Chapter 10

Percy ran as fast as he could to the arena. He did not want to piss of Thalia. He reached the entrance, panting wildly. He opened the door to enter when he heard a loud ringing sound.

Great. Now they are going to think I ditched them. I am so screwed! Percy ran off before he could get caught.

Nico as deep in thought when he reached an idea. A loud bell rang through the camp and his idea was lost. HisHb

His subconscious began to guide him towards lunch. Nico was still lost in his thoughts when he walked right into an amber-haired girl. He looked up, not really caring what had just happened. A kind face stared back at him.

Holy shit. It's Lacey. What the hades am I supposed to do?

Lacey's smile slowly lowered into a frown.

"Nico, is something wrong? You seem out of it, are you okay?"

Nico's face lit up. Listen to her, always looking out for me. How in Hades could I not fall for her?

"Sorry, Lacey. I was just lost in my thoughts. I'm fine."

"What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing really. Just this certain girl."

Lacey's face fell. She masked her jealousy quickly but Nico saw her. He began to smirk.

"what's so funny?" She asked, her temper flaring.

"Nothing. I just find it funny that you would get jealous of anyone. And that you would believe I would think about any girl other than you."

Lacey's frown got bigger. Nico waited for what he had said to sink in. It didn't take long.

In a whisper, Lacey said, "You were thinking about me?"

"Well yeah. I really care for Lacey. And I talked to Percy. I was looking for you, I had to tell you something really important."

"Well, what is it?"

Nico bent down and said so quietly that only she could hear. This is a big thing for a child of Hades. "I. Love. You."

He let it sink in began to walk away. He was happy he was able to say it. Nico was used to rejection so if she said no he wouldn't let it get to him. He was at the foot of the dining hall when he was tackled to the ground. Nico turned over to see who his attacker was and reached for his knife. Before he could say a threat his mouth was covered by soft, red lips.

Percy walked by and saw Nico on the ground, his face covered in amber hair. Well, well. Looks like he did it. I'll ask him later. Percy turned to see a very angry Thalia and a confused Annabeth. He ran over to them, avoiding a blunt arrow.

"I'm sorry that I didn't come back. But I needed to help Nico with something." He turned his head towards the pair on the ground.

"Wow. You helped him with that?" Annabeth asked.

"Hey! I have good ideas sometimes. After all, I was able to get you." And he pulled her in for a quick kiss.

"By the way, Kelp Face, how long have they been at it?"

"About 6 minutes, I think. Nico is actually still coming down from the surprise of being jumped in three, two, one."

Nico's hand settled down. He then returned Lacey's kiss with full force, turning them over so he was on top.

"Shouldn't we stop them? I mean its lunch time and I don't want either of them dying from lack of oxygen." Annabeth took a step forward.

"Give them a minute. I put a lot of work into this and I want to have Nico happy. The kid rarely smiles as it is."

The trio stood there and waited a few minutes. Percy nodded his head and Annabeth ran to the pair. Percy looked shocked.

"No! I didn't mean to do that!" Luckily his voice was loud enough that the pair remembered they were in public. Nico stood up and helped Lacey to her feet.

"Um…we were just….yeah…" redness quickly filling his face.

Annabeth opened her mouth to say something but Percy intervened.

"It's okay Nico. Were like that too. Just lighten up and don't give yourself a heart attack."

Percy smirked and led him inside. Nico grabbed Lacey's hand. Before they separated to their tables Lacey leaned over and whispered in Nico's ear, "I love you too." Nico blushed and gave her a quick kiss.

He and Percy went to sit at the Poseidon table, seeing as there was no Hades table.

Percy began to laugh. "What is it?"

"Nothing. Its just you looked so terrified under her. Quite the odd couple."

'What about you? Daughter of Athena and son of Poseidon? You really shouldn't be talking."

"You got me there" And they both began to laugh. Percy couldn't remember the last time they shared a laugh. They had both grown up so much since their time spent looking for Artemis. Right then Percy knew he could always count on Nico.