Mending the Sea

Annabeth was less than pleased. In fact she was literally seething in rage. If not for her girlfriend-she still got tingles in saying that-, Pipper, who was grasping her arm tightly, she would have by now be on her way to New Rome and pounce on a certain son of Jupiter for causing her best friend such pain. Even though she and Percy had broken up, both discovering their preffered sexual orientation, they were still best friends and she loved him like a brother. The other three couples, Frank and Hazel, Octavian and Reyna, Chris and Clarisse, along with Travis, Conner, Leo, and Rachel, were all trying to comfort the son of Poseidon.

"He said it didn't mean anything! I was nothing to him!", Percy had ranted,"Just another one of his conquests! He was with me only for recognition! Just so he can say to the worled that he banged Percy Jackson! He used me! He abused my love! He toyed with my affections! He manipulated me! He was only with me for the fame! He's such a-"

And that was when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it...", said Rachel, as she stood up and walked to the door, opening it to find...Nico? "What are you doing here?", she gasped.

"I'm here to apologize to Percy", he said,"May I please come in?"

She openned her mouth to respond, but Percy beat her to the punch, "There's nothing to apologize for"

"Yes there is", he urged, "Perce-"

"You don't have to say your sorry", he insisted,"I don't blame you for anything, its my fault for believing that there would be a guy out for me so...no problem"

"Percy", he pressed on,"You-"

"I'm not mad at you. I'm not even mad at Jason. It was just a pleasant change to rely on someone instead of every single freaking person depending on you, looking up to you with those hopeful eyes and those incredible expectations. It was different having somebody court you. I've only dated Annie after all. So, I always assumed I loved him, because he was the first to like me in that way. And yes, we're still friends. No, I'm not angry. Yes, I made up with Jason. Yes, we're friends again, too. No, I'm not angry at him. Did I answer all your questions?"

"One more, are you planning to start dating again?"

"No, I'm not sure I can trust a guy again", he sighed,"cause dating Jason made me realize that I would never know if a guy liked me for me, or for the glory. What was I thinking a guy like Jason, actually liking a guy like me. I'm such a-"

"Perceus Jackson!", said Leo of all people, "Don't you dare keep saying crap like that! Any guy would be lucky as heck to have you!"

"Who would be unfortunate enough to believe that", retorted Percy.

"Who wouldn't?", he shot back,"You are a hero! You defeated the Titans! You beat the Giants! You killed countless of monsters! You-"

"That's just it! All I am to people is a hero! Without my powers I'm nothing! I'm just a loser!", he said, "What do I have besides my powers?"

"You're smart! You're adorable! You're strong! You're confident! You're funny! You're sweet! You're sensible! You're caring! You're friendly! You're loving!", he exclaimed, grabbing the older boh, "But most of all you would do anything for those you care about! Risking your own life just to save another! That's why I-...I mean we love about you!"

Without warning, Percy hugged the younger boy, squeezing him and cuddling close, and looked at him straight in the eye, "Thank you"

"No thanks necessary...", he whispered.

"Yes there is, I love you...-you guys, too", he murmered, leaning closer, their lips only inches apart.

Until Leo pulled away, muttering, "I have to go", and dashed off, blushing.

Percy flushed, confused and flustered, a crestfallen look displayed on his face.