Hazel stared at the apartment door in front of her. She had been here for almost five minutes now, working up the courage to knock on the door. Her gaze moved behind her to look at Nico's car. There was another car behind it that Hazel didn't recognize, but she knew that it wasn't Reyna's, since Reyna had yet to replace her totaled one.
Hazel let out a deep breath and raised her hand. She knocked on the door. Her body felt tense, and her mind was racing. Hazel could not get what happened that day out of her head. When everything happened, it felt like she was moving in slow motion, but reflecting back on it made her realize it had happened so fast.
Percy's face had gone so pale when he saw that man, like he was having some kind of flashback. Hazel was so worried and scared for him. Then, Reyna punched that same man in the face. That moment happened in slow motion, but everything after that happened so fast.
Hazel could only watch as Reyna was arrested. All around her, people took pictures and videos. That man kept screaming about suing Reyna and his broken nose. Reyna didn't even react as she was arrested, and Hazel didn't know what to do. Tell the officers it was all a mistake? Just stand there and look like a fool?
Annabeth was the one who intervened. She grabbed Hazel's elbow with one arm and wrapped the other around Percy's waist. Annabeth led them to their car, away from the situation. The two were left in the car while Annabeth talked to the police.
Hazel tried her best to comfort Percy. The look on his face made it clear that he was fighting off bad memories. There were no words exchanged between them, but Percy seemed to relax slightly as Hazel grabbed his hand and squeezed it. She didn't let go until Annabeth came back with a grim look.
There was nothing they could do, so Annabeth got their food. Then they went back to the gym. And to Lupa. Thankfully, Frank met them outside, sharing the same grim look that they all had. He didn't have to ask what happened. He probably already saw the videos.
Hazel and Frank brought the groceries inside. Annabeth comforted Percy, who tried to insist that he should help. He was told to go inside and relax. As they were bringing everything into the gym, Hazel paid close attention to everything around her.
The gym was dead quiet. No one was at the front desk. Nico's car was gone from the parking lot. Most importantly, Lupa's door was closed, and no one dared enter the sanctum. They just put the groceries away and stayed in their break room.
The mood was somber. No one knew what to say, so conversation was sparse. They all focused on their phones, trying to get updates. Hazel texted Nico, but she never received a response. Hazel almost felt like a zombie, just shambling along unsure of what to do.
Then, they heard the yelling. Hazel could have sworn that was Reyna's voice, but she still had to be in jail, right? Annabeth went to investigate the commotion, and she didn't come back.
The entire thing confused Hazel. She didn't understand why any of that had happened. It didn't help that they weren't getting any more information. No one had Hylla's numbers, the news outlets didn't know, and no one dared ask Lupa. Then, the yelling picked up again.
But all Hazel could do was focus on what that antagonizer, Bryce, had said.
Hazel played those words in her head over and over again. She herself wanted to punch him for calling Nico a faggot, but why would he say that? And with so much conviction, too. It didn't sound like someone who was just throwing insults around. The man sounded like he wanted the word to hurt because it was true. On top of that, he asked if Percy was Nico's boyfriend.
Part of her thought it was just childish insults, a way to insult Nico. Something about that didn't seem right, though. Reyna, as bad as her temper could be, wouldn't hit someone just because they insulted Nico. Hazel couldn't explain it, but something told her that Reyna punched Bryce for more than just bad history. He may have spoken some forbidden truth, one that was supposed to stay hidden.
That was why Hazel was here. She was confused, but she was also worried for Nico. That maybe Bryce had come after him or that he somehow knew what Bryce said about him. Hazel wanted answers. That was why she squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and knocked once again.
The door opened a few moments later, and Hazel found herself face to face with Nico. He looked miserable. The right side of his shirt was completely wet like he had just stepped out of the rain. The sky was clear outside, though. There was a boiling anger in Nico's eyes, but it didn't seem to be focused on anyone in particular. Upon seeing her, a frown twisted his lips.
"Hazel?" Nico questioned. "What's wrong?"
"Can we talk?" Hazel asked. Nico glanced behind him. Then, he looked back at her and nodded. Nico stepped to the side. Hazel slowly stepped into the apartment and studied her half-brother. Looking at him, it made Hazel realize something. Something that she always knew but kept buried deep down inside.
The two of them were half-siblings, but they did not feel like siblings. They did not feel like brother and sister.
Hazel felt terrible thinking that. She tried to ignore the feeling. The very thought. It was always there in the back of her mind, and it constantly tried to worm its way into her heart. Nico was protective of her, but he was also protective of Reyna. He had been with Hazel throughout all the nasty business with her family, but the same went for him being there for Reyna.
Hazel knew it wasn't fair to compare the two, but she couldn't help it. Those doubts were always there, deciding to crop up at the worst of times. Like now. Hazel felt terrible, but how was she supposed to help it?
Her mother wasn't the best person in the world, and after she died, Hazel had no one. Her extended family wouldn't give her the time of day, only contacting her because they wanted money. Hazel had received a letter from her father that informed her of Nico, but that was it.
Years later, Hazel had a step-brother and friends, but the person she was closest to was someone who wasn't her family. Maybe, it was just an archaic thought to have. The person you were closest to didn't have to be of your blood, but it felt weird that it wasn't.
Hazel forced those thoughts out of her head and looked at Nico. She decided to start on a hopefully easier topic, "Is Reyna... okay? Did they press charges?"
"No," Nico answered after a few moments. He led her towards the couch and sat down. "Bryce dropped all the charges, but Reyna's not okay. She found out about something bad today."
"Was that her who was yelling earlier?" Hazel guessed. Nico nodded. "What happened?"
"I don't think I could, or should, share," Nico replied honestly. Hazel looked away. She understood it, but she felt bitter. It was great that Nico wasn't sharing, but wouldn't a brother share everything with his sister?
Hazel chewed the inside of her lip. She wanted to get rid of those thoughts. They were unfair and intrusive, but she just couldn't. A sigh left Nico as he turned towards Reyna's room. It was quiet in the apartment, other than the humming of Nico's gaming console.
"Is Reyna okay after being arrested? Was she upset about that?" Hazel pressed. She leaned back on the couch and studied Nico. His gaze moved back to the television, but it just displayed the home screen. It was a sign that he was too distracted to play.
"I think she's okay with that," Nico said after a few moments. The look on his face made it clear he was carefully considering his words. Did he always do that around her? "She seemed at peace with the decision. Even if it got her kicked out of the Wolves. It was just what happened with Lupa that just... changed everything."
"Which is why you don't feel comfortable telling me about it," Hazel assumed. Nico nodded his agreement. "Is it that bad?"
"It is." A scowl came to his face. "I just wish I could do something for Reyna."
Hazel nodded and sat back against the couch. She looked down at the couch and played with a loose thread on her jeans, "That man that Reyna punched. Who was he?"
A veil of darkness draped over Nico's eyes, and his jaw clenched. Anger, and maybe something like fear, ran through his features. Nico slowly answered, "No one to worry about."
"He was threatening to hurt you, Nico. To do more than just hurt you," Hazel countered gently. "He said he was looking for you."
"Bryce isn't going to lay a hand on me," Nico swore. "He's nothing more than a bully, Hazel. He won't bother us anymore."
"Because Reyna punched him?" Hazel guessed. Nico nodded in confirmation. He seemed to be moving away on the couch, as if that would remove him from the conversation. "She punched him because he said that he was going to bend you over a table."
The darkness deepened, and his body completely tensed. Hazel gently reached out to grab his arm, but he recoiled the second her fingers brushed against him. Hazel frowned and retracted her hand, "Did he hurt you, Nico?"
Nico remained silent. Hazel took a breath to work up the courage to continue, "Nico, please. You can tell me anything. I won't judge you."
Her half-brother shook his head and stood. Hazel stood with him and spoke, "Nico, I won't look down on you if he tried to hurt you. What did he do to you?"
"Back in high school," Nico muttered. He crossed his arms and looked away. "Reyna protected me. Just like she did today."
"Reyna is protective of her friends," Hazel commented. She gave Nico a gentle smile. "Especially of you."
"Lupa's just going to kick her out of the gym. I can't let that happen," Nico swore. He turned and walked towards his room. Hazel slowly followed after him. She watched Nico shove on a winter coat and grab his keys.
"Are you going to talk to Lupa?" Hazel asked.
"I have to," Nico answered as he left the bedroom and walked towards the door.
"Nico, wait," Hazel began. Nico stopped and looked at her. "Can I help you with anything?"
"I just need to talk to Lupa," Nico insisted. He opened the door. Hazel watched him leave. As the door started to close behind him, she caught the door. The two of them were supposed to be siblings, but Hazel wasn't sure if Nico would do the same for her.
"Talk to her about what?" Hazel questioned.
"About Bryce and why Reyna punched him." Nico walked towards his car. Hazel followed.
"He asked if Percy was your boyfriend," Hazel said suddenly. Nico stiffened. Clear tension came to his shoulders even through his jacket. "I know he's not, but why would Bryce ask that? It only seemed to set Reyna off more. Was he just being a jerk, or was there some truth to it. Nico, are you... gay?"
Nico didn't turn to look at her. He did stiffen even more, looking like a statue more and more with every passing second. Hazel studied his back. She didn't care that Nico was gay. If he was.
It was a little bit of a culture shock when she first joined the gym and learned that Reyna was bisexual. Her hometown didn't have anyone like that, as anyone who wasn't straight would have been shunned. So to just be presented with that was a bit of a shock, but she got over it.
But for Nico to be gay? That didn't bother her. That wasn't what bothered her about it.
"Yes," Nico muttered after a few moments. He sighed and looked at the ground, like he was ashamed.
"You're gay," Hazel repeated. She looked down. There was only one thing that bothered her about this. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I just didn't," Nico began.
"That's not an answer," Hazel retorted, and for the first time ever while talking to Nico, anger seeped into her tone. She didn't care that Nico was gay, but she did care that he didn't tell her. They were supposed to be family.
"I just didn't," Nico repeated.
"We're supposed to be a family!" Hazel hissed. She felt her long hidden anger and emotions leaking out. She didn't want to take them out on Nico, but at the same time, this had been eating away at her for too long. "Why wouldn't you tell me?"
"No one knows," Nico began as he slowly turned towards her. He still didn't look up, eyes cast downwards in shame. Like she was going to shame him. Like she was going to judge him.
"Other than Reyna," Hazel said sharply. Nico winced and brought his arms close to his chest. "I don't care if you're gay or not, Nico. But, we're supposed to be family."
"We are family," Nico argued.
"Then, why didn't you tell me?!" Hazel demanded. "Why don't you trust me enough?"
"I do trust you, Hazel. It's just complicated," Nico said, and he still wouldn't look up at her.
"We don't feel like a family," Hazel stated. She felt tears sting her eyes. "And, that's all I dreamed of Nico. My mother was barely there for me, and even then she kept me at a distance. The rest of my family doesn't care about me. I grew up watching these films and movies and seeing these happy families. Parents that cared for each other and siblings that told each other everything."
"I always wished that I had a sibling. I just wanted someone I could share things with. Something that I could tell everything to that wouldn't judge. Someone who I could just trust," Hazel lamented as tears trickled from her eyes. Nico slowly looked up at her. "I just want someone who will love me like a family member should."
"Hazel, I do," Nico began to plead as tears welled in his eyes.
"You don't act like it!" Hazel almost screeched. She knew she was being hysterical but couldn't stop herself. "If you did, you would have told me."
"That's not a secret that I share lightly," Nico argued. He took a deep breath. Hazel closed her eyes. She was being unfair to Nico. She knew that, but at the same time, this hurt. Nico held up his hands. "Alright. Let's go inside and talk about this."
"No," Hazel refused. She shook her head and wiped her eyes.
"Hazel..."
"You need to talk to Lupa. I need time to gather my thoughts," Hazel explained. She took a deep breath and looked at Nico. "Let's meet up tonight or tomorrow."
Nico studied her and looked lost for an answer. Hazel met his eyes. She slowly spoke, "We both need time to think this over, but just know that I don't judge you, Nico. I will never judge you for being gay. Okay? Never."
"I know," Nico whispered. He sighed and looked down. "I just... with your family. And your upbringing. And mine. I was... scared."
Hazel suddenly wrapped Nico in a hug. He quickly hugged her back. Hazel gripped him. She knew that things weren't going to be magically fixed. They were still going to have to talk this over, but Hazel needed time to think things out. Mostly to just compose herself. Most importantly, Nico had to talk to Lupa.
There was a look of conviction in Nico's eyes. It was clear he had a mission, and nothing would stand in his way. Any talk he had with Hazel now would not have his full attention. Nico slowly pulled away but grabbed a hold of Hazel's hands.
"We'll talk tomorrow," Nico promised. "Over lunch."
"Over lunch," Hazel agreed. She gripped his hand. "Good luck with Lupa. What are you going to say to her?"
Nico let go of her hand. He looked down and closed his eyes for a few moments, "I'm going to tell Lupa the truth about Bryce and about myself. That Reyna didn't punch Bryce in high school because he made her mad. I just hope I can get Reyna her spot back in the gym, if Reyna even wants it. But, I need answers too."
"About what?" Hazel gently prodded. "Or, is that the thing you can't talk about."
"Lupa knows Reyna's mother," Nico said softly. Hazel's eyes widened. That look of conviction in Nico's eyes hardened. "And, I'm going to figure out why the hell Lupa waited until now to tell her."