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

Chapter 3

Chapter Notes

Imagine if other characters from my best book showed up, what a shock right? Anyway, thank you all so much for your comments and encouragement on all my stories! This is a different kind of story for me, so I'm feeling my way through it. I hope you enjoy the ride!

Nico stared in the mirror and pulled at his hair. It was overgrown, bordering on unkempt, and he wondered how he'd let himself get to such a state. Since his breakup with Austin, Nico hadn't much cared about his appearance.

No, it had started before that, he realized. Maybe that's why Austin had drifted away. Maybe that's why Nico had found him in the back of a club with his jeans around his ankles and a skinny, ivory skinned English student around his cock.

Nico's eyes squeezed shut at the memory. He shook off the feeling of abject humiliation that had swept over him when Austin looked up and smirked, his eyes begging apologies while he was still balls-deep in his latest conquest. That kid hadn't been the first. Nor would it have been the first time Austin had pleaded for forgiveness, forgiveness Nico inevitably granted.

But something in Nico had ruptured that day. A piece of him had broken off – finally, after a string of failed relationships – and floated off into the ether.

He wondered if he'd ever get it back.

Taking in his appearance one last time, the ill-fitting suit jacket and the overgrown curls, Nico met his own green eyes in the mirror and winced. He looked so much older than he was. He looked worn out, which he was. Yet, he forced a smile onto his too-dry lips and took a deep breath. This week wasn't an extended pity party for Nico, this was about Percy and Jason. Their joy.

As he made his way down to the dinner party planned for that evening, Nico hoped he could absorb a little of that joy. Just enough to get him through the next week or so.

Flåmstova Restaurant was packed with locals and tourists alike. Situated at the mouth of the fjord, the venue promised stunning views. The hostess met Nico at the door with a welcoming smile.

"I'm here for-"

"The wedding party? You'll find them in our Peisestova Tasting Room." She stepped from behind her station to point Nico toward a smaller room that sat adjacent to the restaurant's main area.

"Talk." Nico thanked the woman and wound his way there. It was decorated in the same rustic,

homey style as the main restaurant, and had the addition of a fireplace. It was too warm to light it, but Nico could picture the space in the quiet cold of winter and made a mental note to come back when the area was blanketed with white. Maybe even bring someone with whom he could share such a romantic setting.

"Stop it," Nico muttered to himself just as he spotted Percy across the room chatting with a small group of people.

Percy looked up from his conversation and smiled, beckoning Nico to join him.

The relief that Nico felt was a surprise to him. He generally and surprisingly did well in social situations, having finally mastered the illusion of confidence and ease he needed when he was forced to be around people he didn't know. It had been years since he'd used a friend like a crutch to get through a party. And Percy couldn't be that tonight, even if he wanted to, being one-half of the couple people had come to see.

Nico stepped into Percy's hug, which was tight – like he hadn't seen Nico in ages.

"Hey, bro." Percy spoke into Nico's ear. "Glad you came down for this."

Nico leaned back, confused. "Why wouldn't I?"

Percy shrugged. "I know things haven't been great for you lately," he said softly enough for the others present not to hear.