It was supposed to be a quick stop—just a bathroom break and a chance for everyone to grab snacks before the bus ride back. The class trip had gone surprisingly well, no one had gotten lost, Percy hadn’t accidentally broken anything, and Annabeth had only threatened to strangle him once.

Inside the tiny corner shop, the air-conditioning hummed, and the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Will stood at the counter with his usual sunny grin, placing two bottles of water, a bag of pretzels, and a chocolate bar down.

Behind him, Nico stood silent.

And scowling.

Will, in all his clueless glory, was currently being flirted with. The cashier, a girl no older than them, was leaning slightly forward, batting her lashes a little too obviously.

“You’ve got a really nice smile,” she said sweetly, sliding the chocolate bar across the scanner.

“Oh—uh, thanks!” Will replied, all dimples and sunshine, clearly not picking up on the tone. “It’s been a good day, I guess.”

Nico’s grip on his hand tightened.

The girl giggled. “Are you from around here?”

Will smiled. “Nah, just a school trip.”

“Too bad. I’d love to see that smile more often.”

Nico huffed. Audibly.

Will turned his head slightly, just now seeming to notice the pressure on his hand. “You okay?”

Nico didn’t answer. He was too busy burning a hole through the cashier’s skull with his eyes. His grip on Will’s hand had gone from warm and casual to possessive, fingers locked tight, jaw clenched.

Will blinked, still confused, but turned back to finish the transaction. “Thanks! Come on, Nico.”

As they walked out of the shop, Will squinted at him. “Were you… mad about something?”

Nico didn’t look at him. “No.”

“You’re squeezing my hand like it owes you money.”

“She was annoying.”

Will blinked, then snorted. “Wait, were you jealous?”

Nico glared sideways. “She was looking at you.”

“You’re the one holding my hand.”

“Not tight enough, apparently.”

Will laughed, cheeks pink. “You’re ridiculous.”

Nico didn’t answer. But he didn’t let go, either. Not until they were back on the bus, Will curled against his side, and the cashier was long behind them.