Nico groaned loudly as he bounced impatiently in his chair, having just paid the bills. He only had about fifty dollars after seeing how much it'd add up, and, reluctantly, he decided he needed a roommate. He didn't care which gender, for he was one of the most non-predatory gays to ever exist. He had never shared a room with someone before. He knew he still technically wasn't, but he hadn't even been in the same house overnight with someone for years.

Grudgingly, Nico opened Craigslist. He hated using the site and he barely remembered his login from when he was poor and needed a roommate all those years ago. Only two, but still. He was twenty-five and needed a roommate, which would have ashamed his father. Well, he'd become even more ashamed. His father had cut him off when he lost the job he worked for days to get him.

After he'd spent about half-an-hour on the ad, he read over it and smiled. He made sure they were above the age of twenty-three, but younger than thirty. He silently put it up and closed his laptop, pushing himself away from the desk. He ran his hand through his raven-colored hair, wandering into his bedroom. The walls were painted with sloppy black and navy-blue, but a few places in the corners were chipping off to reveal the original creamy colors.

Nico took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. If he couldn't get a roommate, he may have to sell the place. That was the last thing he wanted, because honestly, he'd lived here since he moved out from his dad's. He'd had his first roommate here, who then moved out to live with his wife. Yep, his roommate got married at the age of twenty-one, and here Nico was, single as ever.

He sighed and looked over at his clock. He'd been voltunteering at the animal shelter all day, though he'd never admit his fascination for animals. He climbed up the bed and tugged off his socks, dropping them on the ground as well as his skinny jeans. He stayed in his oversized shirt, keeping it hugged close. It was his ex-boyfriend, Will's. He had died in a car accident last year, leaving Nico a mess and barely able to do his job.

Now, though, Will was a happy memory. Sure, it was still sad that he wouldn't get to cuddle up to him after a long day of work, but he knew how sad Will would be if he knew Nico had been suffering so much. So, the smaller man had put it behind him and gotten over it. The shirt he wore now was the only thing he had of Will's, because he'd given everything else to his family.

Nico let out a heavy breath, pulling the heavy duvet over himself. He'd always liked the warmth it provided his small frame, leaving him waking up and feeling like he'd just been cuddle-bombed by a bear. So, with the comfort of his bed surrounding him, Nico closed his eyes.

Г¬Г

Nico woke up to the loud ding! from his computer. He grunted, knowing he wouldn't be getting notifications from anything but Craigslist. He dragged himself out of bed and walked to his computer, plopping down on the chair. He opened it and clicked the notification, frowning slightly. When he read over how much the guy was willing to pay, he immediately messaged him saying yes. He sent the address as well, now smiling.

The guy was twenty-six and had just gotten out of college, needing a place to live. He'd had a roommate in his dorm at school, but he was moving into a different apartment with his best friend and his girlfriend because it was even cheaper. Nico thrust his fist into the air- Percy Jackson, a name even Nico knew from one of the business men at his old work- was moving in and paying over half the rent.

Nico hummed victoriously, shutting his laptop. Percy had replied immediately, saying he'd be there to check it out by three. The dark-haired boy smiled to himself as he walked to his bedroom, grabbing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. As he got dressed, he looked down at the now faint scars on his chest. Pursing his lips and kind of refusing to think about them, Nico tugged the black shirt on over them.