The First Times

First Night In

"What was that inside?" Will whisper yelled at Nico once they were out of Anastassia's room.

As soon as they had introduced their new 'daughter' to her room, both Nico and Will could see she was very tired. No wonder, it had been a very exciting and emotional day for her. So, they decided to let her sleep without dinner and, make her a big breakfast in the morning. However, Will was more concern about what had happened before.

"What was what?" Nico played fool, but Will wasn't stupid.

"I won't ask when was the last time you let people hug you like that, but when was the last time you spoke Italian?!" Nico blushed, but tried to keep firm. "Spill or I will find one way or another..." He threatened him, arching an eyebrow. Normally, Nico would not be intimidated by that, but Will could be persuasive and/or tricky into knowing things.

"Fine." He gave in, earning a smirking Will. "Let's have some dinner and I'll tell you what happened..." He walked to the kitchen, Will following close behind. "But you have to promise me you won't mock me or anything..." Will crossed his finger over his heart as promise. The started to cook some dinner, neither were much fans of take away. "That's a reincarnated soul..."

"How can you tell that?" Will frowned at Nico's security. Not that was impossible, but could the son of Hades really know when a soul has been reborn? After all, memories are wiped away before going back to Earth.

"Because- because that was my sister's soul." Only the clattering of the cutlery being moved around was heard for a few minutes. Nico's statement was very low, but Will could hear it anyway.

"That's a very serious statement, Nico." Will began, not knowing how to approach the topic. "How- how can you tell it was Bianca- don't get me wrong, I'd love to have her, but we cannot go and ask her, she wouldn't remember and Anastassia would think we're insane..."

"Don't you think I know that?!" Nico snapped at him. It was obvious that he was overwhelmed with emotion and was having difficulties controlling them. "I- I can't treat her like Bianca, but- but she spoke to me... It's my second chance with her..." Will took away the knifes from Nico and looked at him.

"No one is denying you that." He assured him, serious. "But you cannot go around treating her as if she is someone she is not anymore..."

"I know..." Suddenly, a thought struck him. "You think-" Will interrupted him, placing a finger on his lips.

"Don't think about it. Just, be happy with this opportunity, otherwise you'll go insane." Will warned him, with a slight order in between. Nico pleaded with his eyes, but Will didn't relented. "Nico..." Finally, Nico gave up and slumped his shoulders, nodding, making Will smile and kiss his cheek. "C'mon, I'm hungry and I want to go to bed..."

They ate in comfortable silence, with minimal conversation between them. They were kind of waiting any second that Anastassia would wake up screaming or confused about her surroundings. But the hours passed and no sound was heard from her room. Will wasn't that worried about her, he knew she was exhausted.

Nico, however, was a different story.

He couldn't sleep once he got to bed. Will, on the other hand, went out like a light the second his head touched the pillow. It wasn't surprising, he was very active during the day, thanks to the sun and stuff. Nico glanced at him and chuckle, Will couldn't be up no longer than midnight, he would just start yawning and collapse in the first flat surface he could find.

But it was already pass eleven and Nico was still up. With the years he had gotten a fair amount of healthy sleep, but simply it wasn't tonight. Without making too much noise, he got up from bed and out on some loose T-shirt that was around and walked to Anastassia's room. He opened the door slightly and found her sleeping soundly on her new bed.

Nico simply stayed there, at the door's frame, leaning on it and looking at her. He wasn't making any sound while he contemplated her. She looked nothing like Bianca, which could help him distinguish them, but it was weird how fate seemed to want them together again. Had it been their father? Nico doubt it very much.

However, silence didn't last long.

"D- Hello?" Anastassia called, sleepy. Nico sighed and walked towards her, sitting at the edge of her bed. "Mr. Nico..?"

"It's just Nico, Ana..." He reassured her, softly. "And, go back to sleep..."

"OK..." Ana simply nodded and rested her head against the pillow once more before falling asleep. Nico noticed she was holding her locket in her hand, tightly. He didn't pry and got out of the room, not without kissing his new daughter on the forehead.

"I don't care of you're my sister's soul or not, but that doesn't matter..." He whispered, moving a strand of hair away. "I will look after you as if you were mine from the start... Nothing bad will happen to you again and I promise, I'll never let you forget your family..." He vowed, kissing her forehead again. Anastassia rolled more to her side, a small smile appearing on her lips.

It was then, when Nico knew he had done the right choice.

It wouldn't be easy to move on, but it would be the best for everyone.

----

Hello, guys.

I'd like to start by apologizing on not posting yesterday. I want to share something that I have discovered in the past few days, a reflexion if you will (I do want to make emphasis in the fact that this was NOT prompted by comments or PMs or directed to anyone in particular).

Last week, I had some bad days. I'm sure you're familiar with the term... But, as the week was closing and I was forced to put a smile for work, I realized that I didn't want to pretend I was having a great week. My football team had SPECTACULARLY lost in the World Cup and I was stepped on so hard on the subway I was limping (among other things). All I wanted to do was to come home and cry.

So, I decided to be sour all weekend, not because I wanted to be mean with everyone, but because I NEED IT. And I must say, I feel quite better. So, I think my lesson of wisdom to share is that, is OK to fell like crying once in a while. Just, don't go to extremes like our beloved Nico or even Supreme Commander Valdez, two extremes of the same coin.

Alright! Enough with the sappy moment! Story time!

Sis/Bro! Your Shadow is Hot!: THE LAST 3 CHAPTERS! Consider it a way for me to apologize for yesterday...

The First Times: 1 chapter!

Quest: Matchmade: 1 chapter!

I wish you all a great week! And remember, crying once in a while is good!
xoxo, SilverHuntresses