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Will has liked Nico for a long while now, but it seems like the son of Hades is just too dense to notice his flirting, it was starting to get frustrating. He kept going though because he couldn’t help but notice the cute blush that occupies the son of Hades’ cheeks every time he does flirt.
That was why when Nico came running in urgency towards the infirmary with a favor to ask, he didn’t know whether to be happy or frustrated.
“Will! Will! You have to help me.”
Will immediately snapped into attention at the familiar voice, worry blossoming from within his chest, “Nico? What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Are you sick?”
Nico, who was still panting, shook his head, “No! Something worse.”
Will could see the fear in Nico’s eyes and after everything Nico has been, Will can’t imagine what kind of ‘Something’ would bring such terror to the son of Hades’ eyes. So, he carefully nodded, “I’m listening.”
What surprised Will though was, instead of explaining, Nico asked for the said favor, “Pretend to date with me!” Will imagined himself sputtering on his drink as he heard that. His heart started racing faster whether out of joy or hurt, he doesn’t really understand. Maybe a mixture of both?
Will tried to gather himself together, taking a deep breath before raising his hands in a time-out gesture, “Okay, wait… Let’s rewind a little.”
Nico nodded, gathering himself too, “So, there’s this daughter of Aphrodite who wouldn’t believe that I’m gay-” Nico stopped to check on Will’s reaction but Will only nodded, having had noticed this before being gay himself.
Nico seem to smile a little at the older boy’s acceptance then continued, “So, she tried to kiss the gay out of me!”
“Excuse me?!” Will found himself growling. Nico nodded, sighing, “So, Jason advised me that I should pretend to date a guy so that this girl would leave me alone.”
Will pinched the bridge of his nose, conflicted with his emotions. On one hand, he wanted to help Nico, on the other hand, this is going to hurt, and also, on another hand… Why would someone as righteous as Jason Grace suggest such a thing? Something was not right here.
So, as Nico looked at him expectedly, Will began stuttering, “I- uh, I don’t think.” Will took a deep breath before trying again, “Why me?” Will asked, sounding more broken than he had intended.
Nico didn’t seem to notice though as he blushed, shrugging and pocketing his hands, “I, uh-, I just feel comfortable with you and if I were to pretend, I have to be comfortable.”
Comfortable . Is that all Nico thought of him? Frustrated it is then . That gave him enough motivation to say his next words, “Nico, I don’t think I can.” He said sternly, hoping Nico would understand since they were, after all, good friends. Will wanted to add ‘Because it’s going to hurt too much.’ but he couldn’t find it in himself to confess like this.
Nico looked shocked, sad, in pain, and angry all at once, only his anger wasn’t directed at Will, it was directed at himself. Of course, that didn’t stop Nico from lashing out at Will though, “You don’t have to like me, you just need to pretend you do.” he hissed at the son of Apollo.
Somehow, that was the breaking point for Will. He couldn’t understand why Nico would even act like this. He and Nico were friends, after all, so he should be able to respect if Will didn’t feel it right to act even if he didn’t truly understand why he was refusing, right? Without thinking, Will blurted out, “ Oh gods you really are dense! ”
Nico gave him a confused look like all the time the son of Apollo called him that, “What? What does being dense have anything to do with what I’m aski-”
“Do you really not see how I truly feel about you?!” Will blurted again. Then suddenly the son of Apollo stumbled back as he realized what he said, covering his mouth, “Oh gods.”
He looked up to find Nico sputtering on an imaginary drink too. He seemed shocked and Will was about to take it back when Nico looked up seriously, “You have feelings for me? All this time?! Gods Solace, why didn’t you say anything?!”
Will’s eyes widened as the implication became evident in Nico’s words, “No…I mean yes- but-” He took a deep breath, composing himself before speaking again, “You don’t get to turn this table on me, di Angelo. You’re the one who couldn’t see that I was so obviously trying to flirt with you!”
Nico scoffed, though it was evident that both boys were on the brink of smiling, “Maybe if you hadn't been beating around the bush all the time and just asked like a normal person, I would’ve figured it out sooner!”
Will scoffed back, “Well, it’s not like you made any moves or at least gave a hint on how you feel about me… I guess my point is… at least I made an effort!”
Nico then rolled his eyes, “And you really think I didn’t? Will! You’re the only one who I allow to constantly touch and hug me even though I don’t like either of those! What other hint did you need?!”
At that, both boys became silent, just staring at each other with amused expressions on their faces. Eventually though, Will facepalmed, “Gods, we’re both so stupid!”
Nico actually laughed at that, which Will thought was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard, “Yes we are.” Then they both released all the laughter they’ve gathered from this not-so-unfortunate event.
Once they composed themselves, Will let out a sigh, opening his arms, “Hugs?”
Nico rolled his eyes but didn’t resist the urge as he ran into Will’s arms, holding tightly at the other boy’s waist as the other boy held to him just as tightly, “Dam you and your irresistible hugs.”
Will chuckled, a sense of relief washing over him, before asking, “So, what are we now?”
Nico hummed, pulling away and smirking at the son of Apollo, “Take me on a date then we’ll find out.”
Will smirked back, “Oh, you’re on. How about tonight, meet me at the canoe lake?”
Nico pretended to think about it before shrugging, “Guess I’m free later.” Will rolled his eyes then patted Nico’s back, “Alright, now, leave me alone so I could get off this shift early.”
Nico raised an eyebrow teasingly, “ The Will Solace leaving his shift early?! Who are you and what have you done to the real Will.”
It was Will’s turn to roll his eyes, pushing Nico out the door because he seriously had no idea what to do for the night and he had to plan, “And you say I’m the dramatic one.” he said, joking to soothe his nerves and excitement.
Nico glared half-heartedly at the comment before finally leaving the infirmary with a wave goodbye, leaving the son of Apollo to panic at what to do and wear for that night.
While these two boys were so distracted figuring out what was really happening between them, they didn’t notice two other boys watching from the window.
Jason held up his hand at Percy, “Told you my advice would work. Now, pay up.”
Percy shrugged, grumbling, “It could’ve backfired though.” Then dropped a few drachmas into Jason’s palm.
Jason beamed triumphantly before pocketing the drachmas, “Thank you. Now, I believe we have a daughter of Aphrodite to talk to?”
Percy smirked, “I’m with you. But let’s hurry, we don’t want to miss Nico and Will’s first date.”
Jason hummed in agreement, “Oh, I’ll never miss it for the world. I’ve already borrowed binoculars from the Hephaestus cabin too!”
Percy patted Jason’s back, “Let’s hurry then- and oh! Avoid the girls, we're sooo getting a scolding if they find out.”
Jason chuckled at that, “Agreed.” Then the two boys were off.