Sometimes, truth hurts (A Solangelo Love Story) (Jercy Wedding Story)(Percico)

Part 2

Five years ago

"This is going to be epic." Percy made the declaration as if it were a forgone conclusion.

Ever since Percy had floated the idea of a road trip with him and Jason, Nico had nursed reservations. And when Jason suggested a fourth person to Will things out, Nico had almost backed out right then and there. He didn't do well with new people, especially when he was getting over a bad breakup and stressing out over his grades. He had a sneaking suspicion Percy and Jason were trying to set him up, and he definitely was not having that.

"Watch, it'll be the best trip you've ever taken."

Nico wasn't convinced. "You keep saying that, but all I am picturing is me sightseeing alone while you two try to bang every chance you get."

"Not saying we won't," Jason replied, laughing. "But we wouldn't leave you to your own devices. You'll have company, remember?"

"Yeah, the company of someone I don't Will know."

"You'll love Will." Jason grinned at Nico. "And I know he's gonna love you."

"There he is!"

Nico turned away from an excited Percy only to be assaulted by the sight of the man walking towards the group. The guy was insultingly good-looking. He was the kind of handsome that made Nico's teeth itch and his dick swell without sufficient reason. His scowl deepened.

"Who the fuck is that?" As if he didn't know already.

"Will." Though he couldn't see it, Nico could hear the smug smile in Percy's voice.

Shit.

The guy was 195 centimeters, at least, and slender as a reed. Long, soft blond hair curled over his ears and swept down in front of his eyes. A wide, perfect grin split his gorgeous face.

"Hello!" Oh, Altas, that voice. Deep and resonant and designed to be whispered into someone's ear.

Nico was so fucked.

Pushing past Nico, Jason met Will with a vigorous hug and a loud slap on his back. Will's long arms practically swallowed Jason whole, and Nico couldn't help but want to be enveloped the same way.

He looked up and found Will's eyes on him. Surprised, Nico's instinct was to run. Instead, he scowled at the interloper.

Will smiled and it was predatory. The tip of his pink tongue peeked out from behind plump lips to tease the point of one canine as he continued to eye Nico. Even as he have hugged and greeted Percy, Will's eyes never left Nico.

And what the fuck?

"You must be Nico." Will moved forward, his arms open, and time stood still.

Though they hadn't made contact, Nico could already feel Will wrapped around him. Could feel his warmth, and the softness of his breath against his neck. Nico could hear Will whispering into his ear, filthy sweet things that would set his blood on fire. He knew, with absolute certainty, how good Will would feel beneath him, above him, and beyond.

Nico jumped at the first touch of Will's hand on his arm.

Frowning, Will froze. "What's wrong?"

"What are you doing?" Nico's voice sounded like someone had forced him to swallow gravel.

Will's frown softened and he smiled, confused. "I was going to give you a hug."

"I don't know you. And I don't need a hug, thanks." Nico felt like an asshole, but he couldn't help it.

"Don't be a dick, Nico." Percy shook his head and walked back over to Jason and the pile of gear that still needed to be loaded into the van.

"It's fine," Will said, loud enough for the others to hear. He studied Nico's face, searched it for something.

Nico didn't know what he was looking for, and he hated how red he knew his cheeks were.

"You definitely need a hug," Will said. "But I should have asked before I invaded your personal space. I'm sorry."

His sincerity caught Nico by surprise as he struggled to form a response. "I...uh..."

Will smirked and took a step closer. "Really, though, I think you need to be kissed. But we'll work on that."

Nico jerked away again. "What the hell? You don't just say things like that to people you don't know. What's wrong with you?"

"Plenty." Will shrugged. "Doesn't make it any less true."

Nico shook his head and bent to pick up his backpack. "This was a mistake. I'm not going on a road trip with you. You'd drive me crazy."

A strange look passed behind Will's eyes before his smirk morphed into something more dangerous. A feral smile.

"Only in the best way." His gaze traveled the length of Nico's body and back up to his eyes. "Already, I can tell you like me."

"I really don't."

"Watch, we're going to be best friends."

"I already have a best friend." Nico was being petulant and he really didn't care.

Will tilted his head, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. "Lovers, then."

Despite his instant dislike for this weirdo, heat shot through Nico's bloodstream and began to pool in his groin. Will was staring at him, no doubt waiting for a reaction, and Nico fought hard not to give him one. But his face was aflame, he knew it.

Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to get out of there.

"Hey..."

Will's soft tone made Nico look at him.

"I'm sorry. I'm just teasing you. Mostly." Will smiled and it was different. Friendlier and less challenging. "I know I can be a lot but, I promise, I'll behave on the trip. I'd really like it if you came along."

"Why? You don't know me."

Will shrugged. "I'd like to, though. I think. And I don't want to be a third wheel to those lovebirds. Don't go."

His last two words sounded more like a plea than a request.

Nico's head was spinning. He didn't know what to think, what to do. Though he'd been reluctant to agree to the trip, he'd been sort of looking forward to it.

"You guys," Jason shouted. "There's enough room for one of you to stow your shit in the back, if you want."

"Nico can have the space, I'll keep my bag with me." Will held Nico's gaze, almost imploring him to stay.

Nico nodded. "Yeah, okay. Thanks."

The look of relief on Will's face did nothing to ease Nico's confusion. Why was Will so keen on having Nico around? And why did Will care?

He broke eye contact with Will, ignoring the sense of loss that brought, picked up his bag and headed towards the back of the van.

This was going to be a long two weeks.