Dark Waters

“Percy, I can’t do this.”
“Oh come on, it’s not that bad.” Percy held Nico’s hand as they stood barefoot in the burning sand, the cliff looming behind them and the sea stretching out endlessly in front. He had dragged Nico down here an hour after breakfast (there had been a certain son of Hades distracting him from coming earlier, especially when he was changing into a pair of Percy’s swim trunks.)
“I look stupid.” Nico pouted, having been forced to wear a bright teal pair of shorts and a white shirt that highly contrasted his pale skin and dark hair. “And…well, and I can’t swim.” He mumbled just loud enough for Percy to hear.
“I can change that. And I can change your fear of the water.” Percy smiled as he moved in closer, shielding the sun from Nico’s eyes. Pressing their lips together, they took slow steps towards the water without Nico noticing. When Nico pulled away, he realized he was already waist deep. “Told you so!” Percy laughed delightedly.
“No fair!” Nico stomped his foot, which proved hard to manage in the water. “You tricked me.”
“I didn’t hear you complaining.” Percy chided as he floated away on his back, closing his eyes and taking in the warmth of the sunlight. “Now, about that swimming issue…”
*****
Hours later the sun was at its peak in the sky, and for a moment Nico felt violated as if the sun god Apollo was watching them and writing stupid poems about it. “Nico, come on! I know you can do it now!” Percy called, snapping Nico out of his scowl. Practice had been wonderful, and Nico swam quickly over to Percy. They lay there for a moment, Nico floating on his back in Percy’s arms. Suddenly, he heard a voice in his ear say, “Come with me, I have something to show you.” Before he could register what had been said, Nico was dragged down under the waves encased in a giant air bubble, headed deep into the coral reef that lined the coastline.
“Percy I can swim now but it doesn’t mean I like it down here!” Nico screamed as he tried to pull away.
“Nico calm down! It’ll be okay. I promise.” More slowly, Percy continued at a downwards angle. They passed schools of brilliantly colored fish, sunken ships that emanated darkness, and many strange creatures that you would never find in any mortal book. Finally Nico became comfortable and was able to gaze in awe at the wonders surrounding him. He laughed as he saw a group of Hippocampi playing among the seaweed. Percy looked back and smiled as he saw Nico enjoying himself. Soon they arrived at what looked like the ruins of what had once been an amazing cruise ship.
“Is that…it can’t be…” Nico said in awe and horror.
“The Princess Andromeda.” Percy replied. “But it’s okay now, everything is gone from here, I’ve made sure.” He reassured Nico. “Let’s go, I have a surprise for you.” And with those words Nico would have gladly followed Percy anywhere, the butterflies in his stomach leading him without thinking. In the grand ballroom of the ship there was a single table with two chairs set up in the middle. The room was lit up with Greek fire so everything was tinted green. Percy pulled out a chair for Nico, and then seated himself. “Well, what do you think?” Percy asked, blushing.
“It’s incredible.” Nico clasped Percy’s hand over the table, the area around them having dried out when it entered the bubble. “However…not to ruin this but…what are we going to eat. It’s almost dinner.” He pointed out as they could see the last rays of sunlight glistening through the water.
“I’ve got a bit of a plan…” Percy said while blushing. “And um, don’t laugh at me for what I’m about to say, okay?”
“Ugh, fine.” Nico agreed.
“Um, hey dad. I really like someone and I brought them down here. I really want to impress them, could you like, send us a pizza or something? Maybe some coke? Please, I really need this.” Percy looked at Nico with embarrassment and Nico looked away, flustered. They were both drawn out of their awkwardness as a ham and cheese pizza and a 6 pack of coke appeared in front of them with a note attached. Percy opened the note.
Dear Percy, I know who’s there with you. You don’t have to hide it, but it’s not like you could anyways. I’m the god of the sea for Zeus’s sake! I understand your secrecy, hope this helps. All I ask is that I get to meet him one day. –Poseidon (Dad)
Nico saw Percy smile and blush as he read the note. “What does it say?” he asked.
“Oh…um…nothing important. Just that I shouldn’t ask for much more.” Nico could tell he was lying, but he let it slide anyways. “Now let’s enjoy this…together.” Percy raised a coke in toast. “To what I hope is the new beginning of a relationship…” he said warily. Nico lifted his own can.
“To what is most definitely the start of a new relationship.” He replied with a huge smile spread across his face. “Let’s eat…boyfriend.”

Notes