Camp Half Blood: One "Salty" Adventure

Chapter 18

Will's POV:

Another night, another uncomfortable slumber. I've left Rose alone for about an hour now, sleeping. But I've been in the lab this whole day, working on the new versions of the treatment especially for Rose. Of course, I've checked on her every now and then. But, after all of that, I'm way past exhausted. When I step into my room for the last time today, I find Rose fast asleep. I smirk slightly and then quietly take my shirt off, changing into a fresh T-Shirt. "H-hey." I hear Rose's sleepy voice say.

"Hey, Rose." I reply taking my shoes off and then kneeling down to lie on the floor. Just then, Rose grabs my arm, pulling me up to her.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" She whispers. I scrunch up my face.

"Wh-what? Why?" I ask nervously.

"I'm freezing, Will. Please, just for tonight. You don't have to again, but please." I think this over for a few seconds. Olthen would kill me if he found out about this. But, he also did tell me to do whatever it takes until Rose is better. I bite my lip and look at her, hesitantly nodding my head.

"O-Okay..." I agree and then crawl next to her, lying down under the covers. She looks to me and then awkwardly smiles.

"D-do you mind if I?..." she trails off, but I know what she's implying.

"Y-yeah, it's alright." She nods and then inches closer to me, wrapping her arms around my torso. It's weird at first, but then I, instinctively, wrap an arm around her. She lets out a sigh and then relaxes her body. Seconds later, I hear her light snores, indicating that she's fallen asleep. Soon, I fall asleep too, exhaustion hitting me harder than ever. Sleep seems to consume me.

I open my eyes to see a sleeping Rose. I become scared, but then I remember what I told her I'd do last night. I had to keep her warm... but I realize now, while we've been sleeping, we became a lot closer. Our bodies are tangled together, our arms wrapped around each other and her legs are wrapped around me. I bite my lip nervously and attempt to inch away, although I don't want to because I'm, actually, really comfortable. I feel so warm and at home in her arms an- no... no I can't think like that. O-Olthen told me not to... not to talk like that. Not to think like that. I try to get away as fast as I can without waking her up. When I do, her grip tightens on me. "B-Be...." she mumbles in her sleep. I can't make out what she said but, even if I was listening closely, I don't think I could have. Plus, now I was freaking out. Just then, I hear a soft knock on the door. Rose begins slowly waking up, giving me my chance to get away. Once I'm on my feet, I stumble to the door, open it, step out, and then close it, locking it behind me. I hear Rose saying something before I close the door, but I ignore it and greet the person who knocked.

"Wh-what? Hey, hi. Sorry." I say and then look up to see Shadow. "Gods, Shadow. You scared me." I said running a hand through my messy hair.

"You look rough... but well rested... I thought you've been sleeping on the floor?" She asked. My face heated up and I opened my mouth to speak and then closed it and looked down. "Oh gods... Will did you-" I cut her off, feeling my face get even redder.

"No! No no no no no! Shadow, seriously? Come on..." I stuttered out becoming defensive.

"Hey, I'm just messing with you, calm down, Will." She chuckled at me. "I know you'd never do that... yet." She coughed the last word and I rolled my eyes at her.

"What do you want, Shadow? It's too early for this." She smiled.

"Yeah, I know. But I wanted to know if Rose needed some new clothes? I brought some of mine. Could I see her?" I gave her a strange look.

"Why would she need new clothes?" I asked curiously.

"Well she's probably been wearing the same clothes for weeks, Will. Same with Myra. I have some for her too by the way. Come on, just give me a second with her?" She pleaded.