Nico trudged groggily to his bed. As far as he remembered, he hadn't slept in a few days, and just shadow traveling into his cabin had taken a lot out of him
He plopped down onto one of the bottom bunks and buried his face in the single pillow. The boy didn't even bother to kick his shoes off or pull the covers over himself. He was exhausted. No, that wasn't quite the right word - he was practically a zombie. Which was ironic.
Nico was half awake when there came a knock on the door. He jerked into sitting position and then remembered that he was at Camp Half-Blood, not someplace on the side of the road. He stood and walked sleepily to the door.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to see none other than Frank Zhang. Frank was at least half a foot taller than Nico. He had broad shoulders and a nice build, though the poor guy still seemed pretty uncomfortable.
The Chinese-Canadian also seemed surprised to see Nico, even though it was his cabin.
"Oh," Frank shifted on his feet. "Nico, sorry to bother you. I didn't know you were here."
Nico stared at him for a count of three. It made Nico a little self-conscious that Frank Zhang, all mighty praetor of the Twelfth Legion, son of Mars, was afraid of him, a scrawny, pale son of Hades.
"I just got here, actually." Nico said. "I suppose you're looking for Hazel. I haven't seen her."
Frank nodded. "So," He paused, looking at Nico to make sure he wasn't getting on the son of Hades' nerves. "How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while."
Nico shrugged, a little surprised that Frank was trying to start a conversation. I guess it makes sense, Nico thought, he's dating my sister, trying to get on my good side.
"Tired," Nico answered. "I've been a little busy."
"Yeah." Frank replied, as though he couldn't think of anything else to say. "I think I should find Hazel. She said she wanted to show me something."
Nico nodded. He could understand why the big guy wouldn't want to talk to him for too long.
Frank turned and started toward the dining pavilion. "Nice talking to you, Nico." He waved. "Get some rest and heal up for me, will you?"
Nico took a deep breath and closed the door. He wondered how Frank could be so nice all the time, considering what the big guy had been through. He knew Frank was a nice guy, perfect for his sister, Hazel.
He lay back in his bed and stared at the ceiling for a moment before he fell asleep.