three days

-Thirteen-

Nico's POV

I woke up with a throbbing headache and growling stomach. Groaning, I pushed myself up against the headboard. I felt hot underneath all the blankets so I kicked them away, forming a lump of fabric at the end of the bed. My memory was a little foggy and I couldn't remember much of what happened last night.

I sounded like a hungover teenager, which was not my intention. Something poked my flushed cheek, making me attempt swatting it away.

"Will..." I turned my back to him, covering my head with the pillow. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you're awake." I could just see his overly cheerful smile from here.

"Well, I am. Now please stop poking my face."

"Never."

That cheeky bastard.

"Will." I said in a warning tone.

"Nico."

I was about to smack him when my stomach made a loud rumbling noise that could've caused an earthquake. My face was a bright shade of red out of embarrassment. Will was only laughing in his seat, tears forming at the corners of his eyes and doubling over.

"I'm..." Will paused to breathe. "assuming you're hungry."

"No shit," I said, shooting him a death glare. If looks could kill, then Will Solace would be six feet under already.

"I'll be right back. Want me to make double chocolate chip pancakes again? Why don't you continue reading that book Kayla lent you. She'll want it back soon, it's her favorite."

He gave me no time to respond before he got up off the chair and left. Deciding to take his advice, I opened the book to where I had last left off. I was close to finishing. Paige, Alyssa, Max, and Lou Ellen had told me keep a packet of tissues handy (Cecil doesn't read).

"It's a fucking tearjerker!"

"No matter how heartless you claim to be, this'll make you sob."

And they were right. When Will came back with my pancakes, I was a crying mess. He didn't question it. He just put the tray on my lap and watched as I shakily brought the food to my mouth.

Will took it away from me. I didn't argue with him.

"Is there anything that'll make you feel better?"

I shook my head.

"You sure?"

I nodded. Nothing could bring back Augustus Waters.

"What about... McDonald's. Would that cheer you up, even for a little bit? I heard that you like McDonald's."

"Maybe."

"Then I'll get you some later tonight."

"Thanks, Will."

"No problem, Death Boy."

-

For the past two days, Will hadn't been looking his best. Sure, I was the one who had almost died and he should be worried about me, but I couldn't help but be concerned. I couldn't really put what I was feeling into words. But it felt like a fucking mess. I noticed that I'd been feeling that way a lot lately. Like a mess, I mean.