This story takes place directly after the end of 'The Blood of Olympus'
'Okay doctor, I am back' Nico said sarcastically.
'Good' Will replied 'I really meant it when I said that you need to spend a few days in the infirmary. All that Underworldy stuff left you more dead than alive. Just look at you I can see the grass behind you.'
Nico hated to follow anyone's orders but he had to admit that the son of Apollo was right. Looking at his hand felt similar to looking at his shadow - a realization he didn't enjoy all too much. All those shadow travels, the dozens of funerals he had to perform after the war with Gaea, and the fact that he still hadn't really recovered from being held captive in a jar, had left him feeling tired and empty – a bit of rest surely couldn't hurt.
Following Will into the infirmary he felt people staring and whispering. This time was different though than all the other times, this time they were whispering about the hero who brought back the Athena Parthenos. It felt good for a change to be the positive centre of attention although Nico was sure that would change in a few days just like last time. Still it was nice having a pause from being the weird Goth kid of doom and be the weird Goth kid of victory for a bit. Especially with Will by his side.
Nico didn't know whether it was just the aura of the son of Apollo that made him feel at peace – almost happy even – or whether his newfound happiness had other reasons. He decided that he didn't really want to find out.
'We're here' Will said 'I expect you to stay in your bed, at least for a few days, you understand? If you want to walk around a bit and talk to some people that is fine but don't leave the infirmary, okay?
'Oh sure, let me just introduce myself to a few people I am sure the aura of death following me will make a great conversation starter in a hospital.'
'Just… try, okay? You might be surprised of your effect on people'
Nico felt himself blushing though he didn't know why. 'Okay doctor, if I have to' he replied in the most sarcastic way possible, even though he had already made up his mind: he just wanted to stay in his bed not talking to anyone. Peace and quiet sounded pretty good after all he went through in the last few months. As much as he liked Reyna and Hedge the constant human interaction made him feel weary and uncomfortable. Even him being asleep for most of the time during the transportation of the Athena Parthenos didn't really help and he really could use some alone time now.
'Hey Nico', Will turned around and looked directly at him, 'please don't pull away from everyone again like you did last time. You really do deserve to be happy, you know? Anyway, see you soon got some patients waiting for me.' Will flashed him one last smile, his teeth shining like Apollo's chariot and rushed away.
Nico started feeling warm on the inside and thought to himself 'Maybe there are worse people to be stuck with than Will.