Nico's POV

    I returned to school the next day to find out two things. First of all, Octavian was running for city council. He was 17, but would be 18 by the Election Day and his platform included opposing a proposal that would make it illegal to discriminate against LGBT residents. Secondly, everyone had seen or heard of the TikTok.

I was used to being ignored, but today it felt like I had been dragged into the spotlight. As I made my way to English class, the crowd of gossiping people parted like I was Moses and they were the Red Sea. The whispers followed me like overzealous puppies.

I was nearly to the classroom when I was blocked by Drew Tanaka. Bracing myself, I shot her my most murderous glare. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to tell you that I fully stand by and support the LGBT community, including you and—" she said.

I smiled wryly. "It would have been nice if I was treated so courteously before you found out I was gay."

She gaped as I stepped past her and into the classroom. I felt the class's gaze on me and Jason came over to my desk, hovering over me like an anxious dad. "How are you?"

I shrugged. "It is what it is."

Jason pulled up his glasses — they were sliding down his nose — and shook his head. "It's horrible what he did and the fact that he's running—"

"Do you think he'd actually win?" I asked.

Jason shrugged. "He has a fair amount of endorsements for a 17 year-old candidate. Of course, it helps when your family is well-connected."

    I felt a twist in my stomach. Will was one of Octavian's cousins. How could he this this to him? Jason left to talk to Piper and I made my way over to Will. He was chatting with Cecil and Lou and he looked up when I came over.

     "How are you?" I asked.

       The words tasted bitter on my tongue. It was my fault Will was being cyberbullied. The intercom crackled. "Students," Zeus said in a thundering voice. "I am sorry to report that Leo Valdez has gone missing. If you have any information pertaining to his whereabouts, please report to the front office or call the local police department."

     "Meet me in the restroom," Will whispered into my ear before asking permission to go.

     Jason and Piper exchanged alarmed glances. Percy and Annabeth had their heads together and were talking in low, urgent voices. Frank's shoulders slumped and Calypso asked to see the counselor. All of us were in a disarray. Leo was the class clown — the jokester who kept things going, but more than that, he belonged here.

      "Class," Mr. Blofis said. "I know this a big shock for each and every one of you and I am sorry. I'm giving you guys today to catch up on any late work."

      I asked to go to the restroom and Mr. Blofis agreed. "Go check on Will, won't you?"

       I nodded and left. I met Will outside the bathroom. He gestured for me to follow him and we ended up in the empty choir classroom. "What if someone comes in here?" I asked.

     Will smirked. "They won't. My father has an open block and he always spends it outside."

I nodded and as embarrassment left my cheeks, a numbness spread over my body. I hunched my shoulders. "Will, I am sorry."

Will's blue eyes narrowed and his eyebrows knit together. "What are you apologizing for?"

"Octavian," I said, the name laced with venom. "He — what he did — it was my fault. He wouldn't have made the TikTok if you were with anyone else."

Will shook his head sadly. "No, he would have. Octavian has always been like that. He and I haven't talked since he found out my father is bisexual; that was five years ago."

        He tilted his head to one side. "Does your family know?"

      I shook my head. "Only Hazel. My father pays more attention to the dead than he does to me."

       And suddenly, I found myself crying and Will tentatively wrapped his arms around my back, letting me cry into his HOSA sweatshirt. When the sobs lessened, I looked up. "I'm sorry," I said, licking my lips and tasting salt on them.

     "Nico, despite what your depression tells you," Will said, "you don't need to apologize after every little thing."

      I managed a half smile. "Oh great, doctor, what do you prescribe for these symptoms?"

     "Something to release endorphins," Will said, "like enjoyable movement, good music, or positive social interaction."

     I pulled out my phone and hit shuffle on my songs. "I know a way to get in all three."

      I leaned in and he paused. "You sure you want this?"

    I nodded and we moved in closer. I could taste his vanilla lip balm and I had no doubt he could taste my tears. Our bodies moved like players in an orchestra until I was up against the wall and he was cupping my face. We took a breather; the bell rang.

     "I think we'd better get to class," I said.

       Will looked like he had just completed the pacer. His cheeks were flushed and his breathing was rapid. He nodded and I quickly left, wondering why intimacy scared me so much.