A loud knock at the apartment door startled everyone in the apartment. Percy was the only one who was still asleep. He'd taken up all of Jason's bed, sprawling his arms and legs and every so often muttering 'Annabeth' or 'blue food'. Dawn had been up since daybreak. Dawn was sitting by the window watching the people down below. She has conjured her little light again, it was sat on top of her head. Mary and Will had only been up for an hour. Mary sat upside down on the sofa, so her head was close to the floor and her feet were in the air.

Jason opened the door to find Apollo standing patiently. He was wearing a blue tank top, shorts and a beach hat. Mary flicked her legs and rolled off the sofa. She ran to the door.

"Daddy!" She squealed.

She jumped up into his arms and hugged him tightly.

Jason was taken aback by Apollo's casualness. He quickly bowed hoping it would make up for the lack of respect he'd been show.

"Lord Apollo, may I ask why you are here?" Jason stammered.

Apollo smiled, "I like you. I'm here to take these too off your hands."

"Aren't you like violating serious God rules?"

"Probably but who cares about rules, aye? Anyway, we promised sleeping beauty over there that we'd be more parent like."

Will walked over to see what the fuss was about. When he saw his father he wasn't sure whether to be happy or confused.

"Hey dad...what are you-"

"He's picking you up to take you back to camp." Jason said.

"Oh." Will said, "what's going to happen to Dawn?"

"Who's she?" Apollo asked.

They walked through into the front room. Dawns light was running around her body giggling. It stopped when it spotted Apollo.

"Apollo! Apollo!" It squeaked.

Apollo sat down opposite Dawn. Her little chest was moving at a rapid rate. Her light almost exploded with excitement. Apollo slowly moved his hand towards her light and it walked into his hand. He studied it with wonder.

"This is truly remarkable." He said, rubbing its tummy, "you have created life. And a light that isn't hot to the touch. You are really gifted, Dawn."

The way Apollo said her name, it rang with joy, it made Dawn even more anxious in his presence. It had never occurred to Dawn that she had created life. She then felt sick, she had been complimented by a god.

"Lord Apollo, t-thank you." She stammered.

Apollo laughed and touched her cheek.

Percy walked into the front room stretching and yawning. He stopped mid yawn when he noticed Apollo.

Apollo looked up at the older boys, "do you plan to keep her?"

Percy and Jason looked at each other. Percy opened his mouth but Jason shoved his hand over Percy's mouth, Percy licked Jason's hand. Shivers ran down Jason's spine.

"We can't, we're way too busy and I think we'd need to talk about it with Piper and Annabeth." Jason said.

He removed his slime covered hand from Percy's mouth. Percy grinned mischievously. Jason scowled.

"Dude you're so gross!"

"I try."

Apollo turned to Dawn, "how'd you like to work with me?"

"Dad!" Will yelled, "you can't do that!"

"Says who?"

Will thought for a moment, "well...no one has actually said that you can't but...she's like five and only just found out who her godly parent is."

"Fine then, we'll find her mum and she can live with her, or me until she's old enough to train."

"Dad!" Will pouted.

"What? You lived with a titan until you turned twelve."

"Wait, you lived with a titan?" Percy asked.

"Dude, it's in the file." Jason said.

"You two read the file?" Will roared angrily.

"Stop arguing!" Mary bellowed, "Will, stop being jealous! And you two," she turned to Percy and Jason and casted dark glare, "you two need to grow up! Be serious for once."

Will looked at his hands and played with them sheepishly.

Percy shifted his weight onto one side, he then let out a deep sigh.

"Guess we got told." He said.

Jason elbowed him in the ribs, "shut up!"

Apollo and Dawn stood up. Apollo thanked the older boys for looking after his children. Everyone said their goodbyes and the four of them left the apartment building.

Apollo's car was parked outside. His car was always changing, this time it was a bright yellow Audi. Will ran his hand along the back door. How did Apollo change his cars? Did he have magic car powers? Will laughed to himself, he was thinking too much into it.

Mary hopped in the front. Dawn and Will climbed into the back. Dawn played with her light, giggling and laughing. Will thought about Nico, he'd be seeing him soon and he was excited.

The car glowed brightly and they were transported into the air. Mary turned the radio, she instantly regret it. Apollo gasped and started to sing.

"So it's gonna be forever or its gonna go down in flames. You can tell me when it's over, was the high worth the pain? Got a long list of ex lovers they'll tell you I'm insane. 'Cause you know I love the players and you love the game!" Apollo laughed, "I love this girl, don't you?"

Mary turned the radio down so Apollo would stop singing, she didn't want to admit that she didn't like the song.

Will lean his head against the warm window. He made a pillow out of his hands and closed his eyes. He didn't fall asleep, he was just resting.

"Will looks better, doesn't he?" Apollo asked Mary.

"He does." Mary said, "Aka Manah is no longer a threat."

"Good. So, the strings are gone?"

Mary made a noise of discomfort, "Yes."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, its just...he's been through a lot."

"But that's all over now, isn't it?"

"Yes!" She smiled. She then sighed, "I sometimes wish I couldn't see into the future."

"Why do you say that?" Apollo asked softly.

"It's just annoying, I know what's going to happen before it happens."

Apollo smiled, "but you can't see into the future. You can see possible futures."

"That doesn't really make it better."

Apollo laughed, "I guess not. You're a smart girl, Mary. Don't forget that. Oh, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What is it?"

"The girl who played chess with you...you like her?"

Mary's cheeks turned red, "we are friends, of course I like her." She muttered.

"You know what I mean...wait you're old enough to know about this stuff, right?"

"Yeah, I'm ten so..."

"Mary, your ten?" Will exclaimed.

"Yeah, I just never corrected you."

"I honestly thought you were eight, I'm sorry."

"That's okay. Oh look! We're at camp!"

The car stopped outside the camp borders. Mary quickly jumped out of the car and ran across the border. She dropped onto the ground and rolled around.

"We're home! I'm never leaving again!" She shouted.

Apollo and Will got out of the car. Dawn stayed inside. Apollo went over to Mary and whispered to her.

"I just want you to know that I'll always love you. If it turns out that you like that girl more as a friend, that won't matter...even if she's-"

Mary hugged her father, tears glistened in her soft blue eyes.

"That means a lot to me. Thank you, Lord Apollo." She giggled.

"You kinda killed the moment."

"I try."

Apollo laughed and stood up. He ruffled Wills hair and gave him a hug.

"Well I better be off." He said walking to the car, "behave you two."

"We won't make any promises." Will and Mary said in unison.

Dawn ran out of the car and jumped into Wills arms.

"Goodbye, Will." She said, "thank you so much."

"Hey, don't worry about it. We'll see each other again."

She smiled and nodded. She jumped down and hugged Mary.

"Good luck with the girl." Dawn said giggling.

Dawn ran back to the car. She waved before getting in. In a flash the car had gone.

In the distance Will spotted Nico's outline walking away from the infirmary, Hazel was with him.

"Hey, I'm going to see Nico. You can go if you want." Will said.

"No, I want to see what happens."

"Why?"

Mary shot him a look that said: 'do I need to explain myself to you.'

Nico's back was to them, Will bit his tongue to stop himself from laughing. He his pirate get up. Hazel was laughing pointing to his hat and at how brown his skin was. He placed his hands over Nico's eyes.

"Guess who?" Will whispered.

"Will?" Nico turned and Will removed his hands, "Will!"

Nico grabbed Wills face kissed him. Their tongues rolled against each other. Nico pulled away and giggled.

"I missed you so much." He whispered, "don't leave me again."

"I won't."

Nico hugged him tighter and kissed him again. Will pulled away remembering that both of their sisters were there. He let go of Nico and apologised.

"Whoop, dinner! I'm so hungry!" A camper who walked past them said.

"You're always hungry!" Another said pushing them.

"Do I need to leave you two lovebirds alone?" Hazel asked laughing.

Will opened his mouth but Nico beat him to it, "yeah, we'll catch you up." He said casually.

"Oh...okay, I'll see you in a bit." Hazel walked up to Mary, "come on sweetheart."

Hazel and Mary started to walk to the mess hall.

Nico took Wills hand and held it against his cold hands.

"Your hands are warmer than I remember." He noted.

Will ran his thumb across Nico's tan cheeks, "you have freckles."

"I don't like them." He said grumpily.

"they are cute, like tiny consolations on your face."

Nico pushed him, "you idiot."

Will went to put his arm around Nico but he remembered that Nico didn't like touching unless he gave the all clear. His arm hung in the air like he was a child wanting to answer a question at school. He quickly pulled it down by his side.

"Let's go, I don't know about you but I'm hungry." Nico said.

"Yeah, me too."

They started walking. Nico picked up the pace, then dropped it, then picked it up again. Will stopped walking.

"Don't do this to me." He panted.

"Aw, is someone tired." Nico mocked.

Nico grabbed Wills warm hand and pulled him along.

"Come on, you."

When they walked into the mess hall some people turned, most people stopped what they were doing and stared. Nico hurried over to the comfort of the Hades table which was in the corner.

"Don't leave me." Will said.

"Sorry." Nico mouthed.

The Apollo cabin crowded around Will. Mary grabbed Will from behind and pulled him out of the crowd.

"Will is back to normal." She said.

"That's what you said last time!" One of their siblings retorted.

"She means it this time." Will said.

They cheered and lifted Will up into the air. Will caught a glimpse of Nico and Hazel laughing in the corner. They put Will down and they all ate their food. They cracked jokes and talked. Throughout the talking and good vibes Will noticed that Mary was looking longingly in the distance.

"What you lookin' at?" Will asked her quietly.

Mary flinched, blushed then shoved mash potato in her mouth.

"Go speak to her."

Mary picked up her drink and drank all of it.

"Unlike you I didn't watch her from a far and hoped that would get her attention. When dad was in Tartarus...it affected me more than the others...she helped me, we played chess and talk for hours."

"Oh...can I speak to her?"

Mary's cheeks were burning bright red, "no! Wait, yes! Speak to her."

"What's her name, which cabin?"

"Her name is Alice...cabin elev...eleven."

Wills eyes widened, "please tell me you're joking!"

Tears formed in her eyes, "I'm sorry."

Will hugged her, "no, princess don't be sorry. I was just kidding. I'm sorry. If she makes you happy and you think she's cool then that's okay. It's okay!"

Mary broke away from the hug.

"Thank you for being so cool about it."

"Right everyone!" Mr. D shouted, "now tonight is our last day of camp for the summer. If you are staying to annoy us over the spring please let us know by the time of the campfire or the cleaning harpies will eat you and your things, no questions asked."

That signalled the end of dinner. People started to get up and leave.

"Quick, what does she look like?"

"Really long brown hair. Amazing hazel eyes. Looks like she's fought about a dozen bears, could probably beat up Clarisse if she wanted to."

"Are you sure this girl is from cabin eleven?"

"Yes, i am. Now go!" Mary said this while pushing Will up.

Will stumbled as he got up. He felt nervous, he pictured this girl beating him to a pulp. out of all of the people Mary could have had a crush on it had to be someone from cabin eleven.

Will found the girl, she wasn't as muscular as he thought. She had the longest wavy brown hair Will had ever seen, it went past her butt. She was about 4ft. 8. she was taller than Mary, who was 4ft. 4. Alice probably had an eight pack. She turned around, she was gorgeous. Her eyes were such a rich brown, her skin was flawless. He was a lollipop in her mouth. Will readied himself to talk to her. He walked over calmly.

"Hey, I'm Will." He said sticking out his hand.

Alice shifted her weight and rolled her tongue over her teeth, pushing the lollipop to one side of her mouth. Her rich brown eyes scanned will, they lingered at his crotch for a while then back up to his face.

"I know who you are, Solace." She snarled.

"O-okay then...I just wanted to talk to you about Mary."

"Oh," her entire stance changed, she was more relaxed and less 'I'm going to kill you in your sleep', "what about her?" Alice shook his hand

"well, she's mentioned you a lot. I just wanted to know who you are."

"She's talked about me?"

"yeah, apparently you play chess."

"shush! If they hear it will be the end of me!"

Will turned, Mary was walking towards them. She smiled at Alice. Will left them alone.

"Your brother is weird." Alice stated.

"I know, he likes boys, how weird is that right?"

Alice laughed, "Yeah, liking boys would be weird. Boys are gross."

Mary looked into Alice's eyes. She saw a number of possible futures, all positive, all with her. She grinned and hugged Alice.

"Hey, we're going to leave a little present for the cleaning harpies in the cabins, would you like to come?"

"That would be fun!"

Some of Alice's brothers walked past with balloons filled with paint.

"Not the Apollo cabin this time." She said to them sternly.

"But-"

"Not the Apollo cabin."

The young children of Hermes groaned but followed what Alice said. Alice put her arm around Marys shoulder.

"You don't mind me showing you the ropes?" Alice asked.

"You showed me how to play chess, how hard can pranking be?"

They laughed and walked in the direction of the cabins.

Will watched Mary and Alice throwing paint balls all over the cabins, except cabin seven and eleven. Was that a part of Marys plan? No more rankings from the Hermes children?

"Will, what are you doing?" Nico asked.

Will jumped, "Nico, don't sneak up on me! I'm watching chaos unfold."

Nico shook his head, "You look like a stalker, get out of the bush."

"You have no idea how much this is killing me."

"They prank people all the time."

"No! Look! Marys blushing, ugh this is so horrible!"

"Oh Will, stop being a drama queen. Let your sister have her fun, so what if she likes a child of Hermes."

Will got up out of his hiding place in the bush.

"I spouse your right, but not about the dramas queen thing. I'm not a drama queen!"

"Oh yes you are!" Nico scoffed.

"Am not!" He laughed, "Did you want to maybe watch the stars with me later?"

"Why?"

Will looked down embarrassed, "I thought it would be romantic."

Nico slipped his hand into Wills, "It would be."

"So, is that a yes?"

Nico nodded. Will grinned and softly kissed his cheek. Will was like he was before Apollo went missing. He was cheerful, playful and so warm. Having seen Will at his worst compare to then, at that moment made Nico realise how much Will meant to him. They had only had a small amount of months where things were normal to hang out and get to know the ins and outs of each other. But everything was over and they could be normal, well as normal as a homosexual demigod couple could get.

They looked at each other for a brief moment, Nico leant in and they kissed. Nico wrapped his arms around the back of Wills neck. He jumped up and wrapped his legs around Wills waist. Will moved his hands underneath Nico's butt, to support him. Will broke the kiss, a look of confusion was stuck on Will's face.

"What are you doing?"

"I thought it would be romantic."

"It is...but this is really close, are you sure-"

Nico kissed Will again. He ran his fingers through Wills yellow hair. Will broke the kiss again, he put Nico down. Nico looked up at him.

"You don't want to kiss me?"

"No, no I do. I really want to kiss you." Will blushed, "That was just unexpected."

Nico laughed, "You're being a drama queen again!"

"Well, get used to it 'cause I'm a big drama queen!"

Will struck a pose that said 'come at me, i am the queen of all drama' which looked like a blonde haired idiot acting high and mighty. Nico laughed, to him it was a big laugh but to anyone else it would have looked like he was just smirking. Nico shook his head.

"You're an idiot."

"But I'm your idiot!"

"You are."