Trust Me (a Percico Fanfic; Sequel to Letters to Nico)

Chapter 19

PERCY'S POV

After a week, they were finally able to take Zoe to Percy's cabin. Nico and Percy had spent the last one hundred and sixty-eight hours making Zoe's room perfect. Now, as Nico added the finishing touches, Percy stepped back and admired their work.

The room was painted a light orange and Zoe was painted in black paint on the wall with black hearts. Her crib was blue with a Pegasus mobile hanging over it. Percy and Nico had put stuffed animal hellhounds in her crib and around her room. Paintings that some of the Apollo kids had made were hanging around the room. Percy's favorite was a painting of Percy and Nico playing with Zoe on a snowy hill.

There were tons of books as well. Most of them were learning books such as identifying magical creatures and farm animals (yes there was literally a book for everything in camp). Percy couldn't help but be worried that this was all a dream. All of this was really too good to be true.

Nico finished straightening a picture and walked over to Percy's side and admired their work. "This doesn't feel real, does it?" Nico said softly, glancing up at Percy. Percy smiled at his boyfriend.

"No.. It really doesn't. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm so happy that I'm here in this moment with you. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend and father for Zoe," Percy said, kissing Nico gently on the forehead. Nico blushed and Percy felt Nico grab his hand. Their fingers interlocked and they just stood there, staring at Zoe's room.

"When's Piper bringing Zoe?" Nico asked suddenly, letting go of Percy's hand. The warmth vanished from Percy and he felt a prick of sadness but he shook it off.

"In about ten minutes I think," Percy said. "I'll check my phone to be sure." As Percy was scrolling through his texts with Piper there was a knock on the cabin door.

"I'll get it!" Nico squealed. Percy's boyfriend opened the door to reveal Piper holding Zoe. Nico gently picked her up and held her tightly in his arms. Percy walked over to Nico and looked lovingly at Zoe. Their daughter was asleep. Nico carefully carried her to the crib made of pegasus feathers and hellhound fur and placed her into it. Zoe snuggled into the bed and cooed gently. Percy felt his  heart melt.

Piper motioned for Nico and Percy to come outside onto the balcony. They did so, and Percy closed to the door a bit so they wouldn't wake up Zoe.

"The Apollo kids wanted me to give you a message about Zoe," Piper said nervously. Percy gestured for her to continue.

"You see, Zoe isn't a normal demigod. She has the powers of Khione and Hades, and while her powers aren't as strong as Nico's or Destiny's, she needs to be watched carefully. Chances are, monsters will want to get a hold of a demigod so powerful. So you must be careful and teach her to use her powers wisely. Obviously she's just a newborn so she probably won't destroy anything yet, but just keep an eye on her, alright? She's important and I know you guys love her a lot, so keep her safe," Piper explained. Percy felt gratitude towards Piper wash over him and, simultaneously, Nico and Percy wrapped Piper in a hug. Piper let out a yelp of surprise but then hugged the boys back.

"Thank you," Percy mumbled softly. Piper rolled her eyes and pushed the boys off of her. Nico smiled and Piper ruffled his hair in a sisterly way. Percy laughed as Piper gave him the same treatment.

"Okay okay stop with the sappy stuff. You're acting like a bunch of lovesick teenage girls. Now get back in there and take care of Zoe!" Piper commanded, letting a bit of charmspeak slip into her words. Percy laughed and saluted and marched back inside, Nico on his heels.

As Percy glanced over the edge of the crib, he couldn't help but feel that everything was perfect. This was how life was meant to be.

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Short chapter but I'm exhausted lol. This isn't the end of the book.. I'm planning on about four or five more chapters I think. Love you guys.

Until next time,

-Callie