Breathing Next To You (Percy Jackson)

Chapter Twelve

Zach 

The sad part? Daniel stopped hanging out with us. 

Yeah, it happened. It wasn't all at once, it was a slow process that he just kind of left and became a lone wolf and you could tell Nico felt guilty and Percy felt horrible about it, because they knew it was what encouraged Daniel to do it in the first place. 

And he never found out. That Percy and Percy were the same guy. 

A month ever since he just left us had gone by. Early November, Halloween hadn't been much fun this year. Nico wasn't in school today, he was sick. No big deal. Percy wasn't upset about it or anything?

But now the table was always so quiet, there was always something missing. Slowly, Percy's depression was coming back. He wouldn't eat as much anymore, he had grown quiet again.

This was when he went to talk to Daniel. 

Percy 

To be fair, neither of us look okay by any means. 

My relationship with Nico... it wasn't going as well as I wished it would've whatsoever. We had a date tonight and I'm pretty sure it was our final one and for some reason I didn't care that much. I kind of just wanted to go there early and get it over with. He's sick anyways. 

Like he does every day after school now, Daniel sat outside the school and watched the guys volleyball team warm up. In all black, he didn't seem approachable to just anyone. But he was my friend. Maybe 6 years ago he wasn't. But right now he wasn't. But he was. And I wanted my friend back. 

I missed when it was just the four of us messing around and goofing off like normal kids. Okay, Hera wiped camp from their memories. That one day. They know, but it's because I told them. They just know, they didn't ask about anything or what it was like after they left. They just know.

"Hey," I said and I sat down across from him," thinking about joining?"

He didn't even move. 

It didn't seem like he noticed me and I considered him as my best friend and now he's ignoring me and... 

"Never mind..." I remark, looking down for a second, embarrassed of myself. 

So, yeah, shut up, I had developed feelings for Daniel, I won't deny it. He was cute, funny, he was smart but he wasn't a know it all. I had fallen for them and that was just another reason I was breaking up with Nico.

My phone went off for a text and speak of the devil.

Nico.

Nico: Hey.
Me: Hey.
Nico: Sorry I wasn't in school. Like I said, I wasn't feeling good and I was actually throwing up most of the day, so...
Me: No, its fine. The guys were still there to hang out with, so. What's the plan as of tonight?
Nico: Oh, yeah, that.... Um, would it be okay if I rainchecked? I'm still not able to hold anything down and walking makes me dizzy, so. I'm sorry I'm just not feeling good.
Me: Its fine, don't worry. But... Can I ask you something?
Nico: Sure, what's up?
Me: How do you feel? About us?
Nico: What about us?
Me: I just... Do you think the date is worth it, Nico? I mean, all we do anymore is fight an argue when were not around the others and it's been this way for weeks. I'm surprised this conversation has gotten this far.
Nico: What do you mean got this far? We're fine, Percy?
Me: Are you so sure about that?
Nico: oh my gods, Percy, are you serious right now?
Me: Yeah, I am, Nico. Sorry. I just... I've seen this before and I didn't like the outcome. I can't do it anymore, I can't be your boyfriend. I'm sorry, it just wasn't meant to last.
Seen at 3:07 P.M. √