"Ten years, man, and we never thought to catch up for drinks?" Percy laughed. His laugh was the first truly genuine laugh Nico had heard in years. Humans were profoundly sadder than he had expected them to be. Demigods seemed to have a more positive outlook on life, all things considered.

He eyed the other man wondering if Percy remembered what it was that drove Nico away in the first place. Surely he did. Jason had kept his word and said nothing, but the truth always comes out with demigods.

"Life happens," Nico explained shortly. "But we're having drinks now, aren't we?"

Percy nodded and held his mug up to clink glasses with the smirking son of Hades. Nico obliged.

"You heard about Leo and Calypso?" Percy commented off-handedly. "Sounds like they are having a pretty happy happily ever after."

Nico had heard, but he so wanted to humor Percy.

"No, tell me about it," he lied smoothly. His green eyed drinking buddy grinned and leaned forward. He used to his hands as he animatedly explained about the adventures Leo had been through to find his peace and love with the Titan daughter. It seemed only fair that Calypso have that kind of happy ending, but almost cruel that after all Percy had sacrificed, he didn't end up with quite as happy of an ending.

"Yeah, it's crazy. I only wish Annabeth was around to hear about it."

Nico took a rehearsed sip at this moment. If Percy wanted to find someone to rehash Annabeth stories with, he could always seek out Thalia. Nico had no interest in pretending to mourn her death now. He had been sad at the time, but a part of him that he was sure had been buried away now felt triumphant in a way. It was petty, but sometimes, so was Nico. He was a son of Hades after all.

"You don't have to make that face," Percy told him seriously. His green eyes glittered almost teasingly.

Nico almost choked. Gods, those eyes.

Percy was going to kill him one of these days.

"I was making a face?"

"You know, I did think about it," Percy said, his voice deeper and almost…no, it was just Nico's imagination. Percy did not sound flirtatious. "And I'll admit—at first it was really weird, but after a few years, you know, I kind of…gods, what am I saying?"

"You're drunk," Nico blurted out. He was blushing badly. Gods, Percy, don't bring this up until you really are drunk, Nico thought anxiously. Was it sad that he knew exactly what Percy wasn't outright saying? Because he'd played out this conversation at least a million times in his head?

"Naw," Percy assured him, "I just—you probably have a boyfriend or partner or something. This has got to be really weird."

Nico's jaw twitched. This was not happening.

"You've got no idea," Nico muttered under his breath. "But no, I don't have anyone. Typical son of Hades, that's me."

"I mean, I know it was just a lousy crush ten years ago, but I think I wouldn't have been to opposed to it," he said almost conversationally, the asshole. Percy could do that. He could look at you with bedroom eyes but manage to talk about the freaking weather. Or he could act natural and bring up something really intimate.

Either way the son of Hades could feel his heartbeat in his throat. In the dim bar lighting, Percy Jackson's eyes were still the greenest eyes he'd ever seen. And he wouldn't even allow himself to notice the way a small lock of Percy's hair was falling in his eyes. Then he'd have to think about moving it and. Oi.

"You had Annabeth," he reasoned, trying with all his might to sound calm.

Percy looked thoughtfully into his now empty mug and shrugged.

"Yeah. But I mean, I wouldn't have been like ew gross. I just would have entertained the idea if you had, I guess, pursued me."

Jesus. Was the room on fire and spinning rapidly? Nico thought, panicking just a little. He had planned on this conversation happening…preferably under different circumstance, but more importantly, not tonight. It couldn't have mattered whether or not Percy would have considered it because he didn't. And Nico wasn't ready for him to back then anyways.

Now? Now was a lot different. That's what was driving the skinny, younger man insane. He would take Percy home with him that very instant if the older man desired it.

"I thought you probably hated me over these years," Percy admitted sounding unexpectedly small. His eyes held half of the fire that it had only moments ago. And he wasn't looking away anymore. The intensity was palpable.

Nico almost swallowed his tongue before answering.

"Why on earth would I have hated you?"

Shit. He sounded hoarse. Like he was dying or something. Or just very, very turned on and slightly freaking out. Probably more the former. Shit shit shit.

"'Cause I wasn't with you," Percy reasoned. "If I was in your position, I would hate me. I was shit to you."

The tension broke some when Percy laughed. "Why the hell did you ever even like me?" he asked in between his giggles.

Nico's heart inflated a bit. Percy's laugh could possibly cure cancer, he decided.

"You were the cute, older guy who had all the answers," Nico said honestly, eyes still holding Percy's.

Percy chewed on this for a bit, but it apparently wasn't enough to end the conversation.

"You thought I was cute?" he inquired, the spark coming back to his eyes.

Nico took in a long breath. "Oh boy. You sure you're not drunk, Percy?"

Percy rolled his eyes. "Relax, Nico. I'm just curious about this stuff. I haven't ever got the chance to ask you about any of it for ten years. Humor me."

"Of course I thought you were cute. Everyone thought so."

Percy's eyes lit up with happiness. "Really? Everyone?—like, who?"

He couldn't help it. Nico laughed. Seeing Percy hopeful and puppy-like was freaking adorable. He instantly felt like a teenager again, although it was different because here he was in a bar discussing how hot Percy was. Out loud.

"Anyone with eyes," Nico said softly. Percy smiled.

"Well, you had the whole bad boy image going on. Annabeth and I used to wager how many girls would be all over you by the time you were fifteen."

Nico was momentarily stunned, trying to comprehend that Percy had thought of him at all in a manner of appearance. Gods, Nico was going to need a cold shower after this.

"Yes, well, you must have lost a lot of money with that bet," Nico joked. He was being bashful, mostly, because he was definitely approached by women. He just had no interest in any of them.

Nico was smiling. A real, and very rare, smile that made his eyes squint and dimples show.

Realizing how close they were to each other, Percy backed off and coughed.

"It's getting late," he said lamely. "I've got some kids to train tomorrow."

Nico, deflated, leaned back and waved a waitress to summon another beer.

"Yes, I suppose you do," he said dryly, his voice back to being cold and unwelcome. "It was nice to see you."

Percy, without another word, got up and left.

It would take a lot of alcohol to try and erase the mistake it was to come out tonight, Nico thought.

But something in the air made him shiver. This would not be the last he'd see of Percy Jackson.