Nico and Will started walking into the forest outside Camp Half-Blood. Monsters weren't really around, mainly because they could never get to the demigods, but the ones that waited for demigods to leave their safety were surely prowling.

The two demigods were silent. They were anxious about being in their mid-twenties and on another quest. Demigods just don't live long.

After about twenty minutes, Nico started to quietly cry. Will didn't even notice until he looked over at Nico wiping his cheeks.

Will frowned, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Nico shook his head.

Will stopped in his tracks and Nico looked up at him, "What?"

Will took Nico's hand, "You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but don't pretend you're okay. I care about you and want to know how you feel."

Nico looked down but nodded, "Sorry, Will."

"Don't be," he replied.

"I've lost a lot of people," Nico suddenly added. "I just don't want to lose you."

Will kissed Nico's nose, "You won't."

--·--

Nico started crying again.

They were camped up in a tree, hoping nothing was going to come from the air at them. They found an old tree house and decided to just rest there for the night. They made it quite a ways, but they still have a week or two before they reach their destination.

Nico was sniffling in his jacket, in the corner.

Will looked over, "Nico? Come sit by the fire and get something to eat."

Nico looked up and wiped his cheeks, "Not in the mood."

Nico cried every night if he wasn't drunk (though he usually was). He was insecure and grieving. He didn't want anyone around when he was like this, but it was hard to not be vulnerable when you're sleeping with someone.

"Nico, come eat. At least the concoction from earlier, it takes away your alcohol cravings."

"It looks like a cookie made of sh!t," Nico complained.

Will chuckled, "Next time I'll put food coloring in it, then."

Nico sighed and crawled over, sitting by their little makeshift fire. "If the wind blows this too hard, our whole shelter is going down."

Will smiled, "Think positively then. We'll put it out once sun goes down a bit more, so we aren't noticed."

Nico nods, "Good. Gods, it's been so long since I've been on a quest."

Will smirked, "It's exciting."

"Really?" Nico lifted an eyebrow.

"Almost," Will replied. "I've never really been on a quest. I'm always needed at camp."

Nico nodded, "True." After a few moments he started crying again, but tried talking despite it, "I'm gonna shadow-travel us tomorrow."

Will surprised Nico by pulling him into his chest, "Why are you crying?"

"I usually am, I'm trying not to though," Nico sighed. "I think your weird dookey cookies are knocking some sense into my head. Reality's hitting hard again."

Will kissed him, "Just rest then. We need your mind cleared tomorrow."

Nico nodded, "All right. Let me know when it's time for my watch."

"All right," Will replied. "Love you."

"Love you too, Sunshine."