A/N: Hey, guys! I'm sorry this update took so long. Hopefully this chapter is worth the wait. It is, after all, the last one. Before I say anything else, if you like the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, especially the Marauder Era, then I recommend checking out MoonyTheMarauder1. Her stories are really touching and beautiful, and I can promise that it's well written. She IS my twin ;)

I'd like to thank everyone who favorited, followed, and/or reviewed. You guys made my day and motivated me more than you can imagine. The chapter is dedicated to all of you. You guys are the BEST. Well, here goes nothing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson. All rights go to Rick Riordan. I own only the plot and a few original characters.

Nico and Will jerked apart. Nico had one hand lost in Will's golden curls, and the other was clutching Will's collar. Will himself was pinned between Nico and the car, one arm around Nico's waist and the other cupping his cheek. Nico and Will released their hold on each other at the sound of Reyna's voice. Turning around, Nico saw that his friends had, unfortunately, returned. Reyna had a hand on her hip and an eyebrow raised. Frank was blushing and avoiding looking at them. Hazel was fanning her face, her eyes darting around the parking lot.

Clearing his throat, Nico said, "I didn't intend for you to find out that way, either."

Reyna snorted. "When were you planning on telling the three of us?"

Nico swallowed. "I...didn't have anything particular in mind?" He said it like it was a question.

Hazel finally looked at him. "At least now I know why you spoke so highly of Will on the phone."

Nico didn't have to turn around to know that there was a wide grin on Will's face. He decided to ignore him. "So, you guys don't mind?"

They all shook their heads. Nico felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Will cleared his throat. "Uh, I believe we were all discussing lunch?"

Hazel perked up. "Yes! Nico, get Thalia, Jason, Percy, and anyone else who wants to come."

Nico rolled his eyes at her bossy tone. "You do realize I'm your older brother, right?"

Hazel looked him straight in the eye. "I'll acknowledge that when you can take care of yourself. Really, what did you expect to achieve by shutting out the world?"

Nico frowned. He could hear Will laughing behind him. Reyna was smirking, and Frank was failing to suppress his smile. "Fine, I'll text Jason," Nico relented.

So he did, telling Jason to bring Thalia, Percy, and their girlfriends. Jason agreed, and Nico sent Jason the address of the restaurant.

"So, where are we eating?" Frank asked.

Nico smirked. "McDonald's,"

Hazel and Reyna groaned. Frank laughed. Will looked incredulous. "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope," Nico told him. "I already texted Jason the address, too, so there's no getting around it. Besides, it won't kill the doctor in you to eat fast food once."

"It's not the idea of eating fast food," Will defended. "It's the idea of eating fast food at McDonald's."

Nico was already climbing into the backseat of Will's car. "Sucks to be you, Sunshine," he called.

Grumbling, Will started to open the door to the driver's seat, but Reyna put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. "You shouldn't be driving after all that. Sit in the back with Nico. I'll drive."

Will complied, and sat in the middle of the back row. Hazel slipped in on the other side of him, and Frank took shotgun. Will handed Reyna the keys, and she put them in the ignition. She pulled out of the airport parking lot, and a silence stretched between the five companions. Finally, Nico said, "So...whatever happened to Octavian?"

"He's currently being handled by security. Apparently that wasn't the first time someone had complained about him. I don't know what exactly they're doing, but he might be detained from his flight." She looked at Will in the rearview mirror. "Are you two really brothers?"

"Half-brothers," Will immediately corrected.

Reyna said, "It was nice, seeing you help that lady. It's definitely not something that Octavian would have done."

"Well, I'm not Octavian,"

"That's abundantly clear," Reyna told him.

Nico spoke up. "How do you know Octavian, Reyna?"

Nico could see her scrunch up her nose in the rear view mirror. "He and I competed for Student Body President senior year. I, of course, won. Then I had the misfortune of attending the same college as him. We're constantly competing, and I am constantly winning. Sure, he has some loyal followers, but I am supported by the majority."

"Reyna leads lots of community projects," Hazel added. "I've seen her around, and she's quite good at leading. No one has any qualms with her."

"Thank you, Hazel." Reyna replied.

They arrived at McDonald's. Nico was the first out of the car. Everyone else followed him at a slower pace. They went inside, and Nico saw his cousins and their girlfriends already seated at a table. He went over and joined them. Will was the next to enter, and greetings were exchanged.

"So," Percy began. "Since we're all here, shall I go order?"

Will frowned. "We're not all here,"

Percy's sea green eyes gleamed. "Oh," he said, drawing out the word. He waggled his eyebrows. "Is there a special lady we're waiting for? I've seen you hanging around that girl with the black and green hair. She's pretty cute."

Will looked absolutely horrified, and Nico burst out laughing, clutching his sides. Jason was shaking with laughter, too. Everyone else just looked confused.

"Dude," Jason choked out. "Will's gay,"

Annabeth, Thalia, and Piper joined in the laughter. Percy looked surprised and embarrassed. "Dude, I am so sorry."

"It's fine, man," Will assured. "And, for the record, Lou Ellen is lesbian. She and Miranda Gardner are going to be a thing, mark my words."

"Yeah," Nico said. He looked at Will, silently asking him a question. Will looked at him with adoring eyes, and Nico knew his answer. He knew in that moment that he was ready. Nico laced his fingers with Will's. "Don't go trying to set up my boyfriend, Jackson."

The laughter stopped. Everyone looked shocked. Then, Jason's face broke into a wide grin. He said, "Congrats, guys!" at the same time Percy and Thalia said incredulously, "You're gay?!"

Piper and Annabeth recovered quickly. Probably because they hadn't known him for very long. "That's great, guys!" Piper said. Annabeth smiled at them supportively.

"Why didn't you tell us about this sooner?" Thalia demanded.

Jason rolled his eyes. "Maybe because he knew that you guys would react this way."

Percy and Thalia rounded on him. "You knew?" Percy asked, disbelieving.

"Yeah," Jason said. "Why are you guys acting like it's such a big deal? You just found out about Will and didn't bat an eye- what makes Nico any different?" Jason looked angry. It made Nico feel...good, to have someone who defended him. After all his time alone, he thought that he'd never get used to someone defending him, helping him out, watching his back. It was a surprisingly nice change.

Thalia's eyes widened, her black eyeliner helping to make her look raccoon-like. "What? No! It's not like that at all!"

Percy looked horrified. "Bro, no! We just want to know why he never told us. And why he told you instead," Percy added quietly.

"Actually," Nico cut in, "I didn't tell him. He figured it out."

Will turned and looked at him. "Oh?"

Nico's cheeks reddened just slightly. "It was an emotional day and Grace here is apparently more observant than he looks."

Will just laughed.

Percy looked at his cousin. "You still haven't answered our question, di Angelo."

Nico felt frustrated. "I don't know. No one ever really brought it up, you know? I had no idea how you'd react. Besides, our relationship hasn't been all that great as of recent years."

"What changed?" Annabeth asked curiously.

Nico turned at looked at the person who saved him from himself, and he found lapis lazuli eyes already looking at him. "I met Sunshine here."

"That," Thalia said, smiling sweetly, "Is the cheesiest thing I have ever heard."

"Oh, I don't think so, Grace. You should have heard Levesque and Zhang on that plane."

Jason, Percy, and Thalia all whipped around toward the door. Reyna, Frank, and Hazel were all standing there. They walked toward the rest of the group.

"Reyna?" Jason asked.

"Hazel?" Percy gaped.

"Zhang?" Thalia said, open mouthed.

Everyone turned to look at Nico.

"You never mentioned them coming to lunch with us!" Jason exclaimed.

Next to Nico, Will put his head in his hand- the one that wasn't holding Nico's, of course. "Nico, did you seriously not tell your cousins that they were coming?"

"Uh, no?"

"How long have you known?" Percy asked.

"Ever since the day Jason found out I was gay."

Thalia and Reyna rolled their eyes in synchronicity. "You're an idiot," Reyna informed him.

"Gee, thanks," Nico said sarcastically.

His cousins got up from the table and greeted their guests from California. "Frank, bro, I missed you," Percy said, pulling Frank in for a bro-hug.

"Reyna, my feminist friend!" Thalia threw an arm over Reyna's shoulder. "It's been too long!"

Jason hugged Hazel. "I've missed you, Hazel."

She tightened her grip on him. "Me, too,"

"Uh, sorry to interrupt the surprisingly touching reunion, but, who are you guys?" Piper asked.

Jason pulled away from Hazel's embrace. "Oh, yeah, sorry. Guys, this is Annabeth, Percy's girlfriend-"

"At long last," Thalia interjected.

"And this is Piper," Jason continued, smiling softly. "My girlfriend."

Reyna tensed slightly, but then relaxed again so quickly that Nico was sure he was the only one who noticed. Nico felt slightly bad for her. Reyna used to like Jason, but he had rejected her. She had moved on, but it must still be hard to have the person you liked be so obviously enamoured with someone else when they had so easily rejected you. But Reyna was strong. She had strength to spare. And if she needed help, Nico would be there for her to lean on.

Jason continued his introductions. "Piper, Annabeth, this is Hazel, Reyna, and Frank. Hazel is Nico's sister, Frank is her boyfriend, and Reyna is our friend."

Annabeth got up and shook Reyna's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you,"

"You as well," Reyna said. "Anyone who can keep Kelp Head over there in line is well-worth meeting."

"Hey!" Percy protested.

Everyone laughed, and introductions ceased. "So," Percy said, eyes hopeful. "Now can we get lunch?"

Lunch was...fun. Nico sat in between Will and Reyna, and Jason sat across from him. Next to Jason was Piper and Hazel, and Frank sat on Hazel's other side. Thalia was seated next to Piper. Percy sat next to Reyna, and next to him was Annabeth. There was lots of laughter, and for the first time in a long time, Nico felt right at home among his family and friends.

Fries and milkshakes finished, the group had started really catching up with each other.

"So, Nico," Hazel said. "Tell us more about your arrhythmia."

Nico took a long sip of his vanilla milkshake, stalling. Will squeezed his hand under the table supportively. "Well," he began, drawing out the word, "When I get stressed out, or overwhelmed, or even just by overexerting myself, my heart starts speeding up, and symptoms get worse. So my heart already beats irregularly, but it starts to be a problem when those things happen. I pass out from time to time," he admitted. "But, thankfully, I have a future doctor for a boyfriend." He turned to his left and pecked Will on the lips. It was short, but Nico felt warm when he pulled away.

"Gross," Thalia said, scrunching up her nose.

"So it's easily taken care of?" Hazel tentatively asked.

Will nodded, and she visibly relaxed. "Yeah, don't worry, Hazel. Nico's in good hands."

"Oh, I know that," she said, gold eyes gleaming. "I know you'll take care of my brother, Will. I'm just worried he'll try to act all lone wolf again hide his symptoms from you."

"Hey!" Nico protested.

Will laughed. "I won't let Nico slip into the shadows, Hazel. He's too sweet to let go."

"I know, right? I don't know how the majority of your school was scared of him."

"Guys, I'm right here."

"Me neither. The Lord of Darkness needs love, too,"

Nico kissed Will again, effectively shutting him up. Percy interrupted his bliss. "Hey, Nico, isn't your dad supposed to be coming back today?"

Nico broke out of the kiss immediately. "You just had to ruin the mood, didn't you, Jackson?"

Thalia piped up. "That's his thing, Nico."

"Sorry," Percy said. He didn't look sorry.

Nico sighed. "I guess I better go greet him."

"Do you want us to come with you?" Frank asked.

Nico shook his head. "No, you guys go check into your hotel room. I'll call you later."

The group said their goodbyes and parted ways. Nico's hand was still entwined with Will's when they walked out the door.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Will asked Nico.

"No, go home and celebrate Octavian's return to California." Nico stopped suddenly, halting Will. "Tell me, what did you mean earlier? When you said that you had 'learned that a long time ago?'"

Will was absentmindedly rubbing circles into the back of Nico's hand with his thumb. It was just the tiniest bit distracting. "Octavian has always been a bully. He feeds off of others' pain. I don't remember when it was exactly, but I was probably around ten. I don't even remember what he said, but it made me really upset. Lee and Michael were still alive back then. They were both older and stronger than Octavian, and he knew that if I told them what he said, they'd put him in his place. So he- he hit me." Will's voice quivered slightly. "He threatened me, told me that if I told them he'd hurt me more. I was a kid; I didn't know to call his bluff. All I knew was that my brother, even as much as a jerk he was, had hit me. Octavian told me that I had better smile when I left that room, or else. It became a fairly regular thing. Then I found out that if I didn't react, it didn't hurt as much and he didn't get as much pleasure out of it. It happened less often. Lee and Michael would have killed them if they ever found out. It's also why I couldn't leave my siblings with him."

Nico turned so that he was facing Will head on. "I can't believe he would dare lay a finger on you," he whispered. "You're strong, Will. And brave. I won't let him hurt you ever again. I swear it."

Will gave a weak laugh. "Thanks, Death Boy."

"Go home and rest, Sunshine," Nico said. "I'll walk home; it's not far."

Will nodded. "Okay," he relented. After pressing a final kiss to Nico's lips, Will got in his car and drove off.

Nico started walking toward his house, which was slowly starting to feel like a home. Persephone and he weren't perfect, but they were starting to round out the edges. But if Hades didn't accept him...well, maybe he could move in with Percy. Aunt Sally was definitely welcoming enough.

Nico reached his address. In the driveway, he saw Hades' black Lamborghini. His father was already home. Nico's heart started to beat faster. He had thought that he'd at least have a little time to think of a game plan with Persephone. But his father was home now. Nico had to tell his father that he was homosexual in mere seconds, minutes if he was lucky.

He had reached the front door. Shaking, he reached a hand toward the handle and turned it, stepping inside. Nico felt like he was watching himself walk down the hallway; his mind didn't seem to match his body, like it didn't comprehend what he was doing noise filled his head, and behind it he could hear his anxiety, the words blurring together in a buzz.

What if he doesn't accept me what if he kicks me out or disowns me I'm a minor there aren't many options I can't burden anyone else you're a burden Nico you're difficult useless a mistake you should have died Nico-

You should have died, Nico.

Nico was suddenly standing in the entrance to the living room. Persephone and Hades were seated on one of the couches.

Hades' dark eyes bore into his. "Hello, Nico."

Nico's heart was fluttering, and not in a good way. He could hear his pulse in his ears as his blood rushed through his veins. Wordlessly, he entered the room and sat down in the chair across from his father and stepmother.

Once he was seated, he said, "F-father, I have something to tell you,"

Persephone sent him a thin, but supportive, smile. "Yes?" Hades asked.

Nico gulped. His head was swimming, alive with chaos and warnings and fears. Somehow in the midst of it all he managed to say, "I'm gay,"

The room went silent.

Nico's heart was throbbing in his chest. He'd been too direct. He should have tried to lead the conversation toward that topic in a way that seemed natural, not by dropping it so suddenly.

Hades finally spoke. "Nico di Angelo. If this is some kind of sick joke-"

Nico shook his head softly, hanging his head. He felt tears burn behind his eyes. "No," he whispered. "It's not,"

Persephone came to his defense. "Why would he be joking? He's obviously afraid of telling his own father of his sexuality; why would you treat this as a joke?" She sounded angry. "There's nothing wrong with it. He likes boys- so what? Are you going to ground him to his room?" She said the last part mockingly.

Hades scowled at her. "Of course not! It's just-" he sighed heavily and turned to look Nico in the eye. "Are you sure?" Persephone snorted, but he ignored her. "If word of this gets out to the press, you could have lots of unwanted publicity."

Nico's heart was still going crazy, but he got angry at those words. "Is that all you care about?" Nico asked dangerously. "The publicity I'll attract? What your clients will think? What people we know nothing about think?"

Hades looked frustrated. "No, but we need to consider this-"

Nico interrupted. "I don't see what we need to consider. I've already come out to my friends. I've come out to my cousins and Persephone. You were the last person. For crying out loud, I have a boyfriend."

Persephone's head snapped toward his. "You do? That's great! What's his name?"

At the same time, Hades said, "You have a boyfriend? Nico di Angelo!"

Nico addressed Persephone. "Will Solace."

"What's he like?" she cooed.

Nico smiled despite himself. "He's the most caring person you'll ever meet. Just today he was helping this single mom with three kids carry her suitcases in the airport."

Hades' brow furrowed. "What were you doing at the airport?"

Nico paused. He supposed his father had the right to know. "Frank, Reyna, and Hazel are here. In New York. They're visiting for a while."

Hades shot to his feet. "My daughter is here? When were you going to tell me?" he demanded.

Nico merely shrugged.

"We can see Hazel later," Persephone told her husband. "Right now we're focusing on Nico." She said it as if she were reminding Hades of a conversation they had had. It made Nico wonder, did they talk about him? It was weird to think about.

"Anyway," Persephone continued. "He sounds wonderful, Nico."

Hades still looked skeptical. "He sounds like he could be any 'nice guy' in the world!"

"Hades!" Persephone snapped.

Nico got defensive. They were talking about Will, how could he not? "You want me to prove it? I have a picture." Nico unlocked his phone and found one of his favorite pictures of Will. They had gone to a lake that day, and there was a small dock there. Will was lying down on the dock, his feet dangling over the edge. His hands were behind his head. The sunlight was hitting him perfectly, illuminating his golden curls and tan skin. His blue eyes shone with a radiance that rivaled the sun, and they crinkled at the corners. His smile was blinding, white teeth surrounded by perfectly shaped pink lips, which Nico could now confirm were as soft as they looked. Will wasn't wearing anything special, just blue jeans and a pale yellow shirt, but Nico didn't think he could get any more attractive.

"He's so handsome!" Persephone exclaimed, a grin gracing her features. "Oh, Nico, you hit the jackpot."

"I did, didn't I?" Nico mused.

His father was still looking at the picture. "I feel like I've seen him before," Hades muttered. Then his eyes widened slightly. "He's that boy! Persephone, he's that kid I told you about, the one whose father told him-" Hades stopped abruptly, glancing at Nico.

"His father and older brother verbally abuse him," Nico confirmed. "His brother physically abused him, too. But he's still the kindest person you'll ever meet. I wish Mamá and Bianca could have met him; they would have loved Will."

Hades and Persephone stared at him in shock. Nico realised it was the first time he had mentioned his mother and sister casually and without any hint of guilt or anger since they had passed. All because of Will Solace.

"This boy really means a lot to you," Hades murmured.

"Yes, he does," Nico confirmed.

Hades seemed to make up his mind about something. "I'm happy for you, Nico. I- I want you to know that I accept you, okay? I'm glad your life is finally taking a turn for the better. You deserve to be happy."

"Thanks, Dad," Nico said, mildly surprised at the unexpectedly sincere words from his father.

Hades stood up and embraced Nico before letting go quickly. "I do love you," he murmured. "And I'm proud,"

Nico responded by hugging his father again.

Nico threw a grape at his boyfriend, who, naturally, caught it in his mouth. "Oh, come on," Nico complained. "How are you so good at everything?"

Will laughed. He stretched out on the lush grass, and he reached out a hand to nudge Nico's knee. "That's what happens when you're born perfect."

Nico laughed. He maneuvered himself so that he was lying on his stomach on top of Will. "You are pretty great," Nico agreed, bringing a hand to rest in Will's golden curls.

Will licked his lips. "I'm not the greatest person here, though." Will rolled them over so that Nico was on the bottom. "You're special, Nico," he whispered.

Nico avoided his intense gaze. He couldn't move; tanned arms were braced on either side of him. "Not really,"

Warm fingers cupped his chin. "You really can't see it, can you? How beautiful you are."

Nico felt his cheeks warm. "Sunshine-"

Will pressed a thumb to his lips. "No, listen. You're incredible, Nico. You have a fierce sense of right and wrong. And you're able to sacrifice for the greater good. You are a loyal person. You've come to my defense at the mere mention of an insult. So, thank you." Will paused, then continued. "Can I ask you something?"

Nico was in awe of the boy in front of him. He was in love. "Anything, Sunshine,"

"Why didn't you tell me how you felt sooner? I mean, I had an excuse- I didn't know for sure you were gay. But you knew. So why the wait?"

Nico swallowed. "Well- I don't really know. I guess...I guess I've learned over the years that, especially when it comes to love, people feel at different intensities. You could be in a relationship and love someone with your heart and soul, but they could feel little more than physical attraction toward you. I didn't want to risk that. Just because you feel it doesn't mean it's there, you know? I was afraid."

Will pressed tender kisses to his face. He murmured, "I feel it. I know you feel it, too. It's there. Don't be afraid of us, Nico. We're good. We're good."

Nico lifted up his head so that he could reconnect his mouth and Will's. When he pulled away, Nico looked at him with pure affection and hope in his eyes. "Will Solace, I love you." The truth freed him. He felt more alive than he ever had in his life. Nico rolled the two of them over again, and this time he pressed gentle kisses along Will's cheeks and jaw.

Will brought their lips together. When they pulled away, Will said. "And I love you, Nico di Angelo."

The smile that broke out on Nico's face was the widest and happiest one he had ever worn.

Things weren't perfect. Will still struggled at home, but he had a strong support system in Nico and some of their friends. Nico's relationship with his family was still messy, but they were mending. Nico still had to be careful because of his arrhythmia, but he had the best soon-to-be doctor in the world to help him. For the meantime, Nico had Reyna and Hazel to consult when things were hard, and of course Will. And now, Nico had found out that he had someone whom he could depend on, he could trust, and he loved. And that person depended on him, trusted him, and loved him back.

And, for the first time since the death of Maria and Bianca di Angelo, Nico embraced his feelings. He finally let himself allow someone he cared about into his life. He loved Will so much that everything else faded into the background. He was happy about where his future was going.

And he wasn't afraid.

A/N: Thank you guys so much for staying with this through the end, especially with my slow updates for the last few chapters. You guys have all encouraged, motivated, and inspired me SO much, so thank you for making this possible. More stories will be posted soon. Thank you for reading!