𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄// 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐔

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟕// 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Will stared at the pile of paperwork on the desk before him, stifling a yawn as he shifted through the documents. He had never thought paperwork would be the first thing he would pick up after defeating the Black Hand, but it calmed his racing thoughts. 

Soft footsteps on the floor. He smiled as arms wrapped around him, and a chin rested on the top of his head. “Nico, I’m working.” 

Nico grumbled into his hair, letting him go, only to grab his chair and pull it back. Will yelped, then laughed when Nico sat down on his lap. “Really?” 

Nico grinned, burying his face into Will’s shoulder. He finally gave in, embracing him back. They stayed like this in comfortable silence for a while, until Nico pulled away and pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

“How are you feeling?” Will asked. 

Nico paused. “A little nervous, if I’m being honest.” He sighed. “What if I’m not a good prince?” 

“You’ll be a great prince!” Will protested. Nico groaned in exasperation, burying his face in his shoulder again, and Will chuckled. “Nico, love, look at me.” 

Nico reluctantly did so, and Will planted a kiss on his cheek. “You are one of the kindest people I know. You're hard-working and determined. You're going to be amazing.” 

A shy smile. “You really believe that?” 

Will grinned. “Of course I do.” 

Nico laced their fingers together, his smile growing playful. “Well, you’re always right. I guess I have to believe you.” 

Will’s face grew hot, and he leaned in and kissed him. When they pulled away, Nico rested his head on his chest. After a while, Will spoke up. “I love you.” 

Nico smiled up at him. “I love you, too.” 

“Can I get back to work?” 

Nico’s embrace tightened. “Absolutely not.” Will laughed again. 

☀️☀️☀️☀️

When Will finished his paperwork, he decided to help Nico pack his things. The others were too busy to help at the moment, though they had promised to come over as soon as their duties were attended to. 

“These are all the clothes you have?” Will exclaimed, rummaging through his drawers and closet. 

“Oh, come off it,” Nico said playfully. 

“No! You let me borrow your clothes all the time, when you only had this much? You could’ve just told me no! I could’ve gotten you more!” Will started piling Nico’s pants in a suitcase, flashing Nico a smile. “These aren’t clothes proper for a prince, you know. I bet Hazel will make you replace your entire wardrobe.” 

Nico grumbled, and Will’s smile grew. When he was finished packing the clothes in the dresser, he went over to the bookshelf, tracing the spines with a thoughtful look. 

“You’re supposed to help me pack, not browse my books,” Nico joked. 

Will rolled his eyes and grabbed a nearby bag to start packing the books in, glancing at the covers. Romance, horror, history and traditions of the kingdoms…

“You read poetry?” 

Nico looked up to see the book Will was holding, giving a shrug. “Not that often.” He saw Will’s smile, and gave him a look. “What?” 

“Nothing. It’s just…” Will set the book down. “There’s still so much I don’t know about you.” 

Nico’s expression became one of affection. “Well, we have all the time in the world to get to know each other.”