"Pretty please."
The number of puppy-dog eyes bombarding him was ridiculous. From all sides, tiny campers looked pleadingly at the Hero of Olympus. He was surrounded, not just by his own pupils, no, but Nico's as well.
A small girl's lip started to quiver. "With cherries on top," she asked as sweet as sugar.
Percy grimaced. His already questionable resolve started to dwindle. Help, he mouthed at Nico, who stood next to him.
"I don't know," the son of Hades replied reluctant. He'd been strangely quiet so far.
"Show, don't tell," another boy chimed in. "That's what you're always preaching."
Awww, the tiny rascals were listening after all, Percy thought. Maybe a friendly match wouldn't be so bad. You know, for practice. He was getting restless anyway. It had been quite some time since his latest quest, and he could tell Nico was feeling the same. They both itched for a fight.
"You're the strongest and smartest demigods there are," they buttered them up further.
And yup, just like that Percy's ego was on board. Nico on the other hand needed a little more convincing. Flattery seldom worked on him.
"We have to be prepared for the real world. Please help."
"Just this once."
They were awfully persistent today.
"Nico?" Percy asked.
Said teen resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He'd heard the tone before and his instincts knew exactly what was turning over in that guppy's brain. "Hmm." Nico's expression remained guarded. He twisted his skull ring and stopped as soon as he realized what he was doing.
"Come on grumpy old man," The son of Poseidon grinned. Resistance was futile. There was no point prolonging this charade. "Or are you scared you can't keep up with my awesomeness?" He waggled his brows while drawing his pen.
"The opposite Jackson," Nico snorted. "Mmkay, I guess one round can't hurt." His hands closed around his own hilt.
As if he could say no to Percy Jackson.