Okay this is technically day 10 instead of Day 9 but I had the majority of this written out anyway. So here you are with a catchup chapter and a weak promise that I will update all of the late chapters on Monday because this weekend is really busy, my birthday's coming up and I'm going to be out with family (getting wasteddd) (jks I'm still too young)

So anyway, I'll have the next three or so chpaters by Monday or at the most, Tuesday.

Thanks for reading!

"It was supposed to be a fun prank?" Lou Ellen says earnestly.

"It should only last a day or so." Austin adds, and quails under Nico's harsh glare, even though it wasn't quite as effective with the new black cat ears that sat on top of his head. "Actually maybe just a few hours. We'll work on it."

Him and Lou Ellen take Nico's furious silence as a chance to flee. Nico whirled around to look at Will who at least attempted to wipe the smirk off his face.

"I look ridiculous." He said in defeat and Will's smirk grew as he saw the ears flatten against Nico's messy hair. He always looked like he'd just woken up and his bedhead seemed to hide part of the ears but the way they twitched and swivelled at new noises was just too obvious. And far too adorable for Will to just ignore.

"You look cute." Will told Nico, just to see the way the ears flickered and the blush take over his cheeks.

Before Nico could try to come up with a comeback, there was an awkward cough from behind Nico.

"That was quick for a cure." Nico said drily, turning to see Austin holding a scrunched piece of fabric.

"It's not a cure, but it might help for a little while." He offered up the woolly hat and Nico took it with a sinking feeling.

"It's got a pink pompom on it." He pointed out. Austin's mouth twitched.

"It's the only one we have."

Nico tried to hand it back but Will stepped forward to push it back into his hand.

"You can wear it to walk to the Hades cabin, then you can hide out until dinner."

"I could just shadow-" Will gave him the most disappointed look that Nico had no choice but to close his mouth and pull the hat on.

"How do I look?" he asked gruffly and Will's face lit up in a way that almost made everything worth it.

"Even more adorable, Neeks."

XXX

Nico had been sprawled across Will's lap for the past hour, playing on a 'safe' game console and Will had somehow managed to stop himself from reaching out to stroke them.

It was getting harder and harder though, especially with Nico's little groans and grunts as he lost in his game, and his ears kept twitching.

Finally Will couldn't stand it any longer and reached out to stroke the almost feathery tip of one. Nico moved quickly, rolling over and reaching a hand out to stop Will's hand, his nails digging in somewhat painfully. His game console clattered to the floor and Nico's ears swivelled towards the sound but he didn't look away form Will

"What are you doing?" he demanded like Will's hand hovering in the air just inches away from his ears wasn't obvious.

"I just wanted to stroke them." Will whined and Nico rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"No." He said, but Will knew he was just saying it to be annoying.

"I'll stop if you really don't like it." Will pleaded and Nico's face softened. He trusted Will to stop when he asked and he knew Will wouldn't leave him alone until he had had a feel.

He rolled back over and reached for his game again, stretching with a groan. He felt Will's hand come down on his head, stroking through his hair before he began rubbing gently at the base of the new ears.

Nico relaxed without meaning to, or even really realising he had. Will's hands felt nice carding through is hair and paying special attention to his ears. It wasn't too long before Will realised the best spots for Nico.

Nico pushed himself up, Will's hands freezing in his hair like he was afraid that Nico was going to leave. He butted his head against Will's hand again, trying to encourage him to keep up his ministrations without actually asking for it. He lay back down, his head on Will's chest and their legs tangled together on the bed. He was a lot comfier this way, and he couldn't stop a little purr escaping his lips when Will went back to petting his ears.

"What was that?" Will asked, again like it wasn't obvious. Nico flushed a dark red and tried to hide his face from Will's knowing smirk.

"Do you like this Neeks?"

Nico didn't even grace him with an answer, instead glaring up at him with as much anger as he could muster. "Do you want me to leave?" He growled, but Will pressed just a little harder against one of his sweet spots and Nico melted into his boyfriend with another rumbling purr making it's way out of his mouth.

"You really don't like it?" Will teased, and Nico could only poke his side in resignation, closing his eyes to enjoy the gentle caressing.

That was where Austin and Lou Ellen found the two of them a few hours later. Nico was still laying on top of Will, surprisingly relaxed and young in his sleep. Will was reading and threading his fingers through Nico's hair.

"Is he purring?" Austin asked in awe. He really wished demigods had cameras because this would be fantastic.

"On his behalf, I'm going to have to say no, and never speak of this again." Will said, smiling fondly at his boyfriend. Nico's ear twitched in his sleep and Will had to fight down an 'awwww'

"We have the antidote." Lou Ellen whispered across the room and Will looked down at Nico, who was still deep in his catnap. He couldn't bear to wake him and he wouldn't mind keeping the ears for just a little while more.

"Come back in an hour."