A/N: Yeah, hey there. This is my second Percico fanfic and I appreciate the reviews on my other fanfic called "Embarrassment? Nahhh, Just Love". *Cough* Okay, in this fanfic, Nico is 13 and it's been 3 years since his sister passed and Percy is 16 as well as Jason. Now that that's out of the way, I want to let you guys know what inspired me to write this fanfic. I've seen So Contagious |Percy+Nico| on YouTube and it struck me right in the feels. I've been listening to So Contagious by Acceptance throughout the process of writing this fanfic down. I also would like to point out how part of this relates to my life but lighter. Instead of talking to someone about it, I'd rather keep the problem to myself. It hurts to know that the person I like would never like me back due to her disgust of people in the LGBT community. But I don't want to bore you with my life so that's a story for another time.

Song: So Contagious by Acceptance (just to get the mood right)

Warning: Please, if you're against boys loving each other, turn back now. I don't like dealing with people who've been told to turn back due to boyxboy content and be against it. I don't want my wrath to befall upon you. Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or any of the characters. Rick is the king of awesome so therefore, hail him!

Personal Space, Dam It!: Chapter One

Sobs. Sniff. Sobs.

Every night, Nico di Angelo would often shadow travel to Camp Jupiter to visit his friend, Jason Grace. The only demigod who knew his secret and he had put his trust in the blonde guy. Ever since his sister's death and the announcement of.. gulp.. Percy and Annabeth's relationship, he couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to be in Bianca's arms and let his big sister comfort him. Sadly, that isn't so possible now. Every day, he would keep an eye on the son of Poseidon and turned away whenever the blonde daughter of Athena was in his line of sight. Now, it all came down on him and he couldn't think of anyone else to confide in until he remembered the blonde boy.

Normally, he sulked by himself and let the shadows of his cabin engulf him by the night. Nico has thought of cutting his wrists multiple times but to see Bianca's face worrying about him ached more than just cutting himself. His bed sheets and pillows were always wet due to crying himself to sleep. And, to be honest, it was hard to keep the façade up whenever morning struck and told him to get out of the cabin for breakfast. It was unexpected to see the Son of Hades actually have emotions or care for others than him. Gee, he's just like everyone else but others seem to think otherwise. He's had his own problems to deal with.

The pain in his chest never ceased to diminish. Every. Single. Day. It devours him at night and stays quietly locked up in a cage by morning. It knows its limits and it pushes Nico to the point where he breaks down crying. During those times, he accepts the fact that no one will come to his aid. Probably not Hazel since, from her time, she'd probably freak out. This night, though, he made his decision and went to pour down his feelings on Jason.

Nico's POV

I rub my eyes slowly as the tears spill down my cheeks. I take in short intakes of air and groan in frustration. The son of Jupiter laid his right hand on my shoulder and began rubbing it to comfort me. I tried to stop the tears that threaten to spill but it came like a waterfall. "Sshhh. There, there. Do you want to talk about it?" Jason asked. I would've smacked him in the head saying that's not what you want to say to someone when they're crying their eyes out on a sore subject, genius. But instead, I bite my lip and nod my head cautiously.

"Every night, Jason. I think of sinking the blade of a razor into my skin to distract me from emotional pain but something will always stop me from doing so. Bianca. She… Her face appears at the back of my head when I close my eyes and I could hear her telling me to stop. But every time I open my eyes, to think that she's there, comforting me, she's not. She's gone and reality hits me hard like a brick. She's dead!" I shout and clench my fists. This isn't the first time I broke down about my sister. I don't hold back this time and let my cries of frustration ring around the room. Jason kept quiet, a sign to let me go on.

"Knowing Bianca isn't there anymore isn't the only thing that hits me hard to knock the life out of me. It's the possibility that Hazel can never be of comfort because back in her times, this sort of thing was forbidden. I can never talk to anyone if you are not around." I admitted. My sobs soften and I sigh. Jason hands me a glass of water–Wait, where'd that come from?– and I took it. I bring the glass to my lips and drank, letting the clear liquid down my throat before sighing again.

"I know I can never have Percy and I'm aware of that. But sometimes it just takes me by surprise and I remember my sister isn't there to support me. It hurts! I don't ever want to see his face but at the same time, I crave at least a bit of attention when I get out of my cabin. It's confusing but that's all what I am, right? A confusing little loner." I frown and hide my face with my hands. I muffle the sobs that are breaking through and breathe heavily. Jason coddled me like always and gave me reassuring pats.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, Nico. I'm sure Bianca is happy to know that now, you have someone to support you. I am glad to be here for you and I'm willing to help you through. I know it's hard to like someone so much but they don't reciprocate your feelings back. You deserve so much more than that, Nico. C'mon, smile a bit. It wouldn't hurt." The blonde pulled back and pinched my cheek softly. My crying decreased and I tried my best to not push this guy over. I'm crying, for Hera's sake! I don't think it's possible to smile while crying. And I rarely smiled so I guess it's fine to try it out now. I took in a deep breath and slowly let the ends of my lip curl up into a small smile. He smiled back and went to put a comforting arm around me but, knowing better, I prodded him on the chest with my index finger and kept him in his place.

"No touching" I stated firmly. He chuckled and gave me another pat. "See, there's the Nico I know." He smiled. I chuckled and punched him on the shoulder lightly. The smile dropped and he looked at me seriously. "Will you be okay for the night?" He asked. Am I going to be okay? Will I be able to cope up with it for this night? It's going to be okay in the morning, I'm sure. But how am I sure I won't be back in the covers, crying?

I nod after a few seconds of thinking and stood up for my leave. "Thanks again, Jason. You're a great friend." I smiled at him and when he returned it, I walked to the darkest part of the room to shadow travel back to my cabin. I swear, after all that sobbing and the shadow traveling, I'm ready to hit the covers and sleep. I let the shadows envelope me and the next thing I know, I'm staring at a pair of mesmerizing green eyes.

I stumble back and stare, horrified at the teen sitting on my bed. "What're you doing here?!" I hissed. Percy smiled brightly at me but the smile dropped when he took in my state. My eyes were red due to crying hard and his gaze traveled down to my tear-stained cheeks. I frown and cross my arms. He continues to inspect my weary form and stands up to walk towards me. "Nico, what happened?!" He spreads his arms wide and before I could back away, his arms wrap themselves around me in a bear hug. I struggle to keep the blush down and frown more after realizing what he can do to me. One second, I wish to avoid him then next, I crave for him already. I purse my lips when I felt my eyes become watery and a sob threatens to escape my lips. I took in his salty and sweet scent that lulled my mind down but given the circumstance, I'm one sob away from breaking down again.

When I don't respond, the green-eyed teen leans back and looks me in the eye. "Please tell me. You know I'm here for you. You could tell me anything" He smiled in sympathy and completely disentangles himself from me. A low growl emitted from my throat may it be from loss of touch or the annoyance I felt right now. "I don't need to tell you anything. Get out" I stated harshly and looked away. I couldn't bear to look at him anymore since the tears in my eyes are falling down slowly again. Oh no, this isn't good. When he doesn't move, I contemplated on looking back but decided otherwise. A few seconds pass as silence invaded my cabin when suddenly, he placed both his hands on my shoulders to turn me around.

"Nico, please, let me help. I don't want to see you hurting" He whispered low, his voice filled with concern as he made a move to turn me around. I frowned more and yanked away from his grip. My breathing went heavy as the tears continue to slide down. I wipe them with the sleeve of my aviator jacket and stare hard at the floor. "Can't you just leave me be? I don't need your pity!" I shouted. Before I could stop it, a sniff and a sob broke out. I kept my head low and hoped for the best that he leaves.

"Nico, please–" he reached a hand to touch me.

"Just leave!"

I bowed my head in attempt to hide my face. I heard the brunette sigh before he made his way towards the door. "If you need anyone to talk to, you can talk to me. Good night, Nico" and with that, he left and closed the door. I stood in the center of my cabin, tears pouring down on my cheeks. It doesn't take long before I completely broke and tears went and go. I plopped down on my bed and nuzzled my head on my newly washed pillow. Tears streamed down my cheek and were absorbed by the soft material supporting my head. I made no move of changing my clothes, deciding to change when daylight came, and curled into a fetal position before falling asleep heavily.

Morning came and I yawned, stretching my back, and went to rest room to wash my face. I sighed and looked at the mirror. I could see faint traces of tears and my eyes were a soft tinge of red as proof of crying. I splashed water on my face before drying off. I changed into a new pair of clothes, which unsurprisingly is a pair of pants and another black shirt with a different design of skulls. I retreated from the room and went out to grab breakfast. Keep mind, Nico. Don't talk to him. Ignore him. Forget everything that happened last night and you'll be fine. I thought to myself as I made my way to the dining area.

After picking out my choice of food, I took my seat on the Hades' table and ate quietly. Other campers were busy talking with their friends and I was here, alone on the table. I took a steady breath and chanced a glance at the Poseidon table to find that Percy wasn't there. It's to be expected since the teen loved to sleep so much. As for I, I didn't take sleep well. I turned back to my food when someone poked me on the shoulder. I placed the chicken leg down on my plate and turned my head to see the boy I've been dreading to see. He smiled and took a seat beside me. "Isn't that against the rules?" I said plainly and looked down at my plate of food.

"Rules go beyond nothing against friendship" He beamed and moved close. My breath hitched slightly at the act but it went unnoticed as the green-eyes brunette took a bite from his plate of goods. "That's the lamest thing I've heard you say" I snorted. Sure, we were friends, but not that close from the friendship I had with Jason. We weren't really those "best friends" type of thing but we're close enough to reveal secrets and share problems with. Percy pursed his lips and turned to me. "Nico, please talk to me," he moved in closer again to whisper so that no one would be able to hear. "what happened that night?" He asked. I felt sorry for the guy. He has no idea how much I've been hurting and how he's the cause of it yet, I still continue to love him. I mean, like! Not love. Yet.

"Nothing. Nothing happened." I lied.

He finally saw the slightly red tinge in my eyes and reached a hand up to place it below my chin, turning my head towards him. My eyes went wide as he saw the proof of my weeping that night. "Nico, why? Who made you cry?" He asked. A frown was set into his features as he looked at me, expecting me to answer in which, of course, I don't.

He didn't back down though. "If it's me, please tell me. What did I do wrong?" He asked worriedly. You did nothing wrong. You did nothing, actually. And that's just it. You did NOTHING. Yet, why do I feel so compelled to you? I feel as if my insides are going to burst whenever you make a move to touch me. My chest burns whenever I see you with that Athena girl. I know I can't have you but please give me the courtesy of leaving me alone so that I won't feel pain anymore. I shook my head and finished my plate. "… Exactly nothing." My voice cracked slightly at the end and, after bringing the plate back, left the scene and went to practice my sword fighting abilities.

-^-^- A few hours later-^-^-

I enter my cabin after training and made my way to the rest room. The training kept me busy so I felt rather fine. I took a bath and went to change into a new set of clothing. I felt rather tired but seeing as it's only 5 PM, I decided not to sleep first. That's when a misty figure popped out and I realized I was getting an iris message. But from whom? I see a flash of blonde hair and I grin, seeing Jason on the screen. "Hey, what's up?" I asked. I placed my arms behind my head and relax. "Looks like someone's feeling good" He raised an eyebrow. I chuckled bitterly before shrugging. "To be honest, I don't really feel good. Especially last night" I grimace a bit but it was wiped off completely when I remembered Jason was right there.

I quickly changed the topic and turned the tables. "How's you and Piper?" I asked. Jason rubbed the back of his neck and looked from side to side as if he was afraid someone was going to hear our conversation. "I don't know, man. Just some problems we encounter. Nothing big" I could see the trouble in his eyes and how the tone of his voice sound betrayed to his words. "Hey, you can tell me" I encouraged him. He looked up at me and smiled genuine. "Thanks, Nico. I'll tell you but not today. I just wanted to check up on you today in case something happened" He said.

I sunk deeper into the sheets of my bed and sighed. "Something did happen. But it did nothing to trouble me." I said. He nodded reluctantly and went to inspect me more. "You sure?"

"Yes, I am"

"Really sure?"

"Yes."

"Reaaaally s–"

"Dam it Jason, yes. Now shut up"

I narrow my eyes and he laughs. "Yeah, yeah. Just making sure. Anyways, I need to go. Bye Nico" he waved a hand and the mist vanished. I sighed and nestled my head deeper into the pillow. Maybe a rest wouldn't hurt. I wanted to clear the events that happened with Percy for now and relax. But, knowing me, there will never be a time I relax. Nothing will solve my problems and those are problems that may haunt me til' my very death. I close my eyes, ready to fall into slumber, when suddenly, a knock erupted from my cabin door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.