Solangelo Oneshots

Caw-fee

Nico came in quietly, carefully shutting the door behind him.

He was never sure if Will was asleep when he got back from work. His studying hours had been ridiculous lately and he fell asleep at his desk most days.

Nico liked to peel the textbook paper off of Will's face, wrap a blanket around his shoulders and gently guide him to bed.

Will made this adorable sighing sound when his head hit the pillow and he'd yank Nico down to lie next to him and hug him like he was a teddy bear.

Nico loved work. He really, really did. The tattoo apprenticeship was a great opportunity and he was learning more every day. However, he couldn't deny that a part of him was always wishing it was time to go home.

Nico tiptoed to the study, pushing the door open just a crack. He winced at the small creak.

He saw Will lying on the desk with his head resting on his arms and opened the door.

Nico had a fond smile tugging at his lips as he picked up the blanket he left on the chest of draws next to the door for occasions just like this.

He dropped it when he noticed Will's ragged breathing.

"Will?" Nico ventured, concerned.

Will didn't move but he let out a sob that started like a hiccup and ended up a broken whine. Something inside Nico shattered.

He fell to his knees beside Will's chair and wrapped his arms around Will's stomach. He buried his head aginast Will's back and exaggerated his breathing, squeezing Will to give him the grounding touch he knew Will liked.

They stayed like that for a few minutes until Will wasn't shaking so badly and he'd gathered himself enough to turn around and hug Nico tightly.

Nico returned it, leaning up as Will bent down. Will pressed his face against Nico's neck and mumbled something indistinct.

"S'okay," Nico said, closing his eyes and hooking his chin over Will's shoulder. "It's okay, amore. I love you. I love you so much."

He rubbed Will's back soothingly with one hand and rubbed his thumb against the top of his neck.

"Love you too." Will sniffed. He pulled back, leaning into the hands that automatically cupped his face.

Nico ran his thumbs along Will's cheekbones. He loved Will tenderly, knowing he was precious. His heart swelled at Will's watery smile both with love and sadness. Will was so beautiful but Nico wished he didn't feel that he had to smile when his heart was broken.

"What's going on?" Nico asked, gentle and soft.

"I... There's just... There's so much to do and I don't know what I'm doing and everything is so...so..."

"Overwhelming?" Nico offered.

Will nodded. Nico nodded back and kissed his forehead, smoothing out his worry lines.

"I getcha, babe," Nico said in the Americanised way he always spoke when he was trying to cheer Will up.

Will chuckled, resting their foreheads together. His breath was warm against Nico's lips.

"Would ya like some caw-fee? That make you feel betta?" Nico grinned.

Will shook his head. "No, I just need you."

Nico's lighthearted tone softened a little. "You have me."

"And I'd like some coffee," Will admitted.

Nico stole a quick kiss. "Alright. No caffeine, though, and straight to bed after."

"Gay," Will corrected, seeming proud of himself.

"Getting into bed with a man that you're dating as a man is gay, yes." Nico rolled his eyes. "You coming?"

Will glanced back at his desk. Nico moved his head to catch Will's attention.

"Hey," he reminded firmly. "You need sleep. Warm, cosy bed, remember? Plus, not to brag but I'm a great cuddler."

Will swiped a hand across his face. "I have heard that."

Nico kissed him again, harder and longer but still chaste. He savoured the closeness: the dampness of Will's face, the softness of his lips, the warmth of their touch.

"Thanks, honey," Will broke away to say, only to go back for another three kisses. "I love you."

"I love you too," Nico said, pulling Will up and leading him to their room.

He made sure Will was comfortable under the sheets before he went to make the coffee. The coffee maker (that he absolutely knew how to use) rattled in a way that was usually frustrating but was strangely soothing in the quiet of the evening. He ended up making a cup for himself too and set it on the bedside table with Will's.

Crawing into bed, Nico tucked himself against Will's side. He draped one of Will's arms over his shoulder and relaxed.

"You know you can call me?" Nico checked. "You can call me anytime, for anything."

Will shrugged, picking up his coffee and taking a sip. "I know but you've been doing so well at work. I don't want to bother you."

"Well that's dumb," Nico protested, ignoring his own coffee and taking Will's out of his hands for a sip. "I want to be here with you and for you. You don't have to suffer alone. That's the point of a relationship. You put up with my shit, don't you?"

"You're a delight." Will frowned.

"I'm serious!"

"I am too!"

"Will."

"Nico."

Will broke first, his eyes scrunching up in happiness. Nico couldn't hold up much longer so he hid by looking away.

"Turn over," he grumbled. "I'm being big spoon tonight."

Will complied, sinking down into the mattress. Nico curled up around him, feeling smaller than he had since the day began but in a good way. Will's vulnerability felt protective somehow. His trust felt protective.

Nico was more than happy to do some protecting of his own.

He listened to Will's breathing and matched his own to it. Tangled together and breathing in sync, there wasn't room for a whisper to slip between them.

He loved Will. He loved him, he loved him, he loved him.

Nico fell asleep with a smile on his face.