chapter 40: back

After sending Daedalus off, Nico felt empty. There was no way that the soul exchange wouldn't work, right?

He grabbed some clothes from his—Hoa's—backpack, changed, and then walked to the commons. He stared wistfully at the Hermes table, the last place they ate before the two of them ran away.

Two of them ran away, but only one survived. Hoa didn't get to reminisce about the memories that Nico did. Or maybe she was reminiscing while in the Underworld. He wouldn't know.

The son of Hades stood still for a few minutes longer, leaning against a post and watching a sunset. Things felt peaceful for now—far too peaceful after dozens of demigods died. He knew that soon, he would have to help all the deceased demigods to rest, but for now, everybody was recovering. Everyone was grieving.

Everything was peaceful, but Nico could still feel the hole in his heart that was meant for Hoa to fill.

Hoa was the sun in his world. Without her, the sky didn't seem as bright; flowers didn't seem to fully bloomed, and colors seemed to dull. Life didn't feel as amazing without her.

He missed her so much. He felt so scared without her. How would he face the world without Hoa by his side?

Sighing, Nico made his way back to the battleground, standing alone near what used to be Zeus' fist. He could feel the power and significance of the deaths here. It was in his blood, after all. It was what he was born to do.

"Hello, son of Hades."

Nico turned, and there stood a man that they have seen before. Deimos.

His red eyes and black hair reminded him so much of Hoa. He wore in a leather jacket and tank top, probably in order to look intimidating. Ripped black jeans clung to his legs as the god stood before Nico.

"Hello," Nico greeted him back. "What brings you here?"

"You will have my daughter back soon," he said, slicking back his hair. "I simply wanted to make sure that you are fit for her."

"There is no way I would hurt your daughter, sir. She's far too important and I love her too much," Nico confidently spoke.

"Mmh." Deimos looked toward the sky. "You know, Hades and I are similar in the way we view our children."

Nico tilted his head to the side, waiting for Deimos to continue.

The god snorted. "That's exactly how Hoa reacted. Anyway, Hades and I both want our heavy lack of children to be... happy."

Now he was confused, but he let Deimos continue instead of asking questions.

"Many of our offspring become terrorists or murderers. Hades, for example, Adolf Hitler. He was both. Our legacies are not the most peaceful, and, well, happy. We would like to see our children not fitting into the stereotypes that other goes and demigods put them into. We would like it if they would settle down and just be happy. We'll be happy if they'll be happy."

Deimos fixed his red eyes on him, his irises almost shifting to black. Nico gulped, almost taking a step back, but his limbs froze. He couldn't move.

"So if you do anything to tarnish my daughter's happiness," Deimos said in a low voice. "I'll have you know that my happiness will tarnish as well. And when that happens, you're the first one getting their ass beat."

They stood there for a few moments in silence until Nico cleared his throat.

"Sir," he said, "I would never intentionally harm your daughter. I love her too much and she is the most precious thing in the world—scratch that, she is my world. If I harm her or tarnish her happiness, I will gladly accept whatever punishment you give me after I restore what I tarnished."

"And if you unintentionally tarnish her happiness, or if someone else does?"

"I'll still restore it. I'll find a way—I'll hug her until she stops crying or I'll go beat up whoever dared to mess with my world."

Deimos didn't speak.

Nico got nervous. Was his response appropriate for the god?

Suddenly, Deimos started laughing. "You know, I like that response. You're a good one, Nico. I'm glad it's you she likes."

"Deimos!"

The god instantly brightened. "Hmm, seems like my wonderful daughter is back. Treat her well, Nico. I'll be watching."

And the god vanished.

~•~•~

Hoa panted as she ran up to the son of the dead, hugging him tightly. Nico quickly looked around for people, but Hoa grumbled. "Hug me back, motherfucker."

She watched as a grin spread across his face and he hugged her back. He nestled his face into her hair, breathing deeply. His arms gently wrapped around her back.

They stayed like that for a minute, basking in the comfort of the other person. She pulled away, smiling at him. "I missed you, Neeks."

Then she slapped him across the face.

He recoiled instantly, cradling his cheek with a hand. "Ow," he whined. "What was that for?"

Hoa was now fuming, furious at him. "Why didn't you bring back Bianca, you idiot?! She literally the whole fucking reason that we ran away! You fucking idiot, I—"

"Shush," Nico said, tapping her nose. "Bianca's at peace. She wouldn't want her sacrifice to be disrespected by my dumb self reviving her. Plus, you never wanted to die, so might as well bring you back here. Welcome to life again, shorty."

She sobbed lightly, hugging him again. The nickname didn't bother her at all as she buried her face in Nico's chest, inhaling deeply. She basked in the familiar scent of rainwater that came from Nico. Jacket-covered arms surrounded her as she cried.

He was wearing the black hoodie she gave him under the aviator jacket that he always had with him. He put the flaps of the jacket over her, shielding her from the world. Softly cooing at her, he ran his fingers through her hair comfortingly.

"Shh," he whispered. "It's okay."

And everything really was okay.

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