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~

"PERCY!" Percy jolted and spun around, grappling for the railing to keep from falling into the water. Ryan and a few of his cronies were standing about ten metres from the teen. "What the fuck are you doing? Are you insane?" Percy clambered back to the other side. Ryan marched up. "Look at me." Percy didn't. He felt dazed. That woman… "I said look at me!" Percy grunted when his jaw was grabbed. Ryan glared at him. "What were you doing?"

"I don't know, sir." Percy breathed. He looked back at the water and fear embraced him, gripping him tightly. He hated water, why would he even think of diving? "I…" He was trembling again. Ryan snorted.

"I don't have time for this. Go; make yourself presentable for your mother and rest." Ryan barked. "If I see you out here again for any reason other than business, I'll break your arm."

"Ok." Percy stepped around him and ran. He didn't go home though. He was too shaken, his mother would ask questions and if she did now he doubted he could stop himself from telling her. Percy hugged himself as he walked, staring down at the gum encrusted pavement. He flinched when someone set their hands on his shoulders. Percy looked up; his bright eyes met nearly black.

"Hi." Nico smiled, but it fell quickly. "Are you ok?"

"What the hell do you think?" Percy snapped.

"You don't need to get defensive." Nico beckoned him to Central Park and they sat beneath a tree.

"Aren't you going to call the police?"

"No." Percy leered at Nico. He was leaned back, relaxed, completely, like hanging out with a murderer was somehow normal.

"I don't have time for this." Percy went to stand, but Nico caught his shoulder and the Italian ceased his movement.

"Stay, please." With no desire to return home, Percy grunted and settled. "Have you lived in New York your entire life?"

"Yes."

"I lived in Las Vegas, for a while. My dad had my sister and I living there…almost seven years ago he moved us out here."

"Cool."

"I was ten." Nico continued to talk about himself. Percy listened. Hearing about someone normal, it calmed him down and made him feel better. Nico and Percy ended up horsing around, laughing and joking. It came so easily…

"I should go." Percy glanced to his watch. "My mom, she…I shouldn't have stayed out so late." Percy stood. Nico did as well.

"Maybe I'll see you around?" Nico asked.

"Not likely." The Italian frowned. "This…was fun but…you don't want to…just don't." Percy stuffed his hands in his pockets and started home.

~o-o-o~

Percy arrived to his self-defence class (his mother insisted he attend) nearly late. Percy glanced around and saw most people paired up except…

"Percy, there's a space here with the new student." His instructor informed. Percy made his way over and glared at Nico.

"What the fuck man." Percy gritted. "You're following me."

"What? I'm not allowed to learn self-defence?"

"Not at the same place as me. This is actually kind of creepy." Percy eyed Nico. They were dressed the same, in white robes and pants. They were both bare footed.

"Square your opponent, we're going to run though some drills…"

"How am I supposed to practice when you're a beginner?" Percy grumbled as he squared Nico. The Italian smirked.

"Don't be so quick to judge." Percy and Nico engaged each other. The green eyed teen had gone easy, too easy, as he ended up on his back, Nico smirking down at him. Percy glared and jumped to his feet. Three more encounters, three more instances where Percy was sent to the ground. Annoyed, Percy kicked Nico's feet from under him and they started wrestling. They weren't listening to the instructor anymore.

"Hah!" Percy managed to pin Nico. The teens were both breathing somewhat irregularly.

"Are you two finished?" Percy looked at his instructor, as did Nico. He was glaring at them. "I have a class to teach."

"Sorry sensei." Percy stood and fixed his clothes. He offered his hand to Nico and assisted the other male in standing. The rest of the class, Percy and Nico practiced self-defence. Nico taught Percy a few things, and Percy in turn taught Nico. The green eyed teen was disappointed when the class was over.

"When you pinned me?" Percy looked at Nico. The Italian was smirking. "I let you."

"You're just saying that." The smaller teen growled.

"I could prove it." Percy scoffed.

"Yeah? Then prove it." He challenged. Nico grinned and charged Percy. They countered back and forth, until Percy's feet were taken up from under him and the green eyed teen wound up on his back. Nico was above him quickly, catching Percy with his arms around one leg and his neck, essentially leaving the other male with nothing to move but his fingers and leg. Neither appendage could help him get out of the hold.

"A good friend of mine keeps me in practice." Nico informed. His breath was warm against Percy's shoulder and neck.

"Ok, ok! Let me go." Percy twisted.

"Tap out." The teen grunted but did. Percy rubbed his neck when Nico let go. He tried not to think of the loss of contact.

"Percy." He looked up and met eyes with Ryan. Why was Ryan here? Percy scrambled to his feet and approached.

"Hi, sir." Percy greeted.

"A friend of yours?" Ryan nodded at Nico, who was standing awkwardly on the mat.

"Just my sparring partner here." Percy replied.

"I need you to swing by tonight."

"Sir, I have a…" Percy looked away when his boss pressed his lips together. "I'll be there."

"Good." Ryan left. Percy glared at Nico when the Italian turned him.

"He's the one, isn't he?"

"Don't involve yourself in things you don't understand."

"Is he your father?"

"Fuck no." Percy bristled at the thought. "My dad was lost at sea when I was young." Percy offered. "I have to go."

~o-o-o~

Nico dumped his things in his cabin at camp. They were still speaking with the Romans, still trying to decide who would go on the quest. The first six had already been chosen: Jason, Nico, Leo, Piper, Hazel and Frank. The last slot was being debated between Annabeth and Reyna. Nico wasn't so sure either of them was right though. Nico shook his head softly. Something about what Percy said…Percy had to be a demigod. His father was lost at sea? That was the biggest bullshit Nico had ever heard.

"Nico? We're having a meeting." Nico nodded at Connor and made his way to the big house. They sat around the Ping-Pong table, the discussion had already begun. Romans were arguing in favour of Reyna, Greeks were arguing in favour of Annabeth. It was all a buzz to Nico, his mind instead focused on Percy…

"Hey, Nico." The sound of his name jolted the ghost king out of his trance. He focused on Annabeth. "Who do you think should go on this quest? You've essentially coordinated the entirety of the peace treaty between Greeks and Romans." Her tone made it obvious she thought he'd pick her, and he knew his opinion would be heavily considered for the very reason that she stated. Nico sighed.

"I don't think either of you are one of the seven." Reyna and Annabeth gaped at him, while the rest of the demigods stared blankly. "I ran into someone and…I don't know but I think it's supposed to be him."

"Who?" Jason asked.

"His name is Percy. He's, well, unclaimed. I think."

"So…you're suggesting someone who you're not even sure is a demigod?" Annabeth clarified. Nico scowled.

"I'm sure he is one."

"And who do you think his parent is, if you're so sure." Reyna pressed.

"Poseidon, or Neptune. The god of the sea, anyway." Nico answered.

"Hah! You think a child of the big three has survived without camp?" Annabeth laughed. "That's ridiculous, Nico. Completely ridiculous."

"You don't understand, ok? I know he's a demigod. He was there, when the Titan Lord was trying to take Olympus. I ran into him, and he was awake." Nico took a deep breath. "He…he had an opportunity, to hurt me, but he didn't. He's in trouble."

"And what if this turns out to be a wild goose chase, and we're set back because of it?" Reyna asked.

"I'll step down, and you and Annabeth can go to Greece." Nico offered. "The ship isn't going to be finished for a few months. We have until then to decide." Reyna and Jason exchanged looks.

"Fine." Reyna nodded. "We'll agree. You better be right." Nico breathed out heavily once the room was cleared out. Now he just had to win Percy over…

~o-o-o~

AN: The idea to make Nico one of the seven comes from Peace Phoenix. She gave me permission to use it.

The ship is not built, Romans and Greeks are aware of each other because of Nico. Those details will be explained but I derived it from Nico knowing about both camps in the series. I guess I'll mention I didn't do the exchange of leaders this time because of Nico. He's the leader of Camp Half-Blood, and he knows about both camps prior to everyone else finding out in the series. Why? Wait and see!

HM