Here we go, chapter 2.

As usual, I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians *sigh*

Enjoy!

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It was a couple of months after the war. They were all in New Rome, the whole gang. The Seven, Calypso, Reyna, Grover and Juniper. And Nico and Will.

They were celebrating Hazel's birthday with a party. They had ended up quite drunk, using an old trick of mixing nectar with the alcohol of their choice. Nectar usually contained healing properties but the mix of two made you a unique kind of high. Hazel had flushed beet red when Leo revealed the concoction.

They had ended up in the Roman baths. Percy warped the water until it bubbled and steamed, and they splashed around like children in the make-shift hot tubs. Everyone was laughing and joking until Piper suggested a game of truth or dare.

It started off silly.

Piper chose dare first. Leo dared her to charmspeak him into being able to speak Greek so he could impress Calypso. A self-serving not-really-dare that Piper completed with ease.

Leo then chose dare. Jason dared him to create a fire-pit. After almost blowing the roof off the baths, he succeeded.

Jason was dared to fly around in his pants crying out 'I'm the real Superman!"

Hazel was dared to give Leo the biggest diamond she could conjure. He gave it to Calypso.

Frank was dared to turn into ten different animals. Which was a complete mess given his state of drunkenness.

Annabeth was dared to recite Pi as long as she could. The blush that painted her face when she mixed up the third number made everyone howl with laughter.

Will was dared to strip to his pants and do an impression of his father, Apollo.

Reyna was dared to hold a handstand for one minute. She lasted five seconds.

Calypso was dared to skinny dip, which she obliged with a scarlet face. All her years on Ogygia and not once had she swum naked in the ocean.

Grover and Juniper shared a dare to smoke some of the mysterious leaves Leo drew from his pocket. They were almost instantly higher than the clouds.

Everyone passed the joint around and soon they were all on a whole other level. They were all laughing as Will passed out. Reyna stormed off when Piper and Jason started making out, Annabeth followed her and they ended up sitting the entrance of the baths, having a bonding moment.

It was then that Hazel called out that neither Percy nor Nico had done a dare yet. Immediately, the eyes of Leo, Jason, Piper, Frank and Hazel all lit up. Grover bleated and Juniper and Calypso looked confused.

Almost everyone knew about Nico and Percy's history. Nico's sexuality wasn't a secret, with him being out and proud with Will. But everyone seemed to match wavelengths and come up with the same idea.

"Oh boys, the sun is coming up and we need to get some sleep but you're not getting out of this unscathed." Said Leo, wiggling his eyebrows.

Piper and Hazel giggled.

Percy was drifting on a cloud, unaware of what was going on until he felt multiple pairs of eyes on him. He was floating in one of the baths but pushed himself up and climbed out when he heard his name being hollered, followed by whooping noises and catcalls when water rolled down his chest and flicked from his hair as he had allowed himself to get wet.

"A kiss, gentlemen! And your dares are complete!"

Everyone laughed and cheered, expectant.

Percy was confused. Then he saw Nico was awkwardly standing at the edge of a bath. He wasn't looking at Percy.

"What?" Percy asked.

"A kiss between you, that's all we ask," said Piper. Percy could feel the drop of charmspeak in her words. The others giggled and made kissing sounds.

"Oh," said Percy.

He started walking towards Nico, knowing full well that their friends were not going to let them get away without completing the dare. Percy was inebriated but not enough to miss Nico's unease.

The boy was tense, his fingers were itching, playing with the zip of his jacket. He hadn't gotten in the water at any point. Percy didn't like the look on Nico's face. The others were all finding it funny, but Percy knew, even drunk, that this wasn't fair.

"Come on, boys, night's wasting!"

Percy sighed and walked right up to Nico. The boy flicked his eyes up to meet Percy's and Percy knew he was afraid. He was with Will now, but Percy could tell Nico wasn't ready to play with his old feelings.

Percy reached for Nico, lightly holding his shoulders. He leaned down slowly, passing by Nico's face to whisper in his ear.

"Trust me," he said.

Nico was tense under his touch, but he nodded.

"Okay."

Percy drew back and looked into Nico's eyes. The others were watching intently as the boys drew in closer. Then Percy grinned, swooping down to claim Nico's lips. However, he kept moving, pushing Nico backwards and they fell together into the water with a mighty splash.

Nico flailed, fuming as his breath was taken from his lungs. Bubbles formed around him, and he couldn't see.

But then there were hands on his face, holding him in place. The water calmed and he saw Percy floating before him, smiling.

"Breathe," Percy said.

Nico heard him loud and clear as day. His brow furrowed as Percy nodded, urging him to breathe. Nico was sceptical but he slowly drew in a breath and was amazed when oxygen, not water, filled his lungs.

Percy slipped his hands down Nico's body, keeping hold of him until he was steadily breathing. Suddenly, the water around them drew back and they were standing on the bottom of the stone bath. Percy stepped back, releasing his hold on Nico.

"Sorry," he said, shrugging.

Nico gawped at him. He was breathing and dry. He knew Percy could manipulate water, but he hadn't really experienced it for himself. He knew Percy and Annabeth had shared an underwater kiss after the Titan war. He guessed now he knew how Percy had done it.

"It's okay. Thanks, I guess," he said.

Nico went back to playing with his jacket zipper.

"No worries. I, uh, I didn't think you'd be cool with it, you know. Given everything," Percy said eloquently.

Nico bit his lip and stared at the ground. Since the day he had admitted his old feelings for Percy, they hadn't spoken about it again. It was only a few months ago and while Nico was with Will now, they weren't entirely a thing of the past. Sometimes he found himself wondering still.

"Yeah, thank you. I know they all think they're just kidding around but yeah," Nico said.

Percy nodded.

"I mean, they definitely think we're making out down here though," he said, grinning.

Nico rolled his eyes.

"You wish, Jackson," he said.

Percy laughed and Nico felt at ease. Percy was a good guy; it was one of things that had drawn Nico to him. Well, that, and the fact that he was a wicked fighter and sex personified. His dark hair, sea foam green eyes and swimmers' physique ticked all of Nico's boxes.

"Oh, in your dreams, Angelo," Percy joked.

Nico cursed himself as the tips of his ears burned. He cleared his throat and looked down at the ground, watching the shallow water wash over his boots.

Percy looked at him curiously.

"Wait," he said, "have you ever...?"

Nico grabbed the back of his own neck and groaned, his cheeks flaming. Percy laughed a cocky laugh. His eyes were shining.

"Can we not?" Nico moaned.

Percy chuckled and held his hands up in surrender.

"Sorry, can't blame a guy for being curious."

Nico shook his head.

"I suppose not."

A silence fell over them, save the splashing of the water around them, circling in a sphere. Nico clicked his tongue and stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do next.

"You know, they are expecting us to kiss. We wouldn't be fulfilling our dare if we didn't and well, it's just, we were talking about being curious and uh, well, you know," Percy said.

He could have maybe said it better. He really did deserve the title of Seaweed Brain sometimes.

"Um, what?" Nico replied.

Percy suddenly felt exposed under Nico's gaze, and he wanted to pop the bubble they were in and let the water swallow him whole.

"Sorry, forget I said anything." He said.

But Nico was the curious one now.

"No. What did that mean?"

Nico stood a little straighter, stronger. He looked Percy in the eyes and couldn't help but smirk. Percy was the blushing one now.

"Have you thought about what it's like? Being with a guy?"

Percy groaned and laughed, wiping his face with his hands.

"Okay, yes. Alright. I've thought about it once or twice."

Nico grinned, enjoying the bashful red hue that crept up Percy's neck.

"Oh my God, who were you thinking about?"

Percy groaned again, sighing. He ran a hand through his hair and Nico loved the way he wouldn't look him in the eye. Shy Percy was so cute.

"Well, I always thought that maybe, you know, if things were different, maybe Luke..."

Nico laughed hard.

"Boy-Kronos?! Wow. Who'd have thought Percy Jackson had a schoolboy crush on the first golden boy to take him under his wing?"

Percy rolled his eyes and finally looked at Nico.

"Because that doesn't sound familiar, right?"

Nico's eyes narrowed as Percy smirked. His green eyes were sparkling. Nico's smouldered like molten lava.

"So, is there anyone else you've thought about?"

Percy shrugged.

"I always thought Apollo wasn't bad to look at."

Nico choked back a breath. Nico's old crush had crushed on the father of his current crush. What the hell?

"Wow. Between him, Luke and Annabeth, I guess you have a type, huh?"

Percy laughed.

"I guess so."

"Well, I suppose, if you really are curious, and I'm not your type so there's no possibility that things will get weird, we could satisfy our friends and your curiosity."

Percy raised his eyebrows while Nico smiled a lop-sided smile.

"Really? You'd be okay with that?" Percy asked.

"Yeah. What are friends for?"

Percy relaxed and smiled and came closer to Nico. Nico tensed slightly but let out a deep breath. This was ok, just a friend helping another friend. Simple. Innocent.

"Okay," said Percy.

He was taken aback, surprised by Nico's offer. He didn't want to push but he was curious. He hadn't really thought about Nico like that before. He supposed that was why Nico was comfortable with this.

The boy came in closer, so close that Percy could see gold flecks in Nico's dark eyes. He could feel his warmth. The sensations weren't new, but they were exciting.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

Nico smiled up at him and nodded.

"I'm sure," he said.

Percy licked his lips, Nico's eyes zeroing in on the movement. There was a moment of stillness before Nico reached up, sliding a hand around Percy's neck to pull him down for a sweet kiss.

Their lips met and Percy gasped. It was soft, warm and it spread through his entire body. Nico caught his gasp and smiled into the kiss. It seemed Percy was enjoying himself. So was Nico, he had dreamed of kissing Percy so many times.

But then, as Nico was about to pull away, Percy surprised him.

The water around them started to spin and bubble. The rushing sound was more intense than the pounding in Nico's ears. Percy captured Nico's lower lip between his own and pulled gently. Nico gasped. Percy took the opportunity to deepen their kiss and Nico realised then just how much he was enjoying himself.

Percy's arms slid around his shoulders, tightening. He was strong, his muscles moving against Nico. He could have melted at the thought of a shirtless Percy begging for him to part his lips, he didn't believe it was happening. Percy was devouring him. His lips were talented, his tongue a fiend. He slid one hand into Nico's hair, using the leverage to push and pull and match his rhythm.

Nico was helpless. His blood was rushing, his whole body on fire. He revelled in Percy's bare skin, knowing he would never get another chance. His fingers slid and stroked over his muscles, feeling his hot skin. He dug his nails into Percy's chest and let out a deep laugh at the moan Percy released.

"Hush, you," Percy growled into his mouth.

They parted for a second, mere millimetres between them. Nico was panting, his chest heaving. Percy was waiting, his eyes fixed on Nico's lips. He moved when Nico moved, chasing their kiss. Nico looked up into Percy's eyes and moaned softly. His pupils were blown so wide, the green swallowed by black. His lips were swollen, cheeks flushed. He looked delicious.

Nico knew he should stop. For so many reasons. Will. Annabeth. Being drunk. Their friends waiting. This was a bad idea.

But damn, he had Percy completely at his mercy. He couldn't pass that up.

Nico grinned wickedly and surged up, relishing in Percy's delighted moan. They picked right back up, their tongues battling for dominance, Percy's hands tangled in Nico's hair. Nico slipped his fingers into Percy's belt loops and pulled him closer. Percy towered over him, leaning down, holding him close.

When Percy's hands slid up under his jacket, pushing it off his shoulders, Nico gasped. Then Percy was tugging at the edge of his black shirt, demanding its removal. Nico pulled away, his heart pounding, sweating and breathless. He ripped his shirt over his head, and he heard Percy groan, a deep, sexual groan, laced with anticipation.

Nico slid his body against Percy's, their burning skin colliding. Nico felt so good pushed up against him, his slim figure did things to Percy that he had never experienced before. He had no idea how much this would affect him when he suggested it.

"Gods, Nico," Percy moaned when Nico began kissing his way down Percy's neck.

"Yes, baby?" Nico whispered, biting Percy's earlobe.

Percy keened under his touch. Hearing Nico call him baby, touching him, kissing him. Percy was filled with butterflies and surging blood. When Nico bit his neck, Percy swore.

"Fuck, Nico!"

Nico grinned against Percy's searing skin. Percy pulled back, gasping for breath. The water around them surged like a tsunami. Nico halted his kisses and looked up at Percy, lips parted, questioning.

"You okay?" He asked.

Percy was breathing hard, his chest heaving. He looked better than any God in Nico's opinion.

"Yeah," Percy said.

He was still holding onto Nico, his arms around his waist. Nico rested his hands on Percy's chest, feeling his pounding heart.

Percy was drawn to Nico's lips again. He was addicted.

He leaned down, capturing the boy again. Nico reciprocated, winding his hands into Percy's hair. It was like a conversation, the give and take, as natural as breathing. They touched each other, tugging hair, nibbling lips, stroking faces. Nico had never felt anything like it. It was like Percy was made for him.

"Gods, Jackson," Nico whispered against Percy's lips. He felt them curl against his own.

Percy cupped Nico's face in his hands.

"Yeah?" He said, his voice low and husky.

"We should probably stop," Nico said.

Percy pouted and Nico fought the urge to pull back in for another kiss. Percy didn't want to stop, the thrills coursing through him were unlike anything else. His addled mind wanted nothing more than to continue. Nico smiled softly, stroking Percy's cheeks. Slowly, the water around them calmed.

"You're right," Percy said, sighing.

The stepped back from each other but not before Percy caught Nico's hand in his own, feeling the cool metal of his skull ring brush against his fingers.

"Nico, that, um... That was quite something."

Nico smiled and pulled away, putting his shirt and jacket back on.

"Yeah," he said, beginning to feel an unease in his stomach.

Percy was watching him. He looked dejected and Nico's heart stammered. They knew then that something had changed in both of them.

"Nico," Percy started.

"Let's get back to our friends, shall we?" Nico said.

Percy sighed.

"Of course."

Percy took hold of Nico by the jacket and the water began to flow over them again. Their eyes met and Nico wanted to pull him back in again. Percy was fighting the same urge.

As he brought them up and out of the water, Percy leaned in for one last breathless second before they spilled back into the room. Their friends were laughing, hooting and hollering. Everyone was so drunk that they didn't see the look that passed between the two boys.

It was desperation, longing, fear and something primal, a burning instinct. Something that Percy knew he wasn't going to be able to shake.