Nico spent his first Will free day enjoying himself. He went right back to doing things his way, but he couldn't help but think about how Will would probably react to some of his usual activities. Nico couldn't help but eat his single pomegranate breakfast very obviously in Will's line of sight. He knew it would make Will so angry he couldn't stand it, which was funny, but Nico was disappointed when Will didn't come over to scold him.
Perhaps Nico should have gone over to talk to Will, but that wasn't his style. He didn't even know how to talk to people. He'd lived his life before those three days in the infirmary without having talked to Will Solace. He should be able to continue living without talking to him just fine.
That didn't work. Nico didn't understand why he kept thinking about Will. Why he kept thinking about something he would say if Will were with him. He missed having someone to argue with. He missed having someone who didn't make him feel like an outcast.
After breakfast Nico had decided he should say something to Will, but his siblings made him uncomfortable. They were all laughing and talking happily. They chatted across the table as they ate. All of Apollo's kids had inherited his sunkissed good looks and just looking at them all made Nico's eyes hurt. He'd caught Will's eye before he'd decided whether or not to approach the table. In a moment of panic, Nico waved before hurrying out of the pavilion. Since when was he this awkward?
Oh yeah. Since always.
Nico was practicing his sword play in the arena (he'd finally gotten his sword back) when he heard chatting and laughter coming from one side of the arena. He glanced up just in time to see the Apollo cabin entering in from the side entrance. Did they have practice at this time? Nico had no idea. He guessed he'd just lost track of time.
Okay, maybe he HAD went off after breakfast to find out what the Apollo cabin's schedule was, but that was besides the point.
Nico saw Will standing with a girl, Nico thought her name was Kayla, and chatting amicably as they strolled in. Will was dragging a sword in one hand as he walked. It was odd to see him with a weapon. Nico was pretty sure Will would put someone's eye out with it.
He hadn't noticed Nico yet... Not that Nico cared. He kept practicing. He put extra effort in to his practice knowing that people were watching. Knowing that Will was watching. Nico thought. Shut up, di Angelo. You're crazy. He thought again as he stabbed a straw man in some crappy armor. He definitely needed to finish off the straw practice dummies so the Apollo cabin could get fresh ones. That was why he needed to use all his skill and defeat those straw men. Totally.
He was a whirlwind in all senses of the word. His brain was moving 90 miles a minute and so was his body. He slashed and rolled and stabbed across the arena. He tried not to pay the Apollo cabin any attention, but he definitely saw Will drop his sword when he saw him. Nico grinned just a little bit. Will may be a great healer and even if he wasn't as good as his siblings, he was a great archer, but swordplay was Nico's thing. He didn't know why he wanted to impress Will so badly, but he did.
He finished off the last straw dummy and stood with his sword at his side. He didn't look at the Apollo cabin, but he could see Kayla elbow Will in the ribs and whisper something to him while grinning out of the corner or his eye. Will's face reddened and he whispered something back emphatically while shaking his head. Kayla started laughing.
I need to say something to him, Nico thought, Friends greet each other and talk and stuff… What do I say? I can't stand here for long. It's going to look weird. What do I say?
Nico turned and wiped sweat from his face.
"Hey Will," He said, raising his hand in a wave.
This is why you don't have friends, Nico. Zeus Almighty. What was that wave? For the gods' sake.
"Hey Nico!" Will grinned and ran his hand through his hair.
"Um… You guys don't mind if I stay and practice do you?" Nico asked, looking at the rest of the cabin.
No one argued, most shot pointed glances at Will and some giggled.
"Okayyy then… Any objections, head counselor?" Nico turned back to Will.
"Um… No. No objections. We're, uh, going to need more straw dummies though." He said.
Did Will seem nervous? Nico thought he would be excited to spend some time with him… That's what friends did right? They hung out together… Or that's what Nico thought they did. He nodded at Will and went to get more straw dummies. As he passed he could've sworn that Will dropped his sword again.