Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nico got out of his car, squinting as the sun shone into his eyes. Gods, he was not a morning person. He was going to kill Reyna for asking to swap shifts with him. What was he supposed to do? Say no to her?

Bitterly, Nico grabbed his cup of coffee out of its holder and the keys to the shop, and then slammed his car door shut, with a bit more force than was strictly necessary. Taking a long sip of his coffee, Nico fumbled with the keys until he was able to grab the right one. The key was decorated with little flowers and ivy branched around, and had the store’s name, Persephone’s Garden, written in flowing mauve calligraphy. Nico could easily recall the day his sister Hazel had insisted on taking the keys to get that detailing done.

“Hazel, you know I love you, but there is no way I’m giving you my store key just for you to go damage it or whatever,” Nico scoffed, rolling his eyes at her request.

“I’m not damaging the key, I’m just gonna take it to have some detailing done, that way you can’t lose it! Besides, just because you own the shop doesn’t mean your favourite employee doesn’t get to have a little fun,” Hazel replied, her resolve unaffected by Nico’s refusal.

Nico slid the key across the counter to her, lightly chuckling, “Fine, take it, but just for the record, I still really don’t see the point,” Hazel happily grabbed the key and tucked it into the pocket of her jeans.
As she turned to exit the store, Nico called after her, “By the way – you’re not my favourite employee if I’m not your favourite co-worker! You totally like Frank more than me!”

Hazel stopped in her tracks and turned back to Nico, giving him an unimpressed look.
“Hey, I’m just saying! You should totally ask him on a date sometime, I’m sure he wou- “
“Oh, be quiet, or I will break your key,” Hazel retorted, but there was no real anger behind her words.
“Okay, okay,” Nico said, holding his hands up in surrender, “See you later then!” He called as Hazel exited the store, the chiming of the bell alerting him of her departure.

On mornings like this, when Nico was forced to open the shop by himself, still half asleep and just barely clinging to consciousness, he was grateful that Hazel had made the key so easy to identify among all his other ones; not that he’d ever admit that though, it was far more fun to antagonise her.

He slotted the key into the lock and turned it, hearing the mechanism open with a satisfying click, and pushed open the door. The bell made its typical light tinkly noise, announcing his arrival to no one except the plants in the shop. He made his way down through the central aisle of the shop and threw his keys down on the counter. Still clutching his coffee in his hand, he made his way to the front windows, and pulled up the blinds that obscured the store’s interior, letting the sunlight flow into the store.

Turning back around, Nico placed his coffee on the counter next to his keys, and then grabbed his apron from its hook on the wall, tugging it over his head and tying it with a bow at the back. Satisfied with the security of the knot, Nico headed towards the door and flipped the sign from Closed to Open. He then made his way back to the counter, idly passing by rows and rows of pre-made bouquets and arrangements, as well as plenty of flowers that hadn’t been used yet, which instead were organised into containers by species and colour.

As he came back to the counter, he pulled his phone out of the back pocket of his jeans and opened messages, clicking on Reyna’s contact. He snapped a quick selfie of him flipping off the camera, with the now open store in the background.

TO: Reyna
8:30am

Attachment: 1 Image

Nico: it is YOUR fault I am up before 10am. i hope you’re happy.

Reyna: I actually am.

Nico: :/

Reyna: Don’t you have a store to be running?

Nico: ugh.
Nico: finee talk to you after work

Reyna: Okay Nico.

Nico sighed, shutting off his phone and placing it face down on the counter. It was still pretty early, and customers weren’t really expected at this time of day. Hazel didn’t start for another hour, and they wouldn’t prepare deliveries until 11am, which meant Frank, their delivery guy, wouldn’t be in until then. Calypso and Reyna wouldn’t be coming in today at all, so Nico resigned himself to isolation for the next hour.

He sat down in the chair behind the counter, picking up his phone again and swiping back and forth on his screen aimlessly. After a few minutes, he got bored and put his phone back down again, groaning and laying his head down on his arms.

Suddenly, some movement across the street caught his eye. There were a couple people taking boxes in and out of the store opposite Nico’s. He had known that a tattoo parlour was opening there, what with all the construction and preparation for it over the past few weeks, but he had no idea that it would be opening today.

Deciding a little snooping couldn’t hurt, Nico got up from behind the counter and stood in between the rows of flowers closest to the windows to get a better view, but also to look like he was actually working if he got caught.

I mean they are kind of like neighbours to my store, Nico thought, I feel like I can get to know a bit about them.

Peering through the window, he looked up at the golden-yellow lettering of the shop’s name. Prophecy - it read, and then slightly underneath, in smaller print - Tattoos & Body Piercings. Nico could make out five people taking things inside the shop from a van parked outside.

First, he saw two people walk out together, a girl and a guy, carrying what he assumed were now empty boxes back to the van. The boy had a mop of dark brown hair and tanned skin, and he was wearing a collared shirt with rolled up sleeves and a pair of suspenders. The girl with him had wild, curly red hair, and she wore a baggy shirt and jeans. The brown-haired boy must have said something funny, because he and the girl started laughing, and she gently shoved him before they both headed back inside.

The brown-haired boy ran into another person on his way back in. Jesus Christ, Nico thought, That is literally the most buff guy I’ve ever seen. The brown-haired boy hi-fived the new guy and slipped back in through the door. This new guy had his arm slung around the shoulders of a girl who was walking next to him. The girl had long, silky black hair, and she had a pink headband in to keep it out of her face. Nico watched as the girl turned to face the guy, rising on her tiptoes to give him a quick peck on the cheek, before depositing her boxes and going back inside with him.

Nico was about to turn back to his work, feeling like he was now invading a bit, when he stopped dead. The brown-haired boy had returned, and with him was quite possibly the most gorgeous man Nico had ever laid eyes on. He had fluffy blond hair that shone in the morning light, and piercing blue eyes that glimmered as his face broke out into a grin, smiling at the brown-haired boy, who was talking animatedly whilst waving his hands around.

Nico felt a strange pang in his chest, and looked away from the window, glancing over the flowers in front of him. He picked up a single daffodil and twirled it between his fingers. What’s so special about that brown-haired guy?, Nico thought sourly, fiddling with the daffodil clutched in his hand.

He glanced back at the window, watching the blond guy run a hand through his hair. Nico watched him with rapt attention as he put the last of the empty boxes into the van and locked it up, tossing the keys back over to the brown-haired boy. Then, the blond looked across the street and immediately spotted Nico, poorly disguised amongst the rows of colourful flowers.
“Shit,” Nico muttered to himself, frozen in fear after being caught. The blond guy locked eyes with him through the window, and Nico felt his face heat up. Nico’s firm grip on the daffodil weakened, and the flower noiselessly fell to the floor, escaping Nico’s attention.

Look away, idiot, Nico scolded himself, you look so creepy right now, just turn away. Nico’s body refused to listen to reason, and he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to look away from this beguiling stranger. The blond guy raised his hand in greeting, and Nico responded with a half-hearted little wave. With a small smirk, the blond turned around and followed the brown-haired boy back inside the tattoo parlour.

Gods, Nico thought, that was so stupid. Coming back to his senses, he noticed the daffodil now on the floor, and he bent down and picked it back up gently. He didn’t want customers to have to take his stupid floor flower, so he snatched up an empty vase from the front window display and crossed the store. Reaching the small sink on the other side, he filled the vase with water and popped the daffodil into it. Nico walked back over to the counter and placed the vase atop it, to the side of the register.

Settling back into the chair behind the counter, Nico picked up his phone and opened up messages once again, typing out a message to his work chat.

TO: when you’re good at something you should probably capitalise
8:52am

Nico: guys did u know that the tattoo place across the street opened today?

Reyna: I thought I told you to actually do your job?

Nico: reyna, shut up <3
Nico: seriously though, did anyone else know?

Hazel: Omg no I didn’t realise!

Frank: I didn’t know either

Calypso: same here!

Hazel: Maybe I’ll go over there and say hi when I start 😊

Frank: I might come in early and go with you then

Hazel: Oh okay, awesome!! 🥰

Nico: guys you can flirt, but just pls not on the work chat

Calypso: BAHAHAHA

HAZEL LEVESQUE has removed NICO DI ANGELO from the group

Calypso: LMAO HAZEL

Frank: Add him back, I’m sure he was only joking 🙂

Hazel: …
Hazel: Okay

HAZEL LEVESQUE has added NICO DI ANGELO to the group

Nico: i could fire you all if i wanted

Reyna: I knew they were opening sometime this week, I met this guy named Leo who works there when I was closing the store a couple days ago.

Nico: does leo have blonde hair??

Reyna: *Blond
Reyna: And no, he has brown hair. Why?

Nico: no reason

Calypso: ooooooooooo!

Hazel: Don’t worry Reyna, I’ll find out when I go in and then I’ll tell you 😉

Nico: let me reiterate – i can fire you all.

Hazel: Whatever you say, Nico
Hazel: Whatever you say 😜

Calypso: we know you wouldn’t – you’d have to work every day otherwise lol

Nico: screw u guys (lovingly)

Reyna: Go back to work, Nico.

Nico: fine but ur paying for my funeral when i die of boredom

Calypso: lmfao

Hazel: Drama queen ❤️
Hazel: See you in like half an hour!

Frank: Yeah I’ll see you when I come in to work Nico (and Hazel 😁)

Nico sighed and put his phone down. It was gonna be a long half hour waiting for Hazel to start.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Heyy!” Hazel chirped as she pushed open the door, making the bell chime. Nico stopped sweeping, and precariously leaned the broom he was using against the wall before going to greet her.
“Thanks for finally showing up, I was actually dying,” Hazel affectionately rolled her eyes at that, but Nico pressed on, “Where’s your boyfriend, anyway? I thought he was gonna show up early to see you.”
“What? I don’t have a-” Hazel paused mid-sentence, realising what Nico was implying, “Oh my gods, Frank is not my boyfriend!”
“Not yet, at least,” Nico replied in a singsong voice, barely able to hold back a grin. Hazel hit him on the arm with a gentle thwack, and then grabbed her apron off its hook.

“Anyways, what was that whole thing about that guy Reyna met not being blond?” Hazel inquired. Nico scoffed and averted his gaze, feeling his cheeks become tinged pink.
“It was nothing. Literally nothing.”
“I don’t think it’s nothing,” Hazel replied cheekily, “You’re blushing!”
“Shut up Hazel!” Nico retorted narrowing his eyes at her, trying to will the red tint on his face to disappear.
“Fine, but don’t think I won’t find out!”
Nico glared at her before walking back over to his abandoned broom and picking up where he had left off with the sweeping.

The bell made a light tinkling noise again, and Nico immediately went into customer service mode.
“Hi, welcome to Persephone’s Garden, what can we do for you today?”
“Hey Nico, is Hazel in yet?” a voice asked.
“Hi Frank!” Hazel said excitedly, crossing the floor of the shop to meet him by the door.
“Sorry Frank, Hazel actually won’t be coming in today, she’s sick,” Nico dryly responded. Frank gave a light chuckle at that, and made his way to behind the counter, grabbing the floral lanyard that had the keys to the delivery car attached, placing it around his neck. Huh, Nico thought, I didn’t realise Frank kept his keys on Hazel’s apron hook. He decided to take note of that to tease Hazel about it later.

“We haven’t gotten any delivery orders yet, right?” Frank enquired.
“Nah, all good for now,” Nico replied, moving to put the broom back into the storage closet now that he had finished sweeping.
“Oh perfect! I was thinking we could go over to the new tattoo place now, as like a kind of welcome to the area thing?” Frank suggested, albeit a little nervously.
“Good idea! Why don’t we bring them over some flowers?” Hazel said cheerily as she began searching the store to find some flowers she thought were suitable to give their new neighbours.

Hazel picked a bouquet of bright yellow roses, orchids and daffodils, with white wax and monte casino flowers delicately placed in to break up the colour.
“Are you gonna come with us Nico?” Hazel asked.
“Uh… sure,” Nico responded, trying to hide that he had secretly been hoping she’d ask, looking for any chance to see the pretty blond guy again.

He grabbed his keys and slid his phone into his back pocket, following Hazel and Frank out of the store.
“Give me a sec guys, I just need to lock the door before we head over,” Nico called, pushing the key into the lock and twisting it. Once he was sure the store had been fully locked up, he walked over to join Frank and Hazel at the edge of the sidewalk. They crossed the street and proceeded to the glass doors of the tattoo shop on the other side.

Nico pushed open the doors, hearing a mechanical beep as the three of them entered. They walked in, and Nico took in the reception area around them. At each end of the room, there were couches, chairs and bean bags to sit in, with ornate oak side tables; art covered the walls, with the occasional floating shelf covered in trinkets. Nico cast his gaze to the reception desk in the centre of the room, which was similar to the intricate side tables he’d spotted. It was curved back at either end, with a phone and a computer sitting atop it, along with a stack of magazines. Behind the desk was a wall covered in delicate and ornate tattoo designs and piercings, with a door in the middle.

Sitting at the desk was the girl with the black hair from earlier, but this time she was without the buff guy. Up close, Nico could now see she had sapphire blue eyes (but he didn’t think they compared to the eyes of the blond guy), and her complexion was so clear he could’ve mistaken her skin for porcelain. She had a nose piercing, and a tattoo on the back of her left hand. The tattoo featured intricately drawn doves, roses, seashells, and what Nico thought were anemones.

“Hey, my name is Silena, what can I do for you guys today?” the black-haired girl asked politely, straightening up in her chair.
“Oh, hi!” Hazel said, “We work at the flower shop across the road, and we just wanted to say hi and get acquainted with you guys!” Silena smiled warmly at Hazel’s cheery introduction, slouching back down in her seat a bit.
“We also brought you these flowers as a bit of a welcome gift,” Frank added.
“Oh, thank you guys, you didn’t need to do all this! I’ll just grab something to pop these in, and then I’ll get everyone else from out the back. Silena motioned to an entryway which Nico assumed led to where people actually got tattoos done.

The three of them waited as Silena pushed open the door directly behind the desk, and re-emerged with a tall mason jar full of water. Frank helped her gently place the flowers into the jar, and then she set it on the desk.
“Okay, you guys just sit and make yourselves comfortable, I’ll grab everyone else now,” Silena said, disappearing through the open entryway to the back. Frank and Hazel settled next to each other on an elegant yellow loveseat, and Nico sat in a matching armchair just to the side of it.

Silena returned, the buff guy once more at her side, and the two were holding hands. Behind them were the red-haired girl and the brown-haired boy, but no sign of Nico’s true love the blond-haired boy. Silena turned her back to her little group, a slight frown appearing on her face.
“Gods’ sake, where is Will?” she muttered under her breath, “William Andrew Solace! Get your ass out here!”
Nico heard quick footsteps, and then in the doorway, there he was: his soulmate the blond guy had appeared.
“Sorry, sorry, I was just puttin’ some stuff away-,” he stopped short, seeing Nico, Frank and Hazel all sitting there. He has an accent, Nico thought, gods that’s so hot.
“Okay well now we’re all actually here, feel free to introduce yourselves guys,” Silena said, fondly shaking her head at Will.

“Uh, hey! I’m Hazel, and we all work at the flower store across the road!” Hazel greeted happily, gesturing at the flowers now resting on the reception desk.
“I’m Frank, I do all the deliveries for the shop,” Frank continued. Nico swallowed, praying his voice wouldn’t come out croaky when he tried to introduce himself.
“Hi, I’m Nico, and, well I like, I own the store and whatever,” He paused to briefly glare at Hazel, who was giggling at him, “Uh, we have two other people who you might see working as well, they’re Calypso and Reyna, and I think Reyna mentioned having met one of you?”

“Ah, that’d be me,” the brown-haired boy said, winking slightly, “I’m Leo, pleasure to meet you guys." Nodding his head in acknowledgement, Nico chanced a look at the blond guy, who he assumed was named Will, and immediately looked down at his hands when he made eye contact with him. Why was he looking at me?, Nico panicked, do I have something on my face?

“Hey, I’m Rachel!” the red-haired girl said, and as he looked back up, Nico could now see that her jeans were splattered with paint, and she was wearing red converse.
“Uh, hi, I’m Charlie, but feel free to call me Beckendorf. Oh also, Silena’s my fiancée,” the buff guy said, doing a small wave. Nico noticed how incredibly proud and content about the last he seemed about part of his greeting.
“You guys have all already met me,” Silena said with a gentle smile.

The blond guy, Will, stepped forward. Nico could feel his heart thumping in his chest.
“Hi y’all, I’m Will, but I’m sure y’all’ve gathered that,” Will said, casting a pointed look towards Silena. As Nico looked at Will, he could feel his cheeks burning, and he was sure that his face had gone completely red. Will looked Nico in the eye, then raised an eyebrow and looked away, an amused smirk etched upon his features. Nico was sure it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Now he was closer to Will, he could see the freckles dusted lightly across the man’s nose and cheeks. Long lashes framed his eyes, which upon closer inspection looked like the sky and the ocean and everything else blue all at once. His eyes, gods, his eyes. Nico felt that he could so easily get lost in them, drown in them, and he’d gladly die if it meant that he would get to stare for just a moment longer. In the lighting of the tattoo shop, Nico could swear that Will’s hair glowed. This was a boy who radiated sunlight, as if it were the very essence of his soul, and in that moment Nico was damn sure that he was Icarus, flying too close to the sun, melting his wings away, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Nico burned with the desire to talk to Will, to know him, to love-
“Uhhh, Earth to Nico?” Hazel said, snapping her fingers in front of his face. Nico jumped at the unexpected noise, hearing a couple barely disguised chuckles.

“Oh. Er, sorry, I kinda just zoned out there for a sec,” Nico rambled, embarrassed.
“As I was saying, it’s been lovely meeting you guys, but we’d better get back,” Hazel said, gesturing across the road where a few confused customers stood outside the flower shop.
“Thanks for coming over guys! See you later!” Leo exclaimed, doing finger guns. The rest of them echoed a chorus of similar goodbyes, and Frank, Hazel and Nico stood up to leave. Right as he was about to walk away, Will caught Nico’s eye, raising his eyebrows and giving him a small, almost knowing smile. Nico thought he might burst into flame.

Nico followed Hazel and Frank out of the store, and stood next to them on the sidewalk, waiting for the cars to pass so they could cross.
“Sooo, Nico, I think I have something to tell Reyna!” Hazel teased, elbowing Nico in the ribs.
“Nope. No way. Absolutely not. We’re not speaking about this ever again,” Nico responded shortly, crossing his arms over his chest. He heard Frank giggle.

As he crossed the street, all Nico could think was – I’m fucked. I am so, so fucked.

TO: when you’re good at something you should probably capitalise
9:57am

Hazel: Reyna! I know what Nico was talking about earlier! 😜

Nico: hazel nonononononono STOP

Reyna: I’m intrigued.

Nico: hazel don’t you DARE

Hazel: Okay, okay, chill Nico 😘
Hazel: (Reyna, message me privately 😉)

Nico: BETRAYAL

Chapter Text

Nico.

The boy’s name rang in Will’s ears, leaving him feeling slightly dazed, even though Nico had gone back to the flower shop at least an hour ago (not that Will was counting, or anything). Will wasn’t usually a believer in love at first sight, but he had been completely enamoured from the first time he spotted Nico in the flower shop window that morning.

“Charlie and I are gonna go out for lunch guys, we’ll be back in a bit!” Silena called, walking through the door as Beckendorf held it open for her. She giggled and rose up on her tiptoes, giving him a chaste kiss before they made their way down the sidewalk. Will wondered what it would be like to kiss Nico, whether his lips would be as soft as they looked, whether-

“Sooo,” Leo abruptly began, stopping Will ‘s train of thought, “Nico?”
“I didn’t really think that was your type, Leo,” Will countered, smirking.
“Hey, you know that’s not what I meant! And besides, if I wanted him I would totally have him already!” Leo said, feigning offense.

Will just winked mockingly over his shoulder, and strode through the doorway, back to his workstation, where he had only half-finished setting up. He could hear Leo’s footsteps, hastily following him. He really isn’t gonna let this go, is he?, Will thought, resuming with sorting ink caps, a variety of spray bottles, needles, and whatever else he hadn’t managed to get to earlier.
“Will. Will. William. Will.” Leo was right behind Will now, poking him in the shoulder.
“Leo,” Will responded, putting one last bottle of ink away and then turning to face him. Leo was grinning mischievously, which according to Will’s several years of experience, never meant anything good.

“You see William, I have an idea,” Leo started. Which again, according to experience, was definitely not a good sign.
“Is this gonna be like your last idea, Leo?” Will asked, “Because for the last time, I am not makin’ a Grindr profile with a picture of me in a cowboy hat with the bio ‘Wear the hat, ride the cowboy’.”
“Oh, come on - That was actually a half-decent idea! Actually, that can be Plan B if this one doesn’t end up working!” Leo said, looking far too pleased with himself.
“I’m not even a cowboy Leo, I’m literally just from Texas – and so are you!” Will responded, indignant.
“Minor details, Will, minor details,” Leo said, waving his hand like he could physically brush past that, “That’s not even the idea I was talking about anyways! You’ll like this one!”

Will fondly shook his head, crossing to sit on a nearby stool.
“Alright, I s’pose I’ll hear you out first.”
“Fuck yeah!” Leo exclaimed happily. Well, Will mused, literally nothing can be worse than the Grindr idea, right?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Will had never been so wrong about anything in his life.
“Absolutely not.”
“What!” Leo exclaimed, “Why not?”
“There is no way I’m lettin’ you be my wingman, Leo. No offence, but I value my dignity.” Leo dramatically gasped and clutched at imaginary pearls.
“Wilfred Solace, are you saying I get no bitches?!” Will rolled his eyes, amused, but a little impatient.
“I never said that,” Will said, chuckling lightly as Leo theatrically mimed wiping sweat from his brow, “I’d just rather-“
“You should do it.” A new, third voice piped up suddenly, making Will jump and stand up from his stool. He relaxed when he saw Rachel, arms crossed, casually leaning against a wall.

“How long have you been standin’ there?” Will questioned, seeing a smug smile creep across Rachel’s face.
“Long enough,” she replied, shrugging, “We’re talking about that guy who looks like he definitely listened to, or currently listens to My Chemical Romance? Nico, right?”
Leo let out a loud guffaw at Rachel’s description, and Will could feel his face heat up. Not much point in trying to avoid it now, Will decided.
“Uh, yeah that’s the one.”
“Let Leo help then,” Will opened his mouth to protest, but Rachel just held up her hand to silence him and continued, “He does already have a ‘friend’ over there.”
“Rachel!” Leo shrieked. Rachel tried and failed to fend off a laugh, covering her mouth as she giggled maliciously.
“Care to share with the class then?” Will teased, raising his eyebrows. Leo poked his tongue out in retaliation, but Will honestly wasn’t sure if it was intended more for him or Rachel. Possibly both.

“Okay, okay, since you’re so invested in my life – you know how I met Reyna from the flower shop like, the other week?” Leo began.
“Yeah?”
“Well, when I introduced myself, she knew who I was.”
“She’s… stalking you?” Will said, confused. Leo shook his head, chuckling lightly.
“No, uhh, it kinda turns out I’d met the other employee you guys haven’t- “
“Calypso!” Rachel chimed in, wearing a satisfied smirk.
“Anyways,” Leo said, pointedly staring at Rachel before continuing, “I had met her at a bar a couple nights before, and I was incredibly charming, as per usual, and got her number. Apparently she’s been talking to Reyna about me, or something, so Reyna recognised my name. We’ve agreed to keep it mostly to ourselves for now though, so I don’t think anyone other than Reyna really knows yet.”

“So how does Rachel know?” Will inquired curiously. Rachel stepped towards the two of them, talking as she did so.
“I caught him staring at his phone like a lovesick fool,” Rachel said, snickering, “I barely even asked him about it before he started waxing poetic about her.” Leo’s face grew slightly red as Rachel spoke.
“Okay, how about now we talk about lover boy over here instead?” Leo said, gesturing towards Will.
“Valid point, Valdez,” Rachel said, “So, since you know Calypso so well, you can ask her when Nico’s working, right?” Leo nodded eagerly, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
“Uh, are y’all just gonna plan my love life without me?” Will asked, taken aback.

“Oh absolutely!” Leo said, “I’m not your favourite wingman for nothing, after all.”
“I never ended up agreeing to that!”
“Well quite frankly, I never want to have to witness the oh-my-gods-I-want-to-shove-my-tongue-down-your-throat looks that you two were giving each other whilst in a public space again, so really, this is for the benefit of society.” Leo retaliated.
“I second that motion!” Rachel agreed. Leo’s phone made a loud ping, and he unlocked it again, checking the notification.

“Okay, so that was Calypso an- “
“What in Hades,” Will said, “she responded to that so fast! You literally sent the message a minute or two ago.”
“What can I say? Guess I’m just irresistible,” Leo said with a wink, “But Nico’s next shift is tomorrow afternoon, 12-5.”
“I mean, alternatively we could just send you over today?” Rachel suggested. Will shook his head immediately.
“Yeah, no. Firstly, I don’t wanna seem creepy, since he’s already been over here today, and secondly, I have a couple appointments today, I can’t just ditch clients for this.” Will said. Truthfully, he also wanted time to think about what he’d say to Nico, he wanted to leave a good impression after all.
“Okay, so sometime tomorrow then?” Leo asked, typing something out on his phone, with a goofy smile adorning his face. Rachel really was right about the lovesick look, Will thought.

“Tomorrow,” Will began (Leo and Rachel attempted to high-five at this - and completely missed), “But, if Calypso’s in tomorrow, you’re coming with me, Leo.”
Leo’s jaw dropped, and his face went a bright crimson. Rachel started giggling again, but this time made no attempt to hide her glee.
“Well, now that’s settled, I’ve got an appointment in about 10 minutes.” Will said, checking the clock on the wall. As he walked off to set up a couple other things around the shop, he heard Rachel and Leo whispering (read: loudly placing bets on whether Nico or Will would be the one to ask the other out) and giggling, so he turned around, flipped them off, and then continued on his way, a small smile on his face.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

TO: leo valdez’s fan club
1:26pm

Silena: sorry guys, charlie and i might be out for a little bit longer 💕

Beckendorf: We’ll be back before my next client

Will: no worries guys, have fun

Rachel: get a room 🤨

Leo: ew, couples <3

Will: you’re literally pretty much part of a couple yourself?

Leo: shhhHHHHHH

Silena: ?

Rachel: dw i’ll fill u in when u get back (leo’s down bad xoxo)

Leo: stfuuuu (lovingly)

Chapter Text

There were plenty of things in life Nico was grateful for, like pretty blond boys with tattoos but today he could not have been more grateful for the chance to wake up after 9am. Even so, he groaned as the dull beep of his alarm roused him. Yawning, he brushed hair out of his eyes and reached for his phone at his bedside. Squinting at the bright light of his phone screen, Nico shut off the alarm and placed his phone onto his pillow, laying back down and sighing. Skipping work for no reason is not exactly a viable option if you own the store, Nico thought drowsily. He sat up, regretfully pushing back his covers and cursing his sleep schedule. A loud ping from his phone drew Nico out of his self-pity, and he grabbed the device off of his pillow.

TO: Calypso
11.32am

Calypso: get up emo boy, you can't ditch me at work today

Nico: i was ABOUT to get up
Nico: also you literally work for me!!

Calypso: and by about to get up, you mean feel sorry for yourself for another 20 minutes and then have to rush to get here on time, right?

Nico: NO (yes)

Calypso: would it help if i was on register when you're in so you don't have to deal with any grouchy customers?

Nico: hmmmmm
Nico: maybe

Calypso: how about if i've heard a certain someone wanted to know when your shift is today?

Nico: ...who

Calypso: you and i both know who i'm talking about.

Nico: WHO TOLD

Calypso: i have my sources - now go get ready for work!!

Nico affectionately rolled his eyes and got up out of bed, and even though he'd never admit it, he felt excited to go in to work.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The bell at the door jingled as Nico walked in to work, alerting Calypso to his arrival.
"Here he is, Sleeping Beauty himself!" Calypso called out, glancing up from where she'd been carefully arranging a bouquet of lilies on the counter. Nico shot her an unimpressed look, taking his apron off its hook.
"I could leave this shop right now and drive back home," Nico retorted, slipping the apron over his head.
"And miss out on a chance to see Will again?"
At the mention of Will's name, Nico's head shot up from where he was tying up his apron, and Calypso giggled lightly.
"That's what I thought," she said, tying up the bouquet on the counter with pale purple ribbon. Nico walked behind the counter, lightly elbowing Calypso in retaliation as he logged on to the computer to see what delivery orders needed to be put together for Frank to take out.

"I hope you know I'm holding you to your promise of being on register," Nico said, scrolling through a couple pages of orders that had been submitted.
"Alright," Calypso responded, moving the bouquet she'd finished into an empty vase in the display window, and then returning to take her place behind the register.

Nico and Calypso worked side by side in peaceful silence, Nico wandering through the store to gather flowers for arrangements, and Calypso helping a few customers, including one frantic man who had completely forgotten his wedding anniversary. As Nico worked, he found himself getting more and more distracted by the possibility of Will wanting to know when he was working, and more and more suspicious as to how Calypso knew Will had asked.
"Calypso," Nico started, "...how is it that you know who Will is, and how in Hades do you know that he was asking about me?"
"Oh, right. Well y'know Leo right? The guy who works with Will?" Calypso asked.
"Yeah..." Nico replied.
"Well I met him at Lotus Bar maybe a week or so ago, and I guess we just kind of, clicked? I don't know, I just had a nice time with him." Calypso said coyly. Nico couldn't control the smirk that spread across his face, full of malicious glee.
"Sounds like you don't need to worry about my love life then, since you've clearly made some progress in your own," said Nico, pleased with himself, poking his tongue out at Calypso.

Chuckling, Calypso turned her attention back to the register as the bell rang, signalling the arrival of another customer.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The number of orders to be fulfilled had largely dwindled since Nico had started working, and the remaining weren't needed for at least a few weeks, so Nico had plucked the broom from its place in the storage closet, mindlessly sweeping the shop floors. It was nearing 4pm, and hardly any customers had been in since about 3.30, leaving Calypso to scroll idly through her phone, TikTok audios quietly echoing through the store.

The unexpected ding of the bell startled the two of them, Calypso's head snapping up from her phone, as Nico put on his 'customer-service voice'.
"Welcome to Persephone's Garden, how can we assist you today?"
"Oh we're just havin' a look 'round at the minute," chimed a voice. A voice unmistakeable to Nico, even though he couldn't quite see who it belonged to over a shelf of chrysanthemums. Will.
"Actually, I'm here to see this pretty lady at the counter Will," Nico heard Leo say, "but you can browse until you find who- I mean what you're looking for!"

Nico was not always the most observant, but he didn't miss Leo's slip-up, and he felt his face heat up at the mere possibility that Will wanted to see him. Nico leaned his broom against the wall, listening to Leo's obnoxious flirting and Calypso's giggles and occasional retorts. Nico felt a hand gently tap his shoulder and he whirled around, coming face to face with Will.
"Eavesdropping?" Will queried, smirking.
"...Would you believe me if I said no?" Nico replied. Will chuckled brightly, and Nico felt that there was no sound in the world he wanted to hear again as much as Will's laugh.
"I'm actually here to get some advice," said Will, "I'm lookin' for a bouquet for someone I'd like to ask out."

Nico froze. He felt his heart sink. Of course this gorgeous guy already has his eyes set on someone else, Nico realised resentfully. Doing his best to force a polite smile onto his face, he strode over to the chrysanthemums.
"Chrysanthemums are a favourite of mine, so I'd recommend pairing them with some roses," Nico said plainly, with a tight-lipped smile.
"Thank you for your help!" Will flashed Nico a grin, walking off towards the counter. Nico waited until he heard Will start speaking to Calypso, and then he let his face drop. Of course he wanted to know when I'm working, I own the store and he wanted good advice, Nico thought. His resignation didn't stop him from angrily snatching the broom up from where it rested on the wall, storming over to the storage closet and shoving it back in. Nico wasn't angry at Will. He was angry at himself. Angry at himself for all the false hope he'd had, for believing he even had a chance with Will. Angry that he ever thought he could have something more with the boy with the bluest eyes he'd ever seen, with hair that shone golden like the sun.

If Nico focused on that resentment, he wouldn't have to deal with the disappointment. He wouldn't have to think about what it could be that makes him unloveable. Even though he knew he shouldn't, and he knew it was foolish, he hid behind the mask of anger. He walked through the centre aisle, headed for the door. He saw Calypso, Leo, and Will laughing together at the counter.
"I'm going on break." Nico called shortly, making the trio turn to look at him as he pushed open the door with more force than necessary, ignoring concerned looks as he walked out.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Nico had sat in his car to sulk cool down for his entire 30-minute break. He thought about who could be so special to capture the attention of Will. He tried to ignore the voice in his head telling him he wasn't enough. In the end, he walked back into the shop feeling bitter and dejected, even more so when he saw Leo and Will had left. Calypso looked up from her phone, a worried expression crossing her face.
"You alright?" she asked gently. Nico slowly walked back up to the counter where she stood.
"Fine. He likes someone else."
Calypso frowned.
"What gives you that idea?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe him asking for advice on a bouquet to give to someone he wants to ask out!" Nico spat. Calypso looked confused for a moment, and then, to Nico's surprise, burst out laughing.
"Forgive me, but I'm struggling to find the humour in this situation," Nico said. Calypso rummaged under the counter for a moment before pulling out a bouquet. A bouquet that looked suspiciously like the one he'd recommended to Will.
"Is this the bouquet you're talking about?" Calypso asked, placing her hand on Nico's shoulder. He nodded wordlessly, and Calypso passed it to him. "You may be interested in reading the note attached to that, by the way," she giggled.

Opening the folded card on the front of the bouquet, Nico saw a phone number scrawled at the top, and then below: Nico, I'd really love to go out with you some time. That's my number so, feel free to text me or call me anytime -Will. Nico slowly moved a hand to cover his mouth, feeling giddy.
"I," Nico declared, "really need to stop reading into things too much." Calypso laughed.
"I think maybe you weren't reading into this enough, Nico."
"Fair point."

Nico was pretty certain this was one of the happiest days of his life. He couldn't keep a smile off his face as he took his phone out, putting in Will's number. Calypso peered over his shoulder.
"So, are you gonna text him now?" She asked.
"None of your business," Nico retorted, blushing lightly and turning to hide his phone from her view.
"Oh you so are!" Calypso said gleefully.

TO: Will
4.37pm

Nico: hey, this is nico

Chapter Text

Waking up with the sun? Well, that was kind of Will's thing. He'd always argued that you can't have the last name Solace and not be a morning person.

Waking up with his gorgeous boyfriend softly snoring next to him? Funnily enough, that was also kind of Will's thing. The gentle light from the rising sun filtered through the sheer curtain next to the bed, casting rays of soft gold across Nico's sleeping features.

Will took a moment, watching as Nico's chest rose and fell with each breath he took, morning light dusting his cheekbones like gossamer. Moments like these, full of lingering touches and delicate affection, were moments that Will wanted keep close to his heart, tangible and incandescent memories he clung to shamelessly. He reached his arm out, softly brushing stray strands of hair from Nico's forehead, and pressing a gentle kiss there.

Nico had only been living with Will for a month now, but Will had already come to treasure his boyfriend's presence around the house more than he could ever have possibly imagined. Boyfriend, huh, Will thought. He still couldn't quite believe his luck. He'd first met Nico almost a year ago and now they were here.

It felt impossible to Will that there had ever been a time where the hallways of the house didn't echo with the sounds of Nico's laughter, filling the place with so much life and so much joy. Will was certain that in a thousand universes, in a million different timelines, no matter the circumstances, he'd find his way to Nico.

The birds outside began chirping their lilted melodies, signalling the break of day. Glancing at the clock blinking at him from the nightstand, Will knew he still had a bit more time before he actually had to get up, so he slung his arm around Nico's waist and pulled him gently closer, careful not to wake him. Closing his eyes, Will sighed contentedly, slowly drifting back into sleep.

Will had Nico. Nico had Will. The world could wait.