Drown

Chapter 3

-Percy's POV-

The first kiss was weird but good at the same time. There was no way to describe what it was like, what I felt, or even what Nico tasted like. It was so right and so wrong at the same time, but I guessed the part of me that thought it was wrong, was just reminding me that I hadn't broken up with Annabeth yet.

The second kiss, however, was amazing. His lips were cold, not unpleasant cold, but fresh cold. Like the cold winter air outside when you just breathed fire-warmed air for days straight and then breathe in the cold. It woke me up, made me aware of everything, from the way I was holding him, close and gentle, to the way he kissed me back, shy and soft. I was taller than he was, so I had to bend down slightly, while he still had to stand on his toes. I smiled and leaned back for a second.

''I like you.'' I said before pressing my lips back to his. He smiled.

''I like you too.'' he said.

Okay, so I kissed Nico, got caught by Annabeth and then broke up with her, and then kissed Nico again. And this has all happened in 2 hours. One of the biggest plot-twists in my life so far. 

We both didn't want to go back to the pavilion, so we just walked through the forest. I was lost in thoughts, so I only noticed Nico was talking to me when he started tickling me. Apparently poking me didn't work.

''NICO!'' I laughed. ''Stop tickling me!'' I started tickling him and soon we were both just laughing and trying to tickle each other and avoid each other's tickles at the same time. I realized I've never seen or heard Nico laugh like this before. It was a true, honest, happy laugh that even reached his eyes, which sparkled with light that nobody ever saw before. I could finally see the Angel part of him, instead of the dark Ghost King that hid in the shadows and always seemed to be sad. This was the Angel Nico, which laughed, actually went outside instead of staying in his cabin all day, and was happy. He ran out of the forest, onto the beach as I followed and tried to tickle him. He tripped and I let myself fall too, still trying to tickle him. When we got tired of laughing and running and tickling, we dropped onto the sand and just sat there, staring at each other. In the sunlight, my Angel seemed to glow. I put on my 'serious' face.

''Nico? Can I say something?'' I asked. He turned pale, the smile disappearing from his face and the angelic light leaving his eyes. He looked worried and nervous.

''Is it about the kiss, eh, kisses? Please don't say you regret them...'' He looked down at the sand. It hurt to see him so sad and insecure. I lifted up his face and made him look me in the eye.

''Nico di Angelo, don't you ever dare being so sad again. It hurts.'' I gave him a light, short kiss and the light sparkled in his eyes again. ''I was actually going to say...'' I bit lightly on my lip, showing how nervous I was to admit. ''Can I tell you a secret?'' He nodded and I leaned in to whisper something in his ear. ''Nico di Angelo... Nico the Angel... I think I'm in love with you.'' He laughed a little as I sat back again.

''You're not sure, though?'' he asked. I grinned.

''Let me check it again.'' I said, as I leaned in to kiss him, again. I smiled against his lips, and he smiled against mine. 

After a few seconds I pulled back again, still keeping my face close to his.

''Yeah, I'm sure.'' This time he was the one to lean in and kiss me.

When it was about 12 PM we went back to the mess hall for lunch. In the forest, we held each other's hand as we walked, but as soon as we got to the crowded part of camp, we let go. I smiled at him as he sat down at the Hades table and I walked to the Poseidon table. I high-fived Tyson, picked up some food and started eating. After lunch, all my friends stood up only to walk to my table and sit down again. I saw Nico getting up to see what was happening. I didn't know either.