Max and Nico {Official}

Birds chirped from somewhere outside and light seeped through the small windows. I smirked at Nico's sleeping form, but didn't dare try to wake him up. He'd woken again about three times after I'd gotten him back to sleep. I hadn't slept at all.

My eyes fell on the cold plate of supper that still sat on his nightstand and make a mental-note to make sure he had breakfast when he woke up. He needed to eat.

Still, I wasn't going to leave him alone -especially not after the night before. I pursed my lips and took his food over to the bin.

"Max?" Someone called from outside. I looked up, past the foggy window, to see a dark girl with short hair covered by a grey beanie and a shirt that advertised a British science-fiction show.

I put a finger to my lips.

"What are you doing in there?"

Looking back at Nico and deciding he would be fine if I left, just for few minutes, I held up a finger and rushed outside. I was greeted by a pair of soft lips meeting mine and I grinned.

The other girl slid her hands around my waist and I shivered, turning a bright red.

"what were you doing in there?" She cooed.

I felt myself compelled to answer, "I was helping a friend."

She pulled back slightly and I found it hard to restrain myself from pulling her back. Her big brown eyes looked worrisome, "Max, are you okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you've been, like, dissappearing... Jer and I are worried about you. And- and you look like you haven't slept in days..."

I looked down, "It was just last night."

"What were you doing?" She repeated.

"Why are you interrogating me? I told you, I was helping somebody."

"Helping who? With what?"

I hesitated. I almost answered. I wanted to answer, I didn't think Nico would appreciate me telling anybody about his nightmares -especially not motor-mouth Raven. I love her dearly but, let's face it, that girl couldnt keep a secret if her own life depended on it.

"Hello?"

i mi opened my mouth to protest, but was cut off by a sleepy figure opening the door to cabin thirteen, "Max? I thought you said you'd stay with me..." his eyes flicked to Raven and he silenced.

My my heart shattered. I didn't want to leave Raven, especially in such a suspicious manner and circumstance, but what was I supposed to do? I could invite her in, but I don't think Nico would appreciate that very much.

Finally, I said, "I am. I just came out to get some fresh air for a few minutes. I'll be right back."

He nodded slowly and returned to the inside.

"Uh...Max-"

"I'll explain everything over breakfast.

• • •

I spent the rest of that morning with Danielle, Raven, and our friend Jeremy at table one. Of course, I reminded them that were all going to get clean-up duty for not sitting with their godly siblings but only Jeremy seemed to care much.

"Please, just make it fast."

Danielle raised her eyebrows, "Scared, rainbow boy?"

I elbowed her in the side, but she just laughed. I kept my voice low as I said, "Okay, but you can't tell anybody."

"Deal," "Fine," "Promise," They assured me, simultaneously.

"I'm helping a friend through some hard times. He was having nightmares last night and I helped him sleep. That's all."

"Oh," Jeremy stood up, abruptly, "great! Glad we got that cleared up!"

Danielle pulled him back down, "Sit!" She rolled her eyes, "And how, exactly, did you 'help him sleep'?"

I narrowed my eyes, "I was just calming him down when he woke up from some particularly bad nightmares. You should know all about that."

This time, it was Danielle's turn to stand as she addressed me, harshly, "Those were supposed to be a secret, lightning rod!"

I got to my feet and plucked the extra plate of bacon, fried eggs, and toast off the table, "Calm down. Every demigod gets them at one point or another. I'll be back later. I have a friend to comfort."

Notes