Guys sorry for not updating for the past couple of days, I had difficulty in writing the next chapter. I did rewrite it a couple times. Hope you guys can enjoy it. I know this past few chapters were sad but just bear with me for a while.

Thank you for the reviews on the last chapter:

henrie locker: Please don't hate Nico just because of my story. It will be better soon I promise.

RomanticMessDemigod21: I'm sorry it was kind of depressing. I played the scene in my mind and I was also having the hard time writing it.

littlebear101: Bear with Annabeth for a while.

srkatlatlqueen: Sorry for not updating recently

TyberAurora: I won't I promise

weaslyhead96: Thank You! It means a lot.

Child Of The Wise Owl: Thank you.

tniki713: Glad to hear that you like Nico. Just stay tuned for the following chapters.

daughter of the seawisdom: Thank you so much it means a lot to me that you thought it was well written. Thank you thank you.

Hi: Thank you.

Guest: Thank you.

Emily: Thank you very much.

Guest: Here it is.

Yaariyan: Sorry I've just been busy with a lot of things.

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Chapter 43

Nico's POV

I haven't slept well last night due to the fact that I was thinking about Percy's situation. I shouldn't have pushed him into admitting the truth but I know it's the right thing to do. Besides he needs to come home soon. I know it sounds so selfish but he got a family back in New York who love him so much. They deserve to know the truth that he's okay.

I was tempted to call Sally or Kelsi to tell them the truth that I already found Percy but I know it is not yet the right time. Percy's going through a lot and I don't want to complicate things more for him. And I know he'll going to fulfill his promise that he's going back home with me.

I decided to get up since I can't go back to sleep. It was just 6 am. I put my shirt on and went outside. I heard noises in the kitchen, it was probably Hestia. I pass by Percy's room and it was slightly open. I peaked inside and he's not there. He must have got up early.

I went out to the veranda and I saw Percy near the shore sitting in the sand looking at the horizon. The view was breathtaking. The sun is just rising making the water sparkle. It was peaceful. For a minute I enjoyed the view but then my gaze turn back to Percy.

I didn't know if he's enjoying the view just like me but for a second I doubted it. I think about approaching him, I haven't talk to him since the "big revelation" thing. But then I hesitated. What if he's mad at me? One look at him again and I decided to go talk to him in spite of my hesitation.

He didn't notice me when I approach him. I stand beside him. I glanced at him and he has this far away look. He must have taken an early morning jog to think.

"Hey." I greeted him.

He was startled for a second and he relaxed when he saw it was me. He nodded his head for recognition. He didn't say a word. So I decided to speak up again and turn my gaze back to the horizon.

"What a beautiful view." I commented.

"Yeah it is." He said half heartedly.

For a while we didn't say a word, we just enjoyed the view. And then he said, "I'm ready to go home." It was almost a whisper but I did catch it.

I turned to look at him. "Are you sure?"

He stands up and brushes his hands to his shorts to shake off the sand. "Yeah." He turned to look at me. "I should stop running. I need to deal with my problems. I know I've caused a lot of trouble back home when I left. So it's time for me to do something about it."

"What about them? What about Annabeth?"

He let out a deep sigh. "It was her advice." He turned to look at me. "And I guess she's right. How can I even fix my relationship with her when my personal life is a mess? I need to set things right first before I can come back and try to win her over again."

"I think it's the right thing to do." I stated. "How are you?" I know it's a lame question but I just wanted to know how he was doing. Way back with Calypso, he was a disaster and with Annabeth, I know it was more difficult for him.

He looked at me and I can see all the emotions in his teary eyes. He didn't answer my question but instead, "We can go home as early as tomorrow. Just let me say goodbye to them properly." He weakly smiled and walked away.

I followed my gaze on him as he walks towards the house. His shoulders were slumped as if he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. I know it was hard for him, leaving his new family but I guess it is for the best now.

I can't help but pity him. I know there's a lot on his shoulders now but once he got back home he'll be dealing with more serious things. Dad. Thinking about him makes me shudder. He's so mad when he found out that Percy is nowhere to be found.

I let out a deep sigh. What is important right now is he's coming back home. We will deal with the problems later. Right now my cousin needs me and I'm going to be there for him as his big brother to give him the support that he needed most.

Percy's POV

Once I told Nico my decision, it is time to tell Mom and Charles about it. After lunch Nico gave us some room so that the three of us can talk. I didn't know how to start. I didn't want to leave them. They have been my family for the past months. I've grown to love them as my own blood. Just the thought of leaving them and be thousand miles away from them was heartbreaking.

"What is it honey?" Mom asked as she holds my hand. Charles is seating opposite to me and I'm beside Mom. He looks at me seriously.

I cleared my throat. "I..I'm going back to New York." I sadly broke the news to them. "I think it's time for me to go."

I looked at my mom and saw that she's trying hard not to cry. Her grip tightens around my hand. "I know that this day will come. I will not hold you back from your decision."

I hugged mom tightly and without wanting I started to cry. I buried my face in her shoulder although she was so small that it looked like I was crushing her but she didn't mind at all. That's when my mom lost it and she too started to cry.

"I am sorry." I mumbled.

"Shh.." She hushed and started rubbing circles in my back. "No need to apologize."

I pulled away from her. "I've given you so much trouble especially to Charles." I turned to look over my shoulder to his direction.

He shook his head and for the first time he talk. "Don't beat yourself too much. It was not just your fault Perce. Let's just hope that it will be better soon."

"So when are you going home?" He asked changing the subject. I know he was hurting too. Silena isn't talking to him.

"I.." I stammered. I paused for a moment. "Tomorrow."

Mom eyes widen but she didn't say anything. She just squeezed my hand.

"I know it's too soon but I hope you understand. The longer I stay here it will be a lot harder to go." I explained.

"I know son." She caressed my cheek. "And we understand right Charles?" She turned to look at him.

Charles weakly smiled at me. "Are you going to say goodbye to them?"

"I am not sure if they will talk to me but I'm going to try."

Charles nodded his head. "Just let me know if I can help you with something."

I smiled at him. "Thank you."

After the talk with mom and Charles, I went to talk to Nico and told him that it is final that we are going back home tomorrow. I was thankful that he didn't question me anymore.

Third Person's POV

Percy parked his car and look at the familiar place. This is where he met Hestia for the first time. He has grown to love this place and he is surely going to miss it. He contemplates on going inside. He knows Leo is inside and he's somewhat afraid, afraid that he can't face him or the fact that his good friend hates him.

This will be his last chance to say goodbye to him. He knows the others probably don't want to see him and he's hoping that Leo is an exemption since he's closer to him. Maybe he won't push him away if he tried to talk to him. At least he's going to say goodbye to one of them before he leaves.

Once he felt ready he grabs the letters on his side and stepped out of the car. Before he can lose his nerves he reaches for the door and opens it. He's glad that there were no customers. Leo is on the counter. When he heard the door opens he turned to look and he stops what he was doing.

Percy takes it as a good sign when he just stood there and waited for him to approach.

"Hey." Percy greeted.

Leo narrowed his eyes on him. Percy knows what was coming next but he was shocked.

"What do you want?" Leo just asked. He thought that he was going to shout at him and maybe even punch him on the face or something.

He rubs the back of his head before he look at him. "Can we talk?" Percy asked.

Leo thought for awhile before he nodded. He walks out of the counter and they went to the office so that the other employees can't hear them. Once they were inside Leo just stood near the door and crossed his arms waiting for him to speak.

Percy went to the couch and sit. He look at Leo and was about to say something when he beat him to it.

"Why did you have to lie to us?" Leo asked bitterly. "I thought we are your friends?"

"You are!" Percy replied immediately. He stands up and pace back and forth running his hands into his messy hair. "I'm so sorry for lying to you. It's just been crazy and I thought for that time it was easier to not tell everybody about who I really am."

"Lying is never a good thing, you should know that."

"I know. I know." Percy replied defeated. He sits in the couch and buried his face in his hands. "I was such a fool to believe that I can run away from the truth. I found my second family in here and I don't want to ruin everything that's why I didn't have the guts to tell the truth about me."

"I thought I was making the right decision. I wanted to start a new life here, with Annabeth and with you guys. I was so selfish to believe that. I don't know what I can do to make you guys forgive me but I was hoping you'll find it in your heart someday."

Leo didn't say anything for a while. He walks to sit beside Percy on the couch. He let out a deep sigh.

"Tell me the whole truth. I want to hear everything. "Leo demanded. "I deserve to know it."

Percy nodded. "Yes you do." He then started to tell the whole story to Leo. Once he was finished Leo just kept quiet. Percy waited for his reaction.

"You've got one messed up life my friend." Leo teased. He patted Percy's shoulder.

Percy couldn't help but smile. At least Leo was taking it lightly. "Is that all you can say?" He asked amusedly.

Leo narrowed his eyes on him. "What? What do you expect me to do? Yell at you or hit you? Well I can do that if you like." He said teasingly.

Percy chuckled. "Honestly yeah. I was kind of expecting the worst possible scenario."

"Nah, you know me man. Let's just say I am hurt that you lied to our faces but that doesn't mean I can't understand you. I get where you coming from. I bet your life was never easy with all the fame and responsibility."

Leo paused for a moment. "Leaving your family was not the answer to your problem but look at it at the bright side, we've all met. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you need to fix things Perce."

"Yeah that's what Annabeth said to me." Percy said sadly.

"You've talked to her?"

Percy nodded. Tears were started forming in his eyes. "Yesterday we did talk. It's over between us Leo." He was now crying. "I beg for her forgiveness but she can't give it to me. I've hurt her a lot."

Leo felt pity for his friend. He patted him in the back. "I'm sorry to hear that bro. Give her some time. Maybe someday she can forgive you and who knows you'll get back together."

"Gods I wish things were just so simple. I hope you're right. She's the one who told me to fix my life." Percy said. "You guys are right." He picks the letters that he wrote. He wiped the tears away. "Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" Leo asked eyeing the letters that he's holding.

"I'm leaving tomorrow." He stated. "Can you do me a favor and give this to Annabeth, Silena and the others?"

"What?!" Leo asked bewildered. "You're going home? Why it is so sudden?"

Percy smiled weakly. "I have to. I have to fix things. If I don't leave soon.. It will be a lot harder."

"But.. but what about the others? You're just going to leave without saying goodbye to them?"

"That's why I wrote them a letter." Percy explained. "I'm not sure if they will talk to me after everything that happens and I don't think I can face them."

"Can you do this for me?" He asked again as he handed the letters. Leo nodded his head and reached for the letters.

Percy stands up and offered his hand to Leo. "Thank you." Leo stands up too but instead of reaching for his hand he pulled Percy for a hug.

"Take care." Leo said. "I'll help you with the others. Just do what you have to do. Just promise me that you will never forget us."

Percy smiled. "Of course man, thank you so much. I'll keep in touch." They broke away. Percy smiled weakly again. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too man."

Percy patted Leo's shoulder and head towards the door. "Please take care of Mom, Charles and Annabeth…" He trailed off.

" I will." Leo nodded his head. "Good Luck." He added. Percy smiled to him and went out to the door. Leo turned to look at the letters that Percy gave him. He let out a deep sigh and head towards the door too.

Next Day

It was time for Nico and Percy to get home. They are currently at the airport. Percy wears his hat just in case someone might recognize him. Hestia and Charles are with them. They are waiting for their flight.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Hestia demanded. Hey eyes are red. Tears threaten to spill out.

"I will mom. I'm going to miss you. Please do take care of each other." Percy said as he hugs her. "Thank you so much for everything."

Hestia hugs him back. "Don't worry about us. It is you that I'm worried."

"Don't worry I'll take care of him." Nico offered as he smiled to Hestia and Charles. Hestia broke away from Percy and turn to Nico. Nico was taken aback when Hestia hugs him too.

"Take care of each other." She said.

Percy turns to Charles. "I'll keep in touch. Maybe someday you can come visit us to New York."

"Yeah maybe." Charles replied. Percy pulled him into a hug. "I'm going to miss you brother."

Charles smiled weakly as he returns his hug. He comes to love him as his younger brother. "Take care of yourself. Remember we are just here for you. You can call us whenever you want." He offered.

"Thank you so much." Percy pulled away from him and put his arm around Hestia's shoulder. He kissed his mom on her forehead. "I'm going to miss you."

Nico offered his hand to Charles. "Thank you." Nico and Charles became close in the short period of time just like Percy. Charles hugs him instead. "Take care of him." He whispered to Nico. Nico nodded his head and pulled away.

"Percy!" Someone called. They turned to look at who called him. It was Leo. They were surprised to see that he didn't come alone. Beside him were Travis, Connor, Chris and Clarisse.

"Hey." They greeted.

"You guys are here." Percy said in amazement.

"Well duh." Clarisse commented.

"We're here to say goodbye." Travis said. "You're not going to get rid of us that easy, you know." Connor joked.

"You're.. You're not mad at me?" Percy asked.

"Maybe a little but we get over it as fast as we could. Besides you've been good to us and I doubt you're faking it." Chris commented.

"We read your letter." Travis added. "We do understand you."

"Thank you." Percy said with teary eyes. One by one he hugs them. When he pulled away from Clarisse, he told her to take care of the other girls. Clarisse smiled at him. "I will. Don't worry. And Percy just give them time I know they will forgive you."

He smiled weakly at her. "Please take care of Annabeth."

"Don't worry about her man. We got her. Just do what you're supposed to do. We will be all waiting for you. Just don't dare to forget us." Connor threatens.

"I won't I promise."

When it was time for them to go, Nico and Percy said their goodbyes again. "Give me a call when you visit New York." Percy said. "I'm going to miss you all."

Leo hugged Percy. "Take care." Percy smiled to him.

Percy hugged Hestia once more. "I love you mom." He said as he kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you too." Hestia said. "Take care. Call me when you land."

"I will." Percy said.

"Have a safe trip." Travis and Connor shouted. Percy smiled at them. He surely is going to miss those guys.

They wave goodbye to the others as they make their way to the departure area.

"You okay?" Nico asked.

"Yeah I'm fine."

Nico and Percy boarded the plane. It will be just a couple of hours and they will be arriving in New York. Percy didn't know what to do once he sees his family. He hopes that everything will be fine. He looks at the window. He is going to miss Greece. And most importantly, he is going to miss the people who became his family.

He thinks of Annabeth. He's going to miss her the most. He'll do anything to get her back whatever it takes. He's not going to give up. He loves her so much just to let her go. I'll be back. He promised to himself.