Percy Jackson was in the middle of The Little Mermaid when Nico appeared in the middle of his living room, exhausted and soaked to the bone. Percy barely had time to process what just happened before the son of Hades collapsed onto the floor. Percy rushed to his side and checked him for injuries. After confirming that other than a few cuts and bruises his friend was fine, Percy picked him up and took him to his room.
Percy laid him on his bed and Nico tried to smile, though it was more of a grimace.
"Thanks," he said. Percy sighed. "Nico, what happened?"
"Hellhounds. Five of them. I thought I could take them instead of shadow traveling out, pretty stupid of me, huh?" He laughed weakly, trying to pass it off as no big deal. Percy frowned. "Well, I suppose you could be worse," he said, looking down at his friend. Percy hated seeing Nico like this. The boy had yet to fully master his powers and using them took a lot out of him. While he's glad Nico had come to him for help, the shadow traveling was probably the main cause of Nico's current state.
"Don't think too hard, you'll hurt yourself," Nico teased. Percy pouted and Nico couldn't help to think how cute he looked. "That wasn't so nice Death Breath," Percy said mockingly. Nico raised an eyebrow. "And calling me 'Death Breath' is?" he asked. Percy laughed and stood up.
"Come on," he said. "Let's get you into some dry clothes." Percy walked over to his closet and pulled out and old t-shirt and pajama pants and tossed them to Nico, who began to laugh. "Really Perce? Finding Nemo pajamas?" he asked in between laughs. Percy blushed and muttered something about a heart-renching story and quality animation.
As Nico peeled of his wet shirt, Percy couldn't help but stare and the younger boy's torso. His pale skin seemed to glow in the moonlight and he was starting to gain muscle from all his training in the Underworld. When Nico started unbuttoning his pants Percy forced himself to look away, blushing and slightly embarrassed by his actions.
Nico noticed the other boy's actions and smiled, deciding not to call him out on it. He had always found the son of Poseidon attractive and started developing feelings for him years ago. He never said anything before but now, seeing the way he affected the older boy gave him hope that Percy might feel the same way. But, for now, he was exhausted and needed to sleep.
"Is it ok if I sleep here tonight?" Nico asked. "I don't think I have it in me to make a trip to the Underworld." "Yeah of course. You're always welcome here Neeks," Percy said with a grin. "You could take my bed."
Nico climbed in Percy's bed and crawled under the covers. As Percy turned to leave, he called out, "Don't leave. Please?" Percy turned to the smaller boy and smiled. Times like these he remembered just how young Nico really was, even though technically he was seventy years older (although they don't go into that). "Sure," her replied before climbing into bed with Nico.
Percy wrapped his arms around him as Nico laid his head on his chest. "Thanks Percy, I love you," he said softly before yawning. Shocked, Percy whispered, "I love you too Nico," realizing it was the truth. As his eyes began to close, he could have sworn he saw the faintest of smiles on Nico's face.