Time seemed to slow down.

It went from an allegro to a lento real quick, and Percy didn't exactly enjoy the silence that was holding him and Nico together.

The brown-eyed boy stared at him blankly for what seemed like centuries, but probably was only a few seconds. His eyebrows arched in surprise. The corner of his mouth twitched, as if they had just shared an inside joke. His lips were parted slightly.

Oh gods— his lips. Percy couldn't stop staring at them. He had marvelled at how sometimes Nico mouthed along to his graceful signs, and since he had noticed he couldn't get enough of those lips.

They looked so soft, yet so pouty. They matched his protruding eyes so perfectly.

Snapped away from his thoughts when those mesmerising lips spread into a smile, Percy's heart skipped a beat. Did he think his question was a joke? Percy knew he should have never asked it.

I would love to, Nico signed, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

Percy didn't know exactly why.

But that didn't matter right now— the strident sound of the bell ringing interrupted their conversation.

Nico smiled sheepishly at him and dived inside the classroom— which door was now open.

Following close at his heels, Percy dipped his head in greeting to his Latin teacher, Mr. Brunner. His eyes sparked, as if he had just seen something Percy hadn't.

His eyebrows furrowing, Percy sat at his usual desk, his skin tingling with anticipation. He would be hanging out with Nico this afternoon!

*   *   *

"Percy?"

The green-eyed boy sighed gratefully. His mother had actually picked up, and on the first try!

Even though her voice was distant and ragged due to the bad connection, Percy was so glad to hear her voice. "Mom, I just called you because I'll be hanging out with a friend... I'm allowed right?"

He heard soft laughter coming from the other side of the line. Percy could practically hear Sally Jackson smiling. "Of course, dear. Come back for dinner, will you? Stay safe!"

And with that, she hung up.

Sighing, Percy leaned back on the school gate, patiently waiting for Nico to arrive. They had planned to meet there, after all.

But now that the time had actually come, he couldn't stop his hands from fidgeting. Sliding his phone back in his backpack, Percy scanned his vicinity, trying to catch a glimpse of the certain black-haired boy he was waiting for.

A part of him wished he wouldn't come. Percy had no idea where to take them— he just wanted to spend some time with him.

Finally, a petite figure ran towards him, waving his arm for attention. His other hand was clutching his black bag slung over his shoulder.

"Nico!" Percy exclaimed. And, in fact, it was Nico di Angelo approaching him.

His black feathery hair was ruffled by the strong wind, resembling a raven spreading it's wings. The twinkles in his hypnotising brown eyes seemed brighter, or maybe it was just Percy imagining it.

When he had reached him, Nico exhaled breathlessly. It was smooth and regular, despite his recent physical effort. Where are we going? Nico signed, his gestures sloppy.

Biting his lower lip, Percy averted his gaze from those beautiful eyes. He was scared that if he met them again, he would fall in a second time, dragged in by those bittersweet irises.

"Um, actually... I thought we could just walk along the streets, but if you don't want that, I—"

Nico put his hand on the green-eyed boy's shoulder in a reassuring manner. He didn't want to press Percy.

But the only thing Percy was thinking about was how warm Nico's hand felt on his skin. He felt as he had just ignited it. The warmth didn't stop there. It spread throughout his whole body, making him shudder with surprise. With the cold, Percy had expected his hand to be frigid.

Turns out he was wrong.

Nico smiled at him, which made his skin two degrees even higher.

Smiling back uneasily at him, Percy nodded to him, beckoning him to follow him.

The two boys marched along the sidewalk, which seemed to stretch in forever. Percy tried to catch a glimpse of Nico's angelic face as they continued their unexpected stroll, but he decided that he looked too suspicious. He didn't want Nico to think he was a creep already.

Sometimes, their hands would brush ever so slightly, making his fingertips tremble even more than the cold was making them do.

Yet, they never intertwined. Should I be sad or not? Percy thought, wishing his skin would contact his.

As the minutes —or hours, Percy didn't know— passed, the two teenagers had soon edged closer to the bakery. Instantly, the air filled with the mouthwatering scent of sweet dough. Opening his mouth a little to appreciate the smell even more, Percy glanced at Nico quickly.

The black-haired boy's eyes were closed in satisfaction, and his lips were spread into a curling smile that sent shivers down Percy's spine. He looked away quickly, despite not wanting to.

Smells good, Nico gestured, his eyes finally opening. His long black eyelashes fluttered around the rim of them, bringing out the brooding brown of his irises.

Yeah, Percy signed back, not trusting himself with his voice currently. He made his hand into a fist and bobbed it back and forth— making the sign for 'yes'.

The closer they got to the coffee shop, the closer Percy was to Nico. He didn't know how it exactly happened, but here he was, brushing his shoulder against his.

The temperature had dropped to freezing since they had left the school, and the sky was shrouded with clouds.

Soon enough, Nico was clinging on to Percy. He slipped his pale hand into Percy's, hoping for warmth. The green-eyed boy hoped he hadn't disappointed him.

Despite Nico's frigid, fragile fingers, Percy didn't complain. Why should he complain when he was holding hands with Nico di Angelo?

Blood rushed to both of their faces, but Percy prayed it was only because of the warmth. Slowly, the brown-eyed boy's face regained it's natural colour. Percy smiled in contentment.

Nico wouldn't be talking with one of his hands intertwined with his. Which meant the mere presence of Percy made him glad enough. He felt a rush of self-satisfaction because of this. Nico appreciated him, and that was all he cared about.

As they edged closer to the café, the pace they were walking out went slower. It was serenely peaceful, but when they were right in front of the coffee shop, Nico lingered behind.

Percy couldn't blame him. The scent of hot chocolate and bittersweet coffee filled his lungs, dragging him into the place. They had never been here before. At least, from what Percy knew of.

The hand holding his let loose of its grip. Percy regretted the warmth, but Nico needed his full body to communicate. Can we get inside? Nico asked, his expression troubled.

Percy stared intently at him. Perhaps the broad aviator jacket the boy was wearing wasn't enough against the battering wind.

He nodded, and they headed inside.

*   *   *

Holding his cup of lukewarm hot chocolate, Percy relished his time spent with Nico. Homework could wait. What mattered right now was that he was with him, sitting in a coffee shop.

Sitting in front of him, Nico held his steaming cup of coffee to his lips. Percy tried desperately to focus on anything else than those lips. So he bored into the boy's brown eyes.

After taking a quiet sip, Nico put down his mug. His gaze met Percy's, and he smiled widely. Flawless, Percy thought.

And that's when he knew that he needed Nico. In some way or another, the boy had to stay in his life. Percy had to make sure of it.

∆   ∆   ∆

i'm sorry for the rocky updates, school's been harsh lately, especially today :C

[deleted rant]

okay thank you for listening to my rant and reading this crappy chapter!

-drakonator