Chapter One: Resentment

Percy was leaning over the rail of Argo II. He let his eyes close as the wind carried his hair. A lazy smile formed on his lips. It has been such a long time since he felt this peaceful. After Tartarus, he promised himself he would appreciate these little moments of serenity more often.

Far below the ship, he caught a glimpse of Annabeth talking to Reyna, probably giving her advice about the demigods at Camp Half-Blood. He exhaled through his nose, relief taking over his emotions. They actually made it out of there. It seemed so impossible that Percy had the urge to pinch himself to check if he was dreaming. But of course he wasn't. Demigods never had good dreams. It was always about death, destruction and the end of the world.

"Hey." A voice interrupted his reverie. He glanced sideways to see Jason Grace leaning next to him. "What's up?"

Percy shifted uncomfortably. Not that Jason was making him feel uncomfortable. He just radiated so much power that he had to adjust to his presence.

"Not much. Just enjoying this moment before we meet Dirt Face."

Jason chuckled but Percy could tell there was something he wanted to tell him. Something important.

"Man, everything okay?" Percy asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Well, actually, I need to talk to you." The son of Jupiter immediately tensed up, his eyebrows furrowing.

Percy's senses went on high alert. He assumed he was going to tell him a new prophecy, a quest, a dream about Gaea's rising. Anything about the Prophecy of Seven. Unconsciously, he patted his pants pocket for Riptide.

Jason sighed. "It's about Nico."

"Did he speak to any of the ghosts? What did they say?" Percy wore a grim expression that showed his sense of leadership. In other circumstances, Jason would have appreciated that expression since he unintentionally wears it sometimes. But right now, it was not what he wanted to see.

"Not exactly. This has something more to do with you."

"Me?" Percy looked too taken a back, like deer flashed with headlights.

"Yeah... Look, Nico made me swear not to tell anyone about this. But man, you should go talk to him." He scratched the back of his head uneasily.

Percy eyed him with a hint of suspicion and confusion but decided to do what he was asked. "Sure. I'll talk to him." He clapped Jason's shoulder as he started heading for the lower deck.

Leo told him that the Athena Parthenos was placed at the horse's stables. Well, half of it was. The other half just occupied most of the deck.

When he finally reached the last step, he expected to see Nico securing the gigantic statue with ropes but he was nowhere in sight.

"Nico?" Percy called out. "Nico, you in here?"

He scanned his surroundings, searching for him. When he ducked under Athena's golden shield, he saw a flash of black and white. He turned around swiftly but still found nothing. He walked over to the haystack beside the horse's stables where the flash seemed to be heading. Undoubtedly, he saw Nico di Angelo crouching down like he was trying to hide.

"Hey! There you are." Percy started to go down his level but before he did, the Son of Hades stood up abruptly and pushed pass him. Luckily, his battle reflexes acted up and caught Nico's wrist before he got away.

What's up with Nico? Percy thought. He knew he did not get along well with people and avoids any form of conversation as best as he could but there was something off. It was almost like he treated Percy as the enemy.

Nico struggled to shake him off but Percy tightened his grip. "Jason told me to talk to you."

"Let go." Nico's eyes seethed with anger that he actually considered letting go but managed to do otherwise.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"There is nothing wrong." He said through gritted teeth. Percy realized he couldn't talk to him when he's like this, not even if he forced him to speak, so he loosened his hold. Instantly, he stormed off and went upstairs.

Percy racked his brain for anything he did to cause Nico's rage. All that came to him was Bianca di Angelo- his sister. Was he still angry about that? He didn't blame him. If it was the reason then he would've understood. Back when Annabeth was captured by Atlas, he promised Nico that he would keep his sister safe. Instead, he came back with the news of her passing.

He deserves more than to be angry.

Suddenly, a far-off laugh ringed in Percy's ear. Foolish demigod! Could you not see the real reason of his grieving?

It sounded a lot like Thanatos- the god of Death that he once mistook for Cupid back when he, Hazel and Frank were on a quest headed to the base of Alcyoneus. Percy had no idea why he heard his voice but then again he heard gods and goddesses' voices all the time.

He sighed and walked the same route Nico took but at a much slower pace.


A/N: So wee... this is the time when I'm an emotional wreck and choose to write fanfiction to cope with my feelings. I was so not ready for the Nico-had-a-crush-on-Percy thing. A bit overwhelmed actually. I kept wondering whether or not I should write a fic about it but kept backing out since I've only ever written about Percabeth then finally I saw a fanart by minuiko and was like ugh dammit! Fine I'll write. Then BOOM! This Two-shot was born. Wow, I just said a lot of random crap. Oh well! Next chapter will be uploaded this Saturday. Or earlier (Hopefully). Anyway, let me know what you guys think. Review!