Ink and Ashes

#31

*Trigger Warning: Implication of SA*

Will's Pov

Will didn't know if he wanted to know what the cops wanted to tell Nico. It was obvious the boy was pretty nervous.

"We don't have to go," Nico mumbled, he was fidgeting with his sleeves, "They don't even need to investigate. It's stupid, it doesn't even matter."

Will pulled him close, they were both sitting in the backseat so Will could comfort him if needed.

"It is important Nico. You're important. You need to know that, if he did something to you we need to know."

Nico just glared at his hands, "He's dead. It doesn't matter."

Will knew there was nothing he could say to convince him. So he just pulled him closer, kissing him on the forehead. Nico flinched away then leaned deeper into his hug.

After a few minutes they arrived at the station. Nico froze, just staring out the window.

"I think I'll stay here."

"Come on Nico," Will squeezed his hand, "I know you're uncomfortable, but this needs to be done."

Nico finally looked up at him, he looked absolutely terrified. The only other time Will had seen him with that expression was when he'd killed his own father.

"Promise you won't look at me differently?" Nico sounded desperate.

"The only way I could look at you differently is if you somehow got hotter, and I don't think that's possible."

Nico smiled slightly, but that disappeared as soon as Will opened the door to get out.

They walked into the station and Naomi asked for Detective Rodriguez. A few minutes later the detective lady that had interrogated Nico about Hades's death came out. She looked serious, but her eyes softened when she saw Nico.

"Come on, let's go somewhere more private."

Nico trailed behind as they walked, but Will stayed by his side. He'd always stay by his side.

*** *** ***

Will and Nico were sitting in a few chairs outside a private room. The detective had insisted on talking to Naomi privately, she'd offered for Nico to come in as well but he refused.

Nico looked extremely nervous. His leg had been vibrating since they sat down and he'd been playing with his fingers. He looked close to a panic attack.

"Nico?" Will gently took his hand, he flinched away, his head snapping up.

He met Will's eyes and instantly relaxed, then it looked like he remembered where they were and he tensed again.

"Nico," Will held out his hand so Nico could take it if he wanted, but he didn't have to. After a moment he took it, "You know you can talk to me? And no matter what my mom's learning in there, I'll never look at you as any less than the person I love. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and nothings gonna change that. I promise."

Nico looked up at him, his eyes were glistening with held back tears.

"I love you Will. I really do. But please don't make promises you can't keep."

Will smiled at him, but inside his heart was shattering into a million pieces. He didn't think it could break anymore, but he didn't know what he was about to learn.

"I'll keep this promise Nico," He leaned in, kissing the boy on the forehead, "Pinky promise."

Nico smiled slightly, it warmed Will that even when he was so obviously freaking out he could make him at the least smile. They linked fingers, sealing the deal. Then Naomi walked out.

She looked like she'd been crying. She smiled sadly at Nico.

"She wants to see you for a moment honey."

Nico looked at him, terror in his eyes. Will understood and got up with him, following him into the room.

The detective looked up at them, as soon as she saw who it was her face softened. She glanced between Will, and Nico who was clinging to him like his life depended on it.

"Are you okay with him being here?" She asked Nico gently, "We're going to be talking about some sensitive topics. I just want to be sure that you're comfortable with him knowing."

Nico shrugged, "You told Naomi without asking me didn't you?"

She frowned, gesturing for them to sit.

"Naomi is currently your guardian. She needs to know what she's dealing with if we do need to have you seek help to deal with your... experiences."

Nico didn't say anything, he just stared at the table. Will felt terrible.

"Nico," Will said softly, "I don't have to be here. I can leave if you'd prefer that."

Nico shook his head, reaching to grab Will's hand. He looked up like he was scared he'd leave.

"Please don't go. It makes me feel better when you're near me."

Will nodded, feeling guilty that he hadn't wanted to leave in the first place.

"Okay," Detective Rodriguez sighed, "Nico? We need to know some names, but if you want him to know what happened I can explain it to him so you don't have to."

Nico looked up at her, suddenly his eyes looked blank, all the terror and emotion that had been there moments before were gone.

"How much do you know?"

She sighed, looking down at the papers in front of her.

"There were cameras in the master bedroom of your fathers house. We got access to them and had someone watch through them. I didn't personally do it, but they gave me the information. We just need names now. If you have them, we can't see any faces except yours."

Nico frowned slightly.

"Do you have headphones he can use? I want to stay with Will, but I don't want him to know yet."

She nodded, excusing herself for a moment before getting up and leaving the room. Will had to restrain himself from reading through her papers. He knew if Nico wanted him to know he'd know. He just had to be patient.

A few minutes later she came back in. She passed Will some headphones and Will reluctantly slipped them on.

Nico glanced at him, as if checking that he couldn't hear, then Detective Rodriguez started talking, not that Will could hear her.

After a few minutes though Will got bored. He had ADHD anyway. With Nico's permission he started fidgeting with the younger boy's hand. Whenever Nico looked stressed or sad or angry or just any slightly negative emotion Will kissed his hand. It wasn't much, but he was just trying to remind Nico that he was there. That he'd always be there.

They were in there for what felt like forever. Eventually Nico just stopped talking. Will looked at him confused, it looked like Detective Rodriguez was still talking to him, maybe trying to get him to talk. Will turned to him and gestured to his headphones, asking if he could take them off.

He shrugged, looking emotionless again. Will took them off and the detective spoke to him.

"I think he's shutting down. You should probably take him home for now, I think we're done for today."

Will nodded, standing up and helping Nico up, they were about to walk out when she stopped them.

She walked up to them quickly, "I don't normally do this, but here's my sister's card. She's a psychiatrist. I'd suggest once we're done here you should maybe try and have a meeting with her."

She turned to Nico, looking a bit sad, "I'm not calling you crazy Nico. I'm saying you've been through stuff no one, especially not a teenager, should have to go through. Getting help doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're strong enough to try and get better. Please at least consider it."

Nico just shrugged, squeezing Will's hand and leading them out.