[Nico] - Fifteen
"You're not unloveable." Leo stated again. His voice deadly serious as he looked at Nico's dark eyes. Nico's mouth went dry and he bit his lip. Sitting up straight the dark haired teen stared at the Latino.

"How do you know?" Nico questioned. He heard his voice waver and resisted the urge to wince at how afraid he sounded. Leo's frown softened and his face seemed to relax. He pulled his fingers through his best of curls, ignoring the oil he had swiped across the bridge of his nose.

"Because I love you." Leo found himself saying. "I love you, Nico Di Angelo. I love the way you sass Will Solace after that date, I love the way you smile when Hazel giggles, I love when you insist you're over 70 years old– but the minute we put on a Disney movie you collapsed into a nest of blankets and pillows." Leo took a breath. "I love the way you joke around with me. The way you touch me in such a gentle manner I don't even know if Hazel's gotten to be touched as softly." Leo had a small blush as he looked down. Staring at his feet as he continued; Olivia watching silently.

"I love the way you support me. The way you put up with me when I get clingy. I love the way your nose scrunched up in disgust each time I throw a mango at you." Nico let out a small laugh, Leo's shy smile turning into a wide grin. Teeth displayed as his face was still toward the ground.

"Nico. I love you, and I want to help you so you can feel what I do about you without fear." Nico's hands shook, his shoulders trembling. He blinked several times, eyes staring at Leo. He felt venerable.

"Leo–" he stopped. Nico wasn't sure what to say. His voice hitting the air in a pitiful whimper. He sounded like a scared puppy.

Leo frowned. He said love. He told Nico that he loved him, that was a bit strong. No matter how much he wanted to hug the son of Hades he couldn't throw a word around like that. Especially when it terrified the person he wanted.

"Sorry." Leo said quietly, Nico getting up. "Guess I came off too strong?" Leo put a hand behind his head. Rubbing his neck with a small chuckle. "I tend to do that." He murmured to himself. He looked down at his feet, avoiding Nico's eyes.

Leo didn't notice when Nico got closer...

Nico's heart pounded. It was so loud he could hear it in his ears. He felt fear rush over him. Consuming him like a cold wave of water. He pressed it down. His cheeks heating up when his fingers trailed over Leo's cheek. The Latino teen looked up, dark eyes staring into Nico.

"Nico..?" Leo said, surprised. Nico glanced over his lips, blood running cold, but body seeming to long for it. Very hesitantly, he leaned in and collided their lips together.

Nico felt fear wash away, their lips moving at a slow pace. Both moving away after a few seconds. Their noses and foreheads pressed together. Nico's lips tingling and his cheeks bright red. His memory replaying. Remembering the awkward teeth clash and nose bump.

Jesus Christ. Nico finally thought as he came to some sense.

We kissed.