Chapter 1-

Nico never thought he would get this used to audiences, but there he was, singing his heart out in front of half a million people. His band played around him, and for a split second, he thought his world was fine. But then the show ended, and he was thrown back into his never-ending spiral of despair.

That was one of the reasons he was in the band. It that moment, on that stage, his sadness was shared with so many others, and he felt like he was not alone. But as soon as the lights went off for good and the crowds started to leave, his depression came roaring back in one wave.

Nico hated how he felt, but he had a reason to. His past had been horrible and now, at seventeen, he was trying his hardest to put it behind him.

After that show had ended, Nico went back into their changing room to sit down for a moment, exhausted. His band members, Percy, Jason, and Beckendorf, came in soon after. They collapsed around him, drinking the water bottles they found lying around. Soon after, their manager came in.

"Boys, I have some news." he sat down on one of the chairs, tapping his clipboard impatiently. "Since you're all under eighteen, the law's getting at me. You'll need to go to school."

Nico actually laughed out loud, while Percy spit his water out and onto the floor. "You're joking."

"Di Angelo, you're the youngest, so I don't want to hear it." he snapped. "And it should be good for you guys. You need some friends."

"We have friends." Percy defended.

"That aren't famous." he added. "And nothing you will say will change this, because it isn't my decision. It's the law."

"Where will we be attending high school?" Beckendorf asked. "What state?"

"New York City." he answered. "Since most of you live there. We will be flying there tonight."

"Oh, joy." Nico said sarcastically. "I can't wait."

"Nico, you can get a girlfriend." Percy teased, jabbing him in the ribs.

Nico glared at him. "Shut it, Percy."

"Come on, the bus is waiting." he ushered them out of the changing room. "We have a flight to catch."

"I hate my life." Nico moaned as they stepped onto the bus. "I really do."

"What's new?" Jason smirked, not knowing Nico's background. None of them, and he intended to keep it that way. He couldn't let the whole world know. He refused.

Nico, sick of their talking, put his headphones on before turning his music as loud as it could go, slowly drifting off on the bus. When they finally got to the airport, they got on the plane, which would talk at least four hours, and it was already about four in the morning.

"Time to sleep." Beckendorf pulled a pillow out of who knows where and put it behind his head. "Goodnight."

"Yeah, goodnight." Nico mumbled before closing his own eyes, drifting off into a dreamless sleep before waking about an hour later.

"You okay?" Percy asked him, since he was seated right next to him. "I didn't mean to offend you earlier."

Nico sighed. "It's fine. It's just, talking about girlfriends…it gets really annoying."

Percy nodded. "So, you're…"

Nico glared at him. "Where is this conversation going?"

Percy blushed in embarrassment. "Nowhere. So, have you thought of a new song, yet?"

Nico nodded, liking the change in subject. "Yes, I have. It's called Percy the Idiot. I'm sure you'll love it."

Percy faked hurt. "Nico di Angelo, you just broke my soul. Those jokes aren't funny."

"Who said it was a joke?" Nico asked innocently.

Percy rolled his eyes. "I don't know. I don't ever know with you."

Nico looked down at his lap. "Yeah,…anyways, I'm going to get some more sleep. Wake me up when we get there."

He messed with his sleeves as he fell asleep, trying to keep his mind off of what Percy said. He suspected that Nico was gay, but didn't know for sure. He would know sometime, however, because it was inevitable. For now, however, Nico slept.