Disclaimer:: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus or its characters. They are the property of Rick Riorden, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

"So today we start with the not to fun part of physical education. Here I have your first project." The class groaned. "We'll be splitting into pairs, one from each grade to make my life easier. Each pair will choose one of the topics off the list I will be handing out and prepare a 30-45 minute presentation for the class. Presentations start next week, the longer it is the more likely to get a better grade. We will have three periods in the library for research the rest you have to do on your own. Pair off and we'll head off to the library."

Percy turned to Leo but felt a hand on his elbow. Nico stood behind him, looking only a little uncomfortable.

"Want to work together?" He asked shyly.

Percy answered without hesitation, "Definitely." Then turned back to Leo, "Oh um Leo,"

"Hey now, don't worry about me. You two have fun." He said with a wink before heading off to find his own partner. Percy turned back to Nico and smiled, the smaller boy smiled back.

By the end of class they had started and scrapped four topics before settling on 'a comparison between the health benefits of contact sports and the possible injuries'.

"So," Nico started as they entered the change room after class, "We should get together tonight."

Percy nodded in agreement, "I think that's a very good idea."

Nico chuckled, "To work on the project."

"Of course." Percy smirked. "I could come to your place after school."

"Alright, I'll meet you out front."

Nico walked over to his locker to get changed, he had made a habit of staying as far away from Percy at that time, but he couldn't resist glancing over his shoulder at the older boy. Percy had already put his jeans on and was facing Nico while he took off his shirt. Nico gave the tight muscles a quick scan before meeting his eyes. Percy smirked and raised an eyebrow, as if he was asking Nico what the verdict was. Nico shrugged and turned away hoping to hide the blush. For once he didn't even think to consider if anyone else had noticed.

Leo noticed, and spent the whole computers class to make suggestive smiles at Nico.

"Cut it out Leo. I swear."

Leo rolled his chair over so he could have a whispered conversation with the Italian. "Soo? Does this mean what I think it means? Next step for Perico?"

"What are you talking about? And what the hell does Perico mean?"

"Percy and Nico!"

"Leo!" Nico glanced around to see if anyone was listening.

"Nico! Come on, you two are so cute together! I know we're all pretending we don't know you two have something going on, but I was thinking maybe this is the start of the next step."

Nico felt the blood drain from his face, "What do you mean we all? Who all?"

Leo laughed "Relax, I just mean our little group. I may not have been there that weekend but I know something happened. It's not like its super obvious or anything. Although... If you two keep making eyes at each other in the change room I think it's going to get around."

Nico groaned and put his head down on the desk in front of him. Leo laughed again.

"Would it really be so bad?" The Latino asked seriously.

"What?"

"I just mean, Percy's great, why don't you want people to know about you two? So many people would be jealous, but it's obviously something real."

Nico blinked, "It's not that simple. Besides there's nothing to know."

"Yet."

Nico smiled slowly, "Yet."

"But, maybe soon?"

Nico nodded, "I think so, maybe, yea. Just don't say anything. We're trying to take this slow and I don't really like the attention it will generate."

Leo nodded, a huge smile still glued to his face, "Don't worry Nico, I'm not a gossip."

"Yes you are." He replied with a laugh.

"Okay, usually, yes. But in this case, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"Thanks Leo."

After school Nico ran to catch Will at his locker.

"Hey, Nico. What's up?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to bale on you tonight."

"Really? What's more important than junk food and BBC?"

Nico blushed, "Percy."

"Thank the Gods, finally!" Will ruffled his hair.

"It's just a school project. But that's a start right?"

"Right! Start slow, like I said. I guess you forgave him for his behavior at lunch?"

"Yea. I mean, it's kind of cute how jealous he gets." Nico stammered looking at his feet.

"It kind of is. Besides, I told you it wasn't a big deal anyways. Alright, you two crazy kids have fun tonight."

"Thanks Will!"

The friends smiled and Nico ran off to meet Percy.

Percy sat on the hood of his blue Sebring with Jason and Piper to wait for Nico.

"So, you and Nico, hanging out." Piper wiggled her eyebrows at Percy.

"We're just working on a project."

"Come on, you don't actually believe that." Jason cut in, "I mean he didn't ask you to be his partner because you're oh so smart."

Percy glared at his friend, "Okay, so yes, the thought did cross my mind that he wants this excuse to hang out. And I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up but inside I'm screaming like a 12 year old girl. But here he comes and if either of you two do anything to make him feel awkward I swear to the Gods I will hurt you." Percy jumped down from his car and smiled at Nico, "You ready to go?"

"Mhmm. I forgot you drove." Nico eyes the car suspiciously.

"If you can call it driving." Jason mumbled, earning a glare from Percy.

"Come on Nico, let's go." He walked around and got into the driver side.

Nico waved to Jason and Piper before climbing into the passenger seat and clicking on his belt.

"I was going to open your door for you, but I figured that would be a bad idea."

Nico laughed, "Yea, I would have had to fight the urge to punch you in the gut. And I may have lost."

"Well, just wanted to tell you, I thought about it. Being a gentleman and all."

"Would you have opened the door for Jason?" Nico pointed out.

"No. But I don't have a huge crush on Jason." Percy replied with a smirk and a wink. Nico blushed and looked out the window. "I'm sorry, was that inappropriate?" Nico shook his head with a small smile. "Good. If I cross the line, just tell me alright?"

"Alright Percy." Nico rolled his eyes. They rode the rest of the way in a surprisingly comfortable silence.