Percy paused outside of Hazel's door, not sure whether he should knock or not. He wanted to check on her after Jason and Leo had basically said they were hesitant to rescue Nico. Percy was kicking himself for not standing up for her. Sure, the kid was sketchy at times, but he always came through when it mattered. And after everything they'd gone through, Percy felt an obligation to help Nico. He knocked on the door tentatively, wondering if Hazel would even want to talk to him. They had only known each other for about a week, but Percy felt as close to her as any of his other friends. They had already been through so much together. She was like a sister to him, and he wasn't gonna let her sulk in her room by herself.
Hazel opened the door, her eyes red and blotchy. "Hey Percy."
"Hey. In the mood for some company?"
Hazel considered for a second before nodding. She pulled the door open so Percy could slip through. Percy took a seat at her desk chair, looking around the room. Hazel kept her space neat and tidy, and it reminded him of the barracks at Camp Jupiter. Percy wondered what it would have been like if he'd had been at camp Jupiter longer- if he would have met Frank and Hazel sooner. He wished that would have been the case instead of being asleep for all that time. He could imagine the good times they could have had, the bonding they could've done without the near death experiences every five minutes.
Hazel sat on her bunk, looking dejected.
"Look Hazel," Percy started. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier. Of course we're gonna do everything possible to save Nico."
Hazel nodded. "I was in the fields of asphodel for 70 years. I thought I'd be there for an eternity, mulling over my mistakes for all of time. Nico, he gave me a second chance. He's not a bad guy."
"I know that. He's been through a lot is all. You know, the first time I met Nico, he was 10 years old. You wouldn't have recognized the guy. He was obsessed with this game, mythogmagic."
"Nico played... games?" Hazel looked dumbfounded.
Percy laughed, remembering. "Yeah. He was so hyper, always asking a ton of questions. He was so happy before Bianca-" his voice trailed off.
Hazel had a sad look in her eyes. "Tell me about her. Nico, he's doesn't like to talk about it, but her death changed him. I can tell."
Percy hesitated. He didn't like to talk about Bianca's death either. Even all these years later, the guilt still ate at him. The ghost of the broken promise haunted him every time he looked at Nico di Angelo.
"Well, it started when Annabeth, Thalia, Grover, and I went to a boarding school to pick up Bianca and Nico. They didn't even know they were half bloods yet. Long story short, we had some problems with a monster, and the hunters showed up. They asked Bianca to join, and it was like she didn't even hesitate. She loved Nico, but I think she just needed to find herself, you know? She'd taken care of Nico for so long."
"I can't imagine how Nico must've felt."
"He took it well enough. But a quest was called after that. I promised Nico I would keep Bianca safe, but," he looked down. "There was this giant automaton. She sacrificed her life for us. I couldn't save her. Telling Nico was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."
"God, poor Nico. And now this happens to him." She looked like she would start bawling again. "I don't know how much more sadness he can carry."
Percy sighed. "Honestly? I think we failed him a little bit. He had some bad influences after Bianca died, and he's isolated himself ever since. We should have done more. But you're here for him now. That's what matters. And so am I. We'll get him back."
Hazel stood and held her hands out for a hug. There were tears running down her face now, but she looked grateful more than anything. Percy got up and hugged her, stroking her curly hair and letting her get her emotions out.
She pulled away and smiled brightly despite the tears. "I'm glad we met, Percy."
Percy smiled too. "I'm glad, too. You're like the little sister I never had. I'm here for you."
That made her cry even more. He kissed her forehead and embraced her again. Percy was feeling glad that he had checked on Hazel. He'd meant every word he said. After everything they'd been through, they were connected now. He wouldn't let her go through anything alone as long as he could help it.
AN: Did this scene from Mark of Athena bother anyone else? I feel like percy or Annabeth should have spoken up and defended Nico since they know what he's been through. As always, thanks for reading.