Nico's POV:

Nico wasn't an idiot. He knew the signs; he'd been through them before. Those days were dark and cast a deep shadow over his mind, but he got better. He just wished he knew how to help Percy do the same.

Everyone experiences it differently. It, huh, when did he start avoiding the name? The cold harsh reality is depression. This illness sucks your mind into a deep abyss, feeding you the poisonous thought that lay deep inside you. It doesn't let you go until you realize there's only one real way for it to end. The word starts with an "s" and ends in a "uicide."

Finally, after years of torment, Nico eventually learned that death was a very permanent solution to a temporary problem. No matter how hopeless, how utterly inescapable things might seem, it always gets better. The deep abyss just doesn't want you to know it.

When Percy plastered on a smile for Nico's benefit and slowly retreated back to his cabin (stumbling a little dur to exhaustion and lack of nutrients) Nico made a vow that he'd help Percy see the light. He didn't know what he'd do if Percy took his life. He wouldn't be able to handle it. Maybe he'd even slink into that dark hole again.

Percy was Nico's first real hero (the first one's being Mytho Magic characters), and he was an inspiration to his young mind. That is until his sister died, starting him on the dark path. Of course, he never really blamed Percy, he was just confused and torn apart at the time. He needed someone to blame, and who better than the first boy he's ever had a crush on?

Nico sighed as he stood up, brushing off the bits of sand that desperately clung to him. The sun was going down at a rapid rate, and Nico thought about what he should do. On the one hand he could go hang out with Will for a while, he was bound to be done at the infirmary. Or, on the other hand, he could talk to Jason, who earlier in the day told him he wanted to hang out. The plan Nico settled on was going to his cabin and collapsing on his bed. Sleep sounded better than socializing at the moment. At the moment Let's change that to all the time.

The corners of Nico's mouth twitched as he entered his dark cabin. The color had a pleasant softness about it that made him feel content. Even though he could barely see, Nico made it to his bed easily and slid into the silky sheets. His bed was arguably his favorite place.

What's Percy doing right now? This thought suddenly popped into his head, and he almost sighed. If only he could have a peaceful night.

But what was he doing right now? Was he attempting sleep this early, as Nico was? Or was he distracting himself some other way? Nico hoped he was being safe, he prayed to the Gods that he wouldn't resort to what Nico used to resort to. Yet he suspected he may have done so already.

With this wonderful thought flowing through his mind, Nico self-consciously touched his wrist. Remembering the now mostly faded scars that lay there.

It's going to be okay Percy.

Hey everyone, this story can get a little dark and emotional. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm here if they need to talk :)