Chapter Text
Will Solace was exhausted. Three days of nonstop work in the infirmary, countless injured campers to care for, and about six cups of coffee later, he was finally making his way back to his cabin. He barely noticed the way the sunlight glittered on the lake, the chatter of campers practicing swordplay, or even how his boots kicked up little puffs of dust on the trail. All he could think about was his bed.
But, as fate would have it, Nico di Angelo was waiting for him at the door of the Apollo cabin.
“Will,” Nico said, his arms crossed, black eyes narrowed in concern. “You look like death.”
“Now that’s ironic, comin’ from you,” Will drawled, his Southern accent thick from exhaustion. He didn’t even register the words leaving his mouth as he tugged the tie from his hair and ran a hand through his messy blond locks.
Nico froze, the sharp retort he’d been preparing completely derailed. Instead, a faint flush crept up his neck and onto his pale cheeks.
Will blinked at him, oblivious, then rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry, sugar. Didn’t mean to snap atcha. I’m jus’ tired as all get-out.”
Nico visibly swallowed. His lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. Instead, he turned abruptly, muttering something under his breath.
“Wait—what?” Will asked, stepping forward, but Nico had already turned his back. His ears were red now, too.
“Nothing,” Nico said quickly. “I—uh—did you just call me ‘sugar’?”
Will tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Yeah? Is that a problem?”
Nico shook his head so fast his hair whipped across his face. “No, I just… didn’t expect it.”
“Well, y’better get used to it,” Will replied, leaning against the cabin doorframe, completely unaware of how his drowsy smile and honeyed accent were wreaking havoc on Nico’s composure. “It’s a Southern thing. Comes out more when I’m tired. Ain’t got much control over it.”
Nico’s eyes darted to the ground, and he mumbled something Will didn’t catch. The son of Hades seemed uncharacteristically fidgety, tugging at the edge of his aviator jacket and refusing to meet Will’s gaze.
Will squinted at him, his healer instincts kicking in despite his exhaustion. “You feelin’ alright, darlin’? You’re lookin’ kinda warm—cheeks all pink and everythin’.”
“Will,” Nico hissed, finally looking up. His face was absolutely scarlet now. “Do you have to talk like that?”
“Talk like what?” Will asked, completely bewildered.
“Like… like that! With the drawl and—and calling me things like ‘sugar’ and ‘darlin’!’” Nico’s voice cracked slightly, and he looked horrified at his own outburst.
Will stared at him for a long moment before realization dawned on him. A slow grin spread across his face, and he straightened up, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Well, I’ll be. You’re flustered.”
“I am not!” Nico snapped, but his voice betrayed him, shaking slightly.
“Oh, you totally are,” Will said, his grin widening into a full-on smirk. He crossed his arms, leaning closer to Nico. “Didn’t know my accent could getcha all hot and bothered. That’s mighty interestin’, sugar.”
“Will Solace, I swear to—” Nico’s threat was cut off by the way Will chuckled, low and warm, the sound sending a shiver down his spine.
“Aw, c’mon now, darlin’. Don’t go runnin’ off,” Will teased, his voice like molasses. “I think it’s cute.”
Nico groaned, covering his face with his hands. “You’re insufferable.”
“And you’re adorable,” Will shot back, his tone playful but fond.
For a moment, Nico just stood there, silently willing the ground to swallow him whole. Then, without a word, he turned on his heel and stalked off toward the forest.
Will called after him, still laughing. “Don’t be too mad, sugar! You know you like it!”
The only response he got was a muffled groan from somewhere in the trees.
Shaking his head, Will finally pushed open the cabin door. He’d have to apologize properly later—but for now, he’d enjoy the fact that he’d discovered Nico’s secret weakness.
And he wasn’t planning on letting him forget it anytime soon.