Just a heads up, I'm moving in a few days and I'll be starting a new job next week so I'm not exactly sure when I'll update next. But I will see this fic through!

*Also thank you for the favs, follows, and reviews! I'm glad you all like my story so far :)

This chapter is a little uneventful, mostly just interaction and some relationship development.

Anyways I hope you all enjoy!

Between attending seminars and studying for midterms, Tadashi was exhausted. It didn't help that one of the older ladies who also worked at the library had put her back out, making her unable to work for the next few days, and leaving Tadashi to cover as many of her hours as he could.

It had been over a week since he had last seen Hiro, but he somehow always found himself thinking about him. From what little time he had spent with the boy he came to the conclusion that he had a sort of rebellious streak to him and he just hoped he wasn't getting into too much trouble, or worse, getting himself hurt. He wished he had gotten his number or something…just to check up on him of course. Not knowing when or if he'd ever see the kid again only added stress to his already stressful week and it was becoming difficult for him to concentrate much on anything.

He was at the front desk sorting through the returns, every so often looking at the time on his computer screen, counting down the hours till closing. The soft humming of the machine was not helping his fatigue, and he felt himself slowly drifting off until the sound of wheels on concrete began to filter somewhere in his subconscious.

Tadashi instantly perked up when the library doors opened, bringing in some of the fresh Spring air and a familiar looking face.

"Hey doc, long time no see."

To say he was surprised was definitely an understatement.

"Whoa, what's got you looking like the living dead?"

Now that, he could expect.

"Nice to see you too Hiro." And despite the sarcasm, the teen's name felt nice and smooth, casually rolling off his tongue as if he had said it over a thousand times before. He kind of liked it.

The skater chuckled and leaned on his desk giving Tadashi a split second to look him over. He appeared to be the same as the last time they met, although he was in a much better mood. Tadashi didn't know the kid well enough, but he took that as a good sign.

"For your information, I've been cramming for mid-terms and working extra shifts here at the library all week, so I haven't exactly had much time for beauty rest."

That last part seemed to amuse Hiro and he gave a nod in understanding.

Tadashi suddenly remembered something. "Hey how's your elbow doing?"

The teen looked taken aback by the mention, but quickly replaced the emotion with feigned distress.

"Oh it hurt realllly bad for a few days. I couldn't even bend it. My aunt even considered suing you guys, but I told her what a big nerd you were and she felt too bad."

"Well that wouldn't have worked anyway considering this is a public library remember. We aren't held liable for pedestrian injuries." Tadashi couldn't help but break out his smug grin, causing the boy to wave him off in retaliation.

"Yeah yeah, but just remember who taught you that little fun fact in the first place."

Wait a minute…

The mention of an aunt caught Tadashi's attention. "I thought you lived on your own?"

"Um, I never said that"

"Yes, you did. Last time you had said moving was easy for you because you were on your own."

"That's not what I meant...it's not like that...just-drop it alright."

The air between them was quiet. Tadashi felt bad for bringing up what appeared to be a difficult subject, but there were so many things he wanted to know about the boy, and it was beginning to feel like he would never get any answers.

Meanwhile Hiro played with his lip ring, sucking it between his teeth (causing quite a distraction for the library worker) and looking everywhere but at Tadashi. He noticed when they finally came to rest at the pile of text books at his desk and watched as the skater's spunk returned.

"Say I bet I'd get all this doctor stuff in a jiff. I could totally help you study if you want."

The offer seemed odd to Tadashi. Didn't the kid have anything better to do?

He looked the kid over, searching for any signs of bluff, but all he got was a glare in return.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was just trying to figure out why you're being nice all of sudden. Don't you have some property to trespass or something?"

"Ya know it's a good thing you plan on being a doctor, cause you would never make it as a comedian."

Tadashi swung his hand over his eyes in a dramatic gesture. "Oh no, my life-long dream is shattered!"

"Hey so do you want my help or not!" The boy's pout was too adorable for words and Tadashi felt himself almost feeling bad.

"Ok, ok. Sure, why not." He got up from his spot at the desk and retrieved his bag off the floor.

"How about we head over into one of the private study rooms."

Hiro shrugged and followed the older boy into the secluded room.

Once settled, Tadashi placed his bag on the table and began to take out his books.

"Ok so my first test is on the various parts of the brain so I figure we could start there."

"Sounds good. I actually had a thing for a neurologist once, it's some cool stuff."

A thing?

Tadashi paused.

"Oh, you think…" Hiro instantly burst into a fit of giggles, producing a light blush on the med student's face. "Wow, so I guess it is true what they say about college guys. You all have your brain's in the gutter don't you. I meant I wanted to be a neurologist, not do one, jeez."

Tadashi couldn't explain the odd feeling of relief he felt with that statement, but he promptly pushed aside.

"Well excuse me. Maybe you should choose your wording a bit better next time."

"English isn't really my thing."

"What is your thing?"

Hiro's eyes lit up with excitement. "Aside from science, I'm a huge tech wiz. I'm especially into robotics. The complexities of their structures and their limitless capabilities is just...amazing!" He breathed.

Tadashi felt his heart stop. The boy's passion was so raw and to see someone mirror his own emotions so perfectly was electrifying. He had honestly never seen anyone or anything so beautiful in his life.

"Um, earth to nerd boy." Tadashi was broken from his trance by a purple sleeved arm waving in front of his face.

"Seriously why do you always stare at me like that? It's starting to creep me out."

"I just couldn't help but notice how excited you were about robotics. I think it's nice to see someone young like you interested in the field."

The boy slightly blushed at the med student's comment and promptly changed the subject. "Whoa, what does my age have to do with anything? You look pretty young yourself."

Looks like someone's nervous….how cute.

"I'm older then you, so by default, that makes you young."

At that remark Hiro stared and fixed his squinted eyes on the older male.

"What are you doing?"

Tadashi's question went unanswered as the skater continued to appraise him, starting from his slim waist and working upwards, faintly resting on his strong, broad, shoulders, and slowly making their way up his lean neck until they finally rested on his face. The intensity of the boy's stare was making Tadashi a bit uncomfortable, but upon seeing the blush return to the boy's cheeks, Tadashi chuckled.

"Why don't you just take a picture, it'll last longer."

"Pfft as if I would want a picture of a nerd like you. I was just analyzing your age."

"Oh is that so? Then how old am I?"

"I'd say, hmmm about…20."

"21."

"Whatever I was close!"

"Does that mean it's my turn to guess your age?"

Hiro shrugged.

"Do what you want."

"16."

"What?! You didn't even look me over?

"I didn't have to. Between your petite figure and your pubescent mood swings, I just knew."

"Wow. Petite? Pubescent mood swings? What am I a teenage girl?!"

Tadashi laughed and ruffled the boy's already messy hair.

"Come on genius, we got some studying to do."

Hiro huffed and pushed the hand away, but settled down nonetheless and began to look over the student's notes.

They reviewed for the rest of his shift, reciting vocabulary terms and drawing diagrams, stopping for a few paper ball fights, but staying on topic for the most part. Tadashi felt the weeks stress melt away with each joyful giggle and playful shove from the skater, and he could not remember when he had ever felt so at ease. It was refreshing.

When the hour hand reached the 8 he sighed and slowly began to pack up his belongings.

"Time to lock up."

"It's closing time already? Wait are we the only ones here?"

They both peeked outside the glass window facing the library and looked around.

"Guess so. I just have to fix up a few things at my desk and then we can head out."

Tadashi led the way out of the study room and headed over to the front desk, placing the unfinished returns in their basket and turning off the computer. The whole time he kept glancing back to the boy, afraid he would disappear before he even had the chance to offer him a ride home. Hiro just stood there, one hand in his hood pocket the other typing away on his phone.

"Is your aunt looking for you?"

"No, I'm meeting up with some friends downtown later."

"And your aunt is ok with you being out at night."

"It's only 8 o'clock, besides I do my own thing."

The boy's entire mood had changed in just a short second and Tadashi quickly thought of ways to make things right.

"So do you need a ride or something? My bikes out back."

"Wow I would never pin you as the riding type." Hiro raised a sharp brow in surprise.

"Oh ya know, I don't like to brag, but my moped is quite the speed demon."

The instant shock on the skater's face had Tadashi highlyly amused and his laughter rang throughout the empty library.

Hiro smirked and gave the student a sad shake of his head. "And just when I thought you were actually just a little bit cool."

"Well you know what they say about people who assume things."

"You know, for someone who's supposed to be older you sure can act pretty childish."

"I think it's just your charm rubbing off on me"

The boy gave a light punch to the student's upper arm, causing him to laugh even more.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Maybe another time." He headed towards the door, skateboard in tow, getting ready to leave.

Tadashi watched as he typed out a few more words on his phone before putting it away.

"Hey I was thinking…" Hiro turned, waiting for him to continue.

"…That I really appreciated all the help you gave me today and I think we should do it again. I mean, if you're not busy or anything."

Hiro smiled that stupidly adorable smile and Tadashi was once again captivated by his sweet, innocent, essence. "Yeah sounds good. Do you wanna exchange numbers?"

What?

It took Tadashi's mind less than a second to comprehend what the boy was offering, but he was sure that Hiro had picked up on his microscopic pause.

"Yeah that would be great!"

Eager much?

"Ok I'm ready. Shoot."

"Um sure, it's 415-555-4931."

The boy's fingers moved fast across the screen, cementing Tadashi's presence into his phone.

"Cool. Hey and maybe sometime you can help me out. I don't have classes or anything, but I do have a…hobby of sorts. It involves robotics so you might like it, plus it'll get you out of this old library." He scrunched his nose at the word 'old' and used his board to make a general gesture to the building.

"Sure, that would be nice."

"Awesome! See you later doc." Hiro gave his casual salute and exited the library.

Tadashi let out a breath and ran his hands down his face.

"Way to go, nerd." He sighed and retrieved his bag and his helmet off the floor. Removing the set of keys from his pocket, he turned off all the lights and locked the doors shut. The walk to his moped was full of annoying replays of their previous exchange, and he cringed with embarrassment.

It's just a kid Tadashi. Get a grip!

~ ~XxXxX~ ~

Hiro quietly made his way up the wooden stairs, making sure to skip over the ones he knew made too much noise. He had checked to see if his aunt was asleep, finding her passed out on the sofa watching one of those classic horror films she seemed to like so much. The night had been a success and he felt the large wad of cash in his pocket as he continued up the steps.

Once in his room Hiro threw his sweatshirt on the floor and began counting the decent bundle of bills.

"Who needs school when I got all the answers right here?" He finished and placed the money in his bedside drawer, where he had made a secret compartment for his winnings. Aunt Cass didn't seem like the type to snoop around in other's belongings, but Hiro didn't want to take any chances.

After securing his money in place he headed towards the bathroom to take a shower. Just as he was removing his pants he heard a soft thud and looked down to notice his phone on the floor.

"Oh." He turned to toss it on his bed, when he thought of something. Lightly tapping the phone's screen it came to life "12:32…hmm" Hiro stared at the numbers on the bright screen, debating with himself, watching as the 'two' became a 'three' and figured 'why not.'

"Knowing that guy, he's probably still up stressing about something."

His fingers swiftly made their way across the screen before locking the device and tossing it upon the soft comforter. Hiro then removed the rest of his clothes and made his way to the shower.

~ ~XxXxX~ ~

It wasn't until Tadashi had arrived home that he realized he actually did not get Hiro's number. Yes he had given his number, but until the skater decided to text him there was no way of obtaining such information.

Great.

"Oh well." He sighed and entered his apartment.

Tadashi rented a small studio apartment in an average part of the city. Before his parents passed away they had made sure to save for Tadashi's college fund, and being an exceptional student all throughout his school career, he had received numerous scholarships and grants. Still living in a city was not cheap, and between his rigorous courses and whatever hours he could do at the library, he deemed the studio a fine fit.

On most nights he would come home, cook himself up a small dinner and then shower before going to bed, but he was so mentally exhausted that he skipped everything and plopped face first onto his bed.

Tadashi stayed like that for a while, forgetting everything and gradually drifting off to sleep when his phone alerted him of an incoming text.

He groaned and dug into his pant pocket to retrieve the device.

'Take care of that big brain of yours and get some rest, nerd.'

Tadashi couldn't help the goofy smile that spread across his face.

This kid.

He reread the message displayed on the screen several times before saving the boy's contact in his phone. Not moving from his spot, he soon fell asleep, with dreams of an adorable gapped toothed punk to keep him company.