Some Nights (valdangelo)

So Screwed

Nico POV

I wake up confused. I'm surprisingly well rested, and it's a foreign feeling. I wonder what time it is? Jason or Piper are probably going to come wake us up soon, so I should get out. Just as I turn to stand, I realize that Leo's not here. I turn to check the clock. Shit, it's 11:30. How did I sleep that late without anyone noticing? I do the math in my head. That means I got almost 8 hours of peaceful sleep last night. Wow, I haven't had that much rest in a long time. Leo must've made an excuse or something for me so I could sleep. I smile, thinking that's probably the nicest thing he's done for me so far. I roll out of bed and walk across the hall to my room so I can get dressed.

After I've taken a shower and dressed, I went up to the mess hall, or whatever you want to call it, to grab a snack. I walk in to find Hazel and Annabeth sitting at the table snacking on chips. As soon as Hazel sees me she rushes over and hugs me.

"Nico! Leo told me you weren't feeling well. Are you okay?"

"Yeah actually, I feel a lot better now," I said smiling.

"Oh good! Do you want to eat something?" She pulls back and inspects my face as if looking for assurance that I'm ok. "You do look better, less tired. I'm glad."

"Thanks. And yeah, food sounds good." She smiles brightly at me and tugged me over to the table next to Annabeth, who kisses my forehead and smiles before turning back to her book. Hazel brought me some Poptarts and a glass of apple juice.

"Leo showed me these this morning. They're SO good. You should have some." So I try some. Hazel was right. They are delicious. I ate 3 of them, which made Hazel and Annabeth happy. After I finish eating I leave to go find Leo, but I run into Percy on the way.

"Hey Nico, feeling better?" He smiles at me, but he still looks kind of sad. Tartarus does that to you. Him and Annabeth hadn't been the same since they got out of that hellhole.

"Yeah, I feel pretty good, actually." "That's good." He wraps his long arms around my shoulders, and I figure he wouldn't let go until I hugged him back, so I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder.

"I know you don't like hugs, but I needed one, so thanks," he whispers before he pulls back, smiles at me one last time, and leaves. I stare after him, glad Jason wasn't here to see that. He'd probably give me a knowing look and want to talk about my feelings for Percy or something. I had a crush on Percy, and Jason is the only person who knows about it. He refuses to let me just bury my feelings and move on, no, we have to talk about it for it to get better or some crap like that. I feel bad for Percy, because I think that he thinks I hate him, when really it's just the opposite. I sigh quietly and continue on my way to the Engine room.

Leo POV

I've been sitting in the Engine room for the better part of the morning, checking up on everything. I'm guessing we'll arrive back at Camp Half-blood in the next two days. I'm gonna tell the others the good news at lunch. I'm shaken out of my thoughts by a quiet knock on the door.

"It's open," I call out.

"Hey Leo, do you have a sec?" I look up in surprise at the sound of Nico's soft voice.

"Yeah sure, what is it?"

"I wanted to thank you for letting me sleep in this morning." He said shyly.

"Oh sure, no problem," I reply quickly.

"Uh... Ok that's all. I guess I'll leave now." He turns to go. I call him back before I give myself time to question my decision.

"Wait!" He turns back around and looks at me expectantly. "Um... Do you.... Wanna stay and you know, hang out?" I blush. Way to be smooth Valdez.

"Sure." I smile in relief.