How to save a life (Percico/pernico)

Chapter 9: bear hugs and loneliness

Hazel's pov

When I first got Percy's iris message, I was not expecting a crying Nico in the background. Nico keeps to himself and usually doesn't let his guard down very often but it seemed to have crumbled.
Something must be really wrong. I thought to myself. Suddenly he started breathing really heavy and rocking back and forth. "Help" Percy said. "I'll be over there as soon as possible" I said before swiping my hand through the message and rushing to pack my things.
Jason was already over at chb so I asked Frank if he wanted to go with me. "I think he needs just you right now Haze. Me coming will only make him feel overwhelmed" I knew he was right. I kissed him goodbye and left.

Mini time skippeeee ( any superwholockpjo fans out there?)

When I got to camp halfblood I went straight to Nico's cabin. Percy had set him on the bed and he had fallen asleep. I sat down on the bed beside Nico and looked over at Percy in the desk chair and for the first time, noticing the look in his eyes. He was scared.
"What exactly happened?" I asked. Percy started freaking out and pacing while explaining the story to me. Percy through Nico in the water, not knowing he couldn't swim. Nico freaked out and ran off into the woods.
Percy chased after him. Nico had a panic attack and Percy had to carry him back here. "I'm so sorry hazel. This is all my fault." I looked at him once again and noticed something different.
The fear in his eyes were still there, but it was laced with love. There was no doubt in my mind that Percy loved Nico. But I could tell by the way he kept his distance that he was unsure and scared. I looked down at Nico who was beginning to squirm around a bit in his sleep. I placed a kiss on his forehead and he quickly settled down. "Listen," I said, "Nico has a hard time trusting people. Her doesn't let his walls down long enough to let people in. Not even me. I love him and I don't want him to get hurt. For some reason, he let his guard down for you. I know you lov-care. Care. About him," nice save haze, I mentally scolded myself and continued. "But you have to be patient. I know he wants someone to care about him. To love him. And we do, but he has a hard time believing it. He needs someone. He'll never admit it but he does." Percy nodded. " I just don't know how to get through to him," he started. "He always shuts me out. How can anyone want to be so alone?"
"He doesn't want to be alone Percy. No one wants to be alone. They just want someone to prove to them that they're not." Nico started shifting and slowly began to open his eyes. Then he shot up all at once. "Haze!" he exclaimed. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and I buried myself in the hug. It wasn't all that often he showed affection so I appreciated the moments he did. He looked around the room and spotted Percy. I felt him tense up in my arms. "Nico, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you didn't know how to swim. I-I shouldn't have assumed...." Nico interrupted Percy "it's okay Percy. I'm fine"
"You're not fine. You had a panic attack and-"
"I did what? I had a panic attack in front of you? Gods how embarrassing. I knew I should have stayed in my cabin this morning."
"This happens often?" Percy asked.
"Can I talk to Nico alone please?" I asked. Percy mumbled an of course before leaving the room but not before tripping on his shoe laces on the way out.
"You like him"
It only took those three words for Nico's face to turn bright red. He tried to put his guard back up but it wasn't happening with the bright blush spread across his cheeks. "Do not" he said sticking his tongue out like a child"
"Do too"
"Do not"
"Do too"
"Do not"
"Do too"
"I missed you" he suddenly said. But the look on his face showed he regretted saying it. I didn't understand why he was so scared of letting someone. Then I realized it; he's trying. He's trying to let me in. "I've missed you too" I hugged him once more and stood to say goodbye. "You're leaving already?" Nico asked. "But you just got here"
"I know, but they need me back at camp Jupiter. I'll come visit again next week. Promise. "
Nico sighed but nodded in understanding. He leaned down slightly (he was taller than me but not by much) and kissed me on the forehead before wrapping me into a hug. "I love you" he said. I smiled at the words before whispering back "I love you too"

Well there you have it, my blue fishiez. Another terribly written chapter by yours truly but what can I say. I love writing. I'm not very good but it's a passion and the only way to get better Is to try. I have no idea where the story is going so anyone have any suggestions?
Qotc: What's your favorite song? Why?
Feedback would be appreciated thanks
~Skye