Nico di Angelo

When Poseidon Knows

I flashed to Olympus after receiving an "urgent" summons from the Goddess of Love.

Honestly! What is this woman up to now?

A call from Aphrodite was never a good sign. She only ever summoned us to rant about beautiful couples, tragic romances, and dramatic breakups; none of which I had any interest in.

Watching a couple break up? I might enjoy it if it involved my son and that spawn of Athena. But anyone else? Absolutely not.

I walked through the gleaming halls of Olympus, passing by the grand palaces of my fellow gods. I passed my barbaric nephew Ares' domain before finally arriving at my destination. I could have flashed directly inside, but I decided to walk instead, taking in the subtle changes in my younger brother's domain.

Not that I would ever admit I admired it. His ego was already unbearable.

"Ah! Poseidon! Come in! Come in!" Aphrodite greeted, throwing open the overly pink doors.

I grimaced inwardly.

Pink is definitely not my color.

I took a seat on the equally pink couch in her main living room, while the goddess settled across from me, practically glowing with excitement.

"What business do you have with me, Aphrodite?" I asked, already tired, uninterested and mildly cautious.

"It's about Perseus!" she squealed, her expression full of adoration.

That was not a good sign.

Not again.

"What about him?" I pressed, already dreading what she had meddled with this time.

Instead of answering, she tilted her head and asked, "What do you think of Nico di Angelo?"

"The son of Hades?" I frowned. "What does he have anything to do with Percy?" I asked back, utterly confused on what the son of my eldest brother got to do with my son.

"Just answer the question! What do you think of him?"

I studied her carefully. Angering Aphrodite was unwise, she could curse me into loving something utterly ridiculous if she wished. So reluctantly, I replied.

"... He's a brave child." I admitted reluctantly. "Perhaps the most decent among Hades' sons."

I would very much deny saying that in front of my brothers.

"He carries resentment toward us, yes—but he still shows respect. More than Percy does, at times." I added thoughtfully. "He is strong. Surviving Tartarus for even a moment is unimaginable... yet he endured it for far longer. Especially as a demigod who saw its true form without the Mist."

Even recalling Tartarus made me shudder.

"...He is impressive. Young... and powerful. For a son of my brother."

By the time I finished, Aphrodite was practically vibrating, the entire room glowing brighter pink as she squealed, what mortals might call fangirling.

"I know, right?! He's very impressive, indeed! Conquering my son with such bravery!–" I unconsciously felt sorry for the boy to whoever he conquered. "–Even his love story is beautiful!—"

I raised a hand, cutting her off.

Interrupting was rude, but so was wasting my time.

"Aphrodite," I said flatly, "what does he have to do with Percy? If my son is not in danger, I will be leaving."