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Will pulled the warmth closer, clutching at the ends of sleep.
He faded in and out of sleep for a few minutes, when he felt something shift in his arms.
Will mumbled to it to stop moving, it didn’t.
Will peaked his eyes open, only to be face to face with a boy.
Will sleepily studied his features, his eyes trailed from his angelic eyes to the deep, chocolate pools of an iris, along the perfect curve of his button nose, down to his pink, cupids bow lips, followed the sharp curve of his jaw and down the curve of his body and—Oh shit!
His arm was draped around the boys waist— it felt natural like it was instinct—he yelped and quickly retracted his arm.
If Will wasn’t mistaken the boy seemed disappointed for a split second.
“Sorry…” Will mumbled, the boy titled his head, his lips parting slightly.
“For?” He prompted—Will would have swooned if he was standing—his voice was angelic as well. Will was positive he had heart eyes right now.
Ugh he had to say it out loud. “For cuddling you…”
“It’s ok… it was nice…” the boy was crimson as he said that, Will almost chuckled.
“Yea?” He asked, a smile playing in his lips.
“Yea” the boy echoed
“I’m Will, by the way. Well at least I think.” It felt right, so it must be. Now that he thought about it he couldn’t remember anything…
“Nico.” The boy replied without hesitation.
Will stood and stretching, trying to soften his stiff joints. Nico groaned behind him, Will turned around. Nico was on the ground still, his face contorted in pain.
He immediately stuck out his hand to help him up. Nico grabbed it—His hand was cool to the touch, his fingers were long and elegant and quite pale compared to Will’s—shooting him a grateful glance.
He pulled him up, Will almost stumbled back, not expecting him to be such unhealthy light weight.
“You ok?”
Nico nodded “just sore.”
“You sure?” He asked, Nico didn’t look ok.
“Yea… thanks”
“It’s alright.” Will grinned at him, Nico softly smiled back and oh my gods. He was so cute.
Will kept his hand wrapped around Nico’s, not really wanting to let go.
Surprisingly, the boy did pull away. Instead he seemed grounded by it, as Will lightly brushed over his knuckles. Nico looked around taking in their surroundings and prompting Will to do the same.
They looked to be in the middle of a path surrounded by buildings and houses.
Will had never seen it before, in fact now he thought about it… he couldn’t remember anything.
“Do you…remember anything?” Will hesitantly asked.
Nico closed his eyes, upon opening then he shook his head “No…”
“Okay, that’s okay. Me either.” He didn’t know why he was trying to comfort Nico so much—it was like an urge, he had to.
“Well, I—um. We better go…” Nico tugged on his hand.
“Where?”
“Uhh,” Nico glanced around seemingly searching for something. “I’m not sure…”
“Let’s go this way” Will decided—he didn’t know why. He just had a better feeling for it—already walking off, dragging Nico with him.
They didn’t get far through the streets when someone yelled.
“Nico! Will!” A girl with orange and green hair was waving at them “there you guys are, camps been trying to contact you guys!”
“Who are you?” He asked, moving slightly in front of Nico.
“And how do you know our names?” Nico added, Will nodded solemnly.
“Will, I—I’m your sister. Kayla? Your half sister? You, Aussie and me?”
He had half siblings? He looked at her confused.
Kayla groaned. “Come with me.”
She dragged them to a van with a giant strawberry on it. “Uhh, aren’t you not meant to get into a van with a stranger?” Nico asked.
“I’m not a stranger! I’m Will’s sister!” Kayla yelled, directing her hands at him.
Will glanced at Nico. Nico glanced back.
He shrugged. They had no memory, she might be telling the truth.
So they climbed in.
Kayla followed, slamming the door shut behind her.
“Who’s driving?” Will asked.
“Argus” Kayla muttered.
Will turned to look at the driver named Argo, Nico copied his action,
In sync they both screamed and scrambled back. The driver had eyes all over his body, he turned at their scream a hurt look on his face. Will immediately felt bad.
“Argo, they have lost their memories, they didn’t mean it” Kayla smiled at him softly.
-
When the van rolled to a stop, Kayla ushered them out. Past a bunch of kids in orange shirts and into a big blue house. They waited awkwardly outside of a room as Kayla went in.
Will strained to hear the muffled conversation, with no luck.
She came out a few minutes later.
“He’s waiting.”
Kayla practically pushed them into the room with a groan, when they just stood there staring at her.
Will held back a gasp as he saw a half-human half-horse man, who smiled as they walked through the door.
“William, Nico. Sit” he gestured to a couch.
They settled down on the soft couch as the half-human half-horse man, somehow squeezed into a wheelchair, effectively hiding his horse half.
“Now, I’ve heard from Miss Knowles, you guys have possibly lost your memories?”
Will and Nico nodded, still speechless.
“Do you know where we are?” He asked
Nico looked at Will, he shrugged.
“No”
“Do you know who I am?”
Will shook his head “no”
The half-human half-horse man cursed, Will somehow understood what he said, without knowing what he said it in.
“I’m Chiron, a centaur. Activities director of Camp Half Blood. You both are demigods.”
Will and Nico nodded. Will tried to listened to Chiron ramble about the camp and a mission they were sent on, but he couldn’t. All he could focus on was Nicos leg bouncing up and down. Before he could hesitated he place a hand on Nico’s thigh, the bouncing slowed. Nico’s cheeks were pink, but he leaned into Will— just by a fraction, but it made heat rise to his cheeks as well— he used it as an invitation to start rubbing soothing circles through the rip in Nicos jeans.
-
Chiron made them watch an introduction video, before sending them off to the Apollo cabin to be shown around camp.
Kayla and Austin— his half siblings—showed them the camp fire, the climbing wall, the stables and so much more. Will took everything in, hardly blinking. Apparently he had lived her for the past five years of his life and Nico two.
When they finally got back to the cabins, Austin went inside with Will while Kayla showed Nico to his cabin.
Will wouldn’t admit it but as he look around his cabin, he couldn’t help but wonder why it did feel like home.
“Here’s your bunk Will.” Austin chirped.
Will walked over sitting down and gazing around his bunk. He had hug up twinkling fairy lights, photos pinned up everywhere. Him smiling with his friends, his siblings— Kayla and Austin— one from right here in this cabin, full of kids he didn’t recognise. Though he did recognise himself—a few years younger— sitting between two boys, grinning like a maniac.
It pulled at something in him, he wasn’t sure what happened to them all, but he knew it was bad.
But, one photo stood out in particular. Nico, cuddled up asleep on someone’s chest. It sparked a feeling deep in his heart…
Nico.
What was so special about that boy, he didn’t know why, but he knew…
That boy was his whole world and he needed to protect and love him with everything in his power.
“What’s got you so deep in thought?” Kayla asked, taking him from his thoughts.
“Nothing much,” Will sighed “Nico ok?”
“As far as I can tell,” she flopped onto her bed “seemed a little freaked by his cabin, but that was it” she chuckled.
“Ok” Will mumbled.
“You should try and take a quick nap, we’ve got an infirmary shift in half an hour.”
“Ok…” he lay down, facing the wall.
-
“Will… Will” someone hissed in his ear.
Will open his eyes, yawning. “Yea?”
“Time to go, get your shoes on” Kayla demanded. Geez, Chiron told him he was usually in charge but Kayla didn’t seem to think so.
Will groaned sitting up, he stretched before standing up, sliding on his flip flops and following Kayla and Austin out of the cabin.
He walked behind his chatting siblings, suck in thought about Nico.
That’s how most of his shift went as well, dwelling on Nico.
He was put on cutting bandages, a mindless job once you got the hang of it.
Kayla and Austin checked in on him a few times
So he let his brain wonder, that was until Kayla suddenly shouted at him,
“Will! Get in here.“ she screamed.
He rushed out, she stood hands hardly glowing over a campers leg.
“We’re out of juice, you need to try”
“Try what?” His voice cracked.
“Your powers”
“Ok, ok.” He walked closer.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be…” he grimaced, Kayla removed her hands.
The blood flow quicken again as Will pressed his hands over the slash.
“What do I do?”
“Sing and think of your happiest memories” Austin instructed.
“I don’t have any memories!”
“Right… ok just sing then!” Kayla urged.
Will searched his head. “I can’t remember any songs!”
“Just make something up!” Austin yelled.
Will closed his eyes, thinking of the feeling of someone’s hand in his, their angelic laugh. Then he thought of Nico, the expression he woke up and saw on his face.
Will felt a warm like sunshine spread through his body, like the sun itself was running through his veins— in way it was— his hands heated and he could feel the blood flow slow as the wound stitched itself back together under his hands.
Will opened his eyes, the camper although a little pale, was fine.
He removed his hands, the slash was gone leaving a barely visible scar across their leg.
“Thanks Will.” They said.
Before any words could leave Wills lips Kayla was leading him away from the camper.
“Oh my gods! Will you did it!” Kayla hugged him. “Now go clean up, it’s almost time for dinner.” She smiled leaving him alone in that bathroom.
He scrubbed the blood off his hands and changed his shirt, finding the one Kayla left behind for him.
“Good job in there,” Austin smiled walking in. “It’s time for dinner.”
“Alright. I’ll be there shortly, I can find my way.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yea, I’m ok. Thank you”
Austin chuckled “always, polite, eh Solace?”
Will laughed “if I’m your older brother then why are you calling me Solace?”
“Later man” he laughed, waving him off.
Will slumped as Austin left, he washed his face, flicked the light switch off as no one was left there and wondered out the door, grabbing the book Kayla had left him on the way out. His mind walked back to Nico.
In fact he thought about him so much today, it seemed to summon him right out of his thoughts.
Or more accurately out of the shadows.
Nico looked ready to pass out as he stood there staring at him.
“How? How did you?” He stuttered
“I don’t… know.” Nico looked at his hands, he hovered them over the soil for a few seconds and an army of bones shot of the ground weaving themself into a human figure.
Nico shrieked stumbling back into a tree.
“Get away!”
The skeleton creep towards Nico, stretching its hand out towards him. Before Will could even think he ran at the it, hitting its head with all his might. It’s head spun round and round before it collapsed over Nico.
Will took a second to catch his breath.
The skeleton straightened its head. It braced itself, hands of either sides of Nicos legs. It pushed itself self looking straight at Will with its eyeless sockets.
It stumbled over to Will, it thrashed at him with its rusty sword and Will. Will was completely defenceless.
Will barely dodged it, falling onto the floor with a thud
Almost instantly the skeletons sword was that his throat. Will saw his life flash before his eyes.
The next Nico had a sword from the shadows and had destroyed it. And damn he had looked hot doing it.
The bones showered down on top of Will.
Nico’s face came into view as he brushed the bones off himself.
He offered Will a hand, dropping his sword into the shadows.
When Will stood up he realised just how scared he was… of losing Nico.
“What just happened?” He asked
“I’m not sure.” Nico dusted off his clothes, his face grimaced— just for a second, before he smoothed his features. But Will caught it.
“What’s wrong?” Will stepped forward.
Nico absentmindedly scuffed his shoe in the dirt.
“My back hit the tree.” he mumbled.
“Lemme see” Nico turned around and lifted the back of his shirt.
Ow, Nico must have hit the tree harder than Will realised. How must have been running in adrenaline.
“Yea you already got a bruise, poor thing. Let me just try something”
Will thought of the boy holding his hand again, the angelic laughter and Nico.
A golden glow emitted from his hands, light spread over Nicos small back.
Nico sighed in relief, as Will held his hands there slightly longer than necessary, letting his warmth spread throughout Nicos body, easing his muscles into relaxation.
Will felt himself tire and decided that Nic was relaxed enough. He moved his hands.
“There, all good” Nico touched his back and raised his eyebrows at Will.
He pressed a hand to his back again, mouth opening slightly. Will grinned at him, slightly giddy.
Nico let out a shaky breath.
“Thanks,” he mumbled,“That was… Did I do that?” He asked, voicing shaking.
Yes. Was Wills first thought but the look on Nicos face looked like he couldn’t handle that.
“I— maybe,” Will shrugged “i really don’t know.” He lied.
Nico glanced up at him, big dove eyes pouring into his own.It was then Will noticed how close they where, not that he minded. As long as Nico was happy, he was happy.
That’s when tears poured down Nicos face. Will’s face softened, he held Nico’s hands and lead him over to a fallen tree log.
“Here. Sit.” Nico sat, his breath coming out fast and ragged. Will leant in front of him, still holding his hands.
“What if— I— no… I, what did I—“ Nicos ramble was cut off with a sob.
Nicos hands trembled in Wills grasp.
“I didn’t mean to,” he whispered. “I didn’t know I could…do that.”
“I know,” Will said, no hesitation on the thought “You didn’t do anything wrong. No harm done, ok?”
Nico looked up from his lap.
“You’re not scared?” he asked quietly.
Will blinked, the thought hadn’t even occurred to him. More importantly what had he done to make Nico think that!?
“Of you?” Nico sniffled, nodding his head. “No.”
Something loosened in Nico when Will said that. He could tell by the way he no longer held himself as tense, how he let himself breathe just a little deeper.
Will smiled kindly at him soft and meaningful. Nico smiled softly at him back and let his head rest on Will’s shoulder.
Will tensed for half a second and Nico froze. Will quickly relaxed, hoping he wouldn’t go too far by wrapping his arms round Nico.
This. This was home, with Nico. He was in Love with a guy he’d met earlier that day but seemed to have a connection with before all… this.
“Nico?” Will whispered.
“Yea?”
“This might sound crazy but…” gods why is he saying this!?!? “I think I’m in love with you…”
Nico shifted in Will’s hold, “you…you, what?”
“I think I’m in love with you.” Will could feel the heat radiating off his face, but Nico didn’t move so neither did Will.
The words sat between them.
Nico’s fingers clutched onto Wills shirt, tightening slightly, like if he let go, Will might take it back.
Will panicked he went to leave his grip loosening slightly. “I— I’m sorry. That was probably too much, too fast. You don’t have to say anything—“
Nico cut Will off with a peck to the corner of his lips. A small smile across his face.
“I think I’m in love with you too.” The relief and happiness that overtook Will, was something he was never going to forget.
Will stared at him, like nothing else mattered, because it didn’t.
Nico leaned forward.
He moved slowly, giving Will time to pull away.
He didn’t.
Nico tilted his head slightly, pressing his lips to Will’s. Their lips slot together perfectly, soft and careful.
It lasted maybe five seconds but it felt like it went for hours. When Nico pulled back Wills lips where alight, Nico’s lips where just as soft and perfect as they looked. They were still close, close enough to feel eachother’s warm breath.
Will made a quiet sound— something between a laugh and a breath— and slid his arms around Nico.
Nico leant in no hesitation evident.
Suddenly a twig snapped, Will and Nico jumped up— Will raised his book and Nico summoned his sword— Percy came bouncing up.
“Hey! There’s my little bro! You’re missing dinner.” He slapped Will on the back and slung his arm round Nico.
“Sorry Solace,” he said. “You’re not invited.”
“Umm, ok?” Percy gave him a confused glance— what did he expect? That he was going to argue with him?—before seemingly remembering something.
They walked in silence—behind a whistling Percy— to the dining pavilion.
Wills thoughts where far from silent though, he was thinking about what he and Nico where. Boyfriends? They said they loved each other, did that mean? As they neared the pavilion Will realised he didn’t want his time with Nico to end…
Nico went to head off with Percy, when Will cleared his throat.
Nico looked at him expectantly. Shit. What does he say? Campfire!
“Uhh I’ll see you at campfire?” He asked, rubbing the back of his neck, he was sure his face was red.
“Yep” Nico awkwardly waved. They went their separate ways, Nico to the big three table and Will to the Apollo.
Dinner was nice, getting to know his siblings a bit more and himself as they shared embarrassing stories.
“…and then you,” Kayla broke out into laughter, smacking Austin’s arm.
“You,” she wheezed “you slipped on a bandage and cartoon fell flat on your ass.”
Will chuckled while his siblings howled with laughter. He glanced over at the big three table, meeting Nicos gaze. He gave him a small smile before tuning back in to whatever his siblings were yapping about now.
“Come on, offerings” the Apollo table got up,
“Why are we leaving early?” Will asked
“We’re in charge of campfire tonight.” Austin told him as he scraped garlic bread into the flames whispering a prayer to Apollo.
“Okay, that makes sense” Will mumbled.
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to sing” Austin patted his shoulder with a laugh.
-
Will helped his siblings get their instruments, Austin a trumpet, Kayla a uke.
“Hey Will, you remember how to play a guitar?”
Austin threw him a guitar covered in stickers, he thinks he may have seen it in a picture—covered in less stickers— with a lady who he was told was his mother, Naomi Solace.
He tried, he really did. Using a random sheet of music.
“No, sorry man.”
“That’s alright, take it easy till you get your memories back.”
“Are you sure? I could… I don’t know, play an egg shaker.”
They laughed “no really it’s ok.” Kayla smiled.
By the time they had set up the fire was already alight and burning with campers excitement.
Will sat down on a log, waiting for Nico.
He leant side to side with the rhythm, watching his talented siblings entertain the campers.
He saw the shadows darken and spit Nico out, Will smiled as Nico caught his eye and waved. He stepped forwards, wobbling.
The son of Apollo was up in an instant, slipping his arms around Nico and steadying him.
Nico was cold, freezing cold. He leaned into Will.
Will quickly striped off his own jumper, wrapping it round Nico, he dragged him closer to the fire, all while holding him close. He sat him down on a log, arms still looped around Nico.
Nico couldn’t keep pulling these stunts, he was going to hurt himself.
Nico’s teeth had shortly, stopped chattering when Will broke the comfortable silence.
“Let’s not do that again without someone around, yea? Preferably me.” He chuckled
“Alright.” Nico nodded, leaning further into Will.
-
As people started drifting towards cabins for the night, Will and Nico hung back for a few minutes quietly whispering.
When the harpies screeched, warning campers they had fifteen minutes before curfew. Will and Nico ran for the cabins, laughing, tripping and stumbling but ever letting go of each other’s hands.
“Can I walk you to your cabin?” Will asked, sheepishly.
“Yea,” Nico breathed “as long as you remember how to get back to yours”
Will lightly shoved Nico, “Of course I’ll remember.” He laughed, slightly offended.
They walked towards the hades cabin—grass brushing their ankles— chatting quietly.
They slowed as the obsidian cabin came looming into view.
Nico shivered and Will was reminded of what Kayla had said. And he had every reason too, his cabin was terrifying.
They stopped at the bottom of the steps. The night air felt colder here, shadows lazily stretched toward Nico’s feet.
“Can you stay for a minute?” Nico asked sounding hopefully. Desperation and fear were evident in the way his voice trembled slightly.
Will turned to him.
“I’d love to” he smiled, anything for Nico.
They sat shoulder to shoulder on the cold steps, Will stared out at the grass blowing in the breeze.
Nico shifted leaning against Wills shoulder and Will found he didn’t mind the feeling.
Silence settled. Not awkward but heavy and safe.
“You’re really not scared.” Nico asked, his voice trembling.
Will turned fully toward him again, he looked beautiful but scared, like he was bracing himself for an answer he didn’t want to hear.
How could Nico ever think he was scared of him, Will loved him.
“Nico, I woke up holding you like my life depended on it. I knew you were important as soon as I opened my eyes. I fell for you, despite only knowing you for less than a day. Whatever you can do…it doesn’t change that.”
Nico looked away quickly, his cheeks pink.
“Hey,” Will murmured.
Will wanted to see his cute little blush, hooking his fingers under Nicos chin, tilting it up and forcing him to meet his gaze.
“I hope I fall for you every time. Every life. Every universe. Every memory loss. For ever.” For a moment Will thought he went too far but Nico melted closer.
“Really?” He sniffled.
“Yea” Will smiled at him, without warning Nico wrapped himself around Wills middled, burying into his chest. Will smiled to himself, wrapping his arms around him and resting his head on the top of Nico’s.
“Me too.” He whispered.
They stayed like that for the gods now how long, when the harpies suddenly screeched.
Will leant back, looking over to where you could see the harpies starting to patrol round the cabins.
They were prowling round cabin 3 already, making their way towards them. He wasn’t going to make it back, not before they were upon him.
“Oh no, I’m not going to be able to make it back in time.” He voiced
“I could try shadow travelling you back?”
“No!” Will barked, harsher than he intended. “I can still feel the darkness left in your system, twice in one day is more than enough.”
“You can stay here?” Nico suggested.
“But the rule…” Will sighed.
“The rule says a girl and a boy. Not a boy and a boy” Nico winked, heating Wills cheeks.
No one would know, Nico didn’t have any siblings and he doubted anyone would snitch. Also he didn’t want to be harpie food. And Nico was totally right! The rule was a girl and a boy, with different godly parents, couldn’t be in the alone in a cabin. Not a boy and a boy.
“Ok.” He agreed, Nico grinned leading him inside.
“Here,” After a little searching, Nico handed Will a towel and some clothes—a worn out star-wars shirt and sweats, that were 100% not Nicos size— “bathrooms there” he pointed.
Will smiled and hurried off to the bathroom, clicking the door behind him.
He stripped, and turn the heat on. The scorching water pattered across his back, like a mini massage. Will sighed, letting the water run through his curls.
After a quick shower Will dried off, dry his hair as much as possible as to not get Nicos sheets wet… wait? Was he sleeping with Nico? Or in the spare bed?
Will hung his towel up, shutting off the light. He crept out, Nico was asleep on the bed. No not asleep but almost, Will didn’t know how he knew that but he did.
He awkwardly shuffled over to the bed, Will hesitated… was it appropriate? Would Nico want him too?
Will sunk in pro the sheets, his instincts screamed at him to throw an arm around Nico, make sure he’s warm and safe.
Screw it! He slid an arm around Nicos waist. The warmth pooled between them as sleep dragged them under, Nico drifted off within minutes. Will gave him a little kiss on the back of his neck, just under his ear, mumbling a soft
“Love you.” With it.
-
Will felt Nico shift in his hold, confirming he was awake. Will waited another minute or so before he could no longer hold onto sleep.
“Mornin’” he grumbled.
“How did you know I was awake?” Nico asked
“I’m not actually sure… I just knew.” Will shrugged, he sat up yawning.
Nico rolled over as Will stretched.
“I should probably get back to my cabin.” He groaned.
Nico whined, full baby whine. It froze both of them.
“Nico—“ Will turn
“No.”
“Nico, did you just…” Will trailed off.
“I- I…” Nicos face reddened further, Will was blushing now too.
“…Whine?”
“I… sorry.” Nico looked down.
“No! Don’t be sorry. It was so cute,” Will climbed back into bed with him.
“You should do it again.” Will grinned.
“Nope! Never.”
“Not even for me?” Will asked, putting on his best puppy eyes.
“Definitely not for you.” Nico lightly shoved Will.
“Aww, why not!” Will (ironically) whined.
“Cause you said it’s cute and I’m not cute!”
“Yes you are!” Will straddled Nico, tickling his hands up his side.
“So. Cute. You Neeks, are. So. Super-duper. Cute.”
“No. I’m. Not.”
“Well I guess I should just leave, yea? Go back to my cabin?”
Nico whined again “Nooooooo”
“Aww so cute.” Will flopped down next to Nico, his arm automatically wrapping around Nico.
Nico flopped off his back and into Will’s chest. He buried his head in the crook of Will’s neck.
They stayed like that, whispering sweet nothings until Percy came knocking on the door.
“Nico! Breakfast!”
“Ughh,” Nico rolled off him. “Coming.”
Nico pulled Will up, into a quick hug, before ushering him into the bathroom to change back into his clothes.
Will found the his slightly rumpled clothes in a pile on the ground where he’d left them the night earlier.
He switched into them. Will folded his borrowed clothes and came out to see Nico in practically the same outfit as the day before.
“Nico?!” Percy yelled, drawing both of their attentions to the door
“Geez, Percy! We were just changing” Nico yelled back, slipping his shoes on.
Nico stomped over slamming the door open.
“Solace!? What were you doing in our baby Neeks cabin so early?” Percy grabbed Nico into a bear hug, which he desperately tried to claw himself out of.
“Uh—“ what did one say in this situation?
“None of your business Jackson!” Nico snapped, saving him. Will shot him a graceful glance.
Nico and Will set off towards the pavilion leaving a confused Percy behind.
“Hey! Wait up!” Percy yelled.
He caught up shoving them both to the side to slot himself between.
Will raised his eyebrow and continued walking. What was up with this weirdo he thought.
They reached the dining pavilion rather fast. Walking in behind a slow trickle of campers.
A blonde boy was sitting at the big three table, reading the news paper.
Percy sat down in front of the blonde boy and started yapping to him, it didn’t seem like he was listening at all.
Will felt nico freeze, he guess he was nervous about sitting with them.
He pulled Nico onto the seat next to him, Nico gave him a soft smile.
Their food appeared on the table as the last bell rung. On the menu today was pancakes— Will didn’t really like pancakes, they were too sweet for him—Nico took a bite.
“These are so good”
Will tried some, if Nico liked them they must be good. “oh my gods, you’re right!” He grinned.
“Look at Percy, he is pouting over something.” Nico giggled
“Mmh, I wonder what?” Will grinned at him, Nico was so cuteee. Will would have swooned if he wasn’t sitting.
“Probably that his pancakes aren’t blue.”
Will hummed, he didn’t have a clue about what Nico was talking about.
They were quietly giggling and talking for the first fifteen minutes of breakfast, Nico had been occasionally glancing over to—what Will assumed was — to see if Percy was still pouting.
“Stupid Solace stole our little bro,” Percy grumbled, not so quietly whispering. “even with no memory they still hang around each other.”
Ok rude…
“We can hear you Jackson!” Nico yelled. Percy turned red and mumbled an apology.
Jason who had been mostly silent on the matter snickered.
Nico was half out of his chair when a girl with a short, black bob sat herself in front of them.
“I’ve got good news for you too,” she said in a sing-song voice “your favourite Hecate witch has almost finished your potion.”
They stared at her confused.
“Thanks?” Will offered.
“Oh right. I’m Lou-Ellen, yall usually call me lou though.”
Will nodded.
“What potion?” Nico asked.
“Oh, didn’t anyone tell you? The potion to get your memory’s back! Well almost, just a few small adjustments. Should be ready tomorrow.” She smiled, waving goodbye as she left.
Will felt Nico tense, he looked over his face was a perfect mask, but his vibe was off.
“Hey,” Will put his hand on Nico’s shoulder, “you ok?”
“Mmh, yea… look I need to— I need to get to training, ok?” Nico stood up.
“Oh, ok? But breakfast isn’t over yet.”
Please stay! Please stay…
“Yea… I wanna get there early, practice by myself for a bit you know?”
“Alright… be careful”
Nico left without another word. Will watched Nico scrape the remains of his pancakes into the fire and vanish off into shadows.
“Damit Nico!” Will slammed his hand on the table, doing a quick prayer he stomped off.
He didn’t know why, but he stormed towards the infirmary. Muttering about stupid sons of hades, who need to stop using their underworldly powers.
-
Will was cutting his fifth stack of bandages when he heard a groan.
He looked up, meeting Nicos gaze.
“Nico?” That’s when he spotted the blood pooling around him. “Shit, shit, shit! Nico!” Will raced over to him, holding him just before his leg gave out.
Will’s hands start to glow before he even knew where Nico was hurt. His hands led themselves to his wound as he murmured a healing hymn.
“Will?” Someone yelled.
“Will,” a hand pulled on his own “stop! That’s enough.” They pulled his hand off.
-
Will woke with a gasp, where was Nico? Was he ok?
As he came to his senses he could hear the soft snores of someone. Will cracked his eyes open and was met with the beautiful face of Nico di Angelo.
Will breathed a sigh of relief.
Oh but how much of an idiot he was
He cupped Nicos face in his hands and started peppering his face with little kisses.
“You silly son of hades. Idiot, how could you scare me like that Neeks?—“
“Sorry.” He murmured.
“Nico! You’re awake!” Will pulled him in for a hug.
“Yes, I’m sorry for scaring you.”
“W-what happened?” Will asked, crossing his arms.
“I was distracted, thinking about… something”
“What had you so deep in thought you sliced yourself.” Will demanded.
“N-nothing…”
“Whatever you say death boy.” Will rolled his eyes, realising he wasn’t going to get anything out of him.
-
“Knock knock,” Will opened the door. “I got you tea.”
“Will! You’re meant to be resting!” Nico ‘scolded’.
“Shh, don’t tell Kay. I snuck out.” He grinned, his sister had put both of them on bed rest.
“Well then you better come rest with me.” Nico winked
“I probably should, shouldn’t I?” Will grinned
Nico smiled back, lifting the covers as Will slipped under
“I missed you.” Nico whispered in his ear.
Will chuckled. “It’s only been an hour since dinner.”
“An hour too long” Nico whined.
“Mmh.” Will sighed already letting sleep claim him. Nico snuggled into the back of Will’s neck, letting sleep claim him too.
-
“Will” he was rudely akwakojd by a hand shaking him.
“What?” He snapped.
“You can’t sleep here” Kayla crossed her arms
“What?”
“You can’t sleep here with your little boyfriend!”
“He’s not my boyfriend!” Will hissed, Kayla looked shocked.
“What? What’s that face for?”
“Nothing, just— let’s go” she pulled him out of the bed.
-
Will woke for the second time that night, though this time by the warm cabin dropping to at least -3 degrees.
He opened his eyes, every light in the cabin had been snuffed out. Maybe a power trip? He walked into the middle of the room, trying to remember where Kayla had said the light switch was when Nico fell out of the shadows and right into his arms.
His breath was coming in short, shallow gasps.
“Nico— hey, hey. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”
Nico sucked in a sharp breath.
“Nico, you’re safe… Neeks I’m here! Everything’s ok.”
Will tugged him closer, pressing his ear to his heart beat, hoping to bring him back.
The lights clicked on, Kayla stood rubbing her eyes at the switch while Austin glared down at him from the bunk.
Will watched as their faces softened as they realised why they had been woken up.
He sobbed into a Will’s shirt for the gods know how long— till it was soaked with tears— he didn’t mind.
Will just made calming noises, kind, calming words and traced soft patterns over his body.
“I’m sorry…” Nico sniffled.
Will pulled back, Nico stiffened.
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He scolded.
“What?” Nico looked up, tears still trickling down his cheeks.
Wills heart shattered, he cupped Nicos face, swiping his thumbs under his eyes
“You. Have. Nothing. To. Be. Sorry. About.” Will punctuated each work with a small kiss over Nicos face.
“But-t, I…” Nico trailed off gesturing to Will’s wet shoulder—his hands dropped as he glanced at his shirt, yea it was wet and dirty now, but?
Nicos eyes widened as he glanced around the room, seemingly realising the situation.
“I don’t mind, it’s just a shirt.” Will smiled gently, trying to keep Nicos attention off the fact that three people were currently watching him cry.
“A very washable shirt” Austin added. Kayla nodded.
Will shot his siblings a grateful glance.
“I didn’t mean to.” Nico started sobbing.
“I know Nico. I know.” Will rubbed circles on his back, trying to calm him.
“I don’t even know—“ his voice cracked “—how I-how I got here!”
“That’s okay,” Will said immediately. “You don’t have to.”
Nico sniffled.
“Do you want to?” He asked, Nico nodded quickly.
“You shadow traveled,” he said softly. “Here to the Apollo cabin.”
“Scared the crap out of us, appeared in the middle of the room.” Austin chuckled.
Nico ducked his head, “Sorry.”
Will shot austin a sharp glare before turning his attention back to Nico.
“Don’t apologise Neeks, you were in a state of panic.”
“Happens to the best of us.” Kayla nodded solemnly.
“Do you wanna tell us what happened?” Will pushed.
“I was in darkness, there was almost no air…” Nicos voice trembled, Will wanted to pull him close but, didn’t want to suffocate the boy.
“People argued whether or not to l-leave me there. They t-taunted me, their voices fading i-in and out. Getting louder and louder.”
Nico took a stuttering breath, continuing. “They left, I gave up— accepted my fate— until this bright light appeared in a crack. A boy laughing and smiling at me,”
Nico looked up at him.
“You.”
“Me?” He whispered.
Nico dreamed about him?!
“Mmhm. You urged me to keep fighting, I was close to being free… a-and then, I failed, you flickered away and I fell into darkness. T-then I’m here, with you.”
“But you did get out, cause you’re here now.” He smiled softly, Nico just nodded, seemingly thinking about what Will had just said.
Will helped Nico off the ground and stabilised him as he swayed.
“Let’s get you into bed, yea?”
“Mmh” Nico rubbed his eyes and yawned.
Will helped him into bed, pulling the covers over both of them. Kayla flicked the light switch and they all settled in to sleep.
Will waited for sleep to claim Nico, but he could hear his brain ticking.
“Nico, stop thinking so hard.” Will groaned, he wanted to sleep.
“Sorry” he whispered back.
“You’re banned from the S word!” Will decided.
“Be quiet!” Kayla yelled.
“Sorry Kay!”
“Hey, no S word” Nico jokingly scolded.
Will started humming softly, running his hands through Nico’s hair.
Within minutes sleep had dragged Nico into its depths.
Wills hands stilled as he let sleep claim him again.
-
Will woke early the next morning, as his siblings explained— up with the sun, the curse that comes with being a child of Apollo.
Kayla was on shift in the infirmary and Austin had snuck off to play his saxophone, leaving Will and Nico alone for the morning.
Will settled back down, hoping that sleep would claim him again.
A few minutes later the door creaked open.
Will sat slightly, trying not to move Nico.
Lou stood at the door, Will gestured for her to be quiet as she walked closer.
“Good morning.” He smiled
“Morning, I saw Austin. He said you were awake so I came by to tell you the potions ready.”
“Oh… good. Thank you for telling me, I’ll let Nico know when he wakes up.”
Lou Ellen’s gaze drifted to Nico sleeping in his arms.
“He looks so peaceful when he’s sleeping.”
“Mm.”
“Anyways, I’ve got stuff to do. I’ll see y’all later.” She smiled, walking off.
He lay there listening to Nico breathing as he thought about what the potion could bring.
Would he remember Nico?
Did he already know Nico?
He really hoped he did.
What would the potion taste like? He wondered.
Suddenly Nico inhaled, signalling he was waking up.
He ran his hands through Nico’s hair, encouraging him into the world of the living.
“Mornin’ sleepy head”
Nico blinked his eyes open, grumbling.
He squinted up at Will for half a second before closing them.
“Too bright for ya?” Will chuckled.
Nico opened his eyes.
“Go away Solace” he grunted, his accent shining through.
“No can do, sweets. Got a lot on today.”
Nico glared at him “like what?”
Will manoeuvred himself from Nico, going over to his draws to find some clothes.
“Well firstly, I gotta check up on you, see if you’re mentally and physically okay,”
Where did that come from? Nico didn’t need a check up? Did he? It just kinda came out like he’d said it a million times, maybe he had?
“after yesterdays… events. And…the potions ready. Lou told me.”
Will watched Nicos face fall, he was sure he had looked the same when Lou told him.
He let Nico process, giving himself more time to think as well.
What would happen after they took the potion?
Would they stay as…whatever this was.
Will found himself a pair of clothes, before searching finding a draw of clothes that looked suspiciously like stuff out of Nicos cupboard.
He went to the bathroom and quickly changed his clothes.
Will came out, looking to Nico— he could see the spiralling he was doing within his head from here.
“Nico.” Will tried to drag him out.
“Nico? Neeks? Nico snap out of it. Nico? Nico?”
His eyes snapped onto Wills.
“Hey, you back with me?” He said softly
Nico nodded
“Good. Here found some clothes for you.” He walked over, handing him the bundle and throwing the clothes he wore to bed last night over his bed.
“Thanks”
Will turned around, giving Nico privacy.
“What had you so far away anyways?” He asked, likely already knowing the reason.
“Nothing much, just… thinking”
Will could hear Nico pulling his jeans up.
“decent” he mumbled. Will turned giving him a small smile.
“You know you can talk to me…right?”
“Mmhm.” Nico avoided Will gaze. Swapping his shirt for the shirt Will had taken off earlier, Will decided not to comment.
“Is there anything you want to talk about?” Will emphasised want.
“No… thanks”
“Alright, Shall we go then?” He asked, trying not to sound deflated.
Nico nodded.
They walked towards the pavilion in silence.
Sitting down at their respective tables today.
-
At the end of breakfast Lou Ellen came up to Will.
“Ready?” She asked
“I— yes.” He tried for a smile, failing spectacularly.
Lou Ellen gave him a strange look, telling him she definitely didn’t buy it.
Will hung his head, following Lou over to the hades table.
“You ready!?”
“Yeah…” Nico’s voice echoed through Wills head.
“Alright, let’s go!” Lou Ellen chirped.
Shit. Why is she so excited? Almost seems like they are just experiments to her.
Will watched from the corner of his eye as Nico squeezed his hands into fists, he could sense the blood that was ready to flow from where his nails where pushed into his palm.
Before he could stop himself he uncoiled Nico’s hand and slipped his into it, he had to ground Nico in a different way before he hurt himself.
It worked. Nico calmed down, his body loosing.
Nico looked up meeting Will’s gaze, he smiled as they walked behind Lou.
They followed her out of the pavilion, through the green and into the infirmary.
Chiron and Mr D waited for them, as well as Kayla and Austin and a few Hecate campers.
“Alright you two, sit up here.” Kayla patted an infirmary cot.
Will and Nico sat side by side on the cot.
“We’ll be back in a minute.” Chiron smiled at them, leading everyone out of the room.
As they waited for them to come back in, Will felt Nicos head rest on his shoulder.
That’s when he noticed the slight tremble of Nicos hands.
“You okay?” He said gently.
Nico nodded, zoned out.
He swallowed hard as his breath came out shaky.
“Neeks?” Will tried again.
“I don’t want to forget this.” He answered after a few seconds.
“Forget… what?”
Nico gestured helplessly between them. Their hands. Their closeness.
“Us” Nico whispered.
Wills heart melted. Nico was feeling the same as him.
“You won’t,” he said, hoping Nico would believe him if he sounded confident enough, even if deep inside he feared the same.
Will moved to hug him, but pulled back when Nico flinched.
The shadows stirred.
“I don’t want to be alone,” Nico said, the words tumbling out “What if I don’t know you? What if your scared of me? What if I—”
Nicos breathing accelerated, coming short and fast.
Will grabbed his shoulders, rubbing his fingers in soothing circles
“Nico,” he said. “Look at me.”
No response.
“Breathe with me,” Will murmured. “In. Out. In. Out. I’ve got you.”
Nico shook his head.
“What if loving you now, was a mistake, that hurts us to remember?” he whispered.
Will pulled him close—no hesitation, no doubt—pressing Nico’s face into his chest, one hand cradling the back of his head, the other steady on his spine.
“We don’t have to face that right now,” he said softly.
Nico’s hands fisted in Will’s shirt.
“I don’t want to lose you,” he sobbed.
“You won’t, even if it hurts. I’m going to fight for us, I’ll fight hard enough for both of us.“
Nico’s breath came in shaky gasps.
“You promise?”
“I swear it,” Will said. “I’ll find you every time. Every life. Every universe. Every memory loss.”
The shadows loosened.
Nico dropped into Will, exhausted and terrified.
Chiron cleared his throat “Are we interrupting something?” He asked, as he clopped back in.
“No, no. Nothing.” Nico smiled softly, leaning back from Will.
“Alright then, it’s time. Lou Ellen, if you will?”
Lou handed them a small shot glass each and poured some purple goop into it.
Will watched as Nico lifted his head and sniffed it, his face turning to one of disgust.
“Blech, what is in this?” He said covering his nose with his arm.
“Frog spawn, troll snot—“
“Never mind! I don’t wanna know.” He screeched. Lou chuckled at him.
“Together?” Will asked.
“Together.” Nico echoed
Will lifted his cups to his lips, nico hesitated
Will bent down, “I love you” he whispered in Nicos ear.
Nico looked up at him, pecking his lips “love you too.” He grinned.
Will clasped Nicos hand in his own, giving him one more glance.
“3…2…1”
Will swallowed the potion.
It tasted like fresh grass and salt with a tang of something that reminded him of Texas l
The cold liquid slid down his throat.
Seconds later his vision blurred as he re-lived his life in seconds.
Touring.
Happiness.
Death.
Blood.
Loneliness.
Skeletons.
Pinning.
Soft laughter.
Shared smiles.
Black curls.
Brown eyes,
Home.
Nico.
Nico’s scowl, but younger.
Nico leading an army of the dead.
Nico training.
Nico’s soft unguarded smiles.
Nico’s eyes.
Nico’s face.
Nico. Nico. Nico.
Kisses. Screams. Arguments. Healing. Loving. Choosing.
The good and the bad all came flooding back.
He groaned his head pounding, he listened to Nico gasp as the infirmary snapped back into focus.
Will turned instantly, pulling Nico into a tight hug.
The silence stretched between them, heavy and fragile.
Wills thoughts were going a millions miles a minute.
He’d loved Nico with no memory. And Nico had loved him back.
Nicos head lifted from his shoulder.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“For what?” Will whispered, tears threatening to spill.
“For choosing me,” Nico said. “Even when you didn’t remember why. For loving me, without memory.”
Will’s breath hitched. He pressed a kiss into Nico’s hair.
“I always will.” He murmured.