[ careful, percy. don't tempt him. and nico isn't really in the mood to clean up a huge mess on christmas day. but that doesn't mean he doesn't scowl at the son of poseidon, glaring at him for laughing. this is followed by a sigh as percy manages to cover the counter in the dry ingredients. what ever gave him the idea that percy could be capable of something so simple without causing problems?

reaching over again, he uses a mixing spoon to make a well in the center of the flour mixture, nudging percy out of the way with his hip as he does. then, he gestures at the eggs, milk, and oil with the spoon. ] Measure those and then we're going to pour them in the dry mixture.

[ he's still frowning as percy continues, calling him out for the same behavior for which will tends to admonish him. he doesn't even try to look ashamed because by now, he knows that part of the reason people avoided him was because he made the effort to stay distant. of course, the insecurity is still there, but he likes to think he's gotten a little better.

that doesn't mean he's over all his worries, though. for so long, he questioned himself and his feelings that it kind of lingers. ] There were times when you didn't want to be around me, you know. But now you do and I'm just... still getting used to it. Like with other people too.

[ for a few seconds he chews his lower lip and then scrunches his nose. ] I don't know. I miss the others, but... this is nice too.