I'm excited for these next chapters! HAHAHAH! It's gonna be a three part chapter, and stuff is gonna go down.
Enjoy while you can.
... MWAHAHAHAH!

Chapter #32; Part 1 : In My Veins

~Nothing goes as planned
Everything will break
People say goodbye
In their own special way
All that you rely on
And all that you can fake
Will leave you in the morning
But find you in the day
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh, you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh, you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Everything will change
Nothing stays the same
Nobody here's perfect
Oh, but everyone's to blame
All that you rely on
And all that you can save
Will leave you in the morning
And find you in the day
Everything is dark
It's more than you can take
But you catch a glimpse of sun light
Shining, shining down on your face
Your face
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh no, I cannot get you~

NICO POV

August eighteenth. It was August eighteenth and everyone in Camp Half-Blood (and most likely even Camp Jupiter) knew it. At six in the morning I got out of bed, showered, dressed up, fixed my hair, adjusted my glasses, and stepped outside my cabin to knock at Percy's door and wish him a happy birthday, maybe give him a hug or something, and then ask him what he would want to do for his birthday (I would pay for whatever he wanted, of course). In the end, I didn't get to do that. Surprise, surprise.

I hadn't even knocked on the Poseidon's cabin door yet, and I instantly knew Percy wasn't inside. Someone else must have beat me to it, because behind my back I heard a group of excited whispering girls. My shoulders immediately dropped and I narrowed my eyes. I could literally feel all of the excitement draining from my body. I wanted to give Percy a great day, a special day, and others seem to already destroy my plan to do so. Annoying, innit?

I took a deep sigh, spinning on the heels of my black boot clad feet, and internally groaned. Just as I had expected: a group of chatty girls and nodding guys surrounding a green eyed, black haired man. That was actually really hot. Calling Percy a man... Man. I meant, you know, since he was nineteen now, and I was only sixteen... It was a bit of an age gap. It lowered my spirits a little, but I still found it, well, hot. Because of that thought, I really wanted to slap myself in the throat and jump into the rapids of a river.

I swallowed whatever stupid emotions I was feeling, and just focused on Percy. He wore dark blue skinny jeans and a light red V-neck three-quarter sleeve shirt. A small smile pulled at the corners of my mouth. I took small strides towards the group and heard them chattering about the son of Poseidon's birthday and how they were surprised he was still alive at nineteen, that Percy was beginning to be an old man, and that he could do some illegal things that really nobody should ever do. I pushed through them without a problem and stood behind Percy. I found myself admiring him as he nodded along with the others, replying enthusiastically, laughing... It felt good to see him happy.

A shot of courage shot through me and I gently wrapped my arms around Percy's middle from behind, stepped up on tiptoes, and whispered so no one else heard, "Happy Birthday, Baby Blue."

I felt him jump a bit in surprise, and then he turned around in my arms (just as my face began heating up, which was fantastic). Everyone else seemed too distracted gossiping to notice Percy and I's closeness which made me even happier. Percy's eyes lit up immediately, causing my stomach to flutter. He grinned ear to ear as his black bangs fell into his face. I smirked and pushed his hair back for him. That only caused him to bounce on his feet and throw his arms around me like an excited eight year old at a toy store, practically lifting me off of the ground, and hugged me tight. I was prepared enough to hug him back just as enthusiastically, my arms around Percy's neck and his arms around my waist. It had me blushing like a freaking schoolgirl, but I could care less. His touch burned my skin and his warmth melted me into him. He just made me want to stay there, in his arms, forever. I hoped he felt the same desire, whether romantically or not.

"NEEKS!" He exclaimed happily, putting me back on the ground, but not totally letting me go (which I was thankful for). "Hey, uh, thanks, man! For the birthday wish, I mean. Um, by the way, good morning!"

I opened my mouth to reply, but was cut short.

"'Morning, birthday boy."

I turned around and internally groaned. Piper approached with a grin, Jason by her side with his arm wrapped around her waist. Today Piper wore a maroon blouse and ripped skinny jeans. White feathers were braided into her hair. Jason wore basketball shorts and a plain white V-neck t-shirt with runners. He must have been on his way to go work out.

Percy smirked. "Hey, Beauty and the Beast."

I snickered under my breath as Piper and Jason both rolled their eyes and glared playfully. Jason shoved him in the shoulder with a scoff, mischief twinkling in his eyes.

"I'll let that one slide, Jackson, only because this was the day your poor mother gave birth to you nineteen years ago. What a strong woman, putting up with you for all these years..." Jason countered with a chuckle.

"Whatever, Grace. You're just upset I'm older than you. And much more good looking."

I chuckled under my breath and blushed, because hey: It was undeniably true. Especially while he wore those jeans...

"Looks like Nico agrees with you, mate."

I choked as my eyes widened. Jason only smiled back as Piper slapped him on the shoulder with a tiny warning look. I couldn't believe he just said that out loud. In front of Percy. That was the sound of me giving up on life and dying of embarrassment. I risked a glance at the son of Poseidon. He only grinned, running his tan fingers through his hair as he threw a muscular arm around me. My body grew uncomfortably warm and my shoulders tensed at Percy's touch. What in Hades was he doing? I honestly thought he was going to push me away, act uncomfortable, or brush it off with a roll of his eyes.

Instead, he smiled down at me, his green eyes piercing into mine, causing my heart beat to speed up at a concerning rate.

"Good looking people think alike," He winked at me.

My breath caught in my throat. A red hot blush painted my cheeks and I couldn't help but look back and forth between Jason and Piper and Percy. Had he really just said that? Did he honestly think I was... attractive? And did he really just admit that out loud? My head began to pound in confusion, but my face stayed beet red. Holy skeleton elephants. I was squealing like a freaking twelve year old girl on the inside.

"I'm gonna have to break up your guys' moment here and say HAPPY HANUKKAH, DUDE!"

I jumped out of Percy's clutch and held my chest in fright. For fuck's sake, way to ruin a moment, Valdez.

"Oops," Leo chuckled. "Sorry, Nico. Didn't mean to scare your tits off."

I glared at him with wide eyes. What the hell! The curly haired Latino walked up to a confused son of Poseidon and fist pumped him.

Percy raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Did you... Did you just say 'Happy Hanukkah'?"

Leo tinkered with a piece of metal and wire, then paused with a thoughtful expression. "Did I?"

Percy nodded his head with a chuckle as Piper and Jason shook their heads in disbelief.

"Oh... Well then," Leo bit his lip awkwardly. "I might have to write my name on Calypso's present... Gotta go!"

And with that, he saluted, winked at me (which I blushed with a deathly scowl), and he ran off.

"Hanukkah." Percy breathed a chuckle under his breath.

I sighed and rubbed my face with my hands. "One day Valdez will be in a very suspicious accident and my hands will be the ones painted red."

Percy chuckled and elbowed me softly in the side. I looked up at him and cracked a smile, not being able to feel anything but happy around Percy. His eyes seemed to be brighter today, light green specks splashed around in his irises.

"Why are you looking at me like that...?" I asked awkwardly, my eyes staring up at him curiously.

He chuckled and smiled. I cocked my head to the side as he shrugged, looking down at the ground.

"I-"

"OH EM GEEEE!"

Both Percy and I's eyes grew the size of saucers as we both face palmed ourselves. I groaned as Piper and Jason murmured in confusion.

I grumbled to myself. "No, no, no, please no-"

"Percy! Perc- NICO! Oh em gee!"

Percy threw his arm back over me and tucked me into his side. I appreciated it a bunch, but I couldn't seem to keep the grimace off of my face as five squealing girls and two very feminine looking guys came stumbling over towards us. The two guys wore scarves and skin tight skinny jeans, one of them wore a light pink beanie. Two of the girls wore dresses that went down just above their knees. One of the two wore a purple lilac coloured dress and her hair fell down in bouncy curls around her little pixie face. The other wore an evergreen coloured dress and her hair was braided down her back, her lips covered in pink lip gloss. The other three girls were noticeably older, with skinny jeans and boots, high heels and party dresses, blouses and short shorts.

Percy cleared his throat. "Oh, uh, hey guys-"

"You two! Oh em gee, you guys are, like, so adorable!" The girl in the evergreen coloured dressed squeaked with her slim arms waving in the air.

Percy opened his mouth. "Uh-"

"Btw, happy birthday, darling!" The guys in the pink beanie added, a super flamboyant smile spread across his face.

I frowned slightly. "I don't-"

"Gasp!" One of the older girls, with the booty shorts, breathed excitedly. "Are you and di Angelo going out for your birthday, Perce?! That's, like, tots adorbs!"

Percy shrugged one of his shoulders, stuttering out, "Well, I-"

"Oh. Em. Gee." A tall girl beside Booty Shorts whispered (terribly, because everyone could hear her), into her sister's ear. "I bet tonight Perce is gonna get a sweet present from Nico, if you know what I mean. Di Angelo and Jackson seem like they'll be animals in be-"

"Hey!" Piper jumped in before I could explode into tiny pieces of sixteen year old boy bits. "I heard Connor Stoll was flirting with a girl from the Demeter cabin. Go check it out, I think he's serious about her!"

All seven Aphrodite kids gasped, chattering amongst themselves.

"But Connor's my bae!" The guy with a scarf said, his hip jutting out.

My eyes widened slightly, my blush getting deeper and deeper, just like my grave.

"Oh, darling, come on! We'll show him you're better than some flower girl!"

"Unless they're perfect for each other. Sorry, big brother dear!"

"He's cute, I guess. You could do so much better."

"I have to see them! They would be, like, so adorbs!"

With that, the group disappeared through the cabins of camp. My mouthing open in shock and embarrassment. I felt like I couldn't breath, I was about ready to faint right there and then. Every time I saw those Aphrodite kids, trouble was promised. All I wanted was to wish Percy and great birthday! Was that so freaking hard to ask?! All that's happened so far was me (or Percy) getting humiliated.

I heard someone clear there throat beside me. "Well, that was..." They broke off into laughter.

My eyebrows shot up as I stared at Percy. His head was thrown back, his eyes shut, his nose scrunched up, as he barked out laughter. I scratched the back of my head and let out a super nervous sounding chuckle. In the corner of my eye, I gave Piper a thankful look, which she winked in reply. Jason just laughed with Percy.

"Alright, alright. Stop, you two." Piper giggled, placing her hand on Jason's shoulder.

Percy raised his hands in defeat and Jason kissed Piper on the temple, earning a smile from her. I could feel Percy's body heat from where I stood beside him, a couple feet away. My heart was beating fast, but I mustered as much courage as I could, pulling my hands out of my black jumper and wiping my sweaty palms onto my ripped skinny jeans. Percy just began to chuckle at something random when I stuck my arm out and caught ahold of his shirt, wrapping my arm slightly around his waist and placing my hand on his lower back. He turned his head and glanced down at me, his black hair falling into his eyes. A smile spread across his face, causing me to grin. His smile was always so... beautiful, really. My stomach fluttered and I bit my lip nervously.

"Um, Perce?"

"Mmhm, Death Breath?"

I blushed. "I was thinking, if you wanted to do something for your nineteenth, we could go into town together if you'd like. Lunch will be on me."

Percy grinned from ear to ear. "Yeah, I'd love that!" He cleared his throat. "I mean, thanks, Neeks. Sounds great."

I smiled to myself, feeling shy around the green eyed boy, and continued to listen to the conversation he and Piper and Jason were having. Because we didn't want to stand around in one place like a bunch of weirdos, the four of us grabbed some breakfast and headed to a tiny park in the camp and sat on one of the picnic tables there. I sat beside Percy, and Jason sat beside Piper. Once we finished eating our meal and stood up, getting ready to leave, it was as if luck just wasn't on my side today. I swore the Fates have got it out for me.

"Hey, Annie!" Piper grinned, shuffling over to Annabeth for a hug.

She chuckled. "Hey, McLean."

"I haven't seen you since..."

"Yesterday?" The blond replied with a chuckle.

"Yeah!" Piper agreed, the groaned. "It's been so long."

Annabeth giggled and the girls jumped into an animated conversation all the while I stood beside Percy, fidgeting awkwardly like someone who was about to present in front of a crowd. Percy didn't appear much better, which pleased me and surprised me all the same. I mean, Annabeth was his ex, of course it would be awkward for him to see her on his birthday. But would an encounter with his ex-girlfriend really be that uncomfortable? He seemed about ready to run for the hills. He also didn't seem sure if he should either stay silent, greet Annabeth politely, or give her a friendly hug.

With a sigh, he pushed himself forward with a decision. "Hey, Annabeth."

She turned around, her blond curly hair bouncing around on her shoulders, and she grinned, her teeth a sparkling white. It suddenly changed into an amused smirk.

"I think I remember today being special, but I'm not so sure. What is it... your tenth birthday, Seaweed Brain?" The daughter of Athena teased. "Finally... Double digits!"

Percy raised an eyebrow, placing his hand on his jean clad hip, and smiled. "I'll have you know, Blondie, that I'm actually older than you as of today."

Annabeth raised her eyebrows in challenge.

"Just sayin'." Percy raised his hands in surrender and strutted back over to stand beside me.

I couldn't help but crack a smile. I might have made it seem that I found every one of Percy's jokes super annoying, but honestly, I found them absolutely endearing. Even though every time I saw Annabeth my stomach grew boiling hot with jealousy, Percy's smile always calmed me down and left me mesmerised, trapped in his green eyes and forced to remember that I wanted him to be happy. Fuck, I've turned into one of those freaking ladies in Pride And Prejudice. Not that I read the book. Or watched the movie. Gods dammit, I seriously need to kill some flesh eating zombies soon or I'll lose all of my manliness.

"Well, happy birthday, Perce." Annabeth's voice brought me out of my self-rant.

And there goes the jealousy.

I glanced up at Percy and saw his eyes grow happier, a smile spread across his face. "Thanks, Annabeth!"

Annabeth chuckled, her grey eyes a soft storm. "I don't even get to hug you on your birthday? Now that's pretty sad..."

My body tensed up and I bit the inside of my cheek. Palms sweaty, eyes narrowed, statuesque posture, clenched jaw, boiling blood. Oh, yeah. You could say I was the jealous type, but come on! Why did these kinds of things always happen to me?

"Sure, c'mere." Percy offered a small smile and approached Annabeth.

They opened their arms and hugged each other. I rolled my eyes as I crossed my arms, tapping my foot on the ground impatiently. I could almost feel Piper trying to hide her giggles as she watched my frustration unravel. As Percy and Annabeth kept hugging, I growled deep in my throat and looked away, really wanting to punch something. What the hell was Annabeth doing? Percy was mine! I mean, he wasn't really mine, but... I mean... Percy shouldn't be hugging his ex. Wasn't that against some kind of rule? A law maybe? I wanted to be the only one who could hug Percy like that. The only one who could ask Percy for a hug like that. The only one to receive a hug from Percy like that.

"Happy birthday, again, Seaweed Brain. Have a good one." The daughter of Athena whispered.

I was whining like a dog inside my head.

"Thank you," Percy muttered sincerely. "See you around sometime. I'm heading into town with Nico for the day, so have a good one, too."

My ears perked up and my eyes shot up to meet Percy's green ones. He grinned and I smirked back. Okay... No more jealousy. S'all good... For now.

Percy, Piper, Jason, and I all waved goodbye to Annabeth and I finally relaxed. More so because Percy's arm unconsciously wrapped around my back and was warming up my skin. But before I could get too lost in his comforting touch, of course I was interrupted.

"So, Percy," Piper asked, earning our attention. "I hate leaving so soon on your birthday, especially before giving you your gifts, but Jason and I have to leave before we're late to our activities. We'll see you tonight at your birthday dinner for sure, though! Have fun!"

"Yeah." Jason smirked, winking at me. "Have fun."

As the couple began walking away, I glared daggers back at Jason.

"Oh, go suck a brick, Grace." I growled.

He gasped mockingly, his hand up to his mouth. "Nico di Angelo! How could you! This schist just got personal."

The son of Jupiter and Percy began to bark out hysterical laughter as I scowled, crossing my arms in anger.

"Why am I dating this guy again?" Piper mumbled, frowning in confusion.

~

"I'm pretty sure this isn't the right way, Neeks."

"I think it is."

"But isn't the shopping part of town on the west side?"

"I thought it was north."

"... Look, we passed the fountain."

"Percy, just follow me. We're going the right way."

"I don't think so... Maybe if we just turn back that way..."

"I'm positive we're going the right way, Percy, just keep up."

"I still think you're leading us in the wrong direction."

"Percy..."

"Didn't we already pass that lamp-"

"Percy!"

"... You're an awful leader, Neeks."

"Urgh!" I groaned and pulled at my hair in frustration. "Then you lead, it's your birthday, you get to go wherever you want. Just lead. Whatever. It's not like I care."

Percy and I stood in the middle of a street in the camp's town (which Percy was now calling Smallville because he claimed Jason was Superman in disguise). Around us were new looking buildings with flashy signs and comforting shops. Small benches lined the sidewalks and a couple lampposts lined the street. Everything was open at this time of day, and Percy was having trouble deciding what he wanted to do. At first, he wanted to walk around and browse for awhile. Then I thought he wanted to have lunch before we went off to do whatever he wanted to do. But then, all of a sudden, he claimed that he wanted to go to the 'cool' shops.

I internally face palmed and and pinched the bridge of my nose between my glasses, grumbling something in Italian under my breath.

"Aw, Nicooooooo." Percy cooed.

I shook my head. "Nope. No. You can't do this. Stop it. Just- just don't."

"Don't be upset, Neeky." He pleaded. "You know you're the best. Right? C'mon. Stop looking away. You know you want to look. C'mon. Come onnnnnn. Neeky!"

I pouted. "What?"

"Smile." He whispered, his face surprisingly close to mind.

I was momentarily stunned by the closeness and at how well I could see every detail of his face. The Percy grinned, wiggling his eyebrows and pulling funny faces. I tried to glare at him, but of course, it didn't work. My seriousness collapsed and my lips betrayed me as they pulled up into a smile.

"Success!" The black haired boy exclaimed, pulling me into a bear hug.

I giggled and rolled my eyes. It was a manly giggle. And a sassy roll of the eyes. Nothing else.

"Oh, guess what?"

I hummed into his shoulder. "What's up?"

"I kinda know what I want for my birthday, now."

That caught my interest. I pulled away from his warm body with reluctance and raised an eyebrow, smiling up at the tanned man. He smiled back, scratching the back of his neck.

"Well," I pushed. "Where do you want to go? What do you want?!"

The son of Poseidon smirked, stepping closer to me. I visibly gulped and tried my best to keep the smile on my face from wavering. Percy's sea foam coloured eyes gleamed with a sort of mischievous spark. It scared me but attracted me at the same time.

Percy's smirk only enlarged once his forehead was inches away from mine.

"I want to get a piercing."

~~~

End of Chapter

*facepalm* WHY DID I DO THIS.

Comment what piercing you think Percy is gonna get!!!

FANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE 100K!!! I LOVE EVERY ONE OF YOU TO BITS <3 I TRULY APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND I'M JUST HAPPY MY STORY MAKES YOU GUYS HAPPY x'3

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

-Percy With A Piercing- Yay or Nay?