Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or its characters. All rights go to Rick Riordan. I own only the plot, and a few original characters. If you don't recognize something, it's mine.

Warning: There are mentions of a fist fight in this chapter. Very mild language.

Thankfully, Hades wasn't there when Nico got home. Neither was his stepmother, Persephone. Persephone hated Nico, and he was pleased to say that the feeling was mutual.

Hades had married Persephone soon after Nico's own mother, Maria, and his sister, Bianca, died. Nico had been absolutely furious when Hades had told him he was getting married. To him it was too soon, the pain was still too raw, their deaths too fresh in his memory. He had felt betrayed; instead of grieving with him, his father was marrying another woman, practically a stranger, and was trying to replace his family. His father had made him go to the wedding, had even made Nico bring flowers to give to Persephone during the reception. Nico had given her a bouquet of yellow carnations (which meant 'disdain'), tansy (these were Nico's personal favorite, as they meant 'I declare war on you'), peonies ('anger'), and he had mixed in basil leaves for good measure (they meant 'hate'). Nico had asked the employee at the flower shop to make sure he got the meanings of the flowers right during his research. He had. The employee was, needless to say, very surprised at the message Nico was trying to get across. His hard work hadn't gone to waste- Persephone knew the meaning of that bouquet. Hades, however, did not.

As expected, Persephone hadn't grown any warmer toward Nico. She tolerated him only when Hades was in the room, but Nico didn't know why she bothered. Hades didn't like him either. They showed their strong dislike in different ways. Hades largely ignored Nico. Persephone made sure Nico knew everything he did wrong, how he could have done something better, and how Nico was a huge disappointment in general.

Nico paused in the doorway, deciding if it was worth it to walk all over Persephone's beloved garden and flower beds. He decided it against for the moment. He went inside and started up the giant staircase that led to his room. Just as he put his foot on the first step, he felt someone's nails dig into his upper arm, spinning him around.

Nico was wrong. Apparently Persephone was home.

"Where were you?" She hissed at him.

Nico just looked at her, unfazed. "At school."

"You were supposed to be back a couple hours ago."

"I was with a classmate."

"Doing what, exactly?"

"I don't see how it's your business."

Her hazel eyes narrowed. "I'm your stepmother," she said in a sickly sweet voice. "It's part of my job to-" She swallowed like the words pained her to say. "-be there for...you."

"...I was talking to a classmate."

"For two hours?"

Nico bristled. "Why do you care?"

A sneer overtook her features. "Get in the parlor."

Nico couldn't argue, mainly because she hadn't let go of his arm and was dragging him in. Persephone shoved him in the direction of the couch.

Nico scowled as he sat down. He glared at Persephone openly as she turned around. "What do you want?" he demanded.

"Hades-" Persephone never referred to Hades as Nico's father, as she thought of it as a way to admit that Hades had had another wife and children, "has to leave on a business trip. It'll be just you and me in the house for the next two months-"

"Two months?!" Nico repeated, horrified. Hades had gone on business trips before, but never for that much time. Nico didn't know how he'd survive; being alone with his stepmother for two weeks was near unbearable. Two months? Forget it. At least when his father was around, Persephone wasn't outright cruel to him. When Hades was absent, the mansion was even more of a prison than usual. Nico didn't know how he was going to survive the next two months.

"Yes, two months," Persephone snapped. "Because we're forced to be in the same house, I'm setting ground rules for you. You are to come directly home from school every day, no exceptions. Once you get home, you will go to your room and stay there for the rest of the evening. I'll have dinner sent up to you. Jules-Albert will drive you to and from school. I will not even try to get you out of any trouble you get into; you're on your own. Understood?"

Nico glared at her. He had no intention of following any of those rules. He was his own person; he would do as he pleased. But Persephone was waiting for an answer, so he nodded stiffly.

"Good."

Nico got up and began to walk away. How dare Persephone set curfews for him? She had no right whatsoever. For all he cared, she could jump off a cliff and-

"Oh, and Nico?"

Nico froze in the doorway, back to her. "What?"

"Hades told me about your...heart condition. Let's avoid any episodes and hospital bills, okay?"

Nico didn't bother responding as he left. He was so angry with her, with himself. He, Nico di Angelo, had a heart condition. He had landed himself in the hospital because of it. He had let a girl near control him and make him her boyfriend. His cousins hated him. His sister and mother were dead. His father ignored him, his stepmother treated him like gum on the bottom of her expensive red high heels, and he was in a situation so complicated, he didn't think he'd ever get out of it. He hated feeling so weak, so powerless. Nico had thought that if he numbed himself, bad things wouldn't happen to him; or at least, they wouldn't make him hurt. But he failed at everything. He couldn't even protect himself. Nico couldn't even lie well enough to keep his problems hidden. He was a failure. He didn't know what he had been thinking when he told Will he wanted to go into forensic science, he'd never make it that far-

Will.

Will could be the answer to Nico's problems. He knew (most) of them. He could help him get out of this...mess. Nico didn't know how, but he just might be able to.

That, or Will could be the one to cause his downfall.

Nico had a decision to make. He didn't, on one hand, necessarily trust Solace, but he did have a kind of intuition that he could, like a gut instinct. Nico didn't want to admit he needed help, but he did. He couldn't do this alone anymore. Nico made up his mind. He would do a lot more of those meeting things with Solace, would try to trust him. If Nico did end up trusting him, he would ask for his help. If he didn't...well, one step at a time.

The first thing he had to do was get in touch with Will to set up another da- meeting. Another meeting. Nico mentally berated himself. You don't even know the guy, Nico! Stop thinking those thoughts!

When Nico got to school the next day, he immediately headed over to where Will was.

"Solace," he said, gaining the blonde's attention. Will smiled upon seeing him. Something inside Nico twisted at the sight; in fact, Nico almost smiled back. No one had looked at him and smiled in a very long time.

"Yeah, Nico?"

"I want to meet up with you again. As soon as possible."

If possible, Will's smile brightened. "Of course! Here, let me give you my number. Then we can work out more details." Will grabbed a sticky note from his locker and wrote down his number, turning and handing it to Nico.

"Thanks," Nico muttered, turning and beginning to walk away.

"Hey, Nico!" Nico turned back toward Will.

"Yeah, Sunshine?"

Will smiled softly. "I think you'd do great as a forensic scientist."

Nico, unused to praise, didn't know what to say. "Thanks?" he asked, more than said. Then he walked away.

As he was walking towards his locker, he texted Will.

To: Sunshine

It's Nico.

Nico smiled inwardly at the name. He decided he would allow himself the freedom of calling Will Sunshine, at least when he was alone.

He got a reply quickly.

From: Sunshine

Hey Nico :)

To: Sunshine

When can you meet up?

From: Sunshine

Does today work? Ik it's short notice, but…

To: Sunshine

That's fine. Right after school? I can meet you at your locker.

From: Sunshine

Perfect! See you then XD

Nico rolled his eyes. Even through text, Will's enthusiasm never failed to present itself.

"Hey, di Angelo!"

Nico tensed. Luke Castellan came into view. "What do you want, Castellan?"

Luke feigned a look of concern. "I wanted to see how you were holding up after that fainting episode. I was gonna help you into the cafeteria. Can't have you going to the hospital again, now, can we? Here, let me carry that for you." Luke grabbed Nico's backpack and threw it to one of his cronies, Ethan Nakamura.

Nico grit his teeth, his fists clenching at his sides. "Hand it back, Castellan, Nakamura. Now."

"Or what?" Luke asked mockingly, stepping closer to Nico so he was all up in his face. "You'll faint and let the ambulance rescue you? I don't think that'll work, di Angelo. After all, you haven't gotten into any gang fights lately, have you." It was a statement, not a question.

Nico gave Luke one of his signature death glares. He had the satisfaction of seeing the confidence in Luke's eyes waver briefly, almost unnoticeably. "Hand it over."

"I don't think so. Ethan, empty the bag." By now a crowd of students had gathered around them. Nico was five seconds away from punching the smirk off Luke's face.

Eyes never leaving Luke, Nico said, "Nakamura. Empty the bag, and I'll punch you."

Ethan looked unsure for a moment. His single brown eye flickered between Luke and Nico. Out of the corner of his eye, Nico saw look clench his fist threateningly. Nico inwardly seethed. Castellan was basically blackmailing Nakamura to do what he told him to. Still, Nico's glare seemed to be foreboding enough that it took Ethan a split second longer to decide. Nico watched as all his textbooks and-

Nico froze. His phone. He must have subconsciously shoved his phone into his backpack when Luke called him. Nico- stupidly, in hindsight- didn't have a passcode. Crap.

Luke picked up the phone. Smiling, he looked sideways at Nico. Nico saw him unlock it. He couldn't move. He was frozen in place.

Luke smiled triumphantly. "Oooh, Nico, who's Sun-"

Nico's fist connected with Luke's jaw. Luke dropped the phone, which landed face down on the pile of textbooks. He stumbled backwards, hissing and clutching his jaw.

Nico turned to Ethan, who promptly turned and fled the scene. Good. Now it was just Luke and Nico. He could handle that.

Luke threw a punch at Nico, who ducked. While Luke's defense was down, Nico aimed a fist towards him again. Luke moved out if the way in the nick of time, grabbing onto Nico's arm and using his momentum to throw his against the wall. Nico slammed into someone's locker. Luke stood over him, about to punch his face. Nico rolled out of the way, and he heard the cracking of bones as Luke's hand punched the floor. Luke howled in pain.

While he was distracted, Nico shoved Luke's back, successfully landing him in the same position Nico had been in earlier, only Luke's face was up against the wall this time. Nico was about to punch him again, but stopped. His chest felt tight. His heart was pounding in his chest. He felt lightheaded. Luke managed to take advantage of Nico's hesitation, spinning around and shoving Nico to the floor. It was already hard for Nico to breathe, but when Luke sat across his chest, his knees on Nico's elbows, pinning them to his sides, it was near impossible. His head had connected with the floor hard. Luke started punching him mercilessly, Nico could hardly form a coherent thought through the pain.

Through the haze he heard yelling. Some he vaguely recognized, some he didn't. Luke was pulled off of him roughly.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Percy yelled.

Percy started shoving Luke around, and Jason appeared next to him.

"Nico," he said. "I'm calling an ambulance, okay?"

Nico groaned in response.

A boy with curly brown hair, coffee eyes, and elfish features appeared next to Jason. "I'm Leo," the boy told him calmly. "I saw what happened. You need to go to a hospital." The boy- Leo- turned to Jason. "We need to move him out of here. It's too chaotic. I'll call the ambulance, you carry him."

Jason nodded to Leo and bent to pick Nico up. Before he could, however, a pair of tan arms pushed their way through the crowd. Blue, blue eyes and golden curls entered Nico's line of vision.

"Jason," Will said. "I'll carry him. You force the crowd back." Jason, again, nodded. Will carefully slipped one arm under Nico's knees, and the other behind his back. When he passed out, Will Solace was carrying him bridal style through a crowded hallway of students. His last thought was how Thalia would never let him live this down.

Nico blearily opened his eyes. He was, once more, in a hospital bed. The difference this time was, however, the amount of people staring back at him.

He sat bolt upright, regretting it immediately as white hot pain shot through his head. Strong hands gripped his shoulders, gently but firmly pushing him back down. "Easy there, Nico."

"W-Will?"

"I'm here," Will assured him. "You need to rest. You have a concussion."

"Who else is here?" Nico asked. He looked around the room and saw Percy, Jason, Thalia, and, to his surprise and Leo.

"How's the head, dude?" Leo asked.

"Horrible," Nico groaned.

Percy looked both angry and concerned, somehow. "Why, Nico? Just- why?"

Nico, still groggy and confused, said, "What?"

That just seemed to make Percy angrier. "What do you mean, what? Nico, this is the second time you've landed yourself in the hospital this month. You heard Will! You have a concussion! Your face is all bruised, your lip is busted, you broke your nose, and don't even get me started on your hear-"

"Percy." Will interrupted firmly. "You can yell at him later. Right now he needs to calm down. He's concussed anyway- this isn't gonna stick with him. If anything, it'll make his condition worse."

Percy, still angry with Nico, turned on Will. "What would you know? You're no professional- just a kid who sets his hopes too high- way too high, in my opinion-"

"Perseus Jackson!" Thalia yelled. She glared at him, along with everyone else in the room. Percy froze, horror and shame spreading on his face when he realized what he had said.

Will's expression had changed drastically. He looked completely devoid of all emotion- almost as though it was a natural defense mechanism. It made Nico freak out internally because he knew that look, that defense system. He used it all the time. So often, in fact, that it had become his dominant emotion. That look of apathy and numbness- it had messed up his life. Had messed up him. He couldn't let that happen to someone like Will.

Percy started apologizing profusely. "Will, I'm so, so sorry-"

"No," Will mumbled. "You're entitled to your own opinion. I- I have to go." And Will left the room, that horrible expression still decorating his beautiful features. Features that should never have to wear that look.

Percy put his head in his hands and groaned. "I can't believe I just said that. Please tell me that this is all a nightmare and I didn't say that."

It was quiet.

Then Nico said, "Cos'hai che non va? Non ne meritava niente. E il piu gentile-" What's wrong with you? He didn't deserve any of that. He's the kindest-" Nico cut himself off. Thank goodness I said that in Italian, he thought.

"I need to go apologize to him," Percy murmured. "After I scold Nico." He turned his sea green eyes to his cousin. "Why did you punch Luke? I get that he's a jerk, but did you really need to punch him?"

Nico was about to make a snarky reply, but Leo cut him off. "Oh, Luke totally deserved to be punched. Even if looking through someone's phone wasn't reason enough, all the other stuff he's done is." Turning to look at Nico, he added, "I'm Leo Valdez, by the way. You were pretty out of it when I last introduced myself."

"No, I- I remember. Thank you, Leo."

Leo looked mildly surprised that Nico had thanked him. "No problem, dude. Anytime."

Jason cleared his throat, always the one to get down to business. "How are you, Nico?"

"I'm fine."

"Cut the crap, Nico." Thalia interjected. "You are in a hospital bed, you are most certainly not fine."

Nico wrinkled his nose at her, then stopped because it kind of hurt. "I'll live."

Thalia didn't look satisfied, but she let it slide. "Luke is somewhere downstairs. You really showed him up, based on his condition when I last saw him." She grinned at Nico. "Just thought you'd like to know."

A smirk graced Nico's lips. "Good,"

It was quiet for a moment.

Then Leo spoke. "Well, I better get going. See you around, Nico."

They all said goodbye, and Leo left.

"So," Jason began. "I think the four of us need to talk. Guys, we used to be so close. What happened?"

Nico blinked at him. "Uh, I told you guys to get lost and leave me alone?"

Percy snorted. "That's putting it mildly," he muttered.

Jason ignored him. "Yeah, but since when do we listen to a thing you say?"

"This isn't funny, Jason," Nico growled. He tried to get up, but had to sit back down immediately. The room was spinning.

"Woah, Nico!" Percy rushed over to his bedside, Thalia and Jason hot on his heels. "We can talk about this later. Nico, is there anything you need?"

Nico made a decision. "Yeah. Get Will. You guys can go. He has a car. I'm sure he'll drive me home if I need to go anywhere."

They all looked a little hurt. Then Percy said, "Why Will? Why not one of us?"

Nico looked at him. "You're the one who told me I needed to trust someone in my life. I'm trying to trust him."

Percy wouldn't let it go. "Why do you want to trust him? What do you even really know about him? What does he have that we don't?"

Nico looked him unflinchingly in the eye. "I want to trust him because I think I might be able to. I can't say that about everyone. You're both right and wrong; I do know some things about him. He wants to become a doctor. He has brothers and sisters. His father is a doctor. He's a kind person. I'm going to continue learning things about him. I didn't say I already trusted him after all; I just said I wanted to. As for what he has that you guys don't- he isn't pushing me. He's letting me take things at my own pace. He's helping me through...this."

Percy looked like he was about to protest further, but jason interrupted him. "Let's go, Percy. Nico can trust whoever he wants. It's his choice."

"Thank you," Nico whispered to Jason. Jason gave him a tight smile, and ushered the others out the door. A few minutes later Will walked in.

"You wanted to see me?" Will asked, looking a little surprised. The numb expression was still there, but it wasn't as prominent.

"Yeah," Nico said. "We agreed we would meet up today, before I messed everything up. I'd like to do it here, if you're still up for it."

Will's eyes softened. "You didn't mess anything up. It was high time Luke got what he deserved. And, of course I'm still up for it." Will smiled. Nico's shoulders sagged a little in relief when the expression faded completely from his face. "Ask away."

Nico thought for a minute. "Have you always lived in New York?"

"Well, like I said, I was born in California. I lived there with my dad-" Nico noticed his nose wrinkled slightly "-for about two years, before he got...restless. We started moving all over the place, not really settling anywhere. That's when my siblings were born- that time period, I mean. All of us ended up under my dad's care. Kayla's mom's family didn't want her to have a bastard child. Austin's mom died. So did Monica's. Justin's mom was an alcoholic. Kyra's mom couldn't support her. My mom, as I mentioned, didn't want the responsibility of taking care of a child. All of our moms were really young. Dad was known to be a charmer and a major flirt. He'd hit on just about anyone. He's bisexual. This was all before he became a doctor, by the way. He's...changed. But, yeah. We've only lived in New York for...five years? I think that's right."

Nico was surprised. The more time he spent with Will, the more he realised Will's life wasn't as average and carefree as he'd thought. It was intriguing.

"What made you want to become a doctor?"

Strangely, Will's expression glazed over just slightly. Something in his eyes made him seem like he was hesitant to share this information. Nico was about to backpedal when Will spoke.

"I...I want to help people. I want to help keep families together. Next question?"

The brief response was...unexpected. Nico didn't know why he'd feel uncomfortable about answering that question, but he wouldn't push Will. Not when he wasn't pushing Nico.

Nico decided to push the conversation in a completely different direction. "Pet peeve?"

"Ooooh, good question. Close-minded people. Or people who just don't know what they're talking about. Especially when it comes to important topics, like politics, the environment, and the LGBTQ+ community." Nico's heart sped up. "Whether you're arguing for or against something, please be able to back up your argument with facts. It just makes that person look stupid anyway."

Nico swallowed before asking his next question. "And, um, how...do you feel about...the LGBTQ+ community?"

"As in, do I think it's unnatural to be anything other than straight and cisgender?"

Nico nodded numbly.

"No! I mean, I'm not against the LGBTQ+ community. The spice of life, am I right?" Will paused. "Sorry, that was kind of confusing. I have nothing against anyone queer. Nico, I'm gay."

Nico blinked. What?

"Nico, is...is that a problem?"

Nico's head jerked up, eyes widening. "What? No! No, of course not."

Will looked immensely relieved. "Okay, good."

"Has...has it ever not been okay when you told someone?"

Will studied his hands. "I'm pretty open about it, so, yeah, a couple times. But that's to be expected."

"You're brave."

Nico hadn't meant to say it, but those words were true. He tensed a little, wondering how Will would react.

One corner of Will's mouth lifted in a small smile. " Not really, but thanks."

Nico suddenly got a little angry. "What do you mean 'not really'? Will, just coming out to one person takes a lot of courage. Being open about it? That's incredibly brave."

Will looked at him, slightly confused. "You sound like you're speaking from experience."

"I'm not. That's just my opinion on the matter." It technically wasn't a lie. He hadn't told anyone, probably wouldn't tell anyone. But he still knew how much courage it would take. Immeasurable courage. And Will was open about it. He didn't care who knew. Nico couldn't fathom telling someone he was...was gay, let alone letting the whole world know and not caring what they thought. Brave.

Will's smile was warm, but it also contained just a touch of sadness, but Nico couldn't fathom why. "I'm glad you're so accepting of me, Nico. Thank you."

"Of course." Then, quieter, he said, "You shouldn't have to say that. You shouldn't have be glad that people accept you for who you love. You shouldn't have to thank me for not yelling obscenities at you, for not shunning you, for-"

"Nico."

Nico looked at Will.

"I know. I shouldn't have to. But I do, and it means a lot to me. So thank you."

Nico stayed silent.

Will spoke. "You need to rest, and I need to go home soon. Do you need a ride? I can ask my question on the way to my car."

"Yeah, thanks."

"No problem." Will helped Nico through the hospital (Nico having already been checked out), and soon they were in the parking garage. Once they were at Will's truck, Nico spoke again.

"Before you ask your question, I have one more."

Will smiled that beautiful smile of his. "Shoot."

"How did you...come out? I'm sorry if that's too personal; you don't have to answer it-"

"No, no, it's fine. Coming out for me wasn't as hard as it is for some people. My dad is bisexual, so he was totally fine with it. I was twelve, I think? I think I said, 'Dad? I'm gay,' and he said, 'That's cool, Will.' Nothing else was really said about it."

Nico wasn't satisfied. "But at school? How did that go?"

"Oh, normal stuff. In the beginning I got bullied a lot, but it turns out it's easy to learn how to throw a punch when you need to. People backed off pretty quickly once they realised I could hit them back. Now I'll receive the occasional slur, but I'm pretty good at shrugging those off. Their words don't define me, ya'know?"

"Yeah, I guess," Nico whispered. Will got in the driver's seat. He turned the key in the ignition and started backing out. Millions of thoughts were echoing in Nico's head, but one phrase Will had said kept resurfacing: Their words don't define me, ya'know?

No, he didn't know. How could Will be so sure of himself. He had said that he had had to learn to defend himself in a fight just because he had admitted to being gay. Nico hated the way his thoughts arranged that sentence, as if it was a crime. But Will hadn't even said he was advertising it; he had just said he didn't deny it, that he let a rumor be known as the truth.

"Can I ask my question now?"

Nico was jolted back to the present. "Yes,"

"What's your favorite type of music? Genre or band."

Nico thought about it for a while. "Honestly? I really like classical jazz. You don't need words to tell the story. I know everyone expects me to like punk rock or heavy metal or something, but I-"

"No, no," Will was looking at the road, but he was smiling wide. "Now that you've said it, I can picture it.

Nico was surprised. "Really? You- you're not shocked or anything?"

Will's smile turned a little confused. "No?"

Nico sat back in the passenger seat and looked out the window. After a moment, he spoke. "What kind of music do you like?"

"Hmmm. That's a hard question. A lot of my siblings and my dad all possess some type of musical ability, and they all like different genres. I myself have no musical talent at all, but I'd have to say my favorite genre is alternative rock. I like all genres- and I mean all genres- but alternative rock is probably my favorite."

The rest of the ride was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by Nico occasionally giving Will directions. Soon they arrived at Nico's house.

Will let out a low whistle. "Dang, this place is huge."

"Yeah," Nico responded glumly. "It is."

Will tilted his head slightly, still looking at the mansion in front of him. "It's too big," Will seemed to decide. "Too big, too cold, and too lonely. Am I right?"

Nico blinked in mild surprise. "I'd say so."

"Then there's only one solution!" Will turned to Nico again, a small smirk beginning to grace his lips. "We have to hang more! Can't have you spending all your free time cooped up in a place so lonely, now, can we?"

The corner of Nico's mouth started to curve upward into a small, lopsided smile. "No, we can't,"

"I'm glad you agree. I'll text you tonight, okay? Until then, you're to rest. Doctor's orders."

"Oh, you're my doctor now, are you?"

"Well, someone has to make sure you don't drop dead. Now, go. Rest."

Still smiling, Nico got out of Will's car. Before he closed the door, he turned to Will and said, "Hey, Will? Thanks for everything."

Will's smile stayed with Nico the rest of the day, and well into the night. "My pleasure, Nico."

A/N: Leo will make a reappearance. The other Seven will come into play, too. I'd like to clarify that Will does not know that Nico is gay, nor does he suspect it. He only finds Nico's strong reaction unusual. Leave a review if there are any questions you want Nico to ask Will, or vice versa. Thanks for reading!