Will felt as if he'd had about 12 cups of coffee this morning- when really he'd had none. He didn't even eat breakfast because his stomach was flip-flopping all over the place.

There's no reason to be nervous, he reminded himself. It's just the first time you'll see him since you tried to kiss him and you're dying to ask him to homecoming before somebody else does.

Also, you can feel your chest wanting to collapse in on itself at just the thought of him turning you down. What could possibly go wrong?

Will took a deep breath and tried to still his shaking hands before Nico arrived.

A moment later, he caught sight of that silky black hair and dark eyes. Nico looked a little paler but overall healthy. Will's heart gave a thump.

"Hey," Will said brightly once Nico walked up to his locker.

"Hey," Nico replied without looking at Will, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a smile.

Will just leaned against the lockers in a comfortable silence as he watched Nico grab his books. When Nico shut his locker they wordlessly continued their routine of walking to class together.

When they were partway down the hall Will thoughtlessly blurted out, "So, about Saturday…"

Nico froze. Part of him was dreading this conversation, but the other part wanted it over with as soon as possible. So he decided to cut to the chase. "Did you mean to kiss me?"

It was Will's turn to freeze up. He hadn't expected Nico to be so blunt, demanding an answer from him. But they had already been standing in the middle of the hallway for almost a minute obstructing traffic.

Will swallowed, trying to force the nerves down. But he knew he owed Nico an honest answer.

"Yes." He breathed, watching Nico's face intently. To Will's disappointment, Nico didn't blush or meet his eyes. But he nodded and said, "Okay."

Okay? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Will was far too busy panicking to continue the conversation, and they had reached the classroom now anyway.

Will slid into his usual seat in the front, and he almost didn't notice when Nico took the seat next to him instead of walking to the back of the room.

Will's spirits were immediately lifted. Nico was sitting next to him. It was nothing short of a miracle. Unfortunately, he had to push all thoughts of Nico out of his mind as they started the first test of the year.

By the time class was over Will felt he did fairly well, but that feeling paled in comparison to how happy he was that Nico didn't hate him. The bell rang, and Nico got up to leave after he handed in his test.

"Wait!" Will said softly but urgently. Nico looked at him this time and raised an eyebrow as the rest of the students were filing out.

Will quickly glanced around. Once all their classmates had left, and Mr. C had his nose buried in the exams across the room, Will started.

"So, some of my friends and I were going to go to Homecoming, and it would be more fun with you there."

Nico's eyebrows furrowed. Was he asking…

"I mean," Will continued, "I would really like it if you came with me."

This time Nico blushed. "I would really like that too." He said before hurrying out the door.

Will felt his chest grow warm, and he knew he'd be grinning like a lovesick idiot for the rest of the day.

At lunch, Nico couldn't help but smile occasionally when he thought of Will. Of course, agreeing to go to Homecoming with Will didn't make his problems with coming out any easier. But he decided to push that aside for the moment and let himself be happy.

"It's Will Solace, isn't it?"

Nico tensed up as Jason sat down across from him. Was it that obvious? Did someone write 'I love Will Solace' on his forehead when he was too distracted with thoughts of Will to notice?

Jason immediately noticed Nico's reaction.

"I saw him at your locker this morning." Jason informed, and Nico looked much less freaked out.

"Yeah," Nico finally acknowledged, and Jason looked pleased and a bit surprised that he had responded.

"That's great!" Jason smiled widely. "I've heard good things about him. If he's going to date my little Nico, he'd better prove them all right."

Nico rolled his eyes and mumbled, "I'm not your little brother, and I'm only a year younger than you."

"Um, excuse me?" Someone said from behind Jason. Jason turned around and his jaw dropped.

Standing there was Piper McLean, with her book bag in one hand and lunch tray in the other.

"Hi, it's Jason, right?" Piper asked.

Jason nodded, unable to speak.

"Hi, I'm Piper, and I was wondering if you could tutor me in math." She looked at him sweetly with wide, sincere eyes.

Nico raised an eyebrow and Piper shot him a glare that Jason didn't notice. He had known Piper since they were kids, and she had always excelled in everything. He seriously doubted that she actually wanted help with math. But then it all clicked into place, and Nico smiled.

"O-of course," Jason replied. "When do you want to start?"

"How about Fridays before school?"

"Works for me."

"Great, thanks." She said as she walked to her table. Jason's eyes followed her as she maneuvered through the cafeteria.

Nico had to hold back laughter at the goofy grin on his friend's face.

"A little lovestruck, are we?" Nico teased.

"No more than you are with Will," Jason fired back.

Nico blushed. "Shut up." But his tone was more playful than harsh, so Jason just smirked in response.

A/N: Sorry for the unexpectedly long wait! I promise this is still going. Read on and enjoy!