The moon hung high over Camp Half-Blood, casting silver light across the quiet fields, the distant sound of waves brushing against the shore. Most of the campers were already winding down, bellies full from dinner, laughter trailing from the amphitheater.

But not Will Solace.

The infirmary was still lit, golden light pouring softly through the windows. Inside, Will moved from cot to cot with practiced hands and aching limbs, still smiling, still murmuring soothing reassurances to injured demigods. His golden aura flickered faintly with the sheer amount of energy he’d burned through—he had been up since sunrise. Healing arrow wounds, burns, monster poison. A Cyclops attack had brought in a flood of campers right at lunchtime. Then more during dinner.

He hadn’t eaten. Again.

He hadn’t stopped. Again.

And Nico noticed. Of course he did.

He had searched the camp first, scanning the pavilion, checking the beach. Then he went to the infirmary, already knowing what he’d find.

Will was hunched slightly at the foot of a bunk, bandaging a satyr’s twisted ankle, his fingers trembling slightly from sheer fatigue. The golden healing glow sparked briefly—then fizzled out.

“Will,” Nico said, voice quiet but firm.

Will blinked and turned, surprised, always surprised that someone was checking on him. “Hey, Sunshine,” he greeted with a crooked smile. “Didn’t see you at dinner—”

“You didn’t go to dinner,” Nico cut in, stepping closer. “Or lunch.”

Will waved a hand like that didn’t matter. “They needed me. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not,” Nico said flatly. “You’re swaying.”

“I’m—”

“Nico.”

The two turned. Kayla stood near the door, arms crossed, brows pinched. “Please take him out of here before he collapses. I already told him twice.”

Will gave her a sheepish look.

Nico didn’t waste another second. He moved in, wrapped an arm around Will’s waist, and practically dragged him toward the exit.

“I can walk, you know,” Will mumbled, though he leaned into Nico’s touch immediately.

“You’ve been walking all day,” Nico replied. “Now you sit. And eat. Or I’m shadow-traveling you straight to the Apollo cabin bunk and sitting on you.”

Will laughed, too tired to resist. “You wouldn’t.”

Nico’s expression didn’t change. “Try me.”

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Will finally let out a breath, leaning his head on Nico’s shoulder. “You always find me.”

“Someone has to,” Nico said. “You’d heal everyone but yourself.”

“…Because they need me.”

“I need you too,” Nico murmured, voice almost too soft for the wind to carry. “So stop breaking yourself, Will.”

Will didn’t answer. But his fingers tightened around Nico’s.

That was enough for now.