I know I said Friday, but guess what- I couldn't wait, so here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Rick Riordan

Nico POV

For the rest of that day Will and I stuck together like velcro. Sure we got a lot- a lot- of strange looks and whispers, but when Will smiled, it seemed as though the outside world didn't matter.

It felt like the time the Stolls has taped my mouth into a smile and I couldn't get it off for an hour. That's just how much I was grinning. Will giggled at my constant smiles, pointing out a resemblance to the Joker.

"If I'm the Joker what does that make you?" I asked.

Will looked at me with that strange glint in his eyes that he gets at the verge of a joke.

"I'm Batman," he answered in a low voice.

I could help but laugh. Will was so optimistic and bright that thought of him being a dark superhero made me crack up.

We walked along the edge of the strawberry fields, and for once they didn't die when I got close. If I didn't know better I could've sworn they even perked up the slightest bit.

Will picked a few and handed the biggest one to me. I took it from him, our hands brushing.

I think that was the point I decided that strawberries are my favorite fruit.

I nibbled on my strawberry before throwing the stem into the compost pile.

"I've got to stop by the infirmary to check on everything," Will said.

I looked down, a bit dismayed until he said something else.

"Do you wanna come with?"

Will held out his hand to me. I blushed at the simple display of public affection.

I took Will's hand wordlessly. It was soft and warm. Best of all though- it was a stable point in my life.

Will POV

When Nico took my hand my heart soared.

I lightly tugged him along to the Big House, not releasing his hand for a second until we reached the infirmary.

"Stay," I told Nico, worried he might leave.

"I'm not going anywhere," he assured me.

Kayla informed me everything was normal and the past day had been fine without me. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but I guess it was good.

Nico looked a bit uncomfortable near the door. He started twisting his skull ring.

"Thanks Kayla," I said before telling her goodbye and walking back to Nico.

He glanced nervously outside. I placed my hand on his upper arm.

"Hey what's wrong? Monsters?" I asked, suddenly alert.

"Worse," Nico answered, "Girls."

Nico was right. If I listened closely I could heard muffled giggling and footsteps.

I stared out the window to see half the Aphrodite cabin doing a really bad job of hiding. They peeked over the sills, whispering to each other loudly. I waved, but Nico looked a little green, like he was more afraid of them then fading out of existence.

Once the girls realized they had been spotted they tried to duck beneath the sills again, as if that would keep them from being noticed.

Nico moved a little and tried to hide behind me.

"This is going to be harder than we thought isn't it," I said.

"Yup," Nico answered in a small voice as he peaked over my shoulder at the group of squealing girls, "There's a reason I'm gay. And that's part of it."

Well that went rather well if I do say so myself. Anybody have any ideas or suggestions? Because I'm just about out. Anyway. Comic con in two days! I'm so excited! And my cold's just about gone! And I didn't get any guesses on my costume but I'll give you guys a big hint. "Luke- I am your father."