PJO/HOO one-shots

Never Love You The Same - Percico (Re-Write '23)

Jealousy surged through Nico's veins like a tempest as he stood in the shadows beneath the towering oak tree, his gaze fixed upon the radiant demigod couple. Laughter danced in the air as Annabeth Chase, the daughter of Athena, and Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, shared an intimate moment. Their happiness seemed to radiate, a stark contrast to the darkness that consumed Nico. He couldn't help but despise them, the so-called "Golden Couple" of the camp. The perfection of their union only fueled his resentment.

A sardonic voice disrupted his thoughts, and Nico turned to find the blond figure of Superman, also known as Jason Grace, hovering beside him. "Staring at him won't make him yours, you know," Jason taunted, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Nico's lip curled in a sneer, his irritation palpable. "Mind your own business, Grace. My feelings are not your concern."

Jason touched down gracefully next to Nico, his expression more serious now. "Actually, you did share your feelings with me," he retorted. "And I'm your friend, which means it's at least a bit my business."

With a derisive snort, Nico rolled his eyes, his skepticism evident. "Cupid's intervention doesn't count as sharing, Sparky." His demeanor shifted, his voice turning fragile as he continued, "Jason, what should I do?"

A reassuring smile curved Jason's lips as he placed a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Maybe you should consider talking to him, Neeks."

Nico's scowl deepened, and he shrugged off Jason's touch with a dismissive huff. "Aside from that."

A sigh escaped Jason as he shook his head, his expression marked by a hint of exasperation. "You can't keep avoiding this forever."

A stubborn resolve flickered in Nico's eyes. "I can certainly try."

Jason's gaze turned into one of disappointment, a silent plea in his expression. "Nico, please. He'll come around."

Nico's attention was drawn back to the couple, watching as Percy tenderly kissed Annabeth's forehead. The ache in his chest intensified, a cruel reminder of what he yearned for. "It's not that I fear his rejection, Jason," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. He continued to watch as Percy and Annabeth strolled hand in hand, a knot of bitterness forming within him. "It's the agonizing certainty that he'll never love me in the way I long for. He'll never love me the same."