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Title: White Anniversary – Christmas Past and Future
Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus; post both series
PJatO Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Rick Riordan for he created the awesomeness that is Nico di Angelo. And everything else related to Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus. Aside from the Gods, of course. They are all copyright by the old Greeks. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.
Warnings: shounen-ai, past child abuse, Christmas-fluff, time-travel, threesome, shoujo-ai, hetero
Main Pairing: Nico/Percy
Side Pairings: Frank/Hazel/Leo, Piper/Annabeth, Paul/Sally, Tyson/Ella, Trend/Sam
Percy Jackson Characters: Perseus Jackson, Nico di Angelo, Bianca di Angelo, Maria di Angelo, Leo Valdez, Hazel Levesque, Frank Zhang, Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, Jason Grace, Annabeth Chase, Piper McLean, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Ella, Tyson, Sally Blofis, Paul Blofis, Gabe Ugliano, Not-so-small Bob, Mrs. O'Leary
Own Characters: Esperanza Nicole Zhang, Bianca Maria di Angelo, Hades Poseidon di Angelo, Sally Persephone di Angelo, Theseus Paul di Angelo, James Charles di Angelo, Laura Silena di Angelo, Jackson Tyson di Angelo, Samuel Elijah James Raser III, Trend Ignatius Austin
Summary: It's Christmas, one year after Percy and Nico got together. But somehow, the son of Hades is not very enthusiastic about spending Christmas with their friends and family. Something unexpected offers them a journey to three different Christmases. Percy gets to see a Christmas in Venice, with Nico, Bianca and Maria di Angelo, so he may understand the family his boyfriend misses. Nico on the other hand gets to see Percy's past, a Christmas spend with Sally and Smelly Gabe, so he may understand why Percy is so adamant on making Christmas perfect. To end the three days of Christmas, Percy and Nico are send to see the future together – a Christmas spend together with their children, in a bright future full of happiness.
This binds my 'A Very Half-Blood'-series and my 'Chasing'-verse, because it takes place one year after 'A Very Half-Blood Christmas' and the future it shows takes place on the Christmas Eve of the same year as 'Chasing Fireflies'. But it can also be seen as a stand-alone future-fic.
White Anniversary
Christmas Past and Future
First Day of Christmas: Nico's Past
It was the 24th December and thanks to the gods – and many, many praying demigods – New York was white like a winter wonderland this year. Nico stared out of the window in awe, absentmindedly eating and listening to the conversations of the others. Not that they were conversing much, because Sally's food was just too good and everyone was busy stuffing their faces. Nico knew already the outcome of this – stomachaches. Well, Tyson and Ella were to deal with theirs on their own, he guessed. And he didn't quite mind Percy's. Would teach his boyfriend a lesson about being a glutton for blue food (and he kind of enjoyed taking care of a whiny Percy, not that he would tell the other boy that). It was nice and calm, the complete opposite to last year.
Last year, together with the gods and all demigods, Sally Blofis had thrown the possibly biggest Christmas party in the history of Olympus. Then again, it had also been kind of a celebration. After all this time of rebuild, New Rome had been back to its former glory, New Athens was finally finished and ready to be completely enjoyed by the Greek demigods. Everything had kind of just fallen into place that year, Nico mused. Everything, including Percy Jackson, who had fallen into Nico's bed that year. And hadn't left since then – thank all the gods. Nico and Percy had spend weeks, heck, months even, debating on which day was the day of their anniversary. The 14th had been the day of their first kiss. But that had been more of a grateful accident, so it didn't count, they had agreed. The day after, there was way more kissing. And way more intention behind the kissing. But only on the 17th had they actually talked about their feelings and agreed that yes, they were boyfriends and only a day later had they come to confess that they were completely and utterly in love. In the course of their discussion, they had come to an understanding. Getting together had been as much of a mess as falling in love. The lines were blurred, everything had just kind of, sort of developed out of nothing and then it was just there. So, they agreed that they got together by 'consuming' their relationship, kind of like marriage worked, right? The 24th it was, then. Today.
Today was their first anniversary. And who wouldn't want to spend the first anniversary of their first relationship with his partner's mother, step-father, half-brother and said half-brother's girlfriend? Then again, they did pick a lousy date when they chose Christmas Eve as their anniversary. So there was really no blame to be taken or given here. And Nico actually liked Percy's family a lot.
"Nico? Are you still with us? You seem utterly engrossed with the falling snow", noted Sally fondly.
"Mh? Oh, I'm sorry", smiled Nico a little strained. "It's just... A lot on my mind, I suppose."
"He's being pouty because today is our anniversary and he had... other plans", clarified Percy.
"That's not it", huffed the son of Hades with a slightly nasty glare.
That took Percy by surprise. Nico hadn't given him such a look since... since he had gotten out of Tartarus and Nico had been all pushing-Percy-far-away, which had been one of the crappiest times of Percy's life, mind he add. He furrowed his brows and stared at his fiance quizzically.
"Well, what are you children doing the rest of Christmas?", interrupted Paul the tension.
"Ella and Tyson go out with Rachel and Octavian and Danny!", exclaimed Ella happily.
She had gotten very attached to the Oracle and the augur (and the soon-to-be-augur). Tyson didn't look as happy as his girlfriend, but that was more so because Octavian still scared him a little. Then again, the blonde Roman had that effect on most people.
"But first we go to see dad and big brother Triton tomorrow", grinned Tyson, now a little happier.
"And what about you boys?", asked Paul curiously, turning toward Percy and Nico.
"It... varies from last year", answered Percy slowly, poking his food thoughtful. "We'll have dinner with at McChase-house tomorrow. Rachel will be there too. Frank and Hazel closed the restaurant for the day after tomorrow and said that we're invited, if we want. Reyna and Jason agreed, they don't pass on free food, what with neither of them being able to cook..."
"That sounds very lovely, boys", smiled Sally and nodded.
/break\
It was unbelievable for Percy, but he was actually relieved once they left the Blofis-house. Nico's gloomy mood and attitude had dimmed the whole atmosphere. It was Christmas, for the gods' sake and albeit their religion and closeness to the gods should probably interfere with celebrating such a Christian event (Percy got a headache from just thinking of how complex religion was, sometimes still wondering what was true and how he was supposed to believe although he knew), it was still about family and happiness and joy and all that good stuff.
"You're angry with me", noted Nico as they entered their apartment.
"Really?", snarled the son of Poseidon, for once being the one to give the nasty glare. "What gave it away? That I didn't talk to you during the way back from New York to New Athens? Genius."
"And why are you angry with me?", asked the Ghost Prince calmly.
"Because it's Christmas and it's our anniversary and you looked like someone run your puppy over!", huffed Percy with a note of hurt in his voice. "Not just now with my family. The whole day. It started with this stupid argument this morning, didn't it?"
Now it was Nico's turn to huff annoyed. "You're just too damn stubborn. That's not my fault."
"I am stubborn?", exclaimed Percy loudly – and he wasn't one to get loud. "Well, fuck you."
He was also not one to curse, at least not on a regular base. Those were 'sublte' hints for Nico to shut the fuck up before he'd have to spend their anniversary on the couch. There was one thing that could be said about Nico di Angelo though. He didn't do subtle. Had never done, not all those years ago when he had first met Percy and Annabeth and loudly asked if Annabeth was Percy's girlfriend. Not during the Quest of Seven when everybody else kept staying cryptic and he blurted out all facts. He didn't like subtle. Why beat around the bush if it could be easier?
"Yes", snarled Nico viciously. "I asked you kindly that we spend Christmas together. Just you and me. I even agreed that, yes, Christmas Eve with your family, but I wanted you to myself for the other two days! But you're so insistent that we spend this day with your Greek friends and that day with your Roman friends! You're like a fucking addict about having people around you! I am not!"
Percy was a bit taken aback by this outburst, backing off some and staring at Nico with wide eyes, before he got his act together and returned to glaring. "Now listen here, di Angelo. Those are our friends. In fucking fact, we're spending the day after tomorrow with your family."
"We're not", growled Nico, his voice no longer angry, but raw and hurt.
With that said, Nico entered their bedroom and closed the door loudly behind himself. Percy stared at the door dumbfounded. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to be angry or hurt when he heard the click of the lock. Nico had locked him out of their bedroom. Because of a stupid argument they were having over Nico's anti-social behavior? Really? How was that a thing? A purring sound interrupted his seething thoughts. Turning his head some, he saw the small, white kitten with the glowing, golden eyes, rubbing itself against Percy's leg.
"Hey, Small Bob", whispered the son of Poseidon and went onto his knees to lift the cat up. "I know you don't like it when your dads fight, but don't worry. He's just being a stubborn bastard." Percy froze as he realized what he was doing and grimaced. "Great. I'm turning into a crazy cat-lady..."
Cradling Small Bob close to his chest, the kitten practically glowing, he walked over to Nico's office. It was either that or the couch in the living room. And the couch in the living room was the most uncomfortable piece of furniture on this planet. At least they had a sleeper in the office for when Rachel or another one of their friends would stay over. Never would he have thought he'd be the one sleeping there. Especially not on Christmas. Even less so on the day of their anniversary. Not caring about undressing himself or at least fetching a blanket from the closet in the hall, Percy collapsed on the at least comfortable sofa. Small Bob mewed as he curled together on Percy's chest, obviously having chosen his place for the night too.
"This is not how tonight was supposed to be", whispered Percy bothered, earning an agreeing yelp.
The office was less of an office but more of a dog house, in a way. The small desk and the shelves above it were pushed against the wall, most of the office was taken in by a giant pillow for Mrs. O'Leary. The hellhound tilted her head as she noticed her master in her room. Waddling closer, she rested her front paws on the couch and her giant nose on his belly. Well, at least two of his three roommates wanted to cuddle with him tonight.
"Hey, girl", smiled Percy, ruffling her fur some. "You know what? Nico is a jerk." Like any good pet, Mrs. O'Leary yelped in agreement to her master's words. "Good girl." Percy chuckled lightly. "All I wanted was for this Christmas to be good... Last year, with the ball, we had all our friends with us and then the day with my mom and the day in the underworld. I thought if we'd divide our time, we would at least get to see some of our friends, that that would be good. But he's pissed off and I don't even understand it. But he's never been that angry with me, at least not since we got together. So I start feeling as though it is my fault, but I just... want everything to be perfect?"
"So does he. Your definitions of perfection just seem to wary."
Percy thought he'd never been closer to a heart-attack. Jumping up some, he caused Small Bob to hiss and scratch him across the face. He didn't blame the cat for it. Grasping for Riptide in his pocket, Percy looked around for the source of the voice. But there was no one. Only a fairy. Percy blinked a couple of times. A sparkly, pink thing was flying in front of him. Its body was long, so it did king of look like a tiny woman. Sort of. Percy squinted. He had a distant feeling that he had seen it somewhere before. In the memory of a dream, or something like that.
"What in the world are you? What do you want?", asked the son of Poseidon suspiciously.
"I am the Fee of Christmas Past. I come to show you something that may help you understand."
There seemed no choice in the matter, at least none for Percy, because the next second, he was falling. Or at least it felt like falling. Everything blurred together and swirled around him and he felt kind of sick. Groaning, he rubbed his face once his surroundings settled again. It was cold. That was the first thing that came to his mind. Rubbing his arms, he looked around the snowy white city. Not New Athens. Not even New York. He had never seen this place before, but he recognized the clothing of the people around him. Not his century. Blinking doe-eyed he turned around, nervously. Once he was turned around completely, he came face to face with a window.
"Mamma! Mamma! Sprigati!", exclaimed a small boy inside.
Small, but not hard to recognize. Olive-skin, dark curls, the brightest smile possible lighting up his incredibly dark eyes. A maybe five-years old Nico was sitting at a table, waving his arms wildly. The girl next to him, not much older but already quite beautiful, rolled her eyes affectionately at him. Both children turned expectantly toward the door, staring wide-eyed.
"Venie qui, mio fratello", smiled young Bianca, hugging Nico. "Ti voglio un mondo di bene."
Maria di Angelo entered the tiny living room, her laughter ringing throughout the room. She carried a plate with something that looked like bread and cheese over, placing it in front of the children. Percy turned away again. He couldn't stand watching them any longer. Yes, he got Nico to smile, but Nico had never again smiled the way he used to while Bianca had still been alive. Suddenly, it made an awful lot of sense to Percy. Nico was missing his family. His mother, his sister. Yes, he loved Hazel dearly, but Hazel didn't share the same sibling-bond and past as Nico. Hazel wasn't Bianca. And after all the drama, the constant wars and rebuild and then the last year that had been such a rush of celebration, this was probably the first calm Christmas Nico spend without them, but still celebrated. Percy knew that after Bianca's death, last year had been the first time he had celebrated, before he had constantly hid in the underworld. Last year on Christmas Eve, it had practically only been Percy and Nico since they had dodged the party. The other two days had solemnly been spend with their families – one with Percy's, one in the underworld with Nico's. But this year, Percy had plans to drag Nico around from house to house. No privacy.
"How did you get in here? I locked the fucking door", growled Nico, interrupting Percy's thoughts.
Percy stared at Nico softly. He had no idea when or how he had gotten back to their apartment, much less into their bedroom, but here he was. Slowly lifting the covers, he crawled into the bed behind Nico and wrapped his arms around the Italian's strong form, pressing a kiss between Nico's shoulder-blades and tracing the Ghost Prince's sixpack.
"I'm sorry, mio angelo custode", whispered Percy softly. "You're always acting so strong in front of me, you're always my guardian angel. I sometimes forget... that under your strong exterior is quite the soft core too. Christmas is the holiday of family. Y—You... miss your mom and Bianca... I'm sorry, I didn't think about it. I didn't think about you. I only thought about, well, what I want."
What he said seemed to have hit the right nerve, because Nico slowly turned around in his embrace, resting his head on top of Percy's and wrapping his own arms around the Sea Prince. "I'm... sorry too. You're just... That's not it, not all of it. I'm sorry for expecting you to understand. Ti amo."
It wasn't how they had expected their anniversary to go, but at least they fell asleep arm in arm.
Author's note: This turned out a little different than intended, but I like it somehow. The next chapter will be here by tomorrow (hopefully) and it'll have Nico's thoughts after he locked the bedroom door and his journey to Percy's past (I know right now this story has kind of a depressing note, buuut that makes the happy ending all the sweeter, in my opinion).
I wish you all a merry Christmas! ^-^