Drowning In You
Chapter 14: Seeing Red

A/N: Hey you guys! Sorry that it took me so long to post this update. My friend invited me to suddenly go on a surprise vacation with her family. I left on the 19th and just got back yesterday. It wasn't a long trip, but I enjoyed it. I will also be gone from July 14 to July 20. I'm going with my own family then. Anyways thank you so, so, so, so much for reading my fan fiction. I really enjoy writing these and so far this is one of my favorite chapters throughout this fan fiction. I'm kind of proud of this chapter. Oh, by the way there is some jealous Nico in this along with a slight bit of jealous Percy as well, but there is a lot more of jealous Nico than jealous Percy. I really like writing about jealous Nico and I also like writing about Nico with his family. Sorry that this author's note is actually getting kind of long. I don't know why I decided to go off on a bunch of random topics. Once again thank you so much for reading and I really, really appreciate comments and feedback on my work. Have a beautiful, amazing, perfect, great day! :D

P.S. I have a really quick question for you guys. It has nothing to do with the fan fiction, but I really need to ask this. Me and my friend are having a bet (once again). You see we were arguing about which romance book is better: The Fault In Our Stars or Twilight. I said The Fault In Our Stars. She said Twilight (ewwwwww! I really don't like Twilight. Sorry Twilight fans.). She said if I could get more people to vote that The Fault In Our Stars is better than she will give me twenty bucks. So please give me a comment and tell me which one you vote for. Sorry if this doesn't pertain to the fan fiction. I just wanted to settle our bet. Thank you guys! :D

Nico's snores cooed lightly throughout the room before he jerked to attention, his slim form sliding beneath the comforter with ease as he groped outwards for the phone on his nightstand. He had fallen into an uneasy sleep the night prior, head aching ever so often when he brushed the fabric of his pillow against the obvious cut along his forehead that had formed from his fall the day prior. Showing it to Bianca the night prior his sister had confirmed the fact that it was more than likely going to form a scar. Percy had said the same thing as they were leaving the school. Percy...Just that name made Nico's heart beat faster, pounding against his ribs like a kick drum. It ached- the hollow feeling that etched in his chest was nearly consuming. He was content knowing that the boy had started talking to him again, but at the same time it was an empty happiness. The only good thing that came out of him seeing Percy at swim practice was the fact that Bianca let him stay home (like always) because she was worried about him. He was alright and that was completely evident, but according to Bianca something could happen and Nico could get worse or become hurt again. It bugged him how much his sister acted like he was made of glass, ready to shatter at a moment's notice. He wasn't that fragile and he wasn't that weak. All he need was maybe a bandage to cover his head in case it stared bleeding again. In Nico's opinion Bianca was over protective. At times he wished she could be more like his father: Caring, but not to the point of where he shoved bandages and safety equipment down the boy's throat.

Wavering his phone in front of his face, the words blurring as he edged in back away from his nose, Nico realized he had gotten a new text message. With a few clicks against the touch screen Nico opened up the window to the message, eyes becoming wide as he noted the name that popped up along the screen. His hands trembled as he jerked up from the bed, clutching the phone with sweaty palms as he began to read. The message from Percy read, "U want 2 go out 2 eat l8tr? Clarisse's Café? Around 5:30? :D"

Nico heart hammered against his chest, although his happiness was short lived. Reading the message under that, which had been sent four minutes after the first, the boy's heart dropped to his feet, hitting the ground and shattering into a thousand pieces.

"Sorry Nico. That was meant 4 Jason. Hope you understand. Btw, y did u miss school 2day? R u sick?" Nico dropped his phone onto his bed before curling up under the comforter again, drawing the cloth above his head as he cursed under his breath.

"Son of a bitch. Fuck you, Jackson." He whimpered as a string of vibrant curses swam amid pale chapped lips. He had planned on spending the entire day lounging around in his bed (a plan that had been great until 3:49 that afternoon), but now it seemed his whole day was going to be ruined. The rage bubbling up in his chest was nearly consuming.

Shut the fuck up brain, Nico chanted inside his head, it's alright if Percy goes out with Jason. We are not together anymore. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care.

"Of course I fucking do." Nico mumbled under his breath as he shoved the comforter off his back, placing his feet tenderly against the cold wooden floor. Sitting up, running his fingers through his hair to rid himself of any major bed head, Nico stumbled towards his bathroom. Flickering on the light he took in his full appearance in the mirror: face pale, eyes dull, and cheeks splotchy and red. He hated the fact that Percy was causing him so much stress. He knew it wasn't worth it, but he couldn't help himself. He was nervous, frustrated, and pissed all at the same time and for what? To freak out about a boy who didn't care about him anymore. Frowning towards his reflection Nico winced; face becoming a shield of swelling pain. He hated himself. He hated Percy fucking Jackson.

Tucking his arms over his chest, Nico straightened up, sucked up the pain and nodding encouragement towards himself. There were a few things that Percy hated: 1. People who are over dramatic. 2. Luke Castellan. 3. Leo Valdez. Nico knew how much Percy couldn't stand any of those things (or any of those people). Knowing this Nico wondered what would happen if he mixed all three of those together. He would definitely find out. Picking up his cell phone and taking out the slip of paper that Luke had scribbled his phone number on from his desk draw; Nico began to fumble with the numbers, clicking them into the phone briskly. Placing the phone to his ear Nico listened to the quiet hum of the ringer.

"Hellllooooo….," The word was drawn out unusually long as Luke replied on the other end. The cheesy greeting was followed suit by the sound of shuffling and crinkling- something that sounded vaguely familiar to candy wrappers crumbling under soft hands. Nico grinned silently to himself as he acknowledged the sweetness of the words, even if he still had slight resentment to Luke.

"Hey Luke, how would you like to go with me and a really good friend of mine out to eat?" Nico asked, his smile growing wider and wider with each passing second as Luke agreed to the plan.

Nico paced jittery in front of Clarisse's Café, checking his watch every once in a while. He told Luke to meet him there at five, but so far the boy was a no show, however, Leo had arrived right on time. The boy was clutched to Nico's side, holding on to him as though he was his last life line. Leo had promised that there would be no more touching, no more rubbing against, and no more flirting between them. Now Nico realized how hollow that promise had been. Leo was leaning against Nico, folding his hands around his shoulders and resting his chin on top of the shorter boy's head. It was a loving action, one that he didn't mind to do despite the few glances they got, but Nico's hate for Leo's affections would not cease. He didn't like the way Leo was hanging all over him and the way that Leo was grabbing him, but what aggravated him the most was the way Leo was so much taller than him. His height had always been a sort of pet peeve for Nico, but now he realized just how small and lithe he was. Leo was at least a head taller.

"Hey people!" The cry was vivid, breaking through the dull and drab sense of surrounding. Jerking out from under Leo's warm arms, Nico looked up at Luke, a striking zeal flashing in his eyes. Luke was like a fucking breath of fresh air no matter what. It was the same sense that Nico received when he was around Leo, but Leo's enthusiasm was more chaotic. Being around Leo was like having heroin injecting into your veins- at first it's like kissing the sky, but as it drags on you crash further and further, trying your best to get back to that high. In other words, Leo was fun to be with, but after a while he ran out of steam and most of his actions were forced as he tried to keep the party going. The experience of being with Luke, on the other hand, was like floating in a huge lake, going nowhere and being purposeless. He was a calming force that rolled over you in sheets; bring you joy and softness with each second. Nico couldn't decide which was better.

However, nothing could compare to the feeling of being with Percy. One word to describe it. One word to define that feeling: Red. Percy was absolutely red. Nico had come up with that a while back, but he hadn't understood it until earlier. The feeling of Percy was absolute red. Why? Because red was the only word that summed up all his emotions with the other boy. Red is such an emotionally intense color. Red is the color of fire and blood, it's associated with energy and strength, power and determination as well as passion, longing, and love. Light red could represent joy, desire, affection, and adornment. It could be romance, friendship, or possibly passiveness. Dark red is often associated with vigor, willpower, rage, leadership, courage, want, mischievousness, and wrath. Red can be used as a warning sign. Red is the base of all desires. It could symbolize action, confidence, courage, vitality, and beauty. Every single one of those meanings described Percy in one way or another, although there was another reason Nico describes Percy with red. That was all Nico saw whenever he knew the boy was away from him.

Red was the color of jealousy and it consumed Nico constantly.

By the time Nico got into the cafe and ordered his heart was beating like the brisk flapping of a hummingbird's winds. It was erratic, passionate, and anxious. He was sure that this was what he wanted to do. He wanted to make Percy hurt. He wanted to make the boy see what he had lost, but maybe it wasn't worth it. Should he have manipulated Leo and Luke both to get Percy jealous? It was completely and utterly wrong and disgusting- what kind of person would twist the emotions of two people that cared for them just to make some one else hurt? Now that he actually put it in that perspective it sounded like a condemnation to hell. It was a vial action, however, Nico was willing to roll the dice with karma to at least see the anger and want on Percy's face when he saw this beautiful scene that was all for him. If karma was going to fuck him over at least they could do it after he made the other jealous.

"Here you are kind sir." Luke cried blatantly to Leo as the two packed identical trays to the booth where Nico was sitting. Both boys had offered to take care of their orders rather than Nico doing it himself, resulting in the pair coming up with same situation: packing a tray loaded down with food and meting at the tables edge within the same second.

"No, no, after you sir." Leo bantered back as he bowed in Luke's direction, offering the table to the blond. The jabbing remarks had followed quickly after Luke and Leo were introduced to each other, although Luke swore he knew Leo from somewhere. It was good to see them getting along, but Nico still had this persistent dread lingering on his shoulders, weighing him down. From now on he refused to deal with guilt. He would just have to be solid as a stone.

Both of the boys slid their trays down beside the other before sharing curious glances. At first Nico didn't comprehend what the gaze between them meant, but Luke quickly pointed out the problem.

"So, Nico, who do you want to sit by?" Luke mustered as he looked down at the boy with ebony hair, ruffling the ragged locks softly.

"Oh...ummm...it doesn't really mean that much to me. I mean we are all friends, right?" He offered as a cradle of discomfort swaddled him. He hated choosing things like this.

Picking up on his old friend's distance and uncomfortable nature Leo gave an assuring smile before replying, "Don't worry. I sit over here you guys. It's cool."

With that Leo simply took a seat in front of Nico, allowing Luke to slid down beside the younger boy without worry. Nico gave a graceful grin to the other boy before feeling Leo's leg trail up his own, grazing gently along the soft skin below his black jeans. Immediately a blush flourished against his pale skin and he glanced at Luke, looking for a notification that he saw the action. If Luke saw it he was either ignoring it or being polite about the entire things. Either way Nico was embarrassed to no end.

"Alright," Leo cried out before smacking both his hands together, the sound resignation throughout the room with boom that sound similar to a clap of lightening, "Let's get this show on the road and stuff our faces!"

Luke let out a blunt laugh, one that was not characteristic towards his usual calm, deep throat, velvety snicker. Nico snorted loudly as well, not sure if he found humor in Leo's joke or the fact that Luke was so completely out of his usual element. Reaching out with one hand Nico grabbed the finely wrapped sandwich from the café tray, undoing the cover before inhaling the sweet scent of his food. The very smell of the ribeye sandwich was causing his mouth to water. Although, where Nico saw something delicious, Luke began prodding at the food from a distance.

"What the hell does that have on it?!" He sputtered as Nico made an effort of holding the gooey contents of melted cheese and toppings within the bun.

"Umm…grilled ribeye, lettuce, tomato, onion, and about three types of cheese." Nico blubbered out defensively as he gave Luke a comical grimace of disapproval, "It's not like you're eating anything better. What the fuck kind of salad is that anyways? It's the definition of fat!"

"Yes, my friend, this thing is the definition of fat, but to be honest I don't give a fuck because it tastes good. I mean all it has is steak, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, grilled ribeye, and fried onions on top of lettuce." Luke nodded confidently as though he was convinced his bad health in a bowl was any better than Nico's monster sandwich. Nico shook his head before taking a sip from his coke glass on the table.

"Yeah, don't forget it's also topped with Percy Jackson." Leo muttered sarcastically as he pointed across the café with a leisure hand. Nico sputtered uncontrollably on his drink before whirling around in his seat. To be quite honest he had completely forgotten the whole point of this meal. Looking at the boy now, Nico's chest tightened. He didn't know what the point of this was of anymore, but he didn't like the atmosphere that was now being set up along the table. Leo was looking at the boy murderously from across the room. Luke refused to turn around, but his fists were clenched tightly on the table top. All three of them tensed at the realization that the boy was there, but each of the actions were brought upon by different motives. Nico was anxious about watching the boy, terrified at what he was going to witness. Leo was burning alive from the vivid rage that flashed through his chest. He didn't like seeing Nico hurt and he would be damned if Percy Jackson was going to get away with being such a bastard. Luke was ultimately uneasy about Jackson as a whole. He knew the boy was stirring trouble for Nico and he knew the boy didn't like him- what other reason could he have to avoid the dumbass.

With a flicker of his eyes the other golden boy standing beside Percy, Jason Grace, became aware of their presence as well. Nico swung back around in his seat, face heating as the burning pit in his stomach smoldered before sparking back up, etching through him like molten lava in his veins. Gathering up his courage, Nico dared take another glance at Jason only to have the boy wave to him breezily, a smile coasting along those perfect lips.

From his place in line Percy realized Jason's movement, not entirely aware of what was going on. Initially he thought that the boy was in a panic, however, he quickly noted the smile that etched from cheek to cheek on the other's face. Following the gaze across the room Percy's eyes landed on Nico, astonishment and shock reeving through his thin form. Nico immediately decided to raise his bets, not daring to flounder under the heat of the other's intense stare. With increasing discomfort and heated anger bubbling between the two it was mere moments before one of them broke. In a huff of resignation Percy turned back to Jason, disengaging his eyes from the younger boy across the room. Percy spoke in a rushed, harsh tongue to his friend.

"I think we should leave. Me and Nico are not on good terms. I won't be comfortable in this place anymore." Percy's voice was a whirlwind of vivid and jagged words that licked their way up Jason's neck, coaxing against the shell of his ear. Jason pulled away after a second before looking into those foaming orbs of blue and green, hypnotized by the gaze of the other. Jason simply buckled under the pressure as he tore for Percy's hand, drawing him away from the lengthy crowed counter of Clarisse's Café and towards the door. There was a small chime from the bell that hung above the doorway as the two clambered back out into the street.

"They are leaving…." Leo trailed as he picked at his own food, eyes stealing unknown glances at his friend across the table. He yearned to be the one helping Nico through this, through everything with Percy, but to his amazement the ebony haired boy was raising to his own feet. It was a bitter sweet progress so far on Leo's part.

"Yep….There they go." Nico noted simply before turning back to the sandwich. He softly dropped the food back to the tray in front of him with disgust, an aching sense of jealous rising up within him.

Stumbling around the street Nico felt the hollow pit in his chest fill with jealousy, anger, and blithering rage. He had felt so empty for the last few days, but now that section of him was being pooled with new emotions, new hatred. It wasn't right- what he was doing, but he didn't try to stop himself. It had been easy to give an excuse to leave the cafe early after Jason and Percy left. He simply mimicked getting a text from his sister telling him he need to come home. Luke and Leo feel for it hook, line, and sinker.

Nico watched as Percy looped his arm around Jason's shoulder, pulling him close to his side before letting go quickly. Even though it wasn't much it cause a fire to bubble up in Nico's body, burning him like lava in his chest. Following Percy and Jason down the street Nico couldn't help, but laugh at the two, although the action was bitter and hollow. A few people walking pasted flashed him distasteful looks, but he didn't mind. It gave him a slight satisfaction to act as though he didn't mind the fact that the two were together.

He trailed the two as they walked into a small restaurant at the corner of the street, ducking inside quickly before disappearing completely from sight. Using his best skills to be stealthy and inaudible, Nico peeped through the corner of the diner's window. He had been in the place once prior, but it had such a long time back that he barely remembered anything. If he wasn't mistaken his mother was still alive at that point in time. The only thing that did still register in his mind was the fact that the building had an upstairs dining room, which was where he watched Percy and Jason head towards, grins mirrored on each other's faces. With an etching rage in his chest Nico pushed the glass door open, ignoring the lady at the front desk where you order, and marched towards the stairs.

Reaching the stair landing Nico edged around the corner, spotting Percy and Jason on the other side of the room, before silently letting out a groan of disapproval. They looked so content within each other's company and here Nico was- stalking them as though they were prey and he was the predator. He was much irked with the fact that the sound of their voices was inaudible, although he attempted to read their body language. Every brush between them, every little touch, every time they leaned towards each other- it caused something to swell in his chest, pounding against his ribs, and attempting to break through.

He watched the boys sit together, biting his lip tensely as he saw looks between them, the soft way Percy ran his hand along Jason's wrist- all this fucking romance was going to make Nico throw up.

Even though Nico was not finished with his observations he reeled back away from the wall, jumping back as panic etched through his form and rammed into him like a spike of ice in his chest. The beating of his poor heart was just awful- the pounding echoing through his shoulders and back, lapping at him and causing him to sway to the rhythm. He had been so terrified of being caught in his deadly, disturbing act of stalking that Nico figured he had been found out at the slightest sense of movement or sound. Now knowing that he had been caught off guard by a simple mop buck and cleaning man, he felt so stupid. Even with the new revelations Nico stumbled, grappling for the stair's hand railing as he prepared to run. He missed the metal hand rail by three inches at the least.

Within moments the entire scene was warped, Nico tumbling down the stairs as his face smashed into the ground as he rolled. There was no way for him to stop himself as he toppled down each ledge. Every bashing blow battered his body deeply, ramming into him like a crackle of lightening through his limbs. The bottom of the stair approached him quickly, coming up to fast as he slammed down onto the tile floor, a desperate cry etching form Nico's throat in a wailing manner. The pain that surged through his left arm was absolutely blinding, taking hold of him tightly as it was pinned behind his back where he had smashed down on it.

Stumbling to his feet in a blinding whirlwind of fear and terror Nico felt the surging pain that cascaded its way up and down his arm, bombarding him like a thousand needles piercing his skin and shoveling into his bone. Gritting his teeth to fight back the blithering cry that rose in his throat Nico stumbled towards the bathroom down the hall, groping against the wall for support with his good arm. It felt horrendous to move with his arm in such condition. He had heard about many people breaking their arms and being able to move with it and take themselves to the hospital and such, but at this moment he was sending out a big fuck you to all of them. There was no way in hell his arm wasn't broken or fractured at the least. Ducking into the bathroom, Nico finally let out the cry that he had been biting back, the noise rising up through the echoing bathroom like a scream for help.

"Nico, how did this even happen?!" Bianca's voice etched up a pitch as she ran a tender hand along the cast the ran from Nico's wrist to his elbow. Not able to meet his sisters gaze Nico simply replied with a gently shrug of his shoulders- well, one shoulder since Bianca had ahold of his other arm. The moments subsequent to his accident were still a blur to him. His memories of those minutes came to him in a flash of random sequences and actions: Calling Bianca on the phone from the restaurant where he was distraught and crying out in pain , rushing to the emergency room, feeling like he was going to cry as the pressure on his arm built, the initial shock of it all. When Bianca had arrived at the restaurant and met Nico at the bathroom where she wasn't prepared to see him holding his arm carefully in blinding pain, she turned into a whirlwind of calming nature, worry, comfort, and, most of all, fear. Nico had never witness actual terror in his sister, not since his mother died. At that moment she was completely and utterly breaking down, trying her best to stay calm despite the anxiety of everything. Seeing her brother with tears in his eyes, pale, shaky, and in shock Bianca felt as though she was about to lose him, however, there was no immediate danger other than a broken arm. She had to admit he was a idiot for not calling for help from on of the workers at the restaurant, but she figured his pride was what kept him hidden in the bathroom. He would be damned if he let some stranger see him cry. Even through that Nico was fine once they got to the hospital, had the arm set and cased, and got him home. As soon as they arrived in the driveway, Bianca noted that her father's car was parked in front of their home. She had called him from the waiting room of hospital as Nico was being x-rayed, but she didn't expect him to come home early from work. Usually he was so consumed by his business that he didn't pay much mind to his children, however, this was completely different. He was freaking out when he saw his son with the bright white, vivid cast budging from around his wrist.

"It's alright, Bianca," Hades said calmly as he gently wrapped his arm around Nico's shoulder, pulling his son closer to his side. Nico was surprised by the action and ultimately felt guilty that his father was being so caring towards him. He had got injured, but it was all because he was being stupid. If he wasn't such an idiot than none of this would have happened and his father wouldn't have been so concerned for him, "I'm sure he can tell us all of what happened later once he feels better."

"Yeah," Nico retorted back at his sister, looking at her with appreciativeness in his eyes although he was teasing, "Calm down, Bianca."

"Oh, shut up Nico! You keep acting like I'm the stupid one here!" She brought the comment on harshly although that was her own form of teasing, "At least i'm not stupid enough to walk around with a broken arm! Don't you know that you probably screwed yourself over when you started moving around. That's why it hurt so bad. Most people only feel a little pain, others feel a lot, and some just go into shock, but not you! You had to be the dumb one who nearly passed out from pain while trying to hide in a bathroom!"

"Tone your bitchy attitude down, Bianca!" Nico hissed softly as he actually started to get pissed at her. He knew that you weren't suppose to move with a broken bone, but he didn't have much of a choose besides lay on the ground and scream.

"Come on. Don't taunt your sister. After all, she was the one who picked you up when you got hurt. You should thank her," Hades smirked down at the boy before looking over at his daughter, "You two should get along. In fact, all of us should be getting along. I feel horrible about missing out on so much time with you two. Maybe we should do something together."

"There's a movie that I've been dying to see. It's about to come on TV in about fifteen minutes. We could watch it together I guess, but I can't guarantee that you all will like it." Bianca offered as she stood up, "What do you all say?"

"If you brother wants to I guess we can." Hades said as he nudged Nico's good arm. The boy nodded gently, not bothering to make eye contact with either of his family members. He would have looked at them, but with so many emotions running through him Nico didn't know what to think. He felt guilty, overjoyed, happy, and loved all the same time. The fact that they were actually going to do something as a family made fire expand through his chest, warming him to the very core.

"Alright then. Let's go." Hades said as he nodded towards the living room.

The movie was a comedy which completely surprised Nico considering his sister wasn't that funny being the stern, stick in the mud that she was. As the three of them sat on the couch, random scenes playing before his eyes, Nico played along with the movie, laughing at the right parts ever so often to make sure his father and Bianca would think he was feeling alright. Most of it was a lie, but to be honest at certain times Nico's laugh was genuine- something that it hadn't been in a while. Forcing a smile day after day had been difficult, but now he just felt so much lighter. Holding his head up high, leaning slightly over the couch edge with his casted arm out of harm's way, Nico looked back between his father and Bianca, noting how content both of them looked. It was a great feeling to know that they were just…normal again. Even if it wouldn't last, Nico just felt like a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders. Pausing lightly as his phone vibrated, fishing it out of his pocket with his good arm, Nico flickered the screen on, reading the new text that had just arrived from Percy

"U ok? Thalia texted me & said u broke ur arm. Wht happened? Did u fall or something? Text me back ASAP!"

Nico let out a brief groan as he began to type back, head pounding as he felt that same twig of jealousy and longing towards the boy. However, Nico stopped for a moment as Bianca snickered from the other side of the couch. Bending over to look at his sister Nico also noted that his father's lips were pulled up into a smile. It was a different atmosphere from what the house usually felt like: gloomy and depressing, sucked of all life and empty. Shaking his head momentarily Nico looked down at the phone in his hand. Within seconds the boy's phone was switched off and placed back in his pocket, urgent text message forgot as he laughed along with his sister and father, not bothering to force anything anymore. Luckily he didn't need to. He was too happy to give a damn about what Percy said anymore anyways.