𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

that's not a no (private talk - post-campfire)

Setting: Later that night, in a quiet corridor of the Iron Lion, dimly lit by an old lantern. Nico and Bea sit near the armory entrance — their usual corner. There's leftover warmth in the air, a weird stillness after everyone's teasing at dinner.

"So... that was something." Nico said, grinning faintly as he kicked a rock with his boot.

"Do you two sleep together?" Bea deadpanned with her arms crossed before snickering under her breath. "God. Minho has no filter."

"Should I be offended or flattered that they think we're capable of that while surrounded by bunk beds, snoring soldiers, and the occasional air raid?" Nico tilts his head, mock-serious.

"Honestly? Flattered. They must think you're irresistible." Bea playfully nudges his shoulder.

"They clearly haven't seen my bedhead." Nico said, smirking.

Bea laughs softly, then quieter. "...You handled it well though. I thought you'd combust."

"I mean, it's not like I've never thought about it." Nico shrugs, his voice gentler.

Bea goes very still then lifts an eyebrow, mock-casual. "Thought about what exactly, Nico?"

Nicopauses, eyes on her, a little too honest. "You. Us. If it ever stopped being... whatever it is now."

"Well, we're really good at whatever this is. Top tier not-dating."

"Unmatched at repressing feelings." Nico leans in just a little.

"Award-winning." Bea leans in too.

There's a moment. Charged. Breath held. Neither of them moves.

"If we ever did... y'know, actually start something... we'd probably mess it up." Nico said finally.

"Yeah. But maybe we'd also be really good at it." Bea answered quietly.

Silence. Then, a smile from Bea. She reaches over, fingers brushing his as she stands.

"Still not sleeping with you though." Bea said teasingly.

"I wasn't offering." Nico grinned.

"Good. I have a knife."

"See, that's why they think we're together." He remarked.

She's already walking away, and he watches her go — smile lingering.