The Waters - A Beta Squad Story (bxb)

39. The Road Life

The first half of the ride was filled with loud singing and laughter as they listened to Sharky's favourite music. Around five minutes since the last service station, Aj's face began to turn a shade of red that even Niko couldn't help but notice. He glanced over at Aj, who was now squirming in his seat.

"You alright, Aj?" Niko asked, concerned.

"I need the toilet." Aj announced, whining to everyone in the car. "I mean, I really need it." He squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, hoping that they would pull over soon.

Chunkz looked back at Aj through the rear-view mirror, annoyance etched on his features. "Aj, about five minutes ago, I asked if anyone needed to go to the bathroom. Why didn't you say something then? The next stop isn't for another twenty-five minutes, and I can't turn around."

Aj complained loudly. "I didn't need it then!" He wriggled uncomfortably in his seat, gripping Niko's upper arm, wishing he could disappear. "Just pull over, please? I'll be quick!"

Sharky glanced back at Aj. "Absolutely not. There's nowhere to pull over."

Aj whined, "But I really need to go!"

"Suck it up, Princess," Sharky muttered with a roll of his eyes, earning him a glare from Aj.

The car continued down the highway, the air conditioning humming loudly, keeping the temperature cool despite the warmth from the sun outside. Niko glanced at Aj, feeling a little sorry for him, but he also found the situation quite humorous. He was very aware of Aj's nails digging into his skin. He pulled out an empty water bottle from the car door beside him and tossed it to Aj, smirking. "Here, you can pee in this."

Aj threw the bottle back at Niko, who easily caught it. "Very funny," he grumbled. "I'm not peeing in a bottle!"

"No, because you would much rather piss yourself. Poor boy," Niko retorted, his tone mockingly sympathetic.

"Asshole," Aj grumbled under his breath. The car continued down the highway for another twenty minutes before finally coming up to the next rest stop. Chunkz had only just come to a stop when Aj swung the door open, jumping over Kenny and running to the bathroom.

They all took the time to stretch their legs and have a look at the small shop. Niko went to check on Aj in the bathroom. Chunkz and Sharky went to grab some snacks and drinks, while Kenny leaned against the car, watching the other cars go by.

Niko entered the dimly lit bathroom. "Aje? You alright in there?" he called, hearing Aj mumble a response from one of the stalls. He leaned against the sink, waiting for his friend to emerge. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Aj came out, looking relieved.

Aj washed his hands and looked at Niko in the mirror, who was currently looking him up and down. "What?" he asked defensively.

"Nothing," Niko replied with a grin. "You just looked cute when you were all jittery and flustered."

Aj rolled his eyes. "Shut up." He cupped his hands, filling them with water, and chucked it at Niko. "You're such a pest." The cool water hit Niko's shirt, and he laughed as he wiped it off.

Niko went into the nearest stall to get some tissue to dry his face, and Aj followed him in attempting to push the taller man into the toilet. The two of them began to wrestle playfully while in the bathroom, laughing and joking as they did. "You're such a brat," Niko exclaimed as he managed to push Aj against the wall, pinning him there with one arm. "I'm gonna tell Chunkz on you," Aj threatened, struggling to break free. "No, you won't," Niko retorted, grinning wickedly. "You're too much of a pest yourself."

They heard the bathroom door open, and Niko reached out his free hand to quickly close the stall door. "Shh," he whispered to Aj, his breath tickling Aj's ear. "It's Sharky." Aj giggled, his face turning red as he imagined Sharky walking in on them with Niko still pinning Aj against the wall.