Day 8: Monday

Will came to pick him up at 8am.

Nico, not knowing when to expect him, had been up since 6:30am in the morning, wondering what they were going to do.

It might have been a good idea to ask him beforehand.

Then again, the card and gift of the day had kept him occupied for the whole time, anyways.

[Dear Nico,

I hope you enjoyed the IM-ing device.

I thought it would come in handy for your talks with Reyna and your sister.

You always try to solve everything by yourself.

I admire your strength and persistence, but I also worry about you.

I wish you would let me take care of you.

I love you, Nico, I really do.

I would love to stroll around the Camp with you, just you and me, holding hands.

I'm usually not a romantic type of person, but I'd do all that and even more, if only to show everybody around us that you're mine.

I hope you like today's gift.

Have a nice 8th day of December, Nico.

I love you,

Your secret Admirer]

'I wish you would let me take care of you'.

Nico didn't know how he felt about it.

Partly he was annoyed that his admirer treated him as if he needed protection.
But at the same time, a pretty big part of him was actually glad.
As if he actually wanted to have somebody to take care of him.

Like when he had been sick.

Maybe not all the time, he didn't want to get pampered or anything.

But just somebody who'd look after him, who'd...take care of him.

Protect him from such confusion such as yesterday.

'I would love to stroll around the Camp with you, just you and me, holding hands'.

He felt himself blushing.

Seriously, in one note that guy wrote he wanted to do him, in another one he wanted to run around the camp like a teeny-couple in love.

He loved it.

'I'm usually not a romantic type of person, but I'd do all that and even more, if only to show everybody around us that you're mine'

He'd...actually really like that.

He admitted he had worried for quite a while about what others might think when they found out.

But ever since the war against Gaea and his decision to stay, it hadn't really mattered that much anymore.

His friends knew and they didn't mind whatsoever.

So why would he?

Of course, it would be weird, but this admirer seemed utterly fine with it, so why wouldn't he?

He watched Will intently staring at the gift of the day.

A snow globe.

But not just any snow globe.

It had Venice in it – Nico's birthplace.

He didn't even know such a thing existed. It wasn't exactly snowy or anything in Italy after all.

By the looks of it, it looked either really rare and hard to come by, or custom-made.

In both cases, it once more showed how much the person actually thought of Nico and what might be to his liking.

He admitted, looking at the snow globe didn't make him overly joyful.

After all, he mostly thought back to his mother and sister when he thought of Italy.

But that was ok. He knew the person didn't mean it bad.

And he kind of got the message.

One shouldn't dwell on the past, forgetting the here and now.

But one should always think back and learn from past mistakes, forgive old enemies, remember the good old times and laugh about old jokes.

Because after all, he also had plenty of good memories of his sister and mother (though not so many of his mother).

"It's so pretty.", Will muttered, mesmerized.

Nico chuckled. "Indeed, it is. So what will we be doing today?"

Will grinned around at him. "So eager to go on our date?"

Nico blushed. "Date? Really?"

Will just shrugged and winked at him. "You know you want it. Ok, let's get going, then. I'm first going to take you to breakfast and we'll be sitting alone, I can tell you that. After that, how about a nice stroll through the forest? I actually found a really nice place further in at the side of the lake. It's really beautiful there and there won't be that many people around."

At the thought of being mostly alone with Will and in the forest to boot made Nico squirmish inside.

It also reminded him of that almost-kiss yesterday.

But he had promised.

Plus, it wasn't as if he was completely against it or something.

"Sure, can I bring my camera?"

"Absolutely! I insist on it.", Will exclaimed and Nico chuckled, getting ready to leave.

He gave his snow globe a last shake, watching the small 'snowflakes' fall onto Venice.

He smiled and walked towards the door, where Will was already waiting, smiling at him fondly.

Nico was glad there weren't that many people around at breakfast.

He couldn't see Jason and Percy anywhere, so he guessed they were still sleeping.

He was kind of relieved he didn't have to send them away or anything in case they would have come over or something.

They chatted about this and that, Will telling him about how he had been claimed by his dad shortly after arriving at Camp Half-Blood and started up his healer-education, since it was pretty clear from the very beginning he was meant to be a healer.

He also absent-mindedly fed Nico, who had at first squirmed away in surprise, but then slowly gotten used to it, permitting Will to do it, which earned him a dazzling smile from Will.

All in all, he rather enjoyed it.

Then Will took him by the hand (something he was quite sensitive about as well, since they weren't dating or anything after all) and pulled him out of the dining pavilion, strolling through the Camp with him leisurely, though Nico did pull his hand away.

Will had only looked at him oddly for a moment, but had accepted it nevertheless.

So now they were slowly walking towards the forest.

"I got us a really awesome thermo-blanket that will keep us dry. It's going to be like a picnic. Hope you like picnics.", Will said and Nico shrugged.

"Can't really remember having one."
"What? No picnics? Unbelievable. You definitely got to spend more time with me, Neeks, so we can catch up on that. Doctor's orders.", he winked at him.

Nico only chuckled and shook his head.

They walked quietly for a bit, then Will took Nico's hand again as they entered the forest.

"You got pretty cold hands, Neeks. Let me warm them for you.", he said quietly when Nico tried to pull his hand away.

He hesitated, then sighed and let him keep his hand.

"Don't you like it?", Will asked him, mustering him from the side.

Nico shrugged. "It's...not bad, I suppose."

Will smirked at him. "You don't like admitting to your feelings, do you?"

Nico blushed and made a face.

Will held up his hands defensively, pulling Nico's hand with him.

"It's ok. I like you this way."

That made Nico blush even more.

They walked on and on.

Nico was glad he had quite a good sense of direction, else he would have thought Will was trying to get them lost.

But they really walked around the lake until they came to a small clearing.

In fact, Nico would have completely missed it if Will hadn't pointed it out to him.

"What do you think?", he asked, showing Nico the rather private, isolated clearing with a small piece of frozen shore to it, but otherwiseley completely surrounded by trees and bushes.

It was really pretty.

He pulled out his camera and started taking a few pictures.

"Percy would totally love it.", he blurted.

Will scowled. "No talking about Percy or Jason, Nico. You're mine today."

Nico looked away, his ears hot.

Why did Will have to say things like that?

The blonde let go of his hand – much to his dismay, though he'd never say it out loud – and began searching through his backpack, pulling out the thermo-blanket he had talked about, as well as another blanket and some drinks and food.

He put everything down and grinned at Nico.

"Good?"

Nico chuckled and shrugged. "I suppose?"

He had no idea how picnics and the like were supposed to go. How was he supposed to know?

Will rolled his eyes, still grinning, and motioned for him to come over.

"Just sit down. I'll wrap the blanket around us. In case we get bored, I also got a radio and a portable TV, so we can always retort to that."

Nico blinked.

It seemed like Will had actually given this quite some thought.

Given the fact that he had only decided last night to do this today, he either must have had that idea for a while already or just randomly come up with it.

Will seemed to be reading his mind.

"I admit, I wanted to do this for ages already. But the setting was never perfect enough."

Nico didn't know what to say to that.

He didn't even know why, but the way Will said it made him all squirmish inside.

He awkwardly sat down on the blanket, surprised that it really kept him dry from the snow.

Then Will chuckled and sat down right next to him.

Really, really close next to him.

As he wrapped the blanket around them, he kept his arm around Nico while he was at it.

Nico felt himself stiffen and hoped Will didn't notice.

He did, of course, and instantly looked around at him, seemingly looking for a sign whether this was ok or not.

Nico started fidgeting.

Will chuckled and began moving backwards towards a tree, motioning for Nico to come with.

"Relax, Nico. I'm not going to do anything you don't want me to.", he muttered, while repositioning himself against the tree, patting at the space between his legs.

"Come here. This way, the blanket will fit around us better and keep us warmer."

Why did it feel as if Will was just making up excuses?

Nico shook his head.

It kind of made sense with the blanket and all, so yeah, it was probably just him overthinking things.

He positioned himself between Will's legs, noticing the heat radiating from the blonde, warming him more than any blanket could.

He couldn't suppress a small sigh as he ever so slightly leaned back against Will.

The blonde chuckled. "Really? It's not like I'm made of sugar. Lean against me, Neeks.", he muttered, wrapping his arms around Nico beneath the blanket, pulling him against him.

Nico shivered slightly, but didn't squirm away, instead trying to relax.

This was really a beautiful place.

And Will sure was comfortable.

He felt Will resting his chin on top of his head and tried to hold extra still.

Will only chuckled and kissed the top of his head. "Always so considerate. Just relax. Closing your eyes might help."

Nico turned his head slightly to look at him.

He smirked at him broadly.

Nico only frowned slightly, wondering if he was planning anything.

Then Will's arms pulled him even closer, pressing their bodies together and Will began singing softly.

It was a really nice song.

Of course, it was really just a song, meant to help Nico relax.

It didn't actually put him to sleep or make him do stupid stuff or anything.

He sighed, feeling how he slowly relaxed against Will, feeling the warmth of his body spread through his own slowly.

It sure felt nice.

He let his head fall back against Will's chest, looking up at the sky between the leafless treetops.

It was a beautiful sight.

They managed to talk for a while, though Nico had the habit of trying to turn his head whenever Will said anything just to then look away quickly since they were so close together.

They did retort to the radio at one point, which lead to Will actually singing some of the songs they played, making Nico all flustered whenever it happened to be a love song.

Seriously, that son of Apollo.

He even tried to get Nico to sing, but Nico didn't. He couldn't sing and he didn't even know a third of the songs they played.

But he had to admit it was quite funny and he actually smiled a lot more than he'd have expected.

Especially since he couldn't get out of Will's embrace whatsoever.

He would have guessed he'd be a lot more awkward around him, but Will kept him so occupied he soon found himself getting used to the warm body behind him, actually leaning against him by himself instead of needing Will to pull him closer.

Just spending time with him like this felt...different.

Almost like an actual date.

Especially when Will decided to try to feed Nico again and they both chuckled at their failed attempts, since Will then urged Nico to return the favor as well.

Though it really was fun.

Needless to say, Nico fell asleep sometime in the middle. It had simply been too comfortable.

When he awoke again, Nico realized he must have turned in his sleep, for he was now laying with his face against Will's chest, his hand clutching his shirt as if he was scared Will would disappear any moment.

But Will only gazed down at him softly.

"Well, hello there, sunshine.", he muttered in a quiet, gentle voice, making Nico's heart beat faster.

He blinked and tried to move away, but Will's arms kept him in place.

"You can stay like that, Neeks. I don't mind at all. You can also fall back asleep if you want. I enjoy watching you sleep."

Nico blushed but stayed, though there went his relaxation.

He looked off into the distance. Was it his imagination or was the sun already slowly starting to set?

"How long was I out?", he asked, frowning and Will chuckled.

"A few hours? I got to admit, that admirer of yours is completely right. You have the most adorable sleeping face. You looked so peaceful."

Nico felt his ears reddening and tried to pull back again.

This time, Will let him, chuckling and watching him bemused.

"A few hours? You should have woken me. This was supposed to be a day I spend with you alone and all...", he muttered, clearly upset.

Though at himself.

How could he have done something like that?

Will chuckled and shook his head. "Nico, it's alright. I loved it. As I said, I enjoy watching you sleep."

Nico hesitated, unsure what to say or do.

"Aw, come here, Neeks. Just forget everything for a while. Here, there's only you and me. Be yourself. Relax."

Nico's ears felt even hotter.

He still didn't move.

Will stuck out his bottom lip.

"Snuggles are good for your health. If I were you, I'd come cuddle before another cold thinks you're the perfect target."

Nico made a face but actually moved, slowly and cautiously crawling back between Will's spread legs, facing him.

He did consider turning away again, but that seemed mean towards Will.

Will beamed down at him.

"Are you hungry or anything? Or need something to drink?", he asked and Nico blinked.

"Erm..."

"Of course you do. Wait a second.", Will said and grabbed for something out of Nico's field of vision next to them.

Then Will held up a bottle of water and some sandwiches in a box.

"Here we go.", he muttered, passing the water to Nico first.

Nico drank a bit, careful not to spill anything over Will, which only made him chuckle and gaze at him affectionately, brushing a strand of hair out of his face gently.

When Nico passed him the water bottle back, he was surprised to find Will drinking from it as well.

That was pretty much like indirect kissing.

He scolded himself.

He really shouldn't think like that.

Will smirked at him.

Then he pulled him closer again with one arm, while holding up a sandwich with his free hand.

"Say 'Ah'.", he muttered and Nico flushed, shaking his head. Not again.

And this was a sandwich, too. You can't feed people sandwiches!

"Yes.", Will chuckled, making Nico's body shake with him.

He opened his mouth ever so slightly, looking at him rather embarrassed.

Will grinned broadly.

"Come on, open up.", he teased, pushing the sandwich against his lips slightly.

Nico tentatively took a bite.

"That was one small bite, Neeks.", Will commented chuckling and bit off a piece himself.

Were they seriously sharing a sandwich?!

Nico really didn't know what to think.

This really did feel like a date.

Will held the sandwich in front of his face again and he took another bite, noticing how Will made him inch a bit further upwards.
Must just be his imagination.

The game continued.

Will took a bite, Nico took a bite, Will took another bite, Nico had to take another bite.

And then, all of a sudden, he was level to level with Will's face.

The blonde smirked, looking him straight in the eyes.

What was it in his expression?

Nico had no idea whatsoever.

Then he saw Will's gaze travelling lower to his lips, his arms wrapping around Nico tightly.

Nico's eyes widened slightly and suddenly, his mouth felt like sandpaper.

Will inched closer, one of his hands moving from Nico's back to the back of his head slowly.

Nico swallowed. Hard.

"W-Will...?", he muttered, though unsure what to say.

"Shh...", Will replied, their lips only inches away from each other.

Nico blinked at the way Will closed his eyes.

Was this...?

Were they going to...?

Was he ok with this?

Did he want this?

His gaze hushed over Will's face.

Their lips were so close now, he could practically feel the heat of them on his own lips already.

He found himself closing his eyes.

Yes, he did want this.

He really did.

Just one kiss, he told himself.

Their lips touched.

Gods, somebody stop those butterflies.

Will's lips were warm and soft and gentle, pressing slightly onto Nico's, not wishing to push it too far.

Nico sighed inwardly, relaxing against Will, feeling the hand on the back of his head pulling him closer into the kiss slowly.

Gods, it felt so good.

Will seemed to practically grin into the kiss.

When he started to nibble softly on Nico's bottom lip, Nico hesitated and pulled back.

It might not have been his first kiss (though Will didn't need to know that), but he had never really french kissed before or anything.

Nico noticed how Will was practically glowing, smiling at him with that odd expression.

He felt his face being hot and wondered faintly how stupid he must look right now.

But Will only grinned at him affectionately.

"You're so adorable, Nico."

Nico's insides felt like Jell-O.

Then he blinked.

Slowly, everything sickered in.

He had just kissed Will.

Will.

His friend.

His (probably) straight friend.

He blinked again.

Uh...not good.

Not good at all.

Why did he let that happen?!

He pulled back.

Will seemed to notice. "Nico..."

Nico opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again due to a loss for words.

Then he jumped up. "I...we shouldn't have done that.", he muttered, shocked.

Will got up as well, reaching out for him, but he pulled back. "Nico, really...", he started, but Nico stepped backwards.
"We REALLY shouldn't have done that..."

"Why not?"

"I...Will, I can't...I can't just do things like that to you when you're...my friend..."

"Nico, you do know I initiated that kiss, right? It's not like you forced yourself onto me or anything.", Will said, frowning, taking another step towards him.

He wanted to say more, but Nico shook his head wildly.

"I shouldn't have let you do it, then! I...I'm sorry. I can't do that. I can't...no...", he muttered, not even sure what he wanted to say himself.

Then he turned around and ran for it.

"Nico!", Will called after him, but Nico was already gone.

He raced out the forest and into his cabin, instantly locking all doors and windows and even hiding his spare key, barricading himself in his room and hiding beneath his blanket.

He had destroyed EVERYTHING.

Will might be ok with doing stuff like that when they were friends, but Nico certainly wasn't.

He touched his lips slightly and instantly remembered the feeling of Will's warm, soft lips on them.

He curled into a ball.

This was horrible.

He didn't know why Will had done it.

Maybe Nico had done something to initiate him initiating it?
He didn't know.

But he knew he could have stopped it.

Damn it all.

Why had he let him kiss him?
He pulled Mrs. O'Leary Jr. tighter to him.

Then a thought crossed his mind.

What if Will WAS actually the admirer?

What if he did like Nico?

No.

That was absurd.

Will might have initiated the kiss, but he had never said anything like 'I like you'.

Nico pressed the plushie closed against him.

This was really, really horrible.

His mind flashed to Percy and Jason.

What would they say if they knew?

Would they be worried Nico would kiss them too?

He didn't want to think about it.

He could only hope nobody had seen Will and him.

He would have to apologize to the blonde tomorrow.

Definitely.

Though he didn't know how he could get across that he didn't mean to hurt his feelings but that he couldn't do stuff like that while just being friends.

If that had been his first kiss...

"Don't think of that now, it's better if you forget that fast.", he muttered to himself quietly.

He was never ever going to tell anybody about his first kiss.

So he might as well better stop thinking about it.

He snuggled with the plushie and slowly started drifting off to sleep, remembering how Will had sung for him to relax, trying to make this a really good day for both of them.

Will was such a good guy.

And Nico had destroyed everything.