Children of Loss 9

Chapter 9

Nico slid his books into his locker, thankful that school was over. He zipped up his backpack and slung it back over his shoulder. He pushed the door open to go outside. He slid his headphones in his ears and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through the new music that Apollo had given him, finding a song he had yet to listen to.

Nico yelped when someone yanked on his backpack. He fell to the ground, only to find Cal and Zethes laughing above him. “Looks like your boyfriend isn't around to protect you today,” Cal remarked, cracking his knuckles.

“He's not my boyfriend,” Nico muttered, picking himself off of the pavement.

“Makes little difference to us,” remarked Zethes. Everyone turned their head at the sound of a throat being cleared.

Annabeth stood a few feet away, sliding her sunglasses on top of her head. Her eyes were wide and near to tears. She ran over to Nico and pulled him into a hug. “Nico, what's happening?” she asked innocently. She looked over at Nico's assailants. “You aren't hurting my sweet Nico, are you?”

Cal and Zethes were both ogling Annabeth. Cal licked his lips. “Uh. What's he to you?” Cal asked, scratching his head.

“He's my boyfriend,” Annabeth stated. Nico's eyes widened when she leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips. She pulled back with a smile. “You won't hurt him, will you? I'm sure if you were nice to Nico I could see if any of my friends would want to spend some time with you.” Annabeth winked at them. Cal and Zethes gulped.

Zethes rubbed the back of his head and kicked the pavement. “Oh, we were just messing around,” said Zethes.

Annabeth smiled even brighter at them. “Well, I need to take Nico along now. I need some alone time with him before his parents get home.” Annabeth wrapped one of Nico's arms around her waist and started walking.

“Lucky dog,” Nico heard Cal mutter as they walked off.

Once they were in the car, Nico looked at Annabeth. “What was that for?” he asked.

“Apollo informed us that you were having bully problems,” she stated.

“That doesn't explain all that.” Nico flailed his arms as Annabeth pulled out of the parking lot.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. “I helped your reputation. You can thank me later.”

“Do you guys have any shame in using seduction on people?”

“None,” Annabeth replied.

Nico let out a long sigh. “Thanks, I guess.”

Annabeth shrugged. “I'm sure it won't permanently fix things, but it'll give you a break from those brutes.”

“I'm just glad I'll be getting to relax tonight. No work for me tonight,” Nico stated happily as he leaned back in his seat.

“Yeah, a lot of the kids have tonight off. You won't be getting a weekend break this time.” Nico frowned. “We have a busy weekend scheduled ahead of us. Percy usually gives the people a night off during the week if they are working on the busy weekend.”

“So, we are going to go do something?”

“I think Percy was planning something for tonight, actually.” Nico nodded. “I, however, will not be joining you.”

“Work?” Annabeth nodded. “Can I ask you something, Annabeth?”

Annabeth looked over at Nico briefly. “Sure, what's up?”

“You worked at the Lotus before Percy became manager, right?” asked Nico.

“Yeah, Gaea brought me in about five months before Percy got promoted. Why?”

“How old was Percy when he got promoted?”

Annabeth was silent for a moment. Nico figured she didn't like this line of questioning. “He had just turned eighteen when he became manager. It was a birthday present from Gaea.”

“How old were you when you started?”

Annabeth looked at Nico from the corner of her eye. “Why do you ask?”

Nico shrugged. “I figure you are around Percy's age. I was just curious at how old you were when you started.”

Annabeth let out a puff of air. “I'm twenty, just like Percy. So before you ask, yes I was underage when I started. Most of the others were seventeen when they started. A few of them were a little older and legal.”

“How did you end up in this life?”

“No.”

“No? No what?”

“We're not talking about this,” Annabeth replied, pulling into the garage. “I don't really like talking about it.” She parked the car and they both got out. Nico frowned at her as they got into the elevator, but she chose to ignore him. They rode up to their floor in silence. Once the elevator stopped, Annabeth looked at Nico. “Good luck in training. Oh, and try not to freak out too much.” Nico was about to question her, but she walked off, tossing a wave over her shoulder.

Nico sighed and made his way down to his suite. Sliding his card into the slot, he opened his door and stepped inside. He sat his backpack down on the couch and went to his bedroom to change. He opted for a loose black shirt and grey track shorts. Grabbing his phone and card, Nico headed back to the elevator.

Upon arrival at the gym, Nico found all the Lost Boys already waiting for him. “Good afternoon, Nico,” they all said cheerfully. Nico stared at each of them with curiosity. They were up to something. They each had wide grins plastered on their face.

“What?” Nico asked, closing the door behind him.

“Guess what you get to learn today?” Connor asked, laying his arm across Nico's shoulders. Nico shrugged.

“You're going to learn how to strip!” Travis exclaimed.

“Already? Can't we do a little bit more lecturing on it?” Nico asked, looking nervous.

Apollo shook his head, pulling Nico away from Connor. “Nope. There's no better way to learn than by doing. Don't worry, we won't drool over your half naked body too much. No promises on groping, though,” Apollo said with a wink.

“That's so thoughtful of you,” Nico mumbled. Apollo just grinned back at him and slapped Nico on the ass to send him on his way. Nico frowned, rubbing his butt, and went to stand in front of the large mirror.

Will was leaning against the mirror, grinning at Nico. Apparently they all found this very amusing. “Don't worry, Nico, we'll be stripping with you,” Will informed him.

“Why?”

“You can use it as a distraction,” Octavian said. He sat in a corner, currently engrossed in a book. “Besides, it'll help you learn.”

“How will that help?”

“Just watch the way we move,” Luke whispered in Nico's ear, causing him to shudder.

Apollo rolled his eyes and came to stand next to Nico. “Now then, this isn't very hard. You just need to move your body just right. Make sure you are slow about taking your clothes off,” Apollo informed him. “Alright, let's get started.” All of the guys stood around Nico. Some music started and Nico watched as their hands slid across their bodies.

“You need to be seductive in your movements. Lure them in,” said Travis. Nico bit his lip and let his hand travel down to the hem of his shirt. He jumped when he felt two pairs of hands on his hips.

“You need to move your hips while you strip,” Luke told him. He and Apollo guided Nico's hips to the rhythm of the music until Nico had it under control. “Good. Now lose the shirt.” Nico let out a silent breath before returning his hands to the hem of his shirt. He made sure to keep his hips moving while he slid it slowly up his torso. His eyes drifted over to some of the others as they were doing the same. They each had a wide array of body types. They ranged from Beckendorf's muscular stature, to Apollo's lean body, and finally to Connor's thin physique.

Each of their bodies was mesmerizing. He got so distracted that he stopped lifting his shirt. Will nudged him, bringing him back to reality, a blush now adorning his cheeks. Nico finally lifted the shirt over his head, letting it fall to the ground. The music picked up and the Lost Boys quickened their movements. Nico tried mimicking their movements, letting his hand move across his chest like some of the others.

He blushed when he felt his own ass. He figured it was the appropriate move considering others were doing it. “To the ground,” Apollo ordered. Everyone got down on the ground. Their hands rested below them, supporting them up, while their legs were extended out. Nico blushed as he was made to do several pelvic thrusts. He did stop moving when the boys stepped it up a notch. They slid a few inches forward and slapped the ground with their hands. They spun around and stood back up. It was interesting watching them. It seemed more than just taking off your clothes, it was a well-planned performance.

Nico picked up following the others when they started moving their hips again. His hand traveled to his pants when the others started playing with their hemline. Watching the different ways to take off pants was interesting to Nico. Some got back on the ground, while others stayed standing. Apollo lay on his back as he slid his shorts slowly lower down his legs. When they were below his knees, Apollo yanked them off while managing to jump back to his feet. Butch took a different approach. He simply ripped the fabric off, revealing the underwear underneath.

They all stopped moving when they noticed Nico watching them. They stood still with grins plastered on their faces. Octavian pointed down at Nico's shorts. Nico groaned. They were going to watch him take his off. Licking his lips, Nico returned his hands to the loose fabric that was his shorts. While continuing to move his hips, Nico lowered the fabric off of his hips. He thought back to some of the things they told him yesterday and bent over to lower them the rest of the way. This earned him some whistles and claps from the boys behind him. He stepped out of his shorts and turned around to face the Lost Boys, now regretting wearing boxer-briefs.

“Aw, Nico, don't be so shy. We've all seen each other naked,” Will said with a wink. He looked down Nico's body. “Besides, you've got nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Down, Will,” Apollo laughed. “Remember what we were told.” Nico cocked his head to the side.

“You can calm down, dude. We're not gonna make you take those off,” Beckendorf stated, pointing at Nico's underwear. Nico nodded and let out a breath.

“You just need to learn to be comfortable with your body.”

“So, we're all gonna stay like this,” Travis said, slinging an arm around his brother's waist. They weren't going to make this easy on him.

“You're going to have to learn to be comfortable with not only your body, but other people's bodies as well,” Luke said, crossing his arms over his lean torso. Nico had to look elsewhere to keep from lowering his gaze on each of them. The fact that they all wore tight underwear really was not helping things.

“Don't be shy. You can look, Nico,” Apollo whispered in Nico's ear. Nico jumped, not having noticed the blond approach him. Nico slowly let his eyes wander down to look at each of their covered lower extremities. Some of them definitely looked to be pretty well endowed. Nico blushed when some of them turned around to show off their backsides to Nico, Connor even bent over for him. “Come now, Nico, there's nothing to be afraid of. We'll even let you touch.” Nico's eyes dilated from the seductive tone in Apollo's voice.

He licked his lips and stared down at Apollo's crotch. Apollo grinned when Nico let his hand wander out towards his crotch. Nico's hand hovered over the clothed area for a few seconds, debating if this was a good idea. He jumped at the sound of someone clearing his throat.

Percy stood in the doorway, an eyebrow raised at Nico. “I see the lesson is going well,” Percy mused. Apollo just grinned and put his hands behind his head. Percy sighed and motioned for the door. “That will be all for today.” Nico watched as the Lost Boys got dressed and headed out the door. He reached down and was about to pick up his shorts when Percy grabbed his wrist. “Time for your private lesson.” Percy grinned. “You can leave those off.”

Nico blushed when Percy yanked his shirt over his head. “An-Annabeth said you were planning something for tonight?” Nico asked, eyeing Percy's navel.

Percy tossed his shirt aside and looked back at Nico, who immediately covered his crotch. Percy rolled his eyes and moved Nico's hands away. “Yeah, I was going to have a movie night in my room. You want to come?” Nico nodded. “Good. I'll save you a seat.” Percy winked at him, causing Nico to blush again. “Now then, your body seems to be developing nicely. I think I'll do an assessment, to know how to play you off to the customers.”

Nico's blush spread down to his neck as Percy looked him over. Percy moved Nico's black hair out of his eyes, a small smile spread across his face. “I thought I wasn't working the back rooms?”

Percy chuckled, letting Nico's bangs fall back into place. “You aren't, but usually everyone has a theme. Will was right, the innocent look works for you.” Percy slid his hands across Nico's shoulders and down his torso. “You have very soft skin.”

“T-Thanks,” Nico stuttered as Percy's hands reached his stomach.

“You have nice features. Dark looks, pale skin, innocent, and nice lips.” Percy brushed his thumb across Nico's lips. “Body type, good.” Percy ran his hands down Nico's sides. “Ass.” Percy's hands traveled behind Nico and groped his butt. Nico gasped and fell into Percy, letting his hands rest on Percy's bare torso. “Very nice.” Nico blushed as he felt Percy's firm chest, letting his hand slide down it a few inches.

Nico shuddered when Percy gave his ass a squeeze. He bit his lip to keep himself from moaning. “Percy,” Nico whispered into Percy's chest.

Percy let his hands travel beneath the fabric of Nico's underwear. “You see, this is how you need to be when you perform. You don't need to be shy about your body. I want you to be comfortable with things like this.” Nico went to wrap his arms around Percy, but Percy knocked them away. He stepped back from Nico, causing the smaller boy to groan. “Problem?”

“Obviously,” Nico mumbled. Percy chuckled.

“Do I need to give you a moment so you can take care of that?” Percy raised an eyebrow while looking down at Nico's current problem.

“Maybe if you weren't such a tease.”

Percy grinned back at him. “But it's what we are good at here. You're going to have to do the same thing, Nico. You need to turn people on and leave them hanging.”

Nico strolled up to Percy and placed his hands on Percy's chest. He decided to try playing at Percy's own game. “Or you could help me out with my problem,” Nico whispered.

Percy chuckled and removed Nico's hands from his chest. “Nice try. Not bad, I'll give you that.”

Nico groaned, letting his head fall back. “So not fair. You have sex with the others, why not with me?”

Percy's eyes darkened. He pushed Nico up against the wall, lifting Nico off the ground and wrapping Nico's legs around his waist. Percy used one of his hands to tug the back of Nico's underwear down and grab his ass. “Is this what you want?” Percy growled into Nico's throat, biting down softly on his shoulder. Nico arched his back, letting out a loud moan. Nico nodded his head. Percy pulled his head back to stare into Nico's eyes for a moment. He tightened his jaw and dropped Nico back to the ground. “Why are you so eager?” Percy asked.

“What?” Nico blinked at Percy as the black haired young man went to retrieve his shirt.

“You wanted to be a stripper when I offered to let you remain in the bar. Now, you want me to fuck you. And when I came in a moment ago, you were about to grab Apollo's dick.” Percy slid his shirt back on. He ran a hand through his hair and looked back at Nico. “I told you to hang on to your innocence, yet look at what you're doing.”

Nico chewed on his lip as Percy stared at him, waiting for an answer. “I-I thought-never mind.” Percy sighed and placed a hand on the wall beside Nico's head.

“Nico, I know the others told you I don't get involved with anyone. How would that be fair to them with the life I live? Everything else is just business. You're innocent, Nico. That's why I kept you out of the strip club. You're the only one to come in here that wasn't already damaged by the world. Can you blame me for wanting to protect that innocence? I had hoped that I could get you by for two years and you'd head out on your own, without getting involved in all of this.” Percy sighed. “Never happens, though. Once you're a Lost Kid, you never leave.” Percy gave Nico a long stare before pushing off the wall and walking out the door, leaving Nico standing there in confusion and shock.

Nico knocked on Percy's door. He could hear some laughter coming from inside. He was hoping this wasn't going to be an orgy. He really wasn't sure if that would be up their alley or not anymore. Percy answered the door, giving Nico a small smile. Nico moved past Percy, looking around at the room. Luke sat on the right side of the couch, looking bored. On the far left side of the couch was Will. Butch, Piper, and Thalia stood around the island in the kitchen, pouring some drinks. Percy's balcony door was open, Zoë and Travis stood outside having their own conversation.

Percy pressed on Nico's lower back, ushering him into the kitchen. Butch, Piper, and Thalia all greeted Nico. “Want something to drink?” Thalia asked, holding a red cup out to Nico.

Percy took the cup before Nico could grab it. “He's not drinking,” Percy replied. Nico frowned at Percy, who chose to ignore him and take a sip of alcohol.

“Here, Nico, you can have one of these,” Piper said with a smile. She held out a finger sandwich for Nico to take. He smiled at her and took the sandwich, raising it to his mouth to take a bite.

“So, what are we watching?” Nico asked after he finished the sandwich.

“The Woman in Black,” Percy replied, watching Nico with interest. Nico made a small groaning noise, which earned him a grin from everyone in the room.

“Horror really isn't my thing.”

Percy leaned in so that only Nico could hear him. “Don't worry, you'll be sitting next to me.” Nico licked his lips as Percy pulled away. He glanced over at the other three, who attempted to look distracted, but had large grins on their faces.

“How about some help with these?” asked Thalia, gesturing to the drinks they had poured. They all picked up two cups and headed back into the living room. “Movie time!” Zoë and Travis came inside and plopped down on a chair, Zoë sprawled out across Travis's lap. Luke grinned at Percy as the green eyed boy sat down beside him. His happiness was short lived however when Nico sat down on Percy's other side, changing his grin into a frown.

“Oh, Nico, Apollo wanted me to tell you that we are going to go shopping instead of having lessons tomorrow,” Will informed Nico.

“Shopping?” Nico asked.

“You need to get outfitted, remember?” Nico nodded.

“You're also working upstairs all weekend,” said Percy while he was setting up the movie.

“Already?”

Percy rolled his eyes, still looking at the TV. “Serving drinks, and stuff. I'll wait another week before I put you on stage.” Percy skipped the commercials and went to the main menu of the DVD. “It'll do you some good getting started on a busy weekend.” Percy leaned forward. “Everyone ready?” When nobody said anything, Percy hit the play button. He leaned back on the couch again. Butch turned off the lights, casting them into darkness. Thalia came back into the room, having gone to make some popcorn. She plopped down in front of the couch between Luke's legs. Luke leaned forward and scooped a handful of popcorn, earning a scowl from Thalia.

Nico was already nervous by the time the first scene was finished, having watched the girls jump out the window. He let himself ease closer to Percy, who was too distracted with the alcohol and movie to notice. Nico jumped during the part of the movie where Daniel Radcliffe’s character inspected the house. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt an arm slide across his shoulders. He looked over at Percy, whose eyes were still on the TV. Percy pulled Nico against him, letting the boy rest his head on Percy's shoulder.

Percy kept his arm wrapped around Nico, every now and then looking to see how Nico was doing. Nico didn't seem to be as scared now. He didn't feel scared with that arm around him. He smiled to himself when he felt Percy's hand move up to play with his hair. Percy kept shifting between playing with Nico's hair and playing with his ear. It made Nico happy. Maybe there was hope yet.

Nico's happiness was short lived, however, when Luke rested his hand on Percy's leg. Percy blinked and looked over at Luke. Luke leaned in and Percy leaned towards him. Luke whispered something in Percy's ear. Percy whispered something back to Luke with a small smile. Nico frowned as Percy's arm removed itself from around him. Percy's attention had shifted to Luke, now wrapping an arm around the blond. Nico pouted to himself.

He heard chuckling beside him. He looked over to see Will smiling at him. Will leaned in to whisper in Nico's ear. “Don't be jealous. Percy cuddles with everyone.” Nico sighed and frowned. “If it makes you feel any better, you kept his attention through half the movie. That's a new record.”

Nico leaned in closer so he could talk to Will. “So, Percy will do this with the rest of you?” he asked. Will nodded. “Is there anything he won't do with all of you?”

Will frowned. “You make it sound so hurtful, Nico. You're gonna have to get over that crush. Percy just doesn't have relationships with us. This is going to sound like I'm rubbing it in your face, but I'm not. Percy's really good in bed. I mean, yes, we do it to get better hours, but sex with Percy is a little addictive.”

“You're right, that does sound like you're rubbing it in my face.” Will chuckled. “So why are you telling me this?”

“I feel like it might help you understand some of us. Sex is business, but it is also something fun to do. I was straight before I came here, but now I'm bi. Though, you kind of have to be for this business.” Will nodded at Luke. “Luke feels threatened by you.”

“Why?”

Will shrugged. “I don't know. Something's...never mind. I shouldn't say. Luke just likes sex with Percy. Think of it like the animal kingdom, you're threatening his territory.”

“But I thought Percy didn't date his employees?”

“He doesn't,” replied Will. “You're different, Nico. You're not like the rest of us.”

“What do you mean? I'm going to be a Lost Boy. I'm going to strip.”

Will smiled at Nico. “But you're not like us.” Will's smile dropped. He stared off to the side while speaking. “We're complicated. You'll learn soon enough how tainted we are. We hate the people that come here, they make us sick. Yet, we have to put on a pretty smile and make them happy. Each and every one of us has something unique about us when it comes to the people of this world.”

“Like what?”

Will just smiled and patted him on the leg. “You'll learn soon enough. Now then, you're welcome to cuddle with me,” Will said with a wink. Nico rolled his eyes and leaned back towards Will. Nico thought he saw Percy turn his head just a little to look at them for a brief second before turning his attention back to the movie. Will wrapped his arms around Nico as the smaller boy leaned against his torso.

Nico figured he should get used to life like this, being cozy with the other Lost Kids. He looked around at the rest of them, and everyone was cuddled up with one of the others. He guessed it really didn't matter to them who it was with, they just enjoyed each other's company. They were all alike, and they bonded through that.

Luke, Silena, and Will's words kept playing in his head. Luke had told him that he would keep falling down this hole until he saw them for what they really were. Will had just told him that they hated the people that came here, stating that they were tainted. Silena had told him that they all wore masks to hide how they really felt. This was all a masquerade to them. They wore masks so people couldn't hurt them. Was that it? Were they protecting themselves from people?

Percy's words to him earlier came to mind. “Once a Lost Kid, you never leave.” What was that about? Did they not leave? Why would they want to stay here forever? Nico admitted that the sense of family was comforting, and all of the Lost Kids were a lot of fun, but why stay?

Before Nico knew it, the movie had ended. Everyone complained as Butch turned the lights back on. Nico pulled himself out of Will's embrace, stretching his arms above his head. “Everyone enjoy the movie?” Percy asked, stretching as well. Nico's eyes drifted to the tiny bit of stomach that had become exposed.

“Yeah, it was awesome!” Thalia exclaimed. The others nodded their agreement.

“I guess we can call it an early night?” Butch asked, cleaning up the empty cups.

Percy nodded. “Yeah, go get some rest,” he said with a lazy smile.

Everyone started heading out the door. Percy stood by the door and said goodnight to each of them. Nico sat on the couch, seeing if he could get some time with Percy. Luke didn't seem to want to give Nico what he wanted, though. “I could stay, if you wanted,” Luke said seductively, running his fingers down Percy's chest.

Percy smiled and rolled his eyes. “Not tonight. I'm pretty tired. You should get some rest.” Luke pouted, but headed out the door after shooting Nico a dirty look. Percy shut the door behind Luke, chuckling softly. “Crazy night.” Nico nodded. “You should be getting to bed too.”

Nico bit his lip. “I wanted to talk to you.”

Percy plopped back onto the couch, resting an arm on Nico's leg. “What's up?”

“What did you mean earlier when you said the Lost Kids never leave?”

Percy frowned. He stared blankly at his hand on Nico's leg, which was rubbing circles across Nico's leg with his thumb. “Don't worry about it, ok?” He offered Nico a smile.

“You can't tell me? I thought you wanted me to be different?”

“I did, and I do. I have faith that you'll manage this on your own.”

“You said I should keep my innocence. How am I supposed to do that while doing all of this?”

Percy smiled at Nico. “I'm not the one who made you get involved in all of this, that was your choice. You just made it harder on yourself.” Percy leaned his head on the couch, bringing his face closer to Nico. He let out a sigh. “It won't be easy. If you can manage coming out of this with even a shred of innocence, I'll be happy. The difference between you and the others is that you don't hate the world. You aren't jaded like the rest of us. You're happy. Don't lose that while you're here.”

Nico nodded and gave Percy a small smile. “I promise I'll work on that.”

“Good,” Percy said with a smile. Nico stared at Percy in silence for a moment. He let his hand travel across the back of the couch to play with Percy's hair. Percy eyed him funny for a moment, but soon relaxed, letting his eyes close. Nico thought he'd be daring. He leaned in closer to Percy until he felt Percy's breath on his face. When Nico was only a few inches from Percy's lips, Percy opened his eyes. He pulled back until he was sat flush against the arm of the couch. “You should go get some sleep.”

Nico sighed. “Can you just tell me why you do this with me?”

“I'm not doing anything with you.”

“That's what I mean. Why them, but not me?” Nico tried scooting closer to Percy, but Percy held out an arm to block him from getting closer.

“Maybe I don't want you,” whispered Percy.

Nico bit his lip. “Then why do you act like you do sometimes? I feel like you lead me on, and then you just pull away.”

Percy refused to look at him, keeping his eyes on the floor. “I'm done talking about this, Nico.” He stood up, walked over to the door and opened it. “Go.” Nico gave Percy a hurt look, which he refused to meet. Nico slowly made his way out the door. He looked back at Percy one last time before heading down the hall. He heard Percy let out a long sigh, and barely managed to catch the last thing Percy said before he shut his door. “It's for his own good.”

Nico wiped at his eyes as he slid his card into the elevator slot and hit the button to his floor. Why was Percy being like this? When the elevator door opened again, he was surprised to find the Lost Kids from the movie running around in the hall. A pillow flew out of Thalia's hand, hitting Nico in the face. “Nico, there you are!” Piper exclaimed. “Come join the war!”

“What's going on?” Nico asked, holding the pillow in his hands.

“We thought we'd have some more fun,” Travis said with a smile. “The others won't be down until really late, and they'll just want to go to bed, so we thought we would run amuck while they are away.”

Nico just blinked at them and maneuvered past them, letting the pillow fall to the floor. He heard loud noises coming from the first room on the left on the boys' hall. The door was wide open. He poked his head inside to find Luke and Will sitting on the couch playing a video game. “Hey, Nico,” Will called, glancing over at the new arrival.

“Hey,” Nico mumbled back.

“You don't last very long in bed, do you?” remarked Luke. Will elbowed Luke while keeping his eyes on the TV.

“We didn't have sex.”

Luke shrugged. “Not surprising.”

“What is everyone doing?”

“Just having a little fun before bed.” Luke picked up another controller from the floor. “You want in?”

Nico walked farther into the room. He glanced over at the TV. The characters on the screen shooting aliens while dressed in heavy armor. “This looks like Halo.”

“Halo 4 to be exact,” Will stated.

Nico's eyes widened at the screen. “But that doesn't come out until next month!”

Luke and Will shrugged. “Percy has connections,” Luke said simply. “So do you want to play, or not?” He waved the controller in the air. Nico jumped over and grabbed it, sitting between the two on the couch. Luke exited them out of the campaign so that Nico could start it from the beginning. Nico customized his Spartan really fast, and the trio set forth into the game.

“So, you excited about going shopping tomorrow, Nico?” Will asked after a while.

“That depends on if you will all be in the dressing room with me or not,” Nico shot back.

“Aww. Don't take the fun out of it. A massive orgy in the dressing room, now that would be interesting.”

“None of you have any shame.”

“Makes things more interesting.”

Nico played with Luke and Will for a few more hours. He finally looked at his phone and realized it was nearing midnight. “Shit, I need to get some sleep,” said Nico, setting his controller down.

Will grinned at him. “Wow. That might be the first time I've heard you cuss.”

“No, he does, when he's whining like a girl,” replied Luke, propping his feet on the table.

“I do not whine like a girl,” Nico said with a glare.

“Sure. Anyways, hurry up and go. I think Will and I need to have some privacy, unless you want to stay and watch.”

“Or join,” Will said with a wink. Nico blushed and shook his head. “Alright. Night, Nico.”

 Nico waved as he made his way out of the room, shutting the door behind them. They really did have sex with each other. The others had moved their roughhousing down to the girls' hall. Nico watched them while he slid his key into the door and opened it. He sighed and closed the door behind him. Well, at least he was getting a few extra hours of sleep.