Well! Not too sure what I'm doing now, but I have an idea of sorts. So, let's try this out!
I am NOT Rick Riordan, thus I own none of his properties (or talent).
I Can't Swim
But I Can Float . . . And Run!
~Nico's P.O.V.~
I lay facedown on my bed, trying to sleep as Hazel rushes around. She was getting early breakfast with Frank, and she's freaking out, running around without proper coverage.
"Nico, please! Can you just look up right fast?" I looked up at the crazed girl standing in the middle of the room. "Tell me; should I wear the yellow dress," She held up a yellow sleeveless to her body. "or -"
There was a knock on the door. Hazel shreiked and dived behind her bed.
"I'm not ready, come back later!"
"Hazel, is Nico in there?" Said a familiar voice. Hazel glanced at me and twitched her head to the door. I got up and opened the door.
"Percy, what are you doing here? This early?" I asked groggily. He smiled brightly, as if the unholy hour was nothing to him.
"I thought you'd do this. I knew you'd assume we weren't swimming today." He scolded half-heartedly. "But don't think you're getting out of this." He looked at me with wide, warning eyes, but I stared him down until he shrunk away, looking down. "That is, if you wanted to. We could wait a little longer, if you need to."
I chuckled, unable to hide my grin. "It's fine, Percy. We can. Let me get ready." Before he could respond, I closed the door.
After I was in slightly damp shorts and a towel over my shoulder, I twisted the knob. Then turned back to a wild Hazel.
"I . . . I like the yellow dress." She froze and looked at me. I met her eyes. "You look stunning in yellow." Then I walked out.
Percy waited for me by the lake. I tried to be silent and slow, trying to waste as much time as possible. But he turned and spotted me, smiling.
"Took you long enough!" He said as I got close. I offered a half-smile, then looked at the water. I remembered the small bubble, where I was stuck with him. So close . . .
I shook my head. "So, what do we do today? Hold me under?"
"No, silly! I was thinking about working on floating. It's really easy, and even you could do it." He grinned and nudged me slightly.
I scowled. "Are you saying I'm bad at this? 'Cause I'm gonna get better. Trust me. I just need to learn."
Percy blinked at me. "That - that was a joke."
"Oh. Sorry." I blushed, slightly embarrassed.
He smiled amusedly at me.
After a little more joking, we entered the water. We stayed in the shallow end. He went backward, and spread his arms and legs. He closed his eyes, and I couldn't help it. My eyes roamed.
"Look at my form, here. It's really easy."
Oh, trust me, I am. I blushed. He sat up and looked at me.
"Now you try."
"Do I have to?" I asked. He nodded. I sighed and laid back. I went too far and my head went under. I panicked and scrambled up. "I - I can't."
"Yes, you can. I'll help you. Lay back, slower." I eyed him for a moment, then laid back. I felt his hand on the small of my back and stiffened slightly. "Go on. I got you." I took a breath and raised my legs. His other hand steadied them, so that I was laid out in front of him. He held me far from him.
I looked at him, fearful. "Don't drop me."
He grinned. "Your lack of faith wounds me. It's okay, I've got you." He gave me a kind smile, and my breath faltered in the slightest. I don't think he noticed.
He let me stay that way for a while, every now and then his fingers twitching. Then he spoke. "Alright Nico, put your arms out, and spread your legs. I've got you." I did as I was told. My hand brushed his bicep, and I swallowed hard. "Now, this will be really easy, okay? I'm going to let go of you, but my hands will be right under you, okay? So close, you'll barely know the difference."
His hands slowly removed themselves from my back. My heart dropped slightly; I had started to enjoy the touch.
"Nico." I opened my eyes after a minute, to see him holding up his hands, smiling at me. "You're floating." My heart rate sped up, but in a good way. I was proud, a little.
That's when things took the worst possible turn.
He let me stand up, and I swayed slightly. He held into me, drawing me in for a hug.
"I told you you could do it." I smiled slightly and allowed myself a moment in his arms. But it was a moment too long. "Um, Nico . . . what's that?"
"What's what?" I asked, confused.
"That, Nico." He pressed his body forward slightly, and to my horror, things had happened. My man-part had stirred.
"Oh, that?" I asked faintly, shrinking back. "That's - um . . ."
"Nico," He asked lowly. He looked at me, mainly shocked. "Are you -?"
"No!" I shouted. "No, I'm not! I'm not! You have to believe me, Percy! I'm - I'm normal!" I knew my performance wasn't convincing, but I was too hysterical to care. He just looked at me, stunned, and most likely disgusted. Tears stung my eyes. "I'm not . . ."
"Nico, I don't believe you. That there was proof." He said sternly. "And it's -"
"Stop!" I screamed. I knew what he was gonna say. Unacceptable. I was raised on that word, for that meaning. I didn't need to hear it again.
"Nico -"
"No!"
"Calm down!"
"Never!"
"Nico!" He took a step forward before I could react. His hands, usually gentle, held tightly into my shoulders. I shrunk down and did the unthinkable.
I slapped Percy Jackson.
He stumbled back, surprised, and I scrambled out of the water as fast as I could, then grabbed my towel and went through the tree's shadow.
I landed on my bed, and I continued to scream and cry. Never had I been so glad Hazel wasn't with me.
After a while, I tried to silence myself. I dug my fingernails into my palms, squeezing as hard as I could. Until I couldn't feel the embarrassment. Until all I felt was pain. When I opened my hand, blood dripped down into the matress. I did this again and again, until I felt sleepy. Until I could barely stay concious. Then someone came in.
"Nico! Stop!" Said the demigod.
Oohh, who's this mystery charactor? Who's gonna help the frightened boy? Review and find out! ~TrampledRose
