Empty Closets

Prologue

Prologue: Worst Birthday Ever - Nico's POV

"Dude, you have to see this!"

Leo stands at my bedside with a spatula in his hand. Groaning, I toss and turn in my bed so I face the wall.

"Come on!" Leo says again. I start to feel something on my back, and I realize it is the spatula.

"OKAY! I'M UP!" I yell as I hop out of bed. "Happy now?"

Leo leads me out of my room and we step into the kitchen/living room area where I see an unbelievable sight. Pancakes galore are stacked all over the kitchen counters.

"You woke me up just so you can show me a kitchen full of pancakes?" I ask Leo, giving him a look that was hopefully telling him how stupid this was.

"Look in the living room," he replies. Taking his advice, I look into the living room. A black banner hangs above the fireplace. It reads "HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICO!!" in large white letters and skull-and-crossbones sit on each side of the banner.

Was it really my birthday? I totally forgot!

Presents were wrapped up and scattered around the room as well. I turn back around and see the whole gang (Coach Hedge, Calypso, and Reyna included) smiling at me. Percy comes up to me and hands me yet another present I will have to open.

"This gift is special," Percy whispers. "Open it last." I accept the gift, and for the first time in a long time, I smile.

We all head into the kitchen where I see a stack of chocolate chip pancakes with two candles in them that are lying at my seat.

"I also made a cake if you want that instead," Percy says.

"It's not blue, is it?" Annabeth asks.

"Maybe..." he replies. "Fine, I'll get rid of it."

"No it's fine Percy," I interrupt. "Blue cake is fine, thanks."

We spend the rest of the morning opening presents and participating in an All You Can Eat pancake buffet celebration. I have to say, this birthday doesn't seem to be so bad.

Once I finish eating my seventh pancake, I realize there's only one gift left. Percy's. Picking it up, I slowly shake the object, trying to figure out what could possibly be inside this box.

Deciding to save it for later, I open up the card attached to it. While I read it, my eyes start to water. I've never read something that has made me feel this way before.

"What does it say?" Reyna asks.

"Oh, it's nothing," I reply. "It just says stuff about wishing me a happy birthday and how I'll like his gift." Thank the gods I can lie easily.

Slowly ripping away at the wrapping paper, my eyes slowly widen. Hidden under the wrapping paper is a jumbo panda pillow pet. I remember he had one just like this when I re-met him. This one happened to be a bit bigger than the one he had.

"When I came back to Camp Half Blood, Octavian killed my panda. Since he's not here, I thought you could have one of your own," Percy explains.

"This is probably one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever given me." I tell him. "Thank you." I smile again.

"Yeah, Percy always comes up with great ideas," Annabeth cuts in.

"Awww thanks," Percy says to her.

When they kiss, I have a sudden feeling of nausea run through me from head to toe. It may just be the pancakes. But still, I can't seem to get that old thought out of my head: I had a crush on Percy.

Oh no.

Standing up, I head into the kitchen to get yet another pancake. I'm not hungry, but I need something to fill up this empty feeling I now possess.

"Hey Nico," I hear Jason say. "Are you alright? You look like you just saw another ghost."

"I'm fine," I say. Another lie. "I'm just not in the mood for any jokes." I pour syrup on the two pancakes (yes I took two- don't judge me on my birthday). Heading back into the living room, I find ten pairs of eyes staring back into my own.

"What? Can't I just eat in peace? Please?"

"Nico," Frank says to me.

"You know what? I think I've had enough for the morning. I'll go into my room and maybe we can do something later. Maybe we can have some blue cake."

As I say this, everyone agrees to go his or her way for a little while. The pancakes and I head into my room. Gods, I can't take this anymore.

I sink to the floor once I close the door. Tears burn at the back of my throat. I sit up and hug the pillow pet as close to my body as I can. A tear runs down my face as I reread the letter, which by now is covered in an abundance of wet spots.

Nico,

Ever since we met I knew there was something special about you. Whenever I'm around you I'm happy, even if you aren't happy. We may not be really close, especially after what happened to your sister, but promise you we can fix that, if you are willing to.

This gift is special because it reminds me of you in a strange way. If you ever feel lost, this may help.

From,

Percy

Remember when I said this birthday wasn't so bad? Well, I realize something I end up realizing a little too much.

I spoke too soon.