>A Few Days Later<
Will's POV:
Nico hasn't been himself ever since he came to the hospital. I think he's just thinking. He also seems to be getting more emotional. We decided to get married tomorrow. We were going to spend time together. All of us.
"You ready, Neeks?" I asked calling up the stairs
"Yeah." Nico said
He walked down the stairs with a small backpack packed. Our wedding clothes were already at Camp where we were going to get married. We both sat in the car for a few minutes. Nico's hands fiddled with a loose string on his jeans. I put my hand on his baby bump. He made a little noise and pushed my hand away.
"Is something wrong?" I asked
"No. I just got a little uncomfortable." Nico said
"Okay. Let's go." I said not believing anything he said
I drove us to camp. We were going to stay in our old cabins. Well most of us were. Mom, Sally, Paul, Estelle, Coach Hedge, Mellie, and Chuck were going to be in the bunks under the big house.
Nico's POV:
We arrived at Camp and got out of the car. I grabbed my backpack and put it over my shoulders even though Will offered to carry it. I just ignored him. I feel bad for taking it out on him. He is so nice and he is my love. I should probably tell him. I'm just afraid of him leaving me, because I can't do anything right.
"Hey Will and Nico!" Percy said giving Will a bear hug
I put out my hand and Percy shook it with a questioning look on his face. I wouldn't let even Hazel get near me. I just didn't want them to hurt her. She was so fragile in my stomach. I rubbed my stomach as Will talked quietly to the others. I really wish that Will and I weren't going to tell everyone their genders tonight. It would be even harder if I had to let her go.
"Is everything alright, Nico?" Chiron asked
"Yeah. Just fine." I said
"Go into the Poseidon cabin. Nico will catch up." Chiron said
Will gave me a kiss on the cheek. Percy stood shaking his head no. Annabeth pursed her lips whispering something to him. He didn't listen. I know he didn't, because he doesn't usually.
"Chiron, with all due respect, I'm going to ignore what you just said and stay right here. Nico isn't hiding anything. He would tell us so we can help." Percy said
I felt terrible and I looked away tears threatening to spill. I was a liar. I hadn't told anyone anything yet. I should have at least told Will. Chiron looked to Annabeth and she took Percy's hand leading him away.
The others headed to the cabin. I wished that I had the courage to walk away from Chiron. I am pretty sure you can't keep anything from him. He knows all. Sometimes it's scary.
"What's wrong?" Chiron asked
"Promise not to tell?" I asked
"I promise." Chiron said
"I may loose our baby girl. The doctor told me. I can't loose her! Please don't let it happen!" I cried flinging myself on Chiron as he patted my back
"Okay, so I think that you should get it checked out here. Maybe Kayla can help after you go with friends." Chiron said "You should be with friends for now."
"Really?" I asked drying my eyes "Are you sure that's wise to tell Kayla? You know how close she is to Will."
"Wisdom is not always what you want. It is usually what you least expect and where you least expect it." Chiron said
"What does that mean?" I asked
"You will know when the time comes." Chiron said
"Thanks Chiron." I said smiling trying to hide my fear
I walked down to the Poseidon cabin. I opened the door and closed it quickly. I saw Will and hugged him as he stood up.
"I'm sorry for that." I said "I was just afraid for no reason."
"I understand. I hope that next time I can help you. You just need to let me in." Will said
"I will." I said
We laughed and watched Disney movies until 6:00. My favorite was probably when Will would sing the songs in my ear. I felt at peace. Like I could finally relax and not worry about the babies. Especially our baby girl.
"Okay, so what do you want to eat?" Percy asked
I had my eyes closed and I was buried in Will's side. It was so comfortable and warm. I really didn't care what we ate. As long as I could be near Will. My bump was in between both of us and I felt like they were protected.
"Nico?" Jason asked
"Yeah." I said coming out of my comfortable position with a pout
"What do you want?" Jason asked
I turned to Will and pouted and he opened his arms, so I could be near him. He cradled me in his arms keeping a hand on my stomach protectively. As if daring someone to try and hurt us. I knew he would hurt the person. He was really protective of us.
"What do you want?" Jason asked again
"Chinese food." Arielle said
"Nico can't have that. It could hurt the babies." Will said
I flinched in his arms my hand pressing lightly on my stomach as Will gently carded his hands through my hair. It was soothing.
"Maybe a mixed green salad and pasta with marinara sauce. From that place right before you turn to get to camp." I said
"That sounds good. What about everyone else?" Jason asked
"Chinese food!" Reyna said
"That sounds good." Jason said
"I'm down." Annabeth said
"It's settled." Percy said
"Can I have fortune cookies?" I asked
"Yeah-" Will started
"Get extra. I think it would be fun reading them out loud." I said smirking at Reyna and ignoring Will
She grumbled about her luck. A year ago, Reyna had gotten a fortune cookie with nothing inside of it. I kind of hoped it would happen again. Percy grabbed his keys and Arielle walked out with him. We started another movie and it wasn't long before Percy and Arielle were back with all of the takeout.
"Why does Arielle have almost all of the food?" Annabeth asked
"She told me and I quote 'Don't want you to break a fingernail dad. Let me carry them.' I have no problem with carrying anything." Percy said
We all laughed as Percy handed me my takeout while Arielle gave everyone else their food. Will had set me down next to him cupping my face while kissing me.
"Okay, so everyone needs to grab a fortune cookie." I said
I made sure that we had all grabbed one before we opened them.
"I think Reyna should start us off." I said
"Fine." She grumbled breaking the cookie open
"It says: Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." Reyna said sticking her tongue out at me
We decided to go to her right, because that is what majority wanted. The kids wanted it that way too. At least the older ones. Charlie was fine chewing on his hand, grabbing Annabeth's hair, and chewing on the teething ring. Sometimes all at once.
"You grow up the day you have your first laugh—at yourself." Leo said
"Your road to glory will be rocky, but fulfilling." Calypso said
"People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do." Hazel said
"Not to alter one's faults is to be faulty indeed." Frank said
"Your wisdom makes you superior to others." Annabeth said
"That's a big surprise." Percy said sarcastically
"Just read both of yours." Annabeth said
"Take the chance while you still have the choice." Percy said
"If you kill a killer the number of killers stays the world stays the same." Percy said
"Kill two." I said getting a light slap on my shoulder
"You'll teach them bad stuff." Will said covering the sides of my bump to prevent them from hearing anything
"It could be better, but it's good enough." Jason said ignoring us
"Soon your child will get tired of watching Frozen." Piper said
"As if." Piper said earning a laugh from everyone
"Do the thing you fear and the death of that fear is certain." Thalia said nodding her head in approval
"You will find what you seek." Grover said
"You are more than the sum of your mistakes." Juniper said
"There is great talent in your future." Red said
"Nobody can be exactly like you." Coach Hedge said
"Isn't that the truth." Leo said laughing at himself
"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that's not why ships are built." Mellie said
"Change is coming." Chuck said eating his entire cookie including the wrapper
"Success lies in the hands of those who want it." Arielle said
"When one door closes, another opens." Estelle said
"Confucius say: If you think you were going to sum up your whole life on this little bit of paper, you're wrong." Sally said as everyone nodded in agreement
"Love is like sweet nectarine, good til the last drop." Paul said
"Nothing is impossible." Mom said
"To truly find yourself you should play hide and seek alone." Will said
I cracked open my cookie as my fingers trembled. I took out the little slip of paper.
"Your problem just got bigger. Think of what you have done." I said as my mouth went dry
"That was actually really fun. I still don't why fortune cookies are so scary." Thalia said
"I have to go." I said getting up
"Nico, I'm worried about you! Please tell me what is wrong!" Will pleaded grabbing my hips and pulling me close to him so I couldn't run
He made sure I couldn't move. I was squirming under his gaze and trying to leave. I was looking around trying not to give anything away. He was holding me firmly trying to get me to tell him what was wrong.
"Just give me a few minutes. I need to talk to Kayla." I said
Will pulled me closer to him and wouldn't let me go. He put his hand on my stomach. I pushed his hand off of me and he roughly grasped me. I pushed him away. He pulled my body near him as I tried to move away. He looked mad at me as I fought against him.
"Let him go." Percy said
"Yeah. Stop it Will." Lou Ellen said
Will kept his hands on me as I pushed him away. I put my hand over my bump to keep him from putting himself close to the babies. He put his face against me and kept my body near his as I slightly moved against his body.
"Will let him go." Cecil said "He said he wanted to talk to Kayla. He probably wants to ask her something. It's nothing."
"Tell me if something is wrong." Will demanded as my lip trembled a little
"William Andrew Solace!" Mom said sternly "Let him go!"
Will let me go as his Mom asked and I went out of the cabin. I walked into the infirmary. It was almost all white and only Kayla was still there. She usually stayed at camp to care for the injured.
"Kayla, I need you to check on the babies." I said
"Okay." I said
She put her fingers on my stomach and led me to the bed. She put pressure on my stomach, but it didn't hurt. She set up the ultrasound and pointed to the babies.
"Is anything wrong with any of them?" I asked
"I don't see anything. One of the heartbeats is fainter, but it isn't a problem. You don't have enough nutrients in you." Kayla said "Maybe try drinking some nectar or eating a little bit of ambrosia. I'll give you some right now."
"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed hugging her
"You're welcome?" She said confused
I wiped my stomach off and pulled my shirt down over my shirt. Kayla gave me some nectar in a cup and I drank it. My entire body felt warm and it helped me.
"Nothing's wrong. Just a little malnourished and you need to maybe eat more in a portion." Kayla said
"No problem." I said
I walked back to the Poseidon cabin. Everyone except Will was eating. He was sitting with his hands together as if he was thinking. He looked sad as if he was regretting what he did.
I sat down next to him and he put his arm around me. His eyes asked me if something was wrong and they were telling me that he was sorry. I shook my head no and he started to eat. I grabbed a water bottle and drank some of it to keep the babies and myself hydrated.
"We found out the babies genders." I said and Will nodded
"Really!?" Hazel and Mom squealed urging Will and I to continue talking
"Yeah." Will said getting a dreamy smile on his face
"We are really excited to have two little boys and a little girl!" We exclaimed together our hands resting on my bump
The girls faces lit up and they started to talk about nursery colors and what to get the babies. The guys were commenting on building stuff and all the money that babies took up. Mom was crying as she hugged Will tightly. He was lightly hugging her back as she tried to stifle her sobs.
Sally was hugging me and she had happy tears running down her face as I rubbed my bump trying to calm down.
Hazel was cooing about babies to Frank as he smiled at her excitement. Annabeth was giving advice. I was a little overwhelmed, so I took Will's hand in mine. He gave me a smile and a reassuring squeeze as he let his fingers trail over my knuckles. Sally and Mom both talked excitedly.
Sally and Mom both put their hands on my stomach and I leaned back onto Will. He kissed my cheek and had his hand on the top of my bump. I breathed in his scent and Sally and Mom excitedly grabbed some paper making notes and trading ideas for the babies.
"I really want to hold them. Just have them in my arms with no need to carry them or get heavier with them. To just go into the hospital and pick them up and care for them." I whispered to Will
"You're doing so well baby. I know you don't like this, but you are creating three little lives. I think it's beautiful." Will whispered back
"We need to go shopping for you and the babies." Leo said "You're starting to outgrow your shirts."
Some of the girls glared at him. Mom and Sally assured me that I was growing beautifully. I started to laugh and Leo looked up flashing me a small grin. I couldn't speak until I calmed down.
"You all really need to lighten up." I said "I'm fine. His joke was needed. You're all really serious."
They smiled and we talked for a little bit. It was really random stuff. The kids had mostly gone to bed. Only Arielle, Estelle, and Chuck were still awake. The other kids were asleep on the bunk beds as the Apollo cabin watched them in separate cabins.
"You should both open a fortune cookie together. It can be the one to predict everything." Percy said
Will and I nodded and grabbed for the same fortune. We smiled and I opened the wrapping. We both took a side of the fortune cookie and pulled it apart.
"The current situation will bring you much happiness." We read together
We nodded and kissed. I moved back and leaned on him and he rested his hands under my stomach as if holding all of the weight himself.
"You're really comfy. You're going to be my new pillow." I said snuggling into his embrace
He kissed the top of my head and kept a hand over my bump. Arielle was laughing about something and Chuck was really red.
"What's so funny?" I asked
"H-he likes a-a tree n-nymph." Arielle said
Estelle started to laugh as she tried to keep a straight face. She covered her mouth and tried to keep her face normal. It was nice to see her so happy. She had slipped into a different state of mind and I could tell she had depressive points in her life.
"I don't see the problem?" Will said confused
"She doesn't like him back. She keeps pushing him away and he thinks that we should try to convince her that they would be perfect together." Estelle said
"I told you that in confidence!" Chuck said
"It's okay." I said "If she doesn't like you for you then she doesn't deserve you."
"It's true. Don't go below you for beauty. Beauty is what is on the inside. Not the outside." Annabeth said
"Okay." Chuck said
Annabeth got up and got Charlie from the crib in the Poseidon cabin. She had put him down a little bit ago, but now he was awake again. He was crying and Annabeth started to quiet him down. I got up and walked out of the room.
I walked into the bathroom and I rubbed my stomach trying to calm the babies. Even though I couldn't feel them yet, they were definitely making my stomach feel weird.
"Is something wrong?" Will asked me quietly as he followed me into the bathroom
"No. Just trying to digest my food." I said
Will helped me back to the couch. I took his sweater when he offered it to me, because I was shivering. I put it on and his scent filled my nose. I leaned into Will and he moved his hands up and down my spine. He stopped at each notch as he pressed down calming my entire body.
"Please keep doing that." I mumbled
"Whatever you want." Will said
"Are you thinking about more babies?" Hazel asked Jason and Piper
"I don't think that would be good. If anything we could babysit Charlie or the little ones when they are born." Jason said
Will stopped rubbing my back and pressing down. I whined at the loss of contact. I looked up and Will was watching me intently.
"What?" I asked
"Nothing. It's just the babies. It just sunk in that I am going to have a daughter and two sons." Will said
"Yep. Two sons and a daughter." I said "What do you think they will look like?"
"I think they will be half me and half you. I hope they look like you and act like me." Will said
Will splayed his hands across my bump. I nestled into him and sighed as I breathed in his scent. He smelled of honey and his tropical coconut shampoo. It was my favorite. He always smelled of coconut. Now it smelled even better, because of the babies.
"I have a question." I said looking at Mom
"What is it?" Mom asked
"Did you ever crave the touch of a sibling or your parents when pregnant?" I asked
"Yeah sometimes. Especially when I got a boyfriend. I loved being close to him." Mom said
"Okay." I said
"Why?" Hazel asked
"It's just, I feel like I want to be with Will all the time. I love being in his arms. I feel protected." I said "You know? Like I would just be happy sitting in total silence."
"That's sap." Leo said
"Yeah. I kind of think I like it." I said
Will pulled me closer and Percy lifted Charlie up and cradled him as Annabeth fell asleep on his shoulder. Will offered to take Charlie, but Percy declined as he traced Charlie's little features. Paul and Sally were both watching as Percy acted like an adult.
To be honest, it was surprising. I knew that he would be a good dad, but he had always seemed like the cool dad. The one you called when you needed help with a prank or getting your teacher fired for some reason.
Piper and Jason had left the cabin talking quietly to Austin as he led them away. Probably one of the kids had a nightmare. Hazel and Frank were cuddled next to each other as they rested their heads together. Leo was making something and Calypso was pointing stuff out.
Overall, everyone was in their own world and I was happy. I don't know if it was because of the babies and being close to Will or something else. I really hoped that this feeling stayed forever.
>Next Day<
I got up at 8:00 to my sister shaking me awake. It isn't how I wanted to be woken up. I moved and pulled the sheets up more. It was always really cold in the Hades cabin and I felt warm under the covers.
"You need to get up." Hazel said
"I'll get up tomorrow." I said putting the pillow over my head
"No. You are getting up now. I need to get you dressed and Katie wants to talk to you." Hazel said
"Okay. This can all wait until I'm ready to face today. Which is never." I said
"Why me?" Hazel asked looking up
"Because nobody else volunteered. I'm a man set on values. Those are wait to have sex until after marriage, no drugs, alcohol, smoking, and getting up at noon. Wake me up later or when I am dead. Whichever comes first." I said
"Fine. Come out when you want too." She said walking out of the cabin
Now I felt bad. I know that she just wanted me to get up. I turned over and caught sight of a small paper sitting on the nightstand. I walked into the bathroom as I read the paper to see what it was.
A small sound escaped my lips as I rushed to the Demeter cabin. Hazel and Frank were walking with to our cabin. Probably so Frank could pick me up and force me to crawl back into bed. Jokes on them, because I would. (A/N: Me in the morning right before school.) I ran into the Demeter cabin.
"Is it true?" I asked
"So you saw my little note?" Katie said fixing her hair and growing flowers through it
"Yeah." I said
"Well. It was very true. She has been here all morning. I thought it would be a good touch, so I talked to mother and Persephone. They both agreed you should get to see her again." Katie said
"Oh gods! I haven't seen her yet! Where did you last see her?" I asked
"The Strawberry Fields." Katie answered
I thanked her and rushed to the fields. I saw Annabeth and she told me to slow down, but I didn't listen. Mamma was floating above the fields humming a song in Italian.
"Mamma." I breathed in awe at seeing her again
I hadn't seen Mamma since I saw her in that vision in the underworld. She was just as beautiful as ever. She was wearing the same thing that she was in my vision.
"Nico sweetheart. You've grown a lot." Mamma said
I rushed to her and hugged her. I could feel her fingers along my skin. I almost cried at her touch. I guess I really didn't realize how much I missed Mamma until I was so close to her.
"I can't stay long, but I wanted to give you this. It should turn solid when it reaches your hands." Mamma said "I hope you are going with the wearing something new and something old."
She pulled a small necklace off of her neck. Bianca had one too. I was too young when she died to get one. I teared up as she put it on me. It had all of our birthstones on it. Hopefully it could fit three more.
"You look perfect. I love you and I wish you all the best. I hope you're happy and I really hope you don't live to regret anything." Mamma said "I heard about your pregnancy. I can't believe I am going to be a grandmother. Of three too. I love them so much."
"I-I won't." I said crying "I-I wish you c-could hold t-them."
"You shouldn't be sad on your wedding day! Come here and I will make it all better." Mamma said
I clutched her not wanting her to go away. She had already left me once and I wanted to keep her. She kissed my head and disappeared as I clutched the air around me.
I cried for a little bit before getting up. I needed to go find Will even though I was "forbidden" to see him until our wedding. I hurried to the Apollo cabin and knocked on the door. Austin answered giving me a smile.
"I thought you weren't allowed to see him." Austin said
"I need too. It's about the wedding and me." I said tearing up a little "I think the entire future of us and the babies relies on this."
Austin's smile was replaced with concern. He nodded and took me over to the bunks. Will was taking a shower and I sat on his bottom bunk. I grabbed his favorite yellow sunshine hoodie and I held it while I cried.
The seven, Reyna, Mellie, and Sally came in and tried to calm me down. I kept crying. Mrs. Solace came in. I let tears run down my face. I sobbed. I wanted my mamma. She had died and couldn't stay with me on my wedding day.
Mrs. Solace rubbed my back and she told me all the things I could look forward to with the babies. I wanted to listen, but my ears wouldn't to cooperate. Will walked out of the bathroom in a tank top that hugged his perfect body and sweatpants.
He was holding stuff for his hair and some toiletries in his toned arms. He was perfectly balancing everything. He dropped all of the things in his arms and rushed over to me.
"What's wrong?" Will asked looking into my eyes
I just shook my head not able to form words. I grabbed Will's pillow and held it close to me as I breathed in his scent. Will was asking me questions, but I was too far gone to listen. My entire body was shaking as I cried.
"I need you to calm down. You are upsetting the babies. This is a lot of stress on them." Will said rubbing his hand over my stomach as he tried to calm me
I made an effort to calm down as Will waited for me to stop crying. Tears were still running down my face, but I had stopped shaking. Will was watching me while rubbing my stomach and nuzzling into me. That always had an effect on me.
"What's wrong?" Will asked giving me a concerned look
"I-" I stopped
"You what?" Will asked
"I can't do this." I said
"Can't do what?" Mrs. Solace said
"It doesn't matter, Mrs. Solace." I said
"Is everything alright? You haven't called me Mrs. Solace in a long time." Mrs. Solace said
I nodded and walked out of the room. Will was begging me to come back as I stumbled out of the cabin. Percy was cuddling Annabeth as everyone waited on the grass. They stood up, but I ran past them. Will came out after me and explained stuff to them while pointing at me.
I had dried off all of my tears and I was rubbing my stomach. Percy used a lasso made of water to keep me from moving. If they wanted to keep me, they were going to have to fight me.
I broke free of the water and blocked out Piper's charmspeak with shadows. I kept running as I gathered skeleton guards to block them off. I made sure to keep Annabeth, Frank, Percy, and Jason extra busy. They were the only ones that would be able to catch me.
I got to the edge of the forest as Arielle came out of some random place. When she saw what was happening, she immediately used a huge wave to wash away all of the guards that I had called upon. Frank and Jason both came after me. I had just gotten to camp borders. One last thing I could do. Shadow Travel.
I wrapped some shadows around me slowly, so the babies could adjust some. A voice behind me commanded me to stop. I stopped and turned around. Thalia had jumped down from the tree and had an arrow pointed at me. The arrow was made out of a single bolt of lightning.
"I'm just going to do something. Nothing's wrong. No need to bring out weapons." I said
"Liar." Thalia snarled
"Maybe. Just let me go. We have always been good friends, you know." I said
"I'll let them deal with you." Thalia said climbing up her tree again
"Shadow Travel?" Percy said "We all know you aren't supposed to do that."
"Why?" Will asked his voice barely above a whisper
"Just let me go. I'm not worth it." I said
"Not worth it? You are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. You are giving our babies life. They rely on you and I couldn't think of a better man to have kids with." Will said "No matter how much I joke, mess around, or push your buttons, you are my love. I wouldn't change that even if I could."
Every time that Will said something he took a step to me. He had his arm outstretched and he grasped my hand in his. He pulled me close and kissed my neck as we sank to the ground.
"What's wrong?" Will asked
I shook my head no. I wanted so badly to tell him how much I didn't want to wake up ever again. How much I wish that I wasn't carrying the babies, so I could not eat for days and pity myself. Like the old times.
"I want to see somebody I haven't seen in a long time." I said
"Who?" Will asked "I'll ask my father to get them here or your dad. They want us to be happy. I want you to be happy. I can't be happy if you aren't."
"You can't." I said turning my head away
"Why not?" Will asked turning my head so I was looking at only him
"She's dead." I said
"Bianca?" Percy asked
"No." I said a bitter taste in my mouth
"I want my mamma." I said burying my head in Will's chest
"Neeks, I'm so sorry." I said
"It's just, Katie asked Persephone and Demeter to bring my mamma back for a little bit. She gave me this necklace like her's and Bianca's." I said toying with the necklace "She had to leave again and it hurts. More than it did the first time."
"I know. It's okay. You have all of your friends and your mom gave you her necklace. She doesn't want you to be sad." Will said "You got that necklace and I know how much it means to you. You deserve it. I love you."
"I know." I said "I love you too. I would be lying if I said I could live this life without you in it."
"I think that you deserve to be together for a little bit. Alone and just talking." Hazel said
"I'd like that." Will said
"No. You have to get ready and I need to make an important phone call." I said
"Fine." Will said pouting
He gave me a kiss and pulled me into a hug. His hand traveled down to my stomach and he rubbed soothing circles on my bump to make sure our babies were alright.
"Hazel, will you please get him back to your cabin." Will asked "I don't want anything bad to happen to him."
I didn't need to be babysat! I stuck out my tongue as I walked to my cabin. Percy and Jason were talking to Will about something as Paul walked up. He looked as if he had just gotten up. I got to my cabin and sat down on my bed. My hands traveled to my bump.
"I love all of you so much. This world can be so beautiful. I want to protect all of you and let no harm come to any of you. I want to be a hero that all of you look up to." I said "I want to hold all of you and care for you. Be there when any of you need me to and kiss all of your perfect features. I love all of you so much and I want all of you to know that. I have even been thinking about names. I love all of you so much and I want my little angels to have perfect names. I hope that everyone else loves you as much as I do."
"We don't." Someone said "We could never love them as much as you and Will love them."
I catapulted myself off the bed and over their heads. I jabbed Jason in the stomach and moved back protecting my stomach. The phone that was once in Jason's hand was in the floor as he clutched his stomach groaning in pain.
"Oh gods..." Jason said clutching his stomach
"I'm sorry!" I exclaimed "You came up behind me and oh gods. I'm sorry."
"It's fine...just instinct." Jason said
Percy was laughing at Jason offering a hand out. Jason slapped it away and Percy pouted dabbing at tears that weren't even real. Sometimes, I am the straightest person in the room. That's saying something's up, because I am in love with Will.
"I though you would treat me better." Percy said
"I can treat you better if you would like, Bro." Jason said "We should totally have millions of kids together."
"Why?" I asked
"Jealous?" Percy said
I shook my head no and walked away with my phone in my hand. I called the pizza place near our house and asked for directions to the nearest pet store and shelter. I got the directions. I thanked the woman and hung up. Percy and Jason were comparing their wives to each other. Sometimes, I wonder how they survive in this world.
"I'll be back before the wedding with enough time to get everything ready." I said
"Where are you going?" Jason asked
"I'll be fine. Besides it's a surprise." I said
I summoned Jules-Albert and drove out of camp. I had a small backpack and my phone. The backpack had nothing in it. I intended to fill it with my gift. I got to the shop in 45 minutes, so that was a win. I picked out a little puppy, some toys, and a bed. I put the toys in the backpack and carried the puppy and bed out. She was really cute. I already loved her.
I got back to camp and set the backpack down. I needed to get ready, but I really wanted to show Will his present. I decided to get ready and I got into the shower. I had put on my button up shirt and pants when Hazel burst through the door.
"Thank gods you are almost ready! I thought you were still gone!" Hazel exclaimed hurrying over to grab my tie and put it on me ignoring our puppy sleeping in her new bed
"Yeah. I got back 30 minutes ago." I said
She tied my tie and put my jacket on. She flattened it and stood back admiring me. She looked beautiful. The violet we chose really complemented her skin.
"You look handsome." Hazel said tearing up
"Don't cry. It will mess up your makeup. Even though you're beautiful without it." I said
"Okay. Time to walk you down the isle." Percy and Jason said from the doorway
I walked down the isle with Percy and Jason. I must have zoned out admiring Will, because the next thing I knew we were reciting vows. I hope the other stuff wasn't that important.
"Will." Chiron said
Will fumbled for a piece of paper as his hands shook. I gave his hand a squeeze and he gave me a smile that melted my heart.
"I know you are your own man, but I wish to be with you and protect you. You are a truly wonderful man at that. Loyal. Loving. Generous. Full of integrity. You are the kind of man who lives and loves with your heart. You, Nico Di Angelo, are a idol and a role model for everyone around you. You are cared for and I love you more than anything." Will paused looking at me
"You are my favorite person. My favorite pair of eyes to look into. You're my favorite everything. You're depended on by so many people. I can always count on you to have some comment that is truthful even if it hurts." Will said earning a laugh from everyone in the audience "Always there to set an example. I vow to keep updating my vows as we go, because one set of vows won't cover a lifetime. I want to change with you. I vow to do this for the rest of our lives. No words can describe how much I love you. You're the kind of person the world needs more of. You deserve to hear how much you are needed. I would rather die now than live my life without you."
I teared up as everyone said awww. Percy and Jason nodded in approval. I looked into his eyes and I could tell that he believed everything he said. I smiled as I took out my vows. I looked at them before tearing them up.
"I'm just going to say what I think. You mean the world to me and skeletal butterflies go off in my stomach when you talk. You take my breath away when I look at you. I want to play with your hair and listen to you talk about patients. I want to roll my eyes when you are being cheerful in the morning when I am not awake fully." I said getting a laugh from everyone including Chiron
"I want to kiss you until my lips are numb and I can't feel them. I knew that I would follow you to the end of the earth. I want to lie awake and remember how much I don't deserve you. But mostly, I want to be with you." I said "I couldn't live this life without you. I love you and nothing can express that. I have memorized the taste of your kiss and I know your touch by heart. Still I can't get enough of you. I want to lose myself in the daydream of your smile. I want to keep your deepest secrets and love every part of you."
"I want to be with you. I want to love you with no strings attached. I didn't fall in love with you. I walked my eyes wide open choosing my steps along the way. I want to spend forever loving you. As we walk through this life together, I am glad I have my true love and best friend right next to me." I said looking up to his tear stained face
Mom had silent tears running down her face and I took that as a good sign. Hazel gave me a thumbs up and I looked back at Will. I wiped tears off his face and gave him a soft smile. We put rings on each other and kissed.
Will moved his hands to my stomach. We both walked to the pavilion as everyone cheered and Percy and Jason threatened Will again. I rolled my eyes just happy that I was married to him. We sat at the head table as people congratulated us. Will and I just smiled. I decided to show him my gift and we snuck away. It was hard, but we made it.
I gave him the small puppy and he melted when he saw her. The puppy barked and Will and I smiled. He held her up and I just had to get a picture.
We still hadn't eaten yet, but I think everyone would be fine if they didn't see us for a few more minutes. Will took the puppy outside. She was already trained and she really loved to play. We sat on the ground.
"What's her name?" I asked
"I really like the name Stella Lux it means Starlight." Will said
"Why?" I asked "It's a good name, but why?"
"Because she is ours and you are my moon and stars. I am your sunlight and sunshine. Her name represents us." Will said
"I like it." I said
"Stella Lux." I said as Stella jumped into my lap
I laughed as she licked me. She stopped moving a lot. She nuzzled my stomach as if she sensed something different about me. Will tried to put his hand on my stomach, but Stella Lux growled at him covering the side of my bump.
"I don't think she wants you to touch me." I said
"Too bad. I am going to touch you all I want." Will said sticking his tongue out at her
I gave Stella my hand and she sniffed it. I gave her Will's hand and she sniffed his too. I slowly moved Will's hand to my stomach and she licked Will's face. I watched as Will put his hand on her stomach as he rubbed her stomach. I buried my face into his side.
"Let's go back out. Don't want them to think we left them." I said
"Yeah fine." Will said "But Stella Lux comes."
"Well of course. We can't just leave her here." I said "She's part of our family."
We brought her back to the wedding and Hazel squealed when she saw her. Annabeth smiled as she held Charlie. Percy had grabbed a blanket and he was laying it on the floor. Annabeth laid Charlie on the floor as he squealed when she tickled him.
We set Stella Lux on the floor and she sniffed at Charlie. Annabeth was there just in case she reacted badly. Charlie tugged at her collar and she nudged his body. When he didn't move, she moved away smelling everyone.
"She's so cute. What's her name?" Hazel asked
"Stella Lux it means Starlight." I said
"How does it feel being married?" Piper asked
"Wonderful." Will said
"It's okay...I guess." I said earning a glare from Will
"Fine. I really love it." I said honestly
"That's what I thought." Will said
"What about being a Solace?" Leo asked
"It hast really sunk in yet. Just being married to him is so much better than just being his boyfriend or fiancé." I said
"What about being a Di Angelo?" Leo asked
"It's everything I could have imagined." Will said
We made it through dinner and I was really excited to go to sleep. I had really started to value naps and all of that jazz. Will also seemed to love the cuddling and pregnant me in general.
"It is time for a toast." Piper said "Percy, Jason take it away."
"Okay, so Nico is our little bro and he deserves everything. He is always himself with Will and he's just hard to explain. Honestly, he is Nico and he deserves everything he is getting today. The babies are going to bring so much happiness into their lives and I know that they will be loved by this huge and crazy family. I would really like to thank the gods and goddesses for brining him to us, because he is one of the best. Will brings out the best in people. He deserves a lot and is always so welcoming. He welcomed Nico into his life and now they are going to have babies together." Percy and Jason said
"They are going to be great parents and the two boys and their little girl will have everything they could ever want. We know that they are more than qualified to be parents. They deserve happiness together. They say you don't marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you can't live without. That sums up Will and Nico perfectly. To the happy couple. We hope that you both will forever love each other. Cheers!" Percy and Jason said
Overall, I was really happy. We had our first dance together after Will and his Mom danced together. We danced to In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young. It was amazing and I felt so close to Will. We didn't pay any attention to the others the entire dance.
Everyone else came out on the dance floor. Sally and Paul gave us some love advice that really helped. We smiled at each other and they commented that we were really in love.
"Will you dance with me, Uncle Will?" Ember asked
"Of course! As long as Uncle Nico is okay with it." Will said
"Yep. I can dance with Logan and Skylar. I promised them a dance." I assured Will
"Let's go." Will said holding out his hand
Ember took it and they walked out to the dance floor. I watched both of them. Ember was really good at dancing. She took lessons to help her be more graceful in the battlefield.
"Uncle Nico are you going to dance with us?" Logan asked
I accepted their hands and we went out to the dance floor. I led them in a traditional slow dance and Skylar laughed when I spun her around. She clapped and said again.
"Uncle Nico, did you like Uncle Will when you first met him?" Logan asked
"No, it wasn't love at first sight. He was this awkward dork who was not my type. I liked your daddy. But then, I got over your daddy. Uncle Will wrote me a really cheesy love poem and told me he loved me. That sealed the deal for me." I said
"You loved him?" Skylar asked
"Yeah. I still do. He is my everything." I said looking at Will
We decided to play instead and I played until they started to get really tired and want their parents.
Piper was with Jason when Skylar tugged on her dress putting her arms up. Jason offered to hold her, but Piper held her rocking her back and forth soothingly calming her. Logan wanted Sally to pick him up, because Annabeth was holding Charlie. Sally didn't hold him and he started to cry as he got more tired.
I held out my arms and I picked him up. Percy was gone and so was Paul. They had both disappeared after a little while. Logan fell asleep on me and I closed his mouth hoping he wouldn't drool on my suit.
Will came over to me and offered to take him. I shook my head no and Will helped support some of Logan's weight so all the weight wasn't on me. I gave Logan to Will. Will held him slowly rocking him as he started to move due to the cold. I took off my jacket and draped it over Logan. He stopped shivering and Will and I shared a kiss over his keeping head.
"I think we spotted a monster. Near the border of camp. Maybe trying to get in. We are going to kill it, so it doesn't crash this wedding." Leo said
"I'll go. I distract it and everyone will surround and attack. It's the best plan." Katie said
"Is it really a good idea. Except you forget that you are-" Travis started
"Perfectly fine to fight. Let's go." Katie said
"You're not doing that. Just stay here. We can command the injured if anyone is injured." Will said
"I know. I'll help." I said
"Okay. So I'll give Logan to Sally or Estelle." Will told me going to find Sally
Nows my chance. I snuck away as they called for a team. I jumped into a shadow praying that the babies wouldn't be hurt. I appeared up in the tree just like I wanted. I had climbed this tree multiple times. The monster was underneath me and so were the other demigods.
I was on the bottom branch. Katie had the monsters focus on her as she used her powers to give her an advantage. The monster used its claw to backhand her and she flew into a tree. Travis ran over to her and helped her. She was crying as she held herself. Travis helped her up.
The monster had noticed them and charged. I shadow traveled over the monster and drove my sword straight through the monster. The monster exploded into dust. I let my sword fall to the ground as I fell toward the ground my stomach hurting from all of the pain.
Percy's POV:
Katie had been defending when she was knocked into a tree. We weren't ready for a full attack and I decided Jason and I would attack the monster while Leo burned it and made it easy for us. Nico appeared out of nowhere and stabbed the monster turning it to dust.
Nico dropped his sword and he fell to the floor. I rushed forward and so did Leo, Jason, Reyna and Connor. We helped him up a little and he was out cold. Jason picked him up and Travis had Katie. Connor went over to them and Katie was talking.
"Do you need any help?" I asked going over to them
"No...uuuuhhhh....-"Katie started before clutching Connor
Connor's eyes widened and he hissed at her nails going into his skin. Travis helped her stand and she stood there for a moment before letting Connor go. He had small indents on his arm from her.
"Is something wrong? I know Kayla can help. I can go get her if you would like." I said
"No, I think Annabeth or Sally may be better for this. Maybe even Juniper." Katie told me
"Uh...okay. I can go get Annabeth just stay here." I said
I rushed to Annabeth as Will fussed over Nico and got mad at him for being so reckless while pregnant. He was muttering about how much he wanted to slap himself for everything. It wasn't really a change. Will always fussed over Nico.
"I need you. Katie's hurt and she said she wants you." I told Annabeth
"Okay, hold Charlie. Remember what to do if he wakes up. He also has a thing for water animals. Try some of those." Annabeth said
I took Charlie as Annabeth rushed to Katie to make sure she was alright. She looked fine to me. A little battered and she was dirty. Her dress was torn and her hair could have looked better. She looked good to me. Nothing bad.
Annabeth's POV:
I rushed to Katie making sure she was alright. Travis and Connor were both next to her and Travis was fussing over her and he was really close as she shooed him away.
"How can I help?" I asked
"Well, we didn't really want anyone to know. I'm going to have a baby. I'm sure that somethings wrong though. My stomach burns. Not like period cramps. These are worse and I can feel my blood in my underwear." Katie told me
"Okay, how far along are you?" I asked
"Only two months. This is really painful though. I didn't want to make a scene at camp. We just found out." Katie rushed looking at Travis
He kissed her head and soothed her to keep her calm. Any mom would freak out if they believed they were loosing a baby. Even if they just found out about the baby.
"Okay sit down. I'm going to check you. Don't worry. Just take deep and steady breaths. Connor prop her up. Travis come down here. You've seen all of this before so it isn't a problem." I said
I pulled down her underwear and they were covered in blood. When she saw them she started to shake and cry. It hurt me. I couldn't imagine loosing a baby.
"Travis, I want you to go get Kayla and Sally. Quickly!" I said shooing him away
Katie was shaking with fear as I tried to keep her calm. She was breathing differently and kept sobbing. She kept saying she wanted her mom and dad. It was heartbreaking.
"Annabeth, what's wrong?" Kayla asked
"She's bleeding down there and she's pregnant. I have my doubts." I said
Sally went up to Katie and told her everything was going to be alright. She kept saying that she wanted her mom and dad. Behind me there was a flash and Demeter and some man were behind me.
"Daughter, you look unwell would you like some cereal?" Demeter asked
"Sweetheart! Are you okay?" The man asked
"Sir, she's pregnant. It's a long story, but I don't think the baby is going to make it." Travis said kissing Katie's head as she cried harder
"I've told you to call me by my name, Travis. It's okay. I know. Don't worry. It's all going to be okay." The man said
"Dad, please don't let this happen." Katie said freaking out
"Hush child, I can fix this for a price." Demeter said
"Name your price. I'll give it to you." Katie said as Kayla tried to heal her
"Your baby will be faithful to me and do as I ask." Demeter said "Not to Hermes. Be glad I haven't killed the Hermes boy."
"Yes, mother." Katie said looking at Travis who was holding her in his arms
Demeter put her hand on Katie and the temperature went up a few degrees as she glowed faintly. Katie sucked in a breath and Travis held her telling her she was okay. Kayla healed at the same time and Katie stopped bleeding altogether.
"Thank you mother. I am in debt to you." Katie said politely
Demeter and her father disappeared and Katie nuzzled Travis breathing in his scent as he rubbed her stomach. Sally kissed the top of my head and Kayla was rinsing off her hands using the water she brought. I rinsed of my hands too.
"We should go back. I'm going to go see if Nico is doing well. He used a lot of his powers. It wasn't really smart and Will was fussing over him so much when I last left." Kayla said getting up and dumping out the water
Sally and I got up after Travis had assured us the at he would let Katie get some rest and that he was sorry she couldn't attend the party. We dismissed his apologies and walked back through the borders. We saw Kayla asking Nico questions as Will was dramatically gesturing with his hands.
Nico's POV:
Kayla started asking me question while Will scolded me for being so reckless. He was gesturing to everything that could have happened. To make a long story short they all ended in death. He was flipping out and I tuned him out.
I had become very good at that over these years. I nodded yes to Kayla's questions as she pressed on specific parts of me and my bump. Nothing hurt at all.
"Will if I have to listen to one more scenario, I will kick you out! I can't deal with this. He's fine. Just an overuse of his powers after not using them like that for a while. Even so the babies are responding well to the shadows. I think they may like them." Kayla said
I was cleared to go back to the party and everyone had gone off to bed or Chiron had ordered them. At least the ones that had to get up for training tomorrow. Will and I helped clean up and then we went into the Hades cabin. We made it soundproof when we were younger so we could be up late at night watching movies while Will sang off key karaoke.
Hazel was sleeping with Frank right now in their car. They had said they wanted us to have space and the Ares cabin was already full. Will and I had the cabin to ourselves. I started to cry and Will looked taken aback.
"What's wrong?!" Will asked
"I-I can't believe y-you l-love me." I stuttered
Will shushed me gently kissing my lips. They tingled and I stopped crying. His kisses sometimes did that to me. Will pushed me into the bed and got on top of me. He kissed my bump a few times as he laid on me gently making sure to not put a lot of weight on my stomach.
I smiled at him and we shared a kiss. I pulled the covers over us and kissed him again. He put his hand against my bump and I pulled him down.
I could feel my bump against his abs. I kissed him roughly and he kissed back. He urged me to sleep and that the babies needed sleep. I let Will spoon me and he rubbed my back calming my body.
He did this to make sure I would have no nightmares. I didn't go to bed until one am. We were both too tired to do anything. Most couples would do the deed, but we aren't normal people. Not in the slightest.