Stages of Falling In Love

Love

Love: indescribable

Nico was the first to say it, and it had caught both him and Percy completely off guard. His mouth hadn't checked in with his brain, the words just slipped out.

To be fair, it could've been worse. He could've said it while battling monsters or during war games, but still, there was nothing particular about that dinner that made him feel like he had to say it. But Nico had.

He gazed at the beautiful person in front of him, watching as Percy graciously devoured his blue pizza, and the word love came to Nico's mind.

Percy froze and gaped at Nico.

Nico's eyes widened as he realized that his mouth had betrayed his thoughts, and that he had actually said it, out loud.

Percy timidly asked, "Wha-what did you say?"

"I-" Nico paused and continued, speaking more confidently. "I love you."

Percy's face broke into a smile, like he had been waiting for this moment. He leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to Nico's forehead.

"I love you too."

Nico's chest exploded with happiness.

I love you...

Those words were so sincere, tears welled up in his eyes and he smiled brightly. Because the person in front of him, Nico loves so, so much.

~ ~ ~

Nico felt like he began loving Percy a long time ago. Perhaps some part of him had already known. But now, it really hit him.

For so long, he had been terrified to admit it, in fear of hurting himself even more. After all, he felt isolated and the boy he liked was someone else's. To think he had fallen in love was unbearable back then.

But now?

There was nothing holding him back. He is in love with Percy.

The son of Poseidon was his, just like Nico was Percy's. He could announce it to the world with no fears.

They resumed eating, but both recognized that this was a special day. Their first I love you's. They couldn't stop themselves from looking up at each other and smiling.

That day, they fell asleep whispering the same phrase over and over in each other's ear...

"I love you."

"I love you."

Crazy to think that it took him so long to finally admit it to himself.

~ ~ ~

Love is amazing, overwhelming, patience, compassion, understanding, trust, and unconditional support. It was incredibly rewarding when with the right person. It was simply indescribable.

And it brought them both so much joy.

If given the choice to be with someone else or go through it all again, Nico would choose the latter in a heartbeat. It was all worth it.

Nico di Angelo was in love with Percy Jackson.

And Percy Jackson loved him back.