Nico dragged his boyfriend through the shadows to the infirmary at Camp Jupiter, it was closer. Faster.

They had to save Will.

They just had to.

"Nico," Will gasped, he was bleeding from multiple wounds, but the worst was the stab wound in his chest. The idiot had jumped in front of Nico and intercepted the blow.

Nico choked back a sob, trying to adjust his grip on Will, "Somebody help!" He yelled hoping someone would hear and come.

His friends, the seven and Reyna, came around the building then hurried to help him get Will to the infirmary.

Will kept saying his name, using what little energy he had.

Nico took his hand, "Save your strength, please. You can't die on me."

They put Will on a cot, rushing around to try and stop the bleeding.

Will just looked at Nico, "Promise me you won't give up. That you'll move on."

Nico stared at him in horror, "You can't die."

"I'm a doctor. I know they can't fix this." Will was straining, his face lined with pain. "You know I'm dying. Promise me you'll keep going. Don't throw away the progress you've made. Promise me."

Nico felt his heart breaking, his strength draining. He kissed Will, "I…I promise. I won't give up. I'll move on…" he sobbed, letting the tears fall freely.

Will nodded a bit, then Nico sensed him dying.

The healers backed off as Nico let out a yell of anguish. They let him sob into the body of his boyfriend.

Reyna was the one who pulled him away from the body, "We'll have a proper burial."

He just sobbed, he couldn't believe the love of his life was dead. Had died, saving him. Will was always saving him.

But when it really counted, Nico hadn't been able to save Will.

—~~—

The days after blurred together. Nico had to go back to their apartment. Go to his classes. He went to camp. Completely numb. Burying himself in his studies. He didn't know why it was so important to him when the most important person to him was dead.

But he was determined to get the best grades.

He wouldn't let Will down.

If he got good grades, maybe he would feel better.

And mentally he was doing a little better. His mind could dwell on Will without overwhelming him, eventually. And the good times stood out starkly against the bad. There was so much good.

Physically, he was in pain. He had hurt himself dragging Will to Camp Jupiter, pulled some muscle or other and while the healers had said that he healed well, his back eventually got so bad that he was limping. He had run to class and fallen.

When the semester ended, he went to Camp to talk to Chiron about it.

Chiron had him go to a doctor, the doctor had him go to a chiropractor, the chiropractor said to see a physical therapist or a massage therapist. That it was his muscles that were the problem.

He told Chiron, and Chiron gave him a thoughtful look. "Well, we can make you an appointment with someone."

Nico made a face, "I don't like people touching me. Especially not strangers."

"Well, you could go to Connor."

Nico made a face, "Stoll?"

"He's a registered massage therapist. And he understands your situation. He can help you. You need to see someone." Chiron said gently.

Nico's hands were shaking, "I can't afford another appointment."

"Connor will work something out with you. I'll give you an address and an appointment time." Chiron said firmly. "Is Jason still storing your stuff?"

"Yeah, I've got to find another place. When I can actually walk." Nico grumbled, limping over to the door.

Chiron went to make the call, then came back and handed Nico an appointment card. "Better get going."

Nico sighed, "yeah." He was in pain. A lot of pain. And it was just making him think of Will. He wasn't sleeping well. Will used to hold him close, and not let go.

Nico just wanted someone to hold him. Tell him it would be okay. Someone to hold him for just a second so he can rest, weary from holding the weight of his world.

He went through the shadows to an out of the way place, then limped to the small spa/office place where Connor worked.

The receptionist had him sit down, telling him that Connor would be with him in a moment.

He sat down, bending to grab a magazine when his back spasmed. He couldn't move. Panic filled him, then frustration, both overwhlemed by the sheer pain of it all which spiked his anxiety, and made it hard to breath.

"Nico?" Connor knelt in front of him, his concerned blue eyes meeting Nico's, "What are you doing here?"

Nico choked back a sob, "I'm stuck…"

Connor immediately helped him up and into the back room, bearing most of his weight. "What have you done so far about this?"

"Doctor said chiropractor, chiropractor said physical therapist or masseuse." Nico was almost hiccuping from holding back the tears and sobs of pain.

Connor nodded and helped him to sit on the table/bed thing. "Stress level?"

"I'm managing." Nico tensed as Connor started feeling his back.

"And now the truth, because you're a mess Nico. And I don't just mean your muscles." Connor pulled his chair over. "I can't help you unless you answer me honestly."

Nico stared at Connor, tears brimming his eyes, "I lost the apartment. I had to quit my job because my back has been so bad, and I have to pay for classes soon. I haven't been able to job hunt or look for a new place to stay because I can barely move and…" he sobbed, "I miss Will! I want him here!"

Connor stared at him a moment, then got up and hugged him.

Nico cried into his friend, letting the warmth from Connor seep into himself. Letting Connor comfort him.

Connor lightly rubbed his hand up and down Nico's back, which felt surprisingly good.

Nico finally calmed down, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to unload on you while you're at work."

"Nico, you're my friend. Don't worry about it." Connor said gently. "Now, I'm going to go talk to my associate. You pick out a candle that smells relaxing, and oils that smell relaxing because you need a serious massage. You're back has knotted up in so many places, that the knots have knotted together. Plus I think you may have torn a muscle in your lower back. I need to fix your upper back before I'll be able to tell."

Nico nodded a bit, then watched as Connor put in a CD. He was surprised at how much better he already felt just telling someone about the problem. Someone who understood who he was missing.

"You'll have to take off your shirt. It will make it easier for me to feel the muscles. Fix the problem faster so I'm not touching you for too long. I know you don't like getting touched."

"Thanks." Nico started smelling the different candles. "Um…Connor?"

"Yeah?"

"Please don't tell anyone I was crying. If Jason or Reyna found out they would make me move to New Rome so they could keep an eye on me. I want to finish at this college. The one I went to with Will." He smelled another candle and scrunched up his nose.

"Patient confidentiality." Connor said in a light tone. "I've got you, Nico. Let me bear your burden for now. I'm strong enough." He held out a hand to Nico.

Nico looked into the blue eyes of someone that he had run away from once. He had run away, and not given a second thought to what this man and his brother had gone through when they realized he was gone. He had left during a time when halfbloods who disappeared either were dead or had joined Kronos' army.

Connor blinked, still waiting for Nico to respond.

Nico let out a shaky breath, and put his hand in Connors.

Connors hand closed around Nic'os and squeezed it.

Immediately, Nico felt the stress, fear, pain and sadness just slide off of him and sleep overtook him.

When he woke up he was laying on his stomach and he felt so relaxed. The tension in his back and neck seemed to be completely gone. It took him a moment to realize that Connor was actually still massaging his lower back.

"Feel any better, Nico?" The older man asked, pausing as he noticed Nico lift his head to glance back.

Nico nodded, "Yeah, thanks."

"It's far from better. With as much stress as you're carrying, your back will knot up again probably by the end of the day. This is going to take time to fix. Your leg isn't hurt, but the muscles need to be carefully stretched back out." Connor carefully helped Nico sit up.

Nico realized he was right as he sat up. He could feel that his back was still tight. Still in pain, but it was such an improvement…

He sighed, "I can't even pay for this." He felt guilty. He knew how hard Connor had worked to get this place so he made a good income. For him and Travis, who had grown up with next to nothing, money was sort of reverent.

"You don't need to. I'll cover you. Chiron will hide it. I can treat you at my place if we have to." Connor placed a comforting hand on Nico's shoulder. "My lackeys won't say anything either, since I've treated at least one of each of their family members on the house."

Nico gave a ghost of a smile, "So they like you?"

"Yeah, they do. They're a little more aware than most mortals." He wiped his hands on a towel, then tossed Nico his shirt. "I wiped most of the oil off, but you'll probably need a shower. Where are you staying right now?"

Nico shrugged, "Camp."

Connor made a face, "Not a good place for recovery. You like chicken Alfredo?"

Nico nodded slowly.

"Great, you can stay at my place tonight. I can monitor your condition and you don't have to deal with anyone but me and I have a date with a good book." Connor handed Nico a candle.

Nico sniffed it, then kept smelling it, "That's heavenly."

Connor chuckled, "My personal favorite. Complimentary with your first massage. Here are my car keys. I'll be done here in about half an hour."

Nico looked at the keys, "How long have I been asleep?"

Connor gave him a smirk, "Four hours. I've had three other patients come and go. I was working on you in between. Collectively, probably took me about two hours to get you to this point. I would spend more time on you, but I have to clean up so I can go home. Don't be surprised if I work on your back at home, though."

Nico caught Connors hand, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. There's a lot of work to do on you. You keeping an active social life?" Connor quickly changed the subject.

Nico almost groaned, "No. Well, I mean, Jason and Reyna and the others from camp. But I don't, like…"

Connor nodded, "Alright. One problem at a time, then. Can you stand?" He stood ready to help Nico.

Nico carefully got up, realizing he could actually put some his weight on his leg. He would still limp, but it didn't hurt as much. "I think I can manage."

Connor moved to feel Nico's back as he stood there.

Nico stood still, making sure to keep most of his weight on his other leg.

"I'll walk you out. I don't like how tight the muscles are. I don't want you hurting yourself." Connor said gently.

Nico nodded, deciding it was best not to argue with the person who was giving him expensive treatment at no cost.

They went out to Connors car, which was the perfect size for tall and short people to get in and out of when back injuries were in play. Nico wondered if Connor had gotten it with that in mind, but realized Connor must have been looking more at gas mileage.

Connor got him in and made sure he was comfortable, "Alright. I'll be out in a bit. Feel free to mess with the radio."

Nico nodded, "thanks."

Connor nodded and headed back inside after closing the car door.

Nico decided to see what CD's were in the player.

He was surprised when something like kids music started playing. It took him a couple moments to realize that it was Disney music. He was in so much shock that he just let it play. He was pretty sure the first song was called Kiss the Girl.

He fiddled with his wallet. It had been a gift from Will. It was starting to wear out. He still kept Will's in his backpack. He liked to look at Will's drivers license sometimes.

The next song was You'll Be in My Heart.

By the end, Nico was crying again.

He hit the radio button to turn it off.

It just skipped to the next song.

Connor got in, "Oh, I love this song." Then he noticed Nico's face.

Nico hiccuped, "Disney broke me."

Connor turned it off. "You'll be in my heart?"

Nico nodded, trying to get rid of his hiccups. "That song was sort of helping."

"Little Wonders. Yeah, I listen to that on repeat after a bad day. Well, that and a couple others." Connor said softly, "Ash is closing for me. Working for her birthday bonus."

Nico hiccuped again, "Why do you—hic—have a Disney CD—hic—in the player?"

"For when I'm taking care of Zoey."

"Zoey…your niece?"

Connor nodded, "She turns four in a month or so. She's a little songbird. Loves Disney and I can dig it."

Nico relaxed in the seat, "You're sure that my staying isn't a problem?"

"Hey, I've got two spare bedrooms and you need a place to crash without the stress of people." Connor turned onto the main road. "And like I said, I've got a date with a good book."

Nico nodded, "After you cook dinner?"

"Yeah," Connor grinned. "Understand that I'm not claiming to be a particularly good cook, this is just one dish that I can cook."

"I'm not exactly skilled at making much more than cereal."

"Well, Katie gave me a couple lessons." Connor shrugged, "And I took a cooking class a couple years ago."

"Nice. Giving up on getting married?" Nico teased.

Connor laughed dryly, "Not having luck in the dating department. Last girlfriend now has a restraining order."

"Yikes, what happened?"

"Psycho. Thought I was going to marry her after a month. Freaked when I broke up with her. Broke into my house, put something in my pool."

"You have a pool?"

"Yeah," Connor glanced over, or maybe he was glancing to make sure he was clear to turn. "It will be good for you. I'll have exercises that will help stretch the muscles again."

Nico nodded. "And I'll be able to search for an apartment and another job."

"Recover first. Job second. Apartment third." Connor prioritized it, "you can crash with me until then." He parked and got out, coming around to Nico's side of the vehicle.

Nico carefully got out with Connors help. He didn't know why he felt so at ease with the older man helping him. He just felt so much better since he had taken Connors hand earlier. Since his nap.

"What did you do?" Nico asked, suddenly realizing that it couldn't have been natural.

"Um, what do you mean? I gave you a massage, a ride home, a place to stay…"

"Before my nap. You took my hand and then it was like everything came off of me. My stress and worries…sadness…"

Connor made a soft sound of acknowledgment, "Trick I learned a while back. I just…carry it for a while. Then I'll give it back in small doses until you can bear it. Like letters."

Nico stopped him, "You're carrying it?"

"Relax, Nico. I can handle it." Connor said in a soothing tone, "Let's just get you inside and relaxing."

Nico looked at him, "Why would you do that?" You have your own problems, idiot. Don't think I don't remember the things you've been through.

"Because you're struggling underneath an enormous burden and I have the strength to help you carry it. So I will. You're my friend, Nico. So was Will. I take care of my friends."

"You didn't have to…" He mumbled.

Connor hugged him suddenly, "Nico, just let me."

Nico felt his throat close and he gripped Connors shirt and buried his face in the strong shoulder. He couldn't believe he was relying so much on the prankster. But if you couldn't trust a thief to keep your secrets, who could you trust?

Connor pulled away after Nico released his shirt, "Come on, you need to lay down. Your back is starting to knot up again."

Nico finally made it into the house and looked around.

It had a powerful feeling of coziness, with the relaxing vibe of a tropical paradise. It wasn't like it was heavily decorated, but the decor brought everything together in a way that Nico found really pleasing.

"Couch or bed?"

"Couch. Not ready to be alone just yet."

"Alright," Connor helped him over and onto the couch.

Nico managed to lay down, "So, how are Travis and Katie?"

Connor went into the kitchen, "Expecting. A boy. They have no clue what they're going to name him. And Zoey is excited."

Nico let himself sink into the couch, "Katie settling into being a step-mom?"

"She settled into it two years ago when she got the role. Besides, Zoey has never known anything besides her dad, Katie, and me, obviously. She wasn't exactly planned and…"

"Yeah, I know Travis struggled with Zoey's moms death." Nico saved Connor from having to speak of it. He grabbed a stray magazine—National Geographic? Are you kidding?—and started looking through the pictures.

Connor was rattling around the kitchen, "There's an understatement. Anyway, they're doing well. They're happy."

Nico noted the tinge of dissatisfaction in Connors voice and wondered at it, "You sound…jealous?"

Connor sighed, "It's just…it was one thing, losing my foot and destroying my chances at the Olympics and of going into law enforcement. But what's with all this nasty luck in my dating life as well? I wanted…I wanted the white picket fence, the loving spouse, and three kids. I've got the house and the fence. A yard, I have a nice yard. I'm making good money, I'm living debt-free, I'm even learning too cook more things. But…" Connor leaned against the back of the couch, "Haven't found the right spouse. Don't get me wrong, I am happy in my life, just…yeah. I'm a little jealous of my brother."

Nico gave him a sympathetic smile, "At least you have a date tonight."

Connor chuckled, "Oh yeah. She's taking me on a trip." He went back into the kitchen and continued cooking.

Nico stretched a bit and regretted it as the muscles spasmed.

Connor came and gently worked his fingers into the muscles on Nico's back until Nico's breathing and reaction sounded of relief rather than pain.

Once Nico said he was okay and that he wouldn't move, Connor went back to cooking the chicken.

Nico listened as Connor started humming softly, probably some Disney song.

He wasn't sure what he had gotten himself into. But for some reason he was glad he did.

AN: This is going to be updated sporadically. Happy Connico, everyone. Crossover comes in later chapters. Chapter two is almost done. I do take requests, I love all feedback (especially grammar).