Will

»You're so stupid sometimes. «, I heard myself saying, it was not more than a whisper but I'm sure he had heard. I took another step. He was so close, Gods, what was I doing?

A single tear ran down Nico's cheekbones, I raised my hand to brush it away but hesitated, I couldn't do that, could I? Surely Nico would kill me if I did. I looked into his face and our eyes met, there was so much more than just his typical 'I'm Nico Di Angelo, the son of Hades and King of Ghosts you cannot come near me' – look, that managed so perfectly well, there was fear and anger and sadness, so much sadness.

I touched his face and still, Nico did nothing to stop me. He looked at me, motionless. I pulled him closer to me and the last few inches air that were between us vanished, I could feel his chest against mine, I could see every single eyelash. My mouth felt dry. Slowly, very slowly I leaned in and barely touched his lips with mine. I drew back and looked at Nico, waiting for an explosion. The fear had vanished from his eyes and there was something else, something I could not name. Suddenly Nico raised his hands and grabbed my face. I was so astonished that I almost forgot to kiss him back. It was a gentle kiss, yet longing and deep. I opened my mouth our tongues began to dance around each other very tenderly. His hands stroked through my hair and I forgot how to breathe. Eventually I pulled out and looked at Nico once again, he smiled shyly and I smiled back and I swear we would have stood like that for hours and hours but suddenly Nico's eyes widened and he blushed, stepping away from me. I turned around and saw Hazel standing in the shadow of a tree nearby. She looked surprised, maybe even shocked but she smiled.

»Percy told me that you had a problem, so I came as quickly as I could. Turns out that wouldn't have been necessary. «

»Hazel, I - «, Nico began, but stopped when Hazel came closer, still smiling.

»It's okay. I understand and I'm sorry to interrupt. I was just worried because of what Percy sad. «

»What did he say? «

»Not much. Just that you might need someone to talk to. «, Nico nodded and I suddenly remembered something. »He knows, doesn't he? The conversation you two had yesterday…«

»Yes – no – I mean – . When I was like twelve I had that stupid crush on him and that's what I told him yesterday. «, Nico blushed even more, if that was possible. I couldn't help but giggle,

»You had a crush on Percy Jackson? «, Nico gave me an angry look but soon laughed with me. Hazel just stood there and looked at us and seemed very pleased with herself.

»Right then, guys. It seems like I'm not needed after all but I think I will stay, now that I'm here. I guess I'll see you later then. «, and she turned around to go but Nico held her back,

»Hazel. «

»Yes Nico? «

»Don't tell anybody okay? Not yet. I – I think we want to do that by ourselves…? «, he glanced at me with a questioning look and I nodded. Yes, it would be the best if we did that by ourselves especially since I didn't even know what to say. I still couldn't quite believe what just happened. Hazel left and we both watched her go.

»So. «, I cleared my throat and didn't dare to look at Nico. »So, do you…like…you know…« I took a deep breath, »Do you want to go to the Campfire with me tonight? Like…as a date? « From the corner of my eye I could see Nico smile, »Er, yeah. Yeah I would like that. «, I let out a breath I didn't even noticed I held, turned to Nico and smiled back.

»Nico, I - «, I couldn't get any further because Nico shut me up with another kiss

and this time it was not shy or insecure but passionate and longing. It was pure fire, I felt my knees getting weak and a soft moan escaped my mouth. Nico dragged me back inside his cabin, closed the door and pushed me onto his bed.