I love Nico and I fucking loved writing this scene because he deserves it so much, seriously I was smiling like a loon while I wrote this one. Also, gotta say I love my adorable girls being adorable, and Annabeth definitely knows that Percy gets all flustered with her. Also, Poseidon might not always be there but he's trying to spoil his little girl-and Hades is trying to show he cares too.

Percy landed, sliding off of Blackjack and several campers scrambled out of the way as she sprinted towards Nico, who gave her a wide grin as he slid away from Nico and crashed into her, and she didn't care about the pain in her arms as she hugged him tightly and half lifted him off the ground, "Nico-"

"I did it!" Nico was laughing, "I did it Percy!"

"You did it!" Percy laughed back, even as Luke landed next to them and wrapped his arms around both of them.

"Quest complete-"

"You all did very well." Chiron was smiling proudly at them, "We will need someone to guard the Fleece of course-to ensure that no monsters steal it but I have no doubt that today you children have saved Camp. I think this calls for a celebration-I'll alert Mr.D. I'm sure he'll enjoy the chance to visit Olympus to inform him that his daughters tree is saved."

"Sounds perfect." Percy smiled, tucking her hair out of her face as she pulled back from Nico, though Luke kept his arms draped over both of their shoulders.

Then an image appeared above Nico's head, a holographic looking Helm floating above him, and there were gasps all around them-Chiron's eyes widened in shock.

Percy noticed that he was too stunned to speak so she spoke up, "All hail Nico Di Angelo, the son of Hades Lord of the Underworld!" she called out proudly, and Nico looked nervous as he looked around at the stunned campers, and then Will's expression went from shocked to determined and he darted closer, grabbing Nico's hand and thrusting it into the air-and Kayla shoved Luke away to grab Nico's other hand and do the same as Will called-

"All hail Nico Di Angelo! Son of Hades and hero of Camp Half-blood-" Kayla echoed Will's call, and then Clarisse was speaking up.

"All hail Nico Di Angelo, he might be an annoying brat but he's stubborn and brave and a damn good hero!"

"All hail Nico Di Angelo." Annabeth called out, "Hero of Camp Half-blood!"

"All hail Nico Di Angelo. Hero of Camp Half-blood." Luke called, and finally everyone else began to join in, chanting the words as Nico's cheeks flushed a bright shade of red, the nerves disappearing and a smile crossing his lips as Clarisse yanking him up onto her shoulders and the joy filled the air again as Nico's laughter filled the air and everyone gathered around him.

Together the crowd of Campers moved back into Camp, Chiron ordering a couple of Hermes kids to stay and guard the Fleece.

And the rest of the day was filled with joy and excitement-they called Sally who had gushed about how proud she was of Nico-who's face had gone a brilliant shade of red at the constant stream of praise.

The six questers plus Will, Kayla and Clarisse were the guests of honour so to speak as the evening turned into a party celebrating their victory.

Percy spent much of her time with Nico for the first half an hour-but it soon became very very clear that he didn't need her to look out for him-Will, Kayla and Clarisse stayed fairly close to him-it was clear to Percy that Will and Kayla would be Nico's friends for life-especially Will, who refused to leave Nico's side and spent most of the time dragging Nico with him to introduce him to older campers-and Percy could tell that Clarisse, though she'd never admit it, had a soft spot for the young son of Hades-and it help that she was being hailed as a hero for getting him to camp and helping fight off the monsters that had tried to attack them

It was the happiest Percy had felt since she'd overheard the Iris message between her mom and Chiron.

At the end of the night-Chiron had agreed to dismiss Curfew for one night since it was all older campers-other than Nico, Will and Kayla and Chiron had declared that under the circumstances they deserved the chance to stay up late- and they had every reason to celebrate.

Mr. D had promptly headed off to Olympus to tell his father that Thalia's tree was going to be fine, and when he returned home he was in an oddly chipper mood-for him, which meant that he didn't actually insult any of the campers too badly.

Percy found herself heading towards the beach as the night drew on.

She'd gotten changed and bandaged up her arms earlier-she hadn't wanted to waste Nectar or Ambrosia and she hadn't wanted to duck out to go for a swim since she hadn't wanted to leave Nico's side much-besides while the gashes were nasty they were hardly life threatening.

When she reached the beach Percy sat down on the sand, staring out across the dark water as the waves lapped at the beach.

It was peaceful on the beach, though she could hear the celebrations in the background, and she could hear the footsteps crunching on the sand, the sound of shifting and rustling as someone sat next to her.

Percy smiled ever so faintly as she turned her head to see Annabeth. "Hey."

"Hey Seaweed Brain." Annabeth grabbed her hand, squeezing gently, "Tired?"

"Yeah, just a bit." Percy gave a wry smile as tilted her head back. "It's been a long day."

"Yeah." Annabeth bit her lip, "I... I was so scared when I realized Alabaster had you alone."

"I'm fine." Percy shook her head, "I was freaked out but... I'm fine Annabeth."

"He hurt you."

"Yeah. Yeah he did. That's nothing new." Percy gave a small shrug, "But you guys got to me and we got out." Percy paused, a soft smile on her lips. "Nico looks so happy-"

"Well yeah, duh." Annabeth laughed softly, "You were worried he wouldn't be accepted."

"Of course I was, his dad's Hades, from what I know kids of Hades don't end up being given respect usually-"

"Well Nico's clearly a special case. Besides if anyone does decide to be stupid and mean to him I think Clarisse would knock them out."

"It's nice to think he's got people other than me to watch his back-"

"He definitely has Will and Kayla." Annabeth laughed, "It's kind of adorable honestly."

Percy nodded, letting out a breath and tilting her head back to look up at the stars as Annabeth did the same, twining their fingers together.

Percy found herself starting to doze off when she heard more footsteps and she opened her eyes slowly, turning her head to see a familiar figure moving towards them as a voice spoke.

"Well don't you girls look peaceful?"

She sighed, reluctantly pulling her hand free from Annabeth's and pushing herself so that she was sat up. "Lord Hermes? Are you here to see Luke or the others?"

"No, as much as I'd like to see my kids I'm rushed off my feet at the moment." Hermes looked tired.

"Then why are you here Lord Hermes?" Annabeth asked politely, "Not to be rude or anything I just... it doesn't make any sense for you to visit us and not Luke?"

"I'm here on business actually. I have a couple of letters for Percy."

"You do?" Percy sat up straighter, "Really?"

"Yeah." Hermes moved forward, handing the dark haired girl two envelopes, "One's from your father the other is from Lord Hades."

"Huh." Percy blinked, "I can guess what the one from my father says but I wonder what Lord Hades has to say to me."

"I dunno, I'm just the messenger." Hermes reached out to and ruffled her hair, "Tell my boy I'm proud of him okay?"

"I will." Percy gave a quick nod, "He'll be happy to know that."

"Of course he will." Hermes sighed, "I wish I could be there for him more but-"

"The rules." Annabeth's voice was sad, "We know."

"I've leave you girls in peace now." Hermes waved a hand before he was suddenly gone in a flash of light, and Percy turned to look at Annabeth, who
shrugged.

"Can you see well enough to read the letters?"

"Should be able to." it was a clear enough night, a bright moon, lots of stars visible due to a lack of clouds.

She unfolded the letter from her father first, Annabeth shifting closer, resting her head on Percy's shoulder as together they looked at the letter.

Persephone,
I'm glad you completed your quest and made it back to camp safely-I've had the sea creatures that live near Camp giving me updates and I understand that you've saved the tree.
I am sorry about your present-if you wish I can get you another one

Percy burst out laughing at that part and Annabeth giggled.

"Your dad really does like to spoil you when he can doesn't he?"

"He loves me." Percy smiled proudly-she knew how lucky she was, Poseidon was definitely one of the better Godly parents, he certainly made an effort to show that he cared which was more than most of the Gods did.

Just don't tell your mom, I feel like she might disapprove of me gifting you multiple boats every time you destroy one.
I am glad that it came in useful on your quest, and as always I am unendingly proud of the hero you're becoming.
I love you very much my daughter. And be very careful, things are shifting and we cannot guess what will happen next.
Your father,
Poseidon."

"He does love you." Annabeth's voice was soft.

"I love him too." Percy said softly, "Wish I could see him more but... I know he would be around if he could."

"All of us wish we could see our parents more." Annabeth shook her head, "They're kinda all deadbeats most of them."

"Is it ironic that even Hades is a better dad than most of them because he does at least talk to Nico we Iris message-"

"It really is." Annabeth snorted, "I've never liked Hades but I have to admit there are definitely worse fathers." she shifted, "So, you gonna look at his letter next?"

"Of course."

Percy quickly got the letter out and unfolded it-it was shorter than the one from Poseidon but Percy had honestly accepted that.

Persephone Jackson.
I have been keeping an eye on my son from a distance-thank you for caring for him as you have and I hope that you continue to do so.
I am glad that he's happy and growing into a skilled warrior. Tell him that I have located his sister and she is safe, though I can say no more.
Once again I thank you for protecting my child.
Your Uncle, Lord Hades.

Percy blinked at it, "Huh. I mean I knew he trusted me to send Nico to me and all but-he's actually thanking me."

"Is it just me or does Lord Hades have a soft spot for you?" Annabeth asked with a raised eyebrow, "Gods don't exactly like to thank mortals."

"Well honestly I'll take what I can get. At least I don't have to worry about him sending monsters after me or trying to smite me like I do uncle Zeus."

"It does make me hate him slightly less than I did." Annabeth admitted after a moment, "I mean don't get me wrong I doubt that I'll ever forgive him for what he did to Thalia but... I guess I do get his anger. It was just pointed at the wrong person." Annabeth sighed before shifting, "I wonder where Nico's sister is. I mean Lord Hades said she's safe enough so I guess at least that'll reassure him."

"I don't think I'm gonna like her much." Percy said with a frown, "I know it might be unfair and she probably has her reasons for running away like she did but she abandoned Nico-even if Alecto promised he'd be safe I just don't get it. How anyone could do that."

"That's because you're Percy Jackson, sister extraordinaire." Annabeth laughed, knocking their shoulder's together, "Both little and big."

Percy laughed at that, shaking her head, "How is it you always know what to do to make me feel better."

"Because I'm your best friend." Annabeth patter her cheek, grinning brightly, the moonlight making her hair glow with a silvery tint.

"You really are." Percy smiled softly-and then her face flushed bright red as Annabeth pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Then the blonde was on her feet and sprinting away across the beach, laughing-a bright joy filled sound as Percy stared after her with wide eyes.