Out of the Shadows: A Solangelo Fanfiction

Chapter 12: Will's Birthday

   Jason helped Nico finish wrapping his presents to Will in the Zeus cabin, even though it wasn't the best wrapping job in the world.

   Jason had asked Will what he wanted for his birthday and also explained to Nico how birthday parties usually are.

   "Remember Nico, there's usually a present pile to put the present. Luckily Will was kind enough to invite me, so I'll be right there if you need me."

   Nico nodded.

   "Then let's go!"

   Nico knocked on the door to the Apollo cabin, and Will answered it. His hair was slightly combed, and he was wearing a tank top. He was wearing dress shorts instead of cargo shorts. His face lit up immediately when he saw Nico."Hey, Nico! I'm so glad you could come! You too, Jason! Come in and make yourselves comfortable!"

   Will eyed the presents in their hands. "Ah, I told you guys you didn't need to bring presents!"

   "It's no bother at all! Jason assured him. "Where would you like them to go?"

   "Oh, you can just set them over there." Will pointed over to a table with a bunch of presents on it.

   Nico looked around the cabin. All of the Apollo kids were there, which there were 9 of them. Also at the party was Percy, Annabeth, Piper, Lou Ellen, and Cecil.

   There were yellow streamers and balloons around the cabin, and a big banner that read "Happy 15th Birthday, Will!" The beds and nightstands were pushed back to make room for tables and chairs. Nico suspected that some of them were probably originally stolen by the Hermes cabin. On one table there was a present pile. On another was cake and snacks. There were some random chairs thrown about for sitting. There was also music playing.

   This was the only cabin Nico had gone in besides Hades, Hermes, and Zeus. The Apollo cabin was really nice, with white walls, plants, medical things, instruments. It was definitely the opposite of the Hades cabin.

   Will came over to him and handed Nico a red drink. "It's gatorade."

   He felt Jason grip his shoulder behind him as in "If you need me, I'm here" then he walked off to talk to the other members of the 7. Piper looked over and winked at him.

   Will handed him a plate with pretzels, fruit, and chips. "Wow, Solace. Some of those things are pretty unhealthy."

   "I don't always eat healthy. I only gave you healthy things to eat in the infirmary because you needed it."

   Nico bit back a retort. It was Will's birthday. "Happy birthday, Solace."

   "Thanks, death boy. So how old are you? And when's your birthday?"

   Nico started counting on his fingers. "Um, let's see..."

   Will started laughing. "No, I mean how old are you physically?"

   Nico's face slightly reddened. He didn't know if it was from embarrassment or Will's laugh. "Oh. I'm 14. My birthday is January 28th."

   "Nice! I'll have to get you something special."

   "I haven't celebrated my birthday since I was 10 in the 40's. Most times I would forget it even happened. Like when Bianca died, my birthday was only about a month later. I didn't know how many days would pass. I just woke up one morning, realized it was March, and I was like 'Oh, I guess I'm 11 now.'" Nico said this casually, like it was no big deal.

   Will looked at him with sad eyes. "I won't let that happen again."

   Nico shrugged. He desperately wanted to change the subject. "So, uh, what kind of stuff do you do away from camp?"