The Blood of Olympus

Chapter Forty-Two: Nico

Oh gods, an actual UPDATE!! So I didn't accidently fall into a wood chipper. 

I am so sorry. I am the worst writer ever-partly because of the late updates and because of this terrible chapter. Please forgive me. 

This chapter is dedicated to Jaeger_Bombtastic for getting the question last chapter right and commenting and stuff! Thank you!! (love your username btw haha)

Nico

Nico had once been certain that his confession to Cupid had been his most awkward, embarrassing and confusing thing he had ever done.

But as he stood there in Percy’s living room, holding a glass of lemonade as Reyna sent him puzzled looks, he came to the conclusion that this situation was far more embarrassing.

Percy mom, Sally, ushered them into the kitchen, gesturing to some seats around a small table. Nico sank into one gratefully, already tired from shadow-travelling.

Sally smoothed down her messy hair and creased dressing gown self-consciously. She turned to Nico. “It’s nice seeing you, Nico.” She said warmly, her eyes sparkling. “The last time I saw you was at Percy’s fifteenth birthday party. You’re all grown up now.”

Nico cleared his throat and shifted uneasily in his seat. “Yeah, I guess.”

Sally smiled at Reyna and Coach Hedge. “And who are your friends?”

Reyna smiled slightly, the corners of her dark lips turning upwards. “I’m Reyna.” She gestured to Coach next to her. “And this is Gleesen Hedge.”

“That’s Coach Hedge to you, Roman.” The satyr grumbled, picking at his cudgel.

Sally grabbed a tray of blue cookies from the side and placed them onto a big plate before setting it front of the trio. “I would’ve made pancakes and waffles if I’d have known you were coming, Nico.”

Nico reached for a cookie and took a bite. “It’s fine, Sally. We’re not here for your food, anyway, despite how nice it is.” He said.

Sally nervously twisted her hands together but stopped at soon as Paul stepped into the room.

He had obviously left to them to have a shower and to get ready. His salt-and-pepper hair was now tamed and he no longer wore a light blue bathrobe, but instead a casual button-down shirt and jeans.

“Hi.” He greeted and sat next to Sally, taking her hand into his. “Is it news on Percy?”

Reyna choked a little on her lemonade, startling Nico so much that he nearly jumped out of his seat.

“Percy Jackson?” She demanded, the Praetor reaching for the hilt of her sword. “Why would you want to know about Percy?”

Sally wiped her hands on her dressing gown. “He’s my son.”

Nico watched as a flicker of surprise passed through her normal calm expression. “I didn’t realize…” She shook her head and her lips perked up a little at the corners. “You must have a lot of patience.”

Sally laughed and then wiped at the tears pooling in her blue eyes. “You have no idea.” She said, her voice thick with emotion as she furiously tried to stop the tears falling down her face. “I’m sorry. It’s just…well, Chiron hasn’t given me any updates on Percy since Annabeth and the others left to get him about a month ago.”