Charting Unknown Territory
Chapter 20 – Declarations - Nico
Nico asked Will to release him from the infirmary in time for lunch. He wanted to confront the camp and get it over with. Besides without Will there he felt he could handle the cold stares a bit easier. He'd walked this gauntlet of unfriendly staring faces before and when it got too be much he would just leave. Now he knew he would stay regardless of the reactions and it gave him a weird type of freedom. It actually didn't matter to him anymore, like he had so often wished. So, he held his head high met the stares with his own indifferent gaze. That was when he notice that faces looked more relieved to see him or stunned by his eye contact, then actually hostile.
Still he was astonished when Lin, the young girl who had asked him for sword fighting lessons, came over and slipped her small hand in his and said, "I'm glad you're alright." Nobody touches him so casually, but he forced himself not to pull away. She still looked so fragile with her side and arm encased in bandages and he did not want to accidently hurt her.
He gaped at her staggered. She went on, "When can we start lessons? I have only two more days in this." She rolled her eyes down to her immobilized left side.
Nico smiled at her and leaned down, "As soon as you get the word, let me know."
She looked sheepishly at him, "I told some of my friends about it. Can you teach them too?"
He tensed and replied warily, "How many?"
"Only four of us, we will be no trouble." She hedged.
"Of course they can come. I'd better set-up a class with Chiron." He answered without thinking about it. At that moment he realized he had been unconsciously planning training sessions since his talk with her a few days ago. Who was he and what had happened to the distant Nico di Angelo, Ghost King?
Lin gave him a big smile and a one armed hug, "Thank you, Mr. di An…" He gave her a kindly but sharp look, "um… Nico!"
He found himself smiling and that seemed to have broken the ice. Several acquaintances from camp said hello as he filled his plate and took it to the brazier for an offering. He silently told his father, thank you for wishing me happy. I'm working on it. He ate alone at his table, but really he didn't feel all that lonely after all.
After lunch he Iris messaged Reyna to tell her he was alright. Then he told her about the camp apology. She replied, "Yeah, Jason was devastated by the whole thing. How are you handling it?"
"I am surprisingly good." And he proceeded to tell her about Will's golden sunbath and the trick they pulled.
"So what is the situation with you and Will?" He paused because he had not planned to tell her that directly. He reconsidered as she gave him a shrewd look that said 'spill it.'
"Um… I sort of have a boyfriend now." He reluctantly admitted.
She squealed with joy "Well, I pieced the situation together l after I spoke to Jason yesterday. He didn't give away your secret, but I know him well. Besides you got a wistful look whenever you saw him."
He told her all about Will and their relationship. If felt so good to be able to talk about what was making him happy that he babbled on.
"Nico, you are the most amazing demigod! Will is a fortunate man." Reyna said fervently.
"Not at all, I am." Nico countered.
Eventually it was time to get back to business, he only had so many drachmas. "So, after all that has happened um… I decided that I don't want to hide my relationship with Will, but… I dread telling Hazel."
"Okay, about Hazel. She loves you Nico. She may be shocked, but she will stand by you. I've already done some preparation by telling her how things have changed since she was a girl. I specifically used gay rights as an example, knowing you would tell her someday. She is not judgmental, only naïve." Reyna explained.
"You really think so?" He was hopeful, but not confident.
"Absolutely," She said with conviction.
"I hope you're right, but I have to be the one to tell her. I can't risk rumors getting around to her. Wish me luck." He said, "One last thing Reyna. Can you tell Frank? I really don't want Hazel to have to tell him and I don't think I could face it after talking to Hazel."
"Sure, Frank and I have become close since he became praetor. It will be no problem." She confirmed.
"Thanks, you're my best friend."
"You know it." She smiled broadly and winked as she signed off.
When he Iris messaged Hazel it took a while for her to stop prattling on about how relieved and happy she was to see him. She looked as if she might have been crying and he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Oh, Nico I'm so glad that Will was with you and kept you safe." She enthused.
"Yeah, Will is great. He came up with a treatment for my fading." He told her about it and then about the fake fade, hoping that she would be relieved instead of angry.
"So, it was all a trick? Why would you do that to Jason?" She questioned doubtfully, but not yet fully angry.
"The situation was more complicated then it looked and it was the only way. Before I can explain it, I need to tell you something about myself, but I'm worried about your reaction." He snuck up on the topic.
"How could you say that? I'm your sister and I'll always support you." She was obviously offended.
"Well you grew up in the 30's, too. It is something that back then would have been unimaginable to admit." She only looked confused.
He took a deep breath. "I'm… Uh… I like Will."
"Of course you are friends." She was mystified.
"No it is more than that, Hazel. Um… We've Uh… kissed…" He added cautiously.
Her eyes went wide and she fanned her face, but she said, "Well… I… Um… You… you like him… that way?" She looked about ready to faint, but she still looked him squarely in the eye. That gave him the courage he needed.
"Yes, and I don't want to hide it anymore. Times are different and I can be myself." He confirmed.
She still looked flustered, but said, "You are my big brother and I want you to be happy. I just need a little time to get used to it, Okay?"
"You aren't repulsed by me?" He ask hesitantly. She frowned, but in a stern way instead of disgusted way.
"No, never…. just very surprised." She was still fanning herself looking a bit dazed.
"Hazel, I love you." She stopped fanning herself and her mouth fell open. Then he realized he had never said that to her before.
She broke into a big smile, "Nico, I… You know I love you, too. I know times are different now and I'm glad you told me. I'll always be here for you." She said seriously.
"Thank you Hazel!" He was grateful as he explained about Drew's rumors and how he had to stop them.
When he signed off she said, "Take care of yourself and Will better take good care of you, too."
He was amazed he had made it through and she still supported him; all his friends supported him. Then he thought back to what Jason had said a lifetime ago, 'If the others found out you'd have that many more people to back you up.'* At the time it was unfathomable that he could be right. Just his support was more than he had ever expected. Now, just over a month later, he had them all and Will too. He just couldn't stop grinning.
Nico was incredible nervous about his date. He had been dismayed at his minuscule wardrobe. The camp store only had Orange camp T-shirts and he could not shadow travel to get more clothes. He would not wear orange, so he went to see Rachel. She was happy to fix the shirt for him, but she was not done yet and the time for his date was fast approaching. He was standing in front of the mirror in his skinny black jeans and A-shirt, trying to get his long curly hair to stay down on the sides when she knocked.
"Come in" He called as he gave up on his hair and walked into the cabin's main room.
Rachel was looking around at the décor, stunned. "You did this?" She gestured. He thought, Damn it I forgot about the décor. I can't let Will see it. He'll think I'm a freak.
He laughed mirthlessly, "No, I wasn't here when this happened. Hades in not the god of vampires. I only worked on the outside."
"I'm relieved to hear that. If you want any help redecorating let me know." She grinned.
"Yeah, thanks. I'll need all the help I can get with this monstrosity."
"Here is your shirt." Then she held up an amazing work of art. She had dyed the shirt black, but she left bits of orange showing as part of the overall design. Over that she had drawn a sketched scene from the battle with Gaea using white.
"This is amazing and absolutely beautiful!" Nico said with wonder as he followed the scene around the sleeves and over the back. The front featured Leo and Festus snatching up Gaea. Underneath the dragon's chest was a ghost image of the letters CHB and he idly wondered how she got the letters to show through. The back and sleeves showed the rest of the seven, Reyna and both camps in battle with the Athena Parathion in the background.
"So you like it?" She smirked.
"Yes, everyone will want one." He said emphatically.
"Let them try, you deserve something unique." He blushed at her statement.
She smiled and walked out saying, "Have fun tonight."
It was date time and he was unusually apprehensive as he waited. While they had kissed a lot, they never really spent time together outside of the infirmary. What if we don't have anything to talk about now that the drama is over? What if Will gets to know me better and he doesn't like me? How long until Will gets tired of my bleak personality? I'm bound to mess things up and push him away.
When Will knocked on the door Nico rushed to put on his new aviator's jacket, grabbed his sword, and quickly left the cabin to make sure Will didn't see the inside.
"What's with the sword?" Will remarked.
"I take it we are going somewhere away from the rest of the campers?" Nico asked.
"Well, of course." He replied confused.
"Well, I don't take any chances with monsters." He stated with a challenge in his eyes.
Will nodded easily and unconsciously put his arm over the other's shoulder as they began walking. The smaller teen didn't bother to shrug out of the embrace, he had to admit he liked the casual way Will touched him. He wondered, since when am I touchy feely? As they walked through the camp Nico looked straight at the other camper's faces as they passed. They looked only mildly interested and he sensed no hostility. It felt like they were just another ordinary piece of camp gossip. He was astounded after the way people acted at the apology. How could things have changed so quickly? Maybe Drew's charm speak was a much bigger influence than he had thought. Then it occurred to him that Will and Connor had dated and everyone knew about it. Maybe it wasn't such a big deal to be openly gay after all.
Nico came out of his thoughts as Will was getting into a canoe. He asked doubtfully, "You want to eat dinner on a canoe?"
"Um, no, we just need to go this way." Will answered in an oddly evasive way.
They canoed across the lake to the far shore and continued walking. Finally they halted at the far side of a large oak tree near the edge of the camp center. It was a place they could have gotten to quicker by just skirting the lake on foot, he though curiously.
It was a scenic spot with a large spreading oak, a lush grass clearing, and a clear view of the strawberry fields beyond. It was far enough away from main camp that nobody would be able to see them clearly, even if they weren't behind the tree.
Will started to unpack his picnic basket after laying out a large checkered tablecloth with china plates and cloth napkins. It was a beautiful warm evening so Nico took off his jacket. Will continued to unpack a cold dinner of sandwiches, potato salad, strawberry cake, and root beer. When he finally looked up he gasped.
"Where did you get that?" he said as he gestured at his shirt.
"Nice, huh? Rachel fixed up a camp tee for me." He smiled broadly as Will nodded.
Will signaled Nico to turn around and he gave the shirt a closer look. "That is amazing! … and you look wonderful in it." He smiled.
He draped his arm around Nico's waist and pulled him close for a kiss. His lips were gentle and his kiss tender. Nico wrapped his arms around his neck to hold Will still and lengthened the kiss. Will broke off with a sigh saying, "Please don't get me distracted this soon, later I promise. Let's have dinner first, alright?"
"You started it." He pouted, but didn't argue as he eyed the food.
Over a dinner Nico told him of his adventures and Will told him camp stories. He need not worry about talking to Will, it was surprisingly simple. Although the son of Apollo's stories were light and carefree he had a maturity and underlining sadness about him that Nico could relate to. Nico could see they had similar convictions, but very different ways of expressing them. The longer they talked the more Nico fell for him. They had a leisurely dinner that lengthen as they lost track of the time talking. As dusk approached they packed up the remainders and headed back to the canoe.
Nico was confused when Will stopped the canoe in the middle of the lake. He pulled Nico down to sit with him in the bottom of the canoe facing the setting sun. He whispered gently, yet seductively, "I always dreamed about watching the sunset here with you in my arms." And he lay his head on the dark haired boy's shoulder. It was beautiful the way the sun reflected off the lake. As the sun set he reveled in Will's warm touch. His restraint, always under tight control, felt like it was melting. Almost as if the last heat of the setting sun was being channeled directly into his chest.
As the last rays dipped below the horizon Will tilted his head and started to nibble on Nico's ear. Then he licking it and blew lightly making him shivered. Instantly he turned on Will and began feverously kissing him as he tangled his hands tightly in his hair and clutched him tightly. He wanted to touch every part of the blonde's body. He was rapid and rough as he pulled Will's head back so he could trailed down a path along his jaw neck and collar bone. Will moaned softly as his hands wandered over the smaller boy's back. Nico was emboldened and ran his hands down the blonde's sides and up under his T-shirt to run his fingers over his chest. Will shuttered violently throwing the canoe off balance making them break apart.
"Whoa, cowboy! Let's get back to shore." Will said as he rapidly retreated to his seat and began paddling back to shore.
Nico was panting as his face turned scarlet. He moved back to his seat and turned his head away to hide his dismay. Nico's mind clanged at the rebuff. Damn it, I was too eager, to rough, Will has seen me for what I am. A stupid, needy, horny, teen with no restraint. This is the end.
After docking Will did indeed seemed eager to end the date. He practically jogged him back to his cabin with no word of explanation. At the door step Nico stood with his head down waiting for the words he did not want to hear. Surprisingly Will took a quick glance around for any campers before boldly walking into the cabin, hauling Nico in after him and closing the door.
Once inside the blonde stopped stunned and looked around the cabin. At that he began a loud peal of laugher. Nico just leaned against the shut door, breathing heavily, trying to keep himself together long enough for the dreaded break-up talk.
Will sniggered sarcastically, "Please don't tell me you are a Twilight fan boy."
"I don't even know what that is, but no. I was not here when this happened." Nico panted staring down intently at the ground to keep his face covered by his hair.
Laughter floated from Will's mouth, "Yeah, I sort of figured that. Tomorrow we can get started fixing it. Tonight you and I have other plans."
That was when he turned back to Nico and noticed his stance in alarm, "Nico? What?"
"It's alright Will. You don't have to say it. I knew it was too good to be true. I'm sorry…" Nico choked out. "I'm sorry I came on so strong. I'll stay away. Leave camp even."
"Nico! You dense idiot," Will snarled angrily and Nico flinched. Will came up close, way too close, and slipped his arm around Nico's waist. He used his other hand lift Nico's chin and force him to look up into his face. Will's blue eyes shone brightly with desire and yearning.
"I just wanted to get you alone so we could continue where we left off." He still wants me! Flashed though Nico's mind. He gulped against the tears of relief that spilled out.
Will leaned down to gently kiss a tear from his cheek, "How could you think…" He kissed his other cheek, "You won't need to shed anymore tears for me. I am not going anywhere. You are stuck with me."
Nico gave a relieved sigh, "Sei tutto ciò che voglio." He murmured.
"Um, it sounds so beautiful. What does it mean?" Will breathed softly against his cheek as his lips brushed his face.
Nico nervously and reluctantly replied, "Um… You're everything I want."
Will held him closer as he gently brush his lips along his jaw, "Ummm, I could not have said it better. You are to speak in Italian as much as possible. And it was so totally hot the way you took over in the canoe." Will purred in a huskily voice as his eyes shined.
Nico felt bubbly and light up he shuffled forward forcing Will deeper into the cabin. When he hit the nearest bunk, he leveled an intense gaze at the blonde. Carefully he pushed Will down and back onto the bunk and crawled on top of him. He propped himself up on one elbow cradling the back of his head while starting an urgently deep kiss. He took control and methodically explored his mouth with his tongue. Will's arms circle his back pulling him in tight. The dark hair teen laced his other hand between them to trace the curves of the blonde's chest through his t-shirt.
They continued their mutual exploration of each other, until the five minute curfew warning bell necessitate an end to their date. They reluctantly parted, panting, and Will began putting his t-shirt back on. From dilated eyes Nico surveyed all the marks he left on Will's neck and chest. He knew his looked much the same, but he didn't ask Will to heal him. He was floating and he reviled in the feel of Will's passion etched on his body. They belonged together and nothing stood in their way.
Authors note: So here ends my story with the exception of an epilogue. I'm beginning to think I have a thing for epilogues since most of my fan fics have them. If you have anything you like to see in the near term (epilogue) or further in the future of this timeline, let me know. I do have a follow on Connor & Will story that I'll probable post. You've all given me such a wonderful reception for this story and I truly appreciate it.
Thank you so very much,
Anne
*The quote from Jason is from "The House of Hades" Chapter 36.