Nico sat under his favorite tree in the Hades cabin's courtyard, reading a comic book and enjoying the solitude. It had been a long week of camp activities and demigod drama, and Nico was relishing the rare moment of peace.
Suddenly, Will Solace appeared through the cabin door, turning on his healer's smile when he saw Nico. "There you are!" he said cheerily.
Nico looked up, trying to ignore the flutter in his chest at the sight of Will. "What are you doing here, Solace?"
Will pretended to be hurt. "Can't I see my favorite son of Hades?" He held up a picnic basket. "I brought snacks. Thought you might want some company."
Despite himself, Nico felt his lips twitch into a smile. "I suppose some company wouldn't be the worst thing."
Will's grin widened and he plopped down next to Nico, opening the basket to reveal pasta salad, fresh fruit, and homemade cookies. He handed Nico a plate and they started to eat, making casual conversation. But Nico noticed the way Will's knee kept brushing against his, and the warm glances Will shot him when he thought Nico wasn't looking.
After they finished eating, Will laid back on the grass and patted the spot next to him. "Join me."
Nico hesitated, not wanting to get too close. But his desire to be near Will eventually won out, and he laid down beside the son of Apollo.
Will turned his head to smile at Nico. "The sky is so pretty today."
Nico gazed up at the expanse of blue, unable to ignore how well Will's hand fit in his own as their fingers intertwined. "It is," he agreed, his voice softer than intended.
They laid there in comfortable silence for a while, staring up at the clouds. Finally Will spoke again. "I'm glad you're smiling today, Nico. You deserve to be happy."
Nico looked over at Will, seeing such warmth and kindness in his eyes. Some unknown force seemed to pull them together, and suddenly their lips were meeting in a sweet kiss. Nico's heart soared as Will kissed him softly and surely, making him feel everything would be alright.
When they finally pulled apart, Will smiled shyly. "I've wanted to do that for a while."
Nico returned the smile. "Me too."
Emboldened, Will grasped Nico's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "Would you go on a date with me?"
Nico nodded, blushing slightly. "I'd love to."
Will beamed and leaned in to kiss Nico again, slow and tender. Nico smiled against Will's lips, feeling lighter than air. They kissed for what seemed like hours, finding comfort and joy in each other's arms.
Afterwards they cuddled together under the tree, hands entwined. Will played with Nico's hair while Nico listened to the steady beating of Will's heart.
"You make me happy," Nico said softly.
Will kissed the top of his head. "You make me happy too, Nico."
Nico sighed contentedly, feeling at peace in Will's embrace.This moment of quiet joy and sweet affection was something he'd never take for granted. With Will, Nico knew he'd finally found the light to balance his shadows, the infuser of hope into his weary soul. And that gave him more happiness than anything else in the world.
