The reason is that I got caught up in “La sombra del Viento”, but really, there’s no excuse for being this late. I’m sorry. You should check out others’ works in @solangeloweek . Everyone else has finished decades ago.
And you know what? The title doesn’t really matter here. I just want to write something featuring Bianca and Nico. She might have died soon after appearance in “The Titan’s Curse", but she spent 10 years with Nico before. Why didn’t we pay more attention on her?
Notes: This is a lil oneshit based on the coffee shop AU of my fic called “coming right back (so stay right here)”. You honestly dont have to read it to understand this fic, but if you haven’t,,,, you could. Also happy birthday Nico !!!
Nico di Angelo Birthday Event - Day 4/4
Read on Ao3
Working at a cafe isn’t at all like in books and movies. There's no crazy drama, nothing worth robbing, and certainly not any love stories. It was a lot more of Will being extremely bored and wasting all of his phone battery.
(Was he supposed to be doing anything non-work related? Technically, no. But it’s not like Apollo is ever around to stop him).
Weekdays were the slowest. People had school and jobs and not much time to sit down and relax in some run-down cafe in the middle of nowhere. Students would come in quickly to grab drinks before class, but that’s about as exciting as it got.
Will sighed, slowly cleaning the same spot on the counter again. His phone was charging in the back, Lou Ellen was out grabbing more coffee filters, Cecil didn’t even bother to show up today, and he was bored out of his mind. Hell, he even ran out of homework to do.
The blonde glanced out at the scene over the counter in front of him. Two girls sat gossiping at a table; they had been there for hours now. Sometimes Will would listen in, but most of it was about people he didn’t know. Another person studied papers at the table next to them, earbuds blasting music that Will didn’t recognize. Someone seemed to be giving an interview or proposing a business deal at one of the tables in the corner, but they talked in hushed tones. When Will did catch what one of them was saying, it wasn’t anything interesting.
He wished he could draw. That would pass time easier. But he really didn’t need Cecil making fun of his stick figures and scribbled trees again
Speaking of art, Will wished Nico was here. Then at least he would have something to focus his attention on rather than that damn stain on the counter that he can’t get out no matter what. Unfortunately, the young artist only ever showed up on Sunday’s. If he was ever there on a weekday, he didn’t stay for long. It disappointed Will more than it should.
After another few hours, the place was nearly deserted, and Lou Ellen and Will were debating whether to close early or not. That’s exactly when the bell on the door rang as it opened, and Nico di Angelo stepped through the door. He probably looked completely ordinary to a bystander, but to Will, he looked like he just stepped out of a magazine.
“Hey, sorry I’m out of breath, I’m in a rush,” he coughed, the slightest bit of amusement in his tone. Will just shook his head with a smile. He already knew Nico’s order before the Italian said it. “Black coffee, hot, and to-go.” (It was the same thing every time, no matter if it was sweltering outside or if Nico planned on staying in the cafe for hours on end).
“Where are you off to in such a rush?” Will asked when he slid the cup over.
“I’m going with my cousin and his girlfriend to visit my sister and our other cousin for my birthday. Said they have something special planned, but honestly we’ll probably end up binging The Bachelor,” he said as he dug around in his bag for money.
“It’s your birthday? Let me give you this coffee on the house. Or at least a cookie or something.”
Nico looked surprised. “A cookie would be nice…”
Will smiled. “Consider it done,” he said, already placing one of their biggest in a bag and handing it over. “Happy birthday, Nico.”
“Thank you, Will.” Both boys blushed a bit at the use of their names. Then, Nico spun on his heel and waved goodbye.
“Lou,” Will breathed as soon as he was out the door. “Did you see that?”
Lou smiled smugly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter. “I sure did. Y’know, he said your name, and you don’t even have a name tag on.”
Will nearly fainted.
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This is kinda late, but today is Nico’s Birthday yay!! So here’s my Spidersona for Nico. I was inspired by @buoyantsaturn‘s Spiderverse AU post!! His cape hood thing is supposed to be formed out of shadows, and his mask is basically like a skeleton version of the traditional spidey mask. Also, his emblem has the Hades symbol incorporated into it!! I added some yellow for some reason too hehe...
Tomorrow is Nico's birthday and the final day of the #nicobirthdayevent! This is a free day, but birthday-related things are highly encouraged!! If you have any works that haven't been reblogged here, please feel free to let one of the mods know which posts you would like us to reblog, or you can @ this blog in your post! (That whole "links make posts not show up in the tag" thing is really awful, huh?) Happy creating everyone, and a happy early birthday to Nico!!!
Summary: Five times Will and Nico acted like they weren’t flirting and one time they stopped pretending
Words: 4,409
Nico di Angelo Birthday Event - Day 3/4
Read on Ao3
I.
It was an argument with his father that had Nico approaching a breakfast place called Naomi’s at 8:30 on a Saturday morning.
The argument itself was irrelevant. Something about how Nico needed to get out more. Somehow he found himself a job, despite the fact that his father said “getting out” doesn’t mean “getting a job.” Anyway, it was better than texting Jason Grace for the first time in four months if he wanted to “hang out.”
As soon as Nico stepped inside the restaurant, he realized he had no clue what he was doing. The overall atmosphere was fine, pretty homey and cozy. But the people. God, where did all of these people even come from? Their town wasn’t even that big. The noise level was so different from the echoing hallways of Nico’s too-big-and-too-empty house (mansion, really, but he never liked that word). It was a little overwhelming, to say the least.
“You can sit wherever,” a boy with the biggest blonde curls Nico has ever seen speed walked past him, two menus and a plate with half-eaten pancakes clutched in his hands.
Nico had no idea how to respond, and when he tried to the only thing that came out was “uhhhh.”
The boy turned back around, grimacing with annoyance for a split second until his eyes met Nico’s. The Italian couldn’t help but to deeply inhale for a second in an attempt to remain calm. Was it even possible for eyes to be that blue? Holy granola, this guy is beautiful. His thoughts were interrupted by the blonde shaking his head like he was trying to clear his mind.
“Oh god, I’m sorry Nico,” he said with a softer smile. How does this kid know his name? “I haven’t had coffee yet. I’m a little out of it. Follow me.”
They walked behind the counter together, passing different areas dedicated to different necessities. Coffee, water, other drinks, and refills for salt and sugar. All while the blonde kid was gesturing wildly, giving brief explanations on the do’s and don’ts and sipping his sock monkey mug of freshly-made coffee. Nico groaned internally, thinking about how he’ll have to learn all these new rules. God knew he had the memory of a packing peanut. It’s so much easier to bullshit your way through life than to spend hours learning all the new ways of the world, but he had a feeling that wasn’t exactly the way it worked in a restaurant.
They approached an older-looking woman who seemed even more exhausted than the blonde. However, her smile was warm and welcoming as they approached closer.
“You must be Nico,” she said, amber eyes twinkling. Nico immediately noted she was probably Naomi. “You came at the perfect time.” The woman glanced out at the crowd of people. “Though, I assume Will still has much to teach you, so don’t let me stop you.” The blonde nodded accordingly. Nico added another mental note that this guy must be Will.
Without another word, Will started walking, Nico on his heels. They walked past the stove area (“Always say excuse me walking past here if a chef is at work. You do not want to make the same mistake I did”), the toast area (“That’s usually my job, but make a good impression and you might get your shot”), and where to get the ice (“The scooper is made of metal, so never leave it in with the ice or you will definitely regret it). He went pretty quickly past the dishwashing area, and explained later that “the dishwasher only speaks Spanish, and she can drive you crazy pretty quickly.” (It took Nico a few minutes to figure out that Will was referring to the woman who washes dishes, not the actual appliance itself).
Will lead him through western-style double doors and walked over to a large wooden cabinet. “This is the bus station,” Will explained. “As long as none of the waitresses need you to get water, or someone needs you to dry silverware, you’ll be spending most of your time back here.” He opened a few drawers, pointing to silverware and napkins and how to arrange them. There were some buckets on the side, which Will explained was where they would put dirty dishes after scraping them. Once it was pretty full, you were supposed to bring it back to be washed. (It was all going in one ear and out the other this point, which was, admittedly, not ideal). Will then opened another drawer for personal belonging for bussers. Nico shrugged off his jacket and stuffed it in.
As Will led them to a door, he talked about some of the other bussers that worked there. Octavian, who wasn’t kind in the slightest; however, he was a pretty good employee when it came to doing his job. He was the one who Nico would probably be working with most often, which was a little scary. The other one was named Kayla, who was a friend of Will’s and secondhand adopted by Naomi. However, she only ever worked Sunday’s, so unless they really needed Nico there, it was unlike he was ever going to meet her.
The door brought them outside. Cold air hit Nico like a wall, and he immediately missed the comfort of his jacket. “Unfortunately this is the only way back here,” Will was visibly shivering as he led them to a back room off of the building. It was lined with shelves, which had boxes of pancake, waffle, and oatmeal, as well as other breakfast food and supplies. There was a refrigerator full of milk and other dairy products, and another for fruits and vegetables.
“Pretty self-explanatory. You’ll only have to go back here if one of the servers or my mother asks you for something.”
Nico cocked his head. “Your mother?”
“Yeah… this is my family’s restaurant,” Will gave him a weird look. “You must be the only kid in the entire junior year who doesn’t know that.”
Now it was Nico’s turn to give him a weird look. Do they…
“Are you telling me you didn’t know we go to the same school?” Nico panicked for a second internally, thinking he had offended Will until laughter bubbled out of him.
“Geez, di Angelo. I heard rumors about you being in English IV as a junior, so I never would have assumed you were so dense,” he said between chuckles.
“I- How did you know I’m in English IV?”
Will shrugged. “Remember when everyone found out Drew was in AP bio in freshman year?” (He did not). “That’s not really a good example since people were surprised Drew even had a brain, though she’s actually pretty cool. Anyway, word gets around, y’know?”
Nico nodded despite the fact that he had no idea what they were talking about anymore. He was pretty fixed the dusting of freckles across Will’s nose. Eventually, his eyes wandered back up to Will’s, who was promptly staring at him. Both boys blushed. Will switched his gaze to a box full of syrup bottles.
“We should probably go help out. I’m sure my mom will find her way back here if we don’t go back soon,” Will said, still not looking at Nico. Before Nico could curse silently at himself for making it awkward, he gave the Italian a smile. “C’mon, I’ll go teach you how to set a table.”
(He already taught him that.) (It’s okay, Nico doesn’t mind learning again.)
II.
It was a few weeks after Nico’s first day. When he walked into Naomi’s that Saturday, it had been a clear morning. Almost warm, if mid-fifties was considered warm. Waitresses and customers were smiling and cheery, glad for the nice day in the midst of their December chill.
However, by the time 2:00 rolled around, the weather had changed drastically. The wind had seriously picked up, and the taps of rain were slowly drilling their way through Nico’s brain. Not to mention Octavian was getting on his nerves. He had an urge to lock him in one of the bathrooms.
Will was the only one keeping his sanity at bay. When Nico wasn’t clearing a table or Will wasn’t under too much toast-induced pressure, he usually found himself leaning against the counter. They tried to make up games to entertain each other without receiving a disapproving stare from Naomi. (Nico wasn’t really sure if she was capable of looking mean, but he trusted Will’s word. Mother-son relationships and all that). None of them lasted very long, but they were able to get a laugh out of it most of the time.
It was bizarre, actually, that this is the only time Nico can remember spending with Will. He doesn’t recall having any classes with him in the past (though the past two years were a blur of anxiety and hazy conversations). They never had colliding friend groups. It was sort of amazing how they were still able to meet through doing something Nico never would have considered doing, not to mention the fact it was prompted by an argument with his father.
Nico was putting up chairs while Will turned off the open signs when Naomi walked over to him with a stack of bills in her hand. “Thank you so much for your hard work today,” she said with that same warm smile. “I’m glad you and Will have been getting along.”
Nico nodded, smiling as well. “Thank you,” was all he said as he took the money. He felt bad taking it; he really didn’t need it. It was clear running a restaurant wasn’t easy, not to mention the other employees she had to pay. It was either have to hire and pay all these people or exhaust yourself trying to do it all. Even this minimum wage salary felt like he was taking a lot from her.
On his way out the door, Will stopped him. “Nico, it is 35 degrees and raining. Where is your jacket.”
Oh. He didn’t bring a jacket since the day started out so nicely. His work shirt was already long sleeve, so he didn’t think about it too much. He should be fine walking home. It wasn’t too far anyway. However, when he told him that, Will wasn’t settled.
“Do you have someone who can pick you up? I really don’t like the idea of you going out in the rain like that.” Nico could feel his cheeks heating up. He hoped he could blame it on the cold air that was seeping under the crack of the door. He’s only truly known Will for a few short weeks (though it’s felt like years), his little-but-growing crush on the teen seemed childish and honestly pathetic, at least to him. So he just shook his head at the question, not sure how to respond.
Will mumbled to himself about giving him a ride but still needing to mop the floors. He turned to Nico, caring eyes studying his face before he shrugged off his own jean jacket, then held it out.
Nico took it, staring confused at Will. “I just don’t watch you to catch a cold,” he said, tucking a curl behind his ear. “Can’t have my best employee dying of a disease.”
“I wouldn’t call getting a cold ‘dying of disease,’” Nico said, rolling his eyes before looking down at the jacket in his hands as he tried to ignore the skeletal butterflies in his stomach. “But… thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” Will said with a grin.
On the walk home, Nico noticed all the little pins on his jacket. Some of them were references he didn’t understand, and others were just cool designs he’s pretty sure he’s seen at Hot Topic. And ah, there was a piece of ribbon safety pinned next to them all that just so happened to be the bi flag. There's no way that can be an accident. They were being handed out in various flag colors at the activities fair at the beginning of the year for their school’s GSA club. (Nico made Hazel grab him an ace one). And now that he knew Will went to their school...
Good to know.
III.
On the first Saturday of December, Nico walked in late. About a half hour, which usually was early for him if this was some sort of social event. Unfortunately, work was work, and you were expected to show up on time no matter what. Which explained why everyone was lined up behind the counter, watching him as he walked through. (Even though there were only two people there because who in their right mind gets up early on a Saturday?)
It was probably a coincidence. It was where all the stoves were, and all the waitresses spent free time behind there gossiping anyway. It didn’t make it any less intimidating though. One of the waitresses eyed him warily while the other just gave a sympathetic shrug. Maybe they could see the exhaustion in his face. Or maybe they just pitied him. Probably both.
Naomi was giving off the most mixed emotions of them all. She kept her voice level and usually-warm face clear of emotion when she said hello, but her eyes read like she either wanted to lecture him or hug him.
He took his walk of shame all the way to the bussers station. Immediately, Will stepped through the kitchen’s double doors, travel cups of coffee in each hand. He shoved one of them in Nico’s hands, who gratefully took a sip.
“What kind of coffee is this?” he asked, trying to ignore the fact that he just burned his tongue. It was sweeter compared to Nico’s usual black-with-an-unhealthy-amount-of-sugar cup, however, very enjoyable. “And what’s with the glasses?”
“Vanilla cappuccino. Snatched the last cup out from under Octavian’s nose. And shut up,” Will’s face heated up, reaching up to adjust the frames that rested on the bridge of his nose, and Nico cursed internally. They were flatter on the top, though round at the bottom with the glass exposed. They made him look like a Pinterest model. He was beautiful. “I didn’t have time to put in my contacts this morning.”
Nico just snorted, relieved that he refused to step foot out of the house in the case he was forced to wear his own glasses. He had gotten enough taunting from Jason and Leo that they made him look like an anime character; no way he was going to get Will in on that as well.
“I made you coffee even though you’re late. I don’t deserve this bullying,” Will was still muttering to himself. “Why were you late anyway?” he asked Nico.
Nico sighed. “Argument with my dad. He’s worried about my future or something. Says studying liberal arts won’t get me anywhere in life, which is just typical coming from the businessman in his soul.”
“Let me guess: he wants you to go into business and management so you can take over his company one day?”
“How did you guess?”
Will sighed, leaning on the counter. “My mom is the exact same way. She wants me to inherit this restaurant and keep the family line-thing going, but I don’t have the passion she does. Plus William’s doesn't exactly have the same ring to it.”
“Is there something else you want to do?”
Will smiled bashfully at the question, rubbing the back of his neck.“It’s dumb and I probably won’t get to because medical school is, like, hell or something, but I want to be a pediatric doctor. Or maybe a trauma surgeon, I dunno. I think the only reason she’d let me go for it is because I gave a woman here CPR once.”
“Wait, really?” Nico regarded him with wide eyes.
Will looked surprised at Nico’s sudden interest. “I mean, yeah, it was no big deal. She lived,” he said, cheeks flushing.
“No big deal? That’s way cool. Will, you saved someone’s life. And-” Nico continued hesitantly. “I think that sounds awesome. You would make an amazing doctor.”
Will smiled. “Y’think?”
“I know.”
IV.
“You are doing a terrible job.”
“Well, I’m going faster than you are.”
“At least mine are actually dry. Isn’t that the objective here?”
“Well, you're avoiding my question!”
Will rolled his eyes. “Nico, I am not having an argument with you about what the best One Direction song is.” He finished drying the spoon in his hand, placing it in his side of the carrier. It was a slow Saturday, and Naomi had put the two of them in charge of washing and drying silverware. Every time they seemed to be close to finishing, she would throw more into the bucket.
“It’s not an argument. It’s just…. Friendly debate.” Nico shrugged as he picked up another knife.
“Can you please actually dry this one?”
(Will’s side was looking dryer than Nico’s, but what was the point? By the time they finished, all the silverware would basically be dry anyway).
“I will if you answer my question.”
Will huffed. “Fine. But I only know the first three albums.”
“Great. Those are the only good ones anyway. Plus you can tell me your favorite from each.”
Will stared at the ceiling in thought for a second. “God, let me think. Uh, Up All Night was the first album, right.” Nico nodded. “Well, then it’s gotta be One Thing.”
Nico wrinkled his nose. “Too mainstream. Gotta Be You is the way to go.”
“You do realize that is more mainstream that One Thing.”
“Yeah, well, it’s catchier.”
Will just shook his head in defeat. “Well, then you have to at least admit that Kiss You is the best from their second album.”
Again, Nico contraindicated. “Geez, fake fan. I can name at least three others that are better.”
“Oh really? Go ahead.”
Nico decided to ignore the fact that Will’s face was inching closer to his. He away. willed the heat in his cheeks. “Rock Me, Over Again, and Nobody Compares.”
“Those are all incredibly cheesy.” Their noses nearly brushed, and Nico’s mind was going haywire with Will towering over him like this. He really hoped Naomi didn’t have any more silverware for them, because he really wants to kiss Will right now. (Yes, the timing would be horrible. But Nico wasn’t thinking about that right now. Not with Will’s blue eyes glancing from Nico’s lips back up to his eyes like that.)
“And you’re saying Kiss You isn’t?” He could count Will’s freckles from here.
“I’m just saying-”
But Nico didn’t hear the end of that sentence, because his ears picked up an all-too-familiar voice from the dining area. Immediately, whatever mood was between them was forgotten.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Nico mumbled.
“No, I really-”
“Not you!” Nico waved Will off. His hurt expression made Nico’s heart sink, but he really needed to make sure it wasn’t who he thought it was. The Italian raced through the western-style doors. Immediately, he cringed at the sight.
His father, looking like Death himself, chatting lightly with Naomi at the front of the diner. His face was unreadable like usual; when he caught sight of Nico, he merely blinked. No wave, not even a nod. Typical.
By this point, Will had caught up to Nico; the blonde followed his gaze to the front. “Who-?”
“That,” Nico inhaled deeply. “-Is my father.”
Before Will could respond, Nico walked over to him, now seated by himself at a table meant for four right next to the fireplace. Nico winced at how expensive his father looked compared to the diner. It was sorta embarrassing, and Nico was praying neither of the Solace’s would notice.
“Dad,” Nico started, trying to keep his cool. “What are you doing here?”
His father regarded him with a blank stare. “Supporting local business, I believe. I’ve heard the corned beef hash is amazing here.”
(Nico knew for a fact that his father would never order corned beef hash.)
Before he could contradict, he noticed one of the waitresses walked towards them, and quickly headed back to the busser station
***
“Nico, you’re father left the biggest tip I have ever seen a person leave here,” Will announced, following the Italian through the back door. Naomi had asked him to go grab another box of oatmeal, and he gladly agreed before his father could do something embarrassing. Unfortunately for him, it’s inescapable.
Nico felt his face flush as Will continued. “I mean, it was bigger than his actual meal. That’s insane, and, honestly I don’t even know if that’s legal.”
Nico could feel his ears burning. “God, I’m sorry, he’s so embarrassing,” he said more to the box of oatmeal in his hands rather than Will.
“Sorry? I was going to say thank you!” Will stared at him in bewilderment. “No offense to my mom, obviously, but I don’t even think the food is that good. Like, there are better places-”
“Lets just not talk about it, okay?” Nico cut him off.
Will looked confused. “Uh, okay…. But I do have one other thing to say.”
Nico braced for impact. “What?”
“Now I see where all the ‘edginess’ came from,” Will teased, failing to hide the shit-eating grin that crossed his face.
“Oh, shut up!”
V.
Nico was taking a much-needed, well-deserved, nice, long lunch break.
Will, however, was not.
Didn’t stop him.
The two sat at the counter. Once again it was a slow Saturday; only a few people sat scattered around the vicinity. After four long, agonizing hours, Nico decided to just suck it up and eat lunch already. (Even if it meant waiting ANOTHER three hours to go home. God, this shift was so long.)
Will, who had long since abandoned prepping coffee filters, rambled aimlessly next to him. Nico had stopped listening to him a while ago. Instead, he counted the freckles on Will’s face. Every time he lost count, he started over.
He felt weird, how much he wanted to be with Will. Like, they were coworkers. But they also saw each other at school. And they were friends? It was all too confusing.
He imagined kissing Will would be like eating a spoonful of sugar. Not saying he tasted like one (he probably did, honestly) but more in a metaphorical way. Amazing in the moment, but consequential later.
Part of him knew Will probably wanted to kiss him too. The way they talked to each other now, it was like they weren’t just coworkers, weren’t just schoolmates, weren’t just friends. And even though they barely knew each other, it felt like Will has been in his life forever, Hell, he wanted Will to be in his life forever, relationship or not.
Maybe that’s what he was afraid of. Losing Will.
“Y’know, have you ever thought about wearing something other than black jeans?” Will asked him, interrupting his thoughts.
Nico swallowed the fry he had been chewing.“What?”
“Like, I know you have the whole all-black ‘I’m emo’ thing going on, but have you ever considered, I dunno, blue jeans? Or khakis?”
Nico snorted. “Aren’t you supposed to be clearing tables.”
Will shrugged; he stole Nico’s Coke and took a sip. The smile he gave Nico melted his heart
***
“I heard somewhere that you aren't supposed to wear black with blue denim.”
Nico’s face flushed. “Shut up, Solace.”
“I mean it! Apparently, it makes you look like a bruise or something,” Will shrugged innocently from where he was filling his water cup.
Nico shoved the extra straws into the back pocket of his jeans. Blue jeans. “Don’t act like this wasn’t your doing,” he glared at Will.
Before he would turn away, he felt something slide out from his behind. When he turned around, Will had stolen one of the straws, which he had already plunged into his drink.
Nico could feel his entire face heat up. “You just killed a turtle,” he informed him, failing to let his voice stay level.
Will just shot him a wink; a light blush was already spilling across his freckled cheeks as he took a sip.
This boy was going to be the death of him.
+I
“This is exactly why I don’t tell people it’s my birthday.” Nico was going to kill Jason for telling Will.
“Technically it’s not your birthday yet. Now just take the gift.”
Will’s arm was still extended, holding out a tiny blue box. It was clearly already used for something, but Will just scribbled out whatever logo was there before and replaced it with “To: Nico” with a Sharpie-smiley face.
Nico huffed, snatching the box. He really did hate when people got him gifts. It was just more unnecessary money spent on him.
Underneath the lid was a simple pin; one of the ones that had noticed was on Will’s jean jacket when he had leant it to him. It was a simple skull surrounded by flowers.
“It was one of my favorites,” Will admitted. “But I think it’s more your style than it is mine.” Before Nico could thank him, he continued. “That actually wasn’t the gift I wanted to get you, though,” he said, immediately flushing.
Before Nico could speak, could move, could react in any way, Will was kissing him. It took him a minute to realize that Will had pulled him in by his shirt and was kissing him.
After that, he melted into it. His hands went up to Will’s hair, tangling his fingers deep into the blonde curls like he’s wanted to do for months. Will’s arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them.
Unfortunately, it ended as soon as it started. The door to the back room where they currently were residing was pulled open, and the two boys jumped apart as Naomi stepped in.
“Oh,” she said, glancing at both of their flushed faces. “I just came to get some milk, but I guess you two can bring it back for me.” Before she could close the door, she turned back around to face Nico. “Oh, and happy birthday Nico. I hope my son is treating you well.” She winked at him, and then she was gone.
Will, who had already made his way back over to Nico, started to giggle. “I’m gonna admit, I totally forgot we were at work.”
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Notes: This is a day late and I mixed up the days it’s fine. Also this is a rewrite of my first ever fic and it’s still a cringefest I’m sorry
Nico di Angelo Birthday Event - Day 2/4
Read on Ao3
Nico hated packing. Or, at least the idea of it. His suitcase had been left open and empty on his cabin bed for an hour or so now, and it didn’t look like he was going to be filling it anytime soon. Just thinking of having to go through his drawers and think about what might happen in the following week, and what it was going to be like without Will.
Will. It was still insane to him that the blonde headed son of Apollo was able to keep a hold of him, even when Will insisted that being with Nico was one of his favorite things. It was hard to believe still that somebody wanted him around.
(Nico wasn’t blind. It was clear that all the Argo II members who didn’t previously know him, and even some that did, wasn’t thrilled to have him traveling with them. It was probably for the best that he went off with Reyna. Obviously, though, things aren't as bad now. When you’re in a war together, there comes a point where you’re able to push aside some differences.)
Speaking of Will, the son of Apollo was the other reason he wasn’t packing. When Will had come to check and see the progress, packing didn’t seem so important anymore.
His caught his breath quickly before Will dove right back down to connect their lips again. He could feel the suitcase lying empty and abandoned on his bed like a warning sign, but it was a sign he chose to ignore. Which, he might add, wasn’t that hard when his boyfriend was this close to him.
Nico’s breath hitched as Will pulled him closer so they were completely pressed against each other. His hands traveled down Nico’s neck and chest to his waist where he wrapped one arm around his torso. Will’s other hand was still cupping his cheek, and Nico couldn’t tell if it was the heat of Will’s hands or his own blush that made his face heat up. He was relying now on the wall of the Hades cabin to keep him standing, otherwise, he might melt into a puddle of gooey emotions.
Nico shivered when the hand on his waist slipped under his shirt, causing him to tangle his fingers deeper into Will’s curls. The son of Apollo let his lips drop to Nico’s neck, then traveled back up to his mouth. He tugged at Nico’s shirt, daring to take it off.
Before they could get any further, a loud knock echoed through the cabin. Nico pulled away, sighing. Another knock. Will let his head drop to Nico’s shoulder where he nuzzled his chin; the son of Hades hands still in his hair.
“Nico! Are you ready?” Nico could see Annabeth fiddling to open the door and immediately slipped out from under Will. In a flash, he was dashing around the cabin throwing miscellaneous clothing items into the bag. (The only benefit of having an all-black wardrobe) He threw a glare towards Will, who was watching bemusedly (and uselessly) from the side.
The door opened, causing him to jump back from the toiletries he had earlier forgotten. Annabeth stepped into the cabin, Percy, and Leo trailing behind her. “Nico, we need to-” she cut off, taking one look at the half-filled suitcase and then to Nico and Will standing next to one another.
“Honestly you two? You were supposed to be packing, not… whatever you were doing,” she huffed at Will’s messy hair and Nico’s wrinkled shirt. It caused them both to blush; Will raked his fingers through his curls and Nico tugged his shirt down. Leo and Percy were already trying to hide their laughter behind her.
“We were- uh, I mean I’m packed,” Nico said as he zipped up his suitcase quickly.
“Whatever you say, di Angelo. Just meet us at the Big House in ten,” Annabeth snorted, then turned to leave the cabin with Percy on her heels. Leo shot them both a wink before following the two out.
As soon as the door shut, Nico flopped back on his bed with a sigh. Will said down carefully next to him; his face was unreadable.
Nico sat up. “So… I guess this is goodbye?”
Will smiled, pecking his cheek.“Actually, I’m coming with you. I’m already packed and everything.”
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@solangeloweek‘s Nico di Angelo Birthday Event: January 26 – “AU / Canon Divergence”
A/N: AU where Will is a nurse at the hospital Nico is currently at for some sickness, based on a Tumblr story.
Read on AO3 or FF.Net or Wattpad
Nico felt awful.
He was currently in the hospital for some illness he didn’t care to get the name of. It wasn’t life threatening or anything, he only had to stay for three days, two nights. But his head hurt, his bones ached, his nose was sniffly, and he would randomly spike a fever. Honestly, he’d never felt more physically miserable in his life. He guessed that, going most of his life without sickness, the gods felt the need to pack it all into one hellish affliction.
He had a nurse that was constantly monitoring him. Hazel offhandedly said he was cute, but Nico really didn’t care at the moment. He wasn’t present enough to check out his nurse, nor did he really think he looked like much of a catch in his hospital gown.
When the nurse came in a little later and Nico’s headache had calmed down, he caught the nurse’s nametag: Will Solace. There was a little sun sticker next to it, which Nico instinctively scowled at. It was mocking him – being all sunny and happy while he was stuck inside, suffering.
Yeah, sick Nico was not a very happy one.
“Hey there, Nico!” The nurse – Will – said all peppy-like, matching his sticker. “How are you feeling?”
Nico buried himself further under his mound of pillows – he had requested more – and grumbled. It came out all muffled, but Will got the message.
“Well, not to worry, you’ll be out of here before you know it!” Will smiled brightly, practically lighting up the room more than the sunlight streaming in through the blinds did. “I’m just going to check your vitals, okay?”
He moved around some of Nico’s pillows so he could actually find his patient. Nico clearly did not like this, as he basically hissed at Will. “Fight me,” he said as he pulled a pillow back over himself.
Will only laughed, apparently not taking Nico’s threat too seriously. “Maybe later,” was all he said, and then he proceeded to take Nico’s vitals.
Nico glared at his nurse, then found himself just flat out staring. Will was cute. Actually, more like hot. He had a solid build, his muscular arms right in front of Nico’s face as he did his job. His mop of blonde hair glistened in the sun, swaying as Will flipped his hair out of his eyes. His tan skin was covered in freckles, like he spent his days out on the beach instead of cooped up in a hospital. Nico felt like he should fundamentally dislike this guy, but instead, he felt oddly drawn to him. It must’ve been the painkillers.
Then, Nico noticed his eyes. They were a bright blue, not as shocking as his friend Jason’s, but more like the sky on a clear day, the darker edges like the rest of the universe hiding right behind the sky. They sparkled, especially so in the light, but just on their own as well, like the sun glinting off the ocean. Nico felt like he could drown in those eyes.
It was definitely the painkillers.
At that moment, Nico realized that those eyes were staring back at him.
He blinked a few times, pulling himself out of the ocean of Will’s eyes and noticing the small smirk on his lips. Nico instinctively scowled and burrowed back into his pillows, a light blush on his cheeks.
He heard Will chuckle and say, “I’ll be back later,” the door closing seconds later.
Nico let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. He glared at his blankets, “I hate being sick.”
--
Sometime later (Nico had no concept of time here), Will came back to check on Nico. He was sitting up in bed, head tipped back and eyes closed as he tried to push back on the hammer pounding on his skull.
“Hi,” Nico winced at the greeting, the sound reverberating in his brain. He picked his head up and glared out at Will, who had pulled up a chair and picked up his clipboard.
Before Will could say anything, Nico bit out, “fight me.” Or he tried to. But then he was choking on spit and coughing, and then the mucus in his chest decided it was a good time to clog his airways and attempt to crawl up his throat, causing worse coughs that wracked his aching body. He vaguely registered Will patting his back and saying something, but Nico couldn’t hear it over his own coughing. When he finally stopped, he had tears in his eyes and his chest was heaving. He probably also had drool around his mouth. Ugh, Nico was grossed out by himself.
He didn’t really want to look at Will, but he was forced to as Will gently grabbed his chin to face him and wiped his mouth with a towel. Nico was too tired to protest. His eyes fell closed, only to be opened in surprise when Will pressed a glass of water into his hands.
“Here, this’ll help.” He smiled, as he always did, and this time, Nico gave the tiniest smile back. He drank the water gratefully, then handed the empty cup back to Will.
Will gazed at him for a moment, making Nico fidget and self-consciously pull at his hair in some attempt to smooth it out. “So…”
Will blinked and straightened up, obviously caught up in his thoughts. “Right, right. Vitals.” Since Nico was actually attentive this time, Will decided to strike up a little conversation. “So, are you a student?”
Nico was almost going to ask how he could tell, but then he remembered that he was Will’s patient and he had all of Nico’s records. “Yeah, about to graduate.”
Will nodded as he scribbled on his clipboard. “Cool, I just graduated last year. Now it’s full time at the hospital.” He glanced up Nico and smiled for the millionth time, though this one felt more personal, if that was a thing a smile could be.
“Do you like it here?” Nico inquired. He normally wasn’t one for conversations with strangers, or in general, but he had nothing better to do. Also, hey, if he wanted to talk to his hot nurse, who would really fault him.
Will’s eyebrow quirked at the question. “Well, it is what I want to do. I like helping people, even in the small things like temporary illnesses.” He glanced up at Nico through his bangs, which Nico definitely did not find attractive. “And I get to meet interesting people.”
“Oh, ‘interesting,’” hm?” Nico smirked. “Well don’t I feel special.” Was he flirting with Will? Nico had no idea what he was trying to do, but he found that he was too sick to care. It was a good excuse to let himself say whatever his brain came up with.
Will seemed to take it well, because he leaned back in his chair and gave Nico his full attention. “Interesting covers the array of people I’ve seen. Crazy people, funny people, rude people, even cute ones.” Did he just wink at Nico?
He didn’t have time to react to that as Will stood up and set the clipboard back on its hook by Nico’s bed. “I’ll be back in the morning. Get some sleep, okay?” It was nighttime? “Oh, and also,” Will paused at the door, “I wouldn’t fight you because I know you’d win.” Nico had no idea what was going on anymore, but then Will was out the door and Nico was alone.
--
The end finally came.
Nico had several more baby conversations with Will, and he probably did some baby flirts here and there, but ultimately, he didn’t think anything would come of it. After all, he was all sick and nasty about 90% of the time. Nico didn’t even like himself.
Nico came back to his room after changing and using the bathroom to grab the rest of his stuff. Hazel had brought him flowers and he had several cards on his bedside table from his friends that visited. When Nico went to gather them up, he noticed a small cup waiting there for him. He could smell the coffee and practically melted. He hadn’t had any for three days, and his body craved it so much. It was warm when he picked it up, so someone had just dropped it off. He wondered who it was for a moment before he noticed something scribbled on the sleeve.
“Fight Me?” was written in slightly sloppy handwriting with a series of numbers underneath it.
It took a second, but when Nico realized what it was, he snorted and laughed into his free hand, careful not to spill the precious coffee.
Apparently, Nico successfully seduced Will Solace with his glares and drool. Must’ve been a nurse thing.
He texted Will immediately upon exiting the building.
