I've just realized that I created a love-triangle. I am sorry. So sorry. Goddamn love-triangles.

©Rick Riordan

©Scarlett Dove

Chapter XX

Shoulder to Shoulder with Warmth (Back to Back with Memories)

Two warm arm pressed against Nico's sides.

He couldn't understand if it was too much heat or not enough. I was honestly a really annoying decision to make for Nico.

Nico glanced to his right quickly, Gavin was there. Nico let a small smile come on his lips. He liked Gavin, and Gavin liked him.

Well, for now he does. Or maybe it's just pity.

Nico scowled.

Same with the other one.

Nico's scowl melted as he looked over to his left. A weird weight settled in his chest.

What was that?

Uncertainty.

Nico blinked. It's being slightly helpful.

Who are you?

No one you need to know.

You're in my head. Nico furrowed his eyebrows.

And?

Nico clenched his teeth. Before he could respond, a warm hand rested on Nico's arm. Nico looked over to the tanned hand on his pale skin.

He could be tanner than that, Nico knew that. Maybe in the summer he could try.

"Nico?" Percy shook his arm slightly. Nico looked up to meet his eyes.

Now's not the time to get lost, Neeks. The voice teased. Nico hummed and rested a hand atop of Percy's. Nico looked back at their hands, it was a weird mixture; a deeply tanned, muscular hand incased by a too skinny, paper white arm and hand. The black blotches on his arm sometimes resembled black splotches. Sometimes they made out nice designs or words. The words were especially nice. They were positive. Nico doubts he picked them out himself.

Nico heard Percy talk again, but his voice seemed tight, scratchy. "Ah, Nico."

"I'm listening." Nico murmured as he moved his hand to trace Percy's hand.

"Alright then, Nico." Nico heard Lucy say. "Could you tell Hazel what's going on at the moment?"

Nico stopped tracing patterns. His sister was sitting across from him, most likely trying not to cry.

Fucking hell. Nico sucked in a breath and focused back his attention on Percy's hands. It sparkled, it reminded him of the way the lowering sun going down under the waves and turning the sea into beautiful crystals. His skin was like the gods. But he was better than the gods.

Then why?

Nico's eyes began to fill with tears. The sea was being obscured with rivers.

Why… why what?

Why would he do that? Why do you think that? Nico shook his head, trying to get the voice out of his head. This is not what he wants to hear.

I-I don't know. Nico sniffled. He tried to stop the tears from flowing but Nico never had a chance.

Think. Think. THINK!

"No!" Nico screamed and fell forwards onto his knees. Nico's bones gave out on the impact. He crashed to the floor with a loud thump.

"Nico!"

"Dear Zeus! Is he alright?"

"Nico, baby, please."

"It's okay, it's okay,"

Nico sobbed and withered against the floor. It was cold. Cold was good. His collar got tighter. That is bad. Nico screamed and scratched at his shirt. Hands clasped around his wrists and his arms were pulled away and back from his body. Leaving him face down on the floor with his arms and legs pressed away from him.

Nico's mind went blank.

Oh, fuck. There's going to be some more problems. Fuck.

Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed the update!

Thank you for reviewing, and don't be a stranger, tell me what you think, if you have any questions, float your boat.

Night guys,

Scarlett