Empty Closets

Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Catching Fire (Percy's POV)

Last night I slept for the first time in almost a year.

I had gotten to my cabin with a smile still planted on my face. I went in and the first thing I did was take out "Finding Nemo." Before I got to put it in, a knock came. Opening the door, I saw it was Nico. He came in and we made out until voices were heard, signaling that it was getting late and that Nico had to go.

When I reach the dining hall, I see Nico on the other side of the room, talking to Jason. I head over and they turn around to face me. Nico smiles at me, and Jason exposes a hint of a smile as well.

"Hey guys," I say to them. "How's everything?"

"Great," Nico tells me. "I'm just talking to Jason about last night's game. I missed it and he's filling me in on the details."

"Oh no. Don't tell me I missed Capture the Flag."

"That's next week," Jason says. "This was a water balloon fight that lasted for about 2 hours!"

"Wow! That must've made a huge mess!"

"Yeah well. it was worth it. Travis got soaked! Leo dumped the water bucket on his head and said it was 'what he got for what he said the other night.' I guess he thought it was messed up, which it was. Also, there was no better farewell for him from Camp Half Blood!"

We smile. Jason then leaves and Nico heads to the table, but not before he places a sticky note onto my tray. I read it once he leaves:

Meet me at the strawberry field after you finish eating.

-Nico

So I sit down at my table and eat like everything's normal. Like I don't have a meeting with my boyfriend.

Once I put my tray back, I head out of the dining hall. Nico must've already finished eating because I don't see him at his table. So i head out to the strawberry field.

As soon as I reach it, memories hit me. This was where I first met Annabeth, even thought I didn't know who she was until later. I try to clear the thoughts before tears threaten to fall. She used you, I tell myself. She cheated on you.

"Hey, you made it," Nico says, coming out from behind the shed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I reply. "This place just brings back bad memories."

"Oh this isn't where you met... Gods, I'm so sorry; I had no idea! Here, let's go somewhere else."

"No," I interrupt. "Here's fine. We aren't on a date or anything."

"But I promise you Percy that our first will be at a very special place. Not one that brings back memories we wish we ever had. Not one where we can risk death, yeah, no Anti-Pride Rock for a while." This makes me smile.

"I promise you it will be all you could ask for. I want you to be happy you're dating me."

"Who said I already wasn't?" I say.

I pull Nico in and kiss him. He backs me up against the shed and our kisses grow deeper and deeper.

"Oh," a voice says. We break apart and turn to see Leo, his hands clutching metal. "I should come back later."

"No, it's fine, Leo," Nico replies. "We were leaving anyway."

"Wait, are you guys...?"

A hot flush appears on Nico's face and I feel it on mine as well.

Leo's eyes widen. Then he walks over with a colossal smile on my face and offers us hi-fives. Wow. Wasn't expecting that.

"I'm so happy for you guys! Is taht why you were so sensitive the other night?"

"Partially," Nico says. "Oh yeah, and thanks. I heard about last night."

"Hey, anytime."

"You just can't tell anyone."

"But, Calypso..."

"ANYONE!" I say. "If people end up finding out and she gets mad at you, just tell her you were forced to keep this."

Leo sighs. "Fine. But you guys owe me BIG!"

I look at Nico. Both of us nod in agreement.

"Oh, and one more question. I'm actually really curious: Who would be the girl?"

"Ummm," I say, "I have no idea. Probably me becuase last Halloween I dressed up Blackjack so he looked like a unicorn."

We all laugh at this and decide to head back and go our separate ways. Gods, I hope Leo doesn't spill the beans!