Solangelo Rising

Chapter 14 (Will)

    I had to sprint to the infirmary to keep myself from staying with Nico the entire day. Especially after Nico had called out to me. However I knew I had to show my face at the infirmary. Nico wasn't the only one that still needed medical attention and the others would be suspicious of me if I did nothing but hole up with Nico 24/7.   

    I burst into the infirmary doors, slightly out of breath. Stella was right near the door and she looked at me questioningly. "I found Nico, he was in his cabin. I left him with some food and strict orders not to move until I came back to check on him." Stella looked at me strangely again and said "Are you sure he'll listen to you after what happened yesterday?" 

    I just glared at her and replied "He'd better listen if he doesn't want to become part of the shadows. Permanently. As for what happened yesterday, one: never ever mention it again, it never happened and two: I've sorted things out with Nico." I felt bad for snapping at her but I was mad. I don't usually get mad, but Drew had forced me into doing what she wanted, and if not for Percy and Annabeth, she could've ruined any chance I had with Nico. Stella would be mad too if she knew. I'd have to explain the whole thing later, but this wasn't the time. I had patients to heal.

     I spent the whole day healing Romans and Greeks alike. Bandages needed changing, ambrosia and nectar needed to be distributed, and I sang nearly the entire time. Oh, yeah, that's a thing. I'm not the best singer, especially in my cabin, but when I need to heal someone it helps if I quietly sing to the patient when I'm helping them. It relaxes them and helps me do what I need to do faster. By the time the conch sounded for dinner, my throat was raw. Wait... dinner!? I had worked through the entire day without taking a break. I'd forgotten all about Nico. I hung my head from exhaustion and shame that I'd forgotten to go check on the child of Hades sooner. I slogged up to the pavilion for dinner. I ate quickly and grabbed another plate for Nico. This time I grabbed only the plate and an empty cup. I figured Nico would want to choose what he ate this time. 

    I quickly ran off towards the Hades cabin before the sing-a-long started. I still didn't want to be around everyone after the Drew incident. I'd rather be with Nico. I softly knocked on the door. No response. Nico must've been sleeping. I opened the door quietly, only to find Nico not in his bed, but standing near a dresser staring at something in his hands. "Nico." I said his name to get his attention. He started and quickly hid the object behind his back. "Will! You're here!" he shouted, sounding surprised. I decided to ignore whatever he had been looking at and held up the cup and plate. "I brought you dinner."

    Nico seemed to regain his normal tone. "Thanks, and oh, welcome back sunshine. Took you long enough." His sarcastic self was definitely back, but I still blushed slightly at being called 'sunshine'. I started glowing again from the affection I felt towards him. Nico either didn't notice or didn't mind, so I just placed the plate and cup on the nightstand for him. "Eat. Doctor's orders." He glared at me but I just grinned and waved him over.