Camp-Halfblood Holidays

Holi-day nine; The True Meaning

I didn't forget about this while I was working on replacing the floor in my room. Last fic from me for this year, hope to see everyone next year! With hopefully some more interaction because I don't love writing for ghosts y'all

Pairing: PLATONIC Nico, Will and Percy x gn!reader
Words: ~0.9k
Warnings: No, perhaps a Twilight reference

-Asja

As the winter break was slowly coming to a close, the Apollo cabin decided to make a carol themed campfire sing-along. You had excused yourself from it, with the lie that you really needed to pack your bags right now, but sadly Will had decided to still pull you with him.

"I need your mental support!" Will declared as he was leading you to the campfire.
"Your cabin is planning this!" You looked accusingly to Will who grimaced, "Aren't you the councillor?"
"Klaus set us up." Will sighed, "and promptly disappeared afterwards. Maybe Percy was right, about Klaus." You rolled your eyes, not wanting to deal with any Klaus conspiracies right now.

As you arrived at the campfire, you noticed that the fire was burning big and bright, signalling the high spirits that camp must have been in. Will sat you down near the Apollo children, right next to Nico.

"Keep an eye on each other- neither of you are to leave," Will glared affectionately at the both of you.
"He got you too, huh," Nico stated, poorly hiding the smile on his face, "Do you want a s'more?" he showed you the treat he was holding, and you noticed the pile of marshmallows, chocolate and crackers next to him.
"Are you on s'more duty?" You asked and he nodded.
"I thought Will had rallied you to help too. You know, we need even distribution and all that."
"He did not ask, but I won't let you suffer alone."

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Percy was certain Klaus had put everyone up against him. He could not believe that no one outside of him noticed anything off about the kid. He had been running around, taking witness accounts of Klaus's behaviour and most importantly noticed that during Christmas nobody knew where he was. So, as the carols at the campfire had started Percy made it his goal to find Klaus and get the truth out of him. Percy Jackson had saved Olympus, defeated Titans and he will succeed in this.

Percy had not spotted Klaus going towards the campfire, nor was he in the Hermes cabin. Percy made his way to the edge of the woods, the slight snow left from earlier still on the trees. He hadn't wanted to go into the woods as it was getting dark, but if Klaus was hiding there Percy would.

"Where are you going, Percy? It's dangerous out at night." Klaus's jolly voice piped up from behind him. Percy swiftly turned around, laying eyes on the elfish man.

"I was looking for you Klaus," Percy glared, "I know what you've been up to." Snow started to slowly fall down in the woods, the camp's shield not covering the weather there. Cold air blew over Percy, and he saw Klaus shiver.
"Oh?" Klaus raised an eyebrow, smile still on his face.

"You know everything about everyone. You are always there whenever anyone needs help," Percy took a step forward, trying to intimidate Klaus, "Somehow you made Christmas your personality. I have heard you slip up, Klaus. I know what you are."

Snow blew over the two men, crossing the boundary into camp. Klaus stepped towards Percy, his smile widening and his shoulders tensing as if to prepare for combat.
"Then tell me, Perseus Jackson, what am I? Say it."

"Santa Claus."

Klaus' eyes widened, as first confusing and shock crossed his face.
"You-" he laughed, "Yes, Percy that is what I was hiding. Nothing else for sure." Sarcasm was dripping from Klaus's tone.

"What do you mean?" Percy asked, "Why are you laughing?" Klaus just smiled as he stepped back.
"Thank you, Percy, for everything." He turned around and snickered, "I will see you next year! I hope someday you find out all my secrets." Klaus walked into the woods and disappeared.

Percy simply watched Klaus walk away. Klaus had more secrets. He was not Santa? Or was he still Santa but trying to make Percy think he is not? Snow landed on Percy's head, and as he shivered, he heard the soft sounds of carols in the background. Maybe, maybe he did not have to know. It might be better to not figure out who Santa is. It might be for the better that he let this go.

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The carol sing-along went fine. There were some groans here and there about the carols and after the first ten minutes you were willing to commit murder to have it stop. However, with Nico and the power of friendship, you both restrained yourself from committing crimes and sitting out the carols. There were some attempts to 'steal' the s'more ingredients, but thanks to your alertness and Nico's death glare it all worked out.

Throughout the carols, more and more of your friends went to sit near you. You were having a fun time, discussing some of your plans with Leo, who was sitting behind you and hanging on your shoulders. As the final carols were sung Percy decided to finally show his face. There was snow on his hair, which melted as soon as he made it to the campfire.

"Where have you been?" You asked, as Percy sat down next to you looking dazed.
"I think I found peace," Percy mumbled, and he slowly shook his head, "Are there still s'mores?"
You nodded, and as Percy started eating away his sorrows the warmth of the campfire filled your heart.