Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Fucking  hell."

Crisp afternoon air bit at the windows, setting a chilly atmosphere in a well lit study room. Niko sat at a desk, staring at an open journal of notes and studying materials. Finals were coming up fast, and he was doing his best to prepare for them. 

It was late January- January 27th, to be exact, and it was just over two months since he'd cut things off with Aizawa. Unfortunately, winter break hadn't been long enough for Niko to resolve all of his feelings for the older man, but they'd... shifted to something a bit more sinister. Hatred, he liked to call it, but denial as Atsuo would've said. Aizawa reciprocated that same emotion, which made it almost fun. Niko had no joy in seeing his face, but it had become a sort of fucked-up, unspoken competition to see how far under Aizawa's skin he could get without being too obvious. Not that he really actually cared about being noticed.

Snarky comments, sharp words, you name it, they exchanged them. Niko had started it, obviously, but Aizawa had grown more and more fed up with him until he started mirroring the immature grudge. It gave Niko plenty of satisfaction, seeing he had that effect. 

While anger and pettiness rode towards Aizawa, Niko had slipped into old bad habits. Not exactly all of them, but just some. When he was younger, even up until the last year, he'd struggled with very bad depression. Maybe it was the easy distraction or business of the last year, but it had gotten better. But after weeks of healing (mostly) alone in his bed? Yeah, that fucked him up again. 

The company of Hizashi and Atsuo was greatly appreciated, but at night, when it was just him and his thoughts, they all but consumed him.

In other news, after the car crash and healing and all the physical therapy, Niko had started the process of getting his motorcycle license. He'd talked about it with Hizashi, who had been cautious, but upon Niko's eagerness and intelligence on knowing how to ride (and learn even more) as well as to help pay for everything, he'd agreed. Niko got a new job at Midnight Brew, the cafe near UA, and started the training course. It had been hard, but he completed it with flying colors, and got his license in no time. Of course, Hizashi had to help him pay for the motorcycle, but he got all of his own gear and paid for the majority of the motorcycle as well. A Ducati Panigale V4 R, green 'n white. How he got so much money? Well, he'd been working 20 hours a week without fail. Stressful? Yeah, but having money was well worth it. And it was pre-owned by an older man who'd been trying to sell it for quite awhile.

He loved it. Riding was everything he dreamt of and more. 

His birthday - December 5th, had came and went well enough. He'd had a small gathering with Atsuo and Sei, as well as Hizashi of course. They hadn't done much, but Atsuo had gifted him a helmet for the motorcycle. Not a cheap one, either. It was high quality, with a bluetooth set and everything. 

He'd made a new friend as well. A male around his age at work. Though... Niko had definitely been picking up on a bit of flirting. Speaking of--

Niko glanced down at his phone, reading the time. 17:00. Work started in thirty minutes. 

He began packing up his things, tucking them neatly into his backpack (also new, from his birthday), and exiting the study room. UA was mostly empty at this time, only a few other students lingering around, studying or chatting. Some were probably waiting for rides home.

He exited the building, shivering as a cold breeze washed over him. It was mid winter now, snow speckling the ground lightly, clouds scattered in the sky. It wasn't snowing currently, and it hadn't gotten thick enough that he wouldn't be able to drive, but it caused a bit of an inconvenience. 

Crossing the street, Niko took a left down the sidewalk, his heavy boots crunching in the thin snow, crossing his arms in an attempt to block away the cold. Thankfully, his work wasn't far. Ironically, it was the same cafe that he and Aizawa had been to months ago, when they first went out to eat together.

What a fucking time. 

The cafe was ran by a friendly woman named Shino Sosaki. She was in her early 30s, and always wore her auburn-brown hair in a neatly cut bob. She'd hired Niko almost immediately, introducing him to his coworkers and doing most of his training, until a different coworker (and now his friend) took over. 

He walked into the cafe from the back entrance, clocking in and then going to the staff bathroom to change into his uniform. It wasn't anything crazy, just a pair of black jeans, a white long-sleeve shirt and a dark green apron that had his name on it. 

Making his way to the front, he was met with a familiar face. Jagged black hair, deep brown eyes, tattoos all over his arms and disappearing down into the rolled-sleeves of his shirt - Sero. He was Niko's favorite coworker, and the same one that'd been ("subtly") flirting with him since he'd helped train Niko. Lips curling into a smile, he waved at the other man, stopping in front of him.

"There you are. I was starting to think you called out on me," Sero's voice was playful, eyes glued to Niko, running up and down his frame with that shit-eating grin he always wore.

Niko fought off an amused smile, examining Sero. It had to be slow today, because Sero was leaning on the counter like he owned the place, and Niko glanced at a pair of customers sitting in the far corner. "Says you. If I'm remembering correctly, you're the one who always clocks in late."

Sero's smile only widened, flashing a cheeky grin, "Nuh uh."

Niko poked his shoulder playfully, "And you make everything you do look like a fire hazard. I'm surprised Sosaki hasn't fired you yet." He found Sero's gaze, who only looked even more triumphant by the attention. 

"Awe, are you watching me that closely, Niko?" The side of his lips twitched upwards into a smirk, teasing, his eyes scorching Niko. The younger man grabbed a rag, ignoring the warmth burning into his cheeks, and back to his side to wipe the crumby counter down. 

Niko eventually leant into it, giving in to the playful banter, "Well... I mean, look at you," His fingertip ghosted over the warm, tattooed skin of his arm, meeting Sero's gaze, "You're like a walking caution sign."

"Caution sign?" Sero pouted, shooting back, "If I'm a caution sign, how do you always end up right next to me?" 

Niko shook his head, almost in disbelief, and finally noticed faint buzz of coffee brewing at the coffee maker, So he is actually doing something. "Probably because someone always has to fix your half assed latte art," He shot back, bumping the tattooed mans shoulder. Sero chuckled, not responding until he crossed the floor, pouring the coffees into respective cups.

"Keep tellin' yourself that, Niko. We both know I'm irresistible." Sero flashed him a cheeky smile before slipping away from the counter, bringing the people their coffees. He left Niko standing there, hand stalling where he'd been wiping. 

Okay, maybe the flirting was... not-so-subtle, to say the least, and while Niko did think Sero was attractive, each time he found himself leaning into it, there was someone else on his mind. Aizawa. The dark haired man was written into his very skin now, his hands sometimes ghosting up Niko's face, lips pressing to his neck. It felt like cheating, despite Niko cutting things off. 

Maybe he was entertaining his own feelings by still talking to Aizawa, even though it was bickering and sass, but he still got that familiar burn of desire staring at him, that skip-a-beat if Aizawa ever leant a little too close, before correcting himself. It was infuriating that he couldn't simply eradicate a feeling from existence, but it was the unfortunate truth. 

Plus- He didn't even know if whatever Sero was asking for (if he was asking for something) would lead anywhere. So, for now, he let it happen. 

Thankfully, usually the evening shift wasn't nearly as busy as morning nor afternoon, so the two had no trouble keeping everything in order.

Once they were closing at 22:00, Niko busied himself with cleaning out all of the dishes and drying them. The long shift had begun to get to him, but Sero was an easy distraction. He made quick work of the dirty dishes, turning around to see what else he could do and nearly running straight into Sero, who's arm was extended towards him. "Fuck! Give a man a warning, Sero!" Niko's face flamed red as he jumped back in surprise, scowling at Sero, "What is it?"

Sero blinked at him, lips slowly splitting into a grin, "Sorry, yikes! You're so jumpy. I was just gonna ask if you have any plans after this."

Niko's eyebrows raised suspiciously, looking the other man up and down, "....No, why?"

Sero shrugged, turning off the coffee machines he had (probably) been cleaning, "Do you want to smoke for a few? I'm on my last few cigarettes and I figured you might be interested, if you do smoke."

Niko hummed, glancing aside. He'd had cigarettes before, but he didn't smoke regularly. He used to smoke a lot more frequently but then Sora found out and... yeah. "Yeah, that sounds nice," He agreed, "Where?"

"Awesome! I can walk you to your car," Sero suggested, flashing him a smile before turning back to the task at hand. Niko stared at his back for a moment before he snorted and shrugged. It wasn't exactly a question, so he silently got back to work.

By the time they got out, it was nearly 22:30 (a pretty quick closing, if Niko said so himself), and the night air was freezing. Niko changed into riding gear in the bathroom, shoving his uniform into his backpack, and exited through the back, locking the door. Sero was already waiting outside, wearing a thick black hoodie over his uniform, apron off and slung over his shoulder. He was holding a pack of cigarettes and a lighter in one hand. 

"Is that riding gear? I didn't know you fucked with motorcycles," Sero asked, eyes running up and down him slowly. The skin on Niko's face warmed, and he met Sero's dark eyes, shrugging again.

"Yeah, it is. I ride a Ducati," He gestured in the direction of the parking lot, and the two set off shoulder to shoulder, maintaining easy conversation and Sero lit the cigarettes, passing one to Niko.

"I can light my own," Niko joked, taking it from him and drawing in a slow hit of smoke. It had been awhile, the dizzying feeling washing over him like the warmth of a campfire, "What type are these?"

Sero chuckled, "Marlboro Golds. I'm actually surprised you smoke. And ride a motorcycle, for that matter. Not in the mean way, but you didn't seem like the 'edgy' type."

Niko handed the box back, flashing a skeptical look at him, "What does that mean?"

Sero shrugged, looking to the side briefly, at the glowing lights from a nearby building, "I don't know, you were pretty shy when I first met you, y'know? I didn't know you were into rule breaking and shit."

Niko snorted, "I just don't like people. I'm not shy." He took a drag of the cigarette, humming as he added, "I like your tattoos by the way. They're cool."

He eyed the dark lines, eyes following them up the tanned skin of Sero's forearm and where they peeked out just below his collar, almost a teasing sight. He blinked rapidly, eyes snapping up as he realized how hard he was staring. Sero was watching him with a lazy grin, raising his eyebrows as if questioning him. "If you wanna see where they go that bad, just ask."

Niko groaned, holding his free hand to his rapidly-reddening face. "Oh fuck off, that's- that's not what I was looking for, I was just looking at them!" He whined, though, he couldn't fight off the blush, looking away and hitting the cigarette. 

Sero burst into a giggly-laughter, echoing in the quiet night air, "I know, I'm just teasing you, Niko. You're cute when you get all flustered like that." The comment only made the situation worse, and Niko buried his face in his sleeve, all but whining incoherently. "Anyway," Thank god, "Thanks. I've had them for a few years now, but if you actually want a tour, I can show some off and tell you the meanings. I have a lot on my back and chest, 'n shit." Sero explained, making vague gestures to parts of his upper body as he spoke, giving Niko time to cool off. 

"Yeah, I'd like that." He only just managed to keep his voice casual, looking at the ones on the other mans arms a little more closely. Listen, being a virgin for years and then losing it in the most mind blowing sex? That did things to a mans sex drive. Who could blame him for being a little horny?

"Yeah?" Sero's eyebrow raised, and he tipped his head to the side, a smile sliding onto his lips, "Name a time, we can do it at my place. I can even show you some stuff I know on the guitar."

"Guitar?" Niko blinked, "I didn't even know you had one."

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Niko." Sero teased, poking his shoulder. There was a faint air of suggestion around the words, but Niko mostly ignored it, and the man added, "Seriously, if you wanna stop by my place after work.... Just let me know."

An irresistible smile crept up Niko's lips and he nodded, "You can count on it. Anyway," He breathed in a sigh, trying to clear the tension in his hands, "This is me."

They stopped in front of his motorcycle, and Sero eyed it up and down, whistling, "Damn. Nice, dude. What's the top speed on this bad boy?"

"I've only gone 330 kilometers per hour, but I think I could get him to go a little faster," Niko patted the bike seat with a fond smile, putting on his riding jacket and before securing his backpack, turning to Sero, "Thanks for the cig, and walking me here. I'll see you soon, Sero."

With that, Sero and him parted ways, leaving Niko to fasten his helmet and rev his bike to life, a deep, loud purr vibrating in his chest as it turned on, headlights lighting up the grass in front of him. 

Backpedaling a few feet, he clicked it into gear and twisted the throttle, easing out of the parking lot and onto the street. As he rode down, he passed Sero getting in his own car, and held up a hand, waving, before he put on a little more gas, turning onto the main road that led to the highway towards Hizashi's place.

The ride was 15, maybe 10 minutes, and the roads weren't busy due to the late hour, so it was an easy ride back. He had music blaring in his ears the whole time, warding off the inevitable pit that would grow in his stomach and eat him from the inside out. Parking in the driveway and setting his things down in his room, he slid off his helmet and riding clothes. Hizashi was already in bed, so he didn't bother him, putting on comfortable clothes and sitting down at his desk to finish up some more studying. 

To be completely honest, Niko was genuinely exhausted. Working a lot was a huge pain and took up a lot of his time and energy, but he was so money oriented that it was almost worth it. Almost. Maybe if it weren't finals, then it would be worth it, but for the moment,  it was draining him. Just make it to the end of finals. 

His own thought made him scoff aloud. Realistically, he could call out, but he almost always enjoyed the time he spent working with Sero, and the repetitiveness  of his work was therapeutic. Rarely were there night-rushes, which was primarily what he worked, so for the most part, he just got to enjoy his coworkers company and make coffee. 

Unfortunately, night was also the time he was most likely to be productive and focused, so spending five hours working instead of studying left him drained and made it harder to focus post-work, resulting in shorter nights and longer days of studying before work. He rarely got much free time, aside from weekends and Wednesday, since he worked all other days. Occasionally, he'd pick up a shift for a non-scheduled day if Sosaki was short staffed, but he typically avoided it as best he could. 

After an hour of (failed attempts at) studying, he retired to his bed, near-conking out instantly. 

Chapter Text

The following Monday, Niko was back to his regularly scheduled havoc-wreaking. 

It was painfully clear to everybody in his class that whatever kinship that Aizawa and Niko had shared the semesters prior was left to burn, because Niko had zero politeness and wasn't afraid of him like the rest of the class was. 

"Could you be any more fucking vague?" Niko muttered under his breath as Aizawa spoke about an assignment. Atsuo's head snapped towards him, shoving him with a pointed look, to which Niko looked up with a cross glare, whisper-hissing, "What?!" 

"Kurosaki and Kasai. Do I need to separate you two or can you learn to shut your mouths?" Aizawa's frigid voice cut through the air like a blade, and Atsuo's jaw locked tighter, staring at Niko with pleading emerald eyes. Tension burned in the air between Niko and Aizawa, dark brown eyes locked with black, before he went back to doodling in his notebook, breathing a soft curse of annoyance. 

He got a few looks of disbelief from Aizawa's mild reaction to his outward disrespect from student, but they were distracted by the professor continuing his lecture. 

"As I was saying," Aizawa drawled. Niko could feel his glare from a mile away, but didn't bother looking up, "You fourth years are doing finals will have finals from the 14th through the 18th. For my class, you only have a small oral exam that you'll do on a painted piece. Electives won't have important finals, it's mainly for grading purposes. That being said," He glanced in Niko's direction, making a brief, electrifying contact, "You will have five finals throughout the week. Not including mine."

Aizawa continued to talk about when the finals were due, when they'd get the grading rubric for the art and oral piece, etcetera, until he finally let them go to review one of their (now graded) assignments on oil painting history. 

Niko had scored a perfect score, despite his alleged disdain towards Aizawa, plus extra credit for the additional question, but Aizawa had still marked comments all over the page - notably, not lowering the grade because of them. Fucking nit-picker. 

Niko skimmed over them. A point at a fucking letter that was written messily, other dumb comments like that. Unfortunately, there was an actual comment written on the back.

Kasai, see me after class today. Skip and consider your grade lowered.

For what reason? Anyones guess was as good as his, but he knew for damn sure that it didn't have to do with grades. Looking up from his work, Niko made direct eye contact with Aizawa, who was staring at him like a hawk, his void-dark eyes burning into Niko with a scorching intensity. Niko held that stare with an icy one of his own before scoffing and shaking his head, crumpling up the page and tossing it in the trash-can with a pointed glare at Aizawa. 

The professors jaw ticked, looking at his computer, but Niko couldn't care less. He only looked down at the other page in front of him, an assignment, and began writing on it. Niko let his irritation simmer in his gut for a moment longer, before he tried to focus on what he was writing. Much to his disappointment, Aizawa hadn't seemed to be at all affected by anything that had taken place or even the fall out between them. 

He looked the same as he always did. His smooth black hair was pull back, sharp jaw lined by neat stubble, the same length as it always was, skin clean and blemish-free, aside from the tiny freckle on his jaw, almost entirely concealed by the facial hair. 

His outfit was also not out of the ordinary for him. The same button up shirt, a coat Niko had once seen hanging in his closet... Blah blah blah. Tearing his gaze away, Niko found himself meeting Atsuo's vivid green gaze. His eyebrows were knit together, studying Niko as he chewed his lip, a sign of anxiety for him. 

"What?" Niko went hot, eyes narrowing, "Why do you look so anxious?"

"Nothing," Atsuo sighed, his fingers lacing together, "I'm just worried for you. I don't want your.... Um. Y'know, to interfere with your grades. Or mental health." He flashed a glance at the paper crumpled in the trash-can, "Clearly it's been bothering you."

Niko scowled at him, a bad-tempered scoff blowing past his lips before he could stop it. "It won't. I'm still getting perfect scores, he's just starting shit from nothing." He took a deep breath, eyes wandering in Aizawa's direction, "If anything, it's fun for me."

The comment didn't see to soothe Atsuo's worries though. "Are you sure you're not just entertaining your feelings for him?"

The question caught Niko off guard, and he was stunned into silence for a few painful seconds. His instinct was to shoot back a defensive reply, but he didn't want to take out any anger on Atsuo, so he just shook his head, swallowing his irritation. 

"Niko, it's okay if you're not over him yet." Atsuo spoke softly, emerald gaze reflecting Niko's own doubt, "I know you don't want to hear it, but it's not a quick process nor one that you can rush. You don't have to pretend, but you shouldn't entertain something that will end up slowing you down in the long run."

Silence, again. Niko didn't know how to respond to that. Part of him was still clinging to the control. He didn't want to accept that he would probably be the main one getting hurt, so he just kept getting under Aizawa's skin so he didn't have to face it. Healthy? No, but he didn't have the energy for anything else at the moment. 

"Just... Keep that in mind, okay?" Atsuo finally asked, "And call me if you ever wanna talk about it. You know my lips are sealed."

"Thank you." Niko offered him a genuine smile, but steered clear of the advice that the two-toned male had given him, "I appreciate it, Atsu."

Niko changed the subject to Sei and other aspects of Atsuo's life shortly after, and they worked in an easy, casual conversation. It would've been more comfortable if Niko could relax, but he could feel Aizawa's eyes on him, feel his burning heat as if he were right beside Niko. It wasn't.... Invasive, or uncomfortable, per se, but it wasn't something he wanted to face just yet. 

Class ended and Niko began to walk Atsuo to the door, planning to back in once the door shut, but a firm hand on his shoulder stopped him in his tracks. He didn't have to turn to recognize Aizawa's unmistakeable touch, the way his cologne crept over Niko, making his entire body buzz with an intense sort of energy. 

He shoved the hand off of his shoulder and snapped, "Fuck, you're impatient. I'm not ditching you, asshole." 

Aizawa didn't respond, but his hand didn't return as Niko exited the room, dragging Atsuo along beside him. Stumbling forward, Atsuo chortled, "You should've seen the look on his face. Seriously, Nik, you're so bold. I can't believe he's not failing you for that alone."

Niko grinned, glancing at the closed door behind them, "Oh, I can imagine. Anyway," He attempted to cool his body of the fire burning through his veins by shaking his hands a few times, "I'll talk to you when I get out, or after work, if this takes awhile. I might go in early, I think Sero needs an extra set of hands."

He'd gotten a text earlier from the black haired man talking about how horrible this shift had been, and Niko didn't mind skipping the wait and just coming early if he was needed.

"Sounds good," Atsuo gave him a warm, reassuring smile, noting with a wry look at the door, "Good luck. Let me know if you need anything." 

Niko nodded, turning on his heel and sucking in a slow breath before half-shoving the door open. Aizawa was leaning against one of the desks. His hair was down now, sleeves rolled up with his arms crossed in front of his chest like he was preparing to lecture Niko. He probably was

Sparing himself the effort, Niko locked the door, leaning against it silently with his arms folded in front of his chest. Go ahead. Tell me whatever bullshit you're going to. 

"...Kasai."

Really? Last names? Ignoring the flash of pure heat- irritation- that seared through him, Niko raised his eyebrows, prompting him to continue. 

"I'm not trying to start anything with you. I simply noticed that you've been slacking off more. I know what you're capable of and I know when you're not putting it all into your work." Aizawa spoke coldly, his voice a guard, expression equally as apathetic, "I will be marking you down in the future if I continue to see this trend. Emotions can't be a factor of this class and I will not stand by and watch you blow everything up."

So I blew everything up? Niko's jaw tightened and locked in place, still refusing to speak to him. He sighed, and Niko felt a tide of resentment rise in his gut, pounding at his throat, begging to shout all of his thoughts at Aizawa, but he held his ground. He wore an ice cold mask like it was glued to his face, matching Aizawa's energy, but there was an intense, uncontrollable torrent that he knew all too well. The tension, the electrifying charge in the air... The deafening roar of unquenchable, flame that never quite went out. A simmering flicker that instantly exploded into white-hot wildfire, scorching every inch of his body, consuming him. 

"That it?" He asked curtly, picking at his chipping black nail polish. The two words were the only two he could say while maintaining that mask. 

Silence on the other side, and then, another sigh, "Yes." 

Niko whirled around, unlocking the door and slamming it on his way out. 

That interaction was still replaying in his mind like broken clock-hand, striking the same cord every time, an annoying bell every time it replayed. 

"...Earth to Niko?" Sero waved a hand in front of his eyes, eyebrows drawn together, "You okay, man? You're spilling everywhere."

Niko blinked, startling out of his thoughts, the perfect replication of Aizawa's eyes burned into his brain. "Y-yeah, sorry. I'm just distracted." He blinked a few more times, shaking out his hair and looking at what he was doing. 

"Oh, fuck!" He whispered. He'd accidentally poured coffee all over the floor, overflowing from a cup that wasn't even named. "Sorry, Sero. I'll get this cleaned right away." He reached over to grab a rag from underneath the counter, but Sero caught his wrist, still clearly concerned. 

"Heyhey, slow down, mister." He protested, "If you wanna take a break to collect yourself, that's totally cool. I could tell you've been off since you got here." 

While Niko appreciated his concern, more time alone with himself was the last thing he needed, so he just shook his head, gently pulling his wrist from Sero's grasp and beginning to clean up the dark liquid, "No, seriously I got it. I'm sorry about that."

"It's okay, no worries. I'll get those orders out." Sero waved him off with a small smile, putting together a fresh cup and carrying it out to the person studying at one of the tables, already eating a pastry they'd ordered earlier, "Can you watch the register?"

"Yeah, I got it," He responded. Embarrassment made Niko's ears hot, but he made quick work of the mess, wringing out the excess in the sink and tossing the rag into a bucket in the back before returning to the front. Running a hand through his hair, he exchanged a nervous smile with Sero, who grinned right back, flashing him a cheeky wink. 

He stood at the register, his eyes skimming over the customers he could see. There were only a few people in the downstairs area, but he assumed the study space in the upper floor was busier. Most of the people still lingering were from the college a few blocks down, or had gotten off of work in the area. 

UA was in a nicer (but busier) area of the city. Since it wasn't just his school, but also a college not far, there were a lot more students there, and there was a park nearby. It got busier in the evening when people came to walk their dogs or grab a bite after work, and given that Midnight Brew was the only cafe and study space open until 21:00, they got more customers than one might expect. 

Sero was back in just a few moments, leaning against the counter a little too closely to Niko for it to be casual. He tipped his head to the side, examining him. 

"...What?" Niko looked away nervously under the intensity of his stare, "Is there something wrong?"

The other mans lips curled upwards into a light-hearted smile, "No, nothing. I'm just curious what's got you so worked up," He could hear the curiosity in Sero's voice alone, and his searching gaze only made Niko flush a little, unable to hold eye-contact. There were a few seconds of silence, Niko only reddening more, to his dismay, air not tense but almost.. Electric?

 "You don't have to tell me, obviously." Sero chuckled after a moment, looking away and breaking the tension, "Sorry, didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. You're cute when you're nervous." That's getting familiar. 

"Oh, when I'm beet-red?" Niko let out a breathy laugh, looking up at his coworker for a split second. They were close enough that he could smell the cologne on Sero, stronger and more wood-y than Aizawa's.

His smirk widened, and he nodded, teasing, "It looks good on you, Flare."

Niko blinked. It'd been awhile since Sero had called him that. It'd started as a joke, because his last name, Kasai, meant flame, and Niko would always go bright red whenever he got embarrassed or messed something up, but Sero hadn't really used it much once Niko said that he could just call him by his first name.

Unable to control it, Niko chuckled softly under his breath, "Still sticking with 'Flare'?"

"Well, I mean, look at you," Sero's voice was soft, almost, almost suggestive, "You're burning. You get flustered so easily, you're like a hot mess."

"Oh, trust me, it gets a lot worse than this," Niko couldn't help but lean into the flirtatious behavior, their gazes meeting as Sero raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah? Maybe you should show me-" Sero cut his suggestive words- off sharply as he glanced to the side, clearing his throat and straightening off the counter. Niko did the same, only reddening more, to a vivid crimson. How had he not noticed someone come in? His eyes snapped to the customer standing there now, putting on a well-practiced smile as he cleared his throat, "Hi! How can I-" The words abruptly died in his throat as his eyes landed on fucking Aizawa, who was looking between him and Sero with narrowed eyes, akin to chips of dark ice.

For fucks sake. He stood at the register, dead silent, studying Niko before his sharp gaze landed on Sero. If he had been surprised to see Niko, he didn't show it, instead glancing at Sero, who still seemed a little smug, in Niko's opinion. His tone was flat, cold, even moreso than normal, and he was still all but glaring at Sero. Is he jealous? "Can I just get a medium-"

"362." Niko interrupted, voice cold. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sero staring at him like he'd grown a second head, but he ignored it. 

Aizawa tore his gaze from his coworker, brows drawing together ever so slightly. "...A medium black-" 

"Three. Sixty. Two." Niko hissed through his teeth, "I know what you want. Pay."

Aizawa's gaze bored into him a moment longer, and then pulled out the yen, handing it to Niko. Their fingertips brushed as Niko took it, the soft graze of his skin sending volts of scorching lightning up his arm. Neither of them said another word, Niko sliding the receipt across the counter and turning his back to Aizawa. 

The urge to turn around to see if he was still standing there seized Niko, but he ignored it, sucking in a slow breath through his teeth and meeting Sero's bewildered, perhaps mildly concerned gaze. "Do I wanna know what that was about?" He asked, stepping closer and speaking on a low tone, one only for the two of them. 

Niko shook his head, "Just someone I'm not a fan of."

Sero's eyebrows raised in disbelief, "You memorized his order."

Niko flashed him a glare, brushing past to start the coffee, "It's just black coffee. It's not hard to remember." He got started on the drink, turning and leaning against the counter as it heated. Sero raised his hands in surrender, and although Niko could see curiosity flickering through his brown eyes, the other male didn't ask again, only offering to take the coffee to Aizawa so Niko could stay on the register. 

Niko tried not to look in Aizawa's direction once he handed the coffee off to Sero, keeping his eyes glued to the pastry display on one of the counters, arms folded in front of his chest.

The rest of his shift was more of the same flirting, then cleaning up as they closed up for the night. They were out by 22:30, Niko walking alone to his motorcycle. 

The ride home was quiet. He didn't put on music, which was unusual for him, just listening to the wind and the growl of his vehicle. Eventually, he pulled into the driveway and let himself into the house, heading straight upstairs and changing out of his riding gear.

He was just sitting down at his desk to look at a study guide when there was a knock on his door. In all honesty, he hadn't even known Hizashi was still awake. "Come in!" He called, turning in his chair as the door opened quietly. 

Hizashi stepped inside. He was wearing pajamas, and looked tired. "Everything okay?" Niko asked, tipping his head to the side curiously. 

"Yeah, yeah I just figured I'd let ya know someone stopped by earlier looking for you," Hizashi explained, "She didn't tell me her name, but she seemed kind of off. Maybe drunk?"

God damnit. "Umm, yeah, thanks for telling me." Niko glanced at his computer, a familiar cold fear trickling into his fingertips and seeping up into his chest, "Let me know if she starts stopping by more often. I don't want to see her."

Hizashi stepped closer, and Niko looked at him again. He looked mildly concerned, "Is it your mother?"

"Probably." He admitted quietly, unable to hold Hizashi's gaze, "I don't wanna cause you any trouble, so if it starts getting annoying-"

"If it starts getting annoying I'll call the police on her for trespassing." Hizashi interrupted firmly, "You're not goin' anywhere kid." His hand ruffled Niko's hair, a warm smile on his lips, "I like having you around."

A part of Niko's anxiety eased, but he could only offer a weak smile in response, and Hizashi said goodnight before he left to go to bed. 

Instantly, once the door shut, he dropped his head into his hands, groaning to himself. He was already stressed out enough with all of his school work, and Aizawa-- his mother was the absolute last thing he needed right now.

Chapter Text

Okay, don't get Niko wrong- Studying was better with two people.... But if it was just him and Atsuo in a room, well, they tended to get side-tracked. 

Niko was so stressed out that he ended up bringing up Aizawa, and... Well it delved into a whole conversation about him;

"..And, I dunno, Atsuo. Like, I can tell he's trying to provoke me too, and it's not that I hate it, but it's so frustrating, y'know?" Niko glared at the grain in his desk, his fists curling into balls, fingernails digging into his skin with a hot, pricking pain.

"Nik, I know you're frustrated, but.." Atsuo looked hesitant, but Niko could see the sympathy in his eyes, "I mean, he didn't start doing that until you started provoking him. You know I love you to bits and pieces but it's very clear that you're the one who started the... tension or whatever."

Niko stayed silent at that, and Atsuo eventually added tentatively, "Are you sure it's not because you like the attention?"

The words struck Niko right where they hurt, his eyes narrowed to fiery slits as they snapped up to stare at Atsuo, defensive anger flashing through his system like a series of consecutive detonations, "What?"

Atsuo raised his hands in defense, but he still looked stubborn on his words, not backing down, "Look, Niko, I've known you for years, and I know how you act. I know who you are. It might not feel good to hear right now, but I can tell you feed off of the attention from him and the fact that you can even get a reaction from him. I don't know if its still a special feeling to you, but I know its wearing you out." He took a breath, adding as his lips curled into a small smile, "You can be mad at me, but I don't want you to ignore that."

Niko processed the words slowly, gaze lowering to stare at the desk. Yeah, he did like that he could get Aizawa to react... But to hear that it was just another way he was seeking the mans attention was somehow shocking to him. Fuck. 

"But it feels good." Niko's voice felt weak in his throat, the protest even sounding pitiful to himself.

Atsuo was quiet. "Just think about it." He offered softly, "You don't have to get over him this fast. Just don't let yourself live in denial."

That conversation floated around in his head for the rest of the day, and even into work. He barely even felt conscious, even when Sero was rambling his ear off when closing up the cafe for the night.

"Hey, are you okay?" Sero asked, leaning closer as his his eyebrows knit together, "You've been a little off all day."

Niko nodded, clearing his throat, "Yeah, sorry, I've just been thinking a lot." He shut the door behind him, locking it and shivering as the cold night air bit at his fingertips. Turning around, he leaned against it, examining Sero for a moment. The other male was standing in his hoodie, jagged black hair ruffled from the wind, his dark eyes glued to Niko with burning curiosity. 

"About anything in particular?" Sero asked, his tone dropping just a tad, a particular lilt. Niko knew it well from the time he'd spent with Sero, the flirty edge. 

Niko's lips curved into a grin, pushing himself off the door, almost sending himself off balance, "Wouldn't you like to know, charmer?"

Sero caught him by the shoulders, a sly smile playing at his lips, "Charmer?" He echoed, dark eyes flashing, "Awe, you really think so, Flare?"

Niko pulled himself out of Sero's grasp, going hot, "Stop calling me that, you know it gets to me. You're cheating, dickhead." He giggled despite himself, casting a cheeky grin over his shoulder as he walked towards the employee parking lot, "Why don't you let me walk you to your car this time?"

Sero jogged to catch up to him, his words low and playful, "I know, that's the point." He paused, and then added with a cocky purr, "Sure, if you're really that desperate to spend more time with me."

Niko shoved him, ear-tips glowing red, "Fuck off. You know that's not-" "Yeah yeah, whatever, Flare. Keep tellin' yourself that." Sero covered Niko's mouth with a hand, cutting him off as he shook his head in a matter-of-fact way.

Niko pried his fingers away from his mouth, revealing the devilish smile underneath, whispering, "Race you to the car."

Sero reacted faster than Niko could've even expected, lunging forwards and getting a split second of head start before Niko chased after him, lungs burning as he pushed himself after his companion. 

The run wasn't long, but Sero beat him there by a few seconds. Niko panted, catching up to him and yelling from a few feet away, "H-hey- that's cheating! You got a head star-!" He was abruptly silenced as he slipped in a patch of ice in the parking lot, sliding towards Sero at full speed, crashing into him and effectively knocking them both over. 

Niko groaned, his hands burning from hitting the pavement underneath him. Sero, however was... convulsing? Alarm flared in his eyes and he shook the man by his shoulders, knees on either side of his hips, "Sero?? Are you okay? Fuck, I'm sorry, I should've slowed down." Niko tried to pry his hands away from his face, but it was no use, fear glowing bright in his eyes, until-

Is he fucking laughing? The hysterical giggles were now loud enough to explain why he was twitching now, and Niko groaned again, shoving his hands away from his face harder, "Hey, you scared me." He pouted, looking at Sero's rosy face. He was barely recovering from the laughter, but as he lowered his hands from his face, Niko felt them come to rest just above his knees, startling him. 

"You're so annoying." Niko tried to sound serious, but his own smile gave him away, and Sero only laughed. His hand placement was sending butterflies racing in Niko's stomach, blushing rather violently from both running and .. well. He was essentially sitting on top of Sero's lap, with his hands on his legs. He leaned down, getting far closer. Sero's eyes dropped to his lips, eyes flicking rather rapidly between his eyes and lips.

There was a heartbeat of silence, and Niko whispered teasingly, breaking the tension, "You should probably get off the floor before your clothes get wet from the ice." You're not the only one who can tease.

He stood up off of Sero, dusting himself off. Sero popped up a moment later, and Niko turned to him, "I should get going, I don't wanna get home too late."

Sero nodded, and Niko thought he saw disappointment in his gaze, but if it really was disappointment, Sero didn't say anything about it. "Yeah, that's true. Be careful on the ride back, yeah?" He gave Niko a warm smile, poking his shoulder, "Careful on the ice. Can't have you crashing into anyone else."

Niko smiled as well, his eyes lingering on Sero's before he began to turn away. To his surprise, a wave of disappointment crashed over him to be leaving a person who made him laugh so much, and he hesitated, foot hovering where he had begun to step. "Actually," 

He whirled around on his heel, a sly smile adorning his lips, "Do you have any plans tonight?"

Sero's face lit up instantly, opening his passenger door with a dramatic bow, "Only the ones with you, Niko."

There was something in the way that Sero always said his name, something that betrayed not an infatuation but more like lust. And it certainly wasn't unwelcome. Niko slipped into the seat, clicking his seatbelt into place as Sero opened his own door. The interior smelled faintly of cigarettes and cologne. It wasn't an unpleasant combination, but it was new. 

"My place isn't far, don't worry." Sero cast him a sidelong smile as they pulled out of the parking lot, "I can drop you off here later. You wanna put on some music?"

"Is that even a question?" Niko joked, taking the aux cord and plugging his phone in. He hummed, scrolling through his playlists and selecting one specifically. The first song that came on was, to say the least, suggestive. 

Sero was right- his place was only a few minutes away. They pulled up to a tan apartment inside of a locked gate with wooden stairs leading up the building to a wrap-around balcony, doors lining the wall. It almost looked like a hotel building, but he could tell by the space between the doors and the shoe racks that they were apartments.

Sero led him up to the second story and around the side to apartment 29, where he unlocked the door with a key and opened it, giving Niko a teasing smile, "Go ahead, Flare. Tell me what you think." 

Niko rolled his eyes, taking his shoes off and stepping inside. It was small, but it was nicely decorated and clean. The main living space was a rectangular area, with two doors on the left leading to, most likely, a bathroom and a bedroom. He turned around, surprised, "You don't have a roommate?"

Sero shook his head, "Nope. It's just me here." He stepped inside too, locking the door behind him, "Do you want to chill in my room? I can show you my guitar?"

Niko's head whipped towards him, having been looking around the room. His eyes lit up, having completely forgotten that he played guitar, questions spilling from his lips like liquid, "What songs do you know? Do you sing? Are you in a band, or... Oh, do you know any other instruments?"

"My god, slow down, slow down," Sero laughed, waving his hands, "I'm not that good. No, I don't sing, and no, I'm not in a band. I also don't know any other instruments."

Niko laughed too, albeit nervously, "Sorry, I just don't know anyone who plays instruments. Can you play me something?"

Sero nodded, grinning and grabbing Niko by the wrist, essentially yanking him into his bedroom. Niko yelped in surprise as he was dragged to the bed and sat down on it by the other guy. "Someone's excited," Niko noted with an almost-giggle, interlacing his hands in his lap as Sero retrieved a deep brown guitar, and sat down next to Niko.

"Do you have something specific you want me to play?" He looked up at Niko, fingers already running along the strings, dark eyes all but sparkling with excitement. 

Niko paused, humming lightly to himself, "Hmm.. Do you have anything that you've made?"

"That's all you had to say, Flare," Sero beamed, clearing his throat and looking down at the guitar. Niko sat silently, looking between him and the guitar. 

Sero started, Niko listening attentively. The music was rich, a beautiful melody that he'd never heard before. Live music wasn't something he'd ever really heard, aside from a few bigger concerts in his life, but it was beautiful to hear. His heart-rate quickened, his own molten brown eyes meeting Sero's dark, almost black ones. He gave Niko a smile, one that almost seemed secretive, like it was just for the two of them, and continued to play. 

It went on like that for a few more minutes before he stopped, looking up expectantly. Niko beamed at him, "That was amazing! Not that good, my ass. How long have you been playing?"

"Since I was a kid- Fuck, maybe.. I dunno, 12? I've always been more musically inclined than artistic," Sero admitted, setting the guitar aside and scooting a tad closer to Niko. 

"Hey, music is an art too," He protested, scarlet creeping into his features at their proximity, the attentiveness of Sero's gaze, "I always wanted to be a singer as a kid, but I like art more now."

Niko laughed, adding hastily, "But I'd be awful anyway. I like painting and sketching."

The thought of art reminded him almost painfully of Aizawa. The painting he'd done of Niko, the softness of it. He glanced away, clearing his throat.

Sero examined him a little closer, his voice slow, "You always go somewhere when you talk about art."

Niko grew flustered, looking away, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"C'mon now, I've had my fair share of evil exes. Just don't let it ruin a hobby." Sero prodded his chest playfully, "You should show me some of your art sometime."

Niko smiled nervously, "It's not related.. But, yeah, I could show you some."

"Have you ever tried?" Sero asked, his eyebrows raising.

"What?" He blinked, "Tried what?"

"Singing." Sero prompted curiously, his eyes not burning but just warm. It wasn't the same intensity, the same butterflies as he got with Aizawa, but.. for now, it was enough.

"No way, I'd suck." Niko mumbled with a quick shake of his head, looking up in almost alarm, "Don't ask me to sing. I do not have that type of skill."

"I think you'd do just fine," Sero chuckled, "You have good voice for.. that type of shit. You should let me hear." Niko only tipped his head to the side, eyebrows knitting together. Am I missing something? He stared at Sero. He didn't have a very melodic voice, so.. Was he just trying to flirt?

"Niko." Sero's lips curved upwards, raising his eyebrows. His eyes dropped to Niko's lips, and then up again. 

Oh He means.. SINGING. Niko went scarlet again, lips forming a silent 'o' in surprise, mind going completely blank- unusual for his typical smooth flirting. Sero leaned back a little, laughing nervously, "Sorry, was that too much? I might've misread the situation."

Niko blinked, "No, nonono, this is- um, this is good," He was so warm he felt like he had a fever, stumbling over his words, "You- ah, you didn't misread anything." He leaned closer this time, "Maybe I could let you hear a few things. You'll have to get it out of me first, though."

Sero grinned. 

That was all it took, and then Niko was underneath Sero, his lips moving against Sero's heat pooling in his gut like hot lava, breath shaky. "Fuck," He breathed into the kiss, almost a moan. Sero's hands slipped below his shirt, sending goosebumps all over his body. He kissed well, his tongue slipping past Niko's lips, a faint taste of cigarettes singing on his tongue. 

They were both panting, Niko wrapping his arms around Sero and pulling him lower, blood rushing south as Sero's waist slid against his, drawing a breathy, almost pathetic whine from Niko.

"You sound so good," Sero breathed into his ear, lips sliding down to his neck. His teeth were sharp, biting and sucking the skin hard. Painfully hard, in that addictive way. Niko's back arched, fingernails digging into Sero's shirt.

"G-god-" He moaned, eyes sliding shut as his head tilted back, whining, "Harder, pl-please," His plead was answered immediately, Sero's teeth sinking harder into the skin, drawing another shaky, desperate moan from him. Mmngh, he's good. 

"All you had to do was ask, Flare," Sero murmured against his neck, hand gripping Niko's waist tightly, his lip sucking deep red marks into the skin, "Is it okay if I..?" His hand teased Niko's waistband, tentative and waiting. 

"Please." Niko begged, hands shaking as he unbuckled his pants quickly, unzipping them before he dragged Sero into another hungry kiss, his teeth grazing the other mans lips, breathing hard. 

"So hot, Niko," Sero was grinning into the kiss, "You been waiting for this?" His hand palmed Niko's erection, and he all but lost his ability to breathe, let alone respond. 

He tripped over his own breath, and Sero chuckled in amusement, slipping below his boxers to touch him properly. The friction was overwhelming, making his body tremble. To say it'd been awhile since he'd had anything sexual with anyone, or even jerked off, would be an understatement. 

"I could use my tongue, if you'd like that," Sero offered, pulling back from the kiss as he searched Niko's gaze. 

Niko blinked, "Oh, I'm not a-" "You don't need to be a top." Sero shushed him with a single finger, teasing, "I'll still make you sing later."

"Go ahead, then," Niko breathed, slipping his pants lower. Sero shimmied lower, using one hand to stroke him, slowly at first. "Fuck, Sero," He moaned, one hand going to Sero's head, pleasure flooding through his body. 

But fuck, when his tongue got to work? Niko could barely breathe, soft whimpers slipping past his lips before he could so much as think about stopping them, his hand tight in Sero's hair. He'd never been sucked off before but he could barely think, barely speak.

Sero took him all down his throat, bobbing his head up and down with no trouble at all, just about sending Niko into a state of incoherent bliss. 

"Ke- fuck, pleas-please keep going," Niko whimpered, bliss making his vision blurry, "s-so close-" his breath hitched, and his eye squeezed shut, an explosion of pure ecstasy seized him, cumming hard, right into Sero's mouth. Vaguely, he heard the man choke ever so slightly, but he didn't move off until Niko had finished completely, his body trembling, sweat soaking into his clothes. 

He looked down, propping himself up on one arm, eyes half lidded as he struggled to catch his breath. "H-holy fuck." He stuttered. Sero was smiling at him, wiping cum from his lips as he came back up to kiss Niko again.

Niko delved into it without hesitation, tasting the salty liquid from Sero's own tongue.  He couldn't control the whiny breathing, the orgasm making him sloppy and desperate. "Slow down, Flare," Sero hummed, "You're insatiable."

Niko pulled back, meeting his gaze, "S-sorry," He looked away, flustered, "I can't help it."

"You want me to grab condoms?" Sero's lips curled into a devilish smile.

God yes- Niko opened his mouth to speak, but instantly, he was all but assaulted with flashes of Aizawa. His taste, his eyes, the soft words he murmured to Niko, the feeling. Niko choked on his words, mouth snapping shut as he stared at Sero. 

"Woah, relax, we don't have to do anything you don't want to." Sero assured him warmly, "You have nothing to be anxious about." 

Niko shook his head, "No, it's not that-- I do, really want it," He blushed crimson, "But.. It's just, fuck, it's complicated."

Sero's eyes narrowed and he sat back. "You don't have to explain anything," Sero started, voice still that same warm tone, but he felt like he had to tell Sero. It wasn't fair to the other male, not after everything just now. Niko pulled his pants up, zipping them and sitting up.

"No, that's alright, I don't mind. I owe you an explanation." Niko laughed nervously, looking away.

"Niko." Sero's voice was serious, drawing his attention back, "I'm not into you like that. I know you're caught up on someone, I know that look, and I'm not looking for anything serious either."

Niko was hit with instant relief, basically melting, "Oh thank fuck." He breathed, leaning backwards and almost giggling in relief.

Sero snorted, "C'mon, do I look like the type to fuck on a first date?"

Niko sat back up, his eyebrows raising. Sero raised his hands, laughing, "Okay, okay jeez. But seriously, if I wanted to date you, I wouldn't just take you to my house to hook-up. Not very classy."

Niko grinned, "Whatever you say." He paused, and then added apologetically, "Sorry for killing the mood."

Sero waved him off with a psshh noise, "Dude, don't worry about it. Do you wanna smoke and just chill for a bit?"

"Sounds good." They exchanged smiles, and Niko put on a hoodie (borrowed from Sero), and slid his shoes on, following him outside a few minutes later. They sat on the steps, Sero lighting them both cigarettes. 

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Sero asked after a few minutes of silence, "The, as you said, 'complicated'?"

Niko hesitated, but, he trusted Sero. It might be good to get an outside perspective. He took a drag of the cigarette, and began. "For the record, I got held back a year. I'm 20- going on 21 this year, but my birthday is in December, so it's awhile off."

Sero looked mildly concerned by this pre-information, but let Niko continue. "I.. Well, to put it bluntly, have always been attracted to someone there. I've been around him for, what, five years- no, this will be the sixth, and I've almost always been into him, but I didn't pursue anything until recently." Niko explained slowly, trying to avoid details for Aizawa's own privacy, which was a value that he was well aware the man liked. 

"He's just.. not ready for anything serious, I guess." Niko sighed, "We were together for a couple months, and I really thought that he did love me, but he's so iffy with feelings like that. We didn't end on a good note and I guess I've been letting the pent up anger get to me." He inhaled the smoke slowly, blowing it out and looking at Sero. 

"The guy from the other day." Sero shook his head in what looked like disbelief, "How old is he?"

"Twenty ni-, oh, actually, he's thirty now." Niko admitted, growing hot with embarrassment.

Sero looked at him skeptically, "Ten years older? And he's not... You know."

Niko blinked, and then the realization of what Sero was asking hit him, "Oh, my god, no!" Niko shook his head rapidly, "He's not a fucking weirdo like that. I'm not a child, and he didn't even reciprocate until I was turning twenty. If anything I was pushing hard for... Months, basically."

"Thank god." Sero chuckled, "Yeah, seems complicated." 

They fell into a comfortable silence, both smoking their respective cigs. "Do you wanna stay the night?" Sero offered, looking at him after a few minutes. 

Niko shrugged, "If you don't mind?"

Sero smiled, "No problem, Flare." His eyes dropped, "Um.. You might want to cover up, by the way. I went a little crazy on your neck. Do you have school tomorrow?"

Niko snorted, "Yeah, but I don't care about the hickies, don't worry."

Sero looked a little relieved, "Awesome. Do you want a ride in the morning? I'm working an hour later so I need to be up anyway."

"Yeah, that'd be awesome. Thank you, Sero." Niko found his gaze, "I'm glad to have met you."

They talked for another hour or so, smoking a bit  more before they went to bed. 

Chapter Text

When him and Atsuo met up for class, it was the next Monday. Atsuo had been gone on Friday for some sort of family trip that Niko hadn't inquired about, so he hadn't talked about what happened between him and Sero, but when Atsuo saw him during on Monday, during oil painting, he immediately had questions.

Sitting down beside him, Atsuo stared at the hickies pointedly before his eyes darted to the dark haired professor in the corner of the room, "So... Did you two make up?"

Niko was immediately taken aback, "What? Fuck no, Atsuo." Even though it'd been a few days since Sero and him had hooked up, the hickies were dark. Sero was a biter, and the hickies were a deep purple, scarlet blooming on his neck. If peered at closely, there were slight teeth marks. Niko hadn't bothered trying to hide them past Friday, because he had no concealer or foundation. 

Atsuo's eyes widened, a devious smile creeping up his lips, "Let me guess. Your flirty little coworker?"

Niko went warm, eyes averting as he hid a smile with his sleeve, "Maaaybe... Look, but it's not serious. We're just friends with benefits." He could tell Atsuo was skeptical, clearly noticing his flustered state, but Niko added defensively, "It's like you said. I'm not nearly over him, and I told Sero that. He's not looking for anything serious either."

Atsuo laughed, poking his arm, "You don't need to get defensive. I think it's a good choice, especially with all the stress lately. Sero seems respectful and fun- and clean- so I trust you. Just be safe and remember you can always back out if it's too much."

Niko nodded, "I know. He's great, and like you said, very respectful. I mean, fuck," Niko laughed, "He could tell I was feeling worried about.. ya know, fucking, without me even saying anything."

Atsuo beamed, his face alight with warmth and clear relief, "That's awesome Niko. I'm glad you found someone like that. You two-" He cut himself, his eyes snapping shut, jaw closing abruptly. Niko frowned at him, glancing backwards to find Aizawa looking down at him, his eyes running over Niko's figure. 

His eyes lingered on the hickies, the muscle in his jaw ticking, "Class is starting. Shut your mouths." The older man turned around rather sharply, tension in every line of his figure, his clothes holding the same well-kept but cold aura. Niko snorted, and rolled his eyes, but he remained silent.

Him and Atsuo exchanged glances, but neither of them said anything. Aizawa began to talk, mainly about his final and what it'll be graded on, as well as some other minor assignments and the week plan. Time and time again, Niko found Aizawa looking at him, staring at him, with that same intense stare. Each time, the void that claimed his dark eyes was stormy, simmering with irritation. It didn't take a genius to see that he was studying the student intensely. Occasionally, he would catch Aizawa's jaw tighten, his hands wrap ever so slightly tighter around the paper he was holding. 

He's jealous. Niko's heart-rate instantly accelerated, fiery warmth, that of an inferno, blazing in his cheeks despite himself. Fuck off. He glared right back at Aizawa, passing off the carmine dust on his face as anger-fueled redness. 

Aizawa went on to lecture for another fifteen minutes before he allowed students to get to work on the sketches for the painted pieces. The only guide that he'd given them was to make it personal, about something that might've happened in their life, whether that was good or bad.

And, oh boy, Niko knew exactly how to hit Aizawa where it hurt. He barely needed to brainstorm before he started sketching in his journal. The painting would be of a marionette, tangled and collapsing with blood dripping from the strings, with someone holding the cross bar with an almost clinical expression - no emotional investment.

He planned the color palette with less trouble. A charcoal-y black for the shadows and background tones, violet and red for bruises and the blood, as well as a more orange-brown red for dried blood and stains. The skin would be a pale, purple-ish white to portray the drained blood and corpse-like figure. Smaller details - the control bar and string clips would be rusty gold, and steel blue for the background accents and highlights on the strings.

The sketching and planning took up the entire rest of class, and Niko was so focused he barely noticed the set of eyes frequenting him from across the room.

After class, he did some more planning and concept sketches before going to work. He wasn't working with Sero today, but a sweet woman around his age named Momo. She and Niko got along fairly well, so the shift went by well and he ended up getting home before 23:00. 

When he did get home, it was icy outside. There was frost coating the floor, making it slippery to walk in his riding boots. Making his way up to the door, he yawned, pushing it open and taking his boots off to put them on the shoe rack. He hung his riding jacket on the coat hanger and plopped down on the couch to defrost from the cold ride home, pulling out his phone. The sound of a door opening drew his attention upwards, surprised. Hizashi was usually fast asleep by this time, but lo and behold, he came walking down the stairs, wearing pajamas. 

"Hi!" Niko smiled warmly at the blond man, "I'm surprised you're still up."

Hizashi chuckled, an easy smile adorning his features. "Me too, but I wanted to catch you before you went to bed. There was something I wanted to ask you about," He explained. Niko patted the couch beside him, curiosity simmering in his stomach. He wasn't worried- not like he was with his mother, instead just curious and open to what Hizashi would ask. 

Hizashi sat down next to him, green eyes flicking to his neck briefly before he started, "So, obviously you don't have to tell me, but if you ever... you know, wanna bring someone over, I'd love to meet them." 

"Oh-" Niko went red, laughing nervously as he shook his head, "No, it's not like that. We're just friends, we're both not looking for anything serious." It was stupid to not assume that Hizashi would ask about it, considering they lived together, but the offer still caught Niko completely off guard. 

"I understand! I'm not trying to rush you or anything, I'm just glad you're having fun. God knows I did with Oboro." Hizashi's eyes glimmered, amused by the clear embarrassment, "Can I ask who he is?"

Niko nodded, glancing aside and easing the tension in his shoulders before he spoke, "His name is Sero, he's a little bit older than me. Maybe a couple years, but we work together and he's super chill and respectful. I think you guys would get along, actually. He has a great sense of humour." Hizashi smiled, listening attentively as Niko added, "I value our friendship a lot, but I'm not into him like that and I clarified that before things got too serious, y'know? He feels the same way though, so we're cool."

Leaning over with a grin, Hizashi ruffled his hair, "That's great, Niko. I'm glad your new job is going well and he's a nice guy. If you ever do  want to have him over, though, I don't mind. You can bring Atsuo and such too, you know I love to know your friends."

"Thank you, 'Zashi, I appreciate it. You're amazing, really." His words were softer than he'd meant to say them, but the tone wasn't necessarily wrong. Niko appreciated Hizashi more than the other man could even fathom, and no words were enough to prove that. I mean, letting me move in with him? Helping me after the crash? There's no way I deserve this guy. 

"Aw, don't mention it," Hizashi waved him off with false-modesty, clearly fighting off a grin, "Anyway- I also wanted to tell you that Oboro is coming back for a bit. He'll be here in a few weeks, or so, but he'll probably only be here for a week or so."

Niko blinked, staring at Hizashi's excited beam for a few moments before his own crept up, recovering from his surprise. "Awesome! I finally get to actually meet him," He paused, lacing his fingers together and looking away, "Do you think he'll like me?"

They'd met over facetime a couple times, but nothing extended. His stomach at the thought of someone important to Hizashi not liking him, though... Niko wasn't exactly 'normal', per se. It wasn't that he was weird, but he was awkward, and anti-social. Some people didn't like talking to people like that.

"He's going to love you, Niko. Don't worry about it, he's very easygoing." Hizashi assured him, dismissing his worry without batting an eye, "You're both very easy to get along with and he's super sweet." 

Niko could tell just from the look in Hizashi's eyes how much he cared for the other man, and he had to stifle his own amused smile. It was sweet to see how much he cared even though they were so long distance, and he was more than happy to see that Hizashi had that with someone. 

"Do you think he'll ever stay permanently?" Niko implored, meeting Hizashi's emerald gaze. 

Hizashi was silent for a few seconds before he responded. Niko could see him thinking, his eyes flicking away thoughtfully before he met Niko's gaze again, nodding, "I think so. He makes a good amount of money and he's working towards getting a permanent job here. It should only be a few more years- maybe two or three max- before he stays for good."

Niko nodded, "Will you guys move in together here, or move out entirely?" He'd grown fond of the this house, and obviously he'd be moving out eventually, but he'd love to still be able to visit Hizashi and eventually Oboro here. 

Hizashi hummed, "Well, if he wants to stay here, I'm more than happy to do that. We have the space here for both of us as well as you and, who knows, maybe a dog or two." He got this distant, fond look in his eyes as he was talking, "But yeah, I reckon I'll stay here. We'll have to talk about it once he really does stay here, though."

"A dog?" Niko echoed, his lips curling upwards, "I didn't know you're a dog person. What type of dogs do you want??" He pulled his feet up onto the couch, crossing his legs and adjusting to better face Hizashi, leaning back against the cushy arm rest. 

Hizashi seemed pleased to continue talking, also adjusting slightly. "I'd love a great dane, but I don't want to buy from a breeder. We'll probably look at some shelter dogs - not too young, but young enough to be trained 'n such. Ideally, we could get a pair that already know each other, but it's all up in the air until then."

"Oboro also loves dogs, because he's more active than I am, so maybe we'd get a more laid-back dog and one that he could take on walks frequently." Hizashi mused to himself, "I think I'd like a dog I could take to my art shows that would be easygoing and social, but I'm not too picky."

Niko nodded agreeably, "I think that'd be great for you two. I'm not much a dog person but I adore cats. When I eventually move out, I'd love to have a couple cats." He paused, thinking to himself before adding thoughtfully, "An aquarium, maybe. Sea life has always been beautiful to me, but it depends on how much I want to put into cleaning everything 'n stuff. Oh- Actually, alternatively, I would love a rat that I could take places with me. They're really smart, and they can even learn tricks and stuff," Niko was rambling a little, but he couldn't help it, "I don't exactly know what I want to go into when I'm older, but it would be cool to have a little companion to follow me around."

"I guess a cat could do that too, though." He considered, "So maybe just cats, then."

Hizashi laughed a bit, "Yeah, rats are cute. I think Oboro would love to have an aquarium, being a marine biologist and all. I could definitely see you with a couple cats in the future."

 Niko nodded, "I've wanted to have a black and white cat for my whole life. I've always had a list of pet names, but my favorites are definitely ... Hm," He pulled out his phone, skimming over the list before decisively adding, "Tzatziki is cute, or Squid or Molecule. I have one on here from a childhood show I used to watch- Pippinpaddleopsicopolis."

Hizashi's eyebrows shot up, and they both dissolved into light laughter, managing to ask through laughter,  "Wh-what is that from??" 

Niko cleared his throat, fighting away the giggles, "It's from an old show I love. It's called Avatar- Not the blue guys, the Airbender one. 'N I'd call the cat Pin or Pip for short."

They continued to talk for awhile, before Hizashi ended up going to bed and Niko made himself some dinner, a bowl of ramen with some green onions and such in it. He ate downstairs, washing his dish and then heading upstairs to finally change. 

It felt amazing to finally change out of his motorcycle gear, setting his helmet on the floor beside his extra shoes, and putting the rest of his stuff away before throwing on some black sweatpants and the dark red hoodie he'd borrowed from Sero. It was very comfortable. 

He didn't go to bed immediately, instead finally opening up the messages from Sero. 

sero :3: Btw, Niko, you can always hmu for anything, no strings attached ;)
sero :3: You working tmrw?
me: you know it >3<
me: n ill definitely take you up on that offer ;3
sero :3: Can't wait, Flare

After that, he also responded to Atsuo, who'd asked what his plans were on Wednesday. 

me: not much, why?? do u wanna do smth? :3
atsuo >P<: yesss i would love that
atsuo >P<: i was thinking that we could go to the mall??
me: YEESS IM SO DOWN ATSU
me: wednesday after class??
atsuo >P<: mhmhmhm thats perfect ^_^

With that, he turned to studying for his Earth Sciences final. It was the one he was most worried for, because of how hard it was. Japanese, he was good at- mostly, but science wasn't his strong suit, nor was math, which was the entire reason he got held back in fourth year. He'd put too much into trying to prevent needing anymore math classes, and had to retake the year anyway because he had to make up the lost credits for Japanese and History.

By the time he got to bed, it was past 01:00.