Save You As I Save My Life (Jasico)

Chapter 14: The Day After

Bianca drove Nico to school the next day. He was sort of sad, when he didn't see that bright hair in the morning, hear that sparkling laugh, see those bright blue eyes.

He missed Jason after just one day apart.

He sat in silence, until she parked outside his school.

"Bi? Can I...ask you a question?"

"Sure, bud? What is it."

"Can you...." He swallows, rubbing his arms. "Can you tell mom that I'm gonna walk home today?"

"What!? Why! It's supposed to snow, Nico, you can't just-"

"I like the snow." He whispers, sliding out of the car. He grabs his backpack and slips away before Bianca can object.

-+-+-+-+-+-

"Nico? Are you with us?"

The boy shifts, inhaling, and nods to the teacher. "Yeah. Yes, sir, I'm sorry, I was just-"

"NO need to explain, I'm sure all of us are a bit put off about break ending."

"Yeah.." Nico looks to the front, faking a smile. "That's what it is."

-+-+-+-+-+-

"NICO!"

The black haired boy yelped and turned, seeing Frank and Hazel running his way. He sighs and slumps slightly, a small smile wading onto his lips. Ever since the incident at the pool, where Jason...mistook his gender, he's had a soft spot for the couple. Hazel was practically his younger sister, with how much time they spent together.

"Hey guys. Have you seen Jason today?"

Hazels eyebrows go up, and she grins. "Noo, but I have noticed you two spending a lot of time together."

"He's my neighbor."

"He's you crush."

"Shh! People don't know that!"

Frank chuckles, shaking his head. "I think they already do. You two are the only ones who don't realize you're in love."

"I don't love him!" Nico argues, sitting at a table. Hazel and Frank both shake their heads and shrug.

"Whaaatever! Y'know, before Frank and I were dating, I told Piper - My best friend - that I didn't like him. Now look! HE's my boyfriend, of what, 3 months? Yeah, it's great!"

Nico huffs and rolls his eyes, picking at the slice of pizza on his plate. It was weird, school pizza, with the thinner than a super model crust, and gross, soupy sauce topped with weird, cardboard-y cheese. It tasted gross, but Hazel would chew him out if he didn't eat anything, so he took a bite, careful not to let the scalding pizza touch his tongue.

"Jason doesn't like me that way."

"Suuure."

-+-+-+-+-+-

Nico walked out of school, hands in his pockets, hood over his head. He only got 15 steps before he was caught. Almost got away....

"Shit, Nico, what the hell are you doing out here!"

HE turned his head and caught a glimpse of Will.

"Hey S-Solace."

"You're literally already shivering, Nico, come on, let me walk you home..." Will immediately wrapped his arm around the shivering boys shoulders.

"Jesus, Nico, how stupid are you?"

"I needed time alone, between Hazel, Bianca, Mom, and Jason, I've hardly had time to myself..."