Brothers from the Past

Chapter 1 (Redo)

TW: internalized homophobia, homophobia mention

The first chapter is finally redone!! Chapter 2 should be up tomorrow

Nico paced around his cabin, feeling extremely nervous. Today was his first official, out of camp date with Will. They'd spent plenty of time together while Nico was recovering, and had fallen hard for each other. So why was this so nerve-wracking? Maybe because they'd be in public? And what would strangers think? It wasn't very safe to be in a same-sex relationship last time he checked. He remembered what had happened to the nice elderly ladies when they were found out. He bit his lip, maybe it was too dangerous. "I can't do this Hazel. It's too risky. I know Percy said it's better now, but..." He looked up at Hazel, "It's safer at camp. We should just stay here."

Hazel shook her head, "No. I've seen that it's better. Maybe not perfect, but the two of you will be safe walking around together." She got up, pulling Nico into a tight hug. "And if you have any issues, you can just IM me." She smiled brightly, pulling back. "Now go have fun. You deserve it." Nico smiles back and heads out of the cabin.

The walk from his cabin to the Big House was causing him to panic slightly. He couldn't get the nagging feeling out of the back of his head that he was doing something wrong and unnatural. It'd be easy to call it off and just stay at camp where it was safe. He rubbed his hands on his pants before heading through the Big House into the infirmary where Will was organizing medicine."Hey, uh, I think I'm ready. When, when uh, you're done of course. I don't want to rush you, " he stammered out, his face flushing slightly.

Will turned around, smiling brightly, "I'm ready. Kayla said she'd finish when you got here." Nico noticed he was wearing a button-down with little hearts on it as opposed to his normal blinding orange camp shirt. "Lou Ellen's brother is lending me his car, so we don't have to worry about getting transportation." He held his hand out for Nico to take if he wanted. Will was good about boundaries. He seemed to understand better than most that Nico only liked affection if he knew it was coming. And he almost waited for Nico to initiate it.

Nico smiled softly, taking Will's hand. "You can drive?" He was pretty relieved that they could be alone, at least for a little bit. Maybe he could casually mention how terrified he was. He didn't want to worry Will, but maybe he could calm his nerves. But it could put a damper on the mood.

"Yeah, my mama taught me when I turned 16. She said it might be useful." Will laughed nervously as the two got situated it the car. "I don't really get the chance to drive much, seeing Carter is one of the only people here with a car. And he only lets people use it if it's for something super important." He blushed, realizing what he basically implied. "So, uh, I didn't plan anything too crazy, I hope that's ok." He glanced at Nico before back at the road.

"Ok." It was all Nico could manage. He was relieved really. Something that was calmer would be perfect compared to what it was like at camp. "That-that-" he stuttered, before giving up and just nodding. Was it too late to turn back? Probably. "Will?" He managed to get out, "I, uh, are we going to have any...issues with people? Cause you know...we...we're both..." he trailed off, chewing on the inside of his lip.

Will glanced over at Nico, who was trying to wipe away tears forming in his eyes. He pulled off into an abandoned parking lot before holding his hand out for Nico. He remembered that Hazel had reminded him earlier that day that Nico wasn't used to people being as accepting as they are now. "I swear it's not going to be nearly as bad as you think. If we're unlucky, we might run into one or two people that give us weird looks, or a passing comment, but that's it."

Nico took Will's hand with a weak smile, blushing slightly when Will pressed a gentle kiss to his hand. "I-i think I can handle that." He squeezed Will's hand, "I-i think I'm ok."