LIABILITY - WILCO SOLANGELO

Ch. 31

WILL POV

True to my word, I was back at Nico's cabin door ten minutes later. Leo had helped me get the bonfire going. I even blindfolded him as I led him to the spot. He complained about it, calling it unnecessary, but what's a secret spot if it's not secret? Besides, I loved the secretive, spy sort of vibe. It was fun. It was intriguing watching Leo getting the fire going - a mechanically (or magically or both) contained fire that burnt a mysterious mix of colours. Apparently, he had been making some good ideas for the Camp bonfire too. The mischievous glint in his eyes, however made me question his definition of good. The ten minutes with Leo passed by seamlessly despite the fact we'd barely ever interacted. He was easy with a light sense of humour. I understood why Nico liked him. Leo also had the best stories about Nico, which he managed to tell within the ten minutes while he set the fire. He spoke very very fast with a jumpy manner much like the way his hands moved - it was like he was afraid of silence. And sitting still. He worked effortlessly and spoke without so much as a pause for breath and I found myself laughing at his jokes. I was light and confident and so ready for the date. Until of course, it was actually time for the date-

Now, as I knocked Nico's door for the second time this day, I was terrified. What if he didn't like it? What if he doesn't like smores? (I knew he loved them but what if he changed his mind?) What if I sing terribly? (That was surely my biggest fear) Doubts rushed in like a whirlwind.

But I hardly had time to dwell on all of this before the door inched open and Nico slipped out. He looked amazing. I'd actually dressed up a but, despite saying casuals, knowing Nico roamed in a leather jacket at the best of times. So I'd actually pulled on a jacket of my own (after persuasion from Kayla) and know it looked like we'd had a wardrobe exchange. Whatever the case may be, what I did know for sure was that he surely pulled the jumper look off better than I did. His messy hair and soft jumper gave him a comforting but cool vibe. He looked adorable to be honest. His tiny frame was swamped by the jumper. I could suddenly imagine him drowning in my jumpers. That would be the most adorable thing ever. I smiled at the very idea. 

"Earth to Will" droned Nico. But the faint blush on his cheeks told me he'd been checking me out too. Suddenly drawn to the present, I handed him the sad bouquet of flowers I had picked from the Demeter cabin at the last moment. Honestly, I don't think he minded the messy presentation because when he saw the flowers, he smiled so wide - red powdering his usually pale cheeks. If I had a camera, I'd totally take a picture of him. I loved taking pictures. But, then again, I wasn't sure if Nico liked photos or being photographed and I decided that my obsession for photography could be something I pester him with later. 

Before I could get lost in thought again, I stuck my elbow out, hand on my waist, gesturing Nico to link his arm through mine. He turned even redder, till his ear tips were tinged tomato red. Nonetheless, he linked his arm through mine and I gave him a giddy grin because hell, I'd just found someone with the same taste in silly romance as me.

"Where to good Sir?" Nico asked in a falsely posh accent and I tried to stifle my laughter as I asked him to follow me. Any nervousness, I'd had waned away. It was still the same equation as before. There was no miraculous change because it was a date. It was still the two of us hanging out and having fun. Nico clutched his chest in mock surprise as we neared our favourite spot. He turned to me, a witty remark at the tip of his tongue but when we stepped into the clearing, the words died in his throat. He stood in absolute silence and shock and for a moment I was afraid he didn't like it, that I'd ruined what the spot meant to him. But then he turned and kissed me on the cheek. "It's gorgeous Will. It's like you transformed this spot into a mini heaven." He looked around with childish glee, finally setting his gaze on the campfire.

"Rainbow coloured eh? How gay of you Solace." I laughed at his quip. I hadn't even realised it but I bet Leo did it on purpose. I walked over to the little spot I'd set up for us to sit. It was nothing fancy - just the usual boulders and logs but I'd got some blankets for when the evening got chillier and some cute cushions for a more homely feel.