One Too Many Heartbreaks

XIX. The Word "Hot" Changes Meaning With Context (Nico's POV)

Flames flashing in his head.

"YOU,"

His sword clashing with Leo's hammer.

"I hate you, Nico di Angelo."

Flames coming down on him before he passes out.

---

Aphrodite looks like Bianca.

"I know it hurts,"

Aphrodite looks like Percy.

"You know that I look like whatever my audience deems perfect."

Aphrodite looks like Will.

"Well, he shot you, didn't he?"

Aphrodite looks like Leo.

"You do love him, and you know it,"

Nico doesn't want to be hurt again.

"I never meant for you to get hurt. I had a happy life planned for you. Damned Fates ruined it all."

Now it will be okay.

---

Nico opened his eyes, but didn't move. Blurred memories flashed through his head.

He had talked to someone last night... Who? Why? He couldn't remember.

He sat up, running his fingers through his-

His hair! Nico ran his fingers over his head, searching for the shoulder length locks that has been his crown for so long.

Anger served as a jump start to his mind. "Aphrodite," he growled. Unfortunately, he was still drawing a blank on the actual conversation.

Nico stood, intending to leave the cave. But once he was on his feet, leaving seemed wrong. He felt like he should stay with Leo- to make sure he stayed out of trouble, of course.

Nico wandered deeper into the cave, trying not to trip over loose wires, bolts, and nails that Leo had left scattered around. Nico let his mind wander as he walked, and as a result almost crashed into the back wall of the cave.

Nico stood still for a moment. This wasn't right. Where were Leo and Festus? Had they left? Nico would've thought so if he hadn't sensed life behind the wall.

He touched it and was surprised to find it wasn't actually there. His hand passed through it, and Nico realized it was some sort of illusion, created by one Leo's machines.

Nico walked through it into a room of the cave that looked very lived in. There were manuals strewn around, a sleeping bag, and a stack of canned food, chips, and water. Nico knew all of these things were probably stolen.

There were also things that actually belonged to Leo, such as Buford the table and Festus, whom looked lazily at Nico but didn't acknowledge him in any other way.

In the back of the room sat Leo, on a stone bench at a stone table he had probably made himself. He was fixing something in his hands with a wrench. And he was shirtless.

Nico didn't even realize he had been staring until Leo looked up and said, "Are you checking me out?"

Nico froze, feeling his face get red. "N-no," he stammered. Real smooth, di Angelo, Nico thought to himself.

"You were supposed to leave," Leo said, his impish smile gone. "I haven't forgiven you."

Nico wanted to defend himself. Wanted to say that Leo was the one that had fallen on him and scared him to China. But somehow, he didn't think that would help his case.

"I... Uh..." Yep, this son of Hades was a real smooth talker.

Leo shook his head. "Admit it, di Angelo. You just want to stay cuz you have the hots for me."

Nico's face was burning. "Do not."

"Do too." Leo said.

Nico frowned, and Festus made a noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

Nico frowned again, and Leo handed him a screwdriver.

Nico looked up at him questioningly.

Leo shrugged and put the screwdriver in Nico's hand. "If you're not going to leave, you might as well make yourself useful."