Percy slid into the clearing, his chest tightening as he saw his son bent over Nico, sobbing. Percy stepped over, pushing Evan out of his way as he bent down to hold Nico in his lap. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He whispered, burying his face in Nico's hair. Percy kissed Nico's head and sniffled, resting his hand on Nico's stomach. "I'm so sorry..." He mumbled, rocking back and forth softly. He opened his eyes as something soft brushed his nose and gasped softly. Nico's ear twitched slightly and he grunted softly, opening his eyes into a squint. "N-Nico! But... But you died!" Nico chuckled slightly, which turned into a more violent cough. "You can't get rid of me that easily." He wiped his mouth, smearing blood on his arm. "We have to get you to a hospital- Jason! Jason, he's okay!" Percy shouted and Jason's eyes widened. He ran over, falling to his knees by the small man. "I don't have anything with me... I- Oh!" Jason exclaimed as Nico shuddered, groaning loudly. "Jason. Is that..." Jason nodded, reaching down to lift Nico's back. "I thought we lost them." Nico groaned, arching his back and gritting his teeth. "I guess not. Oh, shit! They're five months early!" Jason yelled and Percy gazed at the floor. "Are they... Will they make it?" Jason scoffed, getting Nico ready. "They'd better be. Coming out this early, God, they already hate you." Jason joked and Nico smiled slightly, before tensing. "I don't have anything to get them out... Nico, you're going to have to do a natural birth." Nico rolled his eyes, squirming uncomfortably as Jason slid his leg under Nico's back. "Just breathe. And, push."
Nico panted, burying his face in Percy's chest. "Are they done yet?" He growled, his tail puffing out and ears back in annoyance. Percy nodded, glancing uo at Jason who was checking the babies. "Yeah. Yeah, you're done." Jason cleared his throat. "I uh.... I don't want to upset you guys, but most of the babies were already dead..." Nico nodded, rubbing his nose. "I figured. Are any of them.... Did any make it?" Jason nodded, rubbing his chin. "Yeah. I-They are a little... Different, but..." Nico reached his hands out and Jason sighed, handing him the baby. Nico smiled slightly. "Is... Is it a cat?" Evan asked , trying to stifle a laugh. "That... That's one of the... Deformities." Jason said, smiling fondly as he watched Nico groom the babies fur. "Not a complete cat. They still have humanness." Ethan pointed out and Evan and Jason nodded. "What else is wrong with her?" Jason kneeled down and turned the baby, showing Nico it's lower half. "Intersex. When we get to the hospital we can remove a-" "No. No, it wouldn't be fair. We'll let them grow up and decide." Nico spoke softly, nuzzling his baby. Jason nodded. "Sensible. Leo won't mind if we stay here for the night, will he?" Jason asked and Percy shook his head. "He shouldn't. I'll carry Nico." Jason nodded. "Yeah... He's already asleep." Percy smiled, scooping Nico up carefully. "The baby... They'll need a lot of stuff... I'll go grab some while you take them to the house." Jason said and ran to his car. Ethan took the baby from Nico, holding them tightly. Evan smiled, rubbing their nose softly. "Let's hurry. We don't want them to get sick." Percy spoke and the boys nodded, following him back to Leo's house.
