*This is a rewrite because I wasn't happy with the first draft*

Disclaimer: if Percy Jackson were mine, I would not be writing fanfiction.

Nico found himself waiting in anticipation for call from Solace. It was all just really overwhelming. He was usually stony and silent, but Solace seemed to bring out the good traits he didn't even knew he had in him. Will seemed to act like they were old friends, and not like they hadn't even known each other a week ago. Nico found himself just going with it. But his phone remained stubbornly silent; One day, two days, three days. He hadn't seen the waiter at the café either. Instead, he'd been served by a sullen man that he couldn't help comparing to his usual, sunshiney waiter. Nico pushed down his concerned thoughts about the absence of the other boy anywhere. Five days, six days. He allowed himself to worry.

Nico took a deep breath and decided that it needed to be done. He rummaged in the pantry, brought out the sealed package, and began measuring and adding.

"di Angelo?"

"You look awful."

Will's look of complete surprise gave way to a grin.

"I look awful? Have you seen yourself lately? You should keep your distance though, I'm sick."

He really did look it. Nico was beginning to think he wasn't human, considering how happy and bright he was all the time, no matter what condition he was in.

Will began making coffee again, but Nico took over. He looked like he wanted to argue, but he also looked exhausted. Nico brought the plate of muffins he had baked last night, along with two cups of coffee to the heap of blankets on the couch. The few strands of blond peeking out from the top were the only signs of existence from the person who'd been walking around minutes ago. Nico felt guilty for coming over when Solace was so clearly exhausted. He was about to leave when he heard,

"Did I fall asleep?"

He was now up again, stretching, then reaching for his coffee and a muffin.

"These are really good, where'd you get them?"

"I made them"

"Death Boy bakes?"

He shrugged," it was from a ready-mix package."

"Death Boy bakes?" he repeated, unperturbed.

"Well-"

"You, bake.

Nico sighed," yes, Solace. I bake."

"This just keeps getting better and better," he said, with that grin that was not adorable. At all. He hated it. It did not look especially adorable when combined with that splash of freckles on his nose. That was all scrunched up. Nico quickly looked down at his muffin.

"What made you come anyway?"

"You weren't at the café."

"And you were worried."

Nico didn't look up from his plate, but as usual Will wasn't bothered by his silence, and continued.

"Well, whatever made you come, it was nice to see a friendly face."

"My face..friendly?"

"You're so clueless."

"oh dei sei adorabile," he mumbled.

"Okay that definitely wasn't English."

"I told you, Italian is too easy to translate."

Nico clamped a hand over his mouth.

" You're not-

Italian?"

And that was the moment that Nico decided to very bravely retreat, taking a muffin with him for the road. They were very good.

Nico was doing research when his phone buzzed on his desk.

Would you come back another time if I told you the translating was mostly unsuccessful- will

He sighed and typed in the number. Working was out for tonight.

"Italian?" came Solace's voice straight away.

"Yes, Will."

"From Italy?"

"Mhmm."

"As in 'olive skin and black hair' Italian."

"I will hang up on you."

"Sorry it's just, you're so pale."

"I know."

"Italian; are you sure?"

"If this is going to end up being like the baking thing, I swear."

"You're Italian- and you bake."

"Will, you're really not doing a good job of the whole 'convincing me to come back' thing."

"Right, right. I got some things, like adorabile-"

Nico hung up.

A/N: I know I forgot to put up translations for the last chapter, but if it helps now, oh dei sei adorabile is supposed to mean oh gods you're adorable.

Your constant support is much appreciated xx