Zoe

I walked aimlessly through the hallways of Olympus, not really putting much thought into where I was going. I passed by several of the mortals that Percy had turned into slaves. 

They were sweeping the hallway, and some were scrubbing the walls, making them shine in the light spilling in from the vaulted ceiling high above. I continued walking until I ran into someone and nearly fell.

I regained my balance to see a familiar mop of blonde hair. Jason Grace scowled at me, but then his expression instantly changed to respect. I could tell it was fake, though. 

"I apologize, Lady Zoe." Jason said through gritted teeth as he picked up the sponge he had been using before. "I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings." 

I eyed him carefully for a few seconds before clicking my tongue and walking off. As I neared the end of the hallway, I glanced back to see Jason staring at the sponge in his hand.

I shook my head before turning the corner and walking into the throne room. I saw Percy sitting on his throne, his elbow propped up on the armrest of the seat. His head was resting on his hand, and he had a small frown on his face. 

I walked towards him, and his eyes focused on me. His frown didn't disappear, though, and that worried me. I stopped in front of him and waited for my boyfriend to say something. 

Percy stared at me, his green eyes piercing through me, until he said "What is it, Zoe?"

"Are you okay? What's bothering you?" I questioned as I reached out and grabbed Percy's hand. I laced my fingers with his and smiled faintly at the former son of Poseidon. Percy blinked at me before managing a small smile of his own. 

"Nothing. Nothing I haven't shared with you yet." He squeezed my hand before rising from his throne and stepping down to face me. 

"Where did you go earlier? I went to look for you, and you weren't anywhere to be found inside the castle." I asked. Percy bit his lip before releasing my hand suddenly, surprising me. 

He walked past me to go to the large window stationed at the centre of the throne room. I hurried over to join him, and the two of us stared out at Mount Olympus. 

Several mortals were outside tending to the gardens, and I smiled at how beautiful the flowerbeds and bushes were. The Olympians at least kept their gardens in good shape. 

After several minutes of silence between us, Percy spoke again. "I was out in the gardens this morning. I was walking around trying to clear my head when I saw Phoebe in the archery range." 

I raised an eyebrow, confused about why Percy was so interested in Phoebe. "Uh......Alright? That still doesn't explain much." 

Percy scoffed as he placed his hands onto the window ledge. "I wasn't even finished yet." I sighed before poking him, telling him that he should continue his explanation. 

"When I asked if I could join her in training, she seemed like she really didn't want me to. After a minute, she excused herself to go take a walk around the gardens. I don't trust her." Percy said, glancing at me briefly before looking back at the window. 

"She's been working for you for five years, Percy." I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "Surely she would've had a change of heart sooner?" 

He exhaled, his shoulders slumping as he continued to gaze out the window. "I know Phoebe is having second thoughts about joining my army, my Queen. I fear she's going to end up defecting over to Nico's side." 

"You shouldn't worry about that." I protested, putting a hand on his shoulder. "If she does end up defecting, then just kill....kill......" Percy smirked slightly as I trailed off, not finishing my sentence. 

"Kill who?" I swallowed, thinking about the memories I had with Phoebe when we were with Artemis. We were best friends, sister's even. I don't think I would be able to see Phoebe get killed. 

Percy chuckled at my expression and he placed his hand against the window frame. "I figured as much. Phoebe is your friend still, your so called sister, isn't she? You wouldn't kill her." 

"You don't know that." I said, but I knew he was right. Percy scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I know you well enough to know your feelings and what you're thinking most of the time, Zoe." 

I blushed and Percy wrapped his arm around my waist. "I'm going to keep an eye on her, and see what she does next. If I notice anything out of the ordinary, then I will kill her." 

I stiffened at his words and opened my mouth to protest when Percy put a finger against my lips. "You know whatever I do is for the best, right? Are you doubting me now?" I paused, scowling. I wanted to disagree with him, but I just couldn't. 

"Plus, you never know, Phoebe might not even be planning something and I'll let her live. Simple as that." Percy lifted his finger away from my lips and removed his arm from around my waist. 

He started towards the doors leading out of the throne room before he stopped. I turned to face him before Percy said "I would appreciate it if you helped me keep an eye on your friend, too." 

Then his body dissolved into mist and disappeared. 

Will

I sat in my room, staring at the rocky stone wall in front of me. In my lap was the new celestial bronze sword I used to train with.

I was so tired. But I didn't think I would be able to sleep tonight without worrying about so many things. 

I was worried about the attack we're going to launch on Perseus. I knew what he was capable of, and I feared that a lot of demigods would lose their lives in the effort to reclaim Olympus. 

But most importantly, I'm worried about Nico. 

I knew the small son of Hades was scared. When he told me about what happened to him when Perseus attacked Olympus, I was ready to go and beat the shit out of the person who stabbed Nico, but he assured me that he was fine.

I sighed as I traced my finger along the sharp side of the celestial bronze blade. I couldn't stand to see Nico hurt. 

I admit it. I love him. 

I continued gazing at the blade before I heard a soft knock at the door. I lifted my head and said "Come in." 

The door opened and I smiled as Nico stepped into my room. His dark eyes trained on me as he closed the door behind him. "What can I do for you, Di Angelo?" I asked as I put the sword away.

Nico remained silent as he walked over to me and sat down on the bed beside me. I gazed at him for a few seconds before he spoke. "I'm scared, Will." 

My eyes widened slightly before Nico continued "I don't want to die. I know we're going to lose a lot of people when we attack Olympus. I'm scared of encountering Percy. I'm scared of him." 

I paused before reaching out and gently putting my hand on Nico's face. I turned his head towards me so that he had to look right into my eyes. I could see the fear evident in his expression. 

"Listen, my little angel." I whispered in his ear. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. No one is going to lay hand on you while I'm alive. Do you hear me, Nico?" 

Nico had gone completely still as I was talking, but when I stopped, he nodded slowly. He opened his mouth to say something but I murmured "Sh. I need to do something first." 

Nico stared at me, confused, just as I leaned in and pressed my lips against his. I closed my eyes and felt small arms wrap around me, pulling me closer. 

We stayed like that for a minute until we had to break apart for air. As I drew away from Nico, the son of Hades grabbed my hand, squeezing it hard. I glanced at him and saw his eyes shining with.....

Love.

"I should have confessed earlier." Nico said, a small smile on his face. "But I'm not complaining." 

"Cheeky cheeky." I chuckled. I squeezed his hand as well, before muttering "Like I said, I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"Nothing at all." 

Word count: 1435

been waiting a long time to put those two together.