The angel actually made to preen himself when James sort of complimented him. It was mainly just playing up to it. Maybe James would even be surprised that he reacted in this way rather than being all huffy that he'd been flirted with. For once, Will felt attractive. That would surely have an effect.
In response to James' weirdo taunts, though, Will poked him with his toe before uncurling his legs. Something told Will that this wasn't a subject James wanted to discuss - which was why Will wasn't going to let it go. "How come?" he pressed, putting the book to one side and shifting so he could see his new companion better. "Something you gotta hide from?"