"What is it you need to tell me, Nico?" Hazel asked, gently touching Nico's pale hands with her slender dark ones.
Nico took a deep breath. He had always told himself that soon, he'd come out to Hazel, but now that she was here, he couldn't find his voice. What if she was disgusted? She was from the 40s, after all.
No, he thought firmly, This is Hazel. She'll... she'll accept you. Right?
Bianca had, anyway. He had shyly told her all those years ago, expecting her to chide him. But she had gently told him it was alright, fine with her and that he could love whoever he wanted to love.
"Hazel, I..." Nico began. "I wanted to tell you..."
"What is it, Nico?" she asked, looking concerned.
"I... I'm... I'm homosexual. I wanted you to know. So, yeah..."
Hazel was silent. For a horrible second, nothing happened. Then she smiled weakly and said, "Is that all? Honestly, Nico, I was afraid something horrible had happened."
Nico's heart leaped. "So, you're not... Weirded out, or anything?"
"No, not really," Hazel said, shaking her head. "But, just a curiosity... do you like anyone at camp?"
Nico blushed as he said, "Will. Will Solace. We went on a date once."
Hazel gasped. "You guys are perfect for each other."
"What? No we're not!"
"Don't deny it. My New Year's Resolution is to help get you to together."
"Well, then, you and Jason are going to have a fun time together."
"What do you mean?"
"He's been stalking us every moment we're together. Bombarding me with questions about Will. Yeah, he ships it."
Hazel said triumphantly, "A fellow shipper. We must make this canon!"
