I think the new line break really represents me right now.

~Δ~

Part One of: Kindling Arc

"Come on, Nico! Hurry up already!"

Nico huffed and grinned up at the angel he was struggling to catch up with. "You know I can't fly as fast as you! Slow down, Will!"

Golden laughter pierced the morning sky as Will climbed higher just to spite the other angel. "You're plenty fast, Nico! Quit being lazy!"

"Lazy!" Nico pouted when he saw Will look down at him. "I'm not lazy, you idiot! You know you're the fastest! Just slow down already!"

Will giggled and slowed down just as Nico had demanded of him. "There, are you happy?" he said between laughter. Then, as an afterthought, added, "Lazy!"

Nico growled and playfully shoved his friend to the side. "Am not!" he insisted.

"Are too!"

After some more shoving and giggling, the two finally paused midair to catch their breaths and look over the sky at their goal.

"It's beautiful," murmured Nico.

Will nodded silently in agreement.

Ahead of them, a canyon stretched on forever, mountains rimming the horizon. The entire mortal world was washed in a golden glow, daylight growing fainter as the sun tipped behind the mountaintops. Nico's words paled in comparison. The sight, coupled with the orange clouds floating along the angels, was breathtaking.

"I'm almost jealous," Will said, turning to shoot a grin at Nico. "The colors here are so amazing."

"I know!" Nico exclaimed. He was practically trembling with excitement, his stormy wings fluttering at his sides. He clenched his hands together and giggled. "I've always wanted to see a sunset. Bianca always said it was awesome. Oh, and dawn! We need to see dawn next!"

Will looked doubtful. "What's so special about dawn? Is it different from twilight?"

Nico nodded vigorously. "Bianca says the sky brightens with different shades of colors! Pinks and purples! Plus, she says the colors are even cooler if there are clouds lining the horizon!"

Blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That sounds amazing, Nico! Your sister knows so much!"

The shorter angel puffed out his chest proudly. "She is amazing, isn't she? Well, maybe next time I'll let you tag along when she tells a story about the mortal realm."

Will's smile grew. "I don't know about that—my brothers know a good amount about the mortal realms themselves. Maybe mine know more than yours?"

"Not a chance!" said Nico. "My sister goes to this realm all the time with mother! She obviously knows more!"

Instead of trying to argue, Will just giggled at Nico's enthusiasm. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Nico."

"What!" Nico exclaimed. "Do you not believe me, Will? C'mon, it's true!"

"Sure it is, Nico," Will said with a smile. "Your sister is amazing, just like you."

Nico beamed with pride.

They turned back to the sunset, watching as stars littered the sky and the orange slowly faded with the sun.

"C'mon," Will told Nico after a while. "We should be heading back. Curfew's soon, anyways."

Nico was still smiling all of the way home.

~Δ~

"Is that really you, Nico?" repeated Will Solace. He landed gracefully just feet from where Nico was standing, looking the Fallen up and down with a look of sad revelation in his eyes. He took a step forward, almost hesitantly.

Nico faltered and took a small step back. His heart squeezed as Will's expression turned more towards hurt, but he was still too overwhelmed with shock to say anything.

"Nico," Will murmured. He sighed weakly and raised a hand almost as though he wanted to touch the man. "Oh, Nico. When did this happen?"

Nico cleared his throat some and rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel the stares of Fallen and angels alike burning into his back, but he did his best to keep his focus on Will. There wouldn't be an opportunity like that ever again—he hadn't seen his old friend in years. "I—uh. Will. It's been forever."

Will edged closer; Nico bit back his instinct to back up again. When the angel spoke next, his voice so soft, as though Nico would bolt at the slightest noise. He just might. "You disappeared so long ago…but I didn't realize it was because you'd Fallen. Nico, how did this happen?"

Before Nico could think to reply, the archangel Annabeth floated closer to them. "Do you know this Fallen, Will?" she asked, her voice still as cool as it had been for Percy.

Will flinched at Annabeth's voice. It seemed he'd forgotten about their audience. "Oh! Um, yeah. We were friends when we were kids. Back when he was an angel."

Annabeth nodded once. "Well, if you don't believe him to be a threat, we must be going. We're far too close to the Doors of the Underworld. Staying for much longer will taint us."

"Yes, you're right," murmured Will. He turned back to Nico. Where helplessness had been before, a determined light burned in his eyes. Though he didn't say anything, the look spoke volumes: don't you dare forget about me. I'll be back, just you wait.

Fighting down the excitement that lit up in his chest, Nico cleared his throat again and nodded. "It—It was good to see you again, Will." I'll be waiting.

The corner of Will's mouth twitched upwards, willing him to smile. Though there was sadness still present, it was masked by his knowing look. "It was a nice surprise, given the circumstances." They looked up as the choir of angels around them began floating towards the heavens. Will chuckled, the sound heavy with emotion. "Well, that's my cue. It was good seeing you, Nico. Take care of yourself."

Nico swallowed back his own farewell and watched as Will shook out his massive golden-brown wings and edged up into the air to join the other angels.

Before Will left, a troubled expression crossed his face. He looked back down at Nico.

Nico held his breath as the angel floated closer, his wings barely moving to keep himself aloft. "I promise," Will whispered, leaning close enough that not even a Fallen could have overheard. Close enough that Nico could practically smell the light emitting from the angel. "I'll see you soon, Nico."

Almost as an afterthought, Will reached out and placed his hand on Nico's cheek.

Then he was gone.