Smile Like The Sun [COMPLETED]

Chapter 11

The god let out an exaggerated sigh. "Well, great! Now I owe Aphrodite 20 drachma!"

Persephone shook her head. "Hon, this is why we don't make bets about love with the literal love goddess."

Will's eyes widened. Even the gods? The heck? "Is that all you wanted to know?"

Hades almost responded, then caught a look at his plate. "You haven't eaten! I told you, the curse-"

Will looked down. "I know. I can't eat. I'm too nervous."

Hades softened, knowing exactly how Will was feeling. "He's going to be alright, my boy. I can't even remember how many times this happened when he was first sorting out his powers. He's going to be fine. If I recall, you've been doing an excellent job keeping him safe. My son can tend to be a little... reckless."

Will nodded, smiling through his watery eyes.

"Yeah, he is." He felt the tears coming. No, no- and he was crying. Not full on sobs, but crying all the same. "He's so stupid!" he whispered. "Why can't he just take a break?"

He stared at the door connecting to Nico, and balled his hands into fists. No. He was going to be fine. He was.

Will wiped away his tears and went to stay with the only reason he smiled like the sun.

~~~~~~

Nico smiled weakly as Will entered his room, his hands still only partially existent. "Hey..." he said softly.

Will was near tears again. "Hi," he whispered.

He reached out and touched Nico's face, as though making sure he was still there, staring at him with watery eyes. Rubbing a thumb along his cheekbone, he knelt beside the bed. He took a shuddering breath.

"You're- you're gonna be ok. Your dad said 12 hours, and I want you to stay here longer, actually get your strength back." He saw Nico stiffen. "I'll stay here, don't worry. I'm not leaving you."

Nico relaxed slightly, reaching a hand up to wipe a tear that had escaped Will's eyes... but he pulled back, realizing his hand had passed through Will's face.

Will felt another tear fall as he saw the shocked and pained expression on his boyfriends face.
"Baby, you're- you're gonna be ok. I promise. I promise. You'll be ok." His voice trailed into a whisper as he clutched Nico to his chest.
"Every- everything is gonna be fine. It'll be fine," he said forcefully, tears spilling from his eyes.

Nico smiled weakly, pressing a gentle kiss onto Will's forehead. "I love you..." he whispered.

Will calmed down and sat up slightly. "I love you too. I love you so so much."

He kissed Nico softly. It seemed like he was going to say more, but Hades called for him. He tried to ignore him, but when the god called again, he seemed irritated.

Will squeezed Nico's shoulder and walked out of the room. Leaving him alone.

~~~~~~

Hades was bristling, on Iris Message with Zeus. The lord of the dead turned, but softened when Will came into his sight.

"Ah, Will! I'm sorry you had to get caught up in this, but you and my son are dating, correct?"

"Yes?" Will said, wondering why the god needed to know.

Hades turned back to Zeus, a triumphant smile on his face. "AHA! See, you heard it yourself! Next time we meet, I'll be collecting my drachmas."

"Really?!"  Will exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "What did you even bet on?"

"Well, I said that you two would be together by summer, and he said it wouldn't happen until next year," Hades explained.

Will heard a sigh from the door.

Nico was propped himself up against the door frame, leaning on it heavily. "Dad! What the- well, you- are you doing?!"

Hades turned, surprised, ending the Iris Message with his brother, while Will hurried to Nico's side, helping him up. He quickly decided to just pick him up.

Hades shuffled his feet. "Betting on your relationship with Will?" he said, phrasing it like a question.

Nico looked at Will, exasperated. "The gods are doing it too?"

Will made a face. "Yup. Apparently he owes Aphrodite 20 drachma." He nodded over at the lord of the dead. "Now, come on, I don't want you to pass out again." With that, he carried him back into the room. Hades called after them.

"Actually, I got 20 drachma because Zeus and Ares both owe me 20!"

Nico shook his head and tried to ignore his dad as he fell asleep in Will's arms.