halsey singing "i miss you" but it's actually sad

! Major Character Death !

—

Miranda had helped Nico pick flowers for a bouquet. Nico didn't know anything about it, but it's the thought that counts. Miranda suggested they add waterlilies for something a bit extra. Nico agreed and gingerly took the bouquet with both hands as he went out the door.

It's been years, hasn't it? Years since the incident happened.

Nico had gotten used to sympathetic glances and pats on the back. Waking up cold every morning made the shift much harder. His friends hadn't taken it well, but they've gotten over it at least. So why couldn't he?

Nico felt his soul descend to the underworld as soon as it happened. It left him aching and trembling, unable to even voice what had happened to everyone. It was so sudden he couldn't even prepare himself.

Loss wasn't foreign to him. He'd lost his mom and sister, but he managed to move on. He'd lost friends of course, but he'd made new ones that helped him through it. Those friends still help Nico, but he still can't let go.

* * *

There was a meadow filled with small, yellow flowers and various weeds. A path cut through the grass, leading Nico to a tree. It wasn't anything special, really, but it was their favorite spot. Enough sunlight would shine through to warm their faces but would give enough shade to keep them from overheating.

It was a lovely tree.

Nico approached the tree and put his back to it. The meadow seemed different today. Less dull.

Nico slid down the tree, resting the bouquet over his knees.

"Hey," he whispered. He thumbed the roses. "It's a nice view, isn't it?" He wouldn't receive an answer, he knew, but pretending is better than just sitting there.

Birds were chirping, and a few landed in the tree. "I miss you." Another bird came while another one left. "I miss you every day." His lips trembled. "I've tried getting you back, you know? But I'm not allowed to and—and I know you're resting or whatever, but I still miss you." Nico held the bouquet tighter. "Do you remember the carnival?" Silence. "When I got ice cream all over your shirt? Gods, I thought—I thought you'd be mad at me but you just brushed it off." Nico brushed the hair out of his eyes. "You always did stuff like that. Just brushed it off or took whatever came your way.

"Or what about that time we all went to mini golf and you kept losing the ball?" Nico was laughing now, tears streaming down his face. "How did you even—how could you even lose them? The hole was right there."

"And that time we raided that gas station. I was just gonna leave without paying but you went back and did the good guy thing and paid." Nico frowned. "Always had to do what's right, huh Jason?"

Nico was crying now. No one was around, but Nico still tried to hold it in. Today was supposed to be a good day, a day of celebration.

But...

"You're not here." Nico sighed and set the bouquet down. He stood up and wiped the tears off his face. "I'll get you back one day, Jason. I love you."

He walked away from the tree, unbeknownst to him, a transparent figure gazed lovingly at him.

"I love you too, Nico."