It took two weeks to arrange a meeting between all the Demigods. Those two weeks had never dragged on longer for Nico. He spent three of those days in the company of the Guardians- feasting, drinking and smiling. During those three days Nico had found himself actually laughing-not a pitiful laugh either-but rather a warm cheerful one that made all the Guardians stop and stare.

"That laugh nearly put North's to shame," Jack chuckled merrily, floating above their heads, glass of eggnog clasped in hand.

"Didn't know you had it in you," North had clapped him on the back, "you are so tiny, with such small frame!"

On the fourth day he returned to New York with a fully healed body. It had been three days without work. Not a single coin had ended up in his pocket, and for that he was grateful, right now he just wanted to enjoy the good times while they lasted. Percy still had to work and do his house chores, but Nico was always there, acting as a not so silent observer. Late at night, Nico would stay up with Percy and try to sort out a date to get everyone in the same place. Nico didn't want to repeat his story over seven times, so instead he would get everybody in the same place.

Annabeth had work most days, the Romans had Legion duties, and Thalia wasn't willing to take a break from the hunt until the waning moon. So a date was set for the afternoon at a park on the San Francisco bay, Christmas Eve. Nico had time to kill until then. When Percy would fall asleep, he would find Sandman waving outside the apartment window, golden glow lighting up apartment bedroom.

Sandman was silent and Nico liked that. Percy somehow found managed to bombard Nico with questions, and the Son of Hades found himself being unable to answer some questions.

"So you really were alone?"

"You must've gone insane."

"How long were you down there before...you..."

"So, if Tooth collects teeth, North is Santa, Bunnymund gives out eggs...what do you do?"

Sandman didn't ask those kinds of questions. He would just smile as he brought happiness to children, weaving his sand magic, bringing light to the night. Somedays Jack would visit. It was winter after all. Percy and Jack seemed to become fast friends despite the fact they only spoke a total of five times.

"He's like a son of Hermes," Percy would comment idly as he worked on some papers for work, "except I don't feel like I always have to be watching my wallet."

After a week Nico almost felt normal again, after two, he felt amazing. On the now rare occasion that a coin would go into his pocket, he would try to make it easier for the kids, no longer would he do it begrudgingly. He took the time to go through the large DOA waiting room and find a family or a parent that would take care of them properly. Often, he found a grandparent waiting, as if knowing that the child would come.

Then, on quiet days, he would visit Maria. Jamie pushed believed into her, telling her tales of the brave hero Nico who saved the world. The facts were completely off, but it still worked. Maria and Nico formed an instant bond. She had headed down to Florida for Christmas and Nico hadn't been able to get an address for we're they'd be staying.

Christmas Eve eventually came. Nico was sitting on Percy's bed, while the man himself had lunch with his parents. Sally didn't know about Nico. She would eventually though, Percy would tell her, but at the moment, it seemed Percy was taking advantage of his own private bonding time with his cousin. He absently played with the Hades figurine, turning it this way and that, as if fighting an invisible foe.

"Maybe North shoulda gotten you some dolls for Christmas," a rather amused and accented voice commented.

"Maybe you should learn the difference between dolls and figurines," Nico replied as he gazed up and looked at Bunnymund who was standing by the open window, having obviously climbed up the fire escape from the street. He couldn't create tunnels without solid ground in some places.

"There's a difference?" The large Australian creature quirked an eyebrow.

"Big difference," Nico replied as he stuffed it into his pocket.

The waters between the two Guardians had settled a little bit. With the moon back into the sky and Pitch gone, both of their nerves had settled- settled enough to
have peaceful and interesting conversations. Unknown to Nico, Bunny understood the value of family nearly as well as him, it made for a nice connection between them.

"North wants me to tell ya about the feast he's having after Christmas," Bunny observed the room.

"How many feasts does that man need to have?" Nico commented idly as he stood.

"His belly didn't get that big on its own, mate," Bunny folded his arms over his chest, "it's a tradition. North works hard and after he's napped he wants to party."

"I'll come," Nico had spent the last three Christmas' eating McDonalds in a grave yard in New Orleans. It wasn't something he usually cared for.

"Just come to the Workshop 'round midnight tomorrow," Bunny slipped out onto the fire escape, grunting as he went, "I hate cities like this, too big, too crowded, and don't even get me started on the fact me holes hardly work."

"You should try using the actual stairs next time," Nico shrugged, "fire escapes get very slippery this time of year."

"I'll keep that in mind next time," Bunny nodded, "cya tomorrow."

"Bye."

Just as Bunny left the door opened to reveal Percy who looked extremely well fed.

"Ready?" He questioned as he picked up a pre packed bag of food Sally had prepared earlier. Sally thought he was going to use Ms Oleary to get to San Francisco to see Annabeth for Christmas. It wasn't a total lie.

Nico bounced off the bed and grabbed onto Percy's forearm and dropping into the shadows. The ride was as swift as ever and soon the pair found themselves in a shadow of a tree by the bay. The small park overlooked the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz with a path that lead to the piers. Percy instantly removed his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. San Francisco was like a sauna compare to New York, who courtesy of Jack, was experiencing a very heavy large amount of snow.

"Aren't you hot?" Percy asked his cousin who didn't even make a move to take off his jacket.

Nico just shrugged and removed his jacket, "it's a force of habit to leave it on."

"You've always been overly attached to that thing," Percy smirked as he axed around and spotted a free spot of grass.

As Percy set up the picnic blanket and pulled out some drinks. Handing one to Nico, he was about to make himself comfortable on the blanket when he spotted his beautiful blonde girlfriend. Annabeth, if possible, had grown up to be even more attractive. She still had the typical California girl body, but now she wore more form fitting clothes and styled her hair, mostly for her job as an apprentice at an architect firm.

Thalia followed not shortly behind. Her body was immortally fifteen and she hadn't changed a bit. Dressed in camo pants and a long sleeve thirty advertising the amount of f**ks she didn't give, it was same old Thalia.

Percy didn't even hesitate before kissing her. Nico rolled his eyes and sipped from his drink. Thalia rolled her eyes as well, breaking up the love birds.

"Hey, Kelphead," Thalia hugged Percy who now dwarfed her, "good to see you."

"Likewise, Pinecone Face," Percy retorted as he sat down, hand entwined in Annabeths.

Nico gazed around for a bit as the three of them got comfortable on th blanket, catching up and telling each other of their endeavours. Ten minutes later the Romans (plus Leo, who according to Percy was at the camp helping build some new trams for the city) arrived, dressed in their normal purple shirts, strolling without a care in the world.

Jason had grown taller and was nearly as tall as Percy, which was impressive considering the age difference. He hugged Thalia first, lips stretching into a blinding smile, pulling a the small scar he got from the stapler incident as a child. piper stuck close to his side. Frank had grown into his body a little more, losing some of the chubbiness, giving him a nice physique. Leo as ever was looking mischievous and spiritual, and Hazel was looking rather happy and wholesome.

For some reason that made Nico smile. Everyone just seemed so happy. Like their life was complete.

"We couldn't do this at camp?" Jason asked as he set out his own picnic blanket, "we'll be pulling in every monster within a three state range."

Percy scratched at his legion mark absently as he answered, "it'll be worth it trust me. I just need to show you guys something and I can't risk the gods seeing."

North had pressed a firm 'no god knowledge or involvement' rule onto Nico. It seemed the Guardians did not want gods involved. They wouldn't give Nico a straight answer as to why. Maybe they were afraid of the gods. At the moment, it didn't really bother Nico.

"Oh, you've got my full attention," Leo grinned as he rifled throughs Percy's bag and pulled out some spicy Doritos.

"What did you do?" Piper asked, a little concerned.

"It's more like what someone else did," Percy glanced to Nico who was entertaining himself by playing with the cap of his drink.

"Why don't I like the sound of this?" Frank asked as he held Hazels hand.

"Because the last time he said something like that he had helped Leo steal the keys to the Strawberry truck," Annabeth sounded a little concerned now.

"We borrowed the keys so that we could work on it! The sound of that engine whining like that just broke my heart. I couldn't leave it in pain." Leo countered defensively.

"You crashed it into a tree, Leo. You totalled it," Hazel gave Leo a pointed look.

"Percy was the one driving-"

"You're the one who distracted me-"

Nico coughed loud enough to stop Percy from continuing.

"Right," Percy changed the subject and stood up, "not important right now. You guys have to hear me out with this."

"We'll try," Thalia seemed skeptical.

"Right, how do I say this..." Percy rubbed the back of his neck, "what do you know of Santa Clause?"

Everyone gave each other odd looks but didn't say anything.

"What if I told you he was real...?"

"Way to get into the Christmas spirit," Leo rolled his eyes, "I stopped believing in Santa when I seven."

"I think we all did," Hazel nodded, "what does this have to do with anything?"

"He's real. I've met him. He's Russian-"

"Are you feeling okay?" Annabeth questioned concerned, looking up at her boyfriend.

"No, he really is Russian. Santa, the Eater Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and even Jack Frost are real,"

Everyone looked at Percy like he was insane. Nico rolled his eyes at his lame attempt to explain to everyone.

"You're joking, right?" Piper questioned,

"I hope he is," Jason was giving Percy and odd look.

"Just listen. They all used to be people- well, mortals, and Bunny's but you get the gist- and they all died in order for a child too live. Then the Man in the Moon would bring them back," Percy talked fast, "the Man in the Moon is like a-"

"Great giant douche?" Nico suggested.

"-all powerful man who chooses people to become Guardians of children."

"Percy-" the looks began to become pitiful.

"No. Listen. Jack Frost used to be the this kid named Jackson Overland who died saving his sister from drowning. Santa used to be a Cossack who died for a little girl. But the Man in the Moon brought back someone else. He made Nico a Guardian."

Hazels face immediately fell and Frank pulled her closer in comfort. Leo glared at Percy as if he didn't find it amusing, while everyone else just stared in silence. Annabeth stood up and took Percy's hands, starring into his eyes.

"You've been having nightmares, haven't you?" Annabeth asked softly in a low voice.

"Not recently. Listen, I'm not insane. He's right next to Hazel," Percy jerked his head in Nico's direction.

"If this is a joke, it isn't very amusing," Thalia shook her head.

"Percy, it's just survivors guilt, Nico's gone," Annabeth's eyes softened.

"It's not survivors guilt," Percy pulled his hands from Annabeth's.

"Percy,maybe it's just a little of the darkness left from Tartarus," Jason seemed serious now, "we all know how hard it was for you down there, and we understand if-"

"I'm not insane," Percy said in a steely voice.

"Let's say he's real...why can't we see him?" Piper broke a little bit of the tension.

"Because he's invisible,"

"Convenient," Thalia muttered.

Nico scowled. He should've seen this coming. Everybody here knew how hard his death had hit Percy. That combined with Tartarus had actually made people think that perhaps the hero had lost his mind, or was on the track to losing it. Though Percy got better with the help of Annabeth who was suffering the same curse, e close circle of friends knew nightmares and memories frequented the son of Poseidon. Of curse they'd think he was insane. What other option was there?

Percy looked at Nico for some sort of help. The son of Hades gripped the hilt of his for a moment in thought before removing his skull ring. He had never been seen without it. Percy took the ring gratefully and in tern placed it in Annabeths.

"His soul didnt go to Hades," Percy said watching as Annabeth inspected the ring.

"It wouldn't be able to leave Tartarus," Hazel mumbled softly.

"How did you get this?" Annabeth gazed at the skulls ruby eyes, "this is his."

"He just handed it to me," Percy tried to not look to disappointed, "you can't see him because you don't believe in him."

"Oh, I believe alright," Leo bit down on a Dorito, "I believe you're insane."

"That is his ring," Hazel seemed torn, "it was given to him by our father."

Percy looked more hopeful.

Nico wanted it to move faster. Unclipping his sword he gazed at it before chucking it into the centre of the group. Everyone jumped back a bit in surprise. Jason was the one to make the first move to touch it.

"His sword," Jason picking it up the sheath.

It seemed that was all Hazel needed. She took the sword from Jason, removing it from the sheath and touching the metal. Her gaze flickered up to where Nico stood waiting rather impatiently. She moved quickly pouncing up and hugging Nico so hard that he struggled to breathe. He felt warm liquid soak into his shirt and he released Hazel was crying. He awkwardly patted her on the back, not knowing what to do.

"The madness has spread," Leo commentated watching as Hazel seemingly hugged thin air, "I hope it's not air born."

"He's right there," Piper said in a gasp, "I can see him."

Hazel was still gripping Nico tightly, but he managed a wave.

"I'm so sorry," Hazel kept repeating into his shirt, crying as she went.

"How is that possible?" Frank stared at Nico in awe.

Annabeth, Jason, Thalia and Leo all looked at one another, confused beyond belief.

"I still don't see anything." Jason squinted against the bright sun.

"Hazel," Nico squirmed a little, "it's okay, don't be sorry, it's not your fault."

"You can't see him?" Frank stood up looking out of his comfort zone, "sorry for doubting you man." That was directed at Percy who accepted the apology.

"Okay," Annabeth breathed deeply and shut her eyes, "this better not be some elaborate prank."

Jason, Thalia and Leo followed her lead. Closing their eyes they all seemed t be attempting to visualise Nico. When they opened their eyes, there he was, trapped in Hazels tight embrace. He looked sixteen, the age he should be if he was alive, and very uncomfortable. A smile spread across his pale face as he waved a little.

"This is either a mass hallucination or a miracle," Leo breathed out as he stood in shock.

"I think I'm going to go with miracle," Jason commented as he stared at Nico.

"Hazel, I need to breath, please," Nico managed to pry his sister off.

"You're alive," Annabeth shook her head, tears threatening to spill over.

"Tada?" Nico shrugged a little helplessly. Thalia moved forward and hugged him before stepping back and slapping him hard across the cheek. Nico placed a hand over the growing red welt, spitting out blood as he went. He had bit his tongue.

"What was that for?" He cried out in surprise.

"You're alive and you didn't come to any of us?" Thalia seemed to buzz with fury, "how long?"

"Three years," Nico stepped out of Thalia's reach, "I tried to get your attention, but it doesn't work that way."

"Explain,"