Here is the thing, how is Nico supposed to just be someone he's not? He's pretty sure he's lying to himself and Clay when he says he doesn't want Christian, because that's a lie. The moment Nico laid eyes on Christian, he knew.
"I need help" he admits the next day during breakfast with his family. "I want to prove you guys wrong, but I don't think I can't"
"Why not?" His mom asks
"Anything I say is just an excuse none of us wants to hear. Just tell me I can do it" "You can do it, Nicki!" Penny says very unaware what her brother is going on about "I'm with the kid," their father adds.
Nico looks at his mom waiting for her encouragement, "I just have my doubts-"
Sighing Nico says, "of course you do"
"I'm not saying you can't do it, Nico! You can do anything, this is just a challenge you've never faced before."
Nico tries to understand his mother "and I know that" his mind trails off to the many tests at school, Matty. Christian. "But I got this ok?"