.⋆♱ nico

*goes towards the hades cabin and knocks gently in a familiar manner*

"It's that special effect I have, isn't it?", Nico laughed, still looking passionately at his boyfriend. He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at Will. How could they be so handsome?

“That sounds unfair,” Will argued, drawing out his words in what was almost a whine. He wasn’t serious but he did try his best to make a sad face.

"It isn't unfair, I'd give you a few kisses and then a few punches..."

“No, stop having that effect,” Will snorts, kissing his cheek, “I like your touch. It’s soft but in your own way.” They made a jazz hands movement, smiling brightly.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed like he always did when he was close to Will. It was like she also had a special effect that made Nico express his feelings around her.

“How did I break your heart?” Will asked, reaching out, fingers just shy of Nico’s hand. For a moment, he paused like it was a painting and they were being held apart.

"But you told me to stop doing it," he made a pout with his mouth. Nico couldn't hold it for more than 5 seconds, searching for Will's hand and holding it.

“Grateful,” Will replied, squeezing his hand, “If I upset you, it’d ruin me.” He shook his head as if imagining it.

"You would never upset me, love...", he said, almost inaudible while playing with her hair. Calling Will by "love" was still new for Nico.

”Yeah,” Will nods, “sleep would probably be good.” He yawns as if on cue, laughing softly.

"It is soft," Nico passed his hand on their cheek, admiring his skin and face. When Will smiled, Nico held his cheek.

"It's that special effect I have, isn't it?", Nico laughed, still looking passionately at his boyfriend. He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at Will. How could they be so handsome?

“That sounds unfair,” Will argued, drawing out his words in what was almost a whine. He wasn’t serious but he did try his best to make a sad face.

"It isn't unfair, I'd give you a few kisses and then a few punches..."

“No, stop having that effect,” Will snorts, kissing his cheek, “I like your touch. It’s soft but in your own way.” They made a jazz hands movement, smiling brightly.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed like he always did when he was close to Will. It was like she also had a special effect that made Nico express his feelings around her.

“How did I break your heart?” Will asked, reaching out, fingers just shy of Nico’s hand. For a moment, he paused like it was a painting and they were being held apart.

"But you told me to stop doing it," he made a pout with his mouth. Nico couldn't hold it for more than 5 seconds, searching for Will's hand and holding it.

“Grateful,” Will replied, squeezing his hand, “If I upset you, it’d ruin me.” He shook his head as if imagining it.

"You would never upset me, love...", he said, almost inaudible while playing with her hair. Calling Will by "love" was still new for Nico.

"It's that special effect I have, isn't it?", Nico laughed, still looking passionately at his boyfriend. He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at Will. How could they be so handsome?

“That sounds unfair,” Will argued, drawing out his words in what was almost a whine. He wasn’t serious but he did try his best to make a sad face.

"It isn't unfair, I'd give you a few kisses and then a few punches..."

“No, stop having that effect,” Will snorts, kissing his cheek, “I like your touch. It’s soft but in your own way.” They made a jazz hands movement, smiling brightly.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed like he always did when he was close to Will. It was like she also had a special effect that made Nico express his feelings around her.

“How did I break your heart?” Will asked, reaching out, fingers just shy of Nico’s hand. For a moment, he paused like it was a painting and they were being held apart.

"But you told me to stop doing it," he made a pout with his mouth. Nico couldn't hold it for more than 5 seconds, searching for Will's hand and holding it.

"It's that special effect I have, isn't it?", Nico laughed, still looking passionately at his boyfriend. He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at Will. How could they be so handsome?

“That sounds unfair,” Will argued, drawing out his words in what was almost a whine. He wasn’t serious but he did try his best to make a sad face.

"It isn't unfair, I'd give you a few kisses and then a few punches..."

“No, stop having that effect,” Will snorts, kissing his cheek, “I like your touch. It’s soft but in your own way.” They made a jazz hands movement, smiling brightly.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed like he always did when he was close to Will. It was like she also had a special effect that made Nico express his feelings around her.

"It's that special effect I have, isn't it?", Nico laughed, still looking passionately at his boyfriend. He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at Will. How could they be so handsome?

“That sounds unfair,” Will argued, drawing out his words in what was almost a whine. He wasn’t serious but he did try his best to make a sad face.

"It isn't unfair, I'd give you a few kisses and then a few punches..."

When you have a moment, want to join me for a picnic?

Will showed up at the Hades’ cabin door with a blanket tucked haphazardly under his arm, a basket in his other hand. He looked like he had searched up picnic and grabbed what seemed right. He knocked on the door with his arm that held the blanket.

Nico waited for Will for a few minutes in the cabin while he looked at himself in the mirror. He was wearing a black shirt with one button undone and black jeans in the bottom. He didn't know if it was appropriate for the situation, but he wanted to wear something he felt comfortable with.

“Of course I care. I love you,” Will replied, kissing his cheek in return before glancing around. They acted like they were searching for a spot they had already decided on but were actually trying to decide.

"I love you too," he responded, starting to walk by Will. Nico thought about how the atmosphere was good that day. He also thought about how much spending time together and without any other person around was good. Usually, they don't have much time to spend just the both of them without having someone asking for help in anything.

Will placed the basket down, looking away sheepishly, “ I did! Most of it.. a bit of it. “ The look softened into one of safety quickly as he felt Nico’s hands. It was nice to not to be busy, to not feel like he had to take on other people’s stuff when that’s not what they needed. He was still learning to stop that but it was moments like this he felt he could stop.

“I’m glad you think so,” Will hummed, beginning to unpack the food. He handed a plate to Nico before placing one in front of himself.

"You really planned most of it," Nico let escape a little laugh, almost ignoring all the food. He couldn't take his eyes out of Will, admiring how concentrate his boyfriend was.

“I love you too,” Will says, eyes softening. He was sure his lips might melt from the sweetness. Like the kiss was the sun and he was ice cream.. or something. Whatever! He felt his heart hammer as he smiled.

"Yes, actually...", he said, a bit apprehensive, biting his bottom lip. "It's just that they don't seem to understand that there are rules that need to be followed," he laid his body on his arms, stretching his legs.

“It’s hard to deal with,” Will began to speak, shaking their head as they took his hand, “it’s natural to want to challenge rules.” They laughed softly as they said this.

"You are the one needing a break here, Will. You are pushing yourself too much," Nico took a piece of cake, placing it on his plate.

”I’m fine,” Will replied, averting his eyes as he offered a small smile. He took some strawberries out of a container, biting into one to distract himself.

"Am I?", he laughed, gently taking a fork and eating a piece of cake. "You are so inspired today," Nico joked, giving Will another kiss on his cheek. He felt like he could kiss his boyfriend 24/7 and wouldn't feel tired of doing it. Especially today, though, Will looked even more kissable. The sunlight was painting his face, and his cheeks looked even more red than normally.

“Thank you,” Will murmured, a light blush on his cheeks, “

"Stop saying beautiful things...", Nico let his plate down, crawling to his boyfriend and holding their hands by their side. "Shhh," he murmured, giving Will a kiss on her cheek, then on her nose, and a quick kiss on their mouth.

”I can’t help it. Maybe I’m cursed,” Will spoke in a dramatic tone before snorting at his own stupidity. Nico truly put him in a trance and he said things that made him feel silly.

"You are so stupid," Nico said, shutting Will's mouth with a kiss. It wasn't really intense, but Nico was obviously liking it.

“I’ll try not to explode but it might be a hard request to fulfill,” Will joked, placing his head gently on top of Nico’s hair.

“Then we both must use our energy not to explode,” Will laughed. There it was again. He was being stupid but he didn’t care. He was in love.

"I don't have any energy, though. I used it to kiss you," Nico laughed, letting a last kiss on her mouth and crawling back to his place.

”Good point. Maybe exploding is a better ideas then. I’d be going out on my own terms,” Will said as he watched the other eat for a moment before looking out at the lake.

Nico left his plate by his side, holding his knees next to his chest. "It's so nice to be here with you. Really nice," he smiled, looking at Will.

“You do not,” Will’s voice suddenly turned serious as he looked back, “you’re gorgeous. Always, I promise.” He kissed Nico’s forehead, lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back.

"You're literally the copy of Apollo. You are prettier. No discussion," Nico laughed again, giving Will a kiss on her cheek.

”You’re being way too kind,” Will sighed, feeling like they couldn’t control their face. They were sure they had the stupidest smile ever in that moment. They had always been told how much they looked like their mom and their dad but it sounded different coming from Nico. More special? Maybe. They couldn’t quite place it.

"I'm just being nice to my boyfriend and...", he looked at both options in Will's hands, taking some time to decide between the beverages.

”Of course!” Will said, his tone almost prideful as if glad to do something for him. He opened the juice, pouring it carefully into the cup.

"It is, thank you," Nico murmured, taking the glass to his mouth in a rush and taking a sip of the juice. He could feel how fresh the oranges used in it were fresh for some reason.

”I’m happy to be with you too,” Will agreed, not pressing further, glad Nico ate something. He knew it was hard to deal with and just wanted to be there for him.

"I kind of like it, though... I feel alive," he looked forward, letting the thoughts dominate his mind.

“I do too,” Will agreed, “or maybe I just got use to it. Kind of have too.” He pressed his lips together as if pondering the answer. It could be a mix of both.

"You are so romantic when you actually want to...," Nico laughed, caressing Will's chin. "Would you let your beard grow one day? It would be really funny," he played. "You would look straight, I guess."

“I’m not growing out a beard for the sake of it being funny,” Will teased, “maybe for you.” It was a joke followed by a dramatic sigh. He brushed a hand over his cheek, smiling softly.

"Stop being dramatic," Nico laughed, leaning towards his boyfriend touch. Nico was almost starving for it.

“Anything but that,” Will grimaced, faking a scared face before bursting into laughs. It felt like oxygen was ripped from his body, leaving him gasping.

His head got closer to Will's body. "So you are saying I'm weird? And that I'm funny in a bad way, that's it?" Nico said, using an ironic tone, almost laughing.

”I didn’t say that!” Will nudged him gently, furrowing his eyebrows. It wasn’t serious and he found it hard to look angry. He almost resembled a kitten.

"Um, maybe Nicoisthemostcoolpersonintheworld? Makes sense?", he laughed, kissing her hand softly.

“Hmm… sure. It can be a contender for longest word,” Will agreed.

Nico laughed with their words. "Sure, my love, you are a very strict comprehensive counselor, I can see it. No one ever emerged unscathed from your strictness, right?"

“Exact situation,” Will nodded, kissing his head once then twice like he might lose him, “don’t forget that.” He closed his eyes, leaning into his other senses. Nico made him want to work harder on balancing everything so he could have this warmth more.

"I could never forget you... Just if Hera decides it's my turn. I can't do much about it," he held Will's face, giving a kiss in their mouth.

Will kisses back, looking stupid but feeling happy. She laughed as she leaned back afterwards before remembering what Nico said before.

"So you hate me?", he laughed.

“You’re right.. “ Will sighed, shaking his head before smiling, “that’s alright. He moved to rummage through the basket before holding out the strawberries to Nico.

Nico got one strawberry, giving it a bite. He was surprisingly feeling like he really wanted that strawberry.

“No pomegranates, I promise,” Will held up his pinky with a smile before putting his hand down. He picks out a strawberry himself, eating half of it in one bite.

"You have a great eye for these things. If we ever go shopping at a grocery store, I'll let you pick it," Nico put the leaves aside, just like Will, giving the strawberry another bite. He was eating it slowly, trying to get used to the sensation.

“Why thank you,” Will bowed their head evwr so slightly, making a movement of their hand as if taking off a hat.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed at Will's move, still a bit overwhelmed by the direction of the conversation they were having. However, Will made him smile again right after.

“Together,” Will agreed, softening as he kissed his head, “it’ll be much better to learn with you.” He then focused his eyes on a pair of trees as he thought about the world and the idea of ‘being normal’. The thought often came to him as there was so much out there. He wished he could know it at all. He wished it wasn’t so dangerous.

"I would love to find a really big free house for both of us," he looked up, "Maybe with three or more rooms. One for us, and the others can be like playgrounds and stuff. A bit stupid, but it would be fun," he put his pinkie finger next to Will's.

“Not at all. Besides, when has anything made sense?” Will shook her head, “this playground house can exist if half the things we’ve experienced can.”

"You are right...", he tilted his head, thinking of almost everything he had already defeated or experienced. If Tartarus was a real place, then every mortals' dream could be true.

“Great. So slides are a yes,” Will laughs, “want monkey bars too? Very efficient for getting around.” He mimicked the swinging in the air before bursting out into laughter again.

Nico frowned thinking about the monkey bars. "It depends. Maybe in the living room? Then, the other rooms can be for slides and swings," he moved his feet a bit, looking at his boyfriend again. Will was so beautiful.

”Mmm, cookies..” Will nodded, “you’d fit right into a bookshop.” They closed their eyes and leaned back as they thought over a possible job. Could they even get into the medical field? The thought of not doing it made them feel weird.

"It does," Nico looked at his boyfriend, moving a hand to their hair, caressing it.

When you have a moment, want to join me for a picnic?

Will showed up at the Hades’ cabin door with a blanket tucked haphazardly under his arm, a basket in his other hand. He looked like he had searched up picnic and grabbed what seemed right. He knocked on the door with his arm that held the blanket.

Nico waited for Will for a few minutes in the cabin while he looked at himself in the mirror. He was wearing a black shirt with one button undone and black jeans in the bottom. He didn't know if it was appropriate for the situation, but he wanted to wear something he felt comfortable with.

“Of course I care. I love you,” Will replied, kissing his cheek in return before glancing around. They acted like they were searching for a spot they had already decided on but were actually trying to decide.

"I love you too," he responded, starting to walk by Will. Nico thought about how the atmosphere was good that day. He also thought about how much spending time together and without any other person around was good. Usually, they don't have much time to spend just the both of them without having someone asking for help in anything.

Will placed the basket down, looking away sheepishly, “ I did! Most of it.. a bit of it. “ The look softened into one of safety quickly as he felt Nico’s hands. It was nice to not to be busy, to not feel like he had to take on other people’s stuff when that’s not what they needed. He was still learning to stop that but it was moments like this he felt he could stop.

“I’m glad you think so,” Will hummed, beginning to unpack the food. He handed a plate to Nico before placing one in front of himself.

"You really planned most of it," Nico let escape a little laugh, almost ignoring all the food. He couldn't take his eyes out of Will, admiring how concentrate his boyfriend was.

“I love you too,” Will says, eyes softening. He was sure his lips might melt from the sweetness. Like the kiss was the sun and he was ice cream.. or something. Whatever! He felt his heart hammer as he smiled.

"Yes, actually...", he said, a bit apprehensive, biting his bottom lip. "It's just that they don't seem to understand that there are rules that need to be followed," he laid his body on his arms, stretching his legs.

“It’s hard to deal with,” Will began to speak, shaking their head as they took his hand, “it’s natural to want to challenge rules.” They laughed softly as they said this.

"You are the one needing a break here, Will. You are pushing yourself too much," Nico took a piece of cake, placing it on his plate.

”I’m fine,” Will replied, averting his eyes as he offered a small smile. He took some strawberries out of a container, biting into one to distract himself.

"Am I?", he laughed, gently taking a fork and eating a piece of cake. "You are so inspired today," Nico joked, giving Will another kiss on his cheek. He felt like he could kiss his boyfriend 24/7 and wouldn't feel tired of doing it. Especially today, though, Will looked even more kissable. The sunlight was painting his face, and his cheeks looked even more red than normally.

“Thank you,” Will murmured, a light blush on his cheeks, “

"Stop saying beautiful things...", Nico let his plate down, crawling to his boyfriend and holding their hands by their side. "Shhh," he murmured, giving Will a kiss on her cheek, then on her nose, and a quick kiss on their mouth.

”I can’t help it. Maybe I’m cursed,” Will spoke in a dramatic tone before snorting at his own stupidity. Nico truly put him in a trance and he said things that made him feel silly.

"You are so stupid," Nico said, shutting Will's mouth with a kiss. It wasn't really intense, but Nico was obviously liking it.

“I’ll try not to explode but it might be a hard request to fulfill,” Will joked, placing his head gently on top of Nico’s hair.

“Then we both must use our energy not to explode,” Will laughed. There it was again. He was being stupid but he didn’t care. He was in love.

"I don't have any energy, though. I used it to kiss you," Nico laughed, letting a last kiss on her mouth and crawling back to his place.

”Good point. Maybe exploding is a better ideas then. I’d be going out on my own terms,” Will said as he watched the other eat for a moment before looking out at the lake.

Nico left his plate by his side, holding his knees next to his chest. "It's so nice to be here with you. Really nice," he smiled, looking at Will.

“You do not,” Will’s voice suddenly turned serious as he looked back, “you’re gorgeous. Always, I promise.” He kissed Nico’s forehead, lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back.

"You're literally the copy of Apollo. You are prettier. No discussion," Nico laughed again, giving Will a kiss on her cheek.

”You’re being way too kind,” Will sighed, feeling like they couldn’t control their face. They were sure they had the stupidest smile ever in that moment. They had always been told how much they looked like their mom and their dad but it sounded different coming from Nico. More special? Maybe. They couldn’t quite place it.

"I'm just being nice to my boyfriend and...", he looked at both options in Will's hands, taking some time to decide between the beverages.

”Of course!” Will said, his tone almost prideful as if glad to do something for him. He opened the juice, pouring it carefully into the cup.

"It is, thank you," Nico murmured, taking the glass to his mouth in a rush and taking a sip of the juice. He could feel how fresh the oranges used in it were fresh for some reason.

”I’m happy to be with you too,” Will agreed, not pressing further, glad Nico ate something. He knew it was hard to deal with and just wanted to be there for him.

"I kind of like it, though... I feel alive," he looked forward, letting the thoughts dominate his mind.

“I do too,” Will agreed, “or maybe I just got use to it. Kind of have too.” He pressed his lips together as if pondering the answer. It could be a mix of both.

"You are so romantic when you actually want to...," Nico laughed, caressing Will's chin. "Would you let your beard grow one day? It would be really funny," he played. "You would look straight, I guess."

“I’m not growing out a beard for the sake of it being funny,” Will teased, “maybe for you.” It was a joke followed by a dramatic sigh. He brushed a hand over his cheek, smiling softly.

"Stop being dramatic," Nico laughed, leaning towards his boyfriend touch. Nico was almost starving for it.

“Anything but that,” Will grimaced, faking a scared face before bursting into laughs. It felt like oxygen was ripped from his body, leaving him gasping.

His head got closer to Will's body. "So you are saying I'm weird? And that I'm funny in a bad way, that's it?" Nico said, using an ironic tone, almost laughing.

”I didn’t say that!” Will nudged him gently, furrowing his eyebrows. It wasn’t serious and he found it hard to look angry. He almost resembled a kitten.

"Um, maybe Nicoisthemostcoolpersonintheworld? Makes sense?", he laughed, kissing her hand softly.

“Hmm… sure. It can be a contender for longest word,” Will agreed.

Nico laughed with their words. "Sure, my love, you are a very strict comprehensive counselor, I can see it. No one ever emerged unscathed from your strictness, right?"

“Exact situation,” Will nodded, kissing his head once then twice like he might lose him, “don’t forget that.” He closed his eyes, leaning into his other senses. Nico made him want to work harder on balancing everything so he could have this warmth more.

"I could never forget you... Just if Hera decides it's my turn. I can't do much about it," he held Will's face, giving a kiss in their mouth.

Will kisses back, looking stupid but feeling happy. She laughed as she leaned back afterwards before remembering what Nico said before.

"So you hate me?", he laughed.

“You’re right.. “ Will sighed, shaking his head before smiling, “that’s alright. He moved to rummage through the basket before holding out the strawberries to Nico.

Nico got one strawberry, giving it a bite. He was surprisingly feeling like he really wanted that strawberry.

“No pomegranates, I promise,” Will held up his pinky with a smile before putting his hand down. He picks out a strawberry himself, eating half of it in one bite.

"You have a great eye for these things. If we ever go shopping at a grocery store, I'll let you pick it," Nico put the leaves aside, just like Will, giving the strawberry another bite. He was eating it slowly, trying to get used to the sensation.

“Why thank you,” Will bowed their head evwr so slightly, making a movement of their hand as if taking off a hat.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed at Will's move, still a bit overwhelmed by the direction of the conversation they were having. However, Will made him smile again right after.

“Together,” Will agreed, softening as he kissed his head, “it’ll be much better to learn with you.” He then focused his eyes on a pair of trees as he thought about the world and the idea of ‘being normal’. The thought often came to him as there was so much out there. He wished he could know it at all. He wished it wasn’t so dangerous.

"I would love to find a really big free house for both of us," he looked up, "Maybe with three or more rooms. One for us, and the others can be like playgrounds and stuff. A bit stupid, but it would be fun," he put his pinkie finger next to Will's.

“Not at all. Besides, when has anything made sense?” Will shook her head, “this playground house can exist if half the things we’ve experienced can.”

"You are right...", he tilted his head, thinking of almost everything he had already defeated or experienced. If Tartarus was a real place, then every mortals' dream could be true.

“Great. So slides are a yes,” Will laughs, “want monkey bars too? Very efficient for getting around.” He mimicked the swinging in the air before bursting out into laughter again.

Nico frowned thinking about the monkey bars. "It depends. Maybe in the living room? Then, the other rooms can be for slides and swings," he moved his feet a bit, looking at his boyfriend again. Will was so beautiful.

When you have a moment, want to join me for a picnic?

Will showed up at the Hades’ cabin door with a blanket tucked haphazardly under his arm, a basket in his other hand. He looked like he had searched up picnic and grabbed what seemed right. He knocked on the door with his arm that held the blanket.

Nico waited for Will for a few minutes in the cabin while he looked at himself in the mirror. He was wearing a black shirt with one button undone and black jeans in the bottom. He didn't know if it was appropriate for the situation, but he wanted to wear something he felt comfortable with.

“Of course I care. I love you,” Will replied, kissing his cheek in return before glancing around. They acted like they were searching for a spot they had already decided on but were actually trying to decide.

"I love you too," he responded, starting to walk by Will. Nico thought about how the atmosphere was good that day. He also thought about how much spending time together and without any other person around was good. Usually, they don't have much time to spend just the both of them without having someone asking for help in anything.

Will placed the basket down, looking away sheepishly, “ I did! Most of it.. a bit of it. “ The look softened into one of safety quickly as he felt Nico’s hands. It was nice to not to be busy, to not feel like he had to take on other people’s stuff when that’s not what they needed. He was still learning to stop that but it was moments like this he felt he could stop.

“I’m glad you think so,” Will hummed, beginning to unpack the food. He handed a plate to Nico before placing one in front of himself.

"You really planned most of it," Nico let escape a little laugh, almost ignoring all the food. He couldn't take his eyes out of Will, admiring how concentrate his boyfriend was.

“I love you too,” Will says, eyes softening. He was sure his lips might melt from the sweetness. Like the kiss was the sun and he was ice cream.. or something. Whatever! He felt his heart hammer as he smiled.

"Yes, actually...", he said, a bit apprehensive, biting his bottom lip. "It's just that they don't seem to understand that there are rules that need to be followed," he laid his body on his arms, stretching his legs.

“It’s hard to deal with,” Will began to speak, shaking their head as they took his hand, “it’s natural to want to challenge rules.” They laughed softly as they said this.

"You are the one needing a break here, Will. You are pushing yourself too much," Nico took a piece of cake, placing it on his plate.

”I’m fine,” Will replied, averting his eyes as he offered a small smile. He took some strawberries out of a container, biting into one to distract himself.

"Am I?", he laughed, gently taking a fork and eating a piece of cake. "You are so inspired today," Nico joked, giving Will another kiss on his cheek. He felt like he could kiss his boyfriend 24/7 and wouldn't feel tired of doing it. Especially today, though, Will looked even more kissable. The sunlight was painting his face, and his cheeks looked even more red than normally.

“Thank you,” Will murmured, a light blush on his cheeks, “

"Stop saying beautiful things...", Nico let his plate down, crawling to his boyfriend and holding their hands by their side. "Shhh," he murmured, giving Will a kiss on her cheek, then on her nose, and a quick kiss on their mouth.

”I can’t help it. Maybe I’m cursed,” Will spoke in a dramatic tone before snorting at his own stupidity. Nico truly put him in a trance and he said things that made him feel silly.

"You are so stupid," Nico said, shutting Will's mouth with a kiss. It wasn't really intense, but Nico was obviously liking it.

“I’ll try not to explode but it might be a hard request to fulfill,” Will joked, placing his head gently on top of Nico’s hair.

“Then we both must use our energy not to explode,” Will laughed. There it was again. He was being stupid but he didn’t care. He was in love.

"I don't have any energy, though. I used it to kiss you," Nico laughed, letting a last kiss on her mouth and crawling back to his place.

”Good point. Maybe exploding is a better ideas then. I’d be going out on my own terms,” Will said as he watched the other eat for a moment before looking out at the lake.

Nico left his plate by his side, holding his knees next to his chest. "It's so nice to be here with you. Really nice," he smiled, looking at Will.

“You do not,” Will’s voice suddenly turned serious as he looked back, “you’re gorgeous. Always, I promise.” He kissed Nico’s forehead, lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back.

"You're literally the copy of Apollo. You are prettier. No discussion," Nico laughed again, giving Will a kiss on her cheek.

”You’re being way too kind,” Will sighed, feeling like they couldn’t control their face. They were sure they had the stupidest smile ever in that moment. They had always been told how much they looked like their mom and their dad but it sounded different coming from Nico. More special? Maybe. They couldn’t quite place it.

"I'm just being nice to my boyfriend and...", he looked at both options in Will's hands, taking some time to decide between the beverages.

”Of course!” Will said, his tone almost prideful as if glad to do something for him. He opened the juice, pouring it carefully into the cup.

"It is, thank you," Nico murmured, taking the glass to his mouth in a rush and taking a sip of the juice. He could feel how fresh the oranges used in it were fresh for some reason.

”I’m happy to be with you too,” Will agreed, not pressing further, glad Nico ate something. He knew it was hard to deal with and just wanted to be there for him.

"I kind of like it, though... I feel alive," he looked forward, letting the thoughts dominate his mind.

“I do too,” Will agreed, “or maybe I just got use to it. Kind of have too.” He pressed his lips together as if pondering the answer. It could be a mix of both.

"You are so romantic when you actually want to...," Nico laughed, caressing Will's chin. "Would you let your beard grow one day? It would be really funny," he played. "You would look straight, I guess."

“I’m not growing out a beard for the sake of it being funny,” Will teased, “maybe for you.” It was a joke followed by a dramatic sigh. He brushed a hand over his cheek, smiling softly.

"Stop being dramatic," Nico laughed, leaning towards his boyfriend touch. Nico was almost starving for it.

“Anything but that,” Will grimaced, faking a scared face before bursting into laughs. It felt like oxygen was ripped from his body, leaving him gasping.

His head got closer to Will's body. "So you are saying I'm weird? And that I'm funny in a bad way, that's it?" Nico said, using an ironic tone, almost laughing.

”I didn’t say that!” Will nudged him gently, furrowing his eyebrows. It wasn’t serious and he found it hard to look angry. He almost resembled a kitten.

"Um, maybe Nicoisthemostcoolpersonintheworld? Makes sense?", he laughed, kissing her hand softly.

“Hmm… sure. It can be a contender for longest word,” Will agreed.

Nico laughed with their words. "Sure, my love, you are a very strict comprehensive counselor, I can see it. No one ever emerged unscathed from your strictness, right?"

“Exact situation,” Will nodded, kissing his head once then twice like he might lose him, “don’t forget that.” He closed his eyes, leaning into his other senses. Nico made him want to work harder on balancing everything so he could have this warmth more.

"I could never forget you... Just if Hera decides it's my turn. I can't do much about it," he held Will's face, giving a kiss in their mouth.

Will kisses back, looking stupid but feeling happy. She laughed as she leaned back afterwards before remembering what Nico said before.

"So you hate me?", he laughed.

“You’re right.. “ Will sighed, shaking his head before smiling, “that’s alright. He moved to rummage through the basket before holding out the strawberries to Nico.

Nico got one strawberry, giving it a bite. He was surprisingly feeling like he really wanted that strawberry.

“No pomegranates, I promise,” Will held up his pinky with a smile before putting his hand down. He picks out a strawberry himself, eating half of it in one bite.

"You have a great eye for these things. If we ever go shopping at a grocery store, I'll let you pick it," Nico put the leaves aside, just like Will, giving the strawberry another bite. He was eating it slowly, trying to get used to the sensation.

“Why thank you,” Will bowed their head evwr so slightly, making a movement of their hand as if taking off a hat.

"You are so stupid," Nico laughed at Will's move, still a bit overwhelmed by the direction of the conversation they were having. However, Will made him smile again right after.

“Together,” Will agreed, softening as he kissed his head, “it’ll be much better to learn with you.” He then focused his eyes on a pair of trees as he thought about the world and the idea of ‘being normal’. The thought often came to him as there was so much out there. He wished he could know it at all. He wished it wasn’t so dangerous.

"I would love to find a really big free house for both of us," he looked up, "Maybe with three or more rooms. One for us, and the others can be like playgrounds and stuff. A bit stupid, but it would be fun," he put his pinkie finger next to Will's.

“Not at all. Besides, when has anything made sense?” Will shook her head, “this playground house can exist if half the things we’ve experienced can.”

"You are right...", he tilted his head, thinking of almost everything he had already defeated or experienced. If Tartarus was a real place, then every mortals' dream could be true.