Nico was just lounging around, resting after another tiring shadow travel. He found yet another hotel to stay at before he made his final trip to a very different hotel. The Lotus Hotel and Casino. He had convinced himself that this was the best way to escape his life. He knew he could never belong anywhere. That was when the TV caught his eye, barely missing a photo he could swear was of himself. He turned up the volume and stared open mouthed at the news story flashing across the screen.

"A young boy by the name of Nico di Angelo was finally found after declared missing for two months. He was spotted by a desk receptionist who immediately called in upon recognition…" a news reporter was saying.

Bang! The door was suddenly forced open to reveal a grinning Percy-the one person it hurt too much to be around-and a relieved looking Sally Jackson.

"Perc-…uhh…how did you..." He stuttered like an idiot before coming to his senses enough to bolt, but Percy was faster. He lashed out and clamped his whole body around Nico's arm, throwing him off balance and onto the floor. He struggled and tried to push Percy off, thrashing around and yelling profanities at him. Percy finally pinned him down and barely whispered his name. "Nico…"

He glanced at Percy's face and suddenly went limp at the sight of it. Percy's eyes were squeezed shut with fresh tears flowing down his cheeks and the most pained expression he had ever seen. If he didn't know any better, he'd have thought Percy was dying or something.

"Perce?" Nico said questioningly, eyes glued to his face, unable to look away from the tragic beauty of it.

"Why…why would you do that? You can't…I can't…" Percy managed to gasp out. His eyes were open now, gazing intensely down at him. His heart nearly stopped and he suddenly became hyper-aware of Percy's body pinning him down, holding his hands on either side of his head. Why did he have to be so strong? He blushed and looked away, hoping to change his train of thoughts.

"How did you find me?" He managed to get out after a long pause, struggling to get his hands free again. This time Percy loosened his grip, just barely, but enough.

Ms. Jackson spoke up, right beside him "We've been searching for you for the last two months, honey. We put your name and photo all over the news. I'm surprised you hadn't noticed." When did she get there? He wondered to himself. Well it made sense about not knowing since he shadow traveled everywhere and didn't usually get rooms with cable. This time though, he had been particularly bored and tired. Damn! He mentally cursed himself for being so careless.

"Percy get off me. I'm not going with you! You can't make me." He shouted and squirmed free, scrambling up and grabbing his aviator's jacket.

"You dumbass." Percy mumbled, getting up. "You really think we're letting you get away?" He continued, his voice raising. "You think I'm letting you go that easy? You're coming home with us! Deal with it Nico!" Percy fumed, another trait I had rarely seen on him. But he's pulling it off so cutely. Shut up brain!

"Damnit why don't you ever talk to anyone? Why won't you ever let someone in? Maybe then you'd find friends, and stop having urges to run away from us! From me." Percy added that last part softly.

"Percy" Nico started, but didn't know what to say. "Perce, it's not you I'm running from. Well, I guess it is, but it's not like that…It's…something else." He trailed off lamely.

"There you go again. Just tell me Nico. Stop holding back your feelings." Percy said with an irritated tone.

"I like you Percy!" Nico blurted out, then mentally cursed himself again. Damn brain, what's up with you today? "I like you." He repeated softly, sinking to the ground in defeat. He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his forehead atop them. Curling up as small as he could.

Suddenly, a hand touched his shoulder, and his head jerked up to find Percy's face inches from his. A smile was playing on the demigod's lips, fighting for control and winning. Percy sighed and threw his arms around Nico, clutching him as close as possible.

"I like you too, Nico." Percy whispered into his ear. Nico blushed and was aware again of Percy all over him. He glanced sheepishly at Ms. Jackson, and felt a rush of embarrassment. Percy didn't seem to notice though. In fact, he didn't seem to be aware of anything except Nico. I could get used to this. "That's why it hurts so much when you leave." Percy continued.

"Umm Perce?" Nico asked, not wanting to ruin the moment, but also not quite believing him. "What do you mean by like?"

"Hmmm" came Percy's response. "Well I mean that I want to hold you tight and never let you go."

This answer seemed to satisfy him for the time being. "Can you get off me now? I'd like to go home." Nico said quietly. Ms. Jackson just smiled to herself like she knew all this would happen, which she probably did. Percy pulled back enough to look at Nico's face, planted a kiss on his forehead and sighed in relief.

"Yeah buddy, let's go home." Percy pulled Nico up and into a hug before letting go and turning towards his mom, keeping one hand grasped firmly to Nico's. "Do you think we could stop somewhere to eat? Maybe get some gelato?" He turned back to Nico, "Would you like that Nico?"

Nico could only nod, unused to being paid so much attention. He couldn't meet Percy's eyes as he was led through the hotel, down to the car waiting for him. Percy got in the backseat and pulled Nico in after him, causing him to fall onto Percy. He blushed and sat up to put on his seatbelt, which was hard to do with one hand. Yeah, I could definitely get used to this.

Percy leaned in and whispered into Nico's ear "You're so cute when you blush."

That only caused Nico to blush deeper. Percy busted out laughing, and he was so cute that it gave Nico a burst of courage. His turn. He leaned into Percy's ear and whispered "Your laugh is so cute."

Percy blushed slightly, but kept laughing. Damn, he was going to have to work on that. Nico sighed in defeat and leaned back against the seat, letting his head fall back. They rode in silence for a while, once Percy finally stopped laughing. Why was he so cute? I just can't get him out of my head. Percy took that time to pull Nico's head in to rest on his shoulder. The hand that wasn't latched onto Nico's came up to play with his hair. The gesture soothed Nico and he started to drift off. He was just so tired…