A/N: Hope you haven't missed me too much- school and life is catching up but I typed this as quickly as I could. As you might have seen last chapter the plot is moving, and yes, it is. I hope I don't loose too many readers because of the main pairing. Anyway, thanks for all the hints and help- I seriously do try to answer every review I get, but I can only say so much if all you tell me is that its a good chapter.

So if you have any ideas or questions or anything, seriously, put them up. I've already figured out the ending, which is a nice little song-fic chapter, but that won't be for a while so just sit and wait. I can only type so fast! Lastly, sorry for Annabeth being OOC, I can't see her getting snappy at little things (her second e-mail is pretty OOC), but this is an AU story, so just deal with it.

"Its because you're gay, isn't it?" -Annabeth

Nico didn't have a change of clothes so he just changed into his old clothes, seeming to ignore the blood stains (not a nosebleed) on them. His shirt was a T-shirt so Percy was able to study his bruises much easier than anytime before. For the most part it just looked like Nico had fallen off his bike into a ditch but if you looked carefully you could see one the size of a man's hand here, or a carefully placed cut there.

Percy felt sick, but the fact that Nico didn't want him to help was a hard pill to swallow, one that Percy was trying to ignore as long as possible. Nico had stuffed his hands into his jeans' pockets, the cool breeze blowing his black hair around. Nico was a few yards in front of Percy and he was ignoring the stares he earned himself from the bruises. Either that or Nico was suffering in silence. Percy was betting it was the second option, although the teen was hidding any discomfort easily.

Percy sighed and wrapped his jacket around him tighter. The cold was bearable, but it still made him uncomfortable. Nico, Percy decided, had skin that was as tough as an elephant's hide. Percy sighed again as he continued to watch the son of Hades. Percy kept wondering what he was going to do with Nico. He wanted to protect the younger boy, but he didn't want anyone's help. Percy could always bust Hades for child abuse but he had no way to make it stick unless

"Nico would back him up (which, as far as Percy could tell, was not going to happen).

Percy was more then willing to keep Nico at his house for an indefinite amount of time, but Nico would have to leave sooner or later- it just wouldn't be logical to keep sharing a room with him. Percy shuddered as an extremely strong breeze blew through his jacket as if it didn't exist.

Walking a little faster so he could catch up to Nico, Percy noticed goose-bumps on his pale skin. Not saying anything for a few moments, Nico was the one who ended up breaking the silence.

"... Ah, what movie are we going to see?" Percy was only mildly surprised by the question- it was a good way to avoid talking about something else (Hades, Nico, or both). Percy shrugged and, before answering, thought over the movies that were out.

"Are you thinking horror, comedy, or what?" Percy asked. He had roughly twenty dollars, enough for two tickets and popcorn, maybe a small soda each or candy. Nico started to answer and then paused. He took a few more minutes and Percy felt a weird tingling as they turned a corner and Nico's hand brushed his.

What was he smelling? Was Nico's hair still wet? Percy's thoughts were running at a million miles per hour. Did Nico use his mom's pomegrante shampoo or Percy's unscented? Was Nico limping on his left leg? Or was he just tired from some kind of lack of sleep?

Percy's thoughts were destroyed (like a de-railed train going sixty miles per hour) as Nico finally spoke, after two blocks of walking. They were within minutes of the movies. Nico shivered before speaking.

"Anything not serious. Comedy, heck, I'll even watch that Twilight shit!" Nico excalimed, his voice rising slightly. Still, only a few people glanced in their direction, although none stared. Percy gave Nico a small smile.

"Twilight 'shit'... Hey Nico, I think I've figured which movie we're going to see!" Percy said, mostly joking. Nico gave Percy a distressed look and in it Percy saw all that Nico had been feeling the past few weeks.

Pain flashed in the boy's eyes, and then a wave that cried for help. Nico blinked and his eyes went back to their normal look, a tough, I-don't-need-nobody's-help look, which made Percy wonder if he had imagined the past few seconds. Nico scowled then and said,

"No fucking way am I sitting through that." Percy gave Nico a wolf-ish grin.

"Are you sure? Not even for me?" Percy was mostly joking and was slightly surprised to see Nico's scowl deepen before the teen muttered,

"Fine..." Percy and Nico were quiet all the way to the movies.

Sender: Annabeth Chase (wisegirl_6)

Recieved: Percy Jackson (seagreen_2)

Date: 4-27-10; 4:23

Subject: How's Nico?

Hello Percy, I just wanted to see how you and Nico are doing. You only told me that he was staying at your house until the conditions at his house were improved. Are you both ok? You haven't answered any of my calls, and I'm starting to worry about you.

I know you probably think I'm some kind of 'stalker' girlfriend, but I'm just looking out for you.

So please, if you could reply that would be great!

-Annabeth

Nico looked over Percy's shoulder and managed to make out the jist of the e-mail before Percy scowled at him. Nico sat down on his bed and gave Percy a curious look.

"So then, you haven't been answering your girlfriend's calls?" He asked, wondering if Percy liked Annabeth as much as he said he did. Percy blushed a deep crimson and his scowl grew a little bigger. Obviously Nico was close to the real answer, and this made the son of Hades grin. "So am I right that I've been taking more attention then her?" Nico continued, not waiting for Percy's answer. Nico was pleasently surprised to see Percy's scowl disappear and his blush grow.

"T-T-Th-That's got nothing to do with anything!" Percy stuttered, obviously embaressed. Nico couldn't help but feel pleased that he was, now at least, a little more important to Percy than Annabeth. In the short silence that followed, Nico started to daydream about him and Percy, alone like they were now, close enough to feel eachother's hearts, close enough to hear the other breathing... Which was promptly broken by Percy starting to speak again. "ANYWAY! Its not like you've been talking to Amiee alot. The poor girl probably thinks you've dumped her!"

At this Nico was the one to scowl. Percy's blush disappeared to be replaced by a wolf-ish grin that, in Nico's mind, still suited the older teen. Nico started to reply then stopped, thinking his words over again. Percy raised an eyebrow, curious.

"What is it? Cat go your tounge?" Percy asked. Nico glared at Percy for a split second before going on and saying what he wanted to.

"Maybe I'm going to dump Amiee." Percy had a look of utmost shock on his face.

"B-But she's obsessed with you! You'll never have a moments peace! She loves you!" Percy reminded Nico. Nico sighed, closing his eyes.

"I-I know that. But she's just not the same as she used to be... I don't think I like her like that anymore." Nico's own words hurt himself. Amiee... She could be a little crazy but she wasn't that bad. Nico could only imagine what kind of hell she would put him through, trying to understand why he dumped her.

But what could Nico tell her? Certaintly not the truth. Any excuse Nico could make up was thin, at best. Amiee was loyal to him with the kind of obsesstion most boys could only dream about. She was pretty (but not like the person that seemed to dominate Nico's mind now), and she was smart. Hell, she had better grades then Nico!

She was nice to everyone, she didn't seem to have a bad bone in her body. And yet, for some reason, Nico just didn't like her anymore. Maybe it was the fact that her eyes were brown (not sea green). Maybe it was because she seemed to be fine playing victim (not the hero, the knight in shinning, sparkling armor).

No, it wasn't one of those things. It was, if Nico was hoenst with himself, all of them. She was nothing like the person Nico now loved. The person he loved, and the person he could never love. Nico surpressed a bitter laugh, getting a look from Percy who had started to type his reply to Annabeth.

Percy raised an eyebrow at Nico who shook his head. 'No, nothing's wrong my knight...' Nico thought. 'No, I only am deeply, unexpressably in love with you.'

Sender: Percy Jackson (seagreen_2)

Recieved: Annabeth Chase (wisegirl_6)

Date: 4-27-10; 4:31

Subject: RE:How's Nico?

Sorry Annabeth that I haven't been replying- I've been busy with other things. Anyway, I'm good and so is Nico (for the most part, he's a little sick). Its nice that you wanted to check up on me and Nico, but, seriously, I'm old enough to take care of myself. Oh God, now I sound like I'm talking to my mom (uh, not like I see you as a mom or something).

Anyway, he's just camping out at my house until things clear up at his (Y'know Hades, that man is mental). I think he'll be back at his soon enough, but you never know.

Thanks for checking up on us,

Percy

P.S

Love yah!

Percy hit the send button and couldn't help but feel like he was lying. Did he love Annabeth? His first answer; yes. His second answer, as he thought about it; I'm not sure. Annabeth was the obvious choice for him- the entire school thought they were a match made in the highest realm of heaven. The cool Percy with the brainy Annabeth. Brains and Brawn. The dream couple.

Percy sighed and saw Nico raising an eyebrow at him. Forcing a smile (and hoping it didn't look as pained as it was) Percy said,

"Do you want to go to the park? Y'know, just to walk around." Nico's eyes were a little unfocused and Percy waited several seconds for a reply. Shaking his head, Nico asked,

"Sorry, what was that?" Percy sighed under his breath. 'Does he ever listen?' He wondered. Aloud he replied,

"Do you want to go to the park?" Nico raised an eyebrow, curious. Percy answered his question before he could even speak.

"Just to walk around, no real reason." Nico shrugged and stood up, stretching almost comically.

"Sure, just let me go to the bathroom- 'k?" Percy nodded and watched the boy leave the room, the door opening and closing with a soft click. Percy tapped his fingers on his desk for a few moments, thinking about various things. Annabeth, Nico, dating, boyfriends-girlfriends, life, Nico. Percy's eyes had closed while he thought, but now they flashed open.

'Let's not think about that,' Percy thought, nearly shuddering. He had been imagining what Annabeth would do if she was dumped for another- in this case a boy with amazing black hair as dark as night, pale white skin that shone in the sun- Percy shook his head. 'Yeah, let's not think about that.'

Nico sighed as soon as the bathroom door closed, leaning his head against the cool, white door. He didn't really need to use the bathroom- he just had to get away from Percy and have some time to think. 'God, I must really like this guy,' Nico thought. At this he shook his head. No way could a boy like him, Nico di Angelo, be in... In love with a boy like Percy Jackson.

Percy was perfection in human form- if you listened to campus gossip at least (which Nico didn't... Unless it involved Percy). His amazing black hair that was just messy enough to give him a bit of a rebel look, his sea-green eyes that reflected oceans of emotions onto you- it was enough to make a girl (or Nico) sigh. He was strong- captain of the football team, swimming team, and co-captain of the basketball team. But, and this was an important detail, his perfection wasn't just skin deep.

Percy was well known for being kind, generous, always helping out other kids even if he didn't really like him. He never bullied anyone in any way, and he was brave. He was, in Nico's eyes, a knight in shinning armor. Except his armor wasn't shinning, it was glamorous, brilliant. It was a stadium light in a world of darkness, a blinding arura of light in the shadows. It was the light that lined the way he walked, the light that guided him throughout his life. It was Percy, and Nico loved that about him.

And what was Nico? Nico- he had to surpress a snort- was nothing. He could be slime on the bottom of someone's shoes. No, not that he was messed with. He was too good of friends to be thrown into dumpsters, or getting his head dunked into toilets. No, he was just ignored. Nobody knew his name, or if they did, they didn't care. Everyone except for two people, maybe three. Amiee (the poor girl, obsessed with the 'mystery' behind him), Annabeth (who still only knew Nico as the boy who lost his sister), and Percy. Good God, Percy. What was Nico going to do about him, or to be more specific, his feelings?

Nico sighed and figured he'd have to leave the bathroom sooner or later and opened the door, only remembering in time to flush the toliet.

Percy was getting bored waiting for Nico and had checked his e-mail. No reply from Annabeth. Sighing, the teen logged off right as Nico walked into the room, not really looking like someone who had gone to the bathroom (Percy just had a feeling that Nico didn't really pee). Not really caring, Percy stood up and ran a hand through his hair.

"So, uh, shall we go?" Percy bit his tounge. Damnit, why did he have to make it sound so formal, like it was a fucking date! Percy hoped his face wasn't bright red, but if Nico found anything strange with the way Percy had worded it he didn't show it. Nico shrugged and motioned for Percy to lead the way.

Nico walked behind Percy the entire way, and Nico wished he had a good reason for why he did so. In truth, it was because he was staring at Percy the entire way, but he didn't want his friend to notice. Does his hair always seem a little spiked, or is it just today? Nico found himself wondering. Nico sighed, not having an answer for that question.

Heck, he had been thinking about Percy for the entire walk. Sure, it was supposed to be two good friends (nothing more, Nico reminded himself) walking together. Just them, joking about things, like school, or life, or even girls. But, Nico had to admit to himself, none of those topics even sounded remotely interesting. Even if he was talking to Percy about them. Nico sighed again, almost by sheer instinct. Percy... Nico knew that it was certaintly unhealthy, the amount he thought about the guy.

Some fancy professor would probably say it was because Percy was helping him out in a 'troubled' time, but Nico knew it was more then the past few weeks. Nico, if he was honest, had always liked Percy like that, even if he didn't admit it (even to himself). It just had taken the past few weeks worth of stress to get him to admit his feelings. Nico almost laughed- stress, that was a hell good way of putting the last few weeks.

More like, getting-the-fucking-shit-beat-out-of-you-by-your-own-father. That would be the 'honest' way of putting it, but Nico wasn't always honest, especially to himself. Percy just then glanced back, right when Nico was staring intently at the back of his head, wondering if his soft, silky-looking hair was as soft as silk, or softer. Percy raised an eyebrow at Nico.

"Is there something on the back of my head?" He asked. Luckily the rest of the park was empty, except a few joggers or dog-walkers, and nobody was anywhere near the two. Nico was sure his face was as red as a strawberry, and his mind seemed blank and incapable of thought. The sea-green orbs, they seemed to see into your mind... How did Percy not notice Nico's feelings? Was he always that daft, or did Percy just refuse to notice... Was Percy trying to denny the one thing Nico wanted him to notice?

"Nico? Are you ok? Do you want to head back?" Percy asked, his voice full of concern- and was that suspicion? Nico shook his head, clearing his thoughts as well. No way Percy had caught onto Nico's feelings- right? I mean, the boy is as thick as a redwood (at least that's what everyone says), and Nico wasn't making it obvious. Nico fought down the urge to gulp and instead ran forward to catch up with Percy.

"Sorry, just spaced out there." Nico muttered to Percy once he caught up. Percy raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

Sender: Annabeth Chase (wisegirl_6)

Recieved: Percy Jackson (seagreen_2)

Date: 4-27-10; 5:35 PM

Subject: RE:RE:How's Nico?

Well sorry for wanting to check up on you! Seriously though, I thought you'd at least appreciate the fact that I've gone out of my way (on many different occasions) to try to contact you. I suppose your friend is more important than me then, after all, I'm only your girlfriend!

What's Nico? Sure, his sister is dead, and sure, he's got problems. But that doesn't mean he needs to be babied all the way through life! I think you're giving him more pity and help then he'll ever need.

Percy... I love you but I can tell its not a two-way thing. You've been growing distant, even if you haven't meant to, and I think our... Us dating just isn't working out anymore. So this is it then.

Annabeth.

P.S

Its because you're gay, isn't it?

The only sound for a while was the sound of Nico breathing, the soft sound rolling over the room and into Percy's ears. Percy sat back in his chair, numb, void of feeling, shocked. Annabeth... Did Annabeth just dump him over a lack of comunication? Ok, if Percy was honest with himself he had been ignoring her a little more then usual. Ok, a lot. But school was supposed to be important for Annabeth, so why was the girl getting mad that he studied more? Percy felt his hand become a first and he forced himself to relax.

Percy felt a stab of guilt hit him suddenly. It was partly true what Annabeth said. He only talked to her at school, never on the phone. They never went out to the movies any more, heck, they didn't even see each other outside of school. Percy wondered what could make him change so suddenly and felt a sinking feeling as he figured it out.

"God..." He looked over at Nico's sleeping figure and wondered if a boy could really change him so much. The answer? Yes. Percy felt a flash of a smile on his lips as Nico smiled in his sleep. 'He has a pretty smile...' Percy couldn't help but think. Percy shook his head. Was he gay? No. Was he a little over-protective of Nico? Maybe. But did that mean he had feelings for said boy? No, fucking way.

Percy sighed and turned off his computer. There was nothing he could think of to even try to change Annabeth's mind. He wasn't sure if he loved her (or someone else), or if he even wanted her back. He didn't have a clue about how to get her back anyway- would getting on his knees work?

Percy sighed again and looked over at Nico. For once he looked at peace. For once, he looked every bit an innoccent child he should be. And for once, Percy was wondering if Nico was the source of all his problems.

Percy was awake early, about 8. Having nothing to do (and not quite wanting to check his e-mail), he headed to the kitchen to grab something to eat. His mother had already left for some job or something, Percy didn't really read her note. Instead he just crumpled it up and threw it out with a small cry of anger. The events of last night were finally affecting him.

"AH! AHH!" He shouted, before remembering Nico was still fast asleep (a content smile on his face). Percy took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He managed to pour himself a bowl of cereal before having another emotional wave and slamming his bowl onto the table, causing most of the milk and cereal to spill out. Percy didn't even care, just burried his head in one of his hands, the other hanging limply by his side.

There was silence for a while, except for the sound of milk dripping onto the floor, and the birds singing in the trees. It was bright and sunny- too sunny for the mood Percy was in. He grit his teeth and his free hand rolled into a tight first, his fingernails digging into his palm. Percy sat there for a few moments when the sound of footsteps reached his ears. Knowing it could only be Nico, Percy couldn't care less.

"Wh-What happened?" Nico asked, rubbing one of his eyes sleepily. He had obviously been woken by Percy's shout. "Is everything ok?" Nico asked. Percy looked up at Nico and found that he couldn't find any hate inside, hell, he couldn't even blame Nico for anything. Still, Percy was silent for a moment.

"Annabeth broke up with me last night." Nico winced as he walked over. He carefully picked up the bowl and dumped the milk and cereal (what little remained) down the drain. Nico glanced at the floor which had acumilated an impressive puddle of milk and cereal. The younger boy sighed, sitting in a chair next to Percy.

"... Ah... Percy I... I guess I should leave then." Percy looked up at Nico, eyes wide. He sat up straight, running a wet hand through his hair. He struggled to find the right words and finally decided on something simple instead.

"Hades'll bloody murder you Nico!" Nico flashed a small smile before adopting a more serious scowl. He shook his head, black hair flying.

"I don't know that until I go back. And... Well I've got to go back sooner or later. I mean, the sooner I go back the less likely Hades'll be mad at me. I mean, like murderously mad." Nico clarified. Percy shook his own head now, aware of how similar the two movements problably looked.

"Nico, your dad beats you up every fucking day, doesn't he? If you think you have to leave because Annabeth dumped me... I don't want you to go Nico, please?" Percy couldn't believe how he went from angry at everything (including Nico) to begging Nico to stay. "Hades is mental. Insane. Crazy. Logic doesn't figure into his mind. Nico, if you go back without some serious help he'll kill you!" Nico sighed and raised his hands in submission.

"Ok, ok, fine. Have it your way." The boy stood up and headed for the living room, and Percy heard the TV start up. Nico was obviously channel surfing, from the way the sounds changed every few seconds. Percy forced himself to stand (it wasn't that hard) and went to watch too, figuring he had nothing else that sounded even slightly interesting.

Nico wasn't happy, per say, that Percy had put up a fight to get Nico to stay. Nor was he mad, or upset. Nico didn't know what to feel, honestly. Was he happy that Percy was now free? Yes, Nico was happy about that. Was he looking forward to going back to Hades? Hell no, he'd rather jump off a building (ok, a little bit of an overstatement, but the end result was the same). Still, when Percy followed him to watch TV (not the other way around, like it usually was), Nico couldn't help but think that he should make a move.

Or something along those lines. Wasn't that what all the movie and book characters did? All the handsome heroes, the stunning girls who had just the right amount of hot and ass-kicking? Didn't they go and sweap their boy (or girl) off their feet and disappear into a shinning light? They all knew the right things to say, the right way to say them, the right everything. Nico sighed and looked at Percy.

Percy seemed out of it, fully disconected with life. Nico doubted he'd notice anything if Nico was wearing a dress or if Annabeth randomly appeared and started to strip. No, Nico corrected himself, Percy would notice if Annabeth started to strip. But then again, part of Nico's mind said, wouldn't anyone notice if a girl was striping in front of them? Then the other part of Nico's head said, but Percy loves Annabeth, that's why he's so upset!

Nico leaned back into his chair and looked at what channel he had stopped on, when his concentration had left the TV and switched to Percy. The travel channel. What a laugh the person who made it must be having- creating a channel that told you about all the fancy vacations you couldn't have.

Nico couldn't help but smirk as ADs came on, giving you 'great deals' on 'thousands of locations'. Percy, for some strange reason, broke the silence then.

"Hey, how would you like to go to Maimi? Cool beaches, great weather- what's not to like?" He said, making it sound like a cheesy comercial. Nico couldn't help but grin, then wave a hand distainfully.

"Puh-lease. Three words; Tower of London! Bring on the blood and death!" He said, laughing. Percy rolled his eyes.

"Nico, sometimes I think you're like New Orleans. Full of life and all vibrant and stuff, but you get hit by something massive and- wham! You're a mess, y'know?" Nico sighed, running a hand through his hair. He shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess. Still, I'd fit right in at a place like, I dunno, Berlin?" He commented, looking at Percy's reaction, which was for him to scowl.

"You aren't totally depressed. Ok, scratch that, you're major depressed and all Goth and Emo sometimes. But that's 'k, I'm used to that." Nico wondered if 'I'm used to that' meant, 'I like that'. Percy continued on. "I mean, you're not a total mess, not like the Titanic..." Percy gave Nico a smile, and Nico chuckled.

"Nah, I'm not 'made in Belfast' or anything like that." Percy raised an eyebrow and Nico sighed. "I made a model of the Titanic once, it had a bunch of information 'bout the real thing." He explained. Percy chuckled and now it was Nico who raised an eyebrow.

"You love making all those models of airplanes and ships- its just crazy you can have that much patience." Nico scowled but Percy just kept laughing. Een through his scowl, Nico thought Percy's laugh was a wonderful sound.

Percy yawned as he finished brushing his teeth, his hair managing to be an unruly mess, dispite the fact that he had just had a shower. Nico was already in Percy's room, fast asleep Percy assumed. Percy sighed and looked at himself in the mirror. He had been told he was cute and handsome by Annabeth, but was that just stuff he was told? He looked at his kinda-perfect tan, his messy black hair. His sea-green eyes gazed into the mirror, reflecting back at him.

Percy wondered if his gaze was always so serious, then leaned back and saw himself fully in the mirror. He wasn't heavily built, per say, but he wasn't thin like a twig (like a certain black haired boy...) either. He leaned back closer to the mirror, wondering what it would be like if the eyes in the mirror weren't sea-green (maybe black eyes?), if the face was a little younger (maybe a year or two, but not too much...).

Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair, resting his hand on the doorknob. Nico was... Impossible to discribe in words? No, that made him sound perfect, and Nico was everything but perfect. He had problems, tons and tons of them. He was liable to mood swings, had a serious case of 'manly-ness', and a problem with most other people. So was he perfect? No, Percy thought, Nico was not perfect by any means.

Was he good enough for someone (not to mention any sea-green eyed boys)? Yes, Percy thought. Nico was good enough for someone. Percy sighed again and turned the doorknob, heading for his room. Once he got inside he thought that Nico was hidden deaply under the sheets, then Percy realized that the blankets were lying in a mess on the floor. Then Percy noticed the note.

I'm sorry, but I can't stay. Please forgive me.

-Nico

Percy dropped the note and ran out of his room, nearly running into Sally, who was coming to check up on him and Nico.

"Percy, what's-" Percy turned the corner and her words were lost as he grabbed the phone and dialed Nico's number. 'Pick up Nico, please...' He thought.