Sunflowers and Roses: A Solangelo AU

Chapter 7

Nico stepped inside the building. It was a lot smaller than his store in New York. It had been called Tavolozza Petali, or Petal Palette. He had given it an Italian name to attract curious customers, and to reflect his native country. An Italian could do more than just be dramatic and make really good spaghetti. An Italian could make art with flowers, not just Mona Lisas. An Italian could own his own business in New York, succeed on his own, and make a name for himself, the only American help ever required in the form of a Master's Degree hanging in his office.

He felt the ghost of a smile across his face. This was small, and it was going to need some work, but Nico could make this happen. He could do anything.

With that positive (probably caffeine induced) thought, Nico got to it.

He tore down the broken, grimy blinds that covered the large windows and smirked when he saw a huge spider in the corner.

Annabeth would have started screaming and told him to "GET IT GET IT WHY AREN'T YOU FUCKING GETTING IT". It's happened once or twice.

After cleaning the windows (removing the spider) and allowing the sunlight to filter into the room, he looked around and nodded to himself.

The floor would need to be swept and mopped, and the walls definitely needed repainting, and that ugly chandelier had to get out, but the layout of the building was perfect for his shelves and tables.

His desk could go in that front corner, so customers didn't have to look too hard for him. The backroom could be used for storage of soil and seeds and gardening tools-

"Can't wait to see what you do to the place." A familiar voice said behind him.

Nico turned around. He didn't know who he was expecting to see, but it definitely wasn't her.

"Piper." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled nervously. "In NC, or in your building?"

He shrugged. "Both."

She stepped further inside, looking around. She wrinkled her nose at the chandelier, frowned at the grimy walls, and stepped over a small mound of dirt, keeping her pristine white shoes clean.

Nico scowled. California didn't look good on Piper.

He remembered the first time he met her. Jason had moved from California to New York for his senior year of high school, which is when he met Percy, and ultimately, met Nico. Nico had honestly wanted nothing to do with blonde superman- he was just another friend of Percy's, and just another jock. But then, Jason had found out Nico was gay, and somehow, by miracle, Nico found acceptance in Jason. Jason became the closest thing Nico had to a brother.

When it came time for Jason to go back to California, he promised to visit Nico during the summer, while everyone else would be spending their summer lounging on Malibu beach. When he came back, he had Piper attached to his arm.

Nico had been annoyed that yet another fine specimen of a man was straight, but he had never had feelings for Jason. His heart was still with Percy. So, he sized Piper up, looking for what Jason saw.

Apparently, Piper had moved to California only a few months ago. She had lived in Oklahoma before then, on a reserve for Native Americans. She had hypnotizing eyes that changed colors- blue to green, green to brown, brown to blue. She had choppy hair and she wore feathers in it, proud of her lineage. Her skin was dark and smooth.

She was a beautiful girl, and she was nice too. She didn't treat Nico weirdly, and she didn't shy away from his intensity. Nico liked her. He liked her a lot.

But then, she broke up with Jason. Out of the blue. No warnings, no signs. She just dumped him and moved colleges. Jason had been crushed. Nico had been angry for his friend. And when Jason died and Piper came back, wailing and expecting Nico to accept her presence, he'd been filled with a burning rage.

She didn't deserve Jason. She didn't deserve to be at his funeral. She didn't deserve Nico's or anyone's time.

Ultimately, Piper had stayed in California, with a few other of Nico's once upon a time friends. Now, looking at her, he could barely recognize her.

She was unmistakably Piper, but she wasn't... Piper.

Her hair was long and lush and perfectly straight, even in this humidity. No feathers in sight. Her eyes were lined with perfectly drawn eyeliner. Her skin was lighter. She looked nothing like who she used to be. Then again, did he?

"I'm in NC to visit my friends." She said, breaking the silence. "And I'm in your store because I wanted to see you. It's been a long time. Two years?"

"Three." He bristled, angry that she didn't even know Jason's three year death anniversary had been last month. "And I'm busy. Now isn't a good social hour for me."

She looked around again. "Right. Because the dust is in such a rush to be swept away."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Go away, McLean."

She stared at him. "Nico, what's wrong?" She actually sounded concerned. Then, something seemed to click for her, because her expression hardened. "You're still angry at me, aren't you?"

"For what, I can't imagine." He grumbled, turning his back on her and grabbing the broom, which Frank had dropped off for him last week. He set to work, sweeping with probably more vigor than necessary.

"I didn't realize you were capable of so much anger." She snapped. "Must be exhausting. Maybe that's why you look like a zombie all the dam time."

Nico had never wanted to hit a woman before, but he was pretty close now. He turned to her, slowly.

"I'd run if I were you, Piper." He said carefully. "I'm not sure if you have a brain, but this zombie's getting hungry, and I'm willing to take a chance."

She glared at him. "I was just trying-"

"Let me rephrase." He snapped. "Get out!"

Her mouth clamped shut. She didn't say another word. She left, the glass door slamming behind her.

Gods he hated her. Gods he hated himself.

Five o'clock in the morning, and he was already arguing with people. This day couldn't get any worse.