Disclaimer:: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus or its characters. They are the property of Rick Riorden, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Nico took a deep breath before following. This was a very dangerous situation. When Nico came into the kitchen his mom had put out cookies and milk and was chatting with Percy about the sword club. He leaned on the door jam and listened to how easily Percy made the sword club sound like the best thing in the world; this trip would be a perfect opportunity for Nico to 'immerse himself in the social aspect of the school without feeling pressured' and how Percy found this club was 'a safe and healthy way to work out frustration and aggression'. Nico was impressed by the way Percy confidently and successfully pitched a club for boys (and girls) to beat on each other with fake swords.
"I defiantly agree with you there, it would be perfect for Nico. So why do you think Nico doesn't want to join your club?" He Mother was leaning back on the counter across from Percy, she looked relaxed but Nico saw the calculating eyes analyzing everything Percy said. And everything he didn't.
"Well, as I'm sure you know he's pretty shy, ma'am. He seems to avoid group activities of any kind. Also, I don't think he likes me too much."
Nico scowled, "Hey! What the hell, man?"
Percy flinched, his face turning tomato red; he obviously hadn't noticed Nico standing in the door.
"I'm sorry Nico. I just don't think you should miss out on this because you don't like me. Lots of your other friends will be there. Piper and Hazel and Frank. And Clarisse dislikes me as much as you do, so I'm sure she'd have no problem avoiding me with you." Percy mumbled towards the counter. Nico had to force himself not to smile; Percy was adorable when he rambled. If only he knew just how wrong he was. Nico's mom gave him a pointed look: fix this now, she seemed to say as she slipped out of the kitchen leaving the two boys to talk.
Nico sighed and slid onto the seat next to Percy.
"I never said I didn't like you. I don't know why you want to be friends so bad. Guys like you and me don't usually get along." Nico took a cookie from the plate.
Percy glanced sideways at him, "So you don't hate me?"
He sounded so hopeful Nico couldn't help but chuckle. "No, I don't hate you Seaweed Brain."
Percy blushed, "When I was little, my best friend used to call me that."
"Are you not friends anymore?"
"No. I guess you could say we stopped running in the same crowd and drifted apart. So I do get what you mean, about guys like us not usually hanging out. But I think we could be good friends. If you want to give it a chance." Percy finally turned to look at Nico; he had a sweet smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. Nico nodded, he couldn't possibly say no to that.
"I think your Mom will let you come. Here's the permission form and information." Percy passed a stack of papers across the counter towards him. "And this is my cell number. You know in case you have any questions." Percy blushed again and slid off the stool. Nico was too busy staring at the small slip of paper in front of him, with a number and Percy's name messily scrawled across it, to notice his new friend leave.
"Goodnight Mrs. di Angelo." He heard from the front hall.
"Goodnight Percy." His mother replied. Nico snatched up the paper with the number and slid it into his pocket. At the end of his name Percy had drew a little winking smiley face.
Percy, Jason and Leo were sitting in their usual spot at the stone bench in front of the school. Percy hadn't slept well last night; even after easing his frustration in the shower (twice) he still couldn't stop thinking about Nico, his black sheets and the way those track pants left very little to the imagination. He was in zombie mode this morning, barley even noticing his friends around him. So when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder he jumped, landing (un)gracefully on his ass in the grass. Jason and Leo fell over laughing.
Percy looked up to scowl at them, "What the hell guys?"
"Sorry Perce, I didn't mean to startle you." Percy turned towards the new voice; his face burning when he saw Nico standing behind the bench trying not to laugh. "I called your name, three times."
He scrambled to his feet, "Umm... it's okay Nico. What's up?" He tried to sound casual, like he hadn't jumped screamed like a girl. Nico handed Percy a piece of paper. Confused, and still shaking off the embarrassment, Percy stared at the paper. It took him a minute to realize what it was.
"She signed it?" Percy looked back up at Nico, a grin stretched across his face.
"Yea, she did. I guess you have a way with parents." Nico smirked, "You must have a silver tongue Percy Jackson." Percy blushed, he was sure Nico didn't realize how dirty that sounded.
Jumping over the bench Percy threw his arms around Nico, "Oh my Gods! We're going to have so much fun! It will be awesome, I swear."
"Uh Percy..." Nico mumbled.
Percy pulled back, his eyes wide. "Oh shit, sorry, umm right. Yea. Sorry." Stepping away he looked at his feet. "Fun. Yea, good."
Nico laughed, "Sometimes you remind me of a hyper active guinea pig."
Jason and Leo started laughing again; leaning on each other for support and making squeaking noises at each other. Percy had forgotten they were there. He knew he should be upset his friends mocking him, but how could anyone be upset with a sound as beautiful as Nico di Angelo's laugh ringing in his ears? Percy just smiled. "I'll give this to Mr. Ares. See you in gym Nico."
Nico smiled back, "See you later, Percy."