They lay on a checkered picnic blanket, Nico and Will. The sun shone high and bright overheard, visible for the first time in weeks. The sky was a calm azure, dotted with wispy clouds.
"The sun feels nice," said Will. His fingers found Nico's.
Nico glanced over at him without lifting his head from the blanket. Will had his eyes closed, and gravity had tugged his hair away from his forehead, making him appear younger. Vulnerable.
"You're like a plant," murmured Nico. He didn't much care for the sun, but it felt nice to lay beside Will on the grass.
"A plant?"
"Yeah. It's like you're photosynthesizing."
Will laughed and rolled over onto his side, burying his face in the crook between Nico's chin and shoulder. Nico tried not to giggle—but god, it tickled.
"Will, stop," complained Nico, pretending to sound offended.
Will laughed again, the sound echoing against Nico's neck. This time, Nico did laugh.
"Jesus Christ, guys, I'm right here."
Nico sat up, pulling Will with him. Reyna sat beside them on the picnic blanket, wearing circular sunglasses and a look of utmost irritation.
"Sorry," said Will sheepishly, though his hand snaked its way around Nico's waist.
Reyna shook her head. "I can't go anywhere with you two. It's like you forget I'm here."
"I'm sorry that our affections disturb you," said Will in a ridiculous posh accent. He kissed Nico on the cheek. Reyna pretended to throw up.
Will's phone buzzed. He took it out and glanced at the screen. A frown tugged his lips downward.
"Roommate?" asked Nico.
Will looked over at him, surprise on his face.
"How did you—?"
"Well, every time you get a text and you look upset, it's from your roommate," said Nico, keeping his voice perfectly even though nervousness had begun a steady rhythm in his stomach.
Will sighed and put his phone back in his pocket.
"What happened between you two?" Nico continued. He was shocked by his own daring. Usually he never interfered in other's personal affairs. That's why he found it so irksome that Jason was always involving himself in his own business.
Reyna shifted uncomfortably.
"I don't think it's that important…" began Will. He glanced over at Reyna as if searching for back up. Reyna wouldn't meet his eyes.
"It is important," said Nico. "If it's making you upset, I want to know what it is."
Will took a deep breath, letting his eyes rest on his lap, away from Nico.
"Well…my roommate actually used to be my boyfriend," said Will.
"Oh," said Nico. He wasn't sure why those words hurt so much. Why was it surprising that Will had dated other people? Of course he would have. Of course…
"And we were still together when he left for Australia," continued Will. His voice was getting quieter and quieter. "But when I realized that I liked you, I broke up with him."
Nico couldn't believe it.
"What?"
Will looked up at him. There was a fragile look in his blue eyes.
"And he didn't take it well. We'd been dating for about a year…"
"Wait. Hold up." Nico's blood was pounding through his veins quicker than he could keep up. None of what Will was saying made any sense. "You left him for me?"
"Yeah," said Will. "It's not that big of a deal. It'd been coming on for weeks…"
Reyna had feigned a sudden interest in the grass.
"You shouldn't have left him for me," said Nico quietly. He felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest.
Will took his hand again, looking at him imploringly.
"Nico, I had to. And it's fine. This happens. People grow apart."
Nico wanted to believe him. But all he could think about was himself in that position, halfway across the world, Will breaking up with him for someone else.
"You gotta admit, it was a little screwed up," said Reyna, contributing to the conversation at last.
Will shook his head, blonde curls bouncing. He met Nico's eyes again. His irises seemed to be glowing with determination.
"Nico, I understand that this might sound bad. But I only did it because I knew that if I didn't, it would drive me crazy. We're on good terms now, I swear. Things have just been weird because he's coming back for a little while…"
Nico let his eyes flicker shut. He should have known that this was too good to be true. God, what if they met?
Will's hands were on his elbows.
"Nico, say something."
Nico opened his eyes, looking directly at Will. In his mind he traced a pattern across Will's freckles. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Will, not now that he was finally his. Not now that he finally belonged somewhere.
"It's fine," said Nico, his words sounding hollow. "I'm not happy about it, but we'll figure it out."
Will kissed his nose lightly.
Nico barely managed to hide his frown.
Hey guys! I'm so happy that you're enjoying the story so far. I've been working on it for so long that it's so cool to finally be able to share it with the world. This is where the plot starts to thicken, so stay tuned! Also, I thought it'd be really cool if anyone wanted to draw some scenes from the story? That'd be amazing. I'm feverfooted on tumblr, so you can find me there (I'd love to talk to you guys too, so you should drop by!) Thanks for sticking with my story!
-Sid