Work Text:
Niko doesn’t think there is anyone in the world he loves more than Aj. He cherishes the crinkle in Aj’s nose and the shine in his eyes. Honestly, he’d never been so stuck on someone, especially not for this long.
Aj possesses a lot of quirks. In the eight years Niko has known him, he believes he’d seen it all. He loved the way Aj made obscure references in the middle of conversations. He loved the way Aj giggled before telling a joke, adored when he couldn’t even get the words out through intense laughter. He loved the way Aj brushed off compliments, the way his face would get red and he would avoid eye contact before denying whatever was said.
It wasn’t just that. Niko loved that Aj wasn’t quiet about his interests. He loved how Aj would chatter on to anyone who would listen. He loved when Aj would call someone to watch him play a game or invite someone to see a movie he thought looked interesting. He loved that Aj was a complete nerd about things he liked.
Niko loved how Aj would curl into a ball as soon as he sat down, bringing his knees up in front of him and leaning on them. He loved how Aj almost fell over every time he laughed too hard, leaning into sides and grabbing arms. He loved how Aj hid behind whoever was closest when he got scared, gripping the fabric of a shirt as if he would die otherwise.
Niko loved how Aj was stuck in his ways. He loved how Aj kept to himself. He loved the way Aj preferred everything to stay the same. He loved how Aj wasn’t shy to refuse things he didn’t like, at least around their friends. He loved how Aj would complain if things weren’t how he liked. He loved how Aj still refused physical contact unless he initiated it.
Niko loved Aj’s childish-ness. He loved Aj’s desire to explore, to learn and experience new things. He loved Aj’s eagerness when it came to games and challenges, how competitive he was. He loved the way Aj always wanted to be up, always wanted to do something. He loved that Aj got bored quickly, finding new things to distract himself with.
Most of all, Niko loved how happy Aj was. He loved how hard Aj laughed at any joke, even if it wasn’t that funny. He loved the way Aj was always excited, eager and impatient. He loved when Aj would cheer for any victory, no matter how small. He loved the way Aj showed his emotion through his actions, helping others or giving gifts. He loved how Aj was a good person.
Of course, there’s plenty more to say. Niko could talk about Aj for hours; his friends know that better than anyone. He saw Aj in everything, the clouds, the moon, the sea. He saw Aj in lazy cats, excitable puppies, curious birds. When he was out, he noticed things he otherwise wouldn’t; he saw things that reminded him of Aj, or things that Aj might like.
One day, he thought, he would tell Aj how he felt. One day he would tell Aj how much he loved everything he did, and Aj would finally accept a compliment. One day Niko would be able to love Aj as openly as he wants.