Happy Wednesday everyone!

I introduced Nico's character in this chapter so I hope you like it :)

Please leave a review if you can.

Beta: Azure Bluet

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Annabeth's P.O.V.

Piper and Annabeth made their way back to their dorm, tired after a good lunch. Piper really didn't want to study, so she decided to ask Annabeth something she was curious about the entire time.

"So, what's going on between you and Percy?" Piper asked, raising an eyebrow. Typical Piper; she always noticed everything.

"Nothing, we were just talking." Annabeth was a little defensive at the question.

"Annie, I know that you like him and from what I saw, he likes you too." Annabeth didn't appreciate Piper prying into her business, so she glared at her friend.

"Look, I don't have time for dating and stuff. I'm way too busy trying to top my class and working on some designs for my mom," Annabeth scoffed, hoping Piper would back down.

"Yeah, I know that but you've got to make some time for romantic interactions. It's part of college life and if you don't go on dates then you're certainly missing out," Piper retorted.

"Dates are just awkward and a sheer waste of time."

"Not if they're with the right person," Piper replied to her statement, causing Annabeth to roll her eyes. When her friend started an argument about her life, she never let go.

"Whatever. I just don't have the time."

Just then, Annabeth heard her phone buzz, so she took it out and excused herself. She saw that she had a text from an unknown number.

Hey, just checking to see if you gave me the right number. It's Percy btw.

I gave you the right number. I'm not that cruel ; ) -Annabeth

Good. Wait, should I have waited for like, 24 hours before texting u? -Percy

Only if we were dating. That's not a rule for friends. -Annabeth

Good to know. So, I can now annoy you as much as I want. -Percy

Annabeth laughed and replied, typing her response.

Just keep in mind that I can block your number anytime. -Annabeth

Noted. -Percy

I have to study. Ttyl -Annabeth

Bye :) -Percy

Annabeth's mom had always told her that boys were a distraction and to achieve your dreams, you needed to make sure that they weren't holding you back. Even though Annabeth did not agree with this extreme point of view, she did think that she should wait to date until she graduated.

….

Percy's P.O.V.

Percy was running late again. He had to meet his cousin, Nico, who was transferring to Columbia in his junior year of undergrad after the summer. He'd been studying in NYU since he had been rejected from Columbia when he first applied.

He decided to splurge and take a cab instead of using the subway, as that would take way more time. When he entered the cab, he texted Nico to let him know that he'd be a little late. Percy was exhausted from trying to juggle studying, work, swimming and having some sort of social life. His mom had assured him that if he wanted to quit working, she would support him financially but Percy knew that it would put a strain on her and his stepfather- Paul.

He was in Columbia on a swimming scholarship so he didn't have to pay any tuition, but he did have to cover other expenses such as dorms, food etc. His dad had also offered to give him money, but he wouldn't take anything from him if he could help it.

He finally reached the restaurant where he was supposed to meet Nico and went inside. He saw that Nico was already over there, busy typing something on his phone. Nico spotted him and smiled lightly. He hugged him and sat down.

"So, you excited about Columbia?" asked Percy, deciding to start with some small talk.

"Yeah, I think so. NYU is great and I made some friends, but I always liked Columbia more."

"It's pretty good," Percy agreed, thinking about his university.

"There's a reason I called you today Percy," Nico said seriously.

"What is it?" asked Percy, genuinely interested to know.

"Please just don't say anything till I finish talking," Nico pleaded, worrying Percy a little.

Percy nodded and let Nico continue. He paid the utmost attention to him, knowing that whatever he was about to say was going to be important.

"I've known something about myself for a long time but only recently accepted it about myself. I've already told this to my immediate family and friends. I want you to know as well. I don't want to hide this from anyone ever again, I've had enough with that. I'm gay. Yeah, that's pretty much it," Nico quickly said in one breath.

Percy was decently surprised, not expecting that at all. He didn't anticipate his cousin revealing such a big thing to him. He tried to be calm about this, since he knew that his cousin wouldn't appreciate him freaking out about this.

"Uh, wow. Since when have you known?" Percy asked the first question that popped into his head.

"Since sophomore year of high school," Nico replied, a bit hesitant. His acceptance of himself must have been a huge step for him.

"Wait, weren't you dating a girl last year? Tina?"

"As I said, I didn't accept myself for who I am and kept trying to convince my mind that it wasn't true. I've stopped doing that now and am the happiest I've ever been," his cousin explained.

"I'm so proud of you Nico. I'm really glad that you were brave enough to do this."

Percy knew that it was difficult for Nico to show any emotion, so he was baffled to see tears come out of his eyes. He didn't know what to do, since he had never seen Nico cry before.

"Thanks Percy. It means a lot to have your support."

Percy smiled at him. Nico had been through quite a lot in his life and Percy vowed to protect him if anything remotely bad happened to him.

"How have others received this?" Percy asked gently, not wanting to overwhelm Nico.

"My friends were pretty supportive but Mom and Dad were confused. They said that they didn't understand this but they still loved me. Honestly, that was much better than how I expected them to react."

"I am glad that your friends were supportive," Percy admitted. He was honest; he knew that he would have gone crazy had Nico's friends even slightly harmed him.

"They're great," Nico said, fondly.

"So, have you been on any dates with guys?" Percy asked cheekily.

"We didn't talk about my dating life before and we are definitely not going to start talking about it now.", said Nico firmly.

Percy laughed and said, "Okay, fine."

The two boys caught up for a bit as they ate their burgers. They were meeting after a long time since they'd been busy for the past few weeks.

Percy's ability to eat a ton of food never failed to astound Nico, who shook his head said, "Oh god Percy. At least chew your food before you swallow it."

"I don't have time. I'm too freaking hungry.", Percy replied before taking another gigantic bite of his burger.

All in all, it was a great Sunday lunch for the two boys.

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A/N

Please let me know your views about Nico coming out to Percy. Did I handle it poorly or was it ok?

What's your favourite ship in the books? Let me know in the reviews :)

Also, I post every Monday and Wednesday. If I finish a lot of chapters earlier than expected then I post randomly as well so follow the story to get updates!

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