Oh, my babies I've abandoned you for so long, I'm sooo sorry! *wail* *cry* *sniffle*
Anyways, sorry for the long break.. you know how exams are.. but I'm back now and ready to write!
Remember to R & R! If you made it this far.. i applaud you! *excited, awkward one-person clapping*
Nico sat in his room, tears streaming from his eyes. He clutched at his hair, curled into a little ball and rocked backwards and forwards.
"It didn't happen. It didn't happen." He muttered to himself. "Please, oh gods. Please. I didn't happen." He repeated it over and over again, desperate for them to somehow take effect and change what really had happened.
There was a knock on his door, he ignored it and the person left. "Oh gods. I've ruined it. Ruined everything." Nico muttered again, biting his lip so hard he tasted blood.
Nico stayed in his room for the rest of the day. Not going down for lunch and ignoring any summons. He wallowed in his despair, lying on the bed, curled in a ball on the floor, pacing in front of his window. Late into the night, he was still awake, contemplating ways to confront Percy when the boy in question knocked on his door. Nico ignored it at first, and retreated into the shadowy corner when Percy called out. He was just about to shadow travel somewhere else when Percy opened Nico's door and spotted him in the corner.
"Hey." He said and smiled slightly, then bit his lip. Gods that was cute. "Are… you okay?"
Percy walked over and sat on the edge of Nico's bed. Nico stared at him terrified and desperate to get away. "Do you want to talk about it?" Percy prompted, his eyes glistening curiously. Nico didn't move. "Gods, Nico. Say something."
"I-" Nico took a deep breathe. "I can't."
"Look. It's… pleasant outside. How about we go for a walk?" Percy suggested and stood up, offering his hand to Nico. Nico took it and allowed him to get pulled to his feet, but let go of Percy's hand quickly and then followed him out the room.
Percy was right, the night was pleasant… well as pleasant as the underworld could get. At least you couldn't hear the screams from the field of punishment and neither Hades nor the Furies could be seen. The two boys wondered through the Garden of Persephone in an awkward silence. Nico kept his eyes downcast and kicked at loose stones while Percy examined the gem flowers with a bit too much enthusiasm. They neared the end of the walkway they were on, Nico turned to go back, but Percy continued and sat down on the bench marking the dead-end.
Nico looked back, the boy lounged comfortably on the bench his grey top clinging to his shoulders and his hair flopping, like it always did, in his eyes. Percy really was good looking.
"You know you're not really the person I want to be around right now." Nico whispered, still standing in front of the bench.
"I know." Percy sighed.
"Then why are you still here?" Nico snapped, looking away as tears threatened to fall. "If you want to leave, why stay in the castle? Why not confront Hades?"
"'Cause you need me." Percy whispered, looking out at the horizon.
Nico let out a short, harsh, humourless laugh. "You think I need you?"
"No," Percy sighed again and stood up, "but, you need someone." Damn, that boy was deep. And as angry as Nico was, as Percy walked away, running a hand through his hair, Nico couldn't stop his heart from going: thump, thump.