An AU about souls end up turning into stars and Nico is the Star Farer (basically Charon but for stars). He was a soul who died young but reject rests, wishing instead to guide those who died so they wouldn’t feel lonely. Life goes on yada yada until he met Jason Grace, mortal boy who died to save his love from a car crash. Jason never moved on because he insisted to be his lover’s guardian angel despite Nico’s vehement protest that being a star is what he should be doing.
Cue shenanigans where they keep meeting up whenever Nico is in town and they slowly get to know one another.
Jason once asked him; “Doesn’t it get lonely? Everyone moved on and you’re doing this alone?”
Nico smiled softly, stiltedly, as if the thin pressing of his lips are iron doors shutting behind a treasure of untold pain.
“It’s no different than being alive. Besides, I can at least help others feel less alone.”
This goes on and on until one day Nico came to pick up Jason’s last love who had grown old had children and is dying peacefully. Nico expected scorn and rejection but instead was faced with understanding. Nico smiled, despite himself. When he turned to Jason after his tearful reunion with Piper and how she’s grateful for all he’s done, he expected Jason to be ready to move on. He guided them across the sea of stars and when Piper left his boat, Jason stayed.
“There’s nothing left for you to stay! Jason, she moved on, your whole family moved on. You can rest now.”
“I can’t.” He takes a step closer, his hand slowly reaching the ferryman’s. “You’ll be alone.”
“ I can’t.” Nico shakes his head vehemently. “I’m always alone. It is how it is.”
“Then let’s be alone together.”
