leo valdez & the olympians: the ceaseless eve

20.) Nico Hatches A Plan

As soon as Nico woke up—a groggy, unpleasant start—memories flooded his mind that made him want to bury his head in his pillow and scream.

So, he did. He didn't have any cabin mates present.

At least, not until the door creaked open, and Hazel stepped into the cabin. Nico suddenly hushed, lifting up his head and simply looking at her.

"Am I interrupting some sort of weird morning meditation?" Hazel asked.

"No," Nico answered, internally debating what all he should tell her. He settled for: "It has been a very long night." He got up, not bothering to address his pajamas or messy hair, adding: "I need to see Leo in the Infirmary."

"The Infirmary?" Hazel asked, alarmed. "What happened? Is he alright?"

"He's fine, I think," Nico shrugged, guilt twinging in his chest. He licked his lips, feeling a tingling like muscle memory from when he kissed Leo—from when Leo kissed him. "He just had a bit of an episode last night. I can't blame him, he's gone through a lot in the past couple days. We all have."

Hazel nervously played with the latch on a bronze bracelet she wore. That was new, or at least Nico hadn't noticed it before. "That's partly why I didn't want to tell the others about the whole...Roman thing. At least not yet—we all need some time. Do you want me to go to the infirmary with you?"

Nico hesitated, then frowned, shaking his head. "No, I don't think so. He might be embarrassed if too many of us go to see him at once."

Hazel didn't seem happy with his answer, though she nodded. "I'll plan to see him later, then. In the meantime, Piper agreed to help me get started on training before she leaves in a couple days."

Nico's heart skipped a beat. "Piper's leaving? When did she tell you that?"

"Last night," Hazel replied. "She said she wants to make things right with her dad. She also told me to tell you so you can see her when you get the chance."

"Oh," Nico said, the word coming out like a punch in the gut. Why was this all happening so quickly? They just got back, and between everything with Leo and the Pluto thing with Hazel...He really needed Piper, and now she was leaving, too. "Okay, I'll go talk to her, right after I see Leo." He paused, eyeing the bracelet again. "Did Piper give that to you?"

Hazel nodded. "She helped me find it in the armory. Look," she twisted the small emerald resting in the bracelet, much like Nico had seen from Sarah's ruby ring yesterday, and the bracelet began to change. It expanded into a long, curved bronze cavalry sword. She twisted the handle, showing off the blaze before pressing the emerald jewel on the hilt. The blade shrunk back down, and Hazel slipped the bracelet back on her wrist. "I'm not sure how to feel about Pluto or his orders, but I'm going to stay here and train for whatever is coming next."

"That's good," Nico replied. "I'll do my best to help you as well, starting later today." He started towards the door, then paused to add: "Remember to have some fun while you're here, too. Try to get a break while you can."

As Nico opened the door, he could pratically envision Hazel nervously playing with the clasp of her bracelet.

———

When Nico entered the Infirmary, he was met with warmth and the familiar smells of alcohol wipes and ambrosia. The place was empty, save for two people: Will Solace and Leo Valdez.

What an interesting combination.

"—don't really need it," Leo was saying in a hushed tone. "I can just ignore it, no need to waste supplies." He looked over to the door, noticing Nico. His mouth pressed in a thin line, and he suddenly became very interested in the bandage on his arm.