My Boyfriend is a Dead Roman Hero | Jason Grace

I Fail At Recon

Julie puts her hands on her hips and surveys her masterpiece proudly. Nico scowls.

"I look stupid."

"No, you don't!" Julie swats him on the arm, gesturing down at the black dress shirt and pants she's forced him into. "You look good, Nico. And, this is a date. You can't just show up in the same jacket and t-shirt you wear every day."

"Why not?"

"Because it's rude," She teaches, poking him in the chest for emphasis. "You have to show you're making an effort to look nice for him. That's just how dating works."

Nico grumbles and tugs at the buttons on his sleeve. "I don't know why he even likes me."

Julie rolls her eyes. "We are not going through this again. Will likes you because he has a brain and functioning eyeballs. Now, sit down, and let me do your hair."

He huffs, but does as she says, regardless of how red his cheeks are. Julie hums while she rakes product through his curls. It's not often Nico lets her use him as a dress up doll. She's going to make the most of it.

"So, how are you getting there?"

Nico shrugs. "Jules-Albert."

"Your zombie chauffeur?"

"Mhm."

Julie considers suggesting a less terrifying mode of transportation. Then, she decides that if Will can't kick it with Jules-Albert, he isn't the man for Nico. Julie loves that zombie. She changes the subject.

"Who's paying?"

"...Me?"

"Correct. You have an infinity card. When you get to dinner, what do you do?"

"Open the door."

"Yes. And?"

"..."

"Pull out his chair, Nico."

"But, he's a guy."

"And that means he doesn't deserve manners?"

"Fine, whatever."

Satisfied, Julie pats him on the shoulders and steps back to signal she's done with his hair. Nico still looks green in the face, but Julie can't help but smile when he glances at himself in the mirror and actually sits a little bit taller. She watches him stand up to retrieve his sword from the bed and strap it to his belt. When he turns back to her, Nico freezes in discomfort.

"Why are you crying?"

"I'm not!" Julie says hastily, swiping the mistiness from her eyes. She laughs and takes him in again.

Nico di Angelo. Going on a date.

This must be how mothers feel on the first day of Kindergarten.

"Have an awesome time tonight, Neeks," She says.

Nico's head ducks down bashfully. "You're sure that...That this isn't..." He huffs in frustration, and Julie steps up to squeeze his shoulder.

"It's a different world now, Nico," Julie assures him. "There will be the occasional asshole. There always is. But, after everything you've gone through," She crouches down a bit to catch his eye. "I think this is going to be much easier than you expect it to be. Especially with Will."

Nico looks at her for a long moment. He seems to lean into her hand, like he's...asking her to draw out a bit of his anxiety.

Julie pulls his fear from him without question. There's no greater privilege for a Heartbreak than to make the people she loves feel a little bit braver.