One Too Many Heartbreaks

V. No Escape (pt. 1)(Nico's POV)

NOTE: TRANSLATIONS AT END OF CHAPTER
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Unlike last time, when Nico had been caught off guard, his landing was perfect. He and Leo ended up on the crest of Half-Blood Hill. Nico landed calmly and neatly on his feet while Leo fell to his knees, rubbing his goosebump-covered arms.

(1)"Dios mio," Leo said. "I don't like that shadow stuff."

Nico sighed, and started to walk down the hill. "Try not to fall on me again," He called over his shoulder. All Nico wanted to do was get an actual restful sleep alone in his cabin, but apparently without a major prophecy in progress, he was the Fates' only source of entertainment.

"Nico!" Hazel called. She ran up and took his hands in hers. "Where were you?"

If Nico had to be bothered by anyone at least it was Hazel. "Leo scared me so hard I accidentally teleported us to the Great Wall of China," Nico explained, trying to make it sound amusing but failing miserable, and he was sure his attempt at a smile looked like a grimace. Hazel knew him well, though, and she smiled back.

"Well, where's Leo? You did bring him back right?"

Nico glanced up at the crest of the hill, where Leo seemed to be frozen. Confused, Nico followed the older boy's gaze, to a waiting woman at the hill's base.

"Oh no," Nico thought, realizing what he had done. He took Leo away from Calypso. Leo's promise to never leave Calypso was broken, and not ever by him. Black smoke started to curl off of Nico's body. Not from contempt this time. From fear.

Nico knew what it was like to have your heart broken. To be blamed for something that wasn't his fault. To be left alone. To feel like both of the people on that hill.

He pulled his arm free of Hazel's hold, and ran towards the hill. He was still tired from shadow travel, and was ready to drop by the time he got to the hill. But he was just in time.

"Calypso!" He said frantically, holding out an arm to stop her walking away.

"Haven't you done enough, you ghost-loving freak?" Leo yelled at him, smoke pouring from his ears. Nico tried to ignore the jab.

"Calypso, Leo didn't leave you. It was my fault. I- I was... Jealous."

Calypso glared between the two boys. "I have heard enough mortal excuses," she said, and started to walk away again.

"Calypso wait!" Nico said, getting desperate. "I was jealous because everyone I know is in love. Hazel and Frank, Piper and Jason, Percy and Annabeth, now you and Leo. I wanted to take that away. I didn't want to be the only one alone. I was being selfish. If you want to ignore me, yell at me, curse me, go ahead. But it wasn't his fault, I swear."

Calypso still glared, but less intensely now and more suspiciously. Still, she said, "As I said before, I-"

"How would he have even gotten to China? Huh? Festus was still here! I'm the only one at camp who can teleport like that."

Nico felt the air cool slightly, and assumed that he had diffused Leo's anger, if only partially. Calypso looked at Nico closely.

"Valdez?" She asked, turning her head to Leo. "Is this true?"

Leo took a step forward. "Yeah!" He said eagerly. "Calypso, you're like, the hottest girl ever! And multi talented! I would never leave you!"

Calypso narrowed her eyes disapprovingly at the twenty-first century compliments.

Leo stood up straighter and spoke more softly. "I mean, Calypso, I know how you feel. How it feels to be abandoned, I mean. To be alone. You're one of the only people I know like me, and, and..." The boy's eyes got wet, though his skin was too hot now for the tears to fall. Steam curled from his eyes instead. "I love you."

Nico looked desperately at Calypso. She didn't avert her gaze from Leo's for a second, a minute, what seemed like forever.

Finally she reached her hand out slowly. "I am trusting you, Leo Valdez," she said as he took her hand. "With my heart."

"Ditto," Leo said in relief, which may not have been the most romantic thing, but it seemed to work. The couple embraced, and Nico sighed in relief.

The young boy figured the couple needed some space, and figured he'd end up in the big house for exerting his powers. But it was seemed so far. So somehow he mustered enough energy and willpower to shadow travel, which probably would've taken more energy than walking, but he ended up in the middle of the infirmary being caught in Will Solace's arms, so it wasn't all that bad.

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(1) My God