Hiya everyone! I had a random idea for this yesterday, and I got really excited about it. I hope this goes like I plan.
…
"One night by yourself, right?" Nico asked the brunette. Percy gulped and nodded. Nico smiled. "It's one night Perce. We could both use a break. We've literally been everywhere together since we started dating."
"I know," the brunette whispered. "What if I have another nightmare? You won't be there to comfort me this time." Percy cast his eyes downward. Nico went over and wrapped his arms around the brunette's waist, drawing him close. He kissed his forehead.
"I'm only a phone call away if you need me baby, promise," he said. "I love you." Percy smiled brilliantly, and the dark-haired boy was reminded once again exactly why he loved this boy. When Percy had up days, man was it good to see. He loved his genuine smile. He had the beginnings of a dimple. And the way his sea-green eyes would light up…
"I love you too," Percy said. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Nico nodded, giving him one last squeeze before releasing him. Percy smiled and slipped out Nico's back door. Nico watched until Percy was safely in his house, then he sat at the kitchen table, sighing contently. There was just something so…right…about today. They'd been surrounded by friends who liked them simply because they were being themselves. They went to school and Percy admitted they were a couple. And he didn't back down. Nico felt a smile on his face. Could today get any better? The answer was no, it could not. Today was as perfect as it could be. Though the fact they didn't have school tomorrow was definitely a plus. Nico wasn't actually expecting anyone, so when his phone buzzed on the table, he nearly leapt from his seat.
Hey cuteness. You free tonight? Epic party in the city. Nico gazed at his phone questioningly. He didn't recognize the number, and it took him a few moments to understand. But when he did, he didn't know if he wanted to gag or laugh.
Quit flirting Dustin. That's in the past. What do you mean epic party? Nico hadn't been to a party with Dustin in a long time. Since before he stopped associating with the dark-haired boy. And maybe that should've set off warning bells in his mind. But he decided that, if someone were willing to come get him, he wouldn't mind a little party. Not that he was sick of Percy either. No, he'd never be sick of his baby. But it did feel nice to be free of all the responsibility that came with being in a relationship.
You know I'll never stop! I'll be there in fifteen if you wanna come. Harley's hosting. His parents are out of town. Nico smiled. He missed Harley, and some of his friends from the city. He rose, going to his room. He decided to change into something a little more…for the city public. He'd been in loose jeans and a simple t-shirt. Now, he changed into dark skinny jeans and a white tank. He tossed a leather jacket over the top.
All ready. I'll let mom know and meet you out front. Nico stuffed his phone in his jacket pocket, feeling better than he had in weeks. A distraction was just what he needed, and there was nothing more distracting than a party. After yelling into his parents' room that he was going out, he sat on the front steps, waiting for that familiar dark car (did he ever mention Dustin was old enough to drive?). While he waited, he glanced at Percy's house, following a trail of lit windows. He found Percy's room easily enough. He could see the brunette hunched over his desk, reading. He smiled. Percy was distracting himself as well.
"Hey you." Nico jumped up when Dustin rolled his window down and leaned over the passenger seat. "Harley can't wait to see you. Neither can Geoff or Wes. Or Quinn. He's been dying to know how you've been." He opened the door as the dark-haired boy approached the car. Nico's smile stretched a little wider. No, he didn't like Dustin, not like that. He wasn't even sure he liked him as a friend again. But, it was hard to deny his overall niceness.
"It's been way to long since we've done this," Nico replied, pulling the door shut as Dustin pulled away. "How is everyone" Fuck, I haven't seen them in ages!" He laughed, and Dustin smiled softly. He enjoyed seeing Nico so happy for a change. When he'd last left the dark-haired boy, when he and his boyfriend were visiting the city, he'd looked sad and alone. And confused. The older male hadn't exactly helped.
"Everyone's good. I told Harley I was coming to pick you up. He was so happy to hear that. They've missed you. You'll have to fill them in on what happened in the meantime."
"Wes and Geoff know well enough," Nico mumbled. But he wasn't actually mad at anyone. Or upset. He hadn't seen them in at least two years. Well, except for Weston and Geoffrey. He used to see them every week. "Quinn needs to chill. It wasn't like I dropped off the face of the earth."
"To them you might as well have," Dustin pointed out. "At least as far as Harley and Quinn are concerned." Nico sighed. That was part of the problem. But he didn't want to think about it right now. They were on their way to hang out with people Nico hadn't seen in a while. He shouldn't be feeling sad about that.
…
"Nico!" Nico smiled and braced himself for impact. Quinn was a burly guy, by the loosest definition. He towered over the dark-haired boy. Just as he expected, Quinn swept him up into a hug. Harley wasn't far behind Quinn, smiling easily at the friends. It had been awhile since they'd seen him. Harley always found Nico to be alluring and mysterious, though he never said so. Maybe if he had… He shook his head. Whatever happened to the dark-haired boy was not their fault. At least, not directly. Finally, Quinn put Nico down, and he rubbed his sides painfully. Then he straightened and stared at Harley. The lanky brunette averted his gaze.
"Hello," Nico said softly, not quite sure what to make of Harley now. Harley was shorter when he left, with short, close cut light brown hair. He was always sort of awkward. But now… Well, people tended to change. Harley sprouted a foot at least, and his hair was now a rich, dark-chocolate color, which suited his not quite pasty skin perfectly. He'd always dressed as a bit of a nerd, but now he was dressed in loose dark jeans and a band shirt. Nico smiled. "How have you been Harley?"
"Good," the brunette replied, smiling softly. "The big question is, how are you doing?" Harley led Nico away, leaving Quinn to entertain the partygoers.
"I've never felt better," the dark-haired boy replied. "I've got a boyfriend now." Harley glanced sideways at him, feeling a lump in his throat. But he didn't say anything. Nico was allowed to have a life, obviously. "He's the best. He was newly outed though, in a really Christian neighborhood."
"No kidding?" Harley asked, leading the dark-haired boy into his bedroom. He sat down on his bed, leaving Nico to stand by the door. If he noticed the change in scenery, he didn't let on.
"Wish I was," he replied. "But his town isn't very accepting of us. Yet. I have a little hope, because not everyone is mean. And if people see others being nice to us, maybe they'll follow suit."
"What's his name?" Harley asked. "Your boyfriend, I mean." Nico grinned. If there was one thing in this world he loved talking about, it was his baby.
"Percy," the dark-haired boy replied. "He's the sweetest boy you've ever met. So kind and quiet. I wish there was more I could do for him, but I can't." He shrugged. "All I can do is be there and support him. But I love him so much Har. I can't imagine loving anyone else."
"That's great Neeks," Harley said, running a hand through his hair. "Really great." Nico looked at Harley's subdued form. He still wasn't quite sure what to make of Harley. It was almost like the brunette was…disappointed. But that couldn't be. Harley didn't like him. At least, not enough. Nico pursed his lips. He shouldn't assume anything.
"You okay?" he asked, reaching out and gently touching the brunette's arm. Harley glanced at his hand briefly and shuddered. "I know you guys have been dealing with a lot," he added. Harley looked up sharply.
"Did Quinn tell you?" he asked accusingly. "I knew I shouldn't have told him shit. Why I should've…"
"Har-Har, calm down," Nico said, using his special nickname for the brunette. Harley blinked. "Better. Who isn't dealing with demons these days? It was just an educated guess. One that I assume to be correct." Harley hung his head. Much like most of the boys present at his house tonight, he'd painstakingly built up walls around himself. And he'd actually allowed someone to somehow slip passed them and see what was really going on inside. "You don't have to go into detail if you don't want to. I won't pry."
"What happened to you exactly?" Harley blurted, then instantly regretted it. "Oh god Nico, you don't have…" He trailed off when Nico began to laugh.
"You know what," the dark-haired boy began. "I think I'll tell you Har-Har, if you promise to be quiet." Wordlessly, the brunette nodded. "I'll be very blunt with you, I tried to commit suicide." Harley's eyes stretched wide as dinner plates, but he didn't say anything. He wasn't sure if he could say anything at this point. "It got so bad at school, but I wouldn't let you guys see that. I couldn't let you guys see that. There was no way I could drag you down that hole with me. I'd never forgive myself if I did." Harley couldn't resist.
"And Percy?" he asked. Now it was Nico's turn to blink. "Where does he fit into this? And how have you gone about explaining yourself to him?"
"You know, it's funny, Percy wasn't in the picture at all," the dark-haired boy replied. "Mom and dad brought us to his town after I was deemed "recovered" enough. We ended up moving next door to Percy, and since it was the ideal perfect little town, they brought over cookies. We went to dinner with them too. And, well, from there you know the rest. Honestly Har, I don't know what I'd do without Percy in my life. He keeps me grounded. And I would never be able to forgive myself, in this life or any, if I were to drag him down the hole I dug myself. So he reminds me that I don't need to. That all dark days have silver linings. Percy's my silver lining, simple as that."
"You really care about him, don't you?" Harley asked softly. That much was obvious. Nico practically radiated love for this boy his friends had never met.
"He's everything to me Har-Har," Nico replied honestly. "I can't lose him now. Actually, I should probably get back home in case he calls…" Nico moved towards the door like he wanted to leave, but Harley surged forward and grabbed his elbow. The dark-haired boy turned to look at him.
"Please stay Nico," he whispered. "Please. We've lost you before. Please don't make me lose you again." Nico's gaze softened considerably. He patted Harley's cheek affectionately, smiling brilliantly.
"Alright Har-Har, you talked me into it," he said. "Percy will be fine for one night." Nico was then greatly surprised when a pair of lips found their way to his own.
…
Percy tossed and turned, but sleep was alluding him. He threw covers off, already sticky from sweat. He wished Nico were close by. He always slept better when he knew Nico was around. But he was determined not to need the dark-haired boy tonight. Or, rather, he was determined not to depend on him. He couldn't. Not every single moment of the day anyway. He'd been lucky the last few weeks. Nico had constantly been by his side, making sure he was alright and assuring him he was never alone. But now, he really was. And he didn't like it. He missed his Nico.
He finally gave up on sleep and rose from his bed, pacing back and forth in front of his desk. He'd been reading his bible earlier, and it lay open where he left off, but right now, that was the last thing on his mind. He wanted Nico back. He felt his throat close. Oh great. The tears were coming again. Percy fumbled blindly for his phone, wrapping his fingers around it. He dialed the number he'd come to know by heart.
"Hey this is Nico. Sorry I can't come to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and a message I'll be sure to get back to you." Percy's spirits sank. Maybe this was God's way of saying Percy could do this, that he didn't need Nico after all. Nonetheless…
"Hey Nico, it's Percy. I didn't want to bother you, but I can't sleep. If you're already sleeping, don't worry about this. Just hearing your voice helped calm me down." And it had. "I love you, kay? I can't imagine not loving you. I know, that's cheesy, but you bring out the best in me." He smiled softly. "Alright Neeks, goodnight. I'll see you in the morning." He ended his message, setting his phone back on his nightstand. Now he felt a calm he hadn't felt since he arrived back at his house. He crawled back under his covers, closing his eyes. He said a quick prayer before finally drifting off to sleep, wholly trusting Nico to get back to him in the morning.
…
Nico blinked his eyes open and yawned, sitting up. He stretched his arms above his head. Then he froze. This wasn't his bedroom. These weren't his sheets or his blanket. And where were his clothes? Oh god… He glanced over, where Harley was still sleeping peacefully, a smile plastered on his face. Nico shot out of the bed like it was on fire. Oh god, oh god, oh fucking god…
"Har-Har," Nico whispered, causing the brunette to wake. He yawned, then smiled sleepily up at him.
"Hiya beautiful," he greeted, running his hand lazily over the sheets. "That was amazing. Didn't know you had it in you."
"D-Did we r-really?" Nico stuttered. But now that he was standing, he was unbelievably sore, which certainly didn't help his case. "Harley, what happened? Everything's fuzzy." Harley smiled, patting his bed. Nico hesitated before gingerly sitting down on the edge.
"What happened," Harley began. "Was we did something that I've only dreamed about. You know I've always loved you, right?" Nico was taken aback by the sudden confession. "So that was utterly magical. But fuck were you tight. You made me work for it tonight." He winked at the dark-haired boy, which made him feel woozy.
"So we did have sex…" Nico replied faintly. "You mean, you took my virginity? My first time wasn't actually with Percy?" All this information was swirling around in his head, and he felt woozy all over again. "I was unfaithful to my boyfriend?"
"It's not unfaithful if it's sex without love you know," Harley said, and, despite his state, Nico couldn't gladly strangled him. "Besides, Percy never has to know what happened here. I'm not volunteering any information. And you won't be able to look him in the eye to tell him so."
"Of course I won'!" Nico exploded, causing the brunette to jump. "I had fucking sex with you Harley, while I was dating Percy. Do you think I'll be able to tell him that? Do you think I can stand to see the heartbreak in his eyes? This will utterly and completely destroy him. I'm supposed to be the person he trusts, and what did I do with that trust? I dragged it through the fucking dirt and spit on it for good measure. How the hell am I going to face him tomorrow?" He paced back and forth, winching with every step. God, it almost hurt to walk. And now that it was quiet, Nico could hear his phone going off every minute or so. He had a new voicemail. His stomach sank through the floor. God, please don't let it be Percy.
"Hey Nico, it's Percy. I didn't want to bother you, but I can't sleep. If you're already sleeping, don't worry about this. Just hearing your voice helped calm me down. I love you, kay? I can't imagine not loving you. I know, that's cheesy, but you bring out the best in me. Alright Neeks, goodnight. I'll see you in the morning." Good fucking god Percy didn't deserve Nico right now. He deserved someone a thousand times better. Nico couldn't even bring himself to call the brunette back. I love you… Those three words bounced around his skull, giving him a headache.
"Harley, how the hell am I going to face the sweet and simple boy who risked everything for me?" Nico asked, feeling at a loss for words. "I couldn't even remain faithful for one night. God, should I just pretend nothing happened?" Harley rose, exposing his entire naked body. Nico glanced down, and he felt a blush creeping up. No wonder he was so sore. And it looked like Harley was even hurt.
"Do whatever you think is best," Harley said. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry." Nico glanced over, both wanted to hug Harley and have reassurance that everything would be alright, and wanting to pound him through his floor for destroying the one thing he'd worked so hard to create. How could he face Percy after tonight? He was the worst boyfriend in history.
…
So, this idea sort of came. I know it's different than what we've been dealing with, but that's sort of the point. This keeps the story interesting (at least I hope). As I've stated in the past, I don't want this story to just end. This may or may not be the way to go about it, but it is something.
What do you think of Percy's complete trust in Nico? Nico's slip-up?