The romance between Heroes stars Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia has been an open secret for months - in part because of their 12-year age gap.

“They were tired of avoiding questions and of all of the effort of keeping it secretive,” a Panettiere source tells Us Weekly.

Hayden, 18, who plays Milo’s niece on Heroes, was also worried about her reputation. “She didn’t want people thinking she is a ‘ho’ because she jumped from one relationship into another,” a source close to her said.

But Milo Ventimiglia, 30, had a crush on his co-star since she was dating Stephen Colletti of Laguna Beach fame. They broke up last summer.

Who can blame Milo Ventimiglia for his crush on this adorable star?

“He always had a crush, but really let her know the minute she broke up with Stephen,” a source close to Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia said.

Since Panettiere still lives with her mom and brother, it’s a good thing, a source tells Us, that Ventimiglia has her family’s approval.

“Milo is such a good guy, honest and sweet,” says a source. Besides, says another source, “She is really like a 30-year-old.”

We’re not sure how that works, but you kids run with it!

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At the Capri Film Festival in Italy this weekend, Hayden Panettiere looks absolutely thrilled to be sitting next to Lindsay Lohan.

Lindsay, conversely, was up to her usual, promiscuous tricks.

“After a day out and about in Capri, Lohan headed back to her hotel,” a source said. “[She had to get ready] for her date with the Italian Charmer she picked up a few hours earlier: Roman bartender Alessandro Di Nunzio.”

Panettiere, meanwhile, looks like she’s just trying to avoid being sullied by Lohan’s presence. The Heroes actress also may be trying to avoid all celebrity news outlets right now. How come?

Because insiders have confirmed that her and co-star Milo Ventimiglia are, in fact, an item. Scandalous!

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Who needs McDonald’s or Burger King when you can pull up to your very own personal Hayden Panettiere Drive-Thru. Right, Milo Ventimiglia? Man. We can only imagine what sort of delights they serve over at that place…

Hayden Panettiere: Service with a smile!