Disclaimer: I (sadly) do not own the PJaTO franchise, though I really wish I could. Maybe just in name though, I'll let someone else take responsibility for everything. Since I don't own anything, I'll just spread the Nicercy goodness. C:

I also do not own the lyrics from XOXO by Exo, which I used as linebreakers. Yeah, I am a KPOP fan, haha. Sorry, if that's not what you're into.

A/N: So, I updated. Yaaayyyyy. I am not as satisfied with this chapter, but it's the best I could do. I am also working on my Harry Potter story at the same time, so I might not update as fast anymore. School is also coming up next week, too. Ugh.

Warnings: Language (ofc, it is me), Characters Not in Character (well, I am no Rick Riordan), Obscene Use of Italics, Some Teasingly Intimate Moments, Cheesy Romance.

-An X is kiss for a soft kiss-

Paint Me a Better Tomorrow

VI.
It's a Study Session (No, Trust Me, It's a Date)

-An O for a circled hug-

Turns out, they really needed the tutoring after all. Jason was suffering through AP US History with a measly D-, while Nico was barely passing with a C- (which he deemed unacceptable).

"This is a really nice house," Percy said politely, as he walked in the front door. He was instantly hit with a pleasant smell. He couldn't really describe it, but there was something wholly sweet with a tinge of spice about the scent. It made him feel comfortable, warm, and undeniably safe. 'Smells like a second home.'

"Welcome home, boys," Persephone greeted, dressed in a frilly apron and oven mitts to match. Her eyes widened when she saw Percy and Leo, who blushed under her scrutinizing gaze. "And, who are these two?"

"Just friends," came Nico's clipped reply. Percy frowned at his answer, feeling that it was rude, especially when it's to his mom (though the pretty lady didn't look like him whatsoever).

"My name is Percy Jackson," he introduced, smiling politely. "And, this is Leo Valdez" - he gestured to the impish boy beside him- "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. di Angelo." He noticed that Nico and his mom flinched with a frown. Did he say something wrong?

"Just call me Persephone," she said, her tone soft and bittersweet. "I'm just their step mom." But, she immediately brightened up. "It's very nice to meet you two, as well. Would you like some snacks?"

Leo's stomach rumbled in reply and he blushed in embarrassment. "Yes, please."

Persephone laughed heartily. Percy and Leo visibly relaxed at the warm, honeyed laugh, chuckling along. Nico and Jason didn't join in, but the corners of their lips were twitching, as if holding back a smile.

"You guys go ahead," Persephone said with a smile, mostly directly at Percy and Leo, who grinned shyly back. Her smile broadened and she felt a sense of sheer happiness envelope her heart. "I'll go bring the snacks up later."

Nico and Jason made no reply, as they headed up first. Percy and Leo followed in suit, sharing bewildered looks, but not before thanking Persephone. She seemed so nice. Why were they treating her so rudely?

When they were all seated in Nico's room - or, more correctly, Nico's suite - the said boy closed the door, locking it for good measure, and flopped onto his bed with a sigh. Percy shared another look of confusion with Leo, as they sat down on the floor.

"She seems nice," Leo started, glancing up at Nico and Jason, who were laying on the bed. When both boys sat up in alarm, he knew he had said something wrong.

"Nice?" Nico practically spat the word. "She's anything, but nice. Don't fall for her charms." Percy cringed at the harsh tone, unconsciously scooting closer to Leo. He hasn't seen this side of Nico yet and it scared him quite a bit. It saddened him even more to finally realize that he didn't know much about his teammate.

"Nico, calm down," Jason asserted with an exasperated sigh. "You're scaring them."

The Italian blinked and glanced down to see Percy's placid face. There was nothing about his expression that seemed scared, but his eyes - those wonderfully expressive sea-green eyes - held what seemed like fear mixed with confusion. He bit his lip and released a long breath. "I - I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"It's alright," Percy replied, almost too quickly. He thanked the gods that his voice didn't waver. "Let's just get started with the tutoring, yeah?" He wanted to ask more about Nico's relationship with his mom - no, step mom - but, he knew better than to delve where he wasn't wanted.

Nico nodded, happy for the subject change, and pulled out his chemistry book, along with today's homework assignment. He felt guilty for acting out earlier, but he would avoid talking about Persephone. He didn't think he could control himself in front of Leo and Percy otherwise.

"So, what do you want to start with?" Percy asked, situating himself beside Nico. He had been patiently waiting for Nico, while Leo had already begun his session with Jason and was quite surprised to see that the other knew practically nothing. Percy could only hope that it was not the same for Nico. But, hope doesn't always prevail.

Nico stared at the first problem in disbelief. 'What the fuck is this?'

"Percy, can you show me how to do the first one?" he asked, feeling a little ashamed. He turned to Percy, who had somehow moved beside him without him knowing, and held his breath when he felt Percy's warmth against his side. The other boy's breath ghosted on his cheek, sending a flush down his neck. He was so close.

"Here, you do this," Percy instructed. He led Nico through the steps carefully, trying to make his directions sound as simple as possible. He watched as Nico's eyes widened in understanding and chuckled when the Italian realized just how easy the problem was, if he knew the steps.

"Thanks, mio bello," Nico murmured, engrossed in his work. Once Percy taught him how to balance equations correctly, he whizzed through the assignment like it was child's play. "I didn't think it was so simple."

Percy shrugged. "Our chemistry teacher isn't known for being the easiest teacher around. His way of teaching takes a while to get used to." He blushed when he saw Nico staring at him with something akin to admiration. "Ummm… Nico?"

"Yes?"

"What does mio bello mean?"

Nico smirked, leaning in until his lips touched the curve of Percy's ear. He kissed the boy's neck teasingly, feeling his breath hitch, and whispered, "It means my beautiful, gorgeous."

"Get a room!" Leo yelled, snickering with Jason. Percy blushed, his heart beating erratically, and shied away from Nico. He bit his lip, carefully not to whine at the loss of Nico's warmth. The Italian chuckled and pulled Percy flush against his chest, causing the other to squeak in surprise.

"N-nico!"

"Yes, baby?"

Percy only flushed harder, feeling Nico's toned body against his. "Stop playing around and do your work."

"Fine." Percy could practically hear the pout in his voice. Begrudgingly, he pulled out another sheet of paper and began working on his assignment, still holding onto his cute siren. Percy didn't seem to mind, so he just kept hold of him, as he finished his homework. If he always had encouragement like this all the time, homework wouldn't be such a chore and school would be way easier.

A knock on the door startled the four occupants. Percy and Nico drew apart in surprise, while Leo and Jason pulled their heads away from their work.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, honey," Persephone replied. "I have your snacks."

"Just leave it by the door. I'll get it later," Nico replied, trying to best not to sound harsh.

"Your father just came home," she added. A small clatter sounded, as she set the tray of snacks onto the floor. "He's coming to check on you. You better not be doing anything naughty in there." She giggled to herself and walked away, her footsteps growing farther and farther.

"Yeah, Perce. You better not be doing anything naughty in there." Leo reciprocated mockingly, causing Percy to blush in mortification.

"Just go get the snacks, Valdez." With a snicker, Leo opened the door and grabbed the small tray, bringing a waft of mouthwatering aroma into the room. He set the tray onto the bed and the four of them crowded around, grabbing snacks left and right.

"This is really good," Percy commented. "Did Persephone make it?"

Nico shrugged. "Probably."

"She's a good cook, then," Leo said with an impish smile. Nico and Jason shared a look, but made no attempt to reply.'Mamma's cooking is better.'

Another knock sounded on the door. This time, it was stronger and resounded throughout the room. "Nico, can I come in?"

"Sure, dad. Just let me get the door." Nico stood up and opened the door, a grin evident on his face, contrary to his facial expression in the presence of Persephone. Percy and Leo noticed the difference, but decided against thinking anything of it. It was Nico's business. If he wanted to tell them, he would. Otherwise, they would just let it go. Besides they had other problems to worry about, like meeting Nico's dad.

They looked up to see a tall man. He was handsome, the years having done nothing to his appearance. It was quite obvious where Nico got his good looks from. He also had crinkles around his eyes and a grin on his face, a sign of a sense of humor. The boys visibly relaxed and let themselves have a small smile. Nico's dad seemed nice.

"And, who do we have here?" a warm baritone asked, sounding very much amused.

"I'm Percy Jackson," he said with a soft smile, "I'm tutoring Nico. Nice to meet you." He seemed surprised when Hades held out a hand, but he shook it eagerly, making the di Angelo chuckle.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. And, who is your friend?"

"My name is Leo Valdez. I'm helping Jason with history."

Hades also shook Leo's hand and greeted him warmly. He glanced around the room, seeing papers scattered in multiple places, and smiled. "I'm glad you guys are really studying. I thought it was a euphemism for something else."

"Dad!"

"Kidding, kidding." Hades chuckled. "I'm just playing with you. Are these the two boys you've been talking about? Your precious captain and co-captain?"

"The very same," Jason replied, while Percy and Leo blushed. They didn't know what to say to being called, "precious". Maybe, they did have a chance after all.

"I'm glad you've made some friends," Hades said, his smile soft. "And, thank you for helping out my two boys. They must have been a handful."

Percy pinned a knowing look on Nico, who just smiled innocently. "It's nothing we can't handle."

"Says the one enjoying being handled," Leo muttered, causing Hades to break into laughter.

"You guys are hilarious. I could see why Jason and Nico took a liking to you." He took a quick glance at the clock. "It's getting late. Why don't you stay for dinner? I can drive you home later."

"We'll have to ask our parents," Percy said. He fished out his phone and dialed his dad's number. After a couple rings, Poseidon answered with a cheery hello.

"Hey, dad, can I eat dinner at Nico's tonight?"

"Sure, just don't stay too late. Your mother says you have to be home before 9."

"Okay."

"And, Percy?"

"Yes?"

"Triton and Tyson said congratulations on your first date."

Percy blushed, quickly turning to face the wall when he saw the others looking at him curiously. "It's not a date," he hissed.

"From what I heard, it might as well be a date. I mean, you're with the one you like, right?"

"Dad!"

Poseidon chuckled. "Alright, alright. Go eat dinner at your date's house. I'll call Hephaestus that Leo is staying over, too."

"Thanks, dad."

"No problem. I'm just glad my baby boy is growing up. I'll see you later. Bye, Percy."

"Bye, dad." He hung up and tried his best to will his blush away. His family could be so embarrassing at times.

"So, how'd it go?"

"My dad said yes," he told them. "He's going to call Leo's dad and tell him, too. I'm sure he'll let Leo stay."

"Now that, that's settled," Hades said, grinning roguishly. "It's time to eat."

. . .

(Some time later…)

"Thanks for the wonderful dinner, Mr. di Angelo," Leo said, poking his head into the car window with a satisfied grin.

"Thank you for inviting us for dinner and taking us home," Percy acknowledged, before hesitantly adding, "Oh. And, compliments to the chef." He quickly turned his back to Nico and Jason to avoid seeing how they reacted.

Hades chuckled. "I'll Persephone that once we get home." Turning to Nico and Jason, he suggested, "Why don't you two walk Percy and Leo to the door. I'll wait here."

"I was already going to," Nico mumbled, as he and Jason climbed out of the car to where Percy and Leo were standing. They walked them up to the front door of the Jackson residence, conversation subsiding into silence.

"I had fun today," Percy admitted. He blushed, thinking back to the intimate moment with Nico.

"I did, too," Nico said. "Thank you for all your help."

"It's nothing. I'm just glad i could help." And, be around you.

"We should meet up again soon," Jason suggested. "If that's alright with you, of course."

Leo and Percy shared a grin. "How about we shoot some hoop this weekend? I know a place."

"Sounds like a plan."

"So, Saturday?"

Nico nodded. "Want to meet at my house again?"

"Sure. The place isn't far from where you live," Percy said, biting his lip to keep himself from breaking into a wide grin. "We can bike or walk there."

"I guess it's a date." Leo's comment made them all blush. It grew quiet for a moment, before they all broke into peals of laughter.

"Well, it's getting late. We should go home," Jason told Nico. "Bye, Leo. Bye, Percy. We had a lot of fun today." They both turned to leave.

"Wait!" cried Leo and Percy, causing the two to turn around in confusion. Percy walked up to shyly to Nico, and wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling him into a hug. Then, he did something daring (and totally unexpected). He planted a soft kiss on the corner of Nico's lips, murmuring, "Something to remember me by."

Leo was not as timid in his approach. He strutted up to Jason with a impish grin plastered on his face and kissed Jason's cheek, his lips flitting across the smooth skin sweetly. "Good night, Jason."

Before anyone could realize what just happened, both boys quickly turned tail and ran into the house with matching blushes leaving Nico and Jason touching the areas where they had been tenderly kissed.

It took Jason a moment to speak up. "Well at least, I learned something today."

"What?"

"If those kisses were anything to go by, they like us."

Nico smirked. "And, we have a date this Saturday."

Suddenly, a loud honk could be heard across the street. "Ok, ok. We're coming!"

. . .

"Annabeth!" Percy called out when he caught sight of Annabeth on her way to school. He quickly pushed his foot against the ground, sending his skateboard towards his friend.

"Percy," she greeted tiredly. She didn't look like she got much sleep the night before. "Good morning."

"Uh, morning. Did you sleep at all last night?"

Annabeth shook her head. "I couldn't. Kept tossing and turning thinking about our deal. I was trying to come up with ways to ask her out."

"Speaking of our deal," Percy said slowly. "We already finished our part. We had our date - no, our study session - yesterday. We're going to have another one on Saturday."

Annabeth glanced up at him with wide eyes, her lips parted in surprise. "Already?"

"I'm sorry, Annie. You don't have to do it if you don't have to." Percy padded softly against the ground, matching the pace Annabeth was going.

"No, it's alright," she said, dismissing the thought. "I'll do it. I already said I would."

Percy frowned. "Are you sure? You don't have to do it right away. I know you're tired."

"It's fine," Annabeth dismissed, shooting Percy a weak smile. "I look like shit. Hell, I feel like shit, but I can do it. If I don't do it today, all of yesterday's preparation would be all for nothing." He nodded, knowing what she meant. If she doesn't do it today, she probably won't be able to do it at all.

"If that's what you want, wise girl, then good luck."

"I'll definitely need it, seaweed brain," she said with a sigh. "But enough about me, how did the tutoring go?" Percy blushed and instantly, Annabeth knew.

"So, it was like that, huh?" She positively cackled when he almost fell off his skateboard. The reddened glow on his cheeks only deepened to a darker shade of crimson.

"No! We didn't do that. We just studied and hekissedmyneckanditwashotandImethisparents."

"What?"

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in exasperation. "He kissed my neck and it was hot and I met his parents."

"That's so cute," Annabeth squealed. "What are his parents like?"

Percy made a face, not sure what to say. "Well… they're both really nice. Persephone is a really good cook and his dad reminds me of my dad."

"Persephone?"

"His stepmother," he replied, the memory of last night still fresh in his mind. "Long story, they don't get along. I don't know what happened to his real mom and I don't know why he seems to hate Persephone. She's such a sweet lady."

"He probably has his reasons," continued Annabeth. "It's not really our place to pry."

"And, I'd rather not pry at all," Percy remarked. "He got pretty riled up when I called Persephone his mom."

She furrowed her brow in suspicion, but decided not to press it. "D-do you think Reyna will say yes?" she asked, her voice was impossibly soft.

"Oh, Annie." Percy swallowed the lump forming at his throat. "The thing is you never know. She might say yes. She… might not. I'm not going to say anything that might give you false hope."

"But, what if she says no?" She bit her lip distractedly. "I've like her, since forever. I don't know what I'll do. It'll hurt too much."

"It'll be loss, then," he asserted, smiling softly at her. "You're a wonderful person, Annabeth. Smart, caring, and beautiful in your own way. If she says no, then she's missing out."

"Thanks, Percy," she said, blushing a soft pink.

Percy chuckled. "It's the truth." He paused, as if contemplating something. "If she does say no, well… you have to move on. To be honest, I wouldn't know what to do either. It would hurt, but like someone wise told me, you have to try." He gave her a knowing grin and she cracked a small smile.

"I knew my words would come back to spite me," she muttered, but it was clear to see that her mood had brightened.

"So, when are you going to ask her?"

She shrugged. "Maybe, before break. I still don't know."

"Well," Percy began, "you decided better soon. Cause we're here."

. . .

It took until lunch for Annabeth to gather up her courage. She did see Reyna at break, but she couldn't even look her in the eye, much less ask her out. Reyna was too perfect, too unapproachable, just too much of everything Annabeth wasn't. There were so many reasons for rejection running through his mind, but she was still looking for that one reason. That one hope that Reyna might say yes.

She stood in front of the cafeteria and took a deep breath, before stepping inside. The constant chatter inside helped calm her erratic heartbeat a bit, but she could still feel her heart beating wildly against her chest. Fuck, could she really do this? She scanned the lunchroom and felt slightly relieved, not to mention a little anxious, when she couldn't find Reyna.

"Annabeth!" She turned to the direction of the voice and noticed that it was Leo, who was waving her over to his table. With a sigh, she walked over and sat down beside Percy, plopping her head against the table with an audible thunk.

"Still no luck?"

"Do you even need to ask? I don't even know where she is," Annabeth groaned.

"I saw her walk out earlier. I think she might be in the gardens or something," Percy said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Come on, wise girl. You can do this."

Leo nodded enthusiastically in agreement, even though she couldn't see. "If we can do it, you can, too. You're Annabeth Chase. You can do anything."

"Thanks, guys," she sighed, sitting up slowly. "I'll go do it now. If I come back in tears, you'll know why."

Percy shook his head. "Don't think like that. And, to think you were the optimistic one. Just go already, before you chicken out." He pushed her towards the door and gave her a thumbs-up. She just huffed and walked off, her blonde ponytail whipping around wildly.

'The gardens, huh," she mumbled to herself. "At least, it's somewhere private." She almost ran to the back of the school, where the gardens were located, not wanting to waste any more time. No one stopped her along the way and she was infinitely grateful. If they had, she surely would have just given up and called it a day.

Annabeth was out of breath by the time she reached the gardens. She was not, by any means, an athletic person. That was Percy and Leo's department. She was more of the brains, but that didn't explain why she was willing to risk rejection to ask Reyna out. All possible outcomes seemed to lead to her living a lonely life forever, but she still believed that there was hope for her. 'I should stop hanging out with Piper and her mom,' she thought. 'They're influencing me.'

The gardens were truly a beautiful place, but Annabeth couldn't even focus on the flowers with her mind running at a hundred miles per hour. She was so nervous that her palms were sweating and she hasn't even seen Reyna yet. She decided to walk a little faster, anything to get it over with. But, time seemed to freeze when she finally caught sight of Reyna.

The girl was leaning against an oak tree with her buds in and her eyes closed. She was just wearing her Lady-Lites (a nickname for the Elysium's girl basketball team) uniform, but she looked like a goddess in Annabeth's eyes with her sun-kissed skin and toned body.

"Hey, Chase?" Annabeth snapped out of her stupor, blushing at being caught staring. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah. I-I came to talk t-to y-you." 'Good, good. Straight to the point. Nice going, Annabeth.'

Reyna straightened up, her rapt attention on Annabeth. "What about?"

"I…" Her throat up when she made eye contact with Reyna and she looked away, her blush deepening. "I… like you. I-I've like y-you for a while, Reyna."

"Look at me and say it again." Reyna's voice was soft, but full of authority. Fitting for the captain of the basketball team.

Annabeth shivered at the demanding tone. "I'm sorry?"

"Just look at me." When Annabeth didn't comply, Reyna sighed and walked over to her. She cupped the blonde's chin, taking notice how soft her skin was, and nudged her gently, bringing Annabeth to look at her. "Now, repeat what you said."

"I.. like you." At those words, Reyna smiled and pulled Annabeth close, eliciting a gasp from the latter.

"You're so brave," she complimented, chuckling when she felt Annabeth's cheeks heat up against her skin. "You're absolutely gorgeous and just brilliant. So beautiful. So perfect." So mine.

"So, you like me?" Her question held so much hesitation.

Reyna just smiled and hugged Annabeth tighter, her smile widening when she felt small arms wrapped around her waist. "Yes, I like you, Annabeth Chase. I have, since the day I met you."

They held each other until the bell rung, just basking in each other's' presence. Both were reluctant to break the embrace, but they had to get to class. But before they went their separate ways, Annabeth shyly kissed Reyna on the cheek, whispering, "Meet me at the library after school."

Then, she proceeded to run to class, leaving Reyna stunned. The warning bell broke her out of the trance and she cursed, gathering her stuff quickly. But as she ran to class, she couldn't help, but smile. She had a date with the wise girl.

-Actually, my heart is deeper, deeper than the sea-

So, that's it for this chapter. The terminology is pretty simple in this one, so I don't have to explain it. (read: lazy ass me)

I'll try to update Chapter 7 as soon as I can, but no promises.

Also, any Kpop fans out there?

Anyways, until next time, I am Fullreverse. (: