Of Weddings and Weekends

by Corvidwing

SEQUEL TO BLACK AND BLUE. It's been one year since Nico looked into the eyes of his soulmate, and everything he'd been missing opened up to him. It's been one year since Jason proposed to Piper, and the time has finally come for them to get hitched. Join the group on the longest, most life-changing weekend of their lives as they learn to always look for a rainbow in the rain. AU.

8. Chapter 5

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Chapter 5: Of Unions and Gang Fights (But Mostly Unions) - Part 1

Sunday

4am

15 hours before the wedding

Nico's sleep was restless.

He tossed and turned all night, not because of the couch, but because of the dreams. They plagued him with an angry confusion, though what he saw was hardly confusing.

It was him and Will. Where they were he couldn't tell, but Will was angry. A murky mist surrounded him in the dream, a stark contrast to the usual shine.

"What are we doing, Nico?!" Nico couldn't make out everything Will said, but some things were disturbingly clear. He didn't want to know the words his dream garbled.

"You're neurotic! I shouldn't even be here." Dream Will was beyond angry, face red and a biting fury in his tone. In the waking world, things weren't nearly that bad. But given what Nico had done, what he'd said, they could've been.

Nico woke up in a cold sweat when Dream Will threw something. He couldn't see what it was.

Then he just laid there. He noticed the couch now; it was uncomfortable as to be expected, but it was more than he deserved. He probably would've slept on the floor if he knew he could get away with it. But the pillow was a companion to his thoughts, at least, and he picked at a loose thread. He wondered what time it was.

He wished he knew how to be a better soulmate to Will. Then he realized that was stupid, and all he ended up wishing for was Will's patient understanding as Nico learned.

Nico couldn't keep hoping for someone or something else to solve his problems. He already knew that, really, even if he didn't know he did, but now he knew what to do about it. Take action.

Not now, though. Now, he would go back to sleep, and in the morning he would ensure to the best of his abilities that his friends' wedding went smoothly.

When he dreamed, he dreamed of the sun in a bright blue sky.

oOo

"Nico, wake up."

Nico shuddered in his sleep. What dark corner of his mind was that coming from?

"Nico, come on."

He began to stir from his slumber. Oh, so that was real.

Just as he began to fully regain consciousness, a shout met him. "Up and at 'em, Death Boy!"

Nico felt the urge to flinch, and just barely managed to avoid it. He didn't like it when people woke him up. He'd never admit it, but it scared him, and if he didn't let himself wake up naturally he'd always just set an alarm with soft music on his phone. With Will, it was a little different, but they still had a ways to go.

"There are things to do, and… things to do, and more things to do." Will's voice gradually deflated as he went on, but at the end he shrugged his shoulders with indifference. "At least it'll be worth it."

Nico, now disgruntled and definitively not sleeping, turned over and looked at the clock on the dresser, which read 6:00. He suppressed a groan. It was way too early to be awake. It was too early to be alive .

Will, noticing Nico's open eyes, bounced on his toes with a small smile and left to brush his teeth while Nico was doomed to suffer in the state between wake and sleep. Wake won over because Nico knew it had to. If he was home though, he'd be pulling the covers over his face.

Resignedly, Nico set to getting ready; he showered as fast as he could, and shook his hair off like a dog while he dried the rest of himself with a towel. He half expected to be met with Will and a comb when he exited the bathroom. Then he remembered.

Will didn't seem particularly off-put this morning. But he'd told Nico point-blank that it was going to take time, and Nico didn't expect anything less. Guilt washed over him, and he wondered if he should say something, which started a chain of What would I say? and Maybe I shouldn't. He made his choice.

"Hey."

Will looked at him while he was making the bed (seriously, Will?) but said nothing, and Nico's eyes quickly dropped to his hands. He'd been tying his shoes, but his hands were moving so slow it was as if they weren't moving at all.

"I'm sorry. For everything."

Nico could almost hear Will roll his eyes. He wondered if it was annoyance, amusement, or both.

"You already apologized, Nico."

"Not very well." Nico let the laces fall from his fingers; he wasn't getting very far anyway. He moved onto the other shoe, as if he'd have more luck with that one.

Will, now straightening out the sheets, looked away in thought for a moment. Then his lips quirked up just a little, and he shrugged and said, "It's a start." There was a moment of semi-comfortable silence between them. "Why didn't you feel like you could talk to me about it?"

Nico took a deep breath, trying to push away his instincts and make room for the changes he wanted to make. That started with being open, and truthful. "I guess I just… didn't want to burden you with it. I can take care of myself."

Will sank onto the freshly made bed, folding his hands in his lap. He looked like he was about to give Nico bad news, and it made the Italian think about how he'd have to do that as a doctor. He knew Will could handle it - he was strong - but he couldn't imagine telling a parent they'd lost their child or a person they'd lost their soulmate.

"Right. Not like you're human. Not like you make mistakes."

"I'm sorry. Just… Can we talk about this later?" Anxiety coiled in Nico's chest - his instincts were coming back full force - and he fidgeted as he tried to keep a pained expression off his face. "Now isn't the right time. I don't want to impede on our friends' wedding."

Will's voice was calm, as usual, and that was the only thing that kept Nico sane despite what he said. "Is that what you think our relationship is? An impediment?"

Nico's head shot up. "What? No, I - I didn't say that - you're putting words in my mouth."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Nico's heart dropped with his shoulders. "No, it's…" He took a breath. "Come on. Let's go get breakfast before Piper puts us to work."

Will nodded and rose from the bed, his expression indiscernible. Nico needed to do something, anything, to lighten the moment, so his lips twitched upwards and he said, "Bet you I can scare the chef into making me a pop tart."

Will chuckled. "I don't doubt it, Death Boy."

Nico smiled.

---

In the small hours of the morning on the day her friends were to be wed, Annabeth Chase was shaken out of her slumber by a wild battle cry and a loud THWACK! repeating over and over. Her reflexes kicked in. She flicked the lights on, only to see… Percy. He'd taken a metal baseball bat to an innocent coat hanger, pummeling and slashing at it like an Ancient Greek warrior.

" Percy! "

"Die, foul beast!"

With an elegant whirl of fabric, Annabeth draped one of the inn's robes around her shoulders, and it curled softly around her neck. But a quick glance over would reveal the tension in her gripping hands, and a glance up would reveal the anger in her expression. She marched over to her soulmate.

But when Percy didn't even notice her, and stumbled face forward into the coat rack, Annabeth realized he was sleepwalking.

"Percy, wake up!" A tap to his back seemed to jolt him out of it, but then Percy spun toward Annabeth with bat still in hand as he recalibrated his body and surroundings. Annabeth didn't appreciate having a metal baseball bat waving in her face, but she wasn't scared. Percy wouldn't hurt her. Even if he was asleep.

"Annabeth?"

"Percy, what are you doing? It's -" she paused and reached for her phone on the bedside table. She groaned. "Ugh, it's almost time to get up."

Percy blinked like a baby bird partaking in a scientific trial, experiencing something strange for the first time. He looked down at the bat in his hand, then the coat rack beside him.

"You!" he said, accusation in his tone as he pointed the bat at his own jacket. "You're the culprit."

Annabeth didn't know what to say. With the responsibility of parenthood looming over her - looming over them , waiting to be abated with reassurance - she'd been sensitive of Percy's silly moments. He was so much more than a goof - he was insightful, caring, sometimes pessimistic - but Annabeth worried that maybe those goofy moments would impart bad lessons on the child, and she didn't want that to happen. She'd read a lot about child development, and after hearing a total stranger recognize the potential problem, she was on edge.

Obviously neither of them were perfect. Maybe that's what had Annabeth insecure - her own flaws. She wanted to do it right . She just wasn't sure she could, and she needed Percy all in on it with her.

If she had given it a good think, she'd know that Percy would be a fantastic father, and that they'd both make amazing parents. There'd always be that small sliver of doubt, but talking to Percy about it would make her feel better. She just… didn't. There was too much on her mind, what with the wedding and everything going on. Besides, she'd only just found out about the pregnancy less than two days ago, and that didn't give her much of a chance to mull it over.

So here she was, stuck with her own fears and no way to deal with them yet. They had a busy day ahead of them; there was so much to do before the wedding and then they had the actual wedding to attend. She didn't have time to think.

Annabeth watched Percy blankly as he glared at the coats, then glanced back at her. "This thing was stalking me in my dream," he said matter-of-factly. He fixed the stand with a death stare. "You should know better than to mess with me, you monster!"

Annabeth was going to say nothing, and simply start getting ready as there was no point in going back to sleep now, but something made her stop. Percy, instead of putting the bat down, lifted it in an "en garde" gesture, a stance which he followed through with in his other arm. Annabeth was angry then, and she wondered if it was her usual anger or if she was having mood swings. Either way, it boiled in her gut.

"Percy, enough!" she yelled. Percy faltered a bit, but he was sort of used to Annabeth yelling at him, and she figured he wasn't too bothered. But she didn't know what she didn't know. "It was a stupid dream. Stop acting like a child."

She turned her back on him and went to take a shower, leaving a small "sorry" on the tip of his tongue.

---

The cold morning air, as it drifted through the dining room's open doors, brought life and rejuvenation to the early risers as they enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the big day. They needed as much food as they could handle before Piper turned them all into errand runners and wedding makers. Nico ate an assortment of fruit and yogurt, and on the corner of his plate: the remaining crumbs of an eaten pop-tart.

When Will received his protein-rich breakfast, he paused before digging in to scoop up some of his eggs and dump them on Nico's plate. Nico stared at them for a second, then glanced at Will. He couldn't quite tell, but there seemed to be a tiny quirk to his lips.

They spent the last bit of free time they'd have this weekend eating and chatting; many of them visited the large table they'd all been sharing, but Nico didn't see a moment when they were all there at the same time, and if they had and he'd just missed it, it had been very brief.

Nico looked around as he ate his food, taking in the moods and actions of those around him. Most people seemed to be excited; after all, it wasn't every day you got to see your friends get married. But there were a few discrepancies here and there. Piper and Jason, as any pre-wedding bride and groom, seemed to be somewhat nervous. Nico didn't see them for very long. They'd probably gone off to make lists or maybe just get a little bit of quiet before the day began.

Percy and Annabeth also seemed a little down, though Nico wouldn't have known if he hadn't been looking. After his and Percy's conversation on the beach, Nico had tried to notice any changes, as if there was anything he could do about them. As he watched the soulmates eat their breakfast, a voice in his head told him he was being invasive, and the unsettling feeling of guilt drew his eyes away.

His eyes fell on Leo just as the Latino was leaving the dining room, plate in hand. Nico was confused, but not all that surprised. He'd seen weirder.

Nico leaned back in his seat, hoping to feel at ease before being on his feet for the rest of the day. He stretched out his legs. Will always told him about the troubles of being tall, and how there was never enough room to stretch his legs. And if there was, he'd take up too much space; he'd trip or touch someone, and he wouldn't be able to stretch his legs anymore. But then Nico would always bring into light the "high cupboards" point, and Will would acquiesce.

Nico pouted at the memory of how one such argument ended; Will gave the victory to Nico as usual, but the next morning Nico went into the kitchen to find all his coffee mugs on top of the cupboards. Will had laughed his socks off when he walked in only to see Nico piling crap up on a chair to reach them with a frown on his face.

Nico sat up and turned to Will, who was tearing apart his toast like a weirdo. For whatever reason, he asked Will if he remembered that day.

Will chuckled. "How could I not?" he said. "I wanted to miniaturize the entire apartment so you'd understand what it's like to be big, but unfortunately that plan had too many technical difficulties." He looked at his toast, then back up into the distance as if he was mourning a great adventure he never went on. "That would've been awesome."

Nico raised an eyebrow, and Will's eyes fell on him. "Really?" Nico questioned. "You wanted to make a mini apartment. That was your master plan?"

Will shrugged and ate a bite of his toast. But then he smiled and said, "That would've been so cute."

Nico shook his head with a tiny laugh. "You're an idiot."

At the realization of how normal this was - too normal for the current state of things - Nico tensed, and his face dropped. Will seemed to notice, and all he did was lean closer so he could brush his shoulder with Nico's.

He was keeping his promise. He was there.

Nico's smile returned.

oOo

The sun began to shine brighter as everyone finished their breakfast, and Nico was both grateful and ungrateful. Grateful because they'd have good weather for the wedding, and ungrateful because it meant he'd roast in his black hoodie as he went around helping prepare for the event.

Of course, he'd sacrifice comfort for aesthetic.

Those on the prep team (or "Wedding Warriors" as Leo liked to call them) migrated from the dining room toward the sitting room, where Piper was mumbling to herself as she looked over a list. Nobody bothered taking a seat. They probably all figured they'd be up and moving soon anyway, so sitting would be pointless. Nico hoped that wouldn't affect anyone's digestion.

Wow, what a Will thing to think.

Leo had to yell Piper's name to get her attention once everyone had come in and waited for several minutes. A chatter had picked up - people asking how the others slept, how their breakfast was, et cetera. Piper's eyes snapped up to look at them and she blushed, embarrassed that she hadn't noticed; she put her list down and finally addressed everyone.

"Alright guys," she said, hands together. Everyone quieted. Jason, who seemed to have come in when Nico wasn't looking, took a spot next to his soulmate. "Before I give you all assignments and you go running off to fulfill them, Jason and I would like to thank you. Without you, none of this would be possible."

"We know," piped Annabeth, and everyone laughed, including Piper.

The bride continued. "Nothing would even be the same, and I wouldn't change this for the world." She grabbed Jason's hand.

"Well, now that that's taken care of, homework!" A few groans rippled through the group as Piper picked up her list - no one wanted to be reminded of their high school and college days - but there wasn't a single person who was unhappy to be here. Even Nico, and he usually wasn't happy to be anywhere except for home.

But he looked around, and saw all his friends and his soulmate gathered together to work toward something beautiful, enjoying each other's presence, and Nico decided, this was home.

"Hazel, Frank, Percy, Annabeth, Leo and me - we're all on decoration duty. With the six of us working together it shouldn't take that long. Remember, we're having the wedding outside so we have our own altar - Percy and Frank, I'll have you guys put that up. Then this afternoon, I'll have to steal away Hazel and Annabeth to go pick up our dresses. Reyna is picking up the bouquets so she could probably tag along with us…"

Nico almost snorted as Piper told them what still needed to be done, and she had barely gotten into it. Of course, all this could surely be done the day of the wedding without much hassle, but most of it usually gets done the day before or even earlier. Then again, almost everyone in the room had ADHD, so one would expect nothing less.

"Nico and Will," - Nico perked up - "you're getting the cake and most of the food. Then after that's taken care of, you can join Thalia in making the rounds and ensuring that everything goes to plan."

"Jason, you're doing all the boring stuff - last minute bills, marriage license and stuff." She smiled and put her hand on Jason's shoulder. "Have fun!"

Jason chuckled a little. He looked tired; after all, he'd been working just as much if not more than the others to make this happen, but he was definitely enthused.

Piper focused her attention back on the group. "And one last thing." She took her cellphone out of her pocket and gestured with it. "Make sure your GPS is on. That way Thalia and I can see where you are and won't have to worry about herding everyone here at once. Okay? Everyone know what they're doing?" She was met with a series of affirming nods and hums. "Alright then, what are you waiting for?"

Piper then swept everyone away with her hands, and quickly found her decoration crew to fall into step with. She emitted an air of confidence and purpose, and Nico wondered how she, Reyna, Hazel, and Annabeth would look walking into the dress maker's. Sure, they saw many brides and bridesmaids, but probably none quite like them.

Even Hazel was scary sometimes despite her quiet demeanor; one of the greatest mistakes a person could make was underestimating her.

Nico turned to Will to make sure they were both on the same page, and was met with an affirmative smile. With that, they set off.

On their way out the door, Nico bumped into someone familiar - literally.

"Oh! I'm sorr- Thalia?" He'd whirled around only to be met with a head of spiky black hair and two familiar, piercing blue eyes staring at him. The girl smiled, and Nico realized that he was kind of happy to see her; it'd been a long time, and he'd known her for even longer than he'd known Jason.

"Hey, Nico! How are you doing?" Thalia looked different since the last time he'd seen her - not necessarily having a changed appearance, but holding herself with a different confidence, a different authority. She reminded him of Reyna. They were similar people, but Thalia had more anger, while Reyna tended to maintain a calm steadfastness.

Nico's lips twitched upward, but inside he was quickly trying to determine how to turn the conversation's focal point on her. "I'm okay. What about you? How's the unit? Still getting a lot of trainees?" Thalia was the leader of an all-female military unit that ran missions on apprehending or shutting down national threats. Even despite the danger of her career both on and off duty, she was never off-put, and Nico had never heard of an occasion where she faced such threats in her personal life.

Thalia bobbed her head. "Every now and then. Things seem to have calmed down on that front."

"That's good. Oh, Thalia, I don't think you've met Will." Nico turned to the blond, who stood straighter at his inclusion in the conversation. He gave Thalia a smile and nod.

"It's nice to meet you," he said.

Thalia smiled. "You too. It's good to see Nico with people who make him happy." The short silence that followed may not have been particularly awkward, but to Nico it was an excruciating few seconds. "Anyway, I'm sure you guys have stuff to do, and I have to go help my brother with the… "boring stuff"?" She looked at them as if for confirmation, and they simply nodded. "Speaking of Jason, you guys know where he is?"

Nico looked back towards the sitting room, then back at Thalia as he gestured to it. "He was just in there," he said. "I don't think he's gone anywhere."

Thalia started moving almost instantly - determination overtook her for the smallest things. But she paused to tell Nico it was good seeing him again, and to repeat that it was nice to meet Will.

They stood in silence for a few seconds after Thalia left, then Will broke it. "She seems nice."

Nico waited just a little too long before saying, "Yeah." Another pause, a glance at Will. "Let's go."

Will didn't need to be told twice.

oOo

"What do you think you're doing, Solace?"

Nico impatiently pushed another strand of hair out of his face, only for it to be blown back again by the wind floating in through the window. He'd been watching the sights of downtown pass them by until Will had stolen his focus. They'd taken Reyna's car to get the food, Will in the driver's seat, but at this moment Nico was left wondering if that was a mistake.

"I'm turning," came the answer, spoken as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Maybe it was, but Nico didn't pay much mind. He was too focused on where they were turning (and maybe the strands of sunlight woven into Will's hair, but don't mention that last part).

"Yeah, the wrong direction." Will looked at Nico like he'd grown two heads once he'd pulled onto the next road. His eyes fell back on the road, but Nico's didn't waver.

"What? No it's not." Will's eyes flicked back and forth. "It was 'go straight, then take a left at Johnson's.'"

Nico sighed, turning his attention to the phone he held in his hand. He thought about old pirate navigations - how they bested the temperamental waves with nothing but the stars to guide them - and not for the first time was grateful for modern day technology. "Go straight, then take a right at Johnson's."

Will groaned like one wrong turn had decided to ruin his entire life, and Nico just rolled his eyes out of fondness. He was glad for the alone time with Will; no matter how awkward things might get or remain, he liked being with him, and that wouldn't change. "At least you got the straight part right."

Will snorted. "Not even," he said, and once Nico realized what he was implying it was his turn to groan. Will just loved making jokes like that.

They sat in silence for a couple seconds before Will seemed to realize something. "Hang on. If you knew where we were going then why didn't you tell me when I put my blinker on?"

Nico leaned his head back on the headrest and looked up at Will through thick eyelashes, putting on the most innocent face he could muster. "Because I love watching you suffer," he said sweetly. Will glanced at him, and smiled as he turned his eyes back on the road. Then he caught sight of something, and Nico followed his gaze.

"Man, I've always wanted to go to one of those places," he said, looking at it for a couple seconds before his attention was back on driving.

On the side of the road was what appeared to be a bubble tea shop, if the signs were anything to go by. It didn't look to be open yet - the interior was dark, and it was completely void of people. Nico hummed deep in his throat. "Maybe if it's open we can stop in on the way back."

Nico startles with the thought that for such a simple interaction, it was pretty domestic.

. . .

They managed to get to the catering business after a ten minute detour and Will's seven minute rendition of "Hey Jude" in which Nico began to wonder why the Beatles screamed so much and if Will had some sort of karaoke double life that he wasn't telling him about. But they got there, and were met with a pleasant aroma of food as they stepped into the building.

For once, Nico was glad that his friends had wanted to do almost everything themselves in terms of set-up for the wedding. It was nice to be able to get out of the inn. Had they just had the food delivered, Nico wouldn't be able to admire downtown San Francisco and watch the clumsy candy store worker across the street fall face first into the (inactive) cotton candy machine. He bit back a laugh at that.

Will wasted no time (meaning he got distracted by a sample assortment for five minutes) before going up to the woman standing at the front desk, who'd somewhat awkwardly greeted them when she started to wonder what they were doing. Will flashed a smile at her, placing his hands on the counter, and told her they were here to pick up an order.

"Do you have the order number?" the girl asked as she tapped on the screen in front of her.

Will had to say Nico's name twice before he heard him; he'd been distracted by a fleeting thought sparked by the charming set-up around them, and as he turned to look at Will it was lost entirely from his grasp.

"I need the order code," Will said, and Nico, now a smidge embarrassed, pulled his phone out of his pocket and walked up to join the others. He opened his texts from Jason and showed the worker the scannable code he'd been sent. She quickly processed the order and told them she'd be right back, disappearing into a door behind her.

CLANK. Squeak. Tink. "Here you go!" The woman returned, and if Nico hadn't been warned by the sounds of the cart she was pushing, he would've jumped out of his skin. She smiled at the food, but she appeared almost out of breath. Nico wondered how heavy that cart was. "Everything got finished up this morning. I'll go back and get the cake. Do you… do you need any help moving all that stuff?"

Will looked at the food on the cart, then back at the girl. "I think we got it. Thanks."

She smiled at them. "Alright, I'll go get the cake then."

She disappeared once more, and Nico had already begun lifting boxes and containers to bring into the car. Just as he was about to leave, Will called, "Nico, wait." When he turned around, Will threw the car keys to him. "Turn on the AC," he said. Nico nodded.

When Nico came back to get more food, Will was holding the cake. It was large - the largest cake Nico had ever seen. Then again, he hadn't come face to face with very many cakes before, and he hadn't been to many weddings.

Will saw Nico eyeing the cake, and he asked, "Think I could eat this all in one bite?" His lips had an almost mischievous tilt to them, and his soulmate looked at him like he was crazy.

"No."

Will's smile widened at the curt answer, and he looked down at the container in his hands. "I think I could."

Nico huffed. "Sure you do." Will bumped into his shoulder on the way out to the car.

It didn't take them as long as they thought it would to get everything loaded up - they'd recalibrated their guesses when they saw how much food there was - but it still took a good fifteen-twenty minutes before they were on their way back, cake on Will's lap. Nico had decided that it was his turn to drive, but that was just because he knew that the passenger would be stuck as a living plate.

Moving everything had reminded Nico of when Will moved in with him; he could've sworn the food weighed the same as Will's medical textbooks. It totally didn't, but Nico would never admit that.

Will let out a tiny "yay" when he realized that the reason Nico was taking the detour route was to visit the bubble tea shop. It had opened since they visited the caterer's, and they hadn't even been there that long, so Nico could only assume their day was just getting started. When they walked in, there was only one person there to take their order, and that was it.

It was colorful in the shop - posters adorned the walls, there were old photos and license plates scattered around, and there was even a jukebox in one corner. It was like a mix between 50's diner and retro arcade, which in any other situation might have annoyed Nico, but he was grateful for new surroundings. The inn was obviously old, and even more bland. He drank his tea slowly to avoid going back for as long as he could.

"I'm sorry about this morning," said Will across from him, out of the blue, and Nico almost asked him to repeat himself because he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"What? What are you apologizing for?" Nico couldn't seem to get it through his head that anyone was in the wrong but him - he'd been in the wrong all weekend, and it had hurt people.

"I wasn't being a very good listener." Will folded his hands on the table, and looked at Nico with an expression almost too serious. "I said I would, and the first time you really tried to talk to me about it I… kind of failed."

Nico was still for a moment, his expression unchanging, but his thoughts were whirring. He didn't think Will really needed to apologize, but he asked himself, If Will hadn't said those things, would it have gone smoother? And if I had said something else? "We're both learning." He finally concluded his thoughts aloud. "It'll get better."

Will smiled slightly. "Yeah. I think so, too."

They fell into silence, and Will looked around at the cafe while Nico stared down at the table. The only noises were coming from the back; Nico enjoyed the not-quite-solitude, and he wondered if this was an opportunity. An opportunity to talk again. He'd said before that they should wait to talk about it, and he'd meant that they should talk about it after the wedding, but this would be a good time if he could stay calm. That was another thing he needed to get better at.

"It didn't just come out of nowhere, you know."

Will's attention went to him, but Nico kept his gaze down. "Someone said things… Things that reminded me of Italy." Any of Will's focus that hadn't been on Nico before surely was now, and Nico paused for a moment before he spoke again. He knew what he needed to do. It was clear now, as clear as Will's eyes on Nico's, and there was no chickening out. "I need to go back."

Will's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "To the person?" he asked.

"To Italy."

Will's surprise was evident. He wasn't always the most expressive when it came to surprise or shock - after all, he was in training to be a doctor, and he needed to be prepared, to expect the unexpected, and deal with it properly. But his face betrayed him, and his next word just made him sound baffled. "What?"

Nico took a quick breath. He gestured slightly as he spoke. "It's the only way I'll be able to get over this deep-seated…" Fear? Anger? "Thing." Wow. "I need to face my demons."

They both let the silence stew for a few moments, and Nico, despite everything he was feeling, wasn't worried. He knew he would be confronting something big, something that may change the way he thought about certain things, but it was something he now knew he could do. Mainly because he knew he had to, but also because he had something that he didn't have before.

Nico was absently picking at a frayed menu taped onto the napkin holder when Will broke the silence. "I'll come with you." Nico's eyes snapped up to look at him, and Will continued. "Unless… this is something you need to do alone."

Nico thought about if for a moment, eyes drifting away, but he was already quite sure of his response. Will was his soulmate, and Nico needed - he wanted - to share the big things with him.

A small smile spreading over his face, Nico leaned back into his chair, and slowly his eyes met with Will's. "Nah," he said. "I think I'll enjoy confusing you when I speak Italian to all the locals."

Will laughed. He seemed to relax at the words and he leaned back, mirroring Nico. "Guess I'll need to take some lessons then."

Nico's smile grew in the slightest, and - so softly it was almost a whisper - told Will, " Ti amo. "

Will didn't need to take lessons to know what that meant.

oOo

Almost the second they finished unloading most of the food - a friendly inn worker had come by and offered to transport the rest for them, which they gladly accepted - Will was dragged away to go decorate. Piper had said nothing but, "Will, perfect! We need another tall person." No greeting, just the strong arm of a bride on her wedding day.

Nico found himself completely alone, save for the infrequent strangers scattered around the inn. He remembered his second task: find Thalia and lend her a hand, but a quick glance into each of the common hangout areas brought forth no results.

He considered sending her a text, but he doubted she'd even answer, and wasn't that eager to start working again. Or to be around another person. He took the opportunity to bask in solitude. Recharge his battery. Sounds of preparation came from all directions, but Nico took a deep breath and it all became background noise.

He had to let it go, though - the peace and quiet - to find Thalia. He had a job to do and for his best friends, he was ready to do almost anything.

He took off down the halls. He didn't really know where he was going; he didn't know Thalia's room number, so that was out of the question. He figured he'd start with Jason and Piper's room. Maybe she was there.

As he made it to the door, he took another second to be alone, then knocked. A deep voice inside said, "Come in."

The first thing Nico noticed about Jason was that he had his head in his hands, and was surrounded by a sea of papers. The next thing he noticed was that he looked positively miffed, like he'd just woken up from a bad night's sleep. Nico tentatively stepped forward.

"Hey." Jason barely looked up when Nico spoke, but he did give a soft "hey" in return.

Nico thought about just pretending like everything seemed absolutely perfect and getting straight to the point of asking where Thalia was, but he decided that he wouldn't be a very good friend if he did. Besides, Jason was just stressed out with all the things to do before the wedding. It wasn't like he was having an existential crisis. Though Nico had never gotten married, he remembered not only preparing for finals, but sorting through things like applications and financial aid before he even went to college. He was familiar with that particular kind of stress.

"How are things coming along?"

Jason laughed humorlessly. "Great," he said, picking up a paper and putting it in a pile. Apparently there was an order to them, but it was one that Nico couldn't see. "I love legal work and bills."

Nico didn't really know what to say, but luckily he didn't have to, because Jason spoke again. This time, he looked at Nico. A small smile graced his lips. "But hey. It shouldn't take me that long. And besides, it's so worth it."

Nico smiled. Jason was right.

But then Jason paused, and his smile fell, and it looked like he was back where he started. Nico's heart did a little jump.

"Are you nervous?"

Jason looked him in the eye, and for once Nico didn't turn away. The corner of his lip twitched just slightly, pulling at the scar he put there when he was two. He ran his fingers over a piece of paper, and his gaze drifted off in thought.

"Not about the wedding," he told Nico, "or getting married. Just… I don't know." He shrugged, and his fingers stopped moving. "The things that will change I guess."

Nico scrunched his face in confusion. Didn't Jason make a point about how he wouldn't let things change? Was that only for Leo's benefit?

Jason continued. "Obviously there won't be much-" that made Nico feel a little better "-but there will be some , and there's nothing we can do to stop that. I guess I just didn't prepare myself for it."

Nico took a deep breath. Okay, so maybe Jason was having a miniature crisis. But he had options: take a little time to prepare himself for change, or get used to it as it came along. Either way, he'd find equilibrium.

Of course, there was always the chance that he wouldn't get used to it as it came along. But what kind of thought was that on a wedding day?

Nico stepped forward slowly, and lowered himself onto the freshly made bed. Jason shifted slightly in his seat. His fist found a way under his chin, but it ended up sliding halfway up his cheek and made Jason look even more tired than before.

They spent a moment in an awkward-but-not silence, with nothing but the sound of wind whistling through the window and waves crashing faintly onto the sand. Then Nico looked at Jason and started speaking.

"Look. Obviously things are going to change. You'd be an idiot for thinking otherwise. At least you've got that going for you, Grace." Nico's lips turned up in a smile, and Jason's did the same as he rolled his eyes. "But not all change has to be bad. And not all change is out of your control. "

Jason took his fist away from his face, his eyes starting to sharpen in focus. Besides Nico's sister, Jason was the one who always cared what Nico had to say. He couldn't be more grateful.

"You have choices, Jason. In fact, you'll have a lot of choices from here on in. And you and Piper get to make them. You just have to decide what's more important, at every crossroads you come to." Nico leaned back, and watched Jason's eyes as they seemed to get brighter and more resolute every passing moment.

"Family. Always."

His tone said he was final, and Nico didn't expect anything less. "There you go," he said, spreading his arms. The two shared a breath, and then Nico told him, "But you know, family may not be a factor every time."

Jason was quiet for a moment, but then he set a dead serious gaze on Nico. It was enough to make him shiver. "Family's always a factor."

Nico didn't argue with that.

Jason's eyes softened. "Thanks Nico."

Nico pursed his lips and nodded, and after another moment of silence rose to his feet. Jason looked back at his work, but didn't turn, and Nico's gaze drifted to the window for a brief second of calm.

"Did you need something? I assume you didn't come in here just to talk to me." Jason picked up a pen, and, twirling it in his fingers, glanced back at Nico.

"Now why would you think that?" Nico teased, and Jason gave him a face. "Okay, okay. I was just wondering where Thalia is."

Jason's face contorted in thought for a moment. "I think she's showing the photographer where we're going to have our pictures taken. So, outside somewhere. When in doubt, just following the sound of her over-controlling." Jason smirked. He loved his sister, and expressed his gratefulness for everything she did, but he was right. She could be over-controlling.

Just as Nico had opened the door and was about to step through, he paused, and didn't move for several seconds. Jason took notice that he was still there, and looked at him without saying anything.

Finally, he smiled, and met Jason's gaze. "Look at how far we've all come."

And with a final smile from Jason, Nico left.

oOo

Nico found Thalia where Jason said she'd be, directing the photographer on the beach beside the lighthouse. He was impressed to see the photographer take Thalia's words in stride. If he was unsettled by her strong character or falling behind in any way, he didn't show it.

Nico should've known to cherish those few seconds before Thalia noticed him. Because once she did, he was like Leo: he never stopped moving. Thalia was all over the place, and sent Nico to do the same. But honestly, those moments were better than the calm ones where he and Thalia worked on something together. Because no matter how hard he tried to pretend everything was normal, he just couldn't shake the shared history between them.

He had blamed her for a long time.

Will found him after an hour or two, and whisked him away for a little while to relax on a seaside bench where he could get some fresh air and forget his worries. Soon the background noise from in the inn faded, and the only sounds that existed were the ocean waves and each other's steady breathing. Nico closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall into a state of peace. It didn't last nearly long enough.

Then it was back to work, lunch their only other break before the wedding. Nico found himself tiring; he'd woken up early and been on his feet for a long time. You can sleep after the wedding , Thalia told him when she saw how tired he looked. Nico inwardly groaned. He still had a long way to go. And hopefully it'd fly by, because he wanted nothing more than to see his friends commit to live their lives together.

---

Sunday

6:45pm

15 minutes before the wedding

"Where's Piper?"

"No, Nico, the other shoe!"

"Has anyone seen my cufflinks?!"

"Leo, what are you doing? Get dressed !"

"Seriously, does anyone know where Piper went?"

"Um, did you maybe try her dressing room , Jason?"

"It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."

"I don't believe in that, Frank. And obviously I tried her dressing room, Percy, no one's there." Jason sighed in frustration. He was stressed. They all were, but him the most.

How they'd all ended up in one room was beyond anyone's guess, but they hadn't expected these fleeting moments before the wedding to be anything but hectic. They were about to make history. They'd be remembering this day for years to come; Piper and Jason would tell their kids, and their kids' kids, and they'd celebrate it every year until death do them part. Besides, with a family like this, "hectic" was their normal.

"I'm going to go find her." Jason grabbed his suit jacket.

"Wait a minute, I'll come too. Annabeth's probably with her."

Jason waited for a few moments as Percy tied his shoe, both of them eager to get searching. When he was done, Jason wasted no time swiftly slipping through the door.

Jason was jittery as hell as they trudged through the halls. He was literally shaking, and after going through a couple floors, Percy finally just asked, "Dude, are you okay?"

Jason looked back at him, his footsteps slowing. "Yeah," he said after a moment's pause, a small smile creeping with uncertainty onto his face. "Just nervous."

Percy's eyebrows furrowed. "You're not getting cold feet are you?"

Jason stopped at a door to knock, receiving no answer. Then, as he processed Percy's question, his smile went full force.

"No way."

They found Piper and Annabeth outside by the altar. Annabeth was slowly treading between the chairs and ensuring that everything was in its proper place - name tags, programs - and Piper was stood in the aisle, beautiful brown curls and white dress alike rolling down her body as she gazed at the altar.

Percy was the first to move, but once Annabeth noticed him she was walking too, and Jason started to feel awkward about staring at his fiancée who hadn't seen him yet. So he made his way over to her.

"Hey."

Piper jumped a little as she turned around, her eyes shimmering. At first Jason thought it was from the lights strung up, but he looked, and they weren't on.

She had tears in her eyes, and Jason's heart dropped.

Author's Note: I know I ended this really abruptly, and I'm sorry, but I have had no motivation for this story and it's not fair of me to give you nothing. But that still does not mean that I'm abandoning this story! It just means that it might take a while. I'm really sorry about that :/

.

---

Chapter 5: Of Unions and Gang Fights (But Mostly Unions) - Part 2

---

Sunday

6:40pm

20 minutes before the wedding

A weasley smile crossed his lips as Octavian made his way through back doors and dim, gray hallways, toward the service elevator. He wanted to be somewhere high, somewhere he could get a good view of the events that were about to transpire.

It had felt so good to tell her - to say right to her face - that her father wasn't going to be there.

She didn't need to know why, which is what made it that much sweeter when he admitted that he'd thrown a fit. He couldn't handle the idea of his daughter presenting him with another disappointment, and he didn't want to stick around and watch it happen, let alone be a part of it. So he just… went crazy. Threw a fit and took a cab to anywhere but here.

The story was fabricated of course. And really, Octavian ought to give himself a pat on the back. It was natural enough for the girl to believe it. More than that, it was a perfect coverup for the truth - Mister McLean was locked in a custodial closet upstairs, in nothing but his boxers and socks after… a home remedy.

Octavian pulled the cuffs of the suit back along his wrist. It was a bit large, but he had proven nothing if not that he could make something work - and he made it work.

Cool metal moved under his fingertips, and he looked down, his eyes falling on a cufflink. It was ornate, the craftsmanship impeccable throughout the shining spirals and studded edges. An identical one adorned his other wrist. They must've been expensive.

His smile thinned to a smirk, and he quickly pocketed the cufflinks as he made it to the upper floors.

Room 406, he thought. Room 406 had a nice balcony with an ocean view, and more importantly, it overlooked the beach, where the altar stood. It was also just over the extended back porch. That was where they'd eat, and just past that, dance.

Well, where they would've done those things, anyway.

But just as Octavian made it to his destination and was about to enter, a voice shouted from the end of the hall. It forced him to act natural, and he slipped the key behind his back; then he continued walking as if he'd come up here to do nothing more.

"Octavian! Octavian."

Octavian held back a sneer, and looked ahead toward the voice. He'd recognize it anywhere - it was Akmon, and though normally he was manning the front desk, it seemed that he was just around the corner anytime there was something Octavian needed to do that required subtlety. His voice had become a sharp screech in his ear. A thorn in his side, you might say.

"Akmon!" he exclaimed, spreading his arms in a false display of charisma. Rest assured, he had plenty of real charisma, but none that he would waste on a parasite like Akmon. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Akmon's face faltered just slightly into confusion, but he brushed it off and took a final step toward his standing place several feet in front of Octavian. "We need your help," he said. "The couple's wedding is about to start, and we don't have anyone working the phones; the boss told me to go over the books, but I told the kitchen staff I'd get someone to-"

"Akmon, Akmon!" Octavian drawled. He placed a hand on Akmon's shoulder, as much as it pained him to do so. "Everything will be just fine."

Akmon stopped talking and just stared. Octavian just now noticed that he was breathing heavily - he must have run up the stairs to find him. With guests coming and going between the floors at an increased quantity due to the wedding, the elevator was almost never where you wanted it to be.

"So you'll help out in the kitchen?" Akmon said, clearly misunderstanding Octavian's words. He was so sick of working with people clearly intellectually inferior to him. He couldn't wait to get out of here, but at the same time he wanted to stick around and watch it all crumble around him.

"Well-"

"Thanks!" As Octavian began to object, Akmon was already turning on his heel and speed-walking back the way he came. The farther he got, the louder he called out behind him. "They're a little short-staffed tonight because there was a bit of a miscalculation - most of the guests are here for the wedding, and the couple hired their own caterer, but don't worry! They'll probably just ask you to chop up a few vegetables or sweep the floor, and then you can get back to your janitorial and-or bartending duties! Don't forget the cutting board!"

He disappeared into the stairwell, and Octavian growled. He glanced back at the door beside him, Room 406, and made it a silent promise that he'd be back before anyone could say 'the wedding is cancelled.' Then he turned on his heel and went back the way he came.

---

"What do you mean he's not going to be here? What do you mean he left ?" Jason was growing furious by the second, and he clenched his fists in an attempt to hold back some of the anger. His heart shattered as he watched his fiancée cry. He was not going to let her father - her own father! - ruin what was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. The only thing was, there wasn't really anything he could do about it.

He began to pace back and forth as Piper sniffled. He tried to think of something, anything he could do to fix this. Well, first he'd go to Piper's mother. It'd been a long time since she and Mister McLean had been in a relationship together, but he figured that out of anyone, she'd have the best idea of where he went. He just needed to-

Piper took in a sharp breath like she was about to say something, and Jason's breath became bated. He stopped pacing. He knew what she was going to say before she said it.

"We're going to have to-"

"No. Please," he begged, taking a step toward Piper. His soulmate looked at him in the eyes, which were beginning to shine with tears like hers. "Please don't say it, Pipes."

"Just for a little while," she tried to reason. She didn't look all that sure herself. "Maybe we can find him and bring him back, then we'd only have to-"

"But what are the chances of that happening?" A silence rose between them. They couldn't see it, but they could feel their breath mingling in the air as they stood facing each other, and it warmed the chill that had begun to settle around them.

Piper sighed and put her hand over her face. She looked so… hopeless.

"Hey…" Jason took a step toward her, his arm out to reach her. Her eyes were closed. "I'm sorry," Jason said, and Piper took his hand in hers, and he squeezed it tight. "I just don't think we have many options here."

"I know. I just… he has to be here. I can't get married if he's not."

Jason could feel his lips turning into a frown on their own accord, and Piper looked up at him, her face a matching gloom.

oOo

"Hey, Wise Girl."

She didn't look at him, but she answered. "Hey Percy."

Percy tried to hold back a wince and only half succeeded. He threw a glance back at Jason. He was standing with Piper, and even from here, Percy could see the tears in her eyes. His heart clenched. A nervousness he tamped down with flimsy reassurances slithered through his veins, and he turned back to Annabeth, who kicked a seat to the left.

"So, uh… How's the set-up?" He knew it was a stupid question, and he was mentally facepalming, but he didn't know what else to say.

"It's fine." Annabeth shoved over another seat.

Percy sighed and put his hands in his pocket. He had to say something.

"Is everything okay?" he asked. He stared at Annabeth, concern in his sea green eyes, but she kept her eyes on what she was doing. "And I don't just mean with Piper and the wedding. Is everything okay with you?"

Annabeth did look up at him then, and Percy wasn't really sure what he'd been expecting, but it wasn't this. She seemed… not annoyed, as she had been almost every time she was in Percy's presence this weekend. No, not annoyed. Just… tired.

"Everything's fine, Percy. Don't worry about it." Nothing in her voice made Percy worry any less. In fact, it was her voice and her overall air of dejection that made him worry more.

"Are you sure? Because you've been acting kinda weird all weekend. I mean, one minute nothing's wrong, and then the next you want to rip my throat out." He pulled a hand out of his pocket to rub his neck. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Percy…" Her eyes were sad.

"You know you can tell me anything, right? Did I do something to make you think that wasn't true?"

After a moment of silence, Annabeth stepped forward and grabbed his arms. She looked him right in the eye and Percy would have cried with relief if she didn't look so… heartbroken. What was wrong with his Wise Girl?

"No, Percy. Of course not. I'm just…" Her eyes drifted, and the gray shimmered near-white with tears.

"Just what?"

Her voice was so small, but the pike it drove through Percy's heart was so big he was afraid it would all come crumbling down. "I'm scared."

He almost hadn't heard her. But when he registered what she said, he immediately grabbed her arms in return, at the elbow, and leaned over to catch her eyes with his.

"Hey." His voice was too soft in comparison to his grip that it surprised even him. His soulmate blinked at him, and a tear balanced at the corner of her eye. She was too stubborn to let it fall. He loved that about her. "Whatever it is, we'll work through it together. I'll help you. I promise . Nothing's too scary when it comes to us. We'd make Dracula wet his pants."

Annabeth snorted, the sound conflicting with the tears in her eyes. "Dracula?" she asked, and Percy gave a small smile.

"Okay, maybe not Dracula. But the Big Bad Wolf at least ." Annabeth snorted again, her eyes falling shut, and Percy allowed himself one more second of silliness before he roped it back in and squeezed Annabeth's arms. "But I mean it, okay? I'll always have your back."

Annabeth sniffled, and lifted a hand to wipe her eyes as she nodded. "You're right. You're right." She took a deep, long breath which she exhaled through her mouth, and looked at Percy once more. "We'll talk about it, alright? Just… later. Tonight," she added quickly, "but later."

Percy nodded, and he gave her a warm smile. Then he pulled her into his arms and whispered, "I love you, Annabeth."

Her breath tickled his neck. "I love you too, Percy."

They were about to pull apart when a shout forced them to. They separated quickly as both their heads snapped to the sound - it was Piper, and she was yelling at Jason, a fist half-heartedly waving at her side.

"What part of this don't you understand?!" she said. "It won't be the same! It just isn't right!"

Percy couldn't see Jason's face, but he could see the tenseness in his shoulders, and he looked over at Annabeth. She drew her eyes from the scene to meet his. There was a glaring question in them, and Percy wished he knew how to answer it.

But before they could interrupt the now-shouting-match, as Jason yelled something back, a new voice joined the swarm.

"Hey! What is going on here?!"

Percy turned around to see Reyna, in her dress suit with a bouquet clenched roughly in her fist. Her dark eyes flicked back and forth between the two couples, but she was mostly focused on the newlyweds-to-be having a row in front of the altar they were supposed to get married at - get married at in less than ten minutes.

Her shout brought the attention of Jason and Piper, and Percy watched just long enough to see Piper angrily wipe away a tear.

Behind Reyna, Thalia stepped forward. She looked at Annabeth worriedly, her lips twisted in a frown.

"...Annabeth?" she asked, and the others behind her - Nico, Will, and Leo - glanced toward her. "Are you crying?"

Annabeth wiped her face, and tried to say what Percy assumed was "I'm fine," but only came out as a stutter when Thalia turned on Percy and demanded, "Percy! What did you do?"

Percy gaped in indignation. "Me? I didn't do anything!"

Thalia put a hand on her hip and gestured toward her oldest friend. "Then why is Annabeth crying?"

Percy's mouth flapped a bit like a fish. He didn't know what to say, but luckily Reyna saved him before he could embarrass himself any further. When he looked at her, her eyes were screwed shut and she was moving her arms as if to pat the air, palms faced down. "Okay, okay!" she shouted. It drew the attention back to her and she opened her eyes, glancing briefly up at the sky like she was saying a prayer for strength.

She looked back at Jason and Piper, who didn't seem any less riled than before. She pointed at them. "What's going on with you two?" She looked around in astoundment - did she not expect an answer? - and continued, "I may have been busy this weekend, but I know when something's wrong. Annabeth's been acting like a drenched cat the past several days, and Nico's even worse." She waved an arm in his direction, and Percy watched as Nico cast his eyes down shamefully and Will wrapped an arm around his shoulder. For a brief moment a worry filled his brain - a special "Nico worry" that had been reserved for him since they met. But then Reyna huffed, and his thoughts were back to the situation at hand.

"And now you two are fighting! Almost five minutes before your friends and family are supposed to arrive and watch you get married!"

At those words, Piper hugged her arms to her chest and looked down, eyes closed.

Reyna paused, and if Percy hadn't known better, he would have said that her edges softened. But really he knew that she was tensing to pounce. "What is it?" she asked, her arms lowering.

Jason glanced back at his soulmate, then sighed. He looked back up at Reyna with a tired droop to his eyelids. "Mist-" He started again. "Tristan's not coming."

Percy's heart froze. Beside him, Annabeth tensed.

The entire place seemed to go silent. That is, until Reyna made a face and said, "What do you mean? I practically just talked to him. He was all ready and everything. In fact, he asked me where you were so he could talk to you and make sure he'd be in the right spot to walk you down the aisle." As she said this to Piper, the bride lifted her head and met Reyna's confused expression with one of her own.

"But… But he doesn't want to be here. He's ashamed of me." She looked down again, and Jason placed a consoling hand on her shoulder.

"Are you kidding?" This time it was Leo who spoke, and he looked at everyone's faces in turn. But his eyes landed on Piper's, and he said, "He's proud of you. He told me so himself." He accentuated his words with hand gestures. "Well, maybe not in so many words, but you should've seen how excited he was when I was talking to him about the wedding. He wouldn't miss this for the world."

Piper's tears had gone stale and her forehead creased as she scrunched her eyebrows. "But - I don't - that man. He said-"

"Pipes, you're not making sense," said Jason patiently. He bent his neck to look at her more closely.

"What man?" asked Reyna, and Piper stuttered silently for a moment.

"Um… I don't know, someone who works here at the hotel. He's helping out with the wedding, so I figured my dad had asked him to tell me that… that he…"

"Right," said Reyna, gears visibly turning in her head, "but I'm pretty sure we've established that your dad wants to be here. So… where is he?"

Leo spoke up. "And more than that… why would the guy lie about him missing the wedding?"

Everyone was silent for a minute in thought. Percy didn't really have much to offer. How was he to know where Piper's dad was? Or why that man lied to her? At least he could help look for Tristan if it came down to that.

"Wait." Everyone turned to look at Nico. "What did the guy look like?"

"Um…" Piper twisted her hands in thought. "He was pale. Really pale, like you. Blonde hair." Her nose scrunched up. "Kinda creepy, actually. And he was wearing a black hotel uniform."

Nico muttered a swear under his breath. Then he looked up. " Octavian ," he growled.

The confusion emanating from each individual on the beach was clear, but it shattered like glass when Annabeth gasped.

"Annabeth?"

"The bartender!" she exclaimed. Her mouth was open wide, and a fire in her eyes had replaced the tears and confusion. "He was at the rehearsal, too." Nico seemed to be keeping a careful eye on her as he listened, a curl to his brow as if they were discussing a shared, unpleasant memory. It seemed to Percy that they were.

"Mmhmm." Nico nodded, and in the corners of his crossed arms, his hands clenched. "He…"

Nico licked his lips and took a deep breath, then started again. "He said something… really shitty the first night we were here. While I was sitting at the bar. It… It sort of wound me up."

Annabeth glowered, but it wasn't directed at Nico. Percy would hate to be this "Octavian" guy right now. Especially because both Nico and Reyna seemed to be getting upset as well, and he never wanted to be on the receiving end of their fury.

"That son of a bitch is messing with us," she said, and Percy sent a concerned look her way. She grew more sure of herself as she went on. She had the same look on her face that she had whenever she was figuring out a puzzle that had started to come together. "He's been messing with our heads this entire time."

Percy reached out his arm. "What? Annabeth, what did he say to you?"

"It's not important." She waved off his concern with a hand. "We need to find him and get him to tell us where Tristan is."

Piper's breathing was heavy as she listened to the conversation, and it was painfully audible now as a growing fear clouded her eyes. But an undercurrent of determination and anger offset it. "Annabeth? What does Octavian want? Has he done something to my dad?"

Annabeth broke off from Percy's side and strode to her friend, taking her darker hands in her own. "Everything's going to be fine," she said, and her voice was so confident that Percy had no choice but to believe her, and he was sure the others must've felt the same. "We're going to find Octavian and he's going to lead us right to your dad."

Despite the atmosphere, a small smirk started to make its way onto Thalia's face. She looked between the faces of the others with a gleam in her eyes. "Wait… are we getting a revenge mission and a rescue mission all at once?"

Annabeth leveled her friend with a disapproving look, but Percy - and Thalia, if her growing smirk was anything to go by - saw right through her facade to the excitement beneath.

Nico's smirk joined Thalia's, and though it was smaller, it was much darker. That and his black, often skull-adorned clothes were what gave him the nickname "Death Boy."

"I could go for some revenge."

oOo

They must've been quite the sight to take in as they marched through the inn halls in their dogged search for Octavian.

Reyna, Nico, and Annabeth led the charge, with Piper right on their tails and everyone else behind her. Guests literally jumped out of their way, and one of the inn staff had scuttled away in fear after Piper demanded to know where Octavian was. But with his answering whimper of "Kitchens!" they had direction and more righteous fury than ever. Nico was almost positive that at that point, anyone who stood in their way would be turned to ash by nothing but their glares.

When they burst into the kitchens and Octavian's wild blue eyes caught sight of them, it was clear that he knew this was the end of his manipulation.

While the other kitchen staff shouted at them about the "Employees Only" rule, Octavian searched frantically for a weapon. But since he'd only been at the sink washing his hands, he was left with nothing but a pan scrub.

"St-stay away from me!" he shouted. The wedding party closed in, cornering him like an animal, and Nico could hear his erratic breath.

Then, in a blur of motion, Reyna grabbed him by the collar of his… suit ? Nico bristled with anger at the sight, but he didn't know why.

The woman shoved him unceremoniously out the back door, and a crash sounded as he fell onto some bins. The rest of the kitchen staff seemed to be letting it happen now, and Nico wondered if they were enjoying it. Maybe they hated Octavian as much as Nico and the others did. Although, Nico was pretty sure that would be hard to beat right now.

Reyna grabbed him again and shoved him against the wall of the building, fury burning in her eyes. Even Nico was unsettled.

"Where's Tristan?" she demanded. "What did you do to him?"

There was a moment of tense silence, nothing but the sound of heavy breaths. Then, Octavian laughed.

Nico snarled, but Reyna beat him to the punch. Literally. Octavian's lip split with the sickening slap of flesh-on-flesh, and he raised a hand to touch the blood. Then he licked it, and met Reyna's eyes with a glare of his own. But it was a lot more sneaky. That, or his eyes were just glazed over in pain. Probably both. If Reyna's punch hadn't instantly knocked him out, she was holding back.

"Why should I tell you?"

Reyna poised a hand to punch him again, and Octavian flinched. She got in real close to his face and spoke softly. "Because if you don't, I'm not even going to give you the pleasure of a beating. You are going to get something so much worse."

Piper rushed to the front of the scene, the train of her dress scraping audibly along the asphalt. She slammed a hand against the building strong enough to send a bang reverberating through the air. "What did you do to my father?!"

When Octavian didn't answer, Reyna punched him again, and this time he crumbled to the ground. He was conscious, but just barely.

"It was… antihistamines," he said, breathing heavily. Piper and Reyna shared a look. "Benadryl. Just enough to put him to sleep. He'll be fine."

Nico could practically see Piper's blood boil while she looked down at the snake, her fists curling. "Where is he?" she growled.

Octavian said nothing, and Reyna drove a kick into his ribs. Even as he doubled over in pain, he remained frustratingly silent, but the venomous look on his face faded to one of exhaustion, and he let his head hang to the side. "Broom closet. Fifth floor."

With a quick exchange of glances, Jason, Piper, and Annabeth rushed to get to the fifth floor, Piper's dress skirt clutched in her hands. Nico watched as they hurried back inside.

He turned back to Octavian and gave him another strong glare. But by that point the worm had fully given up, and he slumped against the wall of the building. Nico took pity on him. He was a truly pitiful creature, not that he didn't still hate him with a passion.

He whirled around when a hand tapped him on the shoulder, but when he saw who it was they'd already withdrawn their touch. It was Percy. Nico couldn't really tell what he was thinking, a phenomenon that only happened at the most serious times - not that he was very good at determining people's thoughts and emotions anyway.

"We'll handle the rest of this," he said. He kept his eyes on Nico's face, which normally would've made the Italian uncomfortable. But right now he just wanted this to be over. "You and Will go find Frank and your sister. Man, they're gonna be so confused." He gave a small huff of a laugh.

Nico nodded toward where Reyna was standing, Thalia beside her with a matching glare. Octavian still sat uselessly against the wall with his arm around his ribs. "They're not gonna kill him, are they?" he asked, an amused smile noting his insincerity. Percy chuckled.

"No, no. We'll call the police. Or a lawyer." He tilted his head with a thoughtful frown. "Or both."

"Both is good."

Percy gave him a small smile, and Nico crossed to Will's side. "Come on," he said softly, and they made their way back inside the inn.

Once they made it to the second story landing (the elevator was in heavy use as guests began to drift toward the ceremony), Will asked him, "Are you okay?"

Nico smiled. "Yeah. I'm okay" he said, and this time he really meant it. His smile only grew wider when he saw Will's concern and his own small smile on his lips, and he reached out to take his hand. Will laced their fingers together.

Nico was okay. He felt better than he had since the minute they got here. He'd taken the first small step towards reconciling with his past and strengthening his relationship with Will, and not only that, he was about to see two of his best friends get married ! At least, he hoped.

They passed few people in the halls as they searched for Hazel and Frank, hands still intertwined. And when Nico felt the urge to draw away, he only squeezed harder.

oOo

Luckily, when Nico and Will - with Hazel and Frank behind them - found the others, Tristan was awake. He still seemed a bit drowsy, but no worse for wear as Piper helped him drink from a cup of water. Nico noted with a start that he was half naked. Then he realized why his hair had risen at the sight of Octavian in that suit - he'd stolen Tristan's clothes. What the hell was wrong with him?

Hazel rushed over to see if there was anything she could do to help and was almost immediately sent off with a nod, probably to retrieve an extra pair of clothes. The other three loitered a small ways down the hall, and Jason was wetting a towel to give Tristan. He took it gratefully and pressed it to his head.

"So… let me get this straight. The kid drugged me, stole my clothes, and told you that I'd left so you would - what, cancel the wedding? Why?" Wisps of dark hair stuck to his forehead as he attempted to wake up and cool down.

Piper shrugged, raising her eyebrows as she took Tristan's cup and placed it gingerly on the floor. "I have no idea. That's for the police to figure out, I guess."

The hallway was silent. When Hazel returned with a change of clothes, Piper and Annabeth helped Tristan to his feet so that he could dress.

"How are you feeling, Dad?" Piper asked worriedly, her hand on his shoulder. Standing side by side, Nico saw the resemblance between Piper and her dad so clearly he'd have to be stupid not to. "Come on, you should rest."

She tried to pull him towards the elevator, but he pushed her hand away. "No, Piper. You're getting married and I am going to be there."

"Dad-" As Piper continued her efforts to get him downstairs and into bed, Reyna joined them in the hall, and Nico's interest piqued.

"Hey," she said, glancing towards Tristan, who was locked in a staring game of wills with his daughter. Nico could tell Reyna thought it was weird, but she said nothing. "The guests are sitting. They're starting to wonder where we are. What do you want me to tell them?"

"Tell them they'll get a wedding in a few minutes," said Tristan, and Piper tried to argue, but he silenced her with a hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to see my little girl get married. Even if I have to carry you there myself. But please don't make me do that, because I'm all cramped up from being in that closet," he added, rolling his neck and shoulders for good measure. He had a small smile on his face, and after a moment, Piper smiled back, and she hugged him tightly.

"Okay," she said, and it was as if everyone had taken a collective breath of relief. The air was suddenly less tense and more… electric with excitement, but with a cool undercurrent of calm to relax them.

"Great," said Reyna, a shimmer in her eyes. "Percy, Leo, and Thalia will be along quickly. Let's go get you guys married."

---

Sunday

7:25pm

25 minutes after the wedding was supposed to start

Though he would be loath to say something so cheesy out loud, Nico's heart really did jump for joy as he watched Piper's father give her his arm at the front of the sandy aisle.

She looked beautiful. The twinkle lights framed her in a thin halo - they glittered in her eyes, dark as they usually liked to be, and shone in the sequins of her dress. It fell elegantly in streams toward the ground and pooled around her feet in a small train. It looked almost like a puddle of moonlight. And when she smiled, she simply glowed.

Jason was much the same. When he caught sight of Piper standing there at the start of the aisle, his eyes lit up. The groomsman and bridesmaid pairs had already split off to stand on each side of the altar, and the flower girl, one of Piper's cousins, was still doing her fluid dance with the blue flower petals. As was custom here, the bridesmaids' bouquets matched Piper's eyes, and the flower girl's petals matched Jason's.

He wasn't so much glowing as he was gleaming. It was a subtler light, but strong all the same, and it made him look like a cloud.

The music changed as the flower girl took her seat with her family after dumping the rest of her petals on Jason's feet to humble him. The guests laughed at the gusto with which she did it, nearly tipping sideways in true six-year-old fashion. Then they turned, and everyone's eyes fell on the bride.

No one was supposed to walk over the petals but her - during the ceremony, anyway - to symbolize her devotion to Jason. Once she got to the altar, Jason would show his own devotion in another way. So that's why she and her father turned to each other where they stood. He kissed her cheek, then she his, and they hugged in a tearful send-off.

Nico was pretty sure he was beaming the whole time Piper took her careful steps toward the altar, but he would never admit it. His friends were just so happy , and it made him happy too.

Piper looked like the entire world had fallen down around her and Jason was the only person who still existed. Jason was almost the opposite, as if he were surrounded by people, so many people who didn't matter, and Piper was the only one who did.

As Piper reached the altar and turned to her soulmate, she reached out a foot to brush the petals off of Jason's. His eyes never left her face. His smile was huge, and the flames from the pyre behind them flickered in his teeth.

Piper handed Jason her bouquet, and he picked a small bundle of flowers from it to place over his heart like a boutineer. It would remain there for the rest of the night, or at least through the first dance. But knowing Jason, he'd leave it there the whole week. This was his devotion to her.

The music stopped, and the two went still.

"Welcome," the pastor began with a smile, looking into the sea of faces with his arms spread wide. "Friends. Family. We are gathered here tonight to celebrate a union. The binding of two souls in harmony and light, under the witnessing eyes of the Soul Matchers, our gods."

Nico glanced around to see small smiles on everyone's faces and he turned to Will. It was barely a second before he noticed, and his smile lit up his face like the sun lights the sky. Nico smiled back, then focused once more on the happy couple.

"Please join hands," said the pastor, and the two obliged. The man addressed the group. "Jason and Piper have written their own vows under the guidance that they not omit their offerings." He smiled down at them, hands folded in front of him now, and said, "Piper, you may begin."

Piper nodded at him and stared into Jason's eyes. She looked like she was trying to tamp down her smile, but it wasn't working.

"I, Piper," she began, taking a deep breath, "take you, Jason, to be my husband. I make these vows to you as your equal, and as someone who shares with you my heart.

"When I see the color blue, I will think of you. When I wake up in the morning, it will be you next to me. I will walk beside you always, in good times and in bad, because I am not just your Soulmate. I am not just your other half. I am your partner, and that means choice. I choose you to grow old with, and to cherish always. With this ring, and an offering to the Soul Matchers, our gods, I vow to be your loving wife."

The pastor handed her the ring, and Jason looked like he was about to pass out from joy. Nico briefly wondered if that was possible, then figured that it probably would've happened already if it was.

She slipped it onto his finger, and the pastor said, "Now Jason, you may begin your vows."

He grinned and held their joined hands to his chest. Piper's eyes glittered with happy tears.

"I, Jason, take you, Piper, to be my wife. I make these vows to you as someone who shares with you my heart, and as your equal.

"Wherever we are, may you find your home in my arms. Whatever we face, may you know that I am always beside you. Whomever we grow to be, may our love never dwindle. You are my light. You are my Soulmate. You are my partner of mind, heart, and spirit. With this ring, and an offering to the Soul Matchers, our gods, I vow to be your loving husband."

"Please rise as these two matched souls make an offering to the gods for the longevity and prosperity of their lives together."

Nico stood, and Will brushed their shoulders together.

The pastor began a stream of the ancient language. He faintly remembered Annabeth talking about it - maybe in the rv, maybe back in New York. He thinks she said it was a chant to bring the gods' full attention and ask them to accept the offering.

Jason and Piper turned around and knelt to pick up their offerings. They were meant to be something valuable, something sentimental - something that ties their souls to the earth. By giving it up, they relinquished a part of their connection to the world and gave in more fully to their bond. But they still had the rest of their lives to relish in earthly attachments if they so wished.

Nico couldn't quite see, but it looked like Piper's item was brown, or maybe bronze, and that's all he could tell before she dropped it into the flames. If he really wanted to know, he could ask her after the ceremony.

Nico knew what Jason's item was without having to look. He'd show it to him when he decided it was what he'd give up, and Nico had recognized it even then. It was a gold coin, with insignias on either side - one Julius Caesar, and the other a double-headed axe. Nico knew how important it was to him. He could see the pain in his eyes as he held it over the pyre, and his smile soured. It was the only thing Jason had left of his childhood group home and the friends he'd lost there, once when the building caught on fire, and again when he aged out.

With a breath he let the coin slip through his fingers.

And then the crowd erupted in cheers.

Nico clapped politely, his smile once more wide and bright, but some people, including Will and Leo, had taken an extra step. Will put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Though it briefly pained his ears, Nico laughed.

Leo, however, had grabbed Jason in a headlock and noogied him until his hair was sticking up on its own. Beside them, Percy cheered loudly. The bridesmaids on Piper's side were smiling brightly, laughing and clapping and crying, just a little.

When Jason managed to break free from Leo's grasp, he took a moment to pat fruitlessly at his hair. But, seeing that there was no hope, he simply grinned wider, took Piper's hand in his own, and lifted them to the sky.

oOo

Clink clink clink.

"Hello! Hello, can I get everyone's attention please?" Percy greeted the feasting crowd on the patio with his debonair smile and waved a champagne glass through the air. It glittered in the light. "Now comes the part of the evening where we all get to embarrass the bride and groom."

The crowd laughed, and Percy placated them with a hand. But he was laughing too. "Okay, okay. I'll try to hold back on the embarrassing stories." Jason looked relieved.

The wedding party all had their own table - a long dining table where they could all fit comfortably. Piper and Jason sat at one end, while Percy and Annabeth sat at the other.

"But," Percy continued, drawing his eyes over the crowd, "it is time to get sappy and emotional. So, sorry." He sent a grin toward the married couple.

Then, in true Percy fashion, his face took on a dramatic flair, and he pressed his free hand to his heart. Piper instantly facepalmed. She knew where this was going.

"When I first met my bro Jason," Percy began, not a hint of jest in his eyes, "my heart warmed and I knew we had an instant connection."

Nico buried his face in his hands, much like Piper, who had sunk deeper into her facepalm. But he could see through his fingers that Jason looked incredibly touched. So touched, in fact, Nico was afraid he might start crying. At that point, his only hope would be to sneak back into the inn or wear a sign that said "I'm not with them."

"I don't quite know what to say, Jason. As your best man-"

"I'm his best man," Leo interrupted, and the guests laughed.

"-As your best man-" Leo rolled his eyes "-I feel like it's my job to congratulate you, and tell Piper all your redeeming qualities. But, she already knows them. All two of them, in fact." He paused for laughter and shared a grin with Jason, and even Piper, who had now taken her head out of her hands to watch Percy's speech with amusement.

"And, as Piper has become the little sister I never wanted, I feel like it's my job to give you the shovel talk and praise her to the ends of the earth. But I'm not going to do any of that. Instead, I'll keep it short and sweet." He leaned over to grab something from under his seat, and the newlyweds tried to crane their necks to see. Everyone watched as Percy pulled out a small gift bag.

"I had these framed for you," he said. He lifted out two framed photos, but from where Nico was sitting he couldn't see what they were photos of.

Percy handed the frames to his friends, and Nico watched as their faces took on expressions of nostalgia and joy. They were smiling, with tears in their eyes, and when they'd finished looking, they passed around the photos to show everyone else at the table.

Next to Nico, Hazel took one of the pictures in her hands. He could see it now. It was all of them - everyone who was at this table. He recognized it from the previous winter when everyone had gathered for a late holiday at a ski resort in upstate New York. In the photo, everyone was huddled together on the couches, chairs, and floor of the resort's sitting area. The camera had been on a timer so that everyone would have time to squeeze into the frame.

"That one," Percy said, gesturing to the photograph Hazel held in her hands, "is to remind you guys that you have a lot of people who care about you, and who will do anything for you. We always have your backs. And that one," he said as he pointed to the one Nico hadn't seen yet, passing down the other side from Thalia to Reyna to Leo, "is to show you what we see every time you look at each other." He smiled almost melancholically. "I don't think I've ever seen two people more in love."

The crowd erupted in "aww"s as Piper and Jason stood up and wrapped Percy in their arms. Nico's sharp hearing picked up an "I love you" from each one of them.

Percy couldn't quite hide his sniffle when he turned back to the crowd, and Nico saw Annabeth smile at him. "Well, anyway! I'm sure Leo has some words to say! Leo?"

Leo sprung up with a wicked grin as Percy, Jason, and Piper took their seats. Nico didn't even want to think about all the secondhand embarrassment he was about to feel.

The rest of dinner passed by in a flurry of tears, laughs, and one or two projectile carbohydrates (mostly aimed at Leo, of course). Just when it seemed everyone was about to burst from all the food they'd eaten, out came the cake, and they were back to stuffing their faces. Nico had to admit, it was a pretty damn good cake. Will, of course, took all the credit for delivering it safely to the inn, and Nico smeared a handful of icing on his face.

Then it was time for dancing.

Nico hung to the sides with everyone else as he watched Jason and Piper take the floor with their first slow dance as a married couple. They danced over the light beneath their feet, and to Nico it looked like they were dancing on air. From the expressions on their faces, they were.

The chimes and brash notes of Sonny & Cher rang through the festivities, and Nico couldn't help but sway just a little to the music. When the next song started up - another by Sonny & Cher - the DJ called for other couples to join Jason and Piper on the dance floor. Nico started to step carefully backwards in retreat, but just as he was about to turn around, he bumped into someone.

"Oh! Mi scuzi ! Sorry!" But when he looked up into the face of the "stranger," it was Will, and he had a handsome smile on his face.

Nico stared at him in silence, and Will took the opportunity to gently grab his hand and pull him towards the other dancers.

"Dance? A-are you sure, Will?" Nico stuttered, glancing back towards freedom. It wasn't that he didn't want to dance with his soulmate. It was just that he… didn't want to dance. "I mean, I'd love to, but I don't want to step on your toes."

He walked into the square, where the fairy lights capered above them and lilted a soft glow onto Will's face. He looked around the dance floor like it was going to bite him, one of his hands in his pocket.

Will raised an eyebrow and called Nico out. "Hey, don't try that on me , di Angelo. I know you're more graceful than you let on. And besides, it's just a slow dance." He reached out his other hand, and after a moment of doubt and deliberation, Nico accepted.

Then Will pulled him into his arms, and Nico was lost.

Suddenly it was just them. No Jason, no Piper, no friends. His head buried in Will's chest, the music gently drifting through the air and winding around every dancing couple - Nico felt relieved. He was lucky. All the crap they'd been through this weekend, the crap he'd been through and all the crap he'd put others through was a tested and true way to ruin anything. A weekend, a relationship, a wedding. But there'd been an opportunity to reach out and attempt to fix things, and Nico had taken it. That wasn't luck. But everything after that… Yeah, he was lucky.

He was lucky to have so many great friends. He was lucky to have his sister; she'd been there for him from the moment they met. And he was lucky to have Will as his soulmate.

Nico had read books, growing up, about worlds where there was no such thing as soulmates. Bianca passed them to him in secret; sometimes they were bound in another book's cover to hide their identities. In these books, there was no greater plan or power; the characters simply were, and they loved whom they chose. And in these books, there was still the same kind of hate that he received for being with another man.

Of course, he didn't get to choose his soulmate. But if things had gone differently, and it was written in the laws of the universe that he was not destined for Will, he wouldn't care. He still would've chosen him, like the characters in his storybooks, and fallen in love all the same.

It wasn't unheard of for people to make a different choice when it seemed they had only one. They were called Non-Matchers. People who defied the expectation of society to live the life they wanted. But just because no one could stop them from making that choice, it didn't mean companies gave them the same services or they were legally married in the eyes of every state.

It made Nico sick. And though Will was his soulmate, and he'd seen blue for the first time in his eyes, every moment from there on out was a choice. Nico chose to talk to Will. He chose to hug him and kiss him and love him. And he would continue to choose that no matter the circumstances. All the pain, all the heartbreak… It was worth it if in the end, Nico could fall into Will's arms, and they could dance their troubles - and the night - away.

This was their story, and they were going to tell it.

---

Curled up in Percy's warm embrace, his breath in her hair, his heart beating under her ear, Annabeth never felt safer.

So she took a leap of faith into the arms of the man she loved.

"Percy?"

"Hmm?" She was pretty sure his eyes were closed as they swayed.

"I'm pregnant."

Percy stopped moving instantly, and Annabeth's heart leaped. But she forced it to settle as she and Percy pulled apart to look into each other's eyes. He held her surprisingly gently by the arms.

"Are-are you serious?"

Annabeth tried a pass at casual, giving a little huff as she said sarcastically, "No, I would joke about something like this."

It was a painful few seconds while the words bounced around Percy's seaweed-clogged brain, and she watched nervously as his eyes looked back and forth between hers.

Then he shouted, and Annabeth jumped. "Annabeth that's amazing !" In the next moment, he was sweeping her off her feet - literally. He laughed in joy as he pulled her to his chest, and Annabeth couldn't help but smile in return.

Then he put her down, and reality took over again in Annabeth's brain. "But - Percy."

Percy's features stilled slightly, but Annabeth could see the happiness burning in his eyes. "What? What is it? Is this what you were scared about?" he asked, grip tightening on her shoulders in worry. "You don't have to be, I swear . I'm gonna be the best father ever to little Hurricane." He placed a hand on her belly.

Annabeth paused at the sheer bafflement that washed over her as she listened to Percy speak. She didn't even know why she was surprised at this point. "We're not naming our child Hurricane."

"But why not? They'd be the most kickin' little kid on the playground!" He grinned brightly at her, but it fell when he realized Annabeth wasn't going along with his playfulness. Instead, her eyes were cast down to the ground, and Percy seemed to realize something.

"Wait. Is this why you've been mad at me?" he asked, and his hands fell from her arms. "Do you think I'm too much of a child to be a father?"

"No, no," Annabeth hurried to reassure him, but he didn't seem convinced. "Okay, maybe I did a little. But not anymore. I know you'll be a great father." She rubbed her hand down his arm and Percy's lips twitched, but he didn't smile.

"Then what's the problem?"

"Ugh, what isn't the problem!" She threw her hands up in frustration. "I'm… I'm worried about me , Percy. I mean, what if I'm not good enough? What if I turn out to be a horrible mom? I ran away from home when I was six , Percy. What if I become like my dad?"

Percy wasted no time gathering her in his arms and stroking his hand through her hair. Annabeth buried her face in his chest. "That's crazy, Wise Girl. You're going to be the best mom a kid could ever ask for." He laughed. "My mom will have some competition."

Annabeth half-heartedly punched him in the arm, and he laughed again.

"Hey, they're gonna love their grandma." He froze, and Annabeth pulled back to see shock stuck on his face. "Oh my gods," he said, eyes glazed, "she's gonna be a grandma ."

"Perce?" Annabeth nudged him with her foot. "You're not breaking, are you?"

He snapped back and smiled warmly at her, melting the ice that had been forming around her heart. "Never."

At that moment, Jason and Piper decided to make their way over, having noticed the couple's awkward pattern of dance-shout-hug.

Annabeth scoffed and shook her head, ignoring the other two and speaking up before either one of them could. "My mom is going to kill you, Percy." At this, Percy blanched, and Jason and Piper adopted matching looks of confusion.

"Um… why is your mom going to kill Percy?" asked Jason, glancing between the two with a crease in his brow.

Annabeth continued to ignore him and Piper, who said nothing but watched the scene with rapt attention.

"Oh my gods, you're right. She is going to kill me. I mean, she already hates me for the whole almost-drowning thing, but I got you pregnant out of wedlock . She's gonna-"

" Wait !"

Annabeth could no longer ignore the newlyweds, and though Percy was too preoccupied with his thoughts about what Annabeth's mother would do to him if she found out, Annabeth looked at the two.

It was Piper who had interjected, eyes wide as saucers. Jason's mouth was hanging open, but he was silent. "You're pregnant ?!"

Annabeth gave a small smile, and twitched her shoulders in a shrug. "Surprise?"

Piper squealed and rushed to pull Annabeth in a hug. The blonde couldn't help but let out a laugh as Piper swayed in their embrace.

"I got it!" They all turned to look at Percy, who seemed to have snapped out of his "impending doom panic mode" with a grin. "Marry me, Wise Girl."

"What?!" Piper and Annabeth broke apart to stare at him.

"Marry me, Annabeth," Percy repeated. "Right now." He took Annabeth's hands in his and met her eyes intensely. "I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Hell, I've known for a long time. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, nothing's going to change that."

"But… We can't just get married because I'm pregnant! What about a wedding? Don't you want your mom to be there when you get married? All your friends?"

Percy waved it all away with a hand, his smile only growing wider. "All I need is you, Annabeth. It's cheesy but it's true. Besides." He nodded toward the group, spread out amongst the dance floor. Annabeth noted with amusement the crazy dance Leo was doing, Thalia rolling her eyes next to him. "Those guys will be there." She looked back at him, her lips twitching upwards, and she found that she wanted to let him convince her. "Hey. I want to promise myself - my life - to you. I love you."

"What do you say, Annabeth?" Piper asked beside her. She was practically grinning, and so was Jason. "Are you ready for an adventure?"

Annabeth looked once at Piper, and long into Percy's eyes, a smile beginning to shine in her own. Her lips spread to match them, and Percy's heart lurched in a painfully beautiful way as she said, "Yes. Let's do it."

11/21/2023

.

---

Chapter 5: Of Unions and Gang Fights (But Mostly Unions) - Part 3

---

Sunday

11:45pm

Four hours and forty-five minutes after the wedding

By the time nine particular guests (and two very important parties, being the literal bride and groom) began to disappear mysteriously from the reception, there weren't enough people still around to realize it.

Most of the guests had wandered back to their rooms, dead on their feet with full stomachs and full hearts. The music had taken a turn to solely softer melodies after the highs and lows of dancing. Conversational chatter began to die down, a word disappearing with each star that became visible as the night went on.

Few still remained, however, and while it was custom here that the newlyweds be the last to leave (as opposed to first in other parts of the world), it was for a good cause—the best of all, actually.

Percy and Annabeth were getting married.

"Wait, where are we going again?"

"Keep up, Leo! Shotgun wedding!"

"Will, what do you know about childbirth?"

"Don't answer that, sunshine."

"I still don't understand what's happening."

"That won't be important for another eight months, Percy. Leo, I'm pregnant and I'm getting married."

"You're WHAT ?!" several voices erupted as the group finally caught sight of their destination in the distance. They might have been a little stingy on the details as they hurried toward the firepit sitting out on the beach, but not on purpose—they were just caught up in the moment. It seemed as though all the energy that had seeped away from the dance floor and the tables and the guests was all right here, because not a single one of the friends were anything less than invigorated as they made their way across the sands.

When they got to their spot, Annabeth took a moment to gaze back at the twinkling lights of the inn, only barely visible at this distance, and take a deep breath. When they noticed her looking, Hazel and Thalia slipped quietly from the group and walked up to her, ready for whatever she needed—whether that was an inspirational talk or a quick getaway.

"Hey," Hazel said softly. She was so good at that—at being kind. "How are you feeling?"

Annabeth looked between her and Thalia, a sting in her eyes, though she wasn't quite sure why.

"I don't really know," she said.

Hazel looked at her with a certain gentleness that Annabeth might've thought bordered on pity if she didn't know how much she genuinely cared. Next to her, Thalia stepped forward, and she provided the hard balance to Hazel's gaze.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" she asked, sugarcoating nothing.

"Don't get married just because you're pregnant," Hazel added. "I know you wanted a nice, detailed wedding." Her words called back to all the things Annabeth had mentioned off-handedly during the planning. Well, that and Annabeth's general personality.

But as Annabeth's mind drifted in thought, her eyes drifted, too. And it was no coincidence that they should turn to the ocean, only to find Percy standing just right under the moon, sparkling even more than the water.

She looked around as well at all of her friends—Jason, Piper, Leo, Reyna, Will, Nico, Frank—and her gaze settled on the last two in front of her before she smiled. "I want this," she said, breath filling her lungs and energy rippling through her. She was more sure of this than anything else in the world. "In fact, I should've done it ages ago. I have everything I need right here."

They drew her into a hug and squeezed her tight, and as they did, Thalia whispered into her ear: "I'm so proud of you." Annabeth squeezed her eyes shut and her arms tighter, trying not to cry.

As the three of them walked back to the group, they slowly tuned into the conversation that was happening, and… well.

Jason turned to her as soon as he caught sight of her rejoining them. "Wait, you are getting married to Percy, right?"

Annabeth was so astounded by the question that she was shoved into utter silence. She was saved from having to answer when Percy reached out and flicked Jason's nose—playfully, but with a little bite.

Jason just shook his head and laughed. "Right. Stupid question. Let's do this! Wedding, Part 2!"

The adrenaline began rushing into their systems, and the whole group buzzed with energy as they began to get into position. There had been no formal asking or organizing—they just knew where they were needed, and they all knew their places, both literally and in their relationships to each other.

But it wasn't until they were just about to begin that Jason realized they were missing one critical person.

"Wait," he said, all eyes turning to him as they registered the falling pitch of his voice. "The officiant already left."

Everyone's eyes dropped away as they absorbed the information, and the night fell quiet.

"Oh, shit," Percy breathed, the light slipping quickly out of his eyes in a way that made Nico's heart thump painfully against his ribcage. His crush on Percy may have been a thing of the past, but Percy was one of his best friends now, and it hurt Nico more to see him in pain than his own pain would've. (And yeah, maybe that was something he should be slightly concerned about, but at least he knew that Will would always be there to take care of him, and he, Will).

Percy looked over at Annabeth, to the thin sheen of tears that made her eyes glitter like stars in the night. "We can't get married," he said.

A weighted silence fell over the group as their breath caught in their chests, but Leo (sweet, wonderful Leo) broke it with a "Well, actually…"

And hope lived again.

All eyes turned to him, and instead of shrinking away like Nico would have, it seemed to invigorate Leo, though he glanced at them bashfully and began fidgeting with his hands before he started gesturing wildly as usual.

He looked over at Jason and Piper. "Look," he said defensively, as if he had to defend himself for what he was about to tell them. "When you told us all that you were getting married, I was beyond excited. I was so happy for you, so full of love, so caught up in the energy of helping you plan that I didn't know what to do when it slowed down. And when the first band fell through, before you decided to go with the DJ, I… I started thinking. About every possible thing that could go wrong. I would just sit there going over worst case scenarios in my head while you argued over… cake, flowers, whatever. And it started to get to me."

"Leo…" Jason said worriedly, taking a step toward him. But Leo held up a hand for him to stop.

"So I stopped wallowing and decided to prepare." A mischievous smirk slipped onto his face, just long enough for Jason's frown to dissipate and the strength in Leo's words to return before he became sheepish once more.

"It's just… you've been through so much together, and I wanted everything to be perfect. Soooo," he glanced around at the rest of them, eyes lingering on Percy and Annabeth, "I—I went to the courthouse and got ordained."

They all stood in astounded silence for a few moments longer before Piper squealed, launched herself into Leo's arms, and kissed him on the cheek (which Leo quickly recovered from, a grin spreading over his lips as he wrapped his arms around Piper and gave her a tight squeeze back—Nico averted his eyes from the soft moment as soon as Leo buried his face in Piper's shoulder. He thought he heard Jason say something about a best man, and this time, there was no argument from Percy, who only grinned at him).

The energy was back in an instant; the sparkle in Annabeth's eyes was from happy tears, and Percy held her tight to his side as they grinned at each other.

And that was that.

With Leo standing behind them, and the newly-burning fire casting flickering lights over their faces, they began.

"Dear loved ones." Leo looked out onto the crowd. "And Jason."

"Hey!"

They all snickered, and Leo laughed, but he regained his composure quickly.

"We have gathered in this secret location," he said, gesturing to the beach, "in the hopes that it is not private property—"

"It's not."

"Thanks to Frank and Hazel's exploration." He sent them a salute. "Thanks guys."

Hazel nodded back at him, but Frank rolled his eyes—until Hazel nudged him with her elbow and he sent a half-hearted salute back at Leo.

"We have gathered here to celebrate two of the most… incredible people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I know Percy and I had our ups and downs when we first met. But now, it's like…" His eyes grew glossy, lost in thought, but they all waited patiently. They loved this side of Leo, just as much as they loved the rest of him.

"Now it's like Percy's the brother I never had. I know trust doesn't come easily for most of us," he said, meeting everyone's eyes. It was nothing short of the truth, but the rawness of having that truth out in the open was a lot better with all of them there—like cold water on a burn. "But Percy is someone I could place all my trust in."

"And maybe that scares you," he said, addressing Percy, "but that's what makes it even better . Because even when you're scared, you keep going . You're there for us, for me. It's the best example of courage I've ever seen, and you may not have noticed, but Annabeth is a big part of that. Being with her gives you courage."

"Because Annabeth—" he laughed tearfully, not even bothering to hide it. "Gods, what can I say about Annabeth? She's amazing. She gets me. She listens. And she's so smart, it'd be scary if it wasn't so awesome ."

"Annabeth is the kind of person I would want with me if I was lost—in whatever way you take that to mean. Not just because she's smart, but because… she cares about people. She would make me feel better."

"Ahem, anyway," Leo broke out, pausing to dab at his eyes with his sleeve. Others took advantage of the pause to do the same, some even taking handkerchiefs out of their pockets. Annabeth and Percy smiled tearfully at each other.

Leo shook out his hands and began again. "I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit scared, myself. None of us want to lose you to each other, but the truth is… Percy and Annabeth would not exist if they weren't Percy and Annabeth."

Before anyone else could say anything, Percy and Annabeth were dragging Leo into a hug, and not a single eye was dry.

"Okay, okay," Percy said as they released him. "Stop making my fiancée cry."

Annabeth snorted. Her eyes were glittering, but Percy was starting to snot-cry.

"So!" Leo clapped his hands, ready to pass it on to the bride and groom. "If you would like to say a few words now, please do so before I marry you."

"Yeah, good luck topping that," Jason said, and Percy and Annabeth laughed.

"I think Leo said it well, Percy," said Annabeth. "I trust no one more than I trust you. I love no one more than I love you. You are the person that I want to know and to love every day for the rest of my life. Even though you still think Hurricane is an appropriate name for a child." She smirked up at him, and the others laughed.

"Such a cool name," Percy put in, shaking his head in wonder.

"And, yeah. You're pretty silly," Annabeth continued. "It's who you are. But it's not all of who you are. Because you're also loving, and kind, and creative, and loyal. You're Percy . You're my soulmate. You're the father of my child. And you're my best friend."

She lifted Percy's hands to her lips and kissed them, while Percy breathed steadily and prepared to speak his own vows. They truly hadn't prepared for this, so these words were quite raw. Straight from the heart—no filter, just love.

"Annabeth, I honestly can't believe we're even here." It showed on his face—his eyes were wide, disbelieving as he looked at Annabeth, beautiful in every way, standing in front of him. "Every day I wake up and think that meeting you all those years ago was some kind of dream. Not because I didn't think that something as amazing as you could happen to me, but because I didn't think it could happen to anyone . I'm so lucky to have you, so lucky that I get to love you. I couldn't ask for a better friend, or a better mother to our child, because Annabeth—if they're anything like you, we're all going to love them just as much as we love you."

He leaned in and made sure she was looking him in the eyes. "You're going to be a great mother, Annabeth. And you're not alone. Look at all these people. They're going to love our happy little accident, too."'

"Percy!"

"What? It's a term of endearment!" That broke the rest of them out into laughs, and it was clear that they were full with enough love to last them a lifetime, and they needed to move on before their hearts exploded. Percy's grin turned soft, and he kissed Annabeth's hands before they turned to the fire.

Leo began speaking in the ancient language, and it sounded as though he was always meant to speak these words.

They were omitting a lot of the traditional aspects of a wedding, such as the flowers (including the petals, the bouquet, and the boutonniere), but the one thing they knew they couldn't-shouldn't-wouldn't omit was the offerings. Nico watched as Annabeth pulled a small black object from some hidden place in her dress, and though he didn't know what it was, Percy clearly did, if his sharp intake of breath was anything to go by.

"Annabeth, no."

There was a tension in the air as the rest of them watched on with bated breath, but Annabeth dispelled it with a smile.

"It's okay, Percy. It's time I accept the fact that the furthest these will ever go is plans. Ideas. It doesn't mean they never mattered—they just fulfilled their purpose already. I know what's important, and I have the ones I need."

She dropped the data chip on which she kept many blueprints into the fire, and they all watched it go.

Then they all trailed their eyes on Percy as, after a moment, he reached into his inside suit pocket and pulled out a pen.

"Percy! You get after me about my offering, and this is yours?" she smiled at him sadly, but fondly.

Percy said nothing, smiling down at the pen. Nico didn't know all the details, but he knew how important it was to him—to give it up was a significant gesture of love. Percy dropped it into the fire, and looked back up into Annabeth's eyes.

The more meaningful the item was, the better the marriage was supposed to go. But Percy and Annabeth could have foregone the offering entirely and still lived the kind of long, happy life together that most people only dream of.

Leo finished the words, marking the end of the ceremony and the beginning of their marriage.

For a moment, there was silence. Then there was more silence. And even though Percy and Annabeth were completely lost in each other's eyes, Nico started to feel the silence get awkward.

"Sooo," he said, drawing people's eyes. "Did we do it? Are you married?"

Percy and Annabeth's grins told him all he needed to know, and he couldn't help but smile back at them.

They broke into applause.

"Wait! There's one more thing," Jason said, breaking through the noise. "How could I forget?"

He stepped toward Percy with his hand outstretched, and Nico noticed a small silver box that he hadn't seen before. But Percy's eyes seemed to widen at the sight, so he must've known what it was.

Then he said, "Our gift from Chiron?" and it all made a little more sense.

"I ran upstairs and snatched it before we left." Percy took the box from him, turning it over, trancelike, in his hands. Jason grew sheepish and began to rub at the back of his neck. "I thought it was ours, so I opened it. But… Well, here. Read this. It was in the box."

Percy, now perplexed, took the small brown paper from Jason and began reading. Annabeth scooched closer to read as well, and Nico watched as their eyes grew even wider.

"No way," Percy laughed, and with no preamble, he opened the box.

And he took out two rings.

Nico didn't get a closer look at them until they passed them around, but he saw how Annabeth's eyes teared up at whatever was engraved in them, and even Percy's eyes grew misty. When it was his turn to look, his heart almost stopped beating in his chest.

He had to refrain from running his thumb over Percy and Annabeth's names, side by side along with the year they met. But when he caught sight of the emblems on either side of them, he couldn't help but touch them.

There was a trident. A fleece hanging from a pine tree. A labyrinth. They went on, curled all the way around the inside of the ring.

And a tear slipped from his eyes as well.

They returned the rings back to their rightful owners, and Percy and Annabeth slipped them onto each other's fingers. Annabeth couldn't stop looking at hers. The sea green stone within it glinted under the fire and the moon, a swirling display of warm light and cold light.

"He knew," she said, and Percy laughed. "Of course he did. Somehow."

Percy stroked his thumbs over Annabeth's hands. "Well, we're still not done."

Annabeth looked up at him in confusion, and then he stepped away to make a show of outstretching his hand, and the smile on her face returned with full force.

With the most charming smile he could muster, Percy asked, "May I have this dance?"

Annabeth stepped in to meet him, and they were lost.

"You may."

They began to sway over the sands, Annabeth's dress rustling softly in the wind.

And then something amazing happened, and it got even better.

Will began to sing.

The song he'd chosen wasn't particularly slow or gentle, but he had an incredible way of turning the melody over with his voice to soften it. The now-long, lilting notes of "I'll Say Forever My Love" began to drift out over the night, and more than a few cheers, claps, and bright smiles met Will as he made the first dance complete.

They settled quickly so that Percy and Annabeth could have this moment, and the rest of them began to sway back and forth, Leo even bringing out his lighter that he'd used to light the fire. Nico, meanwhile, couldn't keep his eyes off of Will—he was glowing . The fire framed his hair in a halo, but it felt as though there was just enough darkness in him for the stars to start emerging right on his skin.

"Just ask me how long I'll need you, go on and ask me how long I'll love you. I'll say forever my love."

In the comforting blanket of Will's soft voice, the warm fire, and their own personal dance floor created by the ocean and a circle of friends, Percy spoke quietly to Annabeth, soft enough for only her to hear.

"Forever, Wise Girl. You, me, and our happy little accident," he murmured through a grin, placing his palm over Annabeth's belly. She laughed quietly and her face fell into his chest. All he did was hold her closer.

It wasn't long before the song was over, but it felt like an eternity. Will picked up with a quicker pace, something the rest of them could dance to as well. And there, under the stars, moving their bodies to Will's music, not a single person felt time move.

As the others continued to dance, Will continued to sing—but as soon as he faded out with his most recent song, Nico picked up in his place, and he tried to ignore the gazes that found him as he sang a slow song.

"The warmth of your love's like the warmth from the sun… And this will be our year, took a long time to come…"

The others, some whooping (which made Nico duck his head in embarrassment until he realized that it was hindering his voice), began to pair off, but the soulmates had all already had their dances together—so Percy fell into step with Jason, grinning; Annabeth and Hazel took each other's hands; Piper swayed with Leo; Thalia and Reyna seemed drawn into a competition as they raced with each other over the sand; and Frank stood there looking awkward until Jason and Percy spun by and pulled him into their spirited dance, the look on Frank's face quickly replaced with a smile.

Will, meanwhile, turned to Nico while he sang, and held out a hand.

Nico allowed himself to be pulled in.

He looked up at Will, who was positively beaming at Nico, then blushed and looked away—but Will caught his face in his hand and pressed a kiss to his warm cheek as Nico sang on.

"Don't let go of my hand, now the darkness has gone…"

When the sun began to rise, it felt as though the warmth Nico found in Will's arms only grew. Leo had taken to singing (quite… enthusiastically ) so that Will could rest his voice, and his rendition of Abba's "Dancing Queen" seemed a little out of place for the moment and the dance, but Nico and Will didn't care. What in their lives was ever picture perfect? They didn't want that. They wanted the chaos. The incredible friends. The adventure.

The feeling that burrowed itself in his chest as he swayed with Will was so strong, so pure , and he knew without a doubt that it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever felt, the most beautiful thing that the world had to offer, and he wondered, how could someone ever call such a thing disgusting?

But he didn't have to think about that now.

Instead, the feeling that had ignited in his gut threatened to spill out of his mouth, and well. He didn't stop it.

"Do you ever want to get married?" he asked, looking up at Will.

Will smiled down at him. He squeezed his hand a little tighter.

"Someday," he said, and Nico's heart fluttered. He put his head back on Will's chest, to the warmth he knew he could always find there. "You?" Will continued softly, not willing to let this moment go.

"Someday," Nico echoed with a smile.

Maybe for the first time in Nico's life, the future didn't scare him.

The sunrise on his face was nothing compared to Will's gentle breathing under his cheek.

---

Early Monday Morning

"Uh… Leo?"

Few were around to take in Jason's baffled expression as he stepped foot into the rv and was met with something undeniably… furry .

No, they were too busy lugging their bags out of the inn, smiling and laughing and arguing with each other over pre-road trip soundtrack choices, souvenirs bought, and the weekend spent at the inn for not one, but two weddings.

Even Leo didn't realize his own name had been spoken until he approached with two duffle bags under his shoulders and caught sight of Jason gaping at him and the dog snuffling at his feet, tail wagging. Leo's lips spread in a wide grin and he said nothing as he went in to set the bags somewhere on the floor.

"Do you want to tell me why there's a dog in your rv?" Jason finally said, voice high.

At the sound of Jason's rising voice, the others finally turned their attention to the scene. There was the sound of a few bags being dropped in surprise, but throughout it all Leo just laughed. He stepped out of the door and gestured to the animal, who was now looking up at everyone and wagging his tail at an even faster pace.

"Everyone, meet Festus. Festus, meet everyone."

It was mostly awkward waves and gentle pats on Festus' head—after allowing a sniff test—that met the three-legged retriever as he made the rounds, greeting everyone in turn with sniffs, kisses, and wags. No one really knew what to do.

Well, no one except Percy, that is, who squealed and fell to his knees.

That instantly drew Festus' attention, and he hopped over to cover Percy's face with slobbery kisses.

Percy cackled with delight, unable to keep the unadulterated joy from spilling forth. Annabeth smiled and shook her head as she gazed down at her— husband , gods she'd never get used to that—and at Will, who soon joined Percy on the ground and had his own soulmate's loving eyes on him.

"Best. Weekend. Ever!" shouted Percy.

"Oh yeah," Annabeth teased, "nothing like petting a dog 6 hours after marrying the love of your life."

Percy grinned up at her and stood to steal a kiss, leaving Will to smile up at them while he stroked the dog's fur. "I love you, Wise Girl," said Percy.

"I love you, too." Annabeth took a deep breath as if to brace herself, and then she said something that could turn the tides of her and Percy's entire lives, their entire relationship . "And maybe, when our child is a few years old… then we can get a dog."

Percy's eyes grew so wide it looked as though they'd fall out.

In an instant, he scooped up Annabeth in his arms with a victorious shout of "Yes, Annabeth!" and ran off, leaping up the stairs of the rv as Annabeth laughed, loudly and from the belly.

While the chaos settled, and the others took to loading up the rest of the bags—including Percy and Annabeth's, as the two were busy inside arguing over dog breeds and names—Jason tossed Leo the keys to the rv (long story as to why he had them) and asked, "So? Is this another one of your adventures?"

With a mischievous grin, Leo caught the keys in his hand, Festus trailing after him with a wide doggy grin on his face. "I'll tell you on the way."

And the nine of them—or, really, the ten and a half of them—settled into the rv, and pointed east to New York—to home.

But they already had home right there.

But they already had home right there.