The Secret Singer

Hazel had told herself yesterday and all day that seeing Nico on stage one was enough. She had seen her brother preform and that was great and the songs were good and that was the end of the story.

Despite that mantra she told herself, she was asking the people outside of the building where Nico was preforming and got a ticket.

She walked into the packed room and was amazed for the second time how colorful the people were. They wore costume like outfits and 80% of them were wearing some kind of rainbow item. 

She squeezed through people towards a corner of the room and bumped into someone.

"Sorry, Hazel said hastily.

She looked up and locked eyes with Percy Jackson.

"Percy?!" she exclaimed, half angry and half surprised.

"Hi Hazel," Percy greeted shyly. His hand went to his neck and Hazel peered behind him to see Annabeth was there too along with. . .

"Did you bring your mom?" 

Percy's face flushed. "Uh. . ."

"Hazel!" Sally called when she saw her. The kind Ms. Jackson walked over to her and gave her one of her warm hugs.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, more towards Percy and Annabeth.

"What you doing here?" Annabeth asked back.

"You expect me to find out my brother is a singer and just leave it?"

"Fair point."

"We're so glad you're here," Sally told her, pulling back from the embrace. 

"Thanks, Ms. Jackson," Hazel smile.

"Oh, I told you to call me Sally."

"Wait," Percy interrupted. "We didn't tell you Nico was the singer."

"No, you didn't," Sally confirmed.

"So why aren't you more surprised?"

"Well, because he told me," Sally answered.

Annabeth, Percy, and Hazel stared at her.

"When?" Annabeth asked.

"Oh, about a month ago now," Sally responded. "he said he was writing a song and wanted to talk about my life with Percy."

"What?!" Percy exclaimed.

"Oh, nothing bad Percy," Sally reasured him.

"But-"

Suddenly loud music started playing through the speakers on the sides of the stage and lights came on.

"The opening must be starting," Hazel observed.

"Yeah, it was to start a while ago," Annabeth said in dismay.

Siren like sounds came on and a trumpet of some kind started too. Hazel could hear backup singers saying something she couldn't make out and then female voices 'aah'ed as the siren died out.

Drums came in for more beats and the crowd cheered as the opener, McCassy, stepped onto the stage. Hazel felt a weird sort of connection to her. Similar to when she met her brother, but at the same time it was completely different and reminded her of when she saw Percy.

M: Ladies all across the world

Listen up, we're looking for recruits 

If you with me, lemme see your hands 

Stand up and salute

Get your killer heel, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots

Representing all the women, salute, salute

Hazel's jaw suddenly dropped as she saw Piper McLean walk on stage for the second night in a row.

P: Ladies all across the world 

Listen up, we're looking for recruits

If you with me, lemme see your hands 

Stand up and salute 

Get your killer heels, sneaker, pumps or lace up your boots

Representing all the women, salute, salute

The two girls had appeared from behind the stage and walked to the corners of the stage but now they were walking towards the middle, their voices harmonizing together.

PM : It's who we are

We don't need no camouflage 

It's the female federal

And we're taking off

M: If you're with me women

PM: Let me hear you say

The crowd sang the chorus with the two girls dancing in baggy T-shirts and jean shorts despite the fall weather. Their voices were powerful and Hazel found herself singing along too. The girls sang the word "Attention" three times and each time they brought their hands into a salute and slowly more people joined in.

P: Sisters we are everywhere 

Warriors, your country needs you

If you ready ladies, better keep steady

Ready, aim, shoot it

Don't need ammunition, on a mission

And we'll hit you with the truth

Divas, Queens, we don't need no man, salute

M: Sisters everywhere

McCassy took over singing  and just repeated what Piper had already said. Hazel glanced back at her friends and Sally. Percy was chanting the words with Annabeth pointing in the air and bobbing it to the beat of the song. Sally was humming the lyrics, probably unsure of the lyrics, but equally as engaged as her son and his soulmate.

PM: Attention!

The whole crowd, including Hazel, lifted their hands in salute like an army.

The music got slow like it was coming through honey, and McCassy sang the melody while Piper's voice went above and sang in harmony. 'Had she ever taken lesson or was she naturally that gifted? 'Hazel wondered.

M: Knock us but we keep moving on

P: (We're moving up, yeah)

MP: Can't stop the hurricane, ladies it's time to awake

The band sped up the music so it came close to the original speed.

PM: Ladies all across the world

Listen up we're looking for recruits 

If you're with me, let me see your hands 

Stand up and salute

Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots 

Representing all the women, salute, salute

The song came to an end and the crowd roared, making Hazel compare it to the sound of war.

"Hey, y'all!" McCassy greeted into her mic.

Shouts came from the crowd and Piper walked over to the other girl.

"I'm sorry for the wait," McCassy apologized while wrapping an arm around Piper's waist. "We're doing a shorter performance tonight with my friend Piper McLean."

The crowd whopped for Piper and she gave a shy wave.

"We're only going to do one more song for you all," McCassy informed them. "But we promise it will be good."

The sound of a motorcycle sounded in a backtrack and the crowd cheered. McCassy and Piper moved back to their corners of the stage in a slow walk.

M: Hold up, now you didn't bow, bow

I ain't the chick to walk behind you round town

Just cause you're packin', packin', whoop, down south

That don't mean I'm ever gonna take it lying down, baby

P: Oh, I'm a machine when I do it

I'll be catching fire, gasoline when I do it

M: Just cause you're packin', packin, whoop, down south

That don't mean I'm ever gonna take it lying down

Piper turned and started walking to the center of the stage while she continued singing.

P: You're the man

But I got the, I got the, I got the power

You make rain

But I'll make it, I'll make it, I'll make it shower

You should know, I'm the one who's in control

I'll let you come take the wheel long as you don't forget

A background, distorted voice came over the speakers.

Who got the power?

The two girls danced on stage and hyped the crowd into a small frenzy. Annabeth and Percy (having gone to this show how many times now?) sang along and seemed to be part of the crowd. Hazel remembered the two boys from the night before and how invested they were in Nico's music. It was incredible the way a few songs can impact someone's life so severely.

P: Don't be fooled, I got you wrapped up

In the arms of an animal

Got you thinking that I'm all innocent

But wait till I get you home

M: If you don't, baby, you should know

I'm the one who's in control

A hand tapped Hazel's shoulder and she turned around and was shocked to see Piper's girlfriend, Shel, standing behind her.

"Shel?" 

P: You're the man

But I got the, I got the, I got the power

You make rain

M: (You make rain)

P: But I'll make it, I'll make it, I'll make it shower

You should know, I'm the one who's in control

I'll let you come take the wheel long as you don't forget

M: (You don't forget)

The crowd was now screaming the lyrics so Hazel could barely hear Shel's response.

"Hi, Hazel," she greeted with a big smile.

"What are you doing here?" Hazel implored.

"Watching my girlfriend," Shel responded easily.

Hazel sighed. "I figured but-"

"You're wondering if I knew Nico was performing?" she asked knowingly.

Hazel nodded.

Shel smiled, "I do. He had asked Piper if she wanted to sing with him when I was there."

Hazel nodded in understanding.

"He also said not to tell anyone," she continued sheepishly. "But you already knew right?"

"Yeah," Hazel reassured. "Thanks to Percy."

Hazel gestured to the dancing black-haired boy.

Shel gave an exasperated sigh. "He's probably tole half the camp already."

"Not really," Hazel defended. "Just Annabeth, Grover, Frank, me, his mom . . . I see what you're saying."

Shel's laugh was drowned out by the applause of the crowd.

"Have a wonderful night Oakwood!" Piper yelled.

"I'm going to get her," Shel told Hazel. "We'll come back once I retrieved her."

Hazel nodded to her as she applauded. Shel slipped back into the crowd and Hazel saw Percy's eyes find her as she ran towards the side of the room.

"What that Shel?" Percy asked over the applause.

"Yep," Hazel called back.

"What's she doing here?" he asked quieter than before as the crowd died down.

"Watching her girlfriend," Hazel responded.

"But why not come yesterday?"

"She did," Annabeth replied. "You didn't see her?"

Hazel and Percy shook their heads.

"She and Calypso were up front," Annabeth informed them.

"Makes sense," Percy shrugged.

"Oh, they are so cute," Sally sighed.

The rest of the break time was spent standing around and talking. Hazel asked Sally about her book to which she replied was going smoothly, and Annabeth talked about her upgrade to a more advanced architect class. Percy just stood their most of the time, asking a few questions or putting a few comments but he mostly just gave his mom and Annabeth his eyes and full attention.

A few time, fans would come up to them and ask them how long they'd been fans or their favorite song, and Percy and Annabeth would have answers and talk to them about it. One person even gave them friendship bracelets. Hazel had gotten one that was made of of pennies and beads with the words 'roaring twenties tossing pennies in the pool' spelled out.

After around fifteen minutes, the room darkened and a cheer rose up from the crowd. Violins, drums, and a rock guitar played and lights flashed on the sparkling crowd. After a twenty second long intro, Nico di Angelo walked on stage with a crowd roaring and a microphone in his hands.

You and I walk a fragile line

I have known it all this time'

But I never thought i'd live to see it break

It's getting dark and it's all so quiet and I can't trust anything now

And it's coming over you like it's all a big mistake

Nico came to the edge of the stage and the crowds reached their hands up as if they could touch him if they tried hard enough.

Oh, holding my breath

Won't lose you again

Something's made your eyes go cold

Nico walked to the left side of the crowd, screams and arms following his every step.

Come on, come on

Don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Something's gone terribly wrong

You're all I wanted

Come on, come on

Don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Can't breathe whenever you're gone 

Can't turn back now, I'm haunted

The violins took control and Nico waved to his crowd before stepping to the right and making his way slowly to the other side.

Stood there and watched you walk away

From everything we had 

But I still mean every word I said to you

Nico pointed to someone in the crowd and a giant scream came from that area. Hazel lifted her hands to her face, embarrassed by her brother's effortless flirtations.

He will try to take away my pain

And he just might make me smile

But the whole time I'm wishing he was you instead

Nico was halfway to the right side of the stage and he gave a reach towards a group of girls over there who gave a giant scream and Hazel could have sworn one of them fainted. It was strange for Hazel to watch her brother do something so . . . modern. The had had many conversations on the way they both felt out of place in the new era. To see him so infused with the modern world was heartwarming and a little sad.

Hazel had almost never been in the world outside of Camp Jupiter or Camp Half-Blood except for her quest as a Hero of Olympus. She had gotten used to the slang or the new world but never was in it. Being around people with their phones that weren't attached to the walls and hearing words sung that would have been criminal to her when she was growing up, used so carelessly. Of course Nico wasn't trying to flirt with the crowd and make them blush or anything, he had Will and he would never try to disrespect him like that, but the way he wrote music and performed in on the stage made Hazel feel a bit out of place.

I know

Nico was now in the middle of the stage, a single, dramatic spotlight shining on him.

 I know

I just know

You're not gone

You can't be gone, no

Once again, Hazel's theatrical brother strikes again. He drops to his knees and messes his hair with his hands like his going insane. 

Come on, come on

Don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Something's gone terribly wrong 

Won't finish what you started

Come on, come on

Don't leave me like this

I thought I had you figured out

Can't breathe whenever you're gone 

Can't turn back now, I'm haunted

The crowds chants of the lyrics echoed off the walls and reverberated through Hazel's body.

You and I walk a fragile line

I have know it all this time

Never ever thought I'd see it break

Never thought I'd see it

The song ended abruptly and Nico was still on his knees when it did. The cheers came and instead of standing up, Nico pushed his hair out of his eyes and crossed his legs while smiling at the crowd.

"Good evening everyone," he called.

Cheers.

"Welcome to the Sun and Star Tour."

Cheers.

"I'm Nico di Angelo . . ."

Cheers.

"And this is my band."

More cheers. Hazel swore that Nico could cough into the mic and the crowd would still cheer.

"Okay, enough about that." Nico stood from his spot on the floor and dusted himself off. "You all came here to listen to music and I won't keep you from that."

Two guitars played with one high and one low and the lights dimmed.

Written in these walls are the stories that I can't explain

I leave my heart open but it

Stays right here empty for days

She told me in the morning

She don't feel the same about us in her bones

It seems to me that when I die

These words will be written on my stone

Hazel gasped as a projection played behind Nico as he sang. He gasped again as she saw who was one it.

And I'll be gone, gone tonight

the ground beneath my feet is open wide

The way that I've been holding on too tight

With nothing in-between

Jason's face was smiling on the screen, smile as bright and kind as Hazel remembered. He was talking and Hazel remembered the recording. Nico had gotten a camera for Christmas that Hades had put videos of his mom and sister in. After hearing about this, Leo and Jason decide to make videos with all of Nico new family. 

The story of my life, I take him home

I drive all night, to keep him warm and time

Is frozen

The image changed and now it was a video of Bianca and Maria in Nico' old house. Their faces were so similar to Nico's, it was no doubt they were related. Maria was cooking something in the kitchen and Bianca was holding little Nico in her arms.

The story of my life, I give her hope

I spend their love, until they're broke and time

The story of my life

The images changed through the songs to Jason, to Maria, to Bianca, to Campers that had been lost in the last few wars. There were some of Lester and Meg who they haven't seen in years, Beckendorf, Lee and Silena who died in the battle of Manhattan, and many more campers like Dakota or Luke who were all lost now. Hazel didn't know exactly how he got any footage but the Stolls had had access to cameras and she guessed there was some magical help from Mnemosyne, the memory goddess or perhaps, Hestia, the goddess of hearth.

And I'll be gone, gone tonight

The fire beneath my feet is burning bright

The way that I've been holdin' on so tight

With nothing in-between

Nico was walking around ten stage as he sung but everyone's eyes were on the memories playing in the background. The Stolls tricking an Apollo kid Hazel didn't recognize, Jason food fighting with Nico and Percy (except Percy's face was blurred a bit), Selina decorating a cake that said 'Happy Birthday Charlie!', etc. Hazel knew there were more than the ones Nico was showing on the screen but they would probably reveal the demigod secret.

And I've been waiting for this time to come around

But baby running after you

Is like chasing the clouds

Nico is spot lighted once again and the projector just showed the faces of everyone one like a school graduation.

The story of my life

I drive all night to keep her warm

And time is frozen

The beat picked back up and the smiles of all of those lost were displayed on the screen. Hazel felt the tears that had begun to cloud her vision run down her face. It had been years since she'd seen some of those faces. She turned to her friends and wasn't surprised to see Percy almost sobbing with Annabeth's arm wrapped around him, her eyes also holding a dark sadness.

A silence filled the room for a minute as the song closed and Jason's face faded into darkness. Applause erupted and Hazel wiped her eyes and looked around to see many other's doing the same. Of course they didn't know the people portrayed on the screen, but they also didn't know the people Nico sung about in his songs and yet they yell the lyrics like they've lived his life.

Nico's face was in darkness and without a word, the next song began to play.

I've known it from the very start

Nico's face was a lightened and Hazel noticed his eyes shine and reflect the light.

We're a shot in the darkest dark

Oh no, oh no, I'm unarmed

The waiting is a sadness

Fading into madness

Oh no, oh no, it won't stop

I'm standing on a tightrope, alone

Nico walked across, his footsteps careful like he was actually on a tightrope

I hold my breath a little bit longer

Halfway out the door, but it won't close

I'm holding out hope for you to 

Say, "Don't go"

I would stay forever if you say, "Don't go"

Hazel was suddenly pulled back to her time with her mother back in the 1930s. She had been shoved away by her mother and the idea of running away had crossed her mind a few times. She never left though. She always believed her mother wanted her around. Many times she would wonder what would have happened if they hadn't died that day. Would she have been kinder? Would she was been worse?

Why'd you have to

Make me want you

Why'd you have to

Make me love you

I said, "I love you"

You say nothing back

The moment of silence was filled with baited breath, and emotion that felt like it was pressing in on Hazel on all sides where she was connected to others.

Why'd you have to lead me on

Why'd you have to twist the knife

Walk away and leave me bleedin', bleedin'?

Why'd you whisper in the dark

Just to leave me in the night?

Now your silence has me screamin', screamin'

Say, "Don't go"

I would stay forever if you

Say, "Don't go"

Hazel shouted the words along with the hundreds of other people in the room. She could hear Annabeth and Percy and even Sally shouting too, their voices filling her ears and a feeling of connection suddenly made a smile appear on her face. 

But you won't

But you won't

But you won't 

I would stay forever if you 

Say, "Don't go"

But you won't 

But you won't 

But you won't

The stage turned dark and Hazel clapped with more enthusiasm than the previous night. Maybe she was getting used to the idea of her brother being a singer.

Nico appeared from the darkness, sitting on a stool in the middle of the stage, holding a sparkling grey guitar that had a jeweled heart decorating it. 

"Hi again," Nico greeted through his mic on the stand in front of him.

The crowd cheered in greeting and hazel joined in.

"For this next one I'd like to add two things," Nico told them, much to the crowd's joy. "One is some background. So, this song was written when I was talking to my dear friend McCassy . . ."

Nico had to cut his explanation short because the crowd erupted in cheers when McCassy's name was mentioned.

"Yeah!" Nico agreed, "I hope she heard that. Anyway, she was reminding me that most songs talk about romance, but there are many different forms of love in the world. So, during a lunch break I got this crazy idea to write about one of my friend's mom and her relationship view between mother and son,--"

Percy, Annabeth, and Hazel all turned to look at Sally who was blushing slightly.

"--the relationship between an old couple that gave up a long life together to be with each other,--"

"Is he talking about Josephine and her wife?" Percy asked. "You know, Leo's adopted mom's and that little girl's moms."

"It's the only really old couple we know," Annabeth answered reasonably.

"--and my personal relationship with my sister."

Hazel's heart flipped. Could he be talking about her? No, it was probably about Bianca. She was his sister. Hazel was only half his sister.

"Now," Nico got Hazel's attention as he spoke again, "the second thing is that this song will be released along with my new album on December 18th.

The crowd went wild but Nico just smiled and strummed his guitar.

She was 23 with a baby on the way

On the East-side of the city, she was working everyday

Cleaning dishes in the evening, she could barely stay awake

She was clinging to the feeling that her luck was gonna change

And, 'cross town she would take the bus at night

To her one bedroom apartment and when she turned on the light

She would sit down at the table, tell herself that it's alright

She was waiting on the day she hoped her baby would arrive

She'd never be alone

Have someone to hold

And when nights were cold

She'd say

Nico's strumming and singing was incorporated with music from his band which created an upbeat sound that didn't match the lyrics of the song. Hazel's heart felt heavy as she looked to Sally but the mother was surprisingly smiling. 

"I'm so sorry, Sally," Hazel told her.

"Nothing to be sorry about," Sally replied. "It's true the journey was hard but I have Percy now."

She grabbed her son by the shoulders and Percy leaned into his mother's touch.

They were 90 and were living out their days

On the West-side of the city next to where they got engaged

They had pictures on the walls of all the memories they made

And though life was never easy they were thankful that they stayed

With each other and though sometimes were hard

And even when she made her angry, she would never break her heart--"

"Yep," Annabeth confirmed. "Defiantly them."

Percy slung an arm around her shoulders, pulling him into the embrace his mom had started. Hazel,  feeling a bit out of place, stepped to the side a bit. Annabeth caught the movement and grabbed her arm as she tugged her into their huddle.

The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad

If we've got each other and that's all we had

I will be your lover and I'll hold your hand

You should know I'll be there for you

Nico's eyes were shut as he sang, the emotion of every lyric being translated through his body language.

I'm 16 and my friends are getting old

I know they don't have forever and I'm scared to be alone

So I'm thankful for my sister even though sometimes we fight

When 14 wasn't easy she's the reason I survived

It hit Hazel then that the lyrics he was singing were not about Bianca. Not his biological sister. They were about her, Hazel, and how she was his sister.

I know she'd never leave me

And I hate to see her cry

So I wrote this verse to tell her that I'm always by her side

I wrote this verse to tell her that I'm always by her side

I wrote this verse to tell her that

Hazel's heart lifted with the lyrics. Since Nico had told her about Bianca, she had always felt second to her. She was his half sister and that was that. Nico had always told her that it wasn't true but she never truly believed it. Now, hearing Nico tell everyone in the room that she was his sister even if they didn't know it, made her feel like maybe Nico had been telling the truth. 

I will be your brother 

And I'll hold your hand

You should know I'll be there for you

When the world's not perfect

When the world's not kind

If we have each other then we'll both be fine

I will be your brother

And I'll hold your hand

You should know I'll be there for you

A thunderous applause filled the stadium and Nico ducked his head where Hazel knew he was hiding a smile.

"Thank you," he said to the crowd. "I actually have another new song I'd like to play but I'm going to need some help . . ."

The crowd screamed as Piper re entered the stage and met Nico in the middle where they hugged. The two of them took their microphones and walked down to the edge of the stage, taking the spot light with them as workers took the stool, mic stand, and guitar away.

Piano softly played in the background and was joined shortly after by violins, creating a misty feeling or as if Hazel was walking through an enchanted forest.

N: Thought I found a way

Thought I found out

P: (found)

N: But you never go away

So I guess I gotta stay now

NP: Oh, I hope someday I'll make it out of here

Even if it takes all night or a hundred years

Need a place to hide, I can't find one near

Wanna feel alive, outside I can fight my fear

N: Isn't lovely, all alone?

Heart made of glass my mind of stone

NP: Tear me to pieces, skin and bone

Hello, welcome home

The song was slow and beautiful. The rise and fall of the two's voices felt like waves or breathes, guiding Hazel's breathing in and out. She found herself memorized by the song and half wondered if Piper was using her charmspeak.

P: Walking out of time

Looking for a better place

NP: Something on my mind

Always in my head space

But I know someday I'll make it out of here

Hazel felt a weight on her shoulder and saw Annabeth's arm draped over her and her head resting on it.

"You tired?" Hazel asked.

"This is song is about to make me," Annabeth responded. 

"It's like those flowers in the movie with the lion and machine and scarecrow and Dorothy," Percy whispered.

"The Wizard of Oz?" Annabeth asked.

"Yes!" Percy confirmed.

"Never watched it," Hazel said.

"What?" Percy exclaimed as quietly as he could.

"I'm from the 1930s and I run a army camp by myself," Hazel pointed out.

"Well, we have to get you well informed on the best movies of this century," Percy stated. "Wizard of Oz, Moana, Finding Nemo--"

"Later Seaweed brain," Annabeth shushed him. 

N: Whoa, yeah

P: Yeah, ah

N: Whoa, whoa

NP: Hello, welcome home

The song closed and applause rained down on the two friends.

"Everyone give it up for Piper McLean!" Nico told them.

Piper stood up and waved to the crowd, blowing kisses as she walked off stage. The crowd waved back and screamed until Piper was completely disappeared and the next song queued up.

Salt air, and the rust on your door

I never needed anything more

Nico stood up from his seat at the end of the stage and began his usual routine of singing his song while gliding back and forth on the stage. Annabeth woke from her stupor and she, Percy, Hazel, and Sally all sang along to the song when they knew the words and swayed with the crowd. 

Back when we were still changing for the better

Wanting was enough

For me, it was enough

To live for the hope of it all

Cancel plans just incase you call 

And say, "Meet me behind the mall"

So much for summer love and saying, "Us"

Cause you weren't mine to lose 

A body brushed up against Hazel and she turned to see Piper and Shel coming up from behind her.

"Hey!" Hazel greeted with a hug. "You were so good! Tonight and last night."

"Thank you," Piper said gratefully, hugging her back. "I see Percy had spilled the beans."

At his name, Percy turned his head and smiled when he saw Piper.

"Pipes!" He took a step over to her for a greeting hug and completed her singing.

Annabeth took her turn giving and hug before Piper noticed Sally .

"You brought your mom?" Piper asked incredulously as she and Sally embraced.

"Yeah," Percy said defensively.

"You really can't keep a secret."

Remember when I pulled up and said, "Get in the car"

And then canceled my plans just in case you called

Back when I was living for the hope of it all

For the hope of it all

"Do you remember?" Piper asked, looking towards Percy.

"What?" he asked.

"Do you remember when he pulled up and said, "get in the car"?"

Percy rolled his eyes.

Piper laughed and clapped as the song ended.

"Shel told me you told half the camp about Nico's gig," Piper accused playfully to Percy.

"What!" Percy protested. "I did--"

"Don't even try to deny it," Shel told him.

Percy looked to Annabeth for help but she just shrugged.

They turned their attention back to the stage where Nico was strumming a black guitar behind a black mic stand.

You take a deep breath and you walk through the doors-

Nico's words were cut out from giant cheer from the crowd as they recognized the song.

You say, "Hi" to your friends you ain't seen in a while

Tryin' to stay out of everybody's way

It's your freshman year and you're gonna be here 

For the next four years in this town

Hoping one of those senior boys will wink at you and say

"You know I haven't seen you around before"

The crowd sang the song with Nico at an impressive volume and Hazel could guess that the song was probably a fan favorite.

And then you're on your very first date 

And he's got a car

And you're feeling like flying

And your mama's waiting up

And you're thinking he's the one

And you're dancing 'round your room when the night ends

When the night ends

Cause when you're thirteen and

Somebody tells you they'll help you

You're going to believe them

And when you're fifteen and your first kiss

Makes your head spin 'round

Well, in life you'll do things greater than

Dating the boy on the football team

I didn't know it at thirteen

Hazel noticed the switch in ages as Nico sang his song. It was almost crazy to believe that thirteen and fifteen were only two years apart from each other. So much had happened to Nico and the world. Two wars, many deaths, and even some happiness in Nico's case.

When all you wanted 

Was to be wanted

Wish you could go back

And tell yourself what you know now

Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday

But I realized some bigger dreams of mine

And one girl gave everything she had 

To a boy who changed his mind

And we all cried

Cause when you're--

The crowd swayed and sang the rest of the song with Hazel, Percy, Annabeth, Sally, Piper, and Shel. When the last chord was played, Nico gave a stage crew his guitar and took his microphone over to where someone had pushed out a grand piano.

The crowd whooped with excitement and Nico fixed his mic into its slot and slid onto the bench.

"So, this next song," Nico said, looking down at his hands, "Is about a boy I've written about many times."

The crowd oohed and Nico quietly played some chords.

"He's been in my life since I was ten," he continued and all the demigods turned to look at Percy who rolled his eyes, "and let's just say he took up a lot of my mind."

The crowd laughed and Hazel lightly punched Percy's arm.

"But he's not relevant now," Nico reassured them. "I have a wonderful boyfriend now, and this is a song that I wrote thinking back on that time and those feelings I had."

The crowd awed and Nico's cheeks flushed. 

"Anyway, I hope you remember this one."

***

Will was just driving through Oakland to visit Annabeth and Percy and maybe stop by Camp Jupiter. Or, that's what he told himself. It wasn't because of that voice in his head telling him to investigate this weird problem going on between the praetors, Annabeth and Percy, and Nico. And even if it was, it was about Nico's safety and not Will's fear of being left out that made him drive there. Yep, not that at all.

Although, he can't say his intentions didn't change when he saw the Jackson car and a Camp Jupiter van parked outside a building with flashing lights. But, who could blame him. He was going to visit them anyway, why not see what they were upto.

Will drove around the area for a bit before finding a spot a little ways away. He parked his car and ran up the windy street to the building. He saw security outside and snuck around the sides to a window. He looked inside and saw people standing around with their phones out and pointing to a giant stage. When Will's eyes traveled to the stage, he saw his boyfriend, Nico di Angelo, walking to a piano.

Pressing his face up to the window, Will strained his ears to listen to what the Hades was happening. Was this Nico's job? An entertainer instrumentalist? No, that wasn't it. People don't have their phones out like that and dressed up to watch an instrumentalist. No, Nico was playing his own music. This was a concert. And Percy, Annabeth, Hazel, and Frank already knew.

"This next song," Nico was saying, his voice muffled against the glass, "is about about a boy I've written about many times. He's been in my life since I was ten and let's just say he took up a lot of my mind--"

"Hey!"

Will looked up quickly to see a burly man with the word 'security' across his chest.

"Um, hi," Will greeted in a small voice.

"If you want to listen," the man said in a gruff voice. "You have to pay for a ticket."

Without thinking, Will reached into a bag he had thrown over his shoulder when he decided to leave camp and brought out his wallet. The security man took the money and smiled.

"Door's that way," he told him, pointing. "Have fun!"

Will gave him small smile and walked to where the man had pointed. He opened a door and and quietly stepped into a crowd of people all dressed colorfully. Will looked up from the crowd and saw Nico at the piano, now playing a song. Sweet piano melodies played from Nico hands and his eyes were softly closed almost peacefully.

Grey November

I've been down since July

Nico's voice echoed across the room, more distinct than the other voices in the room that sang with him. He had always told Will that his voice was bad and would refuse to sing at all. Now he was singing in front of hundreds of people.

Motion capture

Put me in a bad light

I replay my footsteps on each stepping stone

Trying to find the one where I went wrong

Writing letters

Address to the fire

Nico's voice surrounded Will and seeped into his bones. His voice was melodic and angelic like his name. Will didn't know if any Apollo kid could sing as good as him without any training. 

And I was catching my breath

Staring out an open window

Catching my death

And I couldn't be sure

I had a feeling so peculiar 

That this pain would be for 

Evermore

A sudden punch in the gut of sadness hit Will as he remembered what Nico had said before the song. He had said the song was about Percy, not outright, but he knew. And now he was saying that the pain of Percy would be for evermore. Did that mean he still loved Percy? Was that what was going on? Percy and Nico were going to get together and Annabeth didn't care, Frank found out and told Hazel and . . . it all fit. Nico had lied to him. He had faked innocents when confronted about the suspicious behavior. All this time their relationship had just been a distraction.

Will's chest tightened and his vision became fuzzy. Nico's body by the piano became a watercolor picture in the rain. His mind spun and the room became hot and air was so heavy. He turned quickly to the door behind him and before he knew it, he was already to his car, turning on the ignition. 

He was sat in the driver's seat, hands on the wheel, ready to go. He whipped away his tears and put the car in reverse to back out of the spot.

***

Hey December

Guess I'm feeling unmoored

Nico's music made a peaceful feeling settle in Hazel's heart. She remembered Sammy and the pain she had felt when she realized she'd never see him again. When she saw Leo and the idea of possibly being with him once more came, she wanted to badly to take it.

Can't remember

What I used to fight for

I rewind the tape but all it does is pause

On the very moment all was lost

Sending signals

To be double crossed

Nico's eyes were half closed as he played the song and he seemed to sway in time with his fingers and breath.

And I was catching my breath

Barefoot in the wildest winter

Catching my death

And I couldn't be sure

I had a feeling so peculiar 

That this pain would be for 

Evermore

Hazel turned to see Annabeth looking glossy eyed at where Nico was playing. She sometimes forgot that she and Percy had not always dated. That there was a time when she had loved another boy. Hazel wondered what she was thinking about. Could she have thought the same as Nico and her? That the pain of other would plague her forever? Or Piper too. She had lost Jason even before he died. She must have felt such sorrow when they broke up and then he died only a while later. That pain must've been inside her still.

Can't not think of all the costs

Or the things that will be lost

Oh, can we just get a pause

To be certain we'll be tall again

Whether weather be the frost

Or the violence of the dark days

Out on waves, out being tossed

Is there a line that I can just go cross 

A duet started to play with Nico singing a new verse and the crowd singing in the background.

And when I was shipwrecked (can't not think of all the cost)

I thought of you (all the things that will be lost now)

In the cracks of light (can we just get a pause?)

I dreamed of you (to be certain we'll be tall again)

(If you think of all the costs)

It was real enough (whether weather be the frost)

To get me through (or the violence of the dark days)

(Out on waves being tossed)

But I swear (is there a line that we can just go cross)

You were there

The piano part resonated throughout the room, not a voice heard.

And I was catching my breath

Floors of a cabin creaking under my step

And I couldn't be sure

I had a feeling so peculiar 

This pain wouldn't be for 

Evermore

Nico's face broke into a smile as he sang the end. The song was still the same but somehow the darkness had lifted and hope was being played instead. It was soft and reassuring, making Hazel smile with her brother.

This pain wouldn't be for evermore

Evermore

Nico played a fun ending and the crowd applauded. He let the crowd applaud him as he looked out and around the crowd, smiling brightly. Eventually, he hushed the crowd by standing up and bringing the microphone to his mouth.

"I have one more song for you tonight Oakland! This one's about my wonderful boyfriend and all the shit we went through so I hope you'll sing along. This one's called Wonderland!"

The rest of the night played out just as it had the night before with an upbeat song Nico sang to and he went up to the barricades on either side before walking to the middle. Hazel noticed though, that everyone was handing him bracelets and by the end, a quarter of his arms were full of them.

"Good time?" Percy asked his mom as they stepped out of the building.

"Oh, it was amazing!" Sally exclaimed. 

"Oh, I should probably remind you all that you aren't supposed to tell anyone," Piper reminded them, throwing a hard look in Percy's direction.

"Lips sealed!" Percy said, holing up his hands in surrender.

"Alright, we'll see you guys soon, yeah?" Shel asked.

"Defiantly," Annabeth promised.

The three different groups went their separate ways and Hazel got into her van, ready to go back to camp. Before, she had gone in thinking of Nico and why he was keeping everything a secret. Now, as she drove home, she felt more peace knowing that he had his reasons and he'd tell her when she was ready. In the meantime, she needed Valdez to make demigod safe phones so she could listen to Nico and McCassy's music.