A/N this is the last part so I can focus on my other fanfic that is Placed right after this!! I am going to work on the 2nd part of that after this. that one will be a lot longer.
~~PERCY~~
Dawn bled through the dusty window of Nico's cabin, painting the worn furniture in a soft, hopeful light. Even with sunlight, the place held a faint echo of the Underworld, but today, that echo was drowned out by the nervous energy buzzing in my veins. Nico, on the other hand, seemed composed, almost too composed.
"Maybe we should run through the seating chart again?" I suggested, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. "Just to be safe? Are you sure Grover's next to Annabeth, not freaking out the naiads at the koi pond?"
Nico chuckled, a rare, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine in a good way. "Percy, relax. We've been over everything a thousand times. Besides, Grover'll be too busy stuffing his face with wedding cake to freak anyone out."
I took a deep breath, trying to tame the nervous energy that crackled in my gut. "Right. Relax. Easy for you to say, Mr.Chill of the Underworld."
He rolled his eyes, but a flicker of warmth danced in his usually serious ones. "How about we... do something relaxing?" The concept seemed alien to him, but for Nico, I was willing to try anything.
"Relaxing?" I echoed, skepticism laced with my voice. "Like what?"
A ghost of a smile played on his lips. "Sparring?" He raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his eyes. I knew it was more for my benefit than his, but the familiar thrill of combat sparked in my chest.
"Now that's my Nico! Just a heads-up, though," I grinned, "I've been practicing with Annabeth. My reflexes are killer."
A playful glint entered Nico's dark eyes. "We'll see about that, Seaweed Brain."
The next few hours melted into a blur of mock duels and shared laughter. We clashed our blades in the clearing near the cabin, the rhythmic clang echoing through the pines. It was a perfect balance – the familiar adrenaline rush of combat laced with the joy of spending time with Nico. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we collapsed onto the porch steps, panting and grinning.
"That was awesome," I said, wiping sweat from my brow.
Nico leaned his head back, resting it against my shoulder. A comfortable silence settled between us, the only sound the chirping crickets. "Yeah," he agreed, gazing at the sky. "It was."
Suddenly, a voice broke the quiet tranquility. "Mind if we interrupt the lovefest?" Will sauntered towards us, Piper trailing behind with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Lovefest?" I sputtered, feeling a blush creep up my neck.
Piper smirked. "Oh, come on, Perce. We all saw the way you two were looking at each other."
Heat flooded my cheeks, but a goofy grin stretched across my face. Nico just rolled his eyes, but I saw the telltale dusting of pink on his own pale skin.
"Actually," Will said, his voice serious, "we came bearing gifts." He produced a beautifully wrapped box from behind his back.
Curiosity sparked in my eyes. "What's that?"
Will gestured for us to open it. Inside, nestled on a bed of white satin, lay a stunning cake topper – two skeletons, their bony fingers intertwined, a mischievous glint painted on their skulls. It was perfect, a dark reflection of our love, and completely Nico's style. Next to it sat a small vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid.
"Seaweed frosting, courtesy of yours truly," Will explained, a hint of pride in his voice. "And Piper..." He gestured to Piper, who winked.
"Used a little charmspeak to convince the oven to bake the most decadent dark chocolate cake you've ever tasted," Piper finished, a triumphant grin on her face.
I stared at the cake topper, a wave of warmth washing over me. It was perfect, a dark and quirky symbol of our love,with a touch of the sea thanks to Will. Glancing at Nico, I saw the same spark of delight reflected in his eyes.
"This is amazing," I finally choked out, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, both of you."
The rest of the evening was a blur of laughter and shared stories with our friends. As the moon replaced the sun, casting an ethereal glow on the clearing, a deep sense of contentment settled over me. Everything was perfect, a little bit strange, maybe, but perfect nonetheless. I reached for Nico's hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. He turned towards me, a soft smile playing on his lips.
A/N thanks for reading!! the wedding is in my other fanfic called - I would die before I became king (but apparently not)
