To say that the trip back was uncomfortable was an understatement. Jason kept throwing apologetic glances at Nico. He did feel bad for snapping at him and screaming like Zeus and his rants. Sadly, he knew it was the only way to make Nico react, the only people who made an impact on him without screaming were Hazel and Reyna.

As soon as they arrived to camp, just before curfew, Nico went out of the bus and ran as fast as he could to his Cabin, he couldn't take it anymore, being surrounded by so many people without the possibility of being alone.

He entered his Cabin and immediately slide down the wall of his favorite corner surrounded by shadows. Help? Why would they help me? The son of Hades hugged his legs, he was scared, scared of people, of the truth. The only result coming out from this is that everyone will fear me again... Will is going to hate me like the stupid disgusting little thing I am.

Nico heard knocking on his door, he couldn't even told the person to leave him alone, he was mute, he couldn't talk or think, the only thing that he heard was his own heart beats, his rapid breathing even though he felt like chocking. He felt himself shaking and the room moving around him, he was dizzy, he wanted to throw up. His forehead and back were covered in cold sweat, tears running down his cheeks.

Slow foot-steps were heard. A mop of blond hair was now in front of him.

-Nico.- Will said with a steady comforting doctor voice. -Breath with me- he began inhaling and exhaling.- C'mon, you can do it- he continued breathing until the Italian managed to somehow follow his slow rhythm.- Count with me, one, two, three...-

—O-one, t-t-two, three...-

They continued for 20 minutes that felt like forever.

-Nico? Are you alright?- the healer said with a voice full of concern.

-What are you doing here?- di Angelo exclaimed with a sore voice, barely hearable, not meeting Will's eyes.

Will sighed— I'm here to help you, I can help you to make things like this stop. Wouldn't you like that? Living free of panic and nightmares?-

-Why would you help me, huh? I know what you want, to hear my sad story only to hate me for it later.-

-Nico... I want to help you just because... I don't need a reason. I promise I won't hate you, nobody will. That's why we all want to help you, because we care about you, we all love you. You don't need to tell me anything you don't want to.-

-You don't know anything! You're going to hate me! Everyone will fear me again! The only two who don't are Reyna and Coach Hedge! And just because they don't, what gives me the guarantee that the others won't leave me alone?! I... —his voice broke— I can't stand it.— now again he began sobbing, he hated the feeling of being so exposed, so vulnerable to someone.

Will didn't go away, he didn't even flinch at the burst. Instead he moved his hand slowly, giving Nico the chance to push him away, but he didn't. He took his hand.

-Do you know Chris used to be a spy for the Titan army?— Nico shook his head— Well, Clarisse found him already crazy on the labyrinth. I healed him, yes. Mr.D also helped, but he wouldn't have been able to get better if it wasn't for Clarisse. Because she gave him the love he needed, she was there, like a constant, a light to guide him. He thought that everyone were going to hate him, just like you think of us right now. But we knew him, we knew he wasn't a bad person, that he was just supporting his brother, his family, and that was okay. Do you believe me now when I tell you that we're not going to hate you?-

-But, how do I know you're not going to be afraid? What happened to me... Is complicated Will.-

-You know how I can tell you I won't go away? I've been helping Percy and Annabeth, they're doing great. I believe that this last week before the go back to the city will be enough for them. I can tell you're as strong as them or even more. They told me who you went there all alone and survived, you didn't even went crazy. And that's not it, Death Boy. I have seen death. After the Titan War lots of my friends began having depression and suicide thoughts. I helped them even though I had the same problems as them, we helped each other out of it. We needed to be strong. You are strong, don't doubt of yourself, don't doubt about the possibility of getting better.-

With barely a whisper the loner boy accepted -Okay.- and finally looked up to Solace with teary dark eyes full of pain and despair. Will taking advantage of their linked hands, he pulled Nico towards the boy's bed.

-You need to rest. Try to sleep as much as you can tonight. — he gave the younger a blinding smile— I'm glad you accepted. I need to go, is way past curfew now.-

The Son of Apollo was reaching the door when he heard Nico calling his name.

-Yeah? You need something?.-

-I... I don't want to be alone —the dark haired demigod broke contact with Will's gaze— I mean, you don't have to but...-

-Do you want me to stay?-

Nico just nodded -I know it is unlike me.-

-Don't worry.- the blond demigod answered- I'm happy to stay.— he took off his shoes and pants. He climbed to the enormous coffin-like bed next to Nico, respecting a fair amount of distance, trying no to make the Ghost King uncomfortable.- Good night, Death Boy.-

-Buonanotte, Will.-