Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I woke up to the sound of low buzzing of my phone as I started to blink my eyes to the sunlight filtering through the blinds. I groaned and started rubbing my eyes as my hand lazily reached for my phone. I glanced at the screen and Bianca’s name flashing on my phone screen. I took a deep breath and prepared to get chewed by Bianca as I pressed the green icon on the screen.

“Hey, Bianca!” I said hesitantly while trying to be normal. “Wake up, Sleepyhead! Did you forget that you have to be at school right now? I know damn well you are still in bed. I’ve called you like a million times! Get your ass up and get ready for school!” Bianca yelled.

After a second, the line went quiet. I stared at my phone, realising she’d only called to yell… and nothing else.

I sighed and rolled my eyes as I swung my legs over the bed and headed quickly to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

I put on a black skull t-shirt and tight skinny jeans, finishing the look with my skull ring, chains, bracelets, black studs for my ear lobe piercings and a silver loop for my helix piercings. I had to beg my parents for multiple months for their permission for these piercings. It turned out amazing than I imagined. I’m guessing my dad really liked it but Bianca said I look amazing.

After untangling my hair (It took an embarrassing amount of time) , I used my hands to comb and style it. I tossed the side bag over my shoulder and exited my room. I made my way quickly down the stairs.

“ Niccolò, fai colazione prima di andare a scuola! ” says my mom.

(Niccolò, have some breakfast before heading to school!)

“Mamma! I'm already late! I’m leaving now,” I said. “Sorry, amore! I forgot to wake you up!” says my mom apologetically. “It’s alright, Mamma!” I said as I quickly ran up to her and gave her a gentle peck on her cheek. She shoved my lunchbox into my hands.

She waved me goodbye, and I stepped out of the house to find my chauffeur waiting beside the car. I quickly got in the car and we drove to the school. While on the way to school, I texted Bianca to thank her for calling and waking me up.

Today is the first day of my high school. I’m a sophomore at Goldenvale High. I still can’t believe it’s my first day in high school without Bianca. She went to California for college with her best friend Zoë Nightshade.

We always talk on a skype call at night as she updates about her classes. It's been a month since she left for college and her classes started two weeks ago. As much as I missed her, I’m glad that she is happy and settling down pretty well.

I got down from the car after we reached the school. I walked fast and soon stood in front of the school doors. I let out a heavy breath. After a brief pause, I pushed the door and walked inside the school. The atmosphere was as noisy as a typical high school.

Students were laughing and chattering as they telling about how the past summer was and bragging about the vacations and adventures that they had done to their friends.

I approached my locker and started to place and arrange my books. I have been using the same locker since freshman so I previously decorated the inside of my locker with black skull stickers and a small gay pride flag sticker.

“Hey, Emo Boy!” a voice called behind me. “What the fuck?” I muttered, startled, as I quietly turned around.

"That's no way to greet your senior,” Percy said dramatically, pouting.

“Wow, the senior strikes again. I’m quaking!” I said sarcastically.

“Fuck you, asshole!” said as Percy rolled his eyes. “I'm gonna have to pass.” I said coolly.

“You’re not my type.”

“I’m irresistible, and you know it. You had a crush on me, remember?’ Percy said proudly with a twinkling in his eyes. “Yeah, maybe I was blind back then.” I said while rolling my eyes.

“Why are you picking on my little brother at like 8 in the morning?” said Jason as he wrapped one of his arms around my shoulder and giving me side hug, startling me, I hadn't seen him come up behind me. “Oh, this is great. First day, and you all sneak up like ninjas. Ever heard of announcing yourself?” I said.

“Sorry, bro! We were just so excited to see you again. You were so busy helping Bianca with college that we barely got to see you all summer. We just missed you so much!” Percy said, just as the bell rang, signalling the start of class. I snorted. “Oh shoot! Lunch later, yeah? Bye, guys!’ Jason said. We quickly waved goodbyes as we all hurried to our classrooms.

As much as I pretended to be annoyed by Percy and Jason, I love these guys so much (don’t tell them I said that). We all meet at a summer camp when I was 9. Jason is a year older than me, while Percy is two years older than me. I always see them as my brothers.

I had a tiny crush on Percy growing up, (I was like 9) but it quickly faded as I realize it's not really a crush but an admiration. Percy is a kindhearted person. He is very clumsy and spontaneous at times, but his heart is always in the right place.

Jason is my best friend—though, of course, first place will always go to Bianca. Both of them helped me to be comfortable with my sexuality and support me through my struggles. Jason always has a soft spot in my heart, I just can’t let him know, I don’t wanna be a sap. I have to maintain a nonchalant aesthetic.

I entered the classroom, taking a seat near the back. I put on my headphones and started listening to some songs. The students were chattering and laughing loudly as they were waiting for the teacher to arrive. And why do I have a math class at 8 in the fucking morning? It’s not fair. I’m really bad at mathematics.

My top subjects are History, Arts and surprisingly English even though it's my second language. I love creative writing, I love writing poems and stories in Italian. Now, I’m just practicing all my writing in English as practice. I haven’t decided on my college major yet. Maybe something that has to do with history ? I still have two years to think about it.

It’s nearly 8:30, and my math teacher is nowhere in sight. You know what? I don’t really care. It’s not like I understand anything Mrs.Dodds teaching anyway. She was my math teacher during my freshman year and I’m pretty sure she teacher doesn’t like me.

I paused the song and took off my headphones. I folded my arms and leaned my head against them, gazing out the window, mesmerised by the world outside. From my window, I can see the school carpark.

Even with the students murmuring, I can hear birds chirping and the trees swaying gently in the breeze. I can hear the class quieting down, so I’m guessing the teacher’s here, but I’m too lazy to lift my head and look in her direction.

“Good morning, everyone! I’ll be your homeroom teacher this year. We also have a new student joining us today!” said Mrs. Dodds enthusiastically. Damn, she’s my homeroom teacher too! I don’t know how I’m going to survive this year.

“Hi, guys! I’m Will. I’m from Texas, and I recently moved here for school!” said a boy with a heavy country accent.

I lift my head and see a tall boy with a mop of curly blonde hair wearing a light blue hoodie and dark jeans smiling beautifully at the front of the classroom, standing beside the teacher’s desk. “So, Will, take a seat! I hope you can settle in here,” she said, and he nodded.

He started heading in my direction, and I froze when I saw the only empty seat was next to me. He smiled and sat beside me. Up close, I could see his freckles scattered across his face like stars, his pink lips parted a little showing his pearly white teeth , and his tanned, surfer-like skin. His sky-blue eyes were fixed on me.

“Hey, Mr. Ghostie!” he said with a cute smile. “Hey!” I said, quickly, so I wouldn’t look like a creep staring at his face. “So… deskmates, huh? What’s your name?” said the blonde nervously. “I’m Nico.” I replied.

“I’m Will….guess you already heard my introduction, haha!” said Will with a big smile. “Yea… I d..id!” My voice cracked. Ugh, this is so embarrassing, my voice cracks when I’m talking to a cute guy! Please, just kill me.

He smiled too widely, almost unnaturally, as he yanked out his notebook and started scribbling notes at a frantic pace. Maybe this year won’t be so dull; at least my deskmate is cute. I can sneak glances at him (don’t judge me, it’s not like I’m not allowed to ogle attractive guys).

Chapter Text

Didn't I already said I hate math? I probably did. Mrs. Dodds made me sleep by her 2 hours lecture of quadratic functions and graphs. The graphs on the slides she’s showing is frying my brain.

I glanced at Will and his notebook. I’m not sure if he’s listening to whatever the teacher is saying. I’m sure he’s writing something, probably just math notes… though he looks way too intense about it. I can hear him mumbling to himself while he writes, and I notice his hands shaking just a little.

Maybe he just had too much coffee in the morning. I think he’s just singing to himself or maybe reading the equations out loud to memorise them. Nothing’s weird.

The hell-time of math is finally over! Mrs. Dodds left the classroom. Victory! Honestly speaking, I didn’t even hear half of what she said, but I survived, so that’s all that matters.

“Hey, Will!” I said, crossing my arms on the table and laying my head on them, tilting my eyes toward him.

“Nico! Wow, you actually said my name!” said Will as he propped his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his fist, giving me these ridiculous puppy eyes. Okay, That was so cute! But very intense staring.

I raised an eyebrow. “…Yeah. That’s usually how conversations start… I guess.” Will laughed too loud for something that wasn’t even funny. A couple kids at the next table glanced over and turned around back to their work.

I laughed a little awkwardly. “So.. What’s your schedule for classes ?” I asked as he quickly pulled out a sheet and handed it to me.

William Andrew Solace - Class Schedule

English

Math

History

Physical Education

Italian

Chemistry

“Huh. Looks like we’re stuck together for pretty much everything.” I faked a groan as I handed back the sheet.

“Everything, huh?” he said enthusiastically.

“Yeah… except Italian. I take Arts instead.” I said as I lay my head back on my arms on the table.

“Aw, so you’re ditching me for brushes and paint?” said Will as he dramatically clutched his chest as signaling betrayal.

“Ughh! Dramatic much! Maybe it's better than listening to you butcher Italian every day” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Hey! I’m good at Italian!” he said proudly. “Oh really? Try to say something then? I challenged, furrowing my eyebrows.

I really hope he is not good at Italian or It will be embarrassing for my overconfident act.

“Ciao! Bella notte, la luna, amore pizza… velocemente!” Will said in a mixture of bad Italian and a weird country accent.

(“Hi! Beautiful night, the moon, love pizza… quickly!”)

Okay! That was a hard watch. (Hears?). I don't know whether to laugh, mock or correct him. “Okay, okay! Jeez” I cut him off, waving my hand. “Please stop before Dante rises from the grave to personally haunt you, your accent was ass!.” I said while laughing hard.

“Why are you acting like you invented Italian? Maybe you as someone who doesn’t speak Italian shouldn’t talk!” said the blonde while pretending to be offended.

I just smirked and leaned closer. “Sai, i tuoi occhi azzurri mi distraggono quando parli. Sei... fottutamente bello.” I said softly.

(You know, your blue eyes are distracting me when you’re speaking. You’re… handsome as fuck.)

Will froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. I wouldn’t be surprised if a fly flew into his mouth. He regained consciousness and he blinked his eyes.

“…Wait. What the hell…. did you just say?” He said as he scratched the back of his neck.

“I don’t know, signore, you tell me?” I raised my eyebrows as I tilted my head. “You know Italian?” he asked hesitantly.

“Not more than you!” I said sarcastically, leaned back in my chair.

“Okay! Not my finest moment. I accept my fate! You win!” Will said as he chewed on his lip, his smile twitching like he couldn’t quite control it.

I rolled my eyes. “Didn’t know we had a competition, Texas boy!” I said mockingly. He giggled.

His hand was still drumming against the desk, fast and uneven, but his eyes stayed fixed on me, sharp and bright like he was waiting for the next move in some game I didn’t realize I was playing.

His drumming stopped as the teacher spoke. I pulled my notebook. Ughh, Chemistry! I hate chemistry too! I have to endure 2 more hours then I can earn my freedom. (Not really, it’s just lunch).

I tried not to sleep in class, but thankfully Will was murmuring something and It kept me awake. I don’t know if his mumbling helps him, but certainly helps me!

The bell rang. “Lunch!” Will shouted enthusiastically. At least he was on the same page as me for lunch. I quickly grabbed all of my things and stuffed them into my side bag. “See you later, Will.” I said as I quietly walked out the classroom door, not even waiting for his response.

Chapter Text

As soon as I heard the bell rang, I ran out of the classroom and headed to the school cafeteria. I went onto my tiptoes, even giving a small jump, trying to catch sight of my friends in the crowd. If I had to name a disadvantage, it would be my height. All of my friends are taller than me.

At fifteen, I’m barely five-foot-six, and I keep hoping for a growth spurt that never seems to come. Fortunately, I saw Percy waving at me. I quickly rushed to their table. At my lunch table I can see Reyna, Jason, Percy and Annabeth sitting. So, this is my friend group. I’m not sure how I ended up with them, but somehow I did. And I’m grateful.

I met Annabeth through Percy. They’ve been classmates since freshman year—lucky her, right? I actually met her back in middle school. Percy used to drag her along whenever Jason and I hung out. Honestly, she slipped into our group like she’d always been there.

Annabeth is the smartest person in our group. She is a senior. She always gets excellent grades. I usually ask her to tutor me with my math and chemistry homework. Since Percy and I dyslexic, we often relied on audiobooks that Annabeth would find for us.

Sometimes, Annabeth would read slides and notes aloud to help us understand. She always teaches me in a simple way. Without her, I probably would’ve failed most of my freshman year subjects. She is planning to take Architecture as her college major. Everyone knows that’s her childhood dream.

I met Jason through Reyna—they were classmates sophomore year after she transferred from Puerto Rico. I’m not super close with her; she’s pretty private. But when she’s around, I actually enjoy her company. Reyna is in the student body club, she was their secretary last year.

She’s a junior. She told me she’s aiming for the presidency—either this year or in her senior year. She is aiming to become a lawyer. She thinks that our systems are not fair for everyone and she will try her best to fight for everyone's rights.

As for Percy, I feel like I known him forever. He is in the swim team, he’s a talented athlete. He’s currently a senior. His grades are excellent but he struggles with ADHD (I’m pretty sure all of us are ADHD) and dyslexia. Even with his strong grades, I’m guessing he’ll probably get into college with a sports scholarship. He told me one that he might take marine biology as his major, but he is also interested in environmental science.

Annabeth and Percy started dating during the summer break after pining for each for 3 years. It was exhausting to watch them mopping around each other. Percy proposed on the last day of the school. I’m happy that they are dating now.

Jason is currently in the soccer team, he is the co-captain and probably will be captain in his senior year. He’s also a junior. Jason is an excellent player, all of us usually go to watch and cheer his games.

Jason often says he wants to be a psychologist. He wanted to focus on leadership and counselling. He is also thinking about being a soccer coach. One thing I’m sure is that Jason and Reyna has some tension going on. I’m not reading into or anything but….come on, it’s there.

“Hey, guys!” I sighed loudly.

Jason scooted over to give me space, I sat on the bench. “Long day, huh?” said Jason lightly bumping my shoulder. I nodded. I pulled out my lunchbox, opened and grabbed the sandwich and took a bite.

“My bio teacher has already started giving us group projects! It’s only the first day!” Percy said while dropping his head on the table. Annabeth giggled, swung her arms over his shoulder and gave a playful shake.

“Hey, seaweed brain! We are already seniors! It’s gonna be a hard year,” said Annabeth while shaking her head. “Sucks to be both you, I guess!” Reyna laughed, jerking her chin toward Percy and Annabeth.

“Hey, don't jinx it, we are gonna be the same next year!” said Jason while taking a deep breath. “I had to endure 2 hours of Mrs. Dodds math lectures!” I said while rolling my eyes.

“Oh fuck! Her again? Man, I hated her so much!” Jason stated while groaning.

“Did any of us have anything good to say?” asked Percy while lifting his head up.

Annabeth said she had already signed up for the STEM club over the summer as an early submission and she got into it. “We have a meeting coming Wednesday. I’m so excited!” she said enthusiastically. Reyna said she has student body club meetings after school to discuss the election for school president.

“We’ll totally vote for you if you run for president!” Annabeth said supportively. Reyna thanked and nodded.

“We have a friendly soccer match coming Friday after school! You guys should come!” announced Jason.

“We will totally be there!” I said.

“What about you, Neeks? Any clubs? Did you sign up for anything during the early submissions?” Reyna asked. “I signed up for Astronomy and Art club. I didn’t get any emails yet…” I said disappointingly.

“Don’t worry! It’s still the first week. Some clubs starts emailing during the second week,” Reyna said as trying to cheer me up.

Percy said his swim team is starting practice next week. “This is my last year here. I’ve got to do well to earn that scholarship,” Percy said, chewing nervously on his lip.

“Perce, you’re gonna be okay. Don’t stress about it,” I said, my voice full of concern. Everyone gave a small nod, showing they agreed.

“..yeah.. I’m just stressed.. Man, this is only the first day..” Percy spoke as he propped his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his fist.

“I had a new boy in my class!” I continued as a distraction.

Percy's eyes twinkled and he started to ask me about him, playfully raising his eyebrows. All of them suddenly started focusing on me.

I rolled my eyes. “His name is Will. He is from Texas.”

“Tell me how he looks like?”

“Ermm…. Blonde… blue eyes…. basically like your typical surfer-dude type…”

“No kidding! That’s totally your type!”

“It’s not!” I protested.

“That senior guy from last year…your crush…what was his name again? Clove? Clone?”

“It’s Clovis, dummy!” I said as I rolled my eyes.

“Clovis! He’s blonde too… Don’t forget, you have a thing for blonde dudes”

“Ughh! I regret telling you that!”

“Ohhh, looks like our boy here has a crush!” Percy teased as I smacked his head with my hands.

“I don’t have crush on every blonde boy I see!”

“Ow! That hurts, dummy!”

“You deserve it! He is attractive, I’ll give you that… but I don’t have a crush!” I spat.

“Bring him to lunch tomorrow!” Reyna said. I gave a small shrug. “Okay… I’ll try to ask him….but only if you guys promise to behave.”

Percy and Jason grinned. “Nope! Not happening, Jackson and Grace!” I said while shooting a look at both of them.

“I swear, Neeks, I’ll make sure Percy doesn’t say anything dumb, please try to bring him!” Annabeth said, glaring at him. “Only for you, Annie!” and she chuckled. Percy huffed.

“For her? I thought we were brothers!”

“Please don't start again or I will change my mind!”

“Oh,now… I’m curious about your boyfriend!”

“I’m going to murder you! He’s not my boyfriend!”

“Whatever you say, Neeks!”

“Ughh!”

The bell rang signalled the end of the lunch. “Thank god! I can escape you!” I yelled. “Okay, guys! See you tomorrow! We should totally hang out after Jason’s match!” said Percy while exiting the cafeteria and walking towards the hallways.

“It’s been so long since we hung out together!” he continued. All of us nodded, waved goodbye and started to walk to our class.

I entered the classroom and sat on my chair. I was scrolling on my phone when Will Solace dropped down beside me, reeking of cigarette smoke.

“Hey!” I said.

“Hey, Nico!” the blonde while smiling softly. “Where have you been? I don’t think I saw you in the cafeteria?” I asked.

“I was just wandering around the school.. you know? I wanted to know every place in this school area!” Will said while grinning.

“Why? You wanna find a place to hide a dead body?” I deadpanned.

Will leaned forward to my ear. I couldn’t see his grin, but I could feel it stretching wider. “Hmm… Maybe,” he said, his voice light, his breath tickling down my spine.

Then he laughed a little too loudly, like he realized how it sounded. “Kidding! Totally kidding!” Will said quickly. “Hey! Think you got scared!” he laughed, way too loud in the classroom.

I scoffed and pushed his head from my side. “Please… I don’t get scared by a guy who speaks broken Italian with confidence!”

He clutched his chest dramatically like I’d just stabbed him. “Ouch! Right in the pride.”

He smiled at me. It was intense, “Maybe… That would shut you up in a while..,” I muttered, though the corner of my mouth twitched upward.

“Don’t lie, Ghostie. You love when I talk to you,” Will said, leaning close again, his grin way too bright for someone who just got roasted.

I rolled my eyes so hard they almost hurt. “Yeah, sure, Texas boy! Listening to you is the highlight of my day.”

He gasped like I’d confessed undying love. “You admitted it!”

“Admitted what?” I asked in confusion.

“That you’re…. obsessed with me.”

I licked my lips. He’s just kidding, right? Was I being that obvious? I felt my blood pumping really fast, I hope it’s not obvious on my face. I mean… I’m not obsessed with him. Maybe infatuation. An odd infatuation. You could also call it intrigued. He’s just like any other stupid boy.

I groaned. “You’re unbearable.”

“And yet…” he wagged his eyebrows, “you still haven’t run away.” I snorted at him.

“You’re insane and…. weird.”

Will laughed, loud and unbothered, like I’d just complimented him. “Maybe… But at least I'm having fun. Weird is the new norm, haven’t you heard?”

I scoffed. “Are you always this annoying?”

His grin stretched a little too wide, eyes glittering. “Only with you. Guess that makes you special, huh?”

I froze. That look… it was too sharp, too focused, like he wasn’t just teasing. I shifted awkwardly in my seat, trying not to let him see how weird it made me feel.

“…Whatever…” I just remembered to ask him about lunch. Should I ask him? He’s already acting, teasing saying I’m obsessed with him. Do I really want to feed that fire?

Fuck it! “Um.. Will..do you wanna sit.. with my friends for lunch..?” I asked awkwardly. Will looked at me intensely, “hmm…your friends.. huh? Sounds interesting!”

“Hey.. no pressure! Just asking. They’re cool people.. If you don’t want to… it’s totally fine..” I swallowed, scratching my side of my neck awkwardly.

He leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs and arms, smirking at me. “Cool. Then I’ll join. But only because you asked, Ghostie.”

I muttered under my breath, “That’s good, I will let them know!” I saw Will smiling sweetly looking at me. Cute! I really hope he can’t see how flustered I look.

Nico
He saod he will sit with us
foe lunch tomrrrow

My Rival 🌊
Whi ur nrew boy
?????
thts anazingg!!!!

Nico
🖕🖕🖕

My Rival 🌊
????????

RARA 🐶
Thats good

Annie 🦉
Cant wait to meet him

Mr. Lightening ⛅️
nico dw i wont tease you

Nico
sjhut up perceb
tHank u guyss

The class went on as boring as usual. Will wasn’t talking much between classes but still he was mumbling something while writing notes.

The cigarette smell from him was fading as time went by. I’m guessing he’s a smoker. I’m not judging! He can do whatever he wants, I’m simply observing him. The bell rang, all of us were happy when the class was dismissed. Everyone quickly started to pack their belongings and rushed outside the class.

“Bye! Nico! I enjoyed your company today!” Will said, as we started to walk out of the classroom side by side. It felt genuine. I simply smiled, “Likewise! But still you’re annoying!”

He rolled his eyes. “Can’t take a compliment without insulting..huh?”

“Yea.. That’s just how I am!” I nudged his arms. He grinned and waved at me and ran towards the hallways and exited the building through the door.

I walked towards my locker and got my things and exited the school building. I quickly walked out of the school area as I spotted my chauffeur was waiting outside of the car. I got on and I got home.

“Amore! How was your first day at school?” My mom asked as I entered the house. “It was fine, Mamma! We had a new kid in class! I made a…. new…. friend, I guess…? Can I call him a friend? I barely know him?

“That’s good, Niccolò! I’m glad you made a friend!” My mom said happily.

“Are you hungry?”

“No, Mamma! I’m sleepy. I’m just gonna shower and sleep! I’ll eat during dinner!”

“Okay, amore! Go and rest, honey!”

After a quick shower, I was watching cat videos on YouTube. I started to get sleepy. I put my phone on the nightstand as I dropped my head on the pillow. It’s been nearly 20 minutes, I don't know why I kept thinking about the blonde.

There’s something magnetic about him that makes me think about him. I just can’t figure out what it is about him that pulls me in. Today was not a bad day. Will kinda made my day interesting, even if I tried to deny it a million times. I shook my head and I forced myself to sleep.