Will put his hand on Nico's shoulder. 'Nico, we need to have another talk about your people skills.' 'Hey, I'm just stating the obvious. If this is Apollo, and he dies, we're all in trouble.' Will turned to me. 'I apologize for my boyfriend.' Nico rolled his eyes. 'Could you not―' 'Would you prefer special guy?' Will asked. 'Or significant other?' 'Significant annoyance, in your case,' Nico grumbled.
In this excerpt from "The Hidden Oracle" by Rick Riordan, Will expresses his concern about Nico's interpersonal skills. Will suggests they need to discuss how Nico communicates with others, implying that his bluntness may not be effective, especially in a critical situation involving Apollo. Nico defends his straightforwardness, emphasizing the seriousness of the scenario at hand, where Apollo's potential demise could have dire consequences for everyone.
Will then turns to apologize for Nico's behavior, showcasing his support for his boyfriend. In response, Nico rolls his eyes at Will’s attempts to label their relationship in a lighter manner. Will teasingly offers alternative terms like "special guy" or "significant other," while Nico retorts with a humorous jab, calling Will a "significant annoyance." This playful banter highlights their dynamic, blending seriousness with wit amidst dire circumstances.
