Percy's POV:

"But you said I could be Best Man!"

Nico winced at the whiny tone. He tried for a joking smile. "Come on Jackson, this is the one time you're not joking about the situation."

Percy looked like he was trying to swallow a mouse. Annabeth had told him how upset he'd been when the water-centaures didn't want to meet him. This was like that time, and Percy was being completely serious.

"Look Percy. Jason did a lot for me." he rushed on before Percy could open his mouth. "I know, you've been there too, but…"

Percy ducked his head. "I know why you're doing this," he mumbled. Nico stared at him in surprise.

Percy forced his head up. "You're doing it because of your sister. Because of Bianca."

Nico shook his head frantically. This was not where he imagined this conversation going.

But Percy kept his gaze. "It's okay Nico. I don't blame you. It was my fault. I-"

Nico slapped him.

Hard.

"Percy, you are a complete idiot!"

The son of Hades was clenching his teeth. His fists were balled, and Percy could feel the anger radiating off of him.

The grass around him withered and died, and Percy's reaction was:

"Oh gods, um, oops?"

The anger faded. Nico relaxed his muscles. He took a deep breath. He glared at the son of Poseidon.

But Percy had made up his mind. He walked off.

Nico's POV:

That was…..

A disaster.

Nico never imagined a conversation going downhill so fast. He tightened his grip on the edges of his jacket and proceeded to walk back to his apartment.

He didn't have the energy to shadow travel.

Once home, he stuffed his face in his pillow and screamed in frustration. The doorbell ringed. He trudged to the door. Will Solace stood in all his glory. He smiled.

Nothing could possibly have gone wrong for him.

Will grinned. "That went great!" he stared coldly at him. "Im sure it did."

Will took in his surly tone. The smile slid off his face. He sat down beside him. "What did Percy do?"

Nico jumped off the sofa. He was suddenly livid.

"Jason was cool with it, he said I should talk to Percy first. So I did."

"And?", Will prodded him. He sighed. "He thought I didn't pick him because I still think that he's responsible for Bianca's death.

Will studied him. "Are you?", he asked curiously.

Nico threw up his hands. "No! I'm over it. I have been for almost 10 years!"

Will rushed to calm him. "I thought so. Wait here, I think i'll go make some hot chocolate."

Nico waited glumly. Will came back with two steaming mugs. He sat them down on the table with a plate full of cookies. He wrapped his hands over the mug and made himself comfortable.

He turned to his boyfriend. "So, what do you want to tell Percy?"

Nico took a sip of hot chocolate. "That I forgive him. That it wasn't his fault, and that Bianca's memory should stop haunting him." He stopped and then rushed on.

"Like she haunted me."

Will snuggled closer. He debated the situation. "Well, how about, you think about what you want to say to him, and then see him tomorrow. Maybe he'll come around too."

Nico considered this. "Okay", he finally said, leaning forward for a warm kiss. "Thanks for the advice."

Will grinned. "Always", he replied.

They fell asleep together, encased in each other's warmth and love.