Chapter Text
After the titan war, it wasn’t unusual that demigods would leave the camp for periods of time. Chiron had said that they all deserve a vacation and as long as they told where they were going and IM-ed every now and then, they were allowed to go. So when Percy had suddenly disappeared again, there had been a mass panic between the 2 camps. Percy had always managed to attract hazardous events so the camps had sent out people to look out for him. Nico, who had always worried for the sea prince, had been one of the first to volunteer to look for him. He had just finished IM-ing Annabeth who was with Reyna at London at the moment. Annabeth had gotten together with Reyna after the war, much to every one’s surprise. Even more surprising to others was that Percy wasn’t mad. He was happy for his ex-girlfriend and best friend. Then again, his fatal flaw was his loyalty to his friends, so Nico wasn’t surprised when Percy had wanted to stay friends with the daughter of Athena. The Ghost King, on the other hand, had remained single after the war. As much as people thought he was with Will, they were just good friends. Will was someone Nico could talk too when his other friend, Jason, was too busy sucking faces with his girlfriend, Piper. Besides, Will was busy pining after Jake, the son of Hephaestus.
Much to every one’s surprise, Percy had appeared two weeks later totally unharmed. Annabeth was yelling at him through IM while Nico and the others watched.
“I’m sorry Annabeth. I was traveling.” Percy grinned sheepishly. “I promise, I’ll call next time.”
“You better!” She huffed, glaring at him. “Every one was worried, you know! Have you even contacted you mom at all?”
“Mom knows I’ve needed my time off…” Percy whispered. “But yea, I guess I’m being bad son by not telling her where I went…”
“Percy…” Annabeth sighed, eyes softening. “Just… tell her you’re back and next time, a warning would be nice.”
“I’m sorry. I just… It happened out of nowhere, you know? It was a whim and I couldn’t help it! I met this guy and we traveled and it was fun. I have so much to tell you when you get back.” He grinned.
At this, Nico’s eyes widened and his body tensed up. Someone had caught the attention of his sea prince? Fine, he is being a bit pig headed about Percy being his but for father’s sake, what the actual fuck. He had been waiting for Percy to finally be ready to date again and some stranger whisks him away? No way.
“So… You met a guy? Is he nice? Will I approve of him?” The daughter of Athena asked, a smile evident on her face.
“It’s nothing like that, wise girl.” Percy laughed. “He’s just a good friend, besides, I think he’s still longing after someone else.”
Nico relaxed a bit at this. He was still uncomfortable with the fact that Percy was traveling with a stranger and he would definitely ask him more about it but for now, he was relieved that he hadn’t started dating again. Will noticed his friend’s change in poster and rolled his eyes.
“Well, take care, alright?” Annabeth sighed, rubbing her temple.
“You better not make my girlfriend worry again.” Reyna piped in as she wrapped her arms around Annabeth’s waist.
“Yes, ma’am.” Percy grinned. “I’m here to collect a few things and I’ll be off again.”
“What?!” Nico suddenly burst out, shocked.
“I second that outburst.” Annabeth said, sitting up and pouting. “You just got back, Percy!”
“Well, I really can’t keep him waiting that long.” Percy grinned sheepishly.
“Well, then I’m coming with you.” Nico said, standing straight.
“But—”
“No buts, Percy.” Reyna interrupted. “Nico is right. It’s not safe for you alone, with a stranger. So at least let him come with you. You can get your things, shadow travel to your mom’s place to tell her that you’re safe and then go to that new friend of yours.”
“Alright then…” Percy reluctantly agreed.
“Remember to call, alright, seaweed brain?” Annabeth said, looking at her best friend fondly.
“I will, wise girl.” Percy answered, playfully rolling his eyes.
“And you, di Angelo.” Annabeth said, staring at the Ambassador of Pluto. “If I hear that you’re mistreating my best friend, well…”
“Yea, I know.” Nico nervously replied as the blonde’s words trailed off. Everyone knew that if you wanted to live long, you never mess with the kids of Athena because they plot. They plan down your demise right to the last detail and usually, it’s something you can never live down or forget. The projection vanished and Percy turned to smile at Nico.
“So will you really take me to my mom after we get our stuff?” The son of the sea god asked.
“Of course. Sally and Annabeth would kill me if I didn’t.” He huffed as they turned to face Chiron and the others.
Will had a sly grin on his lips and oh, how Nico wanted to kill him. Nico was probably bright red at the prospect of being with Percy for a while. Granted, they would have Percy’s friend with them but hey, maybe he would leave them alone every now and then. The ghost king had a gut feeling that Reyna had sided with him and done this on purpose. She probably knew about his feelings for the older demigod and how he has always tried to protect him from the shadows. He would be the perfect choice to be Percy’s companion because he would never let anything bad happen to Percy.
“Well, I better go get you some medical supplies for your journeys.” Will hummed as he went ahead.
“Good thinking, Will. Percy, Nico, after packing, you two will go to the big house to get it there, as well as offer some sacrifices to the gods for a safe trip.” Chiron said before ushering the other demigods back to their duties.