A/N: I know this Chapter is shorter than the last three but I really wanted to end it where I did. Next week is probably going to be the last chapter since I need to focus on my big bang fic and get it done now that I've had time to get back into writing stuff (and was actually able to post it xD) But once I finish said big bang fic I might be inclined to write a sequel when I have more time. Since this universe I came up with for this fic (and the fic in general) is probably really just the beginning and does call for at least a couple more chapters. But for now it'll be finished next week. Thank you for enjoying it so much so far! All the reviews I've gotten have been great and I'm positively amazed that so many people seem to have enjoyed this so far. So thank you for your reviews/comments and I hope you enjoy this penultimate chapter in Coffee Conceptions (for now at least XD) Now, onto the chapter!
Several times in the next following weeks the two of them spent a lot of time and hung out together on the weekends with Percy coming regularly to buy coffee that Nico recommended depending on what purpose the older male needed it for during the week. It had become a thing that the younger was now P rcy's regular barista so even if Annabeth or Jason were on duty with him or someone else they all closely knew, the aforementioned friend would say hi and then go get Nico if the darker male was working at the time and was only on break or cleaning duty. Which he usually was as it seemed during the times they had gotten to know one another, Percy had taken note of the shorter's shift schedule.
Nico did wonder the reason behind that… though he wasn't actively seeking an answer for it. He'd take it as the answers came and no more, no less. It wasn't hard to anyways, seeing as it was something he tended to take things on a regular daily basis. Thoughts disrupted when a sudden hand waved in front of the shorter's face, causing him to blink several times in order to return to the present. Right, today was another day at the 'geek' shop with Percy. Nico had gotten there first so he'd been waiting while getting lost in his thoughts… "Sorry." He stated softly, soon being greeted by Percy's grin and feeling a touch self-conscious over the fact when he should be used to it by now. Only he wasn't. He doubted he ever could get used to it, at least not when things continued like this.
"It's fine, Neeks. I was just worried your mind got abducted by aliens or something." Something which was clearly an attempt at humor like nico's own and an incredible failure at it which ended up making the younger male snort and roll his eyes. "You're too early to try being as amusing as I am, Jackson." Nico returned with a little quirk of a smile before giving him a look with a raised brow. "And don't call me 'neeks' it sounds ridiculous." He added after another moment, not even sure why the older male still tried to pin him with that nickname… he's already used it several times to have it shot down every time.
"Awww… but it really sounds like it suites you though." Pleaded the older only to be met with a firm expression from the younger which earned Nico a sigh and a poke. "You're really no fun sometimes Nico." He added with a smile as the shorter simply gave him a dry look before turning away to scrounge at some cards in the corner in silence for several moments.
"Says the man who still watches Disney movies and constantly fanboys about them to me late at night when he's stuck studying… even though I'm trying to sleep whenever he calls." Nico stated after a small while of browsing. He felt he could tease him now, considering they've spent quite some time together over the past few weeks or months… he wasn't sure how long it's been now, only that it's not been a year yet and it certainly hasn't been a few days either. He still hasn't gone to any group things with his friends and Percy yet though. But he remembered there was some kind of party going on next week at Annabeth and Piper's shared apartment that everyone was invited to and Piper had insisted he go to or she'd personally hunt him down and bodily drag him there if she had to. So he supposed he'd end up going whether he wanted to or not.
As if they were sharing the same thoughts, Percy then asked a question about the party, seeming to have failed to come up with a come-back to Nico's last shot. "Hey, are you going to Annabeth and Piper's party next weekend?" A glance up and the raven noticed Percy almost seemed… nervous… Where was this going to go? He couldn't want to go to the party together… could he? It was a thought that the shorter male could never really imagine even if it really was why Percy was asking him.
"Piper threatened to drag me there if I didn't so I suppose I would be… Why?" He asked after several minutes of watching the older male visibly squirm under his curious gaze. Was… Percy… blushing? No, he couldn't be… Percy hardly blushed around him so what was this? Was he seriously right in thinking the other might actually be asking him out like he himself had been too afraid to all this time?
"Well… I was wondering if you… I don't know… wanted to go with me?" He finally asked which had Nico's gaze widening slightly in shock before the other quickly backpedaled with his hands held up in a 'wait' action. "I mean as friends! Like… like um… what is it again… Stag? Is that it? But… yeah… Do you want to?" Did he seriously have the gall to try asking him out and when he didn't answer fast enough to act like he hadn't meant it in that way at all? Then again, Nico himself probably would have been nervous himself so… he supposed he could try and forgive it this once. (though if it happened again there was no guarantee he wouldn't end up yelling at him and demanding he ask him seriously rather than acting like an awkwardly nervous school-girl. He was older than him for gods sake.)
"Sure, we can go. I was wondering how I was going to get there anyway since it's a little far for me to walk…" He finally responded with a nod and turning back to the rack with the cards as his thoughts turned and wondered over the possibility that he was right and how he was actually not the first one to fall for the guy this time if his thoughts were actually right that is. By first to fall, he meant he wasn't the only one looking to be with the opposite party. Sure the Jason thing he had himself was mutual as well but… he felt like he might actually get lucky and have a relationship that lasted. Though it'll probably all depend on how things went next weekend… he knew there's going to be alcohol at that party… so he'll just have to see how everything unfolds and if Percy ends up making a move then or not. At least it seemed like he had something to look forward to as well, be it good or bad.
"Now come on… let's go eat something." He stated once he straightened and turned to the other male once more. "But this time we're going to one of my preferred places."
Hope you guys enjoyed that! Again, I'm sorry it's about 300 words shorter than usual but I have a feeling the next chapter might be longer than I've written so far so you can look forward to that ^^ As always, Review and comment if you wish... till next time~