Today was the day. Will was going to ask Nico out.

Since it was going to simple, taking place at Nico's cabin and in other words nothing big, Will didn't want to get way too excited and see the boy. He could accidentally spill the beans and plus he was still ultra nervous. In an attempt to distract himself, Will spent the whole day engrossed at the infirmary.

The first time Nico heard the rumour about Will planning on asking him out was at breakfast. The second time wasn't from a single camper, but a whole group of them at lunch. Nico was hearing bits and pieces of whispers and concluded it sounded something like the head counsellor of the Apollo cabin was fretting himself out and another thing about dating. If the rumours were true, Will was planning on asking Nico to be his boyfriend. Today. Nico was now fearful. He hadn't seen Will all day. What if it was going to be a big thing? What if Will was planning on asking Nico in front of the whole camp? Nico began contemplating the option to shadow-travel out of the situation if it happened, even with the broken leg (which was healing quite well).

By night time Nico was practically hiding in his cabin.

A knock came at the door and Nico's heart began racing, he also became anxious but inevitably chose to face his fate. He could always shadow-travel if something went wrong.

Nico hobbled to the door, opened it and found Will standing in the doorway holding a single yellow tulip with a gleaming smile.

"Hey, can I come in?" Nico was surprised Will asked to be let in, instead of escorting him outside to a crowd of demigods as he had imagined this thing would go.

Nico, still a little dazed, let Will in and they sat on his bed.

For painstaking moment it was dead silent. Nico tried so desperately to avoid Will's eyes. Did the son of Apollo expect him to speak first? That would be a funny expectation, considering who came looking for who. Suddenly Nico's bathroom door became the most fascinating thing in the cabin. When Will finally broke the silence, it almost made Nico jump.

"I took this," gesturing at the flower, "from outside the Demeter cabin. Well, I didn't just take it and leave. I knocked on their door and when someone answered I asked what it meant. Apparently it used to stand for jealousy and hopeless love," Nico's heart was now beating even faster than it was before, "but luckily it now stands for almost the exact opposite - hope and cheerful thoughts." Will took a deep breath in. "If you, Nico di Angelo, would like to be my boyfriend take this yellow tulip from my hand and let's begin a relationship full of everything this flower stands for and more.

Nico hadn't spoken a single word since opening that door. Blood was rushing through his body and he felt slightly lightheaded. His crush was asking him out. He could have a boyfriend before the night ended. That is, if he took the flower from Will's hand.

It was a simple, straightforward action but what frightened Nico were the consequences that would follow. Nico, in his 14 years of existence, had already gone through a death trance whilst being sealed in a bronze jar, had ventured through the Labyrinth and for gods' sake he had even survived Tartarus, but barely. Going out with someone should've seemed like nothing compared to what Nico had endured in the past. And, he went through all of that alone. Alone. Nico wouldn't be alone anymore if he was with Will; they'd be together. But even then, even after going over all of the near-impossible deeds he had completed the son of Hades felt uneasy. No, the boy scolded himself, Will is caring. He showed acceptance toward you and was welcoming even when he didn't know you too well. Admit it, he's one of the reasons why you even stayed at Camp Half-Blood in the first place. You've never known if you'd find someone, if someone would want to be with you. There's a remarkable boy right here in front of you on a silver platter and you're hesitating?

Will felt awkward sitting across Nico holding his hand out. The son of Hades hadn't spoken the whole time and was just looking back and forth between the tulip and the son of Apollo. Will began to ponder whether if it was a mistake; if he had asked Nico too early; if Nico would even want to date him; but then -

Nico slowly, and very consciously, picked the yellow tulip from Will's hand.

The son of Apollo couldn't help but smile. Nico had agreed to be his boyfriend. Immediately he began thinking about their future together, where he would take Nico on dates, the possibility of moving to New Rome together, even the chance that they would get married.

When Nico gave a shy smile back all thought faded from Will's head. All he could see was his now-boyfriend, and as his smile grew even more he was sure he had never felt happier in his entire life.


3 Days Later...

Nico had no problem finding Will. He was still caught up in the infirmary which made Nico feel bad because he couldn't help.

When Will saw Nico he did a double take and immediately dragged Nico, with caution, to the closest patient-free bed area and drew the curtains.

"Nico!" Will whisper-yelled, "what are you doing here? Are you hurt?"

"No, no," Nico replied shaking his head, "I just…" Nico trailed off causing Will to become concerned, but also suspicious.

"I just wanted to know if you will compete in the tournament with me? I know we might not get as much time to train together because of my leg and the crutches but I thought it could be more of a fun thing, rather than competitive thing for us, you know?" Will thought that was all but the boy kept going, "I wasn't planning on going at all but I've been trying to participate more and stuff and seeing as you're my boyfriend now, which I still can't comprehend by the way, I thought maybe you'd like to do it with me. But if you don't want to it's okay, I understand..." Will already thought Nico was cute, but seeing him ramble off because of how unsure he was just blew his cuteness level sky-high.

Will laughed, "of course I want to, you idiot. Who else would want to do it with you?" Will meant it as a joke, but instantly regretted saying it as soon as Nico's expression changed to one of pain. Will felt horrible but just as he was going to apologise Nico cracked up laughing. Will made a face mixed between confusion and shock then composed himself.

"You should've seen your face, Solace! Solid gold that was, solid gold. I know it was a joke, don't worry."

Will smiled the same mischievous smile the day Nico used the pickup line and gently, but surely, took calculated steps toward Nico until they were almost touching. Will then cupped Nico's face, tilted his chin upward and brought his own down so he could meet the other boy's gaze.

Will's eyes really are blue like the ocean. Unable to contain himself any longer, Nico met Will's lips with his own. Will was taken aback at first but quickly let himself melt into it, kissing his boyfriend back. Once again, Nico's whole body electrified at Will's touch but the kiss made it increase tenfold.

When they finally pulled apart Will was smirking and Nico gave a bashful smile.

"I couldn't wait any longer."


ah the end. but is it? do I hold a little surprise for you guys? yes. yes I do. but you'll have to wait for it. it's not even that much of a surprise lmao, it's an epilogue of sorts.

I have realisations from writing this chapter I wanted to share bc, why not? :

- my grammar has gotten horrible. I totally forgot 'lets' in the case of 'let's begin' has an apostrophe. help. school begins soon-ish.

- I cannot write a kiss at all. I've read a ton of books, fanfics etc and yet… I guess it doesn't help I haven't been kissed yet, LOL.

ALSO FEEL FREE TO REVIEW AND STUFF IT MAKES ME FEEL LOVED.