It was still dark when Percy woke to the sound of footsteps and wandered outside to find Nico seated against the mast, gazing out into the morning.
"Nico?" he asked quietly, and the child of Hades tilted his head in quiet acknowledgement. "Why are you up so early?"
"I haven't been sleeping very well lately. I figured I might as well get up," he said quietly. It wasn't really a lie, but Percy frowned at him, slightly worried.
"Okay…" Percy made his way over to sit next to Nico. "Why?"
"I dunno," he tried, shrugging lamely, but Percy raised an eyebrow and he sighed. "I can't lie to you, can I?"
"Nope."
"I... I don't..." Nico looked away from Percy, shaking his head violently. "I don't even really understand myself... I wish it wasn't like this... I..." he stuttered, and in that moment, everything came together.
"No."
Nico's shoulders slumped at Percy's tone. "I should have known you would figure it out. But in my defense, you're usually incredibly oblivious, Percy."
"I…you can't."
"I think it's too late to decide whether I can or I can't."
"It's not…what you think, Nico," he tried. "I've got Annabeth, and I…you're like my brother! No, Nico, you can't."
"No," the boy whispered. "I don't think you understand."
"I do," he pleaded. "Nico, I-"
In a quick, unexpected movement, Nico leaned in and pressed a light kiss to Percy's cheek.
"I'm sorry," he murmured when they parted, and Percy looked quietly at the boy across from him before getting to his feet.
"It's early," he said gently, getting to his feet. "Sleep."