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.

"Remind me again...why are we here?"

"Because you skipped the homecoming dance."

Nico and Will stood in Drew Tanaka's driveway looking up at her large house. The sounds of the after party drifting through the night towards them. Nico had called Will Tuesday night, and they met up for coffee again Wednesday at lunch and Will came over for two hours after school. Thursday they sat in the hall together at lunch, and Will was at Nico's house that night till 10:00. Will tried to convince Nico to come to the dance on Friday at lunch, and when that failed showed up after the dance and told him to get dressed, they were going to a party.

"Skipped it for a reason."

"And Percy won Homecoming King."

"Not surprising."

"And all the King wanted, was to dance with you at homecoming."

"You assume."

"He was miserable the whole night." Will turned to face him, "Come inside for an hour, just one hour. If you hate it I'll take you home." Nico sighed, "Did I mention how great he looked tonight?" Will whispered elbowing Nico in the side.

"That is not a deciding factor. He always looks great." Nico mumbled as he headed up the drive.

Will hadn't been exaggerating, in his finely tailored suit and that sea green tie that matched his eyes, Percy did look great. Nico took a deep breath as he followed Will into the kitchen. When Percy noticed them he visibly froze, it was only for a heartbeat before he shook himself and raised his hand in greeting.

"Hey! Check it out!" Percy bent his head to show off his shiny crown. "Pretty cool huh?"

Nico nodded, the boy was made to wear a crown. Will picked up the slack and showed appropriate enthusiasm. Nico leaned on the counter next to Will while he made conversation with the others. Nico was too busy forcing himself not to look at Percy to force conversation. Nico jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Meet me outside." Percy whispered with a wink as he slipped out of the kitchen. Nico hesitated, he really wanted to go after him but he also didn't want anyone to notice they both slipped off. Will elbowed him in the side and gestured with his head for Nico to go. Leo was telling a story partnered with actions; everyone was focused on him, it would be a great time to slip away. So he did, making a beeline for the back door. The only light was coming from the windows leaving the yard in shadows. Walking down the stairs and off the porch Nico stepped into the shadows.

A warm and firm hand wrapped around his and gently lead him to a small stone bench in the garden. The light filtered through the bushes making it just light enough to see. Nico pulled his hand away and sat next to Percy in silence, waiting for him to say something, but they older boy seemed content to just look at him.

"What's up Percy?" Nico was whispered, breaking the silence.

Percy smiled sadly, "I just... Wanted to spend some time with you. I'm so glad you're here." Percy reached over and laced his fingers with Nico's. He slid closer so they were just inches apart. "I miss you. I just wanted some alone time." Nico felt his eyes burn and he was glad for the deep shadows.

"Percy..."

"Don't worry, I'm not pushing. I just, you look beautiful tonight Nikki. I wanted to tell you that. We can talk right? Just sit here and talk."

Percy's voice was soft and strained. He spoke very slowly and seemed to have trouble focusing. He kept trailing off and staring at Nico with a wistful look on his face.

"Are you drunk Percy?"

"I've had a few."

Nico pulled away and stood up, "Look, I should go." As much as he liked the idea of spending some time alone with Percy, he wasn't comfortable with him being inebriated.

"But... You came. To my party."

"Technically it's Drew's party. But I'm only here because Will brought me."

"You came with Will? You're here with Will?" Percy sounded surprised and a little bitter.

"He's drove me. Came by after the dance and talked me into it. He's very convincing."

Percy frowned, "I thought...I just, I didn't know you were here with him." The way he said him sounded almost like a sneer.

Nico blushed witch made Percy angry, "We're not here together together. We just came here together."

"Yea, well I guess you should get back to him." Percy stood up abruptly. "Wouldn't want to keep sweet Will waiting."

"Percy..." Nico stood as well, he could tell Percy was upset and didn't want to let him leave like that.

"No, it's cool I get it. Really." Percy had to get away or he was going to say something he would regret. He could feel the alcohol loosening his tongue.

But Nico reached out and took his hand gently pulling him deeper into the shadows and within an inch of the smaller boy. He looked nervous but didn't drop his hand. Percy reached out and gently put his free hand on Nico's hip.

"I just wanted to say congratulations on your crown. I voted for you...you were kind of born to wear a crown." Without looking at his face Nico stretched up and brushed his lips against Percy's cheek before quickly pulling away. Percy reached back to pull him back against his body but Nico held fast.

"Don't ruin it Percy." Nico whispered. Percy nodded and dropped his hand.

"Thank you for coming Nikki." Nico nodded and gave him a small smile before slipping back through the shadows towards the house.

Percy stayed in the garden and sat back on the bench. Nico had kissed him. On the cheek, while he was here with another guy. But he kissed him, and told him he was meant to wear a crown. He wasn't sure how he felt about it, but he decided to focus on the feel of Nico's soft lips on his skin and not the fact that he was here with Will Solace.

When Percy went back to the kitchen Nico was standing with his back against the island, Will perched on top next to him; Jason, Leo and Drew were standing around as well. He had a beer in his hand that he obviously wasn't drinking; he was peeling off bits of the label completely ignoring the conversation. Will leaned over and whispered something in his ear causing Nico to smirk and glance sideways at him. Will gave him a quick rub on his back before returning back to the conversation with the others. Percy grabbed himself a beer and watched from the entry way. They seemed very comfortable with each other and Nico didn't tense up when Will touched him. Percy downed half his beer and tried to get a hold on the jealousy. He knew now how bad he had messed up; he pushed him too hard and lost him for it. He took a deep breath and made his way over to his friends, trying to be happy for Nico. It didn't work very well.

Nico just wanted to go home. His lips still tingled from where he touched Percy's warm skin. He had wanted to give him a real kiss. Pull him close and feel his strong arms around his waist. But he knew it would have been cruel, because he still wasn't ready for what Percy wanted. Hanging out with Will was helping, it was nice to have a friend where he could be himself and not feel the pressure he did with Percy.

He wasn't sure why he let Will talk him into this, they had only knew each other for four days but it felt like forever. Nico was comfortable with him, felt like he could be himself. Every time they hung out Will would casually mention another out student at their school, he shared stories about how they came out and the reaction. Nico had been surprised by how many people in his school were openly not straight, even friends of his that he hadn't known about. Reyna had come out as a lesbian sophomore year, although she hadn't had a relationship with anyone yet. Apparently Frank was Bisexual like Percy, even thou he was in a steady relationship with Hazel. Thalia was what they apparently called asexual; no sexual attraction to anyone, and Leo considered himself pansexual, or as some said gender blind. Will told a funny story about the time Leo, Hazel and Frank had been caught fooling around at last year's spring formal. Will had mentioned a few other names Nico hadn't recognized, and apparently they had a whole support system at the school. But here in the crowd of people his anxiety was growing again.

When Percy came back to the kitchen he threw himself into the conversation with gusto. A little too much gusto if Nico thought about it. And no matter how much he tried to act like everything was alright Nico couldn't help but notice the dirty looks he kept sending Will, who was oblivious. After 15 minutes Nico had enough. He turned around and set his beer on the counter, gently nudging Will to get his attention.

"Can you give me a ride home? I have to get out of here." Will nodded and slid off the island.

After saying a quick goodbye to the others Will and Nico headed out.

"You alright? Did something happen with Percy?"

"No. I mean, it was fine. But he's drunk and acting weird."

"I'm sorry, I thought it would be nice for you to see him, spend some time with him."

"It was nice. Until he started getting all weird and upset."

"Why was he upset?"

"I don't know. He seemed pissed off that you brought me."

"Oh."

"Oh what?"

"I know why he was upset."

"You going to share with the class?" Nico snapped, and winced b y how harsh his voice sounded.

"He thought we were there together, like a date and he was jealous." Will said calmly.

"That's stupid. I told him I'm not dating. Why would he think we were there on a date?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure it was just the alcohol."

"And people wonder why I don't drink." Nico mumbled and stared out the window.