Archive of Our Own

“Ouch!” Nico hissed when Will tied another stich.

“Sorry, sorry,” Will apologized quickly, he did not mean for it to hurt. “Just hold still for a little bit longer. We are almost done here.”

“You know, Solace, you are awfully careless for a doctor.” Nico pointed out, annoyance dripping from his words.

Will tried not to get offended. He only sighed. He knew by now that Nico did not mean half of the things he said. With his frequent visits to the infirmary, it would be hard not to get to know the young Omega well.

Nico was more often than not just masking his pain and frustration with snapping out at people and pushing them away. His first instinct was to be either defensive or avoidant, or both, mixed in with a pinch of sarcasm. That was probably what was making him so exotic in any Alpha’s eyes. He did not behave like a typical Omega and posed a challenge.

Nico was a prized possession that half of the Camp admired and half despised.

“I say you are the careless one, Di Angelo. This is the third time this week I am patching you up. With your reputation, I would–”

Will stopped himself abruptly, but the damage was already done. He could physically feel how all the defences of the young Omega flew up in a heartbeat. Nico tore out his hand from Will’s grasp and jumped to his feet. He was giving Will his best death glare.

The son of Apollo shuddered. Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped by several degrees. Shadows looked more pronounced and menacing, as if they were about to engulf him.

“What about my reputation, Solace?” Nico growled in a low, dangerous tone.

Maybe it's the way you say my name

Will took two steps back from the Omega, his hands raised in a placating gesture at the height of his shoulders. He had not meant to make this comment, it just slipped out because of his worry for the younger boy.

“Nico, I–”

The son of Hades grabbed his T-shirt and tried to put it on. With his arm out of commission due to the numbing agent, he only had one left to do all the work.

Will winced seeing that the wound was starting to bleed again. He had not had time to finish the stitches on the large gash. Nico’s angry and swift movements were pulling at the ones Will had finished, aggravating the wound further.

“Do not put your nose in my business! I can take care of myself just fine!” Nico half grumbled half yelled as he continued wrestling with his T-shirt. Moving so much must have been painful.

“I did not want to assume anything,” Will quickly tried to overcome the situation. “I am just worried about you. You get hurt so often, it must be painful. I want to help speed up the recovery.”

Nico was now wrestling with his T-shirt less vigorously. Will took it as a good sign that he was at least listening, if not calming down. He dared to push a little further.

“Will you at least let me finish the stitches? And you should definitely get it bandaged as well. I do not want you to get an infection. The wound is bleeding again.”

The Omega stopped struggling altogether. Will thought he looked pitiful now, with his T-shirt awkwardly pulled over his head and one of his hands just limply hanging down. But he would never say it or let it show on his face. That would most probably get him killed or incapacitated. Nico was not known for being soft-hearted and nice to other campers. Except for Percy, of course.

The temperature in the room returned to normal. Nico stared at Will for a solid minute. The son of Apollo had no idea what he was looking for. He tried to stay neutral and professional. He did not want to escalate the situation again because Nico would see concern on his face.

Satisfied with what he was seeing, the Omega gave out a long sigh and slowly sat back down on the cot. He gestured towards his bleeding arm.

“Well, are you going to finish it?”

“Of course,” Will immediately perked up. He hurried to finish the stitches.

He made sure not to look the Omega in the eye. He could still feel him seething with anger. He was just glad that Nico at least let him finish treating his wound.

Afterwards, he held the sleeve of the Omega’s T-shirt silently. He took it as personal victory when Nico only huffed in annoyance and glared at him, but carefully navigated his still numb arm through the offered sleeve. Then, he wordlessly stormed out of the infirmary without looking back.

Maybe it's the way you play your game

Nico would never understand Will Solace. He was sure of the fact, more so than of anything else.

The Beta medic always made it a point to treat his injuries, which was fine. But did he really have to start asking questions and be worried every single time? Nico could take care of himself, thank you very much.

He did not need a babysitter, he already had his boyfriend. The strong and sought after Percy Jackson. The hottest Alpha in the Camp.

Still feeling annoyed, Nico headed back towards his cabin. He was tired from the fight with a giant scorpion and just wanted to sleep. His arm hurt like hell now that it was starting to come to. He sneaked around to go behind the cabins, he did not want to talk to anyone right now.

And then, after he rested a little, he could go ask Percy if they could have a dinner together. He had been so good, he deserved a reward, no? If it was a bigger monster, he could have possibly asked to go on a date, but it would have been probably too much anyway. Percy always said dates were only for very special occasions.

“I heard you aced another solo quest. That is so awesome, man! How many does it make this week alone? You are like unstoppable.”

Nico heard an unfamiliar voice coming from the front of the cabin he was just passing by. It was Poseidon’s cabin. Of course, that someone must have been speaking with Percy. Nico’s heart swelled that his boyfriend was being so popular.

“I know right? I have been so busy there past few days. But everything to make the world a safer place.”

Percy was speaking as any other successful Alpha. He was a little arrogant, sure, but he had a reason. He was truly helping keeping the world safer for all demigods. That was what Nico admired the most about him. That, and how gorgeous his body was. He was the ideal of an Alpha.

“Now, if you excuse me, I am tired, I will go rest before dinner. There are so many missions to pick from waiting for me tomorrow, I need to keep in top form.”

At those words, Nico lowered his head. There was an unusual tight feeling in his chest. It was uncomfortable, bordering with painful. He had no idea what was happening. He hurried his steps to arrive to his cabin sooner.

Back inside, he closed the door and slid down to the floor, his back supported on it. He clutched at his chest with his uninjured hand.

This was strange. He loved Percy.

He loved helping him with his quests and fighting monsters. He loved seeing his boyfriend be revered as the strongest demigod alive. He never minded keeping his contributions secret and not getting any recognition, he preferred it that way.

But why was his heart aching when Percy did not come to check on him even once since they came back? Was he even planning to come see him today? Why did it feel that only Will Solace asked him if he was alright and helped with his injuries? It should have been his Alpha who was worried about him.

But it's so good, I've never known anybody like you

True to Nico’s worries, Percy did not show up at his cabin before dinner. Not even a knock on the window to see if he was alright. It was not the first time this happened, but it still did not feel great. Nico’s arm was hurting and he wanted his Alpha to be there with him and care.

He did not manage to catch any sleep that afternoon. He only kept tossing and turning in his bed, occasionally hissing in pain when he accidentally put pressure on the wound.

He wondered when Percy planned to go on his next quest. It would be nice to get a few days to rest and recover. Lately, the Alpha was letting Nico handle all the fights alone. He used to help in the past, but now, he was saying that the Omega had to prove himself more.

Nico was doing his best. He was trying really hard to earn Percy’s recognition. To get his boyfriend to compliment him, to be closer to him. If he did well, the Alpha promised to allow him to act like a true couple. With holding hands, eating together, going on dates and everything. Nico could not wait.

He wanted to do his best, he wanted Percy to see him as his equal. But still, he could only take so much. He was afraid that if the Alpha decided to go on another quest tomorrow, Nico would not be able to hold up in a fight. They were going after more and more dangerous monsters lately. And having only one usable hand, the Omega would be at a disadvantage.

Nico shook his head vigorously. He was scandalized at the thoughts he was having. He had never questioned anything Percy asked of him. So why were such thoughts coming now? He never minded not being shown affection openly or being pushed around a little by people he loved, like his father or Percy. That was them proving they trusted his strength.

Nico jumped out of bed and headed out of the cabin. It must have been the absence of light inside that was making him think bad things. Percy was the best. Nico had had a crush on him for the longest time and it had taken years for the Alpha to agree to being his boyfriend. Even if it was just trial period and they promised to keep their relationship secret.

Nico went to the Poseidon cabin. He kept himself hidden in the shadows behind it and quietly knocked on one of the windows.

Nothing happened for a long time. The Omega was already starting to give up, his head lowering in disappointment, when the window finally opened. He perked up immediately.

“What are you doing here?” Percy asked sleepily, yawning in the middle of the question. Nico could barely hold himself back when he saw his bed head.

“I… I just thought we could go eat dinner together?” Nico hated how uncertain and at the same time hopeful his voice sounded. “I did good, right? You promised me a reward if I did good today.”

Nico knew he was begging, but he was desperate. He wanted the Alpha to agree to spend at least a little bit of time with him. No one else at the Camp ever bothered with him or given him any attention, he was lonely.

“Nico,” Percy growled in annoyance, “how many times must I tell you not to bother me too much when we are at Camp? I need to rest to be ready for another quest. Watch it, you are clingy, I hate clingy people. And anyway, I already promised to go eat with Annabeth and the others today.”

A wave of disappointment and sadness washed over Nico. It physically hurt to be rejected by the Alpha. But it was fine, he was used to it. Percy was right, what was he thinking asking for a reward? He had to do better. He had to prove first that he was strong enough to stand by his boyfriend’s side.

The son of Poseidon did not wait for the Omega’s reaction and disappeared behind a closed window. With heavy heart, Nico turned his back and went to the dining pavilion alone.

When he arrived there, he hid in the shadows as per usual. He was not liked or accepted at the Camp so it was better to keep himself out of the way. He took a few pieces of fruit and went to the Hades table in the corner. He was not hungry anymore.

“Nico, hi.  How is your arm? Can I sit here with you?”

Nico gaped in awe at the familiar medic from the Apollo cabin. His blond hair was sparkling with the last evening sunrays and he was smiling widely.

But it's so good, I've never dreamed of nobody like you

Nico’s usual first reaction would be to cut off any further conversation and send the camper on their way with a glare. He did not like company of people, especially of people he did not know well. There were very few exceptions to this rule. Percy was of course one of them.

Then, something deep inside of Nico stirred. It still hurt how he had been dismissed by his boyfriend. He did not want to eat alone. However, he still remembered the conversation in the infirmary from this morning. Will was way too nosy and Nico did not have energy right now to deal with him.

His line of thoughts was cut short by a loud laughter he would recognize anywhere. He turned his head almost against his will. His eyes immediately found the familiar figure of the son of Poseidon surrounded by a group of his friend. Group into which Nico would never be accepted because of who his godly parent was.

And the worse was that Percy’s hand was wrapped around the waist of Annabeth Chase. An Omega. A sweet, smart, fragile and gentle Omega. So much unlike Nico.

The son of Hades quickly turned back to his plate of food, his appetite gone completely. Tears were stinging in his eyes.

He knew that the Alpha behaved this way. He was very touchy and open with his all his friends. It was just when he was with Nico, he respected the boundaries the son of Hades put in place. He did not like to be touched, so Percy did not touch him. It was as easy as that. He should not start complaining now.

“Nico?”

Oh, the annoying medic was still here, the Omega realized. Will’s voice was now full of worry. Again.

Nico blinked tears away from his eyes furiously. He was determined not to cry. He would have Percy to himself again during their next quest. Even If only for a few short moments before he would go fight the monsters and then drag himself to be patched up in the infirmary.

“Do whatever you want,” Nico grumbled, not caring anymore.

“Thank you,” Will replied happily and the whole room seemed to have brightened.

What was it with the son of Apollo, Nico mused. There was no one who was ever happy to see him or to spend time with him. There must have been something seriously wrong with William Solace.

Not that Nico minded at the moment. He would never admit it, not even to himself, but he was glad he had company.

Despite his expectations, Will sat quietly and kept smiling. He did not ask Nico any hard questions, nor did he go off trying to start a conversation of any sort. It was comfortable. The Omega allowed himself to slowly relax into the warmth that was now present around him and chasing away the usual chill of his powers.

And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime
And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine

Will was not too happy when a certain son of Hades came back to the infirmary again the very next day.

Do not get him wrong. He was elated to see the elusive Omega again, just not with his clothes all bloodied and limping. Worry bloomed in his chest at once and he hurried to help the boy stagger across the room.

He was pleasantly surprised when Nico did not push him away nor snapped out at him for giving too much help. The Omega was notoriously independent so it was very surprising that he accepted to be supported. To Will’s unending surprise, he even leaned into him and sighed in what sounded like relief. Or perhaps contentment? Sue Will for being hopeful.

This was a little concerning. Was Nico hurt really badly this time? Had he aggravated his already existing injuries?

The son of Apollo lowered the Omega carefully onto an empty cot. Nico’s eyes were half closed and he was visibly doing his best to regulate his breathing. Will was beside himself with worry now. He had never seen the son of Hades behave like this.

“Nico?” he asked carefully, trying to attract the other’s attention.

The Omega’s head shot up this time, his eyes fully alerted. He reached for his weapon before he seemed to have realized where he was and who was standing in front of him. Just to be on the safe side, Will took a step back and raised his hands above his shoulders in a gesture that universally meant ‘I mean you no harm’.

“Oh, it is just you.”

Nico’s voice was quiet and there was no sign of the usual bite in it. Will really wondered what was wrong but restrained himself for the time being. He could ask questions later, first he needed to take care of any and all physical injuries. Before Nico regained his wits and run away.

“Where are you hurt?” Will asked perfectly professionally. “There is a lot of blood…” He pointed in the general direction of the Omega.

“Do not worry, it is not mine.” The son of Hades waved his hand (the uninjured one, good) dismissively. “I just have a few bruises.”

Without having to fight, Nico took his T-shirt off by himself. There were occasional patches of angry blues littering his torso as if he took a tumble somewhere. But true to his words, he was not bleeding anywhere.

Will lifted his eyebrows in surprise. He would have not expected that Nico would come to the infirmary if this was all that bothered him. Hell, he would have preferred to bleed out in his cabin if Will did not make it a point to threaten him that he would come find him and check on him personally after every quest.

'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions

The son of Apollo started working on the bruises without pointing anything out. He made sure that no ribs were broken or fractured and went to retrieve a salve from one of the medical cabinets lining the walls of the room. He was just finishing spreading the anti-bruising agent when Nico spoke again.

“I may be poisoned as well. I do not feel so good.”

Will caught him just in time as the Omega swayed and almost fell from the cot. The younger boy let himself be laid down on the blankets without as much as a single protest. Will’s concern only kept on growing. This was not like Nico at all.

Will cursed internally. He only now saw the state the Omega was in. He worsened so much in the few minutes he had been treating his bruises. His forehead was covered in sweat and his body was burning up.

“Why did you not say anything before? What kind of poison would this be?”

Will did not care if he sounded too intrusive right now. Nico’s life could be in danger. He really needed to know what kind of creature he had been battling with. And how he got poisoned.

“I do not know. It was just a bunch of furies. They did not even touch me. I just fell over some random trash in the back ally while I was fighting them. My knees went weak suddenly. We almost did not make it out.”

There was so much to unpack there, Will did not even know where to start. His heart was breaking hearing the weak and breathy voice, the Omega was slurring his words too. The son of Hades was in pain and Will did not know how to help.

Furies did not usually carry any poison, so it could not have some from them. And why had Nico been fighting on his own? Will could not imagine the usually strong and confident Omega falling down just like that, because his knees got weak. Had he perhaps been poisoned even before the battle? And who had he been there with?

“Who were you with?” Will’s mouth blurted out before he could stop himself.

The son of Apollo got a surprised look from Nico: “Percy, of course. We always go on quests together.”

Now it was Will’s turn to look shocked. It was a common knowledge that Percy Jackson went only on solo quests. Will’s brain was going at hundred miles a minute putting all the pieces of information together.

Realization hit him like a train, knocking all air out from his lungs. This would explain a lot.

Percy went on a lot of solo quests and got all the recognition for them. Nico would always disappear right when the said quests were taking place, only to come back covered in injuries. Percy never had a single scratch on him. Was he making Nico do all the work and get hurt while he took the credit? Was there something more between the two of them so this arrangement was working?

The son of Hades was now wriggling on the bed, clearly uncomfortable. He kept grunting and clutching at his stomach. His cheeks were completely red and his eyes hazy.

It was only now that Will recognized the symptoms. Nico was not poisoned, he was in heat. And he came to the infirmary (to him), because this was probably his first one and he did not know what was happening to him. He needed an Alpha’s presence to calm him down.

“Nico, wait here, I will be right back. I will fetch Percy.”

Will was out of the door in a heartbeat. He heard Nico mumbling something, but he did not pay it any mind. Once he would get his Alpha with him, all discomfort would disappear and Nico would be fine.

He ignored a pang of jealousy, he wanted to be the one the Omega needed. Unfortunately, he was a Beta. He cursed the Fates for dealing him such an unlucky hand.

Wishing on every one that you'd be mine, mine

Will has never run so fast in his life. He had made a short stop at the Apollo cabin to ask Kayla (she was so lucky to be born an Alpha) to go keep an eye on Nico and stave off the worst of his discomfort. Now, he was running full speed to the Poseidon cabin.

He banged on the door, calling Percy’s name.

It felt like an eternity before the son of Poseidon opened the door. He looked dishevelled and was rubbing his eyes, as if he had just woken up from a nap.

Anger surged through Will’s whole being. How dared an Alpha be this inconsiderate of his own Omega? Even if Percy did not know that Nico was in heat, he should have at least accompanied him to the infirmary. He should have checked on him after the treatment. He should have been there instead of sleeping!

Being a medic, Will pushed his uncharacteristic emotions down and spoke urgently but calmly.

“Percy, you need to come with me. Nico is in heat, he needs you.”

The son of Poseidon gave Will an unimpressed look: “Why should I come? It is not as if I am his mate. He can deal with it by himself.”

This time, it was not simple anger that Will was feeling, it was red hot rage. He despised the son of Poseidon for being this inconsiderate. Even if they were not mates, they still spent a lot of time together. Will had seen the way the Omega was looking at the Alpha, it was more than simple affection, he loved him.

Percy was about to close the door, probably to go back to his nap. Will was not about to allow it.

He stuck his foot in between the door and the doorframe, effectively blocking any possibility of it closing. His hands were now in fists and he was barely holding himself from punching the Alpha in the face.

“You should know better than this. An Omega’s first heat is way too intense for them to deal with, as you called it, on their own. They need an Alpha they trust at their side to ease the symptoms. You are the Alpha he trusts the most as far as I can see. He has gone on all those quests with you–”

Surprise flashed over Percy’s face before he scowled, his eyes darkening: “How do you know about that. It is none of your business. As I said, I have nothing to do with him, so leave me alone. And tell him he does not have to come back if he is going to gossip about our agreement.”

Will was suddenly afraid of the son of Poseidon. Was it possible that Nico had experienced this as well and that was why he was staying with Percy and helping him to gain reputation? Not quite, judging by the abandoned puppy face Will had seen in the dining pavilion yesterday, but it could still be part of the reason.

Will turned on his heel. He knew that he would never get this Alpha to go help the son of Hades. He was just using him and now that the Omega needed one simple favour, Percy was not willing to offer help.

Nico deserved so much better that this jerk.

And I see forever in your eyes

Nico came back to consciousness slowly. Everything seemed hazy around him. And bright, way too bright. This was not the Hades cabin.

Suddenly alerted, he quickly opened his eyes. He wanted to sit up but his body was refusing to obey him. It was heavy and too hot. He felt very uncomfortable. His belly was painfully cramping and his head was throbbing. He looked around, trying to understand where he was.

The infirmary.

Memories started flooding his mind and Nico groaned in frustration. Had he really just passed out in here? How long has he been out for? What kind of poison was it that he had been hit with?

“Nico, are you awake now?” a familiar sunny voice asked from somewhere to his right.

The son of Hades expended a gargantuan effort and moved his head in that direction. His ears have not been playing tricks on him. Sure enough, it was Will Solace sitting in a chair with a book in his lap and observing him closely.

Behind him, there was another child of Apollo. Kayla, was it? Nico had trouble remembering her name. He had only seen her a few times around the Camp.

Will stood up and approached the cot. Nico’s eyes surveyed his every move, he was too weak to do anything else. The son of Apollo stopped just a feet away from him, making Nico strangely agitated.

Very slowly, Will’s hand rested on the Omega’s forehead and he closed his eyes. The hand was cool against Nico’s skin. It felt nice.

Wait! Cool? It should have been warm, just like any other time.

Nico could not wrap his head around what was happening. Did the poison make him feverish or something? Luckily, he did not have to wonder for long.

“How are you feeling?” Will asked with that caring smile of his.

Nico’s heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, he forgot all about Percy’s goofy smile that was never aimed at him. This one looked like a sun and was making the son of Hades melt in the best sense of the word.

I feel okay when I see you smile, smile

He was so stunned that all he managed to reply was an intelligible grunt: “Mmnn.”

This made Will smile even brighter. Nico wished he had sunglasses. It was so bright it was blinding all his reason.

“Not too good, hm?” The son of Apollo was back to being worried now. “We did our best, but first heats are usually pretty rough. Sorry about that.”

First heat.

Oh, that explained a lot of things. That must have been why Nico had been so clingy and needy these past few days. Why he had been looking for company of the son of Poseidon way more than he would usually do. Why he had not been able to fight off ordinary weak monsters. Why Percy was angry with him for not helping enough with his quests.

He was in heat.

Unconsciously, he leaned into the touch of the pleasantly cool hand on his forehead. It was glowing now, effectively chasing away his persistent headache.

Nico had wondered countless times how it would feel to be touched. Percy never touched him aside for times they were shadow-travelling despite being boyfriends for several months already. Somehow, the son of Hades did not think it could be better than this.

Will Solace was like a Sun. Liberating, bright, always present and ready to shine and dispel Nico’s darkness. While Percy was like a deep see. Evasive, mysterious, moody and dangerous at times. There was no way the dark depths of ocean could alleviate Nico’s burdens, they only ever accentuated them.

Being around Will felt natural. Good even. Healing and relaxing.

Something Nico had not experienced for a very long time. Last person he had been this comfortable with had been his late sister. He wanted to lean on Will and let him take care of him. It would be so nice, he was sure. He was not feeling so lonely anymore.

Nico closed his eyes and let himself relax fully in Will’s touch. For the first time after he did not even know how long, he was safe.

Wishing on dandelions all of the time
Praying to God that one day you'll be mine
Wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the time

The next time Nico woke up, his mind was more lucid. He remembered that he had gone or was still going through his first heat. Something he had hoped he would be able to suffer through alone without anyone witnessing his shame. He also remembered that he had not managed that.

One look told him, he was still in the infirmary. And he was not alone.

Will was sitting in a chair right next to his cot, snoozing away. His head was bobbling up and down in his light sleep. Nico chuckled, it looked adorable.

Will must have heard the sound because his head immediately shot up and he was wide awake. Nico schooled his expression just in time, the son of Apollo started sizing him up and down. The Omega suddenly felt very self-conscious and shy.

Then, Will smiled and Nico’s mind went blank. He had to blink several times.

“Welcome back among the living. I see you are doing better this time around.” Will’s voice was joyful. Not at all mocking or teasing as the son of Hades had expected.

Then, Will’s expression took a more solemn tinge: “I am sorry I could not get you your Alpha. There were… circumstances.”

“That is one way to put it,” Nico mumbled under his breath. “I knew Percy would not come.”

The Omega was surprised that the fact that the son of Poseidon had basically abandoned him did not hurt more. Somehow, he had not expected Percy to spend his heat together with him.

Perhaps he had in the past. But during the last weeks, their interactions had become more sparse and more businesslike. It was always quests this and quests that, it was never about Nico and Percy. About being Alpha and Omega.

He now knew that his infatuation with the son of Poseidon was mainly due to his approaching heat and his Omega instincts.

The son of Apollo looked so apologetic that it was hurting Nico’s heart. The fact that he was trying not to hurt him, using avoidant words and not speaking the whole truth, was endearing. The Omega could feel just how much the medic cared about him.

“I am sorry, Nico. I wish I could have done more. You deserve better than this.”

“It is fine,” Nico shrugged his shoulders dismissively, “no one ever stays for long. I am used to it.”

“I stayed,” Will whispered and took his hand to squeeze it lightly.

I think that you are the one for me
'Cause it gets so hard to breathe

Nico glanced first at their connected hands, then at the face bright like the Sun itself.

Indeed, he could tell that the son of Apollo was telling the truth. The dark circles under his eyes were perfectly visible even on his healthily tanned skin. His hair was a little greasy, as if he has not deemed it necessary to wash it for a while. Or had thought it more important to stay with Nico throughout the whole duration of his heat, never leaving his side.

Despite everything, the medic still looked gorgeous. Especially with his wide grin and the evening Sun lighting his hair like a halo.

Nico must have looked utterly disbelieving because Will reiterated: “I am here. And I will be if you allow me to. You do not have to be alone anymore.”

Such simple words. And yet, they meant the world to Nico.

Those were words he had longed to hear for the longest time. His sister used to say them, but she was no more. No one had offered to stay with Nico ever since. Everyone just kind of valued him for his powers and left as soon as he was of no more use. Even Percy, his first crush.

Will seemed to have been studying his reaction and pondering something. The son of Hades wondered what the other was seeing. A brooding son of the god of the Underworld? Someone who only ever brought misfortune to others? A person who others would be better off without?

Or something else?

Will’s eyes grew softer: “You deserve better, Nico. You deserve the world. You are the one who can choose your mate, not the other way around. If you love Percy, then everything is fine and I will not say another word. But if you stay with him just because you think there is no other option, you are mistaken. I have been watching you for a long time. I have been here.”

He could tell that what Will was saying was coming from the bottom of his heart. He could almost touch the sincerity the son of Apollo was emanating. He was offering not because he needed Nico’s powers. He genuinely wanted to be around the son of Hades.

At least that was what the Omega believed deep down with all his heart.

When you're looking at me, I've never felt so alive and free
When you're looking at me, I've never felt so happy

Will had never let him down during his numerous visits to the infirmary. He had always been worried and ready to help. It had been just Nico who could not see it. He recognized it now with a hint of salt and regret.

Nico would not let his crush on Percy blind him anymore.

“What are you trying to say, Solace?” Nico did his best to feign ignorance and frustration.

He could not allow himself to give in so easily. After being alone for what felt like an eternity, being offered something like this felt like a dream come true. It seemed too easy. And Nico always lived by the philosophy of easy come, easy go. Only what you fought hard for was worth everything.

He watched Will closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The Omega steeled himself for what would come. Either the son of Apollo would give up because he thought the effort was not worth it, or he would continue on.

Nico was trembling from all the tension and his impatience.

He wanted to know. He needed to know. He had to know what really was in Will’s heart before he would get attached. He had been hurt in the past, he would not be able to survive more heartbreak.

“What I am trying to say,” Will spoke slowly and deliberately, “is that I would like to be your mate. Yes, even if I am a Beta. We should not let our dynamics dictate who we can and cannot fall in love with. I am determined to try if you are up to it.”

Nico was still jittery from his heat and his emotions were running high. At least that was what he was blaming his reaction to Will’s confession on.

“You absolute dork,” retorted Nico while being overtaken with a teary laughter, “why did you not say anything earlier?”

Will had at least the decency to look ashamed. For a second. Then it was replaced by a playful pout.

“If I am a dork, then you are as well. You looked like a puppy running after Percy all the time. I did not want to intrude.”

Nico laughed harder: “Touché. I guess we are both dorks. You better prepare for a bumpy ride.”

And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime
And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine

Will stood on the porch of the Apollo cabin and followed Nico with watchful eyes. After spending a week in the infirmary, the Omega’s heat finally subsided and he was cleared to walk around. Not without supervision though. Will did not want him coming back the next day with more injuries.

The son of Hades stopped in front of the Poseidon cabin. Will wondered if he was regretting the loss of relationship with Percy. Since the start of his heat, the Alpha never visited the infirmary and Nico had not asked about him once.

Although the Omega had accepted Will’s proposal, the son of Apollo was not as confident as he was trying to look. He was still only a Beta. There was a physiological pull between an Omega and an Alpha, if that existed between Nico and Percy, he would hardly be able to come in between them.

He could only hope that the son of Hades would be able to live freely, without the influence of the inconsiderate Alpha.

And speak of the devil.

Percy just walked out of his cabin. He seemed briefly surprised to see Nico but shook it off quickly and headed towards the Omega.

Will’s heart felt heavier and all his muscles tensed. A confrontation was inevitable. Both young demigods were looking at each other, waiting for who would speak first.

Will itched to intervene, but he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked behind himself at the person stopping him. It was Kayla.

She shook her head slightly: “This is something Nico needs to do on his own.”

Will knew she was right. That did not however make the wait any more bearable. What if Percy would get really upset and hurt Nico? The Omega was still recovering from his first heat, there was no way he would be able to beat the son of Poseidon in a fight right now.

Still, the son of Apollo nodded, acknowledging Kayla’s words. Nico needed closure with Percy to be able to fully cut their connection and be free. It would then be his decision when and if he wanted to start a new relationship. One with Will.

'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions
Wishing on every one that you'd be mine, mine

There seemed to have been an animate exchange of opinions going on in front of the Poseidon cabin. Voices of both demigods were growing louder and louder, until Will could hear Percy shrieking from all the way back at the Apollo cabin. The whole Camp must have heard by now.

“What do you mean I am not your type?”

Nico replied something that Will could not hear and turned on his heel. He was exiting the battlefield as a king. Campers who had formed a circle around the Alpha and the Omega were stepping aside, letting his pass through.

Will’s heart swelled with pride. He could only imagine how hard this confrontation must have been for the son of Hades. Nico told him all about his insecurities and fear of not being accepted by anyone. And he had just faced them head on. Will could not be happier watching him march away with his head held high.

Or, he thought he could not be any happier.

He was proven wrong when Nico’s steps led him right to the Apollo cabin. He was smiling widely at Will. The medic smiled back, converting all his emotions into that simple action.

Everything was alright with the world.

And I see forever in your eyes
I feel okay when I see you smile, smile