Second Chances
I was still kneeling, gazing at Will's still face, feeling the weight of Hades' words settle deep into my bones. Just as I was preparing to let him go, footsteps echoed behind me, growing louder and then stopping right beside us. I looked up, blinking away tears to see Leo Valdez standing there, breathing hard and clutching a small, golden vial in his hand.
He grinned, his usual spark of mischief somehow brighter than ever. "Miss me, Death Boy?"
I frowned. "Leo, this really isn't the time—"
"Oh, it's definitely the time," he interrupted, kneeling down and gently nudging me aside. "I've got something that might just change the game." He held up the vial with a proud smirk. "The Physician's Cure."
I stared at him, barely daring to hope. "Leo...that's... Are you serious?"
He winked, uncorking the vial and tipping a single, shimmering drop onto Will's lips. I held my breath, barely able to believe this was happening.
At first, nothing happened. My heart sank, fear clawing up my throat as I wondered if it was too late. But then, a soft glow surrounded Will's body, his chest rising with a faint, shuddering breath. His eyes flickered open, dazed and a bit unfocused, before they landed on me.
"Nico?" he murmured, as if he'd just woken from a deep sleep.
Relief washed over me in a tidal wave, and I threw my arms around him, barely holding back tears. "Will! You're...you're back! You're really back!"
Will's arms wrapped around me weakly, his voice warm and familiar. "Did you really think you could get rid of me that easily?"
I laughed, choking on my own emotions, but I didn't care. He was alive, and that was all that mattered. I hugged him, holding him close.
Hades cleared his throat from where he stood above us, his gaze fixed on Leo, who looked up at him with an innocent, almost sheepish smile.
Hades raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "You mortals and your tricks. Normally, I wouldn't permit such a reversal of fate," he said, his voice stern. "But given everything you've done to defend Olympus—and my son—I'll allow it this one time."
Leo beamed, looking rather pleased with himself. "Well, you know, Lord of the Dead, I'm just here to help."
Hades sighed, looking down at Will, who was still holding onto me as though he didn't quite believe he was alive again. "Consider this a rare exception. Don't make a habit of it, Solace," he said dryly. "And Nico," he added, his gaze softening slightly, "make sure you don't lose him again. Stay alive, both of you."
With a final, approving nod, Hades turned and disappeared back into the shadows.
Will looked at me, his eyes filled with love and relief. "Guess we have a godly stamp of approval."
I grinned, brushing his cheek with my thumb. "Yeah, well, I don't plan on testing that 'one-time' rule."
Leo, still grinning, clapped us both on the back. "Alright, lovebirds, time to celebrate our victory, yeah? Hogwarts has never seen a party like the one we're about to throw."
We laughed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt right. Will was alive, Hades had granted us his blessing, and I was surrounded by friends who had stood by my side through it all.
"Ready to clean everything up?" Will smiled.
"Nope- I don't do cleaning. But I'll go and do anything that involves you."