Nico squeezed his necklace, a pendant in the shape of a skull with a black leather chain.

Leo had made it for him. He didn't know why, but he assumed Leo made something for everybody that was part of the Argo II. And he wasn't sure about the reason, but it meant a lot to Nico.

He laid in bed, teary eyes and deep breath, trying to keep himself together. Squeezing the necklace gave him a sense of comfort he hadn't expected, but he loved this necklace now.

He didn't really realize it, but it made him feel a bit warmer... a bit closer to Leo, someone Nico cared about but rarely even talked to. His thoughts were dark tonight, but he was glad to have something that gave him hope, that made him feel seen and cared about.

The next day, Nico was walking to the training arena, still hanging onto his necklace. Leo was walking out of his cabin when Nico passed by.

"Hey, Nico!" Leo smiled cheerily.

Nico swallowed, nodding and giving a light smile, "Hey." His voice was quite.

Leo stopped in front of him, and Nico slowed to a stop, realizing Leo wanted to spark a conversation.

"You like your necklace?" Leo asked, eyeing it.

Nico nodded, slowly letting it go. It hung from his chest, dangling against his shirt, "I love it. Thanks."

Leo blushed a little. Nico noticed, but thought it was because he complimented his work. "Well, I was thinking, maybe we can sit together at the dining pavilion tonight?"

Nico shrugged, "But about your siblings?"

"They have each other. You're always alone at the Hades table."

Nico shrugged again, "I like being alone."

Leo gently punched his shoulder playfully, "Yeah, but sometimes it's nice to eat with a friend. I'll see you!"

It was only after Leo had started walking away that Nico realized Leo hadn't even made a single joke or arrogant comment the entire conversation. It was just real conversation, and a friendly offer.

"Huh," Nico said to himself, starting to make his way back to the training arena. He gripped his necklace, "He's different than I thought he was."

A light smile toyed at his lips.