Will's eyelids drooped as he tried to sort through the pile of paperwork in front of him. It had been a long day in the infirmary and it was going to be a long night, too. Luckily, all his patients had fallen asleep in time for the night shift, which gave him chance to catch up on admin.

Or so he thought.

Suddenly, the doors flew open and in marched Austin, Kayla, Cecil, Lou Ellen, and Nico. The five demigods' arms were folded - it was clear they meant business. Will stood up and rubbed his eyes groggily.

'What are you guys doing here?' he asked. 'Don't tell me you've all managed to injure yourselves?' His eyes lingered on the son of Hades, who raised a dark eyebrow.

'Of course we haven't,' said Cecil impatiently.

'We are here,' Austin announced dramatically, 'to take over your duties. Kayla and I are going to take the night shift, and these three are going to help.'

'Oh.' Will eyed the mountain of paperwork and the sleeping patients. 'You really don't have to...'

'Oh, yes we do,' Kayla interrupted her brother. 'It's not like you're the only healer in camp. It's time you stopped refusing our help. We can all see how tired you are.'

'No I'm not.' Will tried, and failed, to conceal a badly-timed yawn. His friends' stern looks intensified.

'No arguments, Solace,' said Lou Ellen firmly. 'You are going to go back to your cabin and sleep. Or else.'

'Or else what?' Will asked defiantly.

'I'll turn you into a pig. Or worse.'

'So if I were you,' said Cecil, 'I'd get going before the harpies come out to get you.'

Will surveyed them all and raised his eyebrows.

'Did you guys rehearse this?'

'Maybe,' muttered Austin. His sister elbowed him. 'I mean, no, of course not. Look, Will, just get outta here and rest up. Gods know you need it.'

That did sound like a good idea. But then Will thought of the half-bloods who were under his care. They were his responsibility. He couldn't leave them. Not when they needed him most.

'No can do. I have all these patients who need my help.'

'I can't believe you,' said Nico. 'You're always telling me to look after myself. So you should start doing the same, William.'

Nico did have a point. Will considered them all.

'Say for a moment I did agree to this…do you guys know what you're doing?'

'Yep. We know who needs what. We can take care of the paperwork. And we all spent the afternoon napping in the Hypnos cabin. So we are very well rested. Unlike you,' said Austin.

Will couldn't help but smile at this. The thought of the five of them lying fast asleep, snoozing away with the likes of Clovis, must have been a sight to behold.

'Look, Will,' said Kayla. 'I know you care about the patients. But we care about you. And you have to care about yourself, too.'

Will's heart warmed a little. His bed did sound very tempting right now...surely a little sleep wouldn't hurt. Or...a lot of sleep...

'Well, why are you still here?' Nico demanded. 'Go and get some shuteye. Doctor's orders.'

Will burst out laughing. Hearing that coming from Nico was hilarious. His influence must have been rubbing off on him.

'Oh, and since when were you a healer?' he teased. 'Nice try, but I'm afraid you don't get to use doctor's orders on me, di Angelo.'

Nico tapped his chin thoughtfully, a gleam in his dark eyes.

'Hmmm...yeah, I suppose it doesn't really work when I say it. Well then...how about boyfriend's orders?'

Will's mouth fell open. Nico had hardly ever used the word 'boyfriend' out loud, let alone in front of other people. He'd always been too embarrassed and had favoured the term 'significant annoyance'. Since when was he so comfortable with Will's friends? He must be really serious about this.

'I... suppose that would be OK.'

'Good.' Nico stepped closer and looked menacingly up at him. 'Now are you going to run along to your cabin or do I have to summon one or two of my friends to chase you there?'

Will shuddered. He had no desire to meet Nico's friends. Nico may be smaller than him, but he could be scary when he wanted to. He decided it was time to admit defeat and held up his hands in surrender.

'Okay guys, you got me. You'll call me back if there's an emergency?'

'Of course,' said Austin. 'We'll call you back if anyone's dying.'

'And I'll know if anyone really is dying,' said Nico.

'Okay, I'm going.' Will paused to smile at his siblings, friends, and boyfriend as a wave of gratitude washed over him. 'Thanks, guys. I owe you big time.'

'No, you don't,' said Lou Ellen. 'You've healed all of us at some point. It's the least we could do. Now go!'

Will no longer needed encouragement. As he left the infirmary, he heard them all high fiving each other and a grin broke out on his freckled face. It was time for a well-earned rest.