PERCY'S POV

The ride home was excruciatingly tense.

Nico didn't say one word to Percy, and honestly, that hurt. No matter how lost in thought Nico was, they were dating. And they always talked, no matter what situation they were in.

For example, one time Percy and Nico went to a really awkward party before they started dating. Nobody was talking or even attempting to talk. Percy and Nico had continued to talk even when everyone was silent.

Was Nico getting bored of their relationship? They'd been dating for around two months, and that wasn't a very long time. Yeah, sure, it was possible, but Percy didn't even want to put that into consideration. They'd been through too much together for that to be a possibility. Percy shoved the thought out of his mind, but the dread still lingered in his chest. He really didn't want Nico to leave.

When the plane finally landed, Percy angrily took Nico's hand and Twilight's carrying case and dragged them off. The only time Nico helped was to find the luggage at the baggage claim. It was a good thing he did, too, because somebody almost walked off with Percy's suitcase. Nico managed to grab it before he could though. The couple walked out of the airport and Percy led him behind a brick wall.

"Nico?" Percy asked. When Nico didn't respond, Percy crashed his lips against Nico's. Nico immediately kissed back. Percy grabbed Nico's waist and pulled him closer to him. There was no space between them. The only barrier between the pair was the fabric of their clothing. Percy pulled back so that his lips were inches from Nico's.

"Do I have your attention now?" Percy whispered huskily. Nico whimpered and tried to kiss Percy again but Percy moved out of the way. "Okay, good. We need to shadow travel back to camp so come on," Percy said impatiently. Nico glared at him but took Percy's hand and soon they were swirling through a mirky vortex. Percy's stomach felt like it was being crushed but soon the feeling disappeared. Dizzily, Percy leaned against the nearest tree and breathed heavily. The kittens seemed to be completely unaffected by the travel which was good in Percy's opinion. He was slightly worried that they would've died or something.

Nico helped Percy take his stuff to his cabin. When Percy opened his cabin door for the first time in weeks, he felt a rush of happiness. It was good to be back home where he belonged. Now, it was quite funny to imagine a time when he didn't want to be in Camp Half-Blood at all. Now he couldn't imagine being away from the demigod haven.

After Percy had set down his giant suitcase and Bob's carrying case, he helped Nico take the rest of the stuff to his cabin. The journey was more exhausting this time, and they had to stop a couple times to breathe. Eventually, they made it to the ominous building. Cabin #13 was definitely the spookiest place in camp, and it was rumored to be unlucky too. Thirteen wasn't the best number to have for a cabin.

However, when they opened the door, they were met with an unexpected and unwanted surprise. Nico let out an audible gasp and Percy clenched his teeth. His fists tightened and he wanted to punch the figure in front of him.

"Hi," Destiny said shakily.

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After settling down in Nico's cabin, Percy and Nico on Nico's bed and Destiny on an empty bed across from them, Destiny began to explain.

"I wanted to apologize," Destiny began.

"Nothing can make up for the mess you've made," Nico snarled. Percy placed a hand warningly on Nico's thigh. Destiny shot Percy a grateful look but Percy just glared at her in return. He wasn't prepared to believe her yet. He knew firsthand just how deceiving she could be.

"I know that. I don't expect any of you to forgive me, but I just thought you should know that I'm sorry. I want to be a better person, and just to prove it to you, I want you to have my child. If you'd like to, I mean. I want to prove that I've changed by keeping the child here. I am a demigod, after all. Besides, I can't think of better parents than you two," Destiny said with a small smile. Percy looked over to see Nico's face soften. "After the child is born, I'll leave Camp Half-Blood for good. I promise."

Nico smiled gently at her and hopped off the bed. "May I?" he asked, gesturing to Destiny's baby bump. She was at least five months pregnant, and she was quite large. Percy shoved down his jealousy as Destiny grinned and nodded. Nico pressed his ear to her stomach. "Hi there, lovely," Nico whispered softly. Destiny smiled gently at Nico. Percy felt his throat close with emotion. He knew that this was normal, especially with Nico being the father. But he couldn't believe this! Just a week ago, Nico had been shaking and saying he wanted nothing to do with Destiny or the baby, and now he was cooing and acting like he was with Destiny instead!

Then, as if he'd read Percy's mind, Nico gestured for Percy to come over. "Come listen," Nico whispered once Percy had crept over to Destiny. He pressed his ear to Destiny's belly and jumped when he felt a tiny thump.

"He kicked!" Percy squealed.

"Say hello to daddy," Nico whispered as he placed Percy's hand over Destiny's belly once more. Again, there was another kick. Percy felt tears in his eyes.

"Is this what being a parent feels like?" Percy asked, sniffling. Nico hugged Percy tightly.

"Yes, yes it is," Nico said softly. Then, he turned to Destiny. "Hey, is it okay if you leave? I just need to talk to Percy for a bit, but I'm sure Chiron will let you return to your old cabin," Nico asked. Destiny hesitated but nodded.

"Thank you guys. I'm sorry, again," she said as she got up to leave. When the door closed behind her, Nico grabbed Percy's hand and led him to the bed. Percy sat down across from Nico, his legs crossed. Nico was sitting the same way.

The green fire that emanated from the Greek fire torches around Nico's room made Nico's face glow with a sickly green color. He almost looked like he was glowing. His dark eyes were brightened a bit by the flames and Percy was able to see the hints of gold in Nico's eyes. Percy felt his heart beat slightly faster.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Nico asked seriously. Percy felt himself sit up straighter in surprise.

"Yes, of course! Destiny's baby or not, the child will be a demigod. Do you really want someone else to be taking care of this child? Besides, I love you Nico. If I'm going to have a child with anyone, I want it to be with you," Percy said, his voice dropping a bit. "If you don't want to do this, that's fine, and I'll respect your decision. And if you'd rather leave me for Destiny-" Percy choked and looked down at Nico's black blanket. Tears welled in his eyes at the thought of Nico leaving him.

Nico scooted closer to him and lifted Percy's chin with his thumb. Percy found himself gazing into Nico's chocolate brown eyes. "Percy, you idiot, of course I want to do this. And I would never leave you for Destiny! What would make you think that?" Nico asked, his eyes lit with amusement as though the thought of him being with was funny. Percy felt a bit of weight lit off of his shoulders.

"Well, Destiny is having your kid, after all. I don't know... Perhaps you'd have second thoughts about this after seeing her pregnant," Percy mumbled. Suddenly, a pair of skinny arms were wrapped around Percy. Percy looked to his side and saw Nico hugging him. Percy smiled to himself and hugged his boyfriend back.

"I love you, and I'd never leave you. You're amazing, Perce. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend," Nico whispered. Percy hugged him tighter.

"I love you too," Percy whispered, meaning every word. The couple stayed like that for hours, until they both fell asleep in each other's arms.

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Until next time,

-Callie