Demonology (a Percabeth AU)

Nico di Angelo

The day after Annabeth had hooked up with Percy, she was approached by a slight, pale man with dark hair. He was a quiet boy from her class with Dr. Chiron. All she knew about him was his name: Nico di Angelo.

"Annabeth," Nico said. "I was wondering if you'd help me on my thesis?"

Annabeth nodded, flattered by his trust in her. "When would you want to meet up?"

"Friday at noon?" Nico asked. "I'll meet you in the library near the portrait of Shakespeare on the second floor."

****

Four days later, Annabeth met Nico in the library. They sat down in the squishy, mahogany-colored armchairs. Annabeth pulled out her laptop, but when she looked at Nico, she realized he hadn't brought anything with him. She bit her lip to prevent herself from saying something harsh.

"I thought you wanted to discuss your thesis," Annabeth said, stowing away her laptop.

Nico shifted slightly. With his dark hair and pale complexion, he looked like someone who decided that emo wasn't a phase, but a way of life. He twisted the skull ring on his right hand. "I need to talk with you about something else."

"Well, what is it?" Annabeth said. "Do you realize that I could be eating lunch with Percy right now? He asked me on a date today and I refused because I made a promise to you!"

Nico's dark eyes looked brooding. "You shouldn't trust Percy."

"And why is that?" Annabeth said, crossing her arms.

Nico twisted his skull ring. His pale cheeks flushed so that they resembled a pale, sick rose. "Listen," Annabeth said. "If you think that you can get with me by trash-talking Percy—"

Nico's cheeks grew pinker. "That's not it, Annabeth. I swear!"

"Whatever," Annabeth said, picking up her things and leaving.

***

Annabeth called Percy and told him about Nico. "He said I shouldn't trust you," Anabeth said.

She was laying on her bed in a comfortable repose and holding her phone to her ear. "And did he explain why?" Percy asked.

"No," Annabeth said. "He just looked embarrassed, so I left."

"Ignore him," Percy suggested. "Nico has always been touchy."

"You know him?" Annabeth asked.

"We're both studying abroad," Percy said. "All the study abroad students have to go to weekly meetings together."

Annabeth grew silent. Her mind was whirling with all that had happened in the last week. "I had a good time with you last week," Percy said.

Annabeth was glad he was the one to mention it first. She never liked looking clingy. She had learned from a young age that being clingy only pushed people away. "It was nice," Annabeth said. "My taste of heaven."

Percy laughed and Annabeth grew silent again. She still couldn't believe what happened. It felt surreal, as if it had happened to someone else. The only other guy she had been with was Luke and that was after months of dating.

"Are you still worried about what Nico said?" Percy asked. "I can prove to you that you have nothing to worry. Meet me outside my dorm?"

"Fine, Seaweed Brain. I'll see you in thirty minutes."