Sorry for the late posting. Wanted it out earlier, but Bragi has been busy. But better late than never, right? Just sucks cause it's pushing close to my Children of Loss posting. Well...I would say Reining got the extra chapter for you guys, mainly cause she was the tenth reviewer, but then I got that landslide of reviews in after that. Dear god. Thirteen reviews! I may die...except I can't because Bragi won't let me. Also, I feel like crap because I've been spelling his name wrong for like three or four months now. He never corrected me either! I put an extra 'I' in , it's Bragi, not Braigi. So, go leave all hate mail at him through that correct name :D. Especially for those of you who read A Tale of Love and Thrones T.T. I'm sorry! For those of you that are probably lost, go read that story. I know it probably had a slow pace, and probably sucked in the beginning, but you should check it out now. It's up to my other stories standards. Though, I'm probably promoting it at a bad time given the chapter I just left off with. Anyways, back to the love. You guys are so awesome. I guess I've grown as an author, improved a lot. I was just so used to getting like three reviews a chapter. Then it grew to five. Now that I'm getting ten reviews on like every story it is just a phenomenal thing. I really want to say thank you guys for all that you have done. I guess I'm doing something right. I make the promise to try my best to always give you a good story that you won't be disappointed in (*cough* AToLaT included *cough*). Awesome. Anyways, lets get to our shout outs.

XxHushHushxX: No :(. I sorry. I hope you can be ok with the lack of water powers. I'm glad you liked the twist. As far as I know, mine is the only fic in the fandom like this. Don't worry. I'll probably have Grover and Annabeth pop back up as we go along. I'm not done with them. No! :D No it wasn't lol.

Reining: Yes, they infected my story. They managed to get into this chapter too before I got them out. I'm excited about next chapter so I can put Nico's twisted nature in action. He's developing. He'll always be awkward :D. T.T I hope you don't hate this chapter then. It might feel weird too. Hopefully not, though. Nico is just conflicted. He wants Percy, but he's just so scared to get close to him. So, every now and then he will be sweet. Don't worry, he'll always be his usual Nico self, by this story's basis. Haha. I know, but I had others wanting it. It'll be happening soon, and then it'll be just uphill towards Percy and Nico...hopefully.

Veerayne: I'm glad you loved it! I'm bribing Percy with cookies. Hopefully it will work. I know, but Nico wants Percy's commitment. A way of showing Nico that he will be dedicated to him, I guess. Hard to explain. Will is the OTP killer of this story.

AzucenaXshadows: If you liked the last chapter, you will love this one! No, I actually was excited getting to write it. I tried to hint at certain places from five until I revealed it that Nico might have done something. Nico is always loveable. Hmm. I had considered it, but my beta told me it wasn't necessary. Something about published authors don't tend to do it, but I guess I should have since this is fanfiction.

DarkLove12489: Yay! I'm glad you like it so much. Haha. I feel I bordered along X-men or something. I know Nico's personality bordered Dark Phoenix. Percy's powers are like Jean Grey. Perhaps that's it. I'm sorry, but I must keep to posting days. Tragic I know.

RestlessHeart182: I guess you could say he'll be more vulnerable this chapter.

Luckyducky: I know. He needs to just suck face with Percy. I'm glad you liked it.

iPinneapplePants: Thank you!

Make-It-Now: I don't think I've ever left you out. They will soon. Soon!

HeyItsAmber: He is great! Lol, yet. Bunnies! I did as you asked. I must have them back. If not, I'll be forced to throw Nico off another cliff...Oh, and I escaped the bowls of hell.

So, I feel like maybe half of those people probably are not happy with me right now...I'm sorry for 17? Anyways, I put up an image of what Nico looks like on my deviantArt account, XSonofHadesX. It shouldn't be hard to find. I think I have a file for Choke imagery under my deviations. I'm not even sure if I spelled that right. I don't care. So, go look at that. I thought it was awesome looking. Well, I guess that's all for now. As promised, here's the extra chapter.

Disclaimer: I own, and regret, nothing

Warning: May require reading.

Chapter 11

The week flew by in the blink of an eye for Percy. He had stayed busy with his training with Chiron. The man had really been pushing him to his limits, but Percy thought it was starting to pay off. He visited Nico for the remaining two days the boy had been in recovery. Chiron had forced Nico into staying in his room after he was released. Even though he was healed, his ribs had been bruised, and the man wanted to make sure that it didn't get damaged further.

So, Percy hadn't seen Nico in those five days that Nico had moved back to his room. Percy couldn't deny that he missed the smaller boy. It was, however, a relief on him emotionally. Being around Nico had been intoxicating. Now that he was away from Nico, he could think more clearly. It still didn't change how he felt, though. He felt he needed to see Will again in order to make an impartial decision in this. It wouldn't be fair to the blonde if Percy just chose Nico because of him seeing Nico more.

Percy currently stood in the training room with Chiron. He would deflect various objects that the man chose to throw at him. Earlier, Chiron had pulled out a remote and told Percy to make a barrier and hold it. After Percy did as he was told, Chiron pressed a button on the remote, causing one of the guns in the corner of the room to fire at Percy. It kept up with a barrage of beams, blasting away at Percy's forcefield. It had taken a lot of energy out of him to do it, but he had managed to protect himself. It had been a weird feeling, like he was using a shield and it was being assaulted by an enemy.

The doors swung open, causing Percy attention to pull away from the objects being tossed at him. He wailed in pain when the wrench came in contact with his leg. He nearly toppled over, but was caught by a par of arms. He glanced down at the mass of dark hair that was holding him up. Nico looked up at him with his dark eyes. Percy wasn't sure what he was thinking, but just the look in his eyes made Percy want to go swimming in them.

"Ah, there you are, Nico," Chiron said, placing his next object back in the box. Percy made a face and rubbed his leg. Nico straightened him out and took a step back.

"What's going on?" Percy asked, still making a face.

"I asked Nico here to help me test out your progress."

"How?" Percy asked, a sudden sense of dread coming over him.

"Sparring match," Nico replied, going to stand next to Chiron.

"You want me to fight Nico?" Percy asked, his eyes going wide.

"Don't worry, Percy. I won't hurt you," Nico said softly, stepping closer to Percy and running a finger under his chin. Percy narrowed his eyes at the teasing sound in the boy's voice. "Wouldn't want to ruin your pretty face. What would I have to look at if I did that?" Percy pouted at him.

"Is that all you like about me?"

Nico shook his head, hair flapping with the movement. "Of course not, you also have a hot ass, which I may or may not have seen while on surveillance." Percy's cheeks went red.

Chiron cleared his throat. "If you two are done, we can begin," Chiron said. Nico nodded and walked a few feet away from where Percy stood. He turned back to face Percy. "Begin." Percy crouched, taking up a fighting stance. Nico, however, just stood there. It was sort of unnerving to Percy. He had seen Nico fight before. The boy was like an animal. He would study your movements and then use his speed to his advantage.

Percy grunted and reached out with his mind for the table that stood against the wall. He flung it as hard as he could at the dark boy. Nico's eyes seemed unfocused. They flickered up to Percy and Nico smiled at him. His eyes clouded over with shadows at the very moment the table made contact with him. It flew through the air, crashing to the ground behind the spot Nico once stood. Percy blinked. Shadow-like smoke evaporated from where the spot Nico had stood. Percy spun around several times, trying to locate the boy. "Got to be quicker than that," Nico whispered in his ear. Percy spun around and punched the air. He let out a low growl. Nico wasn't even taking him seriously.

Percy decided it was time to step it up. He spread his arms and let loose a concussive blast all around the room. Nico fell back into sight a few feet away, sliding along the floor. He stood up and charged at Percy, who was ready for him.

Nico thrust his hand up from the ground, sending a mass of shadows into Percy, who wasted no time in making a barrier. He dropped the barrier and raised his arms to defend as Nico attempted a kick to his chest. His fist swung out, trying to catch Nico, but the boy ducked and rose up with a counterblow. The attack caught Percy in the stomach, making Percy stumble. He thrust his fist out, sending a wave to knock Nico back.

Nico vanished and reappeared back on his feet. The boy was charging at Percy once again. Percy sent out another concussive shot, but Nico vaulted over it. Percy jumped back as the boy came crashing down. A cracking sound rang out in the room. A wave of darkness shot out from the spot Nico landed and sent Percy flying backwards.

Nico stood back up and waited for Percy to make a move. Percy pushed himself off the ground, wiping his forehead. He was starting to get tired, and his body had become covered in sweat. He looked Nico over. The boy was panting and covered in sweat like Percy was. Nico's hair had also begun to cling to his head.

Percy gritted his teeth and flung the box Chiron had been using, along with everything in it, at Nico. Nico attempted to vanish, but Percy reached out with telekinesis and yanked the smaller boy towards him. Nico gasped as he was pulled from his shadow traveling. Percy grabbed him and the two tumbled to the ground. Nico kicked out, knocking Percy off of him. He summoned a shadow dagger and swiped at Percy with it. Percy's eyes widened as he frantically began to dodge the blade.

He tried knocking it out of Nico's hand with his powers, but it didn't seem to affect the blade. Percy caught Nico's arm as the boy made another slash at him. He flipped Nico over his head, and sent him to the ground. Nico grabbed Percy's arm with his other hand, sending shadows crawling up Percy's arm. Percy let go, trying to rid himself of the dark matter.

Nico used Percy's change of focus to get himself into a crouch position. He swiped his leg across Percy's, knocking them out from under him. Percy yelped as he tumbled backwards onto the ground. The shadows vanished from his skin when he hit the floor. He groaned and looked up at a smirking Nico. He let a pout form on his lips. Nico raised the blade over Percy and the green eyed boy started to crawl backwards. Nico swiped it across his chest and the blade evaporated back into thin air. "Relax, I wouldn't use a real weapon on you," Nico said, holding his hand out for Percy.

Percy sighed and used Nico's hand to bring himself to his feet. "You could have said so earlier," Percy said, rubbing his back.

"Yea, but it was more fun this way." Nico walked a circle around Percy and came to stand on Percy's right side.

Chiron clapped. "Not bad, Percy. Don't be discouraged. Nico is my best agent, and I have a hunch that you will keep improving," Chiron stated.

Percy nodded his head. He still felt defeated, even if Nico did have more experience. He felt like he should be the one with the upper hand. He was drawn out of his thoughts by a kiss on his cheek. Percy blinked, refocusing on the room. Chiron had left, as he was no longer standing in front of Percy. How long had he been out of it?

He turned his head to look at Nico, who was still standing at his side. "You really can zone out, can't you?" Nico said jokingly.

Percy chuckled half-heartedly. "Yea. Where did Chiron go?"

"He had to go take care of something." Percy rubbed his cheek where Nico had just kissed him, a small smile spreading across his lips. "Don't let it go to your head."

"What, the losing or the kiss?"

Nico rolled his eyes. "The kiss. I totally kicked your ass."

"You mean my hot ass?"

"Yes, that one," Nico said, walking towards the door. Percy jogged to fall into step with him.

"So, is that all you like about me? The physical stuff."

Nico hit the button on the elevator and the two entered it. Nico hit the button to the cafeteria and the two began to ascend. "Do you really think I would risk my life if I was just interested in you physically?"

Percy frowned. "I don't want you risking your life for me at all. I don't want you getting yourself killed because of me. You already got hurt once trying to protect me." Nico grunted his response. "So, what happens now? I mean, my training is going pretty well. So, does that mean I'll get to go into the field? What is the next course of action anyways?"

"You won't be going anywhere until you can figure out how to work your telepathy. We can't take risks out there."

"What about you? Aren't you a risk with your dark sanity thing?" Nico fixed Percy with a glare. "I-I didn't mean it like that, Nico." Nico crossed his arms over his chest and exited the elevator when it opened. Percy groaned and chased after him. "Please don't be mad at me. I really didn't mean it like that."

"How did you mean it then?" Nico asked, coming to a stop in front of the cafeteria doors.

"I just don't see how it's fair that I can't go into the field yet."

"I can handle myself, Percy. I have myself under control. I earned Chiron's trust. What have you done, besides running off scared?"

Percy bit his lip. He tried to reach out for Nico, but the boy moved away. "Nico, I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me. I'm just frustrated." Nico didn't say anything, just staring blankly at Percy. "I'm really sorry, Nico. I really didn't mean it to sound like that. I don't see you as a monster."

"Yes, you do. I saw the way you looked at me when I was pushing myself. You were afraid of me. Why would you even want to be with me, if you're afraid of me?"

"Because, I trust you not to hurt me," Percy said, reaching out to touch Nico's arm.

"And if I slip?"

"Then I'll find a way to bring you back," Percy said with a smile. Nico glanced off to the side. Percy noticed a faint blush on his cheeks.

"What if I hurt you?"

Percy stepped closer to Nico. "You won't hurt me."

"You can't know that, Percy."

"I'm giving you my trust, to show you I really am sorry. I don't think you're a monster. I wouldn't be interested in you if I did." Nico stared down at the floor for a while. Someone exited the cafeteria, snapping the two out of their small bubble. Percy cleared his throat and took a step back. "Shall we?" he asked, motioning for the cafeteria. Nico nodded and the two went inside.

They took a seat at a table with Jason, Apollo, and Leo. Jason grinned at the two of them as they sat down next to each other, earning him a glare from Nico. "Well, don't you two look cozy," Jason said. Percy frowned at Jason when Nico scooted away from him. "Sorry." Percy let his chin drop onto his palm and picked at his food.

"Trouble in paradise?" Apollo mused, taking a drink.

"That would imply that we are together, which we are not," said Nico coldly. Percy sighed and tried to focus on eating his food. Would this get any easier if he chose Nico over Will? He wanted to reach over and try to grab the boy's hand, but he had to let Nico pace their intimacy until he made his mind up.

"So, how was training today, Percy?" Jason asked, trying to clear the air.

"It went well. I had a sparring match with Nico, but he beat me," Percy replied, watching Nico out of the corner of his eye. He frowned when Nico wouldn't look at him. He looked back at Jason, who was giving him a sympathetic look. He mouthed 'hang in there' to Percy.

"Well, we have some news," Leo said, finally speaking up. Percy and Nico looked up at him. "We learned about some Consortium activity that's going to be taking place tomorrow night, Chiron wants it interrupted."

"Any other details?" Nico asked.

"Chiron will lay it all out at the briefing tomorrow." Percy quietly poked at his food. He wanted to go on the mission, but he doubted that Chiron would include him. Still, maybe he could find out about the mission another way, then all he would have to do is sneak out. If he could prove himself, maybe Chiron would let him help them.

"You want to leave?" Chiron asked, eyeing Percy from his desk.

"Just for a few hours tomorrow. I think I may know a way to figure out my telepathy," Percy explained. It wasn't a lie exactly, he wanted to talk to his parents and see if they knew anything about telepathy.

"What are you going to do?"

Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "I'd like to keep it my secret, if you don't mind. It's nothing personal, but just like you want to keep your business a secret from others, so does this other source of information."

Chiron frowned at Percy and leaned back in his chair. "Yes, but if you wish to be affiliated with this organization, you can't keep secrets from me."

"No disrespect, sir, but don't you need me? If you don't let me help eventually, how will I be making a difference?"

Chiron chuckled lightly. "You got me there, Percy. Very well, I'll allow you a few hours leave tomorrow afternoon. You'll have to find your own way, I'm afraid, as I'll be having Nico assist me with some business we need to take care of." Percy nodded and walked out the door.

He would take the time to his advantage. He still needed to see Will, in hopes of making a decision. Hopefully his parents could be of some help in shedding some light on his telepathy. If they couldn't, he figured he was screwed. He didn't want to be on his own, learning about this power. It was dangerous, Percy acknowledged that. This was the power everyone wanted him for. The power to control the minds of anyone around him.

Percy rode the elevator down to the living quarters, stepping out into the hall once he had arrived. He headed towards his room, but stopped when he caught sight of Nico. He silently followed the boy down the hallways, until the dark haired boy stopped at a door that Percy guessed was his room. "How the tables have turned. Now you're following me," Nico stated, turning his head to look at Percy.

Percy walked up to Nico and leaned against the wall. "I was just curious about where your room was."

"You couldn't ask me?"

"Well, I didn't know if you would cooperate in that," Percy said with a smile. Nico rolled his eyes and opened his door. Percy frowned, not knowing if he was supposed to go inside.

"You can come in," Nico said, apparently reading his mind. Percy chuckled to himself at the phrase. Percy looked around Nico's room. It was lowly lit, allowing for plenty of darkness if Nico needed it. There was a large black bed to Percy's right. Nico walked up to where the window was. He pushed a small button next to it, changing the illusion from day to night. A large TV was on the wall opposite the bed. Underneath it were shelves full of movies and games. A computer screen, like the one in Jason and Apollo's room, was on the wall next to Nico's bed. A keyboard lay on the bed. Percy figured it allowed Nico to lay on his bed while he browsed the internet. Percy walked up to Nico's bookshelf, looking over the boy's reading material. It was a lot of dark writings, things like Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King. Percy spotted a copy of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. "Find anything interesting?"

Percy jumped at the sound of Nico's voice behind him. He spun around to find the smaller boy eyeing him in amusement. "Just seeing what kind of things you are into." He saw Nico's eyes flicker down to his lips for only a second before returning to Percy's eyes. Percy couldn't help smiling. "Something you want there, Nico?" Percy asked teasingly.

Nico rolled his eyes and walked over to his bed, sitting down to take off his shoes. "Don't hold your breath. I can control my hormones, unlike some people."

Percy mocked offended. "Ouch. I've been behaving myself, thank you very much." Nico's eyes flickered back up to Percy, Percy smiled at the look of amusement in them. "If you can control your hormones, why were you watching me naked?"

Nico's cheeks lit up. "It's not my fault you have no shame walking around your room naked."

"Yes, when I think I'm alone." Percy was silent for a moment. He let a hand fall down to cover up his crotch, suddenly having a sense of insecurity. "You've seen me completely naked."

"Wow, you just caught on to the fact that your backside isn't the only thing I saw."

"Did you, ever, you know, see me..." Percy trailed off, not wanting to finish the statement.

"Masturbating?" Nico chuckled, standing up and moving to stand right in front of Percy. He wrapped his arms around Percy's neck and leaned up to whisper in his ear. "Don't worry, Percy, it was a very hot show." Percy started choking, his cheeks flaming red.

"Dear god, Nico. I can't believe you watched that!"

Nico fell back onto his bed, placing his leg on top of his knee. "Would it make you feel better if you got to watch me?" Nico said, letting his hand play teasingly with the zipper of his jeans.

"No!" Percy cried, rushing to stop Nico from lowering the zipper.

"Relax, Percy. I wasn't going to show you, even if you asked." He tugged Percy down onto the bed. "You're just fun to tease."

Percy laid his head down on Nico's pillow, watching the other boy. "I'm glad I give you so much amusement." Nico's hand slipped down and he started playing with Percy's hair. "Can I ask something?" Nico nodded. "So, if I were to choose you, would things be different between us?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, would you be cold and defensive? It kind of hurts when you revert back to being like that, and I just wanted to know if that's how it would be between us if we were together."

Nico looked down into Percy's eyes. "No," he whispered, letting his head fall down onto the pillow beside Percy. "I'm just trying to protect myself, Percy. I don't want to get attached and see you end up with Will. Now, I can't guarantee that I won't be a smartass, but I won't act like I did back in the cafeteria."

They stared at each other for a moment in comfortable silence, Percy enjoying his hair being played with. "Can I kiss you?" Percy decided to ask.

Nico pursed his lips. "Not yet. You're getting there, though." Percy pouted. Nico smiled at him. "I'll let you kiss my cheek." Percy perked up. He leaned in and placed a quick kiss to the pale boy's pink cheeks. Percy slid a hand across the sheets to touch Nico's free hand. He interlocked their fingers, holding his breath to see if the other boy would pull away. He exhaled in relief when Nico didn't pull away, he felt Nico give his hand a squeeze.

Percy groaned, bringing a hand up to rub his closed eyes. He felt movement next to him, a source of warmth pushing closer to him. He blinked his eyes open to see what was going on. The first thing he realized was that he was still in Nico's room. The dim lights were still on, though. He sat up and looked over at Nico's clock, which said it was a little after midnight. He must have fallen asleep. He tilted his head down to find the source of warmth, Nico lay with his back against Percy, Percy's arm was draped over him. Nico had a firm grip on his hand, keeping Percy trapped.

He watched Nico sleep for a moment, enjoying the sight of the smaller boy's peaceful face. He had pressed himself firmly up against Percy's front, allowing for no room between them. Percy laid back down, and squeezed Nico's hand. He should probably wake Nico up so he could go, he didn't think it would be right for him to sleep over in Nico's room just yet.

"Nico," Percy whispered into his ear. Nico mumbled something in his sleep, but didn't stir. He tugged on his arm and tried again. "Nico." The boy in question groaned and rolled over to face Percy.

"What?" he mumbled, rubbing his eye.

"I just wanted to wake you up so I could leave."

"Oh," Nico said, sounding sad. "Alright."

They sat up and climbed off the bed. Nico walked Percy to the door, where they stood awkwardly for a moment. "I'll see you in the morning." Nico nodded. Percy gave him an awkward wave and opened the door, Nico shut it behind him. Percy really needed to make up his mind. He wouldn't have to torture himself like this if he would just make a decision.

Maybe Nico was the better option. While Will was sweet and everything, Nico was trying to make an actual connection with Percy. He hadn't jumped into bed with Percy the way that Will had when they first met. Yet, he still had to admit he had feelings for Will. Even if they had had sex when they first met, that didn't mean it had a negative effect on them having a relationship.

Nico was the challenge, though. He could have Will, he knew that. Will made no secret that he would happily be with Percy in a heartbeat, but Nico was different. Percy felt like he actually had to work to be with the boy. It was an exciting challenge for Percy. There was one problem, though. Percy didn't know where he would end up when all of this was over.

Would he stay here with U.N.I.T. or would he go help his parents? Chiron had offered him a spot, and his parents hadn't said anything about Percy working with them. If he was here, it would be easy to be with Nico, but hard to be with Will. If he worked for his parents, he would be away from Nico, making it easier if he chose Will. He had a lot to figure out in terms of what he wanted.

I just realized how short this chapter was. Damn. Oh well, it's an extra chapter lol. Oh, and like most of the story, Percy is still rising to power. The entire premise of Choke is about Percy becoming an incredibly strong 'Special'. You'll have to wait until the sequel to see an entire fic of him being badass. Percy will become the strongest of all of them, it just is going to take development. I'm hoping I did an ok job on the sparring scene. If not it'll have to be taken out behind the shed and be shot. I enjoyed Nico's take on no shame when discussing sexual stuff with Percy. Again, I apologize for the shortness. Usually Choke is longer than this. Ugh. I just ran out of stuff to cover before the big event the next day. Which will be next chapter :D. Bragi was not pleased with it, I on the other hand loved it. It'll be staying as is, and hopefully you all enjoy the glimpse of Nico's true power. Anyways, I'll see you as normal on Sunday with that chapter. So, let me know what you think of this god awful short chapter. It got too infected by fluff bunny. Meh. Anyways, I'm out.