Chapter Text
At sunset, Jason watched Nico tying ropes around the pedestal of the Athena Parthenos. He had been waiting on the hill for at least an hour before the sun had even started to go down, worried that if he left, Nico might take off while his back was turned. Jason at least wanted to say goodbye. To Reyna and Coach Hedge as well. He cared about everyone going on their quest. He wouldn’t feel right if he didn’t get the chance to see them off.
He had been thinking about what he might like to say to Nico before the son of Hades left, if he got the chance. Despite having hours to come up with something worthwhile, he had nothing. Jason had accepted that Nico had no interest in him whatsoever. It stung, but he had known it was a long shot from the beginning. Now he just wanted to be Nico’s friend again, if Nico would let him.
Jason watched Percy climb up the hill and approach Nico. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, and he didn’t try to listen in. They exchanged words for a while and Jason couldn’t help the tiny flicker of jealousy burning in his gut. It was almost entirely smothered, however, by the pang of regret he felt over Nico leaving while they were still on such poor terms. He wondered miserably if Nico would still be at Camp Half-Blood when he eventually made it back. If he made it back.
Jason thought about going over. Just to say something, to say anything. Stay safe? That sounded lame, but it would hopefully let Nico know he at least cares at what happens to him. He wished he was going with them. It didn’t feel right to leave it so unknown like this. Maybe Nico didn’t have feelings for him, but would he ever consider being friends? Did Nico hate him?
He sighed. It wasn’t like he could say anything meaningful now anyway, not with the others around. He wouldn’t do that to Nico, not when he’d said he didn’t want anyone to know. Not to mention that Nico would be in serious danger travelling all that way on land. He would need to have his wits about him. Jason didn’t want to risk upsetting him or distracting him and getting Nico hurt accidentally.
Percy nodded and stepped back while Nico finished tying his knots. Annabeth walked up the hill to join them. She took Percy’s hand and nodded her goodbyes to Nico who stiffly returned them.
A minute later, Reyna and Coach Hedge arrived in full armour with packs over their shoulders. Reyna looked grim and ready for combat. Coach Hedge grinned like he was expecting a surprise party.
Reyna came to meet him. They’d already said a proper goodbye earlier when they’d found a moment alone. Jason would miss her terribly. He wished he was going with her.
Reyna gave him a tight hug. “We will succeed,” she promised.
“I know you will,” he smiled.
His eyes flicked over to Nico and his smile faded into worry. Reyna gripped his arm reassuringly.
“I’ll look out for him,” she assured him.
He gave her another smile in thanks. There was something in her eyes, something understanding that made him pause. Reyna knew him better than possibly anyone else, but surely, she couldn’t possibly know how he felt about Nico. She had only been there for a day.
Coach Hedge shouldered his baseball bat. “Yeah, don’t worry. I’m going to get to camp and see my baby! Uh, I mean I’m going to get this baby back to camp!” He patted the leg of the Athena Parthenos.
Reyna and joined Hedge and Nico by the statue. They looked ready to go. The rest of the seven had gathered on the hillside to see them off. Jason watched the trio silently from the side-lines and tried not to look as pathetically heartsick as he felt.
He watched Nico say his goodbyes, stopping to hug Hazel. Jason thought if he had nothing he could say openly, perhaps a wave goodbye would suffice. Nico didn’t spare him a glance the entire time. He supposed that was a no on the wave then. Jason did his best to keep his disappointment out of his expression, looking down to inspect his shoes in the grass.
“Oh, and Jason?”
Jason’s head snapped up in surprise at the sound of Nico’s voice. Nico was only feet in front of him now, looking rigid and determined. Jason stared at him anxiously, not sure what to expect.
Nico took a deep breath and clenched his fists by his sides. Jason gulped, half expecting Nico to take a swing at him.
“I like you, Jason. I like you a lot, and I can’t help it.”
WHAT.
The rest of the seven were staring at them, looking equally at stunned. All except for Hazel who was grinning in stunned delight like she was watching her favourite soap opera. Jason swallowed, eying them nervously. Had Nico forgotten they were there? He looked tightly back to Nico, trying to warn him silently that they had an audience, but Nico didn’t seem to care. Nico only had eyes for Jason and was completely ignoring everyone else.
“I don’t want to sit around waiting anymore, letting time we could’ve been spending together get away from us,” Nico ploughed on. His painfully rigid posture belied his confidence. He was looking a little red in the face as well. “So I’m going to stand up here in front of everyone and take what I want for myself.”
Jason was lost for words, to put it mildly. Hi brain seemed to have shut down entirely. He could only stand there and gape at Nico. Less than a minute ago he had been under the impression that Nico hated him and was quite possibly about to punch him. And now this. He felt like the whole world had tilted on its side. He felt dizzy…But in a good way.
“Thought you should know I tried my best to let go of you, but I don’t want to,” said Nico, taking a brave step closer. Jason was struck to hear his own sentiment parroted back to him.
Nico stood right in front of him, blushing bright red and looking so very nervous, so afraid that Jason might reject him – as if Jason could ever deny him anything. Jason felt like his own face was on fire and wondered if he looked half as red as Nico. The shock hadn’t quite worn off, but the elation was settling in alongside it rapidly. He could feel a wide smile stretching his face.
Nico wavered at the sight of his smile only briefly, before taking it as encouragement. He put a hand on his hip, trying to look more casual and confident than either of them was truly capable of being in that moment.
“I’ve just gotta say it all before I go,” he finished, jerking his head back towards the statue.
He offered Jason a small smile, a mixture of hope and apology. Jason had no idea what Nico thought he had to apologise for, but he’d already forgiven him for it. “Just so you know.”
Jason laughed breathlessly. He’d never been so surprised in his life. Or so happy. That was a hell of an answer. And for Nico to have said all of that in front of literally everyone…It was a staggering declaration. One Jason wasn’t quite sure he was really worthy of.
Jason licked his lips anxiously. He didn’t want to overstep, but he dared to hope. “Does – Does that mean, what you said at Auster’s palace – about leaving Camp. Well, would you reconsider possibly –?”
“I’m staying.”
Jason’s nearly choked on his excited inhale. “What? Really?”
Nico rolled his eyes affectionately with a little laugh. He still looked a little fidgety and nervous. Jason imagined they’d both be shaking over this development for a while yet. “Obviously. I just admitted to having a massive crush on you. I’m can’t go AWOL now.”
Jason’s grin widened in delight. “You’ve got a massive crush on me?”
Nico’s smile twitched in embarrassment and his face went redder still. “Besides,” he said loudly, changing the subject. Jason found it completely adorable. “The Hades cabin needs a head counsellor. Have you seen the décor? It’s disgusting. I’ll have to renovate.”
“That’s – That’s fantastic! Dude!” Jason opened his arms for a hug, not bothering to call Nico out for dodging his question.
For once, Nico didn’t feel like pulling away from the prospect of physical contact, so Jason pressed forward, wrapping Nico in a very enthusiastic bear hug. In his excitement, he squeezed Nico so hard he briefly worried he might crack Nico’s ribs. Once they’d both made it through the war alive, Jason was going to have to get some proper food into the kid.
Despite the tight squeeze, Nico hesitantly wrapped his arms around Jason in return. After a moment’s hesitation, the arms around him tightened just as hard as Jason’s own. Whether it was in revenge, or matched elation, Jason didn’t know. He didn’t think he’d mind either way. Jason turned his lips towards Nico’s ear.
“Nico,” he whispered gently. “I’ve seen a lot of brave things. But what you just did? That was maybe the bravest.”
He felt Nico quiver slightly against him and tighten his hold on him. Jason knew it couldn’t have been easy for him. And it meant all that much more to him for it.
All too soon, Nico was collecting himself and pulling away. Jason straightened up reluctantly, but they didn’t go far, pulling back just enough to look each other in the face.
“What’re you waiting for, you giant blond dumbass? Kiss him!” hollered Leo gleefully.
The rest of the seven started nudging each other excitedly, grinning at them slyly. For a brief second there, Jason had forgotten they had company. He blushed at Leo’s suggestion, though not for lack of interest in the idea. He glanced at Nico who was staring back at him with wide eyes. They looked at each other for a moment. Jason swore he saw Nico’s eyes dip to his mouth. He looked over to the coach, expecting him to start shouting about leaving room for Jesus any second now, but he was busy polishing off Athena’s leg, turning a blind eye to the proceedings. Jason had always liked that old goat.
Throwing caution to the wind, Jason shrugged a shoulder and gave Nico a shy smile. “Could I?”
He’d barely gotten the words out before Nico had pushed forward, throwing his arms around Jason’s neck, and pressed his lips to Jason’s. Jason laughed against Nico’s mouth in pleasant surprise before he wrapped his hands around Nico’s waist and kissed him back properly. Jason didn’t need the rest of his missing memories to know it was the single greatest kiss of his life.
The rest of the seven broke into giggles and whoops and catcalls. When they broke apart in the continuing cacophony Jason nudged Nico playfully.
“Told you they’d be on your side.”
Nico still looked a little overwhelmed. He ducked his head, ruffling his hair awkwardly. “Guess I’d better get a move on.”
Jason hated to see him leave, but he knew Nico was right. They both had to get moving. “Just, look after yourself. Let Reyna look after you too. I want you alive when I get back to camp, you hear?”
Nico smiled at him shyly. “Yeah. Don’t you go dying either. If you do, I’ll know.”
Jason laughed as he watched Nico step back into line with Reyna and Hedge. Nico took up the slack on the ropes around the Parthenos. He slipped them over his shoulders as if the statue were a giant backpack.
Jason caught Reyna’s eye as Nico secured himself to the statue. She looked very pleased with herself. And suspiciously in the loop. Jason felt a fresh surge of affection for her. He didn’t know what part she might have played in all of it, but he was thankful she had gotten involved.
Nico straightened up, ready to go. He met Jason’s eyes once more.
“Good luck,” Jason said softly.
Nico nodded. “You too.”
Then he turned to Reyna and Hedge in turn, clearing his throat. “All right. Grab the ropes, please. Here we go.”
Reyna and Hedge took hold. The air darkened. The Athena Parthenos collapsed into its own shadow and disappeared, along with its three escorts.