Solangelo Rising

Chapter 19 (Nico)

     There's no better kind of sleep for a demigod than the kind with no dreams. I awoke warm and comfortable, actually feeling rested... probably for the first time in my entire life. I felt Will's strong arms wrapped around me and his face nuzzled into the back of my neck. He was still glowing, almost uncomfortably bright. Almost. I was pretty sure it was his supernova glow that had woken me. His eyes were also open so I assumed it was around sunrise. I rubbed my eyes and muttered "Morning Sunshine." I felt him smile behind me and he responded "Morning Angel." I grinned too, thinking of last night's walk. Yawning, I snuggled even closer to Will. Even I was surprised at my willingness to be in contact with another human, I just felt so safe with Will. Safe was not a feeling I was familiar with. This would take some getting used to. 

     Neither one of us made any sign of wanting to move, so we just laid there in comfy silence, simply enjoying each others presence. When the conch sounded, we both groaned in annoyance. We (another odd word) slowly dragged out of my bed and cleaned up a bit in the bathroom before walking up to breakfast together. Will made sure to put out his glow before we left. We got a few strange looks from some of the other campers, but I ignored them. I was hungry. I sullenly sat down at the Hades table, alone, already missing Will's warmth. I saw Will trying to explain his absence to his siblings, as well as his arrival with me. Probably something along the lines of "went to check on him and fell asleep on the floor on accident." I smirked at the thought of what actually happened. I shook my head, I was getting distracted. What was I doing? Oh right, food. I ordered a bunch of stuff from my magical plate, and scraped some off and prayed to my dad- and Apollo while I was at it. I wanted to keep Will. I grabbed two cups, one for Sunny D and the other for coffee. I started steam-shoveling food into my mouth, eating furiously. I finally had my appetite back and I was going to take advantage of it. 

     I paused my eating when I glanced up and saw almost all of the camp starting at me. Oh gods. What are they thinking? Is it because I'm creepy? Is it that weird for a child of Hades to be eating? Did they suspect something with Will? I started sweating nervously, shrinking from the stares. I stared down at my plate, no longer hungry. I guess nobody wanted me here still. I tensed ready to bolt at the first sign of aggression. I heard gasps from all around. What was that about? I wasn't doing anything. I'm just sitting here. My breathing quickened. 

     I almost ran when I felt a person slide onto the bench beside me. Will. Thank the gods, that must be what they were gasping at, with the whole no-cabin-swapping-tables thing. I felt his hand slide onto my leg, under the table where no one could see. I almost instantly felt more grounded. He looked at me, concerned. He placed his other hand to my forehead, checking my temperature "You look pale, are you alright Nico?" I nodded weakly. "You should come with me to the infirmary for awhile. I need to be able to keep an eye on you." He turned slightly and winked. I could only try to hide my grin at the idea of spending more time with Will and nodded again. He stood back up and beckoned for me to follow suit. I stood as well, and he placed a hand on my back, guiding me towards the infirmary, away from the prying eyes.