Hey guys! Time for a very tense discussion between Percy, Paul, and Sally. But first, a check in on school.

Also, I'm sorry for the big lapse in production. I've given myself six weeks to read twelve books, and I powered through three in the first week. So I decided I could be a little lax right now.

Percy couldn't concentrate during school, which was saying something. He had every opportunity to tell Annabeth about himself, but every time he got close enough to say something, he froze. He couldn't do it. So by seventh period, he was a nervous wreck. He wanted to tell someone from youth group, and Annabeth was the most understanding. He just couldn't bring himself to do so. He was hardly comfortable with himself. How could he trust someone else with his most closely guarding secret? He couldn't. Not yet anyway.

Study Hall was an absolute nightmare. He sat beside Annabeth in that class, and just the fact she was near was enough to make him want to blab. But every time he went to tug on her jacket, he dropped his hand. After a few times of this, Annabeth began to take notice. But she didn't say anything to the nervous boy. She knew, in time, that her friend would tell her what was bothering him. And something was clearly bothering him. She had Algebra with him, and he would constantly shoot glances at the new boy, Nico di Angelo, who would look back as calmly as he could.

By the time the bell rang, Percy was wound so tight, he made clocks look loose. He sprang up from his seat and bolted to his locker. But once he got there, he paused. He didn't want to go home. Not yet. Then he felt Nico's arms around him. He looked up, and Nico moved off, winking. In spite of himself, he smiled. He felt better with Nico near. He grabbed his backpack, then made his way over to Nico's locker.

"Nico, I'm so scared," he hissed. The dark-haired boy immediately turned to him. "I don't want to go home," he said. "I want to go back to your house. Can we skip the talk?" Nico stared at him.

"I suppose," he said at last. "But you'll never get closure if you keep putting it off." Percy sighed. And that was the root of his problem. He could keep shying away from his parents, but eventually, he'd have to face them. And if it was sooner rather than later, he'd still have a shred of courage. "It won't be that bad," Nico said at last, steering the brunette out of the building. Jason began trailing them, and Percy peered over his shoulder. "Jason has graciously decided to come for moral support as well," Nico added. "We both felt it would be comforting to have your best friend with you as well." From behind them, Jason nodded.

"I guess," Percy said uneasily. "We don't have to out him too, do we?" Jason looked horrified at the prospect, but when Nico shook his head, he relaxed. He's support Percy, but he dreaded coming out to the brunette's family. Paul was known to have a low tolerance for gays. Percy turned his focus back in front of him, ignoring the blonde for the time being. He was grateful he already had such a great support staff, and Nico had even helped him make an account on The Gay Christian Network so he could converse with the people who actually liked him. He was fairly surprised to find a lot of adults were on that site, and that they were all warm and welcoming.

"We're here Perce," Nico said softly, and Percy looked anxiously at his house. He saw his mom's car, but not Paul's. At that, he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't want to have to face his stepdad yet. Nico squeezed his upper arm, and when the brunette glanced at him, he smiled tentatively. "It'll be fine," he said, obviously not picking up on the brunette's relief. But that relief was short lived. That meant Paul would come home to find Percy in his house. And Percy wasn't sure he wanted that. But Nico gently shoved him up the walkway before he could back down. So, swallowing hard, Percy crept up the front steps of his house. He slipped inside quietly, waiting while Nico and Jason filed in after him.

"Percy." The brunette nearly leapt through the ceiling when he heard his mother speak. He knew she harbored no ill feelings towards him, but that didn't make him any less wary. Behind him, Nico squeezed his arm. "Hello Nico, hello Jason," Sally greeted. She was sitting on the couch, waiting expectantly for her son to return. She knew he would eventually. And she missed him. It had been unusually quiet without Percy around. For fifteen years, she'd heard him creeping down the hall, talking on the phone with friends, or muttering to himself as did his school work. Without him around that weekend, it felt strangely empty.

"Hello Mrs. Blofis," Jason greeted, the only one to do so. Percy had moved slightly behind the blonde, but still in front of Nico. Jason looked over his shoulder and notice the slight tremble. He sighed. It was a cold day in hell when a boy was scared to talk to his mother. Especially since Percy was an only child. The blonde knew the brunette and his mother were close, and not being able to talk to her son must have been devastating for her. Nonetheless, she continued to watch the trio, noticing the way Jason seemed to slip unconsciously in front of her son. She didn't miss much, and that included the way Nico held Percy's arm. Or the way he wrapped one arm around her son's waist, reassuring him everything was going to be alright.

"Well," Sally said at last, clasping her hands together. "Why don't you boys take a seat?" Even at the offer, none of the boys moved. She sighed. She hated seeing Percy scared in his own home, a place he was supposed to feel safe and secure. Finally, Nico mumbled something in his ear, and the trio moved to sit down. Percy and Nico sat on one end of the couch, and Jason perched on the arm in a fashion only he did. He brought one knee up and rested his chin on it, swinging the other leg at the side. Sally watched her son and his two friends, once again feeling sad. "Would anyone like something to drink?" she asked at last, more to get the boys talking than anything else.

"Milk," Jason said without missing a beat. Once again, it seemed he was the one ready to take control of the situation. He leaned down and elbowed Percy, who jerked up, blinking. Nico repeated the question to him, and after a few moments, he nodded slowly.

"Water," he said to his mom.

"Water for me too," Nico said, wrapping an arm around the brunette's waist again. Sally moved off to get the drinks, and as she left, Percy leaned against Nico and closed his eyes, fighting the tears threatening to spill. He felt like a stranger in his own home. Jason slipped off the arm of the couch and squished in beside the brunette, wrapping his arms around him. Nico did likewise on the opposite side, and soon they had the brunette sandwiched, surrounded by love and support. Percy smiled through the tears. He was forever grateful for his friends.

None of this went unnoticed by Sally, who'd kept one eye on the living room even as she left to get the drinks. She removed the milk cartoon, then nearly dropped it again when she witnessed the double-sided hug. She felt tears in her eyes, though these were more from happiness. Percy already had a great support system around him. She turned away, dashing a hand under her eyes. No point in letting the boys see her get emotional. They were really going to be put through a lot when Paul got home. She poured Jason his glass of milk, then grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge. She went back to the living room, handing out the drinks. Jason took his and sipped appreciatively. He loved milk. Percy just held his water bottle in one hand, staring dumbly down at it. Nico set his on the coffee table in front of them, then wrestled Percy's away from him. Ignoring his mother, he twisted the cap off and held it to the brunette's lips. Percy took a few tentative sips. Satisfied, Nico set it aside.

"It's so good to see you again, Mrs. Blofis," Jason said, kicking his feet up comfortably. Some things never changed, Sally thought wryly. "It's been awhile," Jason continued, shooting a look at Percy.

"Yeah," Percy forced out, but it sounded more like a squeak than an actual word. Jason sighed. He wanted Percy to relax a little. He would be wound up enough as it was when Paul came home. He didn't need to act like this around his mother. No matter what Sally believed, she would love Percy first and foremost. There was no reason for him to be so nervous around her.

"So," Nico chimed in, just for the sake of doing something. Percy turned an eye on him, but he said nothing. Apparently, he'd said all that needed to be said for the moment. "How long have you and Paul been married?" Nico asked. Sally smiled softly. Nico was trying to distract her son.

"Ten years," she replied with another smile. "Paul has always been a good father to Percy. His real father walked out before he was born, you know." Nico shook his head.

"I did not," he said. "All I did know was Percy said Paul was his stepfather. Has it been happy?" Another smile from Sally, and this time, a small smile from Percy as well. He was obviously remembering all the good things he and Paul had done over those ten years. There were trips to the city for baseball and football games. Teaching him to ride his bike, both with and without training wheels. Walks to the park and the ice cream shop on Main. And of course there was church. Percy genuinely enjoyed church, when he wasn't the one being yelled at.

"It's been happy," Percy said softly, surprising everyone. "I love Paul; he's the father I never had when I was born. I don't want to lose my family because of who I am." Nico's grip on the brunette tightened. He'd noticed the smile on Percy's face as he asked if it had been happy, and now he realized the real reason for the hesitation. He was scared he was going to lose his family. The only family he'd ever known. He didn't even have his real dad to turn to. If his mom and stepdad set him packing, that was it. Percy would have nowhere to go.

"He'll love you no matter what," Nico assured. "After all, one of the things Christian's treasure is family, right?" Percy nodded slowly. Family was very important to Christians. "He'll come around. It'll just take some time." Percy sighed. And what happened if word got out before then? He'd be shunned by the community. He'd be rejected from any clubs or activities at school. There was a reason Jason went to great lengths to keep himself closeted, and they weren't for his own amusement. Maybe Percy would have to flirt, just like Jason, in order to keep up the appearance of normality. But Jason hated flirting. One time Percy caught traces of tears in his eyes. He didn't want that. Not for Jason, and not for himself.

Percy was pulled from his thoughts by a car door, and his palms began sweating. He wiped them on his jeans, but to no avail. Instinctively, he pressed himself closer to Nico, who began murmuring in his ear soothingly. He wasn't even saying actual words. Just knowing he was near was enough. Four pairs of eyes slowly watched the front door as it swung open. It seemed like decades before Paul finally stepped inside, shuffling the mail as he came. He didn't take notice of the trio of boys crammed onto the couch at first, but slowly he became aware of people that weren't his wife. He turned to look at his stepson, and just for a second, his gaze softened. Then his gaze lit on Nico, and hardened again.

"You," he said simply, jabbing a finger at the dark-haired boy. Nico simply held his chin high. Paul wasn't going to scare him off. Not when Percy needed him. "Hello Jason," Paul continued without one glance at the blonde. Jason shrugged. The less he was included in this, the better. "Percy, it's good to see you," Paul said, and instantly Percy was on guard. It was never good when you heard that. "Please tell that boy to leave," Paul added.

"No dad," Percy said stubbornly. "I'm going to talk, and you're going to listen. Whatever you may think of me, get it out of your head right now. I'm not some confused straight boy. I've never been confused. Well," he amended. "I was confused, but not for too long. I'm gay, dad, whether you like it or not." He paused, catching his breath. "And Nico… Well, Nico's going to be around, again, whether you like it or not. Because I like Nico. He makes me feel special. He makes me feel wanted. Something you haven't done the last few days." Paul turned away, feeling conflicted. Everything about this situation was wrong. Being gay was an abomination. And yet, that was his stepson. The boy he loved like he was his own son. Could he really call his son an abomination?

"I don't know Percy," Paul said at last, sounding strangely subdued. This was a far cry from the furious, shaking figure from Friday. This figure was broken and torn. Torn between loyalties; to his son and to his religion. His religion taught him gays were an abomination, and that was what he believed. What the bible didn't teach was what to do if your son told you he was gay. "What I do know is I can't look at either one of you right now," he added. Percy felt the tears welling.

"Dad?" he asked in that small voice he got when he was scared. "Mommy?" He turned to Sally, whose gaze was flicking back and forth between her son and her husband. She couldn't very well kick Percy out again. She feared that if she did, he would never come back.

"Paul, please, be reasonable," she pleaded. "Are you going to kick our son out because of who he likes? He can't help it." Paul turned a withering gaze on her, but it lacked his usual force.

"No, I will certainly not," he decided. "This is his house, just as much as it is ours. He is free to sleep here, to eat here, and do homework here. But I do not want to see that boy around this house." He pointed a finger at Nico. "Or I will call the cops and have him arrested for trespassing on private property. Jason." At that, he paused. He could very well send away the boy his son kissed, but sending away his son's best friend would be a different story. Percy would be crushed if he was told he could see neither while he was here. "Jason, you can stay," he said at last. Then, whirling around, he marched down the hall to his bedroom, slamming the door shut. The three boys didn't dare move, but Percy cast anguished glances at Nico. He couldn't see him while he was home? Why didn't Paul just ground him until he died? That would've been a better punishment than this. Finally, Nico rose.

"I better go before the cops show up," he said with the barest trace of a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Percy nodded, feeling tears sliding down his cheeks. He didn't want Nico to leave. "Hey, it'll be okay," Nico said, brushing his fingers under Percy's eyes. "You're back in your home. That's better than nothing." He looked at Jason. "Take care of our boy." Jason nodded solemnly.

"I will," he vowed. Nico left, slipping silently out the front door. Jason wrapped his arms around Percy, letting the brunette sob into his shirt. Sally, meanwhile, went to the window and watched Nico leave. It tore her heart to see those boys so upset.

"No Percy?" Hazel asked when Nico returned. He swung his bag onto the stairs. He shook his head, glancing at the brunette's house longingly. He almost preferred it if Percy still stayed with him. Then he could cuddle him and hold him while his nightmares passed. Not to mention they didn't have to message between the windows. They could talk face to face.

"No, he's back home," Nico said, heading up to his room. Hazel trailed him, looking like the curious twelve-year-old she could be. "Paul said he was welcome back. After all, it is Percy's house too. But I'm banished. If I even so much as step on their grass, Paul will call the cops and have me arrested." Hazel gave a little gasp. Nico flopped onto his bed, scrubbing at his face. He stretched his arms above his head, and his hand hit something fuzzy. He grabbed it and held it out above himself. It was Hazel's bear. "Here," he said, holding it out to her. She took it, stroking the fuzz.

"Did he help Percy?" she asked. Nico looked at her, took in her innocent appearance, and chuckled. In truth, the bear had helped. It provided a good distraction at night. Sometimes, Percy would cuddle with the bear. Other times, he'd sing to it like it was a baby, rocking it gently. Nico never commented on the almost child-like behavior. He'd be losing his marbles too if his parents kicked him out of the house.

"He helped a lot," Nico replied, staring at the ceiling. "Percy always felt better with your bear." Hazel smiled. She was pleased to hear that. Percy was so sad when he first came to their house. She hated seeing him sad, even more when it made her big brother sad. She'd never seen Nico so sad. Or furious. "I'm sure he'll miss your bear with the lonely nights he's going to be having." Hazel looked down at her bear, then thrust it toward Nico. The dark-haired boy sat up and took the bear, looking at her quizzically. "Don't you want your bear back?" he asked. She nodded.

"I want him," she said, slowly and deliberately. "But Percy needs him. Do you think you could find a way to get it to him? I want him to have it, so he knows he's not alone." Nico smiled softly at his little sister. Already so grown up for her age.

"I think I have just the way," Nico said, pulling out his phone.

Percy laughed when Jason presented him with the bear. The blonde had disappeared for a few minutes, returning with the bear in tow. He took the stuffed animal he'd been sleeping with for the past three nights. He hugged it to his chest.

"Why did Hazel want me to have it?" he asked the blonde. At that, Jason grinned.

"She said she wanted it," he said. "But she said you needed it. She wanted you to have it so you knew, no matter what, you were never alone." Percy got a little misty-eyed at that. Did he mention he was so grateful for his friends?

Well now, does that make up for the long lull? I really hope so.