Will, with his eyes tightly together and his hands clenched around the blade through his abdomen, was dying. Nico was sure. For such a major quest, Chiron wanted to ensure that the participants were close enough to ensure ideal teamwork. Will volunteered them. He said that they would be perfect for the job. Nico admired this about him, that he'd put aside his safety to help others without a second thought. His damn selflessness was killing him.
Nico choked back tears, as he watched the blood soak through Will's pale yellow shirt, a gift from his mom.
"Will..."
Will opened his eyes to look up at him. He was a healer, he had no delusions of his situation. Nico wished that either of them could pretend, that Will could at least leave with some hope.
"Nico," Will breathed. "Nico. I love you. Don't ever forget, even-"
"Will," Nico sobbed. "Please. Please."
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, Nico. Please. Sing to me."
Nico nodded his head, his eyes clenched to avoid the onrush of tears. He gripped Will's shoulders, ignoring the urge to bury his face in Will's shirt.
"You are my sunshine,"
It was too beautiful of a day. The birds were happily chirping, the leaves slowly swishing. The sun was setting, clothed in glorious hues and shades. It was like a final goodbye. Like the earth was showing off all of its treasures, sealing the deal that these were Will's final moments. The world was celebrating. The gods were celebrating. They were celebrating that Will was dying.
"My only sunshine."
Nico could see Will struggling to keep his eyes open. He reached under his chest to pull Will's torso to him. He held him as he cried into his golden hair. He hated to see Will in pain, and it was clear how much pain he was experiencing, though even now he was trying to hide it.
"You make me happy,"
Nico couldn't possibly do this alone. One after another, everyone he has ever loved had left him. He had thought Will would stay. He promised. Will was the sort of person who would be reborn. Nico knew he loved him, but he wouldn't wait. He'd be reborn, and even in death they'd be separated. Nico held him close and felt his heartbeat while he still could.
"When skies are grey."
In one devestating instant, Nico could feel Will's heartbeat stop. He felt for a pulse, for breathing, for anything. Nothing. He felt his soul drift to the Underworld. Finally, the tears exploded out, staining his cheeks and falling in droplets onto Will's body.
"Father," he whispered. "Please. Please, give him back. Please."
Will, however, stayed still and forever gone. Nico laid his body down onto the grassy forest floor and stared at Will's face. He was gone.