Percico: All's fair in Love and War
Chapter Four: Bullies are emotional terrorists…
*DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except the plot and ICDAT!*
Warning: Language, violence.
So, here we are. Oh, trust me, Nico's going to be a badass … just not yet (with help, of course). Enjoy!
Percy was irritated by the last period. He had Art class with Mrs. Kerr and was failing miserably at sculpting a bust of Cleopatra. The headband was supposed to be a cobra but looked more like a deformed earthworm. Her face, was nothing less than a disaster. Her cheek bones were low and slumped, her left eye was bigger than the right and she had no upper lip. Her chin was smashed in and her forehead hopelessly too big. Percy was horrible at things art-related. Well, the new kid, some Phoebus, was really good. He sculpted a bust of what looked like Shakespeare. It was very good. Maybe he got a scholarship or something, Percy thought. Anyway, he didn't care. He was more concerned with Nico and the face that he came into Latin class very upset after his phone call and if Luke was concerned, then Percy should be as well. The bell finally rang and Percy quickly rushed to the nearest basin to clean his hands and discard his apron. He ran his wet hand through his hair, slightly disheveling it. Annabeth walked up to him and offered a smile as she rinsed her hands.
"What's wrong?" She asked. Percy thought for a while. Annabeth might be able to suggest something.
"I'm just concerned as to what happened to Nico when he took his phone call during Latin class. He came back in very upset," Percy replied.
"Yeah, we all noticed. Guess you can ask him later or something." Annabeth said, as she shrugged. Percy nodded as she walked off. He quickly jogged out of the Art room to the Admin block so that he could catch Nico before they went to leave their stuff. He needed to talk to the younger boy privately. Well, that could be done at the penthouse. Percy decided against it and just decided to go and wait at his car for the raven-haired boy. Nico had already been at Percy's car when he finally got to the parking lot. Nico was having a heated conversation with Luke and was flailing his hands all over the place. As he got closer, he could hear Luke yelling at Nico while he hung his head in shame.
"What hell, Nico?!" Luke bellowed. "Why didn't you tell me? If I get my hands on him, I swear he'll die!" Nico was a bit startled.
"Luke," Nico began, "Please, just leave him alone. I told you, Apollo was there–"
"Don't give me that fucking crap!" Luke interjected, angrily. "You're my family. What if that Apollo kid wasn't there, huh?" Nico picked up his head, his eyes read and puffy and his cheeks wet. Luke immediately softened and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'm-I'm sorry," Nico said. Luke let out a long breath and nodded while he pulled Nico into a hug.
"What's going on here?" Percy interrupted. Nico hid his face in Luke's firm chest while Luke signaled for Percy to come around and speak with him.
"Dylan happened," Luke growled.
"Oh," Percy said his eyes darkening with fury, "I see. What exactly happened?" Luke explained everything to Percy, while Nico just held onto Luke as if he were going to die. Nico cried a bit, but didn't say much. When Luke was finished, Percy was more than infuriated. His jaw tightened and he was about ready to murder anyone.
"Just, let him calm down," Luke said, "Take him home and just let him relax." Percy nodded and unlocked his car. Luke gently moved Nico away and opened the door for him, motioning for him to get inside. Nico nodded and slumped in his seat as Luke shut the door. He waved them off as the car zoomed away from the school. The drive was silent for a while, until Percy attempted to speak with Nico.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Percy inquired. Nico let out a long breath before answering.
"I-I just didn't want to involve you guys," Nico said.
"We're your friends, Nico. We're always going to want to help you."
"I know. I just thought I could help myself … but then Apollo came and he helped me…" Nico said.
"Yeah, well, Earth to Nico di Angelo, we're your friends and we'd love to help you out when we can. I mean, come on! You practically live with me!" Percy said.
"Yeah…" Nico said, turning away and looking out the window. Percy just huffed as he pulled up outside the hotel. They got out, shouldered their backpacks and Percy handed Leo a twenty. Percy guided Nico to elevator and hit the call button. Once they filed in, Percy hit the button for the penthouse suite. Once they entered the suite, Nico walked up the stairs and headed for his room. Percy just sighed and went to leave his backpack in his study. He found a note from his mom:
Dear Percy,
Please be informed that your father and I will be out all day and unavailable. The staff will be there to attend to both yours and Nico's needs.
Yours sincerely,
Mom.
Percy decided to go check on Nico. He stood and knocked on Nico's door. There was some shuffling, but Nico came and answered.
"Do you need something?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He had changed into a grey track pants and yet another black tee.
"No, I just wanted to talk," Percy replied.
"We've already talked about this, Percy," Nico said. "Now, please, I don't want to talk about anything. Apollo and Luke will be coming over later, just so you know. We can talk then."
"But–" Percy stopped himself. "Never mind. Talk later." Nico nodded as Percy walked off to his study. He had a lot of homework to complete.
~Page break~
Percy was in his study completing some Calculus homework when the elevator dinged open. He jogged out of the private living-room to the find their butler – Gabe Ugliano – had already been speaking with two familiar blonds.
"Don't worry about it," Percy called after the hefty butler. He nodded and walked off.
"What's up, Percy?" Luke greeted, a blank expression gracing his face.
"Nothing really," Percy said.
"You have a lovely home," Apollo said, sticking out his hand. "I don't believe we've met properly. I'm Apollo Phoebus."
"Percy Jackson," Percy said, shaking the blond's hand. He was dressed in a dark blue tank top and black jeans. "You guys are here to see Nico, I take it?" Percy asked.
"Yeah," Luke said.
"Follow me," Percy said. He was contemplating whether or not to kick them out. He was sure Nico didn't want to be bothered by them, but Nico would probably just get angry at Percy. An angry Nico, Percy mused. He had yet to see that. While Apollo was marveling at all of the sculptures that lined the halls. Percy finally stopped outside Nico's door. He placed his ear against the door to check if there was anything he could hear. Nothing.
"Well, I guess I'll just knock," Percy said. He knocked the door – as he did earlier – and waited. There was some shuffling and the door opened. Luke beamed down at his cousin whereas Nico just nodded. Apollo flashed a smile at the younger boy but Nico just nodded again.
"Hey, guys," He greeted them finally.
"Well, well, Nico," Apollo said, "at least you're okay now!" Nico offered a tiny smile.
"May we come in?" Apollo asked.
"Yeah," Nico said. Apollo and Luke brushed passed Percy and went into his room.
"You coming?" Nico asked Percy. Percy smiled.
"Yeah," Percy said, walking into Nico's room. When Percy walked in, he was greeted by one color and one color alone. Black. From the bed sheets, to the draperies and curtains – they were all black. Nico walked over to a small desk next to his bed and took a seat in the only chair and continued to complete whatever he was doing. Luke rolled his eyes.
"Is that how you treat guests?" Luke asked, irritated. Apollo smirked and Percy frowned.
"Well, technically, you're my guests," Percy said, "and I'm sure Nico just wants to finish his homework." Nico looked over and gave a nod of appreciation.
"Well," Apollo began, "your room is … different," Apollo said.
"Yeah," Nico said, "I like dark colors." Luke walked over to Nico and bent over the younger boy's shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked as Apollo took a seat on Nico's bed and Percy went to stand against Nico's desk, crossing his arms. Luke's brow furrowed when he noticed that Nico was just scribbling on a piece of paper over and over again. Luke stood up straight and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had on a deep red tank top and blue jeans. He walked over to the bed and sat next to Apollo.
"Is he okay?" Apollo asked.
"Yeah, he's just angry," Luke said. Nico looked up at Percy with his huge brown eyes and Percy smiled down at the boy.
"Well, well," Percy began, "looks like Nico decided to finally talk to his friend." Nico blushed bit.
"Yeah," Nico said, "just angry." Percy frowned.
"Nico, you should be proud of who you are. Just because you're different, that doesn't mean you should be treated differently. Besides, if being sane means there's something wrong with being different … I'd rather be completely fucking mental." Percy finished.
"Angelina Jolie," Nico said, smiling. Percy grinned in reply. Nico stood up and went to sit next to Luke. Luke looked up from his smartphone and smiled.
"So," Luke began, "how are you going?"
"Um, good," Nico said offering a small smile. Luke nodded and just went back to checking his smartphone. Nico then remembered he had to call his mother and sister.
"Um, guys," Nico said getting everyone's attention, "I need to make some phone calls." Not even waiting for a response, Nico walked out of the room and dialed his mother's number. Voicemail. He cut the call and tried his sister's number, frowning when she didn't pick up. Nico sighed and went back to his room to find Percy and Apollo talking.
"So, your mom's a sculptor?" Apollo asked.
"Yes," Percy said, clearly uncomfortable talking to the blond. Nico forged ahead, passing Luke and taking a seat next to Apollo. The blond beamed and forgot about Percy.
"So, Nico," Apollo began, "are you doing better?"
"Yeah," Nico said, tossing his smartphone onto his bed.
"You sure?" Apollo asked. Nico looked up at the blond, greeted by blue eyes, golden curls and a dazzling smile. Nico just nodded, a frown marring his lips. Apollo smirked.
"Want another hug?" The blond asked. Nico shot up as fast as lightning from the bed and stood firm in front of the blond.
"No," Nico said incredulously. "I just want to sleep a bit." Luke grunted but didn't retaliate. He stood up, dragging Apollo behind him. He stopped and turned to face Nico.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Nico," Luke said. Nico nodded as both blonds walked out of the room. Nico sighed and sat down on his bed. Percy decided to talk to him.
"So," Percy said, sitting down, "um, you wanna talk about that?" Nico just sighed as he unconsciously rested his head against Percy's muscular, broad shoulder.
"No," Nico said softly, but firmly.
"I see," Percy said, "and another hug from Apollo?" Percy inquired – full of humor. Nico immediately removed his head, his cheeks red as roses.
"Y-yeah," Nico stuttered, looking away from the see-green eyed Adonis.
"You could have just asked me for one, you know," Percy said with a smirk, leaning in. Nico's cheeks darkened further and looked up at Percy, his eyes longing for a hug from the guy that he so much adored and desired.
"Th-that would b-be nice," Nico said, nearly dying from all of the blushing. Percy slowly draped his arm around Nico's shoulders and the other around Nico's chest. He slowly turned the smaller boy to face him and pulled him into a warm, long, strong hug. Nico just sat there in Percy's amazingly warm embrace. He smelled like the sea. Probably his body wash, Nico contemplated. Nico sighed as he wove his arms around Percy's neck into Percy's divinely muscular chest. Percy moved his arms to Nico's waist and hugged Nico tighter. Nico slowly moaned as Percy rubbed circles on his back. Percy was such a nice person to hug and Nico didn't want to let go. Percy rested his chin on Nico's hair and took in the scent of Nico's pomegranate shampoo. Percy sighed, contently as his grip loosened. Nico frowned.
"Don't let me go," Nico whispered. Percy laughed and Nico felt Percy's chest rumble. It was a beautiful sound. He hugged Nico for a few more minutes.
"Well, we should complete our homework and get ready for my parents," Percy said quietly. Nico nodded as Percy let go of Nico and tossed him a smile before walking out of his room. When Percy shut the door, Nico laid back onto his bed and let out a long breath. The best thing just happened to him. A simple hug.
~Page Break~
Nico was a bit happier the next day. He had a smile on his face as both he and Percy walked out of the hotel that morning and waited for Leo.
"Well, someone's happy," Percy said with a sly smirk. Nico blushed a bit, but said nothing. There was an awkward silence for a while until Leo pulled up with Percy's car.
"Hola, Percy, Nico." The Latino greeted.
"What's up, Leo?" Percy greeted back.
"Nothing really," the Latino replied. Percy smiled as he got into the car. Nico rode shotgun as always and Percy zoomed away as Nico admired Percy's choice of clothes for the day, a simple black tee that hugged Percy's upper body a bit too tightly and a blue jeans. It suited him so well, and Nico was practically drooling. The drove in comfortable silence until they reached the school's driveway. Percy got out while Nico shouldered his backpack. There was not much of a media crowd today, just some security guards. Nico quickly checked his smartphone for any new messages or missed calls, but thankfully, none so far. He pocketed his smartphone, and smiled up at Percy. Together, they walked to the Admin block of the things they didn't need. On the way, they bumped into Luke, who, as always, was cheerful to see Nico.
"Hey Nico!" The blond greeted, slinging an arm around Nico's shoulders. Nico smiled.
"Hi, Luke," Nico said. However, Luke did not even spare Nico a glance. He and Percy seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes. Percy nodded and Luke turned his icy blue eyes on Nico.
"Percy and I need to talk," Luke said slipping his hand down to Nico's back. Nico scowled at this, but nodded. They walked off, leaving Nico alone at his locker. Nico dumped his books into his locker and grabbed his Calculus textbook. He turned around to face Apollo, leaning against a locker with a smirk.
"Well, hello, there," The blond greeted. Nico blushed a bit.
"Morning, Apollo," Nico said. Apollo moved a little toward Nico and placed his hands on either side of Nico's head. Nico was blushing crazily as Apollo grinned maniacally.
"You're an interesting one," Apollo said, "I thought you'd attack my lips, but I guess I wasn't what you wanted," Nico scowled at this and let his eyes drop away from the blond.
"I-I like someone else," Nico said.
"You sure?" Apollo asked, leaning in to whisper in Nico's ear. "Because I promise that you'll enjoy your every moment with me," Apollo pulled back with a smirk, while Nico's cheeks darkened even further. Nico was speechless. All he could do was nod in response. Apollo smiled but freed Nico from his intense gaze. Nico offered a small smile and walked off. However, he was brought into contact with someone's chest. When he looked up, he saw Dylan he nearly jumped out of his skin. He tried to get away but Dylan was quick and grabbed Nico's shirt. He looked around for Cal and Zethes to find them holding Apollo back and trying to squeeze the life out of him – well, Cal mostly, anyway – and Nico looked away.
"Well, well. If it isn't the gay, intelligent bitch," Dylan said. Nico had to fight the urge to tremble in fear but held his fists at his side.
"Whatever," Nico said trying to escape Dylan's grasp. He failed. The next thing Nico new, he was on the floor, his left cheek throbbing, a bit of blood trickling from the area on his cheek that took a blow from Dylan's knuckle busters. Nico was in total shock. He had never actually been hit or even in a fight. But he was on the floor, Dylan towering over him with a smirk.
"My, oh my," Dylan said, picking Nico up by the collar of his shirt. Nico tried to look around for help but everyone seemed to be elsewhere. And when Nico dared look in Apollo's direction, he was at wits' end. The blond was being held up by Zethes while Cal repeatedly rammed his fist into the blond's gut. Apollo doubled over and gagged. Nico felt so sorry for the blond, but he was powerless.
"It's time to play," Dylan said, picking Nico up to face him. "Tell me, why do you always wanna say something smart? Is it really worth all of this?" Nico said nothing. So, Dylan drew back a fist and slammed it into Nico gut. When Nico doubled over, Dylan dropped his grip and kicked Nico in the chest with his knee. Nico was in a lot of pain. Actually, that's an understatement. Nico was in more pain than he had ever been. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and his stomach. He couldn't help but fall to the floor. Then, out of nowhere, someone came barreling towards Dylan and slammed a fist into his face. Dylan stumbled backwards, but stood his ground. He had an annoying smirk plastered onto is face as he darted for the person between Nico and Dylan. Who was it? The person had black hair and … and Nico would really couldn't care. He was in too much of pain to care. Whatever happened to Dylan, was blurry. The next thing Nico knew, he was being held up by Luke and Apollo. He wasn't in that much pain anymore, but he was rather tired. Luke gave him a rather sad look as did Apollo. The only person Nico didn't see, was Percy. The see-green eyed Adonis was nowhere to be seen. Nico was a bit disappointed, but then again, Percy was probably busy being the Vice President of the Student Body and all that. They took Nico to the school infirmary and had him checked up. The nurse didn't have any problems, just bandaged him up and gave Nico a few looks of sympathy.
It had appeared that it was time to go home, so Nico didn't protest when Luke got tired of holding Nico up by one arm and carried him by himself – bridal style – to Apollo's car. Nico wanted to protest and run back to find Percy, but was brought to an abrupt halt by Luke's chest.
"Where do you think you're going?" Luke inquired harshly.
"I wanna see Percy," Nico said, his eyes pleading like a puppy. It was a look that Luke had learned to appreciate and always tried to defy it, but failed terribly. Now, he really needed to act his age – 23, of course – and get Nico home.
"No," Luke said coldly, "Get your ass in my car so I can take you back to the Jackson Penthouse." Nico tried his best and pleaded with the blond while Apollo just leaned against Luke's Maserati and watched the two cousins argue.
"Please, Luke," Nico said, his voice barely a whisper. "You of all people should know why–" but Nico was stopped abruptly when Luke spun him around and forcefully – not hurtfully – and pushed him into his car.
"I hate you." Nico mumbled. Luke just chuckled. Apollo got into the back and slipped on his headphones. Nico just let out a long breath as they drove away. Luke played some music as they sped along the road.
"So, are you okay?" Luke asked. Nico turned to face Luke. He stared at the blond for what seemed the longest time.
"I guess I'm fine," Nico replied, turning to face the window. Luke was a bit hurt but said nothing. They eventually arrived outside the Lotus hotel and Resort.
"Do you want me to walk you to the door?" Luke asked.
"No," Nico said. "Thanks for the offer, though." With that, Nico left the car, closing the door behind him. He walked up to the hotel doors to be greeted by Leo.
"Good day, Mr. di Angelo," Leo said with a bright smile but then frowned.
"Where's Percy?" the Latino asked. But Nico didn't answer, he just walked way. Honestly, Nico didn't know at all. He just hoped that he was okay. Unfortunately, Nico didn't see a certain cerulean blue-eyed run up behind him when he boarded the elevator and turned around with a yelp of surprise.
"What are you doing here?!" Nico asked hissed.
"Just here to check on you," Apollo said, flashing a dazzling smile. Nico rolled his eyes.
"Whatever," Nico said. The ride up to the penthouse was a long one, listening to Apollo's music and the thoughts flying through his mind, worried sick about Percy. The elevator doors dinged open and Nico walked straight up to his room, not even noticing the note Mrs. Jackson left for both him and Percy. He was obviously, pursued by the blond.
"Hey!" Apollo huffed, "wait up, Nico!" Nico slowed down a bit for the blond to catch up until he reached his room. He entered and dumped his backpack on the floor, going to the bathroom to immediately change his clothes. After five minutes, Nico exited the bathroom in a black tank top and grey track pants. He found Apollo lounging on his bed.
"What do you want?" Nico snapped. Apollo gave him a fake pained expression.
"Nothing really," He said richly, walking up to the brown-eyed boy with a smirk. "I want you, but then again, you're not nothing," the blond said startling Nico a bit.
"I-I like someone else," Nico said. Falling onto his bed. Apollo leaned down and placed his hands on either side of Nico's head.
"Really?" the blond asked, leaning down to bite down on Nico's neck. Apollo smirked when Nico released a string of moans. Apollo slipped his hands under Nico's shirt and his fingers ghosted across the boy's pale skin, making Nico shiver in pleasure. Apollo then lowered himself so that he hovered over the boy and practically straddled the boy. He rolled his hips against Nico's lower extremities earning moans that filled the room. Nico enjoyed it, but didn't want it to go any further.
"Apollo," Nico said, "St-stop," the blond pulled back from Nico looking for any traces of humor. There were none. Apollo nodded and pulled back, a little wounded, but not anything he couldn't fix. He smirked as he said his goodbye slyly, kissing Nico's hand and walking away. Nico really needed to decide what he was going to do. He loved everything about Percy and wanted to be with him so much, but didn't know how to tell him. Little did he know about the pair of sea-green eyes that watch the scene between him and Apollo unfold, yet didn't stay to watch when it looked like Apollo was about to take Nico.
Well? Hope you enjoyed this one my lovelies! Keep the reviews, favorites and follows coming in! There's going to be so much heartbreak and hurtful things, you might kill me. But not to worry! I'll reward as I see fit. Thank for your lovely reviews and kind words! See you next update!
~TheSun'sShadow