A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp152 - Nico's POV

A/N: Out of curiosity, how did you find my fic? Are you ready a sequel to chapter 115? If the answer is yes, off you go!

Nico's Flashback

SATURDAY, 28th January

When the door finally opened, Sierra startled half of them by yelling.

"The cavalry is here!"

Nico could see Hazel's surprise into seeing a small battalion at her new doorstep. Lucy pushed Niel to the side and entered first, looking over her shoulder in frustration.

"Trust me, Hannah, it wasn't my idea."

"Ladies first!"

Sierra pulled Reyna to enter before the guys, casually dropping a kiss on Hazel's forehead.

"Nice to see you again, honey! And we brought food!"

After Reyna mouthed a small apology, Hazel turned to Nico in question. He could only give her a helpless shrug as an answer. Frank offered a similar response. Smiling tentatively, Hazel took a step back and opened the door wider.

"Huh... welcome?"

Brave. I'd have locked myself and bought a ticket to the mountains.

I would've shadowtraveled there.

I know I already said that, but it sounds like a handy power to have.

***

Hazel's new apartment was on the third floor and was already full of boxes with the yet-to-assemble furniture. Seeing everyone moving to the kitchen, Hazel pulled Nico a step back, leaning in to whisper.

"What is going on? I thought you would come tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I had agreed with Lucy that she and Frank would help you today, and I'd come by tomorrow and maybe invite Niel. I don't know what happened, but then he was already dragging me out of my house and when we got here, somehow Reyna was here with that Sierra girl? Not counting Lucy and Frank who were supposed to be here. I'm sorry I didn't warn you; in the rush, I forgot to get my phone."

"It's no big deal. At least they brought their own refreshments because I have nothing to offer. But how did Niel find out? I thought you said you wanted to call him tonight?"

"I have no idea. I don't even know what Reyna is doing here."

"Poppet, come here and show us where do you want the fridge."

Hazel let out a sigh in relief, moving to the kitchen.

"Oh, thanks Niel, I wasn't able to move that even an inch."

"Ew, that tastes horrible, who brought this? Barnacle, was it you?"

"Sierra, what are you doing? Why are you raising up your shirt?"

"I'm feeling too hot to handle."

"We didn't do anything yet."

"Have you looked at all THIS? I'm always too hot, Reggie. Hot, single, and ready to mingle!"

Do you remember when we watched Lord of the Rings?

Gods, it was chaos.

Yeah. I have the feeling today will be worse.

***

After Niel and Frank set the fridge where Hazel wanted it, they turned it on and put all the drinks and snacks Sierra and Reyna had brought. Niel opened his toolbox on the kitchen island, taking out only the ones he suspected they might need, explaining what the most unusual ones were for. Unsurprisingly, Reyna took over, her praetor side showing when she listed their main objectives and divided the house into zones, assigning a mission to each one. Niel and Frank were chosen for the bedroom to assemble the bed. Lucy and Hazel were sent to the kitchen, to clean and start to fill the cupboards. Nico received paper and marker and was tasked with tagging each box and unassembled furniture with bold letters so they could better organize for the next phase. Reyna and Sierra would stay in the living room, moving around the couches and assembling the TV rack. Nico saw Sierra and Niel sharing a look that spoke volumes about Reyna's commanding nature, but neither said anything.