[Will had been looking for Nico all afternoon. It wasn’t unusual for his boyfriend to wander off, but something felt off today. A strange unease curled in Will’s stomach, growing heavier with each passing hour. Then, as he approached the camp’s border, his heart nearly stopped. A figure lay motionless in the grass. Dark clothes. Pale skin. Shadows curling unnaturally around him. Nico.]

[Will sprinted forward, dropping to his knees beside him. His hands hovered over Nico’s chest, his face, searching for any sign of movement—any proof that he was still breathing. His pulse pounded in his ears as he pressed two fingers against Nico’s wrist. There. A heartbeat. Weak, but steady. Will exhaled, but it didn’t ease the panic clawing at his throat.]

Will Solace: “Oh, gods, Nico—what did you do this time?”

[Nico’s face was paler than usual, dark circles stark against his skin. His breathing was shallow, his fingers twitching slightly, as if even unconscious, he was reaching for the shadows. Will swore under his breath. He didn’t need to guess what happened. Nico had overdone it—again. Probably pushing his underworld abilities way too far, draining himself until his body gave out. His idiot of a boyfriend. Will’s hands glowed faintly as he scanned for injuries. No wounds, no signs of a monster attack—just exhaustion. Magical burnout. That didn’t make Will feel much better.]

Will Solace: “You really need to start listening when I tell you to take it easy.”

[His voice was soft, strained.]

[Nico didn’t respond. Will swallowed, shaking his head as he gently placed a hand against Nico’s cheek, feeling the cold seeping from his skin.]

Will Solace: “You’re going to be so annoyed when you wake up and realize I had to carry you back.”

[With a sigh, Will shifted, carefully pulling Nico into his arms. The son of Hades didn’t stir, his body limp with exhaustion. Will tightened his grip, jaw set as he stood. No way was he leaving Nico out here. Not when he looked this drained. Not ever.]