The Invisible Demigod

Claire - XXVI

Watching Nico rip Sam apart was not on the top of my wish list.

Nico shook me awake a few hours later, he were in San Fransisco. Marry was singing a song about celebrating good times and Sam was whooping like mad. Nico had a giant smile on his face.

"What happened?" I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Were here!" Sam cheered. "We made it!" I perked up.

"San Fransisco?" I asked, my eyes widening.

"Yep!" Marry sang. "We can save everyone!" I let out a cheer and Nico ruffled my hair.

"You lead us here, you did it Claire." he said, smirking down at me. I blushed and looked down.

"It wasn't just me." I muttered, embarrassed. Nico gave my cheek a quick peck.

"So modest." he laughed. I turned even redder and hid my face in my hands.

"Shut up." I mumbled into my hands. Nico just laughed again.

We pulled into the parking lot of a motel. We got out and I practically wept with happiness. I finally understand why people kiss the ground.

"Thank the gods," I gasped, stumbled away from the Blueberry. "Finally, stable ground." Nico snorted and Marry snickered. I turned and glared at them. They quickly turned away and pretended like they hadn't done anything. I rolled my eyes.

Sam raced into the motel to check us in. The faster we do this, the faster we get to our friends.

Nico slipped his arm around my waist as we walked in and I punched him playfully in the arm.

"I don't need you hanging onto me like that." I teased. Nico stuck his bottom lip out in a pout.

"But I'm tired and you're really warm." he whined. I rolled my eyes and walked up to Sam, who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He handed me the key and I took the lead towards the second floor.

The moment the door was closed, Marry collapsed onto one of the two beds and fell asleep. I giggled before laying down besides her.

Sam and Nico looked at each other uncertainly before setting their bags down besides the other bed, clearly uncomfortable about sharing it.

"Oh come on, guys." I said, looking over at them. "I thought you guys bonded when Sam was taking care of you." Nico scowled.

"I thought we agreed to never talk about that again." I snickered and Sam held back a laugh. Nico grunted before slipping into bed.

"Wait," Sam said. "I need to change your bandages." Nico let out a huff before throwing the covers off and pulling his shirt off. I turned away, it always embarrassed me whenever Sam needed Nico to strip so he can check his burns. I wouldn't be able to stop blushing if I was Nico or Sam. I always averted my eyes, I didn't want to intrude on Nico's privacy.

I heard Nico grunt in pain and I resisted the urge to look over to make sure he was okay.

"Gods, that stings." I heard him say. A felt another stab of guilt.

Even though it was morning, Marry needed rest before we rush off to save the other campers. So, we were going to sleep for a few hours before heading out. I tried to fall asleep, but I just couldn't. Images of Sky kept bouncing around my brain

The steady breathing of the others told me I was the only one awake. I sat up and put my head in my hands. Why can't I stop thinking about it?

"Claire?" I jumped slightly when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Sam standing there. "Are you okay?" he whispered. I nodded and bit my lip. "Can I talk to you?" I nodded again and followed him into the kitchenette.