The golden warmth of the sun spread across the grassy field, a gentle breeze swaying the tall blades and carrying the faint scent of wildflowers. You stretched out on the soft grass, the ground pleasantly cool beneath your back, and let your eyes close against the sunlight filtering through the sparse canopy of trees above. The buzz of cicadas hummed in the distance, mixing with the occasional rustle of leaves as the breeze played through the treetops.

Next to you, Will Solace reclined with an easy smile, his blonde hair gleaming like the sunlight itself. His face was turned toward the sky, blue eyes half-lidded with contentment. A lazy hand rested over his stomach, his other arm bent to prop up his head as he lay on his side. “You know,” he began, breaking the comfortable silence, “if I could, I’d stay out here forever. No campfires to tend, no injuries to patch up—just this.”

His voice was light but held a sincerity that tugged at something deep inside you. You opened your eyes, glancing at him as he turned his head to meet your gaze.

“How are you holding up?” he asked, his lips curling into a smirk. “Relaxed yet, or do I need to start telling bad jokes to lighten the mood?”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, shifting to prop yourself up on your elbows. “Is threatening me with your terrible humor your idea of relaxation?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

Will gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “Terrible humor? I’ll have you know my jokes are top-tier. I’ve had people groaning in despair all over camp!”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide the grin that tugged at your lips. The scene around you was peaceful, a far cry from the chaos that usually surrounded Camp Half-Blood.

“Fine,” you said, settling back down and letting the sun warm your face. “Give me your best shot. Let’s hear one of these world-famous jokes.”

Will didn’t hesitate. “Why don’t skeletons fight each other?”

You groaned preemptively. “Why?”

“Because they don’t have the guts,” he finished with a grin.