PJO/HOO one-shots

Sunshine - Solangelo (Re-Write '23)

The once-vibrant field now lay stained with red, resembling roses. Amidst the chaos of battle, demigods and monsters were strewn about, some lifeless, others gravely wounded. Campers fought relentlessly to protect their sanctuary, but the relentless waves of monsters grew increasingly fierce.

Scanning the scene, the son of Hades spotted his friends engaged in combat across the field. Amid the frenzy, his gaze locked onto a familiar head of blonde curls bent over a fallen demigod. A fleeting warmth tugged at his heart, briefly curving his lips into a small smile.

But the warmth faded, replaced by a cold, sinking sensation as panic gripped him. Even shadow travel wouldn't get him to his lover in time to prevent the arrow that found its mark. Nico's breath caught, his eyes widening in horror as he sprinted towards the wounded healer, shadows instinctively coiling around him, urging him forward.

In mere moments, Nico reached Will Solace, who met his gaze with clouded eyes. Gasping for air, the son of Apollo weakly placed his hand on Nico's cheek. With trembling uncertainty, Nico's hand hovered over the wound, searching for a glimmer of hope. Instead, he felt the thread of fate slipping through the fingers of the Fates themselves.

The desire to call for a medic surged within Nico, but battle's cacophony faded, his attention narrowing onto the dying man in his arms. As a son of Hades, he sensed when death loomed, and the realization clenched his heart—his beloved was on the threshold of the Underworld, much like his sister.

Nico's wavering hand cradled Will's cheek, mirroring the tender touch he'd received. Tears welled in his eyes, threatening to spill as he blinked them back. With aching tenderness, he brushed his thumb over Will's parched lips, marked by dried blood from countless instances when Nico wasn't there to stop him.

Without hesitation, Nico's lips met Will's, infusing warmth into the frigid body. Their locked gazes spoke of shared understanding—this was their final moment. Their kiss was fleeting, mindful of Will's dwindling breath and the blood that stained Nico's clothes.

Foreheads pressed together, eyes locked in a profound connection, Nico held onto the gaze that resembled a clouded pond, wishing to see it shine one last time. He summoned a trembling breath, turning sorrow into a melody.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." His voice began steady, weaving through the sorrow. "You make me happy when skies are gray..." A faint smile graced Will's lips, and Nico's voice trembled, a knot forming in his throat. "You'll never know, dear, how much I love you..." Tears streamed down as he sang the final lines, witnessing a sparkle in Will's eyes and the fading smile. Will's eyelids grew heavy, fluttering shut, and Nico knew the end was near. "Please... Don't take my sunshine... Away..."

His voice cracked as choked sobs punctuated the last line, releasing a lifetime of pent-up emotions. Nico kissed his lover amidst the tears. "I love you," he whispered against their lips. In an instant, his sunshine ceased to shine.