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Will was clumsy.
From a young age he’d stumbled through life, bumbling into sharp edges and door frames, tripping over his own two feet.
He’d hit his growth spurt young and for a few hellish years he was a complete mess of gangly limbs and poor coordination.
Now at 17 he liked to think he’d grown into himself, his shoulders had finally filed out to match his long legs and arms, his chest had broadened, his hands now known to be those of the best surgeon camp had ever had due to their steadiness and coordination and his gangliness had long since gave way to muscles.
Still, compared to the effortless grace of almost every other demigod he was a mess, no match for the way they swept through life as elegant and poised as dancers.
Even in battle keeping their steps even and delicate while will tripped and fell himself. Surrounded by such grace everyday Will couldn’t help the crimson blush that rushed to his cheeks every time he stumbled over his self.
Even worse was dancing, Will was notoriously terrible at dancing. Sure he could go to a party and jump around, scream some lyrics and have a good time every once in a while, but that was not how camp half blood did dances. No Mr D happened to be a sucker for formals and held them at least four times a year. Will just couldn’t slow dance, gods bless him for how hard he tried.
He’d step on his partners feet, fall out of rhythm (thanks for nothing Apollo), and forget what to the with his hands.
After throughly embarrassing his first girlfriend at her aunts wedding he’d decided to take a permanent break from dancing, and restrict himself to awkwardly sticking to the sidelines at every formal he attended.
Until Nico.
“What do you mean you don’t dance” his dark eyed lover asked.
His brow furrowed in confusion, lips turned down in a slight pout.
“ Trust me, it’s better this way” will replied trying to make light of his clumsiness “I’m an awful dancer I can’t dance at all”.
“Nonsense” Nico shook his head in disbelief “of course you can dance here Let me help you” reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone, selecting a slow romantic song Will had never heard before tossing it behind him onto the bed. Looking up shyly through his raven curls he held out his palm, waiting for Will to take it.
Rolling his eyes the older boy accepted his hand sighing in resignation as he did so.
“I’ll lead, alright sunshine?” He stepped closer sliding a slender arm around Will waist, drawing him in so they stood barely inches apart.
“Now put your free hand over my shoulder and around my neck”
Will complied, carefully following Nicos instructions.
Smiling softly up at the blond,Nico shifted their joined hands so they rested just above his heart.
“Alright love step to the side” he murmured, guiding Will to the right, humming along to the song under his breath.
“Turn now, just a little though” he led Will through the steps paying special attention not to go too fast and mess them up.
“Perfect” stretching up onto his tip toes he brushed Wills lips delicately with his own, just barely kissing him before resuming their dance. He continued to guide them slowly round the room swaying subtlety to the music, humming the lyrics low under his breath.
Pausing for a second he gazed up at his lover for a moment drinking in the vision of a man standing before him, brow furrowed in concentration, butter blond hair just barely brushing over his forehead, sleeves pushed up just above his elbows revealing an expanse of tan corded forearm for Nicos eyes to drift over appreciatively.
Sighing lightly under his breath he basked in the light of wills presence letting the warmth of his touch and the softness of his gaze rush over him, washing him clean of his sins, taking his pain somewhere far away, and making him whole again.
The sun had long since sunk into the horizon and now the tentative luminance of twilight swept into their room, drenching them in subtle shades of violet and indigo.
Shadows playing across their faces drifting lazily across the room taking part in the grace of their dance.
Time, always a slippery creature seemed to bend and warp to their will making the moment seem to draw on forever in the most glorious way.
But all things must end eventually and as the final chords of the song rang out Nico pulled Will close fiercely, a much sharper motion then he would ordinarily use, as he dipped the blond low, pale fingers supporting the arch of his back. Drawing him back up just as swiftly, hesitating a moment before pressing their lips together, letting go of his careful grip on Wills waist to tangle his finger through silky golden locks, losing himself in the feeling of Will. Wills lips on his lips, Will arms drifting to settle around him, holding him close his grip warm and steady keeping him from falling apart.
He deepened the kiss, hooked on the taste of Will, like sugar and lemons, sweet and gentle pressing back into him.
“ I love you” he whispered to Will as he pulled back grinning, so hard he feared his face might split apart no matter how hard he tried to conceal his obvious joy. savouring the aftermath of their kiss. His head still rushing from the pure rush of kissing Will, no matter how often he did it the sensation still thrilling him. Exposing the delicate parts of himself to Will had always made him nervous, but now here he stood. All barriers down dancing in the half light between night and day, Will held within his arms a half smile upon his lips in the pleasure of the moment. Letting himself stand vulnerable and fearless in front of his boyfriend, trusting him not too break his heart and leave him as so many before did. “And I love you” Will replied.