Disclaimer:: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus or its characters. They are the property of Rick Riorden, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Percy was his usual friendly self, but there was sadness in his eyes that Nico could see. He kept good on his promise not to touch him; even thou Nico saw him start to reach out towards him a few times before he caught himself.

It wasn't until Tuesday things started to get really weird. People he had never talked to before suddenly wanted to chat with him. Girls he had never met were flirting with him and he was sure he'd seen more than a few giving him the once over. By lunch he was fed up with the weirdness and hid out in the library to avoid people. It didn't work very well, as he overheard a not quiet whispered conversation between two girls who sat behind him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, that's him. Nico di Angelo."

"I guess he's kind of cute, but he's really small."

"Well I heard he's way into martial arts. And his butt looked really good in those tight jeans he wears."

The girls giggled. Nico kept his head down and hoped he wasn't blushing.

"I thought they were friends?" Now his ears perked up.

"They were; Nico was even going to join that sword club of his. Went to his competition last weekend too." They we're talking about him and Percy. His heart started to race; this was why people were acting so strangely towards him.

"So what happened?"

"I don't know. I guess Percy told him, asked him out and Nico rejected him."

"Poor Percy. He must really have liked him; he doesn't usually go for the whole commitment thing."

"Still does."

"No way!"

"Oh yea. Ella is dating Tyson and she said that Percy is still way into him. And Rachel Dare said she overheard Percy talking to Jason about him." Nico stifled a groan; Percy had been serious about not denying his feelings. He was actively admitting to people that he had a crush on Nico.

"I haven't heard of any drama thou."

"Nope, Katie said it was all very amicable. That the two of them still talk and stuff, have common friends, even have gym together and it's minimally awkward." At least Percy also kept his word about not telling anyone about Nico.

The girls had moved from their seats and left the library. Nico wasn't sure what to think about this, he knew the calm way the girls were discussing the gossip just proved Percy right. They only seemed shocked that Percy wanted a relationship at all. Nico put his forehead on the table and wished he wasn't such a coward.

"You know, it's not too late." A girl with blond hair and stormy gray eyes sat down next to him.

"I'm sorry?"

She glanced around as if to make sure no one was listening, "You and Percy."

"I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you?"

"Annabeth Chase. And I probably know that sea weed brain better than anyone. I was the first person to know he was into guys at all."

"You were his best friend in middle school, he mentioned you."

"Surprising actually." Annabeth opened the text book she placed on the table and began flipping pages casually.

"Well, I called him sea weed brain one time and he said that's what you called him." Nico mumbled, still confused as to why she was talking to him.

"Yea, he can be a little dense. And pushy, and arrogant. But he means well." Annabeth shrugged. "Look, I'm sorry, I know I should mind my own business, but I still think of him as my friend and I hate to see him so miserable. I'm just saying I think you should trust him."

"It's not him I don't trust." Nico mumbled.

"Just talk to him."

"I did." Nico sighed, "Look, it's complicated. And I don't know you or have any interest in discussing this with you. Percy and I are friends, that's all."

Nico grabbed his books and rushed out of the library and smacked right into a hard chest, strong hands griped his arms to keep him from landing on his ass.

"Hey there, you okay?"

Nico looked up at a boy with shaggy blonde hair and pale blue eyes. Nico blinked once and shook his head to clear it. Realizing the other boy still hand his hands on Nico's arms he pulled back roughly. "Yea, I'm okay, sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

"It's all good, happens to the best of us. You're that new kid, umm Nico right?" Nico nodded. "I'm Will Solace." He had a nice style and an athletic build. "You sure you're okay? You look a little, pale."

Nico nodded again and took another step back.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

"What?"

"You need a break. There's a coffee shop down the street. Dr's orders."

Nico snorted, "You're a doctor?"

"Well, no, not really. I'm going to be one day thou. But that's not really the point, the point is I can see you are about 30 seconds from bolting and it would probably do you some good to get away." Will smiled, "What's the worst that can happen?"

For some reason Nico found himself nodding again, "Alright. Let's go."

Together the two boys slipped out the front door and headed down to the coffee shop Nico had met with Percy earlier that week. He made sure to avoid that booth.

"Look, I'm going to be straight up with you. I've heard the rumors and I don't believe them."

"What do you mean?" He tried to play it cool. Yea, Nico found it hard to believe a guy like Percy was into a guy like him too.

"Well, that's part of the reason I dragged you out here. It's not his feelings I doubt, I've seen the way he looks at you." Will kept his gaze steady on Nico, making him very uncomfortable. Nico felt his face burn. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe you rejected him." Nico felt the panic rising, his heart was racing and his breath was coming shallow. "Don't freak okay. Just hear me out. I get what's going on because last year I was exactly where you are. I just, I figured you would need someone to talk to, who's not emotionally, invested this. Percy's great, don't get me wrong, he's a great guy. Definitely had my back when I came out, big time. But this is personal for him, that makes it's messy." Will paused, waiting for Nico to say something. Nico leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms; Will knew. He was offering his friendship and he was apparently openly gay. Or he was fucking with Nico big time.

"So, you think I'm...gay. And what...having a secret relationship with Percy Jackson?"

"No. I know you're gay. And you aren't ready to have a relationship with Percy. And he doesn't get it. Look, think of me as your new sponsor." Will scribbled his number on a napkin and handed it to Nico. "Call me, we'll hang out, talk. Whatever. No pressure."

Nico took the napkin in his hands and stared at the neat numbers printed across it. He didn't write his name. With a small smile Will stood up and nodded in parting. Nico sat holding the napkin. Will seemed sincere. It was a nice thought; someone to hang out with and talk to, someone who wasn't, as Will said, emotional invested. He put the number in his phone and smiled, deciding he was defiantly going to call Will. Or at least txt him. He downed the rest of his coffee and headed back to school.