The fall prom was always an exciting time for everyone at Goode High and for Percy and Nico, it was no exception.

Percy of course was going with Annabeth. No surprise there, though in the week leading up to the prom he had to fend off both mad guys and obsessed girls. Luckily his stare took care of most of them-if it could hold off a gang, it could hold off brokenhearted-with-envy guys and lovesick girls.

Nico, on the other hand, didn't have much of a glare and against his better wishes, had to stick with Percy for a few days until the Goth Club girls got the hint that he was taken. Which they got on a particular Wednesday afternoon...

Nico was walking out Goode's front doors, three or four girls (and a guy) trailing him from various distances. For once he wasn't hiding out at Percy's swim practice and instead was acting a bit more...cheerful...then usual.

Walking down the steps, he pretended not to notice his admirers (read: people who want to induct him into a goth club via the dating method) and instead made a beeline for the sunny blond-haired Wil hanging out on a wall. In full sunlight, of course.

"Took you long enough, Death Boy." Will grinned.

"Very funny Solace, just wait until next semester." Nico told him.

"Micky D's for Happy Meals then?"

"Obviously."

Will hopped off the wall and slung an arm around Nico. "You're too old for them."

"Never."

The duo started walking, much closer together then they usually were. Nico's arm was around Will's waist now and Will had taken Nico's backpack.

When they'd gone about two blocks though, a few members of Nico's potential-date-wannabes were still following.

"Ok let's just get this over with so we can get out of here." Nico grumbled, then dragged Will into a nearby alley. The moment he knew the pesky daters were watching, he and Will started the Kiss (tm). Aka the best way to get other people off your back when you didn't want to date them.

It worked like a charm. The moment they were gone, the duo broke apart.

"Every time." Will grinned.

"Yup. So, still up for happy meals?"

"Unhealthy...but sure."

When Nico's followers returned a minute later to confront him, they found nothing but an empty alley and many, many, shadows.