After finishing The Sun and the Star, I just couldn't get the idea for this story out of my head. Even a whole book about Nico and Will wasn't enough, they both deserve all the stories in the world! I also think that the ending could have been a little longer, it was over so soon after they returned from their quest. Since I also love Apollo ever since I read ToA, I had to include him in this. In one chapter, it was mentioned that Will thought he might never see his father again. That made me really sad, considering how determined Apollo was to remember after his trials (and besides, only weeks passed after the Tower of Nero, so maybe Will was just having too little faith in his dad, after all).

I hope you like this story, please let me know, that would be amazing!

The title of the work was inspired by the song 'Will You Be There for Me' by Take That.

I don't own the characters or places!

Will had strange dreams. He saw his mother, back before he'd come to Camp Half-Blood for the first time. They were travelling together and somehow, he knew that they were in Los Angeles. His mother said something to another person and it took Will a moment to realize that he looked at his younger self. His blond hair was a little lighter than it was now and his skin wasn't that tanned from the sun, but the blue eyes were still the same. Whatever his mother said made him laugh and he wondered what they'd been talking about. Whatever it was, it was lost in his memories now.

Then the scene shifted and he found himself on a battlefield. The battle of Manhattan, it was easy to see that. Especially since he remembered that day so well. How he'd tried to save as many people as possible, only to realize in the end that he couldn't help everyone. That he wasn't strong enough for that. This time, however, he also noticed something which he didn't give much thought to back then. A small, skinny boy with pale skin and dark hair. He was fighting with a large sword in his hands, looking as if he was born for this. Which he was, in a way.

Another change and this time, he found himself in the infirmary at Camp Half-Blood, watching the same boy look around in search for bandages. He was older now, handsome, even. His hair was longer and the features of his face more defined. His dark eyes made him look quite mysterious, if not even a little dangerous. Before Nico could notice that Will was watching him, he turned away quickly and tried to look busy with a few herbs he'd collected in the morning. What he didn't know back then was that the son of Hades was fully aware of Will's secret stares.

Then he saw himself at Camp Half-Blood, walking around restlessly. Only a few days ago, his father Apollo, who'd fallen from Olympus and had to restore his oracles in the form of the mortal Lester Papadopoulos, had left with Leo Valdez and Calypso. Will felt uneasy, knowing that his dad was on a quest. Or rather on a row of very dangerous trials that had nearly cost him his life more than once. He knew that he was in good company with Leo, but Will couldn't help feeling uneasy anyway. Especially after Meg McCaffrey had betrayed Apollo because of Nero, her stepfather and also a Roman emperor. "What are you doing here all alone?" A voice behind Will asked and he turned around to see Nico leaning against a tree, his hands buried in the pockets of his jacket. His eyes were narrowed slightly and Will could tell that he was worried. "He'll come back, you shouldn't doubt that. After all, he's Apollo." Even after everything that happened, Nico said it as if it was a fact. Which wasn't even true, Will knew that. Because his dad had lost most of his powers. Nevertheless, he felt himself relax at Nico's words. When he smiled at him, Will closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, grateful not to be alone.

The rather peaceful dream didn't last long. Because soon, everything was overshadowed by images of Tartarus. Even if they'd just returned, all of Will's memories already looked a little hazy, as if he was looking at them through some kind of fog. Maybe it was his mind, wanting to save him from having to relive everything again. But that didn't make his dreams less horrible. Because in his dreams, Nico left him behind in that terrible place, making it impossible for him to escape all the horrors that awaited him there all on his own. He was nearly defenseless, without his powers or any weapons. Will knew that it was the end of him.

He'd never leave you, a voice inside his head said. He loves you. This is just a dream. It took lots of willpower to wake up anyway. When his eyes flew open, he shut them again immediately because outside, the sun was already shining. The start of a new day. It meant that he was at home. He was safe. Will looked at Nico, still sleeping in his arms. He didn't look like he was suffering from nightmares, which was a relief to Will. He hated to see his boyfriend in pain. All around them, the Cocoa Puffs were curled up on the bed. It would definitely need some time to get used to their presence. And they couldn't stay with them all the time, Will decided. The beds at camp weren't big enough for that.

Careful not to wake Nico, he climbed out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. When he looked in the mirror, Will was satisfied to notice that he looked like himself again. Brown skin, no dark rings under his eyes. Even all his injuries were healed again. He had to smile at this, glad that his powers were finally back. It had been strange to be without them for days. Chiron said we were gone a whole week. A week without the sun. Instinctively, he turned his face towards the window and closed his eyes. He knew that unlike Nico, he could never survive living under the earth. It would kill him slowly. He was still determined to get to know more about this part of Nico's life, but as much as he wanted it, he would always be a child of the light, not darkness.

When Will returned to bed, he noticed that Nico wasn't sleeping that peacefully anymore. His chest was rising and falling more rapidly and his forehead was sweaty. Without thinking about it, Will knelt next to the bed (as good as possible without a Cocoa Puff getting in the way) and took Nico's hand. "It's alright, Nico." He whispered. "You're safe. We made it. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again." He began to hum a melody then, but not one of the songs he'd sung on their journey. This was a different one, a song that always came to his mind when he thought of his dad, of all people. In parts, it was the melody of Apollo's trials which he'd put into a song, but mostly, it was Will's own melody. It was the only song he'd ever composed himself.

It didn't take long until Nico began to relax in his sleep again. Will smiled to himself, but didn't stop humming the melody. It felt nice, being able to calm Nico in such a way. And maybe, Will also felt a surge of power run through him with the music. He knew that he didn't have Apollo's abilities when it came to this, so most probably, he was just imagining it. But it felt good to create something all by himself. It was nearly like healing others, only that this time, he was making something new only with his voice.

Nico's relaxed state didn't last for long. Soon, he shifted and opened his eyes slowly. "Will?" He muttered and then his dark eyes fixed on him. "Did you just sing to me?"

Will felt his cheeks heat up at this, but he nodded. "It looked like you were having a nightmare. Since the bed was occupied" he gestured at the Cocoa Puffs who'd taken his place next to Nico when he stood up "I thought that it was a nice idea."

"What were you even doing out of bed?" Nico asked, but when he looked at Will more closely, he seemed to forget that question. Instead, he reached out to touch Will's cheek carefully. As usual, his hand was a little cold, but Will didn't mind. "You look good again."

He rolled his eyes at this. "As if I'd ever not looked good."

"You know what I mean." Nico muttered, apparently not in a playful mood. "You're completely healed again." His fingers touched the skin under Will's eyes which had been dark and bruised the day before.

"It's good to see the sun again." He confirmed. "I should also check on your injuries."

It already looked as if Nico wanted to say he was fine, but he closed his mouth again in the last moment. "If you insist, Doctor Will."

Will smiled widely at this and leaned in to kiss his boyfriend's cheek. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked then. "The dreams?"

"Only if you tell me which nightmares made you get up so early." Nico threw in and Will knew that he couldn't deny his dreams. "And what song it was you sang earlier."

"How did you know that I woke up because of nightmares?"

This time, Nico rolled his eyes. "I know you, Will. And after what we've just experienced, it's only normal to have bad dreams." He looked at him meaningfully and Will understood. Even years after his first trip to Tartarus, Nico had still been suffering from nightmares. He knew exactly how he felt, if not even better.

In short words, Will summarized his dream. When he came to the part where Nico left him alone, he hesitated. Especially when Nico's eyes filled with tears, just like when Will had left him alone back in Tartarus. "I know it's stupid." He said once he finished his tale. "I know you'd never leave me. It was just a dream and -"

He was interrupted when Nico suddenly wrapped his arms around him and pulled him closer. Will grabbed the edge of the bed quickly, trying not to lose his balance. When his knee hit the wood of the bed, he cursed, but he didn't stop Nico from pulling him closer until he was lying next to him. It was a little uncomfortable, considering that there was far too little space because of the Cocoa Puffs, but he didn't complain. In fact, he wrapped his arms around Nico's waist and pulled his boyfriend even closer. "I love you." Nico whispered into his ear and Will realized that he was shaking. "So much. And it's true, I'd never leave you." Nico let out a strangled laugh. "It's strange. Because I dreamed that you'd left me again."

"Never." Will kissed away the tears on his boyfriend's cheeks. "I love you too, Nico."

As usual when Will said those words, Nico looked at him with so much wonder in his eyes that it made his heart ache. He'd never been loved enough in his life. Will swore to himself that he'd change that. "Don't look at me with so much surprise." Will chuckled softly. "You should really get used to me loving you."

"I was rather thinking about how glad I am that we both made it back." Nico's voice was quiet. "But that also still takes me by surprise. You loving me." That's when he realized that Nico had looked at him like this because he'd feared that Will would die on the trip. A fear that wasn't completely unjustified, he knew that. He'd felt his body giving up on him a little more day by day. He knew that if they would have come back a little later, the chance that he'd have survived would have been much lower or even nonexistent."

"I'm fine." He whispered softly, taking Nico's hand and placing it right above his heart. "I made it back because of you, Nico. Because you were there for me."

Nico shook his head. "Without you, the quest wouldn't have succeeded. Bob needed both of us to free him."

"The sun and the star." Will whispered the words Nico had said. "I didn't even know that we were capable of such a thing. Music has never been my strong side."

"But we did it. Together." Suddenly, Nico looked away and swallowed. "I wouldn't have made it without you, Will."

"No, that's not true." He argued quietly. "You were in your element in the Underworld, while I was just holding you back. And in Tartarus…" He shook his head. "You made it once. You would have succeeded a second time."

"The first time, I got captchured. That's not a thing you should admire." Nico's dark eyes fixed on him again. Will was always amazed that they were nearly black. "And you're wrong when you think that I could have done it again. Even the thought of going back terrified me. If not for Bob, I would have never made this trip. And when we were there… You kept me sane, Will. Your presence. Your smile. Just knowing that you were by my side." His face turned to worry. "I was so afraid that I'd lose you because you went on the quest with me. It would have been my fault. And it wouldn't even have been a surprise. Everyone I love dies. It's my curse."

"Nico, no!" Will argued, trying not to talk too loud. "You're not cursed. It also wouldn't have been your fault if something happened to me. I decided to come with you. It was my choice and mine alone. I wouldn't have wanted you to feel guilty, if I…" If I didn't make it. The words were hanging between them for a moment and they just looked at each other silently.

That's when Will couldn't stand it anymore. He grabbed Nico's hair with one hand and pulled him into a bruising kiss. He hated all this talking about the danger they'd been in. How both their lives had nearly ended. He wanted nothing more than for Nico to be safe. He knew that it would never be possible, considering that they were demigods and especially who Nico's father was, but Will would never stop hoping. Maybe one day, they could also live in New Rome like Percy and Annabeth did. A quiet life without any worries. Will could study to become a real doctor and Nico… he could do whatever he wanted. As long as they were together, Will didn't care.

He was brought back to reality when Nico kissed him back just as fiercely, pulling Will closer so he was nearly lying on top of him. A voice inside his head screamed that this was a bad idea because Nico's injuries hadn't been treated yet, but his desire to be closer to him was stronger. They kissed like they'd never done before. When it had been just a brush of their lips or maybe a deeper, but still short kiss, this was the complete opposite. It was driven by relief and desperation, by love and fear. With this kiss, they told each other about their feelings. They reassured the other one that everything was fine again, that they made it out of Tartarus alive. Together. They also apologized for all the things they said to each other, about the arguments they had. And they promised to be better in the future, to try more and work on their relationship. To make more efforts to understand each other and accept the other one with all their flaws.

When they finally parted, both gasping for air, Nico's normally so pale cheeks were bright red and his eyes were shining. Will was sure that he was in a similar state and in this moment, all he could do was grin at the boy in front of him. "Did I ever tell you that you're amazing?"

"You could to it more often." Nico smiled back at him.

The moment was interrupted, however, when the Cocoa Puffs suddenly all began to stir and moved at the same time. With a surprised gasp, Will fell of the bed and hit the ground. He groaned, more annoyed than in actual pain. "Remind me why we let them sleep in bed with us?" He accepted Nico's hand gladly and let his boyfriend pull him to his feet.

"You can admit that you like them." Nico said with a smile, but Will noticed the flicker of insecurity in his eyes anyway.

"I do." He replied simply. "And now let's have a look at your injuries, Lord of Darkness." He pulled Nico towards the bathroom where they kept clean bandages.

It felt good to have his powers back. He kept humming a healing song dedicated to Apollo while he cleaned all the cuts on Nico's body. The way all the scratches and bruises healed under Will's touch was deeply satisfying. He'd always taken his powers for granted and only now, after having been on a quest without them did he know how to appreciate them. He was so happy, sitting in the sun and working that he only noticed the way Nico was staring at him when he wanted to look at the cuts on his cheek.

"Why are you looking at me like this?" He asked a little nervously, not sure what to make of the intensity in Nico's eyes. He ran a hand through his hair, already asking himself if he had something on his face when Nico suddenly grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled Will into another kiss. This one was shorter than the previous one they shared, but just as intense.

"You're stunning." Nico whispered with a smile. "And your skin is glowing, Will."

"My skin is…?" He looked down at his arms and was surprised to see that it was true. He was indeed glowing. And it was totally unintentional. "Oh, wow. I didn't even mean to do that."

"It happened before." Nico reminded him, his voice soft. "In the tunnels, when you were singing."

"It was the only way to make me feel better down there." He muttered absent-mindedly, still staring at his skin. He wasn't sure why, but in his mind, he saw another time he'd glowed again, but intentionally. They'd been in the caves of the troglodytes together with Rachel, Meg and Apollo. He'd just shown his power and his dad, in the form of Lester, had looked at him so proudly that it made him feel dizzy. A little embarrassed as well, but that hadn't been important in that moment. It was rare to get the approval of your godly parent. Will knew that he should feel happy that he got to spend so much time with his dad, even if he'd been mortal then. But if he was honest with himself, he only missed the sun god.

"What are you thinking of?" Nico's voice ripped him out of his thoughts. "You look like you've just been miles away. Were you thinking of…?" He didn't finish the question, but Will understood him without words. The trip to Tartarus.

He shook his head. "Remember when we went to search for the troglodytes right before the battle at Nero's tower? It was the first time my dad could see this side of me." He shrugged. "I don't really know why I had to think about it just now."

"You miss him." Nico said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world to miss ones godly parent. Will had to remind himself that most demigods didn't even know them. In a way, both he and Nico were privileged when it came to that. "I know how that feels." In short words, Nico summarized the dream he had about Hades and his mother and sister.

"It was good of him." Will whispered when he was finished, trying not to sound surprised.

"Do you still want to meet him one day?" The question was spoken hesitantly and he took Nico's hands.

"I want to know every part of you, Nico. That also includes your family in the Underworld. I know how much that place means to you."

He didn't miss the flash of surprise on Nico's face. "Maybe we should wait some time until then. I don't think it's good for you to be without the sun again any time soon."

Will stared at this boyfriend, his heart beating faster at how considerate he was. "I'll be alright." He said sternly, but deep inside, the thought of being underground again so soon made him feel a little uneasy.

"We'll only do it when you're ready." Nico insisted and placed Will's hand on his cheek. "I'll keep the scars. As a reminder of what we've been through."

"Nico…" For once, Will was lost for words. He simply shook his head with a smile. "Fine, Death Boy. If you want to look even more scary than you already do, I won't stop you."

"You still think I'm looking good." The son of Hades grinned and Will turned away quickly to hide the blush on his cheeks.

"Just because I don't get scars with how fast I'm healing, it doesn't mean that I can't appreciate what they stand for." He knew that to most demigods, scars were something normal. Something that reminded them of the battles they'd fought. Of the times they'd won, and also lost. He wasn't sure how often others had refused his offer to make scars vanish. It had rarely surprised him. Just like right now. Maybe the scars also weren't looking that bad on Nico, but Will would never mention that to him.

Since he was finished with Nico's injuries, they went back to the other room, only to find the Cocoa Puffs waiting for them in silence. "What are you going to do with them?" Will asked softly. "They can't stay here at camp forever. Or do you intend to scare everyone else next summer?" It was surprisingly easy to ask the last question playfully.

"Of course, that's the only reason why they're here." Nico replied simply and grinned. However, he turned thoughtful again fast. "To be honest, I don't know."

Will took his hand. "We'll find a solution together."

Nico didn't get a chance to reply because in that moment, the door to the Apollo cabin flew open and both Will and Nico turned around, only to be blinded by the sun that shone through the door. Or not the sun, Will realized quickly. Someone was standing in the doorway and when he entered the cabin, he realized that it was a tall man of about eighteen years, with bronze skin, blond hair and blue eyes. He was wearing faded jeans and a simple white t-shirt, together with sneakers.

In front of them stood Apollo, appearing in what was closest to his true godly form and not as Lester.

For a few heartbeats, they all stared at each other silently. Then Apollo walked towards them, a look of concern on his face. "It is unbelievable!" The sun god exclaimed loudly. "I'm gone for a few weeks and what do I hear? That hell has broken loose here at Camp Half-Blood! First, I hear that you two are the only ones to stay here over the winter. Then there are stories about nightmares and a repeating prophecy, which actually shouldn't even be possible! I'm the god of prophecy, I should know about it if that's ever happened before. It didn't because normally, it can't even happen! And you two even listened to it and went to Tartarus. Tartarus, of all places! With a trip through the Underworld first. Just to free a Titan! I mean, I know how important that was to you, Nico, but anyway… Will…" Apollo ran his hands through his already messy curls and suddenly, Will realized that his dad was incredibly worried.

"We're fine, Dad." He threw in quickly, overcoming his surprise to see his father here, such a short time after thinking about him. "Everything's alright again."

"But you weren't." Apollo took a step closer and looked at Will frantically. "I could feel that you were… That you nearly…" He'd experienced a few strange and surprising things in his life. Like his dad showing up as a mortal. Or the trip into the Underworld. Or several incidents that were related to Percy Jackson. But none of them had prepared Will for how it would feel when his father, Apollo, god of the sun, healing, archery, prophecy, music, poetry, truth and so much more would suddenly close the distance between them and hug him tightly like he was the most precious thing in the world.

Will gasped in surprise, but then he felt himself relax and placed his hands on his father's back carefully. They'd hugged before, back when he'd been Lester and once when he returned after getting back his devinity. However, in this form Apollo was taller and much more muscular. He also radiated so much heat that Will suspected everyone else would have felt uncomfortable being this close to him. But after being under the earth for a whole week, Will could only appreciate the feeling of warmth. He closed his eyes and for a few moments, he simply enjoyed having his father around again.

"How did you even know about the quest?" He asked once Apollo let go of him. Will glanced at Nico, noticing that his boyfriend was still right next to them. He took his hand again, not missing how his dad's smile brightened.

"I felt you return to the surface last night. Though it took me some time to figure out the source of the wrongness that was bothering me. Once I did, I came here immediately, only to find out that you were asleep. Chiron and Dionysus told me about everything that happened." Apollo explained, his expression now filled with concern. It looked as if he was about to say more, but suddenly his eyes were fixed on something behind Will and Nico. They both turned around to see the Cocoa Puffs trying to hide behind a bed as far away from Apollo as possible. "What are those?" The way he asked the question make it obvious that the god already knew the answer.

"Apollo, meet the Cocoa Puffs." Even if it was an unnecessary gesture since they were all already staring at them, Nico waved in their direction.

Apollo looked at the demons with a strange expression on his face. It wasn't disgust, rather a mixture of fascination and unhappiness, together with something else Will didn't understand. As if he wanted to test a theory, the sun god took a step towards them, making the Cocoa Puffs try to move even further away. It was obvious how scared they were of Apollo.

"Apollo…" Nico began in a warning tone, but it wasn't necessary. He was already moving back so Will and Nico were standing between him and the demons.

"Sorry, I was just curious."

"I think you scared them." Will threw in. "I mean, it's only logical. With you being the god of light…"

"But they're not scared of you." Apollo's eyes fixed on him again. Will noticed that they weren't entirely blue. They were blue with small golden spots.

"I accepted them." Will said with a nod, tightening his grip on Nico's hand. For a moment, he worried that this might be too much. That his dad would never accept his decision to embrace all parts of Nico. But of course Apollo surprised him, since he only chuckled.

"Did I ever tell you that I think you're perfect for each other?" Next to him, it was like Nico was even paler than usual.

"Dad…" Will began, unsure how to react to this.

Apollo only grinned, the expression making him look very young. Will could understand what had drawn his mother to him all those years ago. "I'm not going to judge you. Not for this, Will. In fact, I'm proud of you. This trip… I've seen Tartarus briefly during my fight with Python. We didn't even stay there and it was already a horrible experience. I can't even imagine how hard your journey had been." It was the first time Will heard his dad talk about the battle with Python. He wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that it seemed to have taken them to the darkest places to ever exist. In a way, he still felt protective of him, even if he knew that it was stupid. Apollo was a god again, nothing could hurt him anymore. "A week without light. That's more than most of my children could take. So far away from my - and your - source of power…" For a moment, Apollo looked clearly worried again. "You're sure that you're alright, Will?"

"I'm fine, Dad!" He insisted, but when his father got closer to examine him, he did nothing to stop him. He was already completely healed again due to his own power, but somehow, it made him feel cared for when Apollo stretched out his hands in front of him and began to hum a melody in ancient Greek. Only seconds later, he stopped again and smiled.

"Alright, I see that you're already completely healed again. Both of you." He frowned when he glanced at Nico. "Though I think you should reconsider those scars. They make you look like someone who gets in trouble quite often."

Nico only shrugged. "That's nothing new for me."

"He likes looking like a bad guy." Will added with a smile.

"I won't comment on that." Apollo decided after a short moment. "But I am really proud of you. Both of you. Your powers are stronger than you think, Will. Otherwise, I don't think that…" He shook his head, grimacing. "Let's not talk about that."

"Without Nico, I wouldn't be standing here." He argued softly. "I wouldn't even have made it through the Underworld. Let alone Tartarus…" He pushed the images in his head away as hard as possible, refusing to think of that place. He knew that there was enough time for nightmares later. Right now, he wanted to enjoy the moment with his boyfriend and dad.

"We both helped each other." Nico interrupted him with a smile. He looked happy, carefree even. Will hoped that maybe this trip would finally allow Nico to let his demons behind. That they would find some peace together. He leaned over and pressed a kiss on Nico's cheek quickly, knowing that Apollo was watching them closely.

"I'm glad you went there together. Even if I would have also liked to spare you the pain, Will." For a few seconds, Apollo's expression turned sorrowful, as if he already knew that the pain wasn't over yet. That maybe, it would never vanish completely. "As for the prophecy… I need to speak to Rachel again." It was obvious how much the repeating prophecy bothered him.

Will exchanged a look with Nico and when it became obvious that his boyfriend wouldn't say anything, Will stepped on his foot hard. Nico cursed quietly, which earned them both raised eyebrows from the sun god. "You don't have to speak to Rachel." Nico said in the end, sighing in defeat.

Even twenty minutes later, when Will and Nico arrived at the dining pavilion both freshly showered and in clean clothes, Apollo was still cursing loudly about certain gods who thought that they could just manipulate prophecies because they wanted to. To Will's surprise, the Cocoa Puffs were sitting under a table not too far away from the sun god, watching him attentively. Dionysus was also there, together with Chiron. They both watched Apollo with amused looks on their faces.

When Nico and Will approached, Chiron turned serious. "I've heard that you're feeling better." The centaur gestured for them to sit down at their table, which they did. Will with Apollo to his right and Nico on the left. Which left Dionysus and Chiron opposite from them.

"Definietely." Will agreed with a nod.

"All because of Will's healing powers." Apollo was quick to add. "I wanted to check on them, but they were both fine already." He beamed at Will and slowly, the proud look on his dad's face was making him feel a little uncomfortable. "My children are rarely healers as good as you are."

"I only want to help people." Will explained and began to put some food on his plate. It was already early in the afternoon, which meant that they'd slept all night and half of the day, but for once Will didn't mind. After everything that happened since they left New York, they really deserved some rest.

"You're capable of more than that, from everything I've heard." Apollo smiled slightly. "But I understand why you want to be a healer. It's perfect for you." Suddenly, he grimaced. "Though I would appreciate it if you learn how to use a weapon before you leave on another quest. Knowing that you went on the journey completely defenseless makes me feel quite uneasy, a feeling which wasn't that strong since I was Lester."

"I'm useless when it comes to weapons." Will reminded him. "If you'd ever see me with a bow, you'd notice that I'm a disgrace for our entire cabin. Even Kayla had to admit that I'm hopeless."

"He's exaggerating." Nico threw in. "He hits nearly every target, which is more than many others here at camp can achieve." What he didn't mention was that Will rarely hit the middle of a target. He suspected that the only time it happened, it had been a coincidence.

"But my dad is the god of archery." He argued. "They all expect more of me." He wasn't sure why he felt embarrassed right now. His lack of skill with the bow had never really bothered him. Will didn't want to be a fighter.

"No one expects you to be good at everything." Apollo's voice was soft. "You don't have to be a warrior. I just want you to be able to defend yourself in case it is necessary."

"Apollo is right, Will." Chiron looked at him seriously. "There might always come the day when you need to fight for yourself or for others." His eyes wandered to Nico.

"Will did a great job on our quest." Nico threw in and listed a few of his heroic acts. Maybe he was making them all sound a little more spectacular than they actually were, but Will didn't correct him. He just smiled at his boyfriend, feeling happy that someone as incredible as Nico wanted to be with him.

When Nico came to the part where they freed Bob together, a thoughtful expression appeared on Apollo's face. He surely had already heard the tale from Mr. D and Chiron, but he kept looking at both of them through narrowed eyes anyway. "It's fascinating how your powers seem to affect one another. In that moment, you created the perfect balance between light and darkness."

"I don't think that we'd be able to do it again." Will said and tried to ignore the disappointment on Apollo's face. "It was… I don't even know what it was, to be honest. I just knew what I had to do."

"Bob helped us to figure it out." Nico added. "He called us his sun and star."

Apollo's eyes were shining thoughtfully. "Seems like he knew more about you two than he let on. What a pity that he's gone, I would have loved to meet him."

"Maybe you will, one day." Will looked at the sky thoughtfully.

"I hope he'll get a chance to enjoy his life from now on." His boyfriend sounded lost in thoughts. "He didn't have it easy."

"You two saved him from a horrible fate." Chiron said. "Thanks to you, he got his life back."

After that, they didn't talk much, everyone lost in his own thoughts. At some point, Nico began to throw food at the Cocoa Puffs, which earned him a critical gaze from Dionysus, but Apollo was grinning. Chiron only looked slightly worried, as if he was trying to figure out what to do with the Cocoa Puffs once all the other campers returned.

At some point, long after Will had finished his meal, Apollo gestured for him to leave the table together for a while. Nico noticed it too and before he could stand up, Will kissed him on the cheek quickly. "We'll be right back." He promised and followed his father to the beach, where he sat down in the sand. Will copied the movement and turned his face towards the sun. "I can't even express how much I've missed this." He said, knowing that he didn't have to fear any judgement from his father. Not that Nico would judge him, of course. He also understood that Will needed the sun to survive. But it was different to speak with someone related to him anyway. Someone who felt the same.

"It felt like I was drowning a little more with every passing minute. All this darkness… I've never been so long without the sun in my entire life." He glanced at his dad, only to find Apollo watching him with a fond expression on his face. "It was difficult at first. The Underworld is like a second home to Nico. We had lots of arguments because I refused to accept this side of him."

"But now you do." Apollo concluded simply. "This quest brought you closer together than you were before."

"I'm doing my best to accept it." He nodded. "It might take some time, but we're working on it. That has to count for something, right?"

Apollo laughed. "You shouldn't ask me about relationship advice, Will. There are legends about the terrible fates of all my lovers." He was still smiling, but there was a flash of pain in his eyes. Even after living such a long life, Apollo still mourned the ones he loved.

"I'm glad you're back, Dad." He said before he could stop himself.

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Apollo quirked an eyebrow. "Did you expect me to never return after being restored to Olympus?" When Will only looked away, he heard his dad sigh. "Will, look at me." When he finally did after a few moments, he was met by a sorrowful look on the god's face.

"I know that I haven't been the best father. Or god. Most probably, I also deserve your mistrust. But I made a promise to remember. That's what I'm doing every day. It's all I ever do, to be honest. I will always come back here to visit all of you. You're my friends. My family. Just because I didn't show up for a few weeks, you don't have to doubt that I'll return. Because I'll always return to you, my son." He said it in such a serious way, Will couldn't do anything than believe him. And he did return in the end, didn't he?

He acted without giving it too much thought. He closed the distance between them and this time, he hugged Apollo tightly. "Thanks for coming, Dad." He whispered and tried to blink away the tears in his eyes. It was too much. First, the quest which they both nearly didn't survive. All his fear about Nico and what he would have to leave behind in order to free Bob. The arguments they had about Will not accepting his boyfriend completely. Now his father being here, whom he thought he might never see again.

Will started to sob against his dad's chest. He half expected Apollo to push him away, but the sun god only held him tighter, drawing small circles on Will's back with one hand. "Don't cry, Will. You're both fine. Nothing can hurt you, I won't let it. It's alright. I love you, my son." Apollo kept whispering quietly into his ear and after what felt like hours, Will's tears were finally spent and he was able to calm himself. To his surprise, he didn't feel uncomfortable that he'd just cried in the arms of a god. This was Apollo. He wasn't like the others. And he'd just said that he loved Will.

"Sorry." He muttered when he moved away from him, leaving a small distance between them. "I didn't want to -"

"Whatever you're going to say, stop it right there." Apollo interrupted him firmly. "I want to be there for you, Will. That's why I'm here. You should always call me when you need me."

"I can't ask that of you." He rubbed his eyes, hoping to erase the last traces of tears.

"Why not?" Apollo crossed his arms and looked actually offended. And maybe also a little hurt. "Don't say my time is too valuable for you or that I surely have better things to do. I can split myself into a dozen parts, so those arguments don't count." He placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "I'm here because I want to be." He emphasized every word. "And if you apologize one more time, I might feel forced to compose a few haikus about the victory of your quest."

"No haikus!" Will shrieked, remembering just how bad Apollo's poems were.

His dad laughed. "That's better. So where did we stop? Yours and Nico's relationship, if I recall it correctly."

"You said you can't give me advice." Will nodded, suddenly feeling tired again.

"I said that it might not be wise to ask me, not that I can't help you." Apollo smiled slightly. "But from what you told me, you already figured it out on your own. Together. That's how it should work in a relationship." Suddenly, he frowned. "But please don't tell me that you'll visit Hades any time soon. I won't let you out of my reach for the next weeks. Or months."

Will chuckled. "I'll be fine, Dad. It will just be a short visit, not like last time."

"No overnight stays." The sun god held up a finger warningly. "You won't spend more time in the Underworld than absolutely necessary."

"I don't think that's how it works. It's Nico's home."

"Second home." A voice behind them said and moments later, Nico stepped out of the shadows. Will flinched in surprise, but Apollo only smiled. He'd surely already sensed Nico's presence. "I didn't want to startle you." He looked at him apologetically. "My real home will always be with you, Will." When Nico sat down next to him in the sand and took his hand, Will thought that his cool skin was kind of comforting. "And we'll only stay as long as being underground doesn't affect you." There was determination on his face when he said it and Will knew him well enough to see that there was something else mixed with it. Fear. It still felt a little strange to think of the fact that the Underworld and Tartarus had nearly killed him. Will already felt like all those things had happened to someone else, not himself.

"I think I should leave you two for now." Apollo stood up suddenly and when Will started to protest, he held up his hand. "I'll be at the Big House with Dionysus. He wants to play another round of pinochle, insisting that it is much more fun with me than with Chiron. That's only because Chiron uses to win all the time and he can't stand it." The god rolled his eyes. "You should get more rest, by the way. Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow if you sleep for the rest of the day." He winked at them and left.

They both looked after him until he was out of sight. Only then did Nico speak. "You were crying."

"I'm fine." Will noticed that his voice didn't sound very convincing. "A little tired, maybe. This trip has been far too eventful."

"It's like your body has recovered, but your mind still needs time to process things." Nico agreed with a nod. "Maybe we should go back to your cabin. Lie down again."

Will couldn't say no to that. Together, they walked through the camp. "Where are the Cocoa Puffs?"

"Some of them are in my cabin." Nico explained. "While a few others followed Chiron to the strawberry fields. Whatever they want there. I think they only find him fascinating."

"So we have the bed all to ourselves?" He asked hopefully, making Nico chuckle.

"Yes, we do. But if you're not too tired, there's something else I'd like to do first."

Will nodded in understanding. "You want to talk to Percy and Annabeth." He guessed.

"They deserve to know that we made it." The son of Hades nodded. "I bet they were terribly worried the whole week."

"They surely were." Will agreed, remembering their reaction when Nico first mentioned that they were going to Tartarus. "We need to tell them that their advice worked. That being together and reminding each other of better times helped."

"We will." Nico promised. "You can already go to your cabin, I'll just get a drachma and then I'll be right there."

Will didn't argue and let his boyfriend slip away silently. When he arrived in his cabin, he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. He had the intention to join Nico in his conversation with Percy and Annabeth, but he felt himself falling asleep slowly when the door to the Apollo cabin opened again.

"I'm still awake." Will muttered, already sitting up again, but then Nico's hand was on his chest and he was pushed back onto the bed softly.

"It's fine, you can sleep, Will." Nico said softly. "Apparently, using your powers so soon after returning wasn't good for you. And it's been a long week. I'll just let Percy and Annabeth know that we're fine, then I'll join you in a minute." His boyfriend kissed him on the lips quickly and made his way towards the window where the sun was shining brightly.

Will still heard Nico greeting Percy and Annabeth, who both sounded surprised, but also happy. Then he fell asleep, a song Apollo was singing in ancient Greek leaving no room for nightmares.