"It's really bright out, huh?" Will observed putting on his sunglasses, which made him look too much like his father Apollo, "Do you want a pair?"
"I'm good, thanks." Nico replied shading his eyes with his arm. He wasn't used to the intense heat of summer. The sight of Will wearing a tank top heated him up even more.
Nico wore his old black skeleton shirt and black jeans, like always. He refused to wear anything else, though he regretted wearing it out today.
The two demigods were walking in a nearby park, which was crowded with giggling kids playing on swings and slides. It was already the middle of summer. Nico was sweating like crazy, but he put up with it, knowing that Will liked being outside.
Will turned towards Nico, and saw how tired and sweaty he was. "Wanna go grab something to drink? We can head back to camp afterwards."
Nico nodded breathlessly, as they walked out of the park and navigated their way through New York City.
The nearest smoothie shop wasn't even near at all. The line there was about as long as the river Styx. Luckily, Percy was there with Jason and they somehow managed to get two extra drinks for Nico and Will.
"So what are you guys doing here?" Will asked taking a strawberry smoothie from Jason.
"Annabeth and Piper went shopping today," Jason replied taking a sip of his banana smoothie, "So Water Boy and I decided to go walk around."
Percy gave Jason a glance of annoyance at the name "Water Boy". Jason responded back with a smug smile.
"Why did you guys com here?" Percy asked, still glaring at Jason, who continued to smirk.
"Will and I were just at the park," Nico said sipping his own pineapple smoothie. The cold drink made Nico feel better.
"We were just about to go back to camp," Will continued, "I have a few people I need to check on. Feel free to tag along."
"I suppose we should get going to, Mr. I Control The Winds." Percy said.
"No dude. Just no. That was just terrible," disagreed Jason.
"Shut up, I'm trying." Percy grumbled, thinking of other things to call Jason.
Nico gave a small smile to the remark Jason made.
When the four got back to camp, it was already the end of dinner. 'We're lucking we already had something to eat before we came back.' Nico thought as he and Will departed from the two other demigods, who were still arguing about comebacks.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?" Will asked suddenly when they reached the door to the Hades cabin, "Please?"
"I guess…" Nico shrugged as he walked into the cabin, and went to bed, exhausted. He decided not to question why. Will hopped in next to him, still in his tank top.
As Nico slept, his dreams dark as always, he heard a muffled scream. Nico bolted up and saw that Will was missing. He turned his head towards the entrance, just in time to see the door swing shut. 'Oh gods,' Nico thought, jumping out of bed to chase after the kidnapper, 'How did I not sense that?'
Nico ran out of his cabin, to find a huge dark figure lumbering towards the woods. The massive figure had a large rustling sack slung across his shoulders.
By the time Nico got to the entrance to the deep woods, the figure was gone.
"Ugh. It's too late to chase after him," Nico grumbled to himself, "I could go after him alone, but I don't know what's up ahead… I'll ask Percy for help tomorrow morning."