“I talk and crywhile Nico sits and listens.Like we've been friends forever.Finally, I use the shirtto wipe the tearsand take a deep breath.We're quietfor a long timeand then Nico pointsto a pair of boxer shorts on the floor."I'm glad you picked the shirt.”

“Being in a relationship, that's something you choose. Being friends, that's just something you are. [But] I do pick you. We've been friends too long to pick, but if we could pick, I'd pick you.”

“The way to beat Luke," he said. "If I'm right, it's the only way you'll stand a chance."I took a deep breath. "Okay. I'm listening."Nico glanced inside my room. His eyebrows furrowed."Is that...is that blue birthday cake?"He sounded hungry, maybe a little wistful. I wondered if the poor kid had ever had a birthday party, or if he'd ever even been invited to one.:Come inside for cake and ice cream," I said. "It sounds like we've got a lot to talk about.”

“Percy scowled. "I-I know you."Nico raised his eyebrows. "Do you?”

“Don't pull away from me like I disgust you. You'll break my heart. - Nico”

“Hardly happy at all, and I'm ready to take the fall. We pay for the stupid things we've done where I come from. Can you sit through this? Or is it gonna be too deep?”