Ink and Ashes

#17

Nico's always hated that lady.

When she was dating his father she hadn't liked him or Hazel. So to get back at them for existing and "taking up their fathers attention," she basically did everything in her power to make Nico miserable.

This included; sending them on errands for her, locking them in their rooms so her and Hades could fuck, belittling them, insulting them, using their fathers money, stopping them from leaving the house, and sometimes hitting them.

Nico had luckily been able to protect Hazel from that last part, but it only meant he took twice the beatings. He still had a scar on his chest from her ring, which she had bought using Hades's money.

So here he was, sitting in the office a few seats away from Percy and Jason, waiting as Annabeth, Will, and Piper tried to convince the office staff to let them in.

"I think my nose is broken." Percy whined.

"Serves you right," Nico muttered, "Butting into my business like that."

"I was standing up for you." Percy defended himself.

"I don't need defending. How many times do I have to tell you guys this, I. Don't. Need. Help."

"So you don't want me to help you with that bruise?" Will asked, walking in beside Annabeth.

Nico shrugged, Will just laughed and came to kneel down next to him.

"Where's Piper?" Jason asked.

"They won't let her in," Annabeth said, she sounded annoyed, "They said it was because she wasn't your soulmate. It wasn't any of her business or whatever."

Jason cursed and Percy comforted him.

"You're actually an idiot you know." Will whispered to Nico.

"I said I was sorry didn't I?" Nico snapped back. He wasn't in the mood for Will's games right now. Either be mad at him or don't, don't do all this crap and make him guess.

Will just laughed and moved to sit in the chair next to him. He grabbed Nico's hand and pulled out his phone.

"I'm gonna text my mom. She's probably the best adult to represent you right now."

"Don't bother." Nico muttered, "My dad's ex is coming."

"What?" Will looked confused.

"Persephone." Nico glared at the floor, "My dad's ex. Apparently she was still on my emergency contacts list, so they called her."

"And I'm guessing this isn't good?" Will seemed concerned now.

Nico shrugged, "She never liked me or Hazel, but I think she especially hated me. She used to make me run errands for her and punished me harshly if I messed up."

Nico froze in surprise, Will also looked a bit shocked. He'd never willingly shared that much information at once with Will.

"Oh," Will paused, "She sounds like she sucks."

Nico laughed, leaning into Will slightly so their shoulders were touching. He tactfully ignored the staff members that were giving them the stinky eye.

A few minutes later Sally rushed into the office. She immediately locked in on Percy and walked over to her.

"How many times have I asked you not to get in trouble like this Percy?" Sally sighed, "Annabeth won't always be there to save your butt."

Annabeth laughed and Percy faked a glare, "Actually it wasn't my fault this time. Some dudes were being bitchy to Nico and I stood up to defend him, then they threw the first punch."