I'm going to try and update this before my birthday, but we'll have to see how this goes. My birthday is Friday, if I manage to update beforehand. I didn't, lol. My birthday was Friday though, so this is my belated birthday present to you guys!

…

Jason was enjoying being with Percy and Nico, though it did make him a bit sad. He also missed Luke a lot, since seeing them reminded him of the relationship he had. Nico was constantly at Percy's side, and not necessarily in an annoying way either. He was just a reassuring presence. The blonde liked to compare him to Percy's shadow, considering he trailed the brunette wherever he went. He didn't seem to mind though. Nico didn't even need to speak. He'd go and fetch things for Percy, or simply wrap his arms around the brunette's waist.

"You guys are sickeningly cute," Jason said at one point, but Nico simply shrugged, kissing Percy's neck. The brunette giggled. It tickled when his boyfriend did that. Jason smiled softly at them. As annoyingly adorable as they were, they were made for each other, even if they didn't fully know it yet. Words couldn't express how happy he was to see his best friend so happy and so in love. If he even was in love. Though the blonde suspected he was. You could just see it in the way he looked at Nico, like Nico was everything good in the world. You could see it in Nico too, in the way Nico gazed at Percy adoringly, like he was his purpose in life.

"Are you bored?" Percy asked, a little concerned. They were all in the living room, watching TV, since none of them were going to school the next day. He was shocked his mother and father were letting him skip so many days in a row. He sighed. He'd have to go back and toughen up eventually. It was time to face everyone head on. He was tired of being a coward. Tired of trying to deny who he was.

"Not really, no," the blonde replied, all by his lonesome in the chair. Percy was spread out on top of Nico on the couch while the dark-haired boy ran his fingers lazily through his hair. "This is still better than anything I couldn't done at home, trust me." But still, the brunette felt bad. He'd wanted to try and cheer Jason up. The only thing they succeeded in doing was reminding him his love wasn't anywhere near him. Percy rose, and Nico gave a grunt of protest. He'd been rather comfortable like that. Granted, Percy wasn't the lightest person in the world, but that was a small discomfort. Jason looked up at the brunette approached. "What?" he asked.

"I'm sorry we're sort of flaunting our relationship in your face," he said softly, catching the blonde off guard. He'd been laying across the chair with his legs dangling over the arm. Now, he sat up. "Sorry we keep reminding you that Luke isn't here and sorry we aren't really paying attention to you and we aren't…"

"Percy, shush," Jason scolded, and Percy looked at him questioningly. "It's fine. You and Nico are happy, that's all that matters to me. I'll be fine. The most important thing here is this; are you going to be fine?" The blonde was a little shocked by the brunette's cross expression.

"I'm so sick of people asking me that," he said, beginning to pace. Nico sat up, alarmed. "So sick of being treated like I'm made of glass. News flash Jason; I'm not fragile. I can hold my own. I don't need you, or you." He whirled and pointed an accusing finger at Nico, who looked taken aback. "To baby me. I'm fine. I've always been fine." He stormed away, slamming the door to his room. Sally peeked out and, upon seeing her son's guests still seated in the living room, narrowed her eyes. But she wasn't going to jump to conclusions. She ducked back in to talk to Paul, who was questioning what was going on. Jason and Nico sat in silence, neither meeting the other's gaze.

"Maybe we shouldn't pester him so much," Nico said quietly. Jason looked up sharply. Nico was staring blankly at his hands. He'd heard Percy snap at him before, sure, but this was something different. He hadn't been aware he'd been babying him. And if his Percy felt that way, why didn't he say so? "We should leave." He rose from his place on the couch. "You can come over with me if you want." Jason looked back at Percy's room. Would leaving really fix anything?

"Alright," he agreed reluctantly, following Nico out the back door. Nico shut it softly and, after one last longing look, turned and strode across their yards. Jason fell in step beside him, occasionally glancing at him. In the half-light, Nico looked decidedly neutral. But the blonde knew he was hurting. Nico let himself into the house, letting Jason in behind him. He shut the door. "Let's go downstairs," he said softly. He didn't even wait for the blonde to reply. He just headed down the stairs to the basement. Jason, after a moment, followed.

He hated seeing them fight. He hated it because they went so good together. It was painful when they fought, and sometimes it felt like it would be the last time. That one wouldn't want to talk to the other after one of their fights. Jason kept glancing at Nico, who'd sunk down onto the couch down there, his hands folded neatly on his lap. He was awfully quiet.

"Do you think Percy's okay?" he asked. Nico heaved a sigh. He really didn't know. And he couldn't bring himself to ask.

"I don't know Jay," he replied honestly. "But I'm done asking him. He's right, he can handle things himself. If he wasn't alright, I trust him enough to tell us." Jason blinked in surprise. He figured Nico would try to get whatever was bothering Percy out of him. "He's stubborn," Nico said at last, the ghost of a smile touching his features. "If I push now, I might just push him away. Give him some time to cool down. Maybe I'll talk to him tomorrow."

"Maybe…" Jason said uneasily. Why would Percy try to push away two of the people who cared about him? He didn't really blame him. He wouldn't want everyone fussing over him all the time, even though it would be a welcomed change from his treatment now. He hesitantly sat down beside Nico, rubbing his arm. Nico looked up and smiled sadly at him. He was okay. He was just worried about his baby, that was all. He didn't want to bother Percy, however, so he swallowed his instincts to just call him and apologize over and over for something he may or may not have done. He wished so bad Percy was here. He wanted kisses and cuddles. And while Jason was nice company, there was no way that he would get them from him. It would be cheating, and Nico would never, ever do that. Especially not to a sweetie like Percy.

"How come your family treats you like they do?" Nico asked suddenly, and for the second time that night, Jason was caught off guard. "How come they don't seem to give two shits about what you're up to and where you are?" Jason shrugged one shoulder. He didn't really want to talk about it. But Nico looked up at him with those pleading eyes, and he sighed.

"They're on board with the whole 'gays are an abomination' thing," he said. "They wouldn't even speak to me the first month I was open with them. I'm still shoved so far back in the closet I'm finding my Christmas presents though." Jason chuckled sadly at his own wit. "But they think I'm a disgrace. They wished more than anything I wouldn't be the way I am." He sighed again. "That's the thing with tiny towns. They can either build you up, or tear you down. Or town tries to do the former, but does the latter. And they don't even know it half the time." So far, Nico sat in stunned silence. He's never heard Jason speak so much about…anything really. It was shocking to hear his voice for full sentences. "I just wish they could see what they do to us. What harm their words actually do. Sticks and stones break bones, but words destroy your confidence. Personally, I'd rather have broken bones."

"Yeah," Nico supplied weakly. "I know what you mean." He waved his bare wrists in front of the blonde. "These are my battle scars. And I'm tired of people judging me for them. I got passed that point in my life, and my god it was worth it. I can't imagine a life without Percy in it. I know it sounds crazy. After all, I've known him less than a month. But god damn Jason I'm so in love. I've never loved anyone the way I love Percy."

"I know," the blonde interrupted. "I see it in the way you look at him, like he's the reason the world goes round. Or he's the reason the sun rises in the morning." Nico blushed faintly. Was he really that transparent? He hadn't thought so. But maybe it was time for everyone to know. That he, Nico di Angelo, was in love. And it was with Percy Jackson.

…

Percy slumped against his door, staring at his bare feet. Why had he snapped at his best friend and his boyfriend like that? They were just trying to be sure he was okay. But he was so sick of everyone focusing on him. Yes, it was a lot to get used to in a short amount of time. But he could handle it. He wasn't a toddler. At least, he thought he wasn't. Maybe he really was, since that's how everyone seems to portray him that way.

The brunette finally moved away from his door, pacing his room. He'd hung a few of his posters back up, and now they watched his every move. He glanced around. Strangely, it reminded him of the first night he'd met Nico. When they ate dinner at his house, and Nico told him he was gay. Was it really less than a month ago? It felt like a lifetime. Suddenly, Percy felt worn, and he sat on his bed. He bowed his head.

"I don't know what to do anymore," he whispered, feeling the tears pool in the corners of his eyes. No. He wouldn't cry about this again. He was tired of crying. He was tired of tears. He was tired of heartache. "God, I don't know what Your plan is, but I trust you. You, and only You, know what's best for me. Help me as I fall, because there's no way I can do this alone." Percy hadn't prayed in awhile, and it felt so good to do again. He shouldn't have stopped. "And may you watch over Jason and Nico as well. They need you even more than I do. In your son's name, amen." He raised his head, feeling a lot better than before. And now he felt bad. He shouldn't have snapped at Nico and Jason. They were just trying to help. Besides, he shouldn't be pushing away two people that actually cared about him.

Percy decided to go over and try to apologize. He could've waited until tomorrow, but he didn't want another sleepless night. He'd already had plenty of them. So he crept out of his room, mindful his parents were either already asleep or getting ready for bed. He crept out of his house and cut across the backyards. But when he got to Nico's back door, he hesitated. Would Nico even want to see him? Would Jason? He was pretty awful to them, without reason. Sure, he was sick, but that hadn't given him any right to snap at them like he had. He sighed, dropping his hand from the doorknob. Maybe he should just wait until tomorrow to talk to them. They were probably asleep. But as he turned to leave, the door opened.

"Baby…" And that was all Percy needed to hear. He whirled around and flung himself at Nico, who was actually prepared for that. He caught him and held him close. "Baby, I'm glad you're okay," he said, smoothing his hair down. "Is it possible to miss someone only after minutes?"

"Yes," Percy mumbled into Nico's shirt as he was carried inside the house. "Because I missed you. I came to talk to you, but then chickened out, and then you answered, so…" He let that thought trailed off. Nico grinned down at him, kissing the top of his head. And, when Percy looked up at him, he peppered his cheeks and forehead with more kisses. Percy giggled. "Stop Nico, that tickles."

"Never!" Nico joked, laughing as Percy twisted out of his grasp. Percy was grinning like crazy. "God Percy I'm so happy I have you in my life." Percy blushed and looked down, scuffing the ground with his socked foot. Why did Nico have to say such sweet things like that? Half the time, he didn't know what to say back. Nico quietly swept Percy back in his arms, simply holding him. He needed to feel Percy close to him. "You know Percy," he said quietly. The brunette looked up at him. "Are you tired of being afraid?" Percy captured his bottom lip in his teeth.

"Yes," he replied quietly. "I am. I don't want to be afraid of who I am anymore." Nico smiled and softly kissed him. Telling Percy what he was about to tell him would be hard, but he felt they had to do something.

"I think we should go to school tomorrow," Nico said. Percy nodded. He figured. They'd missed so much school already. Principal Solace probably was wondering what happened to them. "And I think we shouldn't be afraid. Let's walk to school hand in hand." Rather than the terrified look Nico expected to see on his baby's face, he saw thoughtfulness. "I don't know about you Percy, but I'm done letting those people tell me how I can and can't feel. I don't want to be afraid to be with you every time we go somewhere. I want to hold your hand in public. Or even kiss you."

"Yeah, Percy agreed silently. "That would definitely be nice. I'm tired of being afraid too. But would that be the wisest career move? After all, we'd just be adding fuel to the fire."

"Stop thinking about what they think and start thinking about what you think," Nico advised, capturing Percy's chin so he was facing him. "Do you think it's a good idea? Do you want to go against everyone in your town?" The dark-haired boy thought about it for a moment. "Almost everyone. You're friends did it first."

"If they can do it, I can do it," the brunette said, a look of determination settling across his features. "We can be an example Nico. If we could held just one other person not be afraid, it'd all be worth it." Nico smiled and kissed the brunette's neck. He twisted away, giggling again. "Stop, that tickles even more."

"I'll never stop," Nico said. "And I'll never tire of kissing you." Percy smiled. It felt so good to be able to talk like this, without fear.

"Ahem." Both boys turned guiltily when Jason cleared his throat. "This is sweet and all, but we all have to be up and ready for school tomorrow. Are we just going to stay here?" Percy looked at Nico questioningly. His call.

"Yeah," Nico said, picking Percy up. "And Jay, we have something to tell you…"

…

"You're really going to go through with this?" Jason asked as they all got ready for school. Percy had on jeans and a sweater already, watching as Nico and Jason finished dressing themselves. Nico was going to wear a t-shirt, because he wasn't afraid. Jason was wearing a long sleeved shirt, because he still was. At least a little bit. Percy looked at Jason more than Nico.

"Yes," he piped up, causing both boys to jump. "We are. We're tired of cowering. At least, I am. Whatever happens, happens I guess. There's not a whole lot they can do now, is there?" He shrugged. He supposed they could kick them out of town, but he doubted they'd do that. After all, if they did, their families would follow. As would the youth group, their families, and Jason. "Besides, I feel a lot better now that we've decided to do this. Are you with us?"

"Until I can't breathe," Jason promised. "Whatever happens, you have my full support." Percy grinned. Having his boyfriend by his side was great; having his best friend as well was even better. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to see Nico smiling down at him, his backpack slung over his shoulder. Percy rose from his place on Nico's bed.

"You're absolutely positive you want to do this?" Nico asked him quietly. At his boyfriend's harsh look, he held up a hand. "It's not that I don't think you can't handle it baby. I know you can. I just want to be sure this is what you want. I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to do."

"I'm very sure," the brunette replied, holding out his hand. Nico took it in his. "I'm ready Nico, for whatever they throw at us. As long as you're by my side, I'll be okay." Nico smiled and kissed him, briefly wrapping his free arm and the brunette's waist. One thing was certain, Nico could do anything so long as Percy was with him.

"Let's do this then," he said. He gripped Percy's hand a little tighter, and the trio moved out of the house. The walk to school was uneventful, with only a few passing glances. But as the school building loomed closer, the more looks they got. Percy didn't cower behind Nico like he would have just days ago. He walked beside him, his hand fitting perfectly in his boyfriend's. Principal Solace was greeting students on the steps as they entered, but all attention was on them.

"Percy, Nico," he said, surprised. They were getting scowls from their classmates, but it only served to make Percy feel bolder. "Whatcha boys up to?" he asked, casting a look around.

"Just walking to school," Percy said, holding up their hands. "With my boyfriend."

…

Yay, good boys! And good Percy! You did it! He actually admitted, out loud and in front of everyone, that Nico is his boyfriend. Big steps this chapter.