Notes: I wrote this little fic seven months ago on June 13, 2013 (yes, I date my fics because I'm a nerd) and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. It just kind of popped into my head and happened. But if I'm being honest, I think I like it. It's written in Nico's point of view and it's really one-sided. Also, this is the first story I've ever really put out on the internet. Let me know what you think. Enjoy~

Disclaimer: These lovely characters are not mine. They belong to Uncle Rick.

They say, "All is fair in love and war."

How ridiculous.

I would know; I've been through plenty of war myself.

And, stupidly, I've fallen in love once as well.

Don't get me wrong, war is fair.

Every soldier is ready and willing to lose their lives for a certain cause.

Love, on the other hand... love is pain. Pure, raw pain.

Sure, when a person's feelings are returned, it's the most amazing feeling in the world.

Or so I've heard.

I wouldn't know.

When someone falls in love, it's often one-sided, and that's my case.

So I sit and watch you with her, your one true love, the greatest daughter of Athena, and wait for the day that you just might see how much I love you.

But that'll never happen.

That'll never even come close to happening.

Wanna know why?

Because you're in love with her, not me.

You would never even spare me a glance if you found out that I liked you as more than a friend (much, much more).

"But, why?" You might ask.

Because I'm a boy, and you're not into boys.

The almighty son of Poseidon, gay?

Absurd!

So here I am, wallowing in my own self-pity and praying to the goddess of love that you will fall for me.

But that was my problem in the first place, wasn't it?

When I asked Aphrodite for someone to love.

She gets some sick, twisted enjoyment from toying with my emotions, doesn't she?

She probably finds it amusing that a son of Hades wants love, but I'm not a monster, love is appealing to me, too. No matter how much I deny it.

And the person she made me fall in love with was you.

THE Perseus Jackson. Hero of Olympus. Savior of the World.

Appalling, isn't it?

Believe me, I know.

-The Shadow Traveler