Chapter Text
Aaron was losing his mind. They were about to leave for the airport to pick up Kevin and he was shaking with nerves. He felt his stomach turn into knots and he was on the verge of passing out.
“You don’t have to do any of it.” A voice sounded next to him and he almost jumped out of his skin.
He turned around to see that his brother was standing next to him. They were waiting for Neil to finish with his shower and then they would be on their way.
“You don’t have to live with him, you don’t have to share a bed, you don’t have to kiss him or even pretend to date him.” Andrew said firmly. “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with and if he ever does something that crosses your boundaries I’m going to cut his dick off.” Andrew finished with a voice that would terrify most people, but that made a fond smile appear on Aaron’s face.
It has been years since Neil finally put it into his ‘thick skull’ (Neil’s words) that Andrew genuinely cared about him, but it still melted his heart every time he was reminded of the fact.
“I know,” he said softly, “thank you.”
The problem was not that he wasn’t comfortable with all of it. The problem was that he was afraid that he was going to be too comfortable. He couldn’t tell that to Andrew, not yet at least. He had to first sort it all out in his head.
He still hoped that he was wrong in what he assumed was going on with him. If he said it out loud it would become real. He wasn’t ready for it to become real quite yet.
Neil emerged from the bathroom with still wet hair and grabbed his shoes and keys. They all went into the direction of the parked car and Aaron had to focus really hard to make his hands stop shaking.
***
Kevin hated flying. One might think that he would be used to it. He had to travel with planes his whole life, for various games and banquets, but he still hated it. He felt nauseous and he was too tall to ever find a comfortable position.
Fortunately all of his things were already waiting for him in Seattle and he didn’t have to wait to claim his luggage so he went straight to the exit.
The sight that greeted him was of course dozens of reporters scattered all around the airport. They were already clicking their cameras like crazy and gathered around three people, two of which looked like they were ready to murder all of them.
Those were not the two Kevin was focusing on. All his focus was on Aaron. He looked so out of place and scared of being surrounded by all of those awful, inconsiderate people that Kevin wanted to just pick him up and hide him from the rest of the world so that no one would ever hurt him.
Aaron spotted him and the blinding smile that was sent his way made his heart skip a beat. He didn’t even realize that he was getting closer and closer faster than he should while walking normally and not practically running for his life.
Aaron pushed his way through the ocean of reporters and it made them realize that Kevin had finally arrived. Kevin talked to Allison and knew that Aaron talked to her as well. He knew that they were supposed to cause a scene here. Fake a romantic reunion and be caught by every camera imaginable.
Kevin didn’t need to fake anything. He picked Aaron up and spinned him around just like he did during the final game of the season. He hugged him close to himself and heard a quiet giggle in his ear. He wanted to hear that sound again. He wanted to hear it for the rest of his life.
He put Aaron back on the floor and felt like his heart would jump out of his chest. He knew what needed to be done now. They were supposed to kiss. Aaron looked down at his lips and maybe it was wishful thinking, but Kevin could swear that he saw Aaron’s eyes darken a little.
He leaned down just as Aaron leaned up and for the second that their lips were touching Kevin saw fireworks erupt across the back of his eyelids. Unfortunately he didn’t have a chance to fully taste the lips he’s been subconsciously dreaming about for years, because suddenly they were being dragged away by their friends.
Kevin didn’t know what was going on, until he turned around and noticed that there were reporters and cameramen scattered all around the floor. Some of them must have been too eager to get as close as possible and it created a domino of fallen bodies.
Kevin and Aaron would be a part of that pile if not for Andrew and Neil who grabbed them in time to prevent that from happening.
Kevin’s lips were all tingly and he wondered if Aaron was relieved that he didn’t have to kiss him. He probably was. After all, they didn’t even know for how long they were going to keep up the charade. Aaron was probably dreading all the times he would have to get closer to Kevin then he wanted to.
Kevin hated himself a little for the fact that what Aaron would be hoping to get over with, Kevin would cherish in his heart and memory forever.
***
“Why can’t we just stay at my place?” Aaron asked for a hundredth time.
He hated the whole apartment search. He had a perfectly good apartment within a walking distance to the hospital he worked in and neighbors who weren’t a bother.
“Your place is tiny.” Kevin replied with a sigh.
“Oh, I’m sorry that it is not to the queen’s standards. You’re welcome to sleep in a hotel today.” Aaron replied with a pout.
They were currently sitting in the ‘tiny’ apartment and were searching for something new.
“It’s perfect for one person, but we would kill each other after a week.” Kevin said while drinking his soda.
“We have to get one bedroom either way, according to Josten.” Aaron said with annoyance that was directed fully at the striker who was currently not sitting on his sofa.
“Yeah, that doesn’t mean it has to be small. We can have other rooms. Like a study for you to do your research in.” Kevin said while still scrolling through the offers, not really looking at Aaron.
Aaron felt his eyes water. He wasn’t really open about his studies. Most people didn’t want to hear about them, because they didn't understand. Kevin was always eager to learn something new.
Most people were under the misconception that Kevin only ever talked and thought about Exy. They had no idea how nerdy Kevin actually was about his college major. History was something that Kevin could talk about for hours and unlike stupid stickball Aaron actually enjoyed hearing about it.
Back in college they would sometimes just sit next to each other while studying and share a fun fact about their expertise from time to time. When they graduated any time they wanted to rumble about something they would just call each other and talk for hours.
Their schedules and different time zones prevented them from doing it often, but they still texted each other regularly with their runts.
Aaron felt a smile appear on his face at the thought that now they would be able to talk and talk before bed, or during breakfast. He suddenly didn’t feel so annoyed at the prospect of finding a new place.
“Got it!” Kevin’s yell took him out of his mind. “This one is perfect. It’s literally in the middle of the stadium and the hospital and it looks amazing.” He said and showed the apartment to Aaron. “Should I call them and arrange a meeting?” Kevin asked with hope in his eyes.
Aaron nodded. How could he not when Kevin was looking at him with his beautiful, pleading eyes.
***
The apartment was georges. It had a magnificent view on the nearby park and it was located in a quiet neighborhood. The kitchen was massive and Aaron had no idea who would be cooking there since neither he or Kevin had ever enough time to learn how to do something other than uncomplicated meals.
It had an open space living room with an enormous balcony that could fit a small table and two chairs, so that they could eat outside during a good weather.
The apartment was already furnished and the bed in the bedroom was so massive that Aaron and Kevin wouldn’t even have to try to not brush against each other during the night.
It also had a second room which was now looking like a guest room, but would soon turn into Aaron’s study. Kevin said that he had no need for an additional room just for himself. Aaron quietly thought to himself that they should put an armchair in his study so that Kevin could read a book while Aaron did his research.
They knew that they found what they were looking for the moment they stepped into the apartment, but Aaron was still shocked when he heard Kevin say that they would buy it. He couldn’t find his voice and did so only after Kevin had already signed the papers and they were walking back to the car.
“You want to buy it? I thought we were going to rent it.” Aaron said while getting behind the wheel.
“I signed a contract for three years with the Shadows. I hope to stay here till retirement and even if I don’t you can have it.” Kevin said with a shrug.
Aaron choked on his next breath. “I can have it?” He said breathlessly. “I won’t have the money to pay you back.”
Kevin only shrugged again. “You won’t have to.”
Aaron looked at him so fast that he almost swirled off the road.
“What do you mean I won’t have to? It’s a lot of money, you can’t just buy me an apartment.” Aaron said not really knowing why he was so mad at the striker.
“Why not? I have the money.” Kevin said with that look on his face he always got when someone tried to explain something to him that he absolutely did not agree with.
“You give 80% of your earnings to the Moriyma’s.” Aaron said as he stopped at a red light.
“20% of my paycheck is still enough money, believe me. No one needs the amount of money Exy players are earning.” Kevin said and he sounded a little annoyed.
Aaron knew why. Kevin didn’t know a lot about his mother, but he once told Aaron that she absolutely hated the overpriced sports. She wanted Exy to be a sport of the people. She wanted to build stadions everywhere for underprivileged kids. Her goal was to give kids a chance even if no one else wanted to give them one. The only coach who carried her legacy was Wymack. Tetsuji had poisoned the rest and Kevin hated that with all his heart.
Aaron couldn’t bring himself to be annoyed at Kevin any more. Kevin was staying here for at least three years, they were bound to ‘break up’ before that and hopefully Kevin would manage to stay on the Shadows as long as he wanted.
Aaron would be out of his hair and out of his apartment in no time. They just had to convince the stupid what’s his name that they were really together and then it would all be over.
Aaron felt a pinch of hurt deep in his chest at the thought, but he chose to bury it even deeper.
***
Season has begun with an easy win for the Shadow. It was a home game and they went for a drink with the team to celebrate.
Kevin didn’t want to go to a bar with his team. Not only because he was five years sober, but also because he wanted to curl up in bed and listen to Aaron breathing next to him.
Living with Aaron was amazing. Kevin hated living alone. He craved the closeness that sharing that space with another person created. At first it was a little awkward going to sleep in the same bed, but they quickly realized that it was big enough for them to not even realize they were sleeping next to each other.
Well, at least that's what Kevin thought Aaron realized. Kevin was glad for the distance, but for another reason. If he just as much brushed against Aaron in his sleep he would physically combust. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself from gathering the blonde in his arms and never let him go.
As he was looking across the table at a smiling Aaron who was deep in a conversation with Neil he couldn’t help but smile himself.
Suddenly there was an arm around his shoulders and he turned around to see one of his team’s backliners drunken expression.
“So, Day. What do you say we leave the straights and go have some real fun?” he said with a suggestive raise of his eyebrows.
“I’m taken.” Kevin said with a high pitched voice and tried to get away form his drunk teammate.
Mark’s (Because he was pretty sure that was the name of the backliner) smile dropped immediately and he put his hands in the air.
“O God, no. That is not what I meant.” He replied frantically with a slightly slurred voice. “I was going to invite you and your boyfriend to a local gay club.” He said and Kevin breathed with relief.
“Oh, sure.” Kevin said, feeling all the tension leaving his body.
“Okay,” Mark replied with a grin. “Yo, Josten. I’m taking Day to the Rainbow palace, you and your boy joining?” He asked and Neil after looking at Andrew for a second put his thumbs up.
“Rainbow palace? Isn’t that a little bit on the nose?” Kevin asked with a grimace.
Mark only laughed and got up on wobbly legs from the table.
“Sure, but it’s still a great club.”
Kevin nodded and looked at Aaron. The blonde was wearing a spooked expression and Kevin headed his way.
“You good? We don’t have to go.” Kevin said while putting his hand on Aaron's shoulder.
His pinky was so close to Aaron’s neck that he felt the blonde swallow.
“No, I’m good.” Aaron said after a second with an unsure smile. “Let’s go.”
***
Aaron has never felt so out of place. There were hundreds of people here, all dressed in various sparkly or tight outfits and Aaron’s plain T-Shirt and jeans looked absolutely ridiculous.
Neil and Andrew went straight for the bar and talked with the bartender like they knew him. Aaron knew that they were frequent guests in this club. They invited Aaron along a lot of times, but he never felt like he had a right to invade this space.
He murmured something about going to the bathroom or at least he thought that was what he said and escaped Kevin’s worried glance.
He stumbled into someone on his way and was about to apologize when the man spoke first.
“Look what the cat dragged in. If it isn’t Aaron Minyard, the famous new boyfriend of none other than Kevin Day.” The man said with a mocking tone and Aaron felt his blood boil.
“Who the fuck are you?” He was not at all friendly and straightened his posture.
He suddenly didn’t feel out of place or scared anymore. He felt right in his element.
“Joe Abbott, nice to meet you.” The infuriating man said while reaching out his hand and Aaron’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, so you’re the one who has been writing shit about my boyfriend.” He said feeling more protective then maybe he should be.
Calling Kevin his boyfriend sent a thrill down his spine. He added that fact to a list of things not to think about.
“I’m just a reporter who’s doing his job.” Joe said, faking innocence.
“O yeah, so tell me reporter: isn’t the fact that Kevin had your dick in his mouth not enough proof to you that he is bi.” Aaron said and felt satisfaction at Joe’s surprised expression. “Don’t act so surprised.” He said and took a step closer. “What, did it make you bitter that he didn't want to come out for you? Did forcing him to come out make you feel better?”
“I wrote that he is a fraud. I didn't lie about that. I know he is gay, you on the other hand look like you have never seen another man's dick in your entire life.” Joe said, looking Aaron up and down.
Aaron felt the feeling of insecurity slowly coming back, but pushed it down.
“You are partly right.” He said. “I mean, I obviously saw another man's dick, you know, locker rooms, hard not to, but I am new at this. Fortunately Kevin is a great teacher.” He continued with a smirk.” So if you don't mind, I'm going to spend some time with my boyfriend instead of wasting my time on you.”
Aaron turned back on his heels and made his way to Kevin. He approached the striker and took him by the arm.
“We need to go have sex in the bathroom” He said with determination and made his way in the direction where he thought the bathrooms were.
“What?” Kevin squeaked, following close behind him.
“Joe is here and he doesn’t believe I’m into dudes. We need to pretend to have sex in the bathroom.” Aaron said not looking back at Kevin.
“Do you want to add sex scandal on top of all my bad press?” Kevin hissed.
“No one will know it’s us, except for him, come on.” Aaron replied.
He saw Joe looking at them and making his way closer.
They finally reached the bathroom and Aaron sent a silent thank you to the person upstairs for the fact that the bathroom was almost empty.
***
“Yeah Kevin just like that.” Aaron practically screamed and Kevin didn’t know what to do with that.”
He had Aaron pressed against a bathroom door with his ex probably eavesdropping on them and Aaron was making the most sinful fake sex noises. Kevin felt himself hardening in his pants and he had to put some distance between them so Aaron wouldn’t notice.
“Come on, baby. Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me. Right there, right fucking there.” Aaron kept saying over and over again and slammed his hand on the wall. “You are so good to me, baby. Come on, let me hear you.” Aaron said while sending a meaningful look over his shoulder.
Right, Kevin was supposed to be an active participant in whatever this was. He took a deep breath. He could do it. If Aaron could do it he couldn’t back down. He was determined to make better sex noises than the other man and was going to succeed or die trying.
“Do you like it, sweetheart?” He asked and felt Aaron go tense for a second. “Do you like it when I fuck you?”
Aaron moaned and Kevin had to bite his lip to not let any sound come out of him until he realized that that was the point. He could make any sound he wanted and Aaron would just think that he was faking it.
He opened his mouth and let a groan out.
“You are so perfect for me. You make me feel so good, no one has ever made me feel so good.” Kevin said and put both of his hands on the wall to bracket Aaron’s head.
“Yeah, you too, Kev.” Aaron whimpered. “So good, fuck, don’t stop. I’m close, so close.”
“Yeah?” Kevin replied breathlessly. “You’re going to come for me? Going to come on my cock like my good boy?”
“Yes!” Aaron screamed and let out a litany of sounds that sounded like he was having the best orgasm of his life.
Kevin let out a couple noises of his own to indicate that he was right there with him and dropped his head on Aaron’s shoulder to sniffle his laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.
He had to cover Aaron’s mouth with his hand, because the smaller men started to quietly laugh as well. They managed to calm themselves down and walked out the door.
To no one’s surprise, Joe was waiting outside of it.
“Joe, long time no see.” Kevin said, trying to make his voice not shake.
He felt a reassuring hand on the small of his back and relaxed a little.
“Like I said, John.” Aaron said with a shit eating grin on his face. “Great teacher.” He added and took Kevin’s hand in his own, interlocking their fingers.
He led Kevin through the door, not sparing another glance at Joe.
“It’s Joe.” The man said annoyed, but he was ignored.
***
Aaron Minyard queer? I don’t think so
Kevin Day wants us to believe that he has a boyfriend to make himself look good. I for one am not buying it.
I had the displeasure of meeting Aaron and in my humble opinion he is as straight as an arrow.
People need to wake up and realize that we are being played and queerbaited for Day’s own gain and amusement.
Joe Abbott for “Exy entertains”, 09.13.2015
“Oh come one, he literally heard us have sex.” Aaron exclaimed after reading the article.
“Well, technically we didn’t have sex.” Kevin said from the kitchen.
“Nah, we made excellent sex noises, an Oscar worthy performance for sure, he’s just jealous.” Aaron said and then he got that look in his eyes that meant he came up with something that Kevin would absolutely hate.
He had that look back in college too any time he planned something that ended up getting Kevin in trouble.
“We have to make him even more jealous. We’re going on a date tomorrow.” Aaron said with determination.
“How is that going to make him stop writing about us?” Kevin said feeling out of breath.
He didn’t know if he could handle going on a fake date with Aaron.
“It won’t. He will write even more insane shit and then people will open their eyes and realize that he is crazy, because there will be so much proof that we are madly in love.” Aaron said and went into his study, presumably to plan the dates.
Kevin was absolutely fucking screwed.