The apartment was quiet in the soft morning light, the kind of stillness that only came after years of battles, healing, and learning how to be at peace.

Will Solace stretched slowly, careful not to disturb the weight beside him. Nico was still curled on his side, his dark hair fanned across the pillow, one arm tucked under his cheek. Peaceful. Soft. Will’s heart squeezed at the sight — it never stopped hitting him how lucky he was.

He still looked at Nico like he was a miracle. Because he was.

The soft sound of purring drifted from the foot of the bed. Bianca — their sleek black cat — was nestled between Will’s legs, while Bob, their enormous and slightly grumpy tabby, had somehow wedged himself under Nico’s arm.

Will smiled.

He slipped out of bed quietly, padded barefoot into the kitchen, and started the coffee. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, catching the framed pictures on the wall — ones of them at Camp Half-Blood, of Percy and Annabeth’s wedding, of Hazel and Frank waving at the camera with silly grins. There was even one of Chiron, looking unusually proud.

Will leaned against the counter, sipping his mug and listening to the morning settle.

Some days were hard. Nico still had nights where the dreams were sharp and cold. Will had long shifts at the hospital that left him bone-tired. But through all of it, they held each other like anchors — like the world made sense if they just stayed close.

Eventually, soft footsteps padded into the kitchen. Nico appeared, sleep-mussed and wearing one of Will’s old t-shirts, eyes still half-closed.

“You left me,” he mumbled, wrapping his arms around Will’s waist.

Will chuckled, pulling him close. “You had both cats. I figured you’d survive five minutes without me.”

“Barely,” Nico grumbled into his chest.

Will kissed the top of his head, gentle and lingering. “I love you.”

Nico didn’t say anything — he never said much in the mornings — but the way he melted into Will’s arms, the way his fingers curled into his back, it said enough.

They were home. And they always would be.