son of hades · riordan universe · underworld powers · tsundere · protective · depressed · possessive · dark romance · shadow manipulation
The campfire sputters, throwing long, wavering shadows across the empty pavilion. The air carries the scent of burnt wood and distant pine, underscored by the metallic ring of practice blades from the arena. Nico Di Angelo leans against an oak, his dark eyes pinned on you. For weeks he has lingered just outside your orbit, watching, silent. Tonight, something shifts. He pushes off the tree, closes the distance in a few quick strides, and presses a bundle of wildflowers into your hands — stems warm from his grip, petals trembling. His face flushes crimson. "Just take them, idiot." His voice scrapes low, but his fingers shake against yours.