Nico was cuddled up between Percy and Jason, enjoying their closeness after making love. Suddenly he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as thoughts crept into his mind.
"What if they realize they'd be better off without me?"
"I'm not good enough for them."
"They'll get tired of me eventually."
Nico's breathing quickened and his chest tightened. He broke away from his boyfriends and curled in on himself.
Percy and Jason immediately noticed something was wrong.
"Nico, what is it love?" Percy asked gently.
But Nico couldn't respond, he was trembling and hyperventilating.
Jason grabbed Nico's hand and placed it on his chest. "Breathe with me Nico. In and out, just focus on my breathing."
Percy rubbed Nico's back in soothing circles. "You're safe Nico. We've got you."
They stayed by his side, grounding him with their touch and words of reassurance. After what felt like an eternity, Nico's breathing began to return to normal.
He fell into their embrace, tears falling as they held him close.
"I'm sorry." Nico said softly.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Jason replied.
"We're here for you, always." Percy said, kissing Nico's head.
Nico took comfort in their love, letting it surround and soothe him. He knew in his heart, they would be by his side through every storm.
