Disclaimer: I do not own—nor do I claim the rights to—the Percy Jackson universe or any of its characters. All credit goes to rightful owner: Mr. Rick Riordan.

Enjoy :)

Skin: Somewhat pale, but present.

Nico studied his face – his sea-green eyes, his grin, his ruffled black hair. Somehow Percy Jackson seemed like a regular guy now, not a mythical figure. Not someone to idolise or crush on.

"So," Nico said, "since we're going to be spending at least a year seeing each other at camp, I think I should clear the air."

Percy's smile wavered. "What do you mean?"

"For a long time," Nico said, "I had a crush on you. I just wanted you to know."

Percy looked at Nico. Then at Annabeth, as if to check that he'd heard correctly. Then back at Nico. "You—"

"Yeah," Nico said. "You're a great person. But I'm over that. I'm happy for you guys."

"You… so you mean—"

"Right."

Annabeth's grey eyes started to sparkle. She gave Nico a sideways smile.

"Wait," Percy said. "So you mean—"

"Right," Nico said again. "But it's cool. We're cool. I mean, I see now… you're cute, but you're not my type."

"I'm not your type… Wait. So—"

"See you around, Percy," Nico said. "Annabeth."

She raised her hand for a high five.

Nico obliged. Then he walked back across the green, to where Will Solace was waiting.

((Riordan, R., 2015, pp.486). The Heroes of Olympus: The Blood of Olympus. Great Britain: Puffin Books)

There was a new lightness to his step he hadn't experienced in a long time. Last must have been when he was around ten, when Bianca was still with him and he pranced around camp, cards and figurines hidden in his pockets, ready to be brought out first chance possible. Whether he'd needed to tell Percy, he wasn't sure, he just knew he had, and it made a world of difference. And maybe this could be the first step of many. Or second, if staying at Camp Half-Blood was the first.

Will Solace stood, leaning against the infirmary, arms crossed over his surgeon's shirt, legs crossed at the ankles. One of his flip flops had practically fallen off his foot, which didn't seem to bother him at all. His eyebrows were quirked, lips pursed in what might be curiosity.

"See?" Nico said. "Told you I'd be right back."

"Did I ever say I doubted you?" Will asked, his lip quirking up in half a smile, and it stirred those skeletal butterflies once more.

"So, three days?" Will gave a nod. "Is there a plan for what's going to happen, or?"

"You're going to rest, di Angelo. As in sleep for twelve hours, get nectar and ambrosia, and heal. You overused your powers in that war, and oversaw the burial rites right after. So no underworldly powers. This time I'm extra serious."

Nico gave a snort, rolling his eyes. Of course Will Solace—who usually seemed nonthreatening and laid back—was an actual pain in the neck, and unbelievably stubborn. Nico followed him inside regardless, staying right behind Will Solace. There were a few things he noticed, now he didn't have a war going on around him. Like the fact that Will Solace must be at least a head taller than himself. His body was so relaxed, it made Nico feel safe, which was an odd concept in itself.

The infirmary smelled almost as sterile as an actual hospital, but there was an undertone of something else Nico couldn't quite place. Something summery that reminded of the strawberry fields, if just a bit different. Even stranger, the scent wasn't unpleasant, and the air was warm without being suffocating, winds rolling in through the open windows.

Will lead him to a bed near the windows. In the ceiling, tracks with curtains hung. The tracks circled each bed, so it wasn't hard to guess they were for privacy reasons, which Nico appreciated greatly. He might have decided to take some important first steps and give camp a legitimate chance this time around, but that didn't mean he was eager to be visible to everyone and their grandmother while sleeping.

Will stopped in front of him, and nodded to the bed dressed in white linen. The smile stayed on Will's lips, and his eyes twinkled with something Nico could only describe as kindness, and it kept doing weird things to him.

"This is where you'll be stationed for the next three days," Will informed him. "We have standard issue patient wear. Cotton trousers and a button-up T-shirt. I need to know your size. Keep in mind our clothes are unisex."

"Uni-what?"

"Unisex. It's made to fit men and women alike. So, what's your size, di Angelo?"

"I—" Nico quirked his eyebrow and looked at his body. Thin and practically transparent. "Small?"

"Seems right," Will smiled then turned on his heel. "I'll go get a set for you."

Will left, and Nico unclasped his sword from his hip, and put it against the bed, within reach if he would need it. He doubted he would, seeing as things had calmed down significantly. Still, he was a demigod, and demigods should always be on their toes.

"Here you go," Will smiled, handing Nico a set of white infirmary wear. He wasn't sure he exactly liked it, but it was ten times better than that god awful Hawaiian shirt. He accepted th set, and tried not to pay too much attention to his hands brushing Will's. "I'll close the curtains, then. Let me know when you're done."

Nico gave a nod, drew the curtains around his bed, and got changed into the trousers and T-shirt. They sat loosely around his body, the fabric comfortable and soft. Although it made him look almost luminescent, and it smelled like rubbing alcohol. When he was done he drew the curtains again and nearly jumped out of his from how close Will was. He wore a patient smile on his lips.

"Nice to see you cooperate, Gloom and Doom."

"Don't call me that."

"What can I call you then?" Will's lip quirked a bit.

"My name?" Nico rolled his eyes. "It's not even difficult, Solace. Four letters, two syllables: Nico."

"Gotcha'" Will gave a wink and fished out a clipboard from gods knew where. "So let's just get your name down on this, and then we'll take care of medical history tomorrow, because you really just need to rest today. So, Nico di Angelo, spell it for me?"

"It's not that hard," Nico rolled his eyes, leaning back on the pillow, his eyelids already drooping. This mattress was really comfortable.

"I need to ask regardless," Will smiled. "Just, please cooperate some more, then I promise you can sleep for twelve hours without me bothering you. Except for meal time. Can't have you starvin' in here under my care."

Nico gave a sigh. "Capital N, small I-C-O, small D-I, capital A, small N-G-E-L-O. Done."

"I am most thankful, di Angelo," Will teased, fishing for something in his pockets. "Now, this is a pill that blocks out dreams. I'll leave it on your bedside dresser, but, do not take it unless you have a nightmare. These are no laughing matter. I trust you can see to using them wisely on your own."

"Good to know there's a brain in there," Nico deadpanned, looking Will straight in the eyes.

Will looked frozen for a moment, deer-caught-in-the-headlights, then he let out a snort and a chuckle. "Cynical. I like it. But be careful, di Angelo. Two can play that game."

"I'm sure, Solace," Nico muttered, leaning back and closing his eyes.

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Criticism and/or advice on improvement is always welcome and highly appreciated.