Nightmares

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Will came to a halt as he neared to the curtains, that separated Nico's bed from others. He looked at the enclosure in utter horror. The bedsheet was thrown, and the jug of water was strewn across the floor in pieces. The most disturbing part: right next to the bed, there was like a metre long crevice, near which bones were scattered. Nico himself was perched on the beside table, his head in his knees. He was visibly shaking and probably covered in sweat.

Will approached him cautiously, trying not to freak him out. "Nico", he said gently, "What happened?" He went over to Nico and touched his arm lightly. Nico looked up with a start. He was shaking alright; his pale complexion looked chalky. He was drenched in sweat. His eyes were somewhat bloodshot, as if he was crying.

 Ah, Will thought, looks like someone had a nightmare. "Nico, you should come out. Some fresh air should clear your mind." Will said, grabbing his clipboard and a ballpoint pen. He knew it was way past curfew, but still Nico seriously needed some fresh air. He gently pulled Nico by his forearm and led him to the seaside. Even though Will did not know much about psychology, but he knew that waterbodies had a calming effect on disturbed people. It was a tried and tested trick.

Nico sat down crossed legged on the sand. Will sat opposite to him. It looked as if Will's trick had worked. Nico breathing had become steadier.The moonlight made his already chalky complexion chalkier. Will sighed. "Now Nico, I want you to take 3 deep breaths, okay? Count to 5 after each, and exhale from your mouth." Nico quietly nodded and went on the practising the deep breathing techniques which Will said. After sometime, Will asked: "Feeling better?" Nico nodded.  

"Now that you are feeling better", Will continued, "I will ask you some basic questions, okay? I expect your full cooperation and I want you to answer them honestly."

No reply came. Just a somewhat-exasperated sigh.

"I think I'll take that as a yes", Will said, "First question: Why were up so late at night?"

 Nico groaned. Will motioned him to speak. "N-N-Nightmares", he said, stuttering. Nico might have stopped shivering, but still he wasn't fine. His light Italian accented voice was an octave higher. 

Will clicked his pen. "Y-You got me here and you're filling up a bloody f-form?" Nico asked. Will tried his best not to roll his eyes. Even when he was shivering and stuttering, he couldn't keep his snide remarks at bay. Dolt. "That's my job, Nico. Anyways, tell me about your dream." Will said. Nico shook his head. "You have to tell me. Doctor's orders." Nico sighed and looked straight at Will. Even though he might be emotionally distraught, his dark eyes shone with intelligence. 

"Well", Nico said, "I had a nightmare..." he hesitated. Will motioned him to go on. "....about my past." Will noted that in his clipboard. Demigods rarely had good dreams. Nico had a pretty bad past. No wonder he was so shaken.

"What did you see?" Will asked. Nico looked away. "Go on Nico. I need to know." 

"Well...my mother's death." 

"Hmmm", Will nodded, writing that down. "Go on Nico, I didn't tell you to stop." 

Nico sighed. "Percy telling me my sister is dead." Will kept his hands busy by writing. "All those times in the labyrinth." Will continued writing as Nico recounted his latest nightmare. "And...a little... incident... in Split." 

Will raised an eyebrow "Split?"

 "Well, not a big deal."

 "The deal's big if it gives you nightmares." Will deadpanned. He clicked his pen again.  He got up and extended his hand to Nico, who took it. "Feeling better?" He asked.

"Yeah, much better."

"That's good. Now go, get some sleep."

Together, they walked towards the infirmary in silence.

Will wasn't going to get any sleep that night.

That was because he had some work to do.

                                    ********
Hi guys! If anyone is reading this, sincere thanks. I updated late as my exams are going on. Please read on. I'm trying my best. Let me know in the comments if you liked this or not. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Edited: So I changed quite a few things here, so that it does sound like perfect crap. Also, I gave a more relevant title. Hope you'll enjoy this new chapter. Let me know in the comments if you liked this or not. Constructive criticism is welcome. Also, remember to wash your hands. Love you guys.

See yaa:)))!!!

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