Bandits and Sheriffs

The train's whistle echoes through the canyon. Percy checks his pocket watch; steadying his pegasus, as the train's reverberation becomes more powerful through the. "Right on time," he smiles at Nico, "You ready partner?"
Nico rolls his eyes, "I live for excitement and adventure," he deadpans. "The question is, are you?" he smirks and raises an eyebrow and mocks, "partner."
"Oh I was born ready" Percy says steadying his pegasus once more as the cove they're waiting in vibrates, and dust falls from above. The train tracks are a few feet away from their hiding place, and within seconds, the engine of the train is within view. "Alright then! Let's go Blackjack!" he pats the pegasus who instantly takes off , running alongside the train.
Percy eyes the passing box cars, waiting for an open one.
"You see any, Shadow?!" he calls back to Nico.
"Coming up! Be ready!" Nico calls, steadying Mrs. O'Leary so he can jump in as well. "3… 2…1!"
Percy jumps off on cue, and he and Nico barrel into the open compartment. Nico lands on bushel of hay and Percy skids backward, his head thumps against a tall wooden box tied down with rope. “Ow,” He grunts grabbing the hat that fell off upon impact. Percy stands and places it on his head, patting off dust and trying to regain his composure. "You good?" he asks.
"Better than you." Nico spits a piece of hay out of his mouth and grins up at Percy, some of it sticking out of his hair. He holds out his hand to be helped up. "Split up?" He asks, pulling the bandanna up around his neck to fit comfortably above his nose.
"Yeah" Percy says pulling Nico to his feet, smiling as one of the skull and crossbones that make up the pattern on Nico's bandanna comes to rest on the tip of Nico's nose. "Cargo hold should be about three cars back, I'll be a few cars up where they cart in the fancy goods." Percy pulls his own bandana over his nose so that only his eyes are showing. "Gimmie the signal when you're done?"
"You know I will." Nico responds, brushing off his pants. "And then I'll come back for you, like I always do." He pats Percy's arm and heads off his own way, pulling out his gun as he switches cars.
Percy climbs out of the car on the other side, and climbs on top of the car in front. He runs on the top of the cars jumping over the gaps between until he finally reaches the one he wants. He opens the top loading door and draws his gun before he hops in. He eyes the dark car and sees no one. Putting his gun back in its holster, he opens one of the chests in the hold. A silver tea set shines back at him as if to say, "Take us Percy we're worth lots!"
"Well don't mind if I do." Percy responds. He's just about to touch the kettle when he hears the cock of a revolver behind his head.
“I wouldn't if I were you, Riverson," a familiar voice clips through the cart, above the constant sound of tracks. Cool steel presses against the nape of his neck.
Percy puts his hands up and rises slowly. "Sheriff Chase," he turns to meet her fierce, gray eyes, "Nice to see you again," he says softly.
"I'm sure." Annabeth answers, "Let's hope we won't see each other anytime in the near future. I'mma bring you in. Hands together."The cuffs are evident in her other hand, and she waits for Percy to put his hands together in front of him, gun trained steadily on his heart.
Percy keeps his hands where they are. "My, my...you do look some kind of gorgeous when you're fixing that thing at me," he says, and although Annabeth can't see his mouth she knows he's smirking at her.
"Don't try and sweet talk me Riverson, hands together. I can't let you steal from these good people… Don't make me kill you in the name of justice."
Percy's eyes flash dangerously. "Justice is it?"
"That's what it means to uphold the law."
"Well I’d reckon so...tell me sheriff, is it 'just' when Matons take more'n their fair share and let other people suffer because of it?" Percy takes a small step forward.
"Don't move, Riverson, I mean it" Annabeth says.
"Is it 'just', when innocents die...not because of violence, monsters or terrible things like that, but because of greed?...the greed of these ‘good people’" he takes another step.
"I'm warning you-"
Percy grabs her hand and presses her gun to his chest. "I'm just sayin', you might wanna reconsider your definition of 'good'" Percy whispers harshly. Annabeth comes out of it, a bird call echoing in her ears enough to break the moment.
She shakes her head "no...I don't need to, and I've got you all figured out Riverson, that's why I knew you'd be here...that's how I knew you'd go for the big loot…” she scoffs, “Talkin' bout greed like it's something you ain’t got."
Percy notices the shadows behind Annabeth begin to shift.
"Well I wouldn't be so sure, that you have me as figured out as you think." Percy says "There's one thing you didn't count on..."
"Oh? And what's that." Annabeth asks firmly.
"My partner....is better than yours."
"Wh-"
Nico materializes out of the shadows and hits Annabeth over the head with the butt of his gun, her body collapsing sideways. Percy catches her before she hits the ground, as Nico scowls.
"How is it that every time I catch you and her together, she's got her gun against some crucial part of you?" he snaps irritated.
Percy looks at Annabeth's unconscious face, then lays her down gently on the floor. "You didn't have to hit'er so hard u know? She wasn't gonna do nothin’." Percy laughs and starts filling a bag with valuables.
"Zeus's virgin penis she wasn't," Nico growls, taking her pistol out of spite, and emptying the chambers of bullets. He puts them in a pocket and helps Percy gather the loot. "Sherriff. Bandit. Gun. Bullets.” He counts them off, “There's only one ultimate outcome and it's not as sexy as you seem to think it will be."
Percy laughs, "You need to get outta my head Shadow," he says as he swings the bag of loot over his shoulder. "Speakin' of sheriffs-" he starts.
As if reading Percy's mind, Nico kicks opens the car door to reveal Jason tied up and dangling from the roof of the adjacent car
"How did you..."Percy gapes in amazement.
"Long story" Nico replies flippantly.
"Afternoon Grace" Percy calls to the immobilized sheriff as they step out.
Nico sighs, "Don't talk to sheriffs, P-Riverson. It only ever gets you into more trouble." Nico pokes Jason in the forehead with a smirk. "A pleasure dancing with you today Sheriff Grace. Make sure not to miss your stop."
Jason glares from where he hangs, "I hate you too, Kidd." There's a low rumble of thunder in the distance daring Nico to say more.
Nico's left eye twitches and he flicks Jason's forehead. "Don't call me that." He glares in turn at Percy who shrugs sheepishly; like it's not his fault Nico's stuck with that stupid nickname. Percy hears rushed footsteps coming toward them.
"That'll be Chase'n Grace's back up, and our cue to leave." Percy whistles and within seconds Blackjack swoops down and carries them away. Nico holds onto Percy's wrist, trusting Percy to get him to his hellhound. He yelps in pain and shock as one of the sheriffs fires a shot, nicking Nico's arm, and making Blackjack neigh in alarm, unconsciously bucking so that Percy’s grip slips.
“Argh!” Nico yells as he falls to into the forest below, watching Percy and his pegasus grow smaller before branches and leaves obscure his vision.
"Shit!'" Percy curses, his head scanning the forest below for his partner as he makes Blackjack maneuver away from a few more shots and land in the forest.
Nico's landing is not a pleasant one, but even as he squirms his way out of the branches he’s under, he contemplates how glad he is that the bush he ended up in doesn't have thorns. He stands and cricks his neck wincing at the pain in his arm. Hearing a twig snap behind him, he turns, his gun out and points it directly into the face of a woman. Her hair has many small braids and she is rather scantily clothed. He holds in his jolt of surprise, having expected more law enforcement rather than one of the Spirituals; but bleeding and disoriented Nico doesn’t want to take any chances. He just hopes she doesn't plan on attacking him for intruding, because in his hand is Chase's stolen gun, still empty of ammunition and generally useless. Unless he's going to hit her with it...which isn't really such a bad idea considering that is generally what he ends up doing anyway.
The trees rustle above Nico and before he can process it, another Spiritual lands in front of him, separating him from the girl, and pointing a spear at his throat. He’s tall and only looking up at Nico because of his crouched posture. The area around his eyes is painted over accenting the brilliant green shade of his pupils; And seeing as he's wearing less that the girl behind him, Nico can see most of the runic symbols inked all over the man’s body which glow faintly with power.
He growls at Nico, warily eyeing the gun in his hand.
Nico's eyes narrow and he points his gun toward the canopy so he can slowly push the spear tip away from his throat and not be threatening them at the same time. The woman speaks first in the language Spirituals use for each other.
"He's wasn't going to hurt me." Piper says, "It's fine Alabaster."
"You are sure?" Alabaster replies, eyes are still trained on Nico and the gun he’s holding.
"Yes, and look he’s wounded," she points at his arm.
Alabaster studies the blood stain forming on Nico's shirt and lowers his spear, standing up straight, and grabbing Nico's wrist to pull him closer.
Nico winces as the pull aggravates the bullet wound in his arm. "Hey. Hey, hey." Nico stumbles and pulls away as soon as he regains his footing. The spear is gone, but that doesn't mean they can't kill him in some other way, and as Nico steps backward, he, trips over a root; landing on his ass with grunt, "You can't just grab someone like that." he gripes, hand hovering over his wound, but not wanting to touch it with his dirty hands.
"Alabaster!" Piper frowns at him, "Your bedside manner needs a lot of work."
Alabaster shrugs, "I'm not in the business of healing Matons with a soft hand," he says to her and crouches down to be level with Nico. He looks into Nico's eyes, putting their faces uncomfortably close to one another. Alabaster's eyes seem to glow, which should disorient Nico, but has a calming effect instead, making it difficult to look away. Without breaking eye contact Alabaster pulls out a small pelt with a symbol written on it and places it gently on the wound.
“Hey!" Nico winces again but doesn't pull away despite the Spiritual's unknown intentions. He should be more alarmed, but his reflex to pull away is curiously silent, and his brain calmer the longer he looks into bright green eyes. "Bandage. Great. Now no more touching." I don't like people I don't know touching me, he thinks.
Piper rolls her eyes at Alabaster's callousness. "Not all of them are bad. Don't be so mean. It's not like he hurt me."
Distantly, Nico can hear Jason's voice calling out orders, and he scowls. It figures they'd try and come after him after they'd seen him fall. Hopefully the forest would stave them off until Nico could find Percy. Or Percy finds him. Piper hears them too, and makes a disgruntled face.
"Come Alabaster, we have to go."
"Not done yet." Alabaster says still not breaking eye contact. The pelt glows and Nico feels a sharp pinch where his wound is, which then tickles, and finally he feels nothing, not even soreness, where the bullet hit him. Alabaster stands and nods his head, apparently very pleased with himself.
The bushes behind the three of them rustle, and Alabaster curses in spiritual, sliding his spear in the strap of his shoulder armor and putting one of the strings that dangle from the spearhead in his mouth to keep the spear from moving.
"Going now" he says to Piper, voice muffled, and the two of them climb quickly up the tree, which seems to assist them on their ascent. After a few rustling tree noises, Nico's sure they're gone.
There is, however, the more pressing matter of the other rustling sounds approaching him. The twigs snap and through the partition of a bush across from where Nico's is sitting, a disgruntled Percy stumbles out. Blackjack following, walking normally and seemingly rolls his eyes as he neighs at the disheveled pile of Percy.
"Rude." Percy responds to the pegasus, "Hey! There you are!" He says as he notices Nico.
Nico shakes off the remaining disorientation. "Yeah. It's just... just me." He glances at the tree the two Spirituals escaped up and looks back to his arm, his confusion growing.
"Find them!" Jason's voices is closer than before, and Nico freezes and looks to Percy. "We need to scram. Now."
Percy nods in agreement. "We're never gonna find our way through this forest anymore'n they can." he says as he climbs onto Blackjack. He holds out his hand to help Nico on.
Nico takes it and jumps on behind him this time, "Let's get out of here." he says, relief evident in his voice. "This place always gives me the creeps." He tentatively puts his arms around Percy's waist, feeling a bit guilty at how much he likes the position.
"Yeah." Percy says, "c'mon Blackjack!" he pats the pegasus's head and they take off to the sky, leaving the confused sheriffs lost in the woods. Nico sees Mrs. O'Leary below, following their path on foot sinking into the shadows and reappearing every so often. He tightens his grip around Percy's waist.
"How's your arm?" Percy asks, "They got you didn't they?"
"Yeah, it's why I let go." Nico shouts above the wind in Percy's ear. "But it's fine now. Don't worry about it."
"Fine?!...After bein' shot?" Percy calls back to him and chuckles, "You're some sort of crazy you know that?" he pats Nico's hand.
"You're the one that likes having a gun pointed at your heart!" Nico retorts incredulously, "Her bullet isn't...cupids arrow or someshit!" his analogy tastes sour in his mouth like he needs to sanitize it for blasphemy. "Now that's crazy."
Percy laughs, "Alright we're both crazy then, partner, that's why we work good together..ain't it?"
* * * * * *
The two of them land on the dusty path outside of the small house they share. Percy hops off of Blackjack and unties the bags on the side. He searches through one and pulls out a small, wooden case packed with small bottles filled with a greenish liquid. He hands it to Nico, "Go ahead." he gestures to the house," I'll take care of the other things"
"Thank you, Percy." Nico clasps Percy's arm and enters the house with a single knock, trusting Percy with the rest of his loot. "Hazel?" Nico's eyes adjust to the dimly lit room as he searches the house for Hazel's signature curly hair, venturing toward her small room. "I'm back. It's time to take your medicine."
Frank stands from the chair he is in as Nico enters the small room, and Hazel looks over to the doorway.
"Nico! Thank the gods you're safe!" she lets go of Franks hand to hold her arms out for Nico's embrace.
Nico smiles for her and puts the medicine in Frank’s now free hands to hug his sister and plant a kiss on her forehead. "Was there ever a doubt? Of course everything went as planned." he lies and holds her close. "How are you?" he asks the more important question, and pulls back to look her over.
"I'm good." she smiles and glances quickly over to Frank, before looking back to Nico.
Frank places the medicine next to Hazel on the bed.
"I'm gonna, just...help Percy" he says seeming more flustered than usual before he exits the room.
Nico watches him leave with a skeptical look. "He never leaves that easy." he mutters, uncorking a vial from the box and handing it to Hazel. "Drink it." he encourages. "Did u eat anything yet?"
Hazel grimaces at the vial before chugging it in one pained gulp. "Blech! I hate that stuff." she shakes it off and puts her hands on Nico's shoulders "Nico," she says sweetly, "Brother." Her smile widens, looking almost as flustered as Frank did before he left "I have some news...to…to tell you," she finishes, her voice higher towards the end.
Nico hums and puts the wooden box under the bed. "What is it Hazel?" He takes her hand in his, fingers sliding up to her wrist to feel her pulse. "It's not bad, is it?" his heartbeat spikes and settles when Hazel gives a hasty shake of her head to reassure him no.
"No, no...nothing..nothing like that" she puts a hand on his shoulder again. "It's good news...actually" she smiles "you see…I don't know really how long I...well and anyway I want to have at least tried to live a full life before....Frank...well, he's asked me to marry him...and I've said yes...." she finally says.
Nico opens his mouth and closes it almost immediately, the declaration taking him a minute to process. "And he didn't have the decency to tell me himself. He had you do it." Nico says flatly if a little angrily.
Hazel raises an eyebrow at him. "You and I both know had he dun it, you'd have shot'im." she says, "...in the face"
"No I...." Nico frowns at him. "I would not have... shot him in the face." Okay, maybe he'd have shot him somewhere. Hazel's his little sister after all, but... he coughs and pats her hand awkwardly. "It's your decision Hazel. and I respect that." he grits his teeth, "and Frank is a...good... man." even if Nico wants to choke him because marriage is not a bomb you drop on an older brother whose little sister is all he has left. "Now... please excuse me for a bit. He takes out Annabeth stolen gun.
"Nico!" she calls out in surprise
"It will only take a moment." Nico replies, "I'll be back after I take care of him." He walks out the shanty and down the street to where he knows Frank and Percy are dividing the loot, making sure the gun is ready to fire.
Frank sees Nico first, and his eyes widen at the sight of the gun. Percy hands a trinket to an elderly lady before stepping in front of Frank and looking at Nico with an eyebrow raised "Whatchu gonn' do with that?" Percy asks.
"Oh nothing Percy." Nico gives and exaggerated smile, "This doesn't concern you though, so please, step aside would you?" he looks past Percy's shoulder to Frank who's looking at Nico's gun with major concern. "Hello, Frank. Zhang. You'll never guess what my sister just told me."
"You know I think you done broke Nico, he's bein' all polite to me" Percy says over his shoulder to Frank.
"Please don't shoot me in the face," Frank says.
"Actually, yeah, that is what she said I'd do." Nico forcefully shoves Percy aside with a strained smile "She was of course, wrong." Nico points the gun at Franks chest and watching the growing horror in Frank's eyes, pulls the trigger. The gun elicits a small -click- as the empty chamber rotates with nothing inside it.
Frank flinches and heaves a wavering sigh of relief as he realizes the gun's empty. Percy stifles a laugh and the other people present in the square stare, some with amusement and some with exasperation.
"Nico!" Hazel shouts at him from a few feet away "It's not ~cough~ funny!" she squeaks and adjusts the blanket around her shoulders.
"Take care of her, or it will be loaded next time. You got me?" Nico twirls the gun on his finger and shoves it in an empty holster, before turning and walking back to Hazel who’s wheezing behind him. "I told you I'd be right back after I took care of him. What do you think you're doing about of bed?" Nico picks her up bridal style and carries her back.
Hazel pouts at him "I'm fine!" she says and coughs again. Brusing her fingers over the rings marked around Nico's wrist. "You do approve though don't you? I really want your blessing." she says softly to him.
"Well I didn't shoot him. Of course I give you my blessing." Nico says softly. "Just... don't tell Frank. I like seeing him sweat." He kisses her cheek, "I hope he brings you more happiness then I ever could." The marks on his wrist throb as he smiles sadly.
"Good" Hazel hums and rests her head on Nico's shoulder. "My students are coming by soon, I'm going to be teachin' history...D'you want to stay and listen?" she asks
"Of course. I'll make dinner… Are you sure you'll be up for that, though? You're coughing." He walks through the door way and lays Hazel on the bed.
"Yeah" Hazel says, "These kids need to learn from someone... can't really afford schoolin' now can they? Besides.. I like teachin'," she smiles.
“You're the only one with the patience for it." Nico teases gently. "I'll get started on dinner, then. I hope you don't mind rice." and walks back to the main room where their stove is.
Percy comes in with a bottle of whiskey and places it on the table. "I come bearing gifts" he smiles and winks "Whatchu up to now, partner?" Percy asks.
"Food.” Nico answers shortly, “Sit and I’ll make you some too." Nico snatches up the alcohol and takes a swig before he sets the water to boil and adds a handful of rice, part of an onion, some salt half a potato and the left over jerky in the pantry. "Did Frank have a heart attack or go home?"
"Ha! nah...he's fine, he's prolly gonn' come over for the history lesson," Percy says leaning back in the chair. It's like speaking of the devil, and Frank knocks once, opening the door slowly letting the kids in who scuttle quickly over to Hazels room, shooting Nico and Percy looks of admiration. Frank waves awkwardly before joining them.
"Damn." Nico says half heartedly.
“See? What did I tell you?” Percy gets up to check on what Nico is making “Mmm smells nice” Percy licks his lips and tries to reach for a piece of jerky.
Nico swats Percy's hand with his spoon. "Oh no you don't. Not again. Last time I let u get away with that you, ate half the meat."
"Ow! Did not," Percy rubs his wounded hand. "Though it seems only fair" he smirks "I stole half of the meat."
Nico rolls his eyes. "And then you ate a third more when I served it, you jackass." he smirks, "And are you saying you begrudge my sister some of your stolen goods? I thought better of you Perseus." he shakes his head in fake disappointment.
"Hey now, you know I'd never deprive your lovely sister of nothing, besides..." Percy struts up to Nico "It was your share I ate," he says flashing Nico an arrogant smile, and then flinching
"Don't hit me with the spoon again!" he laughs.
Nico hits him in the shoulder, splattering it with stew. "You can't tell me what to do Riverson. I’m Shadow the Kidd. I only work with you because you're pretty." He can't keep a straight face and smirks. "Now sit down. Just being near you makes me want to hit you again."
"Aw you think I'm pretty? I should get me a nice dress, or whatever those spiritual ladies wear," he winks.
"No... no please don't." Nico pushes Percy away with his hand this time, remember the one time they’d ended up stealing a whole case of costumes and Percy had proudly praded around in a woman’s spiritual garb. "Once was enough. And how do you turn everything I say back at me and somehow make it disturbing as the godly love stories? Do you hate me?" Nico turns off the stove with a click. "Get me the bowls, please."
"Hazels lesson ain't done yet, we should at least hear the end?" Percy offers.
"She does tell it the best." Nico says, and he did say he'd come listen, "The bowls can wait."
They both linger in the corner of Hazel’s room as she tells the rest of the story.
"...the gods had children with the Spirituals and the Matons, these children are called the "blessed"...." Hazel says to the children, looking up from her book.
Percy scoffs at the term, and nudges Nico in the arm "Tch. Blessed huh?" he whispers
"More like cursed." Nico agrees softly, and Hazel shoots them a look, knowing exactly what their saying even if she can't hear them.
"We ain't the ones is cursed, now are we," Percy says softly and looks to Hazel who is continuing with the story. She's huddled up in a blanket with the book in her lap and a handkerchief balled up in her fist.
"Not literally." Nico says, "But I won't be one to argue that we're not as well." Just not in such an obvious way that it shows with every breath they take and everyday they wake up at least able to get out of bed. Also not in the way Nico used to think, when everyone around him was dying. He knows now, that it wasn't his fault.
"The Matons then made a deal with the gods: instead of accepting offerings of human lives by embarking on the spirit trail, the Matons would build a train, the Spirit Train, which would bring food, gold and other belongings as tribute to the gods instead." Hazel smiles at an entranced student in the front who is very excited about the idea that they are offering objects and not people anymore
"However Hera of wives and weddings did not approve of the behavior this type of tribute instilled in the gods." Hazel says and coughs in her handkerchief. "No...she didn't like the gods, especially her husband Zeus of sky and lightning, to have "blessed" children, and she cursed all of the women of the mist, with a.." she coughs again, "terrible sickness...so that the gods" she coughs more ,"Might lose their interest." she closes the book and has a bit of a coughing fit.
Nico's by her side at the same moment Frank is; though slightly more prepared with a handkerchief and a hand on her shoulder. You need some water?" he asks softly while Frank hovers behind Hazel's over protective brother.
"I'm fine." Hazel says between coughs.
That’s what Sally said the night before she died. Nico thinks. Those words are far from comforting.
"Oh, look at that kids, lessons over, and now you know why the gods are terrible and you shouldn't have kids with them.”
The kids just stare up at him, confused and silent.
"Yeah well...you're all too young to be thinking 'bout that anyhow....but! It's time to leave. Professor Hazel needs 'er rest," Percy says directing the kids out and then getting some water from a pitcher in the kitchen. He hands the glass to Nico to give to Hazel.
"Drink." Nico says, "and I have some stew for you to eat. I'll even invite Frank to have some. Does that sound good?"
Hazel nods smiling up at Frank as she sips her water.
"How u feelin' little lady?" Percy says
Hazel stops drinking and raises an eyebrow at Percy "Percy, how many times do I gotta tell you, if you call a woman ‘little lady’, she gonn' punch you in the gut."
Percy chuckles, "At least as many times it takes 'til that actually happens," he winks.
Hazel shakes her head and laughs weakly.
"Do you want me to punch Percy in the gut?" Nico offers with a small smile.
Hazel shakes her head and Nico shrugs as he heads into the kitchen.
"Oh well, don't look so upset," Percy calls to him, "C'mon you two" he smiles "Let's go eat some of that delicious stew."
* * * * * *
After dinner Frank helps clear the table and kisses Hazels forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow," he says softly.
"See you tomorrow, Frank." Hazel smiles up at him with warm golden eyes and waits till he's out the door to cough into her hand, shoulders slumping.
Nico bites his lip from commenting, "Let's get you to bed." he says instead, holding out his hands for her to hold.
"G'Night Hazel" Percy says lazily with his head on the table as he's already had a few glasses of whiskey, "Have nice dreams."
Nico helps Hazel to bed and tucks her in. Sitting on her bed, he pets her hair. "How was your day? Did you want to tell me about it or are you too tired?"
"My day was wonderful," Hazel says with a smile because Nico knows why, "but I'm gonna sleep now...oh, and Nico....do you think you could steal me a nice dress....for my wedding?"
"Of course." Nico says, "I'm not going to let you spend you happiest day in a blanket." he kisses her forehead and gets up. "You'll be beautiful no matter what you wear though, Hazel. Frank is lucky to have you."
Hazel looks happy enough to cry. "I love you, Nico" she says and holds out her arms for a hug.
Nico holds her close and hard, burying his nose in her neck and fluffy hair. "I love you too, Hazel." he says. He says it freely without hesitation, because h’se know after Bianca, after his mother, that the sickness could take her at any moment, and he'll regret it later if he doesn't tell her how much she means to him now. "I'm going to walk you down the aisle." he says, "and you'll be more beautiful than Aphrodite."
"Don't let her know that" she laughs softly and sniffles. She wipes away the tears she couldn't hold back. "I just wish that.... you had... someone" she says eyeing the doorway.
"Me too, Hazel..." he hugs her closer and then let's go."But you shouldn't worry about that. I don't have time for... for romance anyway."
Nico wishes her good night again and closes the door. Percy is still in the kitchen with his head on the table as he pokes at a glass of whiskey. “Gonn’ join me partner?” he says and flashes Nico a dopey, inebriated smile.
Nico grunts and gathers the bowls still on the table to clean. "In a minute, partner," He says stressing the last word. "I'll clean up and then pour us both a glass." It's their nightly routine and Nico doesn't see the point in changing it. He likes drinking with Percy. Most days.
"You need any help?" he offers still poking his glass.
"Sure. You're Riverson Jackson after all. You wash and I'll dry." Nico smirks and taps the leg of Percy's chair with his foot as he passes.
Percy stumbles out of his chair and the faucet starts pouring water into a bucket. He watches it like an amused child. "You know as much as I hate it for puttin' us outta work and such Maton stuff really is amazing" He starts making the water move without even raising a finger. "What do I clean then? Just give it to the crocodile." Percy chuckles drunkenly as he makes the water form a crocodile.
Nico feeds the 'crocodile' their bowls and utensils and then glancing in the pot and seeing the bottom, eats it with the spoon and tosses that in as well before inserting his hands to wash them off.
"Doesn't mean they should have thrown us away. What did they think would happen? That we'd all just lay down in the dust and starve instead of fighting back?" Nico asks.
Percy hums in agreement as he makes the crocodile wash the dishes. His head bobbing with the movement of the water as if he's listening to a song.
"Well they don't… really seem to care who...dies" Percy says the last word weakly and the dishes clack into the bucket as Percy releases the crocodile and stares at the floor his jaw tensed and hands shaking as they cover his face.
Leaving the dishes where they've fallen, Nico stands in front of Percy and cards fingers through his hair. "I know, Percy. I know. Go ahead." His own eyes have long since stopped stinging, but Percy's never seem to dry, and Nico drily thinks that it must have something to do with him being half water god; where Nico is half earth and shadow.
Percy inhales sharply and wipes his eyes "No, ain't gonna solve nothin' ...it ain't gonna...it ain't gonna bring 'er back" his voice wavers and Nico hears the water slowly start to move the dishes behind him "I think I need 'nuther drink" he says with a laugh to mask the pain. "Let's finish this, you gonn' dry'em right?"
"Put'em in the sink." Nico says, "They can air dry just as well." He pours Percy a glass from where he's standing before pouring one for himself, warm whiskey burning on the way down his throat in an all too familiar way. He kicks his feet up onto the table teetering on the back legs of his chair with practiced ease.
"Hazel was coughin' an awful lot today," Percy says and immediately regrets it, he lets his head drop to the tablem, "I'm sorry" he mumbles.
Nico lets out a long sigh and leans his head back against the top of the chair, the whiskey during dinner and just now sooth his panic and anger. "It's fine....it's why we got medicine today, wasn't it? Because we ran out..." Nico takes another sip of alcohol and closes his eyes. "Because she gave some of it to one of her students and didn't tell me."
Percy laughs sadly. "That sounds like her... we'll just hafta steal more tomorrow then." Percy says into the table then lifts his head up to shake it, "Shoot! Does that mean there's another little girl out there with mist sickness?"
"Of course there is Percy!" Nico growls in frustration. "The gods aren't going to stop fucking mortals just because Hera's throwing a tantrum! They could... care less what happens to their children...." Nico's glass hits the table with a clunk. "You know that. And it means we're gonna have to get twice more than usual. Fuckin' things just have to expire don't they."
Percy groans before he stands to put a finger up to Nico's lips. He leans in and whispers in Nico's ear. "Shhhhhh Hazel's sleeepin'," his head hovers near Nico's face and he gives a drunken chuckle that is potent with the stench of alcohol.
Nico calms down and frowns up at him, not bothering to remove Percy's finger before speaking; Percy's always been a surprisingly happy and touchy drunk... Nico knows that best. "Sit back down before you fall over, you alcoholic." he says in a softer voice. "I don't wanna hafta clean up anymore blood. My shirt was already ruined today.” Nico shakes his head as he throws back another glass and refills it. The world has already taken on a more hazy outlook, but he could stand a little more of it.
Percy laughs and stumbles back into his chair before he looks Nico up and down "It's a shame all the women we care about get sick...I wish I could just marry you sometimes..." he says pouring himself another glass "I know you won't die of that stupid mist sickness."
Nico hums, his heart still flutters weakly, even though it's the fourth time Percy's "proposed" to him that week. "Yeah I know you do, Percy." He downs his glass and pours another. All he has left is Percy and Hazel, and if Percy wants to cuddle him as per usual, Nico needs more emotional-dampening liquid in him. "Love you too."
Percy smiles as he downs another glass and scoots his chair closer to Nico's so he can get a refill. "I mean it, you know...we should get married" he smiles as he makes the liquor at the bottom of Nico's glass form a ring, "Marry me?" he asks.
Nico gives a startled blink. Percy's never done that before, but he takes it in stride, and nods, leaning to the side so he can rest his head on Percy's shoulder. "Sure. I’ll marry you, Percy. How could I say no? Now put the alcohol in my mouth, please." he parts his lips so Percy can slide it in.
"There! Now that you've drunken my ring, we’re married. Ok?" Percy laughs and as he tries to get up and either drunkenly stumbles, or his leg gets caught, tumbling to the floor taking Nico with him. "Bhahaa!" he slaps a hand over his mouth realizing how loud he was. Nico's back is flat on the floor and he gives an exasperated groan before Percy climbs on top of him. "Sorry partner" he giggles.
"You better be. You added bruises to my bruises" Nico raises an eyebrow, his brain is pleasantly silent, "Any reason you're on top of me, now?" Nico feels his body start to flush, up his chest and neck.
"I don't know" Percy laughs "I think I wanted to see if you were ok...you ok?" he whispers warmly into Nico's ear.
"I fell off Blackjack today from thirty feet at least and you're asking me if falling off my chair hurt me." Nico uses sarcasm to disguise the way his breath catches in his throat and goosebumps prickle up his arms. "Of course I'm alright, you idiot."
"Ok good" Percy smiles and puts his forehead against Nico's. "You're a tough one," he whispers, his warm, alcoholic breath brushing against Nico's lips.
"y-yeah. That's why you... wanna marry me." Nico's blush rushes to his cheeks, barely visible beneath his tan.
Percy blinks with realization and shifts his weight to the side to rest on one of his forearms. He puts his finger up to Nico's lips once again. "It's why I married you," he corrects, apparently counting the drinking of the wedding ring as a valid marriage. It's clear to Nico that Percy may have drunken one too many this time, but then Nico has too. Percy removes his finger from Nico's mouth and places his lips there instead.
Nico gently places his hand on the back of Percy's neck and sighs into the kiss. He thinks that if that's the only reason Percy wants to marry him, it's a crappy marriage to begin with. "I think someone needs to go to bed, now." Nico fumbles with the words in his mouth, referencing Percy's inebriation.
Percy stifles a laugh and grumbles something that sounds like "wedding night" before he kisses Nico again this time with a little more force.
"Mmf-" Nico keeps his hands on Percy's shoulders and closes his eyes, kissing back as much as he can with Percy's lips molesting his, sloppily. It’s not the worst kiss Percy as ever given Nico, but he likes them all anyway, Percy warm and comforting on top of him, and Nico admits he doesn’t really want Percy to stop.
Percy releases Nico's lips from his own so he can take a shaky breath and start kissing Nico's neck, untucking Nico's shirt and starting to unbutton it; resisting Nico's half hearted push and continuing to kiss along Nico's neck and shoulder.
Nico stifles a moan and bites his lip enjoying it for a few moments and forgetting why receiving the attention he so craves is a bad thing. Something slips out of his shirt and clatters softly against the floor, startling Nico in his pleasurable, fuzzy state; the locket gleams in the fire light and Nico regains some sense, pushing Percy away with the palm of his hand against his shoulder. "Not tonight Percy." he slurs, "and not here. Let's go to bed, in bed. Come on."
"What?" Percy says between wavering breaths, "You don't wanmetoo?" he mumbles
"That's... that's not it, Percy. I love you I really do-" Percy kisses him on the lips, caressing his jaw and making Nico melt at the tenderness.
"Then just...shhhhhhh" Percy says with a smile before he continues kissing Nico's lips. Moving to Nico's jaw, and kissing down Nico’s neck and to his collarbone before continuing to unbutton his shirt.
Nico hisses out of clenched teeth and nods. "Are you...are you sure?" he asks as his world begins to slur together like his words, and he squirms on the floor skin burning with every button Percy opens.
Percy doesn't answer, but when he pushes the fabric of Nico's shirt out of the way and continues his mouth's decent on the sensitive skin of Nico's chest, it's enough to signal his desire. Percy's fingertips slide up the side of Nico's chest, his breath heavy against warm skin.
"Oh gods." Nico rasps. Aside from the first time, the most Percy has done is kiss and snuggle him till they both pass out, and the feel of Percy's hands on his chest has him yearning for more.
Percy continues his descent, taking Nico's moans as the sign of approval they are. He makes his way to the contour of Nico's hip, kissing and licking the depression that the bone creates.
"Th-that's unn- really low Percy." Nico mutters under his breath, suppressing the ridiculous urge to giggle as a spark of intense pleasure shoots from where Percy's lips connect with his skin, making him squirm and shout, before he can cover his mouth, still mindful of Hazel in the next room.
Percy's mind is hazy so all he hears is Nico's shout. He puts his hand over Nico's mouth as he continues to stimulate what is apparently a very sensitive area of Nico's body with his tongue. His other hand moves to unbutton the top of Nico's pants. "Shhhhhhh" he breathes against Nico's hipbone and laughs lightly before he starts sucking on the skin there.
Nico's hands delve into Percy's hair, nails bluntly scraping along Percy's scalp and fisting in his hair, unsure whether to pull Percy away, or press him closer. "You're going to...to kill me" Nico's words are muffled behind Percy's hand which he kisses.
Percy's breathes become more sporadic as he tugs at the fabric of Nico's pants, licking each increment of newly exposed skin making Nico's breathing intensify; muting all other sensations, as he takes in the feel of Percy's lips on his body. The stimulation has his toes curling and for a moment nothing else in the world exists except Percy's overwhelming presence against him...until Nico hears a cough, small at first and then the ones that follow a little louder.
"Nico?"
"H-Hazel." It takes Nico a second to clear his voice back to normal. "Wh-at," he coughs, "What Hazel?" he calls, tapping Percy's shoulder so he can get up and go to her; Hazel comes before everything in his life. "Do you need something?"
Percy flops to the side at Nico's signal.
"Could you get me some water?" she says before another stream of coughs.
"I'll bring it, just give me a second." He calls, and hesitates a second, returning to kiss Percy's forehead. Staggering to his feet, Nico quickly refastens his pants, but gives up on his shirt after just one button, snagging his glass from the table, and downing what was left of his drink. He rinses it before filling it with water. Combing a hand through his hair and opens her door, sitting on the bed and handing her the glass. "Do you need anything else? Any help?" he asks softly.
"No, that's it" Hazel says accepting the drink "Thank you" she says and coughs again "Do you think I should...take another dose?" she asks
"Maybe." Nico retrieves a vial from the box."Better safe than sorry. You should have told me you ran out early." he chastises gently and uncorks it for her to down.
"Sorry" she says and takes the dose with a grimace, "Thanks," she says again.
After finishing the last of her water she bundles herself in the blankets again, and Nico kisses her curls fondly. "Good night Hazel. Get some sleep. I'll wake you for breakfast." He strokes her hair until he hears her breath even out, telltale that she's asleep before leaving, gently closing the door behind him and looking around for Percy.
He finds him on the floor where he left him, staring at the ceiling. He looks over to Nico when he notices him enter the room. "She good?" he grumbles lazily as he flops on his side so he can face Nico.
"Gave her another vial." Nico says, and stands next to Percy, hand out to help him up. "She's asleep now. And so should we, husband." He nods toward their room and bed.
Percy grunts as he sits up. "Mmmk" he hums as he gets to his feet and then kisses Nico on the forehead. "Lessgo," he mumbles and yawns, "Gotta 'nuther train tomorrow...need to be nice and rested." Percy pats Nico's shoulder and starts to shuffle off to their room.
Nico hums in agreement and follows close behind, covering a yawn with his hand, amd kicking off his boots by the bed. He rolls over so he's against the wall, leaving the open space for Percy to crawl into. Holding up the blanket, he waits for Percy to join him, still dressed in his clothes.
Percy plops onto the bed next to him and settles under the blanket, pulling Nico toward him; an embrace Nico goes into most willingly. "Night partner" he hums evidently already halfway asleep.
"Night." Nico replies and breathes in Percy's warmth beside him, draping an arm across Percy's waist and relaxing into sleep.

Notes

Disclaimer: We do not own any of these characters they belong to Rick Riordan, Hayley Riordan, and Disney Hyperion
co written with thomas-life on Tumblr for the 2014 PJO Big bang. It was a lot of fun.
Please note that Pernico is not the endgame pairing. Percy will end up happily with Annabeth and Nico with Alabaster. Please also note that Alabaster is not an OC, but a character from The Demigod Diaries, sub chapter: Son of Magic.