Chapter 29

Someone had told somebody something. Percy could feel it. Eyes watching him in a new light every time he thought he was alone, and even out in the open. But he knew Jason, and Nico hadn't said anything, and Piper had sworn on the Styx so it couldn't be her. So that only left….

"LEO!" Percy shouted scaring the elfin boy who jumped around fear in his eyes for a moment, before relaxing when seeing it was Percy. "Let's go." Percy said grabbing Leo by the arm forcibly and taking him below decks to the storage room, which was currently empty.

"Whoa! Whoa! Percy my man. What's the problem? Ooo! Is it time to take over the sh-" But Leo never finished as Percy's hand clamped rather forcibly over his mouth.

"Leo. I'm going to ask you once. Once. You'd better answer me the first time. Who'd you tell? And what did you tell them?" Percy demanded staring into Leo's eyes.

"Well…. Uh… I might have…. Ummm mentioned to the Stoll's that…. Well that you uhhh….. Like Annabeth…" Leo got out pausing way to often for Percy's liking.

"You. What?" Percy said letting him go, groaning as he covered his forehead with his hands. "YOU WHAT!" Percy shouted suddenly staring at Leo.

"What was I supposed to do!? They knew something was up, and they demanded I tell them. They tortured me Percy. Torture!" Leo said grabbing Percy trying to make him understand.

"Oh really? And what did they do hhmm? The evil Stoll's. What did they do to you?" Percy questioned suddenly calm and collected.

"Well… they tickled me. They held me down and tickled me. I almost peed myself Percy. Like all over. It was bad. I had to tell them something and that was the first thing that came to mind before the BIG secret." Leo wailed dramatically beating his fist's against Percy's shoulder.

"I'm going to let you off the hook THIS time Leo. But not another word, to another soul. Got it?" Percy said annoyed that this was what he was worried about.

"Yessir. You got it!" Leo said making to march past when suddenly Percy's hand shot out grabbing him by the arm in a vice like grip.

"YOU. Told them. WHAT!" Percy yelled realization dawning at what Leo had told them.

"I just told them you liked Annabeth." Leo complained sorely confused.

"I'm going to kill you Valdez. I'm talking throwing you to one of my father's sea monsters. Kill you." Percy solemnly said making up the stairs to the bridge.

"But you don't want to do that! Then everyone will know who you really are!" Leo sputtered, struggling to be free of Percy's iron-like grip.

"Point. Alright fine. You're off the hook this time. But I'm serious. Another word out of you. One more." Percy said seeing the validity of Leo's point.

"You got it boss." Leo said running off to escape the ire of Percy.

"And don't call me boss!" Percy shouted to Leo's retreating figure.

Once alone Percy began thinking about Nico, who was currently off scouting an island nearby with Reyna looking for anything dangerous, as well as supplies, then a recovery group consisting of Percy, Jason, Piper, Clarisse, Leo, Naveen, and Ariella would go on shore and collect all the supplies they could and return to the ship. He hoped that unlike Jason, Nico could keep who he really was a secret.

"Hey Jackson! Not my fault ok? How was I supposed to know she'd recognize my fighting style? I can't help it I'm so good and remembrable." Jason's voice filtered through Percy's head.

"Out Jason!" Percy gruffly responded, not in the mood for jokes after hearing of Leo's deeds.

"Hey man. Don't worry about it. I'm sure she likes you too." Jason slyly said taunting the now angered Percy Jackson.

"You'd better hope I don't find you Grace. Or everyone's going to know who's the stronger of us too!" Percy said.

Once sure his mind was free of certain air-heads Percy thought back to Nico. "He's got one more night there. Tomorrow morning we'll head over and see how their doing. Nothing should go wrong between now and then… Right? Percy thought to himself before busying himself with his work on the ship.

Nico was currently thinking about how much he both loved, and hated that he'd been paired with Reyna for the scouting mission. On one hand, he found her attractive, and had definitely liked her, probably since the first time he saw her and she… well kissed him. But on the other hand, she was so much of a flirt that it was almost uncomfortable. Almost.

"So handsome. Are we going to search for some water soon? I need a bath. And no offense to you cutey, But you do as well." Reyna saw sauntering by Nico and letting a finger slide under his chin smirking as he blushed at her touch.

"I was thinking the same thing. I believe there should be some hot springs up this way." Nico said pushing past her, and trying not to think of the heat on his cheeks.

"And how, pray tell, do you know this?" Reyna dubiously mentioned.

"I looked at a map before we left." Nico tossed out nonchalantly.

"Well alright then. Let's go. And don't worry I don't mind sharing a bath with you. I don't bite. Less you want me too." Reyna said innocently before she cracked up laughing barely keeping on her feet as Nico could only stop and his whole face went redder than a ripe tomato. "Oh! You should see your face!" Reyna said between laughs.

"It just so happens there are two on opposite ends of each other. One for you and one for me. No peeks for you miss." Nico said trying to regain his composure as Reyna put on a fake pouty face before cracking up again and following him.

When they reached the spot where the two hot springs were, Nico left Reyna at hers and left before she could make more comments or try something stupid.

And though he hated it, he knew he'd have to use his ring to set up some skull scouts to make sure she didn't try to come over for a peek. Not many would understand why he hated it so much, but it was for one reason. One that he's sure his father had his hand in.

Every time he summoned a skeletal warrior, or used skulls as scouts, they all had one thing in common. A personality. There were about thirty different ones Nico had calculated. Some he didn't mind, some he actually liked. But the vast majority annoyed Nico like no other. And he couldn't control which one he got, it was random and changed every time. Nico knew this was his father's doing.

Taking a deep breath and sighing Nico summoned two skulls to keep watch a little out of ear shot of regular conversation. If they needed him they could yell. He didn't want to hear their conversations.

"AH! Master Nico! It's been so long! It's me. Martha and my husband Georgie. Oh look Georgie he's grown even more since last time! And how are you baby. You eating lots! How's your mother and father. Oh who am I kidding I talk to your father all the time!" The first skull began rambling off.

"My yes Martha it is Nico. He's looking as dead as ever. Am I right?" the second skull said as they both cracked up into an annoying laugh, high and giggly for Martha and a deep almost coughing fit for George.

Of all the personalities and all the skulls, he had to get these two, and not only that, he got them together. This was going to be a long day, Nico could already tell. "Alright guys. That's enough. It's good to see you two. But I'm going to bathe, please make sure no danger comes to me, and no one sneaks up got it?" Nico said trying to avoid a long conversation. These two could take the dead to life.

"Oh you got it Master Nico. We'll do just like you say. My I haven't seen you this tense since whe-" Martha began only to be interrupted by an annoyed Nico.

"Martha! I got it. Please just keep a lookout." Nico said walking off, not waiting for a reply.

"What's his problem?" Martha questioned George.

Reyna had stripped down to her undergarments, she was glad some daughter of Aphrodite had come up with this new clothe, and clothing type, it was much more comfortable to her. The girls name had been something like Victoria. But that didn't matter to Reyna. What mattered now was she'd began stripping then though how much fun it would be to suddenly show up on Nico. Not only would she get a peek at his, (more than likely extremely chiseled and toned body) but also make him extremely uncomfortable and blush again. It was to easy to do, which was why she did it. She didn't know why she did it so much with him. She was rarely like this with anyone else.

Returning her thoughts to the present Reyna continued sneaking through the forest. She had heard running water and figured she was getting fairly close to the second spring. She was about to step over two skulls lying on the ground before they began talking to her.

"I'd back it up missy! Or we'll be calling the Master. And you don't want to see him angry. Trust me!" The first skull said, sounding like a female.

"What!" Reyna yelled backing up, then fearing Nico had heard her. But when no further noise came she calmed down and stepped back looking at the two skulls who…. Well seemed to be watching her as she stood there.

"I don't suppose there's any way you'd let me by would you? I promise I'm not trying to anger or hurt Nico. I just want to… um… see him." Reyna tried bargaining.

"Hhmm. Not likely little girl!" Came the second skulls voice as it seemed to shake it's head no.

"Well… Georgie, why not? She's pretty, and there's no way she could hide a weapon in THAT outfit. Even if she could, something that small wouldn't be able to hurt the master, naked or not. And if she tried anything we'll ask Lord Hades for full bodies and then kill her!" The first skull said joyfully almost seeming to smile at Reyna then the other skull.

"Kill! Well the day would be a wonderful day if we got to kill!" The skull began, "Sounds good to me Martha. Go on ahead there weird girl." He finished smiling up at her.

"….. Thanks." Reyna said not sure what to do, as she stepped over the skulls and began sneaking towards the sound of water.

She came into a small clearing, and three feet away from the edge of the tree line was a small hot spring, much like the one that had been on her side. But to her disappointment Nico was nowhere to be seen. Or so she thought at Nico burst from under the water standing in it waist deep.

With his back to her, all Reyna could do at first was admire his back, and how muscled it was. That is until her eyes, which had started at the top began rolling down lower on his body and rested upon the huge skull in the center of his back, and then she noticed the moon upon his shoulder.

It all clicked in her mind as she realized who this was. "YOU!" She shouted marching into the water as Nico jumped around, obviously startled by her outburst, only for his eyes to go from her angry face, down her body, then immediately back up as a blush spread across his face, and down his chest his whole body warming up.

"YOU! DON'T MOVE!" Reyna said as Nico tried going forward to stop her from coming in any further.

"IT'S BEEN YOU THE WHOLE TIME! AND YOU NEVER SAID A WORD!" Reyna continued shouting punching Nico hard in the stomach, only to pull her hand back, as it seemed to his cement. "What is wrong with you? Did you even feel that? My hand. God dammit!" She yelled hitting him repeatedly with her other hand as Nico just stood there looking at her trying to figure out what to do.

"Ok. Sorry for not telling you Reyna. But there's a reason I didn't tell you. I couldn't. Neither could Percy or Jason." Nico said holding his hands up, in what he hoped was a comforting gesture.

"Percy? Jason? Oh! They're the other two. Poseidon's and Zeus's right?!" Reyna said making the connection. "How could you not tell me… Do you not know how long I've searched for you? I see all these men, who think they're strong, and tried to "earn my affections." But all is see when I look at them is someone who's weak. Most of them I could have beaten up. And a lot of them I did. Especially if they tried laying a hand on me. How could you." Reyna said suddenly quiet and looking down, upset that the man, and probably the only one she'd ever liked, and her first and only kiss, had been nearby for almost three month's now and hadn't said a word about who he was.

Nico put one hand on either of her shoulders and captured her gaze bending down slightly to make eye contact. "Look. Reyna. We couldn't tell anyone. I was going to. Promise! And I understand all the men chasing you thing, you wouldn't believe all the offers I've had from Goddess's and various women folk. NONE of which I accepted!" Nico said suddenly as fury mounted on Reyna's face and she glared at Nico. "Look. All I'm saying is that I've waited a long time. You are the only girl who's really held my gaze. I've met a few here and there who momentarily distracted me. But you have always been on my mind…" Nico trailed off as silence grew, and suddenly he was afraid he'd said too much. Because let's be honest. He thought. Who likes a girl for years, who've they only met once or twice, and never for a long time?

"Promise?" Reyna suddenly said breaking the silence.

"Promise. I wouldn't lie about-"Nico began happy that she seemed to accept it when suddenly she leapt forward capturing his lips in a kiss.

The kiss probably would have continued for longer, had Reyna not felt something against her body beneath the water, realizing it was Nico. Coughing she stepped back out of his embrace. "I think I'll… um. Yeah… I'm going to go to my spring now. So you… and all your nakedness can finish bathing. But we have lots to talk about tonight at the campfire! And don't think you can escape it!" Reyna said blushing herself, but secretly overjoyed she had that effect on him and his body.

For a moment Nico was confused, until he realized what had happened. Glancing down at his waist he suddenly went bright red and just fell underwater, unable to believe what had happened. "Can this get any worse?" Nico thought to himself.

"It just did. I've already told Jason this, but at that time I was alone. Thankfully, or rather coincidently Jason heard it this time, but the network works from this distance apparently. Soooo…. We definitely just heard every one of your thoughts. Not something I needed rattling around in my head Nico." Percy's voice filtered through the link into Nico's head, as he mentally heard Jason laughing and Percy beginning to laugh.

"Screw both of you! Get out. Gods!" Nico yelled across the link, before closing his end off and double face palming, bright red again from embarrassment at what had just happened.

It was getting dark when Nico returned from his bath and hunting, to find Reyna had already started a fire and was currently drying out her hair next to it.

"So. How was your bath after… well you know." Nico awkwardly said blushing a bit as Reyna giggled and patted the ground next to her before returning to her hair.

"It's ok Nico. I was just… caught off guard before, I didn't realize you were totally naked, it just never clicked in my mind until we kissed and… anyways. My first question to you is. What are we?" Reyna said turning to gaze in the fire, almost afraid of his answer.

"Well. It's up to you I suppose. I know what I'd like. And to be able to call such girl like you mine, and for you to call me yours, would be the best thing I could think of at the moment." Nico said before mentally slapping himself at how cheesy that sounded.

"Then my handsome man, you're no longer allowed to gaze at any other women, except Clarisse, Piper, and Annabeth. Clarisse because she'd crush you as soon as she'd look at you, and Piper cause I know she's infatuated with Jason and totally smitten, and Annabeth because. Well let's be honest she doesn't like you like that." Reyna said giggling as bewilderment came over Nico's face.

"I'm kidding babe." Reyna said closing the distance between them and pecking him upon the lips. "Now for my second question. Why are you hiding who you are? If you guys revealed yourself, there's no way the crew wouldn't make you the captain and leaders." Reyna said looking to Nico for an answer.

"That's the very reason. There's a big quest about Percy, Jason, and I. And this crew, and this ship are involved. We need them to trust us. So we want them to vote us the captain, as lesser people first. Not just give it to us because of who our parents are, or how powerful we are." Nico explained looking at the fire, feeling Reyna's searching gaze upon his face.

"I suppose I can understand that logic. Now mister. The real question is where are YOU sleeping tonight?" Reyna said breaking out into a giggle as Nico began choking and coughing, face bright red, a color it seemed to adopt more, and more recently.

The next morning Nico had the worst wake up call, but the best sleep. He woke up to find Reyna in his arms, cuddling as they had near the fire. What made it the worst, was the first sound to reach his ears.

"Well ain't this cute?" Clarisse's voice rang through the silence of the forest.

"Man. You work fast little bro." Jason's mocking voice followed soon after as Nico groaned and fell back into bed, waking Reyna up.

"Babe. What is i-… Oh you've got to be kidding me." Reyna said catching site of the entire landing party catching them in bed together.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here, and guess that because you're both dressed at least in undergarments and a blanket, that nothing happened last night other than sleeping. Right?" Percy said looking at Nico while berating him across the link about how Persephone would kill Nico if she caught him like this.

"Why you jealous Percy?" Reyna said, hardly off set by his comments.

"No… It just… Gah! Forget it. Get dressed you two. We've to lots to do before dark" Percy said, obviously surprised by Reyna's reaction.

"Hey Percy…. Should the ship be sailing away right now?" Leo's voice trailed by to the group from near the shore.

Running and looking out, sure enough the Princess Andromeda was sailing away from the shore line.

"Well I figured something like this would happen. Just not his soon." Percy muttered before turning to look at the group. "Alright everyone. Here's what's going to happen."