"Do you need help?" Hazel offered. She shouldered her bag and watched her friend. Reyna looked like she was struggling to pull on her pants. Her injured wrist had ice wrapped around it, and she had done a small bit of sparring that day on top of exercise.

"No," Reyna declined. She was slowly making progress with her pants, but Hazel didn't like to see her friends struggle. She knew that Reyna was stubborn, but it was okay to ask for help. Hazel frowned and chewed the inside of her lip to keep herself from offering any more help.

"Hey Reyna, did Nico tell you about what he told me?" Hazel asked after a few moments. Reyna glanced at her as she finally managed to pull her pants up all the way. A frown came to her face as she tried to button and zip them.

"Told you what?" Reyna questioned. Hazel sat on the bench and leaned forward. Annabeth wasn't in the locker room yet, so she didn't have to worry about being overheard. She also wasn't going to take that chance.

"About Nico being gay," Hazel whispered. Reyna glanced at her.

"He mentioned it," Reyna replied. She hung her head and stared at the ground. Her body showed her physical exhaustion, but Hazel knew she was just as mentally exhausted by everything that had happened. Hazel wanted to check on her, but she didn't know how to.

"I wanted you to know, Hazel. I just didn't want to tell Nico's secret like that. It's not because of you," Reyna said. She looked at Hazel. Guilt filtered onto her face.

"I know," Hazel said, and she smiled at Reyna. "I'm not upset at you. I'm happy that Nico was able to trust someone with his secret and that you kept it for him. I was upset at him for not telling me, and while I understand, I'm still a little upset. It's so silly."

"Your feelings aren't silly," Reyna comforted Hazel. "I promise you that Nico would not have told me if I didn't happen to see all of that and be directly involved."

"Thank you for protecting Nico. He said that the two of you weren't that close then," Hazel began. She looked down and shrugged. "I know I didn't know him either but still. Thanks."

"You're welcome," Reyna said. She gently wrapped her arm around Hazel's shoulders. Hazel leaned on her. "And, you're like a little sister too, Hazel. Don't forget that."

"Thank you," Hazel whispered. She closed her eyes. "Can I ask you about how you feel? With everything that happened?"

"With my mom?" Reyna guessed. Hazel nodded. "Honestly, I'm still mad about it. Even three days later, I'm still almost shaking. I can't believe Lupa would do that, and I can't even talk to her about it. If I do..."

Reyna sighed angrily. Hazel knew it was time to change the topic, "Have you threatened Will yet?"

"Once or twice," Reyna answered as some of the tension disappeared from her voice. She shrugged. "I'm sure he knows I'll break him in half if he hurts Nico."

Hazel smiled, and the locker room door opened. Annabeth walked inside looking down at her phone. She walked towards her locker and glanced at them, "Everything okay?"

"Just having a mini Dr. Phil moment," Reyna answered as she slowly stood. She grabbed her bag and studied Annabeth. "Are you okay? Your strikes were off."

"I was just testing a new rhythm," Annabeth replied. Her eyes moved to Hazel. "What about you? Getting excited for your fight?"

"I am," Hazel promised. She had been doing everything she could to be prepared. Lupa spent a long time helping her and Frank, and the advice from her mentor was invaluable. "I'm ready to win."

"You will," Reyna promised as she stood. She placed her bag on her shoulder and closed her locker. Reyna slowly unwrapped the towel to free the ice pack.

"I'll take it to Will," Hazel offered. She stood from the bench and grabbed her things. Annabeth opened her locker and quickly started to change. Reyna's eyes drifted to the side before quickly flickering back to the ice pack.

"You sure?" Reyna questioned. She looked at Hazel. A smile came to Hazel's face as she nodded and gently took the ice pack from Reyna.

"I am," Hazel promised. She handed her keys off to Reyna. "You can start the car. I won't be long."

"Figure out what you want for dinner. I'm paying," Reyna said. Hazel knew better than to argue. She just nodded, and Reyna turned away. "See you, Annabeth."

"Have a good one," Annabeth said. Reyna walked out of the locker room.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Annabeth. Want me to get you anything for breakfast?" Hazel offered.

"You don't have to."

"Egg whites or a breakfast sandwich?" Hazel questioned. "Or both? I'm getting you something either way."

"A sandwich," Annabeth relented. "Thank you. I'll get coffee?"

"Sounds good. Can you get what you got last time for me?" Hazel asked. "It looked really good."

"Of course," Annabeth answered. "You still ready to spar tomorrow?"

"I am," Hazel replied. She smiled at Annabeth. "I'll see you later."

Annabeth smiled and waved at her. Hazel walked out of the locker room. She headed upstairs and made her way toward Will's room. When she made it, the door was closed. Hazel knocked gently.

"Come in," Will said. Hazel opened the door and walked inside. Will was looking down at a notebook and had his phone in his other hand. He turned his head and smiled as he saw Hazel. "Hey. Something wrong?"

"Just dropping off the ice Reyna was using," Hazel answered. Will nodded and took it. He placed it back into the freezer. Hazel studied the team's doctor. She always liked Will. He had a sunny disposition and was always kind and gentle with them. Hazel just regretted that she didn't really get to know him outside of the gym. That was something she wanted to change.

"Can we talk real quick?" Hazel asked.

"Yeah. Just give me one moment," Will said. Hazel nodded and glanced back down the hall. She could see Octavian and Lupa were talking outside of Lupa's office. Hazel closed the door and looked back at Will.

Will took another minute to finish writing, and he put his phone in his pocket. Then, he gave his full attention to Hazel. His gaze moved to the door. "Oh no, are you giving me the shovel talk? Reyna already did that."

"What? No. Of course not," Hazel replied. She studied Will. "Nico told you that I know?"

"Yeah. He told me after the two of you had breakfast," Will confirmed. "I'm sorry that we didn't tell you."

"It's okay, Will. I understand," Hazel promised. "Just please treat Nico right."

Will chuckled for a moment. Then, he held up his hands, "Sorry. I was just really expecting you to turn around and threaten me right there. I promise that I will take care of Nico the best I can."

"I can't be more intimidating than Reyna," Hazel said with a shrug. Will nodded his agreement. "Hey, are you doing anything after work today? Well, right now?"

"No," Will answered. He studied Hazel. "Why?"

"I'm driving Reyna home, and she's going to get me food. Do you want to come with? That way, I can get to know you more. If you want."

"I'd love that," Will said. "Will Reyna be okay with that?"

"I think she will. I can text Nico and ask him if he wants to come too," Hazel said. Will nodded his agreement. "Do you want me to give you a ride, or should I meet you there?"

"I'll meet you," Will replied. Hazel smiled brightly and grabbed her phone. She called Nico's number. He had the day off because he worked the Sunday before to help Lupa sort through and catalog their supplies and equipment.

"Hello?" Nico said after a few rings.

"Get dressed," Hazel ordered. "You're going out to eat with Will, Reyna, and I. We're heading out to get you now."

"Oh, okay," Nico said. "Are we going somewhere fancy?"

"We don't know yet," Hazel replied. She looked at Will. "Where do you want to go?"

"We could-"

"Nico was talking about this restaurant near his place that is really good," Will interrupted.

"Will?" Nico asked.

"Hey babe," Will greeted. He blushed after a moment and seemed to realize what he said. Hazel just smiled at him.

"Do you want to go to that restaurant, Nico?" Hazel questioned. She heard Nico mumble a reply. "I'll take that as a yes. Send the address to Will. I'll be there soon, babe."

Nico huffed, but Hazel could hear the smile in his tone. She hung up. Will had a smile on his face, "I'll meet you guys there."

"Sounds good," Hazel said. She kept a bright grin on her face as she left the room and walked down the hallway. Her eyes drifted to Octavian and Lupa who looked like they were deep in conversation. Lupa had a frown on her face.

Hazel quickened her pace and tuned out so she wouldn't overhear them. Her gaze stayed focused on the ground. Hazel made her way down the stairs and then walked outside and towards her car. The engine was running, and Reyna was staring down at her phone.

"Hey," Hazel said as she sat in the driver's seat. Her gaze moved to Reyna. "I hope you don't mind, but I volunteered you to go out with Will and Nico. I can always drop you off at your place if you want."

"No. I'm fine to go," Reyna said as she looked at Hazel. "I just need to stop by my place and get some pain medicine if we have time."

"We're going to pick up Nico, so we'll have time," Hazel promised. Reyna nodded and studied her.

"I'm glad that you support Nico. I knew that you would, but Nico was so worried," Reyna said softly. "You're a good sister, Hazel. Nico is really lucky to have you."

Hazel felt tears come to her eyes, and she quickly blinked them away, "That means a lot, Reyna. Especially coming from you."

Reyna smiled at her and settled back in her seat, "I'll still pay for dinner. Where are we going?"

"Some place that Nico has been talking about," Hazel replied. "Are we dressed up enough for it?"

"It's Nico. We'd be dressed up enough if we were in our sparring gear," Reyna stated. Hazel laughed. She focused on the road as she pulled out of the parking lot. Hazel wanted to enjoy this dinner and get to know Will. She wanted to show Nico that she more than approved of his sexuality and that she would never judge him. Hopefully, this would be a good start.