Small Warning: I haven't read BOO yet. I'm actually still reading House of Hades, since I only got into PJO last year. However, I've caught a few spoilers around here and there and this chapter mainly focuses on a Post-BOO timeline. So, some of the things I've read are here, but just as a resource for plot. Or whatever you'd like to call it.
Eren Jaeger isn't someone you simply approach- or mess with, for the matter. Nico's learned this much from other camper's experiences, if he is to trust the fact that he's seen many campers with bleeding noses ever since the teen joined the camp; just a few weeks before the war with the giants reached it's peak.
The kid is a child of war, a spawn of Ares. Just about Nico's age, despite the fact that gods are supposed to claim their children at the age of thirteen- Not that Nico is surprised. The god is not exactly the type to favour Percy, much less his requests; though, from the encounters they've had with him, Ares seems to be in a much better mood ever since Eren joined camp. Like he's extremely proud of this one, like he's the best son he's had in a while, much to Clarisse and her siblings' dismay.
That, however, is enough to make Nico's alarm bells ring; to keep him clear out of the brunette's sight, like he's the plague. Even if that means that he'll be just like everyone else who's heard stories from kids who were attacked by him during one of his famous fits of rage, which only seem to be becoming more and more frequent. They all treat him like an outcast and the son of Hades can understand and relate with that, although his own case has taken a turn of events ever since he's befriended Will Solace, chief healer at camp.
Will practically barks at anyone who even as much as badmouths him behind his back. It's sort of nice really, but blond is one of a kind. A sweet boy to be cherished, no matter how sappy it sounds.
He can't see himself becoming the same to Eren Jaeger, however. Despite the fact that he very much understands what pain he must be feeling- If children of Ares can even feel like that. All he's seen is their stronger side, their pride and their resentment. No suffering. It's like some of them are made of stone, or they just like to make it that way.
So, Nico just keeps to himself. Doesn't even mention anything about the brunet to anyone, not even to Will. It's best if he doesn't get involved with matters too complicated for him to handle. Besides, Eren wouldn't even want to befriend him, would he?
Or so he thinks.
Until the war is over and he's confined to a small cubicle in the infirmary, where he can barely breath without Will fussing over him like some mother hen. It's not like he hates the son of Apollo, honestly, it feels nice to have someone to worry and take care of him, even if that sounds rather selfish. However, it's just too much like this, staying in bed all day without anything to do. Not even someone to talk to- And that coming from someone who despises human contact, can only describe how tedious it is to be in the infirmary all day.
He doesn't understand how other patients can do it- Oh yeah they're practically dead or in comma when they're forced to stay there for as long as he was and, frankly, he can't see how his case relates to that. All that happened was a bit of overuse of shadow travelling, he was fine now and would remain like that as long as he didn't try to use his powers in a while. Will should just let him return to his cabin.
Yes, that was exactly what he should do. Return to his room, where he would have peace, quiet and darkness. He always felt better when he was on his father's domain and shadows did the trick almost as well as the underworld.
Just like that, at the whim of a sudden idea to run out, Nico left his warm bed; not even shuddering as he felt the change of temperature. All he wanted was to leave and he didn't know when he would have a better chance than then, when everyone was eating and the infirmary had a reduced staff. Not even Will would be there to stop him. Yes, this was a brilliant plan.
-What he didn't count with was that Eren Jaeger, of all people, would be standing outside; ready to stop him and, perhaps, look down on the son of Hades like everyone else did. He might have been an outcast too, but that didn't stop him from being a jerk either, and this time his sister wasn't there to keep him in check.
Too bad. If a fight broke out- He got sidetracked from his thoughts by the brunet's voice.
"Aren't you supposed to be staying inside?" His tone was suspicious, but it was not hostile; much to Nico's surprise. It was rather- How should he put it? Like he was scolding a child, even if Eren was much more of a child than Nico was.
"That's none of your business." He replied, quickly. Perhaps, much too quickly for his own tastes and almost regretted not taking the time to pick a better remark. But he got no time to add anything else to his words, as Jaeger was already frowning and stepping closer to him. He even got Nico to attempt and step back from him, but that proved fruitless because that would only put him closer to the infirmary- To which he'd rather not go back in. Ever.
"It is, when someone who clearly needs healing won't accept it." Eren's voice was harder this time, yet Nico was unfazed by it. He had enough people fussing over his condition already and was tired of it.
"No, it's not. You're not even my friend, why would you think that my health concerns you? Go beat up a kid or something. Isn't that what you Ares kids do?" Nico was pretty sure he'd hit a nerve with that particular attitude, but he noted no difference in the other's demeanor, much to his surprise. Was the brunette's famous anger just a myth or not as common as everybody else made it seem?
"I'm not a bully." The other started and Nico couldn't help but feel amused; his words sounded like something your cliche superhero would say. "And we're comrades. We live on the same camp, don't we? Our parents are family, so why shouldn't we treat each other like that as well?"
"So, you're suggesting that every camper who dates another camper is committing incest?"
"Argh! That's not what and meant and you know it. Also, don't try to change the subject!" Eren's cheeks were now a rosy colour and Nico didn't fail to notice it, although it made him feel awkward; but also strangely...pleased with himself? It was weird, really. He wasn't one to enjoy another's embarrassment. Perhaps, he just liked having the upper hand
Soon, though, he was the one flushing. Eren had grabbed his hand, nothing too serious, yet it's not something the son of Hades was used to. It was bad enough when Will did it back when he helped deliver a baby Satyr. Talk about Yuck. This time it was much different, though. It felt pleasant, but revolting, as the brunet was attempting to lead him back to the place he'd attempted to feel just a few moments ago.
"Just stay inside, I'm sure Solace will be back in a while and he won't be happy about seeing you are missing."
Eren's words made him feel disappointed, though. It was like Nico was some sort of chore to him, unlike the words he'd spoken earlier about comradeship and whatnot.
He doesn't argue when those tan hands force him to lay down on his bed again, though.
A/N: Wew, this was rather though to write. I don't usually write full fanfiction, hence why I decided to try things like this instead of a full fanfiction. Eren is hard for me to write and I haven't been into SnK for a while now. Let's just hope that I don't royally fail with everyone else.
Maybe in the future, when I'm more experienced I can write a better story for this 'verse.
Also, sorry if my writing style seems odd, I'm more used to roleplays than anything and I hate excessive use of commas. Please note that English isn't my first language either!