NICO FELT CONFUSED. After the talk with Percy, all emotions were going crazy.
Will stepped out, holding ambrosia. "Here. Eat."
Nico accepted it. "Did you talk with Percy this morning?"
Will gave a look that was unreadable. "Gods," he murmurred. "Are you still hung up on him?"
"Percy?" Nico asked. "No, I was...young. It was just a stupid crush."
"It's not stupid. I can tell with the way you look at him. You don't deserve me holding you back. I think you need to talk to him."
"I did. I told him enough already. You...it's just hard enough as it is. Plus, I'll never have a chance with him."
"You may be surprised. Love is unpredictable."
Nico couldn't agree less.
PERCY WAITED UNTIL he could see Nico come out of the infirmary. "Hey! Di Angelo! Nico!" he called.
Nico turned to him, confused. "Me?"
Immediatly, Percy's throat ran dry. He had no idea what to say. Nico was a few inches away from him. They were face to face. "So, uh, now are you feeling?"
"Fine. What did you want to ask?"
"Uh, can we go somewhere private?"
Following, Nico tried not to take things the wrong way. Percy was probably going to ask if he could conjure up a ghost or something.
Percy paused at his cabin door. "So...Annabeth broke up with me today."
"Sorry?" Nico didn't know why Percy was telling him this.
"No, she didn't think it seemed right."
Nico's heart pounded.
"This," Percy whispered. "This feels right." He pressed his lips against Nico's, and Nico felt his body tingling.
When they pulled away, they realized that they were standing outside. Fortunately, no one saw them. Pulling the door open, Percy and Nico stepped in.
"Do...do you like me?" Nico asked.
Percy gave his special type of grin, with his eyes sparkling. "Does this answer your question?" He leaned toward Nico, pushing his chin up and once again, they kissed.
Nico felt Percy's heart beating against his own. For once, he knew he belonged. He knew he could be with someone he trusted, cared for, and looked up to.