To Tartarus and Back (A Solangelo Story)

McDonald's is Superior

DISCLAIMER I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT AND OC'S. ALL RIGHTS GO TO RICK RIORDAN!!!!

Will's POV

When I lifted Nico's sleeve, I expected cuts, don't get me wrong, but what I didn't expect was full on words carved into his skin. In his own handwriting at that. 

The words, ugly, gross, faggot, bitch, gay, useless, and an array of other slurs on down one arm. And down the other, the phrase "your sister would have done better". I eyed the cuts, inspecting them, but without hurting Nico.

"Sorry." He squeaked out. He was still crying, and I could tell it was taking a toll on him. He looked tired, and I think he was about to pass out. I dug a spare ambrosia out of my pocket and handed it to him.

"Eat this."

He slowly ate it, refusing to meet my eyes the entire time. I didn't blame him for being ashamed, but my only question was why? Sure he's cut before, but it was never this bad. And it was never full on words either.

"Nico? Why did you do this?" I ask in my "doctor's voice".

He sighed. "Because my brain is an asshole and makes me believe all the shit I tell myself."

I smile and cup his cheek. "Well your brain might be an asshole, but at least it knows all the stuff you're saying is shit, so that's good." I pat his cheek and go back to his cuts.

"And by the way," I added. "You're not anything your brain says you are. You're an amazing kid Neeks."

He smirked. "What, so I'm not gay anymore. Guess we can't be together." He shrugs.

I laugh. "Cut the sarcasm and let me clean these up. Okay?"

He nods, and I take a bandage out of the bathroom cabinet. I carefully wrap his arms, and gave each one a kiss. 

"There. All better. And I'm sorry again for being late."

"It's fine. It's my fault for freaking out like a child."

We both smile. "Let's just say it's both our faults so we don't have to go through this conversation. Deal?"

"Deal."

I stand up, and reach my arm out to him. He takes it, and I pull him up onto his feet. We keep our hands together as we walk over to his bed. I honestly don't know how he sleeps in here every night. He pretty much sleeps in a coffin thing, and there are skulls everywhere in his room. But hey, if he likes it, I don't care.

We sit down on the bed awkwardly before I pull him into my lap.

"Solace!" He yelled, laughing as I wrap my arms around his torso.

"What!? We're just being gay. You like that, dont you?" I tease.

"Once again, that sounds way dirtier than it should have." Nico states.

"Oh my gods get your dirty ass brain outta here and cuddle with me gods dammit."

He laughs and leans into my chest. "If you say so."

I kiss the top of his head and ruffle his hair. "You're adorable di Angelo. Did you know that?" I ask.

"Oh really? I think I might now that you say it EVERY SINGLE DAY NOW!" He said sarcastically.

"I'm just stating facts. Whether you want to accept them or not."

There was an an awkward silence as we were in each other's embrace.

"So are we just gonna be awkward or are we gonna go do something?" He asks.

I think for a moment. "Depends, what do you want to do?" 

He contemplated before answering. "McDonald's."

I turn my head and look at him. He looks back at me and smiles. "What?!"

"You want to go get McDonald's. Out of any place in New York we could go, you chose McDonald's?" I ask.

"What? McDonald's is superior to anything in the entire State of New York."

I think. "Even that new steak house on Main Street?"

Nico looks at me like I'm an idiot. "I am an Italian born Greek Demigod who is almost eighty years old. Do I look like someone who'd enjoy a steak house?" The sarcasm in his voice was evident.

I sigh. "Fine. We can go to McDonald's. But we have to bring at least a knife, just in case." I conclude.

"A knife?! Screw that, I'm bringing a full on sword with me. There's no way I'm getting murdered by something today! Non voglio morire oggi Solace!"

I laugh at his sudden language switch. "English please Nico."

"Nope. You get to sit there and ponder everything I just said. Now come on, I want chicken nuggets."

He grabbed my hand and heaved us both up. He grabbed his Stygian-iron sword off of his dressing table, and still hand-in-hand, we ran out the door of Cabin 13.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE 

Hi, Gremlin here! 

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the SECOND TIME IVE POSTED TODAY!!!! Please vote and comment or whatever.

And secondly, HOLY SHIT I HAD LIKE 14 READS YESTERDAY AND NOW I HAVE LIKE 40 WHAT!?!?!

Thank you all and have a great day!!!