Nico di Angelo One-shots

Weening Off

Trigger Warning: Self-Harm

Nico had struggled with severe self-harm for some time now. He had almost died twice from cutting too far into his forearms.

It was a dark habit he struggled to break. It's been his only way of coping with the world for so long.

When he first pitched this idea to his boyfriend, Will, they both (rightfully) hesitated. But eventually, they came to the conclusion that it was the safest way for Nico, since he didn't want long-term admission into the infirmary.

When Nico has an intense urge to self-harm, an urge he can hold back from like he can with certain urges, he self-harms in his cabin. However, he does it with Will by his side.

Will wants to be able to make sure Nico doesn't cut too deep, cleans the wounds properly, and is overall taken care of so he can heal. He also wants to be there for Nico emotionally, letting him know that he's doing better and that things do get better, and all the things Nico needs to hear.

That's how it is tonight. With Nico struggling to ween off of self-harm, he's taking it one step at a time, choosing to do it a little less severe than usual.

He leans against Will's chest at an angle where Will can see Nico arms. He slices in, slipping so far in that blood starts to pour out, but not quick and not a lot of it.

Will kisses Nico's shoulder, "It's gonna get better."

Nico exhaled, no longer feeling the need to cry. That's what self-harming does, it takes away the emotional pain. The numbing was the relief that Nico had been longing for.

"It won't," he replied, "but it's okay."

"It will," Will reassured.

Nico set the knife down, and Will immediately started caring for the wound, but Nico pulled his arm away.

"Just give me a minute to feel it," he mumbled, staring at it with an absence of urgency.

Will bit the inside of his cheek, but nodded. He didn't wait long, just a couple minutes, but it sufficed.

Once Will had cleaned it and wrapped it up, Nico mumbled a 'thank you'.

"Always," Will reminded, "I love you."

"I don't get why," the son of Hades admitted. "I'm nothing special. I make you watch me hurt myself."

Will shrugged, tying off the bandage, "You don't make me do anything. You're vulnerable, and I like being able to be here for you."

"I guess.." Nico muttered, accepting defeat.

The son of Apollo leaned forward and kissed Nico's forehead, "You should sleep."

Will's boyfriend shook his head, "Fine. But don't leave until I'm asleep."

Before Will could respond, Nico grabbed his arm and gently pulled them down against the pillows, cuddling him sensually. He closed his eyes, holding him close, enjoying the warmness he always emitted.

"Rest well, darling," Will whispered, looking down at Nico lovingly.

"Goodnight, mi amor," Nico responded, slowly slipping into the dream world for the night.