The world inside Jason's head spun so fast it was dizzying. Before he knew, he took the outstretched hand in front of him, save and steady - such a cruel contrast to his own desperate motion.

Jason's blush darkened. He was so obvious. Though not as obvious as when the ex-praetor quite literally kidnapped Nico out of the son of Apollo's greedy grip, dragging him to his cabin, and well his excuse was laughable, almost impossible not to see through. In a stroke of genius, he'd stuttered something about Frank and Mythomagic and showed him those cards with tiny Greek deities Percy had bought him. Nico was instantly hooked. They spend the whole afternoon together, talking and smiling while Nico enlightened him about the wonders of the game he loved so much. It was fun, a fond to remember and treasure. And then Jason couldn't think at all. Suddenly Nico's arm was around him.

"Relax," the other breathed against his skin and he knew by the beat of his own heart that he was screwed. Oh so slowly, the son of Hades positioned Jason's hand firmly on his shoulder and his own on Jason's waist.

Juno's champ needed a moment to catch up. Impossible. Jason laughed a little crazed. How could he relax with Nico and him basically sharing the same air? It was all happening so fast.

"Maestro!" He heard Hazel as she clapped her palms together, demanding another song.

Nico was asking something which Jason missed. Helpless he shook his head, gaze glued to his feet.

The next piece started and he didn't know what to do. He could feel eyes on him, could see Percy giving him a thumbs up while his mouth silently formed the words 'Tell him'. Now or never, right?

"Jason?" Nico waited with a patience he had no choice but to learn.

Tell him. Jason nodded not trusting his voice. An eternity must have passed, still, step by step Nico guided him forward till they too finally moved. It was nothing like Jason had witnessed Nico and Hazel do bare moments ago.

Clumsy and awkward he tried to follow Nico's animated flow. The son of Hades led him through the basics, learning, and growing next to each other, and finding their rhythm. At some point, the fright inside Jason evaporated. They weren't perfect, but they danced and it felt right.

Tell him.