Chapter Text
Will could hardly keep up with Nico, he slipped through the trees like smoke. At times he would nearly disappear. Will had seen the boy sink into shadows and hide himself away before but seeing it up close was incredible, in the forest he was almost translucent. Will tried his best to be quiet, hearing his mother and brothers calls getting louder.
Will had to swallow a yelp as Nico yanked him hard behind a fallen tree. They sat, motionless, with their back to the bark. Will could feel his heart knocking hard against his ribs. Just as they had fully ducked down, Will heard footsteps only a few feet away.
“Will!” His mothers voice was panic stricken. Will's chest tightened at her fear and desperation.
“It’s dusk, mama, we can't stay much longer.” Michael told her, defeated.
“And just leave him?” Naomi's voice shook violently.
“I hate it too, but he could be anywhere by now. He could be on his way home for all we know. He left a message saying he’s safe–”
“That doesn't mean a damn thing and you know it.” She sounded like she was having trouble catching her breath. Will wanted to just stand up and tell her it was ok.
Nico was now peeking over the tree, hidden by some foliage. His expression waas tight and calculated. Will realized he had no idea if Nico planned to hurt his family or not. Michael was the one who caught him after all, why else would he have tracked them down like this?
Nico reached out a hand without looking, Will didn't grab it immediately. Nico turned and looked Will in the eye, “Trust me,” he mouthed, reaching his hand out more. Will had no idea what the right thing to do was anymore, he decided to just take a leap of faith.
Grabbing Nico's hand he flinched, it felt like a live wire. “I’m going to project your voice and image back into the forest to lead them away.” Will whipped his head around. Nico’s mouth wasn't moving and his voice was hitting Will from all sides. It was like the words were coming from inside his skull.
“Close your eyes and tap into my magic, you’ll be able to see and talk to them, but it’ll just be a projection.” Will's mouth went dry and he nodded, but Nico wasn't facing him to see. “Try to respond to me like this,” the voice urged.
Will closed his eyes and a hazy scene started to appear, he saw his family standing, looking worried in the clearing. This must be what Nico was seeing. He tried his best to formulate words and slowly his voice filled the air as if they were sharing some lucid dream.
“Okay,” was all Will was able to croak out.
“Good, you're going to see the forest around you, the village's direction will be straight behind you. Visualize yourself standing there with them, moving and talking how you usually would. You should be able to get nearly out of the woods before you're too far for the illusion to withstand. If they touch the illusion it will disappear, or if they cross that stream. My power can't cross the running water.” Nico explained quickly, “okay, ready?” Will had about a hundred questions but Nico didn't wait for a response.
Will was suddenly standing somewhere in the dark forest. He did not recognize the area but at least knew the village's direction. He knew he had to move quickly before his family found their actual bodies.
He cupped his mouth and yelled at the top of his lungs.
“Mama! Michael!”
A relieved “Will!” came faintly through the woods a moment later.
“I’m over here!” He shouted. Michael and Naomi's yells got louder until Will could hear their footsteps rustingly through the woods as well.
As they rapidly approached, Will started to panic. How could he stop them from touching him without raising suspicion? He didn’t have much time to figure it out as they broke through the trees, barreling towards him. He put his hand up in a panic, motioning at them to stop.
They both froze at Wills signal, only a few feet away from the illusion. Will put a finger to his mouth, urging them to be quiet. They both nodded and looked around nervously. The hand signals seemed to be a good system, it kept them from asking any difficult questions.
He pointed behind himself, and started slowly walking that way, motioning for them to follow him. Silently, they let Will take the lead and followed at a distance. To keep them from getting too close, Will made a show of pausing behind trees, looking around, then waving his family on.
They moved like that for about 25 minutes, before his brother stepped forward and waved to get Will's attention. He pointed at a deer path to their left.
Knowing this forest, Michael must have recognized a shortcut. Will nodded and went down the path, the faster he could get them out of the forest the better. He decided that when he felt the illusion start to fade, he would explain what was going on and tell them not to worry.
After a few minutes of walking Will stopped in his tracks. The deer trail was cut in half by the small stream. Will looked back to his family who were confused at the sudden halt.
His brother pointed across the stream and nodded, Will shook his head, he pointed into the forest off of the trail.
Michael shook his head harshly and pointed emphatically across the stream, starting to walk that direction despite Will's protest.
“Stop!” Will blurted. Michael paused right before crossing the stream, and whipped his head back. He looked around paranoid that something may have heard it.
“Will, I’m telling you this is the fastest way home. What's the matter?” Michael whispered. Will looked at him helplessly, wracking his brain for what to say.
“Michael, cross the stream.” His mother said seriously from behind Will, taking a step back.
Will spun around to face his mother and then back to Michael, both of them had gone pale. Will grew frantic, realizing what was happening.
“Now Michael.” Naomi's voice hardened and her eyes flitted around the forest.
“I’m not leaving you alone,” Michael said firmly.
Even as they spoke to each other they never took their eyes off of Will. He felt like a wild animal.
“No, ok, just listen.” Will began to plead.
“Cover your ears Michael!” His mother yelled. Michael did so immediately.
A sob came through Will. “It’s not what you think!” Will watched in horror as his mother pressed her ears so hard against her head it looked painful. She looked behind her, scanning for where to run. Will couldn't have that, if she sprinted aimlessly in the woods she would surely get lost.
Will put his hands up passively and slowly walked backwards so he wasn't between them anymore.
“It's still me, I'm just-” He didn't get a chance to finish before his mother lunged forward and threw Michael and herself over the creek. As soon as she did, Will's vision faded and all he saw was the back of his eyes. Feeling the log behind him he hunched forward with heaving sobs.
“Will, what happened!” Nico shook his shoulders. Will looked up and tried to speak but couldn't get a word out without gasping for air. Nico couldn't do anything but wait for him to calm down. By the time he did, the sun had fully set and a cool chill filled the air.
Will wrapped his arms around himself and sniffled. “Th-they realized something was wrong and crossed the stream before I could explain.” Even somewhat settled Will had trouble keeping his breathing steady as he spoke. “They think I’m dead, that I was some imposter. They were so–” Will was interrupted by an involuntary gasp, “so scared.”
Fresh tears began to fall. “I cant– I need– I need to go home. I need to tell them that I’m ok.” He said, standing up.
Nico flew up beside him. At this point he had put his clothes back on and secured his bandages so they wouldn't slip off. “Will! Just breathe, it’s going to be ok.” Will made a sound of protest and tried to walk away. Nico grabbed his shoulders, wincing as his burned hand scraped the rough strap of Will's pack.
“I know you’re upset. You have every right to be but we’ll figure everything out. The best thing to do right now is find a place to camp for the night and regroup in the morning..” Nico spoke calmly, trying his best to pacify Will.
“I can’t wait a whole night!” Will ran his hands through his hair, looking around desperately.
“Well you can't navigate an unfamiliar forest in the dark, either.” Nico countered, “Besides, even if you make it to the village, how are you going to convince them that you’re you?”
Will's stomach sank. Nico was right, if he went home his mother would lock the doors and close the shutters. Or worse; attack him.
Will buried his face in his hands, he was completely alone. For the first time in his life, he had no bed to fall into, no older brother to hide behind, no mother or sister to hug. He had no one.
With a defeated sound he slumped forward against Nico. Still careful of the burns, he kept his arms at his side and just dropped his head on the fae’s shoulder.
“Wha-” Nico froze at the contact. Will squeezed his eyes shut and hiccuped. After a painfully awkward few seconds, right before Will swallowed his shame and moved away, Nico tentatively wrapped Will in a hug.
“It’s ok,” Nico gave Will an awkward pat. Comfort and warmth didn't seem to come too naturally to the boy but they were practically strangers, if not enemies, so Will let it slide. He relaxed against Nico's shoulder and let the vanilla scent surround him. He imagined he was back home, helping his mother bake.
The two boys stood like that for a while. Will was surprised how much better Nico's arms made him feel.
Eventually Will's breathing steadied and he let Nico go. He didn't meet the boy's eyes, now feeling more embarrassed than anything.
Clearing his throat he looked around the forest. “You're right, we should find somewhere to sleep.” His voice came out of the horse and he wiped his eyes on his sleeve.
“Follow me,” Nico said quietly. Will obeyed without a word.
Walking back to the lake, Nico motioned for Will to sit down. Will did so and wrapped his coat around himself. He thought they would stay somewhere at least a little shelter. He turned to speak to Nico but the boy was gone. Will panicked for a moment but quickly found him in the forest, a little further down the bank.
Will watched in interest as he rustled about. From his position, Will couldn't actually see Nico, only the branches and leaves moving.
Grabbing his stuff and walking over, Nico had found a great shelter in the center of three adjoining trees. Twisted branches and hanging leaves fell conveniently to create a hidden space that could fit the two of them easily.
Will couldn't believe their luck. “Wow this is– “ The words died in Will's throat as he watched some branches bend and grow to create a perfect roof within seconds.
Nico jerked his head towards the trees. “You can get in now, I’ll get some stuff for a fire.” He said, collecting loose sticks.
“This is incredible,” Will said breathlessly.
Nico just shrugged and walked in, arms full of branches. Hanging leaves acted as a curtain door while knotted branches formed sturdy walls. Will followed him in and slowly spun around. The walls were tightly knit and the roof came to a point, some flowering vines hanging down.
There was a small hole in the roof but there was plenty of space to sleep where he would be fully covered. Will sat down and watched Nico work.
He propped up the sticks in a triangular pattern, stuffing leaves, vines and what looked like tufts of animal fur in the center. He picked up two stones and hit them together, a spark flew out and immediately set the wood ablaze.
The fire grew in an instant and the hut immediately started to warm up. Will followed the smoke up with his eyes and watched as it rose right through the hole in the roof. Satisfied with his work, Nico walked out without a word. Everything happened so fast. Will was just left there, slackjawed.
Will waited for Nico to come back while warming up in front of the fire. The ground was soft and plush with clovers. It was nearly as good as a bed. A few minutes later Nico came in with a few fish and a large rabbit on two sticks. He laughed at the way Will's eyes popped out of his head.
Wills couldn't remember the last time he had such a feast. “This is amazing, Nico! Tha-” He stopped himself. The night had been so chaotic, he had forgotten who he was dealing with. He was suddenly unsure about accepting all these gifts. How much would they be worth in a tit-for-tat?
Nico’s smile dropped into a glare. Scoffing, he set the food over the fire, not looking at Will. It was painfully quiet as Nico spun the spits. Will would’ve felt guilty but Nico was the one who had stolen from him time and time again. He had every right to be suspicious of the fae.
“If I accepted this, what would you want in return?” Will asked once the meat was nearly ready.
Nico looked him dead in the eye. “Your first born child.”
The color drained from Will's face as he nearly choked on his spit.
"But you don't have to worry.” Nico said, plating the food on dry pieces of bark.
“Why not?” Will's shoulders tensed as Nico leaned forward, their faces now inches apart.
“Because girls would actually need to like you for that to happen, ” Nico said seriously.
Wills face twisted up “Hey!”
Nico rolled his eyes and sat back.
“I’ve had plenty of girls like me, thank you very much.”
Nico shot a finger up at Will's words, “ah, got you, again,” he said, waggling it in front of Will's face.
Will clamped his mouth shut and Nico placed a plate on the grass in front of him. His mouth watered at the scent.
“If you want to go try your hand in these woods alone, be my guest. Better yet, go home and get chased out with pitchforks.” Nico ripped off a piece of rabbit leg and took a bite. “Maybe next time don't run into the forest with something you can't trust not to kill you.”
Will considered it. They had spent hours together and Nico hadn’t done anything malicious, even letting him off easy by the lake.
Maybe it was just his hunger overshadowing his logic but Will grabbed a piece of fish and took a bite. He moaned, It was the best food he’d had in weeks. With the dam broken, Will went wild. He ate and ate, only pausing to breathe and swallow.
Within a few minutes he was stuffed, his hands and face covered in grease. Looking across the fire, Nico had finished too. Flames casted flickering shadows across the boy's face. His features were striking in the light.
Will understood how some people would abandon all reason at the very sight of a fae. He had a quality that Will couldn't explain. He was brighter, sharper, more clear, than anything else in Will's vision. Will often had trouble looking away from him- every time he did, his eyes were always drawn right back.
“We should keep moving early tomorrow. We don't want to be here if people come looking for you.” Nico kept his eyes on the fire as he spoke.
“Where do we go?” Will asked. There were a few towns near their village but he didn't know where.
Nico shrugged. “Anywhere that isn't here.”
A defeated silence hung in the air. Will's stomach was in knots, he had crawled and shimmied and wedged himself down one hell of a foxhole.
“We should get some sleep, our brains are fried. We’ll come up with something tomorrow.” Will finally said with a sigh and laid down. Nico nodded and took his own spot across the fire.
When both boys were nearly asleep, the fae suddenly sat straight up and looked around.
“What, what is it?” Will whispered, shooting up.
A knock came from the shelter's wooden wall and a figure's shadow was cast behind the vines. Will yelp and scoot back against the wall.
“It's Hazel, may I enter?” A familiar voice asked
Will’s mouth gaped like a fish. “Hazel wha-”
“No.” Nico cut Will off, eyes steeled. “What are you here for?”
“I’m here for you, Nico, I want to help.” Her voice was earnest and silky.
Will had gotten to know the lady Levesque well since she rode in a couple months ago. She had become one of his most frequent patients. It was quite the spectacle when she arrived. Her accent and features were wildly different from anyone else in the village, including Nico.
Will had absolutely no idea why she would be here.
“Who is with you?” Nico asked, slowly standing and approaching the vines.
“Noone, I have come here alone.” Hazel still made no movement to touch the hanging leaves.
Nico looked over to Will, but he had nothing to say.
“You are welcome for the time being, if you agree to leave any and all magic at the door.” Nico said, taking a step back. Will had stood up at this point too, gripping the sharp stone Nico used for the fire.
“Well that won’t be a problem. I have none to bring in.” She said with a smile as she entered the hut.
She gave an appreciative hum, looking around. “You have beautiful magic, Nico,” she traced her fingers along the uneven walls, “with the state of your pasture back home I'm surprised you were able to put this together. You are stronger than most.”
Nico's nostrils flared, “It’s uncouth to enter one's domain without an invitation.”
She raised a brow, still looking around. Her warm skin glowed in the firelight. “Well, it’s not as if you were there to give me one. I traveled all across the wilds just to find an abandoned lot,” she scoffed.
“How do you know me?” Nico demanded.
With a laugh she finally faced Nico, “quite a silly question to ask your sister, don't you think?”