the point in time or space at which something starts

Nico's shy when it comes to their relationship. They both are.

They agree to take things slow, mostly for Nico's sake. After all, he's still in disbelief. The person that he had been chasing after for so many years was finally his? No, that only happened in his dreams, and that as when Nico allowed himself to have them.

But this was very real. The warmth of Percy's skin brushing past his was real, in a way no dream could replicate.

He had always felt like the son of Poseidon wore his heart on sleeve, but despite that, Percy was able to hide his feelings for him. That's why at first, Nico had thought it was a joke. But Percy would never do that. Romantic feelings or not, Nico knew that Percy cared for him.

And it was scary. As much as Nico had longed for this moment, he never allowed himself to think about the actual relationship. But it had happened, and Nico was nowhere near prepared.

How could you prepare for a relationship? Nico didn't know. He had no experience with relationships and didn't know how to express his feelings either. Percy, on the other hand, had experience. Nico knew he should stop comparing himself to Annabeth, but still, this was new territory for him.

Thankfully, Percy took the lead.

Percy was the one to initiate a kiss. He was the one to reach for Nico's hand. He was the one to open his arms and hug Nico. Not that Nico didn't want to do these things. Of course he did, he just felt awkward and clumsy. For a long time, he had starved himself of any physical contact. Now with Percy, Nico wanted nothing more but to be held by him. It was just . . . hard to express.

It was weird because they had grown so close to each other and were at ease with each other's presence, but now, Nico was extremely shy.

It was probably just a phase and Nico hoped that with time, his mind would finally register that yes, he's with Percy Jackson. That yes, it's real.

Until then, it would be blushing and stuttering at all times whenever Percy was near.