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.
Nico sat with Luke, Thalia, Frank and Hazel at lunch on Thursday. He had a container of fries in front of him but he really didn't feel like eating. He only saw Percy briefly this morning, a small nod was all the greeting he got. His stomach had been turning all day worrying about what was going on with Percy. He hoped sitting with his friends would be the distraction he needed, but they seemed to notice his bad mood and even thou no one was asking he could see the question in their eyes. Except Luke, sitting across from Nico he was oblivious of any discord. He was telling Nico all about his new boat and how they should go on a trip when the weather was nice, Nico tried to show the enthusiasm he wasn't feeling. Suddenly Luke stopped talking and frowned over Nico's shoulder, the smaller boy turned to look as Percy slipped onto the bench next to him. He gave each of the others a greeting before turning towards Nico grabbing some of his fries and shoving them in his mouth. Their knees brushed gently and Nico could see a glint in the older boys eye.
"So Nico, I had a thought." He said casually, bouncing his leg up and down slowly rubbing Nico's thigh with his knee.
Nico swallowed, "What's your thought Percy?" He tried to sound equally casual. Percy continued to eat Nico's fries as they talked.
"I was thinking why we haven't seen you in sword club."
"And what did you deduce sea prince?"
"Hey, I was crowned King, not prince." Percy frowned. " And what does the sea have to do...oh right." Percy blushed as he remembered his mom telling some stories about the seaside cabin they vacation at every year.
" And you may have been crowned Homecoming King, but Perce you are way to childish to be a king. So prince it is." Nico smiled as he took own couple fries and put them in his mouth hoping Percy knew he was teasing. Percy frowned in thought, then smiled as he burst out laughing clapping Nico on the shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze. Nico wasn't sure why he had been so worried, Percy said he was going to give him space at school. Nico thought maybe he understood now why Percy would be more comfortable if they defined their relationship. Nico's friends watched the exchange; Frank and Hazel gave each other a knowing look and Thalia choked on her coke she was laughing so hard. Luke glared angrily; Nico tried to ignore them all, especially Luke who was clenching his fists on the table.
"I guess you have a point there." Percy continued, "Anyways, as I was saying, before you interrupted, I figured we haven't seen you at sword club because you didn't know when and where we met. And me, being the responsible," Percy emphasized responsible, "President that I am, decided I better come over here and fill you in." He finished with a large smile, his hand had somehow slipped under the table and caressed Nico's leg gently. He was leaning close and Nico could smell salt and Percy's cologne.
"Or maybe he doesn't want to join your stupid club, sea weed brain." Luke spat out. Nico looked at his friend wide eyed and slack jawed; he looked really angry. Percy slowly brought both his hands onto the table, turned towards Luke and intertwined his fingers making a little steeple to rest his chin on.
"Perhaps Castellan. That may be it, but don't you think Nico is grown up enough to speak for himself?"
"Well, you're not exactly known for taking rejection well Jackson."
The two boys glared at each other, Nico thought he could smell blood in the air.
"Go to hell Luke." Percy whispered harshly. His fists clenched tight and his knuckles turned white. Nico gently put his hand on Percy's, drawing the other boys attention.
"Hey, why don't you give us a minute." Nico saw the fear and pain flash in Percy's the eyes. Nico knew it looked like he was choosing Luke, but he just finally needed some answers. Nico stood and gave Percy's hand a squeeze, brushing his finger tips along his still fisted hand. He hoped it was enough reassurance, Nico gave Percy a small smile as he walked around the table and gestured for Luke to follow him.
Percy watched his Nico leave the cafeteria with Luke. Percy glared after them; things had been going so well until Luke went and opened his mouth. His stomach turned at the thought of Nico leaving with that ass, but he forced himself to focused on the display of affection he gave before he left. Touching Percy's hand like that, caressing it, had been a big deal. Nico didn't care about what anyone else thought, only about letting Percy know he didn't have to worry. And so he tried not to. He turned back to the table and picked at Nico's cold fries.
"You don't have to worry about those two, you know that right? Luke's straight." Thalia slid over to sit next to Percy. Frank and Hazel leaning in close from across the table.
Percy nodded, even thou he knew that wasn't entirely true. "I'm not worried, I trust Nico. I just hate him being alone with Luke. I really don't trust him."
"So, you and Nico eh?" Hazel wiggled her eye brows. "What's going on there?"
Percy frowned at her and shrugged.
Frank laughed "Leave it alone love. They'll talk about it when their ready."
Percy glanced back to the doors and sighed, wondering what Nico and Luke were talking about.