What If Three Days Meant Forever?

Probably Straight

Will POV

Seeing Nico standing over by the hearth talking with Percy Jackson felt like a stab to the heart.

I honestly thought they hated each other or at least Nico hated Percy, but seeing them talking together, all friendly like makes my skin crawl.

I don't think I have feelings for him or anything like that. I mean sure, when he came to camp a couple years ago, I'll admit, I found him cute. His hair was a main factor. It was shorter than it is now, but still sort of floppy and kid like.

For the first time, I'd understood why some of the girls from Aphrodite cabin had that weird of obsession of pushing their fingers through my hair because at that moment, I'd wanted to do the same thing to Nico's.

I felt weird about it, especially since he was eleven and I was twelve. The age gap seemed like too much when really it was only probably a couple of months.

I was already quite sure of my sexuality and didn't feel ashamed of it whatsoever so the thought just floated in and out as it pleased.

It still does from time to time, especially now that his hair has grown longer. Perhaps the little crush has been floating around in the back of my mind for the past few years, but none of that matters now.

What matters is the fact that when I brought Nico to the infirmary, keeping a firm grip on his wrist, it made me sure of something I'd already suspected.

He was weak.

It could've been from using his powers of course, but there was something else there that I could sense. I could feel it even more so now, what with me holding the son of Hades' hand. I feel my eyes widen slightly as I realize that, whoa.

I'm holding Nico di Angelo's hand.

I think I might be the only one who's ever done that.

This might be a milestone in my life!

Though, all that excitement ends when we accidentally bump heads and retract, groaning in unison.

"Well," I chuckle. "That could've gone better!"

"You think?" He asks sarcastically. " You know Solace, I've told you time and time again, I. Don't. Like. To be. Touched. Now would you get that through the stupid luscious mop on your head? Gods!"

Yes.

I understand that a child of the Underworld is mad and yelling at me. The normal reaction of someone would be to turn and run the other way screaming, be afraid, anything. However, I can't find it in myself to even muster up a shiver. In fact, the only thing I really picked up from his rant, is the fact that he just complimented my hair, ergo, me.

Why would the son of Hades be complimenting me?

"You like my hair?" I ask, amusement evident in my voice. Nico turns red at my words but still manages to scoff.

"No! Of course not. No, I said it looked like a mop. And mops are used to clean floors. So... gross."

I gaze at the slightly flustered mess. Though, I suppose he is going to be my mess for the next three days.

Three days....

Gods of Olympus, I have Nico di Angelo in my care for the next three days.

I'm not all that sure why the realization is so striking to me the way it is and why it hits me like a truck.

Cause you like him, says the tiny voice in my head. I ignore it and place my focus back on Nico.

"So uh, Will," he starts. "Let's do ourselves a favor and make these three days go by as quick as they can, alright? Alright."

"And why would I want to do that?" I ask, trying to hold eye contact to which he looks away.

"Why wouldn't you." I hear him mumble.

"Nico, believe it or not, I want to be your friend. So, this is for me, the way to do it." He gives a glare. "Oh come on, don't be like that! I'm a great friend!" The word makes my skin tingle.

Friend

That's all you'll ever be, Will. He's most likely straight anyway. I try not to listen to the voice in my head, but I know it's true.

Everyone knows that he has/had a crush on Annabeth. Why else would he have hated Percy? Other than things with his sister. So really, it's the only thing that makes sense.

And really, why should I care? The son of Hades, while charming, is a stubborn, dense, sarcastic brat among other things. Why would I want to be with someone like that? Why would my subconscious find that attractive?

It doesn't matter anyway. Falling for straight guys is just a one way ticket to pain town, a location I'm well familiar with.

Great. Just great.

***

Another reminder that the chapters do get shorter before getting longer so bear with me!