Drowning In You
Chapter 11: Fixing These Broken Stars

A/N: Hey there everyone! So happy to be back and writing more fan fictions! I know it's been a while since my last update and I am very, very sorry for that. I've been spending so much time with my grandmother who has been in and out of the hospital for the last month and I haven't been able to write much. I thank god that she is now out of the hospital and back home! Anyways, I hope you all understand why I've been taking so long with this chapter. Once again I am so, so, so sorry and I hope you enjoy this new chapter, even though it took absolutely forever for me to finish it. Thank you so much for reading and please leave a comment or favorite once your done. Every view and comment on this story means so much to me and I appreciate it greatly. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Have a great day! :D

Nico didn't pay attention to anything Luke was saying and the other boy knew it. The two were now sitting in Nico's bedroom; Luke's muddy socks slumped down against the door, clumps of dried dirt caking the cloth. Nico was staring off into space, eyes locked on the mud soaked footwear, blocking out every word that poured from Luke's mouth. He truly didn't want to be lectured and whatever Luke said didn't matter anyways. He heard Percy's name multiply times among the mix, but that just made Nico even more hesitant to listen. The whole point of him talking to Luke was so he wouldn't have to think about Percy anymore. Nico would admit it- he was definitely to blame for most of it, but Percy need to calm his ass down as well. So what if he was friends with other people? So what if Leo liked him? It didn't really matter. Leo and Nico had been friends for years and just because he loved Nico didn't mean that Nico loved him. Holding his hands out in front of him, twisting his fingers around the hem of his shirt, Nico cursed weakly under his breath. Luke, who had heard the boy's anger, looked at him for a moment in concerned, before going back to his speech. Upon the other boy's sudden break in lecture, Nico perked up, finally toning in to what the boy was actually saying. Watching Luke pace around his bedroom, speaking so freely while wringing his hands, Nico allowed a small smirk to appear on his lips, although it quickly faded as the reality hit him once more. His life was still shit- no matter how funny things (or people) could be at times. Shaking his head, Nico once more cursed.

"I think you two just need to sit down with each other and talk everything o…" Luke chattered on, oblivious to the scowled that was coming from Nico.

"Luke!" Nico cried bluntly, entwining his fingers in his hair with anger, "What I need is for you to stop trying to be a love expert and shut up for a while. I thought you and me could talk and have fun and forget about all our problems, but fuck that apparently. I don't want to talk about Percy. I just want to forget about it all for a while, please!"

Luke's face faltered instantly, a scowl over taking him. Defensively he placed his hands on his chest, shaking his head vigorously as though he was offended. After a moment, Luke lowered his arms and his face went entirely blank, noticing the way that Nico hung his head in despair. It was a moment of realization- Nico was broken beyond any repair. Flopping down onto the bed beside Nico, Luke lay flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling.

"Nico…..I'm sorry alright. I know I've been a real bitch in the past, but I want you to be happy now. I can tell you care about Percy. A lot. But did you ever think that it just won't work." Luke muttered the last words weakly, wanting Nico to hear him, but still being unsure if the words were wise to say.

Nico jumped up from the bed as though he had been slapped. He stared at Luke before cursing loudly, "Luke, just shut the fuck about Percy! I told you I didn't want to talk about it!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Nico watched Luke hold up his hands as though he was defeated, "I just thought….Never mind."

Nico
sighed lightly before running his fingers through his hair, "It's alright I guess. I'm still a little hurt by how Percy has been acting lately. I'm sorry that I've been an asshole."

"I know how you feel." Luke nodded towards the boy, "So let's just stop talking about all of this. I actually have something to ask you."

"Really?" Nico questioned before coming to sit by Luke once more. He looked down at the boy before leaning his elbow on Luke's stomach. A whine came from Luke's lips as he pushed Nico away quickly before laughing slightly despite the pain in his chest and stomach from the way Nico had lay on him.

"Yeah, I was just wondering…" There was a pause as Luke sat straight up on the bed. He leaned forward, placing his legs in Nico's lap before reaching forward and twisting a lock of dark hair around his finger, toying with the other boy's soft hair, "You see, me and Annabeth were going to go to the beach later this week and I want you to come with us. Would you like to go? It would be so much better if you were there. The more the merrier."

A light, deep laugh coasted from Luke's lips breezily as he stared at Nico. Nico stared back, not know how to respond. He wasn't sure he could stand being close to Annabeth, even if Luke was there.

"Could I bring a few other friends? I know Thalia likes the beach…" Nico tilted his head to right questioningly.

"I don't mind. I know Annabeth won't care. Soooo…sure. It's no trouble." Despite his cheerful demeanor, Nico felt Luke's words were filled with hollow approval. It just sounded too forced and strained. With a deep blush on his cheeks Nico cringed, realizing he had spoiled the whole idea.

"I don't have to take anyone to tell you the truth. I could just…"

"Nico! Really. Don't worry about any of that. I truly don't mind." Luke ran a tender hand up Nico's lower back, traveling up to his shoulders before rubbing the skin softly. Nico stiffened, muscles going tense under the pale hands of the other boy. It was strange- having someone other than Percy holding him and cascading him like such. Luke was just so touchy and Nico wasn't sure whether or not he liked it. There had been too many things happening too fast. Nico didn't need Luke, he didn't need Leo, and he didn't need Percy! He would rather be alone than feel anything. Nico was snapped back to the present as Luke's warm lips ghosted over his ear, barely brushing the skin as he spoke, "So, who do you want to bring with you? Hmmm?"

Wrenching out of Luke's grasp, making sure the boy couldn't touch him anymore, Nico stared at him with a small smile. Although the other was now under close surveillance Nico did not take Luke's legs off his lap or push him away. Instead he just held on to the boy as he started to speak, "Well…..I just wanted to bring my friend Thalia or Grover or maybe….Leo."

Nico's own body stiffened as he said the word. He knew it wasn't right. He shouldn't even think about inviting Leo, but after everything had happened, Nico still loved Leo- not in a romantic way, but as an amazing friend. It wasn't really fair that he would have to give up someone who he had known for years. Who cares if Leo loved him? Why would it matter? They didn't have to do anything, no matter how much Leo liked him.

"Leo? Isn't that the boy who was with you at the café?" Luke questioned awkwardly. Nico could see the discomfort on the other's face as he squinted his eyes and grimaced.

"Yeah that's him... I know that might be a little strange, but he's one of my best friends and he has been since I was little."

"Oh...Oh! I didn't mean anything by that. I know you probably care about him a lot, but I just thought it would be hard for you two to be around each other after what happened. He's the one Percy didn't want you to be around, right?"

Standing up quickly Nico shook his head, not bothering to answer. It didn't matter. Percy was gone and Nico would never take him back. So, it didn't matter whether or not Nico was around Leo. Soon, Leo wouldn't be a problem anyways. He'd have a beach going, sun kissed boy before long- or, now that Nico thought about it, someone who looked exactly like Luke. Tall, handsome, blond sandy hair, tan skin, and blue eyes- The trip to the beach was definitely going to be one to remember. It was worth the wait.

Grover felt cold all over as he trudged through the thick, tangling grass, tromping through the woods with the cutting gaze of an assassin- looking for his next victim. Dressed in a gray button up t-shirt and jeans the bitter night time chill flooded through him, even though the temperature had been pretty fair earlier in the day. Drawing his arms around his chest the boy moved stiffly, still contemplating if he wanted t to see the train wreck that was waiting for him. Although his mind and heart alike were telling him to run and run fast his better judgment was fighting against him with full force. This was something he had to do- no matter how tough it was going to be. He stopped short as he nearly rammed into the thick oak tree above him. Looming from one of the higher, sturdier branches as a tree house, just big enough to hold anywhere from five to three ten year olds (which was the most people Grover could remember having in their fort at once). Grabbing hold of the weathered, frayed rope ladder Grover took a deep swallow and forced himself to climb. All he could think was, that boy really did it this time. He lost Nico and lost his mind trying to him back. Standing up straight now that he was on the top ledge, thoroughly surprised that the ladder didn't snap with him, Grover turned to towards the thin, sheet covering the tree house's entrance.

There was a light rapping noise as Grover knocked on the rim of the tree house door, his form silhouetted through the thin sheet that was pinned to the hard wooden frame. Percy perked up slight as his friend tapped once more.

"Come…in?" He was surprised to see the other boy and even more surprised the Grover was knocking on his tree house door. Scooting over to the side to make room, Percy picked at the splintered wood of the wall.

Poking his head through the sheet, Grover smiled grim at Percy, knowing that all hell was going to break loose when the boy began talking about Nico. The forced smile brought upon a sliver for comfort, however, being closely followed by the faint scent of nighttime and cologne.

"I miss this place."

Percy squinted through the darkness as Grover squeezed through the doorway. He pushed Percy harshly, circling the compacted treehouse a few times before plopping down on the dusty wooden floor and crossing his legs. An awkward silence filled the tree house as Percy stared at Grover. Grover, noticing the awkwardness between the two of them, shot a Hollywood promoting smile in Percy's direction. Percy laughed although it was a hollow sound. There was another awkward silence and a shuffling before Percy felt a warmth at his side.

Grover was pressed against Percy's arm, one hand resting gently on his shoulder.

"I know you're going through a lot of crap right now, but I just wanted to tell you that you don't have to go all depressed and fucking with everyone else's good mood." Grover frown deepened as he realized light tears dotted the corners of his eyes.

Holding his hands out before him, Percy kneaded his fingers together, feeling more weak and broken than before, "I know. I'll probably be acting like a bitch for a while, but you should know that! I miss him…Nico is…I…I love him alright! Even when he is a fucking jack ass!"

"I know you do, bro, but you can't just block everything else out because of Nico."

"How do you know I'm blocking everything else out? How did you even know I was in here!?" Percy cried before grabbing a leaf off the tree house floor, focusing on its crumble edges instead of meeting Grover's gaze.

"Trust me," Grover gave a weak smile, "You're mom already called me and said I need to talk to you. From what I heard you came home screaming, yelling, cursing, and throwing things. I know you must feel hurt, but damn Percy! Did you really throw you phone?!"

"I busted the screen", Percy justified as though that was any different or an improvement.

Grover gave the boy a light pat on his shoulder, "It's alright. It's okay. I know who you are not who you've been acting like. It hurts like hell, but just remember that ever one of us has messed up too. I hope you'll remember that the world changes like the weather- quickly, unpredictable, and sometime for the best. Just wait and see. You're still bright and you still have everything you could want. Don't let this whole thing with Nico break you. You and him both did some things you can't speak of and it left you shattered. But everything shattered can be repaired."

"Not everything." Percy noted as he turned towards his friend, eyes shining with curiosity, "When did you become so wise?"

"I don't know and I don't want to know where I learned all this shit. Does it really matter anyways? By tomorrow you and me will be doing something stupid again." Grover tried for a smile, but his efforts were in vain as a frown occupied Percy's lips.

"Me and Nico did a lot of stupid things together, did I ever tell you that? We did some bat shit crazy things together. I'm not proud of it, but I won't have done it any different if I could go back."

"Oh god." Grover hissed as he buried his face in his hands, aggravation flooding his body.

"I just wish I would get over him." Percy whispered quietly, as he tossed a wilted leaf out the window and watching it flutter through the sky until it disappeared from the small frame of vision.

Grover watched him intently as the gears wheeled in his mind, not knowing what to do over his friend's current state. After a moment he threw his hands up in the air with an aspirated sigh, "You want to get over him, Jackson? Here!"

There was a moment's hesitation before the boy moved and when he did Grover's actions were stiff, almost as though he was being forced to do so. Grover simply grabbed Percy by the shoulders and crushed their lips together. Immediately, Percy inhaled the other boy's deep scent of spice and cologne, the smells assaulting his nose as he was brought to close to his friend. When they kissed Percy felt like gagging, even though the kiss wasn't that bad. To be totally honest Percy liked the way Grover's lips covered his own, soft and warm. Even so, he knew this wasn't a movie. It wasn't meant to be all romantic and sweet. Through his swirling thoughts of confusion Percy barely noticed as the other boy's arms went around his waist, holding him tight.

It was around the point when Percy, not knowing what to do, leaned into the kiss that Grover drew back, looking at the other with as stern look of concern.

"There you go! You've kissed another guy! It's obvious you can get over him now. You didn't seem to have a single issue with kissing me, now did you?"

"Well no, but it's because you…"

"It's because you can get over Nico and you will. Now if you'll excuse me," Grover stood up, nearly bumping his head on the roof of the tree house as he moved, "I need to go boil my tongue. I hope you enjoyed our little moment. I also hope I proved my point well. You're welcome, buddy!"

Percy looked down lightly, a blush creeping onto his face despite his best attempts to keep his body under control. It wasn't like he loved Grover or anything- the two had been friends for too long and if he was attracted to the other boy, he would have known soon. But, even so, the thought of them just holding each other's lips together sent a spiral of embarrassment and…contentment through him. Watching his friend pass through the doorway, holding the curtain with one hand, Percy realized how much he needed Grover. Without the other boy he probably wouldn't have survived.

"Hey Grover!"

"Hm?" Grover bent down, tucking his head under the thin blanked.

"Thank you. For everything." Another blush was creeping up the boy's face and if Grover noticed he didn't acknowledge it. Instead the other just gave a breezy smile as though the entire situation was no big deal. Maybe it wasn't? Maybe Percy was just making too much of a deal out of it? Shaking his head briskly, Percy waited for Grover to leave once again, but the boy stayed planted outside the tree house door.

"Grover?"

"Oh! I know!" Grover gave a wide smile before smacking his hand against his leg in triumph, "Percy, would you like to go to the beach with me and Thalia and a few others? She called me before I came up here and told me how we got invited to go to the beach with a few friends and she told me to ask you."

"I don't know, Grover. I just feel like if I go I'll just be miserable the whole time." Percy protested before laying his face against his elbows.

"No!" Grover's voice filled the awkward silence as he frowned grimly at the other boy, "God dammit Percy! I just fucking kissed you! You have to go to the beach with me now! You fucking owe me!"

"Okay! Okay! I might!" Percy held up his hands with defeat.

"You better!" Grover advanced towards the rope ladder before over stepping the first ring. Percy watched his friend tumble over the edge of the tree house as he stumbling wildly toward the ladder.

"Fuck!" Grover's piercing cry echoed up to Percy as he gazed down at his friend who was lying back down in the grass below eyes squinting with pain, but looking entirely unharmed. Sitting up once quietly Grover gave Percy a wave of assurance before stumbling to his feet, taking off towards the other direction. Percy watched him go with contentment, eyes leaving his friend who was fading into the dark oblivion to the emerging stars that flash in the black sky and illuminated the night.