Never (A Percico Fanfiction)

Wake Up

Over the next few days, Nico's strength returned to him, bit by bit. By Thursday, he could manage fairly well on his own.

That morning, Percy slid out of bed at 4:30, easing his still-sleeping boyfriend off of him, no sun visible yet in the sky. Climbing out of the bed, he crept into the bathroom and took a shower, then pulled on his white button up, tucking it into his black slacks and combing his hair down. He brushed his teeth before leaving the bathroom, easing the door shut and then making his way out of the bedroom as well, leaving the door slightly ajar and flicking the hallway light on.

Entering the kitchen, Percy slipped a few pieces of bread into the toaster, then set a pot of water to boiling on the stove. A few minutes later, he added some instant oatmeal to the pot, buttered some toast, and sat down at the table, munching on it.

Nico woke to his shoulder being gently shaken around six o'clock.

"Ghost King," Percy's voice floated through his ears. "Nico, wake up."

The smaller boy's dark eyes fluttered open and focused on the other boy, who leaned over him, smiling.

"I've gotta go to work soon. Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?" He brushed Nico's hair back from his eyes, and the sleepy boy's head leaned into him.

"Yeah," he said, blinking his eyes into focus to peer into those beautiful green ones. "You've been taking care of me long enough."

Percy smiled down at him again.

"You're so brave, you know that? And so strong, too."

"Mmmm," Nico mumbled his response.

The larger sighed contently. "There's some oatmeal on the stove. Make sure you eat while I'm gone, okay?"

"Okay," said the other.

Percy kissed him gently. "I'll let you get back to sleep." He stood, walking to the door.

"Wait," Nico said from across the room, sitting up some and yawning. "How long do you have?"

Percy checked his watch. "Half an hour?"

"C'mere?" the smaller boy asked of him.

The sea child grinned, walking over to the bed and taking a seat, bringing his legs up and leaning against the headboard. He pulled Nico into his lap and the smaller boy leaned into his chest. Nico started to doze off. Percy kissed his head.

"I won't be here when you wake up," he whispered. "I'll call you on lunch, but let me know if you need anything."

Nico nodded into him, shivering as he pressed himself closer, desperate for warmth. Seeming to notice, Percy pulled the quilt, still warm from his body heat, up around his shoulders. The smaller boy sighed, drifting again into sleep. The larger held him for as long as he could without being late (well, without being very late, if he hurried), smiling to himself as Nico spoke in his sleep.

"Percy..." he mumbled, giggling in his sleep. "Love you." He snuggled more into the other boy, and Percy kissed his head, hugging him tightly one last time before easing Nico off of him. The smaller boy's arm groped blindly around the bed until it found a pillow, which he hugged to his chest. Percy sighed, shutting the door quietly and creeping downstairs.

He tied the blue and silver tie around his neck into a neat knot at his throat, snagging his suit coat from the back of a kitchen chair and sliding his arms into it. He checked himself quickly in the mirror that hung in the hallway as he slipped into his black dress shoes, then retrieved his keys from the hook next to the door, letting himself out of the house.

I'm sorry it's been a bit! Finals are coming up, plus standardized testing, and I'm honestly just trying to keep caught up. Sorry it's a bit short. I'm trying, I promise. Longer one next time?

Thanks for reading! I love you all!

~AGreer