The Waters - A Beta Squad Story (bxb)

7. Fear Of The Eyes

Niko backed away, his hands falling away from Aj's back. He scanned the room for any supplies they could use.

Crouching down to look in the cupboard under the sinks, he found some antiseptic wipes and a small first-aid kit.

He turned back to Aj, who was still sitting on the counter, eyes closed. Niko gently placed the items on the counter beside Aj and leaned over him. He reached over to Aj's hand and softly placed it on the jumper behind the sink. With soft, careful hands, he cleaned the blood from Aj's back, using the wipes and warm water to make sure the area was clean.

Aj flinched a little each time Niko touched him, but he tried to remain still. To decrease the amount of movement he was making, he tightened his grip on the jumper that Niko had moved his hand to and bit down on his lip.

As Niko finished cleaning his back, he placed the wipe in the small trash can beside the counter, then found a fairly large plaster and covered the wound. He took a step back, giving Aj some space. "C'mon, man, better get back to the others."

Aj just hummed, not moving an inch.

"Aje..." Niko sighed, looking at his friend. He knew they needed to get back to work and he couldn't just leave Aj alone. He'd seen him like this before, exhausted and drained, but never quite this bad.

He walked right up to the counter, grabbing onto Aj's waist and turning him around. Aj sat with his legs dangling from the counter, either side of Niko. The taller man's hands were placed flat on the marble between the smaller man's hands and hips.

Aj looked up at Niko with lidded eyes and a soft smile. They weren't physically touching, but the space between them felt nonexistent, as if they were entwined with one another.

Niko leaned over Aj's right shoulder and grabbed his hoodie and Aj's top. He rolled up the stained top and tucked it into his larger pocket on his cargo trousers.

He then lifted Aj away from leaning on the mirror and slid the hoodie over his head and shoulders. After the hoodie was on, Aj slumped himself onto Niko's chest.

Niko wrapped his arms around Aj, careful not to press down on his injuries. He gently brushed through the curls on the top of Aj's head with his fingers. They stood there for a moment, breathing together, before Niko moved back, holding onto Aj's hands, he pulled and Aj slid onto his feet.

He led Aj over to the door, making sure they didn't trip over anything. As they stepped out into the hall, the bright light stung Aj's eyes. Niko glanced at Aj, taking in his pale face and the way his shoulders slumped. He knew they needed to get back to the others, but he didn't want to rush him.

Slowly, they made their way down the hall, passing by the various doors and equipment they'd seen earlier. The silence between them was visible, but it didn't feel awkward. It was as if they were content just to be near each other.

As they rounded a corner, they spotted the others huddled around a small table, deep in conversation. Niko glanced at Aj, noticing that his friend seemed to be regaining some of his energy. He gently squeezed Aj's hand; it seemed this made the latter aware of the fact they were still holding hands because he suddenly let go, putting a good distance between the two. Niko frowned. He knew how his friend felt about physical touch, but it didn't seem to bother him when they were alone.

Something hurt inside Niko's chest as he watched the next action play out. Aj rounded the table, sluggishly dragging his feet over to where Chunkz was sitting, and draped his arms and body over the back of his friend.

Niko stood there for a moment, feeling a pang of envy. The other boys were familiar with Aj's need for touch when he was feeling exhausted, but it slightly upset Niko knowing he would never be publicly physical with him during these times.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to walk over to the group. Kenny looked up as he approached, his face a mix of curiosity and concern. He smiled and patted the chair to the left of him.

Niko sat down, feeling the weight of Aj's presence across the table. He glanced at Chunkz, who had shifted a little, so Aj was leaning more heavily on him. Chunkz looked over at Niko, and there was understanding in his eyes. They both knew that Aj needed that physical contact and that Chunkz was just being a good friend by letting him lean on him.

The conversation around them continued, mostly about the details of the rest of their schedules. Niko tried to focus on what they were saying, but his mind kept wandering back to Aj. He couldn't help but notice the way his curls were messy and stuck to his forehead and how his skin looked a warmer colour even in the fluorescent light. He felt a pang of guilt for not being more understanding about Aj's need for touch and for not being able to give him the same comfort that Chunkz did.

"Nah, the love you must have for your brother, I love it." Filly commented from Niko's side of the table. He had picked up on the staring Niko was doing.

Niko glanced at Filly, surprised by the sentiment. He had never really thought about it that way, but maybe there was some truth to it. He looked back at Aj, still leaning on Chunkz, and felt a warmth in his chest. He knew he loved Aj—not just as a friend but as something more, something deeper. It was a love that transcended anything he had ever felt for anyone else.

Harry and Kenny looked over at Niko, smiling.

Their conversation continued as they all started to drift off, their bodies craving rest. Niko couldn't help but feel his gaze drawn back to Aj, still leaning on Chunkz. He wondered if Aj was asleep, but then he saw his eyes flicker open. They met Niko's gaze, and there was a softness in them—a vulnerability he hadn't seen before. It was the same look he gave Niko in the bathroom.

As if sensing Niko's thoughts, Aj slowly let go of Chunkz and pushed himself upright. He stretched his arms above his head, arching his back in a way that made Niko's heart skip a beat. "Is it time to head back?" he murmured, his voice still thick with fatigue.

"Yep." Chunkz stretched, groaning loudly.

Niko stood up as well, feeling renewed energy coursing through his veins. He glanced at Aj, taking in his tousled curls and sleepy eyes. There was something about the way Aj looked at him that made his spine shiver. He forced himself to look away, not wanting to seem too obvious.

The rest of the table all stood and started walking back to the set, ready to finish the rest of the video. Kenny discreetly held Niko back, leaving them last together.

"Everything okay with you two?" he asked, glancing between them.

Niko hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, everything's fine." He felt the need to say something to reassure them both. "We're all tired, that's all."

Kenny smiled understandingly and gave him a pat on the shoulder before turning to head back to the set.

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- B🎧