Chapter Text
Will’s POV
“Neeks, I wanna shower.” Will states.
“That sounds like a good idea, but are you sure?” Nico analyzes.
“I need to. I’ve been sick for a while and haven’t showered. I feel disgusting and I don’t doubt that I’m starting to smell. Please Nico?” Will begs.
“Okay,” Nico caves. “But you can’t get your hands wet, the bandages need to stay clean and dry. How are we gonna do that?”
“We have silicone bags we keep in the infirmary to keep casts dry.” Will suggests with a wince.
“But those are for casts and they aren’t great at keeping it fully dry. Maybe I can go ask Percy if he would be willing to help keep the water from soaking your arms. I’m sure he would.” Nico suggests.
“Sure, if he’s up for it.” Will swallows. “And if we could make it quick, that’d be great.”
“You still not feeling great?” Nico asks. Will groans. “Do you feel like you’re gonna be sick again?”
“Uh-uh. My head is pounding and my body hurts. My stomach still hurts a little but I have nothing to bring up.” Will confesses.
“I’m sorry, Sunshine. Hopefully a shower will make it a little bit better. And if that doesn’t, then I’ll just have to cuddle you until it does.” Nico replied.
“I like this Nico. He actually shows affection and is willing to snuggle without me having to ask for it.” Will teases him.
“Shut up.”
— — —
“Okay Will, Percy’s here.” Nico informs his boyfriend with Percy trailing him into the Apollo cabin.
“I can make the water flow off of your arms right above your elbows.” Percy says.
“Sounds good.” Will mumbles.
“Okay Percy, I’ll come and let you know when you’re good to leave.” Nico informs.
“C’mon Will.” Nico ushers his boyfriend into the bathroom. The son of Hades turns on the shower to a comfortably warm temperature then turns to Will to help him strip off his clothes.
“Are you sure you want me with you?” Nico asks, referring to showering with Will.
“Yes. I’m sure.” Will says, the only thing he’s been fully confident in all day.
“Okay.” Nico complies by taking off his clothes and following Will into the shower. Just like Percy said, the water flowed over his elbows like there was an air pocket around them.
Both naked and vulnerable, Nico helps Will wash off for the first time in almost a week. To Will, it feels good to be clean after being sick and injured for 6 days, but his adrenaline is also fading and the original feeling of ‘sick’ sets back in. Nico, of course, notices this once Will’s body starts shaking and shivering uncontrollably.
“Is it too cold?” Nico asks, concerned.
“N-no.” Will askers, teeth chattering.
“Are you sure? Cuz I can turn it up so that-”
“No. It-it’s just the ad-adrenaline wearing off, it’s n-no big deal… but can we hurry?” Will asks, hopefully.
“Yeah. Yeah!” Nico hurries with cleaning himself off. “Do you want to wash your hair now or I can do it later in the sink.”
“L-later please. I’m really tired and I feel sick.” Will confesses.
“Okay, ready to get out?” Nico asks. Will nods and they both step out of the shower. Nico wraps a towel around his waist and helps his boyfriend dry off so that he can get dressed in a new pair of sweats and a loose t-shirt. He leaves Will leaning on the counter while he throws his clothes on. “Percy, you’re good to go. Thank you for helping, Will really needed it.”
“Anytime. I’ll come check up on you guys later. Call me if you need anything before then.” Percy takes that as his cue to exit the cabin. Nico grabs a chair from next to one of the bunks and brings it into the bathroom. The son of Hades sits Will down right in front of the sink and uses a towel to cushion his neck on. He leans back with his head in the sink and Nico warms the water while he grabs Will’s shampoo and conditioner from the shower.
“Ready?” Nico asks, waiting for a response.
“Yes, please.” Will lets his head sink further into the water as Nico starts lathering his hair with shampoo. His fingers rub the soap into Will’s hair while simultaneously massaging his scalp. It feels so good that Will feels like he might fall asleep right there and then.
Nico, of course, notices the slack in Will’s body and his struggle to keep his eyes open so he speaks. “You can relax. I’ll wake you up when I’m done.” Will takes the newfound permission and lets sleep overtake him. He falls asleep to the feeling of Nico’s hands washing his hair.
— — —
Nico’s POV
I knew Will needed a shower and I knew he wanted his hair washed, but I didn’t think he’d fall asleep while I was doing it. When I noticed his eyes start to droop, I knew there was no way he would be able to stay awake when my only intention was to make him feel good.
Will did fall asleep, almost 30 seconds after Nico gave him permission to. Nico told him that he would wake him up when he was done so that they could move to the bed, but that was never the intended plan. Nico knew Will needed rest since the adrenaline wore off rather quickly, so when he told Will he would wake him up, that was just to give him the reassurance that he could sleep. His new plan was to dry Will’s hair as best as he could once he was done and then carry him to bed.
He grabs a towel and pats his boyfriend’s hair dry then picks him up bridal style and carries him to his bunk. Being able to manhandle his 6 foot, 165 pound boyfriend is one thing that Nico has always taken great pride in.
Once they’re both settled in bed Nico holds Will close and they drift off into a semi-peaceful sleep.