~Nico's PoV~

My eyes were wide open before I kissed back. I closed my eyes and melted into the kiss. I could feel the heat rising to my face.

Will pulled away and grinned at me.

"Your face is very red. I think the only cure is another kiss," he smirked.

"That would only make it worse," I smiled stepping forward.

"Doctor's orders."

I laughed and rolled my eyes. Pulling him into another kiss.

************

We walked to the pavilion to eat lunch. The campers chatted and ate away, not taking the time to notice my hand in Will's.

I noticed that the seven (minus Hazel and Frank) were sitting at the same table. I pulled Will over and we sat down to eat with them. Percy, Jason, and Leo smirked at us and went back to eating.

I blushed a looked down. Once I got my food and offered a proportion to Hades, I plopped back down on the bench.

I silently ate and listened to the others talk. Will nudged me and I looked at him. He smiled. His beautiful blue eyes glistening in the sun light. I smiled back and kept his gaze for a few seconds.

I didn't join much into the conversation, but I did laugh or respond a few times. Suddenly, I realize how much easier it is to talk to people now that I met Will.

I understand once again what caring and love means. More importantly I learned what it feels like for someone to care about you and to love you again. Things I haven't felt since Bianca...

I believe it is important to have someone you can say these things about. It's essential to be able to have a connection and to have friendships. Yeah, in life we have ups and downs, but without them, wouldn't we be dead?

Living a monotone life or living a life without the many emotions we are exposed to is a waste. Why else would we be able to express them if they weren't needed?

And so, I state the most simple thing to Will that I can think of, "Thank you."