Children of Loss 36

Chapter 36

Sex in Percy's office had not been how Nico pictured his Christmas Eve going. But shortly after his lunch shift had ended at the bar, Nico had found his way to Percy's office under instruction from Leo. It did not take long for Percy to get to the point of the matter. “You need to start negotiating hours like the others do,” Percy had told him.

If this had happened back a few months ago, Nico probably would have turned red and gotten very nervous. However, now was a bit different. After hearing this, Nico stood up from his chair and walked around behind Percy's desk.

Percy scooted his chair away from his desk to allow Nico to sit down on the desk in front of him. Nico bit down on his lip and yanked his shirt over his head. The manager let out a chuckle. “Well, I said persuade me, but it looks like someone is already in the mood,” the young man joked.

And perhaps he was. But it was not his fault, honestly. It was Percy's own fault for wearing a dress shirt and tie today.

Without giving Percy a reply, Nico grabbed the manager's tie and pulled him forward, slowly sliding into Percy's lap. Percy leaned back, running his tan hand down Nico's smooth torso. When his fingers reached Nico's waistline, Nico got up and turned around.

Percy quirked a brow as Nico bent over his desk, peeling back the top of his pants and underwear. Okay, so Nico was very horny today. But it was better to act on it with someone like Percy, rather than wait until one of the customers requested his time and managed to kill his boner.

While Nico was bent over, Percy yanked the boy's pants down, exposing Nico's ass to the young man behind him. Percy let out a chuckle as he got to his feet. “I'd be more worried about how eager you were, if I didn't know it's primarily just for me.”

Nico turned to glare at him. The cocky bastard. But if Nico stopped him, the brown-eyed boy would be the one suffering. Just endure and have your needs taken care of, Nico told himself. He was brought out of his thoughts when he shivered from Percy touching him between his shoulder blades.

Percy opened a drawer next to Nico and pulled out some lube and a condom. Next, Nico heard Percy's zipper. He turned to look back at the young man, but Percy grabbed the back of his neck and pressed Nico's face to his desk.

Nico let out a moan as he felt Percy slide into him. Without preparation this time, it did sting more than usual, but no more than when he was with some of his clients. At least Percy had the decency to slide in slowly, unlike the rich assholes.

When Nico was comfortable, Percy began thrusting into him. However, that quickly got put to a stop when Percy was forced to sit his computer monitor onto the floor to prevent it from falling off the desk. Without warning, Percy slammed into Nico as soon as the monitor was safely on the floor.

Nico moaned and buried his face into the desk, his fingers scratching at the surface. He did not think he would ever get tired of sex with Percy. The boy turned his head to try and catch a glimpse of the young man, which only aroused him further.

While thrusting into Nico, Percy had his hands behind his head. Nico was not sure why, but it was hot to look at Percy like that. The young man grinned at him and leaned down to bite Nico's shoulder, earning himself a gasp. There would not be a hickey, though. After their first time, Percy had made it clear that marks would not become a recurring thing, not even with the other Lost Kids. Not even the clients were allowed to mark them. Their bodies were to remain perfect and without blemishes.

Percy rolled Nico over and picked the boy up. Nico yelped as the desk fell out from under him. Percy chuckled and playfully stuck out his tongue, holding Nico in the air. The brown-eyed boy locked his legs around Percy's waist, his arms holding on for dear life.

Nico's heart calmed down when Percy sat down in his chair, Nico now in his lap. The young man sat back and placed his hands behind his head again. He arched a brow when Nico just sat there. “Well? Get to it.”

It took Nico a moment, but he eventually realized what Percy wanted. His hands slipped around Percy's neck as he worked to raise and lower himself onto Percy's manhood. After a few minutes of this, Nico buried his face in the crook of Percy's neck. Percy's skin was a little salty from the sweat that was starting to form on their bodies. Not that Nico minded, he actually kind of liked it.

Nico pulled back and kissed Percy full on the mouth, sliding his tongue into the green-eyed young man's mouth. He felt Percy smirk into the kiss. Nico gasped into Percy's mouth when the young man began to thrust up into him as fast as he could.

A loud moaned escaped Nico's lips just as the door flew open. Nico's face turned red and he did his best to cover himself, which proved harder than he would have liked. Sitting in someone's lap doesn't really offer a modest position when naked.

Percy let out a sigh and gave Kronos a slightly annoyed look as the other young man shut the door and sat down on the other side of the desk. “Kind of in the middle of something here,” Percy said casually.

Kronos just waved it off, bored. “I didn't say you had to stop.” Nico chanced a look and the young man gave him a dark look. “But I did need to talk to you, and it is important.”

Percy sighed and worked on buttoning up his shirt, which was the only piece of clothing still on the young man. He lifted Nico off of his lap and let the boy stand in front of him. Nico was not sure if it was possible, but his face turned even more red. As it stood, he felt more comfortable with exposing his ass to Kronos than his front, not that it stopped him from trying to cover his butt with his hands.

From in front of Nico, Percy smirked up at him as he slid on his boxers and pants. Slapping Nico on the ass, Percy sent the boy away. “Get dressed and go enjoy the rest of your afternoon off,” Percy told him. Nico nodded and slid his boxer-briefs on. “I'll see you tonight.”

With a quick glance at Kronos, who gave the boy an amused look, Nico left Percy's office. Rachel looked up from her computer monitor and whistled. “Damn, nice underwear, Nico.”

The boy glared at her as he stumbled his way into his pants. “Can't Percy lock his door?”

The girl chuckled. “Sorry about that. There's really no stopping Kronos, sorry. I tried to tell him Percy was busy, but he just kind of went in anyways after he heard your cries of 'more, more. God, yes!'”

Nico's face turned red all over again. “I did not say that.” His brow furrowed. “Did I?”

Rachel pinched her fingers together. “Little bit. And in Italian, too. I was unaware you even knew Italian.”

“Jesus Christ,” Nico whispered as he managed to get his shoes on. “Um, I only know a little, but I don't even usually realize it when I use it.” Nico found it hard to look at the Lost Girl as he walked by her desk. “I'll, uh, see you later.”

“Have fun finishing up by yourself!” Rachel called after him.

Nico groaned as he shut the door, internally dying all over again. Sure he knew that some of the others had seen him naked by now, whether it be from his own choosing or from the security room, but it felt different when it wasn't from him being observed by cameras. At least none of the others had made a joke about seeing him naked or have sex while watching the video feeds.

If anyone would ask Nico what he did the rest of his afternoon, the boy would firmly deny taking a nap until he had to wake up for work. But that nap that certainly did not happen was so good and much needed. He had not even realized how exhausted he was, or how much sleep he had been missing, until he laid down to try and figure out something to do for the rest of his day.

He had quickly gotten a shower and threw on some lazy clothing to head upstairs in, a bag of his wardrobe changes for the night thrown over his shoulder. Stripping in front of a crowd had never really been how he had pictured he would ever spend a Christmas Eve, but it was certainly what happened.

And so, Nico found himself changing with the rest of the Lost Kids into his first piece of Christmas attire: the Santa suit that he had picked up the day he had gone with Thalia and Ethan to see Aphrodite. He still did not fully like it, but that was because he was fearful that his junk would fall out of one of the small legs that reached halfway down his thigh.

Luke popped one of his suspenders as he walked past the boy, casting a grin back when Nico turned to glare at him.

“Here you go, Nico,” Annabeth chuckled after Luke was gone off to get dressed himself. Without even waiting, she placed the Santa hat she carried on top of the brown-eyed boy's head. “There, now you look adorable.”

Nico pouted at her. “I don't want to look adorable.”

The blonde snorted. “And I don't want to be smart.”

“She's lying!” Luke called over to them.

Annabeth shrugged. “I am. And I don't think you mean it either,” she said to Nico. “No, your looks give you power, something you need to start remembering.” She adjusted his hat. “Remember that next time you feel weak when a client is having their way with you.”

Nico looked down at his feet. “I'm in there to steal their secrets, possibly ruin their lives.”

Annabeth let out a breath, taking a step back to look Nico over. “You're in there to do a job, but that job gives you so much power over them. Besides, it only ruins their lives if they cross Gaea or Percy.” She smiled and gave him a thumbs up. “Perfect.”

Nico felt far from perfect.

Annabeth winked at him and opened her mouth, like she was about to say something else, but her face paled as she glanced over Nico's shoulder. The boy turned to follow her gaze, his face draining of color as well. Percy had entered the backstage, which would have normally been a good thing, if not for the fact that Kronos was at his side.

The green-eyed manager came up to Nico and Annabeth. “Everything ready to go?” He asked. Annabeth gave a nod, her grey eyes not leaving Kronos. The other manager did not even seem to acknowledge her existence, though, as he stared around the room like he was bored. “Good.”

Percy's eyes drifted over to where Nico stood. The young man smiled and looked the boy over, leaning back to finish off his examination by looking at the boy's ass in the tight cloth shorts. Nico glared at the manager when he straightened and wagged his eyebrows.

“Santa, I think I've been a very bad boy this year,” Percy joked. Nico rolled his eyes. Seeing this, Percy only grinned and leaned in. “But, then again, I suppose I could say the same to you. And naughty boys do need to be punished.”

Nico's pulse quickened as Percy's breath hit his ear. He was also very much aware of the young man's hand holding onto one of his suspenders. “I, uh, need to get ready,” Nico blushed.

Percy bit his lip. “Looks like those shorts are pretty tight. Let me know if you need help getting out of them later.”

Nico chose not to respond. He might have, if not for the fact that Kronos was staring down at him. It wasn't an annoyed or angry look, not even an amused one, Kronos just was staring. The young man blinked and tilted his head to the side, his eyes drifting over to Percy for a brief moment. When he looked back at Nico, his lip curled into a sneer.

Nico left Percy and Kronos standing there with Annabeth, the green-eyed young man giving him a curious look. But Nico did not like being around Kronos, not at all. There was something about the other manager that just did not sit right with Nico, but he could not quite place it yet. Something about the way Kronos smirked and the look he would sometimes get in his eye.

And then it clicked as Nico stared at them from across the room.

Kronos reminded him of Percy, but only when Percy was scary. It was like someone had taken that aspect of Percy and completely made a whole new person. Kronos was the dark, Percy the light; complete mirror opposites of each other, yet so similar.

It was already scary enough how similar the two looked. Their hair was both black, though Percy kept his more messy than Kronos did. Their eyes were both a sort of mixture of colors, shifting the longer Nico stared. They were even the same height and nearly the same build, though Percy definitely had more muscle.

Percy and Kronos were already seated by the time the first performance came. Nico stood with the others performing tonight: Luke, Annabeth, Jason, Will, Juniper, Connor, Silena, Drew, and Calypso. They were all dressed fairly similar in Santa costumes, and all fairly revealing.

The Lost Kids were already on stage when the Mariah Carey version of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” started playing. Each of the Lost Kids had a unique pose, slowly beginning to move as the jingling played. Several of the girls placed their hands over their breasts, which probably did not help with the fact that their Santa dresses looked like they might fall off at any moment.

Nico liked the routine, for the most part, because it was a lot of shimmying and sliding back and forth. Nico spun around and ran his hand up the back of his leg and then his ass. When Mariah started singing about how she “didn't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree”, Nico began popping his ass. He caught Will smirking at him and he stuck his tongue out at the blond.

Perhaps that was not the best idea, as the blond saw it as an invitation to deviate from the routine. Will got down on his haunches, spreading his legs as he knelt in front of Nico. The blond winked up at him as he unfastened one of Nico's suspenders and squeezed the brown-eyed boy's crotch. Nico's eyes were wide with surprise as he gaped down at Will, though he knew he could not really stop the blond from doing what he was doing either.

Looking at the others, Nico found that Will was actually a nice distraction, as Annabeth and Drew had let the tops of their dresses fall down. They weren't wearing bras. Nico sighed and unfastened his other suspender before pushing Will forward and climbing over the blond.

When he came up, Connor grabbed him and twirled Nico around with a grin. Luke ended up catching him and brought him to a stop so that his back was to the audience. Nico went bright red, thankful that his back was to the audience, as Luke peeled the back of Nico's shorts and slapped the boy on the ass.

At the end of the song, they all found themselves huddled together, smiling and point at the audience as the song faded away. Nico placed his hands on his hips, trying to catch his breath while they received some applause. As one might expect, it was not all that crowded tonight because of the holiday.

Nico was silently hoping that he would not have to spend time with any customers due to that.

During Nico's break, he found himself standing at Percy's table, after the green-eyed young man had pulled him to the side. Nico had said he was tired and wanted to relax in the bar room, but Percy had given him some puppy dog eyes that Nico could just not refuse. And, so, he found himself standing in front of four very intimidating people. And, yes, he was including Percy in that group.

But it also marked the first real conversation that Nico had with Gaea since her arrival. “I do like his features,” the woman said with a small wave of her hand in Nico's direction. “His eyes are appealing, and I like that I can see the emotion in them.” She pursed her lips at him. “You have no idea how many Lost Kids I have out there that just look dead when you gaze into their eyes.”

Nico offered the woman a small smile. At least she was not trying to intimidate him tonight.

“But,” the woman continued, “I suppose I shouldn't expect less from my Percy's hotel.” She smiled and patted the young man's cheek, who was beaming up at Nico. Nico sort of felt like he was being brought home to meet the parents...except much more intimidating and Percy and Nico weren't dating. “You also have a nice smile. Though, I must say I was a little...baffled when Percy told me you were only working the bar when you first arrived.”

Nico turned to Percy for help, but the young man offered him none. “I didn't even know what this place really was, ma'am, until a month later.” Nico's eyes subconsciously turned on Kronos, who was tapping his fingers on the table in a bored fashion while he narrowed his eyes at Nico. “Um, but I'm just thankful that Percy found me. It was very kind of him to offer me a place to stay and a job.”

A spark of amusement appeared in the woman's eyes. “And you didn't...harbor any resentment for what he's made you do?”

Nico briefly looked at Percy, who shrugged. “No, ma'am,” Nico mumbled with a shake of his head. “I mean, he's just been doing his job.”

Gaea leaned forward and began tapping her fingers together. “I admit that I have been very curious about you, Nico. It started out when I first heard about you and that you wouldn't be like the others, especially after I was emailed a picture of you. Such a beautiful boy and he's not contributing like the others? I was shocked.” She took a sip of her drink. “And then I did my research on you.

“Father immigrated from Italy to try and make a better name for himself. Not a very impressive or compassionate man, I must say. A kind and loving mother, though quiet at times when possibly needed,” the woman started citing off Nico's profile. “You have my condolences. Two very bright children, though one currently is reported missing.” Her lips tilted up. “I could not possibly imagine where he might be. And it seems that your father is spending a lot of time with a new woman already. A man with such little respect for his late wife might fit in nicely here, though I couldn't say much for his character as a person.”

Nico was left speechless. She had done her research. And as he stared at the woman, he had to wonder if that was all she knew about him. Doubtful. Percy probably knew more about Nico, he just did not say or perhaps wanted Nico to tell him instead.

“A very nice performance,” Gaea continued. Nico let out a breath, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. “I do love this time of year. And I'm sure you're eager for tomorrow, what with all the expensive presents that will probably be coming your way.”

Nico looked to Percy again. The young man wagged his eyebrows, letting Nico know that he would, in fact, enjoy the present Percy had gotten him. Nico chewed on his lip. “I wouldn't mind if it was just something homemade, honestly. Christmas at home was usually small, and I think my presents were usually just from Mom and Bianca.” For some reason, Nico felt like she was accusing him of hungry for money. Not that it was unlike some of the others around here: Drew. “I'm just really thankful to be here and not on the streets. The presents are really just like a bonus.”

The woman stared at him for a moment, studying him for any sign of a lie in what he had just said. But there was none, so Nico felt a surge of confidence as he let himself be examined under the microscope. She finally smiled. “A lovely sentiment.” She brushed her hand against Percy's cheek. “Percy, do you remember the present I got you four years ago?”

The young man nodded, taking a drink of his alcohol. “How could I forget? The bitch of a wife that my father had married got to lose her house on Christmas Day.” He grinned and looked at Gaea. “They never really did recover, did they?”

“I imagine that's why your brother showed up on your doorstep not long ago,” Athena said as she busied herself with the contents of her tablet.

“True enough,” Percy agreed.

Kronos snorted, putting his drink down. “Oh, don't forget what happened to that bitch. She got disowned after trying to pawn all her parents jewelry off.” The young man leaned back with a content sigh. “Good times.”

Athena quirked her eyebrow at Percy. “Didn't she end up going to jail when Gaea offered her parents some money to press charges?”

Percy nodded, taking another sip of his drink with a smirk. “That she did.” His eyes flashed up to Nico. “She hung herself a month after being put there.”

Nico suddenly felt very exposed. Well, more than just because he was standing there in nothing but his Santa shorts. “Oh,” he finally managed to choke out. He managed forcing on a smile. “That was very nice of you, Gaea.”

The woman's eyes gleamed with amusement. “Well, I won't keep you any longer.” Nico nodded and bowed slightly. “Oh, and, Nico?” She called after him. The boy turned around. “I do look forward to seeing how you handle the meeting in a week.”

Nico counted himself lucky at the end of the night, and not because of the hot blond attached to his lips. No, because he was simply not in the back rooms. Since the crowd was smaller than usual, most of the Lost Kids got to count themselves lucky, just not all of them.

Nico sighed and pulled back from Will, who beamed at the brown-eyed boy when he opened his eyes. Nico rolled his eyes. “I feel like you took advantage of me talking to Juniper.”

Will shrugged. “Perhaps. It's not my fault that I noticed you standing under the mistletoe.”

The raven-haired boy rolled his eyes and held out a hand when Will tried to lean back in for another kiss. It was partly because he was still undecided on his Will dilemma, but also because their current audience consisted of a certain brown-eyed manager.

Kronos stared at the two Lost Boys from across the room, not even moving when Nico stared back at him. The pale Lost Boy pursed his lips and took a step away from the blond, who seemed confused by his actions. Percy leaned on the table that Kronos was at, leaning in to whisper in the other manager's ear. The corners of Kronos's lips tilted up and he finally tore his eyes away from Nico to give Percy his full attention.

Nico did not stop staring when Will touched his shoulder. “You okay?” The blond asked. Nico just nodded. The other Lost Boy frowned and patted his shoulder. “Well, I guess I'll see you in the morning. I hope you like my present.”

Nico let out a sigh. He bit his lip and cast his eyes towards Will's retreating form. He really needed to sort through his feelings. It sounded so easy, if he were being logical about it all. Will was tangible, within reach, while Percy was so far out there. Why was it even a competition?

And then Percy caught Nico's gaze and smiled at the boy, reminding the boy exactly why it was not an easy matter.

“If I were you, I'd work on keeping a low profile,” came Ethan's voice from behind Nico. The brown-eyed boy turned to find the security guard sitting down at the table next to him, a cup of coffee in his hand. “Looks to me like Kronos wants to toss you in front of an oncoming train.”

Nico sighed, sitting down beside the other Lost Boy. “I'm sure if he wanted me dead, he'd find a more painful way to do it.”

“I see you already have an idea of what Kronos is like.” Ethan's eye shot over to where Nico sat, amusement plastered all over his face. “Unlike Percy, though, you'll easily know if Kronos is upset with you, and you'll know exactly why.”

“Maybe I should like him better,” Nico mumbled. Percy was just a headache waiting to happen for anyone to try and figure out what was bothering the young man. His eyes roamed back over to where Percy and Kronos were carrying on their conversation. They seemed so...normal and comfortable with each other. “Have they ever...?”

Ethan quirked an eyebrow at him. It took a second, but realization finally dawned on his face. “Oh.” The Lost Boy sipped at his coffee. “Not that I'm aware. From what little I've heard, Kronos just sort of took an instant liking to Percy when Gaea first adopted Percy. Been very close ever since.” The Lost Boy shrugged and placed his coffee on the table, crossing his legs. “But, ever since I've arrived, I've never seen them do anything that was more than platonic.”

Nico's eyes watched as the other Lost Boy's hand traced the lid of his coffee. “Isn't it a little late for coffee? Don't you want to get some sleep?” Ethan just blinked at him. “I mean, tomorrow is Christmas.”

“Well,” Ethan took another sip, “technically it already is past midnight.” Nico rolled his eyes and Ethan grinned wickedly. “Nah, I've just not cared much for the holiday for a few years now.”

The shorter of the two leaned on the table with a small smile, probably reminiscent of a child waking up on Christmas morning. “But you get presents, and Leo said there will be lots of food.”

Ethan snorted. “Yeah, food is good I suppose.” The Asian Lost Boy leaned back in his chair, nodding at Percy as the manager left with Kronos. He rolled his eyes when he caught the longing gaze Nico gave the green-eyed young man. “You have some issues.”

“So do we all.”

“True enough,” Ethan agreed. He held out his coffee for Nico, who shook his head. Ethan just shrugged and took another sip. “Just never really put many happy memories with the holiday.”

Nico realized that Ethan was staring down at the coffee mug in his hand. “You get kicked out on the holiday?”

“Not quite.” Ethan's voice was quiet, with a hard edge layered underneath it. His one good eye glanced around them and Nico realized that they were alone on the top floor now. “My mother died.”

“Oh.” Not the best response he could have given, Nico realized. “I'm sorry,” he quickly added.

Ethan's lips tilted down, like the coffee had left a bad taste in his mouth. “Not like that. I just watched her die.” Another sip of coffee. “I got one of the most lasting Christmas presents that year.”

There was no confusion going through Nico's head. He fully understood that Ethan was talking about what happened to his eye. So, instead of asking questions, Nico just let Ethan talk.

“I wish that my dad had never walked out on us, looking back on things. And we were sort of by ourselves, my mother and myself. Just the two of us living in Austin, Texas.” Ethan crossed his arms over his chest. “She was a very...disturbed woman. Perhaps if someone else was there, maybe they would have seen how crazy she really was. And, you know, Asian kids have it pretty bad with living up to the expectations of their parents, so it's not like I had the best childhood growing up with this woman.

“But, I don't know, this night had just felt different. I mean, I could feel something wrong as soon as I walked into the room.” Ethan just shrugged, chuckling dryly. “I even got some nice presents, and she just stood there and smiled while I opened them all.” The boy's jaw tightened and Nico could tell that Ethan was starting struggle with what he wanted to say.

“We don't-”

But Nico was cut off. “She pulled out a gun while I was trying to open my last present. And by the time I saw it, she already had it in my face.” Another dry chuckle came from Ethan's throat. “And, so, there I was, standing in front of our Christmas tree with a gun pushed up against my eye.” Nico can feel his stomach tighten. He knows the ending. How could he not? “She just keeps repeating what a failure I am, because my grades were not perfect,” Ethan said in a mocking tone. “Blamed me for her depression and her drinking. But that woman had her own issues, none of which I could ever try blaming myself for.”

“Ethan,” Nico whispered.

The other Lost Boy gave him a cold look to shut him up. “I tried jerking away, but she pulled the trigger.” Ethan pointed a finger to the edge of his eye. “Caught me right at the edge. My body ended up going into shock and I fell back into the Christmas tree. A lot of the decorations broke and ended up getting embedded into my skin.” Nico swallowed as Ethan held his arm out for inspection. “And then she turned the gun on herself and blew her brains out.” The other Lost Boy didn't even bat an eye as he picked up his coffee and looked across the table at Nico, waiting for a reaction. “So, how's that for a Christmas?”

Nico finds that he has a lump in his throat when he goes to respond to what he had just heard. Clearing his throat, he still finds it hard to come up with any words. What was he supposed to say to that? “How did you survive?”

Such a simple question, and possibly not the response Ethan had been expecting. But to Nico, it was what felt more important to ask.

Ethan leaned back in his chair. His lips finally tilted up. “Well, she missed my brain by a margin. The doctor said if I hadn't moved, I probably would have died. But, as luck would have it, our neighbors heard the gunshot and called the cops.” The Lost Boy shrugged. “Wasn't anything they could have done for my mother, but I didn't really care anymore. And it seems like she ended up torturing me even from the grave, because after that, I just couldn't stand to look at a woman. Had to go to counseling for a while after that.”

Nico rested both of his elbows on the table, leaning in towards the other Lost Boy. “I suppose saying that my dad beat me sometimes as a present doesn't really compare, does it?” Nico said, trying to lighten the mood. Ethan smirked at him. “I'm sorry.”

The Asian boy shook his head. “Don't be. I'm happier here.”

Licking his lips, Nico frowned. He motioned to Ethan's face. “Does it...ever bother you? Was it hard to learn to shoot with the eyepatch?”

That seemed to amuse Ethan. “A little, at first.” He picked up his coffee and finished it off before tossing the empty cup into the nearby trashcan. “The doctors fixed me up the best they could, and Percy even paid for me to have some reconstructive surgery. After a while, I guess I just got used to it, you know?”

Nico felt his throat tighten as Ethan reached up and pulled his eyepatch up. His whole body stiffened. He wasn't quite sure what he had expected to see under there, but Nico had definitely not prepared himself for it.

The eyelids had nearly fused together from when it must have healed. As far as he could tell, there was no eyeball inside the socket. But the rest of Ethan's face looked perfectly fine, and would continue to look as such whenever the Lost Boy wore his eyepatch.

Nico covered his mouth with his hand to fight back a sob. “Ethan,” he breathed out.

“Pretty gross right?” The other Lost Boy chuckled as he slid the patch back over his eye. “Shouldn't have shown you, sorry.”

Nico shook his head, his mouth slightly agape. “I am so sorry that it happened.” There was a slight pain in his chest as Nico watched Ethan stand to his feet. Without thinking, Nico got up and hugged the other Lost Boy.

To say that Ethan was surprised by this was an understatement. His whole body locked up as soon as Nico's arms were around him. “Um, what are you doing?” The taller boy asked.

Nico rubbed his nose as he pulled back. “Sorry, I just thought you could use a hug.”

Ethan eyed him funny. Shaking his head, he patted Nico on the head. “You're all right, kid.”

In his sixteen years of living, Nico had never seen so many presents before. Thirty-two presents for each of the thirty-three people that occupied the conference room. That was a lot of presents. Nico just stared in awe at the mountain of presents that had been placed in his pile. He was even surprised when Dionysus and Kronos had dropped gifts onto his stack. Even Drew was in the spirit, wearing a Santa hat and passing out her presents with a smile. Okay, that was a little scary for Nico, to be honest.

But all in all, it was good. It was nice having everyone together and exchanging presents.

Ganymede came to sit down beside him, and Nico was pleasantly surprised to find the blond's contacts were not in. He would never get over how sexy Ganymede's two different eye colors looked. The blond handed him a small wrapped rectangular package.

Nico blinked before reaching back and handing Ganymede the wrapped cologne he had gotten the blond. Nico grinned as he tore into his present. Ganymede just pulled his legs up to his chest and watched Nico's face glow with excitement.

A copy of Perks of Being a Wallflower now sat in Nico's hand. The brown-eyed boy turned to the blond. “I thought it reminded me of you a bit,” the blond admitted. “You kind of remind me of Charlie. You know, you have your own problems, but you focus so intently on everyone else's problems that you forget sometimes to take care of yourself.”

Nico wrapped his arms around Ganymede's neck. “Thank you,” he whispered.

When he pulled back, Ganymede ruffled Nico's hair and stood up. “Take care of yourself, kid. And Merry Christmas.”

Nico smiled and tossed a wave to the blond as he walked across the room to hand off his next present. A large package fell into his lap from his pile of presents, causing Nico to wince. What was in this thing?

Frowning to himself, Nico worked on getting the wrapping paper off, noting how neatly it was done. A lot of books had been tied together, ranging from business, psychology, history, and even Calculus. Nico found Athena's name on the side of the package.

Putting the books aside, Nico rose to his feet and made his way to the table, where the manager was sitting down. He was just thankful that she was not sitting with Kronos. Nico sat down beside her. “Thank you for the present. You didn't have to get me anything,” he told her.

Her stormy grey eyes peered at him from over the top of her tablet. “Well, the way I figured, you were likely to buy me one, since you probably wanted to make a good impression on everyone.” She glanced back at her work. “That being said, I was under the impression that you might go ahead and graduate early.”

Nico's eyes shot over to where Percy was talking with Annabeth and Silena. So Daedalus was correct in his assumption of Percy's intention with arranging Nico's schedule. “I suppose I could. Not sure if I will, though.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him. Placing her tablet in her lap, Athena crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. “You seem to be a smart boy, yet you're willing to toss away a head start at a good education.” She looked at him expectantly. “And for what, a crush?”

“I, uh...” Nico really didn't know what to say. “I'm just not sure what I want to do yet.”

“Well, that is what the liberal arts are for.”

Nico chewed on his lip. “I used to want to study abroad,” he admitted.

Athena gave a small nod. “Europe does have some good programs. Though, you then run a chance of having to learn a foreign language.”

“Can I ask something?”

Athena pursed her lips, studying the boy carefully. “Proceed.”

Nico looked over to Gaea, who was handing out presents to Travis and Connor. “What's it like...at the German branch I mean? I just imagine it being different, what with it being the hotel Gaea stays at.”

“And here I thought you were going to ask for my entire life story,” Athena sighed. She picked her tablet back up and tapped on the screen. “The structure and grounds are much larger over there, as you can probably imagine. The hotel I manage houses a resort on its grounds, as well as the hotel itself and Gaea's mansion.”

Nico scrunches his lips. “She doesn't live inside the hotel?”

The woman shook her head. “After she got pregnant with Kronos, she had a home built within the hotel boundaries. Other things that cover the premises include: a golf course, volleyball area, and a overly large pool. There's even a lounge and nightclub on the roof of the hotel.”

Nico's brown eyes searched the room for Percy. He really wanted to see if he could get Percy to take him to Germany all of a sudden. Why couldn't Percy manage that hotel? It sounded like heaven, even if Nico would still be doing the same thing he was here.

Speaking of Percy. Nico nearly jumped when the young man cleared his throat behind the brown-eyed boy. Nico chuckled nervously as he turned in his seat to look up at the young man. “Having a nice chat?” The green-eyed manager asked.

Athena smiled at Percy. “Just informing your employee here of what it's like over in Germany.”

“Hopefully not telling him too nice of things.” Percy chuckled and placed a hand on top of Nico's hair. “Wouldn't want him to request a transfer.” His bright smile was then turned on Nico. “I got you something,” he said, holding out an envelope. Nico reached out for it, but Percy jerked it away. “You can bring my present and we'll head upstairs.”

Nico stared at the young man in confusion. Why couldn't they just do it here? Regardless, Nico got up and walked over to where his presents were. He dug out the one that had Percy's name on it and slipped it into the hoodie he had on.

The two got a few looks as they slipped out of the room, though Nico found himself mostly concerned with the dark look he received from Kronos. If looks could kill, Nico would have probably be already dead. When they were close to the elevators, Percy came to a stop and turned to face the Lost Boy.

And there was that stupid grin of Percy's plastered all over his face. The young man bounced on his heels. “So, what did you get me?”

“Really?” Nico asked, crossing his arms. “You drag me out here, and you want your present first?” Percy shrugged, looking at Nico expectantly. The boy sighed and rolled his eyes. “Fine.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small square box with a blue ribbon. “Here.”

Percy turned the box over in his hands before looking up to give Nico a questioning look. Nico was just thankful when Percy did not shake it. The boy eagerly waited as Percy undid the ribbon and pulled the lid off the box. And then Nico's heart stopped as Percy pulled the golden chain out and lifted his present in front of his face.

It was the pocket watch that Leo had gotten him, but all cleaned and repaired. It was so clean now that Nico could see his reflection in the surface. There was even a little clicking noise when Percy opened the watch. Nico felt his blood run cold as Percy stopped when he noticed the two pictures Nico had placed inside the watch. Rachel had given him two small photos: one of Gaea and Kronos, the other of Percy's biological mother. The watch was one thing, but Nico had been constantly worrying over the second picture he had decided to have put in the watch.

With an unreadable look on his face, Percy ran his index finger over the picture of his mother. “Where did you get this?” He whispered.

It took Nico a moment to find his voice. He hoped he had not made a mistake with this. “I had some help,” the boy managed to get out.

Percy's green eyes were a sea of emotion as he glanced up to look Nico in the eyes. With a sigh, Percy closed the watch. “I told you her name was Sally, didn't I?” Percy asked, holding up the watch in his hand. Nico gave a small nod. “She was a nice woman, from what I can remember, I think you would have liked her.” Popping the watch open again, Percy stared down at the picture again. “I don't remember much about her, to be honest, but I do remember she smiled a lot whenever she knew I was looking at her. Didn't want me to think anything was wrong.”

Nico fidgeted with his hands. Just being in front of Percy at the moment made him uncomfortable. “I'm sorry if you don't like it. I can always get you something else.”

Nico was surprised when Percy gave a small chuckle. “Don't like it?” His voice was soft and a sincere smile graced his lips. “Thank you.” He squeezed the watch in his hand. “I really do appreciate it.” Clearing his throat, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to Nico. “And I hope you like your present.”

Nico stared down at the envelope in confusion. He didn't mean to seem ungrateful, that wasn't it at all. It was just that, after seeing the large and extravagant gifts that Percy had given the others, the last thing Nico had been expecting to get was a tiny envelope.

That train of thought was quickly put to rest as soon as he had it opened.

Nico thought his heart might stop beating at any second. His mouth fell open as he stared down at the contents of the envelope. With eyes wide, he looked up to Percy for some answers. This couldn't be real.

The young man just smiled. “Do you like it?”

“P-Percy!” Nico pulled out the two checks that Percy had put inside. “These are blank checks for me and Bianca!” His brow furrowed in confusion. “I don't understand.”

“What?” There was that cocky smirk on the green-eyed young man's face, partially serving to irritate Nico. He would have been more irritated by it, if he wasn't holding two blank checks. “They are for you and your sister to use for your education. Bianca graduates this year, and you have the choice to do the same, and I want to pay for your tuition.”

“For the first semester?”

Without missing a beat, Percy replied, “No, for the entirety of it.”

Nico wasn't sure he had the capability of moving. He nearly forgot how to breath, the boy was in such a shock. Percy was willing to spend at least a million dollars on him and his sister to go to a university? Looking down at the checks again, Nico found that his hands were shaking.

“I-I don't know what to say?” Nico's eyes were still wide as he looked up at Percy again.

The green-eyed young man smiled. “You don't have to say anything.” He reached out and ran his fingers through Nico's hair. “Merry Christmas, Nico.”

Without hesitation, Nico flung his arms around Percy's neck and clung on tightly to his boss. Perhaps it was a bit unprofessional, but since when had that ever mattered? “Thank you! Thank you!” Nico kept repeating as he held onto the young man's neck.

Percy chuckled in his ear, though Nico could feel that Percy's body had locked up on initial contact. He was just relieved when Percy finally wrapped his arms around Nico's waist and pulled the boy closer. With his mouth pressed into Nico's hair, Percy mumbled something that Nico failed to catch.

The brown-eyed boy pulled back and looked up at Percy. “What was that?”

Percy raised a brow at him. “What?”

“You said something?”

The young man simply shook his head. “You must have been hearing things.” Giving Nico a final squeeze, Percy removed himself from Nico. “I better get back, as should you.” He smiled. “Take your time to collect yourself.”

Nico had not even realized that he had been crying until Percy wiped a thumb across his cheek. The boy laughed and wiped at his face, thanking Percy again as he disappeared back into the conference room. This was amazing, he thought.

And then he was brought crashing down. “You know, it's been a while since I found something that made me want to throw up, but that was just so sickeningly sweet,” came Kronos's cold voice from behind Nico. Turning around, the boy found the manager closing the door behind him. “I didn't actually want to believe what I had been hearing about what you're doing to Percy, but I guess it's true.”

Nico slid the checks back into the envelope and placed it in his pocket. “I don't know what you're talking about. Nothing is going on with me and Percy.”

“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.” The taller of the two narrowed his eyes down at the Lost Boy like he was some rodent. “I don't like the way Percy looks at you, and you just look like some love-sick puppy when you even get a scent of him.”

“I do not!”

Unlike normally, Kronos did not seem to take enjoyment out of frustrating Nico. Instead, he just stared down at the boy with a look that could have managed to freeze over hell itself. “Maybe you could do a better job if you didn't ignore your responsibilities to gaze longingly at my brother.”

“Maybe you're just being jealous,” Nico mumbled before he could stop himself. As soon as the words had left his lips, the boy clamped a hand over his mouth. “I didn't-”

There was such a cold laugh that came from Kronos, one that chilled Nico to his very soul. Even though the hotel was always kept well lit and at room temperature, Nico found himself shivering at the sound of Kronos's laugh. “Sorry to burst your bubble, you jealous little brat, but I don't see Percy in that way. Contrary to what you might believe, but I have absolutely no desire to long after the 'hero figure' that is Percy, nor do I wish to be seen as a hero myself. I don't want people trying to worship or idolize me like he has all of you. No, when my employees are done, I'm ready to see them go.”

“Then I'm glad Percy's my boss and not you,” Nico mumbled.

Kronos arched a brow at him. “You should be thankful indeed. Because, if I were Percy, I would make quick work of this little crush you think you have on him.” The manager tilted his head to the side when Nico wouldn't look up to meet his gaze. “Oh, what's that? You know, I had wondered if it's true, and maybe it is.”

“What?”

The young man's sinister smirk crept across his lips. “Are you in love with my brother?”

Nico's entire body tensed. “O-of course not.”

“That was so convincing,” Kronos replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. “How do you even manage with your job?” Reaching one of his pale hands up, Kronos tapped a finger to his lips. “Though, I can't help but wonder if you really do love him, or is it just some emotion you've concocted in your head? Come now, you don't really love Percy. I mean, you barely know him.”

Nico clenched his hands at his side.

Kronos tilted his head to the side, still smirking. “Did I hit a nerve there? My sincerest apologies, little boy. But tell me, how old was Percy when my mother found him? When did he start stripping? Why did he start stripping?” That damned smirk only continued to grow. “Who taught him before he started at a university? Where was his favorite vacation spot?”

When Nico remained quiet, Kronos just laughed and turned to head back to the conference room. Glaring up at the back of Kronos's head, Nico growled. “He was fourteen when your mother found him. And he did it because it was required of him.”

Nico had felt so confident with his answers, yet it was all knocked out of him when Kronos turned around with a smug look. “You really have no idea about his past, do you?” Kronos crossed his arms, staring at Nico in amusement. “He was about to turn twelve when my mother found him. What, you asked him? Percy barely remembers anything from that time in his life.” He quirked a brow at Nico. “And you think my mother made him strip? Percy volunteered. My mother was going to let him live a life of luxury the rest of his life.”

Nico was stunned. That couldn't be true, could it? Why would Percy want to strip? And how could Percy have told Nico so confidently an age that wasn't even accurate? What did he really know about Percy?

Kronos was now biting down on his lip to try and hide his amusement. “Oh, this is good. I didn't think anyone could give me more satisfaction than Luke normally does.” Another icy laugh. “You see, your great hero chose his life, and yet I'm sure you've done nothing but pity him this entire time.”

There was not a doubt in Nico's mind that Kronos was taking great satisfaction of the devastated look that was plastered on Nico's face, but he really did not care at the moment. Did he know anything at all about Percy that was true?

“See,” Kronos continued, “you don't really love him, you just think you do.”

“No.” Nico's eyes darkened and he clenched his hands into fists. “You're wrong. Percy's past doesn't matter.”

Slowly stepping backwards, Kronos smirked. “You don't really believe that, do you?” And with that, he left Nico standing there in the hallway alone.

Nico fell against he wall, covering his mouth with his hands. Slowly, the boy slid down until his ass came in contact with the carpet. Was it all just a lie? Did he even really love Percy? It did not seem like he knew anything real about the young man, so perhaps he didn't. Did Percy just not trust him enough to tell him the truth?

Nico was not sure how long he sat there, but he barely moved when his phone started to ring. He already knew who it was. It wasn't hard, since only two or three people outside of the hotel had his number. Without even looking at the screen, Nico put the phone to his ear.

“Hey, Bianca,” he mumbled.

“What's wrong, grumpy? You should be happier, it's Christmas.”

Nico let out a sigh. “It would be better if we were off for the holiday and I could just barricade myself in my room.”

Nico heard Bianca's car door shut. “Well, I don't know if I can get you off of work for the day, but how about you and me spend some time together?”

Nico wiped at his face. “When?”

“Now.”

Nico pulled his phone back and stared at the screen. He frowned and put it back to his ear. “Are you at the hotel?”

He could practically feel Bianca's grin. “Maybe,” she sang back to him. “So, how about it?”

Nico bit on his lip. Letting out a breath, Nico got up and headed towards the conference room. “Let me clear it with Percy first.” Bianca hummed in response. Opening the door, Nico found Percy sitting on the edge of the table with Kronos. “Percy?”

The green-eyed manager looked over at him, eyebrows raised. “What can I do for you?” A split second later, he frowned. “Are you all right?”

“Fine.” Nico forced himself to smile with a nod. “So, um, I was wondering if I could go out with Bianca for a few hours? Is that okay?”

Percy just shrugged. “I mean, as long as you're back for work, I don't have a problem with it.” Nico grinned at him. The young man leaned back on his palms. “Stay out of trouble,” he called as Nico shut the door.

When Nico got to the lobby, he found Bianca sitting on one of the couches. She jumped up when she saw him, holding her arms open for him to come hug her. And he did just that. Nico breathed in Bianca as he held her close to him. How easy would it be just to go with her and not come back to this place? He was not going to lie, the thought was seriously crossing his mind at this point.

“I missed you,” Bianca said as they let each other go. She motioned to him. “Come on, I've got your presents in the car.”

“I got yours on the way down,” Nico told her as they walked out into the city. There weren't many days that Nico just came out in front of the hotel, and some days he almost forgot that there was an entire city surrounding them at the Lotus.

Nico blew out a breath as he watched the slow Los Angeles traffic move by in front of the hotel before following his sister down the street to where she had parked. Before Nico could try and climb in the passenger seat, Bianca already had the door open and was pulling out a package and an envelope.

Nico frowned as he took the envelope from her. “I didn't know what your pay was like, so I got you two gift cards. One is for food, the other for any clothes you might want,” Bianca said quickly.

Nico just smiled and pocketed the gift cards. If only she knew the half of it. “Thank you,” he said, taking the small package from her.

The boy's smile slowly melted off his face as he stared down at an old picture of his mother holding him and Bianca when they were little. A small lump formed in his throat as he ran a hand down the glass frame. Looking up, Bianca just smiled at him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

And then Bianca motioned to the back seat and Nico's jaw dropped. “So, I brought these from home.”

“Bianca,” Nico breathed out.

Sitting there, in his sister's back seat was his entire book collection from home. It had taken three boxes to fit them all in, but Nico was certain that they were all there. Without hesitating, Nico wrapped both of his arms around his sister.

“Thank you,” the boy whispered into his sister's ear.

She smiled and pulled back. “So,” Bianca began, “what did you get me?”

Nico rolled his eyes and pulled out a long, thin rectangular box. Bianca eyed him funny as she took it from him and pulled back the lid. The look on her face was enough for Nico. Her eyes were as wide as saucers as Bianca gaped at her brother.

Reaching into the box, Bianca pulled out a necklace with a heart made up of a bunch of tiny emeralds. “Nico!” She exclaimed. “Where on earth did you get this?” She shook her head. “Now, how did you get this?”

He just smiled sheepishly at her. “Don't worry about it. Do you like it?”

She shook her head in disbelief. “Of course, dummy.” She blinked at the necklace, contemplating if it was really there. Nico laughed when she grabbed it with her other hand to check. “I just...” Blowing out a breath, she placed it back in the box. “I don't understand how you were able to afford that.”

“I did tell you that I was taken care of here,” Nico said with a grin. Reaching out, he took the necklace and stepped behind his sister. Bianca lifted her hair and allowed Nico to place it around her neck. “I just wanted you to have something nice.” Then he remembered what Percy had given him earlier. “Oh, and Percy wanted you to have this.”

Bianca stumbled against her car when Nico placed the blank check in her hands. “Percy gave this...to me?” Nico nodded. “Is he sick? Is he dying?”

Nico just laughed. “No. Um, Percy's kind of loaded.” He smiled and showed Bianca his check. “I have one, too. Percy's going to pay for both of us to go to any university of our choosing, for the entire duration of our time there.”

Bianca actually pinched herself. “Okay, sorry, just had to make sure I wasn't dreaming.” She looked between the check and her brother. “Can you like marry this guy? I mean, how does a guy like this even exist?”

“He's my boss,” Nico reminded her.

“Right, right.” Bianca placed a hand over her mouth. “Just...wow.” She hugged her brother again before walking around to her side of the car. “Okay, so if Percy is trying to win me over, let him know he's succeeded in doing so.”

  Nico chuckled and climbed in the car as well. “He is something, isn't he?” Nico whispered as Bianca pulled away from the curb. His sister missed the distant look on Nico's face as the boy stared up at the hotel as they drove away.