* 1 Day Later *

Nico had shadow-traveled them to Nico's cabin. Hazel was in Camp Jupiter, so the space was vacant other than themselves. He'd been stuck in bed since, his chronic illness weighing heavy on him with that task and all the stress of what's been going on alone.

Percy was sitting next to Nico who was laying against some pillows. Percy was on the edge of the bed. For some reason, Nico just wished he'd scoot a little closer - maybe he missed having company in his cabin.

He looked around the dark-colored room, "You definitely brighten this place up."

Percy looked back at Nico with a grateful smile, but you could tell that any happiness showing was forced. Nico wondered how long Percy had been forcing that happiness, and why Nico never noticed it before.