"For a long time,' Nico said, 'I had a crush on you. I just wanted you to know.' Percy looked at Nico. Then at Annabeth, as if to check that he'd heard correctly. Then back at Nico.

"You -"

"Yeah," Nico said. "You're a great person. But I'm over that. I'm happy for you guys."

"You ... so you mean -"

"Right."

Annabeth's grey eyes started to sparkle. She gave Nico a sideways smile.

"Wait," Percy said. "So you mean -"

"Right," Nico said again. 'But it's cool. We're cool. I mean, I see now ... you're cute, but you're not my type.'

"I'm not your type ... Wait. So -"

"See you around, Percy," Nico said.