WAKING UP, HEAD dizzy, Nico snapped his eyes open. Staring into a familiar pair of sea-green eyes, Nico sat up hastily. "Percy?"

"Yeah - hi. I'm sorry for clubbing you over the head. Will's right. That is bad for your health."

Was he smirking? Nico frowned darkly. "Uh huh."

"Anyway...I just wanted to check up on you. To see if you were okay."

"Do you think I'm some dumb little kid?" Nico couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Percy looked uncomfortable.

"You were talking behind my back. I could hear you guys."

Percy cursed. "Nico, I...care about you. You and Will - you guys are perfect."

"I know. Because we're both gay."

Percy flinched, like the word startled him. Nico didn't bring up that word, or even say it after people realized it.

Nico felt tension. "Well, I feel better. You can leave."

Nodding, Percy's face reddened. "Bye." Stumbling out, he gave a small smile. "Not weird between us, right?"

Nico just shook his head. Always a Seaweed Brain.

OKAY, HE DID it. He talked to Nico di Angelo. Percy was first scared, but felt more relaxed. How had the kid went to a excited-little kid to a scowling, dark teen?

"Percy, how did it go?" Annabeth asked. "You know, I don't really think he appreciated talking to you. It creates more...awkward tension between you guys."

"Wrong!" Percy announced. "We even did a conversation. It's all good."

Annabeth cocked up an eyebrow. "Hmmmm."

Percy didn't even reassured himself. His voice was with doubt - he felt guilty that he wouldn't even tell his girlfriend the truth. "He's been through a lot," Percy said quietly.

"I know. His past...he deserves to be happy." Annabeth said this with full of emotion. "But maybe not with some other guys."

Confused, Percy stared.

"Are you really clueless? Percy...what I'm trying to say is that maybe, somehow, we aren't exactly...right."

Percy felt his throat constrict. "Uh..."

"You act weird around Nico, and haven't really paid attention to your attraction - so." Annabeth stopped. "I really love you. But, I don't think we CAN be together."

Percy's head was getting fuzzy. "Are we breaking up?"

"Yes. Until you realize who you are."

I am SUPER SORRY for any PERCABETH fans, but this is a PERNICO fanfic, so, sorry!