Chapter Text
It had been about 3 weeks since their latest war, and Nico's forced infirmary stay with Will. He'd never allowed himself to be surrounded by so many people. The small Apollo cabin working, the other injured campers in recovery. It was a bit chaotic. Sometimes overwhelming. Nico wasn't sure he'd make it the full three days in there, but for whatever reason, he didn't want to disappoint Will. He was already concerned Will judged him for allowing Octavian to essentially kill himself. Will Solace was a healer. That had to have been against his morals. But if the son of Apollo did judge him for that, he showed no sign.
He just...was kind, and tried to include him in his daily work with simple tasks after he was recovered enough to move around more. That served as a welcome distraction after the events of the past few weeks. Will had him distribute supplies, or restock basic things like bandaids, and even just that exhausted him. He did enjoy the feeling of being useful in a more controlled environment. Either way, he was only doing a miniscule part in the infirmary, and getting a glimpse of Will’s daily life was… interesting. Nico had no clue how he balanced it all.
He was constantly on the move, and still somehow had time to sit with Nico and slowly treat his lingering wounds. Will called him his most pressing patient, probably because he looked like death. His arm was still slashed and infected from Lycaon’s attack, despite Reyna's best efforts to treat it on their quest. He also was still suffering from the effects of being trapped in that jar. He hadn't really had much time to recover from that before having to bring the 40-foot statue across the ocean.
To be honest, this forced rest was probably necessary.
Nico almost allowed his own life force to fade through overuse of his abilities. Shadow traveling so far, with so many people and a massive statue, strained Nico beyond imagination. The only reason he made it was because of Reyna’s own abilities and Coach Hedge’s healing. He was very aware he could have died. Although, he wasn't sure if he would have cared much. At least he would have died doing something good, on his own terms. But, unfortunately, he suspected at least a few people would have dragged his spirit back to the living world just to kill him again for doing something stupid. Reyna, Jason, Percy even. And Will, now. It was weird knowing so many people cared about his wellbeing. Especially Will, who he’d only known properly for a few weeks.
Will sought him out after Nico avoided him the first few days after the war ended, saying he'd been expecting Nico to visit just as a “friendly face”, as he put it. He wasn't really sure why Will considered him a friendly face, but he felt compelled to agree to the infirmary stay. Since then, Will has been at his side. At first, Nico thought he just pitied him, but he quickly realized that Will was genuinely trying to be his friend. There was sympathy, but never pity. Will was headstrong and unafraid of having to scold him when he tried refusing care, and Nico liked that.
Somehow, Will had become a constant in his life. Something Nico was not used to. He was used to people tolerating him for a while, and eventually having that turn into fear or apprehension. The only person who didn't treat him like that before the war was his sister Hazel. They loved each other unconditionally. After the war, Jason and Reyna became that way for him too, and now Will.
Every single day, Will would find him and force him to take care of himself. Like by making him have 3 meals a day, go outside, and talk to people. It was exhausting. But for some reason he just let it happen. He kept staying. One more day. And then another, even though he told himself he was going to leave after he recovered completely.
Will fought him on that immediately. Pointed out all the problems with just running away. Like where are you gonna go? What are you going to do? Who's going to stop you from being an idiot?
He hated how right Will was. Nico had no clue what he would do. Explore the world? He basically had at this point. Although, not in the best conditions. He would never admit to that boy that he was right. All Nico would ever answer was I'll figure it out, or it doesn't matter. He was used to figuring it out on his own anyways. It’s not like he would leave forever. He would come back, he just hadn’t stayed in one place for so long. He wasn’t planning on being a full-time camper.
The son of Apollo thought he was an idiot, so he would find reasons to make him stay just a few more days each time.
“Come spare with me.”
“There's a tournament and I know I'll be swamped in the infirmary, stay and help me.”
Sometimes it was just as simple as Will asking him to stay until the weekend if he had no other excuse. And it kept working. Today was not an exception. Saying no to Will was difficult, especially after he'd been so kind. He used a lot of his own healing abilities on Nico, exhausting himself just to make sure all his wounds healed well. He was starting to feel a real connection to Will. In fact, he was also starting to believe staying permanently might be a good idea.
Some days were… ok.
Here he was, waking up in the Hades Cabin, once again just in time for breakfast. Nico groaned in his bed, staring at the bit of sunlight creeping its way inside. Why does this camp want to have breakfast so early?
He contemplated skipping and staying in bed all day, but knew Will would be banging down the door in about 10 minutes if he didn't make an appearance. He was very insistent about having 3 meals a day. Probably because he still looked pretty close to dead when he made it to Camp Half-Blood with Reyna.
Being held captive in a jar caused him to lose a scary amount of weight and strength. Something that he was only barely starting to get back. It’s been…difficult eating since then. It's not like he didn't want to eat, his body just seemed to be rejecting food.
He didn't like thinking about that.
He laid there, staring up at his ceiling, showing him an enchanted night sky. When he couldn't sleep, the constellations brought him some comfort. Most of the cabin was dark, decorated with details he’d become accustomed to from the Underworld. Skull motifs, blackness, silver and gold. The only outlier was the calming stars up top. His cabin felt safe, at least to him. Most of the campers rarely ever approached it due to its dark appearance and general aura. He could be alone when he needed to be.
The only ones that would ever come close were the people he trusted like Jason, Percy and Annabeth, and... Will. That was a new one. Will always looked out of place standing near Cabin 13. He was so…bright. Literally. Will could glow with the sun, generally showing up mostly when Nico started to test him. He was like a flashlight in the dark.
Secretly, Nico looked forward to seeing Will every day. Not that he would ever admit it.
It had just become...a new normal in his life to see Will. A distraction from his constant racing thoughts and tragic past.
Will didn't treat him like he would break at any moment. He treated him normally, as if Nico was just like any other teenager. Except when he was in doctor mode, but even then, he still didn't act like he was fragile. He wasn’t afraid to call Nico out when needed. It was refreshing. Even if he didn't understand Will sometimes.
He was so high energy, but also brought a calming presence wherever he went. Probably due to his healing talent. And he never seemed to get tired of going nonstop all day, solving everyone's problems, working in the infirmary, dealing with Nico's shining personality. If the healer did get tired, he never showed it. Nico suspected Will was just really good at hiding his own emotions.
Nico, on the other hand, could barely interact with others for more than a few hours at most before feeling the need to retreat to the shadows. It's not like he didn't want to have friends. He just spent so long alone, he didn't know how to just be… normal. Being on the Argo II was difficult for him. He usually found himself finding solitude whenever he could, and he knew the others found him strange and off-putting at first. Hazel would do her best to include him, but he didn't feel like he deserved to have friends.
He'd also been grappling with Percy and Annabeth getting trapped in Tartarus. After he had experienced hell, he did not want them to do it as well. As tumultuous as his relationship was with Percy, he still liked to think they were friends. Percy did seem genuinely concerned when they initially rescued him from the jar, but Nico had too many pent up feelings to really reach out to him for any sort of comfort. His relationship with Annabeth was complicated as well. He spent years jealous of her, while also being unable to hate her.
His time on the Argo II was not easy, to say the least.
Then after that, he had to transport the Athena Parthenos, Reyna, and Coach Hedge thousands of miles across the world. He thought about his first meeting with Reyna, when he showed up as an ambassador for Pluto. She never really knew what to do with him when he showed up. Children of Pluto were considered omens at Camp Jupiter, and Nico had brought Hazel, making it two children of Pluto at once. He had been apprehensive of traveling with her, but he also knew she was strong and would do what was necessary to complete the journey.
He ended up finding a sister in her. She took care of him and didn't judge him for his intense feelings of shame and anger, or for killing Bryce Lawrence. When the Hunters and the Amazons kidnapped Reyna, he'd gone into a frenzy thinking he would lose a sister once again. Reyna quickly became special to him. She had already returned to Camp Jupiter with the rest of the Romans, but she had told him he'd always be welcome and that she'd like to see him soon.
Jason also became a friend. He'd been the first to know about his darkest secret, at least he felt like it was his darkest secret. Being gay was not easy for someone born in the earlier 1900s. While he'd been in the modern world for quite some time, he still couldn't shake that feeling of guilt for being who he was. Jason accepted him immediately, though, and reassured him that everyone else would also accept him.
That's probably what gave him the courage to confess to Percy his old feelings. Things had been awkward between the two for a few days after the confession, until Percy finally lost it and forced Nico to talk to him. Percy apologized for treating Nico poorly over the years, and told him that he really cared about him and just wanted him to be safe. Nico apologized as well for keeping his identity a secret, and for running away after Bianca was killed. Nico had also realized his feelings for Percy were never really romantic, but admiration. He looked up to Percy despite everything, like he was an older brother. Things still weren't quite how he wanted them to be with the son of Poseidon, but their relationship had improved significantly.
His relationships with everyone else at camp were still rocky. Others could find Nico a bit unsettling due to the way he carries him. Sometimes it did make him sad, but he found it was a little easier when Will was there. And Will never expected him to be something he wasn't.
Why was he thinking so much about Will? Nico pushed down the thought.
The son of Hades glanced at the clock in his room once more, and knew he really had to get going before a search party led by Will came his way.
Another day at Camp Half-Blood. Another day of trying.
Nico forced himself to get up and get dressed. His usual black jeans and dark tshirt, with his jacket. Nico stood out like a sore thumb at camp, never wearing his orange camp shirt. He would never wear something so bright, and no one at camp wanted to challenge him about that.
He stopped at the door and took a deep breath.
Despite enjoying certain aspects of feeling normal for once, it was still difficult to be amongst so many people. Sometimes it felt like he was performing. Trying not to look so intimidating or trying to hold a casual conversation with someone proved more difficult than he liked.
He opened the door and was greeted by the morning breeze and sun shining down on him. So many years spent in the dark always made sunny days like these jarring. But something about the sun had been making Nico feel more intact recently. It was a reminder that he survived. And a reminder of Will. He wasn’t quite sure why that last thought mattered so much.
He made his way down the path when suddenly he heard a familiar voice call out,
"There you are!"
He saw a head of blonde hair running up to him. Will, already looking awake and ready for the day. Comes with the territory of being Apollo’s son he supposed, getting energy from the morning sun. Nico was the opposite, much preferring night time and the peaceful darkness.
"I was getting worried you were trying to skip breakfast, death boy" Will said.
Nico groaned. "I told you not to call me that."
Will grinned. "I'll think about it," he joked as he met up with him.
Nico glared at him and kept walking. Will followed and looked him over, turning on doctor mode. He did this every morning as a check in, despite Nico not even being his patient anymore. He couldn't seem to help himself though. The head medic never seemed to turn off that part of him, like he was constantly working.
"Sleep ok?" Will asked, in his medic voice.
He also asked him the same thing every morning. Will knew he had nightmares sometimes, having even calmed him down from a particularly bad one the other morning.
Nico shrugged. "Fine. I guess."
It was mostly true. He'd managed to get through the night relatively dreamless, which he preferred more than the nightmares. Still, he wasn't the best at falling asleep easily.
He could feel Will's stare, like he was deciding whether to believe him or not.
"I guess that's better than nothing."
Nico nodded, thankful Will didn’t ask any more questions. Safe to say he wasn’t a morning person.
Soon after they arrived at the pavilion where the rest of camp was gathered enjoying breakfast together. Meal time could be a bit chaotic sometimes here, and Nico always felt himself tense slightly.
"If I don't see enough food on your plate when you sit, I will personally be doing something about that," Will said, half joke, half threat.
Nico shuddered. One morning he decided he would only eat a single piece of toast, and Will nearly force fed him more food. It was mortifying. And motivating to not attempt that again. It was still hard, some days more than others. Will was patient, but still refused to let him skip. He knew he needed to eat, but sometimes he just had no appetite.
Nico filled his plate with various fruits and a small pastry, hoping that would be enough to satisfy Will.
Then, he approached the fire to give an offering to his father.
He had a complicated relationship with Hades sometimes. Hades had tried more to be present and more of a father. As much as a god could be, at least. They were limited in staying in contact with their children.
He had become easier to talk to after the events at the Battle of Manhattan and he seemed to respect Nico more. He even keeps a room for Nico in his palace and also allows him to visit freely if he chooses. He even gifted him a zombie chauffeur in a misguided attempt to be like a normal mortal father who drove his son places. Overall, he knew it could be worse. Still, there were things he struggled to agree with Hades over.
Regardless, it was customary to give an offering. He scraped a portion of his food into the fire
Accept my offering, Father, he prayed silently.
He took a moment to offer a prayer to Persephone as well, his godly step-mother. She treated him well now, despite coming from an affair. And her pomegranate seeds did save his life, despite her probably not being aware he had any. Overall, he figured he had it pretty good in this regard compared to some other demigods.
Will did the same for his own father after him. Nico wondered what Will's relationship with Apollo was. He would make light-hearted jokes about being the son of Apollo, but rarely spoke about his real relationship with him, if any. The first time Nico had met Apollo, he was 10, and still pretty excited about his new life as a demigod. That was before he realized what hell he was going to experience because of it.
Apollo had been… a bit full of himself, but generally seemed to be kind and good-natured, so maybe he was a good father. All the remaining Apollo kids seemed like they were all kind and caring, so Nico felt like that had to mean something in terms of Apollo.
"Alright, let's go," Will said next to him.
Recently, Will decided Nico had to sit at the Apollo table. Technically not allowed, but after everything Nico had been through for the camp, no one said anything. He had protested at first, preferring to eat alone at his own table, but Will insisted it was part of his “recovery plan”, whatever that meant. He quickly learned most disagreements with Will would result in a headache and defeat, so he gave in.
His siblings were nice enough. There were only two who were year rounders with Will: Austin and Kayla. When Will first brought Nico over, they were apprehensive. Most people were around Nico. He carried the aura of the Underworld, no doubt unnerving to the healers. But Will was head counselor, so if he trusted Nico enough to sit there, so did they. Nico would try to make polite conversation, but mostly just listened. The three spoke about their archery training and new medical techniques they’d learned, about the patients they had recently, and just general, normal conversation. Nico rarely had anything to add. He preferred fading into the shadows. Sometimes Will would try to include him, but never pushed if he really wasn’t in the mood. His siblings did seem to quickly get used to Nico’s presence, even trying to include him in conversation too.
Will did tell him he liked having another person at the table. Nico could remember the Apollo table being much fuller in the past, before Manhattan. Maybe that’s also why he gave in and sat with them. He helped make the table look just a bit more full.
Eventually, Kayla and Austin left to man the infirmary, leaving Nico and Will alone. It looked like it would be a slow morning for those two, at least.
“Alright. I have a free morning.” Will said
“And I’m guessing you do as well.”
Nico scowled. He could have plans, if he wanted to. He just…didn’t.
Will chuckled at his expression. “Am I wrong? Have you suddenly become Mr. Outgoing?” He joked.
Nico rolled his eyes.
“Anyways, I have a favor to ask. Well, more of a request.”
Nico raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“As you know, I’m already a great archer.” he started.
“Very humble.
“Haha. Let me finish,”
Nico listened.
“Will you teach me how to fight with a sword? I’ve just been…curious.”
Nico was surprised. Why does he want to wield a sword?
“I know I could ask Percy, but I feel like he’d be too intense of a teacher,” he joked
That was true. Percy was skilled, but sometimes forgot not everyone is a natural born talent at sword fighting and would get just a bit too excited about training others. Annabeth, or whoever was with him usually had to reel him back a bit.
Nico raised his eyebrows at Will. “Why?” Nico asked
Will thought about it for a bit.
“The selfish reason? Looks cool and I think it would be fun.” he said then paused. “Real reason? A bow and arrow only gets me so far in a fight. I’ve made it this long but anything too close range and it gets dangerous.”
Nico thought about it. Although Will was a great archer, he was right in some ways. But close-range fighting was also equally dangerous. It was good to know multiple techniques, he supposed. It would make him feel better if he knew Will could defend himself multiple ways.
He also wondered why he cared so much about Will defending himself. Of course, he considered Will a friend now, but for some reason he seemed to feel more… protective of him.
Nico didn’t want to unpack that right now.
“Fine. But I can’t promise I’ll be the best teacher. I may know how to use a sword but I’ve never… taught someone,” he said finally
Will beamed at him.
“It’ll be fine. I’m a quick learner. And I can teach you archery…if you want.”
Nico had to think about that one. He’d never even considered picking up a bow and arrow. Maybe this was Will’s way of paying him back for the lessons. Not that he would have expected anything in return. It was just training, something everyone here did anyway.
“Maybe.”
“I’ll take it. Now, let’s go start our first lesson.”
Nico’s head shot up to look at Will.
“You meant right now?”
Will stared back
“Yes? That’s why I asked if you had a free morning, death boy.”
Nico glared. Will decided this was his new nickname.
“Fine. But stop calling me that.”
Will threw his hands up in defeat and grinned, getting up from the table.
Nico felt like he was going to regret this decision. But, it did make him… happy, that Will trusted him enough to ask this.
Turns out swordfighting lessons were going to be trickier than Nico initially thought. Not because Will was necessarily bad at it, he was actually decent for an archer. He picked up the basics pretty quickly, even if he was a bit clumsy with his stance. Teaching was difficult because Will was so… distracting. The way he stared so intently as Nico demonstrated basic moves and stances. The way he moved across the training field, basically glowing in the sun. How excited he looked at getting something right. And the way his arms looked swinging the practice sword.
…
What?
Nico confused himself with that thought, getting distracted enough for Will to knock his own sword out of his hands.
“Looks like I might be surpassing the master pretty soon,” he smirked.
Nico stared at his sword on the ground. How did he get so distracted to be disarmed by a beginner? Nico considered himself to be a good swordsman, so this was extremely out of character. Will looked incredibly proud of himself, though. Nico decided he was probably just tired, and definitely not distracted over Will's presence.
“Lucky hit,” he muttered, picking up his weapon.
Will put his own weapon down at his side to study Nico, like he was trying to diagnose him. He could never stop being the medic, anywhere he went. It was like it was engrained into his very being. It kind of was, because of his father. Sometimes it made Nico feel…exposed. It was odd to have someone other than his sister seem to understand him. Will could usually diagnose him easily, even just by looking at him.
“You feeling ok? If you're pushing yourself too much, we can stop for the day. It's almost time for me to take over the infirmary anyways.” He said.
Truthfully, he did feel a bit tired. Too much movement like this did still take a lot out of Nico. He was still weak after everything, and he hadn’t properly trained in weeks. But that wasn't the real reason he was out of it. His mind started racing, thinking about the last few hours training with Will.
Will was handsome. Nico could not deny that. He had sun-kissed skin, full of freckles and his eyes were as bright as the ocean at sunrise. Nico wasn’t blind. But why would any of that matter to him at all? He'd just gotten over his crush on Percy and he definitely wasn't in the position to have a new crush. Especially not on Will. Sunshine personified. They were polar opposites, and there was no way Will would ever look at him romantically. He didn't even know if he liked guys. Will was a friend, and that was it. He brushed it off, blaming his physical condition on his distracted mind. This was the most training he'd done in a while, after all.
“I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess.”
Will nodded.
“I figured. Sorry, I kind of lost track of time. Should have made you stop a while ago. Not my greatest medic moment,” He said apologetically
Nico shook his head. “It's fine. I need to start training again like this anyways. It's been too long.”
That was true. He hadn't been in good condition to train like he was accustomed to in the past. Turns out almost dying twice in a very short period of time wasn't good for you.
“Still, just be…careful. I don't need to be seeing you as a patient again any time soon.” Will said a bit more seriously.
“I really don't want to get stuck there again either, so don't worry” he said half joking.
Being a patient wasn't the worst thing in the world. He got to spend time with Will and feel normal for a bit. But he also didn't like not having much time to be alone there. Will did his best to make sure he could get some privacy, but it was hard when the infirmary was full. During his stay, there were still a number of recovering demigods being treated daily, so sometimes Nico would have to deal with being surrounded by people other than just the Apollo cabin.
In the distance, they could hear the call for lunch at the pavilion. Nico realized he was actually a bit hungry for once. Eating hadn't been the easiest thing for him recently, considering he had almost starved in that jar. But Will makes sure he eats something at every meal, and he's been slowly getting better at it.
Will picked up their equipment as Nico sat, at Will’s order. He tried to protest and help, but Will was hard to argue with. He finished and motioned for Nico to follow. Together, they walked to lunch.
Will chatted like always, while Nico half-listened. He was still thinking about his confusing feelings towards Will. He refused to accept this was a crush. It was just Nico getting used to having friends again, and that was it. It would be easier if it wasn't a crush, because he wouldn't have to worry about ruining this new friendship if it wasn't a crush.
Nico couldn't ignore the electric shocks he felt every time Will walked slightly too close to him, though. Will was naturally a touchier person, but he respected Nico's personal space. There were moments though, where Will would still accidentally brush his shoulder against Nico's, or the backs of their hands would brush against each other ever so slightly, and it would take everything in him to not jolt away.
They made it to the pavilion without Nico absolutely losing it from his confused thoughts. Lunch came and went quickly. Nico tried only eating a portion from his plate, but Will glared at him until his plate was empty. A routine they'd become familiar with most days. As annoying as it was, Nico had to admit it was nice to have someone not be afraid to tell him when he was being stupid. A few days ago Will had even threatened to tell Hades that Nico was not taking care of himself. He wasn't sure how exactly he'd even do that, but knowing Will, he'd find a way. And he knew Hades would probably attempt some misguided attempt to help, like sending an army of the undead to watch over him.
Definitely not something he needed, especially when most of camp was finally starting to not look at him like he was a bad omen anymore. Will insists that was all in his head, but he knew some campers would avoid him or look at him just a bit too long to feel comfortable. It seems to happen less and less now though.
He liked it better that way. Nico didn't think he was… mean, but he knew he was unnerving. Maybe he was a bit mean sometimes, but not on purpose. He spent years building an image based on others fearing him through appearance and aura to survive, but that was a lonely life. Despite most people being too much for him, he still preferred it when they looked at him like he was just a regular person and not some scary spirit roaming the earth. Maybe he wanted to be seen as friendly for once.
“Ok, I've gotta take over for a bit at the infirmary.” Will said, pulling Nico from his thoughts.
“Do you want to come? For a bit, at least. You don't have to stay the whole time. I'm just going to be the only one working, so I could use the company… if you want.” He asked.
Nico considered. Typically, he'd just go back to his cabin, or take a walk somewhere secluded at camp. But sometimes he did take up Will on his offer. Helping in the infirmary was a good distraction. It made him feel useful. It probably wouldn't be that busy anyways, so he decided to accompany him.
“Sure,” Nico said.
Will smiled and Nico found himself having to look away. Will's smile always seemed to illuminate his whole face. Nico found it…overwhelming. Not in a bad way… just a lot. This was not helping Nico’s confusion at all.
“Great! And that means I can also monitor my most pressing patient longer,” he teased
“So you don't actually want my company. You just want to make sure I don't pass out,” Nico said, but it came out more as a joke than annoyed.
“Wanting to hang out with you while also being concerned for your well-being can go hand-in-hand. Let's go,” Will said and started walking.
Nico found himself blushing for some reason. Thank the gods Will had already turned away to leave. Will was so open about what he was feeling, and his ability to easily say he wanted to spend time with Nico made him feel like he would combust. It was a foreign feeling to have someone genuinely want to be around him, other than his sister.
The next few hours went by fast. Only two campers came in with minor injuries to deal with, and Nico helped by passing the supplies. At least the ones he could remember. He did not understand how Will knew where and what everything was in here. He was really good at his job, and Nico always felt impressed by his knowledge and ability every time. Will never seemed to believe he was that great and that really infuriated him. He would just say he's doing his job, and it's nothing special, but it was special to Nico.
Nico's father was Hades, and the feeling of death surrounded him. He could sense when others were near death, but could do nothing about it but warn them. Will could heal and save others, and that was incredible to him. The son of Apollo saved his life, and that was something he would never forget.
The rest of the time they spent cleaning or fighting about a check up for Nico, “just in case”. He didn't feel like being a patient today. Besides, he felt mostly fine, all things considered.
Will eventually gave up after a lot of arguing, telling Nico if he does end up passing out in the middle of camp, he would not be doing anything about it. Nico knew it was a joke. He hoped, at least, that it was a joke. He did feel fine though. No feelings of fading away to the shadows, at least.
Will closed up for the evening, and Nico was surprised to realize he stayed the whole time. Usually, he would leave halfway through to be on his own, at least until dinner. Will called it his brooding time, and Nico would always roll his eyes. It was just his time to collect his thoughts and to breathe for a bit. This time, he must have been too busy bickering with Will about feeling fine to have left any sooner. Or maybe he just didn’t want to leave this time. Talking to Will was fun, even if half the time they argued about something. The arguments were never serious though, both boys knew they were in good fun.
Nico didn’t put up much of a fight about dinner this time. He figured one fight won against Will was his limit for the day. He was stubborn, and things like eating were non-negotiable. He was still considerate though, and took notice of the little things that made Nico want to eat more. Will would always find a way to give him extra dessert or extra fruit without making a big deal about it.
Dinner was just like any other night. Loud conversations around the other tables. The Stoll brothers being idiots trying to prank the Ares kids, earning them a table full of angry warriors. It was always a lot. Depending on Nico’s mood, sometimes it was actually…entertaining. Other days, it was the most infuriating thing in the world.
Today was possibly more on the entertaining side. Will certainly thought so, at least until the Ares cabin started making threats that sounded a little too real, lighting up his doctor senses like an emergency signal. Thankfully, Chiron stepped in and put an end to it. Nico was sure Will would have intervened himself though. He had no fear telling others to stop being idiots, including the Ares cabin, and everyone respected him too much to argue.
Dinner ended and Nico attempted to slip away to return to his cabin alone, but Will caught on to his ruse, and insisted on walking with him.
“I thought if I passed out you weren’t going to do anything. Why are you still monitoring me?” Nico deadpanned
“Because I’d at least get to say I told you so if you do faint. And then…I guess I would have to help. Doctor’s oath. Unfortunately,” he said sullenly.
Nico let out a quiet chuckle before he could stop himself.
Will beamed.
“Finally, you appreciate my humor. I’ve been trying to get you to laugh for weeks,”
He was trying to get him to laugh? That made Nico’s insides turn inside out. In all honesty, he did find Will funny. Sometimes he reminded him of Percy, but it just seemed to work better on Will for some reason. He still couldn't bring himself to let down his wall enough to genuinely laugh just yet.
“That was hardly a laugh,” he muttered
“It’s a start,” he said smugly. “Laughing is good. It’s good for healing.”
Nico stayed quiet. He wasn’t actually as serious as everyone thought. When he was a kid, he was actually pretty…lively. Maybe extremely so. At the boarding school with Bianca, he didn’t have many friends because there weren’t many who could match his level. The kids thought he was weird and ostracized him. Now he was a different kind of weird that more people seemed to accept.
He just found it difficult to show genuine emotion to anyone anymore. There was a time that joy rarely came his way, partly his own fault for being so stubborn and holding grudges for so long. He had found himself being a bit more open with Will lately.
Allowing himself to be sarcastic, at least. Will always seemed to know he was kidding and never took his snarky comments seriously. It was refreshing. Nico knew he’d never be the same kid he was before, but maybe he could find a balance between the two one day.
They made it to Nico’s cabin and Will looked up at the structure, taking in the dark details. He’d come by his cabin a few times and always looked entranced by it. Nico never invited him inside. Maybe he was just trying to picture what it looked like. He never invited anyone in. The only other person who has seen the inside is Hazel, his sister.
“Alright,” Will said
“I guess I can leave you to your nightly brooding in your cabin.”
Nico glared.
“Why does it always have to be brooding?”
“Well, what else are you doing then?
“... Thinking…”
“Uh huh. And that thinking doesn’t involve brooding?”
His glare intensified and Will smirked.
“One of these days I’ll get you to come down to a bonfire instead of letting you disappear at night,” Will said.
“That’s a hard no,” Nico decided.
Will hummed, like he already had a plan in mind for the future. Whatever he was planning, Nico was afraid it might actually work, considering how insistent he could be about things like this.
“Ok, I’ll let you go,” Will said, a little lost in thought.
He definitely had a plan brewing.
“Don’t be late for breakfast or else,” Will warned.
“Wouldn’t dream of it” Nico said, unenthusiastically.
Will turned to leave after giving Nico one last grin and wave, saying good night as he turned away. Nico watched him leave, maybe just a bit too long to feel normal, and forced himself to go inside. He shut the door behind him and leaned back against it, sighing.
Being friends with Will was… still confusing