It's A Matter of Healing - Nico Short Story

Nico; Age 14

Rowan; Age 14 (deceased at age 14)

Aurora; Age 19 (deceased at age 19)

Jade; Age 19

River; Age 15

Adair; Age 15

Nico's father; Age 48

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The snow fell silently, coating everything in a soft, white powder. Nico walked amongst it, numb to the cold as they placed one foot in front of the other. It was early, too early for anyone to really be up, so Nico was alone as she made his way mindlessly down the familiar road. They rounded the corner and stepped into the field of the buried, leaving imprints of his shoes behind her as they made his way to the gravestones she sought out.

Rowan and Aurora rested next to each other, both a month gone at this point. Nico smiled faintly and sat down in front of the two.

"Good morning, you two." Her voice was a quiet hum, resonating in the frozen air. "I'm missing you." He rested their chin in her hands and smiled fondly at the gravestones. "You know, Rora, Jade's still a bit of a clingy mess, I was lucky I managed to slip away here." They chucked and looked at the stone with Rowan's name etched into it, their smile faltered and he sighed. "Hey, Row. I… met someone last week." She looked away, brushing his hand over the snow in front of them gently. "Well, two people. River and Adair. They… they seem really nice, I really like them."

Nico paused, hesitating. "Not as much as I like you, of course, but… well, I know you'd want me to be happy. You always want me to be happy, and… I haven't been happy, not since you two left, but, I think… I think they make me happy. Not as happy as you make… made… me, but, happy still. I love you, Row, I'll always love you, but, if I don't… If I can't move forward then I'm not going to make it. I've… I've already thought about ending it. I really, really wanted to when I lost you both, but I know that neither of you want me to join you like that, you're rooting for me, I can feel it, so I'm stepping forward." She finally looked up again, eyes determined despite the pain in his chest. "For you. I'm not going to give up. From now on I'm going to look forward, I'm going to help everyone that I can, and I'm going to live because I know that's what you would want. I love you both so much, I'll never forget you, I promise." She stood, wiping a tear from their cheek as they extended a pinky, sealing the promise before turning away. "Goodbye, sister. Goodbye, my love."

With that, Nico turned and exited the graveyard, refusing to look back as they lifted his head and wiped away the last of her tears. Everything would be fine now, Aurora and Rowan would be proud of them for this, for being so strong, for being able to move forward despite everything. This was the right thing to do. The right way to heal.

It had to be.

—

"Nico? 'S that you?"

She turned at the familiar voice, blinking as a snowflake landed on his lash. It was later in the morning now and a few people were moving around, heading to work or shoveling their driveways, and, evidently, Adair and River decided to come visit, as both of them hurried to greet Nico.

River held a relaxed smile and posture, brown eyes watching Nico thoughtfully while Adair smirked knowingly and grabbed her arm the second he was close enough.

"It is! Heya, we were just coming to gather you, we gotta a place ta show ya, babe!"

Nico smiled as Adair spoke, nodding along. "Sure, yeah, sounds good."

"You sure you're alright, sweetheart, how long have you been out in the cold?" River questioned, their voice smooth and gentle as they reached out to lightly cup Nico's cheek. "You sure look cold."

"I'm fine, promise, I've only been out for an hour or so, and I have a coat." River hummed and Adair rolled his eyes.

"She said they're fine, babe, c'mon, let's go already!" Nico smiled at the enthusiasm and nodded, reaching up to take River's hand from her cheek.

"Yeah, let's go, I'll be fine, Riv, I promise." A small smile touched River's lips and they nodded, shifting their hand in Nico's to intertwine their fingers.

"Fine, let's go."

Adair grinned brightly and turned to rush away, leading the others to an abandoned warehouse a few minutes away. The three climbed inside through a window and sat together in the middle of the room. Adair began digging around in his bag, pulling a few things out while River turned their gentle gaze on Nico.

"Were you outside because you were visiting the graveyard again?" They asked softly, running a finger over Nico's knuckles. They smiled weakly and nodded.

"Yeah, I… wanted to visit them again."

River hummed. "Yes, I understand that. If you need a companion next time me and Adair wouldn't mind joining you. If you're comfortable with that, of course." Nico glanced up and smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that."

"Anytime."

"'Kay, enough lovey-dovey shit, you too, look, I brought vodka!"

Both River and Nico redirected their attention to Adair who grinned brightly, holding up a bottle. A few candies and a pack of cigarettes lay on the floor in front of him as well. River smiled and reached out to snatch the alcohol from their boyfriend.

"Sweet, how did you manage that one?" They pulled the lid off and took a swig, grimacing as it went down. "Damn, strong stuff."

Adair laughed. "I'm talented, that's how. Snagged it from right under ol' shopkeeper's nose. Go on, Nico, have some. Ya obviously need it."

Nico held up her hands as River tried to hand the bottle over and smiled sheepishly. "No thanks, I don't really drink."

"Aw, c'mon, at least try some! It'll make ya feel better!" Adair's eyes glistened as he spoke, grinning encouragingly.

"It's true, it helps." River agreed, still extending the bottle to Nico. "You should try some, it's surprising how much better things like this can make you feel. Drugs, alcohol, sex, it's all really helpful. You're obviously grieving, so let us help you. We can give you all of the above. It'll be good."

Nico hesitated, but the soft smile playing on River's lips was enough to convince her. They wouldn't hurt him, and they were probably right. Maybe a drink or two wouldn't hurt. Smiling back, they accepted the bottle.

"Thank you both."

"Don' worry, babe, just drink. We got ya from now on."