A/U: Holy jesus fuck. okay so, normally a chapter for this series is like, 3-6k long. this chapter had clocked in over 10k and i'm not even half way finished. SO! to make the deadline of every monday (and to not have the longest fucking chapter ever) im splitting it up into two parts. so, if it ends a little abruptly, it's because it's not the end of the chapter, just part one. I'm having so much fun with this and i love all the kind words! lets keep going!
Satruday
There is a lot of different ways to realise something.
There is the epiphany, the all-at-once realising that what you were looking for, the answer to the longing question that was scraping at the back of your head, was right in front of you the whole time. It was when everything lined up perfectly, like the storm clouds washing away the fog, and suddenly you could see for miles.
There is the slow, over time realization that came when not all of the pieces to the puzzle are so obvious. Like, you get a puzzle from your grandmother, but it's so old the boxes picture on the front is worn away and you can't make heads or tales of what it is. So, as you slowly put the pieces together, you have a gradual, basic understanding of what you are making. You understand about half way through the puzzle what you're making, but until you put it all together, one or two details might be a bit fuzzy.
Then there is the slow, antagonizing realization that comes when you yourself don't realize but everyone else around you does. It comes when your favourite shirt is a size too small, and while you should have noticed it becoming tighter with the passing days, it isn't until it rips or you look in the mirror and notice just how much it doesn't. Or when your friend has to finally tell you. This is similar to the epiphany, but it's a bit more melancholy.
The last realization that matters is the denial. It's when you've known the entire time what the field looks like after a storm, but you cloud yourself to it; its when you know what the puzzle picture is from the start, but you refuse to accept it until all the pieces are in the right spot because maybe, just maybe, that final piece won't make the photo a horse; it's when you know your favourite shirt is too small, but when you acknowledge it, then it means you've grown past your childhood. Denial is the worst realization, because it comes with the deep, sickening pit in your stomach that comes with finally admitting you were wrong (right?) the entire time.
It's when all four of these realizations hit you at once, one after another, that becomes suffocating. It's when the stages of grief come into play that it becomes a national disaster.
And it was a little bit of them all when Nico woke up that morning, his alarm blaring.
You know when you wake up and the first thought on your mind is the last thing you were thinking of when you go to bed? Like, when you wake up Christmas morning and the first thing that crosses your mind, before your eyes are even open, before your mind is truly awake, is it's Christmas!
What's what it was like when Nico cracked his eyes, his alarm being the first thing he heard and the words Saturday date with Will being the second.
Now, if you've ever sped run the stages of grief, I'm sorry. And for those who haven't, I don't recommend it. It is what you mix with adrenaline and anxiety, like downing a four-hour energy while taking Nyquil. You want to run away, to curl up in a ball and cry. Now mix that with an empty stomach and a pounding headache and you have a taste for how Nico woke up.
He slammed his phone until he hit something that would turn off the ringer. His heart as already pounding so the act of waking up wasn't as hard as he had thought. Maybe it was the sudden realization that everything he had once been comfortable ignoring or living blissfully ignorant to was now crashing down around him – or it was simple the fact he hated mornings, but the only thing he wanted to do was to pray for time to stand still and for this day to already be over.
When neither came, he kicked his blanket off of himself and heaved himself upwards. He unplugged his phone as he checked his notifications. He had a few messages from Piper at three am, a few TikTok DM's from probably Jason – seeing the time they were sent – messages from Hazel, Bianca, and Thalia, and most importantly, three unopened Snapchat messages from Will.
It was the pain in his stomach that came before you threw up that met him, but he liked it. But what made it worse was he now understood what it might be.
Maybe his sister had been right, maybe it wasn't a good idea to fake date your best friends, even if you weren't into them.
He checked every message but Will's, and when he finished, he thought about opening them, but a wave of nausea came over him and threw his phone.
Now, the walk of shame to grab once phone after discarding it was a different type of embarrassment. It was a private moment that no one else would know about except for the person who threw the phone. It was a form of self-defeat, Man-vs-Self if you may. You could hold out as long as you can, but once you threw that phone, it was only a matter of time before the walk of shame had to follow. It was a losing battle from the very start. And if you lied, you were only cheating yourself.
As Nico decided to do anything else but read the message, he went to brush his teeth, noticing that his parents were up. He wanted to avoid them when he left, not wanting to explain what Will and him were doing, but it looked like they would be asking questions like they usually do.
As he brushed his teeth, it was the nagging feeling of wanting to open them. As much as he refused to say the L-word – or C-word (not that word, c'mon) for that matter, his lip twitched at opening Will's messages.
With toothbrush in his mouth, he made the walk and picked up it, bringing it back to the bathroom. He set it up on the counter and let the stream of videos and photos play.
The first video was of Will, wearing a button up that wasn't exactly buttoned up, leaning on his windowsill with his father's guitar.
Now, Will wasn't the best player, and by no means could he sing, but holy fuck if he didn't look like a god shrouded in the rising sun, effortlessly gorgeous while he strummed a simple song. He hummed a little as he went, obviously wanting to sing but not wanting to put that much effort. He was feeling the music for what it was.
Nico hadn't realised he had stopped brushing his teeth the entire time the video cycled through the two parts. As the video came to an end, the toothbrush hanging in his mouth. Will, who's eyes were closed the entire time until then, opened them.
If Nico could describe what they looked like, all he could think of is the word blue. And not how you would think. Nico hated the colour blue, but when he looked into Will's eyes, all he wanted was the world to become an endless word of sea and sky. Will's blue is what you see walking down an ally late at night with the neon signs illuminating the way. It was the blue that is so rare in nature that when you see it, you take a moment to stare, wondering the last time you saw that colour in a garden.
There were fifty-thousand ways Nico could describe Will's eyes, but when he opened his mouth to do so, all he could say was blue.
And with the rising sun, the faint pink light creating a halo around his head with his hair, like it was threatening to catch fire at every curl, his eyes stood out in a sea of heat.
As Will smirked, he set his father's guitar down, it now becoming obvious he only had a single button (bottom) done up on his shirt. The shirt flowed and hugged his body as if it was made for him, and Nico swore everything he owned was fabricated just for him. (Sometimes Nico thought the world was made for Will.)
Nico felt a little sad after Will had reached over, his shirt opening up ever so slightly as he leaned over to turn off the camera. Once his phone was quiet, all he was left was the bathroom mirror and his reflection staring back at him, practically screaming at how embarrassing he was. His hair was a mess, he still had sleep in his eyes, his toothbrush was hanging half out of his mouth, and his cheeks were red hot, spreading up to his ears.
He aggressively spit into the sink, rinsing it out as he frowned.
Once he wiped off his face, he opened the message Will had sent him, not realising he had been holding his breath.
Sunshine Man
Morning!
Nico half heartedly replied, slipping his phone into his pocket as he wiped his face. He was painfully aware he was in his bathroom, like he was seeing it for the first time.
Shaking his head, he headed out, turning off the light. He headed back to his room and stared at his closet for what felt like hours when a knocking came to his door. For a second, he was scared it was his mother, but a sigh came when Bianca walked in.
"Whatchya doin'?" she said, raising a brow as she leaned on the door frame.
Nico took a deep breath and sighed. He turned his attention to his closet and stared into it. This shouldn't have been hard. He owned three pairs of black jeans (identical) and about twenty band-tees (nearly identical). It's not like he was getting too fancy with this fake date.
There was a moment of hesitation as he fiddled with his finger like he did when he was younger. He debated saying what was scratching his mind to his sister.
"What do you wear," he started, "when you're about to go on a fake date with your best friend so he can break up with you after?"
His brows furrowed as Bianca snorted. She kicked herself off of the wall and stood beside him.
"Now, this date," she said, her arms crossed as she turned to him, "where is he taking you?"
Nico shrugged.
"No idea, he just said we'll be out for a bit."
Bianca nodded as she thought for a second.
"Versatility, that's what we need."
She made quick work and started to pull out different items from his closet. She threw a pair of jeans after sniffing them onto the bed. Looks like she was going to "clean and presentable" as a main factor. After sniffing a few more shirts, adding them to the pile, she looked over her brother one more time. When she grimaced, Nico raised a brow.
"What?" he asked. "Am I that ugly?"
"No," she said, still eyeing him, "you just need a fucking hair cut."
"You touch my hair, I'll kill you."
"I'd love to see you try."
"Don't try me, bitch."
Bianca laughed as she tousled her brother's hair. He needed to brush it anyways so he didn't do much other than swat her hand away.
"Okay," she clapped her hands, taking in a deep breath, "let's just pray these clothes are clean enough that Will doesn't smell the fact that you have never washed any of your own clothes."
Nico's lip twitched as he fingered the shirt options. "Pretty sure he knows that already."
"Well, let's not remind him." Bianca pulled two options out before tossing him the least worn out of the pair. "This one," she said. "It at least looks like you haven't worn it to bed."
Nico rolled his eyes as he reached for the shirt, feeling the fabric with a gingered touch. It was a newer band shirt he had gotten from Hot Topic from the discount section. He hadn't noticed it was in women's sizing when he grabbed it so it was a bit tighter on him meaning he didn't wear it that often.
He sighed and stripped his shirt, leaving his sister with her eyes rolling as he slipped the shirt on. He flattened the shirt with his hand over his chest, taking in the look. Ramones, Nico thought, I think Will listens to them.
"I like it," Bianca said with a loose shrug, nodding a bit.
"You think it works?"
"Yeah."
"It's not too tight?" Nico turned a bit in the mirror, noticing the lines of chest. When had his frame start to look like this? His front was smooth, hadn't he been chubby just yesterday? But that was middle school… Where did all the time go?
"Nah."
"You sure?"
"Dude, you're fine. Go put on pants and then we can argue."
Just as she finished what she was saying, Nico dropped his pants, standing in his boxers.
"Fucking really dude?" Bianca yelled as she turned around, arms crossed.
"Listen," Nico said, changing his pants, "I know mom made you change my dippers. Deal."
"Yeah, when you were, like, six months, not a fucking teenager, dude. You better not shit yourself still."
"Gross," Nico muttered as he zipped his fly. "Done."
Bianca turned around, looking a bit annoyed.
"See," she said, pointing to Nico in the mirror, "I told you it looks good. It shows off your chest. Guy's like that shit no matter gender."
"I guess."
There was a moment of silence between them as Nico just watched his reflection, the slight hum of the television downstairs playing from their parents.
"Not gonna lie," Bianca started, walking over to Nico's desk that was so messy, she wasn't sure if the pieces of schoolwork was from this year or the previous and grabbed a bracelet made of black beads, "when I thought I was going to get my brother ready for his first date, I didn't think it was going to be for a fake relationship that was going to end right after. Though, I'm not surprised it's with Will."
As Bianca smirked, Nico felt his ears grow warm, and while he knew glancing in the mirror would show his cheeks matching the heat, he was scared he would have to face himself again.
"Look," Bianca said, slipping the bracelet over his wrist and dusting off his shoulders, smiling, "I love you no matter how dumb this idea is. I respect and love you-" she paused, taking Nico's face in her hands, the two of them noticing how Nico had officially passed her in height (when had that changed? Things were happening too fast.) "But you are the biggest idiot I know."
As she muttered something in Italian, not really meant for Nico, just her own annoyance, she pulled his face down and kissed his forehead.
"Idiot."
Nico smiled.
Bianca ruffled his hair again, shaking her head, getting rough until Nico put his hands up to stop her.
"Hey! Bi-"
"You are so stupid."
"Fuck off!"
Both of them were laughing by the time Nico's phone started buzzing. Nico had to push his sister off him, just missing her hand that was flailing.
When he looks down, he noticed it was Will's name that popped up. It was a text telling him that he was outside. Bianca looked over his shoulder.
"Looks like it's time for you to go."
"This shirt really is okay?"
"Yes, Jesus fuck."
"Don't let mom hear you say that."
"Jesus can suck my dick."
Nico grabbed his chest in fake, dramatic hurt. His eyes were wide.
"How dare you, Bianca." His accent matched that of his mother, thick with a hatred of the English language. She always told them that Italian should be the way of the world and that she would rather die than have to speak her dying words in it. "You speak of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, like that."
"Eat shit."
"What shoes should I wear?"
"Converse obviously. They have less holes."
Nico nodded and made a small noise of understanding.
He ran over to his closet and threw a few things that had fallen from the hanger before pulling out an old pair of shoes from freshman year. They were scuffed and had some sharpie writing on them but they weren't that bad. He had gotten them back when he was going through this mini scene phase, but when his mom had enough of it, he forced him to shave his head, started to era of even-more socially awkward Nico.
As he slipped them on, he prayed they still fit. When they didn't feel too tight, he smiled and gave Bianca a thumbs up.
"Gucci."
"Is that even Italian?" Nico asked, tying the laces.
Bianca shrugged.
"Dunno, but you better hurry up. Will's a nice guy and I have no idea how he deals with you, so you better not keep him waiting."
"Will would wait to the end of time for me."
Bianca rolled her eyes, crossing her arms.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he actually did." Bianca's voice was low and mumbled. Nico pretended he didn't hear her but couldn't help but think about what she meant by that.
Nico grabbed his wallet that was half falling apart and his phone, shoving it in his back pocket before rushing to the front door. Bianca followed, leaning on the wall just out of sight of their parents.
As Nico was reaching for the door, his mother looked up.
"Where are you going, Nicolas."
Nico mentally cursed himself, thinking he should have snuck out through the back door.
"Just to hang with Will," he said, biting his cheek and forcing a smile. That last thing he needed was his mom to have any idea of what was going on.
"William," she cheered, straightening her back. Her face was bright but wrinkle with age. He knew his mother was beautiful, but he knew she was stunning in her youth. People always told him he looked like her when he was younger, but as he grew up, he started to look more and more like his father as his face sharpened. Bianca, on the other hand, was told she was just a young Maria di Angelo constantly by their uncles. "You know I enjoy that boy."
"He is a good one," Nico's father spoke, his voice deep and full of gravel.
"Yeah, and he's waiting for me."
"When will you be home, Nicolas?"
Nico shrugged.
"Dunno."
"Will you be home for supper?"
"Dunno."
For someone who hated English, she sure asked a lot of questions in it, Nico thought.
"Well," she said, shifting on the couch, "let me know if I have to set a plate for you."
He gave his mother a thumbs up as he reached for the doorknob.
"Have fun with Will, Nicky," Bianca coaxed him with a smirk. Nico flipped her off.
"Nicolas!"
"Bye!" And with that, he was out the door and heading to Will's car.
When he pulled on the handle, Will was on his phone. He shot his head up, eyes wide and bright, a smile as bright as the sun spreading across his face when he saw Nico. He huffed into the seat, deflating a bit once his but touched the seat.
"Coffee," was all he said.
Will smiled, shifting the car into drive.
"That bad?"
"Nicolas, where are you going? Nicolas, will you be home for supper? Nicolas, who are going out with? Nicolas," Nico intimidated his mother, using his hands to drive home his point. "Two seconds – I was downstairs for two seconds and I already have a headache."
"Well, Nicolas-"
"Call me Nicolas again and I will kill myself right here."
"-sounds like you really need coffee, then."
"You have no idea."
Will smiled as he pulled out, driving down his street as Nico continued to ramble about his parents.
See, being in Will's car was weird. It was a neutral ground for them to be. Just the two of them, sometimes the radio blaring as a sign of truce. It was a place where anything could happen, yet nothing ever did. Nico's shoulders relaxed as he ranted, forgetting the numbing feeling that was once resided in his stomach that morning.
When Will laughed, his whole body shook. Nico glanced over when he did and felt his chest tighten at the sight of the blond. It was a few minutes into the drive when Nico finally got a chance to take in the sight of Will. He was wearing the same outfit from the video – but the buttons were done up a bit.
That sucks.
Nico wanted to bash his head into the side of the window at that thought. He felt his face heat up as he tore his eyes away. Will had been effortlessly driving, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the door. The window was down and blowing his hair, and Nico couldn't take it.
When he got the strength to glance over, needing – dying to know how many buttons were actually unbuttoned, he felt like a creep letting his eyes glance over Will's body. The top two buttons were undone, his collar bones peaking out. They were dusted with freckles and Nico had to fight the thought of wanted to reach out and touch them, unbutton the shirt a bit more to see if they continued down.
He had seen Will shirtless before – they were best friends – but he couldn't, for the love of God, remember what he looked like.
He had been quiet for a little too long because Will glanced into his rearview mirror, tucking a stray hair behind his ear before speaking.
"You good?" he asked, glancing over with a goofy grin on his face. "Tired?"
Nico's mind short circuited for a moment before he managed to find an active thought.
"Uh – ah – Yeah." Nico managed the best smile he could when Will raised a brow before glancing out the window. "So," he cleared his throat when his voice cracked, "where are we going?"
"First, we're getting coffee cause your head seems to be in the clouds today." Nico shied a smiled as he felt like sinking in on himself, but his lack of jacket didn't allow for that. It would have been too hot for one anyways, but he was willing to suffer heat stroke for comfort.
Will told Nico about his dad's music and how sometimes in the middle of the night he hears random guitar playing from his room. He tells him about how every so often he'll hear cursing or cheering or straight up screaming followed by a soft sorry. Will theory is that his dad isn't used to writing music with other people in the house.
Nico's eyes couldn't help but watch Will's lips as he spoke. They were a little chapped on the bottom lip, but when Will licked them, Nico felt his breath hitch. He covered it with a cough and Will just laughed at him.
Will pulled into a Starbucks as Nico was unbuckling his seatbelt. They got out and headed inside.
"Like, I'm glad he's getting back into music, but was this how he was making it back then?"
Nico shrugged, a smile pulling at his lip as they waited in line.
"I think it's nice that he's getting back into the grove of things, y'know? He's been complaining about feeling like he's not doing enough for a while."
"I guess," Will sighed. He smiled as the lady at the cash welcomed them. "Hi, grande sweet cream cold brew, light ice, please."
"Okay and anything else?"
"Grande iced caramel macchiato with blond shots and oat milk, light ice."
"Alright."
"Blond shots?" Nico asked, squinting at it. He didn't do Starbucks much, but when he did it was with either Will, Piper, or Bianca, so he never really had to order for himself. He was still confused on half the things Will had just said.
"Trust me, much better than the normal espresso. Hey, didn't you say sometimes it tastes like cough syrup?"
Nico frowned. "Yeah."
"This should fix that."
"Your total will be eleven-twenty," she barista said. "How will you be paying."
Nico was about to pull out his wallet when Will shoved his hand away, scanning his phone app.
"Dude," Nico said as Will thanked her, pulling them over to the side, "what was that?"
"I'm not letting you buy coffee. I offered and this is me taking you on a date."
"Bitch."
"Besides," Will started as they leaned against the wall, waiting for their drinks, "it's the card my dad gave me. He's not gonna care if we put todays expenses on it."
"God," Nico sighed. "I can't get over how you can just buy whatever you want."
Will shrugged, running a head through his hair, his fingers pulling at a few knotted curls. For a second, Nico wondered what would happen if he reached up and did the same, wondering what Will would do if he pulled a little on his hair. It was a thought that instantly made Nico aware of his surroundings, hoping no one could read his mind.
"I don't know," he admitted, "it still feels kind of weird, you know? Like, it's unfair how I don't have to struggle financially just because of who my parents are. Like, I was born into this family. I was lucky."
Nico smiled.
"It's fine, you can pay for all my things and call it charity work if you want."
Will laughed with his whole body, the lines on his face wrinkling with his recovery.
"Okay, I can do that."
The two of them met each others' eyes, the laughter dying down into a soft, content smile between the two of them. There was a lump growing in Nico's throat as Will's lip turned upwards, his blue eyes searing holes into his mind. He wasn't sure he could handle Will staring at him like that.
"Cold brew and iced caramel macchiato for Will," a barista announced and Will tore his eyes away from Nico.
As he went over to grab their drinks, Nico had to take a minute to catch his breath that had seemingly failed him. He prayed his heart to slow and faked a smile the moment he saw Will. He would rather Will ask him why he's smiling so much than deal with the alternative.
"Here," Will said, passing Nico his drink. Their fingers brushed as the drink was passed. For a split second, Nico was sure he was going to drop it, but he caught it just in time. "Careful." Will gave him a wink as they headed back to the car, Nico's ears hot.
…..
They drove around for a bit, listening to the radio for approximately twenty seconds before Nico grabbed Will's phone and changed the music.
When the screaming came, Will smiled, glancing back over at Nico who was nodding his head, a light smile dusting his lips.
"What is this?" he asked over the noise. The music was loud and hard, and Will couldn't make out a single lyric. To be fair, there was an aggressive amount of moaning in the first five seconds of the song playing and he wasn't sure what any of it was.
"Leathermouth." Nico told him, tapping on the window frame. People must have thought they were crazy as the music was blaring and their windows were down. He sang along under his breath, and Will couldn't help but smile.
"Nico, your music taste concerns me sometimes."
He shrugged.
"You aren't the first one to say that."
After a few minutes and Nico changing the song to one called "I'm Going to Kill the President of the United States," he turned down the music.
"Where are we even going?" he asked, trying to figure out where they even were. He downed his drink in almost one go, giving will a look when he laughed at him, picking up his own coffee and stealing a sip. Will was right, it was so much better.
"You'll see," he told Nico with a wink. It was that wink that was going to be the death of him.
And Nico did see very soon. When Will turned onto a more dirt road just out of the city, he was instantly hit with he smell of popcorn. You could hear it before anything else.
It was a traveling carnival and it was in town for a few more nights before heading off somewhere else. It was daytime so the lights weren't really visible and there weren't that many people crowded already, but the sounds of carnival music and screaming sent a jolt through Nico's system.
"Will," was all he could say when he unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car.
Nico stared at it in awe. It had been so long since he had last been to a carnival. His mother used to take him and Bianca all the time when they were in middle school, give them loads of sugar and let them tire themselves out before heading home and crashing. Bianca would force him on roller coasters despite how scared Nico was. Now, he was going to b-line straight to the biggest one he could find and force Will to go on with him.
"I thought you would enjoy it," he said, locking the car and shoving his keys in his back pocket.
"You thought?" Nico could barely form words. Nico couldn't help but feel his feet want to bounce him up and down like a child, but he did everything he could to hold back.
In this moment, he was a child again. The world was bigger and brighter, everything tasted like cotton candy – "Can we get cotton candy?" – and he prayed for the sun to never fall – for the moon to never rise.
"Yes, we can."
Nico made a noise between a shout and a cheer as he rushed forward, but before he could get any further, Will grabbed him by his wrist.
"No, you don't," he said as he pulled Nico close, slipping his hand into his. "I will lose you if I let you run off."
The smile on Will's face as he tucked a piece of hair from Nico's face behind his ear was enough to make him think that he was going to be sick – no, scratch that. It was enough to make him feel like he was already on the roller coaster – and he was afraid they wouldn't let him off.
The morning had only begun and Nico could fear his sanity slowly slipping. The world was melting away from him as Will's fingers laced with his, each space between his fingers becoming aggressively more aware of the lack of room.
"Jerk," he managed to say, ducking his head and turning to walk towards the carnival to hide his blush creeping down his neck at this point. He hoped it looked like the start of a bad sunburn. (Despite the fact they had been in the car for 90% of the time)
Will hummed and ran his thumb over Nico's had as they headed in to find the ticket booth. Nico led the two of them despite having no idea where he was going. It was what he needed to distract from the pressure building in his throat. Did he want to cry?
After circling around a few times, Will had been the one to spot the booth, motioning with his head for Nico to follow. He was going to no matter what as he was dead set on not being the one to unlink their hands. It was a date, after all.
"Two day-passes," Will said, letting go of Nico's hand to grab his wallet. As much as Nico hated it, he was painfully aware of just how cold his hand had gotten without Will's touch. It lingered for a moment before he finally felt all the heat dissipated.
"Oh, I am so making you ride the roller coaster more than once," Nico said, grinning.
Will looked a little scared as he smiled back, hesitant at first.
"I really hate roller coasters."
"Too bad."
Will shook his head and thanked the man who handed them their wrist passes. Will put his wallet away and handed Nico his. Nico struggled for a moment, trying to get it on one-handed. After cursing under his breath, Will smiled softly and grabbed it.
"Here."
"I can do it myself," Nico retaliated but Will just ignored him.
"I bet you can."
Nico shook his head and pouted, looking anywhere but at Will. His ears were hot and his wrist remembered ever graze of Will's fingers against his sink. A part of him wanted to grab Will's hand and pull him close. But he thought against it.
"There," the blond spoke softly, flicking the wristband. "Now, want to help me put mine on?"
Nico rolled his eyes but grabbed it, making quick work.
"Done," he muttered, slapping Will's hand to try and show that he didn't care.
"My hero."
"Eat shit."
He knew he was being mean, but he didn't trust himself to do anything else. He was never good with his own emotions. Whenever him and Bianca would get into fights, Nico always made sure he had the last say and would never apologize first.
It was the same with Will. He would call him names and make fun of him, saying a bunch of things he didn't mean. And there were times he was scared he had gone to far, but the thing about Will is that he was one of five people who understood him. He knew he wasn't being rude, that was just his way of communicating.
And in that moment, the only way he knew how to handle the building pressure in his chest was to deflect on to him.
Will didn't care what Nico called him, so he slipped his hand back into Nico's and they headed towards the first ride.
Will had managed to avoid the roller coaster a few times, convincing Nico the line was too long or that this next ride was just the perfect choice. He even managed to buy some time by getting him the cotton candy he wanted.
As much as Nico cursed him, he managed to get him on the strawberries, and then the teacups following.
"Okay, Solace," Nico said, stopping and turning to his fake boyfriend, "You have made every ride choice up until now, my turn."
"Nico," Will whined. It was cute on him even though it shouldn't have been. He was over six foot, in a soft button down that was tucked into a pair of jeans that fit him a little too well. But as he pouted and swung the arm connected to Nico's, it took every inch of (anti) will power to say no.
"No. I don't care how much you beg; I am forcing you to go on it."
"Okay, but–" Will looked around before letting his gaze fall back to the younger man in front of him. "–you have to go on the swings with me after."
"Deal." Anything to get Will scared shitless and screaming. (File that last thing under 'thoughts Nico wished he could have un-thought') He didn't care for the swings – thought they were tedious, but if it meant roller coaster, he was in.
Will huffed a sigh and Nico dragged him into the cue for the ride.
Will had been right earlier, the lines had been too long, but this time, they got there at the perfect time. They only waited about three minutes for it to finish up before they got strapped into their seats. The entire time, Will was complaining, commenting how the human body wasn't build for this kind of stuff.
Nico told him he was overreacting, saying this is nothing compared to astronauts. That didn't help as Will pointed out humans weren't even meant to go into space, either.
"You're thinking too much into it."
"I don't think you're thinking at all."
"Shut up."
"Make me."
Before Nico could register what Will had even said, the ride hitched forward and Will let out a spew of curse words Nico wasn't even sure he knew. There were definitely a few choice words he never heard come out of his mouth, and Nico was surprised on how well they fit. Will didn't curse much but it did sound good on him.
While Nico was having the time of his life, Will, on the other hand, swore he had one foot in the grave. He was screaming the entire time, and if Nico wasn't having so much fun watching him freak out while feeling the wind through his hair, he would have noticed Will's death grip on his thigh that didn't move the entire time.
Nico screamed in joy while Will screamed in terror, cursing Nico and praying to get off this ride alive.
When they finally came to a stop, Nico's heart was racing and he wanted to go again. Will looked like he was about to pass out. His eyes had been closed the entire time and he still had a grip on Nico. There was only a moment to process the touch before the ride operator came over to lift the bar that was holding them in.
The entire time Will muttered how unsafe these rides were, acting like the entire carnival idea wasn't his in the first place.
"C'mon," Nico pushed, hitting his shoulder as he stood, "let's get going so we can get on your pansy ride." As Nico stood, he felt the faint heat of Will's hand that had been gripping his thigh, the thought of the placement made his breath hitch.
"The swings, for your information," he started, stumbling as he tried to gain balance, "are very enjoyable. My mother used to take me on them all the time back when I was younger."
"You've probably been able to ride them since you were eight, you fucking giant."
Will make a fake pout as he managed to regain his balance. "Fuck you. I actually was a really short middle schooler."
"That feels fake, but okay."
Will rolled his eyes and took Nico's hand. "I actually only cracked five-five in grade eight. Hard to believe, I know."
"I refuse to believe there was a time you were shorter than me. You were born, like, five feat tall."
Will winced then laughed. Nico couldn't help but stare.
"That would be painful."
As they stood in line, Will still trying to regain his breath from feeling like he was dying, Nico checked his phone really quick. He hadn't noticed but him and Will had been there for almost four hours. He had a text from his sister and something from Piper.
Bi(tch)
2:45
I hope youre having fun.
Moms been losing her mind for the past two hours.
She keeps complaining that olive garden is an example of Italian culture appropriation.
I don't think she knows what that word means
I don't think she does honestly
and things are going good on my end
Stop texting me and enjoy your date you dumb bitch
U TEXTED ME FIRST
FUCK YOU
Will says hi
HI BIANCA
(that was Will)
Hi Will
Tell your brother hes an asshole
-Will
He already knows that
Hey!
Fuck you
Hes just mad I made him go on the rollercoaster
You know I hate rollercoasters (Will)
Deal with it
I see you two are having fun
Im gonna let you go.
Ill keep you updated on the olive garden debate
Have fun and keep me updated
Have fun
Will do
BYE BI!
That was Will
I could guess
Nico shoved his phone back into his pocket before Will could continue to text his sister. Will and Bianca got along really well, almost too well at times. There had even been a moment when they first became friends that Nico swore Will had a crush on her.
When Nico had asked, Will had blinked a couple of times before bursting out into laughter. With tears in his eyes, Will told him that she was just a cool, older sister to him and that the thought of liking her was just off putting. From there on, he always joked about it, making obviously bad passes at her.
"You're going to love the swings," Will spoke as he leaned into Nico's ear. When Will's breath brushed the hair on the back of his neck, Nico felt a shock race through his body. For a second, he though it was just shivers, but there was another thought that both screamed to get away and another one that begged for Will to do it again.
All Nico managed to do was make a noise in the back of his throat. It wasn't of mocking or agreement; it was just whatever he could muster without letting his voice fail him. He let out a shaky breath when Will pulled away, his thumb running mindlessly over the back of his hand. This blond was going to be the death of him.
When they reached the front of the line, they flashed their passes and Will was the first to rush off, dragging Nico along with him. For a moment, Nico was sure he was about to trip, but Will was laughing as he raced to a pair of seats, letting go to buckle himself into the inner seat.
"The outer seats the best," he pointed out, swinging mindlessly as Nico slowly took his seat.
"They why didn't you take it, dumbass?"
"Because," he started, smiling his heart-melting smile, his blue eyes glowing, "I need you to see how amazing this ride is."
Nico's heart pounded in his chest as he buckled himself in. His hands were a bit shaky as he gripped the chain, but even with his knuckles turning white, Will thankfully didn't notice.
The ride operator came around and checked everyone's seat to make sure they were buckled in before the went over and started the ride. There was a jolting start forward before the ride slowly started to pick up. Will smiled as his feat dragged along the grass, his legs ever too long. He raised them and leaned back.
Nico couldn't help but smile as he kicked his legs out, the swing starting to sway side to side. It took a couple of rounds for the seats to really start lifting, but as they did, Nico couldn't help the grin breaking out wide.
The wind was in his hair and whipping his face. The sun was behind a few clouds so it wasn't blinding. When Nico looked over at Will, his hair was being thrown all over the place, the smile on how sun-kissed face as wide as ever.
Will looked over at him and beamed.
"Isn't this fun?" he asked. By then they were already several feat in the air and the speed kept picking up.
As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was having a wonderful time. He felt like he was in a movie – that he was flying. "Yeah."
Will put his hands out, feeling the wind race all around him. Nico did the same and he felt light. He felt like everything in the world made sense. Will let out a yell, something that could be compared to a battle cry, but it was nothing but pure excitement.
Nico followed him, letting his body feel free.
As they spun around, the wind slapping them in the face, making them forget about every issue they could have, about the fake dating. As Nico forgot for the moment that after this, things would never be the same, Will reached out.
It was a simple gesture, but Nico's arm was out, reaching for him also, before he could even think. As they swung their seats a bit in mid air, they managed to grab a hold of each others hand, practically flying.
Nico didn't feel real. This moment wasn't real. In that moment, he was infinite, and Will was the only limit.
"I love you, dude!" Will cried out, followed by a scream of joy. He was laughing and his face was bight.
Nico's heart stopped. There was nothing else in this world that could compare to where he was. Some people might be getting married, giving birth to their first child. Someone somewhere was having their lifelong dream come through, but in that exact moment, Nico was the luckiest.
"I love you, too!" he screamed. It was for his excitement. It was for the thrill. It was for his best friend.
When Nico looked up, he swore he could touch the sky, and he didn't care if he looked silly, he tried. Even if nothing was in his grasps, he knew he still held a part of it.
They continued to laugh and smile at one another for the rest of the ride, and when their feet touched the ground, Nico could feel his pulse in his throat and he didn't want it to calm down. He wiped the tears that had formed in his eyes from the wind and stumbled over to Will.
The blond caught him, holding his shoulders as they fumbled their way back to the carnival grounds, leaning on one another, giggling after a few moments of silence.
"I told you it wasn't that bad," Will nudged him, smiling when he met the relaxed gaze of his younger friend. His eyes were a warm mix of endless brown, the flex of green around the irises, shining.
"That was the lamest ride I've ever been on." Nico rubbed his eyes and pushed his hair out of his face. His curls had tiny knots in them that he tugged at as he ran his fingers through them.
"But you had fun." Will knocked his side, causing Nico to topple a bit before leaning back into Will's side. He started laughing again.
"So fucking much."
Will took his hand and pulled him over to a booth that was selling various food items, the smell alone was enough to make Nico's mouth water. He hadn't realised how hungry he was until he eyed the menu up, wanting everything twice over.
As he looked the entire stand up and down, he was brought back to his surroundings when Will passed him a candy apple as well as a bottle of water.
"Finish it all," he said as he gestured the water.
Nico rolled his eyes and took a sip, downing almost the entire thing by the time he was finished. He added thirsty to the list of things he didn't realise he was.
Will smiled as he looked up at him, giving a sly smile. Will's brows shot up as he reached for the bottle, finishing it off in one go. Will tossed it in the recycling as they headed towards the game booths. Nico noticed he had a bag of mini donuts and reached over to grab one. The blond let him.
"This shit is like crack," Nico mumbled, mouth full as he chewed.
"Cover you mouth," Will teased, tossing one into his mouth.
"Fuck you."
They continued to walk until Nico looked over at the Faris wheel. It was a decently tall one, but it looked so boring during the daytime. "I bet your lame ass is going to make us go on the Faris wheel."
Will smiled as he swallowed.
"Now who do you take me as? While the Faris wheel is a staple for dates, I wouldn't be caught dead taking you on one in the daytime." Will shrugged. "That's why we have day passes, we're coming back at night."
"Damn," Nico said with a slight nervous chuckle, looking around trying to seem cool, "you really have this all figured out."
Will smiled. "It's a gift."
As Nico furrowed his brows, Will grabbed Nico's wrist that was holding the candied apple and brought it up to his mouth, stealing a bite.
"Hey!"
Will smirked as he licked his lips, face about an inch closer than Nico could handle with such short notice.
God, Will's eyes were so blue. And they were so close. The flecks of green that were hidden around Will's irises that were only visible when his pupils were small reflected the flashing carnival lights from behind Nico. They had a mysterious dark blue ring around them that made them feel almost sunken; 3D. the left one was three shades darker than the right, hardly noticeable, but Nico noticed.
Nico watched as his pupils dilatated with a wink before smiling, the small gap in his teeth that never really fully recovered from his years of braces making an appearance.
Will bit his tongue as he pulled away, running his hand through his air, pulling at the small knots. He looked around before grabbing Nico's hand, pulling him towards the games.
The two of them spent the next hour shooting water guns, throwing darts, and cursing when the other would win.
"C'mon, Will," Nico grumbled, folding his arms. "You're gonna go broke before you actually win a big prize."
"Shut up, I got this."
Nico rolled his eyes and leaned his hip on the ledge.
"You know, you can't actually win the big prices. Like, the carneys would get fired if they gave them out."
"What about those people walking around holding them?" Will smirked, as if he just landed the finishing move in a game of chess.
"Paid actors or they straight up pay for them." Nico's tone was matter-of-fact-ly.
Will looked over at Nico with a furrowed brow, trying to see if he was joking before looking over at the barely-20-year-old who was picking at his nails.
"Your boyfriend's right," he said, eyes blank.
Will straightened his back, frowning a little bit before shrugging.
"I still think it's fun to shoot milk bottles either way."
Nico couldn't believe how much of an optimist Will was. And he was acutely aware of how much his heart picked up when the game operator called Will his boyfriend.
"You're such a fucking dork," Nico said as Will shot a bottle down, cheering. He rolled his eyes when Will gave him a toothy grin.
"But I'm your dork," he said, aiming at another bottle and shooting, barely missing, "and you love me."
"I'm really starting to regret that now."
After a few more minutes of shooting – and rolling his eyes so much he swore he was going to get vertigo – Will walked away with a decently sized Bulbasaur plushy.
"Was it really worth it?"
"Every cent."
As the grounds were becoming more and more congested with teenagers and families, they started to head over to the car.
Nico couldn't stop thinking about how much fun he was having, and not just because it was a fake date meant to be "perfect," as Will would put it. He missed just hanging out with the blond.
Since the start of their junior year, it had been harder and harder to get out and do things with his friends. The last time Nico had hung out with the entire group had been months ago, only preceded by his own birthday. (Which he groveled about because he hated making a big deal out of it).
With senior year just around the corner, and all their friends figuring out what college they wanted to attend and where to go after grad, Nico was scared things would fall apart. He knew his group would always be close, even if they don't speak for months, but it's one thing saying it won't happen and then actually experiencing it.
Will had his dream of going to medical school, and he spent a lot of time focusing on his studies to make that happen. When Nico joked about him taking a year off to travel with him, Will had laughed along, shaking his head.
"It's a competitive program," he had explained.
Nico just waved it off, saying he would miss out because him and Piper were going to live it up in France.
But as time passed along and things started to become real, things had settled into the cracks where their futures would lie. Will was already looking into taking summer classes to get electives out of the way for credits so his workload would be easier. Jason had applied to study psychology somewhere in California, his acceptance letter coming in just a few weeks ago. And Piper said that she's going to community college before deciding if she really wanted to study law.
Even Hazel and Frank had been shopping around earlier in the year to where they wanted to go.
It was hard, and being with Will, forgetting about the deadlines made it a little more bearable.
Nico had no idea what he wanted. For the longest part, he wasn't even sure he would make it to graduation. It was a deep, growling voice that spoke in the back of his mind, taunting him as it spoke. It would whisper that he would never graduate, never make it that far. That he would flunk out. That he would be a disappointment. And the worst of it all, every once in a while, on particularly dark nights, its claws would burry themselves into his brain, slowly ripping him apart from the inside out, bleeding him dry.
These nights, Nico believed full-heartedly that he would not live to see eighteen.
This voice was planted by the monstrous caricature of his paster, festering into something with a mind of his own the more he went against his family, still being clawed back in every Sunday. It was the same voice that prevented him from throwing away the mahogany rosery that was shoved under his bed from childhood. He had tried to throw it away countless times – even bringing it to the annual bonfire at Frank's – but every time he had gotten close, like it was fire itself, burning into his hand, he couldn't. Maybe it was the fear of being condemned or the thought that it would curse him that stopped him – or maybe it was self-hatred he carried around that convinced him that one day he could change.
But in the end, Nico had no plans for the future, and he had gotten by thinking he wasn't the only one. But now they were all older, they were no longer young and naïve. Next year, they would all have to make a choice and follow through, and Nico wasn't sure he was ready to do that.
Will must had noticed Nico's mind wondering off somewhere it shouldn't have been because the next thing Nico knew was his hand being squeezed and those bright blue eyes were meeting his own.
Nico smiled in return, squeezing Will's hand back, shifting his body to shake the feeling that as crawling up his spine.
As they headed towards the car, they were stopped by a voice saying, "Oh, my God. Is that Will Solace?"
Will stopped and looked over at two young teens who were staring at the two of them, Nico dropping Will's hand in reflex.
With a flash of a smile, Will waved.
"Hi, yeah."
The two teens' eyes grew wide as they broke out into wide grins.
The taller one had braces and bright blue hair that was staring to fade into a seafoam green at the roots, about an inch of grow out showing. Their outfit was a mismatch of thrift store and Hot Topic, with ripped fishnets double layered over one another and loudly coloured shoes. The shorter one had a button-up tucked into a pair of high waisted jeans with holes in the knees, half dyed hair that was shaped into a shag, faded pink.
Will would strike up a conversation with the man holding him hostage if he could, so it didn't surprise him when he walked over to them to talk.
"I follow you on TikTok," said the one with pink hair, grinning as Will shook their hand.
"Thank you," Will spoke genuinely. Someone in that instance (Nico) would probably have been awkward, cracked a joke, pretended it wasn't them, or would have just been straight up rude, but not Will.
"This is so cool," they managed to say, their voice raising an octave. "I'm Lavinia."
"Nice to meet you, Lavinia." Will almost introduced himself, but realised that they already knew who he was. The two teens simply laughed along.
As they were speaking, the taller teen looked over at Nico who had fallen awkwardly behind.
"Aren't you Nico?" the other one asked, their voice low as if they weren't entirely sure.
Nico looked up and slowly nodded, his hands finding his pockets interesting. He walked over and landed at Will's side.
"You… know me?" he asked, more to Will for clarification as to why.
"Obviously," Lavinia said. "Dude, you are so funny. Literally part of the reason we follow Will."
There was the heat Nico was hoping would hold out creeping onto his cheeks.
"People love you, Neeks," Will spoke gently, nudging him with his elbow.
"Like," the taller one started – he didn't get their name and he thought it was too late to ask – "we love your content, Will, don't get us wrong."
"It's hilarious," Lavinia interrupted.
"But some of our favourites are with Nico."
"I don't blame you," Will said, glancing over at Nico with a glimmer in his eyes and smile pulling on his lips. "My favorite TikToks have him in them, too."
"That's gay," Nico muttered under his breath.
"Is it okay if we get a picture?" Lavinia asked, nervously pulling out their phone.
Will beamed as he nodded.
"Of course!"
Nico took a step back as the two of them crowded Will. He looked around for a second before he noticed Lavinia's brows scrunched up and they were facing him.
"I was kind of hoping you would be in it, too," they admitted in a gingered tone.
For a moment, Nico failed to realise what they had said before it finally clicked.
Oh.
Oh.
They wanted him in their photo as well. They were a fan of his.
That was a weird thought. Someone Nico had no idea who they were knowing him by name and face. And liking him enough to want a photo with him, despite being a complete stranger.
"Oh," Nico managed to say. "Um." He walked up beside Will, trying everything to avoid Will's amused smirk that he was aiming towards him.
They all huddled up close as the taller teen – who's name Nico was trying so hard to remember, but he swore was on the tip of his tongue – held their phone out, making a peace sign with their other hand.
Nico did the same thing, too, but his was more out of nervousness and unsure of what to do with his hands. Will's arm was now wrapped around his shoulder – Bulbasaur was now resting on the ground – and Nico prayed his blush wasn't visible in the photo.
Once the photo was taken, Will spoke to them for a few more seconds before he told they were on their way out and had to go. Will waved as they walked on, Nico taking the plush in his arms to counter act his nerves and growing heartbeat.
"Someone has fans," Will teased as he unlocked the car, Nico giving him a dead look from the other side, opening the door without breaking eye contact.
"Fuck you."
Will laughed as he pulled his door open, Nico already tossing the plush into the backseat and taking his own.
"I'm serious," he said, closing the door as Nico buckled his seat belt, reaching for Will's phone the moment he pulled it out of his pocket.
6426, Nico typed, opening Will's phone and pulling up Spotify.
"You're really funny and I think everyone should know how cool you are."
Nico rolled his eyes as Will started the car.
"I don't know, man. The thought of people knowing who I am when I have no clue who they are is so weird."
Will frowned. "Do you want me to stop posting TikTok's with you in them?" There was a hint of sadness to it.
"No," Nico said in a flat tone. "I'm the best part about your account. Some one had to carry your fan base. Dude, you have Grimes on here?"
Will shrugged, trying to hide his smile. "I like her."
"She's a class traitor. Anyways." Nico's voice was interrupted by the sound of Fall Out Boy blaring gout of the speakers. Nico reached over and turned up the volume as the first lyrics started.
"Am I more than you bargained for yet?!" Nico screamed, pointing at Will. The blond laughed the entire time as he backed out of the parking lot, watching Nico out of the corner of his eye when he had the chance.
Nico was a pretty good singer for all things considered. And Will thought himself a good judge of character in that aspect, considering his parents. He told Nico a few times he had an amazing voice, but the younger man would just shrug.
He grew up singing in his churches choir with his sister when he was younger, even managing to land a few solos before he decided he hated the entire act of standing in front of people and belting his little heart out. Like a lot of things in his life, it was religion that ruined another thing in his life that at one point he quite enjoyed and now he feels a twinge of guilt whenever he does so, like he's using his voice for the wrong reasons.
Nico wasn't sure where they were headed, Will keeping everything under lock and key, but he enjoyed the time out with the blond. They music was loud and obnoxious, the windows were down and the wind was slapping their hair all over the place, and there wasn't a care in the world that could touch Nico.
Will had driven them a little bit out of the city, taking a few side roads until Nico could see where they were.
Despite the trees shaping the world around them on every side, he could make out the rock formations and the endless blue in between the leaves.
Nico's lips couldn't help but twitch into a smile as he tried to get a better view. He was half tempted to stick his damn head out the window like a dog before the forest cleared away, revealing the shoreline.
The sun was bouncing off the waves that rolled in from the ocean, crashing against the rocks when they didn't make it to the sandy shore. There were a few people lining the beach, but for the most part, it was abandoned.
Will pulled over into a clearing where two other cars were parked, the car not even shut off before Nico had his seatbelt unbuckled and was out of the vehicle.
When Will got out, he leaned on the roof of his car, watching his younger friend.
Nico took in a deep breath, closing his eyes. Even with it being after mid day, the sun was still high in the sky, blaring and unforgiving.
"Let's go," Will said, locking the door before shoving his eyes into his pocket. He reached his hand out and Nico took it without a second thought. He was getting used to the warmth of Will's touch.
As they walked down to the shoreline, Will abandoned his shoes and socks, holing them in his hand as he rolled up the hem of his already rolled jeans. They came to just above his calf when Nico followed suit.
They carried their shoes in one hand, each other in the other as they walked through the cream-coloured sand. When you looked closely, it had flecks of blue and red in veins, running with the look of the tides.
The two of them made idle conversation as they made their way up and down the beach, every so often one of them would pick up a shell to show the other. At one point, they had set their shoes down and started kicking water at each other, the bottom of their pantlegs soaked from the crashing of the shore.
It was Nico that made the first kick. Will had been staring out at the sea and he wanted to catch him off guard. Will was quick to follow, though, and kicked back. Nico had taken this as a challenge, abandoning their handholding to chase off into the ocean, forcing Will to follow if he wanted to return the favour after he made a bigger kick.
Will's shirt was getting swept up by the wind and now was splattered in salt water, but Nico's wasn't any better.
It was when they were sending waves at one another did things reach the climax. Will had chased Nico through the shoreline, managing to catch him when he tripped, laughing to hard to make proper haste. The blond had grabbed him from behind, pulling him into a hug, swinging him around.
Nico managed to squirm out, twisting until he faced Will. He grabbed onto Will's shirt and bicep as they teetered for balance. Will's arms tightened across his midsection, holding the smaller man close to him. There was a fit of laughter that slowly died down, breathing heavy as they caught their breath.
The definition of happy is, "felling or showing pleasure or contentment; fortunate and convenient." For all sakes of the word, Nico was happy. He was happy to be in the middle of no where, to be on the shoreline, to be wrapped up in Will's arms; Nico was happy to be with Will.
When the moment of laughter had passed, the air full of salt and joy, Nico could feel his heart rate refuse to calm, even if the rest of his body did.
Will's grip was firm yet gentle. He didn't feel like he was going anywhere, but he also knew if he wanted to, Will would let him back away without resistance.
His eyes, oh his eyes.
See, the sea was beautiful. The sky and the sun reflected off of the water nicely, but Will's eyes? They could tell you everything Nico was seeing and more. Blue isn't an easy colour to find naturally, and Nico was sure it was because some god had stolen it all to put into his eyes.
Nico took in a deep breath as he closed his eyes, resting his forehead on Will's chest. He took in the blond's scent. He let it fill his nostrils and didn't feel embarrassed to do so. The wind rustled his hair and he felt a shiver strike up his spine as the water on his legs gave him a chill.
Will's heartbeat was clear as day in his ears. He felt the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed slowly. Nico could keep time with the pounding, wanting to memorize it and live his life in the time signature that was lulling him.
He could stay there forever. In Will's arms. At the beach. In a perfect world, this is where he would stay. Thing's were becoming clear to him, something he refused to allow for most of the day, but in that moment, he wanted this date to be real. Everything about it needed to be real.
But as luck would have it, before he saw himself communicating this dreadful – wonderfully dreadful thought out loud, a wave crashed the shore, a lot higher than the ones that had been running through previously. It smacked against their thighs and brought them out of their hold, the two of them jumping further back with a yell.
They laughed and screamed as they ran back, grabbing their shoes and taking a look at themselves. They weren't soaked, but they were for sure wet.
"Let's head back," Will said, nodding his head towards the car.
They weren't at the beach long, but when they went back to the car, it had easily been over an hour.
Nico had grabbed a few shells they had found and thought were cool, and he brought them back to the car. As Will headed back the way they came – one of the cars that had been there previously was now gone – Nico shifted through them, taking a closer look before dusting them off.
Will apologized for not bringing towels but Nico didn't care. Also, it was Will's car and if he didn't want damp seats and sand, he wouldn't have risked bringing them here.
Nico was starting to feel the adrenaline of the day wear off, his energy coming to a lull as they headed back into the city, this time the music wasn't blaring. The day wasn't even close to being finished and he would have been content calling it.
A/N:
There's a lot of little references in this chapter to personal pjo things in my life that i always thought were kind of funny. (ten points if anyone can get Will's password).
I thought I would drop my Tumblr here: Icravestrawberryflavoureddeath
If u wanna get ahold of me or whatever, that's usually the best place involving fandom.
Please leave me ur comments, they make this all the worth while. (I also love hearing ur theories on what's to come.)
Kitty