A/N: Hello there everyone! I hope all of you are having a great day. Happy late Valentine's Day! I hope you all were having a great time with all your loved ones! Or maybe you're like me. The kind of person who lies on the ground with a box of chocolates while watching anime and sits there screaming, "I'm sad and I'm lonely!" Lol! Just kidding. I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day, where ever you are. I just wanted to say thank you all so much for reading and commenting! It means a lot to me! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D (Multiple smileys make the world happy)Even though it's late, in honor of this lovey dovey holiday I wanted to make this chapter kind of cute and sweet. So, here you go!
Drowning In You
Chapter 6: Dates In The Dark
Nico shifted as Luke's fingers glided down over his leg from his outer thigh, now moving to the inside of his leg towards a dangerous area. Nico just sat there frozen in place. He wasn't sure how to react to this situation. After everything Luke had done to him; the beating, the kiss, the attempt of rape. It wasn't something Nico liked to think about, but he was willing to give Luke another chance. He should have known better than to trust the bastard again. There was no doubt that he couldn't be trusted, but Nico wanted to be nice and try again. He was going to suffer for it- Nico already knew that. He couldn't believe that this was happening, not again. Was Luke truly going to try to do this to him again? Was it possible!? Nico winched as Luke tore his fingernail roughly into the skin on his inner thigh, leaving small, red trails across the pale flesh. Nico couldn't say that he liked Luke. He wanted to be friends with him, but he didn't like him. There was still that choking fear that constricted his throat whenever he saw Luke, but he didn't expect the boy to try and do anything to him once more. It just wasn't a logical decision. Even with all pain and hatred that Nico felt for the boy he couldn't deny the pleasure of just having someone trail their fingers along his thighs. It felt nice in away, but the moment he applied pressure it was awful. Unbearable. A light whimper was pulled from Nico's lips as he back up against the edge of the hot tub, trying his best to get away from the hands that were trailing over his skin, touching him. He didn't like this. He didn't want this! Luke, who was staring at his own hand as it created trails along Nico's thighs, looked up quietly, listening to the boy's pain and watching his reaction to the touch. Luke couldn't deny that he hated the way Nico was reacting. The boy's face was scrunched up in an uncomfortable expression, hands kneading into the fabric of his black swimming trunks, tearing at them tensely. Luke sighed unhappily as he retracted his hand form the inside of Nico's thigh. There was a moment of silence as Nico leaned over the side of the hot tub, not daring to face Luke.
"I'm sorry….," Luke trailed off weakly. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, "I didn't mean…..I'm sorry alright."
Nico leaned over the side of the hot tub, not responding to the other boy's words. He felt used and a little frightened. Even that one, single acting brought upon an inundation of memories and pain. It was harsh, feeling all those emotions that were brought upon him not to long ago. Feeling so defenseless. He hated it when people made him feel defenseless. He absolutely hated it! So many emotions ran through him at the moment; pain, anger, sadness, fright, betrayal. The way Luke treated him before, when they were inside- he acted as though he wanted to get to know Nico, not try to rape him again. Turning around slowly Nico gazed at Luke with wide, tear dotted eyes. He had cried in front of Luke before and he didn't want to do it again, but whenever he got completely upset he couldn't control his emotions. Everything was being smashed down upon him at once. Luke was one of the first people to ever bully Nico. He was the first one who ever tried to hurt him, who ever tried to touch him in that way for a selfish purpose. He was the first person who got their ass kicked on Nico's behalf. He was the first person to ever try to make up something so awful to him. Luke was the person who Nico wanted to be friends with, but didn't believe he could. It was the worst thing that had ever happened to him- to want to be friends and care about someone who he knew he could never trust. There was a moment of silence before Luke gradually moved his arm up to Nico's shoulder, rubbing against his arm in soft, circular motion.
Nico couldn't believe that the boy was actually trying to do that again. Before Luke could voice his reasoning Nico pushed his arm away, forcing the boy to move away from him. There wasn't a moment of hesitation before Nico rolled around, jumping over the edge of the hot tub. Water lapped over the side of the tub as Nico dashed across the porch, wet feet slapping against the hard wooden porch. Nico grabbed the handle to the glass sliding door before pulling on it harshly. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion as Luke jumped out of the hot tub as well, stalking towards Nico as he slammed into the boy, hastily wrapping his arms around the smaller boy's waist and pulling him back away from the door. Nico lashed out, pushing against Luke as he struggled to get out of the boy's grasp. In Nico's tussle he pushed Luke back causing the boy to slip against the soaked, waterlogged porch before tumbling to the ground. In a flurry Luke grabbed Nico's arm, accidentally taking the boy down with him. There was a slight cry as Nico fell down on top of Luke.
"Nico, get up!" Luke called as the boy pushed himself up against the other boy's chest. It was an awkward position, but Nico couldn't get up any other way. Still taking his time Nico realized his arms and legs were shaking as he tried to stand up.
Luke glanced around Nico gazing up into the house. There was a strangled cry from behind the two of them. Nico jerked his head, still not seeing what Luke was staring at before someone grabbed his arm gently and tried to help him up.
"Nico! Luke! What happened?! Are you two alright?!" Annabeth sounded shocked and slightly concerned. She dragged Nico up by his arm, attempting to get the two apart. She should have known not to leave the two by themselves. He knew that Luke and Nico had a rocky past, but she didn't think they would get in a fight or anything. She had a hunch that that was what happened.
"I-I didn't…..I'm alright." Nico stumbled across his words, still trying to get a leash on his own emotions. Slinking back behind Annabeth, Nico tried to use the girl for protection. He knew that Luke couldn't touch him if Annabeth was around.
Luke stood up shakily, water dripping down his body and face, "Annabeth, listen, it's not what you think. We weren't fighting or anything, but I really need to talk to him. Alone. This is between me and him and it's just something that we need to discuss. Don't jump to conclusions though. It's not like you think. Just trust me."
"Nico, do you mind being alone with him? I know something happened between you two before and I don't want you to get hurt again." Annabeth turned towards him, waiting for a response. It took a moment for him to respond. Nico shifted awkwardly as he felt Luke and Annabeth's eyes boarding through him. With a loud, shaky sigh Nico shook his head "no".
Annabeth just gawked down at him, eyes wide, before whirling around to stare at Luke. "What the hell happened between you two? Why the hell is he so scared? What did you do?!" Annabeth accused. Luke sighed lightly. He looked down at Nico quickly, eyes pleading.
"Nico, please. Let's just talk about this. I know you probably hate me right now, but please just…Let's go inside and talk." Luke begged. Nico shifted uncomfortable before just staring at him with wide eyes. He didn't know what to do any more. Maybe he should have let the boy talk; maybe he should listen to Luke. Finally, Nico nodded slowly.
Luke nodded back acceptingly, "Alright, Annabeth, do you mind going inside or staying out here while I talk to him?"
Annabeth crossed her arms over her own chest and huffed, "Okay, I guess. I'll stay out here while you to go inside and talk. Is that alright?"
"Sure. Nico come on. Please, I really want to talk to you." Luke stepped around Annabeth and Nico before crossing through the door. He then motioned for the boy to follow him, waiting to see if he actually wanted to do this. Nico sluggishly stepped forward, slight fearful to follow Luke. What if he tried to touch him again? What if the boy attacked him or something?
Following Luke inside, Nico allowed the boy to maneuver him through the house until he stopped at the end of a hallway, leading Nico into living room. Nico didn't say a word as Luke sat down on the couch, patting the seat beside him as a sign for Nico to come sit beside him. There was a moment of silence, the only sound being Nico's erratic heartbeat, as he pondered what could happen if he sat by Luke. Nico crossed the room and, instead of sitting down beside Luke, he sat on the other side of the couch, putting as much distance between them as he could.
"Listen to me, Nico. I'm so, so sorry for that. I know that was probably tuff for you and I know that freaked you out quite a bit. I didn't mean to do that. I just….I don't really know what I was doing. I just….like you. A lot. I know I said that before when you were first with Percy, but now I…..Sometimes I still feel the softness of your skin on mine. I still remember the warm breath brushing against my cheek. There some things about you that bring on more emotions than I can count. Just thinking about all of that makes my stomach flutter and…I can't explain it. I know you probably hate me for what I did before and what I did just a moment ago. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm really, truly sorry!" Luke pleaded to the boy.
Nico eyes casted downwards as he refused to look Luke in the face. He felt his heart pinch, knowing what Luke did to him in the past. How could the boy sudden determine that he was in love with Nico? Was that even possible? It wasn't very logical and left a lot of questions unanswered. Nico wasn't going to question it. He wasn't going to ask Luke to explain it. All he wanted to do was get out of there. He didn't want to spend another moment next to the boy, listening to his confessions.
"I…I guess I could forgive you. I don't understand why you like me or why you want to be with me. I don't know what's going through your head right now, but I do want to be friends with you. I do like you, but not in that way that you are thinking. There's nothing more between us then a barely existing friendship. I'll give you one more chance Luke. One more chance. If you blow it again and try anything on me again I swear to god that I will kick your ass! If that happens this friendship is over and I never want to talk to you again." Nico rung his hand wearily as he watched Luke's lips draw into a hard line.
"Alright." The other boy muttered as he traced his fingers across the couch, "I promise I wouldn't bother you again. I'm kind of with Annabeth anyways so… I do like you, but…." Nico smiled slightly to himself as Luke began to stumble over his words, the conversation coming to a halt for a moment.
"I have one request though." Luke's eyes jerked upwards at Nico's words, "Don't break Annabeth's heart. Don't you dare! She has already been hurt by me before, although I never intended to hurt her. I don't want that to happen again."
Luke nodded quickly before averting his eyes away from the smaller boy, leisurely lacing his fingers in a thread hanging off the couch. Nico nodded back for reassurance before standing up, "I guess I better go change clothes. I need to get home soon anyways."
Once again Luke just turned his head the other way, not saying a word. Nico shrugged his shoulders causally, not sure what had just happened. One minute Luke and he were discussing things and now suddenly he was acting as though there was a brick wall between them. It was strange- the sudden silence, but as Nico slinked back down the hallway towards the bathroom he felt a slight pang of guilt.
Nico changed his clothes quickly, allowing the soft fabric of his black t-shirt to stick tightly to his chest. He wasn't completely dry, but he was well enough. He didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, Luke nor Annabeth's, but he couldn't stay there any longer. It was a bad situation; not wanting to leave, yet not wanting to stay. There was that slight fear peeking through his calm façade- fear of what Luke could do. He did like Luke, but this was just a little too much.
Nico pulled the door open slowly, glancing nervously down the hallway. He caught a glimpse of Annabeth and Luke sitting down the hall, in the living room still clad in bathing suits and swimming trunks. Nico could see Annabeth's lips moving furiously as though the words were flying out of her mouth a mile a minute. Luke's head was bent low, eyes not staring directly at the hot headed girl. There was a moment of silence as Nico took a deep breath, hiding behind the wooden bathroom door as though it was a defense shield. He knew the two were talking about him. He knew that Annabeth was pressuring the boy to tell about what happened. It was strange. Nico had finally gotten use to the silence- no one talking about him behind his back. Now he felt as though the entire thing was firing back up again, Annabeth and Luke both were feeding the flames. Taking another deep breath Nico pressed his fingers against his hammering heart, trying to calm the erratic beat. His heart was vibrating like a kick drum. Taking hold of the cold door knob Nico turned it and stepped out of the small bathroom, bare feet padding on the cream, tile floor. Luke and Annabeth both averted their eyes in Nico's direction. Annabeth stared harshly forward, smoky eyes flashing with a hard glint, like a storm was brewing in her mind. Luke, on the other hand, looked at Nico with a curving smile, eyes shining with that adoring sparkle that Nico had never seen in Luke before. It was even stranger; know that that look was meant for him.
"Well," Nico said softly stepping into the living room. He slowly bent down beside the couch, sitting down in the process, picking up his tennis shoes gently as though they were made of glass, "I guess I better be going."
Annabeth nodded silently, but Luke got up from his place in an arm chair across the room, moving towards Nico. He sit down slowly beside Nico, testing the space between them gently. Before the other boy had a chance to reply a heavy arm tenderly wrapped around his shoulders, slightly cradling Nico to his chest.
"I'm sorry about what happened. I'm so sorry." Luke muttered into the side of the boy's neck. Nico sat there silently, pondering how he should react to the situation. It took a moment, but his words finally burst from his lips.
"It's alright." Nico voice cracked towards the end of that short sentence. He took a deep breath, not trusting his own voice anymore.
Annabeth, who had been standing back the whole time, cringed slightly at the display of affection. Nico had already stolen Percy from her. Could he be trying it again with Luke? Annabeth wasn't comfortable with the situation. She didn't like that fact that Nico was getting so close to Luke. Shouldn't Luke be like that with her, not Nico? Swallowing the questions she had (and slight jealously) Annabeth walked towards Nico, putting on her best smile.
"I'm glad we got to hang out today, Nico. I hope we can become friends. I really like you." Annabeth tilted her head slightly as she stared at Luke and the other boy. She didn't know how to react as Nico frowned slightly before once again putting on a huge smile.
"Sure. We should hang out again," Nico replied unsurely. Slowly he stood up from the couch, crossing the room towards the front door. "See you later." Nico gave a slight wave before ducking through the door and trotting down the porch steps. He wasn't sure if he would actually hang out with Luke and Annabeth again. He didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but he was also afraid of what Luke would do. As he pondered this thought the front door once again opened. Nico swiveled around to see Luke bounding down the steps towards him.
"What is it?" Nico asked curiously as the boy approached him.
"Well, I just want to say I'm sorry, once again," Luke said with a sheepish smile, "I thought I might need to apologize one more time. I also wanted to do this."
Nico didn't have to time to react as Luke leaned forward swiftly, pressing a tender kiss to the boy's cheek. Luke automatically turned around and ran after pulling away. Nico didn't even have time to say a word to the boy. Reaching up leisurely Nico trailed his fingers across his cheek, touching the area where Luke had kissed softly.
"Bye." Nico whispered quietly to no one as he turned around to leave, heat rising on his face.
Percy lay on his bed, looking up at the ceiling in a hazy form of sleep. He was still slight conscious, looking at the world through barely comprehending eyes. He didn't know why he was so tired. Maybe it was the fact that he had stayed up all the night before or maybe it was because his mind was so flooded with thoughts of what was to come over the weekend. He knew Nico would also be anticipating the weekend. Or at least he hoped the boy was, instead of thinking about…..Leo. He cringed weakly at that name, even if he was thinking it. It was an awful name that left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Softly he sat up on the bed, moving his body weakly, hoping to slowly allow the haziness dissipate. He shook his head contently, still thinking about all that could happen over the weekend. He didn't really know why he wanted to get up. It was like one of those moments when you get up and walk around aimlessly only to go back to what you were doing before. There weren't any particular tasks he had in mind to do for the day. For a moment Percy's eyes glanced down beside him as he sat up, focusing on his phone. A thought flashed through his mind suddenly; didn't Grover tell him he could come over if he wanted to. Nodding slightly to himself Percy determined the best course of actions. Standing up, ruffling his hair briskly, he bent over and grabbed his shoes. He shoved the old tennis shoes on his sock covered feet before striding across the room and out the door. He wished Nico was still around. He was never bored when he had his little lover. There was always a torrent of never ending loving moments when ever Nico was around him. He loved the boy; he loved being around him, he loved being with him, he loved talking to him, sharing emotions, secrets. Everything that Nico did and was made Percy feel like he was flying.
Opening up his phone Percy sent a quick text message to Grover, alerting the boy that he was coming over later. Stumbling out of his room Percy moved towards the living room. His mom was sitting on the couch, Percy's step father Paul sitting beside her. They both glanced up at him as he started passed him. Their eyes followed him curiously as he started to open the front door.
"Percy, are you forgetting something?" Paul called over from the couch. Percy turned around quickly, observing his step-father as the man watched the curiosity spread through his face.
"Oh, yeah," Percy muttered to himself. He turned around quickly before stalking towards the coffee table. Grappling a pair of car keys from the table Percy smiled at Sally and Paul. "Forgot my keys."
"Percy," Sally said quietly, shaking her head with a small smile, "I think Paul meant he wants to know where you're going."
"Oh," Percy's mouth "o" as he realized what his mother meant. Biting his lower lip, Percy laughed slightly, noting his own naivety. "I'm just going to go over to Grover's for a while. You know, see what he's up to."
Paul and Sally exchanged glances before nodding together. "Alright." Sally muttered, "Just don't come home to late."
Percy nodded over to his mother before dashing through the front door and out to his car.
"Grover! You home!" Percy called up the stairs. At that moment he was actually considerably curious about where his friend had disappeared to. It wasn't like Grover to just leave the front door to his house open. Grover's parents were hardly ever home so there was no else in the house to leave the door open. Tromping up the stair, deliberately slamming his feet harshly and the hard wooden steps, Percy went out on the hunt for his friend.
Stalking down the hallways Percy began tearing doors open; first the bathroom, then the door to Grover's parents' bedroom, then the hall closet. Finally Percy started towards the door to Grover's room. If the boy hadn't heard him by now he was pure deaf. Despite the annoyance it had caused him, Percy was glad that Grover was showing no sign of knowing he was there. Ripping the door open a crack Percy glanced into the darkened bedroom. He wasn't sure why the lights were out, but he was going to play it to his advantage. He loved scaring his friend. Opening the door a inch more Percy crept inside, hands groping upwards to the light switch. He imagined the look on Grover's face when the lights flickered on and Percy gave a blood curdling scream. It would be absolutely priceless!
1…2….3…, Percy counted silently inside his own head. Leaping forward into the room Percy pressed the light switch on. He opened his mouth to scream, but instead no sound came from his lips. Staring forward in shock, heat seep into Percy's cheeks. He didn't realize he would be interrupting anything.
Grover sat there on his bed, Thalia pushed back against the head board as the boy kissed her harshly on the mouth. Percy didn't know what was more awkward; the fact that he had interrupted the two making out or the fact that you could obviously tell it was a French kiss. Grover, know realizing his friend was in the room, jerked back away from Thalia as though he had just been struck by lightning.
"Percy?! What the hell are you doing here?!" Grover yelled as he glared forward at his friend. Thalia gazed at the boy as well, more dazed than angry. Percy had his hands covering his eyes as he stumbled further into the room, tripping over Grover's discarded shoes and almost falling.
"Are you two done? Can I look now?" Percy whimpered helplessly. There was a slight yes from Thalia as Percy tore his hands away from his face, "I-I'm sorry to barge in like that. I didn't know."
Thalia couldn't help, but smile at Percy's sheepish attitude as he shifted his gaze on the floor, looking defenseless and awkward. "It's alright. You didn't mean to. Well, I hope you didn't."
Percy laughed nervously at that comment. Normally Thalia was more harsh and forward, but something had her in a good mood. Percy was so thankful for that, "So, are you two…dating?"
Grover couldn't help himself as he smacked his hand against his face, "God damn it, Percy. You walk in on us kissing and you just ask that anyways. Of course we're dating! We were actually on a date right then, but you fucking ruined that." Grover huffed to himself. Percy looked around more awkwardly.
"A date in the dark…." He trailed off. There was an awkward silence between the three of them as they all sat there.
"So," Thalia said awkwardly, shifting on the bed, "What did you get Nico?"
"Get Nico? What do you mean?" Percy shrugged his shoulders weakly, laughing slightly. Thalia and Grover both cocked their heads to the side. Grover's mouth was open slightly and he shook his head.
"God damn it, Percy. You forgot." Grover sighed lightly to himself. He didn't know what else to say. Percy gazed at them both, eyes widening. He was afraid to know what they were talking about. He hated to believe that he forgot something special.
Thalia placed her fingers against her own forehead, a headache washing over her as she realized Percy had completely forgot. She didn't want to see Nico get hurt and this probably hit him hard. Unless he forgot as well, "Percy, you realize yesterday was Valentine's day, right?"
Percy's heart went cold. "Yesterday was what?!"