A Piece of You is All I Need

by NiaChase

Summary:

When Percy died, Nico was heartbroken. He loved Percy with all his heart...

But it was nothing compared to Will, who was mourning his mate.

When Nico found out that Will was pregnant, Nico wanted to be involved for selfish reasons.

Just to have a piece of Percy in his life.

Falling for Will wasn't the plan.

Notes:

I KNOW I HAVEN'T COMPLETED MY OTHER WIPs.

SHUSH AND ENJOY!

Love Y'all.

Chapter 1

No one speaks about an Alpha loving another Alpha. 

It wasn't known enough for it to be normal or to know how to handle such feelings, but Nico knew he truly loved Percy. He loved him like family, and in his own imagination, he loved Percy like a lover. 

He followed Percy to New Rome, made sure to keep in contact, and visited whenever he wanted. Percy enjoyed it after years of Nico basically running away from him. It always made Percy smile whenever he saw Nico so comfortable around him, and Nico loved to see it. 

He treasured the small moments of them being together, catching up with a drink in their hands on the patio, reminiscing, and Percy always acting like an older brother. As Annabeth put it, Percy had a type. 

Luke Castellan.

Annabeth Chase.

Jason Grace

Calypso.

You get the picture. 

In other words, Nico was far from Percy's type, and Nico respected it while battling his need to bleach and go blonde for the longest time. But the one who managed to win Percy's heart was Will Solace, a gentle but firm spirit that could make anyone smile. 

He was a nice guy and was a long-time friend of Percy's before they started dating. Will never did anything major to catch anyone's attention, so for the longest time, Nico didn't know why Percy loved him. It wasn't until Nico got himself cut and Will was trying to treat him that he understood. 

He hated getting touched by him ever since. 

Nico hated him for the longest time, praying to any deity to break them up. Will, who caught on, stayed away mostly, only treating Nico with respect during the times they did interact. 

He was an omega, after all. 

He did not want to piss off an Alpha. 

If Percy noticed, he didn't mention it, only making sure Nico didn't threaten Will in his own home. Only one time did Percy get on to him for glaring at Will every time he came near, actually kicking him out until Nico apologized. 

It wasn't even a serious apology, but Will accepted it and stayed away for the most part. 

Nico had to let it go eventually.

Especially when Percy told him he was going to bond with Will.

He’d been so excited about building a future, starting a family. He even asked Nico for baby names.

It hurt, but Nico was happy for him. 

Because Percy was happy.

Percy was supposed to create a family, but instead, Nico looked down at the freshly filled grave, with a beautiful tombstone and colorful flowers, the funeral now thoroughly over. 

Percy was dead, leaving the world behind, leaving his mate behind in tears. It hurt to hear, horrible to watch, because Will, as much as Nico didn't want to acknowledge it, didn't deserve the pain he was feeling. Plenty of friends went to comfort him, giving their condolences until Will asked to be alone with Percy. 

So as the crowd drifted away, Nico was soon left alone with Will. He wasn't close enough to hear what Will was saying, not that he really cared, but he did feel miffed about Will walking away without speaking a word to him. 

"Hey!" Nico called out. Will paused and gave Nico a half glance back, his eyes red and his cheeks blotchy and wet.

"Not today, Nico, please? Whatever you have to say can wait." Will said softly, not trying to come off as rude, but also not having enough energy to deal with Nico. He continued walking away, not giving Nico a second glance. Nico stood there for a few seconds, watching Will walk off, thinking that Will must've lost weight due to how his shirt seemed to hang off him. 

"Whatever," Nico mumbled before looking back at the grave. 

He could almost hear Percy telling Nico not to let Will go off alone. He cared for Will deeper than any of his previous relationships, gushed about him more than achieving his dream job...

He wouldn't want Will alone right now. 

Still, Nico held eye contact with the tombstone, then growled in frustration as he stomped off after Will. 

He was doing this for Percy and because he was feeling guilty. 

Will was still near the parking lot, half-hidden by the shade of the overhanging trees, wrapped in the soft arms of Sally Jackson.

Sally was speaking to him in that gentle, mothering voice that cracked even Nico's armor sometimes. She kissed the top of Will’s head. Will nodded to whatever she said, his hand twitching like he was trying not to break.

Nico felt his jaw clench. Not because of Sally—never her—but because Will was still so clearly avoiding him. Not a word. Not a look.

Sally eventually let go.

She cupped Will's face, said something soft that Nico couldn’t hear, something that made Will’s mouth tremble just slightly before he nodded. She smoothed back his hair like she used to do for Percy, kissed his forehead, and left. 

Then it was just Will again. Standing there alone in the shade, his eyes on the ground, arms folded over his chest like he could hold himself together if he just stayed still enough.

Nico almost turned around.

Almost.

But instead, he walked up, completely unprepared for what to say.

Will didn’t look at him. Just shifted a little to the side, like Nico’s presence made the air tighter.

"I’m not here to argue," Nico said, but his tone was all off. It was enough to make Will flinch, which he felt bad for. He took a deep breath to hopefully correct himself. 

"You look like shit."

Nico really didn't know what to say...

Will huffed a humorless breath. "Thanks."

"You look like you haven't eaten for a while," Nico observed. 

Will finally glanced at him then, and Nico instantly regretted pointing it out. The answer was obvious.

Will’s skin was pale and dull, his eyes bloodshot, and his shoulders were tense like he hadn’t slept in days.

Maybe weeks.

Will just looked back at the ground.

"You’re gonna make yourself sick," Nico muttered. "Or worse."

"Why do you care?" Will asked quietly.

It wasn’t sharp. Just honest. Tired.

And Nico didn’t have a good answer. Not one he could say out loud without sounding pathetic.

Because you were the one Percy loved.

Instead, he shrugged. "I don’t know. Someone has to."

Will shook his head. "Didn't expect that person to be you." 

Nico frowned. "Percy would be upset if he saw you like this."

"Percy is dead!" Will snapped, finally looking back up at Nico with a glare. "Percy is dead, so he's not going to see me like this. Can you please leave me alone now?" Will begged, tears sliding down his cheeks. 

Well, at least Nico could say he tried. 

Nico turned away, letting Will have the space he begged for. But as he walked, the sound of Will crying, louder, rawer than before, followed him.

And it hurt more than he expected.

________________

One week later, Nico was dragged by Jason to go check on Will since someone said Will hadn't been to work since the funeral. He had stopped responding to texts, calls, and Sally was close to calling the police to do a warefare check just to see if Will was doing okay.

Nico figured it wasn't his business, but was mildly concern since if Will wasn't working, there was a possibility that Will may lose the house that Percy worked hard to get. 

So yeah, that was the reason he let Jason drag him there. 

But despite being told Will stayed home, Nico was expecting a complete mess. Instead, at least on the outside, it was neat. The blue house still looked beautiful with the white front patio and Percy's knick-knacks still around like his windchimes, gnomes, and birdfeeder still full. 

Even the trash bin was taken to the curb and the grass was freshly cut.

Jason walked up the steps with Nico behind him, looking around for something that was out of the norm. Spotting nothing, Jason knocked on the door. 

"Will, it's Jason and Nico." Jason said with no answer in return. He tried the doorknob, surprised to find the door unlocked. A bit worried, they both walked in, again, thinking the place would be torn apart. 

Instead, it was neat. 

Very neat. 

The counters were wiped down, dishes drying on the drying rack, even the floors vacuumed, swepted, and mopped. There wasn't a speck of dusk in sight as the kitchen and living space was filled up by sunlight streaming through the windows. 

All they could smell was lemons, Will's scent or Percy's nowhere to be found. 

"Will?" Jason called out, hoping for a response. 

All they recieve was quiet shuffling towards the bedrooms. 

They shared a look and carefully walked down the hallway, the shuffling louder as they got closer to the bedroom. Out of respect, Jason knocked on the bedroom door. "Will? Are you okay?" 

No answer. 

Jason opened the door, finally revealing the heaping mess Nico was expecting. 

Blankets were piled high at the center of the bed, layered with clothing—hoodies, shirts, jackets—all unmistakably Percy’s. Nico recognized them instantly: the blue Yankees hoodie Percy always wore on rainy days. His old camp shirt with the fraying collar. 

Everything reeked of Percy. 

And in the middle of it all, curled up, was Will.

He was barefoot, wearing one of Percy’s T-shirts—too big on him, slipping off one shoulder, the sleeves swallowed by his arms. His hands were moving in frantic, repetitive motions, tugging another sweater into place, smoothing the fabric down, then grabbing the next item.

He didn’t seem to notice them. Or maybe he did and didn’t care.

Will was too busy mumbling to himself. While Jason took a careful step in, Nico looked around. Percy's photos was all over place, reminding Nico of fun times together like baseball games, vacations, family photos that made Nico smile. He reached for the photo of Percy he remembered Sally taking when Percy finally graduated highschool. 

Nico was there, feeling proud and lonely since he had a couple years left to go. Percy had teased him, saying getting the diploma meant he was smart as hell. Nico had commented they would give diplomas to idiots, only for Percy to tell him that Nico would have no problem getting his since he was smart. Nico was speechless that day, but happy, and Sally took their picture soon afterwards. 

Nico still had his copy, but he was shocked to know Percy kept his. 

"DON"T TOUCH THAT!" 

Will stared at Nico, wide-eyed and frantic, as if Nico had touched something forbidden. Nico was about to argue, but Jason hissed out his name, so he was definitely in trouble. 

It was just a picture. 

"Nico, put it down the way you found it," Jason said carefully. Nico looked at him, confused, but did so. Jason turned back towards Will. "Alright, he's not touching it anymore." Will still looked at Nico, quietly growling, which almost triggered Nico to remind Will that he was the omega here.

He had no right bossing him around.

"Get out, Nico." 

But Jason could. 

"What! I didn't ask to be here!" Nico said, wondering what he did wrong. Jason moved so he was between Nico and Will, who was slowly getting defensive. 

"Just do it. I'll explain it in a bit but try not to move anything on your way out." Jason told him, leaving no room for argument. Nico scoffed, but did so, closing the door behind him. Now that Nico was gone, Will calmed down, bringing Percy's shirt to his nose. 

"Are you okay?" Jason asked. Will shook his head, a hiccup escaping. "Can I come over?" Will nodded, and Jason moved to the bed carefully to hold Will, letting the omega cry his heart out. Jason shushed him, saying that everything will be fine and that he was here. 

With Percy's scent tickling Will's nose, it almost felt like it was Percy telling Will this, which he needed to hear. 

He missed Percy. 

He needed Percy.

But as he felt the bond breaking, the feeling of abandonment taking over, he knew no amount of anything could bring his Alpha back. He was alone, his mate gone forever. 

Chapter 2

Notes:

A Little bit of Will's and Percy's relationship.

Nico waited in the living room for twenty minutes, not touching anything but observing the neatness of the living room. A few pictures were scattered around of Percy and Will, both smiling with eyes full of love. 

There was no doubt that Percy loved Will, even recalling a conversation when Nico asked if Percy really was in love with Will or if this was another fling. 

"It's different with Will. I feel like I can be myself, ya know? Don't get me wrong, I love all my exes, but... Luke was controlling, and I was young at the time. Annabeth is amazing, but I feel... inferior? Dumb? Jason was more or less a test, but we were better off as friends. Calypso... Way out of my league. More power to Leo." Percy sipped his beer and looked indoors, where Will was cooking and quietly singing. "Being with Will, I can be as crazy, silly, whatever with him. He's... You would like him if you gave him a chance."

Nico, to this day, still didn't understand the appeal. 

Nico looked towards the bedroom, wondering when Jason would come out. He didn't know why he had to be here when Will clearly didn't want Nico here. Nico plopped on the couch and turned on the television, the screen revealing a paused video of Percy mid-talk. He looked happy as he looked somewhere off-screen. He looked around for the remote, then pressed play once he found it. 

"Alright, Will isn't home yet," Percy whispered as he looked towards the door, "but, as a good boyfriend of a great doctor, I made dinner, thanks to mom for staying on the phone with me."

Percy picked up the camera to film the candle-lit dinner, which looked pretty good. He was pretty well known that he could make basic meals, but could also burn a kitchen down. 

He even somehow caught fire while boiling water. 

Nico chuckled at Percy's enthusiasm. 

"Oh, I hear him!" Percy put the camera down, angled at the door. He then opened the door like an excited puppy. "Will! Will! Welcome home, babe!" Percy said excitedly. Will walked into the frame, looking bone tired and slightly annoyed with Percy's energy. 

"Not tonight, Percy. Can you-" Will paused when he smelled food, then viewed the candlelit dinner. Percy took Will's bag and helped him take his coat off. 

"I made dinner! And I made a bubble bath for you that has your name on it. So why don't you get undressed, soak a while, then I'll feed you dinner, and I'll give you a massage." Percy suggested. 

Nico unknowingly smiled, finding Percy's smile adorable. It was known that Omegas were often the ones who stayed home while an Alpha worked, except in school settings and any place with children, since Omegas were more nurturing.

But Percy told Nico that Will worked hard to work in the medical field, and not just working in the maternity ward. He wanted to get his hands dirty, took suppressants regularly, and stayed on top of his heat schedule. He took abuse from Betas, who were his co-workers, Alphas, who refused to be cared for or told what to do, and other Omegas, who were jealous that Will was reaching new heights to work somewhere different. 

Percy supported him every step of the way, and Nico had newfound respect for Will, who would come home with bruises. 

"The last time you said you were going to give me a massage, it didn't stay a massage," Will said, accepting Percy's hug and kiss on the cheek. 

"You fall for it every time," Percy mumbled. Will chuckled before kissing Percy, who readily accepted it. And Percy couldn't help letting his hands roam, the scent barely there because of his suppressants, but it was enough. He picked up Will, who laughed and held on. 

"How about I give you a massage right now, hm? I'll do all the work." 

Nico watched Percy carry Will away, forgetting about the camera. The video switched to a video of them on a cruise. Nico remembered Percy working hard to take a vacation with Will in the summer. As soon as that day came, Percy and Will disappeared without notice. The only way they knew they were okay was by their daily pics Percy would send in the group chat. 

The camera started with a beautiful scenery of the sunrise, the blue water shimmering as the sound of the boat cutting through the water filled the living room. It almost felt like he was there. Percy walked towards the deck, the video panning to Will. 

Will... was beautiful. 

The way the sunlight kissed Will’s skin, the faint gleam of moisture in his hair, even the tiny rise and fall of his chest with each breath, and the heavenly glow made him otherworldly. It stayed on him, watching him close his eyes. 

"I know I don't have long... I know I will be leaving you soon. I-I'm so sorry, Will. You don't deserve that, and I'm selfish for clinging to you. Hell, I'm so cruel to make these, knowing you won't see this until after I'm gone. I just... I just hope I can live long enough to make you happy." 

Will looked over, unaware of what was said, and smiled when his eyes met Percy's. 

"Hey, you, I didn't want to wake you. Slept well?" Will asked as he came closer. Percy placed the camera down. Neither was in the frame, but their voices were clear. 

"I missed you. I feel cold without you." Percy placed his hand on Will's hips, pulling him close until there was hardly any space between them. "I wanna be with you until my very last breath. So don't go anywhere without me." 

Nico flinched when he heard a door open, then heard steps coming out of the bedroom. He quickly shut the television off as Will entered the living room, followed by Jason. Will spared Nico a glance before heading towards the kitchen. 

The Will in the video was not the Will that was in front of him. 

"I can stay the night if you're okay with that," Jason suggested, watching Will prepare to make a sandwich... which apparently included... Doritos?

"No, I'll be fine. I just had a moment of weakness." Will assured. 

Bread. 

Peanut Butter. 

Marshmallow spread?

Jason looked at the items like it was normal while Nico looked disgusted. 

Jason opened the fridge to pour himself and Will a glass of water. "You might do better with an Alpha around." 

Nico watched, horrified, as Will put the spread on the bread with cheesy Doritos in the middle. Then wanted to puke when Will took a bite, looked at his sandwich, and then headed to his fridge to pull out the mustard. 

"Are you pregnant?" Nico blurted out. Will dropped the mustard, giving Nico a shocked expression. Nico wasn't being serious when he asked, but judging from how Will looked, it might as well have been true. 

"Wait, are you serious? You're pregnant with Percy's baby?" 

"Shut up!" Will bark. 

"You’re kidding me," Nico said flatly, voice quiet but unyielding.

"I said shut up," Will hissed, his hands gripping the counter as though he could ground himself in the motion.

Jason set the glass down with a careful clink. "Will…" His voice was softer this time, edged with hesitation.

"Don’t," Will cut in, glaring at both of them now. "Don't say anything. Don't you dare tell anyone. This is my business. Not yours. Not Nico’s. Not anyone's."

"Did Percy know?" Nico asked, his voice raising. "Did he know before he died?" 

Out of pure anger, Will started throwing anything within reach at Nico. Jason moved to stop him, but Will moved quicker after throwing a plate at Nico, then closing the space between them. He grabbed Nico by the shirt and slammed him against the wall. 

The crack of Nico's back hitting the wall made the frames rattle, but he didn't move, didn’t even blink. His dark eyes locked onto Will's, cold and unwavering, while Will trembled with fury, every line of his body screaming don't push me.

"You don’t scare me," Nico said flatly, his Alpha presence radiating in the space between them like a pressure in the air. It was enough to make most Omegas flinch. But Will didn't. He held Nico's gaze, chest heaving, scent sharp and defensive even through the faint suppressant haze.

Jason shifted, unease etched into every movement. He could feel the tension; Omega and Alpha at a breaking point, the air itself prickling with it. "Will, let him go," Jason urged.

"Shut up!" Will yelled, but kept his eyes on Nico, his grip tightening. "You think you can come in here and judge me? You don't get to say his name! You don't even understand anything you think is going on!" 

"Percy was my friend-"

"Do you think I'm stupid?" Will threw him onto the floor, face contorted in rage. Nico wanted to fight back but was hesitant if Will was truly pregnant with Percy's kid. 

"Do you really think I'm that stupid, Nico?" Will asked, his voice quieter, but steady. "I know you were in love with Percy. I knew since around the time we began dating." Will chuckled at Nico's face. "And I told him because I didn't want to deal with your shit. Do you know what Percy said to that?" Nico blinked. 

Percy knew?

"He didn't know, then took a week to digest that knowledge. When he came back, he promised to cut you off because he didn't want me to doubt him. I vouched for you because I didn't want to be responsible for breaking a friendship apart." Will revealed. 

"You're lying!"

"I'm not. Ask your friends." Will said before walking back to the kitchen to eat his sandwich. Nico looked at Jason for confirmation. 

His silent stare was enough of an answer. Will continued after taking a bite of his sandwich, humming in delight. "He brought it up two more times. Once, when we started living together because you kept acting childish and being an asshole to me, and again when he figured out I was pregnant. He was approaching his deathbed, and he still wanted to protect his family. That's how much of a good Alpha he was. He didn't want anything or anyone to harm me or his child, and while I silently took your childish ways because I understood what being in love feels like, he wasn't going to take any chances with you being around his child." 

Will took a sip of his water, taking in Nico's guilty expression. 

It felt nice to say all he wanted to say. 

"I still vouched for you like a dumbass," Will commented, narrowing his eyes at Nico. "I told you. You don't understand what was going on between me and Percy. Of course, he knew. We have been trying for months. It took a minute because I had to stop working and stop taking my suppressants and birth control, and since I took it consistently, it took a while for it to leave my body. Then my heat came, and oh boy, it came strong." Will took a bite of his sandwich, the crunch of the chip too loud. "He was amazing in bed. There's a video of it somewhere. His idea, not mine." 

"Shut up," Nico growled out, but Will wiggled his finger at him. 

"No, you sit there and listen. I listened and left at the slightest growl so you could drink and have your moment with Percy. Not once had I argued. For the sake of your friendship, I left so Percy wouldn't have to protect me by fighting you. You think you know everything, I'm going to make sure you do." Will said sternly. He looked at Jason, wondering if he was going to stop him, but Jason only sat back and listened. 

He knew how to treat omegas. He knew about Will's den, knew better than to touch anything, and to ask for permission. He knew better. 

Nico didn't know shit. 

"Percy wanted a family, I'm sure he told you. We thought he had longer, but he didn't. He was ecstatic to know I was pregnant, that I had a piece of him, a mixture of both of us. He told his mom, his family... I couldn't keep him off the phone. He smiled so much the closer his deathbed came." Will licked his fingers, tasting the sweet marshmallow. "I was there when he took his final breath. He didn't want his mother around. He apologized for leaving so early and prayed I would be okay. He loved me until his final breath." 

Will walked up to Nico, then crouched down so he was eye-level with him. 

"The next time you think you know Percy or have the audacity to boss me around like a childish Alpha, know that the only reason you were still welcomed in this house was because of me." Will stood up, but Nico refused to look up at him. "I dealt with people like you regularly when I was working, but after I dealt with your behavior, I can say you're the most pathetic Alpha I've ever met. Some friend." Will walked back to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him, leaving two quiet Alphas in his living room. 

Chapter 3

"Is what he said true?" Nico asked after sitting in silence. Was Percy going to cut him out of his life? Sure, Percy kicked him out one time, but he didn't know he was close to being booted out of his life. 

"Nico, Percy really loved Will, and while I understood that you had a hard time accepting that Percy was with someone, you had years to get over it. You were consistently mean to Will, his Omega. You don't do that to omegas in general, Nico." Jason pinched the bridge of his nose. "And how did you not know that Will was nesting in his room?" 

"I didn't know these things!" 

"For fuck's sake, Nico, Hazel is an omega. You know, you just didn't care. We just buried Percy a week ago; cut Will some slack. We all missed and loved Percy, but he wasn't yours, and Will is feeling his bond with Percy leaving. Do you know how vulnerable that can make someone?" Jason argued. Nico refused to look at him. Jason sighed, then joined him on the floor. 

"I'm not trying to invalidate your feelings, but you can't sit here and act like you did nothing wrong for Percy to even consider it. Since they were trying to build a family, it's dangerous to have an enraged Alpha so close by." Jason spoke softly, hoping his words were coming across to Nico. 

"I'm not a threat to the baby. I would never."

"You were a threat to Will, which makes you a threat to the baby. If Percy were alive, you wouldn't be here." Jason said. It made sense considering Percy cut Nico's visits short two months ago. Nico never argued because Percy looked tired. 

He didn't think it was because Will was pregnant. 

"What do I do now, then?" Nico asked. If Will was carrying Percy's child, he wanted to be included in the child's life. He didn't want to be ostracized. He was even curious to know what the child would look like. 

"First, you can apologize and possibly kiss up to him. You might have to kneel and beg for forgiveness. Even then, Will has every right to do what he thinks is best." Jason suggested. Nico nodded and looked up, looking at Will's unfinished sandwich on the counter. "I'm going to call Sally and tell her that Will is fine. Try not to piss off Will more, okay?" 

Jason didn't get a response, but hoped Nico knew better now. After he stepped out, Nico got up to head to the kitchen. The sandwich that Will made was a hot mess, but now that he knew Will was pregnant, it made sense. 

Will wanted something sweet, salty, and a bit cheesy. 

Nico grabbed the bread and made the peanut butter, marshmallow, and Dorito sandwich, then poured Will a glass of milk to go with it. Once done, he walked up to the door and knocked. 

"Will... It's Nico." 

That earned him a warning growl. 

"I know, I'm not going to intrude. I'm just going to open the door, put your sandwich and glass of milk on the floor, and close the door." Nico notified. After getting no response, Nico cracked the door open, placed the plate and glass on the floor, then closed the door. He tried to hear any noise of Will moving, but heard nothing. 

Jason walked back in, seeing Nico pressing his ear to the door. 

"What are you doing?" Jason asked. 

"I gave Will another sandwich and something to drink since he didn't finish. Like a peace offering." Nico told him, walking away from the door. Jason smiled, then moved Nico further away from the door. 

"Food is a good way to a person's heart, but if he was still hungry, he wouldn't forget his sandwich," Jason told him. As expected, Will opened the door and threw the plate with the sandwich out, then closed it. "At least he kept the drink." 

Nico frowned. 

Well, he guessed that Will keeping the drink was a win. 

He sighed, then decided to clean up the mess Will had made earlier when he was throwing things at Nico. Thankfully, none of it directly hit Nico, and all of it was plastic. Maybe Will really didn't want to hurt Nico. 

Not that badly. 

His words did more damage than a spatula and a plastic cup. Jason watched him straighten up without complaint, deeming it safe to leave Nico here as he headed inside Will's bedroom, leaving Nico alone. 

He had a lot to process anyway. 

Nico kept himself busy by straightening up, then checked the fridge and cabinets to see how much food Will had. It wasn't much, maybe another week's worth. So he started ordering groceries and supplies Will was going to need. He had a bit of fear that if he left, Will would definitely lock the door behind him. 

Can't blame him, but still hurt to think about. 

After an hour of waiting, Nico heard a knock on the door, meaning his groceries were here. As he brought it in, he heard a door open behind him. He thought it was Jason, but when he turned around, Will was standing there, arms crossed. Nico kept his eyes down, trying to come off as submissive. 

"I noticed you didn't have much, so I ordered a few things, if that's okay," Nico said. Will said nothing, so Nico continued putting stuff away. Will watched silently, noticing the items were things he usually gets. He was reminded that Nico helped Percy with shopping before Will entered his heat. 

So Nico was familiar with this. 

Even down to the special treat Percy would usually get for him. It was a decorative cookie, this time with sunflowers. Nico grabbed it and handed it to Will, still not looking at him. 

For the first time, Nico wasn't coming off as aggressive. 

Will took it, then went back into his room. He wasn't going to thank Nico for something as simple as this. He was still mad at him for earlier. But he did eat the cookie. Jason watched tears stream down Will's face, a couple of hiccups escaping, as Will ate the treat. 

He missed Percy with all his heart and knew no Alpha would be able to replace him. 

**********

Nico and Jason decided to stay overnight, just to make sure Will would be okay, and also to make sure no one was preying on Will. Mankind was already cruel, though most understood to leave a grieving widow be. 

In the Alpha/Beta/Omega society, there were times when people acted more like animals. Alphas were protective, but also possessive. Betas were dangerous because you couldn't smell them coming, but also viewed as close to normal, and Omegas were the nurturers, but just as deadly if not tamed. 

It was better if an Omega was mated, either with a Beta or Alpha, so then they would take a step and let them do all the work, while the Omegas protected the den, aka their home. 

Percy understood it well enough, making sure to scent Will before work and after, a smell that said that Will was partnered with an Alpha already. Then there were the claiming bites. It was a well-known fact to bite where people could see. The neck, shoulder, wrist, arm, and just somewhere everyone could see. Percy had placed the non-healing scar on Will's arm, since he would often be hands-on with his patients. It was quick to spot, and it was another sign for others to back off. 

But Percy was dead, and word spread throughout their neighborhood. 

It wasn't like Omegas couldn't live on their own, but no matter how violent they could be, an Alpha could force them to submit. Will had seen patients who had that happen, and the story was nearly the same. 

Always two people, whether it was two Alphas, an Alpha and a beta, or two betas, would force their heads to the ground and bite them. Instead of a claiming mark, which is often associated with pleasure, a non-consented bite would briefly paralyze the omega. 

A Shock bite. 

Pain usually followed. 

So Nico, when he walked around, wasn't surprised to see one or two lurking around. He didn't have to say a word. He simply growled and left his scent everywhere.

This house was his. 

That Omega was his. 

Percy may be gone, but Will wasn't alone. Nico came by often enough for it to be familiar, not to mention, he was often with Percy, so Nico knew they would back off. Jason was on the front patio, just in case, but after Nico was done, they both headed inside. 

There were a couple of things Will allowed him to do after Jason explained they were staying over. 

Nico could cook, but only after he asked; he had to bathe in the spare bathroom, and he had to sleep on the couch. Nico wanted to argue that there was a spare bed, but accepted his fate since Will and Jason didn't want to witness round two of their fight. 

He was given a blanket and pillow, so there's that. 

Meanwhile, Jason was welcome to sleep in Will's room since he was comforting and safe. Nico grumbled again about the spare bed, but otherwise kept quiet. The couch was fine anyway. 

So after Jason and Will turned in for the night, Nico continued watching the videos Percy made. Some were sad, some were loving, but Percy was clearly happy. He made a video on How to Please the Pretty Omega, which told Nico that Will liked Pancakes with strawberries, he liked putting chips in his sandwiches, he liked stir-fried vegetables, and home-baked chocolate chip cookies were his favorite. 

It ended with Will quickly taking the camera, with Percy calling him bougie. 

He made a video of Will at the zoo, liking elephants and feeding the giraffes, and the animals in the petting zoo. By the end of the video, Percy was jealous, but Will patted his head to make him feel better, commenting that Percy was the only one he could kiss. Percy agreed before ending the video. 

Most of the videos were about Will, how to treat him, how to take care of him, what he liked, and disliked. Nico learned a lot, but wondered why Percy made these if Will was the one watching. Nico shook his head, then turned it off before going to bed. 

You would like him if you gave him a chance.

Percy often wanted Nico to get along with Will, but Nico couldn't. Other than jealousy, Will was too bright, too happy, too much. There was no way Nico would stare at the sun all damn day. Will was overwhelming. 

So it helped when Will backed off. 

Will didn't try to be Nico's friend; most times, he was in the background, because Percy would never tell Will to leave. Now knowing Will was the reason he could come back, hurt. 

He stayed away not for Nico, but for Percy. 

So they could stay friends and not choose sides, because Percy knew what side he was going to choose, regardless of the friendship. Will was there to stay, and Nico could vanish from his life in an instant if Will asked for it. 

And now Will was pregnant. 

While he loved Percy, even fooled himself sometimes into thinking he was Percy's partner, he was no omega. He wasn't nurturing, nor could he replace Will. Will was going to be a parent. Nico wanted to stay, maybe be a protective uncle, watch the child get older, and live life like Percy wanted. 

But he can't do that if Will keeps him at a distance. 

And Jason was right, he had to get over it. 

Percy was never his. 

Nico closed his eyes and sighed. The only way he could be a part of the baby's life was to make friends with Will. It was doable... if he tried. He could be nice. And Percy's videos were like cheat codes. 

He could do it. 

But for now, he had a lot of butt-kissing to do. 

************

Will woke up alone, to the smell of something yummy and familiar. With Percy's clothes still near his nose, Will got excited, shooting out of bed, thinking Percy was cooking breakfast. He opened the door quickly, his heart racing. 

"Percy!" 

Will's smile died as he saw Jason on a barstool and Nico in an apron. 

"Oh," Will said quietly. Percy was gone. It was a horrible reality to wake up to. 

"Good morning, Will," Nico greeted. Will instantly glared at him. Nico tried to step closer, but Will growled at him. 

According to Jason, Will was going to do a lot of growling since he wasn't comfortable with Nico, and Nico respected that. He put his hand up, showing he had no ill intentions. 

"I made pancakes and cut up fresh strawberries for you," he announced. Will narrowed his eyes, not sure what game Nico was playing. 

Why was Nico being nice?

"I'm not hungry," Will said. He refused to eat anything Nico would make. 

"I made strawberry syrup to go with it," Nico tempted, holding out the plate. Will looked at it, surprised. It looked good. He couldn't smell anything bad in it, in case Nico was trying to harm his baby. 

One plate won't hurt, right?

Will took the plate, then raced back to his room, closing the door. Again, he refused to say thank you, not wanting to give any politeness to the childish Alpha. 

But... food was pretty good. 

He'll at least admit that. 

Chapter 4

Nico looked at the closed door after being told one instruction: Leave Will alone.

But that was hours ago, and Jason had to leave for work, so it was just Nico with his thoughts. It was a simple instruction, but it felt so hard to follow. Now and then, he'll hear shuffling, but Will has yet to attempt to come out. 

Was he that bad to be around?

They shared a meal a couple of times when Percy invited him over with a promise to behave, which he did, and nothing happened then. 

They can share a space, right? 

Being polite, Nico at least knocked on the door. "Will?" When he didn't hear anything, he opened it up slowly. The scent of Percy hit him in the face, momentarily making his heart race, but it was slowly fading. By next week, it might be gone. 

Absentmindedly, he picked up an old shirt, bringing it to his nose. He missed Percy, too. He knew he didn't have the right to miss him like he was a close love, but that's how it felt. He missed being near him, going out, and doing simple things like shopping or going to the zoo. 

Hell, even walking in the park. 

It was hurtful to know that Percy knew of his feelings and still chose Will, but he had always made an effort to keep Nico around as a friend. He made his boundaries clear, and Nico knew better than to cross them. 

He took what he could get and felt satisfied. 

Nico was brought back to reality when he heard a low growl. He realized that the windows were down and the curtains were shut, casting the room in darkness. More importantly, Nico was in the room, his scent filling up the dark space, mingling with Percy's...

And Will didn't like that. 

"Uh, sorry." Nico dropped the shirt and took a step back. "I'll leave." Nico backed out of the room, but that wasn't enough for Will, as he stared daggers at Nico, following him. Nico never knew where the saying that Omegas were submissive beings came from, but they were absolute liars. 

Maybe if they were mated, sure, but Will no longer had a mate, was currently pregnant, and Nico was the last person he ever wanted to smell. Unmated Omegas were like lone wolves; unless you are a potential mate, you just don't fuck with them. 

"Why are you here?" Will growl out, slowly backing Nico to the front door. Normally, Nico wouldn't allow such behavior, but Jason had already gotten on him about that, and Will was pregnant with Percy's kid, so he had no choice but to surrender. 

And maybe appear non-threatening, but he wasn't sure if that was working. 

"I was just checking on you-"

"Get out!" 

Nico's back hit the door, and he had half the mind to leave, but he knew he wouldn't be welcomed back, even if he waited for Jason to come back. 

What did Percy say to do when Will gets mad?

"You need an alpha here-"

"I don't need you here!" 

What did Percy say? 

Nico reached up and booped Will on the nose, remembering Percy used to joke about Will biting his finger off someday because he would do the most random things to break Will's anger when they first started dating. 

His favorite way was to touch Will's nose, because Will would go cross-eyed at the action. 

A reset button that Will hates. 

Nico never knew why Percy stuck it out to court Will, since the blonde at the time didn't want to date Percy. But knowing what he did now, he wondered if Will was trying to avoid being involved for Nico's sake. 

Will blinked at the random action, not expecting it from Nico of all people to touch his nose. 

"What are you doing?" Will asked, this time, more confused than angry. 

"Um... reset button?" Nico offered an answer. Will glared at him. 

Only Percy knew about that. 

Before Will and Percy started dating, Percy tried his hand at courting Will, who was more focused on work. He didn't want an alpha to get respect at his workplace, and Percy understood. 

Still never stopped him from sending flowers three times a week. 

Will had gotten on him about it, saying his apartment was becoming a flower shop, but Percy touched his nose, telling him the flowers reminded him of Will's scent, and it looked just as beautiful as him. 

It took staring at the Alpha to get him to promise to stop sending flowers, but Percy did it with a stupid smile on his face, a face that could disarm Will's anger in less than a minute. 

"You're not Percy," Will said coldly. Nico would never be Percy. He was about to march back into his room, but Nico grabbed his wrist. 

"I know that," Nico said calmly. Will quietly warned him to let go, but Nico held on. "I just want us to talk." 

"Now? You had years to try to talk to me." Will reminded him as he tried to yank his wrist away, but Nico still didn't let go. 

"I know, I'm... I'm sorry." 

"I don't want your apology. I want you to leave."

"You need an Alpha, right?" Nico asked frantically. "Look, I work from home. I don't have to be in front of your face all day. I can make you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and whatever else you want. I can take you to appointments. I can protect you." 

"And then what? Wait until the baby is born and steal them away? Make them hate me, and have me viewed as a bad parent?" Will asked, and it was the first time Nico smelled fear from him. He let go after Will yanked away violently, then saw him wrap his arms around himself. 

"I wouldn't do that..." Nico voiced softly. Sure, he wanted to be involved, but he never thought about stealing or corrupting the kid. Percy would probably rise from the grave and drag his ass to hell if Nico so much as thought of it. 

"Yeah, right. I felt like I was sharing Percy with you the whole relationship, just to keep you happy. Hell, I didn't even want to be with him because of you. I was waiting for the day you would steal him from me. Now that he's dead, what's stopping you from doing that with our child?" Will argued. 

So, Will not only growls at him because he didn't like him, but he really thought Nico was a threat to him. Nico couldn't help but think it was the wildest idea he had ever heard. 

But he could see where Will was coming from. 

It was one thing to try to change Will's dislike of him, but Will was afraid of him. With a pregnant omega, food isn't enough to get rid of fear. 

"How far along are you?" Nico asked. Will didn't want to answer, to give Nico a due date for him to prepare, but he was surprised that Nico looked defeated. His shoulders sagged, his head low, while trying to give minimal eye contact. 

It was the opposite of what he usually does over the years. 

"...Three months. Fifteen weeks." Will answered. 

"One week. I'll leave one week after the baby is born. I won't come by unless you ask me to. If you never ask... That's fine. Just let me make sure you're okay and the baby is born healthy. It's the least I can do to repay you and honor Percy." Nico quietly suggested. 

Will wondered if he was lying, but the doctor inside him knew he needed an Alpha. Mostly because he was pregnant. He was more vulnerable, and until the baby is born, the Alpha usually does the protecting and providing. 

It would be harder for him alone as time passes. 

Nico was his least favorite option, but he didn't want to intrude on his friends, most mated. He didn't want to move back home to Texas either. 

Nico was his only choice. 

"Fine," Will agreed, though his voice still sounded uncertain. "You're not allowed in my room." 

"I won't come in. I'll keep sleeping on the couch. You don't even have to talk to me. Just... Send me a text, and I'll get it done." Nico replied. Will nodded, then walked to his room. 

Nico figured that was the end of their conversation, but Will walked back out, holding out a key. 

"It's a spare. After you leave, I'll change the locks. In the meantime, do what you want." Will told him. Nico accepted the key, then watched Will go back into his room, this time closing the door. Nico looked down at the silver key, the metal cold against his warm palm. 

He was on a time limit, but at least now he knows he can come back. Maybe, at some point, he can prove to Will that he can be a safe person to be around. If that happens, then he might not have to worry about leaving forever. 

It was a small hope, almost non-existent, but it was there. 

He'll wait for his chance, but until then, he'll be a good Alpha. 

***************

For the next two days, Nico brought over a few things from his home to prepare himself for the following months staying with Will. Will, reluctantly, allowed Nico to stay in the spare bedroom, mostly because he didn't want Nico's scent all over his living room. It would be fainter if Nico's things were in the other bedroom. 

Nico didn't argue, only thanked him and helped by opening up a window. After he was somewhat moved in, Nico texted Will his usual working hours, but told him to text whenever, and he would get to it as soon as he could. 

He never received a text back. 

Nico noticed Will would try not to text at all. 

Anytime he made a heavy breakfast that he thought would be filling since he had to work, Will wouldn't eat it, but wait until Nico was in his room to sneak out for a lighter snack, mostly fruit. 

So Nico made sure to make lighter meals. That was fine with him since he ate light in the mornings too, though Will clearly wanted sweet things in the mornings. 

Nico tried to surprise him with a fruit platter, but still hadn't heard a word. It wasn't until after a week, when Nico left his room for a quick meal, that he saw Will sitting on a barstool, nearly inhaling watermelon. 

He remembered Percy always trying to get chocolate-covered strawberries, since Will wasn't too much of a chocolate fan. Nico had taken him to a fresh market to get fresh strawberries, then taught him how to cover them in chocolate. 

Percy, who wasn't much of a cook, called him magical, then sent Nico a gift card and a new game the day after because Will loved it. Nico thought Percy was exaggerating, but didn't complain because of his game he spent hours playing on. 

Percy wasn't kidding. 

Nico only momentarily paused, watching the juices slide down his chin and coat his fingers, but continued like Will was invisible. He felt eyes on him and heard Will slow his chewing as Nico grabbed a water and a snack. When he was walking back to his room, he heard a quiet and small voice that he barely missed. 

"Thank you." 

Nico froze, hearing the shy voice. He looked towards Will, thinking they could have a small conversation now. Will, despite speaking up, still wasn't looking at him and seemed to be making himself smaller. Nico wanted to ask what was wrong, but didn't as a whiff of Will's scent touched his nose. 

Will's scent never used to be faint before. Nico used to hate it when he walked in with Percy, smelling a soft, flowery scent that would hit him in the face. Percy would instantly act like a puppy and search for Will, who was usually in the bedroom. Sometimes he would be found on the couch, reading a book. Either way, it made Percy happy, and Nico grew used to it. 

He refused to admit it, but it became soothing the more he came over whenever Percy told him to come by. He associated the smell with Percy's happiness to the point that he would seek out flowers with similar smells whenever Guy's night was done at his place. 

During the week he was here, Will's scent had been light, hardly there. He almost felt about smelling Will now if it weren't for the fact that Will was feeling shame. 

Not ashamed of using Nico, but because he had to depend on him. 

He had to have an Alpha, and Nico was the one who had to be there for him. 

Nico wanted to be mad, to say that he had been pretty fucking nice to him lately, but he kept his mouth shut. Will shared his happiness for years; he had every right to hold negative feelings towards him. 

Still, it hurt. 

"You're welcome," Nico mumbled before going to his room and closing the door. Food wasn't enough... 

But Nico didn't know what else he could do without pissing Will off. 

Percy, what else am I supposed to do?

Chapter 5

They got along somewhat. At least once a day, Nico would find Will eating in the kitchen, then shutting himself away in his room. Nico didn't mind, but he was starting to wonder why he was even here. Other than making meals, he really didn't do much that required Nico to be Will's Alpha. 

He didn't know much about how to take care of a pregnant omega, but he was pretty sure Will had doctor appointments to check on the baby. So far, they have just stayed home.

"When is your next check-up?" Nico asked after he caught Will in the kitchen, eating ice cream. Will looked at him as if Nico had asked an offensive question. Nico waited for the answer, while Will deliberately ate more of his ice cream. 

"Three days ago," Will answered. Nico took Will's bowl of ice cream away. 

"Why didn't you tell me? We need to go to those!" Nico asked, feeling pissed off. Will took his bowl back. 

"We don't need to do anything. I don't need you to go to those." Will told him before taking a bite. Nico sighed.

"How many times do I have to tell you that you need an Alpha? You need me. Now go get dressed." Nico said, taking Will's bowl away again. 

"What for?" 

"We're going to the hospital, and we're doing a fucking walk-in since you want to be stubborn and not tell me." Will crossed his arms, and Nico felt like he was dealing with a child. 

"I'm not-"

"Will, I will drag your sorry ass to the car. If you decide to lock yourself in your room, I'm removing the door." Nico threatened, glaring at Will. He wondered what else Will had been hiding from him. 

He might actually remove the door. 

Will opened his mouth to argue, but then thought better of it. Pouting, Will left to get dressed, but he was going to take his time doing it. Nico sighed, rubbing his face. Of all people that Percy could've impregnated, it had to be Will. 

Will was so stubborn with a smart mouth that it just pisses Nico off. Will was either quiet or ready to fight him. He didn't get why Will was so appealing to Percy. 

Will was so fucking hard-headed. 

Nico took a deep breath. If Will won't tell him, he might need to Google what Will should be experiencing. He knows Will should be experiencing morning sickness, and something about prenatals, but Nico really didn't know. Aren't pregnant omegas supposed to be clingy... something about scent? Was there a special diet Will was supposed to be on? 

Nico never felt so clueless. 

Will walked out of his room, zipping up his jacket. Nico noticed it was Percy's blue jacket. He loved all things blue. Blue cake, blue popcorn... Nico used to tell Percy that he was going to die eating blue food. 

"Then I'll die with a smile on my face." 

He missed him so much, and Will was carrying the last bit of Percy inside him. Percy wanted a family, wanted to live long enough to see his little ones run around in the yard. He joked he would start a Blue Cult with them, knowing Will would get pissed.

"He doesn't stay pissed for long, though, because he loves me. All I have to do is hug him. Maybe kiss him a little. He's my ray of sunshine, and the best part, I get to look at my favorite color every day." 

Nico looked at Will's blue eyes. Percy gets to wake up to those eyes, maybe roll around in bed while holding the sun in his arms on a cloudy day. Percy was happy and in love with the guy in front of Nico. 

He wished... He wished he were less jealous of Will and actually took the time to know the Will who made Percy happy. The one who made Percy smile in the mornings. The one who made Percy's heart beat so hard in his chest. 

But instead, Nico was looking at the shell of that person. Someone who was secretive, mean, and so unloving. 

Nico knew this was his fault for all this. 

"Are we going or not?" Will snapped, hating that Nico was staring. Nico nodded, then grabbed his keys. Will walked out the door first, Nico following behind. He'll have to figure things out the hard way. 

*************

All because he was a doctor didn't mean he liked going to the hospital. The waiting room was too bright with the smell of antiseptic that made him wrinkle his nose. He sat stiffly in a chair, part of him wanting to complain, but he kept quiet. 

In front of him, Nico stood with his hands in his pockets, looking around. He had been quiet ever since Will walked out of his room in Percy's jacket. Will growled, glaring at Nico. He was not giving up Percy's jacket. Percy's scent was damn near gone, only leaving memories in that room. 

He was not going to give that up. 

Will looked around at other mated couples waiting to be called. Some were cuddling, talking amongst each other with smiles on their faces. Those further along were rubbing their bellies, feeling the baby kick with tired looks on their faces. Their mates would be looking at them with a face full of love. 

Will felt abandoned. 

Nico wasn't his mate, so there was no one he could cuddle against and feel loved, safe. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to shield himself from the loneliness. He looked at Nico's hand, wanting comfort...

But didn't want it coming from Nico. 

He wanted to be back in bed, surrounded by dirty clothes he refused to wash, trapping Percy's scent as long as he could. It was the only way he could fight this feeling of going to Nico for comfort. So far, he has managed to handle himself when he cries at night, feeling unbearably lonely. He has managed to take care of himself when he pukes in the morning, his throat burning and feeling cold. He takes his vitamins on time and watches what he eats. 

He knew he was a bit underweight since Will fell off when he was grieving, but he has gotten better now, gaining a healthy weight. He knew he could take care of himself. He didn't need an Alpha...

He just needs Percy. 

But he was stuck with Nico. 

Will's name was called, and Nico only looked at Will. There was no hand-holding or smiles. No words of comfort or love. Will kept his head down as he got up. He doesn't think it often, but sometimes he regrets carrying Percy's baby. 

The two followed the nurse down the hall, into an exam room. He was handed a hospital gown, leaving to give Will a moment to change. Nico felt out of place here. Being surrounded by couples felt embarrassing, so he took on a protective stance rather than pretending to be a loving mate. 

He did get a few weird looks, but he blocked that out. Nico turned around so he wouldn't watch Will change, only looking once he heard the crinkle of the paper on the patient's chair. Will looked depressed, and Nico wasn't sure what to do to help without pissing Will off. 

So he sat in the hard chair, waiting for the nurse to return. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, no one saying a word to prevent setting the other off. It was a blessing when the nurse came back and did vitals and asked questions. 

Nico learned a few things. 

First, Will was suffering in silence. Will rated his puking pretty bad in the mornings, but could keep food down. He sometimes felt cramping, but knew it was because he was underweight and stressed. He gained a dirty look from the nurse because of that. 

Second, it was expected that Nico should know how Will was feeling, both emotionally and physically, as well as in terms of his scent. Nico didn't know any of that. Thankfully, before the nurse would think Will was trapped in an abusive relationship or something, Will told her that Nico wasn't his mate and that his mate had died not too long ago. Still didn't stop the dirty looks. 

Finally, Nico learned that Percy did come to one appointment. He came to listen to a heartbeat. It was his final wish before succumbing to his death a week later. Will apologize for missing his appointment, but promised he was taking care of himself. 

Nico wished he knew how to take care of Will. If Percy heard those heartbeats, then Nico wanted to make sure the baby was healthy until birth, and Will was taken care of during that time. 

Percy would want that. 

The nurse finally left, leaving Will and Nico alone. 

"Will-"

"I'm fine, Nico. I was fine before you lived with me, and I will be fine now." Will interrupted. Nico felt annoyed. 

"Then what's the point of living with you?"

"I didn't ask you to stay. You volunteered. I'm not stopping you from leaving." 

They weren't getting anywhere with this conversation. Nico stayed quiet until the doctor arrived, an omega woman by the smell of her. She greeted both of them with a smile before turning her attention to Will, asking similar questions as she slipped on gloves and readied a machine Nico didn't know. 

"Well, let's check in with your baby, shall we? We'll see if everything is okay, and we'll make an appropriate birth plan. Have you thought about how you wanna give birth?" She asked as she exposed Will's stomach. 

"I was thinking of a water birth, but I'm not sure," Will answered. The doctor nodded, rubbing cool gel on Will's belly. Nico moved a bit closer, a bit curious about what she was doing. 

"We have time before you can make a decision. Give it some thought, then we can prepare for it." The doctor looked over at Nico with a gentle smile. "Let's see how they're doing, yeah?" Nico blinked, not sure how to answer. She pressed the wand (Nico was gonna look it up later) against Will's stomach, hearing swooshing sounds until a weird rhythmic sound echoed throughout the room. 

Sounded like there was more than one heart, Nico figured maybe the machine distorting the heartbeat. 

Nico crept closer, feeling breathless. 

The strong heartbeat echoing in the room was the sound of Will's baby. It sounded a bit weird, but still beautiful to Nico. Meanwhile, Will looked confused. 

"What?" Will whispered. The concern in Will's voice made Nico nervous, quickly looking at the doctor. 

"Congratulations, you seem to be having twins." 

Will stared at the monitor, mortified. "I can't do it. I'm by myself, I can't do it." Will mumbled, feeling himself panic. He could probably handle one, but he wasn't even sure about that. 

Two?

Twins?

If Percy were here, he would've been ecstatic, acting like a kid in candyland. 

But he wasn't here. 

So Will cried. He was alone with no Alpha, with two babies...

He couldn't do it. 

He felt someone pull him into a hug, and briefly, it felt nice... until Will realized it was Nico. "Get off!" Will cried, trying to push him away. He wasn't Percy... he wasn't his mate. "Get Away From me!" Will shouted, getting angry, but Nico tightened his hold. 

He wasn't moving. 

In a fit of rage, Will bit him hard enough to draw blood on the shoulder, only feeling Nico flinch. Nico refused to let go. This was his purpose, right? To lower Will's stress, to give him a sense of security? 

Showing Will that he wasn't alone. 

"Breathe, Will," Nico said softly, letting his scent pool out, hoping it would comfort Will. "I got you." Will removed his teeth and sniffled, shaking his head.

"You're not Percy." 

"I know." Nico backed up to look at Will's face, seeing that he was scared. "But I'm here. I'm right here. You're not alone." Blue eyes locked onto brown eyes, unsure, but still latching onto the comfort he was looking for. Will nodded, then allowed Nico to hug him once more, letting Nico's earthy smell replace the fading sea salt from the jacket. 

For now, this was okay. 

Chapter 6

Notes:

Short, but pivoting chapter. Now, things are going to change.

The ride back home was quiet. After Will calmed down and Nico had his shoulder bandaged, the doctor assigned them tasks to do, since Nico wasn't Will's mate. She wanted Nico to be more physical and emotionally available with Will. Be there during Will's stressful times and minimize them. As for Will, she wanted him to get used to Nico's scent. Percy's scent was fading, if not gone already, and his feeling of abandonment was only going to get stronger. 

Nico had to get Will to realize that he wasn't alone. 

"You're doing a good job taking care of your babies, but since you don't have a current mate, this does place your pregnancy as High-Risk. You said that you do experience cramps, correct? Lower your stress, and let's not make that worse. Get Nico involved." 

The doctor mostly got on Will more than Nico, which he assumed was because Will was already a medical professional, so he should already know this. But all that was easier said than done. 

How can he be more physically and emotionally available if Will gets stressed when he tries? 

And he can't leave him alone or that'll stress Will out, too. 

It was a lose-lose situation. 

He can't do anything if Will doesn't allow him. 

"I'll... start washing clothes." Will quietly announce, sounding heartbroken. Nico didn't know what that meant, but nodded all the same. Will looked at Nico, who seemed drained. 

Rightfully so, since Will knew he gave Nico a hard time. 

The hug felt nice, though. 

"I'm sorry I bit you," Will mumbled, a bit ashamed about that. 

"It's fine, Will," Nico said, a bit too sternly. He didn't mean to; he just had a lot on his mind. Still, Will took it as Nico not wanting to talk, so he sat obediently in the passenger seat, trying his best to look small. Nico noticed, but didn't know what to do. 

He really didn't know what to do. 

He wasn't prepared to take care of a pregnant omega. That wasn't even his baby! He felt stupid for thinking he could stick this out. He wasn't friends with Will; he barely knew him. He only knew Will's birthday thanks to Percy, but he didn't know about Will's parents, his blood type, or anything about his heats. Nico pulled into their driveway, his hands gripping the steering wheel. 

Will noticed and chose to say nothing, leaving the car. Once alone, Nico groaned loudly. He wondered if there was anyone else who could replace him, someone Will might be able to connect with more easily. 

Did it have to be him? 

But even if he leaves, he would feel guilty for not taking care of Will. 

Percy would want someone to look after him and his kids. 

Maybe not specifically Nico, but someone. 

Just until the babies are born, then Will's instincts would handle the rest. 

Nico turned off the car and headed indoors, surprised to see Will's bedroom door open. He cautiously walked up to the entrance and peeked inside. Will was breaking up his nest. His hands shook as he picked up an article of clothing to place in the bin. 

"What are you doing?" Nico asked. 

"Cleaning." 

"You don't have to-"

"He's gone, Nico. His scent is gone, Percy... isn't here. Just let me do this." Will pleaded, pain etched into every word. Nico took a step in, waiting for a growl or a snap, but none came. This wasn't Will's safe space anymore. 

It was simply a room filled with dirty clothes. Nico picked up a shirt, Percy's workout shirt, and forced Will to take it, taking the bin from him. "You don't have to get rid of everything. He might not be here physically, but he's here in spirit. In you." Nico placed a finger against Will's stomach. "He chose you and left you twice the love. So even if his scent is gone, you'll never forget him." 

Will smiled, though he seemed to try to hide it from Nico. He placed his hands lovingly over his belly, for the first time happy at the thought of having his baby after Percy's death. 

Twins. 

Percy would've told the world if he could, smiling so big it would hurt his cheeks. He loved Will since before they started dating, courted him despite Will not wanting him, supported Will in his career choice, made sure Will was safe in their relationship, that he would cut off Nico if Will asked, and made sure Will knew he loved him in every way possible. 

One baby wasn't enough to compare to that. 

"I'll kill him if the babies look like him more than me, leaving me to do all the hard work," Will muttered. 

"Probably why he died before you had them, huh?" Nico joked. Will laughed. 

"Oh my gosh, too dark, Nico!" They both laughed quietly, enjoying the first nice moment together. Nico actually liked seeing Will smile after watching him cry and growl at him so many times. Nico kindly guided Will to the bed, making him sit down. 

"You take a nap while I wash these clothes. After that, we'll do a little bit a time. Does that sound okay?" Nico offered. Will nodded with pink cheeks. Without thinking, Nico caressed Will's cheek, feeling the warmth against his fingers, giving a soft gaze. 

Will's heart sped, Nico unaware that he was giving Will's craving of intimacy that he wanted back at the hospital. Will closed his eyes, leaning towards the hand, almost purring. 

He felt a little upset when Nico took his hand back. 

"Sleep well, Will." 

Will watched Nico leave, closing the door behind him. A part of him hated the feeling that Nico, of all people, made him feel cared for. Still, as Will lay down, smelling the earthy scent left behind, he had to admit, it felt nice. 

*********

"You're out of your mind!" Jason exclaimed, looking at Percy. Percy smiled like it was a compliment. They were walking along the shoreline at the beach, Percy wanting a nice vacation with his friends. So far, everything was working out, minus the miniature backtalk Will and Nico would do, but no fights. 

"Well, I am dying, Jason." Percy teased, making Jason curse. "I'm hoping I have a year left, long enough to see my baby." 

"You don't even know if Will is pregnant yet," Jason said. Percy winked at him. 

"With the way I fucked him and knotted in his sweet ass, I know he's pregnant. Hell, we're fucking every other day just to make sure." Percy happily shared, making Jason's eyes roll. The cool water tickled their feet, Percy mostly splashing with every step. 

"We've been here a week. Where are you two doing it so I know to stay away?" 

"The bed, the closet, the hot tub- Fuck! We did it three times there." 

Percy was living his final year, happy, vulgar, and carefree.

Jason shook his head at his friend, but was glad he was happy and in love. As they approached their spot on the beach, Percy stopped him, taking in the view of Will looking at the sun setting, deep in thought. 

"I'm not asking you to do much," Percy muttered, then looked over at Nico, who was sitting on the beach blanket, staring at Will. He was deep in thought as well, probably trying to figure out what made Will so special, even after Percy had dated Will for years. "All I ask is for you to leave them alone together." 

"Playing matchmaker with your omega is crazy, Perce," Jason commented. He couldn't see it ever working. Percy shrugged and looked back at Will. 

"Maybe, but if I don't make it, I want to make sure Will is taken care of, and who better than the person who loves me?" Will looked over at Percy and smiled that his Alpha was here. Not too far, Nico looked over as well. 

Neither knowing the conversation that was taking place. 

"If Nico loves me as badly as he does, then I know he'll love Will ten times more when I'm gone. Just leave them alone, and they'll take care of the rest. Promise me." Percy looked at Jason, who sighed. 

"Why are you doing this?" Jason mumbled, not really asking. Nico looked back at Will, who was walking over to Percy. Percy felt excited the closer Will came. 

"So Will ends up with the right person, so he'll be loved as he's supposed to, and so I know the person who loves Will will love my child as well. Call it my final wish." 

Jason watched Percy greet Will with a loving kiss, leaving so the couple could be alone. On his way back, he noticed Nico looking away. Jason didn't know if it would work, but he promised Percy, hoping one day, he would see Nico love and be loved as much as Percy assumed.