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.

Monday at lunch a very angry Percy slid into the table in front of Will.

"Go, now." He said sharply to the few others at they jumped up and vanished without hesitation. Will took one look at Percy's face, feeling the presence of who he guessed were Jason and Leo standing behind him. Percy crossed his arms on the table in front of him leaning towards the slightly smaller boy. His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed as he studied him.

"Before you say anything, it's not what you think." Will spat out quickly.

"You came to the party together. You left together."

"I just gave him a ride. I dropped him at home and left."

"So you didn't hang out all week after school, at lunch? Texting all the time. Do you stay up late on the phone, falling asleep with him on the other end?" Percy's voice grew more and more bitter as he went. He felt like he was going to be sick. "Did you...I mean have you..." His fists clenched on the tabletop, he couldn't even get the words out. The thought of Nico with someone else, even some one he would consider a friend and a good man, made him sick.

"Relax, really, nothing has happened. There is absolutely nothing romantic about our relationship. We're just friends."

Percy snorted, "That's what he said about me. Not that I could even call him that lately. I don't even have to right to say anything really. I mean, he's allowed to do what he wants. He's made it perfectly clear he wants nothing to do with me."

Will smirked, "Come on man; don't play that way with me. I'm not making a move on him, I swear, he's all yours."

"But he's not mine, not really. He doesn't want that." Now that he wasn't angry he felt the pain again growing in his chest again. Nico didn't want him.

Will took Percy's hand, "You have nothing to worry about. As far as the gay community in this school is concerned he's all yours. Even if he wanted someone else, they probably wouldn't have him."

"How does that work?" Percy looked sceptical.

"He's not out, half the guys have no idea he actually is...in our club. And the few that have guessed, well they wouldn't do that to you. It's obvious how much you care about him. And how much he cares about you."

Percy looked up, "How much he... " He couldn't finish the sentence; he was scared to consider Will was saying what he hoped he was saying.

"Look Perce, he's working on it. But he cares about you, I promise. Just be patient with him."

Percy sighed, "I'm trying, really I am. But Patience is not one of my strong suits." Percy felt a smile creep across his face, "So, he's talked about me? To you. He's said something."

"Percy..."

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I just miss him Will." Percy felt his eyes start to burn. "He's not avoiding me, but I feel like he barley talks to me anymore. Every time I say anything to him he makes me feel like I'm betraying him."

"I know. This is a hard situation, for everyone."

"Just, be good to him Will. Don't hurt him. You take care of him for me. I'd hate to have to kick your ass." Percy smirked.

"Don't worry Percy; I'm keeping my eye on him for you."

Percy smiled and left Will to finish his lunch. He still felt jealous, but at least Nico wasn't dating Will. He just wished the younger boy would open up to him the way he obviously was opening up to Will.

"What the hell did you think you were doing?" Nico cornered Percy coming into the change room after lunch. Grabbing his arm he pulled him around the corner out of sight.

"What?"

"Interrogating Will like that! Ambushing him in the cafeteria! I forgave you for acting like a jealous ass at that stupid party because you were drunk, but this... what the hell Percy?" Nico's face was red and his grip on Percy's arm was firm.

"It wasn't an ambush." Percy blushed, "I just wanted to talk to him. I had to know what was going on."

Nico dropped his hand, "Why didn't you ask me?" His voice was soft but still harsh.

"Because I knew I was been a possessive jerk and I didn't want you to know. I hated the idea of you and Will together." Percy looked at his feet, he was ashamed of himself. "I know now there's nothing going on."

"Of course there's nothing going on! Shit Percy, do you really think so little of me to believe that I would do that to you? Brush you off saying I'm not dating right now then jump into a relationship with the next gay guy I met?"

"No! Of course not!" Percy stammered.

"And forget about me; do you really think WILL would do that to you?"

"No, it's not like that. I mean you were hanging out so much, I mean if you liked him there was nothing you could have done."

"I like YOU sea weed brain." Nico blushed but didn't look away. Percy couldn't breathe, it was the first time he had admitted it out loud. He had to cross his arms to stop himself from reaching out for Nico, who took a step closer.

"Look, I'm sorry. I know you don't understand, and that makes it hard for you, but I just... I just need a little more time. Just bare with me." Nico gave Percy a small smile and gentle brushed his hand across Percy's cheek making them both blush. "I do really like you. I guess, I should have said it earlier."

Percy smiled back, "Alright Nikki, I'll try harder."

"Come on, we're going to be late for class." Nico turned to leave but Percy took hold of his arm.

"Wait. Just...hold on." Nico paused and turned back towards him, one eyebrow raised. "Could I just..." He gently pulled Nico towards him and the smaller boy didn't fight. Percy pulled Nico into his arms and gave him a tight hug, one hand caressing the back of the smaller boys head. It only lasted a few seconds but when Percy let go and step back both boys were blushing again. "Thank you." Percy mumbled. Together they headed to class, trying hard not to look at one another.