Chapter Text
After a while of searching, (a bit of help from the maids), and a lot of arguing later. Nico's outfit was a combination of both Hades and Persephone's own clothing. He was wearing a plain black shirt, it was Persephone so it was a bit small. BUT it was long enough to not show any stomach. (The fans sign with disappointment)
He found a red and black plaid sweater that he wrapped around his waist to keep the shirt from going up. It was his dad's.
They ended up finding a black pair of ripped skinny jeans that were a bit too long,
They looked baggy on him. He was wearing the shoes from his closet which were also big on him. But they kinda match with the rest of his ‘hipster outfit’. It was giving off a badass don’t give a damn look with a dab Millenials feel. (Even though he was born in the 1930s)
“Are you done finding your outfit or do we need another hour” Persephone spoke with an annoyed tone. She was laying in her and her husband's bed. ‘I swear this kid is pickier than me when it comes to clothes.’ She thought.
“Sorry if I can’t find clothes when my only choice is between two old geese- ”
“Okay brat, don’t even think about finishing that sentence, we're leaving now I'm not waiting for you anymore.” She announced as she sat up from her position.
Nico came out of the walk-in closet. “I look stupid,” Nico's arms crossed, annoyed. “I'm not going to the damn mall dressed like this.”
“Hey look at you, all you need is a beanie, some piercings, maybe leather boots, and you look just like those troubled kids you see on tv.” she snorted as she said that.
“Hysterical.” Nico glared
“I know I am. Now let's get this over with so I can get my dam reward.” Persephone got her coat and started to walk off with a smirk.
“Your what?” Nico asks with a face of confusion as he follows down the hallway.
...
"I see you found something suitable to wear," Hades said as they headed towards the front door.
"How's everything going?" Persephone walked up to her husband and gave him a peck on the lips. Nico made a face in discussing.
Hades kissed back "Don't worry about it. It's all under control," He reassured her.
"I called Albert, he is going to drive the two of you." The three walked out the front door to see a carriage with skeleton horses stomping as the carriage came to a stop. Nico got in. As Persephone started to follow, Hades stopped her by grabbing her hand.
"I know Nico, tends to be much." Hades looked her in the eye "But he really is a good kid." She nodded, squeezing her husband's hand then letting it go. He really was trying to make her see that.
They said their goodbyes.
The ride towards the upper-world was awkward and silent. Nico sat thinking what Will was doing back at camp, while Persephone stared at her phone.
The small space was dark and the only noise was the horse's hooves stomping on the pavement.
After a few moments of silence Nico spoke up, "Wouldn’t it be weird if we show up in a carriage?" Persephone looked up to stared at Nico like she's never been asked that question, she then looked at the window and then went back to typing on her phone, “Don’t worry about it.”
Nico looked at her. “But it's-”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“But-”
“Don’t worry about it, Nico.”
Nico sigh looked out the window but it was so dark he couldn’t see anything, “Ugh...” Nico stared at his feet.
Persephone glanced at Nico. The kid looks like he would rather be anywhere but here. Just like her. She then did something on her phone.”Hey brat,” She held her phone out for Nico. “Here.” There was a coloring game open on the screen. It had a black and white outline of a teddy bear.
“...Do you think I’m five?!” She was taken back at the statement, all children love coloring, right?
“Well, I don't have many bars when we're away from the castle so my youtube doesn't work that well but you can try it,” She started swiping on her phone.
Nico felt mortified, he wasn’t some little kid you can distract by giving them your phone. If anyone back at camp were to find out about this he'd be the laughing stock of the camp. Nico then thought of someone “...Do you mind if I call someone?” She handed him her phone. "Knock yourself out."
Nico dialed the number for the med bay at camp.
“Hello?” Some campers answered, probably one of Apollo's children.
“Is Will there?” Nico asks. Persephone gave him a smug look, he rolled his eyes
“Just a sec,” The kid said and then silence. Suddenly on the other end, Nico heard, “Hey loverboy your hubby is calling again! Come answer the damn phone!” Persephone heard and slammed her hand towards her face to stop her laughing.
Nico hung up instantly.
“Didn’t you... w-want to talk-k to your... Hubby!” It took everything in her to say that without bursting into laughter.
“No, stop I don't want to talk about it.” He handed her the phone and looked dead straight ahead into the dark.
They rode the rest of the way in silence.
Finally, they came to a parking lot. The once carriage with skeleton horses was now a modern car.
Nico and Persephone got out of the car before shutting the door. Persephone gave one last order to Albert, “I shall call for you we’re ready. Until then goodbye.”
“You don’t gotta talk all fancy to Al. I mean you shouldn’t be mean or rude or anything, but just talk like a regular person. '' Nico said, sticking his hands in his pocket as the two walked up the stairs to the front entrance.
“Al?” Persephone question. “It’s short for Albert” Nico rolled his eyes
There was a patio with a water fountain right in front of the doors. A few kids were throwing coins in. Others were sitting on the benches chatting. On both sides of the waterfall was a map of the mall with the list of all the stores, bathrooms, and restaurants.
“Here is the map,” As Persephone looked to see where there are, a few stores caught her eye. “We should stop at my stores first, since I know what I want and then will look around for you.”
“No, I don’t want to be going in and out of old lady stores. ”
“Old?!?!” Her voice raised. Just as Persephone was going to tell off Nico, the small pebbles started to shake ever so slightly. Most didn’t even notice it but the two knew better, it was Hades's slight warning. Both of them rolled their eyes.
“Look Nico I am the adult you’re the child so you have to treat me with respect”
“Right to respect your elders and all that.” Persephone sign, mumble words in ancient greek. The only word Nico heard clearly heard was “Παλιόπαιδο” (Brat)
She was taking a while looking at maps so Nico finally spoke up
“Look all I need is two shirts, two pairs of pants, and maybe some sock okay? Let’s just go to whichever store sells that stuff.”
“Is this some kind of joke?” Persephone glanced at Nico wondering if he was being serious. “If you’re worried about money I have it covered. You can’t just go through life with 5 pieces of clothing. I promised you, father, that I will get you to actual clothes and that’s what I intend to do.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you care.” Nico was looking at the fountain where two siblings were throwing coins into the water.
“I don’t.” Persephone quickly protested as she walked towards the door. “It just” she hesitated not having an actual answer why does she care what the brat wears. She opened the door and they both walked in.
“What you wear reflects upon your father and me.” That right, right? That's why she cares, right? “I mean.... what if the other go- your relatives saw you. ” Wait, she didn't want that to come out.
That sounds shallow, she thought. She was the last person who cared what their ‘family’ thought of them. They all thought getting together with Hades was the worst thing she could ever do. Especially her mother, who still tells her she deserves better. But look at her she is in love, she is loved. She is healthy and happy. They live in a dam castle. They-
“Let me guess shit clothes makes you seem like shit parents,” Nico said, making her thoughts come to a stop.
She looks at Nico in cringe. “What! No, no look I wasn’t, I, fuck what those asshats think, okay? I want to buy you nice clothes because I, ...I just don’t want to do this again so you should get clothes that are gonna last.” Persephone finally said. Nico looked surprised.
“Whatever.” Nico looked away, with a sly smile. “Did you just call the almighty gods asshat?”
“Yes, yes I did,” Persephone said, walking ahead with a smirk.