Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Will was a planner. He was the "mom friend" — the one everyone called in a crisis. So when Nico nervously asked if he wanted him to meet his family (other than Hazel) during the campfire, Will agreed immediately.

His gleeful smile and moe moe eyes nearly spooked Nico. But Will Solace welcomed challenges. He was going to be a doctor, after all — the one profession that thrived in organized chaos.

“I expected a lot of things but not that reaction.” Nico remarked in confusion, " I expected some resistance in the best case scenario, you being an Apollo child and all that. Disgust in the worst case."

Will laughed at Nico’s look of trepidation and pulled him into a half hug. “My dear Death Boy, I am more than happy to meet your father and stepmother. After all, you’ve already met my mother twice — and she almost conned you into joining her for a cross-country tour.”

Nico sighed," Naomi Solace is a sweetheart and you know it. My dad is literally the world’s oldest emo guy and my step mother is as moody as the weather." Then he mock whispered sarcastically, "And they are also rulers of the Underworld, in case you forgot."

Will pinched Nico's side for his smart aleck comment. Then he  solemnly promised him," I am going to impress your parents so good, Sunshine. You just wait and watch."

That night, in the privacy of his bunk, Will pulled out his trusted planner.

He had seven days to prepare, and the first part of the plan was simple: gather intel.

Step One: Iris Message Percy Jackson

Percy was lying on his bed, drooling into his elbow. His biology textbook lay open under his elbow, and his blue highlighter had left a mark on his cheek. The dorm room walls were a sunny yellow — completely unlike the calm blue of Sally Jackson’s apartment.

In conclusion: yes, this was Percy’s NRU dorm room.

Will had to shout his name a few times before Percy jerked awake, sending his textbook and stationery tumbling to the floor.

“Sorry, dude — finals week spares no one. Everything okay? Is Nico—”

“Nico’s fine,” Will said quickly. “I just… need some intel. I’m going to the Underworld over the weekend, and I need all the information you have on Hades and Persephone.”

The goofiest grin Will had ever seen, spread across Percy’s face. Suddenly, Will understood Nico’s constant exasperation with Percy Jackson. Apparently, Percy’s troublemaker smiles were a sign of chaos that could go either way.

“Well,” Percy began cheerfully, “I’ve met all Nico’s relatives except his mom. Hades and I had a rocky start — he suspected me of stealing his helm when I was eleven and imprisoned me at fifteen to make Nico the prophecy child. But we made up! I got him his own cabin and an Olympian throne, so we’re… let’s call it neutral territory.”

He grinned wider. “He’s actually one of the more caring, family-oriented gods. Don’t get too spooked by the attire, though. His favourite is a black dress with screaming faces. Oh, and carry your own food, otherwise you might get stuck there. Make no deals with him," Percy said seriously.

He heard some one call Percy's name in the background. "Sorry dude, that's my very mortal room mate. Gotta go ! All the best! "

Then he winked and dissolved the message. 

Will took a while to process the random facts that had come from Percy "Motor mouth" Jackson. Did he just say Hades wore a dress full of screaming faces?

Maybe he should have called Annabeth instead. 

Step Two: Grover Underwood

Grover, as it turned out, was an enthusiastic Persephone fanboy.

He waxed poetic about her — “Queen of the Underworld, Goddess of Spring, absolute powerhouse” — but his only practical advice was:

1. “The stench of the Underworld is horrendous. Wear a mask”

2. “Persephone is lovely.”

That was it.

Chapter Text

Step Three: Hazel Levesque- a daughter's perspective

Hazel was sitting by the stables when Will Iris messaged her, polishing Arion’s bridle. . 

“You look nervous,” she said before he could even speak.

“Is it that obvious? I promised Nico something big and now I am afraid of messing up.” Will rubbed the back of his neck. “ I’ve fought monsters, treated battlefield injuries, survived Apollo’s parenting, but meeting your family? That’s next-level terrifying.”

Hazel chuckled. “They’ll like you. My father respects honesty, and Persephone… well, she appreciates kindness more than she lets on. You’ve got both. Just don’t try to flatter them — they see through that. I am sorry I can't be there for the dinner. Praetor duty calls.”

She paused in thought and then continued, “If my dad seems cold, don’t take his behaviour personally. Just like you didn't with Nico at the start. But our father loves Nico. More than he knows how to say. ”

Will smiled, feeling the knots in his stomach loosen a little. “Well, we have that in common. Thanks, Hazel. You’re like my pre-Underworld pep talk.”

Hazel grinned. “Say hi to Cerebrus for me."

“Promise.”

Step Four: Cecil & Lou Ellen

After getting intel from some Underworld experts, he knew he needed to talk to his friends.  

Cecil Markowitz and Lou Ellen Blackstone were in their natural habitat — the camp’s arts and crafts pavilion — surrounded by potion bottles, glitter, and what looked suspiciously like a half-finished hex grenade.

“Underworld?” Cecil asked, leaning forward eagerly. “Like, the actual one? With ghosts and skeletons and rivers of death?”

“That’s the one,” Will said dryly.

Lou Ellen grinned. “Ooh, romantic. Nothing says true love like visiting your boyfriend’s undead family.”

“I’m going to meet his parents, not propose,” Will said, crossing his arms.

“Same difference,” Cecil said. “I mean, you’re meeting the in-laws of death. You wouldn't do that if you weren't dead serious. Get it? Dead serious.” Cecil winked and laughed at his own pun. 

Expertly ignoring him, Lou Ellen rummaged through her bag and handed him a small charm shaped like a tiny sun. “Protection charm,” she said. “Against emotional damage.”

Will stared at it. “You made a charm against emotional damage?”

Lou Ellen smirked. “I am friends with Cecil. I needed it.”

“Hey!” Cecil protested.

Will chuckled despite himself. “Thanks, Lou. Though, I think my planner already counts as an emotional shield.”

“Then you’re going to need a backup,” Cecil said. “Also, you might wanna practice your deadpan face. You can’t show fear down there or start glowing when you get anxious. Do your best Nico impression.”

Will tried. He failed spectacularly.

Lou Ellen burst out laughing. “Oh gods, you look like a confused goldfish!”

“Close enough,” Cecil said cheerfully. “Maybe your sheer sunshiny charm will disarm them."

Will sighed. “Noted. Minimal glowing. Maximum diplomacy.”

Cecil gave him a thumbs-up. “That’s the spirit! Also, if you see any cool Underworld souvenir — bring me back a souvenir.”

Lou Ellen smacked Cecil’s arm. “He’s going to meet the King of the Dead, not shop for cursed merchandise!”

Will laughed, pocketing the little charm. “You two are unbelievable.”

Cecil grinned. “And yet, you still come to us before every mission. Admit it — we’re your emotional support chaos.”

Will smiled. “You’re not wrong.”

He waved goodbye as he left the pavilion, feeling a bit lighter. 

Step Five: Lester Papadopoulos aka Dad

Will was trying not gag while cleaning the musty attic where they had previously housed the mummy of the Oracle of Delphi. Only 4 days were left for the Dinner and he was stuck in this futile endeavour. 

He had drawn the short straw when the "Unwanted Chores" list was being distributed amongst the Apollo campers. Why only the Apollo cabin, you ask ?

All the credit went to the Hermes cabin for planting stink bombs at the cabin entrance before inspection. Their reason for doing so was to cheer up Julia Feingold who had her heart broken when her crush and Will's brother Austin had started dating some one from his school over the academic year. Conveniently for Hermes cabin, the stink bombs went off just when Butch Walker came for cabin inspection and marked them as the worst cabin. It was infuriating to be marked below the Hephaestus cabin. 

Back to present day, Will was coughing from dusting the Divine Souvenir shelf. Suddenly the room was filled with soft golden light and all the surfaces were spick and span. 

Will could make out the vague form of his father in his Lester form grinning at him from his squinted eyes. 

"Howdy Will ! How's it hanging?"

Will laughed,"Dad, please don't try using outdated slang especially when you look like a teenager. So what's up ? Is the world in trouble again?" He asked jokingly but he hoped the answer would be no. 

"Why can't I visit my darling son without the world being in trouble? Besides I want to know why I didn't get to have a "Meet the parents" dinner with your boyfriend? Surely I am more  approachable than Hades."

Will wasn't surprised his father knew about the dinner. His best friend was the messenger of the Gods for a reason. 

"Umm, Dad, you already know Nico well. We literally went on life threatening quests together. No other parent got that opportunity did they? And aren't quests the best form of bonding? 

His father laughed, "You know, I am just joking. I consider the di Angelo boy a buddy even if he has no taste in music. So how do we feel about it ? Nervous ? Thalia, the muse felt inspired to write a play on this situation. She said it had great comedy value."

Despite his words, Will finally relaxed knowing that his father was just here to check up on him in his own dramatic way. 

"I can't say I met any family of my lovers back in the day." His dad continued, "But I am the God of Knowledge. I should be able to give some advice. Let's see: Preparing to Meet Your Boyfriend's Parents. First, get some background from your boyfriend about his parents. Ask about the dynamic between his parents and what they're like. I am assuming you already know about Nico's relationship with Hades. Next..."

Apollo had become more active in their life after his Trials but it still felt unnatural for Will to see him act like a responsible adult.  

Apollo continued,"Second, Dress in a modest but flattering outfit....I guess Hades won't appreciate your surfer boy aesthetic. Maybe wear your scrubs. Every parent likes doctors. Third, Meet in a neutral place if possible.....that's not possible now, is it? 

Suddenly a light bulb went off his Will's head. He interrupted his father," Wait a sec, are you just reading out the Wiki how page for meeting your boyfriend's parents?"

"Pick up a small gift before... What? No, of course not" Apollo looked sheepish. He was rubbing his neck with his palm looking more like Lester than ever.

"Dad, it's fine. I have done quite a lot of prep and Intel gathering from my friends. I will impress them and," he hesitated for a moment," I will make mom and you proud."

Lester-apollo looked ready to cry. Will was sure he heard a few sniffles behind the hand covering his father's face. 

"You make us proud everyday, my son. I don't think even the crabby King of the Underworld can miss how much you love Niccolo. Just be yourself. Don't try too hard and if u feel lost, turn to Persephone. She's an old friend. And if you feel like you are in any trouble, just use your sun stone. Hermes will sprite you away in a second." 

"Dad please, don't be so dramatic. Also don't let him hear you call him Niccolo, Dad. Even if I agree it's a cute name." 

Apollo gave a small thumbs-up and disappeared in a tiny flash of gold, leaving behind a faint smell of oranges, sunscreen, and dad-energy.

Will promised himself that he would burn a nice offering for his dad at the bonfire tonight. 

Chapter Text

Will had 24 hours left before the Dinner. He felt like he had done his due diligence regarding this mission. His father's Wikihow narration and his mother's Texan sensibilities has given Will an idea for a gift as well.

He sat for dinner opposite his boyfriend who was playing around with his food. Nico had just returned from Camp Jupiter after a weekend visit to Hazel and Frank. Yet he seemed oddly nervous.

Will placed his palm over Nico's hands which were moving around the same piece of pasta for the past 10 minutes. 

"Hey Nico, what's wrong ? Is everything fine at Camp Jupiter?"

"Yes they are recovering well from the Commode attack. It's just that I am...I don't know....," Nico took a deep breath, "Promise me you won't hate me if my dad is a jerk tomorrow."

Will smiled. He comforted his boyfriend,"Nico, I am glad you feel this way. I mean not about the fact that you are unsure of your father's behaviour but that you are nervous too. 

We are on the same page here. So don't worry ! I mean, It can hardly go worse than Darth Vader freezing Hans Solo in carbamite."

Nico laughed,"You nerd ! Am I am supposed to Leia in this scenario? Because that is a role I will gladly accept."

Will nudged his side with his elbow," Who are you calling a nerd, Mr. Mythomagic ?"

As their banter continued, both felt distinctly better in each other's company. 

That night, sleeping in his bunker bed in the Apollo cabin, Will smiled to himself. Between Hazel’s calm wisdom, Apollo’s awkward encouragement, and his camp friends’ ridiculous commentary, he actually felt… ready.

Next stop: the Underworld.

Step Six: The Family Dinner

By the time Will arrived in the Underworld wearing a short sleeved white shirt and beige slacks (no scrubs off duty, thank you), he had prepared for every possible scenario: awkward silences, underworld etiquette, and even the possibility of being turned into a ghost.

What he had not prepared for was Demeter.

Nico and his father had a relationship of mutual understanding after years of pain and angst. He wouldn’t betray his father to join the villain of the week despite having all the ingredients for a supervillain origin story. And his father wouldn’t interfere with his day to day questionable decisions like shadow traveling to Italy for dates with Will. They’d made peace.

So when Will walked into the obsidian dining hall, he expected stilted but polite conversation after the awkward introductions. 

He expected Hades to be as comfortable as Nico looked, which was not at all. He was surprised when Persephone gave him a mildly conspirational look. 

But he did not expect this.

“See, Persephone,” Demeter huffed, “Even Hades’ spawn has the good sense to marry a doctor — unlike your questionable choices.”

Multiple cries of outrage rose up at once:

“Mother, not again!”

“Demeter, why are you even here? This was supposed to be a family thing!”

“Your guest cannot even eat here, Hades. He brought food from the surface—”

“Will and I are not married! I am fifteen! And this isn’t Ancient Greece!”

Just when Nico thought he had lost his first (and most likely last) boyfriend to divine embarrassment, Will laughed — a sound so bright and pure that even the shadows seemed to soften.

No mortal, Nico thought, had ever laughed like that in the halls of Hades’ palace. Even his father’s face twitched — less constipated, more… bewildered.

Persephone tilted her head. “Why are you laughing, child?”

“I mean no offense, my lady,” Will said, still smiling. “When Nico told me he wanted me to meet his folks, I was terrified. The King and Queen of the Underworld and the Underworld itself? Not exactly in the top twenty vacation destinations for a son of Apollo.”

He spread his hands and gestured. “Skeleton guards, Fields of Asphodel, faint cries of the dead — it’s like the world’s best and worst haunted house rolled into one. Then came dinner, and here you are — bickering and embarrassing each other like my Texan relatives. Honestly? It reminds me of home.”

He reached into his bag. “That reminds me — my mom insisted I should go  empty-handed to anyone's home. So, I made a scrapbook of Nico and Hazel’s photos from Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter. Most mortal parents have picture books of their kids, so I thought you might enjoy it, Lord Hades."

Hades's icy demeanour softened for a fraction of a second as he accepted his gift. Will considered that a win. 

“And for Lady Persephone, " Will reached into his bag and pulled out a neatly wrapped package. Persephone took it, untying the ribbon carefully. Inside was a stack of beautifully illustrated books.

“It’s called 'The Apothecary Diaries',” Will explained. “It’s a story from the mortal world about a clever girl who works with herbs, flowers and poisons and ends up solving mysteries in a royal court using her knowledge of botany while also feeling out of place among royals. She also has a member of the royal family smitten with her. — honestly, she reminds me of you. If you like the first five volumes, I will surely send you the rest.”

Persephone blinked, surprised, then laughed — a low, delighted sound that felt like sunlight through dark clouds. “An apothecary in a palace of poison and pride. I think I shall like her. What fantastically eccentric tastes you have, Child of Apollo." Persephone’s lips curved in genuine amusement. Demeter just huffed. 

And Nico—

Before Will could even read his expression, Nico grabbed him and kissed him. "You amazing, adorable, weird little nerd" Nico punctuated each word with a kiss. 

Just as Will was starting to enjoy it, Hades coughed. Loudly.

He wasn’t entirely sure if he’d impressed Nico’s parents — until a week later, when a zombie nurse appeared in his infirmary, quietly cutting bandages and restocking supplies.

Chapter Text

Step Six: Post-Mission Debrief

Later that night, Will pulled out his planner again, flipping to a fresh page titled “Underworld Mission: Debrief.” 

✓ Status: Alive 

✓ Relationship Status: Reward Kisses received. Stronger than ever

✓ Trauma Level: Mildly haunted, mostly by Demeter’s glare.

✓ Hades Impressed: Possibly. Need more data from zombie nurse follow-up. 

✓ Persephone Amused: Definitely. 

✓ Hazel and his friends: Proud and amused in equal measures. 

✓ Parental Advice Effective: Surprisingly, yes. 

He paused and added a small doodle of himself in a lab coat, hugging Nico, while Hades looked mildly impressed and Persephone rolled her eyes in amusement.

Will closed the planner and leaned back, smiling. Nico peeked over his shoulder.

“Making notes?” Nico asked, amused.

“Of course,” Will said. “Future reference. I might have to do this again. Demeter already thought you were married to me."

Nico laughed and booped him on the nose,“You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Will replied with a grin, unknowingly activating his  glow in dark powers with his happiness.

Nico thought that Will didn't just emit light — he was light personified. And he decided then and that he would never, ever let him go.

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

Thousands of feet underground in Kore's Underground Garden....

" This Maomao girl is certainly impressive, My Lord. Surviving through her smarts and feminine viles, a girl who knows exactly which quality to use and when, in this cesspool of politics and royal egos. 

Persephone looked up from her husband's lap where he was absentmindedly running a hand through her hair. He had been a strangely quiet mood after perusing the scrap book put together by that child. 

"Huh, is that so, My Queen? Do you like her because you related to her once upon a time?"

Persephone smiled, " I don't know about that but she too has a persistently devoted and powerful  admirer who is ready to follow her every whim and treasures her every smile."

Hades gave a dry chuckle. "Hush Persephone, I have a reputation to maintain. But I do wonder what made my grumpy son fall for for that smiley boy who is every stereotype of a son of Apollo come to life." 

Persephone kissed his hand," My Lord, I believe everyone already knows you are a huge "simp" for me, as the children say. It's well known fact since you first brought me to the Underworld."

Persephone continued with a triumphant smirk, " And Nico takes after you, My Lord. Don’t you too have a wife who is your natural opposite?" 

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