The first time Leo saw Nico he didn't care too much about the pale Italian boy in the aviator jacket and black jeans. Leo saw what most people saw, a scary, skinny guy who seemed like he could kill you with a look.

The second time Leo saw Nico, the son of Hades was talking to Percy Jackson. And if he hadn't had as much experience with having crushes as he did Leo would have easily missed the look in the pale boy's eyes. Leo saw how Nico felt for Percy.

The third time Leo saw Nico, Leo saw through the scary mask he put up. Leo saw a boy who was just as broken as he was.

The first time Leo talked to Nico he cracked jokes (that fell flat) and even tried bringing up the weather. It didn't go anywhere. But he's 'Leo Bad Boy Supreme' 'The Awesome Fantastic Argo II Overlord' and he wasn't going to give up.

The second time Leo talked to Nico he managed to convince the kid to hold a conversation with him (it was about fire and death, but that's okay. It's progress)

The third time Leo talked to Nico they talked about quests. But at least Leo knew by the third time he had started breaking Nico's barrier.

The first time Leo saw Nico smile it was so quick he almost missed it. But he saw it, and it made him way too happy. A stupid voice in the back of Leo's head noted that Nico had an amazing smile.

The second time Leo saw Nico smile it was at a joke Leo had made and he did a happy jig in his mind. The stupid voice was back and felt the need to note that Nico's smile was really cute. What a stupid voice, Leo didn't think that. Nope, not at all.

The third time Leo saw Nico smile his heart did a strange flippy thing that Leo promptly asked Piper about. But she lied to him and said something about him having a crush, pshaw, The Great Leo Valdez didn't have a crush on Nico. Nope. Totally untrue.

The first time Leo heard Nico laugh he was amazed. He had no idea that someone who always grumbled and scowled could sound so -…. Happy? Beautiful? Why would Leo think Nico sounded beautiful. That's just silly. Leo brushed off the thought with a scoff.

The second time Leo heard Nico laugh his heart did the thing again and he was not impressed. Hadn't he told his heart to cut that out?

The third time Leo heard Nico laugh he couldn't help but giggle too. And it was not because Nico's laugh was freaking adorable. Wasn't that Leo would trade his toolbelt to hear the son of Hades laugh more. Nope.

The stupid voice in the back of his head absolutely didn't tell him he was in denial about his feelings. Feelings? What feelings? Leo just liked having a friend. Yup, a cute, funny, adorable friend.

Damn Leo was in it deep.

The first time Leo admitted his feelings was to himself. And then he felt stupid so he went to talk to Piper.

The second time Leo admitted his feelings was to Piper. Who of course reminded him that she had told him so before giving lovely best friend advice. She told him that when he was ready to come out, about his feelings in general or his feelings about Nico, she would be there for him. Leo felt a little bit better after.

The third time Leo admitted his feelings was to Nico. And whilst doing so his hair may or may not have been on fire.

Now the first time Leo kissed Nico…~~

A/N: Look who's back from the writer's grave. This is a piece of shit and I apologize. I will attempt another one-shot today. I'm probably deleting all the multi-chaps that aren't done, I'm sorry~~~