Disclaimer: I do not the PJaTO franchise. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I even want to own it. It's just a bit too much work for me. The responsibility would kill me (like how high school is). I'm just here to spread the Nicercy goodness.

I do not own the song Let's Not Fall in Love by BIGBANG.

A/N: Well, I'm here. ^-^ This story is slowly coming to a close. It probably won't end until three-four more chapters, maybe less. I have started to form an idea on how it ends and I just hope that it ties all loose ends up. Once this story is done, I'm going to start working on my Drarry story full-time. :) ALSO, THIS IS PART TWO OF A DOUBLE UPDATE. I suggest you read the previous chapter first.

Sorry for taking such a long-ass time (one month, I know). Not only that I also posted another small fic in the Hetalia fandom, too. (check it out if you'd like). I am busy with school and two other stories, so updates won't be frequent (as if they weren't frequent enough already, right?).

Warnings: Offensive Language, Sappy Romance, Characters That Are Out of Character, Some Hurt/Comfort (I know, that's so not me), Text Messaging Format (even more not me), Italics Abuse (?).

-Let's not fall in love, we don't know each other very well yet-

Paint me a Better Tomorrow

IX. The Descent and Ascent of Feelings

-Let's not make promises, you never know when tomorrow comes-

Zzzzzzz. Annabeth felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and frowned. She didn't want to check it, since she was in the middle of a date, but Reyna had just gone to the restroom. 'I guess it couldn't hurt.'

[Seaweed Brain]

I think I fucked up.

Her frown deepened.

[Wise Girl]

What happened?

The reply was immediate.

[Seaweed Brain]

I said some things I should have and he said that I'm not worth his time.

[Wise Girl]

What did you say?

[Seaweed Brain]

Let's just say that I asked about Persephone.

Annabeth bit her lip. 'What has Percy gotten himself into?'

[Wise Girl]

He didn't take it well, huh.

[Seaweed Brain]

Pretty much.

I asked him why he didn't like her. He was fine with that, but it didn't go well after I said that he should try to move on from his mom's death.

[Wise Girl]

Oh.

So, that's why his dad remarried. Has her death been a while ago?

[Seaweed Brain]

He never said how long.

I just know that it was some time ago.

I may have also said something about how his mom wouldn't like how he is treating Persephone.

[Wise Girl]

Of course he would take offense to that.

He's still sensitive about that.

But, I don't think he should have been that mad.

You were just trying to help.

[Seaweed Brain]

The key word is trying.

He said I didn't understand.

He was right.

I really don't.

I hurt him.

I fucked up big time.

[Wise Girl]

He's really stubborn.

[Seaweed Brain]

He probably hate me now.

[Wise Girl]

Don't be such a downer.

He likes you.

I'm sure he'll realize sooner or later that he's the one who's wrong, not you.

[Seaweed Brain]

And if he doesn't?

Annabeth sighed. There was no easy way of saying it.

[Wise Girl]

Then, he's not worth it.

You're one of the most lovable people I know.

Really sweet and cute, too.

He'll be missing out because he's too stubborn to see what's in front of him.

[Seaweed Brain]

Thanks. I needed that.

[Wise Girl]

Don't dwell on it.

Nico is just one guy. Don't get hung up on him.

As sad as it is, you're not in a relationship with him, so he is not a priority.

Forget him for now.

There are more important things.

Like, your upcoming games.

[Seaweed Games]

How can I not think about him?

He's on the team.

[Wise Girl]

He's Nico the Teammate, nothing more..

He is not Nico the Hottie. Not Nico the Absolutely Gorgeous Boy that You Like.

Don't let your feelings get in the way of basketball.

He needs the space to get over himself and you need the space to practice.

[Seaweed Brain]

I'll try. Won't be easy, though.

Annabeth snorted.

[Wise Girl]

When is it ever?

[Seaweed Brain]

How is your date so far?

[Wise Girl]

Pretty good. She's in the restroom right now.

[Seaweed Brain]

Oh.

Well, I won't bother you, then.

[Wise Girl]

No, you're not bothering me.

[Seaweed Brain]

Nah.

I'll leave you and Arellano alone.

Have fun.

Just not too much fun.

Text me when you're done.

[Wise Girl]

Alright.

Don't think too much.

"Texting someone?" Annabeth was startled, almost dropping her phone.

"Yeah," she replied, slightly shaky. "It's Percy."

Reyna frowned. "Something wrong? You look a little worried."

"He and Nico are on a date today," Annabeth explained. "It didn't go too well. Nico walked out."

"What?" Reyna exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Do you want me to have a talk with him? I may not be that close to Jackson, but if di Angelo hurts him, I'll fuck him up."

"No, no," dismissed Annabeth quickly. "It's alright. Nico and Percy have to deal with this in their own. I'm just concerned. He's definitely hurting. I can't deny that, but it's bound to happen. They're just both really stubborn people. It's frustrating how they were so close to having a true relationship, but all it took was one insecurity."

"If it's just one," Reyna remarked, "then, they should be able to get over it. We had way more and we were still able to get together."

"I know, that's why I'm worried. If one thing can cause a rift between them, then what will happen when more problems appear?"

"Boys," she sneered. "Trust it to be them to make things more complicated." She reached over to grab Annabeth's hands and squeezed them softly. "But knowing them, I think they will be alright. Don't worry your pretty little head. I'm sure it will blow over soon."

"Yeah, I guess so." Annabeth sounded reluctant to say so, but she had to place trust in Percy and and Nico. Well, trust in Percy. She wasn't sure about Nico yet.

Reyna grinned. "Good. Cause this date is about you and me."

. . .

[Teddy Bear Lover]

How was your date?

[Seaweed Brain]

Terrible.

[Teddy Bear Lover]

Fuck, what happened?

[Seaweed Brain]

I fucked up.

Said some things I shouldn't have and Nico walked away.

[Teddy Bear Lover]

What'd you say?

[Seaweed Brain]

Just that he should be nice to his stepmom because his real mom wouldn't want him to be mean. And, that he should try and get over his mom's death.

Did I say anything wrong?

[Teddy Bear Lover]

No, Nico is just a fucking idiot.

I shouldn't have asked him for help.

[Seaweed Brain]

Help for what?

[Teddy Bear Lover]

Just wanted Jason and Nico to help you relax before the upcoming games.

Didn't want you to stress out too much.

[Seaweed Brain]

That's really sweet.

Thank you.

But, I think I can handle it.

[Teddy Bear Lover]

Riiight.

[Seaweed Brain]

Don't worry too much.

I'll be fine.

I'm going to go now.

Jason and Leo are back.

[Teddy Bear Lover]

Okay.

How is Leo?

[Seaweed Brain]

Happy.

[Teddy Bear Lover]

Good.

Well, bye.

"Hey, Percy," Jason greeted with a beam. He could feel the happiness radiating from the blonde. "Where's Nico?"

"He left."

"Why?"

Percy sighed and gripped at the fabric of his jeans. "Because of me. I fucked up."

"What happened?" Jason was looking worriedly at Percy, not because he was concerned for his best friend, but for the devastated boy in front of him. Nico could be extremely stubborn and hurtful when he wanted to be. He didn't want that to mess up anything Percy and Nico could have had. But, it seems like he could be too late.

"I asked him about Persephone," Percy said, the memory replaying in his mind like a broken record. "He seemed fine with it when he answered. Then, I asked him why they didn't get along." He said it so many times that he knew it by heart. "His answer didn't sit well with me, so I mentioned what his mom would have said about him treating her like that and that he should move on."

Jason whistled. "That's more than enough to set him off. I'm really sorry for his behavior, Percy. Sometimes, he gets like that. He won't listen to anyone else, not even his sisters."

"I shouldn't have said that," Percy said, his voice full of remorse.

"It may not be what he wanted to hear," Jason admitted, "but, it's what he needed to hear. He's been like this for a while and even I have started to realize that he needs to change. Persephone seems too much like Hera - er, my mother - for my liking, but if Nico's sisters grew to like her, then maybe she's worth giving a chance." He gave Percy a soft smile. "Coming here was a chance to start anew. We haven't been doing any of that. And, I think it's time we change that."

"He probably hates me now," remarked Percy, a sorrowful look in his eyes.

Jason shook his head. "I doubt it. He likes you too much to even dislike you. He'll come around soon. Don't worry. I'll speak to him."

"Thank you." There was a forced smile on his face, one that didn't reach his eyes. "I guess we should get going. No point in staying here any longer."

"Percy, I have to tell you something before we go," Leo confessed with a blush. "Jason's my boyfriend now."

"Congratulations!" He beamed, his grin genuine. "I'm so happy for you." 'If only it was like that for me.'

There was a dark look in his sea green eyes when he turned to face Jason. "If you hurt Leo, I'll kill you."

"Percy!" Leo flushed in mortification. "You can't just say that."

The said boy grinned wildly. "I'm your best friend. I have the right." His expression softened. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"He won't be," Jason declared, his eyes alit with protectiveness. "I won't hurt him. He's too precious to me. I won't let anything happen to him."

"Good. You better or I'll beat your ass." The blonde gulped and nodded fervently, causing Percy to chuckle.

"Now, let's go home. We have a lot on our plate this month." 'So much for a relaxing day with Nico,' he thought. 'Goddammit, I ruined everything.'

. . .

"You're an idiot," Jason stated, glaring daggers at his best friend, who was doing with his AP Chemistry homework (and failing miserably). Nico hadn't asked Percy to tutor him after the first time. Their captain was genuinely hurt by that, he noticed, and it hurt him, as well as Leo, to see him in pain. And to make matters worse, Nico made a point to avoid Percy at every turn. At practice, he wouldn't acknowledge the poor boy's presence, garnering the kicked puppy look that broke everyone's hearts. And during school, well, he avoided Percy like the plague, shooting down any attempts the boy made to talk. Percy had dove into training for their upcoming games after that and almost worked himself into exhaustion, preparing the team for what was to come. It was becoming increasingly worrying to see him with dark circles around his eyes everyday. He could barely stay awake in his class, as it was.

When Nico pointedly ignored him, Jason growled and pushed the papers aside, grabbing the collar of Nico's shirt. "Stop doing your fucking homework and listen to me."

"I'm listening." The Italian rolled his eyes, his expression bored and disinterested.

"You're hurting Percy and I want it to stop. I said it to you nicely before, but you didn't listen, so I'll say it again. Stop avoiding him and just talk to him. You're giving everyone and their mother serious headaches and heartbreaks."

"You want me to stop?" Nico's voice held a dangerous edge. "He's the one who hurt me. Why aren't you doing anything about that? You're my best friend."

Jason's eyes turned icy. "Don't turn this on me, di Angelo. Percy's right. You're just too stubborn to see that. Your mom died a while ago and you've got to let her go. I'm not asking you to give Persephone a chance, at least, not yet, but I'm asking you to just move on. Your mom wouldn't have wanted you to be like this."

"You, too, Jason? I thought you were my friend."

"I am your friend. If I was anyone else, I would have left your fucking pathetic ass a long time ago. If Percy was anyone else, he would have found another guy a long time ago, too." He grinned in dark satisfaction when Nico glowered.

"Then, why doesn't he? That's make him no more of an idiot that me. By now, he should see that I fucking hate him."

There was an audible gasp and the two boys turned towards the sound. Their eyes widened when they saw Percy at the door. Jason cursed. He had forgotten that he had invited the boy to pick him up, so they could go to that park again to relax.

"I am an idiot." Percy let out a bitter laugh, a glimmer of tears filling his eyes. "The first day I saw you, I was instantly attracted to you. I knew it was too good to be true when you started to act all sweet around me. I had hoped. I fucking hoped that you liked me back, but I guess I'm just an idiot."

"Percy, I-"

"Don't, Jason." His voice quivered slightly. "Just don't. You said he'd come around, but even a best friend doesn't know everything." His piercing green eyes speared deep into the depths of Nico's soul and a bittersweet smile graced his lips. "I thought it was worth a try. I thought you were worth a try, but I was fucking right. It was only setting me up for rejection. I should have known better.

"We'll meet up another time, Jason. I just can't today. I'll see you at school." He gave them a last fleeting glance, his eyes full of sorrow, and left. All Nico could do was watch his receding back, a dull ache in his chest. The next thing he knew, his cheek exploded in pain.

"You fucker," Jason spat. "You ruined everything. Percy liked you a lot and you broke his fucking heart. The poor boy didn't do anything to deserve this shit. You're terrible."

Nico's eyes widened. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt, leaving him shocked to the core. "He liked me?" He knew it before. It was pretty obvious, but it took until now to actually sink in.

"Didn't you hear what he said? He liked you from the first day. He's definitely regretting it now." The blonde laughed. It was a harsh sound. "Can't blame him, though. You're a fucking jerk anyways." The words pierced deep, his heart clenching painfully. He flinched, but Jason took no notice and continued. "He could have loved you, you know, and you threw all that away. He thought he fucked up everything. Did you know that he wanted to apologize for what he said, but you just pushed him away every time? He thought you hated him. Now, he knows it's true."

"I don't hate him."

Jason's brilliant blue eyes were glacial in color. "Really? If you don't hate him, then go and fucking tell him, before he gets himself even more hurt. Hell, he'll probably be hating you now, but you fucking deserve it for everything you put him through. Percy's too good for you."

"I know." Nico's voice was soft and full of regret, achingly similar to how Percy's was at the park.

"Go," Jason ordered. "Go to him. And, don't come back, until you apologize for everything. I kind of hope you guys don't get together, just so you can open up your eyes and see what you've done. But, Percy likes you almost too much. You better make him smile again or if I see him with that heartbreaking look on his face again, me and Leo will beat your ass to oblivion."

Nico nodded and grabbed his jacket, quickly heading for the front door. He ran out of the house and practically sprinted to the only place he knew Percy would be. The park.

He was breathing heavily by the time he got there. Percy was nowhere in sight. The boy wasn't at the swings, his heart twinged at the memory that flashed through his mind and he cringed. Percy wasn't at the treehouse Jason told him about either. 'Where could he be?'

The familiar rhythmic sound of a basketball against the ground reached his ears and hope bloomed in his heart. He ran to the basketball courts and frowned when he saw Percy playing alone.

The boy's form, as well as his footing, was off. His shots held too much power, overshooting every time, which was worrying. Percy was known for his precise shots and his overwhelming drive. He felt even worse for making the boy like this.

Nico watched as Percy became more and more frustrated at his inability to land a three-pointer, until he just gave up and threw the ball onto the ground in rage. His captain let out a choked cry and sank to his knees, sobbing silently. Nico felt his heart crushed into a million pieces at the scene and ran over to the boy, kneeling down to his level.

"Percy.."

His sea-green eyes were now a stormy hue, brimming with tears. "What do you want, di Angelo? I already know you don't like me. Just go away."

"Percy, I.." The words refused to spill over, staying lumped in his throat. "Fuck, I.." He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I.."

"You what?" Percy's voice was menacing, drawing shivers down Nico's spine. It was hot, but at the same time, frightening. He didn't mean to elicit such a reaction.

"I-I'm sorry." He swallowed thickly. "Fuck, I'm really, really sorry. I was just terribly angry at what you said. I realize now that you meant no harm by it. And, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I know it doesn't mean much and it's very late, but I'm sorry.

"For what it's worth," he continued. "I just want you to know that I do like you. From the beginning. I just.. I was too caught up in all my problems to realize that maybe you could like me, too. I'm such an idiot. I'm truly sorry, Percy. I won't ask you to forgive me, since I probably wouldn't forgive myself either, but you deserve to know that I like you. Probably more than you think."

Percy was silent for a while, his tears drying and leaving streaks across his cheeks. "W-why?" he asked, his voice cracking. "Why does it have to be you? You were so nice and so sweet. Then, you were so cold. I'm not supposed to feel relieved that you like me back." He broke into choked sobs.

"I know," Nico soothed, pulling Percy into a hug. "You're supposed to hate me. And, I'm supposed to regret what I've done. And, I do. I'll regret it for the rest of my life. You're not supposed to make your precious one cry."

"Fuck." Percy tucked his head under Nico's chin, resting against the taller boy's chest. "Why are you so sweet? Why can't I hate you?"

"Because you're too cute and loving to hate," Nico replied, his voice soft. "Everything about you is lovable. The way you ruffle your hair and bit your lip is absolutely endearing. The way you admire Luke and want to repay him for what he's done for you is sweet, albeit annoying. The way you blush is adorable. But, that's not all. Your tendency to work yourself to exhaustion and your stubbornness is also endearing, if not slightly worrying. You're not someone made to hate, Percy." He smirked and nipped his small love lightly. "And maybe, you just like me a bit too much to hate me."

"Nico!" Percy hit him playfully on the chest and hugged him closer. It was almost surreal being in such close proximity to his not-so unrequited crush. He grew quiet, his demeanor shy. "Please tell me this isn't a joke."

"I wouldn't wish such cruelty on anyone," came Nico's reply. "Especially you. You deserve much better. Much better than me."

"But, you're the one I want," Percy said in a small voice.

Nico closed his eyes. "I know," he said, almost bitterly. "And, I hurt you, even though you didn't deserve it. Will you give me a second chance, Percy? To prove that I am worthy of your affections? To show that you mean everything to me?"

"As long as you promise me to talk to Persephone. I won't make you promise to stay by my side, since we're still young and things can change, but I want you to give Persephone a chance. If I think you are worth giving a second chance to, then she should be given the same opportunity. Family lasts longer than relationships, anyways." Nico's heart constricted in pain at those words, but he knew it was for the best.

"I-I'll try," he agreed. "If that's what you want. But, how are you so sure that we might not be together later on?"

Percy looked up at him, his eyes dim. "If I learned anything today, it's that even the sun sets in paradise."

"I learned something today, too." Nico placed a soft kiss onto Percy's temple. "Paradise doesn't mean anything without you."

. . .

Octavian grunted as he collided with the wall, pain flaring up his arm. He cursed under his breath, rubbing his smarting bicep tenderly as there was surely going to be bruising later. 'If I had just waited for Leo and Percy to finish cleaning up,' he thought. 'Then, I wouldn't be in this mess.'

"You're not so tough without your boyfriend," Drew commented mockingly. "Oh, wait, he isn't your boyfriend anymore, is he? Must have been tired of your cock-sucking."

Octavian surged up to Drew's level, a smirk etched on his lips. "But, he isn't your boyfriend, is he?" He scoffed, curling his lip in distaste. "As if he would want a slut like you."

He braced himself for the next attack, knowing his words warranted at least a punch or more. But surprisingly, none came.

"You shouldn't touch something that isn't yours, Tanaka," Luke drawled, catching the impending fist effortlessly. Octavian's eyes snapped open, not realizing that they had closed, and was met with the sight of brilliant blue eyes, alit with a fire that he hasn't seen in awhile. He wouldn't lie and say that Luke looked better than ever because in truth, he didn't. There were tell-tale circles around his eyes and his usually kept hair was messily tousled. But even despite that, Luke was still handsome, unbearably so. 'Just like the one I fell in love with.'

"Luke, I haven't seen you in a while," Drew remarked flippantly. "Done moping over your pathetic life?" Octavian could see Luke clench his jaw, but otherwise, his composure remained calm, deadly calm.

"Apparently, I haven't sulked enough because I had the misfortune to see your face today," the blonde shot back, grinning wryly. "Is that a pimple I see, Tanaka? I guess make-up can't really cover everything."

"Like, make-up will do her any good," Octavian said, feeling warmth wash over his body when Luke chuckled lowly. "If you really wanted a good cover-up, I suggest you use a paper bag. It provides amazing coverage and is cost-effective, too."

"Why, you!" Drew lunged for Octavian, who narrowly dodged with a side-step, but her sharp nails managed to graze his cheek. He winced in pain and hissed when he felt the cut open, blood slowly dripping down his chin.

"What is going on here?" Nike's voice boomed, beyond infuriated. She had just turned the corner and saw Drew scratching Octavian, drawing blood. Luke, she had noticed, was also there with an unreadable expression.

"He... he and his gang attacked me!" Drew sobbed, big, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. "Said that I was a slut and that I was dirty because I sleep around too much."

"Oh, is that the truth?" Nike glanced at Octavian and winked. "Well, that's too bad. Because I saw you attack my boy Octavian, here. The cut on his cheek didn't get there on its own. Those boys over there aren't part of Octavian's gang. They're your minions, aren't they? Young lady, it's not nice to lie. I think you and I are going to have a long talk with Principal Brunner and Principal Lupa.." She smirked, before adding, "... and your parents."

Nike took a glaring Drew by the arm and had to almost forcefully drag her to the principal's' office, if not for the fact that she had threatened to kick her off the cheer team. At that point, the part-Japanese girl stopped struggling and trudged alongside a smug Nike with the other boys following behind like lost puppies. They left Luke and Octavian behind, an uncomfortable silence settling over them.

"Why are you still here?" he inquired curiously, grimacing when he saw the gash on Octavian's cheek bleeding profusely. "You should go to the nurse."

"It's fine," Octavian shot down the notion. "I'm just waiting for Percy and Leo to finish cleaning up. Then, we can go home."

"You go home with them now?"

"I live with Percy," Octavian replied, his voice impossibly soft. "I have been for a while now." He sighed at Luke's confused expression, but he was still compelled to answer his questions. Because deep down, he still wanted to believe that Luke cared. "My dad kicked me out. He didn't like that I was gay and had a boyfriend."

Luke's heart clenched and he felt like the shittest person alive for not being there for his boyfriend. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Holy shit, I'm a terrible person. I should have been there for you. I'm so sorry."

Octavian shook his head dismissively. "I had Percy and Leo and the Jacksons. It's alright." He bit his lip nervously. "Hey, Luke, we have a game coming up. Do you want to go?"

"With who?"

"The Titans." At the chilling answer, Luke was ready to decline, but the hopeful expression on Octavian's face made him decide otherwise.

"I-I'll go," Luke said, surprising Octavian. The happy expression was enough to push the regret crawling up his chest. "It's the least I can do for being a shitty boyfriend. If you consider me as yours."

"You're not," Octavian said, almost immediately. He frowned at the heartbroken look that crossed Luke's eyes, but quickly brightened up, shooting the blonde a small smile. "But, I hope that maybe you can be mine again." He chuckled at Luke's elated smile and saw Percy and Leo heading his way. Feeling a bit daring, he leaned over and placed a kiss on the corner of Luke's mouth, lingering for a second longer than necessary, before pulling back. He blushed lightly and cleared his throat in embarrassment. "I'll see you again, Luke."

The blonde could only watch Octavian's receding back numbly, feeling abandoned, but not entirely. A strange emotion swelled, deep within his heart and urged him to pull out his phone, calling Dr. Asclepius. "Hello, doctor? Remember when you recommended physical therapy. Is it too late to apply?"

-But I really mean it when I say

I like you-

So, that's it for this chapter. I am so, so sorry for taking such a long time, but at least, I managed to get two in, right? Anyways, I am sorry if the romance was rushed or if anything sounds a bit well, unrealistic. I haven't experienced love (obviously), so I am not going to be able to describe it as well. Thank you for being patient with me. Please review and have a nice day. ^-^