Chapter Text
Sonic landed in the alley between two buildings downtown. He ducked behind a dumpster. “Detransform.” His hair went from cobalt blue back to his brownish dirty blonde, his outfit changing from blacks and greys to blues in nearly an instant. His Chao exited his ring and found his pocket, hiding inside.
Nick scouted the street, looking both ways before stepping out onto the sidewalk, whistling a definitely -not-suspicious tune as he approached the coffee shop yet again. As he pushed the door open, he was rewarded with a jingle and the smell of coffee. He looked towards where Terios had sat earlier, finding his bag still sitting there.
Nick walked over towards the counter, asking the barista. “Hey, could you get me whatever Terios got?”
“Sorry honey, we just changed shifts. I have no idea what they got.” The barista's voice sounded sweet and warm, her slight southern accent making her sound all the friendlier.
Nick tapped his foot, rubbing the back of his neck. “Shoot… Well, could you just get me any coffee then? Whatever's regular?”
“‘Course, sugar.” The barista nodded. Nick gave her his name, paid, and she went off.
Nick leaned against the bar, impatiently tapping his foot. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something.
“Told you I'd catch you here.” Nick smiled, startling Terios.
“That was fast…”
“Order for Nick?” The barista called out.
“And you got something?” Terios raised an eyebrow, eyes following Nick as he picked up the cup, eyes widening as he held the cup out, handing it to him.
“Call it payback, for earlier.” Nick smiled softly. Terios's fingers tentatively wrapped around the cup, shock apparent on his face. Terios brought it up to his own lips, taking a sip. “Sorry if it's not your taste, I didn't know what you like.”
Terios's face hardened slightly. He looked down at the cup as he spoke. “It’s… good.” His eyes met Nick's for a fraction of a second before darting away again. “You didn't have to…”
“I felt bad about your coffee spilling.” Nick explained, putting his hands in his pockets. “I thought I'd buy you one to make up for it.”
“It was my fault, you didn't need to—”
“Don't care, I already bought it.” Nick smirked. “Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't that?”
Terios seemed to shrink into himself, but he let out a small laugh. A rare sound from Terios. Nick's smile widened.
“Whatever, let's sit down.” Nick swore he caught a smile from Terios.
“Let's?” Nick asked.
Terios turned around. “You're staying, right?”
Nick's eyes lit up, and he didn't hesitate before wrapping his arm around Terios's shoulders. “Heck yeah I am!” He cheerfully said the half truth. He hasn't planned on it, since he didn't want to keep bothering Terios, but with the invitation, he was more than happy to.
Terios stiffened as Nick made contact, and it took a second for Nick to pull away, apologizing for the unauthorized touch. Terios shrugged it off.
The two sat back down. “Do you have anything else to work on?” Nick asked.
“No,” Terios took a sip of his coffee. He's visibly not used to the taste, having caught him off guard twice already. Nick hopes he likes it anyway. “I could do some studying though.”
“How about you tell me about what you were working on earlier?” Nick propped his cheeks on his hands.
Terios looked surprised. “I thought you hated economics class.”
Nick shrugged. “It's just what I've heard, I haven't taken it yet.”
“Well…” Terios mumbled. “Let me create a problem to demonstrate what I was doing…” Terios grabbed a slip of paper and began writing, explaining away at every step, checking back occasionally to make sure Nick was following along. Nick gave occasional nods, smiling, hoping that Terios is having a good time now.