You're late," he said as Nico finally managed to find the room.
"Good observation," Nico snapped, feeling much more cheerful now.
"Just in time. We were in need of some fresh, precisely cut fourteen inch bandages."
"Ha ha."
"But seriously. You're late, and I'm pissed. It's bad enough there's not enough cots out here for you to stay overnight-"
"Because cots are so comfortable."
"And then I have to worry because you don't even show up like you're supposed to-"
"Nobody asked you to worry."
"And then I ask for supplies before realizing that- wait- I'm on my own. With nobody around to help. Meaning I have to get my own fourteen inch bandages by myself."
"Wow," Nico's voice happily dripping with sarcasm. "Harsh."
"And it's not like I could leave and find out where you were, or anything, because this place is in huge need of heavy duty."
"I was sleeping. Isn't that what you wanted? For me to rest? Doctor's orders?"
"So you were in your cabin. Even worse. I can't go barging into your cabin."
"Why not?" the words were out before Nico could stop himself. The appropriate response should've been something snappy, or something along the lines of Will being stupid. Instead, Nico sounded like he actually wanted Will in his cabin. Which he didn't. Or... Oh, gods. Maybe he did. Oh, gods. A flush flooded his insides. The thought of Will in his cabin...
"Can't come in unless invited or let in. Cabin policy. Unless you're needed in a meeting. Or in actual danger."
"Huh." Nico thought about that. He faintly remembered hearing a rule like that. And then, coming to his senses, he added, "Good."
"Also, the whole thing about no two people being alone in a cabin, but nobody really follows that-"
"I thought that was only between a girl and a boy," Nico blurted out. His brain to mouth coordination was getting pretty unstable around Will.
Will stopped what he was doing- packing materials into some sort of first aid kit- and stared at Nico for a long time. Nico was hit with his gaze, started to blush, and then determinedly (and embarrassed) glared back. Will's lips twitched.
Finally, Will broke the silence. "You," he shook his head in disbelief. "Are so dense."
He zipped the kit, slung it under his arm, and walked fast out of the room. Just before he disappeared from sight, his head and that blonde mop of hair popped back into view. "Come on, Nico."
