Chapter Text
“I can’t believe you’re making me go to this.” Nico was being dragged to the camp bonfire by, you guessed it, an Apollo kid. He had never experienced any desire to go to a camp singalong of all things. Of course, there was the appeal of Will’s presence, no matter how much he refused to admit it.
“Come on, you’ll love it. A warm toasty bonfire, singing camp songs and making s’mores,” Nico gave Will a look that said, are you serious?. “Or not. But I can’t leave you to rot in your coffin every night, can I?”
“You know full well I wasn't the one in charge of decorating!”
“You haven’t changed it yet.”
“You know how busy it’s been around here.”
“Oh, come on, you haven’t been that busy.”
“I give up. I don’t care anymore.”
“Only because you know I’m right.” Nico pushed Will, an expression of exasperation on his face. “Now hurry, we don’t wanna be late.”
“Speak for yourself, the thing’s like an hour long.”
“The thing also starts in two minutes and we’re still by the lake.”
“We’d have to run if we wanted to get there on time.” Will grinned. “No. Don’t make us-”
“Come on!” Will grabbed Nico’s hand, sending a small jolt of static into his hand and forcing him into a sprint. They reached the amphitheater right as the bonfire was started. “Just in time.”
“That was not fair. Did you forget that I’m six inches shorter than you?”
“Haha sorry. But we couldn’t be late!”
“Yes we could have been.” The two continued to bicker as they made their way to their seats. Nico sat through the sing along, refusing to actually sing despite Will’s encouragement.
“Why not? There’s nothing to lose.”
“I think you’re forgetting who made me run to a camp singalong. Besides, I don’t sing.”
“So?”
“So? I refuse your offer.”
“You sure? It’ll be fun.”
“Sure it will.”
“Suit yourself. You’re missing out though.”
“I’m fine with that.” Nico, still worn out from everything that had happened in the last month or so, (Maybe more. Probably more. Nico didn't even know at this point) found himself leaning on Will’s shoulder, drawn to his warmth. He was lulled into a sort of half-sleep, not deep enough to dream in but enough so that when he was shaken awake he felt a little rested.
“Tired?” Will smiled.
“Not anymore. Although I am a little cold.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I have some heat to spare.” Will put an arm over Nico’s shoulders. Nico tensed up, not the biggest fan of human contact. Will seemed to realise this and went to move his arm, but Nico stopped him.
“No, it’s okay. I’m just not used to people touching me. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s alright. You have nothing to apologize for.” Nico moved closer to him, rubbing his arms. He still needed to replace his aviator jacket.
“Will, do you want to come back to my cabin? I mean, I know it can get crowded in number seven, and uh… I figured I’d need some help with planning the redecoration.” Will laughed.
“I would have come even without the explanation, you know.”
“Yeah, well, I actually do need some help figuring out how to furnish everything.”
“Sure. Just let me stop by seven and grab a few things. Plus I should probably let someone know where I am so they don’t go completely ballistic over a little rule bending.
When they arrived to cabin thirteen, Nico’s mind blanked. He had no idea how to act with someone over.
“So… what should we do?”
“Well first we should see about these beds. They seem a little over the top for you” He hopped onto an empty bunk, bouncing a bit. “Hm. At least they’re sturdy.”
They spent a while talking about furniture before getting bored. Nico realised it was almost time for lights out.
“Think we should get ready? For sleep. I mean bed. Sleep.”
“It sounds like you need it.”
“Psh it’s just sleep what are you talking about.” Will shot him a look. “Okay, you’re probably right.”
“Of course I am. I’m always right.” Nico was too tired to argue.
They settled in, whispering of things forgotten as soon as they were said. Nico soon fell asleep, dreaming of his sister. Thinking of her, even though he knew she was safe (also dead but you know), made him a little sad. It always did. He was woken by something shaking him.
“Nico? You alright?” Will was crouching over him. “I just heard something, and wondered what was wrong.” Nico rubbed his eyes and found that his fingertips came back wet. Nico wondered when the last he’d cried was.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I think.”
“No you’re not.” One statement, put so simply, made Nico realise that he was not, in fact, okay. He sighed.
“You’re right. Ugh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.
“No, it’s fine. I promise. Come here.” Will pulled him into an embrace, hugging him tightly. Nico hugged back with matching force, surprising himself. “Hey, it’ll be okay.” They stayed like this for several minutes, until Will pulled away. Nico found himself desperately wishing he wouldn’t disconnect.
“Do you want to… nevermind. I’m sorry.”
“Do I want to what?” Nico took a deep breath.
“Do you want to stay? Here I mean.”
“Do I want to..? Ohhh. Yes.” Nico wanted to make fun of him for the determined way he said yes, but thought better of it.
Will climbed into the bed and slid his arms over him, pulling Nico's face close to his own. Nico curled into him, cautiously returning the gesture. Nico still felt weird about this much touching, but he found himself enjoying it. They looked at each other awkwardly, eyes locking. Will ended the tension, closing the gap between their lips in a soft kiss. It was just a smooch, but Nico felt his face burn. Will laughed as Nico gasped a bit before he buried his head in Will’s shoulder. They snuggled into each other, their breathing syncing as they fell asleep.