Chapter 4

Will POV

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I had asked Percy for his room number at lunch when Nico was in the bathroom. Percy had looked confused while Piper had been smirking at me, but hadn't said anything when Nico came back. I shifted on my feet, trying to decide if this was a good idea. Well, screw it.

I knocked on the door. While I waited, I leaned against the door frame and tried not to look nervous. Which I completely failed at. He looked surprised to see me He was wearing pajamas and had messy hair. The pajamas were black with a skull pattern and looked adorable on him.

I attempted to find a way to start a conversation so I could ask him casually. "So, I think it's going to rain later," I tried, while he stared at me. Wow, nice going Will, that was on my top five list of the most stupid things I've ever said.

"Why are you here?" He asked, and I felt my face get hotter. "Well, I wanted to ask you to get ice cream with me," now that I said it out loud, it sounded pathetic. I looked down.

"I guess. If you're buying," he stammered. I looked up, surprised, and smiled at him. "But I'm going to have to get ready first, stay there," he closed the door. I was sad to see the skull pajamas go, but I leaned on the door to wait. Was this really happening? So far, Nico had avoided all attempts at befriending him, so why would he agree now?

I looked up when I heard the door open again. He was now wearing a black shirt with a skull on it (he sure had a thing for skulls), and jeans. "Ready?"

Then he did something completely unexpected. He smiled. I had seen him give little half smiles before, but this was a completely genuine happy smile. I wanted to make sure he never frowned again, but that was impossible. As soon as it had come it was gone, and he was now looking at me confused. It took me a second to realize I was staring, so I quickly looked down, feeling my cheeks go pink.

We made it to the ice cream parlor I had discovered a few days ago while exploring. It had a homey feel to it, with wooden floors and walls painted yellow. There were different kinds of candy spread out through the shop, and ice cream near the front. I led Nico to the front and greeted the lady working there, who looked familiar. It took me a second to place her, my friend Lou Ellen.

"I didn't know you worked here!" I exclaimed, leaning on the counter. She looked flustered at the boy I had brought me and mumbled, "I'm full of surprises." I ordered my favorite flavor, chocolate chip cookie dough, and Nico got chocolate. I paid while Nico got us a table outside, and then I joined him.

The first thing I noticed when I sat down was that Nico had gotten ice cream on his nose and hadn't noticed. I decided not to tell him for the time being, mainly because it was really cute.

I was trying to start a conversation, so I asked, "where was Percy when I went to your room." "He's out with his half-brother Tyson, and Tyson's girlfriend Ella," he mumbled distractedly, staring off into the distance behind me. I looked behind me and saw Jason walking along.

"Hey guys," he smiled when he spotted us. I greeted him, but Nico seemed to be shrinking in his seat. "So what are you guys…" He trailed off and I was confused when he asked "are you on a date, I'm so sorry for interrupting, I can go," He was about to leave when I snapped out of my confusion. "No, this isn't a date!" I denied. I stole a glance at Nico and noticed him deflating even more. "Right," he didn't believe me at all, "well, I have to go do a thing, at a place, so bye," he walked off before I could protest again, leaving me and Nico in an awkward silence.