AN: A thank you to all those who are supporting this with your awesome reviews and favs. Its fun to connect with others on a rare ship. I mean, Nico and Levi aren't even in the character list yet! Have you all come up with a ship name yet? Here's chapter two!

Chapter TWO

- 2 hours later -

"He's completely under the influence." Link summed up comedically, hand under his chin as he watched his friend wrangle with an intern. Helm sat beside him and was watching as well; they simultaneously took sips from their beers.

"Yup." Helm sighed, blinking slowly. Their current means of entertainment was two tables away. She noted Levi's obviously affronted face as he flailed his small arms at whatever Dr. Kim had said and Dr. Kim's conflicted expression as he watched.

"Nico can take care of him for the rest of the night. Actually, I think its for the best." Helm raised an eyebrow at her impromptu bar hopping companion. The overly good-looking man gave her an impish look in return.

"We've been here for two hours and I doubt they even noticed we left the table. I say we call it a night and let them figure out the rest on their own." Helm liked that idea. She learned that despite Dr. Lincoln being an attending, he was surprisingly easygoing. He didn't treat her like a surgical resident outside of the hospital which made a big difference on the quality of conversation. They wouldn't be best friends, but Helm appreciated she could interact with him beyond the hospital and feel comfortable about it.

"Alright, let's go." As much as she enjoyed tonight, Helm was tired. She'd always look back fondly on watching Levi struggle with his sexuality, and having to witness Dr. Lincoln come up with creative ways to turn down various women all night. Or not.

.

Before Levi had gotten shit faced, he had intently listened to Dr. Kim's story. It was compelling and heartbreaking and by the end of it, Levi couldn't blame the man for his uneasiness.

Nico Kim was the only son of a prosperous yet traditional family. He had never planned to confide in his strict parents about being gay but that changed when he had been caught kissing his boyfriend on video. The video had promptly been shared amongst the community and eventually it reached Mr. and Mrs. Kim. The fall out was devastating despite Dr. Kim being an adult. At first, they threatened to ostracize and withdraw their funds for his education only for him to call their bluff. Instead, they set their eyes on his boyfriend who was on scholarship at the same college. The boyfriend's family were indigent and just with the simple gesture of financial support had been the right move. He had taken the money and transferred to another college.

Dr. Kim had to find out in a letter. For the two years he had left before graduation, he had to suffer his family's prejudice, his community's harsh judgement, his homosexuality which he tried to suppress to avoid further pain and a lack of support. That is, until he found someone else he couldn't ignore, a personal trainer. Dr. Kim had to hide his new relationship right up to graduation but took that time to figure out how to strike out on his own. He saved up money from part time jobs and took on loans to pay for medical school and modest apartments he'd share with crazy roommates.

"They know who I am, they still call me their son but simultaneously hate me for who I love. What they hate, they ignore. Even if I scream it from a mountain that I like men, they will pretend the mountain doesn't exist. It isn't possible for their son to be… less than." Levi could tell how much reliving the details frazzled Dr. Kim and he almost regretted that it had to be brought up. But now he got it. Levi's journey into his sexuality could inadvertently hurt Dr. Kim.

"I don't hate you and I forgive you." He wasn't sure if that was necessary to say but he did for the taller man's sake and then proceeded to order drink after drink all the while asking questions here and there. The questions got easier to ask as the alcohol took away any inhibitions.

Dr. Kim hadn't seen his ex after graduation but admitted to finding him on social media in a relationship with another man. The ortho fellow had a total of three real relationships under his belt and he didn't offer a number of how many trysts he'd entertained no matter how much Levi pushed. He was a Leo born in July. He worked out every day and had been a sports swimmer in high school and college.

"What was it about this guy that made you think I was this…experienced, proud homosexual at first glance?" Levi gestured to himself with his thumbs, laughing when Dr. Kim laughed. He polished off his third beer.

He noticed a sheepishness about Dr. Kim as he looked up at Levi through his eyelashes. He fixed Levi with a look that asked if he really wanted to know, Levi insisted.

"C'mon, out with it." He waved a hand persistently.

"Well, it had more to do with you being my type. I was willing my preference on you which included you being openly gay. You don't know it yet but you could easily find your niche in the right gay club. You have no idea how popular you'd be, men want to worship your body." Nico Kim's casual look turned intense and had the recipient gulping. Dr. Kim tracked the reaction and cleared his throat looking away, "Sorry. Was that too much?"

"Uh, no… No. I asked." Blushing, Levi ordered a shot of vodka, feeling a knot form in his belly he thought had to do with nerves. Shot downed, he watched Dr. Kim still work on his second beer. It really was a shame the man wasn't willing to give Levi a chance. The two sat in silence and Levi felt the alcohol burn its way down and upon feeling a bit fuzzier, he voiced his other curiosity.

"Look, I know you dun wun anythin' to do with my new gayness. But can I get a hint, justa teeny tiny little something from a jedi master like yourself?" Levi didn't wait for permission to continue, "We are out of the question, and Jude is definitely out of the question. Who will help me unraw-unral-unravel who am I sexually?" It was an earnest inquiry, and he was pretty sure it didn't come out right but was too tired to figure out where it went wrong.

Amused instead of exasperated, Dr. Kim answered, "I'd suggest you stop forcing it. Let whatever connection you form come naturally. Who knows, you might still enjoy the opposite sex."

Thoughts of his past relations with the opposite sex made Levi openly grimace. Every memory made him feel like a failure in some aspect. Unceremoniously, he took hold of Dr. Kim's unfinished beer and downed it before the handsome man could protest properly. He exhaled loudly, slamming the brown bottle down to the table.

"Don't wurry, new round is on this guy! Where's Helm?" He tried to stand but gravity didn't allow him more than just a sloppy swivel in his chair. His eyes swam in his sockets as he searched for the direction of the bar and tried to get up again, this time falling back into his seat, almost falling off completely. He giggled at the strange feeling of being pushed down by a handless force and his head went down on the table top.

"No, that's it. I'm taking you home. It looks like Link and Helm have already left."

Levi's head shot up, groaning loudly at the terrible idea. "C'mon! Once smore." He slurred as he leaned back in his chair, watching Dr. Kim stand and come to his side of the table.

"You are too tiny to imbibe that much alcohol. I got us a cab." Levi frowned. When had he done that?

"Okay, okay. Just know that my tiny ass outdrank your giant one!" He laughed loudly and he couldn't stop laughing as he was pulled up from his seat; his flank had been secured by Dr. Kim's muscular arm, his hand clamped tightly to keep him steady. Levi pressed inward to line up their sides, enjoying the physical contact.

"You're so warm! Juss like a hot potato. I love potatoes…love 'em." He trailed off as he glided to the exit of Joe's bar. Somehow, he was light as a feather now.

Levi allowed himself to be deposited into the cab's backseat and took advantage of Dr. Kim's proximity as he buckled Levi in and sniffed his sinewy arm.

"Hmm, y'smell like altitude." The seat was leathery and plush, he had no qualms with sleeping there, he thought to himself as he stared into dark eyes that happened to be so close. He smiled blearily at Dr. Kim's close face but he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. His head listed and he passed out.

.

Sunlight was in his face when he woke up. Levi was on his side and had drool on the pillow and the wet was uncomfortably cool on his face. Wait, he woke up on his side. He never slept on his side. It was particularly hard to care since he was sure the amount of alcohol he consumed was to blame and he was brilliantly hung over. He stayed put but squinted through the brightness of his room. What time was it? Surely, he hadn't slept into the afternoon. He had a west facing room in the basement after all and the sun never reached to the point it graced the bed.

Then he noticed a blurry image of a tall, wet, half naked man framed on the wall he was facing. Eyes wide, he moved his hand to remove the covers that were pulled up to his chin only to brush against an arm that was draped over his waist. He stilled immediately and grew tense as he realized just where he was and who was pressed against his back.

Why in the hell am I in Nico Kim's bed?!

He forced himself to calm down and felt he was at least clothed in a shirt and his boxer briefs. Despite the insinuative position, Levi trusted Dr. Kim enough to know nothing happened. But he still couldn't form a reason as to why, why they were sharing a bed. How drunk had they been?

Dr. Kim's strong arm tightened minutely and Levi closed his eyes for a moment when he felt the man's head nudge deeper into the nape of his neck, a foreign leg hooked around his right leg and then the larger man stilled. Goosebumps rose up pleasantly; tantalizing as Dr. Kim's breathing was drawn out and heavy on his skin; still asleep then.

Levi opened his eyes and looked around helplessly. At some point, they both would need to acknowledge this strange occurrence but he wasn't against putting it off for a little while longer. He looked up slightly to see the windows behind the headboard of the bed which explained the sun light. There was a bare nightstand next to him and the floor beneath was a light wood grain, shiny and clutter free as far as he could see without his glasses.

Levi stretched a little and couldn't help noticing how relaxed he was despite the pounding in his head. The room air outside of the bedding was cold but their shared body heat kept him snug. The pressure of Nico Kim's body was quite addictive as Levi shifted little by little to memorize the skin on skin intimacy. How had he gotten so lucky? Was lucky the right word?

When it seemed Levi's movements didn't bother the sleeping man, he grew bolder and slowly turned in the man's hold. Dr. Kim subconsciously allowed the shift and loosened his hold only enough for Levi to move until he was on his left side to face the sleeping man.

Levi bit his lip in disbelief. How was Nico Kim so beautiful even in his sleep? He was in a dark tank top that Levi's hands now rested on over the muscular pectorals. Levi's eyes roamed over the strong clavicles and catalogued that angelic face into his memory. Those lips… he'd known what it felt like to be kissed by them. His breathing grew short. That desperate feeling was creeping upon him again.

To staunch it, Levi sniffed resolutely and reached out only to pause for a second but continued to gently push on Dr. Kim's collarbone with an open palm. The man's eyes were still half asleep but managed to focus on him. That sleepy look he received made it difficult to speak but he managed a weak, "G-good morning."

He watched as a controlled alarmed confusion marred the previous peaceful look Dr. Kim had once possessed. Levi felt the arm holding him retract and Dr. Kim quickly sat up and looked down at him with a slight frown. The smaller man shivered as the temperature dropped and he sat up too resisting the urge to keep the duvet around his shoulders.

"I-I know. That look means I'm not supposed to be here. But…how… did I get here?" He scratched his head, ruffling his fluffy hair more; he remembered everything up to getting into the taxi but that was it.

Dr. Kim opened his mouth to speak but stopped, seeming to be overcome by another thought that seized his ability to speak. He groaned and rubbed at his eyes in what came off as frustration. Levi watched dejectedly as the other man stood and strolled over to an open door that lead to what looked like a master bath.

"…Your clothes are at the foot of the bed." He murmured before closing himself in.

Levi sighed heavily. It was an unfortunate familiar atmosphere that he was swept up in once again just this time…with a man. He steeled himself and got up, wobbling only a little. Once sturdy, he got dressed on the bench just at the foot of Dr. Kim's bed. He put on his glasses and checked the time on his phone, it was early morning. Looking back at the poster on the wall, Levi realized it was a signed Michael Phelps poster.

"Right." He said to the almost sterile bedroom. Nothing like his bedroom. He heard the rush of a showerhead and he walked out of the bedroom on bare feet. Only then did he realize the heated floors. He had heated floors. The bedroom door landed him in the living room that was overlooked by an open kitchen and dining concept. One wall was just ceiling to floor windows washing the condo in natural light. It was all impressive and minimalistic except for the bookshelf. He gravitated toward the white shelves and looked over the books tightly packed from ceiling to floor. Not all were titles for medicine.

"Yes, I like Steven King." Came the cool tone that sounded more inviting and awake. Despite that, Levi jumped and turned to face Dr. Kim, slack jawed as his ability to communicate slowly caught up.

"I'm more for the movies, myself. Misery or IT?" The smile he received made his heart skip a beat. Dr. Kim had a robe on now with silky pajama pants, feet bare, hair free of gel and falling into his eyes in damp tendrils.

"IT hands down." He answered as he crossed over to the kitchen. "I'm making you breakfast. No objections, you need food. Any food allergies?"

Levi closed his mouth as the apprehension died at the tip of his tongue. He hadn't wanted to impose…but Dr. Kim only left room for him to shake his head, 'no'.

"I'm sorry about not answering you before," Dr. Kim continued as he zipped around the kitchen in and out of drawers and the refrigerator, "I'm a horrible person before a shower. It's the only thing that properly wakes me."

Levi walked over to the island in the spacious kitchen and sat on one of the barstools gingerly.

"What did happen last night?" Was it anything he had to be embarrassed about? But Dr. Kim didn't seem bothered as he cracked eggs into a whisking bowl with ease. He had been a cook at one point in college.

"The alcohol anesthetized you. I couldn't wake you up to get your address, your phone was locked so my only choice was to take you home with me. I… carried you in and you slept through all of it." Levi watched a grimace mar the concentrated look on Dr. Kim's face, "I…might have accidentally banged your head on the door jam. Sorry."

Levi, as subtly as possible, rubbed at his scalp. He assessed for lumps or pain but found none. Dr. Kim shook his head and sighed before continuing as he seasoned the eggs—pepper, salt, scallions, milk…

"The reason I had you in my bed was innocent enough. I didn't want you to aspirate while I was in another room. Figured you wouldn't mind staying alive."

It was why he had been on his side when he woke up. All of it was filled with a logic that was impossible to dismiss and the care he received was more than he could've asked for.

"You could've just left me in that bar." He said in realization.

The sizzle and pop of the skillet sent breakfast smells in the air, his stomach couldn't resist grumbling.

"I'd never do that." Dr. Kim said seriously, veins prevalent in his forearm as he manipulated the pan. Levi watched transfixed at the skill. He sucked at cooking. One time he made ramen and realized he cooked the seasoning packet as well. He told Dr. Kim as much who laughed easily as he added four strips of bacon to the skillet and slid the eggs on plates.

"Well, no need to worry about that today. I'm taking care of you." Nico Kim winked and stuttered for a moment when he realized what he'd done. Levi huffed in amusement and smiled good naturedly.

"You really need to turn that off." He joked and watched as Dr. Kim smiled as well.

"It's hard to when…well…never mind. Here you go." The tall man added toast to the plates then slid off the crisped bacon from the skillet and handed his guest a perfect breakfast. He went further by giving Levi a small portion of fruit salad and water with two ibuprofen tablets sat on a napkin nearby. Soon, Dr. Kim joined him at the island with his identical spread and wasted no time digging in.

"Dr. Kim, this is…" Levi talked with food in his mouth and swallowed only to fill up on more eggs, "so good. Can I always have breakfast here?" It came out more as cave man talk but from one cave man to the next, Dr. Kim just chuckled and understood the compliment for what it was.

"Thanks for the active compliment, but anyone can make this." A disbelieving look from Levi was all he got for his humility.

"And call me Nico outside of the hospital." He requested which did get Levi to pause his inhalation of breakfast. They shared a quiet pensive moment, Nico's fork scraping the plate slowly as he piled the remaining eggs. The shorter man took a small sip of his water and sat the glass down then went to speak only to have Nico Kim talk at the same time.

"I mean, we are friends at this point. You know more about me than most at Grey-Sloan." He seemed a bit nervous at the proposition, his eyes slowly moving to catch Levi's reaction as if he feared rejection. Levi gave a small smile in return, not wanting to look disapproving but he was feeling strange at the notion. It was better than being ignored and he did like…Nico. The problem was that he liked Nico. And with that revelation, Levi made his smile bigger despite knowing what that could mean down the line.

"Of course. It's written somewhere that if two people spend a drunken night together, then breakfast, they are friends by default. I guess it's only fair that you call me Levi." He looked away from those calculating eyes, focusing on breakfast again.

Satisfied, Nico went back to eating as well, "Good 'cuz now I can tell you that you have green onion on your nose." They both looked at each other again just to laugh boisterously a second later, Levi scrubbing his nose; crossing his eyes to look at it. He grabbed his head as it reminded him that eye strain was not a good idea.

"Ow…" He groaned lightly.

"Take the pain killers, Levi." Nico stood and collected plates to clean up and didn't notice how amazing Levi's name sounded falling from his lips. Stop that. He reprimanded himself. They were friends, that's all.

He took the two pills and finished his water which Nico promptly refilled and told him to keep drinking.

"You're very controlling." Levi observed aloud as he acquiesced.

"A terrible trait from my parents, I'm afraid." Nico surmised with little remorse coloring his tone.

"Could that be why a perfect man like you is still unattached?" He wondered how friendly they actually were and decided to test the waters. But the taller man just laughed lightly.

"You might be onto something." He didn't sound offended which was good, Levi could tell that the wheels were turning in the man's head, however.

Levi was thoroughly fed and feeling marginally better than he had upon waking. The two walked over to the door and found his shoes in the foyer. He had told Nico that it was time for him to freshen up at home before his next shift at the hospital started.

"Thank you for everything, Nico." When the man waved it off, Levi insisted, "Really. What you did for me with Jude and taking me to your home and pampering me was above and beyond. So, thank you."

Nico Kim seemed contemplative as he looked down into Levi's eyes for a moment, "I know what I said before in the elevator. It was rash and emotional…I shouldn't have given you a negative experience. I'd like a do over."

Levi silently cursed Nico for setting the butterflies in his stomach flying as the man took a deep breath before speaking again.

"You asked me to teach you and since we are friends, it'd be my privilege to help you. Just…in a platonic way—if that's okay?" It seemed as if Nico could tell how much of a stretch he was asking for due to their past interactions; his face was worried and optimistic at the same time.

At this point, Levi mentally turned a flamethrower to those butterflies.

"I could use all the help I can get." He joked and hoped the lack of levity in his voice didn't have Nico reading him like an open book.

But Nico seemed happy, his smile bright and charming as he watched his short friend don his shoes.

"Great…that means a lot to me. I'll see you around at the hospital." The hopeful tone was enough to keep Levi afloat on his decision to keep up with the pretense that was beginning to form. If he were to be honest with Nico, their fragile companionship could end and Levi didn't want that either. Afterall, the infatuation he had with Nico could diminish as quickly as it had formed, right?

Nico informed him where the elevators were and the two exchanged waves goodbye. Levi furrowed his brows worriedly at the closed door for a beat.

"I like you more than I should..." He admitted despairingly to the door before departing.

.

"I like you more than I should..." Nico Kim stared fixedly at the monitor next to the front door as Levi sighed before he turned and ventured down the hall. He shouldn't have turned the damn thing on. But he did it anyway due to curiosity and now he felt something uneasy settle over him. Was it guilt? No…it was more involved than that. He just didn't want to admit what it was. He was better off with Levi being a friend rather than a failed love interest. This way, they could be on amicable terms rather than avoiding each other because of his oversight. He had fixed his mistake. Now it was time to live with the aftermath.

He didn't know he had such an effect on Levi. That private confession was a blade in his chest now and Nico was stuck with it. There was no way Nico could pursue Levi when he was so new to what a gay relationship would bring. Not again. Levi was only well informed about the first relationship that had gone wrong. He knew nothing about the third one. Somehow, he had gotten away last night without mentioning Simon.

Angrily, Nico ripped off his robe to get dressed. Indeed, there was no way he was dating Levi Schmitt no matter how tempting the man was. All he had to do was remember Simon when temptation dared to falter him from the promise he had made a couple of years ago. It was self-preservation, simple as that.

.

"Stop staring at him." It was almost déjà vu only now it was both Helm and Parker speaking in unison as they walked across the sky bridge inside Grey-Sloan. Levi tried not to break his neck as he refocused on what was in front of him.

"What?! He said hi! I didn't want to ignore him." He said truthfully.

"He's so far gone, he doesn't know he's doing it." Parker surmised as if he was diagnosing a patient with a terminal disease. Helm smirked, "So you see what I have to put up with."

Levi gave them both confused looks, "What are you both talking about?"

The trio was walking away from the admin wing of the hospital after their private and group evaluations with the chief. They were heading back to work in the ER as instructed by the Chief when they had passed by Dr. Kim.

"Shall we fill him in?" Levi looked to Parker who was speaking to Helm with an exclusive smile that Helm in turn reflected back.

"Oh let's. He'll thank us." It wasn't helping the feeling of being omitted since he was walking behind them now. The two surgical residents stopped which made Levi stop as well and they turned and looked at him.

"When people exchanged pleasantries, there is acknowledgement shared between both parties with a general amount of eye contact that is looked upon as normal—healthy if you will. But you…you don't do that." Parker started off and Levi looked to Helm who gave a nod to affirm Parker's findings.

"What do I do?" He asked genuinely, folding his arms.

"You stare!" They both sounded exasperated but laughed gently before Helm offered an explanation.

"You're easy to read, Levi. Whenever Dr. Kim is in the vicinity, your eyes stay on him. Before he talks,"

"After he talks," Parker chimed in, "while you're talking and while he walks away." Helm finished. Levi blushed as he felt a small panic rise. The one thing he had told himself over and over again during the past few days was to maintain a platonic façade for Nico's sake. He didn't want to make him uncomfortable by expressing feelings that the other man couldn't return. Now almost a week later, he was being confronted by third parties informing him of how transparent he was.

"Are you okay?" Helm asked, leaning in.

"Uh…yeah. I'm just not great at hiding things. I thought I was doing well." He wondered what Nico could possibly be thinking now. He didn't appear to be uncomfortable if he did notice Levi's continued feelings for him. They had eaten lunch together yesterday and Levi prided himself on bringing out Dr. Kim's goofy side. They were doing well as friends. He said as much to Parker and Helm.

"Maybe he's just dense, then." Helm suggested, writing it off as she began walking again.

"He's a doctor, he's not dense." Parker fired back as he followed.

"Really? Because I've been sent to dense doctors…and it makes sense for an ortho fellow. Bones are dense so therefore he's dense."

"That's a wide generalization…possibly offensive."

The two continued debating as Levi walked behind them slowly, too caught up in his own obsessive thoughts about Nico Kim. The ER rotation was a welcome distraction. He had flu, diabetes and a five-inch nail penetrating the gut earlier. Now, he had to choose between a hit and run victim and a firework dare gone obviously wrong, Levi had his hands full. No time to think about—

"I'll go book the OR and page plastics and ortho…" He heard himself say and mentally cursed. Maybe it will be someone else from ortho.

"Huh…wha…" The young man tried to sit up in his drugged state from the morphine in his central line but the nurses held him down as Helm explained to him what would happen next as she kept pressure on his hand. They had to move rather quickly due to his uncontrolled bleeding and third-degree burns.

It wasn't surprising that it was Dr. Lincoln and Nico that came to assist with Dr. Avery following. Levi saw them walk in and it was almost customary to always keep note of what the ortho fellow was doing. But he caught himself in time, thinking about what the others had said earlier that day about his staring issue. While he filled them in about the patient's medical history, Levi forced himself from looking at Nico for longer than was necessary.

The three conspired over the digital imaging of the patient's hand done simultaneously during prep in the OR. When they had finished, Dr. Avery addressed the two surgical residents.

"I'll only need one of you to assist at this time. Schmitt, you up to it?" Levi's head shot up from fiddling with the tablet he held, looking at the three surgeons and then to Helm. She shrugged and waited for his answer like everyone else.

"Oh, yes!" Levi smiled, excited to see Dr. Avery work up close as opposed to the gallery. He hadn't had the opportunity to go on rotation with plastics so assisting may open that door for him to get on Dr. Avery's service.

"Great. Helm, you can head back to the ER."

"Cool, it looks like it's just us men today." Dr. Lincoln commented offhandedly as they all entered the OR receiving their PPE's which earned him glares from the two female surgical nurses in the room. He laughed, "Sorry."

It was decided that Dr. Avery would work first, then Dr. Lincoln and Dr. Avery would close. They set to work after the patient was put under. Levi was nervous, not knowing what to expect from the intimidating Dr. Avery but focused on everything the man was doing rather his own insecurities. It helped that Dr. Lincoln was a constant buzz of relaxed conversation that set the tone in the room. Dr. Avery would rotate casual conversation with teaching moments for Levi.

He had gotten to debris the patient's burns under observation and commented on how lucky the patient was he got to be unconscious for this part.

"He only has to lose three fingers in the process." Avery tutted disapprovingly, "I'm glad I wasn't born in this generation. It's a choice between the Tide pod challenge or holding fireworks in your hand for as long as you can, to feel relevant."

Ortho stepped in and took Dr. Avery and Levi's place, Dr. Kim took lead to amputate the three damaged fingers and set the two that were left with pins and splints. The young college student would keep his thumb and pointer finger. At this point, Levi had no choice but to watch Nico. Well maybe he didn't have to look at him but his curiosity made him take in the whole picture. Nico Kim worked confidently with only a few consults between himself and Dr. Lincoln before deciding on certain actions. His hands were skilled, the saw, drill and scalpel all looked natural being wielded by the surgeon as he operated. Levi was truly inspired by the energy in the room. One day, he would get there.

Their eyes connected when Dr. Kim had finished. Feeling as if he'd been caught, Levi quickly returned his attention to the hand on the operating table. It was Dr. Avery's turn again to close up the amputation sites and apply the meshes to the burns.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I'm throwing my birthday party Sunday evening at my place. I'm inviting everyone, you too, Schmitt. I figured if I invite enough people, at least ten would show up." Dr. Lincoln announced cheerily.

"You're…throwing your own birthday party?" Dr. Avery asked to be certain he heard right. Levi had to admit it was odd but Dr. Lincoln was turning out to be an unorthodox kind of man.

"Well it'll serve as a "two birds—one stone" operation where I get the house warming out of the way and eat some cake. I love cake on my birthday. Mm, cake…" The OR staff shared in a chuckle at Dr. Lincoln's enthusiasm for baked goods.

The surgery finished without complications and Levi was left to oversee the patient's transfer to his room and evaluation after the anesthesia wore off.

"Are you going to make it to the party?" Levi jumped slightly when he realized Nico was still in the OR with him, the two attendings had left. Nico apologized amusedly and offered to help bring the patient to his recovery room which Levi accepted.

"You were great in there. I have to admit it was inspiring watching you." Levi said honestly but made sure to keep his focus on not ramming the bed into a wall or door frame. Don't stare. He repeated to himself.

"Oh that?" Nico gestured to the OR, "…Yeah. I was pretty amazing, huh?" Levi laughed at the proud tone of voice shaking his head as he steered the hospital bed into the elevator.

"You'll be doing amazing things too and very soon, I bet. Not that debris duty isn't thrilling." Nico smirked. When Levi stayed quiet, eyes trained mainly on the patient's vitals monitor, the ortho fellow asked, "So are you? Coming I mean. I'll have to work for the most part but I'll stop by at the end of my shift."

Levi checked the IVs distractedly, "Oh um, you don't think Dr. Lincoln was just exercising formalities? I don't think he'd want a resident at his housewarming birthday bash, right?"

"You don't know Link well enough yet but he isn't about formalities. You should come…hey." The change in tone made Levi look at the taller man as they disembarked from the elevator.

"You're being weirder than normal." Nico seemed convinced which in turn, worried Levi. Did he know?

"Am not." He pulled the bed into the assigned recovery room and rushed out to inform the nurses so they could further settle the patient into the room. He'd wait close by to do the patient's post op exam and maybe explain the procedure in detail. Nico had followed him out and leaned with him on the nurses' station.

Nico came forward to impose his face in Levi's line of sight into the patient's observation room. The shorter man had no choice but to look into those calculating dark eyes. Levi was never good at poker faces. He was too nervous to let Nico expand on his accusation since he could hit the nail on the head. Then where would they be?

Having Niko Kim as a friend was important to him. He couldn't let his interest in the man jeopardize that.

"Maybe I'm just tired. I'll get some coffee before our daredevil wakes up." He pushed off of the counter and walked away before Nico could say anything in return and luckily, the other man didn't follow. Levi returned with more composure and holding two cups of coffee with creams in his pockets. He realized Nico had left. Setting the coffees aside, Levi tried to keep from jumping to conclusions. But he felt like he had failed, somehow. But what was he supposed to do? If Nico pushed, he would come undone and the terms of their friendship would be moot.

His phone vibrated in his coat and after letting a few creamers tumble to the ground, he reached his phone. He had received details regarding the birthday/housewarming. It had been forwarded by Nico with a subject of "you're coming". Levi huffed at the familiar controlling nature but felt better knowing that Nico Kim bared him no ill will.

But the worry still ate at him. It was the first time he felt like it could hurt to lose someone. How did he do this?

.

AN: Okay, I'm not sure if this is insensitive but I literally sat at my laptop trying to picture which fingers should go missing off that patient's hand. A little more medical than I meant to add but I just let the writing take me where it wants to go within reason! I don't imagine this story to be too long so maybe two more chapters…maybe. I made Nico Kim a little dark, didn't I?