WILL
I watch as Nico becomes more withdrawn. In no obvious way, just backtracking my questions, sticking to the basics. I know that if he had his choice he would be alone right now. But I don't leave his side.
'I'm okay.' He says, looking up at me, 'I promise. I'm fine.' He says. We sit alone at the Hades table. I see his eyes shift. I wonder whether I should have kissed him. Whether he was ready. I couldn't stop myself but maybe I should have.
'Nico, are you happy?' I ask. He looks up at me, his face fearful. I know he hates these questions, but I need to know, 'Please. Just honestly. Please. I can handle it, I promise.'
'I...' He starts, looking away from me, 'sometimes.' He says. 'Sometimes. With you, I find it easier to...disassociate I guess. You're...far away from death and all that. But...'
I wait patiently. Look up at him. As much as I want him to tell me that he is happy, content, I'd prefer him to be truthful.
'But even before Tartarus I was bad. Maybe it's just depression. Maybe it's being a child of Hades. I don't know. I'm not sure.' He says, not meeting my eyes, 'I just...I came back for other people. Not for myself.' He says.
I stay still, finally look up at him. His eyes are glazed over. He stares at the table.
'Okay.' I say, 'okay.'
'I'm sorry.' He says, as though it is his fault.
'No.' I say, quickly, 'thank you. For telling me. Thank you.'
YOU ARE READING
Solangelo 1
FanfictionPART ONE (of five) Set in the early stages of Will and Nico's relationship - after the war and before they became a thing. Artwork by Viria xx
