Stages of Falling In Love

Friendship

Friendship: the emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends.

Before Nico realized, Percy had once again, planted himself as part of Nico's small circle of friends.

How it happened, Nico didn't know.

Perhaps it was the day Percy disregarded the rules to come sit with Nico.

"What are you doing here?" Nico asked, looking up with disbelief as Percy placed his plate on the table.

"I want to make up for the lost time," he had said straightforwardly. The situation strongly reminded Nico of that one night at the Argo II, except this time, Nico didn't have the strength to push him away.

Perhaps it was the day Percy insisted that Nico should come help him with the sword fighting classes he was giving.

"Percy, I don't want to teach them. I have other things to do, you're doing well on your own." Nico whined.

"Please Nico, I could use a hand. Besides, what other things are more important than helping a friend out?" Percy tilted his head, pouting. And curse that adorable face, Nico couldn't say no. "Besides, I'm sure the Ghost King has some tricks up his sleeve that even I can't teach."

Nico rolled his eyes, "Ugh, fine."

"Thanks Neeks!" Percy exclaimed, resting his hand on Nico's shoulder.

Nico had to suppress a smile upon hearing that nickname.

Perhaps it was the day they decided to reveal the broken parts of themselves to each other.

Nico shot up from his bed, screaming, arms thrashing, breathing quickly.

Another nightmare.

"Nico?" Percy asked as he rushed to his side, concern evident in his voice.

"Percy?" Nico called out, still hyperventilating. Percy engulfed Nico into a hug, soothing the younger boy. Nico could feel Percy's tears as he buried his face in the crook of Nico's neck.

"Percy?"

"Shh, I'm here."

It took time to go from the awkward I-just-told-you-I-had-a-crush-on-you phase to the point where Percy could say "Sorry for my friend here, he's a sarcastic little shit," without Nico's sword at his throat moments after. The two had gotten significantly close. Of course, their relationship was completely platonic, but it didn't erase the fact that Nico felt a lot happier with Percy in his life.

Sure, they both experienced some struggles along the way, but now, Nico could say with certainty that they had successfully moved past that. From a history of betrayal and misunderstanding rose a beautiful friendship, a bond even stronger than the one they shared before the Giant War.

It did, however, pain him to be close to Percy, but not close in the way Nico would've liked. It was getting harder each day to look away from Percy before he realized Nico's gaze lingered a little longer than what's considered normal for being "just friends."

But no, their friendship would be at risk if Nico revealed how he really felt.

So Nico settled for it. If this was the only way he could have Percy Jackson in his life, then you best believe, he is going to cherish every moment with him.