Percabeth Oneshots

Cousins & Crushes Pt.3

By me.

It had been a few days since Percy asked Annabeth out, and things had been going surprisingly well. He hadn’t completely embarrassed himself yet, and Annabeth seemed to enjoy spending time with him. But as Percy’s life took a turn for the better, he started noticing something strange with Thalia.

They were hanging out at their usual spot under the big oak tree in the school courtyard. Percy was half-listening to Thalia ramble about some band she was obsessed with when he caught her glancing across the yard for what felt like the millionth time.

He followed her gaze and spotted Nico di Angelo, the new kid, sitting by himself at one of the benches, sketching something in his notebook. Nico had transferred to their school a few weeks ago, and despite his reserved, mysterious vibe, Percy had hit it off with him pretty quickly. Nico wasn’t the most talkative guy, but he was sharp, witty, and oddly funny when he chose to be.

“Why do you keep staring at him?” Percy asked, raising an eyebrow at Thalia.

Thalia flinched slightly, her expression guarded. “What are you talking about?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Percy said, smirking. “You’ve been sneaking glances at Nico for days now. Are you crushing on him?”

Thalia’s cheeks flushed a faint shade of pink, something Percy rarely saw. “No. I’m just… making sure he’s okay.”

Percy’s smirk widened. “Oh, really? Because it looks a lot like you’re checking him out.”

“Shut up, Jackson,” Thalia snapped, but her defensive tone only made Percy more suspicious.

Percy leaned back against the tree, crossing his arms as he grinned. “I can’t believe this. Thalia Grace, the unshakable, tough-as-nails warrior, has a crush on my friend Nico.”

Thalia groaned, glaring at him. “I do not have a crush on him. I’m just… curious.”

“Uh-huh, curious about how his hair looks so good all the time?” Percy teased, not letting up. “Or maybe you’re wondering how someone can pull off the whole dark and brooding thing so effortlessly.”

Thalia shot him a deadly glare, but Percy could see the embarrassment creeping up her neck. “You’re annoying. You know that?”

“Come on, Thalia,” Percy said, laughing. “It’s no big deal. Nico’s a cool guy. I could totally set something up if you want.”

Thalia’s eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. “Don’t you dare.”

Percy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her reaction. Thalia wasn’t the type to get flustered, especially not over a guy. This was new territory for her, and Percy was having way too much fun watching her squirm.

“Why not? You obviously like him. And I’m pretty sure Nico wouldn’t mind getting to know you better,” Percy said, nudging her playfully.

Thalia sighed, running a hand through her short black hair. “It’s not that simple, Percy. Nico’s different. He’s… quiet. Mysterious. I don’t want to make things weird.”

Percy’s smirk softened as he realized she was actually serious. Thalia wasn’t used to crushing on anyone, especially not someone like Nico. She was tough, confident, and fiercely independent, but when it came to Nico, it was like she wasn’t sure how to act.

“Hey, it won’t be weird,” Percy said more gently. “Nico’s a good guy. If you like him, I’m sure he’ll like you too.”

Thalia gave him a doubtful look, crossing her arms. “And what makes you think he’d be interested in me? I’m not exactly the easiest person to get along with.”

Percy chuckled. “Yeah, but that’s part of your charm. Besides, you and Nico are more alike than you think. He’s not exactly Mr. Sunshine either, you know?”

Thalia rolled her eyes, but Percy could see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “I guess.”

“Come on, Thals. You’re way too cool to be doubting yourself. If you like him, just go for it. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Thalia hesitated, glancing over at Nico again. He was still sitting by himself, lost in his sketches. There was something about him—something quiet and intense, like he carried a weight no one else could see. Thalia had always been drawn to people like that, people who understood what it felt like to be on the outside looking in.

“Maybe…” Thalia muttered, more to herself than to Percy.

Percy grinned, leaning closer. “Maybe?”

Thalia punched him lightly on the arm. “Shut up, Jackson. You’re lucky I don’t hate you right now.”

“Yeah, yeah, you can thank me later when you and Nico are planning your wedding,” Percy teased, dodging another punch from her.

Thalia rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re totally into him,” Percy shot back with a wink. “You should just ask him to hang out. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

Thalia bit her lip, looking unsure for the first time in a long while. “I don’t know…”

“Hey,” Percy said, his tone softening. “You gave me a hard time about Annabeth, right? Well, now it’s your turn to be brave. Just talk to him. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Thalia sighed, glancing back at Nico one more time. She wasn’t used to feeling this vulnerable, but Percy was right. She had pushed him to ask out Annabeth, and now it was her turn to take her own advice.

“Fine,” Thalia muttered, standing up and brushing the dirt off her jeans. “I’ll talk to him.”

Percy grinned triumphantly. “That’s the spirit.”

Thalia gave him a sharp look. “But if this goes wrong, I’m blaming you.”

Percy laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Deal.”

Taking a deep breath, Thalia squared her shoulders and started walking toward Nico. Percy watched her go, feeling proud of her but also a little curious to see how it would all play out. Thalia wasn’t the type to let her guard down easily, but maybe Nico was the one person who could get through to her.

As she approached Nico, Percy couldn’t help but smile. Thalia, the tough warrior who never backed down from a challenge, finally had one that made her nervous. But knowing her, she’d figure it out. She always did.

And maybe, just maybe, Percy thought, things were about to get a lot more interesting.