I have to tell him. He deserves to know.

"Nico...." I began.

"Yeah?"

"I'm not sure how to say this, but last night you said something to me.."

Nico visibly stiffened. "What did I say?" He asked softly.

"That you...like me. Like, really like me." I couldn't seem to meet his eyes.

"Oh."

"That's it?" I asked, finally looking at him.

"What else do I say?" Nico asked me softly. "I know you don't feel the same way. And the whole thing with Annabeth... I just wasn't going to tell you. It's easier that way."

"What makes you think I don't like you too?" I asked.

"W-what?"

"You heard me."

"....Do you?" He asked. "Like me, I mean."

"I...Yeah. I think I do." I replied. "At least, I like you enough to try and find out exactly how much."

For a moment, Nico just stood there. I don't think either of us really knew what to say. I mean, I know we've battled monsters and saved the world and all, but at the end of the day, we're both still awkward teenagers.

Finally, I broke the silence. "So, do you want to maybe.... go to the movies sometime?"

Nico's face broke out into a grin. "Yeah." He said. "I'd like that a lot."