Light & Dark

Chapter 22

Will and Nico lay side by side on the roof of the Hades cabin as the sun finally disappeared.

They'd been kept apart since breakfast by the daily to-do and the excitement of Leo's return. Only recently were they allowed the chance to see each other.

For almost an hour they sat on the sloped roof, chatting and enjoying each others' company but both dancing around the subject they most wanted to talk about.

It was Will who was eventually brave enough.

'So, Nico,' he started.

Nico noticed the change in tone and his heartbeat tripled. Oh no. We're gonna have this conversation.

Will went on. 'I guess our situation is pretty weird, what with the dreams and all. It's sorta like we're having two relationships at once.'

'"Relationships"?' teased Nico, feigning confidence, despite his insides being frozen with anxiety.

'Yeah... and so, I was wondering if... maybe... well, I'd like for us to start at the beginning. Reset everything,' said Will.

Nico's spirit plummeted. 'From the beginning, like, going back to being friends?' he said softly.

Will looked aghast. 'No!! I mean- no, I like being  - not just friends - with you. If that's what you want..?'

He looked at Nico for confirmation. Nico managed to nod a little.
'But what I mean is,' Will forged on, 'I want to start the process over. In real life. I want to go through all the steps. Like maybe, we could start by holding hands."

He softly took Nico's thin hand in his own, his heart going a million miles.

Nico felt strange, like bubbles were rising up inside him and exploding in bursts of glitter. He couldn't remember ever being this happy, and all from just having Will's hand hold his own.

He tried to resist the urge to smile but couldn't and had to look away, and a blush rose onto his cheeks.

They both laughed awkwardly, but neither one let go.

Will's body was giving him plenty to think about. He wondered what hormone it was in his brain making him feel so inexplicably elated, or making his nerves light up. He certainly hadn't expected that holding Nico's hand would make him... turned on?

After a few seconds Nico moved closer and let his head fall on Will's shoulder. It was so peaceful, not having to worry about what to say, just enjoying this simple act of affection that connected them so profoundly.

They stayed until it grew too cold and they had to clamber down.

'Goodnight, see you tomorrow,' said Will softly, swinging his and Nico's clasped hands.

Suddenly Nico leaned in and kissed him quickly.

'Goodnight,' said Nico, blushing again from his sudden act of courage. He turned and slipped into his cabin before Will could say anything.

He lay awake that night just thinking- about Will, about hand-holding and stolen kisses, and maybe, if he dared to hope, their future.