A/N: Come one, come all! Welcome to the last chapter of 'Abstract'! *Cheesy Music/Cheering* Today we will find out Nico's fate. Is he to be taken by the creepy 'Doctor' Muerte (kudos to anyone who figured out the name's meaning, as it does have one)? Or will he awaken to return Percy's love? Will Percy and Nico's story be one to put in fairy tales? Well, we'll find out in just a moment. (Sorry for taking so long, school, life, and its over seven thousand words)

This chapter is dedicated to someone who has followed me since my first PJO story (I think ^^) and who has always encouraged me to write more and do better. While they might not totally love this story (I believe it has something to do with that, if Nico is gay, she can't have him) they still reviewed and read the story. So, thank you iheartpercabeth! I can't help but wonder if you're ever going to read this too, ha...

So anyway, sorry to cut the story short on only 7 chapters. There is little chance for another one (sorry) mostly beacuse I've got a set of stories and story ideas lined up that demand to be written. Two are for PJO though, so keep your eyes peeled for them in the comming month (no promises). Thanks to anyone who reviewed any of the chapters, and thanks to anyone who faved and/or alerted this story. It means more then you think for a writer!

Also, voting is up on fanmortals(dot)com so if you would be absolutly amazing and go vote for me? *Puppy dog eyes* Ok, ok, not forcing you to or anything. But it would just mean a lot to me if you took just a few minutes out of your day to vote for me.

-Ahem- The song is 'Stay (Faraway, So Close) by U2 (best band ever ^^). Hope you enjoy the final, and seventh, chapter of Abstract!

Nico blinked a few times, trying to clear his head for what felt like the millionth time. There was either endless darkness or an unending replay of every memory he could, well, remember. Bianca, Hades, Percy; they all ran around his head. He could see them right in front of him, but they couldn't see him. They went on with their lives, their endless, pointless lives and didn't even glance at him. He was an outsider, an unknown person in a sea of friendly faces. He was all alone, and he hated it.

Nico felt liked he was in a dream. One deep, dark dream that, no matter how hard he wanted to, he couldn't awaken from. His most recent memories kept playing themselves out in front of him, like he was witnessing his own actions, like a moive was playing. Now was only one of the many, him buying the cigarettes for his father. It was darker then he remembered, and slightly raining. Had it really been raining? Nico wondered. He, as always, felt an urge to speak, to shout at himself 'What's going on? Where am I?' but that was another thing about this... This place. He couldn't speak. He couldn't move. He could only watch himself and his memories, being played over... And over... And over...

Green light, seven eleven
You stop in for a pack of cigarettes

There seemed to be music playing in his skull, a band pounding on his head for drums, plugged into his ears, forcing him to listen to them. He watched himself go into the 7-Eleven, watched through the brightly lit windows as he bought the smokes and stuffed them into his pockets. Nico saw himself counting out the change, and Nico could see he had a dollar fifty. Enough for some gum, his mind told himself dryly. A car roared past, but Nico still heard the bell jingle as his other self (as he was calling it) opened up the door and looked warrily across the street.

'What are you doing?' Nico wanted to shout. He didn't remember a bell on the door, he didn't check the street carefully. This was what had been going on, his memories and not his memories. His mind being played out like an edited movie, with perfect little Nico di Angelo being a perfect little boy, buying something for his father, his hating father...

'What's going on? Where am I!' He felt it all rising up, all of it rising up and feeling like it was a tidal wave, come to crash down atop him and destroy what was left of his sanity. Nico felt himself open up his mouth in a silent scream, and he felt himself doing nothing. He saw himself dashing across the street, lightning and thunder flashing in the distance. He felt himself screaming, heard the sound being torn from his lips. He felt himself doing nothing, caught in an endless vertigo without knowing what would happen; without knowing what was going on.

You don't smoke, don't even want to
I see you check your change

Nico felt pain in his gut, unbearable pain that came every few minutes now. He felt his mouth open up to scream, but at the same time he didn't move. He felt himself arch up in pain, a silent scream running from his lips and reaching only his ears. He felt himself not move as the pain twisted and bent him like a doll, a puppet that served no purpose. Nico felt an edge of blackness creep up, but he forced himself to remain awake. Percy, Hades, Sally, Percy. The faces flashed by, quickly, faster, until it was only Percy's face.

"PERCY!" Nico heard himself (not) scream. Where was his knight in shinning armor? Did he just leave Nico there to (no, he wouldn't have, he loved Nico; right?) die? Where was Percy? Where was Nico's savior, his knight, his prince, his love of his life?

Nico collasped, and the scene changed. It blurred at first, leaving Nico scared that he had lost the battle, if he was going to sleep. No, not a sleep. Death; Nico was scared that his body had just failed him at the last second. If all his endurance was failing him now, of all times. That he, Nico di Angelo son of Hades, was dying right then and there. But then the place sharpened and Nico saw Hades over his slumped body, his body a bloody pulp. Nico winced as Hades kicked him in the head, although he felt no pain. For what must have been the millionth time (but was probably only the fifty-fifth) Nico wondered if he was dead. Certaintly the beating the replayed in his head (or was it really what he was seeing with his own eyes?) was going to leave a mark.

Where's Percy? Nico wondered. Wasn't he going to come, to be the hero in golden (or seagreen, to match his amazing eyes) armor, come to slay the evil dragon (to compare Hades to dragons Nico felt sorry for the dragons)? Nico felt himself dispair, again. Surely he was dead and this was just a part of hell, to come and destroy him from the inside out. Nico wondered if it would be easier to just let it go, to let the blackness engulf him and eat at him. But now the scene played on, Nico a bloody pulp on the ground.

Dressed up like a car crash
The wheels are turning but you're upside down

Then the hero came. Percy crashed into the door and Nico saw splinters flying. Was that really how it happened? Nico wondered. Did Percy really save me or is this just a cruel joke set up by someone (something)? Nico watched as Percy fought Hades, as the person he loved (but would never be able to tell) fought for him, for Nico, for slime that didn't deserve to lick Percy's shoes. Nico found himself hypnotized by Percy's movements, as the teenager fought Hades but was brought down. Nico felt fear rise up in him.

'No! No! Percy!' Nico (didn't) shout. He felt that Percy was going to be killed, right in front of him. Was that really evil laughter he heard or was it just him? Nico felt the blackness seep up on him, starting to engulf him, eatting away at him more then before. Everything started to go black, and the last thing Nico saw was Percy's face, determined to save Nico. Determined to save the person he loved.

And then everything, every little last thing, went black.

Percy ran a hand through Nico's hair. It was too early for anyone else to be moving around, and Percy was too worried to sleep anyway. He was always worried, but now... Now it was more then he could handle. So he sat by Nico, running his hand through the boy's soft, silky black hair. Nico... Why can't you wake up? Percy thought. Why does it have to be like this? Percy sighed as he sat on a plastic visitor's chair next to Nico's bed. His feelings were a jumble. They probably resembled abstract art made by a five year-old. The confusing lines and splashes of paint, all mixed and intertwined. His feelings for Nico conected to his worry about Nico's safety, Nico's future. His life mixed in with Nico's in some way, some fashion. Mixing together because, true and honestly, Percy wasn't quiet sure what he was going to do if Nico just left. Left just Percy, all alone, in a world that was suddenly cold and unforgiving to a young boy whose father was crazy.

Why didn't you tell anyone? We would have helped you y'know. But instead you thought you could handle it. You tried... But you failed. These thoughts, and more, ran through Percy's head. Percy felt silent tears run down his face, slowly, softly, without a sound escaping Percy's lips. Inside he was feeling angst, he was scared, nervous. Worried that the person he loved would be taken from him like an item and treated like one.

Nico was easily the most confusing person Percy had ever met. One day he would be the sweetest kid you've ever met, then... Bianca died. Bianca died leaving Nico feeling lost and empty. And suddenly, the sweet little kid was more of a punk-ish kind of kid. A kid hell bent on making sure he didn't depend on anyone anymore. A kid hell bent to make it clear he needed no one, that nobody needed to help him. All while, if Percy guessed correctly, his very own father treated him like an annoying bug that needed to be destroyed, taken out. Treated like filth.

You say when he hits you, you don't mind
Because when he hurts you, you feel alive
Is that what it is?

"Nico..." The name fell from his lips and fell onto his lap, like the tears that streaked down his face. Why hadn't he told anyone? Of course Percy had figured it out. Was that it? Did Nico think it was some sort of game? But try as he might Percy couldn't bring himself to think that way. Nico was young, sure, but not that young. He should've been old enough to realize he could have gotten help. He was old enough to realize he needed help. Was he really stupid enough (or maybe he just had some sense that he was immortal) to think he could handle something so big by himself? Nico was a teenager, a foolish teenager. A teenager who had tried to gamble his life and limb on a dangerous game of life, and had lost.

Percy sighed as he brushed some of Nico's hair out of the teen's closed eyes. Percy wondered, as he had for most of the day, what Nico was thinking. Was he in an enternal blackness, trying to get out? Was it just a deep sleep? A nasty dream? Percy sighed and ran his hand through Nico's hair, enjoying the softness that it brought him. It was soothing, the cool feeling of Nico's hair on his fingers. It was like a rare silk, shifting with his every touch. The soft feeling reminded Percy of a million things and nothing, all at the same time. A feeling of comfort, of a loyal friend he had never really known. A feeling of belonging, that he knew and was a stranger too all at the same time. Percy rubbed Nico's head gently, and was reminded of a father (or a brother) comforting another, a feeling he had never had.

He shifted in the chair (damn it was uncomfortable) and decided that, what the heck, he didn't have to sit in that. So, carefully making sure he wasn't on Nico's legs, he sat on the end of Nico's bed. It was surprisingly easy, Nico must have lost a lot of weight while he was in his coma. Percy felt Nico's hands (which were folded over his middle in a pose too much like someone dead in a coffin) and was scared at how cold they felt. Sure, Nico was always cold. But this was just plain unnatural, even for Nico. Rubbing them softly in an attempt to warm them, Percy muttered,

"Warm up Nico, wake up; please." Percy lowered his voice so softly it was more of a thought then anything, his sea-green eyes looking at Nico's closed eyes. "Please... I love you." Nothing, only the soft beeping of the heart monitor and Percy's breathing mixed in with Nico's.

Nico thought he heard a voice in the darkness that had taken him. It sounded like Percy, like Percy was calling out to him. Nico stumbled forward, falling to his knees. Wait; he could move? He tried to speak but found his throat dry, and Percy's voice was getting fainter, fainter.

"Percy! Where are you?" Nico shouted, his words echoing in the endless darkness. He started to run towards where the voice had been, but it didn't seem like he was moving, or was the darkness just growing? But no, several long, agonizing, seconds later a red light came into view. Nico ran towards it even faster, stopping with a slide as he got near it. A stop light, but no cars, no street, and no Percy. The darkness seemed to recede from the light as it glowed brightly, hurting Nico's eyes.

He had to squint to see anything clearly. And then, without warning or even a sound, the ground around Nico and the stoplight just seemed to fall. No, wait, the other area, the darkness, it seemed to rise up out of the ground. Only a small circle, barely big enough for a small car, didn't move at all. Nico found himself on his knees, trembling from some emotion; was it fear?

"Percy!" Nico screamed. Where was he? What was this place? The darkness around him stopped moving and Nico started to get to his feet when something slammed into him, hitting his face right on the mouth. He, somehow, flew backwards and nearly slammed into the light pole. Nico fingered his lips and found blood trickling down them. Nico didn't try to get up, just lay there, on his back, eyes closed. When would this hell end? What did he do to deserve this? Well, Nico thought, at least Percy isn't here if its hell. Nico didn't move still, but then a crushing weight seemed to be dropping on Nico's legs, crushing them to dust. Nico screamed; surely his bones were no more then dust and ash by now.

It suddenly stopped, and Nico glanced down towards his legs. They were fine, only, his pants were ripped up and bloods trickled down his legs from a million small cuts. Nico forced himself to sit up, right as a sledge-hammer weight hit his chest, causing him to fall back on his back. Nico breathed heavily, gulping down air to re-inflate his lungs. His shirt was in ruins, but it didn't look like any permanate damage except for several bruises and cuts. Nico imagined that he looked like a wreak, like someone out of a car crash.

Red lights, grey morning
You stumble out of a hole in the ground
A vampire or a victim
It depend's on who's around

Nico stayed on his back, too tired to even attempt to get up. Nico felt the blackness grow, again, and found it harder to breath. Is this the end? Nico thought as well as he could, his brain starting to shut down on him. Was this all that was going to happen? This endless beating, the endless pain? Nico felt his world go black. Percy...

Percy sat back at the end of Nico's bed, fingering his lips softly. He had kissed Nico softly on the lips, crawling atop him so it wasn't so akward. Percy wondered if he ever would really kiss di Angelo, or if it would only be these few nights. Percy sighed and found himself feeling depressed. When was the last time he really had laughed with Nico? He racked his brains and remembered; that time they watched TV and Nico had turned off the volume and said rude things instead of what the news reporter really was saying.

God, that had been fun. Laughing, joking around, messing around. Being real teenagers, for just that moment. No worries about school, or girls, or whatever. No worries whatsoever, just him and Nico, laughing and eventually attacking each other with pillows. Nico had jumped on Percy, strong legs wrapped around Percy's waist. Percy, for just a moment, closed his eyes. He tried to remember what that had felt like and all he could remember was a strong sense of warmth. Of belonging, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

You used to stay in to watch the adverts
You could lip synch to the talk shows

They had laughed and joked around, and Percy knew now that that was before Hades had started to beat Nico. Why Nico? Why did he start that? Percy ran a hand through Nico's hair, the soft feeling of it soothing to the touch. Percy wished he could look into Nico's eyes, feel those deep dark orbs pierce through him and see into his mind, his emotions lieing out for the younger to see. Ah Nico... Why didn't you notice? Couldn't you see I was starting to love you? But of course, while Percy was known as a little thick when it came to relationships, it was regarded that you could strip in front of Nico and he wouldn't know what to do.

At school Nico didn't talk with anyone, he hardly spoke to even Percy or the teachers! Was that because you wanted to be left alone? Percy thought. Was it because you didn't want something like this to happen? Why didn't you speak at all, why did this have to happen? Percy touched Nico's cool hands and grasped them semi-tightly, feeling tears start to come again. Ah, damnit, Percy thought. He loved Nico, that was obvious. Why didn't the kisses work? What did Percy do wrong?

Call him an idiot for trying, but in fair tales the prince saves the girl by kissing her. Percy had already defeated the evil step-father/dragon, he had brought his 'girl' to safety. So why not the kiss? Percy sighed and rubbed Nico's had affectionatly, feeling a few stray tears fall down his face. The kisses didn't work because the world wasn't a fairy tale. The kisses didn't work because Nico was also a boy. Take your pick, but all it meant to Percy was that the love of his life (admittedly he didn't have much experience in the way of love) was in a coma and had to wake up soon or Dr. Death was going to come and take him.

And if you look, you look through me
And if you talk it's not to me
And when I touch you, you don't feel a thing

The irony of Percy's situationg was not lost on the teen, but he wished that the world was a fairy tale so that the kisses would work. Anything to get Nico back, Percy thought. Anything. Percy felt like he was a failure, a failure at being a 'hero'. He had won the battles, he had taken down Hades and 'saved' Nico. He had brought his love to safety. But, in the end, it looked like he had lost the war. That he really was a failure.

Percy was jolted out of his thoughts by the ever-present heart monitor that was conected to Nico by a series of wires. Percy seemed to realize just how dark it was in the room, the only light being the green from the monitors. And he could still make out ever single details about Nico. He could make out the lines that were Nico's gentle, peaceful-looking, face. The soft feeling that was Nico's worn-down shirt, and the rough feeling that were Nico's jeans. He could see Nico's closed eyes and the strands of hair that gently fell over Nico's face and really did give him a mysterious look. Nico's messy hair was tucked neatly behind his ears, but the black mass was jumbled up behind the teen so it was easy to make it out. It could have been a crown, a crown of darkness over Nico's head.

Sighing, Percy sat down in the plastic chair, thinking. When had he first noticed something was off about Nico? Well it was a sad answer, only a week or so ago. Forcing himself to remember more, Percy tried to think when Nico had become so dark, so depressed. Since when had Nico fallen into the night's grasp, leaving only the shell of himself during the day? Percy had to admit that he was, sadly and to his own horror and sickness, that he was about as observing as a stone. Surely Nico had been giving him signs before then. Surely Nico had been (silently) begging him, someone, anyone, to see his problem. And when Nico needed him the most it seemed like Percy was never, ever, there.

Percy found himself thinking at least three months ago. Percy had invited Nico (as well as Annabeth, Grover, and other friends from school) to go see a movie. It was horror and it had been fun, but every single time something bloody or violent happened to a character Nico had grinned like it was funny. Like the movie was a comedy even. After that most of the other kids had avoided Nico, thinking he was some kind of violent freak. Percy wasn't deaf. People talked about 'the strange son of Hades' in his earshot and 'the Goth freak' whenever they thought he couldn't hear them.

Not like that hadn't been going on for a while, but it had been unsettling to hear that people thought Nico worshiped the devil and was going to curse then entire school someday. Nico had always been a lover of nighttime, sure. And ok, he did look kind of (really) Goth. But since when had that meant he was a devil worshiper? Percy sighed and shook his head. He really needed to think about different things; but what was cheerful now? Annabeth had dumped him, school work was taller then the Empire State Building, and Grover knew his secret. Damn.

If I could stay... then the night would give you up
Stay, and the day would keep it's trust
Stay, and the night would be enough

Percy wished Nico was awake, if only to talk with someone he knew would never abandon him; right? The ability to be with the person he loved was never so ironic. He was right next to Nico but so far from him at the same time. Is he in an endless darkness? Percy wondered. Or a dream state? Percy slightly remembered thinking that already, but he was running out of things to talk (think, to wonder, to hope) about. Percy stood up, stretching his arms and legs, a little stiff from sitting down in the uncomfortable chair.

Nico couldn't be much closer, Percy reflected. Unless Percy got on top of him or something, but that brought a blush to the black-haired, sea-green eyed boy just thinking about it. He was already terrified enough that there might be hidden cameras somewhere in the room, or that someone might sneak up on him while he was kissing Nico. He did not need to add fear of someone walking in on him on top of Nico. The thought couldn't help but make Percy feel a little flushed, so he sat down in the chair and tried to think of over things then his hands entwined with Nico's, kissing, feeling each other's heart as they grew closer together... Percy snapped out of it, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair.

At the same time, Percy added, Nico couldn't be much farther. Nico was so far away, too far away for Percy to even imagine the distance. The boy's mind was in a cage, locked tightly and kept away from Percy. Nico's body was close, so close, but his mind was gone. Lost even, on some journey, some adventure that Nico had gone off too. Where was the boy's mind? Somewhere in Wonderland, Percy thought dryly to himself, despite the seriousness of his train of thought. It was just stupid, the one time it could be alone enough to tell Nico his feelings and Nico was in a coma. Of course, that's just how fucking lucky Percy was.

Faraway, so close

Its not like he expected some kind of sudden luck though. At least he could have more then two days with his love though, but no, Nico was going to be taken away faster then you could say Poseidon. Nico's life, Percy thought, is like the freaking Titanic. Sure, less death but just as much tragedy. Nico di Angelo, made December 24, 1994. Fated to deal with his mother's death, more or less raised by his sister (Bianca di Angelo) until she died tragicly. Picked up by abusive father Hades di Angelo, and sent into a coma by that same father.

Percy felt himself smile as he thought of the most recent time he had watched TV with Nico. The boy had seemed happy then; was it all a charade or was he really being honest with his (usually) hidden feelings? Percy ran the places through his head for no other reason then to smile at what Nico had said about them. Miami, New Orleans, London, Belfast, Berlin. Apparently even the middle-class poor could go there. Percy wondered how much it would be to get a flight for two to London. Nico would like London, right? He was interested in history and stuff, and they could visit the abby place. Percy sighed and wondered if he'd ever be able to see Nico smile again, let alone bring him on an international trip.

Would Nico want to go to college or would he be fine skipping that, or putting it off for a year or two. Would he put a year or two away from him, for Percy? For them to just be together, maybe not even as boyfriends, but just as friends. As two friends trying to get past what had happened in America, trying to put that behind them and build off of something new. Percy could see Nico enjoying a year in the United Kingdoms, not just London or even Great Britan. Nico would love Spain too, the beaches would be worth Percy going. And France, the city of... Of love. That would be the best place for them to stay for a year, wouldn't it? Or maybe Nico would want to go to Itally, where his mother was and where his mother and father met.

Up with the static and the radio
With satelite television
You can go anywhere
Miami, New orleans, London, Belfast and Berlin

Yeah, that would be like Nico to want to go to the place where his parents met. Where his family tree traced back too; where Bianca was born. Percy held back a cry of sadness; Percy missed Nico, he missed him alot.

Nico saw amazing black hair flowing in an invisible breeze. His sea-green eyes looking out at something Nico couldn't see. Hands tucked into jean pockets, his entire body just relaxed and calm and smooth. Nico felt himself trembling, taking half a step towards the person of his dreams. Was this real? Was Percy really right in front of him? Nico could see the ground was nothing but darkness, but he couldn't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't just a dream. That it was reality.

"P-Percy? Percy!" Percy didn't move; Nico was confused. Was he unable to hear him? Was he, God forbid, ignoring Nico? No, Nico refused to believe that. He ran towards Percy and skidded to a halt as he realized that he was on a cliff. Percy was staring out at the ocean that had suddenly appeared but made no noise. It was a sheer drop down Nico noticed, nothing to stop you on a free-fall towards death. Nico found himself on his rear as he stared at Percy. The elder looked sad, his eyes red from crying. Tears streaked down Percy's face, dropping silently onto the darkness that was ground.

"I'm sorry Nico... Please forgive me." He wasn't talking to Nico, he was still starring out at the ocean. The waves moved, hit the darkness that Nico assumed was the beach, but didn't make any sounds. Percy dropped a slip of paper and held his arms out, like he was on a cross. The sea breeze buffeted his hair and Nico was capitvated that Percy could look so amazing even in the darkness. Then Nico realized what he was about to do. His movements feeling as slow as melting ice in Spring, Nico shouted,

"NO! Percy!" Nico lept forward, trying to grab Percy. Either Percy melted through his grasp like a ghost or Nico missed, but Percy jumped off the cliff, looking like a bird that refused to flap his wings as he fell. Nico felt tears streaming down his face, he refused to look and see what happened. The piece of paper, blown by an invisible wind, hit Nico's hand as he wept on all fours. Nico felt his fingers grab it and open it up, but he wasn't making them do anything. In fact, Nico was scared of what the paper would say, terrified.

What it said was even worse then he thought. Nico clutched the paper in a tight fist, tears streaming freely down his face. It didn't matter if it was only a dream; it tore at Nico's heart like a thousand needles hitting him in the heart all at once, and being ripped out all at the same time.

"No! Percy!"

And if you listen I can't call
And if you jump, you just might fall
And if you shout I'll only hear you

'I love you' lay mockingly on the paper in Percy's messy handwriting, as if mocking everything that had happened.

Nico's heart rate was up, Percy could tell that in an instant. It beeped faster and faster, breaking the thoughts Percy had had. He was thinking of what Bianca would do, but was drawing a blank. He glanced up at the heart rate monitor and felt his own heart rate jump off. There was no way it was normal for it to be so fast. No... The word formed on Percy's lips and died in his mouth.

"No, not now, not Nico..." These words formed softly, tenderly, with a hint of panic added in to make his words even more painful. Getting to his feet Percy walked the two steps to put his hand on Nico's forehead; it was icy cold. Percy felt a stab of worry stick in him, was he normally that cold? Was he colder then usual? Percy shivered as his lips brushed Nico's forehead; was it just the lights or was Nico's lips blue?

Percy sighed; he wished he could be so attentive to Nico all the time. Then, just maybe, he'd wake up. Percy knew it was just wishful thinking, but at this point Percy was willing to try just about everything and anything to get Nico to just God-damn wake up.

"Ah... Nico, when are you going to wake up? I wish you were here. Hades is in prison y'know, so you could stay with me... You looke so amazing when moonlight is over you in your sleep. I wonder if, no when, I'll be able to tell you I love you. Those are pretty strong words, aren't they? Did anyone ever tell you that you're beautiful? I hope so; you deserve someone to love you. Someone better then me... Ah, Nico. If I was a prince I would have saved you. You'd be alright and we'd, we'd be together. Right? I mean, that's what happens in fairy tales... I wonder if anyone has cared for you deep into the night, or early in the day, like I want to." Percy took a shaky breath, even though Nico couldn't hear him. "I-I wonder if anyone will tell you that you are an amazing, beautiful, charming, boy who... Who I love deeply and without bounds." Percy let out what remained of his air, feeling like he had just been sucker-punched in the gut.

Nico was never going to hear Percy utter those three magical words. Percy mentally ripped what part of his brain thought Nico would wake up (it looked like a small devil, red horns and a red tail, and a pitchfork to complete the look) and threw it out of his head. He threw it into a pool of boiling water, and grit his teeth and curled his hands into fists and it drowned. Then Percy started to cry, sitting back in his chair.

A smaller part of his mind, some part that hadn't been ripped out with pain and savagery, came out. Slowly at first, but then pouring out. It wasn't anything he recognized; not pain or calm or sadness. No, it took him time to realize what it was; it was hope. Hope that Nico would beat the odds, hope that Nico would survive. Because that's what Nico did, survive. Nico was a survivor, and that's what Percy was counting on, his ability to rise up over anything and everything and win.

Because if he didn't Percy would be lost, lost without a beacon of light or hope left in his world. Percy let the tears flow, deciding that holding them back did nothing. Percy let the tears flow, and soon there was a river of tears falling down his face and dropping lightly into his lap; a waterfall of sadness. A waterfall created by so much, and so little. Tears falling down his face marking everything that had happened, and to some, none of it. Nico would survive. He had to, he just had to. For Percy, for himself, for everything that meant anything to the black-haired, black-eyed boy.

If I could stay... then the night would give you up
Stay then the day would keep it's trust
Stay with the demons you drowned
Stay with the spirit I found
Stay and the night would be enough

Nico was the best person Percy had ever known; why was he the one in the coma? Why not him, Percy? Why not Hades? Anyone, anyone but Nico. But of course, the one person Percy wanted to be with was the one person beyond his reach.

Nico lay there for more time then he cared to count. Time stretched on and on, the pointless feeling that came with being depressed falling over him for what must have been a constant wave. He never wanted to move. His limbs were sore, stiff. It hurt to even breathe. He wasn't quiet sure if his body hurt because of what felt like bruises or if it was all in his head. He felt his next mood swing, a feeling of giddyness like something good had just happened. Like somone (with sea-green eyes) had just kissed him, the tingling feeling still lingering on his lips.

He forced his aching eyes to open, the world still black. No, wait, the world had a dim green glow. Tinged with a green light coming from who-knew-where, the rest of the world was black. Darkness, something even Nico's usually nighttime eyes couldn't see through. Then he noticed different shades of the darkness, part of it dimming and part of it brightning. A red light started to blink in and out of Nico's vision, growing both brighter and dimmer and bigger and smaller. Nico tried to open his mouth, sit up, any kind of major movement, and ended up feeling a shot of undennyable pain.

Instead Nico stayed there, his ache coming back twofold. Mentally swearing Nico's eyes, half open half closed, traced the scene around him. The shadowy shapes hadn't moved, Nico couldn't make anything out specifically. It felt like he was in a bed of some kind. Not his, no, it wasn't anywhere he recognized either. Maybe this wasn't a dream. Wishing he could see better Nico forced his eyes onward. As he searched his eyes found a dark monitor that would light up every few seconds with a glowing green line, and beep in time with it. That, Nico thought, accounted for the green tinge around everything. But what in the world was the red light?

Looking onward Nico saw a red LED clock go from two fifty-nine AM to three o'clock AM. A clock. Nico tried to remember if he had ever been in a situation like this. He had had a panic attack when he had been told that Bianca had died, yeah. But he couldn't remember anything about an LED clock (but that was a small detail, easily forgotten) and he couldn't remember a heart-rate monitor. That was what the monitor was, at least, that's what Nico thought. Besides the monitor's beeping the rest of the area was quiet, silent. Just the way Nico usually liked it. But now, now of all times, it disturbed the son of Hades. It made him feel like something was going to happen, like some kind of dragon was going to pop out and try to kill him. Only this time Percy wasn't around.

Three o'clock in the morning
It's quiet and there's no one around

Where was his angel? Yes, his angel. Nico didn't know what else he could really call Percy at this point. His knight was one thing, but Percy seemed bigger then that. Bigger then just a hero, like he was divine; like he was a perfect being sent down from the heavens to safe a poor teenager named Nico di Angelo. Was he going crazy? Nico thought about himself. Have I finally lost it? Nico thought he saw something move on his side, the shadow shifting in its position. Of course Nico was seeing things, there was no way... No way that Percy Jackson, the most amazing, perfect being that Nico had ever even heard about, was now right in front of him. But no, sitting in a chair looking down with silent tears dripping down his face was Percy. His black hair gleamed green, the tears glistening for less then a second before hitting the ground with a bang, with enough noise to (surely) wake up the world.

Drip... Drip... Drip... Why was Percy crying? What was going on? Why couldn't Nico move? Forcing his lips to move in a vain attempt to talk, Nico managed to make something resembling a groan. The shadow that was Percy moved so he was facing Nico, those sea-green eyes illuminated even more with the green light. Percy's tanned face was light and even pale against the darkness that was the rest of the room. Percy's face was etched in with worry, but a flash of hope passed over Percy's face.

"N-Nico? A-Are you... A-Are you really awake?" Percy's voice was full of disbelief, as if he was the one in the dream and not Nico. Percy stood up; it was clear he was trembling. Was it from fear? Hope? Just pure disbelief? Nico didn't understand. Was this really a dream? No, this was too real. His mind hadn't come up with anything this realistic yet; but Nico still couldn't move. His limbs were so heavy, too heavy to move. They were either too heavy or hurt too much, the ache starting to over come anything Nico could even try to summon up. He just didn't have the will, or the power, to move.

And yet Percy was now leaning over him, looking into Nico's now open eyes. Damn him; why did Nico have to feel so helpless, so needy in front of Percy? Why did he want, more then anything, for Percy to just Goddamn kiss him already? Was that so wrong?

Just the bang and the clatter
As an angel runs to ground

Nico was awake. Percy couldn't believe it, but there he was, looking into Nico di Angelo's bright, half-closed eyes. He hadn't moved at all, but that was understandable. He had been in a coma for what felt like ages, it would have been surprising had he been able to move so quickly.

"I-I... You're awake! Nico!" Percy felt his previous feelings; all the worry and hopelessness, leave him. Just like that, just by looking at Nico's bright, half-opened eyes. Nico's eyes fluttered and went in and out of focus and Percy found himself holding the back of Nico's head gently, his own head hoving over the younger boy's. Should I kiss him? No, he might freak out and I don't want him to be scared... No, I'll just wait and see what happens. Percy gulped and ran a hand through Nico's hair.

While he thought Nico would tense, or show some sign of discomfort, his reaction was completely different. He relaxed a little, his tense muscles calming down and his entire body seeming to drop down and relax. Nico's dreary (yet they looked brighter then anything Percy had seen recently) eyes opened a little more, the eyes finally focused on Percy.

"P-Per-Percy..." Nico's voice was so beautiful, yet Percy's ears could tell that his voice trembled and waved from the effort. Not only his voice though; Percy was horrified to see Nico trembling from what must have been an enormous effort on his part. Its going to be ok now, Percy wanted to say. Nothing is going to happen to you as long as I'm here, I promise. But no, the words refused to go out of his mouth. Percy could tell Nico was confused; his eyes were hurt and it seemed like Nico had just lost any hope he might have had.

What was wrong with Percy? Why was his angel, his beautiful, perfect, angel looking so worried? Was something wrong with him, with Nico? Was Nico scarred beyond belief? Was that why Percy acted like something was wrong, like nothing was going the right way? Nico swallowed and tried to bring up some courage, something, anything.

"I-I-I... L-L-" Percy cut him off as he was about to say the most important three words in Nico's life. Cut him off like he was a loose end that needed to be tightened, needed to be snipped off. Click, click. The cut came and went, the invisible blow hitting and leaving all at once.

"Stop. You need to conserve your strength." Nico felt like he had lost all his breath, that the world just got darker. That the last little light in Nico's world, the thing he thought of when he felt like there was no reason to continue to fight; that thing was pushing him away. Cutting him off. "Nico; I have no real way to tell you how happy I am that you're back." Percy's voice. It was distant; was it just Nico? Was it for real? Nothing made sense anymore, it was like up was down and good was bad. It was like the world had changed overnight and left Nico standing alone, standing alone and confused and lost.

"So... So I guess I'll have to show you." Nico felt a tingle of something run down his spine. Fear? No, why would he be scared of Percy? Surely the sea-eyed teen wouldn't do anything against him, against Nico? No, not fear. Was it just simple anticipation? Nico found himself shivering, but not from cold. "Can... Can you please close your eyes?" Nico was puzzled by the request, but did so, closing his eyes tightly. He waited for what seemed like ages, eons. Forever and a day.

Then, the softest thing in the world conected against his lips. They weren't hard, they weren't forcing him into anything. But a soft, gentle, caring kiss. Nico's eyes shot open, and his black eyes met sea-green ones. Percy Jackson, Nico di Angelo's angel, was kissing him.

Nico felt like the world had just broken apart, that the boundries keeping things in 'balance' had been destroyed. He felt like everything was going to be ok, because he was with him and because he was always going to be with him.

Just the bang and the clatter
As an angel hits the ground