AN: The reviews make me so happy like… I don't even know… Just thank you!

Will's POV

It is the final day that Nico will be staying at the infirmary and a part of me is saddened by this. I know I shouldn't be, but I really like spending my day with him. Even though there seem to be a lot of tense moments, I just enjoy his presence. After he leaves, I won't have any guarantee that we'll see each other often. I know I want to, but what if he closes himself up in his cabin, or worse, just leaves camp again. At least I can rest knowing that he won't let himself fade, or so he says. I do worry what will happen if his sporadic bouts of depression get the best of him and no one is there. I ponder through all of this while Nico and I walk to breakfast. He seems to be lost in his own mind as well, but that is hardly unusual for the Italian boy.

Once we are at the pavilion, I get our plates, making sure to give him only healthy foods, and take them to the Hades table. Ever since the war, Chiron has not enforced the rule that demigods were to sit at their godly parent's table. He must understand how stressful it was for everyone and how much comfort just eating with friends can provide. Not for the first time, I marvel at how empathetic Chiron is. I would think, given how long he has lived, he would be hardened, but that isn't the case.

Nico shoves his food around with his fork, not actually eating it, and I frown. I've noticed that he only eats what I make him, and sometimes even then tries to avoid doing so. "Nico, after today, I still want you to check in with me so I can see how you're healing." I tell him and he looks up. Words cannot express my hatred for his practiced neutral expression, the one he wears specifically to hide his emotions. That is the look he is giving me now.

"Sure." He shrugs and returns his gaze to his uneaten food.

"Are you going to eat any of that?" I ask.

"'m not hungry."

"Nico… You need sustenance in order to heal correctly."

He sighs and sticks a piece of fruit in his mouth, chewing as if it is painful for him to do so. I smile.

Nico's POV

I end up eating almost half of my food under doctor Solace's watchful eye. I catch myself wondering why he cares and immediately shut down that train of thought. I really want to get in into my head that people can care about me. It is hard, but I will try.

After I sacrifice the rest of my food to Hades, Will asks if I want to go to Zeus' fist. I shrug and follow him out. When we get there, we see Jason practicing his electric powers on a boulder. "Hey, Grace," Will greets him.

Jason looks over at us and smiles. "Hey Will. Nico." He waves and comes towards us. "What are you two doing?"

I shrug noncommittally. When the two blonds realize that I am not planning to answer, Will says, "I decided that some sunlight would be good for him. And being cooped up in the infirmary all day was hardly bearable." I find myself entranced by the expression on Will's face. It is his usual, bright smile. But I wonder how his face isn't constantly tired from grinning so much. "What're you up to, besides pulverizing that innocent rock?" Will asks, snapping me out of my little trance.

"Just passing the time. Can I steal Nico for a minute?" Jason inquires and I raise an eyebrow. Will nods and I find myself being pulled a good distance away, far enough that we won't be overheard. "How are you feeling, Nico?" Jason asks.

I take a second before replying, "Better. I'm not fading anymore; at least, I don't think I am. And the cuts from Lycaon are almost fully healed."

"And how are you handling it all?" His expression is a mixture of hopeful and resigned, like he doesn't expect me to answer.

"Good, actually. Will… uh—he is really helping." I stutter, going so far as to blush. Jason looks shocked then grins, glancing at said boy.

"Really? So the sunshine really is doing you good?" He jokes and I shove his shoulder, sending him a warning glance. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I'm glad you're doing well, Neeks. Anyways, I've got to get going, I told Piper I'd meet her after breakfast."

"Okay, see you." I nod and return to Will as Jason disappears into the forest.

"What was that? You looked embarrassed." Will asks and I blush again, immediately getting angry at myself for doing so. Since when did I have so little control over my emotions.

"It was just Jason being an idiot. The usual." I say, earning a bright grin from Will. I almost smile in return before catching myself and schooling my features into their normal expression. Will's smile dims, only slightly, but I catch it. "So, what do you want to do?" I ask.

"I don't care, along as it isn't anything strenuous. I'd hate for those gashes on your arm to reopen." He says.

I hum in response then sit down. "I'm kind of tired since… I wasn't really able to get much rest…" I sigh, recalling my nightmare and the ensuing scene between Will and me. "Would you mind if I took a nap here?"

"Sure Death Boy. I'm not going anywhere." Will nods and sits next to me as I lie back, closing my eyes.

Will's POV

I could watch Nico sleep for hours. That sounds really creepy, but I don't mean it that way. I am just fascinated with how innocent and unburdened it makes him look. Sometimes it is hard to remember that he is only fourteen. All demigods mature rather quickly, but it is on a whole other level with Nico. His eyes look so wizened and his posture is so weary that an adult could seem childish in comparison. But when he is asleep, all of that goes away and the boy who first came here, with his Mythomagic cards and insatiable curiosity, comes to the surface. I sigh and brush some of his hair away from his face.