No heater hoses... OK to do?

There are rubber caps just for that purpose . All that is needed is a hose clamp on each and your done . No ugly hose . You may have to buy 2 sets if you have different size inlet and outlet . NBD I think they are about $2.59 per .
The op doesn't have any nipples in his intake. All he needs is plugs. I have seen those caps. Much better than a loop of heater hose.