Coming Out

Date: September 14

    Frank found it strange that Nico was not eating lunch with the rest of of them. Hazel told him that he was going to McDonalds and shrugged as if it had happened before. When Nico returned, however, it was with his laptop instead of McDonalds.

   He cleared his throat and said, "I want to show you guys something."

   Jason gave him a thumbs up, but everyone else, including Hazel, looked confused. Nico adjusted the volume on his laptop, pulled up a YouTube video, and then placed his laptop on the table. The video started and Frank realized it was either a very long trailer or a short film. 

     The table erupted into laughter as they realized the film had been rated "gay." More laughter ensued as the video continued. Frank laughed along with everyone. When the video was over, Connor said, "That video was funny Nico, but why did you show us it?"

    Nico shifted in his seat. He looked at Jason who raised his eyebrows as if to tell him to start talking. 

    "I — well I — well I wanted to tell you," Nico said. "I needed to say that—"

    He broke off and stared at his lap.

   "Nico, are you gay?" Piper asked kindly.

    "I — I — how did you know?" he asked, looking up. "Did Jason tell you?"

    "Nico, I would never—" Jason began.

    "Nico, I guessed from the video," Piper interrupted, "and through observation."

    "Well, what are you guys going to do to me?" Nico said defensively.

    "Nico, no one said they would do anything bad to you," Jason said. "And if anyone did do anything to you, I would personally beat them up for you."

     "Nico, I would never judge you for your sexuality," Will said. "Or I'd be a bloody hypocrite."

     Nico gaped at him and Piper whispered something into Leo's ear.

      "We're your friends Nico," Reyna said. "We would never stop being your friends just because of who you love."

     "We want you to be happy," Hazel said.

     "Well, as happy as an emo can be," Travis said.

     "Stop making fun of emos, Travis!" Katie scolded.

    "Fine, milady," Travis said with a salute.

    "See Nico?" Katie said. "How could I judge you for being attracted to boys when I'm attracted to this idiot?"

     "Hey!" Travis said.

      "Thanks for trusting us," Frank said.

     "The thing is, I thought you all would reject me," Nico said awkwardly. "I was so  sure . . . Jason convinced me to come out."

      "How did you do that?" Piper asked Jason.

     Jason blushed and said, "I better fulfill my part of the promise. You guys might want to record this."

     Nico smirked and pulled a brick out of his backpack. It was an ordinary reddish brown brick.  Jason picked it up gently and planted a kiss on the brick. The whole table howled and Jason's face became nearly as red as the brick he was osculating.

    "Wow Jason!" Reyna said, laughing. "I didn't know you were cheating on me with a brick."

     "I promised Nico," Jason said, shrugging.

      "He needed to come out too," Nico said.

       They were the loudest table at lunch that day.