the quality of being honest.

"Percy, your cabin's a mess," Nico said bluntly, looking around. Dirty clothing was scattered all over the floor, the bed was not made and dust was gathering near the windows. Overall, the Poseidon cabin could use some cleaning.

"Yeah yeah, I know. I'll clean up, it definitely wasn't fun to do all that dish washing last time." Percy stated. Nico sat on the empty bunk bed, watching as Percy kicked his clothes under his chair.

Nico raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"

Percy grinned sheepishly. "Just kidding, I'll actually fold them this time."

Nico swung his feet back and forth, watching as Percy quickly folded all his clothes. They were quiet as Percy put his belongings away, with little energy to converse since both had spent the whole day training the younger campers.

Percy manipulated the water to wash the sea shells that were displayed on his windowsill. He had cleaned up nicely, the Poseidon cabin was stunning.

"When did you get those?" Nico asked. Those shells hadn't been there before.

"Oh these? I visited my dad's palace a few days ago and Tyson gave me them as a present." Percy said, gently placing them in Nico's hands. He sat down beside Nico, eagerly waiting for his reaction.

The shells were strange. Rather than having a wedged shape, they resembled a flower. It was made up of layers, like petals, except they were sea shells. They varied in size, but the largest was as big as Nico's hand. As Nico examined them from different angles, it seemed like they were changing from blue to purple to pink, sparkling in the light.

They were absolutely beautiful.

Percy was also holding a smaller sea shell in his hand, but Nico could feel his eyes on him. It was starting to make Nico self-conscious.

He pretended to look around. "Well, at least your cabin is clean now,"

"Yeah," Percy said. He opened his mouth then quickly closed it, almost like he had something to say. Nico ignored it. "So what do you want to do?"

"I don't know, I mean, we have Capture the Flag after this, so might as well rest before that? It's been a busy day." Nico suggested.

"True, teaching kids how to hold a sword is more tiring than I thought," Percy said.

"Well, I think it'd be easier if our teacher here didn't give students a demonstration every time we're teaching them how to hold their swords. You know, it's exhausting to have to spar with you every class." Nico said.

"Hey, one can learn a lot from just watching two people fight." Percy pointed out.

Nico nodded. "You're right. But some of them are just learning how to hold a sword, I think we'd rather not have them trying such complicated techniques and risk them getting hurt."

"Aye aye captain," Percy grinned. Nico could feel his cheeks heating up. Lately, Nico had caught Percy staring at his face often, and honestly, he didn't know how to feel about the change in behavior.

"You're staring," Nico said, finally meeting Percy's gaze.

"I-um, sorry." Percy stammered, his face lighting up in embarrassment. Cute. Nico smiled at the blushing boy in front of him before recomposing himself.

Once again, Percy opened his mouth to say something and then stopped himself. This happened frequently whenever the son of Poseidon was around Nico. He figured Percy had something to tell him, but he trusted that Percy would let him know whenever he felt ready. After all, Percy had been extremely patient with Nico when they were just starting to open up with each other.

Percy hesitated before continuing. "Nico?" Percy asked, staring at the shell in his hand.

"Yeah?" Nico sensed this would be a serious conversation based on the tone of Percy's voice.

"I'm bisexual."

"What?" Nico blurted.

"I-I'm bi," Percy's voice was timid.

Oh.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes Percy. Okay. I just didn't expect that."

He was not expecting that. At all. He had suspected Percy was hiding something, but his sexuality? He had not seen that coming.

So Percy was attracted to women. But he's also attracted to men-

He's attracted to men, Nico realized.

His head was spinning. The unattainable and straight son of Poseidon was not so straight? He admired his self control and ability to not jump of delight right then and there.

Calm yourself di Angelo, just because he's into boys doesn't mean he's into you, Nico's brain reminded him.

But there a sliver of hope, a slight chance, no matter how small, that Percy would look his way. And that alone, was enough to fill Nico with great joy.

It finally dawned on him. Had Percy sounded timid-no, embarrassed about who he was?

"Percy? Did you think I would judge you?"

"No, no. That's not it." Percy reassured him.

"Percy, I would never judge you for something like that, okay?" Nico's eyes scanned for any sign of shame in Percy's expression. His heart would break if Percy didn't accept and love himself for who he is. For a large part of his life, Nico desperately wished to change who he was. In the end, he had come in terms with his sexuality thanks to the constant support of his loved ones. He'd show Percy that he was great, no matter his sexuality.

Thankfully, Percy's face showed no signs of that, just slight fidgeting due to some discomfort.

Still, his mind couldn't stop asking questions. Had he just learned he was bisexual? Or had he hid this part of himself the whole time until now?

He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious. Had Percy fallen for a guy?

"Nico?" Percy asked, effectively snapping him out of his daze.

"Yes?"

"Are you shocked? You're doing a weird thing with your face." Percy asked.

Shit.

"Oh, I-um, sorry. I'll be honest, a little? I'm not doubting you or anything, it's not like that, more like how did you realize?"

Leave it to his mouth to blurt the dumbest things, Nico thought. Idiot, why did you say that?

"Oh, oh. Sure? I guess, I've always found myself attracted to guys. But I never thought of them romantically because Annabeth. She was always the one for me. But recently..."

"Recently?" Nico asked.

"Yeah." Percy smiled before continuing. "I've been noticing someone. They've been my friend for quite a while now, but I guess, I've thinking about them and then I catch myself, and I'm like, hey, that's kinda gay."

Nico let out a chuckle. Percy smiled at him before continuing.

"I realized my feelings have surpassed friendship. As in I have a crush on them. So yeah, I'm bisexual."

Nico's heart shattered. Percy's heart belonged to someone else. But who? Jason, Leo, Travis, heck, was it Grover? Percy caught feelings for a friend, would Nico always have to deal with heartbreak after heartbreak?

Nico stared at the shell in his hand. Would things be like with Annabeth again? Would he have to run?

Nico found a home in Camp Half-Blood, he no longer wished to leave. But could he stay and watch as Percy falls for another?

He knew it was selfish. How he wished to be happy for Percy because the beautiful boy in front of him deserved it, but...

His mind couldn't help and wonder, what if Percy was with me?

"Will you tell him?" Nico asked. His voice quavered.

"I don't know Nico, It's scary, what if he rejects me?"

"Don't do it if you feel uncomfortable." Nico told him. "But if it's rejection you're scared of, I-I doubt he'll reject you,"

Nico wanted to shadow travel away from embarrassment.

"Thanks," Percy squeezed his hand in gratitude.

Nico stared at his hand. It tingled from where Percy had touched him.

"Yes, I want to. But I don't think I have a chance with them. They're so amazing, I-I'm scared of messing up again. I don't want to lose their friendship, it means so much to me."

Nico wanted to cry. As much as he yearned for Percy, his happiness would come first. As long as Percy was happy, he would deal with the heartbreak. It made it bearable.

Percy continued, "I want to, I really do. But I'm panicking! Everyone has always made the first move: Rachel, Annabeth, Calypso," Percy didn't mention Nico's confession and he was relieved. They worked through that and talked about it, but it was still awkward to bring up. Then again, it wasn't even a "first move," more like I-liked-you-but-moved-on, even though it was a complete lie.

"You should go tell him Percy, if this is what you want, go chase your happiness." Nico attempted a smile.

"Perhaps." Percy said quietly.

They were silent.

"Nico?" Percy whispered.

"Yes?"

Before Nico could react, Percy's face hovered inches above his. Every breath he took smelled of the sea. His whole body tingled with anticipation.

Percy stared at him, clearly hesitating.

"Fuck it,"

Nico froze.

He didn't know what to do. This was only his second kiss, but Percy, although slightly trembling, just held his lips with his own.

Nico's heart pounded. He could only focus on how soft Percy's lips felt against his. He felt like he was dreaming but the heat radiating off the son of Poseidon told him that it was not a product of his imagination.

He was absolutely confused, his mind could not catch up.

How could he not be? Percy Jackson had kissed him.