Solangelo

After

Nico stared at the bottom of the bunk above him. He couldn't sleep. He stayed up almost every night, his mind working on overload, listening to Hazel snore behind the privacy sheet that divided the Hades cabin in half. Something had been bothering him for the past several days since they defeated Gaea, but he hadn't pin-pointed what was wrong.

he thought back to the day they defeated Gaea, and all that had happened to Nico. Will had grabbed his arm and stared with horror, yelling at michael to stop as he launched Octavian with the Imperial Gold, crashing into Gaea and Festus the dragon, who was carrying Leo, causing an explosion big enough to singe the grass 1,200 ft below. He glanced over to Percy who was holding Annabeth who was crying and calling out Leo's name. When Piper landed with Jason, she ran to Hazel who had her head between her knees, sobbing and wheezing. Piper pulled Hazel in a hug and cried with her. Frank and Jason went to form a search party to go find Festus and Leo. But Nico knew they wouldn't find him.. he had sensed Leo's death.

Nico had watched Annabeth and Percy, and he still felt a twinge of sadness and jealousy, but he couldn't stay mad at either of them while they were mourning the loss of a friend they had spent the past few months with. But he had to admit that he had grown quite fond of that crazy little child, and just as he let someone in, trusted them, and got attached to them, they were ripped away in an instant.

Will had pulled Nico to him by the arm and held him, crying. Nico's eyes started to sting, seeing one of the nicest guys in Camp Half-Blood cry. It also shot electricity through his entire body, to feel Will against him, which also had confused him. He wasn't sure if it was too soon to like Will that way. He was shocked that Will would come to him for comfort. Nico hugged Will back with all his might, which wasn't much because he had barely any muscle mass anymore. "Will?" Nico whispered. Will pulled back a bit to look at Nico.

"What's up, di Angelo?" Will said with a hoarse voice. Tears started falling onto Nico's cheeks.

"You probably think I'm a horrible person," Nico choked out. "You must think that I'm terrible for letting Octavian commit unintentional suicide. For not stopping it.." Nico drifted off when he noticed Will staring at him with a goofy smile.  "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Nico asked with confusion In his voice.

"Nothing," Will said as he tousled his shaggy unkempt hair. "You're just adorable when you're worried." Will smiled through his tears and Nico smirked through the  ones he refused to let fall.

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Nico smiled at the memory of their budding romance. He noticed that it was just after dawn, and campers were starting to move about outside, helping the romans break camp. He got up and got changed. He pushed back the privacy sheet when he heard Hazel stretching and yawning. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and looked up. "'Morning, Nico. You're up early. Did you sleep at all last night?" Hazel asked with worry in her voice. Hazel knew that Nico hadn't been able to get any sleep these past few days.

"'Morning. and no, my mind wouldn't shut up...." Nico said, exhaustion seeping into his voice. His gaze was Getting farther and farther away.

"Nico, are you okay?" Hazel asked. After a few seconds she let out a sigh and whispered, "Oh my gods.... you sensed  Leo's death too, didn't you?" Hazel asked quietly, tears forming in her eyes. Nico just nodded. He pulled Hazel into a hug. He let go and grabbed his sword and belt.

"The romans are breaking camp. I need to do some things. I will give you some privacy so you can change and get packed—" He was interrupted by a huge 'WHOOP!!!!' from five cabins down. The Poseidon cabin. Nico bolted out the door and ran to the Poseidon cabin.

When Nico arrived, Annabeth and Percy were on the porch of the cabin, laughing and talking about something they seemed to be really excited about.

"Oh hey, Nic!" Percy said cheerfully.  "Sorry if we were a little loud. Annabeth just told me some good news. I guess we forgot that there were people still asleep. And the Hypnos cabin doesn't count because when are they not asleep?" Percy put his arm around Annabeth. Nico no longer felt jealous of their little moments because he had Will now.

"So, what's the good news?" Nico asked. He laughed as Percy grinned from ear to ear.

"We're going to finish high school together, and stay here, and then—" Annabeth was cut off by Percy.

"THEN COLLEGE IN NEW ROME!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!" Percy yelled and laughed. "And then... Annabeth? Do you want to tell him?" Percy asked.

"Reyna said we could stay in New Rome as long as we like after we're done with college." Annabeth winked at Nico and laughed. She kissed Percy on the cheek.

"Oh! I'm so happy for you guys! I'm glad you guys are going to stay here until you're done with senior year next year!" Nico said. And surprisingly he meant it. He didn't feel any sadness or jealousy at all for their endeavors as a couple. He looked at Percy, at his tan skin, his goofy smile, sea green eyes, and tousled black hair. He looked like a regular  teenager to Nico now. Not a god or a superhero, or an idol to worship.  "Well, Since we'll be seeing each other every day for the next year and a half, I think I should clear the air. I have something to tell you." Nico said. He surprisingly wasn't nervous.

  "And what's that?" Percy asked.

   Nico took a deep breath. He looked Percy straight in the eyes and said, "For a while, I had a crush on you. and I see now... you're cute, but you aren't my type." Nico laughed at Percy, who was standing there in shock.

"I'm cute, but I'm not your type.. wait... so you're—" Nico cut Percy off.

"Yes, Percy, I'm gay." Nico said, laughing. He stopped when Percy took his chin in his hand.

"Annabeth, close your eyes." Annabeth laughed and did as she was told. Percy leaned down and kissed Nico gently. Nico pulled away after a couple of seconds.

"And with that, I take my leave." Nico laughed at Percy who looked jealous and pissed as Nico walked over to the Apollo cabin where Will was waiting for him.

"Hey! What does Will have that I don't!?" Percy fake yelled across the cabin square. Will laughed at Percy's remark.

"A sense of humor!" Will fake yelled back. he kissed Nico and they walked to the beach hand in hand.