NICO

Nico was almost to the main wing of the building headed towards the classroom when what appeared to be a breeze blew in down the hallway almost knocking into him and causing him to drop his backpack . Thinking it was just another student in a mad dash to clash Nico didn't really pay it any mind, though it was odd that the person had come so close to him, normally people gave him a wide berth, which is what gave him the start in the first place. Nico gathered his things and started towards the classroom, he could hear others whispering, but as soon as he would look in their direction they quickly found something else to do. Nico hated gossip and what was worse is that he seemed to be at the blunt end of it lately. It always seemed the school didn't have anything else to talk about.

He sighed, thinking to himself, I know being a son of Hades wasn't exactly going to win me any friends but I didn't think I was going to be signing up for the instant hate club either. However, he didn't know what to do, whenever he tried to approach any of the other guys they avoided him like the plague, and whats worse is the fact that some of them probably are stupid enough to think that they could or would catch the plague, not even realizing thats a different deity completely. It wasn't all that bad though, while he didn't exactly spend quality time with his godly parent, he did get the feeling that he saw his more than some of the others and he was okay keeping that to himself. He liked being able to talk with Hades and discuss things, and whats great is Hades didn't stand there judging him. In fact when he first came to this school, his orientation with Hades was pretty awesome, aside from the ominous, "I'm sorry but my children have one of the hardest paths to take, but stay strong, for there lies some of the greatest rewards for those who posses great character." He had been taken aback at the time, but at least he had warning, and was prepared when damn near the entire school ostracized him. The teachers were cool and but he caught their looks and furtive glances when they thought he wasn't looking. He saw the pity. At least someone did, he just wish it was someone who he could share some time with. He didn't need much, just one other person, to laugh and love and care for. Briefly he wondered if Aphrodite would take a bribe, but then banished the thought, he wasn't sure if he was willing to pay the price for true love and all that jazz, it usually ended badly, and with someone dead, plus there was his secret, and that would just complicate things.

Nico had come to the realization early on that girls weren't attractive to him. Even when he was younger he found playing with other boys more fun and enjoyable. As time progressed the girls went from having cooties to just down right crazy. He had entertained the idea of dating one once, but thankfully he came to his senses just in time. The poor bastard who did fall for her, well lets just say he got a case of a broken heart about 3 months later. Talk about dodging a bullet, since then, Nico had become more and more interested and attracted to guys and things were looking up for him and it was just as he was about to come out of the proverbial closet at his old school when he found out he was to be enrolled into Chiron's Academy. However, that idea went up in a ball of fire when he found out he was a demi-god, could demi-gods even be gay?, the answer apparently according to dear old dad is yes they can be and no I don't care, which was pretty cool and he was cool about keeping it a secret, I mean who was he going to tell, the dead? and on top of that he didn't need even more ridicule, which his father also understood so all in all it seemed to work out. It was safer just to keep silent and keep to himself. This way no one got hurt.

Nico was just about to enter the classroom, and unfortunately Nico was caught off guard and unprepared for what was about happen next. A blue portal opened up and out walked a beautiful boy. This stranger comes staggering out of the portal, dazed and disoriented, gasping and reaching out. The boy is about to fall and lunges towards Nico and grabs hold to try and stabilize himself almost knocking Nico over in the process.

"I-I-I'm s-s-sorry, I n-never t-traveled that way before, I think I am going to be sick, that wasn't pleasant and I-I'm supposed to be in Room 207-A for drama class , but I think I, think I, I think..." the stranger begins to convulse then all of a sudden the boy pushes Nico hard and square in the chest, harder than Nico would have thought the boy capable, if he wasn't so shocked he would have been pissed and punched the guy back right as he got hit instead of falling on his ass. He as just about to teach this kid a lesson in manners but no sooner than that thought was completed the boy begins getting sick. Chagrin washed over Nico, this stranger not even knowing who he was had at least tried to not vomit on him. Not a great way to introduce as friends, but this guy was the first person to ever do something even remotely nice for him. Nico was a little taken aback, also concerned, the stranger seemed to be vomiting water, like he was drowning, then suddenly he stopped, and began gasping for breath trying to get to his knees, Nico got up to rush over, since apparently no one else was noticing the guy puking his guts out. What was this world coming to these days.

"Hi there, I am sorry you aren't feeling well, my name is Nico, we are in the same class, I am going to let the teacher know your sick and then help you get to the infirmary. Also, was that a portal, whats your name?" Nico asks the stranger gently, rubbing the guys back in what he hoped was a soothing manner. The bell rings announcing the students who are currently not in their seats are now late to class, he could only hope Mrs Persephone would be forgiving, he was trying to do the right thing, that had to count for something right.

The stranger looks up, with sea blue-green eyes and opens his mouth to speak, "You're pretty, Dad said p-portal okay, but not okay. I feel bad, I, I, you, pretty boy p-please help?" his eyes start rolling back into his head and proceeds to pass out. Falling right into Nico's arms, trying to set him down gently. He ran to get Mrs Persephone.

Just as Nico walks into class, "Late again I see Mr Di-Angelo, and on the first day of class, though I must admit the fact that you're almost on time makes me want to almost consider giving you a free pass, but the rules are the rules, that will be detention after school.

"But Mrs Persephone, if you can come with me, one of your students, I am not sure of his name, I think he might be a transfer, he arrived through a blue portal, and began puking all over the floor, I was trying to help him, he's passed out in the hallway, please come, I swear I am not lying. I was actually going to be on time for class today. If I hadn't stopped to help I would have been, but I couldn't just ignore him." Nico said

Stunned Mrs Persephone checks her roll list, and looks out among the students. "Hmm, well you probably should have started beginning with that statement, come on, lets go have a look at this so called accident. Students, please read chapters 1 and 2 of your assigned reading. I will be right back to begin discussion.

Nico followed behind Mrs Persephone, not giving her the chance to say no and hoping she wouldn't send him back. He was concerned for the guy. Not that he really knew him, but he still felt sorry for him. Also, he had called him pretty, granted he was probably delusional but still, he felt a little pride at someone thinking that he looked handsome, but he'd settle for pretty any day of the week.

Mrs Persephone gasps at the sight before her stating "my gods, well you certainly weren't lying Mr Di Angelo, I will forgive the tardiness today especially since it seems like even helping get him out of the middle of the hallway you were still just barely late to my class, please don't be late again, also this appears to be Mr Percy Jackson. Please take him to the infirmary if you can carry him, you said he came through a portal, one of the gods no doubt, trying to be cute and get their time with their kids and still have them on time to class, if he wasn't prepared mentally he probably just has a severe case of vertigo, but just in case, we want the Nurse to look at him. I will call down to the office and let them know you're coming."

"Yes ma'am and thank you for understanding, I will make sure to get him to the infirmary as quickly and safely as possible." Nico replied

"Good see that its done, we are going to be assigning partners, and it appears the fates have destined you two to be together, and who am I to argue, since you are both going to be missing this period you two shall be partners for this semester, please read chapters 1 and 2 of Romeo and Juliet, I am expecting you to pass this information along to Mr Jackson. Decide which of you will play which role, and what scene you will be wanting to perform in front of the class, if you don't have any other questions for me, the class must go on!" and with that Mrs Persephone turned on a heel and proceeded back into the classroom.

Looking down at Percy, Nico started wondering if maybe Percy had just been trying to state his name Percy and the word pretty are very similar after all and with everything going on maybe he had just misheard him. Nico leaned down and picked him up cradling Percy against his chest. Finally getting a good look at him, Percy had this beach boy next door look that was really working for him, and it definitely looked like Percy kept up with his physique. I wonder who's house he is in, Nico thought, he definitely wasn't minding the view, though the boy could use a good shower. Nico took it slow on his way to the infirmary, trying not to jostle or hurt the guy anymore than needed. Nico figured the poor guy was traumatized enough.

After what seemed like just a few minutes, Nico made it to the infirmary and was able to explain to the Nurse and the aid on staff at the time what had happened. No one told him he had to leave so he watched and waited, some part of him really wanting to know what Percy actually thought of him, the other part of him horrified that he hadn't already left. What if people found out, here he was crushing on a guy he barely knew, and what if he was just another straight jock type from like the Ares house, that would just be a disaster. Thoughts just kept racing through his mind, unsure of what to do, at war within himself, part of him wanting to stay to check on him and make sure he was OK, and also just to look at him, that was an added bonus, but the other rational side of his brain was telling him this was dangerous territory.

Nico couldn't believe he had helped this guy in the first placed, in fact he usually didn't go out of his way to help anybody, its kind of the trademark of being the loner at high school, you get to avoid the crowds, avoid people in general, they avoid you in return, and no one expects anything from you. So why did he help this guy, all he could think about was the trouble this Percy kid could bring him, and frankly Nico was finding it very hard to care. He was caring more about whether or not Percy might want to hang out, or what his favorite music was, or his favorite color. Thoughts that terrified Nico at the meaning they might hold, and thrilled him because of the potential. Nico lost track of the time and started nodding off in the chair he was sitting in next to Percy's bedside, well Mrs Persephone did say we were partners he thought, if people start asking too many questions I can at least fall back on that even if Percy ends up hating me like everyone else I can just do what I have to do and hide in the shadows like normal.

The nurse came back to find that Nico had fallen asleep by the bedside of his patient. Not wanting to disturb them and knowing that both of the students seemed to have been under quite a bit of stress, the nurse informed the teachers about the student's condition. It also might be good for the new student to have someone at least slightly familiar to wake up next to, to help with disorientation.

PERCY

Please let this whole day just be one gigantic nightmare! Please, please please let this just be a dream, I am going to wake up, in my bed and going to head to the new school with my mom and none of this demi-god nonsense or portals that make you puke ever happened. Percy kept wishing over and over in his head. He felt sore and achy and dehydrated. He opened his eyes slowly and saw that he was in fact in a hospital bed, which just confirmed that no he was not dreaming, and congratulations Percy, not only did you manage to not make it to class, you also managed to make a fool of yourself in front of a gorgeous guy. At least I do remember pushing him away so I didn't puke on him though if he remembered correctly, he called the guy pretty. This is going to be so embarrassing if i ever see this guy again. There was that silver lining at least, it was a big school, I probably wouldn't have to deal with him on a regular basis, which is kind of a shame, cause he was nice to look at in that dark and dangerous sort of way. He looked mysterious, but I cant remember what he said his name was, its all so fuzzy. Percy starts looking around, and about jumps out of the bed, realizing as he turns around and comes face to face with a boy staring at him.

"Gahhh uh um wow uh hi, where are we, and I'm sorry you look familiar but who are you?" Percy asked he boy in front of him.

The boy chuckled, " Yeah I figured you might be a bit delirious, you are currently in the Infirmary. You about collided into me coming out of a portal, then proceeded to puke your guts out and collapse, also congratulations, Mrs Persephone has decided to make us partners since I decided to help you, which by the way, we have some homework, and needless to say we didn't make it to class." The boy continued chuckling " but all in all I think you are going to survive, after a shower and some soap I think you'll be right as rain again in no time."

Percy cringed "How many people saw me, ugh this is so embarrassing, I am so sorry again, for everything, I was kind of out of my mind, and I think I might have called you pretty, not that you are! I mean handsome! Ugh I am shutting up now, but I hope you get what I mean, I am very sorry and you said you were ?"Percy asked blushing deeply.

The boy blushed realizing he forgot to answer the question or maybe at Percy's attempt at a failed compliment, who knew, " My name is Nico, Nico Di-Angelo. If I heard from the teachers correctly, you're Percy Jackson right ?

"Yup, that's me! They can even put it on my tombstone, Here lies Percy Jackson one great big idiot! Percy sniffed like he was about to cry, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check. Here was this nice guy who was kind enough to help him out, and all he was doing was acting like a child.

Percy froze as Nico's hand reached out and grabbed Percy. The look on Nico's face seemed almost as surprised as Percy's own.

"Hey it's okay, no one saw you but Mrs Persephone and myself, it was strange actually no one seemed to notice you. I was just trying to do what i thought was right. I know if I was in that type of situation I would hope someone would help me out. So don't sweat it, if you really feel bad, take me to dinner sometime" Nico said jokingly then stopped talking as he apparently saw the look on Percy's face. "Hey was it something I said, I was just trying to be funny, I didn't mean for you to really take me out to dinner or anything. I was just trying to lighten the mood. Its all good, I swear."

Percy quickly composed himself, he didn't mean to react, money issues just always got to him. He hated being poor. "No its okay, I don't really have a whole lot of money at the moment, but if I get a part-time job or something, I will definitely remember to buy you dinner. Do you happen to know how long I have been in here, or when I can leave?"

To this Nico grinned " Actually yes I do, you are free to go when you feel like it, apparently you had a severe case of vertigo from the portal traveling. Not sure what happened there, but I'm sure there is a story involved. If you know where you are staying I can help you get to your quarters. What house are you in by the way?" Nico then asked.

" Oh I am in Poseidon's house," Percy replied then asked "which one are you?"

"I am in Hades House, we are going to be practically neighbors, this is so cool!" Nico said.

Nico started getting animated and excited it was almost contagious and Percy found himself smiling, but wait wasn't this the guy he was supposed to stay away from according to that guy Leo? Well who knows what might happen, but I happen to think this guy is hot, and having a hot neighbor wouldn't be a bad thing. Also, so far the guy has been a true gentleman, he even was nice when Percy commented on him being nice looking, this started a whole new train of thought. Percy continued thinking about possibilities and maybes and what ifs when he was interrupted.

"Hey Perce, do you want to go to your room to shower, we actually have some homework to discuss but we can go over that later tonight if you want.

Percy grinned at the nickname and figured fair was fair " Sure Nick, why not, since we seem to be heading in the same direction care to help me get there so I don't get lost?"

Nico looked shocked, "uh yeah, I thought that was obvious" He smiled, " lets get you out of here!

****Authors Note****

So here we are at another update! Percy and Nico finally at least met, and while everything looks hunky dory right now don't worry there is going to be some mischief afoot in an upcoming chapter. Also I am going to be looking to do a poll soon depending on if people express an interest in wanting to read more. I am looking at incorporating some more characters. Currently debating on Jason Grace, or Leo Valdez, potentially pairing them together, possible other pairings. If people are interested in a Poll please let me know ^_^