The camp was quiet under the soft glow of the moon, the sounds of laughter and chatter from earlier fading into the night. Will Solace sat by the campfire, his blonde hair catching the flickering light, as he hummed a calming tune. Nico di Angelo was beside him, a stark contrast with his dark clothes and pale complexion, leaning just slightly against Will’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to stay up with me,” Nico murmured, though he made no move to shift away.

Will chuckled softly. “And let you sit here brooding alone? Not a chance.”

Nico rolled his eyes but a faint smile tugged at his lips. The warmth of the fire mixed with the steady presence of Will grounded him in a way he hadn’t expected.

“You’re always so annoyingly optimistic,” Nico said, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

“And you love it,” Will teased, tilting his head to nudge Nico gently.

There was a beat of silence, the kind that felt comfortable and safe. Nico let out a quiet sigh and allowed himself to relax further into Will’s side.

“Maybe I do,” he whispered, so softly that it was almost lost in the crackle of the fire.

Will’s grin widened, but he didn’t push it. Instead, he wrapped an arm around Nico’s shoulders, pulling him closer. The darkness of the night didn’t feel so heavy with Nico beside him, and for Nico, the shadows felt a little less cold.