Chapter #13; Part 2 : Say Something

~Say something, I'm giving up on you

I'll be the one, if you want me to

Anywhere I would've followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I am feeling so small

It was over my head

I know nothing at all

And I will stumble and fall

I'm still learning to love

Just starting to crawl

Say something, I'm giving up on you

I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you

And I will swallow my pride

Your the one that I love

And I'm saying goodbye

Say something...~

PERCY POV

Capture the Flag. One of my most favourite camp games of all time. Maybe this would lighten my mood and get my mind off of things for a while.

But boy was I ever wrong.

After my team hid the flag, they told me that we should switch it up a bit this game. I agreed without hesitation, not really caring what we were doing as long as I got to do something productive and everyone else was happy. They told me not to go after the flag, which I thought might be a smart idea because I always go after it, so at least our moves will be unexpected. This time I will be scouting for intruders around the forest and luring them away from our flag. Sounds pretty cool to me, so I shrugged and decided to give it a go. Hey, I'm my own distraction, it seems.

After about five minutes of no action, I got a bit disappointed and wandered off to my right. Capture the Flag was never really boring before, but when you're not moving at all and no one is trying to stab you and run you through, the adrenaline just doesn't show up. I pouted and began trekking my way through the thick trees wherever my feet led me. Of course, it led me to a river. Well, more like a stream. The water looked perfect and immediately brightened my spirits. But just as I was about to step out of the bushes, a figure appeared and I was no longer alone. Finally, someone I can challenge.

I was about ready to pull Riptide out of my pocket and uncap, but then the figure turned around, allowing me to see who it was. Oh... My gods. I didn't recognise him at all! I had to hold in my surprised gasp. My eyes almost popped out of my skull as he kicked a rock and sighed. My heart pounded in my chest, yet I don't know why. I guess I'm shocked and angry and frustrated and paralysed and... Nervous? I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts as I observed him. No, I'm not a stalker. I'm just gazing from a distance. I mean watching. Watching from a distance. Heh. Doesn't help.

It was none other than Nico, the guy I have frustrating feelings for. Am I his friend? Am I angry at him? Am I hurt by him? Is he really a nice guy? Is he worth it? Do I believe what Annabeth said? Is there something I'm desperately missing?

Nico began shifting around, pulling at his shirt and growling in frustration. He seemed uncomfortable. And that's when I noticed his clothes. My eyes bulged again. He was wearing a rich scarlet looking red shirt that seemed almost velvet-ish, fitting around his torso and biceps quite satisfyingly- ahem -and the neck was cut low in a V neck, showing a bit of his chest (even though he had armour on). The colour made his skin glow white, his eyes seemed milkier (even from this distance), and his hair seemed almost black. He also wore skinny jeans as black as night that were actually in one piece instead of shredded, clinging to his thighs and calfs, also tight on his bum. I couldn't help butt notice- I mean but... Ahem -that he actually had a bum and those jeans...

Damn, those jeans. I need a pair of those, cause let me tell you: If they work wonders for di Angelo, then I can't wait to get my hands on a pair. Not that Nico isn't good looking... Not that I think he's good looking... I mean, with all my manhood, he is attractive. Dunno what the girls think, though. I'm surprised they don't take more interest in him than they do now. But anyway, enough of this weird talk, let's get back to the guy's appearance, cause I think I might need to get in touch with his fairy godmother. But where's the ball? And who's the prince...cess?

What killed me, though, were the dark grey suspenders. You don't see many people wearing suspenders these days, but man... It actually worked with the outfit. It confused me even more, but... I kind of liked it? Yeah, um, whatever. When he moved to kick another rock, I noticed his shoes. He was wearing black- slightly punk-ish -combat boots which seemed to suit him a lot more. The boots were more Nico than everything else he's wearing, anyways. They made him look hot- Huhh... Wait. Hold on. What?

... What?

I can't believe he's here. Especially at the river. Doesn't he not know I'm the son of Poseidon? If he's ignoring me, then I don't understand why he's here. Unless he wanted to see me today, but knowing Nico, I doubt it. From my spot in the trees, I saw him groan in frustration, throwing his hands up and waving them around like a real Italian, and then slumping his shoulders. He pulled a black beanie down further over his head (really, a beanie? My gods...) and sat down at the riverbank. Once he got up again, I decided I needed to speak with him before he left. Let's get this over with before he disappears again, shall we?

As I was making my way out of the trees and bushes, Nico frowned and tensed up, hearing me coming, most likely. He slowly began walking away from the little river with his hand on his sword hilt. I jumped out and crossed the river soundlessly (one of my many perks), but when my foot touched the dirt, Nico heard. He spun around in the blink of an eye, pulling out his sword along the way, and tensed up. Once he realised it was me he would have to deal with, his eyes widened momentarily, but then his face was blank once again. As always...

Nico's eyes flickered to the river behind me, then back at me, and muttered something that sounded like 'Of course...' under his breath.

"So you finally decided to show up, hm?" I asked while pursing my lips.

He stayed frozen to the spot as I approached him with Riptide held lazily in my right hand. I felt a bit tensed myself. I mean, you can feel the uneasiness and awkwardness in the air and it was slightly worrying me. What's going to happen now? Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all...

After he didn't reply and stayed planted to the spot, I spoke again. "Look, a conversation only works if both people participate." I gestured between us. "So why are you ignoring me? You haven't spoken to me in-in days, but even though it's normal for you to just disappear without a word, it was after the whole kidnapping thing happened and you stayed at camp! I really don't get you, I'm gonna be honest here, but I know you're shy and hide a lot, not really wanting to get close to people or even attached to someone," His fists clenched and I knew I hit a soft spot, "but I thought we were getting somewhere. I thought we were getting along and we could even be friends! But you're not speaking to me and it's frustrating. Honestly frustrating."

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm myself. I hadn't realised it, but we've been circling each other, our bodies ready for attack. Like predators. Nico's face was still emotionless and it was really beginning to bother me.

"Look, Nico." I said firmly. "I didn't want to come to yell at you or accuse you of anything, but the past few days I have been really hurting. I wanted someone to be there for me. Yeah, I had the others, but for some reason I also wanted you to show the smallest bit of sympathy for me. But you didn't, and yeah, it didn't make me feel too good!"

I locked eyes with him and realised we've been getting closer, our swords ready. His eyes were dark, almost black, and I could feel my green eyes darkening, also. I was getting a bit too jittery for conversation and I can see how tense Nico was, so I gave up on speaking.

"Say something!" I growled, thrusting out my sword and we began fighting.

His sword clashed with mine and his eyes blazed fiercely as mine probably blazed with anger and frustration. My sword hit his again, and again, and again, and again. Thrust, dodge. Swipe, jump. Swing, clash. Stab, pivot. It was like a big jumble of clashes of celestial bronze and Stygian iron. Chiron would be proud of our battle skills. All throughout, we didn't break each other's gaze. I think we were both trying to search each other's faces for some kind of emotion. Anything at all. And I can tell we're both just getting angrier at the world.

During our fight, Nico would occasionally growl something out during whatever I had to say, denying it. I knew I said I wanted him to speak, but this wasn't what I meant. As a small crowd began to form, our battling became more and more intense. I don't know how they appeared, but I guessed it was because of our blue-ish black-ish glow that surrounded us in an angry kind of storm. The son of Poseidon and the son of Hades are fighting, it was quite obvious. Not much later, we couldn't see the crowd at all, and they couldn't see us. After another infuriating five minutes, I snapped. My emotions just came pouring out of me after that and honestly, it surprised me.

"Where were you?" I kept asking between gritted teeth. "Where were you when I broke up with my girlfriend? Actually, she broke up with me! You out of all people know how much it hurt me, but you just ran away like every other time I actually needed someone to comfort me! I needed a friend. I needed someone who understood... I needed you, Nico, but you just left, leaving me as broken and-and more confused than ever! What the hell was that last conversation about? I don't know either!" I practically screamed in frustration, pulling at my hair. "I'm as frustrated as your are, understand that shit's gonna happen in life and that things are gonna leave you confused and without answers but you should always be there for others."

He rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth. "Really, Percy? Now, how ironic is that?! I can't believe you're telling me to be there for others out of everyone! And who was there for me, huh? Who the hell was ever there for me?! Have you forgotten I have no one?!"

I felt a bit guilty, but again my anger got the best of me. "Nico, I tried my best to always be there for you! I really did, and you know that! But you keep pushing me away, so how can people be there for you if you don't let anyone near you? I've always tried my best, so why can't you do the same instead of pushing me away all the time? I want to be your friend, Nico, so why can't you at least act like you want to be mine?! You can't run away from everything! You just can't. So stop."

He suddenly stopped fighting. I lowered my sword, too, and watched as his jaw tensed and he stood up straight with yet again another blank expression. His eyes seemed dead and I let myself take in his stance. I realised just how broken he really looks. From his shattered dark eyes, to his blank pale face, to the purple bags under his eyes, to his slouched shoulders, to his bony calloused fingers, to his small frowning lips that quivered slightly, and his shaking hands- or more like shaking body.

"Sometimes you have to run away from the demons you know you can't defeat, Percy." He said quietly, almost depressingly.

His words were so ominous and confusing that I was about ready to tear my hair out. What is wrong with him?

NICO POV

"Seriously, Nico! What in Hades is going on with you?!" Percy snapped.

I felt my eyes blaze as I stared at the green eyed boy in front of me. Everything turned red around me. It felt like fire was coursing through my veins and that things were melting around us. I really can't take this anymore. This is what I have been dreading ever since I found out about my... feelings... for Percy. It was my nightmare. And now I'm living it. But I'm living it angrily.

"What do you think, Sherlock?!" I retorted bitterly. "Since you're so amazing at reading people, and obviously you've figured me out, why don't you tell me what you're thinking, huh? Go on. I dare you."

Percy took a threatening step forward. I've never seen him so angry, and honestly, it frightened me. I mean, he had a sword in his right hand, for gods' sake! His eyes were pierced into me and I was afraid he might just give me away, like he might actually see inside my head and figure out my secrets. It's terrifying to say the least, but I stood my ground. He can't actually care enough for me to keep fighting about this. He can't actually be the nice person I think he is. No, he's just like everyone else. He must be, and I won't keep trying to convince myself he's someone different. He hates me. He thinks I'm a freak. He wants me to get out of his life. He thinks I'm hopeless.

"C'mon, Jackson! Spill! The world's biggest heroic figure speaking to the shunned nobody- how pathetic that little nobody must be, huh? C'mon, why don't you say it to my face!" I was almost screaming at him. I feel like everything is melting down around me. Slowly burning and catching a fiery red. Soon, all that will be left will be ashes and a little broken boy.

The son of the sea god stood a few feet away from me, looking conflicted but extremely confused. Why was he confused? He knows exactly what he wants to say. He wants to finally get rid of me, I know it. I can practically feel his anger boiling off of him. I think I was getting a bit too hyped up, also. I could feel my hands shaking and my knees wobbling. I will not cry. I will not cry. I don't cry. Not in front of Percy. I cannot show weakness.

"Say it!" I repeated. "Tell me what you actually think of me right now! You're just like everyone else, Jackson, I know it! Just admit it-"

Percy let out a strangled noise and suddenly, I ended up on the rough grounds of the forest. My wrists were pinned beside my head with his large calloused hands as his black hair stuck to the sweat on his tanned face, and mine to my pale cheekbones, my hat long gone. My back ached from the force of the fall, but my anger triggered pain is much stronger. Percy was panting above me and I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze, so I turned my head to the side, feeling his hot breath on my cheek.

"Everything is wrong about me, Jackson." I said through gritted teeth. "I might not be a real ghost or a lost soul in my father's realm. But up here... I might as well be."

"But what about me?" He cried in exasperation. "Why can't you just let me in? I'm different, I swear! I've tried so hard, so why do you hate me so much?! You're not alone, Nico, please. Just-just let me help you!"

"I told you, no." I said bluntly, without emotion in my voice.

I can't let him get any closer. Who knows what will happen? It'll only hurt more. I can't handle him being so close to me without being able to touch him or want or have him. I just can't. It tears me up on the inside. Plus, what if he finds someone better? What if he finds another girl, and on top of that, leaves me? I won't be able to live with that. And if I do let him be my friend, he'll eventually find out I feel for him. What would happen then? He'd be disgusted. Humiliated. Freaked out. He'd hate me. He'd leave me. He'd break me. The only thing I can do is block him out, not show any emotion, break his heart, and go away again. It's what I do best. Disappear...

Percy's mouth opened in shock at my response. He blinked and I pushed him off of me. Getting up, I took a deep breath, trying not to let any of my emotions get the best of me, and straightened myself out. I picked up my fallen sword and sheathed it, looking at Percy capping his sword with a blank, yet still angry expression. The weird blue-ish black-ish storm kept raging on around us. I ran my hands through my hair. Life sucks.

Percy approached me once again, but I took a step backwards. He frowned as his lips pulled into a tight line.

"What happened and what was that telepathic stuff about? Why were you avoiding me?" He questioned again, his voice monotone.

I stared at my boots. "I had to leave."

"Bull shark!" He said as he rolled his eyes. "There's a reason and I don't know why you can't tell me, but one day you know I will find out eventually, so why not tell me now? Or... Don't tell me and we can just pretend like nothing happened if that makes you feel any better! Doesn't that sound okay? Just please, I need someone right now and I know you do, too."

I stared at him. He looked so hurt. I could feel my insides melting, giving away from his words, but my mind kept screaming at myself to not show any weakness and to shut him away for good. Percy's eyes were big and no longer angry. Instead, they were a beautiful light green with blue specks. I couldn't help but see the sadness these past few days have brought to him and all I wanted to do was say yes and pull him into a giant hug, never letting go so I could make him happy again and take care of him. But I-I can't...

Although, under his stare, I could feel myself softening. What this boy does to me, and he doesn't even know it. He makes me such a better person, a happier person, a nicer person, a loving person. He's such an incredible guy. He's sweet and determined to make everyone happy before even giving himself a single thought. He's so selfless, meanwhile all I do is think of myself. All this boy does is love and laugh and smile and care. He cares... And I care about him. I care about him a lot more than I should, and it's crazy. But isn't love crazy, after all?

So... Maybe I should think of someone else besides myself, just this once.

"Please." Percy pleaded softly, almost a whisper.

And I broke.

PERCY POV

I gulped and tried one more time, in soft plead. "Please."

I stared into his eyes as he finally met my gaze. Then I saw something that surprised the hell out of me. His eyes were glossy and his bottom lip quivered slightly. I could see his emotions flash in his eyes and I gasped. It looked like he actually let his walls break, even for a little while. He swallowed thickly and grit his teeth. I could only watch in bewilderment as the son of the death god showed emotion. Raw, desperate, and heartbreaking emotion. I couldn't believe it.

I reached hesitantly and placed my hand onto his should gently. He flinched and stepped backwards. I was slightly hurt by his actions, but I guess it's understandable. He's overwhelmed, he's broken, he let his walls down and doesn't like being vulnerable. So I was patient, but began panicking as his feet slowly shuffled backwards. He was backing away just as I realised the weird storm around us was fading.

"Nico." I called gently but sternly. "You can't keep running away anymore. Please, just this once... Don't run."

He looked up, his eyes watery. It was really a heartbreaking sight. Man... I can't believe the son of Hades has emotions, it's incredible. But extremely sad. The storm disappeared and I could see the crowd of demigods clearly now. They were all whispering and shuffling around like crazy, until they suddenly quieted. Everyone silenced themselves as they realised they could see us again.

I turned my attention back to the mysterious boy I front of me. He stood up straighter and set his jaw, looking me straight in the eyes with a sort of determination that once again surprised me.

"I will not run away, Percy. Non sto scappando." He said quietly, his voice reaching me clearly, even though I couldn't understand the last bit which was most likely in Italian.

He turned his eyes flickered to the crowd, then back to the ground. "But this game is over. I'll be in my cabin at nightfall."

With that, he he took a deep breath, tussled his hair, stood up straight, set his jaw, and marched away. His steps were graceful and I couldn't help but watch him as he walked away into the trees, disappearing into the shadows. Then I realised something: He directed that last bit to me. Did... Did he just invite me to his cabin? Did he just give me a chance?

Holy Hera.

I think I just broke Nico di Angelo.

(Translation: I am not running away.)

~~~

End of Chapter

What do you think??? Sorry guys, I've been quite sick the past couple weeks and I'm just getting over it, so I hope you like it :) Wattpad is being an arse. Hahah, so tell me what you think of Part 1 and Part 2!!! Thanks for reading, voting, and commenting :) Love you lots!

Looking forward to writing the next chapter ;D Man, am I expecting some more raw emotion!

P.S. ^That's a heads up. ;)

~Curly

-Frustrated Percy