Warnings: This is Nico/Percy so if you do not like slash you will not like this.

Some chapters may contain descriptions of graphic content (i.e. physical abuse, torture etc.).

Some chapters may contain canon character death.

Some chapters may contain adult situations.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters unless otherwise specified. This story is not for monetary gain.

Enjoy!

~o-o-o~

Returning to the United States could not have felt more relieving. Despite the complications along the way, the seven demigods had stopped Gaea returning and defeated Porphyrion before he could destroy the gods. Percy had seen things he could never dream of and had been to places that until he learnt of what he was, he thought they were fictitious if he had heard about them at all. He was glad to be home, even after everything.

"We did it." Percy turned towards Nico. He was smiling warmly, dark eyes bright with joy at the sight of the son of Poseidon. Percy felt his stomach sink and a painful knot formed in his throat, but he swallowed it and took the ghost king's hand.

"You're amazing Nico. These people are lucky to have you." The smaller teen took a deep breath. "Can we talk?" The son of Hades nodded. Nico and Percy snuck off to a quiet corner at camp. "After…what happened to my mom I…decided to just go for it, you know? I've been living my life hiding from everything because of Ryan. I just need to figure things out." Percy straightened. "I applied at a bunch of colleges across the country and…some outside of it, too."

"That's awesome." Percy nodded, smiling faintly.

"I got some acceptance letters, before we left. One was from…Trinity College Dublin."

"In Ireland?" Percy nodded again. "Wow, that's amazing."

"I was going to ask you to come with me but…that would be so selfish of me." Nico furrowed his brow.

"Of course I'll go with you. Percy-" He silenced when Percy met his gaze.

"I can't ask that of you. After everything…they need you here, Nico."

"What…what about us?"

"It's been fun. It's been more than fun. I love you." Percy smiled warmly. "And that's why you can't come with me. I won't let all your hard work, years of earning trust and building relationships, I won't be the reason you lose all of that. And…I won't ask you to wait for me, either."

"So that's it then." Nico uttered. Percy held his gaze, despite the pain and anger in the Italian's eyes. A bitter taste was in his mouth, but deep down, the son of Poseidon knew this was for the best. "We're done. You're…well, I suppose we weren't…aren't…" Nico turned away. Percy refrained from reaching out to him. "I love you too."

"I know."

"Then why? Why do you have to do this?" Nico snapped. He gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists. Percy didn't take the anger personally. Perhaps he should have. "We could be happy, we could make this work." Nico met Percy's gaze. The smaller demigod said nothing, just waited. Nico's gaze softened and to Percy's displeasure, tears gathered in his eyes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't…I didn't want things…"

"It's ok Nico. I just need to get away from all of this. I need to grow up."

"You were robbed of your youth."

"But I'm not an adult. Not yet."

"Will you write to me?" Percy shook his head. "Can I write to you?"

"No. It's…best we remain apart. We'll see each other again, Nico. You can tell me everything then."

"I don't…" Nico closed his eyes, but a tear slipped out. Percy gently brushed the streak away.

"You're my hero, Nico. I'll never forget you."

"Can I…" Percy nodded. Nico leaned in and placed a light kiss on the other teen's lips. His touch was light, familiar. The son of Poseidon felt a swell of warmth and joys fill him. The kiss was kept short, but both demigods were reminded of the love they held for each other. Percy stood and let his hands fall to his sides. "What do I tell the others?"

"I trust your brilliance to think of something. And Rachel already knows." Percy leaned in and touched his lips to the ghost king's temple. "Goodbye, Nico."

"Until we meet again." They exchanged soft smiles that hid their pain until Percy turned away. His chest ached longingly for the Italian he was leaving behind but he couldn't stay. Percy needed to move on. All of the drama the gods brought, all the pain this country left him in, he had to leave so he could accept what had surmounted. His mother's death had left him broken. Percy wanted to find his missing pieces and fix himself. He couldn't do that here. As much as he wanted Nico, taking him away from everyone was selfish, and as Percy began a new chapter in his life, he didn't want to start it off with hurting all the people he'd come to know and love. No, he had to do this on his own.

~o-o-o~

Aphrodite smiled brightly as Nico and Percy parted ways. It really couldn't have come out any better than it had.

"The tragedies are always the best." The love goddess looked up. Apollo stood over her, watching the scene unfold as well, stoic. "I owe you for saving that little son of Hades."

"You do."

"What do you desire?"

"I'll think of something." Apollo leaned down and kissed her temple. Aphrodite basked in the attention until he departed from her chambers.

~o-o-o~

AN: Thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, followed my story and/or added this as a favourite. I hope this was as enjoyable for you to read as it was for me to write (for the most part).

I'm not new to this site, but I'm kind of computer dim and well, a bit oblivious. Whoever added this story to that community, thank you! It is such a compliment.

Realism mode enabled. As for the ending, they're teenagers, too young to be committed. They're parting ways. Temporarily? Perhaps. Will I elaborate on this in a sequel? Probably not. I like the ending of this story; I don't want to ruin it with a crappy sequel I'll inevitably screw up.

Regards,

HM