**So, *deep breath*, this'll kind of be the last chapter until I fully decide what'll happen at Camp Jupiter, though I have a few of the Muses helping me out already, i.e.: We'll definitely be seeing more Hades, for those of you who were wondering. Along with a heap of new characters (not OC's, just additional characters) ;)

I had to do some fluff at the start before the short, crappy, dramatic ending to bring up the word count, but I didn't realise this would turn into a special, über-long last chapter. I hope you have enjoyed this story so far, and I'd love to hear last comments, especially relating to whether I should post the next parts as chapters or another story.

Thanks to: linlaverinz for the first review, timeturns, ButterflyRanger18, Death's Cry, dancerchik, Shadow On The Full Moon, CatatonicVanity, CloJo14 and all the guests for the reviews in-between (that's you, Vicky)! I hope you guys can join me for more adventures when they come :)

Reviews would be great, especially if you want something to happen at CJ, but I'd really like to know what y'all thought of Aphrodite's fangirling. I have no idea when I decided to put those bits in, but I'm pretty sure they count as 4th wall breaks, because they were really just my reactions to reading Percico's :D

That reminds me, there'll be more smut in the next chapters, and a warning at each beginning :P

I don't own any places or characters from PJO, they're all Uncle Rick's.

Warning: mentions of self-harm, boy on boy smut, emotional/mature moments**

~8~

It sure had been a long day. Happy tears welled up in Nico's eyes as he remembered the morning swim, even though it was more like one long, wet hug. Then, going back to the cabin and writing down every single word Percy had said to him in his journal, then the blank spot, then waking up in hospital to an adorably-concerned Percy, then an adorably-excited Percy coming to get him from the infirmary and telling him the Camp Jupiter news. Nico, now sitting on his bed again, frowned as he looked at where his newest scars would be, already hating them and knowing Percy would get rid of them. Chris had told him back in the hospital that he would've died for sure if Percy hadn't used the trick he'd seen his father do back when Nico first cut himself. As soon as he was stable in the infirmary, he was given a safe amount of nectar and ambrosia, which was probably why he was awake so much earlier than the first time. He grinned at Percy as the older boy got dressed.

Percy wouldn't put up a fuss about Nico sleeping in his hospital clothes, and only changed himself before snuggling in next to Nico. Percy simply fell asleep beside him, and even though the two were happier and more relaxed than they had been in a long time, Nico couldn't help but feel there was some hesitance from Percy now.

He's just a little shaken up that I ended back up in the hospital, that's all. Nico told himself what he knew were lies, or at least not the truth. Nonetheless, sleep overcame him and he snuggled into Percy's warm embrace.

~ Two Days Later ~

Percy woke first that morning, with a grin his excitement had been tending to for the past two days. Tomorrow, he, Nico and a few other Greeks were to go to Camp Jupiter. It was per the usual that Percy woke first, but he took an extra few minutes to look down at the cherub lying beside him. Percy almost laughed at the pet name, not only knowing Nico hated pet names, but the fact that his father was King of the Underworld made any heaven-related nicknames funny. With that, Nico woke. Surprisingly early, as compared to Nico's usual schedule of: Go to bed in the early hours of the morning and wake up at lunchtime.

Percy had told Nico the Romans wouldn't tolerate such slacking and was whipping him into a better routine.

"Hey," Nico mumbled, his hair falling in his tired eyes as he registered Percy was awake.

"Morning, angel," Percy responded, which certainly woke Nico up.

"Angel? Really, Percy?" Nico knew the significance of Percy's reinstated giggles, having had to suffer through infinite pet names the day before, when Percy was insisting of taking care of Nico who was just back from the hospital. Percy had been hesitant to let Nico out of the cabin, and even rarer, out of his sight.

"Would you prefer cherub?" Percy spoke with lightheartedness, but Nico's early-morning smile waned. Jason still hadn't told anyone about Nico and his run-in with Eros, or Cupid. Whenever someone mentioned something to do with cupids or cherubs, Nico shut himself off, and Percy was sad that he still didn't know why. He apologised softly, but Nico's smile didn't return.

"You know what'll make you feel better? We're only one day away!" Percy said with a grin, to which Nico finally responded with a smile. Percy jumped out of Nico's bed, which the younger boy was much less hesitant to copy. Percy playfully groaned at his uncooperativeness and pounced on Nico again, who had hidden under the covers. Percy untangled him and quickly smothered him in kisses while tickling the younger boy. As much as he wanted to go back to sleep, laughing like a child and trying to fight off Percy left Nico wide awake. When Percy was done, Nico shot him an annoyed glance, clearly letting Percy knew he knew what the older boy was doing. Before he could get properly annoyed, though, Percy, with that gorgeous smirk of his, pulled Nico out of bed and into his arms.

"Share a shower with me?" Nico offered, looking up at Percy, who only grinned.

"I thought we could leave the cabin today," Percy offered in return, and Nico's expression was all the answer he needed.

Yesterday morning, Percy had woken marginally before Nico, who had aroused by him running around the cabin in a hurry. Percy had told Nico to go back to bed, more forcefully than intended, so Nico had taken it as there was an emergency. Standing up, Nico swayed on his feet, the effect of the nectar and ambrosia from last night clearly worn off. Percy had pushed him back on the bed, much to Nico's surprise.

"Do NOT leave this bed until I say you can, okay?" Nico was actually terrified, not only by Percy's authoritative voice, but by his expression as well. Percy may not have let his face betray him, but Nico saw fear in Percy's eyes. Nico dumbly nodded, and strangely enough, rather than grabbing Riptide and going to fight monsters, Percy dashed into the bathroom, which was just out of Nico's line of sight.

Much to Nico's shame, explosive diarrhoea was his first assumption.

Then he realised Percy must be cleaning. They'd both fallen asleep almost instantly the night before, and Nico guessed Percy hadn't left his side at the hospital to come back to Cabin Three and clean up Nico's mess. Nico shivered. If he'd ended up in the infirmary, it must've been pretty bad. Again.

Percy had told everyone Nico would need to sleep and he would be taking care of him the entire day… Yes… Percy had taken care of Nico very well.

Nico almost giggled as he remembered how passionate Percy had been the day before. Still being gentle with him, of course, but Percy kept whispering in Nico's ear how afraid he was that he'd almost lost him. Percy was, of course, talking about Nico cutting himself again. Nico would almost feel guilty for a second, but Percy's touch soothed it.

All of this had happened after Percy cleaned the bathroom, which was incredibly fast because Percy used his powers to avoid scrubbing blood.

He'd then returned, much calmer, to a very satisfied looking Nico. As soon as they got to cuddling, Percy couldn't help but whisper about how scared he was when he'd almost lost Nico. Percy was, of course, talking about when Nico freaked over his words at the Big House, and even though Nico had almost killed himself again, Percy was more afraid of Nico simply being so willing to leave him.

Percy had stopped his caressing of Nico, which made the younger boy hesitate and look at Percy, who was deep in thought. Nico called his name, and Percy snapped out of it. He plastered a smile on his face, and they had engaged in… Well, each other for the rest of the day.

Now, Percy smirked at the memory as he walked with Nico to the lake. Nico caught his expression, and knowing exactly what the son of Poseidon was thinking about, gave his arm a gentle slap. Don't look so happy with yourself, mister.

Percy knew exactly what Nico was trying to say, and before the younger demigod could prepare himself, Percy stopped walking, letting Nico go ahead for a second. Before Nico could turn around, Percy scooped him up, bridal-style, and just kept on walking, occasionally tickling Nico as he went.

It was early morning, around six thirty. A few of the more diligent campers were up and sparring, though they stopped once they caught sight of Percy and Nico, giggling like children in each other's embrace. The entire camp was happy that Nico was happy, and were even more ecstatic that Percy was back in high spirits.

On the topic of confidentiality, though; Clarisse hadn't questioned why Nico had cut himself again, probably fearing it would look like she cared. Gross.

Percy had caught wind of Apollo himself coming to his kids' cabin and telling them not to make a big deal out of Nico's second visit to the infirmary. Something about a new TV show on Olympus being disrupted, though no one knew what the god was talking about. Those who knew about Percy and Nico's almost-breakup were keeping quiet, and everyone else was overjoyed for the two demigods.

Percy grinned and nodded to campers unabashedly who happened to spot him and Nico, while the younger demigod hid his face the only way he could— by pressing into Percy's chest. Gods, he needed to start working out more; Percy's pecs were perfect. Alliteration, Nico thought to himself, so it must be true.

Soon, they'd reached their spot at the far side of the lake. Thankfully, there was no one there— Percy had grown sick of campers stalking him and Nico. In the Aphrodite cabin, a group of campers had been dubbed "The Percico Fanclub". Yeah, nobody had any idea where they came from. And what in the name of Zeus is a Percico?

Nico was released from Percy's grip when they reached the water, which slightly surprised the son of Hades. Percy gave him a small smile, and they both walked into the warm water. Nico turned to see Percy healing a dark bruise on his shoulder neither of them had really noticed. Nico gasped and raced back over to his boyfriend, asking if he was okay. He touched where something protruded from Percy's shoulder. It made Nico sick to think Percy had just carried him to the lake with a broken shoulder, possibly collarbone. Percy only laughed and healed his shoulder, playfully grabbing Nico when he was done.

In minutes, both boys were swimming around, occasionally pulling the other one in for a kiss. Soon, Percy grabbed Nico and pulled him onto his lap, kissing him until Nico objected that he couldn't breathe. They were both breathless, but Percy still didn't let Nico go. They had a silent conversation.

Your arms— do you want me to heal them?

Actually, I think I'll let these ones go normally.

It was like Nico to be stoic, especially when it concerned something that could make him look weak— Percy healing his oldest (and newest) scars would count as that. Even though Percy had already healed heaps of Nico's scars, the ones on his wrists held different meaning. Losing those would leave him more defenceless than ever before. Even forgoing that, simply letting Percy help him counted as weakness. Nico knew he would eventually let Percy totally in, but not looking weak was, subconsciously, his top priority at the moment.

Percy was still trying to break those walls, but rather than trying to force him, Percy simply pulled Nico close, leaning down to press his head against Nico's chest. The younger boy leaned into it, savouring the moment. Percy just listened to Nico's quiet heartbeat, and Nico slowly stroked Percy's gorgeous locks. It was perfect.

After a few minutes, both boys began to feel a familiar urge. Percy, after kissing his way up Nico's torso to his lips, held the kiss as he swivelled Nico on his lap. They had sunk underwater up to their shoulders, though Nico was a little higher as he wrapped his arms around Percy's neck, leaning down into another kiss. Percy chuckled at his gasp when the older demigod slightly pulled down both of their swimming trunks. Nico gave Percy a look. Really? Here, are you seriously that horny? Percy just gave a lopsided smirk.

Nico prepared himself and in a second, Percy entered him, already fully erect. Nico gasped and reflexively tightened his grip around Percy's shoulders. Percy relished the sound and the way Nico shuddered when Percy entered him, and wrapped his own arms around Nico's skinny waist, pulling him closer. Nico let out a little whimper as Percy moved his hips and Percy's cock moved inside of him.

The sound brought a new thought to Percy's mind, or a memory, to be precise.

"You took advantage of me!" Nico screamed and Percy could only look on in horror as Nico turned and ran. The words stung more than anything, more than Kronos's scythe, more than holding up the sky, even more than Annabeth dying. Percy literally felt his heart recoil and his gut wrench as he watched Nico, who disappeared when he reached the front door. Percy turned to Chiron, knowing the centaur would never tell anyone how much Percy was crying that moment.

Soon, Percy was sprinting to his cabin, though he didn't think of it that way anymore— it was Nico's home as well. Percy didn't know about Hades's opinion, but his own father was fine, if not happy about Percy and Nico's relationship.

When Poseidon found Percy and Nico the night of the awards ceremony, Percy knew Poseidon knew exactly what they were doing. He was scared for a moment, then saw his dad's expression and knew the sea god was fine with it. Percy didn't know why he'd been worried— Poseidon had happily let his nephew stay in Cabin Three. Everyone knew how much they needed to appreciate this action as, if it was the other way around, Percy would've been dragged into the Underworld as soon as he stepped over the threshold of Cabin Thirteen. It wasn't: "Percy Jackson, only son of Poseidon's cabin" anymore, it was "Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, and his boyfriend, Nico di Angelo, son of Hades's cabin".

Tears streamed down Percy's face as he ran into the cabin, not caring about the crack in his shoulder when he body slammed the door. His head hit the beach-worn wood, dazing him for a moment, but in a moment he'd backed up for a second go. Soon, he had a view of Nico curled up in the bathroom, and all Percy could do was stick one arm through the door and beg, trying to his reach his boyfriend.

Percy had to watch Nico try to kill himself, all because of Percy.

There was not a time when the son of Poseidon had fucked up more. Excluding anyone Percy was related to, Nico was the only one who loved Percy. Now, Nico wanted to die, so he could get away from Percy. The panic and hysteria inside of Percy was like nothing he'd ever felt.

As life dripped away from him, Nico whimpered.

The same way he'd whimpered now, with Percy eight inches in his ass.

"Percy,"

Was it his fault? Blame and guilt suddenly washed over Percy, like the lapping of the waters of the lake. Nico was never one to say when he couldn't take anymore. Had Percy forced him into everything, and Nico was too afraid of him to say stop?

"Percy?"

Had Percy taken advantage of Nico? Nico had said it himself, so that meant even if he didn't remember saying it, he had felt it once. Oh Gods, was Percy raping Nico? Now, even?!

"Percy!"

Percy felt sick. He'd dominated Nico, just because he was horny. While he was doing it, he probably knew deep down he was doing it to Nico because the boy wouldn't say no.

Nico, who had only ever revered Percy.

Nico, who'd only ever helped him, whether Percy realised and appreciated it or not.

Nico, to whom Percy owed his life to on multiple accounts. Percy raped him.

"Percy…?"

But why? He'd taken Nico into his cabin because he wanted to take care of him, that was for sure. Percy hadn't had sexual thoughts about Nico until they'd been living together for a while. Though that point was slightly nulled by the fact that he'd only acted on them when Nico was in an extremely sensitive state. He'd raped Nico after emotionally manipulating him.

"Gods, PERCY!" Nico had grabbed Percy's face, and as Percy came back to reality, he was looking into Nico's dark, concerned eyes.

"I love you, Percy. I. Love you." Percy's dumbstruck frown let Nico know he'd predicted right.

When Percy's expression had changed to one of horror, Nico knew Percy had become lost in a memory, a very strong one, at that. Nico had thought about his interactions with Percy, a lot, unsurprisingly. He wondered if Percy regretted it, because Nico knew he didn't. A few days ago, another thought had entered his head.

Maybe Percy doesn't regret it, but he's hesitant about something now. Nico had realised maybe Percy thought he was taking advantage of Nico, being younger and all, and he'd already planned what he wanted to say.

"No kind of Stockholm Syndrome thing going on, here, Percy. I have always loved you, and I regret nothing I've done with you." Percy tried to avert his gaze from Nico's, obviously still feeling guilty, but Nico made him look back up.

"You need to know, Percy. You've done nothing wrong, and when I cut myself a few days ago, I know it couldn't have been because of you."

Percy suddenly let out a ragged sob, and much to Nico's newfound terror, he realised he must be wrong. What had Percy done? What exactly had Nico done? Or worse, what had Nico said? Nico knew, as a child of Hades, his words could be especially bitter when he was upset.

"Percy…" Nico lifted Percy's face again, almost losing it at the sight of Percy's reddened eyes. As the two shifted, Percy felt that he was still inside of Nico. With a shocked gasp, he slowly but forcefully pushed Nico away from him. Nico slipped into the water, staring at Percy. He guessed Percy was either too tired to be strong, or that he really didn't want to hurt Nico. Probably both.

Percy met Nico's gaze. His eyes conveyed a clear message: tell me why you're acting like this.

Percy sighed defeatedly.

"Am I… Ta… Taking advantage of y-you?" Percy sobbed. It broke Nico's heart to see him like this. Without hesitation, Nico waded forward and pulled Percy into his arms.

"Never."

With that, the guilt that was making it so hard for Percy to breathe floated away. He took a huge breath, and wrapped his arms around Nico, hugging him close.

"Of course you haven't been taking advantage of me, Perce. I've waited too damn long for you and me to be together, just for you to think it's been all you." Percy lightly chuckled, and Nico knew he was on the right track.

"I mean, seriously man, check your ego! It's not like I haven't gotten anything out of this— you know what? You're worse than Ja-" He was cut off by Percy kissing him again.

"Where were we?" He asked when they pulled back. Nico laughed, which made Percy grin more. He recalled when Nico's laugh was new to him, and even wanted to laugh himself as far off campers turned to see where the terrifying sound had come from.

Percy pulled Nico back into his lap, re entering his rear end at the same time. Nico gave the now-familiar gasp, but it held new meaning to Percy now. Rather than being a gasp of unsureness, pain and apprehension, it was now a sound of the love Percy returned to Nico every second of every day.

Nico's fingers tangled in Percy's hair as Percy wrapped his arms around Nico's waist, pulling the younger boy harder and faster onto his cock. At this angle, Percy hit Nico's prostate, and like clockwork, they soon came together. The two shuddered in each other's embrace as Percy's load filled Nico. Unlike the first time, they stayed in that position for a long time. Nico reached down to feel his abdomen, which was protruding with Percy's cum and his still present member. With a slight shudder at the sensation, Nico wrapped his arms back around Percy's shoulders. Only when the muscles around Nico's entrance began to quiver from being stretched for so long did Percy pull out.

The two boys exchanged satisfied grins, not only from the sex.

Nico was delighted that they had cleared the unsure topic up and Percy was happy because his confidence had been totally restored. Though… Nothing else.

His love for Nico had not been restored in any way, because it hadn't waned during the whole episode. Even now Percy knew it would never fade.

~ Rename this place "Lake Feels", for Zeus' sake, geez ~

"Get it!" Someone catcalled as Percy and Nico exited the lake, holding hands and sharing coy smiles. Laughter and more friendly jeering followed, and even though Percy could easily and just as wittily handle those guys, he knew Nico hated being the centre of attention. Apart from Percy's attention, apparently, Nico could stand that. They headed back through the forest of Camp Half-Blood to Cabin Three, where an unlikely guest was waiting for them.

"Lord Hermes?" Percy asked as the two neared. The god looked skittish, nervous almost. Percy and Nico were really praying this wasn't another "I lost my godly weapon, go find it for me" quest. Percy quickly glanced at Hermes's feet. Winged sandals and staff, check, so the quest was a no.

At Percy's comment, Hermes spun around, wide-eyed, but relaxed when he saw it was them.

"Oh, boys," He sighed, then a scarily bawdy expression overcame his face, "the lake, I hear is popular this time of year."

Percy silently groaned at his suggestiveness while Nico nearly passed out. If Hermes knew, his fath-

"What are you doing here?" Percy asked blatantly. Everyone knew Hermes wasn't as anal (sorry for the double entendre) as other gods about manners and titles.

"I do actually have a job, Perseus," Percy flinched at his full name. Okay, maybe Hermes wasn't as laid back as he'd thought. "And I just happen to be delivering a message to you two."

Percy and Nico shared a quick glance, but nodded for Hermes to go on. The god held out his hand and a scroll appeared which he promptly unfurled.

"Well," Hermes frowned at the apparently long letter, "there's actually quite a few messages." He handed the scroll to Percy. The son of Poseidon read one sentence and quickly rolled it back up, the only clue he gave to Nico about its contents was the blush on his cheeks.

"Thanks… Hermes…" Percy managed. Giving a knowing nod, Hermes took off, presumably back to Mount Olympus. Nico turned to Percy.

"I don't want to know, do I?" Percy cleared his throat and wistfully shook his head, now resembling somewhat of a tomato.

"Nope," Percy squeaked, "story for another time."

Nico nodded in agreement, becoming more scared with each second. They both simply went into the cabin, where not one, but two more guests were waiting for them.

Though Nico saw it as intrusion, Percy relaxed and accepted the distraction from what he'd just read.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Jason had returned from Camp Jupiter upon hearing Nico was back in hospital, and was really supportive of Percy that afternoon. Leo and Percy, on the other hand, hadn't spoken since the awards night. Jason didn't return Percy's upbeat attitude. He glared at Leo, who sighed as if they'd had the same discussion ten times. He turned to Percy.

"Percy, I'm sorry we fought about the awards ceremony. You were right, and I didn't mean to make such a fuss." He said. Percy simply walked over, and Leo easily accepted Percy's hug. Percy was, of course, still in his swim shorts, and a very interesting feeling stirred in Nico's gut as he watched them hug from the doorway. They split, and Percy responded with his usual: Nah man, it was my fault— I'm sorry.

As they chatted, Jason nodded to Nico in acknowledgement. Nico nodded back, but the feeling didn't subside as Nico turned his thoughts to Jason. The Roman had pretty much deserted his own camp once he head Percy was upset and Nico was obviously out of he picture for a few hours. Nico frowned, anything could've happened. Then he smacked his consciousness. If he was going to have thoughts like this, he needed to bring them up with Percy, at least; the whole opening up thing kind of required it. He reminded himself to discuss it when the other boys were gone. Nico simply grabbed some dry clothes and changed in the bathroom, the door of which was newly fixed— a gift, Nico didn't know from whom.

When he emerged, he instantly regretted getting clothed. Percy was sitting back on his bed, properly naked and giving Nico an indescribable look. Oh yeah, Leo and Jason had left.

"Are you a nympho or something?" He asked, coming over to sit on Percy's lap on which he fit so well. Percy just smirked. Oh boy, Nico certainly knew where this was going. Not that he had a problem with it.

"Do you just like being in charge of someone younger, Mr. Jackson?" Nico asked teasingly. As far as pet names went, Perseus was way out of the park, but Nico still had to try. Percy just laughed and pulled Nico on top of him, both of them lying on the bed.

"I'm in charge of kids all the time, Mr. di Angelo. What," He kissed Nico, "I love about you," Percy began to unbutton Nico's shirt.

"Is not that you're younger than me, although that's pretty hot," He slid Nico's shirt down his arms.

"And it's not your reluctance to be around people, because that means I get you all to myself," Percy commented, and Nico suddenly felt better about the whole possessiveness thing.

"And it's not the stench of death, because, well, who doesn't like-" Nico kissed Percy to shut him up, something he regularly enjoyed having to do. Percy grinned in victory, and even Nico seeing Percy's expression couldn't vex him enough to be distracted by Percy's naked body, which he happened to be lying on top of.

Percy had put Hermes's scroll in his pack for tomorrow, kind of scared to read anymore. Hermes had known what he and Nico had gotten up to in the lake, but that guy got around, right? It's not like everyone knew… Or at least that's what Percy was praying.

~ O ~

That afternoon, the two had just arrived back in their cabin after taking some of the pegasi out for a spin, as a temporary goodbye to Camp Half-Blood, Percy supposed. Percy had, of course, called Blackjack, and through their combined efforts, convinced the other winged horses to forget about Nico smelling of death for a few hours. After that, the two demigods had had a ball— up in the air, both of them could believe they might be sons of Zeus by how much fun they were having.

As the two flopped back down on their beds, Percy mentally wrote down to get a cubic ton of sugar cubes if he and Nico were ever to do that again. By Hades, sometimes it really annoyed Percy about the whole "Your boyfriend smells like Death, I ain't going near him" thing creatures had going for Nico. He knew it wasn't Nico's fault, just like Percy couldn't stop smelling like the ocean to monsters, but it still annoyed him. Nico talking shook Percy from his musings.

"If Jason's coming back with us, should we take the pegasi?" Nico asked. Percy was glad to see Nico was comfortable enough around Jason again after whatever happened between the two of them in the lead up to the Giant War.

"Well, we have other campers coming, and a ton of packs and resources we have to bring with us that the pegasi are taking already." Percy explained. Nico felt like his moment got stepped on, but Percy knew just how to revive it.

"But we are taking a special way, though." Nico propped himself up on his elbows.

"Does Jason know?" Percy's silent answer made Nico feel giddy.

By "we", I meant just you and me, di Angelo.

All Nico could do was grin and lie back down, totally exhausted but incredibly excited for the next morning.

~ O ~

"So what will we be doing at Camp Jupiter?" Nico asked Percy as they changed for dinner. Percy's head popped out of his shirt, and the older demigod shook his disrupted locks out of his eyes.

"Well, I'll be doing work on the aqueducts, since, y'know, water, and stuff." Was all Percy said. Despite his best efforts to hide it, Nico could tell something was amiss. He turned to his boyfriend.

"What? Will I not be doing aqueducts?" Nico's voice took on a more castigating tone.

"Percy, I don't care what I'm doing, at least I'll be helping-"

"You weren't asked for as a worker, Nico." Percy said softly. He sat down on his bed, but only now lifted his gaze to Nico's puzzled expression. "I said I wanted you to come along so I could keep an eye on you."

For a moment, Nico didn't know how to respond. Then, the bitterness settled in. Why did he have to be taken care of? Even if he'd had his slip ups, that didn't mean Nico had to be kept indoors all day, like china.

Percy was tired, and thinking back, could've used better language. His guilt grew when he saw Nico's expression. Before he could apologise and say that his point about needing to babysat Nico was now void, and that Reyna had instead accepted Nico as a proper camp exchange, Nico stormed out of the front door of the cabin. With a sigh, Percy let Nico have ten seconds.

One. Percy had been worried about Nico's powers.

Two. When Hades had taken them, Percy was relieved.

Three. But now, Hades was a no-show all the time, and if he wasn't there, how would Nico get his powers back in time for them to be needed at Camp Jupiter?

Four. Five. Percy knew Nico was as capable if not more capable than any of the other campers in helping people.

Six. Percy had initially asked for Nico to be brought along so he could keep an eye on him.

Seven. But now, Percy knew helping the Romans (like he had the Greeks) was what Nico needed right now.

Eight. Gods, why did Percy have to go and say that?

Nine. Suddenly, darkness tinted the edges of Percy's vision.

Ten. He looked up at the door with a frown. That kind of thing would only happen if Nico shadow-travelled.

Eleve— oh, wait, right.

Percy got up from his bed and tore open the cabin door, squinting into the dwindling light.

Residual shadows, but no Nico di Angelo to be seen.

~ Fucking get ready ~

When Nico accidentally shadow-travelled, it all came back.

One minute, he was standing outside the Poseidon Cabin, wishing like Hades he was anywhere else, then the next minute he was standing smack in the middle of the dining hall. Nico recognised the feeling of shadow-travelling, then felt memories flush into his mind.

Nico going to get Percy, hearing Percy say he regretted everything, then shadow-travelling back to the cabin to end it all.

Nico groaned and held his face as it all came back as a searing pain in his brain.

"Nico?! Are you okay?" Luckily, he was standing right next to the table Leo, Jason and Hazel frequented. The demigods stood up to help him sit down, while calling for some water. Nico could tell he was attracting heaps of attention, suddenly appearing in the middle of dinner, but he didn't care. The anger, pain, sadness and betrayal all came back.

Nico couldn't trust anyone. He hated himself. He hated Percy Jackson. How could Percy play him like that? Over the last three days?! Nico felt like he'd been walking around with a sign on his back that read: HEY, I'M AN IDIOT! And no one had told him it was there.

Percy had deceived him, taken advantage of him again. Oh Gods, Nico remembered the lake that morning, how could Percy let that happen when both of them had said they regretted everything?

Sadly, Nico knew the answer. Percy was using him because Percy was a horny teenage boy who was missing his girlfriend. Nico swore violently under his breath. This was so the last time he was anywhere near Camp Half-Blood, and especially Percy Jackson.

~ Olympus ~

"Apollo!" Aphrodite screamed, "get in here! It's happening!"

The requested god came sprinting into where Aphrodite and at least half of the other Olympians were having a Percy and Nico marathon. More like a pervathon.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" He pushed his way into the front to get a better view.

"I'm telling you no—"

"Just shut up— we can't hear!" Was that Hestia?

"His memory's back," The love goddess whispered to the newcomer. With wide eyes and excited intent, the gods stared at the mirror.

The next thing Nico saw when he looked up was none other than Percy Jackson's concerned expression. Without hesitation, Nico grabbed the glass of water someone was offering him and stood up to smash it into the son of Poseidon's pretty little face. Percy, however, saw his assault coming from a mile away and quickly caught Nico's hand, causing the water to spill over both of them.

"I trusted you!" Nico growled, dropping the glass and shocking the crowd that had gathered around them. It shattered on the ground. He tried for a punch, but Percy quickly caught his other wrist, Nico gasping at the contact. In a second, the son of Hades realised his mistake.

"Then trust me again," Percy whispered quickly, and Nico blanched as he felt a tingling sensation where Percy was holding his wrists. Percy's hands, from the glass of water, were wet. He tried to pull away, but Percy held on tight, knowing this was for the best even if Nico hated him forever.

Finally, the son of Poseidon let go of Nico's wrists, and they both stood there, panting from the stress. Any demigod could've heard a pin drop, and meanwhile Aphrodite was squealing at the drama of it all; the other Olympians shushing her so they could see what happened next.

Nico looked at his bare wrists and quickly shut his eyes.

"Percy…" He breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. Nico held his hands in the air, still where Percy had let them go, but he began to tremble with panic. He was out in the open, and had nothing protecting him. Percy didn't hesitate to step forward and wrap his arms around the shaking boy, who didn't have the strength to fight the only embrace which could possibly calm him down.

The crowd mentality began to shift to "Maybe we should leave them alone" but everyone's attention was captured again as the boys kissed. Right there. In front of everyone.

Every female demigod in the room silently groaned while the Olympians broke out in a chorus of cheering.

Nico's head was swimming with emotions— panic, fear, anger, sadness. He looked up at Percy once they separated.

"Why do you do this to me?" He whispered. Percy actually laughed, just glad that Nico hadn't tossed him into Hades and answered Nico's real question.

"I was talking to Chiron about the fight Leo and I had over the awards ceremony, not you."

Percy became distracted by the memory, "He was being a hothead; saying you can have liquid pyrotechnics around immo-"

Nico just kissed Percy again and for once, didn't care about everyone's eyes on him.

Because just then, it was him, and the boy who loved him, and nothing else.

**Aaaand that was the "end". Holy Hera, Her Bovine Majesty, that was long (nearly 7k words!)! Pfft, who of you thought Percy was actually talking about regretting his actions with Nico when he was talking to Chiron? Not many of you, I hope ;)

So… The two got back together, and will be heading off to CJ the next morning. I have a skeleton of the story lined up, but no really good, casual bits. Any ideas for stuff you want to happen at CJ (fluff things would be best, but plot points/twists are great too!) would be greatly appreciated, and definitely noted.

The CJ sequel will be posted as another story, simply because it'll be longer than this one. The title can be found on my profile (the name hints to what it's about ;D) and the first chap should be up in a few days. Even though this— combined— story will hit the 50k mark, I feel like they should be separate.

I cannot express how flattered I am for you guy sticking this one out with me, your feedback and even just the fact people are seeing my stories is just… Wow.

All my love, see you for the next one, and sushi for you if you review :D

-TJ**