From Camp Half-Blood to Gotham (Nico x Batfam)

Race Day (60)

Nico woke up curled on the couch, a blanket draped over him. Which was weird, because he was pretty sure he fell asleep on the floor blanketless.

He groaned loudly, hoping to scare the sleep from his brain. It didn't really work. Instead, he sat up and looked around. Everything was exactly the same as it had been the night before. Except for his phone, which was sitting on the side table next to him, and from what he could remember, his phone had been in his hand last. A tiny spark of fear flared in his chest. He knew it probably wasn't likely that his phone had stayed on long enough for someone to come into the room, but he had to wonder if they had seen something.

Nico hastily snatched the device up, turning it on to see the battery was almost dead. He unlocked it to find his texts with Leo were still open. And Leo had responded.

'What's wrong Nico?"

'Nico are you okay? Do you need help?'

'Are you hurt? I'm coming over.'

'Never mind, get your ass to camp'

'Respond!'

Nico fought back a smile, trying to imagine what had happened to stop Leo from coming to the manor. Probably Annabeth or Chiron, maybe the two together. They were a scary duo.

'I'm not hurt.' Nico typed out slowly, still not sure how to use multiple fingers. 'I was just a little overdramatic'

He didn't expect a text back right away, so he stuffed his phone back into his pocket and stretched his back, listening to it pop. He rubbed a hand over his face and through his hair, feeling the way his fingers caught on the many, many knots. A hairbrush would probably be a good investment.

Nico exited the room hesitantly, not really wanting to face anyone right away. The fact they asked him to leave so they could discuss something, without him, stung. And he was terrified of what they might have been talking about.

"Alfred!" Nico startled, not expecting the man to be dressed in his 'outside' suit walking up the stairs towards him.

"Good morning, Master Nico," Alfred replied calmly. "Are you ready to go out with the other Masters?"

"...what are you talking about?" He asked nervously, glancing down at his clothes, they definitely weren't up to 'outdoor Wayne' standards.

"It is a weekend and Master Bruce wishes to spend it out and about, enjoying family time," Alfred explained calmly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out an old-fashioned pocket watch. "And I believe they wish to see a form of race about now, along with a few other things."

Another wave of seemingly endless exhaustion hit Nico like a freight train. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the couch and fall asleep again, just so he didn't have to do anything.

This must be like what the Hypnos kids felt like all the time. It sucked.

"Do I have to?" Nico whined, already preparing to make a run for it.

"I do not believe I can stop you from leaving but it would be preferred if you do go. I would enjoy some peace and quiet alone." Alfred gave him a look that very firmly declared that he really didn't have a choice.

"...but I'm sick?" Nico offered meekly, trying his very best to seem very sick. Alfred raised an eyebrow.

"Then I suppose that is a good thing, you still have many assignments that must get done. Much learning to do." Nico paused. This wise old, genius bastard. "I'll let Master Bruce know to wait for a few minutes."

"Alfred... please." He sighed, knowing it was hopeless.

"Young Master Nico, listen to my advice, it would be beneficial for you to spend the day with the others. It might clear up any miscommunications you might have. It's your choice if you wish to follow my advice." Alfred nodded, checking his fancy watch again.