Love Me Forever Or Love Me Never
Chapter 20: Heart On A Chain
A/N: Hello there everyone! I'm so sorry that it to me so long to get a new chapter posted. I've been in Washington D.C. for the last six days and I didn't have my laptop with me. Once again I am so, so, so, so sorry. I really hope you all like this chapter. I believe there will be one more chapter after this and there will also be a epilogue. Thank you all so much for reading! It means a lot to me!
"Nico, wake up. Nico!" The vibrant words were hissed at him through a hazy, clouded state of consciousness, not registering in his mind until the words poured past his defenses a second time. With a sudden jerk of the head Nico was sitting up straight, head loping to one side with a cowlick flickering up from the left side of his shaggy, chocolate brown hair. A yawn and stretch later Nico was on his feet, body standing sloppily before his aunt who, now that he caught a good look at her through partially lidded eyes, look absolutely radiant in the stringing golden morning light. Nico shrunk back slightly, feeling microscopic before the power stricken woman. His aunt Hera had always seemed to have that surprising, overtaking sense of authority- even when she was in her weakest moments. Now, looking at her with her perfect hair, clothes, and makeup at 9:00 am, he felt like trash that belonged on the street- like a big mac wrapper that was thrown out of a fat guy's car window. Nico smirked lightly as that thought suddenly surged into his mind before looking back at his aunt, allowing his face to fall. Looking around the room quietly Nico wondered what the hell he was doing in the living room. After a moment the consciousness of the night prior washed over him in a flood, grabbing him and anchoring him down.
Stepping around his aunt quickly, face bent down towards the ground as nervousness and fear consumed him, Nico headed towards the stairs- knowing what time it was he needed to get ready for the day. Despite his best attempt to avoid her gaze, Hera confronted Nico. She touched his shoulder in a feathery manner, not putting pressure on the boy's body in the slightest way. Nico took a deep breath before swiveling around to face the woman holding him back. Hera's chocolate brown eyes shone with concern, although they still had that glaze of power. A sniffle left the boy slightly before shaking head, "What?"
"Nico, I just want you to know one thing; If you ever need to talk about anything or if you feel alone, come talk to me. I promise I will listen. I promise I will do anything in my power to help fix this problem." Hera watched him for a moment, heart beating like a kick drum.
Nico gazed at her for a moment. A light sigh left his lips and a jerking shudder ran through his body. Hera stared at him in surprised as the boy's mouth transformed into a hard line and eyes flickered with anger and hatred. His mouth opened for a moment before he snapped it close, overthinking his own words. After a moment the sound drifted from him," Just because my parents left me with you doesn't mean you have to try and act like my mother. I know you helped me last night and thank you for that, but I don't need you to try and be my counselor. I don't need any help. Just leave me alone for a while, please!"
Hera watched her nephew, terrified at his sudden change. She didn't want to see him like that. She didn't want him to disappear back into his shell and put up his walls. It took a dramatic event- a dangerous experience to bring him out once before and now he was just drifting away from her, further than ever. Hera didn't even bother to try and follow Nico up the stairs as he jogged away quickly. She knew he wouldn't give her a second thought- no matter how hard she pleaded, gave advice, or threatened.
Once upstairs, Nico slammed the door to the guest bedroom. His entire body shook with rage as clasped the door handle, allowing the cold, golden doorknob to freeze under his fingertips. He stared at the blank, white paint coating the door, watching as a few strands and flakes fluttered to the ground as he drifted his hand over the smooth surface. He didn't know what exactly he was staring at, but at that moment he didn't bother to think. He felt numb- completely and utterly frozen to the core. His heart was stinging and his mind felt as though someone had poured lava into his ears. Zoning out for a moment, Nico slide down the door, back pressed against the white canvas. He sat on the floor in a heap, legs pulled to his chest and fingers curling around his knees. All those thoughts cluttered in his mind, helping him remember; the phone call, the cutting, the bandages, the talk, falling asleep on the couch, feeling worthless. He didn't want to remember any of it, but all those memories swirled around in his head, consuming him. Staring out into the darkened bedroom Nico noted the way his suitcase was sitting up in the corner, all the contents he had left laying out the night prior repacked. He noted the way the bed was now made perfect, no longer crumbled from him sitting on it the day before. Even though these small changes had no effect on him what so ever, Nico focused on them for one particular reason; to forget the pain before it took him over once more.
By 9:30 that morning, Percy had his suitcase packed and placed in the back of his family's car. The black duffel bag was filled with two sets of clothes, his wallet, toothbrush, toothpaste, a extra pair of tennis shoes, his favorite comb, and everything else he would need for a overnight trip. He was actually considerably surprised that he could book a hotel with such short notice- knowing that he would be staying later that night and perhaps the next day. He was also considerably surprised that his mother were letting him leave and stay overnight by himself. It would be the first time that he drove anywhere by himself for that long of a distance. Beside, he would be in a hotel by himself- a lot of things could happen if his mother wasn't there. He didn't understand why they decided to allow him to go alone, but his story might have had something to do with it. Taking a deep breath, Percy felt a wave of relief wash over him, knowing now that he could breath easy and not worry about having a huge weight hanging over him.
A lot had happened to him in the night prior and when he could stop himself it was so much easier to tell the truth. Leaning back on the car trunk, pushing the hood over his suitcase, Percy allowed the vivid memories to drown him.
"Calm down!" Leo cried struggling to his feet. Percy let another punch slam into the side of his face before whirling around, body heating with intense, burning anger that he had never felt before. Every time someone made fun of Nico, even when they were kids, Percy had been there to protect him- now was no different.
"Don't you dare go around him again! I want you to leave Nico alone!" Percy roared. His legs trembled as he surged down the hallway from Leo's room and back in the living room. He didn't remember if he said anything else to Leo before he stormed from the room or not, but it didn't matter either way. His point had been proven. There wasn't a moment's hesitation before Percy was out in his car and drifting down the street, taking sharp corners and curves, engine roaring like a tiger as he moved away from the house, not daring to look back. He didn't know where he was heading, but he just wanted to go.
There was another moment of blankness as Percy couldn't remember what he did prior to the next event, but he did remember pulling jaggedly into the driveway of his house. Fingernails were dug deeply into the steering wheel cover as Percy slammed his head into the steering wheel, pieces of fabric pulling away as he cried out. The front fender of his car rammed into the large, gray trash can, tipping it over and spilling out the contents as Percy rocked tremblingly in his car seat. A sense of fidgetiness overtook him before he jumped from his car, stumbling down the drive way as though he was drunk.
Entering his home moments later Percy once again slammed the door, having no other way to calm his anger. He took hold of the door once more before slamming it again and again, watching it smack into the doorframe with a clatter. There was a moment of silence before someone called out to him.
"Percy?" His mother appeared in the doorway before looking at the door with mouths open in shock. Percy looked as well, now realizing that he had broken the lock. It didn't matter to him anymore. He didn't care about anything. Within seconds he felt his mother's hands grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the living room, dragging him to the couch.
"Percy, honey, calm down." His mother whimpered, fear for and of her son seeping through her for the first time in her life. She hung back away from her teenage son, not really knowing how to help him or calm him down. "Percy, what happened tonight?"
In that one moment everything came pouring out of him: the kiss, the way he reject Nico, the bullying of the boy, realizing he actually cared for Nico, the night in the tree house, Nico getting sent away, Leo, the fight, how much pain he was going through. The big bomb he dropped was ultimately admitting he was gay. The next one was his sudden demand that he wanted to go see Nico, alone and now.
Coming out of his memories Percy struggled to sit back up from the trunk of his car. He didn't like to think about if he was scary or not when he freaked out on his mother (although he already knew he was). It just seemed so strange and psychotic. He didn't want to be crazy, but he had to get everything off his chest. He couldn't live with his lie any longer. It was just to much. The most surprising part of the entire night was when his mother accepted the fact that he was gay full heartedly, not questioning him or prying any more. She raced forwards and gave her son a hug for support instead of rejecting the new found information. That was almost more surprising than her agreeing to allow Nico to go on the trip alone.
Breathing in and out, now having the first phase of his extreme heart winning project complete, Percy was ready for the second round. He pulled out his phone quickly before dialing Thalia's number. She answered only to have a demanding voice erupt from the other end, "Get to my house now."
"Percy?" She questioned quietly. She heard a raspy yes from the other side before the boy hung up almost as quickly as he called. Next, Percy called Grover, then Bianca. Four in all- Percy was hoping all his friends would arrive speedily. He didn't want to wait any longer. He didn't want to bother with this, but everyone had to know. So, swallowing his pride and his fear, Percy prepared to rally his friends and get the show on the road. Although he had fear he was willing to choke it down- for Nico.
Nico wasn't one who liked being outside, let alone in the hot sticky morning sunlight on his aunt's porch doing nothing. It wasn't really his idea, but according to Hera fresh air was one way to clear a bothered heart or some crap like that. Nico didn't really listen to what she had to say, however, he just went outside to keep her trap shut. He didn't want to hear anything out of her big mouth again. Nico didn't know why he was so angry, especially at Hera, but he felt like his heart was set ablaze. Every single part of his body needed help. He needed a vent, but he didn't want to harm himself in the process. It wasn't worth it. At all.
Holding his head in his hands, mind whirling with a thousand thoughts, Nico pressed his body against the railing of Hera's front porch. He liked the feeling of the smooth, cold wooden rails against his flat stomach. It just gave him that strange feeling that he liked and he didn't know why he liked it. Leaning down further, Nico fell to his knees on the front porch, now pressing his forehead onto the railing. Holding tightly to the railing his other hand groped into his back pocket, searching for his cell phone. He turned it on quickly before scrolling through his messages, hoping to find about ten new messages from Percy. He wanted to talk to the boy again. He wanted to feel him and hold him. He just wanted things to go back to normal. Although it would have taken months for the boy to win back his trust, Nico would have taken Percy back in a heartbeat. He loved Percy with every fiber of his being and now, just knowing that Percy didn't want him back, he felt like an idiot.
There was a clatter in the front yard and Nico perked up, opening his eyes slowly. A cute, slim girl strolled up beside the driveway of Hera's house, staring up at him with a small smile playing on her pale pink lips. She was striking- black hair and blue eyes framed against her beautiful, pale heart shaped face. She continued to gaze up at the boy before tilting her head to the right curiously. She propped her bike on the ground before turning around in a whirling manner, the draw strings on her pastel pink, hiked up shorts. A pink tank top fell gently over her skinny form, flowing back in the light breeze. Although she began calling out at Nico she stayed of the driveway and yard, not daring to take a step forward.
"Hello!" The girl called out in an bright, airy, high pitched voice like you expect every beautiful girl to have. Nico just raised his hand silently before putting it back down, allowing it to slap down onto the hard wood porch. The girl gazed at him for a moment longer before boldly striding across the front yard, not really caring if she was stepping on someone's yard, "Hey, you all right? You look a little upset?"
Nico sucked in a deep breath before pulling himself up from his place on the ground, hoping to stop the other girl's advances.
"I'm fine." Nico blubbered quickly before backing up slightly.
The girl stopped and peered at him, not sure what to make of the gloomy, skinny boy before her. She never expected to see a teenagers around Hera's house. She had been living down the road from the woman for five years and had never seen him before so it definitely not her son.
"Well, hello there I guess. My name is Silena Beauregard. I just saw there and I was like hey! People to interact with! Whoop! Let's go talk to them!" The girl, Silena, said as she shrugged her shoulders. Silena grabbed a water bottle that was clipped on her side before taking a long drink, allowing the cold drink to drip down her throat. She held it down before clipping her bottle back to her side and coming closer to Nico. "Do you mind me coming up to talk to you? I'm waiting for one of my friends and I need a little company."
Nico looked back and forth around the porch and glanced through the window. Hera was no where in sight so he motioned the girl forward, actually wanting to talk to someone other than Hera. Silena stomped up the steps almost as though she was dancing. Grabbing the railing, long, pink nail tapping the hard wood, she approached him closer, almost touching her nose to his. He stared at her with concern before stumbling back. The girl looked at him curiously before a panic overtook her.
"I'm sorry," She gushed before grabbing him and pulling him back forward. She then let go of him quickly, "I didn't realize how close I was!"
Nico wrangled his way out of her grip before stepping back slightly. He held tightly to the railing, swinging his arm around in a marred manner. She had a strong grip! Nico stared at Silena shocked. She had no trouble trying to make friends, that was for sure. Even though she had broken through his personal space and probably broke his arm, Nico kind of felt attracted to Silena, although it wasn't in a sexual manner. He just like the bright, light hearted vibe she gave off. For every other man Silena probably looked like a beautiful miracle to the male race- she truly was beautiful- but Nico just saw a girl who he could, possibly, become a great friend. Holding out his hand, Nico waited for her to shake his hand. She grabbed his arm suddenly, moving it in an extreme manner and nearly tearing his arm out of his socket. He didn't know why the girl was so hyperactive but it was kind of rejuvenating to have this beacon of happiness in the middle of Hera's porch, giving him a slight warm feeling in his stomach.
"It's alright." Nico muttered to himself mostly, before giving her a faded smile, "My name is Nico di Angelo. I'm Hera's nephew. I came to stay with her for a few months."
"Really? Well, it looks like I'll be seeing a lot of you then. I live right down the street from this house. You see? The big white house just past the woods. I hope you can see it!" Silena pointed further down the road. Although Nico couldn't see it he had caught a glimpse of the house when getting his bags out of the car the night prior.
"I saw it earlier. I guess I will be seeing you ar-"
"Silena!" The ragged voice howled as another bike pulled up to the front yard. Silena jerked around, another breezy smile coasting onto her face. The big bearish girl lumbered up to the porch without even a second thought. Her stringy brown hair draped over into her face, brown eyes half way obscured. "I thought we were going bike riding? Who the hell is this?"
Nico felt those piggish eyes traveling up and down his body, followed by a quick 'hum' of approval. She turned away briskly and faced Silena, her face fading to neutral.
"Oh, come on, Clarisse! I was just talking! It will only be one more minute." Silena promised, crossing her fingers and showing the girl. Clarisse rolled her eyes before pushing Silena's hands out of the way. Silena sighed, knowing not to argue with Clarisse. She shook her head and turned towards Nico. "Sorry Nico. I think I'll have to go. Sorry about that. I'll see you around."
Nico gave a quick wave while watching the two strange girls stalk away from the porch, although Silena moved like she was a model on a catwalk. Her long legs stretched out beautifully as she moved. There was a moment of silence as Nico waited for them to leave, but suddenly Silena stopped.
"Hey, Nico, I just thought of something!" Silena called giddily, cupping her hands like a megaphone. She stared at the boy, eyes shinning with joy. "Us and a few of our friends are heading down to a lake across town. Would you like to join us? Please!"
Nico shook his head momentarily, watching as the girl Clarisse mimicked his movements. He thought it over for a few moments before wondering if that would be a bad choose or not. He didn't know what would happen if he went. What if this was a set up? What if it was something they did to every new comer to the town? Like a prank or something. Holding his arms out in front of him Nico shrugged. He moved his thumbs quickly around each other before letting out a deep breath. He finally nodded in agreement, although he wasn't sure why. Silena looked at him with happiness before pumping her fist in the air and waving a quick goodbye. Nico watched her petal away before turning back to Clarisse. All he gained from the other girl was a snort.
The first thing Bianca did when she met at Percy's house was punch the boy in the face. She knew he had been messing with her brother before he left and now she kind of blamed him for her brother being sent off. It had only been one night, but she missed having Nico in the room across from hers. She missed the sound of him stumbling around half asleep in the morning. She missed hearing the light snores from down the halls. She missed his clumsiness, he loudness, his weirdness. Now, staring at Percy in the flesh, she punched him directly in the face. The boy stumbled back dumbfounded before recoiling and moving away from Bianca. There was a moment of silence between the two as Bianca glared at him. After a moment she caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eyes; Grover and Thalia sitting on the couch. After a moment the two took notice of Bianca and waited for her to come on inside. Bianca did so hesitantly. She was afraid of drawing attention to herself, not having much self-confidence. Even though she had just punched him in the face, Percy moved through the door briskly, allowing her to step into the room. Once they were all settled on the couch and the noise died down Percy stepped in front of them.
"Okay, you all, listen to me. I having some important news for everyone." He looked at each of them with concern, wondering how they would all react.
"What is it? Are you and Annabeth getting back together? Please don't!" Grover droned on. He opened his mouth and pretended to vomit. A loud laugh exploded from Thalia and even Bianca cracked a smile. Percy was not pleased.
"No! I have something really important to tell you all and, Bianca, I believe you will be most interested in this." Percy cried as he glared through out the room. Bianca stopped for a moment, feeling her heart rate increase. What had Nico done now? He couldn't have damaged something (or someone) when he was with their aunt could he?
"Well what is it!?" Bianca cried, now fully engrossed in the conversation.
"Alright, here goes nothing...," Percy took a deep breath before clasping his hands to his side. Every part of him was on fire for a moment. His heart ached with extreme pain as he swallowed every part of his pride. "I- I'm... I'm done with Annabeth and...I've been with Nico for the last couple of days, in a romantic, sexual, loving- what every kind of manner it would be. But I have been in a relationship with Nico and here's the biggest topper: I am in love with Nico di Angelo!"