Nico

Nico left the cabin with a strange feeling, like elation, but with a hint of regret behind it.

He felt horrible for being with Jason. He loved it, and he loved being with him, but every second that they were alone, every time they kissed, every time Jason even looked at him with those stunning eyes, he felt it: the guilt.

He never would have dated Jason before. He never even saw him as a possible boyfriend. He'd only ever had one crush, and that was on Percy.

Percy Jackson. The cutest, funniest, bravest guy Nico had ever known, but he had always been in love with Annabeth. And Nico had never told him how he felt, and now… it was too late anyway. Jason was his way of getting over Percy. Hi way of saying, I don't need Percy Jackson to live my life. I can love someone else.

And Jason was great. He was kind, and caring, and he would do anything for Nico, and Nico knew it. But Jason wasn't Percy.

He had to admit, though, that his feelings were growing stronger. At first, their relationship had been awkward at best, with uncomfortable silences and questioning looks. But now Nico felt comfortable around Jason. In fact, Jason could cheer him up and make him smile like no one else could. But did that mean he loved him?

Nico wasn't sure.

For the past two weeks, he'd been travelling. All over the world, just him, on his own. He considered taking Jason, but decided against it. He had needed some alone time.

He'd gone to Italy, to Paris, all across the United States, and even a short sojourn in Japan. At one point, he visited the Underworld, wondering if maybe this time, he would find Percy in Elysium. No such luck.

Hades knew that Nico was looking for Percy, but he never asked why. He just shook his head and watched as his son searched desperately for a boy that was long gone.

Nico didn't know what to expect. After all, Gaea had taken Percy. He would be dead by now, but his soul would never make it to the Underworld.

Or maybe he had, but he had chosen to be reborn, try for the Isles of the Blest. Seemed like something Percy would do. Either way, Nico never found him, no matter how many times he looked. He was close to just stopping his search. If he didn't stop now, he would be looking until he was old and grey.

Nico passed Frank on his way down to the forum. "Have you seen Hazel?" Nico asked, figuring his best chance at finding her was through her boyfriend. Frank pointed towards town. "Actually, yeah, she's in the coffee shop waiting for you. Said you were gonna be late again." He grinned. "Better hurry."

Nico thanked him and took off towards the town, wanting to please Hazel at least once, show that he could be responsible. He made it to the shop with a minute to spare, but considering he was sweaty and out of breath, he waited thirty seconds to get his breathing under control before calmly walking in and sitting down across from her. Hazel looked surprised.

"You made it!" she exclaimed. "And on time, too! I have to say, I'm impressed." Nico shrugged, concealing his grin. "Hey, I try to always be on time for everything." Hazel rolled her eyes. "Please. I already ordered for us, got you black coffee, no sugar. Just how you like it."

Nico smiled. Hazel knew him pretty well, considering he didn't even know she existed until a few years ago. She filled the sisterly role in his life where Bianca was missing.

"So how was your trip?" Hazel asked, as their drinks came to the table. Ironically, she had ordered hazelnut coffee. Nico shrugged. "It was good. I was visiting dad for a little bit, Persephone says hi. But I guess you don't really know her, do you." Hazel shook her head. "Not really dying to meet her, either. I hope she doesn't start sending me flowers or something." Nico chuckled. "She won't, don't worry."

They sipped their drinks in silence, until Hazel broke it and said, "So how are you, really? And don't lie, because I can tell when you're lying."

Nico looked down, the pattern on his seat suddenly very interesting. "I'm fine," he mumbled. "Don't worry about me. If you wanna worry over someone, go find Piper. She's heartbroken since Jason broke up with her." Hazel frowned. "Piper isn't my family. I worry about you more, and rightfully so."

"Well I'm fine," Nico said, not meeting her eyes. "How's Frank doing?" If he could get her to start talking about her boyfriend, he would be in the clear.

Hazel's eyes narrowed. "Uh huh. I don't believe you, but I'll let it go for now. This conversation isn't over, Nico." She leaned back in her chair. "Thanks for asking, Frank is good. We're going to be visiting Camp Half Blood, if you wanna come. We're leaving tomorrow." Nico felt his heart begin to pound, like it wanted to beat its way out of his chest.

"Um, well, I actually just got back, and I'd rather just stay here and rest for a few days, not leave again, you know…" He knew his argument was weak, and Hazel looked skeptical, but she shrugged. "It's your choice. I'm sure they all miss you there." Nico let out a short, cynical laugh. "Yeah, right. Trust me, they've already forgotten me."

Hazel nodded. "Mmhmm. I'm sure. Well, you have fun staying here and being lonely. I have to go pack." She stood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you, Nico."

She hurried out with her coffee. Nico wanted to shout, "I'm lonely, huh? Tell that to my boyfriend!" He didn't of course, but he would have loved to see her face when he said that.

"Love you too, sis," he muttered, finishing his coffee alone.