Nico threw open the cabin door, out of breath with his sword in hand, expecting a rogue monster that had somehow managed to slip through the magical border of the camp. What he wasn't expecting was a small blanket covered figure huddled on the bed.

Cautiously, approached the quivering creature, while sheathing his sword. Nico poked the blanket.

"Percy? Is that you?" he asked gently.

As he further examined her, he realized that she was crying and shaking. He, then, immediately pulled back the cover and his heart constricted at the sight. Percy's usually silky black hair was wild and tangled. Her naturally tan skin looked an unhealthy pale. But her eyes were the most drastically changed. Her eyes, once a vibrant sea-green, were puffy and red with tears. They conveyed sadness, self loathing, guilt and a glimmer of fear. Even at her worst, Nico couldn't help but think she looked beautiful. He had to restrain himself from capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

He moved to wrap his arms around her, but Percy flinched back.

"What's wrong?" he asked, hurt.

"Don't touch me! I'm a murderer!" she cried out and buried her face back into the pillow, sobbing.

"What are you talking about?" Nico asked, running his hands through his messy black hair, astonished. "You're not a murderer!" You're my beautiful best friend who I love, he almost blurted out, but managed to stop himself at the last moment.

"I am! I killed B-Bianca and Beckendorf a-and Zoe and S-Silena and Michael and-"

It broke Nico's heart to see her like this so he just grabbed her and pulled her close to him. She tensed at first but soon relaxed and buried her face into his chest, letting out his tears and soaking his shirt in the process.

Nico just smiled at her and whispered, "It's okay. I got you. You're fine," into her ear while stroking her hair softly. When she was done, Percy pulled away, confusion coloring her face.

"Why don't you hate me?"

"I could never hate you, I care too much. The accident with Biance wasn't your fault. It wasn't. And as for everybody else, you didn't kill them, they died a hero's death. You're not a murderer," Nico said in a gentle but forceful voice.

Percy stared at him and Nico could see a little doubt still remaining after his statement. He was about to confirm it by swearing on the river styx but, instead, he made a split second decision and did what he wanted to do for months now.

He kissed her.

He could feel her freeze under his lips and Nico thought he had just made a mistake, that is, until she kissed back.

It was an undescribable feeling.

Electrifying, yet sweet and gentle at the same time. She smelled like the ocean mixed with vanilla. He thought he was in Elysium as he felt her soft lips on his own.

He kissed her like the world was ending, pouring every ounce of love he could muster.

And Percy did the same.

He removed his hand from her cheek and wrapped it around her waist closing and space that had been left between them. In turn, Percy wrapped one hand around his neck and the other, she ran through his hair. Nico leaned into her touch as she sent shivers down his spine.

I'm kissing Persephone Jackson, the Savior of Olympus, the only daughter of Poseidon, he thought giddily.

Too soon, they had to pull back for air and as Nico stared into those swirling green pools, he blurted out three words he never thought he'd hear himself say.

"I love you."

As he uttered those words, Percy froze up in shock. Nico thought he's done the wrong thing again, but Percy's face broke out into the biggest smile he had ever seen on her face and she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him into another passionate kiss.

She pulled away after a few seconds, stared at Nico straight in the eye and said, "I love you too."

Nico's mouth dropped open; he never imagined that Percy felt the same about him.

"Will you...be my girlfriend?" he asked nervously, fidgeting with his t-shirt.

"After that kiss, I don't know how I could say no," Percy said adorably.

Nico laughed and pulled her in another embrace, loving the feeling of having Percy tucked safely in his arms.

"Nico?" Percy asked after a few minutes.

"Hmm?"

"Can you...stay with me tonight?"

Nico was shocked that she trusted him enough to let him sleep with her and he smiled in happiness. Then he layed down on the bed and patted the space next to him. Percy sighed in relief and and layed down next to him. She layed her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Nico hugged her close and shut his eyes as well and sighed blissfully.

He could get used to this.

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A.N. I am so sorry I didn't update! I don't really have an excuse for it. I guess I was just caught up in school work and forgot about the story for a little while. Also if you guys like it, I might make some one shots about their parents and friends finding out.