After the War
Nico sat at the café enjoying his coffee. It was a pleasant day in New Rome, it was warm and blustery. He watched as couples and families milled about the plaza laughing and enjoying their lives. He sighed and wished he had someone to love, to talk to, to connect with at least. Nico got up and paid for his coffee and headed to the barracks to clear his mind. Once he arrived, Nico turned on the lights and positioned himself in the middle of the ring. He summoned skeletons in threes and fours only to cut them down again, letting out his dreariness and stress. In the middle of his rampage someone walked in. Suddenly, the whole room got brighter and, for a bit, Nico actually got happier. Nico recognized this feeling and, without stopping, acknowledged the newcomer.
"Hey, Will."
"What's up Nico?" Will replied.
"Just training."
"That's nice. But, you look a little stressed. You wanna do some yoga with me?" Will asked hopefully.
To anyone else Nico would have said 'no', but there was just something about Will that prompted Nico to say:
"Sure."
While Will grabbed to mats, Nico dispelled the skeletons and the remains of his fit. They stretched their mats out onto the floor and while Will stretched skillfully Nico was as clumsy as a giraffe in skates. He kept falling down and Will couldn't help but laugh and Nico joined in. Will always made his day brighter. After a long laugh Will and Nico's eyes awkwardly met and Nico felt a feeling he had only once experienced before. Could it be, dare he say it, love? Before this could get anymore awkward Nico ran out of the barracks and towards the shrine to Pluto.