Solangelo One Shots (fluff)

Story XXXIV

Greetings! Hi, so this is a Deaf Nico AU. All of the sign language is in italics  just so y'all know. Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Also the hand movements in the picture^^ is not ASL.

All Nico really wanted to do was stay at home and read—specifically a thrilling murder mystery that centers around a gay protagonist—in his bed, only fairy lights as lighting, with a large pizza and some wine.

But no. Of course not. Nico just had to give in to his younger, half-sister's pleas of asking him to go to a college party. In his defense, Hazel really knows how to work him.

After losing his older sister Bianca, at such a young age, Nico developed a protectiveness over Hazel. He truly would do anything for her. Also not to mention, no one, and he means no one can resist her puppy-dog eyes. Her golden eyes pleading and her cinnamon hair fluffed adorably around her cheeks. Also her round face that somehow makes her look like a small child, when in fact, she is twenty-two, always makes Nico's stone cold no, turn into a yes, begrudging or not.

She also made a point that it would be safer for her if he went to keep creeps away. Though Nico knows that one: she can take care of herself. She is plenty capable enough of kicking someone's ass. And two: Frank will be with her the whole time. That teddy bear of a man will pummel anyone who would even try to touch her.

So, Nico said yes to going to this college party with her. Is it a poor decision? Probably. Will he regret it? Also probably. But hey, he can't stay away from people forever. He may be deaf, but he shouldn't isolate himself all the time. Maybe he'll even find some deaf people at the party. He shakes his head. Ha! Who is he kidding, there's no chance he could.

Hazel helped him get ready. She picked out his usual black skinny jeans, but these ones had rips on the upper thighs and knees. She also dressed him in a sleek black button up, the sleeves rolled to his elbows and the first couple buttons undone. He wore a chain on his belt and a thin silver necklace that hung perfectly in the area of his exposed chest.

Nico thought he looked stupid, but Hazel promised he looked amazing, or in her words 'sexy'. Hazel wore a gold sequined cocktail dress that had one sleeve. The dress complimented her figure perfectly and Nico knew he looked like a dead twig in comparison. She put her puffy hair up in two space buns with a few curly strands sticking out and wrapping around her ears. She was honestly stunning.

They arrive at the house the party is said to be at. And oh boy, it is definitely the right address. The front lawn is already strewn with alcohol bottles, beer cans, and plastic cups. Nico scrunches up his nose, anger fizzing in his chest. Some people are so low. Littering? Really? How hard is it to find a trash can!

Hazel grabs his hand to lead him to the front door, which is propped wide open with the largest bottle of liquor Nico has ever seen in his twenty-four years of life. Inside, there are strobing lights that are already giving him a headache, even though he hasn't stepped a foot inside. From the porch, he can feel the pounding of the music and assumes it is extremely loud, considering it is getting too loud for him and he's deaf. His heart feels like it isn't even beating properly because of the noise.

Hazel drags him inside, weaving around groups of people who are drinking and laughing and even making out. Nico is actually impressed by how five people can all make out with each other at the same time, though he is also mildly disgusted and wishes to wipe that memory from his brain. He also tries to avoid looking at the dark corners of the house, there are most definitely some not so innocent things happening there.

Hazel stops at a group of familiar people who are hanging out by the kitchen island. Everyone Nico knows quite well. First there's Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase. They graduated a little bit ago and have very successful careers. What they are doing at a college party, Nico cannot fathom a suitable reason.