Chapter Text
As Nico jogged away from Percy and Annabeth, he felt as if a weight was lifted off his chest. All his life, he's been afraid of anyone finding out about him. But now it seemed so easy! Nico felt as if he could shout it from the rooftops!
That is, until he came face to face with Will.
"So, are you ready for your stay in the infirmary?"
"Uh.."
As Nico looked into Will's eyes, any confidence suddenly seeped out of him. He was back to being shy and nervous.
"Nico, are you feeling alright?"
Will suddenly placed his hand on Nico's forehead, sending him into a blushing fit.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," he replied.
"Great!"
Will's face broke out in a shining grin, making Nico feel as if he was going to combust. To make matters worse, Will grabbed his hand and started pulling him towards the infirmary.
"So, luckily for you, I was able to score you a private room. That's not easy, you know, but my sister owed me a favor."
"You really didn't have to do that, Will."
"Oh, it's no big deal! I just figured that you wouldn't want to be constantly surrounded by people for three whole days."
He's so thoughtful. Wait what?
Nico started blushing all over again.
As he was pulled into the entrance of the infirmary, he caught a glimpse of Percy giving him a thumbs up with a giant grin on his face.
Nico realized that he was still holding Will's hand but, weirdly, he didn't seem to want to let go.
Will led them to a room with a singular bed and light shining through the curtains.
"Alright, just sit there for a bit, and I'll be back to check your vitals in a minute."
"Will, I-," Nico started, but realized that he had no idea what to say. Even so, Will was looking at him expectantly.
"I-I just wanted to say th-thank you."
"For what?"
Will's head was tilted like a confused puppy.
Cute.
"Uh... for caring about me."
"Oh," Will suddenly said, surprised, "You're welcome, I guess. But, between you and me, you're worth caring about."
Will gave him another bright grin and left the room.
Nico decided, then and there, that he would do anything to see that smile again.