Chapter Text
Weeks had passed, and true to their word, they took things slow. Their nights were filled with long conversations, innocent kisses, casual touching, and the quiet comfort of being in each other's presence. They spent their days off at the café they used to frequent in college, they would reminisce about their college years but never for too long. It made Nico think too much.
They explored new places together, parks, bookstores, and local shops they never really paid attention to before. But despite their closeness, there was still that hesitation from Nico. Some nights weren't as fun, Nico would withdraw himself at times, recoil at physical contact, and stumble over his words. Will was patient with him, he knew that this was something he needed to get used to again. The trust that they had was only starting to build up.
One evening, the two were sitting in a field, just outside of the city looking at the stars. Nico was surprised the city lights didn't drown out the dazzling sky but they seemed to drive far enough away from the city to actually see the stars. The cool scent of spring wafted in the air as it approached the warmer season.
Nico smiled up at the stars. “It's beautiful out here, isn't it?” He breathed.
“Almost as beautiful as you,” Will said, smoothly, taking his arm and placing it over Nico's shoulder bringing him closer to his chest.
Nico smiled, laying his head against his chest, situating himself to where he was leaning against Will. This was something Nico had missed during their months of friendship. He missed the cuddles and warmth from Will. The steady rise and fall of Will's breathing, the gentle weight of his arm draped around him, and the way their bodies fit together so perfectly, made him feel safe.
Nico closed his eyes, resting against Will. He would have fallen asleep if it wasn't for the chilly wind. Will gently laid down on the blanket they were on, taking Nico down with him. Nico's finger traced the folds of Will's jacket.
“This has been really nice Will, I missed this, I really did,” Nico said before looking up at Will, seeing him smile softly down at him.
“I missed this too, I didn't know if I'd ever get to do this again,” Will admitted.
“We don't have to worry about that now,” Nico said before giving him a quick kiss.
Their love for each other grew even brighter than it had when they first met. Nico tried to forget but it wasn't easy. He had to learn to forgive Will for the mistakes he had made, first. It was always playing in the back of his mind. But the past weeks grew into months until they were at their four-month anniversary. They didn't make a big deal about month anniversaries but they did make sure to hang out on those days.
That evening, they found themselves at the café that they used to go to at college. The scent of coffee and pastries filled the air, a nostalgic kind of smell. The clinking of cups and silverware on plates was heard throughout the café. Nico was absentmindedly sipping on his coffee, lost in thought.
Will watched him, sipping on his sugary drink before setting it aside. “What's on your mind, Nico?”
Nico hesitated, “I've been thinking… about us… about how different things feel now, how it feels like we've done this before but at the same time it all feels new.”
The blond tilted his head a bit, “different in a good way, I hope?”
Nico nodded but didn't meet his gaze, “it's good it's just… scared me.” He admitted, his hands clasping around the mug of his coffee. “I want to move forward, I really do but a part of me is still waiting for everything to fall apart.”
Will sighed, taking the dark-eyed man's hand, “I know I've hurt you in the past. I know that but I promise I'll do anything in my power to make you forgive me.”
“I forgive you, Will, you were young and stupid, I just can't forget about it.” Nico reasoned.
Will's eyes went dark in thought, “I don't expect you to forget about it but forgiving me is all I've hoped for.”
That night, they went to Will's place instead of parting ways. Will lit a candle, making the air smell of apples and cinnamon. Nico sat on the couch, pulling his knees to his chest, resting his head on his knees and Will settled beside him, his arm wrapping around his shoulders as he pressed a kiss to his temple. Silence stretched across the room, a comfortable silence. Nico suddenly moved, moving his head to Will's shoulder, letting his legs slide down.
“You know you don't have to prove anything to me,” Nico murmured. “Just be here for me and be honest with me.”
Will smiled, placing a kiss on the top of Nico's head. “I will.”
And in that moment, Nico believed him.
As spring melted into summer, so did Nico’s heart. The fear of Will hurting him in some way didn't vanish overnight. Jason's words didn't help either, he was always telling him to be careful with Will. He was hysterical when he found out Nico and Will got back together. But he respected Nico's decisions and that's all Nico could really ask for. With every touch, every shared glance, every promise he felt like it was a step in the right direction.
One night, the two returned to their spot for stargazing with a little picnic to accompany them. The night was warm, and the scent of grass and earth was nice. The two sat on the same old blanket from before.
“Are you happy, Nico?” Will asked suddenly.
Nico blinked at Will before laughing a little, the question caught him a little off guard. For a while, he had been uncertain, unable to let things go or balance the past and present. But looking at Will, the man who had been so patient with him, waiting for him to be ready, he realized the answer wasn't complicated at all.
“I am,” he said with a quiet smile.
“I love you,” Will whispered.
“I love you too,” Nico said, squeezing Will's hand.
It wasn't a grand declaration of love, it was a simple I love you. Something they had said before but it carried the weight of the world on these words for some reason this time. They had found their way back into each other's arms. And time no one was letting go.