she called me a freak.

1…

2…

3…

"Ah!"

There it is.

I turned back to face her. Felicia's eyes were glued to my face, the only part still visible. But it was still glowing.

I could see the silvery glow reflecting in her eye.

I caught her eye and slowly raised my arms to the hem of my long sleeve shirt.

Slowly, so I wouldn't alarm her, I raised my shirt higher, pausing every few seconds.

Finallyu I had my shirt off, exposing my chest and abs to her.

Her eyes widened and she took a small step back.

"What is this, Nico?"

I expected revulsion or even anger, so when Felicia's awe filled one reached my ears, I froze.

The night air was cool, but my skin burned where her eyes roved over my skin.

I took a step forward, words still refusing to burst from my mouth. I stopped a few feet away from her and sat down. I stared at the floor of the clearing and fiddled with a few leaves.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Felicia distracted me by actually sitting down with me. I looked up into her eyes. Any other girl would have run screaming about black eyed silvery Hades' kids.

I smiled slightly and looked back down. In a low voice, suddenly gruff and husky, I began to speak.

"This…this is me." I paused.

She stared at me, fidgeting and waiting for me to continue.

"I'm dark and brooding, cold and mean, and sarcastic and dry. I paused again.

"But this is me too." I raised my arm and studied the skin ther, still glowing.

Ever since Bianca died, I've felt fractured, as if I was missing a piece.

My voice grew in strength as I spoke.

"Somehow, when I glow, I feel exposed like I don't have to hide anymore. I can mourn if I need to, or I can just enjoy the solitude. It's therapy, in my own way."

Felicia's gaze had traveled from my eye to my neck, and she stared. Silence fell between us as I studied her from the corner of my eye.

Finally I extended my neck and a little and gave her my silent permission to touch. She glanced back up at my eye again and slowly extended her fingers out to touch my neck. She quickly brushed my neck and pulled her hand away just as quickly.

But she put her hand back and stroked my cheek. My eyes rolled a little in my head and my breathing hitched. Just his simple touch made my blood pound in my ears.

"It's warm!"

I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm still me."

She blushed (swoon) and I found myself smiling. And I had a feeling it was big and goofy too.

But I pushed a little more, and I've got to say, I thought it was a pretty smooth switch.

"So now you know. And that brings the grand total up to two. You and me. Only you and me." I paused.

"Nobody else matters."

I didn't even know what I was talking about, my little secret or her and I.

I turned back to Felicia. Her eyes twinkled and my heart sped up. My body moved on autopilot now. I cupped her neck in my hand and bent towards her.

I knew I was glowing, but I sweat, I think the stars exploded when our lips met.

A/N: Hey guys. I wasn't really satisfied with this. When I was writing this in class, it sounded much better than when it was all typed out. I've tried to tweak it, but I don't think it's going to get any better. I'm sorry about the length, but that's why I updated twice! Review,s'il vous plait!