Heeeeeey! I'm back! Aren't you all excited about that? Yeah, you are. You're probably all ready to freak out now, or tear Sally Jackson to shreds. Woo, just another day on here. Sally's story and mending time.

Oooooh, story news! I've picked the second name. Thanks to everyone who sent in names. I did look at them, but nothing really spoke to me. Finally, I just looked up some names, and Parker popped out at me. So it'll be Easton and Park, or East and Park for short. Heh, East Park. Oh, on that note, PJLover1551, you're story suggestion is getting converted for publishing! Excitement. Well, one of them.

…

"…What?" Percy actually took a step back when Sally said she told the church. His own mother? The one who was supportive from the very beginning? He couldn't quite believe that. But even Paul was looking surprised, and he couldn't ignore that. It took a lot to surprise Paul these days. Sally buried her face in her hands, her shoulder's shaking. "Ah, mom…" Percy said with a sigh. He didn't like to see his mother cry.

"It was an accident," she said. "I sweat, I would never tell someone on purpose." Then her eyes widened. "Percy, that isn't what I meant." He waved her on. He'd worry about technicalities later. "I was just talking with Mrs. Valdez. At first, we were talking about Leo, and I made a joke about he'll be dating before she knows it. She said she hoped not, he was still her little baby. I told her you went out with Nico, how nice you both looked. I didn't catch my mistake until after I said it. Then I wished I could take it back." Percy pursed his lips.

"Are you sure that's how it happened?" he asked. At his mother's distraught look, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Alright mom, I believe you. Besides, you'd never do anything to intentionally hurt me." That at least was true. In all his life, Sally never once did anything to intentionally hurt him. "I just wish I hadn't been kicked out. How did that come about anyway? I thought Pastor Philip didn't believe in kicking anyone out of church."

"Um, that would be my fault," Paul said, raising his hand. Sally and Percy turned to look at him, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "We sort of had a meeting about it a couple weeks ago. The adults, the ones that were present at the meeting, agreed that if one of us happened to be gay, we'd kick them out. I never once believed that it would be my own son."

"How very un-Christian," Percy muttered. He'd never once heard of a church kicking someone out due to their sexual preferences. "Well, like it or not, I'm gay, and there's not a lot they can do about it." So much for he might not be gay anymore. He just kept digging a bigger hole for himself. "Oh, you might as well know, Jason's gay too." He hated outing his friend, but they deserved to know the truth. Between his house and Nico's house, there wasn't going to be a lot of safe places for them now. Paul and Sally exchanged looks.

"Yeah, that much we guessed," Sally replied. Percy's eyebrow rose, but he didn't say anything. He should've known. Not much got by his mom without her noticing. "But he's still welcome back any time."

"Well, that's at least good news, because I doubt I'll be going far in the next few days," he said, going into the living room and throwing himself into the chair. "No where's safe now that everyone knows."

"Maybe New Hope will keep this to themselves," Paul tried. "After all, no one wants bad publicity."

"Ah, but bad publicity is publicity anyway," Percy responded. "And a church as small as New Hope would jump at the chance to have some publicity. I wouldn't be surprised if they got on the news or stuck this story in the newspaper." He sighed. He was going to feel like a trapped animal before too long. His life would be on display, he could feel it. "Thanks for the support," he added. "Can Nico come over?"

"Of course," Sally replied. "Do you want me to go get him?" The brunette shook his head and rose from his place on the chair. He felt obligated to go get his boyfriend. After all, he was the one that yelled at him. Percy let himself out the back door and quickly crossed the yards to Nico's back door. He rapped on the glass and waited for someone to answer.

"Percy?" The brunette looked up to find Hazel standing in front of him. "Come in, I guess. Nico's in his room." She stepped aside, and Percy went to step passed her. But she grabbed his wrist and stopped him. "Did you really mean what you said?" she asked. "That it was Nico's fault you're gay and you never want to see him again?" Percy sighed.

"Of course not," he replied. "I love your brother very much. I was just shocked and hurt, and I said some things I shouldn't have. I'm going to apologize to him. I don't need him destroying himself thinking he destroyed my life." A knowing look passed between them, and she let go of his wrist. He marched down to the dark-haired boy's room, throwing the door open. It banged against the wall, startling Nico. He bolted upright in surprise, then stared blankly at the brunette. Percy didn't say anything, just sat down on his bed with him. Nico wrapped his arms around him and they both laid back.

"You came over," Nico said in a daze. Percy forced out a chuckle. He could feel the new bandages through the dark-haired boy's shirt, but he didn't say anything. Just that fact spoke volumes about how Nico was feeling. I drove him to that, he thought. If I hadn't said those things... What if I was too late? What if he'd finally had enough… With that happy thought, he buried his face in Nico's shirt.

"I'm so sorry," he said, his voice muffled by the stiff material of Nico's dress shirt. "I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. I was just shocked and hurt. I've been going to that church for years. But it isn't your fault. You didn't turn me gay. I was just…born this way."

"I know that," Nico replied softly, holding Percy a little tighter. Percy felt like his broken pieces were being put together again. "I'll admit, it hurt when you said those things. I've never felt that kind of pain before. I could live with you blaming me, but the thought of never seeing you again…" He let the thought trail off, shuddering at what he almost did. He would've been so stupid, just ending it all.

"I was such a…" Percy trailed off. He wasn't sure what word he'd use. He knew his mother and father would definitely not approve though. Nico chuckled.

"You were being a human being," he said, kissing the top of the brunette's head. "It's normal to try and find someone to blame when things go awry. It's pretty much human nature." Percy sighed. How did he get to so lucky, to find a boyfriend like Nico di Angelo?

"You really are too good to be true," the brunette responded. "Oh, I found out how the church knew." He finally looked up to Nico's face, and he wanted to weep all over again. But this time, from happiness. Because, looking back at him, was so much relief and love. Love. Just for him. He cleared his throat a couple times, and the ghost of a smile touched Nico's features. "My mom accidently let it slip while she was talking with Leo's mom. It was an accident. She didn't mean it." Nico gazed up at the ceiling thoughtfully.

"All this fuss over a simple remark," he muttered. "All this heartache for one little slip up." He sighed. "Do you ever question humanity Percy?" The brunette looked up, momentarily confused. "How could human beings turn on two of their own? How could they have so little regard for their thoughts and feelings? Why would they built them up, only to tear them back down?" Percy's eyes got wider with every question. He'd never really given it any thought before. Then again, this was his first time going against the status quo. He didn't really have a lot to go off of.

"I've never given it much thought," Percy replied at last, frowning thoughtfully. Nico did have a point. How could people spend their whole lives building up the youth, only to tear them down if they didn't fit in the guidelines? It made absolutely no sense. Nico grabbed ahold of the brunette's chin and tilted it up, forcing Percy to face him.

"Don't dwell on it, alright?" he said. "Just forget I said anything. I don't need you eating yourself inside out because of a few negative thoughts. Believe me, I'm doing that enough for both of us." Percy looked, really looked, at Nico. His eyes were red-rimmed from crying still, and he didn't appear to be doing any better.

"We all notice my pain," Percy whispered. "But we never notice yours. Why don't you say something? If you're hurting, I can help." Nico gave him a pained look. Did he really have to point that out?

"You don't need any unstable people in your life right now Percy," he said, a little huffily. "After all, you're only just beginning to figure yourself out. You don't need people that still doubt themselves…" He clamped his jaw shut, but the damage had been done. Percy looked at him curiously.

"Do you still doubt yourself?" he asked the dark-haired boy. "You don't seem like it." Nico sighed, his grip tightening once again. The brunette gasped at the extra pressure, but he sensed Nico's need to squeeze something, so he let him keep his tight hold on him without complaint. Nico would do the same for him, he reminded himself.

"It's not that," Nico said at last. "I just sometimes wonder if being gay really isn't a choice. Can I choose to be straight? I'd much rather be straight than deal with everything I've dealt with." Percy opened his mouth to say something, but Nico held a finger to his lips. "Let me finish will you?" he joked, a small smile playing on his lips. "Then there are days I'm so thankful I'm gay."

"Really?" Percy blurted before he could stop himself. "Why's that?" Nico threw back his head and laughed.

"Because I met you," he said, serious once again. "And I definitely couldn't kiss you, or date you, if I was straight. I wouldn't want to. But since I'm gay, I do." He gave the brunette a lopsided smile. "And believe me when I tell you this Percy, I am so glad I met you. I've never loved anyone else the way I love you." Percy's throat closed and he couldn't speak. Tears formed in his eyes. No one had ever said such tender words to him.

He was glad for the silence though. Because he enjoyed the feeling of Nico holding him tight, his head tucked under the dark-haired boy's chin. Nico, for his part, was marveling at the fact that he'd actually poured his heart out to this boy. And the silence said more than words ever could.

…

Percy was going to stay the night at Nico's house before they had to endure the torture that was school, and for that he was thankful. He wanted that last bit of alone time he was going to have if word got out. He wanted to enjoy his freedom and privacy for as long as possible.

For a good hour after Nico poured his heart out to Percy, they both laid there in silence, just enjoying each other's company and the feel of each other's lips. They kissed more in that hour than they had in the two weeks they'd known each other. And it felt fantastic.

"More lasagna Percy?" Mr. di Angelo asked, holding out the half-empty pan off the delicious pasta dish. Percy shook his head, patting his full middle. Between the lasagna and the side salad and the breadsticks, Percy was just about stuffed full.

"No thank you," he declined politely. "But everything was delicious." Mr. di Angelo smiled and set the pan down. Nico got up and helped himself to another square.

"Don't forget dessert dad," he said as he sat back down. Percy turned to his boyfriend in amazement. They could eat all this stuff. Percy felt full enough already. How was he going to stomach dessert?

"That's right," Mr. di Angelo said, going to the counter and removing foil off the top of another pan. "Lemon squares for everyone." He used a spatula to dish out lemon squares to everyone at the table. There was a general chorus of thank yous, and Percy stared at his dessert in dismay. It was such a small thing. It shouldn't have been that difficult.

"Methinks Percy's a little full," Bianca said, taking the lemon square off his plate. "I'll take it." Percy looked at her, not sure if he was grateful or not. She did make it easier to say no. "Percy, do you want to watch a movie? It's family movie night."

"Actually, I was thinking of kidnapping him and going downstairs to do something," Nico replied, swallowing his bite of salad and lasagna. "Whaddya say Perce?"

"Nico," the brunette replied automatically. Not only was Nico his boyfriend, he felt obligated to cheer him up after what happened. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well, we have an x-box downstairs. Wanna go play a game?" Percy frowned. It wasn't that he didn't like video games, he just never played them much. He didn't own a gaming system. "It'll be fun, I promise," he said. Percy shrugged. He'd be willing to take his boyfriend's lead on this one. "Come on," Nico said, shoving his chair back and standing. Percy scrambled to follow him. Nico looked over his shoulder, then disappeared down the stairs to the basement. Percy followed at a slower pace, sitting down on the couch when they got there.

"What are we going to play?" he asked the dark-haired boy. But Nico shook his head.

"I just told them that so they wouldn't ask why I wanted you all to myself," he replied. "But I just want to enjoy you while I have you. Pretty soon, our lives will be on display." Percy sighed.

"I really hope not," he replied. "After all, we're human beings. We have privacy too." Nico nodded along, pulling Percy down until he was laying down on top of him. He began to play with Percy's hair, twirling it around on his fingers, then releasing it. Percy sighed contentedly. "That feels nice."

"Glad you like it," Nico said with a little smile. He felt much happier now that Percy was in his arms. He always felt happier when Percy was near. He buried his nose in the brunette's hair, sniffing. Percy's hair smelled good. Like his shampoo. "God Percy, is it possible to miss someone when you haven't seen them in a few hours?"

"Yes," Percy said. "Because I missed you while we were apart, even though I was the one that said I didn't want to see you." He laughed softly, but he wasn't sure if it had any real humor in it. After all, he still felt horribly guilty for what he'd said. And for the very simple fact that he could've pushed Nico over the edge.

"I'm glad you missed me," Nico said, capturing his attention again. "And I love you so much." He kissed him softly. "I mean it Percy. I love you."

"I love you too," Percy whispered. "I'm glad I came over. I missed you so much. If we ever fight like that again…" He let that thought trail off. He didn't want to think about what would happen if they fought like that again. "About humanity," he began tentatively. "I've been thinking about it."

"I told you not to do that," Nico scolded gently. At Percy's crestfallen look, he sighed. "Alright, what have you been thinking about?" he asked.

"It isn't all of humanity," Percy answered. "It's really just our town. You saw how people treated us in the city. They were nice. They accepted us without question. So, I think there's hope for humanity yet. We just need to show them that some things can be good."

"Quite the brain you have in there," Nico replied, tapping the brunette's forehead. Percy giggled, and Nico smiled. It was good to see Percy so happy again.

…

Nico groaned and opened his eyes. He must have fallen asleep downstairs again. He tried to sit up, but something had him pinned to the couch. For a moment, he panicked. Why was he pinned to the couch? Then he remembered; Percy was spending the night. No doubt he fell asleep on top of him. Sure enough, Percy mumbled something in his sleep and shifted positions.

"Nico?" he asked groggily. "Where are we? What time is it?" The dark-haired boy felt a little guilty for waking him up. After all, it was late. And a school night.

"Shh, it's okay Perce," he replied. "We're in the basement. I don't know the time, but I can find out." He fumbled in his pocket for his phone, and both he and Percy groaned when the sudden light hit their eyes. "It's one in the morning," he said, putting it back and plunging the room into darkness once more. "Go back to bed Percy."

"I'm up now," the brunette complained. "Do you wanna do something? I don't really want to go back to sleep now." Nico chuckled. He did enjoy Percy's enthusiasm sometimes, but tonight, he felt like he should put his foot down. Just a little.

"We can go up to my room," he replied. "But we need sleep. It's a school night." Percy groaned and plunked his head back on Nico's chest. "Hey, no pouting," Nico scolding, chuckling. He shook the brunette's shoulder. "Percy, I would like to sleep in my own bed," he said.

"I don't wanna," Percy whined jokingly. "Can't we just stay here? It's nice and quiet." Nico laughed again. Leave it to Percy to think of peace and quiet.

"Sure," he replied, wrapping his arms around him again and holding him close. "Because we certainly won't have any of that starting later today. Goodnight Percy. Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams Nico. Love you."

"Love you too Percy. Now go to sleep."

And Percy didn't have anything to say to that.