Work Text:
“Damn, Austin was right. You really are workaholic final boss.”
Will’s head snapped up from where it rested on his desk.
“You gotta be kidding– Austin put you up to this?” He glared weakly at a disappointed Nico. Just because he takes his job seriously doesn’t mean he’s addicted! He just… cares about medicine, and wants his siblings to have more free time so they don’t have to work. Yeah, that’s it.
Nico shot him a suspicious look. “When was the last time actually rested? Hell, even leave the infirmary? Kayla’s about a step away from having you suspended just so you take some form of a break!”
As sweet as the lecture and concern was, Will had things to do. Those supplies weren’t gonna catalogue themselves.
“Listen, man, I’m glad you came by, and I’m grateful that you guys care about me and all, but I’m almost done. Really! I’ll take a break and sleep once I’ve finished–”
“No! You need a break and people are worried! You aren’t a good medic if you’re barely getting by.” Nico scoffed at him. Will always found it funny how he always seemed to act like he didn’t give a shit, while quite obviously giving a shit.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t done talking. “You constantly lecture me over not taking care of myself, and then you turn around and work yourself to the bone? Even Chiron’s concerned at this point! If not for your own sake, at least take a break for me? Please?”
Will was about to protest further, but then he looked up at him. Really looked up at him this time. Nico’s eyes seemed so pleading despite his scolding words.
Good lord, was it hard to say no to him. He ignored the light flutter in his chest for the sake of his heart and sanity. Wait, Nico said suspension? Or worse? Damn it, he couldn’t afford to be banned or risk losing his job.
“Fine, if it gets me out of trouble. Where am I even supposed to go now? I can’t exactly join my cabin halfway through whatever activity they’re doing now, can I?” He snarked back.
Nico rolled his eyes, the annoying bastard. “Anything you want, as long as you get out of this place.”
“Lead the way, Deathboy.” Will got up from his chair before leaning on his desk towards him.
In lieu of using his fucking words, Nico just grabbed him by the wrist and dragged his hostage to Cabin 13. Jackass.
The walk was mostly silent. Will usually talked, or Nico got a conversation going, but this time it felt almost tense. The other boy’s grip on his arm didn’t seem to falter though, a thought of which made Will much happier than it deserved to.
After both an eternity and no time at all seemed to pass, they arrived at the Hades cabin. It looked so edgy from the outside, it would’ve been comical had the reasoning not been quite sad.
Initially, it had been structured securely and isolated, as if the resident would be some awful monster, or a plague cursing the camp. Like Nico could be anything but sweet as pie.
Will was brought back into reality with the click of the cabin door opening.
“You gonna stand there all day or come in?” Nico’s voice was irritatingly teasing in his ears.
He kicked off his flip flops at the foot of the other boy’s bed. “Holy fuck dude, it’s so not fair that you have a queen,” he groaned. His words were muffled by the softest comforter Will’s felt at camp.
“You don’t think I deserve it after all I’ve done? Way to believe in me, Solace, thanks,” Nico deadpanned.
Will’s response was to throw a pillow at him. “You tear me away from my very busy job just to mock me. I would believe in you if you were less annoying.”
His, ever so mature, friend stuck his tongue out impolitely and jumped into his bed next to him.
“Please, you love me.” Will wanted nothing more than to kiss the smugness in his voice away. But unfortunately, he was grateful enough to have gotten to this point with him, so nothing was done.
“Sure, pal, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Nico laughed at him. An honest to god laugh. Its not a new sound, but a rarer one nonetheless. It never failed to leave him breathless even after a while.
He rolled onto his side to look at Nico. He was so beautiful when he was unburdened by life. His hair, given time and care, had grown just past his shoulders, and gained some looser curls. Will couldn't help but admire them as the curls splayed out on the bedding near Nico’s shoulders.
He glanced up at the raven’s eyes briefly. Wow… those eyes were enchanting. Deep pools of warm honey pulled him in- gosh- it’s been a while since he’s had a real meal.
Will sat up with a groan. “I’m starving, do you got any snacks?” He used his best puppy eyes on him, Nico rarely refused when he used them.
As expected, he threw a Sour Patch Kids packet at him. “I had a feeling you'd want something.”
Will’s eyes lit up at the sight. “Aww, and you remembered my favorite too!” He ripped it open and popped a green one in his mouth.
“I know, I’m the greatest friend ever.” Nico’s tone was sarcastic despite the redness creeping up his neck.
It was cute watching him blush.
This time, Will didn't try ignoring it. Well, it was fine anyways. He’s known for years about the bit of a crush on him.
It only made his day better anyways, so why ruin a good thing?
“Yeah, okay, fine. I guess you get a pass this time. The break may have been somewhat necessary.” The admission was rough to get out, but it was worth it to see that triumphant grin grace Nico’s face.
“I told you so.” He sat up and pointed a finger at Will’s chest.
Nico’s victory speech was cut off by another pillow. He squawked indignantly at the brutal attack and threw one at the blond in turn.
It soon dissolved into a pillow fight with fits of laughter erupting in between.
If anyone asked, Will would never admit how much he enjoyed and needed this break.