Work Text:
The morning sun sifted softly through the towering pines surrounding Camp Half-Blood, painting the ground with gold and amber. The usual hum of camp life buzzed around—the clang of swords on training dummies, the splash of water in the cabins near the lake, the occasional whistle or shout—but today the air felt lighter, warmer, filled with a certain magic that had nothing to do with quests or monsters.
Will Solace stirred beneath his blanket in the infirmary, sunlight pooling on his freckled face like a gentle caress. Today was his birthday.
Usually, Will’s birthdays at camp were quiet affairs—sometimes a cake shared with close friends or a low-key dinner prepared by Chiron. But this year felt different. A spark of something special was crackling just beneath the surface, and he could feel it in the way his friends smiled at him from across the cabins or whispered behind their hands.
He stretched, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep, and then his thoughts flicked to the one person who made everything better—Nico di Angelo.
Just as Will was about to slip out of bed, the infirmary door creaked open, and a shadow darkened the threshold. Nico stood there, black hair tousled, dark eyes glinting with something softer than usual—a secret smile.
“Good morning, sunshine,” Nico said quietly.
Will’s heart jumped. “Morning, darkness,” he replied, teasingly.
Nico stepped inside, careful not to disturb the quiet of the room, and held out a small bouquet of wildflowers—yellow blooms that seemed to glow like miniature suns.
“For you,” Nico said, voice low but earnest.
Will took the flowers, his fingers brushing Nico’s. “Thank you,” he said softly.
Nico shrugged, a faint blush warming his pale cheeks. “I’m not great at this kind of stuff. But you deserve it.”
Will reached out and pulled Nico into a gentle hug. “You always make me feel special. That’s all that matters.”
The rest of camp was already awake, and the clearing near the Big House had been transformed overnight. Long tables lined with vibrant cloth embroidered with sun and laurel designs stretched beneath the boughs, golden lanterns hanging from branches twinkling despite the morning light. The smell of fresh pine mixed with sweet spices and baked goods drifting from the dining pavilion.
Will’s best friends were bustling about, preparing everything with excitement. Annabeth was arranging flowers with meticulous care, Percy was laughing as he helped, and Leo proudly presented his creation: a cake shaped like the sun, flickering with tiny, safe flames dancing across its surface.
Jason and Piper were setting up a small stage, Grover tuning his reed pipes nearby. The energy was contagious.
Will smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with his healing powers.
Nico appeared again, sliding his hand into Will’s. “Ready?” he asked.
“For anything, with you,” Will replied.
Chiron stepped onto the stage, his centaur form regal against the backdrop of pine trees. When he spoke, his voice carried a proud, gentle warmt
“Today, we honor Will Solace—not only a healer but a beacon of hope and kindness in our camp. He reminds us every day that even the smallest light can pierce thedarkest shadow. Happy birthday, Will.”
The camp erupted into applause and cheers. Will’s cheeks flushed pink, but his smile was genuine and full.
Nico squeezed his hand, eyes sparkling.
As the camp began to mingle, gifts were passed around. Leo thrust a box into Will’s hands.
“Open it!” Leo urged.
Will untied the ribbon to find a pair of matching bracelets—one a golden sun, the other a silver crescent moon.
“For you and Nico,” Leo said, grinning. “Sun and shadow.”
Will caught Nico’s gaze and smiled. “They’re perfect.”
Nico’s smirk softened into something almost shy as he fastened his bracelet.
Throughout the day, laughter spilled freely. Piper shared tales from the mortal world, Percy teased Annabeth about her obsession with architecture, and Grover played joyful tunes that got everyone dancing.
Will and Nico stole quiet moments between the crowd, their fingers twined, whispered jokes passing between them like secret spell
Later, Nico pulled Will aside, away from the festivities. The two walked hand-in-hand beneath the ancient pines, the soft crunch of pine needles underfoot and the sent of earth grounding them in calm.
Nico stopped suddenly and gently tucked a wildflower behind Will’s ear.
“For the healer,” he said softly.
Will’s heart melted, and he leaned into Nico’s touch.
“You always know how to make me feel special,” Will whispered.
Nico shrugged, cheeks faintly flushed. “Someone’s got to balance your brightness.”
They shared a quiet smile, their shadows and light entwined.
As dusk fell, lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow over the camp. Campers gathered around the fire pit, singing songs and sharing stories beneath a star-strewn sky.
Nico pulled Will close, resting his head against Will’s shoulder.
“Thank you for letting me be your light,” Nico murmured.
Will kissed the top of Nico’s head. “And thank you for being my shadow.”
Their hands found each other’s, fingers lacing together like threads of sun and night
After the fire died down, the camp slowly emptied. But Will and Nico stayed behind, sitting on a blanket beneath the tall pines.
Nico reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
“I got you one last thing,” he said.
Will opened it to find a delicate silver necklace with a sun pendant on one side and a tiny crescent moon hidden behind it.
“It’s both of us,” Nico explained softly. “Light and dark, together.”
Will’s eyes glistened with tears he didn’t bother to hide.
“It’s perfect,” he said, voice thick with emotion.
Nico smiled, brushing a tender kiss over Will’s cheek.
“Happy birthday, Will.”
The next morning, Will woke with Nico curled against him, their fingers still entwined.
He smiled, heart full. For once, he didn’t need healing—because with Nico, he felt whole.
“I love you,” Will whispered into the dawn.
Nico smiled sleepily, pulling Will close.
“Forever,” he promised.
The End