The Underworld wasn't exactly Will Solace's ideal vacation spot, but when your boyfriend was the son of Hades, compromises had to be made.

"This is a terrible idea," Nico muttered as they walked through the Fields of Asphodel. "You shouldn't be here."

Will sighed, adjusting the medical bag slung across his shoulder. "You say that every time, and yet here I am, alive and well."

"For now."

Will shot him a grin. "That's the spirit."

Nico groaned. "Not funny."

They had come to the Underworld because Nico had sensed something was wrong—something shifting in the balance of life and death. Hades was too busy ruling over the dead to investigate, so Nico had taken it upon himself. And of course, Will had insisted on tagging along, because apparently, dating a child of death meant throwing all sense of self-preservation out the window.

As they moved deeper into the misty fields, the air grew colder. Will shivered. "How do you stand this place?"

Nico shrugged. "You get used to it."

A sudden rumble shook the ground. The spirits around them flickered and scattered. Nico's grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. "Something's coming."

From the darkness, a monstrous figure emerged—an enormous shade, shifting and swirling like a living shadow. Its hollow eyes locked onto Nico.

"Son of Hades," it rasped, its voice like wind through dry bones. "You disrupt the balance."

"I'm trying to restore it," Nico shot back.

The shade lunged. Nico drew his sword, but before he could strike, Will raised his hands and let out a burst of golden light. The creature recoiled, screeching as if burned.

Nico turned to Will, wide-eyed. "What was that?"

Will looked just as surprised. "I—uh, I guess sunlight really is a good disinfectant?"

The shade reformed, swirling toward them again. Nico didn't hesitate this time—he swung his sword, slicing through the darkness. With one final shriek, the creature dissolved into nothing.

Silence followed. Will let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "That was… fun."

Nico shot him a glare. "No, it wasn't."

Will smirked. "A little bit?"

Nico sighed, but there was a small, reluctant smile on his face. "You're impossible."

Will slung an arm around him. "And yet, you keep me around."

"Yeah," Nico admitted, leaning into him slightly. "I do."

Maybe the Underworld wasn't so bad after all.