Well I heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
Will enjoyed music. He really did. It wasn’t his passion, though. He wanted to be a doctor. He loved to help people, and he was a complete science nerd. But he enjoyed nights like this where he would get a gig at his favorite cafe. He grew up playing the guitar, and his voice was good too. He met the owner through one of his friends - Lou Ellen - who was the owner’s niece. Josh, the owner, had given the job to Will back in high school, but now that he was working at the hospital, 10 years or so later, he came to fill in only when they couldn’t fund anyone to sing.
As he was on the stage singing, a boy - no more than 5’7”, olive skinned, dark hair, and eyes so dark, Will couldn’t decide if they were black, dark brown, or dark blue from this distance - walked in. He was the most handsome guy he had ever seen. He had been so mesmerized by the dark-haired beauty, he almost forgot to keep playing. Luckily, he had just started the intro of the song. He shook his head once to get himself out the trance he had gone into. He couldn’t think like that. He was dating Paolo. He began singing.
Halfway through the song, Will and the brunet from before made eye contact. In Will’s head, the world froze for a few seconds, but this time he didn’t lose focus of the song.
After the show, he walked over to the bar where Lou Ellen was temporarily working while she was on break. “Honestly, Lou, I don’t understand why you work during your vacation.” He said as he sat on one of the bar stools.
“For the same reason you work here your free nights, Solace. Extra money.” She said as she wiped the counter.
“Actually, I do this because I enjoy it.” This caused Lou to roll her eyes.
“And yet you majored in medicine.”
Will shakes his head. “Music’s not my thing. It’s just a hobby.”
She chuckles. “Are you gonna order something, or am I gonna have to kick you out of my bar?”
“It’s your uncle’s bar.” Lou glared at him. “I’ll take a mimosa.” He said and quickly added. “Virgin.”
“Such a pussy.” Lou Ellen called out as she started on the drink.
“Lou, you know I don’t swing that way.” She simply gave him the middle finger and handed him his drink.
Will started drinking his mimosa when a voice from his left asked Lou Ellen for a shot of fireball. He turned and saw the guy from earlier sitting right next to him. The brunet looked glanced at him as Lou fixed up the fireball.
“You’re the singer, right?” The guy asked. Will could only nod, not trusting his voice not to crack. “I liked your performance. ‘Hallelujah’ is one of my favorite songs.”
“I’d be offended if it wasn’t.” Will answered. “That song is a classic.”
“Definitely.” The guy nodded. “I’m Nico, by the way.” Nico stuck his hand out for Will to shake.
“I’m Will. It’s nice to meet you.”
They started talking about music, then bands, then tv shows and movies, and they kept talking and talking, finding out they had a lot more things in common than they would’ve originally thought. They were having such a good time, they didn’t realize they were the only two people left until Lou Ellen basically kicked them out. It was honestly the most fun Will had had in a while.
“Hey, Nico, can I have your phone number? I had a lot of fun, and I’d love to do this again.” Will asked astray were about to part ways.
“Look, Will, you’re really sweet. But I don’t date.” Nico frowned.
“Oh,” Will blushed realizing how that had sounded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I meant it in a completely platonic way. I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh.” Nico blushed. “Well then, I guess it’s no harm if I give you my number.”
Will grinned as Nico scribbled down his phone number on Will’s with a Sharpie. He texted Nico as soon as he got home.
Well it goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah [x4]
Needless to say, Nico and Will quickly became close friends. They knew everything about one another. They hung out almost if not every day. They had even made a small group of friends together, so it’s not a all like dating. Many times they were accompanied by Lou Ellen, Cecil Markowitz, Valentina Diaz, - who Will had introduced to Nico - Chiara Benvenuti, Damien White, and Austin Lake - who he had introduced to Will.
It was one late night, though, that things started to change. At least from Nico’s part. Will had called him at 3:00 a.m. in the morning sobbing into the phone. “Hello?” Nico answered sleepily. He was met by a sob.
“N-Nico…. can y-you come o-over?” Will said into the phone between sobs. Nico sat up on his bed.
“Will? What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly.
“P-Paolo…” His sobbing got too bad, and Nico couldn’t understand a word he was saying.
“Will, what happened? What did he do? Did he hurt you?” He asked as he got up and pulled a sweatshirt and some shoes on.
“H-He c-cheat-ted on m-me…” Will cried. Nico’s heart burnt with rage. That stronzo.
“I’m on my way.” Nico hung up as he got into his car and drove to Will’s house. When he got there, he knocked loudly on the door. When Will opened the door, his heart broke. His best friend was wearing sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt, - he’d bought from amazon last month, forgetting to check the size. The seller refused to change the size. Nico had made fun of him for not checking the size because “Come on, William, how did you not check the size? You’re lucky it fits you.” - his eyes were blotchy and red, and his cheeks were tear stained. “Oh, Will.” He said as he pulled the taller boy into a hug. Will’s hands automatically wrapped around his waist as he sobbed into his shoulder. Nico rubbed Will’s back soothingly. He pulled Will inside, closing the door behind him and made his best friend sit on the couch while he went to the the kitchen to make him some tea. He handed the cup to Will, who carefully took sip from it.
Nico sat next to Will on the couch and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Will snuggled up to him and said, “I can’t believe he did that to me.”
Nico’s heart fluttered. “He’s an asshole, Will. You’re an amazing guy, and if he can’t see that, he’s not worth it.”
Will nods. “I know, but it still hurt, you know? I thought he loved me.”
Nico sighs. “Will…. love doesn’t exist. I wish I could tell you other wise because if there’s one person who deserves love, that’d be you, but love…” He trails off shaking his head.
Will sits up and looks at Nico with those vibrant blue eyes that are generally dancing with mischief, but in this moment, they look hurt, sad and hopeful. “That’s not true, Neeks. I know I’ll find the love of my life one day, and so will you.”
Nico wanted nothing more than reach reach out and dry Will’s tears, to pull him close and kiss him, to let all his walls down, to love and protect him. But he didn’t. He just stared at Will until he snuggled back up to Nico. When Will fell asleep, he stared again, analyzing all his features, taking him in as much as he could, trying to ease the confusion that arose in the back of his mind. He couldn’t be in love with Will. He’d never see Nico in that way. Love didn’t exist either way, right? He wasn’t so sure anymore.
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
* * *
Ever since that night, Will was confused about many thing. What did he feel for Nico? Was love even real? Of course it was! Maybe. But that didn’t matter right now.
Will tugged at Nico’s arm. “Neeks, pleeeaaaassseee.” He begged for the billionth time.
“Wiiiiillllllll,” Nico whined. “You know I hate parties.”
“Pleeeaaasseee?” He gave him puppy eyes, knowing he could convince Nico to do almost anything with that face. “Just an hour?”
Nico sighed exaggeratedly. “Fiiinneee.” He groaned. “But you better not leave my side.”
Will grins triumphantly. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
lLater that night, Will went to pick up Nico, so they could go to the party together. When he got to Nico’s apartment building, Will saw him standing on his balcony. The moonlight was shining on him in, making his olive skin shine and his eyes seem blue, even though they were brown (Will had decided this after spending hours upon hours staring at them.) Will was mesmerized by Nico’s beauty once again. “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” He called out to Nico jokingly.
Nico looked down at Will and smile. He could’ve even sworn he saw him blush, but that was probably just wishful thinking. “I’ll be down in a second, Solace.” Nico called back and disappeared into his apartment. Will waited for him him leaning against his car, grinning. Nico came out the door and hugged Will, who immediately put his arms around Nico’s waist.
“Hey, Neeks.” He greeted.
Will let got of Nico and opened the car door for him. “Let us go.”
The party was definitely overcrowded. You could barely move without pushing someone or stepping on their foot. Nico and Will held hands, not wanting to lose each other on this immense house - which Will doesn’t even remember who it belongs to. They walked around for a couple of minutes looking for the perfect place to enjoy the party. Somehow, they got to a cute, little balcony on the second floor. It was completely empty if you didn’t count the one guy who was passed out on a rocking chair in the corner - probably got too high or to drunk. Will didn’t really care. Both of them walked up to the very edge, and Nico leaned on his elbows on the security bar. Will did the same, but instead of looking out like Nico was, he had his back to the city lights as he leaned back on his elbows and admired Nico. The moonlight shone on him like back at his apartment building, only now it was enhanced by the city lights of the town’s center. It was in that moment - in that windy night, on that small balcony, with a fuck boy passed out on the corner completely forgotten by everyone - that Will realized he was in love with Nico.
She tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah [x4]
After a bit of them standing in the balcony quietly, each lost in their thoughts, Will offered to go get them some drinks. Nico happily complied. He could use some alone time. Will walked back into the house, leaving Nico alone with his thoughts. He sighed. He’d never believed in love, but he was sure whatever he had for Will was more than a crush, and that didn’t set well with him. He wanted to hurl and then have the earth swallow him, but none of that happened.
Will retuned with a six-pack of beers which they quickly downed as they stroke up convention about the simplest things.
“Nico?” Will said all of a sudden.
“Yeah?” Nico looked at him curiously, he was a little past tipsy but not quite drunk.
“You can do a lot of things, Solace. You’ll have to be more specific.”
“I wanna try something with you. If you’ll allow it.”
“I’d sure hope so.” Will frowned.
“Okay.” Nico said. “Try whatever you want.”
In that moment, Will cupped Nico’s face and pecked his lips. He was in shock for a second, but as soon as his instincts kicked in, he had Will pushed up against a wall and kissed him intensely. He does not remember when the clothes became to heavy. Or when Will had suggested to leave the party and continue somewhere more private. He was completely unaware that they got to Will’s house in record time. He doesn’t remember being pushed against the door, and being basically naked by the time they got to the room. He forgot how Will pushed him on bed, and how he took everything from Nico while making sure he felt good as well. What he remembers is a warm feeling in his chest and then bliss and then warmth and then exhaustion. He remembers waking up cuddled up to Will, who let out kitten-like snores, naked, and then freaking out. And then, as quietly as possible, fleeing the scene.
Baby I’ve been here before
I’ve seen this room and I’ve walked this floor (you know)
I used to live alone before I knew you
Ever since that night, he had been avoiding Will. He never took his calls. He stopped going to the places where they would meet. He answered his text with short cutting answers like: can’t talk right now. Or: sorry. Busy. He felt horrible for doing this, but it’d be better this way. Love didn’t exist, and if it did, it wasn’t for him. Will deserved love, though. He knew Will would be better off with someone else. Someone less broken and insecure. He just couldn’t be in love. Last time he fell in love, he got hurt. He didn’t want either of them to have to experience that again. But cazzo, for more that he tried and tried, he couldn’t stop loving him, and that scared him to no end. He felt stupid. Will probably wouldn’t even want him anymore either way.
He jumped a bit as his phone vibrated on his kitchen countertop next to him. He checked it, only to find a text from Will.
I know you’re avoiding me. We need to talk. I don’t care if you’re busy. Meet me at the Starbucks near the hospital in half an hour. I swear if you’re not there, di Angelo, I’ll personally go get you to your apartment and drag you there. It said. Nico sighed. He guessed he had no other option. He’d go and talk to Will like a civilized person, sparing both of them the embarrassment. He grabbed his coat and started walking to Starbucks.
And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
And love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah [x4]
To say Will was nervous was an understatement. He felt like he’d pee his pants as soon as he saw Nico sitting on their usual table at Starbucks. He silently approached Nico and sat in front of him. There was an awkward silence hanging in between them. Neither knew what to do or say. Will was resisting the urge to kiss Nico because even if he didn’t remember the whole night, he did remember how good it felt to be with him in that way. He had wanted something more between them for longer than he was willing to admit.
Finally, Nico broke the ice. “Here,” he handed Will a coffee cup. “I got your usual order.”
Will took a sip. “Thank you.” He paused for a bit, maybe a minute or so. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t date and all. It was inappropriate of me to start such thing. It’s okay if you don’t see me in that way, but I’d be really happy if we could still be friends.”
Nico looked at Will nervously. “Will… I think I’m in love with you but…. I’m scared… I don’t want to hurt you… or get hurt.”
Will hesitantly took Nico’s hand. “It’s okay to be scared, Neeks. I know what it feels to have your heart broken, but I’d never hurt you. And I’m willing to take the risk of giving you my heart… just, give me a chance? Please?”
Nico gaped at him and thought about it for a minute. Then, the brunet intertwined their fingers and nodded. “I… Okay. One chance.”
Will beamed at him. “Thank you. I promise you won’t regret this.”
Their first date was pretty mundane, but Will guesses that’s what made it so special. They had gone to the movies to watch a cheesy romantic comedy he doesn’t even remember the name of. He remembers holding Nico’s hand all through the show. He remembers leaning over to whisper jokes about the characters to Nico. He remembers Nico responding with snarky remarks about the characters or Will himself. This had him smiling like crazy. The date seemed so normal, so natural, so much like what they usually did, and Will knew this - being in love with Nico - was just right.
After the movie, they went to get some ice creams. Nico insisted on paying since Will had already payed back at the movie theater. Will agreed reluctantly, but only when Nico said his full name - there’s nothing he found scarier than Nico di Angelo looking straight into his eyes and saying, “William Phoenix Solace, I will pay for the ice creams even if I have to break your credit card in half.” to which he replied with, “I’m regretting telling you my middle so much.”
After that, Will had taken Nico back home. He parked that car in front of his apartment building and turned to Nico. “So… was it worth it?”
Nico smiled at him. “Definitely. We should do it again some time.”
“Oh, you bet we will.” He grinned and kissed Nico’s hand, which he hadn’t let go of since he had enough courage to take it at the movies.
He leaned over and hugged Will. “Thank you.” He whispered in his ear.
Will nodded. “Anything for you.” He pulled away, just enough so that he could look at Nico’s face before pulling him into a kiss. This kiss was different from the ones they’d had the night of the party. This kiss, they were both well aware of. Neither had had a single drop of alcohol. Nico’s mouth tasted like his favorite ice cream, mint. Will was sure his tasted like chocolate chip cookie dough. Through this kiss, Will tried to convey all of his love for Nico. He tried to reassure him he wouldn’t leave, that he wouldn’t break heart, that he could trust him. Nico seemed to be trying to show he believed Will, that he loved him too, that he needed him.
They pulled away when they were about to pass out from the lack of air. They leaned their foreheads together and just looked deeply into each other’s eyes. They stayed like that for God-knows-how-long before Nico gave Will one last quick kiss and left the car with a, “See ya, Solace.”
Will drove home with a smile on his face.
There was a time when you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show that to me, do you?
From that point on, they only grew closer. Their friends were incredibly happy for them. Lou Ellen just gave them an exaggerated Finally. Kayla simply congratulated them. Chiara made a remark in Italian that had Nico blushing bright red. Austin was surprised they hadn’t realized they had feelings for each other sooner. Cecil said, “Wait, you two weren’t dating already?”
All was fine and dandy until on the Friday before their three month anniversary. They had gone out on a date to the Olive Garden. Will had make Nico leave his wallet at home to make sure he’d be the one paying the bill. Nico had ordered chicken Alfredo, and he had gotten some lasagna. Dinner was going just fine. They were joking around, holding hands, smiling at each other, and stealing little kisses every now and again. That was until the waiter they had had to leave, so a new one came by.
The new waiter had immediately started flirting with Will, bluntly and blatantly, absolutely uncaring that he was still holding Nico’s hand. Nico made glared at the waiter, and Will did everything in his power to politely tell the waiter to fuck the hell off. Needless to say, he didn’t leave a great tip behind. After that, he drove Nico home where the boy gave him a half hearted kiss before getting out of the car and into his apartment. Will sighed.
Ever since that night, Nico had been acting distant. He would only hold Will’s hand for long enough to not seem harsh when he pulled away. He would only peck Will’s lips. His hugs wouldn’t linger as much as they usually did. To anyone who didn’t know him as well as Will, this all would have gone under the radar. But Will knew Nico better than anyone, so he noticed all these little things that nobody else would’ve noticed. All this made Will think that Nico was getting ready to break up with him, but then he remembered how Nico had gotten his heart broken.
He told Will the story about what made him how he was when they met about a month or so after they started dating. He told him all about Percy, and how, while they dated,everything seemed so wonderful. How they had been friends for years before they got together. But one day, percy met this cute girl named Annabeth and dumped Nico for her in less than a heartbeat. Suddenly, Will understood Nico’s peculiar behavior, and why it had started. He asked Nico to meet him at the park - a favorite place of both of them to go on dates - in fifteen minutes. Nico said he’d be there, and Will
started off to the park.
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah [x4]
When Will got to the park, Nico was waiting for him at the bench they usually met up at. His adorable boyfriend was nervously fidgeting with the skull ring Bianca had given him years ago. Will wondered how it still fit him, but it made Nico happy, so Will had no complaints. Will sat next to Nico and took his hand in an attempt to calm the brunet’s nerves.
“Hey, angel.” Will greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
“Hi…” Nico answered. He had a far away look in his eyes.
Will sighed. “Nico, we need to talk ~ ” A tear slipped from Nico’s eye. “Baby, what’s wrong?” Will asked worriedly.
“You’re… you’re breaking up with me, aren’t you? I should’ve seen it coming. I should’ve known. I ~ ”
Will cut him off. “What? No! Neeks, that’s not it at all!”
“You’re not?” Nico asked, looking at Will with hopeful eyes.
“Of course not!” He pulled Nico into his arms. “But I did notice you had been acting a little… insecure since that waiter flirted with me. I just wanted to reassure you that I’d never leave you. Okay, my love?”
Nico nodded and held on to the back of his shirt as if his life depended on it, relieved he wasn’t going to get his heart broken again.
Maybe there’s a God above
All I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
Love doesn’t exist, Nico once thought, but that was way before he met Will. It was after it was Bianca and him against the world, but then there was no Bianca. And little after it was Percy and him against all odds, but then Percy was gone too. He had ran off with some blonde chick Nico didn’t have the heart or energy to hate anymore. After that, Nico became bitter. He had isolated himself for years. He’d have fling with boys and girls equally, even if he had always know he was gay. He didn’t care to get anything more than sex from them, so he wasn’t really picky on what would get him off most of the time.
But then, Will came around, and suddenly, Nico’s world had taken a 180º turn. He had taught Nico how to love again. Will loved Nico with all his heart, and Nico knew this. The feeling was mutual, and it was beautiful. Suddenly, him-and-Bianca-against-the-world and Percy-and-him-against-all-odds didn’t seem to matter anymore. He would always miss Bianca, and he’d always have the memories of Percy. But he had Will now, and that’s all he’d ever need.
And it’s not a cry that you hear at night
It’s not somebody who’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
In the end, Nico couldn’t say he was surprised to be where he was right now. He was glad to be here, though. He was standing at the alter in front of Will, gazing at his infinitely blue eyes, their hands clasped together tightly. They both say their vows and I-dos. Then they kissed. The kiss almost escalated into something more, but they both held back. There were people around, but as soon as they were alone in their hotel room, they made love all through the night. It was the most wonderful night of his life, and Nico Solace-di Angelo could finally say he was a happy man.
https://www.wattpad.com/370141756-solangelo-one-shots-hallelujah
A/N: This one shot is based on the song Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
