The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

We Will Make This Work

      Will met Nico at the Gorgon's Brew. Will was usually not out this late and he had put up a sign at his home that said he was gone. Will smiled as he saw Nico. Nico's hair was messy and he looked happier than Will had ever seen him. 

    Will and Nico ordered some bread and cheese, as well as wine. The food was finer than Will was used to and less fine than what the slaves in Hades's villa prepared. Still, they both enjoyed the dinner. Will enjoyed watching Nico eat and drink. He had never seen anyone eat so daintily. When they were finished, the real question came up: their future.

    "I told my father," Nico said. "At first he looked surprised and the he told me that a lot of things suddenly made sense."

   Will chuckled. 

 "My father knew from the start," Will said, "and he didn't care. Apollo took both men and women as lovers when I lived with him. I'm sure he's no different now."

    "Your father sounds awesome," Nico said. "My father likes talking about funerals."

   "He would agree with you," Will said and Nico laughed. "So, what will we do now? Can there really be an us? Men are expected to marry and we cannot marry one another no matter how much we wish we could."

    He realized that his face was wet and he wiped away the tears. Nico leaned forward and gently put his hand on Will's shoulder. Will looked up and he saw determination and devotion in Nico's eyes.

    "We will make this work," Nico assured him. 

    "Of course we will," Will agreed, "or my name isn't Will."

    Nico laughed. 

    "Now you sound like your father," Nico teased.

    "You don't even know my father," Will protested.

     "No, but I know you," Nico said. "I know you very well."

     Will felt his face heat up and Nico laughed.

    "Trust me," Nico said. "We may not be able to marry, but we can be lovers. We can even live together if you want. Trust me darling, this will all work out."

   Darling, Will though, what's making Nico sound so sentimental? 

    "No, trust me," Will joked. "I'm the doctor."

    Nico laughed and Will felt his tension slowly evaporate.

    "Will," Nico said. "Can we go back to your house?"

   Will smiled. The two men stood up and left the popina together. 

****

        Will was woken up by knocking at his door. He woke up and grabbed the toga off the floor, covering it over Nico who could sleep through the Gauls invading Rome. Then, he rapidly dressed in a tunic. As he walked over to the door, he realized that it fell above his knees. Heat crept on his cheeks as Will realized that it was Nico's.

       Will opened the door and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man with black hair. He was wearing a cloak and a dagger was strapped to his thigh, but his eyes were glittering with fear.

    "Please help me," he said. "My wife, Hazel, needs your help."