NdA:AA P 2

He was hoping to meet Annabeth Chase, who was rumored to be next in line for chief prosecutor. He was also prepared to meet Percy, with an apology for the punching but not for his words.

But he wasn't expecting to meet the fortune-teller. The one that had handed over the forged evidence, who had caused him so much dispair, and yet -

Her name was Hazel and he couldn't feel mad at her. He felt an instant connection, like a long lost sister. She wasn't anything like Bianca, of course. But there was something shared between them that he couldn't put his finger on.

Something that made him dumb. Dumb enough to allow her to be his assistant for his investigation.

Because he did like Hazel, but one work proximity acquaintance wouldn't change his entire lone wolf attitude.

"Actually, you should probably leave," Nico attempts. "Lots of gory stuff. At the scene of the crime."

"I'm not scared easily. Thank you, though."

"And a lot of paperwork," he tries once more. She looks briefly like she's going to run off. But then she puts on a serene smile.

"I'm here to stay, Nini."

So he gives up.

They make it to the crime scene, where his day goes from weird to batshit crazy. There's a man with curly blond hair in a white coat, just sitting on a bench. As if this was a normal park where no murders occurred.

"Sir, this is a crime scene. Someone - someone died here. Didn't you notice the police tape?" Nico scowls. The man doesn't even turn around.

"I'm- " the blond laughs. He laughs! The gall of this man with a surprisingly cute laugh. Not that he noticed. "Yes, Deathy McDeathFace, I know someone died, that's why I'm here."

Then he turns around, and the world freezes for a split second. Because it's Octavian, what the fuck--

But then time resumes and the difference is stark. This man has tanner skin, wilder hair, vibrant blue eyes, a splash of freckles, a brilliant smile - he is in a word, bright.

"Usually I'm the one doing inspections, but I'm not complaining." He winks, and Nico can feel himself blush. His coat swishes as he stands up to shake his hand. "Prosecutor Will Solace, MD."

"As in Major Dork?" He deadpans. If this was who he had to face in court, some -cute- guy pretending to be a doctor, he was sure Ms. la Rue would get a not guilty verdict.

"I think he means medical doctor," Hazel points out. "He is dressed like one."

"Ding ding ding! We have a winner," Will says. "Medicanae Doctor, more commonly known as Doctor of Medicine. The knowledge is rather helpful during investigations - I do some work as a coroner on the side. My two passions as one."

He says it casually, like it's a normal thing for a human to do. Go through both medical and law school, work two demanding jobs, and look at dead bodies too. Just for fun.

"That's incredible," she gasps. Nico glares at him, something he's quite good at.

"I don't believe you."

"Pardon?" Will says it sincerely, not even angry, just confused.

"That - you'd have to be a superhuman to work both of those jobs. Who goes into law school and thinks, 'this is just too easy! I need an extra challenge'?"

Will smiles - warm and bright, there's that word again, like the sun. Then he unpins his prosecutor badge from the lapel of his coat and holds in front of Nico.

"That one was just - I'm always looking for excuses to whip this baby out," he chuckles. "And it's not a matter of needing an extra challenge. I saw two career paths where I could help people, and I couldn't pick between them. So I chose a third option."

"You are - you're-" Nico fumbles. Snappy comebacks fail him, because no matter how hard he tries, this guy is too damn likeable.

"I'm Dr. Will Solace, esquire. And you're Nico di Angelo, defense attorney for Clarisse la Rue, and the man who put my cousin in jail."

Shit. "Yes. That, uh, is indeed me."

The dark cloud over the conversation is lifted as Will smiles. "I hope you don't mistake my curiousity for vengeance. Octavian was guilty - and, to be honest, just a terrible person. But he always got away with it before you came along. So when I heard you were leading Ms. la Rue's defense, I called in a few favors to insure I was on the case. You're just as interesting as I suspected."

Nico doesn't blush, because he doesn't think this guy is the most fascinating man he's ever met. "I see. I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise. I've already given this place a full sweep, so it's all yours. See you two tomorrow," he says.

"We'll be seeing you in court!" Hazel shouts. "Sorry, I've just always wanted to say that."

--

"Prosecutor Solace, your opening statements," Judge Dionysus says.

"Certainly, Your Honor." Will takes a deep breath. "The murder occured between 10:15 and 10:42 / At People's Park, the victim met Clarisse la Rue / A bullet to his right temple / Took his life, this crime an example / Of-"

"Objection!" Nico cries out, slamming his hands on the desk.