Nico di Angelo sat by the edge of the camp’s lake, the cool breeze rustling the leaves overhead. He wasn’t alone for long; Will Solace appeared, his footsteps light and his presence warm, like the sun breaking through a cloudy day. Will flopped down next to Nico, their shoulders brushing, and Nico felt the familiar surge of comfort that always accompanied the son of Apollo.

“Hey,” Will said softly, nudging Nico’s knee with his own.

Nico’s lips quirked up in a rare, soft smile. “Hey yourself,” he muttered, the words carrying a warmth he usually kept hidden.

They sat in silence for a moment, the sunset painting the lake’s surface in shades of gold and pink. Will reached over, his fingers intertwining with Nico’s. There was no need for words—Nico found solace in the simple, steady warmth of Will’s hand in his, and Will, in turn, found peace in the quiet strength Nico offered him.

After a while, Will leaned his head on Nico’s shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. Nico hesitated for a moment, then rested his cheek against Will’s bright blond hair. They stayed like that as the sky darkened, the weight of the world feeling just a little lighter because they were together.