Sunshine

Will stood awkwardly next to Nico's chair in Band, nervously tapping his fingers on the top of Nico's music stand. He swore that he could feel waves of darkness radiating off of Nico, saying that he wanted to be left alone. After a long moment, Will finally cleared his throat and spoke.

"Well, I guess we're partners, so if we're going to get anything done, we should get started..."

Nico just sat there, slouched in his chair, not making eye contact. His dark waves were draped over his eyes, giving him a mysterious, "don't mess with me" look that made Will feel... intrigued to say the least. He had been watching the boy from a distance since he first saw him slouched in the chair furthest away from the front, and Will would shyly glance over at him every now and then.

Nico would probably never had met Will had Will not asked the Band teacher for Nico as a partner. He was once popular, after all. But Nico didn't seem to want to be the center of attention.

Enough about his past. Right now, Will was standing right in front of Nico, and if he didn't say something, he was bound to be doomed. Will tried to think of something to say, but could only think of the project.

"Hey, Nico. It's just a music project. If you really don't want to be partners with me, I guess you could always ask for a change... But then you'd have to go through Mr. Assington-" Will coughs. "I mean, Mr. Brassington."

Nico tilted his head slightly up so that he could look at Will through his dark, messy mop of hair. Will couldn't see Nico's eyes through his hair but at least he could tell Nico was looking at him.

"It's fine," Nico grumbled, sighing. "I guess I can put up with you for a week or two."

Nico looked back down at his black skinny jeans, trying to ignore Will. Nico didn't want anyone to disturb his peace... especially not Will. Not after the last time someone tried to... help him.

But even through Nico's gloomy demeanor, Will grinned broadly, showing off his pearly white teeth. Will was determined to befriend Nico.

"C'mon! It won't be that bad... I promise I won't bother you... too much."

He sighed and looked down at the sheet music on the music stand. He couldn't read a note of it.

"Anyways, I'm kind of screwed if you won't help. I'm only taking Band because my dad's making me. He's all into the arts, spewing haikus and odes here and there, and then randomly bursting into song. But I want to be a doctor... I also need the art credits..."

Will realized he had been rambling, and shut his mouth, hoping to make the situation less awkward.

"Well, could we at least plan something out?" Will tried to coax Nico into saying a bit more so that maybe he might be able to make some kind of connection.

Nico finally looked up at Will. Will had never noticed how pretty di Angelo's eyes were before. They were dark brown, drawing you in, but still soft, like a welcoming cup of hot chocolate.

"Why do you even want to work with me anyways? Most people know to stay away from me. Why don't you?" Nico half-glared, half-questioned Will with the look in his eyes.

Will ran his fingers through his hair. There really wasn't anything to say except the truth... so he replied, "Well, I just want to get to know you better, you know? Get to be friends, maybe..."

Nico sighed, and stood up. Inside, he was intrigued. Rarely did people try to even be around him, much less talk to him or befriend him. Last time that happened... hopefully couldn't be any worse this time.

"Okay, fine." Nico gave in to the pleading look on Will's face as he replied, "We can meet up at my house tomorrow, since it's Saturday, and I won't have anything else planned."

Will immediately perked up and grinned. Nico pulled an index card out of his binder, scribbled something on it, and handed it to Will.

"Here's my address. Just come over when you're ready to work. And don't forget to bring your instrument. See ya."

The bell rang, and Nico grabbed his stuff and walked out the classroom. Will just stood there, with a fluttery feeling in his chest.