Percy had been waiting at the Pine tree for ten minutes by the time Nico showed up.

The boy looked slightly nervous, his tough exterior helping to hide it.

Percy smiled reassuringly, ignoring the urge to grab Nico's hand for comfort.

For him, or for Nico, he wasn't sure.

They set off at a slow pace towards Percy's apartment, anxiety eating him up from the inside.

What if Nico doesn't like his apartment?

What if he thinks less of him?

What if his mom doesn't like Nico?

What if Nico doesn't like his mom?

What if Nico doesn't want to be friends with him?

All these questions swirled around in his mind, setting him on edge.

They finally entered the poorer side of town, the area Percy had lived his whole life.

He caught Nico's flitting glances through the corner of his eyes, watching him flick between staring at Percy and their surroundings.

All small talk they had made had ceased, both of them walking in absolute silence.

Percy took a deep breath as they were stood outside of his apartment, not turning to look at Nico for fear of seeing his judging gaze.

He took out his keys, pushing the key into the lock and making quick work of unlocking it.

He placed his hand on the door handle, slowly pushing the door open, his mind racing.

All thoughts were bad thoughts.

As soon as they were both through the door, Percy closed it, placing his keys in the small glass bowl by the door.

They both kicked off their shoes, Nico following Percy into his room.

"My mom's at work now. She should be back in about half an hour though so you shouldn't have to wait long."

Nico nodded, taking a hesitant seat on Percy's small bed, his bag thrown on the floor quite carelessly.

Percy tried not to gape as he watched Nico just throw his bag on the floor, placing his own down gently against the wall.

He joined Nico on the small bed, both sitting cross-legged facing each other.

It was Nico who spoke first, trying to get Percy to start up a conversation so he wouldn't accidentally blurt out something he either hadn't meant to, or didn't mean.