Just like every other day, Will woke up with the sun. Luckily for him, he enjoyed being up early and seeing the camp quiet and calm, with just a few campers milling about so early. Will got ready and headed out the door to the infirmary, as he always does, to do inventory and make sure it was set up for the day. What he didn't expect was a bouquet of roses sitting on his desk.

For a moment, Will just stood there in the doorway, staring at the roses uncomprehendingly. After a few blinks and a glance at his desk calendar, he remembered. It's Valentine's Day. But then, that would mean…

"Nico," Will thinks aloud with a smile. Nico remembered that it was Valentine's Day. And he did something sweet for him. Will walked over to his desk with a fond smile on his face and picked up the bouquet. He smelled them and was genuinely enraptured by them, even though he knew they didn't really smell like much, because no one has ever done something like this for him before.

It was then that he noticed a note on his desk that must've been under the flowers. It was scribbled in what can only be Nico's best attempt at cursive, which was messy, but Will was touched by how hard he tried for him.

Meet me at the edge of the woods. -N (A/N: I don't remember the camp layout but Will knows okay)

"The woods?" Will had been expecting a simple Happy Valentine's Day, but apparently, there was more. Then suddenly, Will had a thought. I only have a small thing for him. His eyes widened and his panic began to rise a bit as he thought over the small gift he had. He put thought into it but hadn't wanted to go overboard, considering he wasn't even going to do anything for Valentine's Day.

Well, I mean, it's okay, right? It's the thought that counts, Will thought hopefully to himself. Maybe Nico just wants to meet up and make sure I don't work in the infirmary today. Yeah. That's it. Definitely nothing big planned, Will assured himself as he opened his desk drawer and took out his gift for Nico. It was a small box with a yellow bow on it. Inside was a simple black and yellow bandana bracelet Will had braided for Nico in crafts class. He made a matching one for himself and figured that it'd be a nice, simple reminder of their relationship.

With a sigh, Will scooped up his bouquet and left with a little skip in his step, his excitement and affection growing as he grew nearer to the woods.

Nico anxiously waited at the edge of the woods, having barely slept the night before due to preparations and his nerves. He was so nervous. Aside from him chiding himself about forgetting the holiday, the last-minute planning and gathering of supplies was stressful. Plus Piper had made a huge fuss about what he was going to wear, since Nico had absolutely no idea and no options.

Piper dressed him simply, yet stylishly, with nice black jeans and a gray button down long sleeve that he rolled up to his elbows. His top button was undone and his sword and combat boots remained, but he had to admit, his look made him feel slightly more confident about doing something nice for his boyfriend.

Nico ran a hand through his hair, messing up however Piper had combed it earlier. His mind was racing with thoughts, making it hard to stand still. Is Will going to like it? Is it too much? Too little? Is he up already? No, duh, of course he is. Did he go to the infirmary? Did he get the flowers? What if he didn't? What if this is a mistake—

His thoughts are interrupted by a certain son of Apollo nearly skipping towards him, bouquet of roses in hand. Nico's breath caught. He could never get over how beautiful Will was, especially in the morning. The sun caught his hair perfectly, glinting off the mop of blond and making it look like it was glowing. The red roses reflected a bit of red onto his face, making it look like he was blushing, or maybe he was. His smile is as brilliant and wide as ever, outwardly displaying his abundant happiness. And then his eyes. Nico gets lost in those vibrant, shining blue eyes that bare his every emotion, none better than his love and joy. To Nico, they meant comfort, home, and more. No one could convince Nico that anyone's eyes were more beautiful and meaningful than Will Solace's.

Then suddenly those eyes were almost directly in front of him and Nico realized how long he had been staring. He shut his mouth, which he hadn't even realized was slightly open, and thrusted out his hand that held a sunflower, mumbling a bit as he said, "Happy Valentine's Day."

With a gentle laugh, Will accepted the flower and said, "Aww Neeks, Happy Valentine's Day. I didn't expect anything, you know. You didn't have to do anything special."

At this, Nico looks up at him. He knows that Will loves romantic gestures – he's a sucker for love. He realized that Will was respecting his boundaries by not jumping on Valentine's Day, making his heart swell and his courage to spike for a moment. Taking a deep breath, Nico looked directly into Will's eyes and stated, "You should expect it. I'm your boyfriend, aren't I?"

Will's heart could've jumped over a skyscraper with how hard it was trying to jump out of his chest. Both boys blushed at the word "boyfriend", but Will somehow managed to smile even wider and brighter. "I'm sorry I doubted you, boyfriend," Will teased, though it was no joke how much he loved saying that. "What are we doing now, then?"

Nico grabbed Will's hand and pulls him into the woods with a small smile. "You'll see."

When they get to the clearing, the sight took Will's breath away. There was nothing particularly incredible about it - a picnic blanket was laid out in the center of the area with some pastries and fruits on it. It was a simple picnic, but the idea of it, the thought that went into planning this and making it happen, was something Will could hardly fathom someone going through for him. It was sweet and romantic and so perfect to Will, he could barely speak to show his gratitude and love to Nico.

Nico saved him by speaking first, saying, "I come out here a lot to think. I always have. I don't think anyone really knows about it, but I wanted to share it. With you." Nico was blushing, he knew it. Sharing something this personal was difficult, but when Piper suggested a picnic, he knew this was the perfect spot. He knew that Will, if anyone, was the one he could trust with everything.

Having not made eye contact yet, Will turned to face Nico fully, taking both of his hands in his own. "Thank you for sharing with me, Nico." Nico finally gazed up into his eyes, and Will could see the nervousness and vulnerability in that one look. This boy, this beautiful, strong warrior, was broken, but was also trying, reaching out for someone, for him. "This whole picnic is lovely, and I'm really glad you like and trust me enough to show me this personal place of yours. I'm glad this place even exists, just for you."

Nico scoffed a bit, "Of course I like you enough, Solace. I am dating you." He turned his head and looked out at the clearing and surrounding trees. "The nymphs here know me. They've known me since I was younger, since I first came to camp and found this place. They also assisted me with this whole thing, keeping it nice and all." Nico smiled fondly at the area, remembering how much time he spent here thinking, venting, and how the nymphs comforted him in their subtle ways. Then he looked over at his boyfriend, who was already looking back at him lovingly. Nico knew he made the right choice in letting him into his life, even if Will would've shoved himself in no matter what.

Then Will remembered his own gift, exclaiming, "Oh! I may not have planned out a whole Valentine's Day date, but I do have a present for you. Here." Will pulled the box out of his pocket and handed it to Nico. Surprised, Nico gently opened the box to reveal the bracelet.

"I have a matching one. I made it to, I don't know, represent us. Also to show that you're mine, so no one can steal you away." Will grinned as he grabbed Nico's hand and tied the bracelet around his wrist. It's a simple gesture, yet it couldn't have made Nico happier. He was Will's, and Will was his. He was cared for by someone, and Nico was embracing it wholeheartedly, not regretting it for a second.

"Someone's a little possessive, hm?" Nico playfully tugged Will toward the picnic that was waiting for them. "Come on, let's eat. I'm up too early to be feeling all these things." He laughed, and it was about the most beautiful sound Will has ever heard.

After the picnic, the rest of the day consisted of hanging out, chatting, cuddling, laughing, and, you know, just being a couple. It was the greatest Valentine's Day either boy has ever experienced.

(A/N): I'm sorry it took so long! I didn't want this in more than 3 parts. Also there were supposed to be two line break things to separate out the story and it's not working so, I apologize. Love ya, thanks for reading!