We checked in no problem.

And I immediately started jumping on the bed.

'This— place— so— awesome!' I finally gave up and laid down like a spider.

'We're only staying for tonight.' Neeks said. 'Tomorrow we keep moving.'

'Let's enjoy tonight then.' I said and raided the fridge.

And I found drum-roll please, alcohol.

'Want some?' I asked Neeks, not caring if he did or not.

'You can't drink.' Neeks said.

'Of course I can.' I popped the cap off. 'It's like water. I just—' Then I took a swing.

'How old are you?' He asked.

'Hmm.' I took a sip. 'My mom died a year ago. Fifteen.'

'Where did you learn how to drink?'

'My dad. Sometimes my mom. I've been to a few bars. The world taught me how to drink.'

Neeks stared at me for a solid ten seconds. 'Teach me.'

Neeks spit out his drink. 'What is this?'

'Take another one. You'll get used to it.' I said.

'You're supposed to get used to this?' Nico asked. 'This is basically Plegathon with a lot less fire and a lot more phlegh.'

'Drink.' I ordered.

Neeks did as I said.

'How about now?' I asked.

'I miss Tartarus.' Neeks said. 'Wow. I never thought I'd say that.'

'That was fast.' I said.

'What?'

'You're loosening up. And in only one drink. Take more.'

'Loosening up as in how?' Neeks still drank.

'Swala-la-la.'

Creesome played Swala-la-la.

'I am not going to get up tomorrow.' Neeks groaned.

We were sprawled on our beds.

'What do you think Anteros is going to tell us to do?' I asked.

'Don't know. Don't care.' Neeks said. 'Do you?'

I sighed. 'I miss camp.'

'You were only there for three days.' Neeks said, trying to get up. 'And were conscious for half of them. Say you miss Austin.'

'You got me.' I said, also trying to get up. 'And you miss Will.'

'Your words. Not mine.' Neeks slumped back in.

'Why do you act so, like, friendly with him?' I asked. 'He's your boyfriend; not your brother.'

'Number one; people like you.' Neeks said. 'Racist bitches that'll be all "gross" when you see us being romantic.'

'I'm not racist.' I said. 'And I have a ton of friends like you.'

'Names?'

'Um,' I thought about it. 'Kehlani, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, Adam Lambert—'

'Shut up.'

I laughed.

'Second; stereotypes.' Neeks said. 'We're expected to be that way. Soon they'll expect me to talk like I'm on helium and start wearing dresses. No, thanks.

'Finally; I have a reputation.' Neeks said. 'I'm hardly caring to even Hazel. I'm the tough guy. The bad guy. It's not supposed to suit me.'

'Next question; what happened in Croatia?' I asked.

'The only person that knew that was Jason.' Neeks said. 'And he got choked. I intend to not tell anyone else.'

'Pwease?' I asked.

'No.'

We got so quiet I thought he was asleep.

'I think I have an idea about the prophecy.' Neeks said. 'Vine to save?'

'Talk to me.' I said sleepily.

'We might have to get drunk during this quest.'

I smirked. 'Sounds like a plan, boss.'

'Then again… never mind.' Neeks said. 'Sleep. Short day ahead of us tomorrow.'

'What?'

'The one of graves shall take a fall. We haven't finished that discussion.'

'I was just staring at him. Hell; he asked me to.'

'Liar. Liar. iPod on fire.'

'I'm serious!' I said. 'He was trying to make me depressed and feel you won't come back.'

'I told you already; both of us need to be on this quest. No matter how stupidly stupid ass it is.' Neeks said.

'For once; I agree with you.' I said.

'You just agreed with me a few sentences ago.'

'The past is in the paaaaast.'

'Okay,' Nico said. 'bye.'

I fell asleep to Good Thing.