Percy had found his very first friend in a boy called Nico. He was another one of the popular kids and was called the Ghost King.

Percy had been sat outside in his usual spot. Everyone knew that the old Pine tree at the back of the school - the very one that the Pine Queen had saved - was where the Boy in Skirts always sat.

Nico had approached him, tapped him on the shoulder and made him jump.

Despite being a freshman, Nico di Angelo was another one of the scariest kids in school. What was with Percy and having run-ins with all the scary popular kids of the school?

Even though he was a sophomore, Percy had to admit that he found Nico very scary. He didn't really like to admit it, but a lot of things scared him.

Percy had been surprised to hear Nico ask him about his outfit. He'd been wearing a white skater skirt with a cropped blue sweater. His mom had said he looked pretty.

Nico had sat down on the ground in front of him. He'd asked where he usually shopped and asked if the rumours about him making some of his clothes were true.

Percy had smiled and told him the shops his mom usually took him to. He then explained how he usually sat down with his mom to make them and that it was one of the ways they bonded.

After he had finished talking, Nico's face had gone pink and he looked like he wanted to say something.

"Do you... do you think you could take me with you the next time you go?"

Percy had been so excited that he let out a squeal. He didn't mean to but he was talking to a potential friend who was asking if he could go shopping with him.

Nico had looked slightly freaked out when Percy jumped at him, wrapping his arms around his neck and giggling.

Blushing, Percy pulled back and looked down, flattening down his skirt as he did so.

"Sorry, I've just never had someone other than my mom to go shopping with. And yes, you can definitely come with me. Are you free tomorrow after school? My mom was planning on taking me then."

"Erm, yeah. I'm free tomorrow. I could walk home from school with you if you'd like. I'm sure it would make things easier."

"Sure. I'll let my mom know you're coming with us."

"Okay."

And with that did Nico stand up and walk back into the school, waving to Percy just before he left.

Percy had just found a friend in the Ghost King.