*Yuujin: term in Japanese to refere to a close friend
*Ragazza: girl in Italian

Nico opened his eyes to the endless comforting dark of his cabin. He felt a bit sweaty and he still could feel the dry tears on his cheeks. He knew that he wasn't one to wake up screaming, he unconsciously had trained himself to stay quiet, to conceal any feelings in order to stay safe.

He rose up from his bed, there was no point on trying to get some more sleep. He went to his bathroom to splash his face with cold water. As he was getting dressed and ready for the day, he touched his most recent scar, the spear one from the training class. Two weeks have passed since then and he noticed some subtle but strange changes, mostly from the Demeter Cabin. The weren't hostile towards him anymore, they actually greet him when they crossed paths with him, and some of them actually went to visit him last week when he was confined to the Infirmary (again).

He heard a loud banging on his door. Isn't too early for someone to be awake? Even so, he opened the door only to find a dark-haired asian tall girl retouching her make-up.

-Are you ready to go, Nicki?-

-Huh? What are you talking about? Is too— Nico yawned— early to be awake.-

Drew just rolled her eyes and exclaimed -Come on, sleepy head! I told you I needed to fix your appearance ASAP! We have no time to waste!-

The campers were about to go to breakfast when Drew and Nico were already returning to Cabin 10. Once inside they were completely alone and only then it was when Tanaka's transformation began. The glint of her eyes changed, just as all of her bitchy attitude was left behind.

-Sit down there, Yuujin*. I'm going to start with your hair. Seriously, when was the last time you brushed it?-

Watching the Aphrodite girl going back and forth immersed in her element was endearing. At least, she's happy now.

-It's been like three months since I last brushed it...- the male demigod said already waiting for the storm that was about to come.

All the brushes and hair-styling tools that she was holding fell to the floor as she gaped while the anger could be clearly seen on her eyes.

-YOU! You. Have. To. Be. Kidding! I can certainly do miracles but this— she pointed at his hair— is mission impossible! I know you don't like your hair too short, but there's no option. Seriously Nico, you could've find 5 minutes to comb your hair! And don't you dare to apologize, the damage is done!-

He knew better than to speak. So he stayed in silence as he watch the older camper through a mirror cutting, brushing and shaving hair here and there. It wasn't the first time she complained about his lack of personal care, specifically talking about his appearance. Since they were younger, when they became friends, she insisted on taking care of his looks, so he didn't complain. Finally after a record time of 15 minutes she was done (and really, you should give her credit for it because his hair was a mess). He made a move to stand up of the chair but she pushed him down again.

-Oh no, di Angelo, we're not done! I don't know what in my mother's name that horrible pit has, but have you look at your skin? It's so goddamned dry! And those dark circles and bags under your eyes? There's no way I'm letting that out of my sight!-

-Alright then, let's finish this, ragazza*!-

He knew he wasn't speaking much and that he usually complained when people bossed him around, but this was Drew we were talking about, it was her way of showing she cared about him.

After what it seemed like hours, they were finally done.

-This is the first time in forever that I feel this relaxed, thanks a lot, Drew.- he expressed just as he sat next to her. -We haven't been able to talk too much during a couple of months. How are you doing?-

Tanaka looked at his straight in the eye and gave him the most grateful and happy smile she could managed -It's all thanks too you and your father! I'm finally free from that torment! But... I still worry about him though.-

The Son of Hades placed his hand on her shoulder -It's the only natural thing, he's your father after all.- and it was true, the man had his issues, but deep in the bottom of his heart he loved his little girl.

-I know, I just hope the doctors manage to cure him from his... madness.—her voice broke— I want my dad back, Nico.-

Uncharacteristic from him, he hugged her. He knew what she was going through, and not only the problem with his dad but also how other people treated her. He knew she wasn't the nicest person to others, but that wasn't who she really was. But, just like him, they couldn't be those bubbly happy little kids they once were.

-You looked sad this morning... Was it a nightmare?-

-Not exactly,— he looked down— more like my mind trying to torture me.-

For a while they stayed quiet, until he talked again.

-Do you think... do you think that she would have hated me? You know... Bianca.-he voiced in a murmur.

-Hated you? Why would you say that? She adored you!-

-It's just... there's something to do with your really crappy godly brother Eros, something that from where I come was extremely wrong and sick.- a silent tear was threatening to fell out of his eye.

-Oh Nico, no, stop it! You are not going to think like that, you hear me? She loved you and as I recall when you told me how she died, the last thing she ever thought about was you! She wouldn't have cared about that... and it's not wrong, nor a sickness. It's fine, it's love.-

-I didn't know she could be like that... she almost reminds me of... of Silena.-

-You're right, la Rue... but what was Nico referring to when he said something about a sickness?-

-Actually that kept me thinking too, and by Jason's expression I guess he knows something, huh?- inquired Connor.

-Are we not going to talk about how different and good Nico looks with an undercut?- interfered Piper, saving her boyfriend from an awkward situation. Of course she understood what he was referring too. -I'm actually more worried about what happened with Drew's dad.-

-I'm sure it's fine now, Nico is helping her after all.- Jason comforted her. -Anyways, we should thank you, Lou.-

-What for, Superman?-

-He's right, Lou- Cecil said - without you, our little "spy on Nico club" wouldn't be possible, with your magic we can see them like with a camera!-

-Why are you frowning so much, Solace?- Travis asked

-It's just... I might have a guess of what's bothering Nico. And I really wish I could help him, lamentably if I'm right, the only one who can help him is himself.—he gave a small smile—but that doesn't mean I'm not going to support him whenever he needs it.-