Empty Closets

Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Through Good Times and Bad (Nico's POV)

I don't know what to do or what to say or even how I should do anything.

This letter shocks me, but before I get to that, I should get back to the beginning of this hectic day. 

I didn't know what it was, but something about Camp Half Blood seemed different.

But why?

Everywhere I looked, people tried not to stare. Was it something on my shirt? I actually wore something different for a change. All I was doing was following Percy's directions:

Earlier that day, I had walked into my cabin from lunch when I saw a note on my bed. It was blue paper, so I knew only one person had written it to me. Sure enough, I opened it to find messyish handwriting that only one lovable person was able to possess:

Nico,

Happy anniversary my love! Meet me at the beach at 5.

Love, Percy

I checked the clock and saw that it was 2:30. That meant I still had some time before I had to get ready.

I immediately went onto Tumblr, where I spent the next hour and a half reblogging Troyler gifs and listening to songs that weren't even released yet by current bands. 

It was 4:00. I rushed into the shower. I already took one this morning, but hey, this was Percy we were talking about. 

By the time I got out, it was about 4:15. I walked over to my bed to check my phone. Sure enough, there was a message from Percy that came at 4:02. It read "In case you are wondering, dress up a little bit. Sorry :("

ERGH

I walked into my closet (wow, haven't been in here in a while) to try and find something "nice." When I came out (yay!), I had with me a black and white plaid flannel with a pair of jeans that were black as well. I decided to pair this with a pair of Vans. Black. Like my soul.

4:25.

Before I decided to finish up everything, I decided to take a break because of the spare time I had.

For the next 25 minutes. I grabbed my laptop once again and I watched some YouTube videos. I watched Lush, PointlessBlogTV, and I got time to watch a Danisnotonfire video (thank god). 

When 4:50 came around, I decided to put on the cologne he had given me that very first summer. It still smelled like the ocean. I then fixed my hair so it looked slightly messy, just the way he liked it.

Walking to the beach made me feel like I was on a red carpet. Everyone was staring at me as I was walking past them wearing designer clothing (in this case a flannel and jeans from Hot Topic). 

Once I finally made it to the beach, I was already excited. The trail down to it, starting at the end of the woods, was set up so little lanterns were placed on each side of the path. This reminded me of Tangled, my favorite Disney movie.

When I arrived, all I saw was a letter. The same blue paper was there. But the writing was longer. Much longer. I could not believe what was written on this paper.

And I still can't believe it:

Dearest Nicolas DiAngelo,

There have been good times and bad times over these past 6 years. I just feel privileged that I have been able to spend them with you.

Though we have decided to stay at Camp Half Blood for a few extra years, I always feel at home when I am with you. Even if we lived in a dumpster on a fancy street in the city, I would be okay with the surroundings as long as I had you at my side.

So many things have happened while we have been with each other, and I do not regret almost everything. I just hope that you being 21, and I being 24, can take another step further with our future. If you will allow me.

I remember a few years ago telling me that you always felt this hole in your heart. I never exactly knew why, but then I realized that it was from past events that were uncontrollable to think of at this point in our lives. With this being stated, I, Perseus Jackson, am asking you, Nicolas DiAngelo, for you to do something that will hopefully complete that empty feeling of there being a hole in your heart. Filling that hole will not only make your life easier, but mine as well.

So now, I have one more question that needs answering, my love. Will you answer it for me?

Hopefully Fully Yours, Perseus Jackson

I look up and see the wonderful Perseus Jackson staring at me genuinely with those deep sea green eyes of his. His smile grows three times its size, just like my heart. As he walks over, tears start to rim my eyes. 

I know what is about to occur. It's been on my mind for the past year. 

Am I ready for this? I ask myself.

The question has already been answered for me.

I am.

"Nico DiAngelo," Percy says. "The best memories have been spent with you, and I hope to create many more."

"How many more?" I stupidly whisper as a tear rolls down my face.

This only makes him smile more. "As many more as we can fit for hopefully a very long time." He gets that teary voice as well, but no tears rush down yet.

I break down in joy and shock as he slowly kneels down in front of me. More tears rush my eyes as a tiny box is pulled out in front of me.

These next words change my life forever.

"Nico DiAngelo," Percy starts, "will you marry me?"

My heart beats a mile a minute. My tears overwhelm my everything. One direction can only be gone now, and that direction is right in front of me.

"Yes."