SHORT STORY

Nico's heart beat faster, as he went back to Will. Somehow, he couldn't control it.

"Hey, welcome back," Will said.

"Yeah. Just...resolving some things," he said.

"Listen, Nico. I just want you to understand that...I'm there for you."

Warmth spread through Nico when Will said those words. Looking at his shoes awkwardly, he muttered, "Thanks."

"Anyway, yeah. Do you want to hang out later this weekend or something?"

Nico looked up quickly. "Sure, okay. Yeah - fine."

"Great." He laughed, leaning in closer.

Nico held his breath nervously.

"Looking forward to it," Will whispered, giving a wink.

Watching him walk away, Nico felt confused and content at the same time.

That night, Nico had a dream.

He was standing in the Underworld, searching around when a voice came out towards him.

"Nico."

He turned, seeing a girl that looked pretty and angelic. Long, blonde hair, blue eyes, and warm smile. "Bianca?" Nico breathed.

She smiled sadly. "I'm not your sister. But I knew her. She's really wonderful."

"Then who are you?" Nico couldn't help but make it sound bitter.

"I'm one of your friends' sister." She smiled. "Only you can help reach out to me."

"No. None of my friend's have a sibling that..." Nico looked closer, and gave a half strangled gasp. "Will!?"

"Yes?"

Nico opened his eyes, startled by Will who was on his bed, no shirt on. He gave a embarrassed squeak, and tried to conceal it with a cough. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I wanted to obviously see you. When I knocked, no one answered."

"Maybe because it's 1 in the morning," Nico snapped.

"Sorry. I was about to go, but you said my name."

Nico could accept his apology, but he was grinning, with a gleam in his eyes. "I just had a dream," he said quietly. "It's okay, though."

Will's smile disappeared. "What was it about?"

"I don't know. Forget." Nico tried not to look into Will's eyes. "Do you have any sisters?"

"Yeah. A whole cabin of them."

"No, I'm serious. I mean, before you entered Camp-Half Blood."

There was a faraway look in Will's eyes. "Yeah. I used to have a younger sister. She was supposed to turn thirteen this year. She...she died in the car crash with my mom and dad. I was at my soccer game, last one of the season."

"I'm sorry," Nico said. "For bringing it up - I mean..."

"Well, you understand," Will said.

"What was her name?"

"Amar," Will answered. "It means-"

"Love," Nico finished. "I know."

"Yep." Will stood up. "See you tomorrow. You know, you kind've remind me of her. Maybe I should call you Amar."

Nico's body tingled. The way Will said it, in a gentle, soft word. Was he calling him his love? Knowing Will, you'll probably never know.

"Wait," Nico called. He slowly made the words tumble out..."Ti amo." He never said that to anyone except Bianca.

Will eyed him for a few seconds before he brought his lips toward his.