Nico took a steadying breath, watching as his ghostly family faded into focus, each one with their own expression of quiet resolve and loyalty. Helena's kind, almost motherly gaze met his first. She was the gentlest of his spectral guardians, but her eyes glinted with steely determination tonight, her ghostly form shimmering faintly as she folded her arms, waiting for him to speak.

"Nico," she began softly, though her voice carried a strength that had always comforted him. "You wouldn't call on us without good reason. What's on your mind?"

Nico's gaze flicked from Helena to Alexander, who looked like he was trying not to roll his eyes in impatience, and then to Harry, who stood off to the side, regarding him with a thoughtful, curious expression. Albert, ever the stoic one, held his usual unreadable look, his eyes analyzing Nico as though reading his thoughts before he'd even spoken.

"I just…" Nico started, his fingers nervously tugging at the cuffs of his jacket. "Things are getting worse out there. The Titans, they're getting bolder, and there's this… pressure building up, like a storm waiting to break. I don't know if I can lead them—Percy, Jason… everyone. They're all counting on me." He clenched his fists. "And what if… what if I can't?"

Helena's gaze softened, and she drifted closer, her fingers brushing against his arm in a way that felt more real than spectral. "You're stronger than you think," she murmured. "And they know that. They chose to follow you for a reason."

Alexander let out a snort, rolling his shoulders back as he floated closer. "Let's not pretend, kid. They don't follow you because you're soft. They follow you because you're hard as stone when you need to be. That's what they need out there." He gave Nico a critical look, eyebrow arched. "If you weren't tough enough, you wouldn't have made it this far."

"Thanks for the pep talk," Nico replied dryly, but a flicker of gratitude softened his words. Despite Alexander's brashness, Nico knew his guardian spoke from a place of genuine concern.

Harry gave a slow, calculating nod. "Alexander's right, in his blunt way," they said, their voice carrying an eerie echo. "You've been through more than most. You know darkness better than any of them, and that's a strength they lack. Embrace that."

A silence fell as Nico took in their words, his fingers finally releasing the death grip he had on his cuffs. It was strange, being comforted by his spectral guardians, and yet it was exactly what he'd needed. He shifted slightly, glancing toward Albert, who had remained silent, his gaze sharp and intense.

"Albert?" Nico prompted, half-expecting another lecture on logic and statistics.

Albert regarded him, lips pressed into a thin line. "Your strategy, Nico, is sound. I've watched you analyze every move, consider every angle. If you were to falter, it wouldn't be due to lack of insight or foresight." His voice softened slightly. "Remember, it's not about being invincible. It's about doing what you believe is right, regardless of outcome."

Nico let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, nodding slightly. "I just… I just don't want them to get hurt because of me."

A smile—almost—tugged at the corner of Helena's mouth. "And that's why you're the right person for this," she said gently. "You care. It's not just the power you wield, Nico. It's the heart you carry."

He chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "Heart, huh? Not exactly known for that."

Harry gave him an exaggerated eye roll. "Well, you're stuck with it, whether you like it or not. And it's one of the reasons they care about you—Percy, Jason… the lot of them."

The mention of Percy and Jason made something soften in Nico's eyes, a small, unbidden smile creeping onto his face. He could practically see Percy's goofy grin, Jason's earnest, reassuring gaze. "Yeah," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else, "they do have a way of reminding me of that."

"It's just… sometimes it feels like Percy and Jason are so wrapped up in each other, in… us," Nico let out a heavy sigh, his gaze trailing to the floor as he let his thoughts out in a rare moment of vulnerability. "That they're almost trying to squeeze every bit of happiness out, like it's some last hurrah before the end." His eyes flickered with worry as he looked back up at Helena, Alexander, Harry, and Albert. "It's hard not to think they're acting like this… because they're scared."

Helena floated closer, her expression softening, but there was a hint of exasperation. "Oh, Nico," she murmured, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch as real as a ghost could manage. "Believe it or not, not everything they do is because of impending doom. Those two adore you, and they're simply… well, they're happy. They're finally able to be together—and with you."

Alexander let out a chuckle, crossing his arms as he shot Nico an amused, knowing look. "Let's be real here, kid. You've got two guys who, for the first time, are figuring out how to balance saving the world with trying to date. There's bound to be some… 'exuberance.'" He emphasized the last word with air quotes, giving a cheeky grin.

Harry, who had been leaning against the window, shrugged with a half-smile. "Alexander has a point. You, Jason, Percy—you're all just teenagers, Nico. Normal ones would be worrying about exams and weekend plans. You guys just happen to have your dates between battle strategies." They tilted their head thoughtfully, a glimmer of mischief in their gaze. "And maybe, for them, getting caught up in all this 'lovey-dovey' stuff is their way of balancing the chaos."

Albert, always the serious one, nodded, his tone far more analytical but still carrying a comforting weight. "Emotional attachments are statistically proven to increase resilience in high-stress situations," he stated, as if he were presenting at a seminar. "The happiness they're experiencing with you? It's just as much a source of strength as any weapon or plan." His voice softened slightly. "They're not thinking of death, Nico. They're living."

Nico took in their words, a small crease of worry still furrowing his brow. "You really think so? That they're not… preparing to die or something?" His voice held an edge of skepticism, but there was also a glimmer of hope.

Helena gave a reassuring smile, squeezing his shoulder gently. "I promise, Nico. They're just excited. They've both fought battles before, faced death plenty of times. This isn't new. What is new is having someone they care so much about to share it with."

"And besides," Alexander chimed in, a devilish smirk on his face, "if they were planning to die, do you really think they'd waste time on something as trivial as dates? They're acting like this because they're totally whipped for you." He winked, and Nico rolled his eyes, though he couldn't hide the slight flush creeping up his neck.

Harry raised an eyebrow, their expression half-skeptical, half-teasing. "Besides, do you really think Percy and Jason are the types to brood over fate? They're all impulse and heart. They're just trying to figure out what it means to have you and keep you happy."

Nico felt himself smile, the kind of smile that surprised even him. "I guess that does sound like them," he muttered, the warmth of his guardians' presence settling some of his anxiety. But even as he said it, he couldn't help but let out a resigned laugh. "It's just… weird. I'm feeling like they're trying to protect me, like they're afraid I'll just… slip away."

Albert's gaze softened, his usually steely eyes taking on a gentler look. "And maybe that's what they're trying to show you, Nico. You don't always have to be the one watching their backs. They want you to know they're watching yours, too."

For a moment, Nico's eyes softened, and he almost let himself imagine the future they were all working so hard for. One where he, Percy, and Jason could exist together—no war, no gods hanging over them. Just a life of their own. And as foreign as the thought was, it felt… good.

Alexander gave an approving nod, crossing his arms as if their conversation had proved some unspoken point. "Good. So, you've got this. We're here when you need us—whether it's to fight, scare off some Titans, or keep an eye on those two boys of yours."

Nico's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait—don't tell me you've been following them around too?"

Helena let out a soft laugh, patting his shoulder gently. "It's just… you mean a lot to us, Nico. And sometimes, watching over you means watching over those who hold a part of your heart." She gave him a warm, ghostly smile. "Consider it an extra layer of protection."

"Yeah," Alexander added with a mischievous grin. "Can't have anyone messing with you—not without dealing with us first."

Nico shook his head, an amused, disbelieving smile spreading across his face. "You all are something else."

As he looked around, taking in each of their faces, Nico felt the tension in his chest ease. The weight of his responsibilities hadn't vanished, but it no longer felt like it was crushing him. He knew he wasn't alone, and that reassurance gave him the strength to face whatever came next.

"Thank you," he said quietly, looking each of them in the eyes. "For everything."

Harry gave a dramatic bow, grinning with their usual theatrical flair. "Anytime, my liege."

Albert nodded solemnly, Alexander shot him a playful salute, and Helena placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

Guilt settling heavily over Nico as he looked at his ghost guardians and their loyalty. He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes cast down, and let out a soft sigh. "I know I haven't been around as much," he said quietly. "It's just... things have changed. I've changed." He paused, searching for the right words, then looked up at his ghostly friends. "But that doesn't mean I don't need you. Or want you around."

Helena drifted a little closer, a motherly smile gracing her translucent face. "Oh, Nico, we know," she assured him gently. Her hand hovered over his shoulder, not quite touching, but her warmth was unmistakable. "This was the plan all along. We've watched you grow up in the shadows, and now… well, you've finally found the light. And people in it," she said, a small smile tilting her lips. Her tone was affectionate, a mix of pride and a little wistfulness.

Alexander, never one to get too sentimental, grunted, folding his arms. "About time, if you ask me," he said, a playful smirk tugging at his mouth. "I mean, Percy and Jason are a solid upgrade from us as far as social circles go. Though, if I am being honest I prefer Lou Ellen and Damien. Those two are riot! You're making connections with, you know, the living. That's how it should be." He shot Nico a teasing glance, as if to say, Even you, Mr. Brooding.

Nico scoffed, trying to deflect, but there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. "Still, I owe you guys. You were there when no one else was. I don't know if I'd be...here if it weren't for you." He trailed off, his voice thick with gratitude. "I don't want to just... move on and leave you behind."

Harry leaned against the far wall, their expression soft but firm. "We were never meant to be your inner circle forever," they said, their voice carrying a weight that only someone from the Underworld could. "We're here to guide, not to hold you back. You've made friends now—friends who live, who breathe. That's what we wanted for you."

Nico's brows drew together, the words settling over him in a way he hadn't anticipated. "You make it sound like you were waiting for me to… grow out of you," he said, half-joking, though his voice wavered slightly.

Albert, ever the logical one, looked at him with that calm, analyzing gaze. "That's because we were," he said, the slightest smile playing on his lips. "Our purpose was to protect and support you until you found what you needed. And Nico, you've found it in them. In the world outside the shadows. It was never meant to last forever, this… bond between us and you. You needed us then; you don't need us like that anymore. Our duties are now different, we aid you mostly in your duties as Ghost King. There is no shame in us not spending all our time together as we used to in your youth."

The room fell quiet, Nico taking it all in as he looked around at them. There was love in their eyes, a deep-seated pride, and an understanding he hadn't fully considered until now. "But I still want you around," he murmured, almost like he was trying to convince himself that it was okay to let go a little, to keep walking into the light they were pushing him toward. He laughed softly, almost to himself, as he added, "Even if it's just to remind me when I'm being dramatic."

Helena chuckled, her laugh a warm, familiar sound. "Oh, we'll still be here," she said, her voice softening. "But we're not your only family anymore." She met his gaze steadily. "You have Percy and Jason now, Nico. Reyna, Hylla, Herophile, Lou Ellen, Damien, Alabaster, Ethan, even Annabeth and Thalia—so many people. Let them help share some of that burden, and let them give you something back, too. You deserve happiness. We all believe that."

Alexander groaned, rolling his eyes but smiling as he did. "What she's trying to say," he cut in, "is go get your fill of chaos with them. And when you need us—really need us—just call. You know we'll come." His smirk softened, and he added, "And we're going to haunt your boyfriends if they break your heart. That's a promise."

Harry just laughed, giving Nico a wink. "Alexander means it. We might be spectral, but we've still got standards for who gets to date our boy."

Nico chuckled, the weight he'd been carrying feeling just a little bit lighter. He'd always considered them his safety net, the ones he could lean on when everything else felt uncertain. And now they were telling him to step forward, to keep moving with the living, with Percy and Jason at his side. It was the kind of validation he hadn't realized he'd been waiting for, and his smile, small and grateful, said everything words couldn't.

"Thank you," he said, his voice quiet but full of feeling.

Nico watched the last tendrils of mist from his ghostly guardians dissipate into the shadows, leaving a strange sense of calm in their wake. For a moment, he just let the quiet settle, pressing in around him. Finally, with a sigh, he dragged himself to the kitchen, his bare feet padding softly against the cool tiles as he went through the motions of making a cup of tea.

He filled the kettle and flicked it on, then rummaged through the cabinet, reaching for a tin of tea leaves Persephone had sent him—something floral and a little earthy. It felt like the kind of tea to drink when trying to untangle your thoughts, and tonight he could use all the help he could get. As the tea steeped, the faint aroma began filling the air, wrapping around him in warmth.

When it was ready, he poured the tea into his favorite chipped mug—one Percy had insisted on bringing back from a particularly chaotic trip to Coney Island. Holding the mug close to his chest, he let the heat seep into his hands as he made his way to the living room, sinking into the sofa by the window.

Outside, the New York City skyline stretched out in an endless array of glittering lights against the night sky, each window glowing like a tiny star. Nico settled deeper into the cushions, his gaze wandering over the horizon, his thoughts drifting to the ghosts' words, lingering like an echo in his mind. He chuckled softly to himself. Leave it to a group of spirits to remind me to live.

It was strange—no, unnerving—to think about the life he had now compared to what he'd always assumed his existence would be. He'd spent so many years with his head down, just surviving, making the darkness his companion. He'd always thought that's how it would stay: he and his ghosts, out on the fringe, watching everyone else move forward.

And yet, here he was. He was living in New York City, balancing the quiet joys of mortal life with the looming threats of their demigod existence. And then there was Percy. Jason. Just the thought of them made him smile, a rare, unguarded expression that softened his features. He didn't need to look at them over his shoulder or in the shadows—they were here, in the light, every day, in a way he hadn't dared hope for.

He took a sip of his tea, feeling its warmth fill him, grounding him in the moment. Helena's words played back in his mind: "You don't need us like that anymore." They'd been spoken with such tenderness, but the truth of them cut deeper than he'd realized. Because, even if he didn't need his ghosts as he once had, he still loved them. They'd been his foundation, the ones who'd steadied him when no one else had. Now, though, his life was shifting, expanding beyond the confines he'd long since resigned himself to. And, for once, it didn't terrify him.

He let his mind drift to Percy and Jason again, the way Percy's laugh could fill a room, carefree and boundless, drawing people in without even trying. The way Jason's calm, steady presence had a way of grounding him, like he'd always be there when things got too chaotic. They were so different, those two—like night and day, light and dark—and yet somehow, they made him feel whole.

A sudden, amused snort escaped him. They'd probably tease him if they knew how much he'd been thinking about this tonight. Percy would make some snarky remark, trying to break the tension with a joke, and Jason would smirk knowingly, all cool confidence, maybe sling an arm around his shoulders.

He took another sip of tea, his gaze still fixed on the city lights, his heart feeling unexpectedly light. He'd never thought he'd have something like this, a future that felt real and grounded. And as much as he still worried—worried about the upcoming battles, about their relationship surviving the chaos ahead—he realized he felt something else, too. Something stronger than his fear, something that settled in his chest and glowed with a quiet, determined light.

Hope.

He took another sip of tea, his gaze still fixed on the city lights, his heart feeling unexpectedly light. He'd never thought he'd have something like this—a future that felt real and grounded. Yet, alongside that hope was a chilling fear, a terrifying awareness that everything could slip away in an instant. The thought of losing it all to the Titans clenched around his heart like a vice, each beat echoing his dread. The prospect of upcoming battles loomed over him like a dark cloud, threatening to extinguish the light he felt.

Nico set the cup down with a soft clink, his mind racing as anxiety prickled at the edges of his thoughts. He stood up, his legs feeling heavy as he moved away from the window. The room seemed to close in around him, and the walls felt like they were pressing against his chest. Each step toward his bedroom was filled with a growing urgency, a need to escape the swirling fears that threatened to overwhelm him. The impending war loomed large, making it difficult to breathe, and a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach.

He pushed open the door, his heart racing at the sight of Percy and Jason already in bed, their clothes discarded haphazardly on the floor. The room was dimly lit by a single lamp on the bedside table, casting soft shadows that danced across the walls. Relief washed over him as he took in their familiar forms, a stark contrast to the chaos brewing in his mind. The warmth radiating from them called to him, and he hurried forward, needing to feel that grounding presence.

As he crossed the threshold, the weight of his fears began to lift, if only slightly, and he could almost believe that everything would be alright.

Percy looked up from where he was lying, his hair tousled and his eyes filled with concern. "Nico, you okay?" he asked softly, reaching out a hand.

Nico nodded, though his lips trembled. He walked over to the bed, feeling the warmth of their bodies radiating towards him. Jason sat up, his strong arms wrapping around Nico as he climbed onto the mattress. The three of them settled into a tight embrace, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.

"We'll be alright," Jason murmured, his voice soothing. He pressed a gentle kiss to Nico's forehead, his breath warm against his skin.

Nico closed his eyes, letting the warmth of their touch seep into him. He could feel the love and reassurance emanating from them, and it helped to ease some of the tension in his muscles. He sighed deeply, resting his head on Percy's chest. The steady beat of Percy's heart beneath his ear was calming, grounding him in the moment.

Percy's fingers traced lazy patterns on Nico's back, and he could feel Jason's hands moving gently over his shoulders. They didn't say much, just held each other, seeking comfort in the closeness of their bodies. Nico could hear the faint rustling of sheets and the soft hum of the air conditioner, creating a cocoon of sound that enveloped them.

After a few minutes, Percy shifted slightly, his hand moving lower to cup Nico's ass. "We don't have to do anything tonight," he whispered, his voice low and rough. "But if you want..."

Nico opened his eyes, looking up at Percy. The vulnerability in Percy's gaze made his heart ache, and he knew they needed this connection more than ever. He nodded slowly, his body responding to the unspoken need between them.

Jason's hand slipped beneath the waistband of Nico's pants, his fingers brushing against the skin there. Nico shivered, the sensation sending sparks through his nerves. He leaned forward, capturing Percy's lips in a tender kiss, tasting the saltiness of his sweat and the sweetness of his breath.

As the kiss deepened, Percy's hand moved to undo the buttons of Nico's shirt, pulling it off and tossing it aside. Nico broke the kiss, trailing his lips down Percy's neck, nipping gently at the sensitive skin there. Percy moaned softly, his hands roaming over Nico's back, pressing him closer.

Jason moved behind Nico, his hands slipping beneath Nico's boxers to free his erection. Nico gasped, arching into the touch, his senses heightened by the intimacy of the moment. Jason's fingers wrapped around his shaft, stroking him slowly at first, then picking up speed as Nico's hips rolled instinctively.

Percy reached down, guiding Nico's mouth to his own aching cock. Nico took him in eagerly, his tongue swirling around the tip before taking as much of Percy as he could into his mouth. Percy's fingers tangled in Nico's hair, holding him in place as he thrust gently, his hips moving in time with Jason's strokes.

The room was filled with the sounds of their breathing, the slick noises of flesh meeting flesh, and the occasional moan or gasp. The scent of their arousal hung heavily in the air, mixing with the faint hint of sweat and the clean smell of the sheets.

Nico felt the tension building in his body, his muscles tightening as he neared his peak. He pulled off Percy, gasping for breath, his vision swimming with pleasure. "Please," he begged softly, looking up at Percy with pleading eyes.

Percy understood immediately. He reached over to the nightstand, grabbing the lube and handing it to Jason. Jason squeezed some onto his fingers, then reached around to prepare Nico. Nico bit his lip, trying to stifle the sounds that wanted to escape as Jason's fingers probed him, stretching him open.

When Nico was ready, Jason positioned himself, lining his cock up with Nico's entrance. With a slow, deliberate thrust, he pushed inside, filling Nico completely. Nico cried out, his hands gripping Percy's thighs as Jason began to move, driving deep and hard.

Percy watched, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he held Nico close. His hand found Nico's cock again, stroking him in time with Jason's thrusts. Nico's entire world narrowed down to the sensations flooding his body, the heat and pressure of Jason inside him, the firm grip of Percy's hand on his shaft.

Jason's pace increased, his hands gripping Nico's hips tightly as he pounded into him. Nico could feel the bedframe creaking beneath them, the vibrations adding another layer to the pleasure. He threw his head back, his eyes closing as he lost himself in the sensations.

"Come for us, baby," Percy whispered, his voice rough with need. "Let go."

Nico couldn't hold back any longer. With a strangled cry, he came, his release coating Percy's hand and splattering onto his stomach. The pleasure was almost too much, his body convulsing as he rode out his orgasm.

Jason followed soon after, his thrusts becoming erratic as he spilled inside Nico, his body trembling with the force of his climax. They stayed like that for a moment, locked together in the aftermath of their passion, breathing heavily.

Finally, Jason withdrew, collapsing onto the bed beside them. Nico turned to bury his face in Percy's shoulder, his body still humming with residual pleasure. Percy wrapped his arms around him, holding him close as they both drifted towards sleep.

"Tomorrow won't matter," Percy murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion. "We'll get through it."

Nico nodded, feeling the warmth of their bodies and the strength of their bond. He let out a small sigh, his eyes fluttering shut as he prepared to drift off.

"Love you," he whispered, too tired to care who heard.

"Love you too," Percy replied, his voice barely audible.

And with that, they all sank into the darkness, finding solace in the knowledge that they would face whatever came next together.