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.

This chapter contains adult situations (femslash: fondling, implied prostitution, suggestive themes).

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters unless otherwise specified. This story is not for monetary gain.

Enjoy!

~o-o-o~

Reyna and Annabeth were in one of the sitting rooms in the big house. They had been discussing Rachel's recent acceptance of the spirit of the Oracle. The presence of Apollo had been a surprise to most campers, but he had offered no insight. The only thing the god had done was beam at the mortal before he departed.

"They're intimate." Reyna remarked. Her chocolate brown eyes were fixed on the Greek, patiently waiting. The Roman's black hair was draped over her shoulder. Her features hid her personality. She had soft curves and gentle lines, unlike her sharp personality, quick wit and firmness. She was smart and powerful, something the daughter of Athena could relate to.

"I know." Annabeth didn't need context. She knew Reyna was talking about Percy and Nico. It's all anyone talked about since the son of Poseidon had arrived. Despite her rocky relationship with the son of Hades, she didn't mention his infatuation with Percy. She didn't like Nico any more than she had to, but she did respect him.

"What do we do?" Reyna's hand slid up Annabeth's thigh. The daughter of Athena leaned into the touch.

"There's not a whole lot we can do. Nico is determined to prove Percy's usefulness and goodness, regardless of that sinister aura he has…" The Greek offered in reply. Reyna moved closer and pulled Annabeth into her lap. The blond chuckled and smoothed her hand up Reyna's body. The Roman hummed when Annabeth cupped her breast. "Maybe he's right."

"You know of the prophecy regarding your mother." The ebony haired girl reminded. "You're supposed to go." Annabeth had confided in the other woman after the Greeks and Romans had met. The blond had been too frightened to tell any of her close friends, and she thought the information would help strengthen ties between the two groups of demigods. Reyna had been supportive and encouraging. Friendly cooperation quickly turned into mutual attraction and the two female leaders of their respective camps were now intimate.

"Yes. But perhaps not as one of the seven. If my mother's glory is restored, the hate we feel for each other may dissipate some…"

"You call cupping my breast and kissing my neck hate?" Reyna chuckled. Annabeth nipped her ear.

"You know what I meant." The daughter of Athena straddled the Roman's hips. "There is no need to act rashly yet. If he gets worse, we'll make him disappear. He might get better." Annabeth suggested. She hoped he did for everyone's sake. Before the blond had confronted Nico, the two women planned to do something about Percy. Unfortunately, after learning what she had, Annabeth seriously doubted they would be successful. The son of Poseidon was much stronger than either of them expected, and Nico's love for him would turn the ghost king against them should he find out. The Greek doubted either of them would come out alive if they were on Nico's bad side. The daughter of Bellona flipped them, lying Annabeth along the length of the couch. "Have you told Jason?"

"He's so blond." Annabeth glared. "Pardon me, dumb, my dear, unlike you. He doesn't know or see anything. We'll come out when things are more stable." The blond pouted. Reyna grinned. "If you keep that up I won't be able to stop myself…"

"Maybe I don't want you to hold back." The daughter of Athena purred. Reyna's grin broadened and she kissed the smaller woman fiercely.

~o-o-o~

"How about tonight?" Nico asked as he lounged on Percy's bed. The son of Poseidon groaned loudly.

"I have too much work, and my boss needs me again…" The smaller teen grumbled. For whatever reason, Ryan had been giving him a lot more work lately. It annoyed Percy a great deal. It has started to interrupt his school work. Never mind the fact that he hadn't been to camp since Rachel had become the Oracle…

"You work too much."

"What choice do I have?"

"I could kidnap you." Nico smirked. Percy glared.

"If you're not going to help, then go."

"Ok…well…you said you have lots of work, right? What if I helped you with a job?" Percy arched a brow. "I mean, you can't seriously be," the ghost king drew a line across his throat, "each job. So?" That was the strange thing about Percy's new workload. Most of it consisted of mundane, relatively useless albeit time consuming activities. This was odd; Ryan normally reserved him for more serious work.

"I guess…some of the petty things…" Percy chewed his lip. That feeling of being watched hadn't lessened any and left the son of Poseidon somewhat paranoid. "I don't know. If we're caught…"

"We won't get caught." Nico encouraged. "What do you say?"

"All this just to get me some free time to go to camp?" Percy scoffed. Nico had told him about the prophecy and about Gaea-Mother-whatever. It bothered the son of Poseidon a little to think Nico wanted to use him like that, for some quest.

"No. You need rest. You look worse than I do." Percy blushed.

"You don't look bad." The green eyed teen mumbled shyly. The taller male smiled softly.

"So? Tell me how I can help."

~o-o-o~

Percy is bashful to admit Nico has been a huge help. He handles a lot of the distant interactions because of his shadow travel ability. Percy has more free time and has since caught up his school work, and even better, he has time to go to camp. The son of Poseidon had hated the place at first; it seemed to mock him with its sunny, clear skies, sweet scented wind from strawberries and grass, and oasis-esc appearance. It was an escape from his life so the teen continued to return. Training isn't easy, just wrapping his head around the strangeness is hard enough. The Pegasi are distracting too, they insist on talking about the weirdest things. Oh, apparently Poseidon created horses and because of this, Percy can talk to and understand them. Fishes weren't enough; the sea god had to throw horses into the mix too.

"What up, boss?" Percy groaned inwardly before turning to smile at the black-winged horse.

"Blackjack."

"That's my name. How's it hanging? You're looking pretty shook up. Did you get into a fight?" Percy turned his head away to the left, hiding his shiner that encircled his eye. A deal had gone wrong and the buyer had gotten violent. Now he was a pile of ash scattered in Central Park; the teen didn't think much of it.

"Sort of. Are you well?"

"Hehe…what do you know? It's feeding time! Adios!" The horse trotted off. Percy scowled and kicked the dirt. Why did he have to be so bad at idle chat? He couldn't even talk to a freaking horse!

"Hey Percy." The black haired teen smiled at Rachel when she greeted him. They embraced briefly. "They're having a party sometime soon, for me. It's so weird; I didn't think this would be such a big deal."

"It comes with being you. You've always been a big deal." Percy grinned. Rachel laughed.

"You're going to be there, right?"

"Yeah. I got an invite…I don't know why."

"You always sell yourself short."

"Cheap tricks? Come on, I'm better than that." Rachel slugged him.

"You know what I mean. People like you, Percy. I've had half a dozen of my girlfriends ask about you. You're a sexy skater with a bit of a trouble-maker exterior. Girls gobble it up. And yet when I try to get you out of the house you turn away with your tail between your legs. Open up to these people, they'll love you for it. I love you, is it so hard to believe others can too?" Percy couldn't help but think, if only she knew…and then there was Nico. Percy lowered his head. No, he couldn't tell them but…

"I'll try."

"I was going to make you; it's just as well you're consenting."

"That sounds disturbing."

"Nico told me to tell you that."

"For the love of-STOP!" Percy gave the Oracle a light shove. "You're supposed to be a freaking virgin, stop dropping all those extremely suggestive innuendos."

"Girl has to get it from somewhere. I'm living my sex life vicariously through you now, Percy. You'll just have to deal." Percy opted to overlook the fact that Rachel was a woman because that implication really was too much for him to handle at the moment.

"You're insane. Completely insane."

"Takes one to know one!" Percy groaned with a half-hearted smile.

~o-o-o~

"I guess he's not totally weird." Miranda reluctantly murmured. Her jeans were worn, faded and spotted with dirt. She wore the signature Camp Half-Blood shirt. Her flaxseed coloured hair was clipped back and out of her face and her earthy brown eyes were watching the ground. She and Pollux started walking through the strawberry fields to look for weeds. They had happened upon Percy and Rachel's interaction, and had stopped to eavesdrop. He seemed more his age around the redhead.

"I'm not sold, not yet." Pollux replied. His sharp features were furrowed. His blond hair stuck out in places, and his violet eyes were bright. Like Miranda, his jeans and shirt were dirty as well. He towered over the small demigod, and although the daughter of Demeter had some muscle, she was much leaner than the built male. "Sure, he seems…ok. But he's still secretive."

"We all have secrets."

"Yeah, well, the last guy to walk in who was like Percy ended up hosting a Titan." Miranda's gaze softened. The son of Dionysus gripped his fists. She understood his anger. His twin had died because of Luke and if Percy reminded the blond of the son of Hermes, the male had every right to be wary of Percy.

"Your brother was a brave man, Pollux."

"Yeah, and look where that got him. I can handle this, you go make out with Butch."

"I'm not dating him!" Miranda stormed off.

~o-o-o~

Dinner was the worst thing about this camp, Percy decided as he picked at his food. Every time he turned his gaze away he felt eyes fixing on him, watching him like he was going to jump up and attack at any moment. He was just a little weird; he really didn't think he was that bad. When he turned towards them, all heads turned away and began false conversation. It would have bothered him a lot more if Percy wasn't so used to it. Lunch at school was the same way, except here he didn't have anyone to talk with to distract him from the stares. The green eyed teen curled up a bit. He wasn't very hungry anymore.

"Mind if I sit?" Percy looked up. Will stood over him.

"I thought it wasn't allowed."

"It's not. You don't strike me as someone who follows rules though." Percy motioned the bench and Will sat down. "You're in high school?"

"Yeah."

"What year?"

"Twelve."

"That's exciting. You're almost graduated. Do you know what you want to do once you're done?"

"No."

"I'm taking online classes at the university. I'm planning on transferring soon though." Will informed.

"You don't have to do this."

"You think I pity you?" Percy flinched and glared. "Pity is a waste of time for everyone."

"Then what do you want?"

"I'm just making idle chitchat." Will replied. The son of Poseidon gripped his fork tightly. Will had siblings; there was no reason for him to sit here. "I'm planning on going to med school. My mother is pressuring me to go. I don't mind though, I do like medicine."

"That's a lot of school."

"Yes. Nine years." Will agreed.

"The payoff will be worth it."

"Medicine isn't something you go into for money." Will turned his head towards his siblings to check on them the teen guessed. The son of Apollo seemed to glow; Percy was certain it was a play on lighting, but it was still amazing. Will faced him again. He was smiling softly. He looked a lot like his father: striking, youthful, with a bit of a baby face. "You don't know what you want to do after high school?"

"I…there are…a lot of options." Percy murmured. "I tried to take a lot of courses so…whatever I decide, I'll have the prerequisite for it. But I don't know."

"Make sure it's something you enjoy. A job you hate will only make you miserable." The green eyed teen barely contained a groan. He definitely knew that feeling. "You can always talk to a guidance counsellor or take one of those career tests." Percy laughed lightly.

"Those are just a bunch of bullshit questions." Will grinned.

"True, but it does list off a lot of jobs you may not have heard of before." The son of Poseidon shrugged. "We're lucky Nico found you." Percy arched a brow and the blond continued. "I don't think Camp Jupiter will be happy to hear a Greek is the seventh, but they'll have to deal. We're supposed to avoid the earth; a son of the sea god will definitely help with that."

"Camp Jupiter?"

"It's the Roman equivalent to this." Will informed. "It's out west somewhere. That's where Reyna, Hazel, Jason and Frank are from."

"Why would they separate Greeks and Romans?" Will laughed.

"Apparently we massacre each other." Percy blinked. He failed to see the humour. "It's just as well Nico is coordinating everything."

"Nico is good at negotiations?" Percy guessed.

"He argues well." Will tilted his head in thought. "He did so well as the leader against the Titan Lord's army because he could really rally demigods into taking his side. He wasn't accepted, arguably detested by a lot of people, feared by even more. Demigods who felt they didn't belong leaned towards him because he could relate."

"Did you?" Will laughed again, only it was hollow.

"I'm not the best person to ask. I try and keep my head down." Will replied. Percy furrowed his brow. "And now he's coordinating negotiations between Romans and Greeks. His sister has been a big help, although I get the impression Nico is using Hazel as a symbol. Then again, I could be wrong."

"He cares about her."

"I didn't say otherwise." Percy grunted, annoyed. "You need to win the Romans over, Percy. They're not fond of your father. They were never able to grasp the sea quite like the Greeks could."

"Got it." Percy snapped and stood. His food was finished and Will was starting to bother him.

"I'm not surprised he wants to fuck you. Nico has always been the sort to try and take control of things." Percy fumbled and looked at Will wide-eyed. The son of Apollo's voice was barely above a whisper, light and enchanting yet the words stung like venom. "The untamed sea would be a formidable challenge."

"He's not using me. I'm not some sort of prize he can win." Percy hated how desperate he sounded and how he got the impression he was trying to convince himself rather than the blond.

"That's debatable." Percy gritted his teeth and stormed off. Even though he hated the place, he locked himself in cabin three to sort out his thoughts.

~o-o-o~

Nico shoved Will.

"What the fuck did you say?"

"Don't curse, there are children here." Will scolded mockingly.

"What did you say?" Nico snarled, biting out each word.

"We merely talked; nothing important." Will lied. His father may have been god of truth, but that only meant his siblings and he could read fibs off others. He was perfectly capable of selling a lie. "Career stuff mostly."

"You're an idiot." Nico gritted and stormed off. Will rolled his eyes and headed to the infirmary.

"We need this to work." Will turned. Lou had followed him. "Can you pretend to be on our side in this? If Percy falls through we're going to end up back in the Greeks or Romans debate and it's getting really old." The son of Apollo watched the daughter of Hecate silently. Her dark brown hair was cut in a pixie style with streaks of red and purple dyed in it. Her sharp green eyes were narrowed and outlined by black eyeliner. Her Camp Half-blood shirt was cut up and torn into a tank top which she wore over a dark forest green long sleeved shirt. She pressed her lips together in a thin line. "Nico is doing the best that he can. He just wants to help us."

"I'm sure."

"What is your problem?" Lou snapped.

"Percy reminds me of someone," Will admitted, "Someone whom I am not particularly fond of. Now if you'll excuse me, I have inventory to do."

"I never took you as someone judgemental." Lou remarked; her tone was light and intentionally condescending. Will refrained from reacting. She had no idea. They were ignorant, all of them.

~o-o-o~

AN: I probably should have put this warning in sooner. This story will contain canon character death.

HM