Pernico/perjasico/pernicleo/Jercy oneshots

As darkness fades (pernico pg-13 to R for cussing mainly)

Hi guys. I know it takes forever for me to write new pieces for this mainly because I only really write when I'm having insomniac nights, but it makes me so happy to see all of your comments and see that you enjoy and relate to my stories and I hope my writing keeps improving, inspiring, and making others happy and feel heard. And now let's get on with the story.

Nico had always been shrouded in darkness. It came easy to him like breathing. The nastiest and best things in the world are under the cover of darkness. So it's no surprise to him that almost every event that changed him as a person also took place in the fortitude of night. Even meeting Percy for the first time was physically dark, not to mention the cold deep emptiness of losing Bianca, and having such confusing feelings for Percy Jackson. The trip through Tartarus alone and cold also changed him, but oddly in a way that seemed to be better for him. Now he wouldn't say that Tartarus was positive at all because that would be more than a lie, but it did allow him to see the value in the people in his life clearly for the first time since he lost his sister. He still wouldn't admit a lot of his brewing feelings, but he stopped pushing everyone away as much, and with that slowly he became more open and started healing. Now this doesn't mean that he was suddenly mr congeniality either. He was still definitely a quiet emo punk son of hades, and he was still most certainly not the most open person, but thinking back he's definitely lost his coldness. Maybe the darkness had faded a little, so that night is more like dusk and the beauty and colors still make their mark. Tartarus did not do the same for Percy. But that wasn't surprising to Nico who was Percy's number one observer (even if he wouldn't admit it.) Percy was also shrouded in darkness. From the day Nico met him. People tend to look at the surface of Percy Jackson that shimmers and moves just like the ocean. He's warm and bubbly and fun and has so much to offer. But people use the ocean, and they use Percy. Even if it's accidental, it's still not fair to him. Because once you look deeper, (and Nico has. Many times.) you see the depths of the ocean that have never once seen the light of day. The secrets that even the most brave explorers and best tech can't reach. But Nico sees it all he knows darkness all to well. The problem is that Percy is sinking and it doesn't seem like anyone really cares to notice. Percy is damaged in a way that these people who idolize and use him can't see. Nico wouldn't claim to know all the details, because he simply didn't, but he can see the rejection, the abuse, the abandonment, and Percy's terror of himself that really took over when he and annabeth escaped Tartarus. Nico used to hate the intelligent blonde and even now he's not too fond of her. Especially since she's been feeding Percy's self hate even if it is just out of her own fear. He knows that she's never seen the darkness in Percy. He does hide it very well, but Percy is powerful and dangerous. Those who do not choose to acknowledge that are crazy. The guy is a force of nature, and unfortunately not everyone can handle that. Nico has over the years found himself considering how grateful everyone, including the gods, should be that Percy is genuinely one of the most sincere, kind, and compassionate people that exists. Because he could have taken down the world. Nico wants to take his shot with Percy he knows that the other boy is bi, and he knows that he and annabeth broke up, but he also knows that nothing can be easy for the hero of Olympus right now, and he doesn't want to be another burden on Percy's shoulders. Nico would love to help Percy carry some of his burden. Nico is so used to darkness, and he's stronger now than he's ever been, but he doesn't know if the sea prince would even let him close enough to try. But if anyone can understand being terrified of your power and to be yourself it's fucking Nico. And so he does shoot his shot. He sees Percy practicing with riptide in the arena and has to calm his horny brain at a shirtless Percy for a second. Then he thinks why the fuck and I worrying about seeming attracted to him I'm literally about to ask him out. And then Nico facepalms. Grateful that Percy is to focused to notice. So when Nico approaches Percy, well once Percy's looking at him, Nico gives the sea prince a very deliberate and very long appreciate glance. Percy definitely seemed to notice as his cheeks and ears started to turn a bright pink. "Uh hi Nico...." Percy stutters out awkwardly. "Hey, your looking a bit exhausted wanna walk with me to go for a swim" Nico asks still giving Percy a once over that keeps the other boy nervously fidgeting. "Uh.. oh yeah,, uh sure! That sounds nice." Percy finally gets out lifting his hand to scratch at his neck giving Nico a great view of his flexing chest, not that he was looking. (Ok he was totally looking) and Percy said yes. And that was the start of the weirdest flirtationship in camp half-blood. And people thought Percy and annabeth were bad. What made it most entertaining to the other campers is that fact that no matter how you looked at it Percy was the one being pursued, and even though he obviously thought Nico was attractive, and his definite blushing, embarrassment, and over the top reactions to Nicos staring and flirting was adorable. Also Nico was totally out, but Percy Jackson is a very stubborn, insecure, and oblivious person. Nico has asked Percy out three times and Percy is just not getting it. I mean he does but he's unwilling to confirm or deny. So Nico decided that he would do it for him. So after a few weeks of this Nico walked right up to Percy in the middle of camp. "I like you I've been asking you out, and I'm gonna kiss you now tell me if any of that isn't ok with you." Nico says quickly but calmly. Percy turns red but when Nico looks him in the eyes,, his beautiful ocean eyes that even now Nico can still see the darkness in, to ask permission. Percy nods slightly, and then Nico is kissing him. Percy kisses right back and it's like something slides into place between them. And it's like all the best parts of beauty and darkness. It's dusk but that means that night is only beginning and they have so much left to do before they are ready for the day, but that's ok. They'll support each other.