Summer was winding down. The season's end was present all around them – in the air, in the sound of cicadas buzzing, in the dwindling population of campers that were able to return to their parents. Nico thought he'd been prepared for Will's departure again but, when his boyfriend of one month mentioned that he only had one week left, he had to fight the frown that was pulling at his lips.

"I still have a week!" came Will's quick attempt to cheer him up. "Besides, this year you're visiting way more, right? We'll go on real dates and stuff! My mom would love to cook for you again! She's always asking about you, you know."

Nico's insides squirmed at the thought of having to stomach more of Mrs. Solace's cooking, but Will had eaten it for sixteen years and survived so he could handle a few dinners to make them happy. Still, it had sucked losing his friend last summer. It hurt even more to be losing his boyfriend this summer.

The seating arrangements at the dining pavilion were lax during the final week. No one seemed to quite care, and Nico was no different. Will and he had claimed the Hades table and watched as their friends joined them one by one. Jason sat down at Nico's other side with Piper beside him while Percy and Annabeth sat across from them. Clovis, Lou Ellen, and Cecil squeezed in on Will's end. Nico was certain the Hades table had never had so many living bodies on it.

He listened more than talked, but no one seemed to mind. Every once in a while someone would ask him a question or look at him for support with an inane argument. Jason and Piper were fighting about flowers again while Percy and Clovis seemed to be discussing the possibility of recording dreams. Nico would nod along, make a snide comment or two, but then lean back into Will's side as the son of Apollo happily traded gossip with Lou Ellen and Annabeth. He hid a grin behind his drink when Will, still chuckling over something Annabeth had said, wrapped an arm around him in order to pull him closer. They shared a smile before going back to their own conversations. Nico glanced at Jason and Piper, who were still yapping on and on about azaleas, and decided to join in with the Dream TV debate.

After dinner, Nico and Will parted from their friends. "Do you have to go to the infirmary tonight?" Nico asked, wrinkling his nose at how whiney he sounded.

Will smiled apologetically at him. "Yeah. The place has to undergo inspection at the beginning and end of summer, and the Counselor for the Apollo cabin is the one that has to do it. Those are the rules."

Nico rolled his eyes. "Rules that you've written."

"I'm having déjà vu right now."

"I'm pretty sure we fought about this last year."

"Sounds like us. We'll probably fight about next year, too."

Nico's heart fluttered at the mention of next year, just as it did any time Will spoke of having any sort of a future with him. "And the year after that?"

Will hummed, taking his hand. "Most likely."

"And the one after that?"

"Well… probably not."

Nico's smile faded. "What?"

Will shrugged. "We'll be too old for camp by then, won't we? I mean, I'll be eighteen. I'll have to relinquish my iron rule to either Austin or Kayla."

Nico nodded. "I can't believe it's Percy and Annabeth's last year. It's going to be weird not seeing them."

"They'll be around," Will assured him. "Plus, you'll see them in New Rome when you visit Hazel and all that."

"I guess." Nico squeezed Will's hand.

"We still have time," he said softly. "All the time in the world, really."

Nico chuckled. He'd been doing that a lot lately. Laughing. Smiling. Things he thought he had nearly forgotten how to do. He'd found himself again, however, and had a shining son of Apollo at his side to show for it. "How many times do you think the world is almost going to end by the time we leave camp?"

Will held his chin in mock thought. "Hm. Hard to say. We've averaged once per summer since Percy came to camp, but this one's been completely peaceful. In fact, this is probably my favorite summer here."

"No wars, no battles, no missing demigods."

"It is nice," Will agreed, pulling Nico closer. He ran his knuckles along Nico's cheek, parting his bangs away from his eyes. "But that isn't why."

Nico saw the intent in Will's eyes and suddenly wished he'd taken a mint after dinner. "Oh?"

Will hummed again, letting their foreheads rest together. "I really have to get to the infirmary."

Nico sighed. "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"You got it." Will pushed a quick kiss goodnight to Nico's lips. "Night."

"Don't stay up too late!" Nico called after him as he slunk away.

Will grinned. "Same goes to you, babe!"

Nico rolled his eyes as his boyfriend ran off then it slowly dawned on him what exactly he had said. "What did you just call me?!"

…

Will was at the Hades cabin at the next morning, bouncing on his toes as he knocked rhythmically against the door. He grinned when he heard the characteristic groan from inside the cabin followed by heavy footsteps. A moment later, Nico opened the door. "Go away," he muttered.

"Good morning to you, too," Will chuckled. "Wanna go to breakfast?"

"Will, it is seven in the morning. When have I ever gotten up at seven in the morning?"

"Today?" Will tried for a cute pout but got a door slammed in his face again. He huffed and started to knock. "Nico! Rude!"

"Need sleep," his boyfriend called out.

Will shook his head up at the dreary sky. It was cold for August, and the heavy clouds looked ready to start raining down on them at any moment. He wanted to get breakfast before getting caught in it. He hadn't realized he'd showed up so early. "Nico, c'mon, get yo butt up!"

"Ugh. Stop talking like that!"

Smirking, Will prepped himself to start knocking once more when a single, fat raindrop smacked against his cheek. He squeaked and, without waiting for his lazy-ass boyfriend to let him in, slipped inside. Nico was already back in bed, giving him a death glare. "It's raining," Will defended.

A smug grin appeared on Nico's tired features. "You really are like a cat," he mumbled sleepily and burrowed back into his sheets.

Will tilted his head to the side. "I'm a what?"

"Never mind."

Will smirked and snuck over with the intention of scooping Nico up and being an overall pain. As he towered over Nico, puffing out his cheeks and praying for a swift death as he raised his arms, Nico's leg flashed out of his nest of blankets, kneeing him right in the gut. Will groaned and plopped forward onto the bed, half-laughing, half-sobbing as he held his stomach. "Jerk."

He was pretty sure Nico chuckled underneath all his covers. Once the pain subsided, Will sidled up beside him and poked where he estimated Nico's head to be. "You're not getting up, are you?"

Nico grunted.

Will sighed and looked out the window. The thick curtains were parted ever-so-slightly, allotting for a sliver of a view of the sky. It was still only slightly drizzling, but a low rumble of thunder sounded in the distance. "Fine, fine." He poked Nico again. "At least come out of your hobbit hole?"

"I don't trust you."

"Nico, that hurts."

"No, I know how you work. All cute and innocent at first. It's all an act."

"Please?" A moment of silence and then Nico emerged, like a turtle coming out of his shell. Will offered him a sweet little smile. "Hi."

Nico peered suspiciously at him. "Hello…"

Will propped himself up on one elbow. "What time did you go to bed?"

Nico shrugged with one shoulder. "One? Two? You?"

"Two-thirty."

"Ugh." His nose wrinkled. "You morning people sicken me." Will opened his mouth to comment but Nico cut him off. "Make a stupid medical pun out of that and you're getting kicked out of bed."

Will promptly shut his mouth again. He glanced around the cabin and realized that he hadn't been in it since Nico started his grand renovation project. Most of the terrible décor had been removed, boxed, and disposed of, leaving the majority of the cabin empty. It was a work in progress, and Will wondered if it would be finished by the time he returned next summer. It seemed so far away, much longer than a year. He never liked leaving camp, but now he didn't want to go at all. Even with all of Nico's promises to visit and to actually write letters, Will's chest tightened every time he thought of his departure.

He watched Nico sleep for a few seconds, gently brushing a stray chunk of black hair out of his face. Nico's lips twitched, betraying him, and Will grinned. "Can I at least have a kiss hello?"

Nico hummed in thought. "The deal was once in the morning and once in the night. It's not morning yet."

Will snorted. "It's seven o'clock now. As in A.M."

"It's stupid o'clock. As in Shut Up." Even as he said it, Nico opened his eyes and was tilting his head up. Will wasn't stupid, no matter how often Nico said it, and leaned in quickly. Nico was correct, however, about another one of personality traits. He was stubborn. Just before their lips touched, Will ducked down and blew a raspberry into Nico's jaw, earning him an ear-deafening squawk and a smack to the side of his head. "WILL!"

Will laughed as he rolled out of bed and started running, tossing Nico a triumphant grin as the son of Hades burst out of the cabin a moment later and started running after him.

…

By the time they'd finished eating, it was pouring. Beyond an unamused 'I told you so' glare, Nico didn't say anything to Will, who was busy lamenting over the lack of an umbrella. They stood on the porch of the Big House, watching the rain. Will was praying to his father, but there had not been any a single peep or haiku from the sun god since the war with Gaea ended.

Will sighed. "Right, well, I'm heading off to the infirmary. I'll see you later."

"Sure."

Will sniffled, striking a pitiful expression. He clasped one of Nico's hands in both of his. "If I don't make it, promise me you'll stay strong!"

Nico bit back a laugh as Will darted out into the rain, cursing in Ancient Greek, and ran to the back, where the infirmary entrance was. He glanced back up at the sky once he was gone and leaned back against the post. He wondered what to do. He could find Jason, but he was leaving soon so he'd probably want to be with Piper. Percy was out. He and Annabeth were too busy talking with Grover and reliving all the summers spent at Camp Half-Blood. He didn't want to intrude on that. He hadn't exactly always been a welcome sight over the years, after all. It was water under the bridge, forgotten and forgiven, but Nico still felt a sliver of shame when he thought about the Labyrinth and all the mistakes he'd made after. He could Iris message Hazel, but he still wasn't fully recovered from his last talk with her nearly a month ago.

"Nico? It's really early. What's wrong?"

Nico gulped down his nerves, suddenly wishing he'd taken up Will's offer to talk to her together. Still, it was something he had to do personally. It was his sister and she deserved to hear it from him. "Sorry… I just… I need to tell you something."

Hazel was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, crawling out of bed in order to get a better look at him. Her hair was fluffier on one side than the other from turning in bed. Her pajamas were flannel even though it had to be much hotter there than Camp Half-Blood. "Sure, Nico. What is it?"

The rehearsed words in Nico's head simply vanished. Hazel, I'm dating Will Solace. That was all he needed to say. He could do it. Hazel was Hazel. She wouldn't scorn him. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get his voice out. He shut his mouth again and stared down at the floor.

"Nico," Hazel said gently, "was is it? Did something happen? Are you okay?"

Nico nodded. "I-I'm just fine. I…"

"Is everyone else okay?"

"Yeah. Everything's good. More than good. In fact, I… I called to say that I… I've…" Nico groaned and slapped his forehead. "I'm dating someone."

Hazel's smile was as wide as her eyes. "Really? Nico, that's great! Who is it?"

Moment of truth. Nico took in a deep breath. "Hazel, I'm dating Will Solace!" he let out quickly and quickly squeezed his eyes shut to avoid seeing her reaction.

There a little pause. "..And why do you look like you're in pain when you say that?"

Nico peeked open one eye. "You… you don't mind?"

"What?"

"That I'm dating him?"

Hazel gave a little snort. "Why would I mind?"

That was not the reaction he'd been expecting. In fact, that wasn't much of a reaction at all. Nico gaped at his sister, half in awe and half in disbelief. He could only assume that she hadn't heard him correctly. "I'm dating HIM."

Hazel raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Will. I heard you. I think that's great."

"So you… you don't care that I'm… that's HE's…"

"Nico," Hazel shook her head, "you're my brother. I don't care if you date a harpy if it makes you happy."

"Still…"

Hazel smiled. "It was a little obvious how you kept talking about him all last summer. Then, not to mention, you shadow-travelled across the country to see him when you thought he was sick, and Percy's been telling us all sorts of stories—"

"I'm going to kill him," Nico hissed.

"What I'm trying to say is that you don't need to ever worry about telling me things, Nico. I'm your sister, I love you, and, as Hades kids, we're both a little used to doing things a little differently."

Nico let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Hazel – I – thank you."

Hazel winked. "Now you have to come visit us. And bring Will!"

"I'll see what I can do."

"He's treating you right, right?"

Nico rolled his eyes. "He's… he's Will."

"And that means…?"

"It means I'm happy. He makes me happy."

"Hey, Nico." Clovis emerged from the big house, stifling a yawn behind his hand.

Nico turned, arms folded against his chest. "Oh, hey, Clovis. What's up?"

"Just woke up." Clovis stretched out. His spine gave a quick pop that even made Nico grimace.

"The cabin counselor meeting ended twenty minutes ago."

Clovis shrugged. "Yeah. I'm hungry. You wanna grab lunch?"

Nico was about to decline then changed his mind and shrugged. "Sure."

They darted out into the rain and met Lou Ellen on her way. Nico invited her along and soon the three of them were trudging through the soppy grass towards the dining pavilions. For a moment, Nico trailed behind and a large wave of contentment washed over him. Since when had he had friends like this? People he could just approach casually and effortlessly?

"Nico, hurry up! We don't want you melting!" Lou Ellen called over her shoulder.

"Shut up," Nico called back before jogging to catch up to his friends.

…

It rained straight through the day and into the night. Will ducked underneath Kayla's umbrella as they left the infirmary. It was the upside of having his siblings work with him – he could impose on them from time to time. The downside, however, was that it placed him right in the prime position to have his ear chewed off with drama. Kayla, though talented with archery and music, wasn't very confident in her healing abilities. "Medically-Challenged" was what she called it. Will assured her again and again as they walked through camp, half-listening, until he spotted the lights on in the Hades cabin.

"Hey, Kayla, I've got to ask Nico something," Will said quickly, abandoning his spot under the umbrella, which was quickly filled in by another one of his brothers. "I'll be back in ten minutes."

Kayla raised her eyebrows as they approached the Apollo cabin's door. "Yeah. Sure. I bet."

Will decided to ignore her little jab and skittered over to the Hades cabin, knocking quickly at the door. He only had to wait a few seconds before it opened. Nico was already in his pajamas – a pair of black and grey plaid pants and an overlarge camp t-shirt that Will recognized as one of his own. When had he gotten ahold of that? "Oh." Nico stepped to the side, letting Will in at once. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself," Will said as he walked in. "You have a thing for stealing clothes, don't you?" Nico made an affronted noise and Will dodged his playful swat with ease. He toed off his shoes and made to sit down on the unmade bed.

"Don't even think about it!" Nico pulled him back and pointed to the empty bunk in the corner. "I don't want a water-print of your ass on my bed."

Will choked on a laugh and obeyed. It was easier than dealing with a flustered son of Hades, after all. He bounced a bit as he sat and yawned. "So… how was your day?"

Nico shrugged. Surprisingly, instead of sitting in his own bed, he crawled in next to Will and brought his knees up to his chest. "It was all right. I ended up playing cards with Lou Ellen and Clovis in the Hypnos cabin, but Lou kept changing the numbers on the cards so she always won."

"Clever girl," Will chuckled.

"Yeah. What about you?"

"Ugh, it was really slow at the infirmary. We had a few younger campers come in with a split lip or a stoved finger." He gave a long suffering sigh and let his head droop onto Nico's shoulder. "I had a lot of time to think."

"That's dangerous," Nico said. "What about?"

Will thought his words over for a second. "What would you say if I invited you to come with me at the end of the summer?"

He felt Nico's shoulder tense up underneath him and he sat up to look at Nico's reaction. The son of Hades looked surprised but not at all as scared as Will had worried he would. "What?" Nico asked.

"Yeah. I still have a week of summer left after my mom picks me up. You could spend it with us. I'll show you all the awesome spots in town. We'll go on actual dates. My mom has already extended the invitation to stay whenever you'd like. It would be great!"

Nico thought it over deeply for a few moments. "I don't… I wouldn't want to…"

"You wouldn't be a bother, if that's what you're worried about. Like I said, Mom is nuts about you." Nico was playing with the drawstrings on his pants. Will reached down and held his hands. Nico's eyes reluctantly met his. "And I won't be mad if you say no. I just wanted to make the offer. You've always got a place with us, Nico."

Suddenly, Nico looked visibly upset and Will wondered if he had made a horrible mistake. He almost opened his mouth to apologize, but he found himself with an armful of Nico, who'd buried his head in his chest. "Okay…" he muttered, and Will found it so adorable he couldn't help the dorky smile that lit up his face. He kissed the top of his head and hugged him tight.

"You won't regret it," he promised.

…

The rain had finally lifted. Nico groaned as a sharp ray of sunlight stung his eyes as he opened his door. He hadn't missed that.

The ground was still soft beneath his boots and he grimaced at the mud sticking to the soles. His head kept turning up to the clouds, watching them tumble slowly, and wasn't entirely watching where he was going when he slammed into something hard. He slipped on some mud while trying to regain his balance and ended up falling back.

"Oops." A hand flew down to help Nico up. "Sorry, Nico."

Nico took the proffered hand, which hoisted him up to his feet again, and glared. "I know you're upset about no longer being the top dog at camp, Jackson, but do you really have to resort to bullying?"

Percy clapped Nico on the shoulder. "Ha-ha. You think you can fill in my shoes?"

Nico smirked. "I think it's already done."

"Puh-lease! I could take your boney butt any day!"

"As long as we're near water, which," Nico made a show of spinning in a circle, arms wide, "I don't see much of. Unless you count that little puddle over there."

Percy chuckled. "I could take you out with half of that puddle, Little Man!"

Nico's eye twitched. Little Man? "Watch it, Ariel."

"Ah, I see Will's got you watching the Disney movies." Percy nodded in approval.

The smile finally broke through his façade and, like that, both demigods were laughing. A year ago, Nico would never thought he'd be able to speak to Percy so freely, so casually, but there he was. Sure, it was still a little awkward, and Nico's face was going to get stuck if he kept smiling so much, but every day he felt more and more of his old self returning to him. Only, now, he was stronger, wiser, better. The nightmares still came, the doubt that these good feelings would last still lingered, but – for the moment – he was all right.

"Anyway, now I have to go change." Nico glanced down at himself.

"Yeah. Get that mud-butt outta here," Percy teased.

"Shut it, or I will get my sword."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Yanno, we've never actually sparred before. And it's my last day."

Nico copied him. "Do you really want your ass kicked that bad?"

"We'll see, di Angelo."

As it happened, they never actually got to spar. Nico went back to his cabin to change quickly before meeting up with Will for breakfast. In his rush, he tripped over a box of packed up plastic torches, which he'd meant to throw away ages ago, and something in his wrist popped when he tried to catch himself. Nico cursed but figured that if he could still move it then he was fine. He hurried to meet his boyfriend.

"Hey," Will greeted, in his jeans and flip-flops and green surgeon's shirt, as he clambered down the Apollo cabin's steps to meet him.

"Morning," Nico answered.

Will reached for Nico's hand – as he was wont to do – and immediately his eyes narrowed when Nico hissed in pain. "What did you do?" Will demanded.

"Nothing."

Will observed his wrist delicately, as if handling broken glass. "It's swelling."

Nico bit the inside of his cheek. "I… uh… tripped while trying to change my pants."

"Change your pants…?"

He sighed. "Before that I fell in the mud."

Will gave an amused bark of laughter. "Not your day, is it, sunshine?"

"Shut up."

"Come on. I'll wrap it up."

"Ugh. Can't we get breakfast first?"

"Nope! Breakfast isn't going anywhere."

Nico rolled his eyes but didn't fight it any further. It was better for everyone if they played into Will's insatiable, almost paternal, need to take care of something. It was what drew Nico to him in the first place, after all, but sometimes he got carried away. Case in point? Nico's entire right arm was wrapped in tight bandaging, right up to his elbow. Nico wondered if it was his fatal flaw. Will would help someone even if it meant putting himself in danger.

Will finished off with a quick kiss to Nico's knuckles. They ended up staying in the infirmary for most of the day, talking with the Apollo cabin and whoever wandered in. For dinner, they were joined by the usual group, but there was a much more somber tone to their conversations. There was much more reminiscing and stories. Even Nico felt a bit nostalgic.

"We'll definitely be visiting," Percy asserted again and again. "This isn't goodbye."

"We couldn't ever fully leave this place behind," Annabeth agreed.

Eventually, they all went their separate ways. Nico and Will wandered over to the cabins, unsure what to do next. "Can't believe summer's over already," Will mused. "It kind of sucks."

Nico couldn't help but agree. "Yeah."

Will smiled. "At least we get another week together."

Nico blew a piece of his hair out of his eyes. He was going to have to get it cut again soon. "Right. I still have to pack for that."

"I can help," Will offered. "You're useless at organizing."

"I have my own method of organization. I know where everything is so don't touch it."

Will poked him in the side, which made Nico flinch, and grinned cheekily before becoming strangely quiet. "Hey… do you remember last summer? That time when we found each other just as the sun was coming up?"

Nico nodded, not entirely sure where the conversation was going. "Yeah? What about it?"

"I'm just curious… did you like me then?"

Nico glanced up but Will was watching the grass shyly. He scoffed and scratched his cheek. "I-I don't know. I mean… I wasn't even sure if you were… you know."

Will smiled, looking more like his annoying self. "But did you like me?" He took Nico's hands and shook them back and forth quickly until Nico let out an airy laugh.

"I didn't think you were bad," he compromised. "What about you?"

Will hummed. "I think I've always sort of had a crush on you."

Nico scoffed. "Really?"

"What can I say? You know how to play that dark and mysterious card."

"Card? I don't have any cards. I'm just… I'm just me."

Will squeezed his hand. "Maybe that's why, then."

Nico stared at him for a few moments. "What brought that up anyways?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm kinda bummed summer's ending. I liked that, you know? Just you and me, watching the sky."

Nico gave a little shrug. "Well… we still one more day."

"So?"

Nico tugged him along the greens, towards the little spot that they had so often occupied last summer. "So come and watch the sunset with me?"

…

Will was just finishing up packing when he felt a strange presence at his back. He glanced over his shoulder several times, expecting to see someone, but his cabin was empty. He shook himself, trying to block out the creepy feeling that he was being watched, and went back to double-checking his bags.

"Toothbrush? Check," he murmured under his breath. "Hoodie?" He dug through his duffle and sighed in defeat. "Gods damn it, Nico." He was going to run out of clothing soon if his bandit for a boyfriend kept it up.

He slung his two duffles over his shoulder and prepped to go meet Nico by the front gates. He took one last swift glance around his cabin and, just as he placed his palm on the door, felt a surge of warmth rush through him. The sun shone brightly through the windows, coming down in beams on him.

"Nice catch, son."

Will froze and spun around, but the sudden light was already dissipating. He blinked into a smile. "Thanks, Dad."

…

"See you, man." Percy clasped Nico's hand. "You'll be at New Rome soon, yeah?"

"Hazel's been nagging for Will and me to visit." Nico sighed. "So I'm sure."

"Cool."

"Yeah."

Annabeth, who was carrying a large suitcase, pulled Nico into a one-armed hug. "Then we'll definitely see you soon."

Nico nodded in agreement. "Good luck at college, you guys."

"And good luck with… whatever it is you're doing."

Nico shrugged. "More quests, probably. Plus, my father has been sending me these really weird messages. I think he gets bored in the summer."

"Yeah, especially since we didn't even lose one camper this year. I bet it's really dead down there." Percy snorted. Annabeth mouthed an apology at Nico, who shook his head. The scariest part was that he was pretty sure his father would actually like those puns.

"Percy!" A woman ran forward and collected Percy into a tight hug. She had long brown hair with a few grey streaks and kind blue eyes. She started pushing kisses all over Percy's face. "I missed you."

"Mom, Mom!" Percy groaned, shying away. "C'mon! I'm eighteen!"

"I can't help it. Last summer you disappeared and I had no idea—"

"Sally, give the boy a break." A man came forward and placed a hand on Percy's shoulder. "He's deserved one."

"Oh, uh, Mom, Paul, you guys remember Nico, right?" Percy gestured towards him.

"Oh, yes! You're the one that showed up in our apartment with that dog." Sally Jackson reached out her hand and Nico tentatively shook it, feeling a bit out of place. Percy's mother was kind and Nico caught a whiff of chocolate or maybe liquorice. "It's nice to see you again."

"Yeah," Nico said awkwardly. "You, too."

"Nico!"

He turned and Will trotted up to him. "My mom just got here so we should hurry – oh." His smile turned sheepish as he spotted Percy's parents. "Hello."

"Mom, Paul, this is Will Solace," Percy introduced. "He's the best healer we'll ever have. He's also Nico's boyfriend."

Paul's eyebrows shot up in surprise but Sally's smile became even warmer. "It's very nice to meet you, Will."

"Likewise." Will shook her hand. "Percy's always talking about you."

Percy waved his hands and shook his head desperately, mouthing, "No! No!" but the damage had been done. Sally collected him into a hug again.

"Oh, you're so sweet!" She kissed his cheek again. Percy was staring up at the clouds, as if praying to his uncle to strike him down right then and there. "All right, is this everything? Paul, help Annabeth with her bags?"

"Sure thing." Paul took the large suitcase. "You kids ready?"

Percy and Annabeth laced their hands together as they stared back at Camp Half-Blood. "Yeah," he sighed. "It's just so weird. We're actually leaving this time."

"Not forever," Annabeth reminded.

"We should go, too," Will said. "Got your stuff?"

"All right here." Nico nudged the duffle at his feet.

"Cool." He turned back to Percy and Annabeth. "Have a good year, guys, and visit soon, okay?"

"You got it."

They said their goodbyes and Nico followed Will over to where his mother was waiting. Nico was surprised, but pleasantly so, when Mrs. Solace beamed and hugged Nico tightly, pushing a kiss to his cheek. "There he is! Oh, Will was right! You have grown!"

"Mom!" Will whined, covering his red face in embarrassment.

Mrs. Solace laughed and hugged Will next. "There's my boy! How was your summer?"

"The best," Will answered automatically.

"Good. And what about you, Nico?"

"What he said." Nico rubbed his arm. "Um, thank you for letting me stay with you guys."

"It's absolutely no trouble." Mrs. Solace popped the trunk and they threw their bags inside. "I was thinking something fast for dinner."

"Nico would kill for McDonald's," Will interjected, missing the glare the son of Hades shot at him.

Mrs. Solace laughed. "McDonald's it is, then. Also, I invited a bunch of people up for Friday. Aunt Clara and your grandparents and all your cousins will be there."

Will glanced at Nico worriedly. "Um… I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Nonsense," Mrs. Solace chided. "I think it would be nice to introduce Nico to the family since he's a part of it now."

"She talks like we're married," Will muttered. "Sorry about this."

Nico shook his head. "No, it's fine. I… actually wouldn't mind meeting your family."

Will grinned. "Really? They're all pretty much like me, you know."

"As terrifying as that sounds, I'm sure I'll survive."

Will opened the car door for him. "Then, after you, milord."

"Dork." Nico crawled in and Will shut the door before going to sit in the front with his mother. They were just about to move when a loud shout startled them.

"WAIT!"

Nico glanced out the window to see Jason Grace running way towards them far too quickly than should have been possible. He rolled his eyes. "Can you hold on a second?" Nico asked Mrs. Solace, who nodded with an amused smile.

Nico unbuckled himself and got back out just as Jason approached them. "Dude!" Jason panted, holding his chest. "Leaving without saying goodbye. Cruel!"

Nico held up his hands in confusion. "I just saw you at breakfast. We said goodbye then."

"Yeah, but that wasn't goodbye-goodbye!" Jason took a deep breath. "Who knows when we'll see each other next?"

"Probably sooner than I want," Nico teased and Jason punched him playfully on the shoulder.

"Whatever. Just watch yourself, all right? Also, Piper told me to throw in a hug for her."

Nico tilted his head to the side before sighing. "Make it quick, will you?"

Jason grinned and embraced him. "Okay, okay." He pulled back. "Sorry. I'm just really happy for you. It's nice to see you so upbeat now and not stuck in your eternal night mode. I swear, if I wanted to talk to you I used to have to wait until midnight."

Nico just shook his head and opened the car door again. He could hear Will and his mother already singing along to some pop song. It was going to be a long car ride, but one he wouldn't mind having. "Well, that's the thing about midnight," he said, "it doesn't last forever."

A/N: Sooo many things I wanted to write about in this one. Hazel finding out about Nico, Percy and Sally, a little Will and father moment, Nico shocked at how happy he actually is; stuff that I wanted in the Blood of Olympus that never was. ;w;

Anyways, thank you all SO VERY MUCH for sticking with this fic all this time! :3 The epilogue will be up soon!

Also: I apologize for how late/long this is. I think I just didn't want it to end! X3