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

Chapter 26

PERCY'S POV

"So, this is it," Percy said quietly as they stood in the mouth of the cave. Wind billowed around the pair of demigods, causing a strange, echoing howl to rise into the air like some sort of creepy soundtrack. Percy felt a pang of amusement as he realized this could totally be the first five minutes of an episode of Supernatural.

"Should we go in?" Will asked anxiously. Percy knew they should but his feet felt rooted to the ground. He just wanted to go back to living in blissful ignorance. He wanted to forget about Destiny and Nico and everything. He just wanted to laugh with his boyfriend as Twilight and Bob raced around their daughter. He just wanted everything to be okay again, but he knew that after this it would never truly be the same.

"I'm scared," Percy said, his voice trembling. It was odd for the demigod to be afraid, yet now he felt his body collapsing in on itself with anxiety. He'd fought monsters and gods without a trace of panic, but as he stood in front of the cave with Will Solace, he realized just how petrified of losing Nico he was.

He didn't want to find his daughter dead.

He didn't want to lose Nico.

He just wanted to go home.

"Hey, snap out of it!" Will hissed. Striking pain hit Percy's cheek like a slap in the face. Then, he realized that it was indeed a slap in the face.

"Wake up! You're losing yourself in misery. You don't gain anything from being upset; Nico isn't worth your tears. Come on, chin up! If you want to win this battle, you must be determined. You must forget your sorrows and your anxieties. You have to fight for what you love, and if you love Zoe you'll be strong right now. Do it for her, do it for yourself. Come on Percy, I believe in you. Everyone does," Will whispered softly. Percy felt his gaze harden and determination settle in his stomach.

Will was right. He had to fight now. There would be time for grieving later, but for now he just needed to be brave.

"Let's go," Percy said, his voice resolute. Will's eyes brightened and he laced his fingers with Percy's.

"Be brave now; I'm right here with you. It'll be okay, you'll be okay. Now, what do you say we rescue your daughter, eh?" Will said, his lips turning up in a crooked smile. Percy returned the smile weakly and together they walked in.

The cave was damp, the air heavy with cold humidity. The scent of stone wreathed around Percy, making him feel as though he were choking. Still, he walked on. As dizzy and sick as he felt, he needed to find Zoe.

He needed to end this.

Will brushed his thumb across Percy's hand reassuringly and Percy gripped his friend's hand tighter. He knew that Will didn't mean anything by the gesture, he was just being helpful. At this moment, Percy appreciated his comfort more than anything.

"How deep in the cave is Nico's place?" Percy asked. With every step they took, Percy felt even more anxious to see Zoe.

"It's pretty deep in the cave. He always preferred to be as far away from everyone as possible. Don't worry though, we'll be there soon," Will said. Percy sighed, running his free hand through his hair. The world around them was quiet, so quiet that Percy could almost feel his ears ringing.

Will seemed to pick up on this silence and began humming Teenager by MCR. Percy was somewhat of a slut for Gerard Way, so he couldn't help singing along.

"They could care less, as long as someone will bleed.." Percy murmured as Will hummed.

"So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose.." Will sung softly.