A/N: Hey there you guys! I just wanted to thank you all for all the comments and favorites and followers on this story! It makes me so happy to just read all your comments and have you all say that you like my story. Thank you all so, so much! Oh, by the way this is a really long chapter, but it's important. :D

Love Me Forever or Love Me Never
Chapter 10

"Bianca, please! Just take care of it. Take care of it!" Percy heard Maria di Angelo cry from just inside the house. He could hear the tears in her voice. It was quite obvious something had happened.

What's going on?! Percy thought worriedly. He hoped everything was alright. Even though he wasn't part of their family and it was quite clear that they were holding a grudge towards him he cared a lot about all of them.

"Come here!" Bianca hissed angrily as she grabbed his arm harshly. Percy winced as her finger nails cut into his arm. Dragging him further away from the door Bianca forced him back, knocking Percy into the porch railing. Normal Bianca was calm and collect, one of her attributes that Percy like the most, but now she had no control over here emotions. All the anger and hatred for the boy that stood before her washed over her, consuming her with the utter want to see him in pain, riving in agony just the way Nico had been.

"Listen to me, stay away from us. I don't know why you would even bother coming here after what you did to him. What the fuck is going through that head of yours!? Huh?!"Bianca cried.

Percy scurried back, surprised by Bianca's anger and the mere fact that she had cursed. Bianca hardly ever cursed and when she did it wasn't anything like that. To tell the truth Percy wasn't sure he had ever even heard her raise her voice before. Bianca would never talk ill about anyone.

"Listen to me Bianca. I never meant to start a war. I never meant to hurt him. Nico is like a little brother to me. I care about him and a lot at that. I was so stupid! I-I just didn't understand what he was feeling at the time, but now I do. Now, I think I could understand how it feels to love someone who doesn't love you back. To lose the one you wanted, it feels like everything you have is getting destroyed right in front of you. And I'm so sorry that I did that to him! He didn't deserve to feel so much pain! Fuck, I swear I would treat him so much better! I should have listened to him! Now I know how it hurts!" Percy rambled. He looked up at her with pain flickering in his eyes. "Please, I need to talk to him. He has to forgive me."

"It's a little too late for you to come back. I don't think he'll forgive you after that. You were wrong when you thought he would wait for you to come around." Bianca said bitterly.

"Please! Just let me talk to him! I want to apologize! I want to make this right!" Percy cried.

"You don't understand! You don't care how it hurts! You just want to make sure Nico wasn't the one who told about the kiss! I'm not going to let you hurt him anymore! Now, get the fuck away from my house!" Bianca shrieked. She backed up away from him, anger seething throughout her entire body. She was afraid. At that moments she was afraid, but not for herself. She was afraid she was going to hurt him. Bianca could have easily attacked him at that moment. She wanted to hurt him, no one would ever know how much she wanted to hurt him.

Percy shook his head, making a wounded noise in the back of his throat. He wanted to make this right; he wanted to tell Nico how sorry he was. He wanted to tell Nico how much he liked him. H- How much he loved him. He had to tell him. Percy knew exactly what it felt like to lose someone you loved. At that moment he felt as though he was losing Nico again.

He watched as Bianca start to close the front door, her eyes focus to the floor. Suddenly, a thought struck him. Bianca had called out Nico's name when Percy knocked on the door. She was so surprised when she saw who it really was. Surprised and disappointed. Nico wasn't home. He was gone. And Bianca had been waiting for him.

"Nico's not here is he." Percy said quietly.

"W-what do you mean?" Bianca whispered quietly. She held the door open slightly, looking back at Percy.

"He's not here. That's what is wrong with your mom. You all don't know where he is." Percy said eyes wide. From the look on Bianca's face Percy knew he was right.

"It's not that. We know where he's supposed to be. He went to a party with Thalia. The thing is Thalia….she called earlier. She and Nico were already late by that point. Nico was supposed to be home at midnight and no later, but it was about 12:30 when she called. She said she was at home but Nico wouldn't leave with her. She said something about she might need to go to the hospital about a gash she got on the back of her head. She sounded bad, like she was hurt and I don't know. It's getting late and Nico's still not home! I mean what if- ugh! I don't know! What if something happened to him!" Bianca cried in distress.

"Trust me, Nico's fine. He wouldn't get into any trouble. He's to good for that." Percy said shaking his head. He didn't understand why she was so worried.

"He's changed, Percy. He's not the same kid anymore. He's gotten into so much trouble lately. He's been- Something's just not right with him." Bianca looked at him, tears welling in her eyes. "I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't come back tonight."

"What do you mean by that?!" Percy cried, fear seeping into his voice. He couldn't imagine anything actually happening to Nico. Nico was to sweet and innocent to do anything bad.

"Tonight would be the perfect night for him to do it. I have this really bad feeling that he's either going to run away or something worse is going to happen to him. Something that I don't want to say out loud." She whimpered.

"Wait, so your saying you think Nico might end up dead. Really, Bianca! God, you act like- You're just so- He's fine!" Percy hated that he was getting so defensive over Nico.

"Well, he's already sliced his wrists open. Who's to say he won't pull a bullet through his head." Bianca cried, tears falling down her cheeks. She quickly slammed the front door closed.

Percy back up, startled by Bianca's words. The reality crashed down on him at that moment. Nico had hurt himself and it was all Percy's fault. That's the true reason Bianca was angry with him. It was his fault. He was to blame for everything.

At that moment Percy felt as though someone had stabbed yet another knife in his heart and this time it left him completely numb.

"Come one, I want to show you something." Leo said, taking Nico's hand gently. The boy had been sitting in the same spot ever since Thalia left.

Nico quickly shook off Leo's hand, tucking his arm behind him. With his head hung low Nico made a light whimpering noise. He shook his head slowly as though he was trying to tell Leo to go away. Nico felt as though he deserved to be cast down into the depths of hell for what he did to Thalia, He was terrified, truly afraid that he might have hurt her.

"Come on, Nico. You can't just sit there the whole night. You stayed for a reason, right? It's not your fault that she fell." Leo said he kneel down beside the boy. Reaching out he tenderly cupped Nico face with both his hand, pulling the boy's face upwards. Leo looked into Nico's eyes, feeling the boy quiver as tears fell down his face. Why did he feel so guilty?

Nico looked at Leo for a moment before shaking his head slightly. Leo stood up, watching as Nico climbed to his feet as well although the boy did it shakily. Taking hold of Nico's hand, feeling the boy's smooth skin, Leo pulled him forward and down another hallway. On either side of the hallway there were two doors. Leo stopped in front of one and let go of Nico's hand.

Fishing in his pocket Leo produced a key. He held it up for a moment, long enough for Nico to realize what it was. Without hesitation Leo pushed the key into the lock, giving it a swift twist. Leo pushed the door open to the darken room. Before stepping forth he took hold of Nico's hand once again and dragged the hesitant boy into the room.

Fingers groped up the side of the wall as Leo searched for the light switch. Finally finding it Leo gave it a flick, light pouring into the room, illumining the darkness. Nico shifted back, feet away from the door, as he realized they were in Leo's bedroom.

"Don't get any ideas, Nico. I didn't bring you in here so we could.. well, you know… I don't want to say it." Leo muttered as color danced across his cheeks. Nico gave the boy a light smile before taking a step forward. He leaned forward, placing a small kiss on Leo's cheek.

"You want to sit down? I was really hoping I could talk to you." Leo said, eyes half lidded, as he slowly ran his arms around Nico waist, holding his hand low down on Nico's back.

"I really need to get home." Nico murmured dumbly as he gazed past Leo at the clock on the wall.

"Really? Already? Can't you just stay a little longer?" Leo's fingers slowly slide under the hem of Nico's shirt, warm hands gliding up his back. Nico gave a little groan before replying.

"I guess I could stay for a few minutes." Nico whispered as he leaned his head against the boy's shoulder. Although Nico had just met Leo only hours before he felt as though he had known the boy for his entire life. He couldn't describe how strong the attraction was between them. It was like they were meant for each other.

Before Nico could say a word Leo whisked away from him, dancing his way over to the bed. The boy jumped backwards, flopping onto the mattress. Leo held up his hand, motioning for Nico to join him.

Nico slowly hopped onto the bed with him, sitting on the edge of the mattress.

"That won't do." Leo said shaking his head. For a moment Nico didn't understand what he meant with the comment. Nico didn't have time to ask before Leo rolled over, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him down onto the mattress. The two were on their sides, facing each other, fingers intertwined.

"Hi." Leo said simply.

Nico giggled as he stared at the boy, "Hi there. So, what did you want to talk about?"

Leo sighed. "I- I just wanted to know about you. I mean there was something about you that bothered me when we first met."

"What?" Nico cried. Leo tenderly pulled his hand away from Nico's own. Reaching down awkwardly he took hold of the boy's wrist, running his fingers over the scars that now laced Nico's arm.

"Why would a beautiful guy like you do something so awful to himself? You don't need to do that. I can't believe you would- something would cause you to do that!" Leo looked into Nico's eyes, watching as pain filled Nico's features.

"It's so hard to force a smile." Nico said his face looking solemn and rueful.

"Then don't. Just tell me. Nico, you can trust me. I- I feel like you're keeping everything bottled inside. I don't want you to regret not telling it all to someone. I'll hold you till the hurt is gone. I promise I'll fix it, whatever it is that's hurting you, I'll fix it." Leo said honestly. Nico swore he could see Leo's heart beating through his chest as the boy waited for a response. Nico pondered what could happen if he told. Finally he replied.

"I can't tell you. It's just – it's too personal. Besides, you might end up feeling- jealous if I do tell you." Nico muttered.

"Nico, I swear to god I'll listen to you, no matter how personal it is, no matter how jealous I get." Leo took hold of the boy's hand again, giving it a gently squeeze.

Nico sighed, feeling as though it was his responsibly to tell Leo. "Fine. It all started- well, I guess you could say it all started when my friends took me to a ball game. Me and my other friend, Percy, we got bored so we were walking to the baseball field not too far away. When we got there we were laughing and joking around and I just-," Nico took a deep breath, "Everything I was feeling just seemed to explode inside of me. I had always – liked him, but now I just couldn't control it and I lost it."

Nico felt Leo's grip tighten on his hand suddenly. Obviously he didn't like the thought of Nico with someone else. Nico smirked at that. He knew that that meant Leo actually cared about him somewhat.

"Anyways, I just kissed him. I mean it was one kiss, but-," Nico frowned for a moment, eyes gazing absently at his wrists.

"He didn't feel the same did he?" Leo whispered. Nico simply shook his head. "Then you felt heartbroken and did that." Leo's voice faltered at the end.

Nico nodded again, his hand coming up to wipe his eye. He wasn't crying, just a little tired. Leo looked down at the boy for a second before wrapping his arms around him tightly. Nico simply laid his head on Leo's shoulder, feeling weak and sleepy.

"I'm so sorry. I'm not like that, I promise." Leo muttered into Nico's ear, warm breath washing over the side of the boy's face. Not a word was spoken after that moment. The two just lay there. Minutes ticked by and Nico began to feel his eyes close.

No, I have to stay awake, he said to himself. It only took a moment for the foggy feeling to return and once again Nico was battling to keep his eyes open. Finally, he gave in, allowing his eyes to fall close and his mind to slip into a dreamless sleep.

Nico awoke to the sound of a banging door. Sitting up groggily Nico looked around, unsure of where he was. Within seconds Nico was laying on his back, arms pinned above his head, as Leo lay on top of him.

"Hello there, Sleeping Beauty. Did you have a nice nap?" The boy asked before leaning down and placing a light gentle kiss on Nico's neck.

Nico nodded hazily. At that moment he realized the air in the room was unnaturally hot and that a blanket was tucked over his lower body. Glancing around the room Nico asked, "Where are we?"

Leo chuckled, running his hand along Nico's check. "We're in my bedroom, babe. You had a nice little sleep, but everyone's all gone home now. That just leaves you and me."

"Really?" Nico smiled up at the boy, the true problem with the situation still not registered in his mind. Suddenly, Nico snapped back to reality. Sitting up quickly, pushing Leo away, Nico jerked his head around the room.

"What time is it?!" He cried jumping from the bed.

"Whoa! Calm down! It's about four am. You sleep for a couple hours." Leo said grabbing Nico's shoulders, trying to steady him. Nico eyes widened to the size of saucers and he jumped back.

"I have to get home! Right now! I was supposed to be home at midnight! My parents are probably worried sick! Fuck!" Nico screamed as he scrambled from the room. Running into the living room Nico zoomed to the front door.

"Nico, wait! I'm driving you home, remember!" Leo called running through the hallways.

He raced up to Nico putting his hands gently on the boy's shoulders. At that moment Nico realized he had the blanket clutched in his hands.

"I didn't know what time you were supposed to be home. I'm so sorry! You were just sleeping and I thought you looked so tired. I didn't have the heart to wake you and you looked so peaceful. I just- damn it!" Leo cried meekly.

"Never mind that! Let's get going!" Nico said opening the front door. Before he could step outside Leo threw the blanket around his shoulders. Nico jumped back, looking at the boy who he guessed was his boyfriend now, before pushing the blanket away.

"Just take the blanket with you. It's kind of cold out there." Leo muttered.

"Leo!" Nico cried with an aspirated sigh. He didn't care about how fucking cold it was.

"Alright! Alright! I'm going!" Leo cried as he struggled into his jacket and out the door.