Chapter Text
~ ~ Lando ~ ~
"Mister Lando, it's time to wake up." A soft voice sounded, Lando waking to someone gently shaking his shoulder. Lando blinked heavily as he opened his eyes, finding George, his male servant, smiling at him.
"It's a big day, my lord." the tall man said softly, reaching out to smooth Lando's unruly hair back. Lando sighed, sitting up as he tried to force himself to wake up.
Today was the start of the social season, and since it was Lando's first, it would be the moment he would be presented to society as one of them, signifying he was ready to get married. It would mean going to a lot of parties the next few weeks, talking and dancing and flirting to prospective spouses and hoping he miraculously found one he liked.
He was certain there would be more than enough people interested in him, since his family had the reputation of bringing forth the most beautiful boys. He already had older men and women alike express their interest before, and these interests would almost definitely turn into proposals during this season.
At least, they had done for his brothers.
Lando was the youngest of 4 boys. His oldest brother, Kevin, had gotten married last season to an older gentleman who had been interested in Kevin since his first season. But Kevin had waited, 3 years in fact, before he had finally accepted Viscount Hülkenberg’s proposal.
But when he had, they had married out of love, and it was the marriage of a fairytale.
Lando’s two other older brothers were a pair of twins, Charles and Max, who were slightly less ‘proper’ than perhaps Kevin had been, but still beautiful and agreeing and both could not complain about the amount of attention they got. For the twins, it was their third season, their fathers having told them not to get married sooner. This was mostly aimed at Charles, who had the habit of falling in love after just one dance and consequently had gone through a lot of heartbreak as well.
Max had never seemed interested in anyone, seeming more invested in staying home, with his dads, and with Lando. Out of all three older brothers, Lando was definitely closest to Max, who had been fiercely protective of him since the day he was born. Lando had been tiny then, born almost a month early, and Max had never seemed to have forgotten about how fragile Lando had been as a baby.
But now that baby was ready to get married himself and Lando knew Max didn’t like it.
"I'm nervous." Lando murmured softly as George helped him up, the servant fetching a white silk blouse and light brown pants with a white, bejewelled coat to go on top. After all, white was customary when you were presented.
"It will be okay, your family prepared you well." George soothed as he helped Lando get changed. The servant had worked for Lando for almost 5 years now and it was safe to say they were close friends. Friends was a rather rare thing in high society, and even though Lando adored his brothers, that wasn't the same either.
He knew he was lucky to have George.
"But what if I don't find a partner? What if I get married to someone I hate?" Lando sighed as George helped him into the jacket. George hummed.
"Your family won't let that happen. Your fathers are set on having you marry someone you love. They will give you as many seasons as you need.” George soothed him, gently nudging Lando’s nose with his finger. Lando sighed and relaxed slightly, leaning in to hug George tightly.
“Whatever happens, you come with me, right?” he asked softly. George pressed a kiss to Lando’s temple.
“Always.” he promised. “But now hurry, your papa is waiting for you, as are your brothers,” George answered him. Lando looked at himself in the mirror and sighed.
It would have to do.
When Lando came downstairs, his fathers and brothers were already present in the dining room, enjoying a light breakfast of fruits and cold meats. Charles was fussing over his hair, looking in his hand mirror to make sure every messy brown strand was styled to perfection. Max was looking a bit more solemn, picking at the grapes on his plate but not really seeming excited.
Lando took his place opposite the twins, next to his papa, Sebastian, who instantly leaned in to kiss Lando’s cheek. Lando grimaced a little, wiping at his cheek after, and Sebastian just chuckled and rolled his eyes.
“First day of your first season and you instantly don’t want my kisses anymore.” Sebastian sighed dramatically, turning to his husband, Jenson, who was reading through a newspaper. “Did you see that Jense? Better get this one married off as soon as possible.” he added teasingly, before sighing softly when he saw a look of pure panic flicker over multiple faces around the table.
“I am joking.” Seb huffed, holding his hands up before reaching out to squeeze Lando’s trembling palm “You take as much time as you need, even if you need 50 seasons and I’ll be old and grey by the time I walk you down the aisle.” he added gently.
“Excuse me, I’m the one who’ll walk Lando.” Jenson huffed, staring at his husband, who stared back just as strongly.
“You know what this calls for right?” Sebastian answered him, a cheeky glint coming into his eyes. Charles groaned and sunk further into his chair while Max just sighed and flicked a grape at Lando’s face.
“Rock, paper, scissors.” Jenson said solemnly, before grinning widely as they both shook their fists three times.
“I won!” Sebastian exclaimed.
“You cheated! You waited before you could see what I picked!” Jenson retorded loudly.
“I’m surrounded by idiots.” Charles declared.
“You’re the biggest idiot of them all Charles.” Max replied easily. Lando just watched on quietly, an amused smile on his face, before drawing in a sharp breath as he realised marrying someone would mean leaving this home.
“Are you nervous, Bug?” Jenson asked Lando softly. Lando wrinkled up his nose at the nickname and then shrugged his shoulders lamely.
“A little bit.” he admitted. Max smiled encouragingly at him.
“Don’t worry, Charles and I will be with you. We’ll make sure only worthy people dance with you.” Max told Lando softly. Lando sighed, carding his fingers through his unruly hair.
“I suppose…” he murmured. Sebastian smiled softly, stroking Lando’s hair back in place, before tilting Lando’s head towards him so Lando would look at him.
“Remember what I told your brothers as well. I would rather have you not marry than marry because you think you have to. I want you to find the right person, I want you to find love. If you don’t, well, then you just get to stay here.” Sebastian whispered, his eyes soft. Lando knew his dad would rather see them all stay, both his dads did. Lando had seen Sebastian cry after Kevin’s wedding, even though Kevin had found his true love like Sebastian and Jenson had so wanted him to.
Kevin.
Kevin!
“Is Kevin coming to town for this season?” Lando gasped out excitedly, and also Charles and Max perked up. Jenson grinned and nodded, sharing a look with his husband.
“We wanted to keep it a surprise, but yes. Kevin and Nico will be at the ball tonight, and will stay with us for a few weeks.” Jenson told the boys.
“I can’t wait to see them, all in love…” Charles sighed. “Do you think Kevin is pregnant yet? It’s been a year since the wedding, maybe it’s about time-” Charles continued to ramble, but Max huffed.
“His only duty is not to have children, Charles.” Max snapped. “Even if he is the younger in the pairing, maybe Nico wants to carry the babies.” he added, even though everyone knew it was uncommon. It was almost always the younger of a pairing, no matter their gender, who took up the household role, who had babies and busied themselves with arranging parties and social outings.
Sebastian had done so as well, it was the proper thing to do.
The older of the pairing was seen as more “seasoned”, and therefore a better fit when it came to being the one to have a job, to running estates and provinces while their spouse stayed at home to take care of their families. It was how things were done, and it was rare for people to choose a different path.
“Why would Kevin not want to have children? I think it’s a wonderful thing.” Charles huffed at his twin, throwing a raisin at his head. Max caught the raisin and threw it back, eyes ablaze and Lando knew they were in for one of Max’s speeches. Lando looked at his dads but Sebastian just shot him a look that said ’Let him be.’
“Kevin is smart, really smart even, he should be a scholar, a politician, not some breeding machine.” Max snapped. “True love or not, he should have married someone younger so he would have been allowed to do so.” he added. Charles gave him an unimpressed look.
“Well I want to be a breeding machine so get ready for a wedding at the end of this season.’ he said smugly. Jenson shot him a stern look.
“You know what we discussed, Charles.” he said. Jenson sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Yes yes, fall in love first, then marry.” he huffed. “You’ve told me time and time again.”
“And yet you do not listen.” Sebastian sighed with a shake of his head. Charles and Sebastian often clashed, never once agreeing, and Lando braced himself for a fight. But then, a servant came in with an important announcement.
“Lord Hülkenberg, and Mister Hülkenberg have arrived.” the man announced.
All three boys were out of the room and racing to the front door before their dads could stop them.
“Kevin!” Lando squeaked, propelling himself into his oldest brother’s arms as he had reached Kevin first (something which he would definitely annoy Charles and Max about later). Kevin caught him, chuckling softly as he hugged Lando close.
“Missed you, Bug.” he murmured, kissing Lando’s temple. He made to pull away to greet Charles and Max too but Lando only clutched on more tightly, burying his face in the crook of Kevin’s neck. Instead of pushing him away, Kevin let Lando hold him, pulling Max and Charles into his sides so he had all three of his little brothers in his arms.
“Missed you.” Kevin murmured, sighing as all three younger men returned the words. They only parted when the tall, blond man standing next to Kevin softly cleared his throat. Lando had only ever seen Kevin’s husband on a handful of occasions. It had come to a surprise to the family when Kevin had announced his intentions to accept Nico’s proposal, and besides a few dinners and the wedding itself, the family had seen little of the Viscount.
“Hello.” Lando murmured awkwardly, bowing his head at Nico, who offered him a small smile in return.
“Kevin told me this will be your first season, good luck.” Nico said kindly. “If ever you need advice about who to trust you know where to find me.” he nodded. Lando blushed shyly, scooting behind Kevin a little, but then nodded.
“Thank you, Lord Hülkenberg.” he murmured. Nico smiled kindly once more.
“Call me Nico, please, we’re family.” he answered. Lando glanced at Kevin, but his brother seemed to pretend Nico wasn't even there.
How odd.
Lando smiled and turned back to Nico, giving his brother-in-law a soft smile.
"Of course, Nico."
~~~~~~~~~
~ ~ Charles ~ ~
"Alex, you must find my blue overcoat!" Charles sighed, rushing through his room in search of the garment. Alex, Charles manservant, smiled amusedly, walking over to the bed and picking up the overcoat, which he had already laid out for Charles.
"Here it is, sir." The soft spoken man murmured, helping Charles put it on. Charles sighed, instantly turning to the mirror to look at himself.
“Do you think I will be noticed like this at the ball?” Charles asked. Alex hummed.
“Of course, My Lord, you are always noticed.” the servant soothed, walking over and brushing his hands off Charles’s shoulders to make sure the fabric laid flat. “And you look particularly beautiful tonight.” he added when Charles still looked skeptical. Charles sighed dreamily.
“I just want some good dances tonight, you know? See which new Lords and Ladies came to our town.” Charles told Alex. “And perhaps there are some familiar faces as well. I do hope Baron Ericsson will grace us with his presence.” Charles murmured, a blush coming onto his cheeks. Alex swallowed thickly at the mention of the name and stayed wisely quiet, pretending to be busy with Charles’s hair. Charles still noticed the emotions flickering over Alex’s face and instantly turned around with wide eyes.
“What is it, Alex?” he asked in a small voice. Alex sighed, reaching out to gently touch Charles’s cheek.
“Baron Ericsson got married a few months ago, Charles.” Alex spoke gently. Charles shook his head fervently.
“We danced together almost every night last season, Alex! He seemed fond of me, h-he kissed me! Why… What…” Charles’s shoulders slumped, tears filling his eyes and Alex quickly hugged him, not caring whether it was proper or not.
“It’s not your fault, Charles. It really isn’t.” Alex assured Charles softly, stroking his hair as the young man continued to sniffle. Alex only pulled away when the door to Charles’s room opened, Sebastian shooting the pair a questioning look as he entered. He seemed to want to make a teasing remark, but then saw his son’s teary face and instantly rushed over to hug him too.
“What is wrong, Pup?” Sebastian murmured, shooting Alex a worried look as Charles just let out a sob.
“Why does no one love me, papa?” Charles muttered in a small voice. Sebastian pulled away, clutching Charles’s face between his hands.
“Sweetheart, what do you mean? Your dad and I very much love you, as do your brothers and-”
“I mean suitors, papa!” Charles huffed out impatiently. “Baron Ericsson got married! Why did he not propose to me, papa? Am I that hideous? Am I too dumb?” Charles cried. Sebastian sighed, leading Charles over to sit down on the edge of the bed and taking both his hands in his own.
“Charles, this is not ever your fault.” Sebastian said. “When I finally found your dad, it was my 8th or 9th season already. I was quite like you when I was young, I fell in love with anyone who looked in my direction and there is nothing wrong with that. Just have a little patience, you will find the person you belong with.” he added. Charles shook his head.
“No one wants me, I don’t ever want to fall in love again.” he said firmly. Sebastian sighed, wanting to pull his son into his chest again, but Charles sprang up.
“I need to finish getting ready, papa. Go bother Max, he is probably still reading his book and hasn’t even dressed yet.” Charles said. He looked at himself in the mirror, straightening his shoulders and smoothing out his expression. No one could see how vulnerable he was.
“Okay.” Sebastian sighed softly. “You look very handsome, Pup.” he added, before slipping out of the room and letting the door fall closed with a thud behind him.
~~~~~~
“No Lando, you walk in between me and Max.” Charles sighed at his younger brother, who looked like he was going to throw up as he stared at the grand wide doors that would lead them into the throne room, where they would be presented in front of the King. It was the fourth time for Max and Charles, and therefore the twins would lead Lando along, instead of having Sebastian or Jenson do so.
But that definitely did not seem to ease Lando’s concerns.
“It will be okay, Bug, Just follow us and bow when we bow.” Max soothed softly, stroking his hand over the top of Lando’s head. Charles smacked his brother’s hand away.
“Stop it! You’ll mess up his hair!” Charles hissed. Max shot his twin an angry glare, stepping closer to Lando and slinging an arm around his shoulders.
“It will be okay, Bug.” Max murmured, while Charles just huffed impatiently and rolled his eyes.
“Now now, you are all disasters, no need to take it out on each other.” Kevin spoke up, their older brother coming up behind them and chuckling softly, the expression in his eyes soft and fond.
“I don’t want to go, Kevin.” Lando squeaked. “What if I fall, what if I-”
“Nonsense, Bug.” Kevin interrupted quickly. “You will be fine, Max and Charles will be there to hold you up.” he added with a stern look at the two other men, who both nodded dutifully. Lando sighed shakily, still not seeming convinced, and Charles quickly walked over too.
“My friend Pierre tripped on his first entrance, do you remember? He is married to a Duke now.” Charles soothed his younger sibling.
“So you think I’ll fall too??” Lando squeaked up, eyes widening even more. Max sighed, nudging his shoulder against his twin’s with a look that said he disapproved of the example. Charles just glared in return and resolutely turned to watch the doors again.
He really couldn’t ever do anything right in Max’s eyes. Especially not when it came to Lando. It was unfair really. Charles was Max’s twin yet Max always favoured their three year younger sibling.
“Come on Pup, a smile looks much better on you than a frown.” Kevin murmured, standing next to Charles now. The eldest brother smiled softly, his eyes crinkling up at the side and Charles realised just how much he had missed their mediator.
“I’m glad you’re back for a bit.” Charles told Kevin. Kevin sighed, eyes trained on the white wood in front of them.
“Me too, Pup, me too.” he answered, and he seemed saddened. Charles had a million questions running through his mind - Kevin had always said what he had with Nico was love at first sight, and in his letters he had always seemed content.
If that was true, why did his brother look so sad?
“I think they are starting, I better find Nico and the Dads. I’ll see you all after. Good luck.” Kevin said as a trumpet sounded from inside the throne room. The man disappeared while Charles pulled Max and Lando towards him, their younger brother anxiously hopping from foot to foot between them.
“Mister Max Button, Mister Charles Button and Mister Lando Button.” They heard a voice announce them inside. The wide doors opened and all three boys straightened up, smiling demurely (Charles), anxiously (Lando), and boredly (Max). They walked side by side towards the throne, from where King Daniel, their young and kind King, was curiously looking on. From the corner of his eyes, Charles noted that Max, who was normally never bothered by anything, was blushing ever so slightly.
Charles tried to not smile too widely.
He heard some murmurs from the people - members of high society - they passed, and only realised once they had stopped in front of the King that it was because Lando had clutched onto Max’s sleeve.
Charles inwardly groaned but did not show his displeasure, instead smiling more at the King and dutifully bowing with his eyes lowered to the floor, hoping his brothers followed his example.
“Welcome back, Mister Charles, Mister Max.” the King spoke. “And welcome, young Mister Lando. I do hope you will be comfortable with us here.” the King added kindly.
“Y-yes, your Majesty.” Lando whispered when Max softly squeezed his palm. Charles straightened up, taking a peek at the King’s handsome face - with his kind eyes and mess of unruly dark curls.
How King Daniel had not found a consort yet was a mystery to all.
Charles turned, spotting his dads in the crowd, and made his way over to them with his brothers on his heels.
Not the smoothest of entrances, but at least people had paid attention to them, Charles figured, noticing a pair of dark eyes focused on him. Charles did not know the handsome stranger the eyes belonged to, but still politely inclined his head.
Who knew, the stranger might just be his one.
~~~~~~~~
~ ~ Max ~ ~
Max hated these pretentious, boring balls his dads took him to. He understood it was part of their life, part of their status, but it were the most tedious nights ever. There was simply too much polite smalltalk, too many women throwing themselves at him while too many men asked him to dance.
Max hated dancing.
Dancing required being close to people he didn’t want to be close to and required him to be demure and elegant and sweet - all the things Charles mastered while Max had struggled. But Max was smart, Max could memorize and understand any book he read and Jenson had already allowed him to occasionally help him with important work around the estate. He didn’t wish to get married, he didn’t wish for his greatest accomplishment to be having a child.
He wanted more - he was thirsty for more.
Yet his fathers still dragged him to these dull affairs.
“Smile, Max. You look bored.” Sebastian murmured in Max’s ear. Max shot his father a look, but forced a smile onto his face.
“I am bored.” he answered. Sebastian sighed.
“I know darling. But don’t let them know.” he told his son softly, nodding at the other people watching them curiously. Max let out an annoyed hum but nodded at his dad, silently agreeing to it.
“Where is Lando?” Max asked suddenly. Charles was on the dance floor with a pretty dark haired woman, but his younger brother was nowhere to be found. Sebastian gave him a saddened look.
“He was horrified after his entrance, your dad took him for a walk through the gardens to calm him down.” Sebastian told him in a hushed voice. Max looked over his shoulder to the big glass doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of them, but they were still outside.
“It really wasn’t that bad. It’s normal to be nervous. Anyone who dares make fun of him will… will-” Max started, before trailing off when he saw King Daniel from the corner of his eye, the man sitting on his throne and rhythmically tapping his hand against his knee. The King was looking around the room, but then suddenly cocked his head to the side when his eyes fell on Max. Max squeaked under the man’s gaze, tempted to hide behind his dad. The King inclined his head and Max blushed deeply, averting his eyes but feeling the older man’s gaze linger.
“Now that is interesting.” Sebastian said in a teasing voice, and Max’s head instantly shot back up.
“What is?” he asked. Sebastian leaned in closer, a cheeky glint shimmering in his eyes as he regarded his son.
“You have a crush on the King.” Sebastian spoke with a hum. Max blinked and then fervently shook his head.
“I do not!” he huffed. Charles, just returning from the dance floor, gave them a breathless smile.
“Oh yes you do.” he hummed. “You always practically start drooling when we talk about him.” Charles added, teasingly wrapping his arm around Max’s shoulders. Max glared at him.
“You’re lying. I just admire the way in which he rules the kingdom.” Max snapped back, but Charles just laughed and shook his head.
“Fine, you have a nerd crush on him then.” the younger twin cooed. Max pushed him with his shoulder.
“At least I don’t fall in love with everyone who looks in my direction.” he snapped back. Charles flinced lightly, but then offered his brother a pained smile.
“I’m not falling in love anymore. So the joke is on you.” he answered, before turning on the heel of his foot and barely even taking two steps before someone asked him to dance.
“Don’t pester your brother, Max…” Sebastian said gently. Max frowned heavily.
“He started-” Max snapped, but Sebastian silenced him with one look.
“Your brother is struggling, Max. I found him in his room earlier today crying his heart out because he thought no one would ever love him.” Sebastian told him softly. Max’s frown fell away.
“I didn’t know.” he murmured, cheeks flushing lightly. "He never tells me anything anymore." He added. Sebastian stroked his fingers over Max's cheek.
"It's okay darling. Now, head up, smile, and dazzle." He said firmly, his expression soft before he nodded and wandered off to socialise. Max squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, looking around the spacious ballroom, trying to find anyone who might dance with him.
A tall figure popped up at his side and Max sighed deeply, turning to glare at the man.
“Fuck off, Ocon.” he hissed. The man, Esteban Ocon, son of a Duke, turned and just smiled. He held out his hand to Max, grinning when Max reluctantly clasped it with his own, letting the slightly older man lead him along to the dance floor.
“Come on Max, I’m saving you from having to dance with Mister Marko all night again.” Esteban said as they stood opposite each other, waiting for the music to start. Max grimaced, looking at the older man watching him from the sidelines.
“Thank you.” he said tensely as the song began. They stepped closer, circling each other before stepping back in their rows again. Esteban was grinning, seeming amused, and Max wanted nothing more than to punch the smile off his face.
Esteban had been a friend of both Charles and Max when they were young, but since the boy was a year older than the twins, he had been presented to society a year earlier as well. Esteban seemed consistently smug about the fact he was older, and was therefore the one who could ask the twins to dance. And since Max was much more annoyed by it than Charles, Esteban tended to seek the older twin out most of the time.
Besides, there were always so many people wanting to dance with Charles that it was harder to get to him.
“Any luck finding a husband or wife yet?” Max asked with narrowed eyes as they circled each other again. Esteban rolled his eyes.
“Would I be dancing with you if I had?” he replied easily. Max was tempted to stick out his tongue at him but instead just huffed and averted his eyes, turning under Esteban’s arm and letting the man lead him along into the dance again.
“How is Lance?” Esteban asked, seeming slightly more hesitant. Max raised an eyebrow, clapping his hands and bowing on the music before they went back to their tedious circling.
“Manservants don’t make good husbands for Dukes, Esteban.” he hummed. Esteban glared heartedly at him now.
“I only asked how he is doing.” he told Max. Max smiled smugly.
“Sure.” he hummed teasingly. The song came to an end and Esteban took a deep breath.
“Another?” he asked, holding out his palm. Max looked to his left, where he could see Mister Marko making his way over to him. He quickly placed his palm on Esteban’s again.
“Sure.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ ~ Kevin ~ ~
“Put your hand on my back.” Kevin hissed at Nico, who was standing next to him. The taller man sighed, sipping his wine before doing as he was told.
“Sure, my Dove.” he purred teasingly, leaning in to whisper in Kevin’s ear. Kevin shot him an angry glare but didn’t push Nico away no matter how much he wanted to. If they were to be the newly wed couple still desperately in love with each other, they best act like it. Nico noticed the tension in Kevin’s shoulders and lightly squeezed his waist.
“Relax, Kevin. I’ll play nice and play along, I promised you.” Nico murmured softly, and Kevin ignored the flutter in his belly.
They were the most talked about couple of the season before. A Viscount and the oldest son of a family of beautiful and wanted sons, marrying out of love after a whirlwind romance.
Except barely anything of that story was true.
Kevin and Nico had married, and quite quickly and out of the blue.
But it hadn’t been out of love, no matter what Kevin had told his family.
Kevin had married Nico to ensure his family would always be looked after, to ensure they always had the money to keep up their estate. Kevin marrying for money and status had allowed more room for his younger brothers to marry whoever they wanted, and that was enough for Kevin.
It wasn’t like Nico was a bad man. Nico was kind and funny and while he was also infuriating 99% of the time, Kevin knew he meant well. Nico had been in need of a spouse to maintain his own estate and title, and even though their relationship was tense due to Nico’s heavy flirting and Kevin impatience for it, they had agreed to be the solution to each other’s problems.
It had been nothing more than a business transaction.
If Sebastian and Jenson had known Kevin’s true reasoning behind marrying Nico, they would not have ever allowed it to happen. Kevin’s dads were a true love story, and they wanted the same for all their kids, but Kevin’s mind was rational and he knew marrying Nico was the best move.
But marrying Nico meant continuing to keep up the act, meant pretending to still be hopelessly in love while most of the time Kevin couldn’t even bear being in the same room as the Viscount for longer than 5 minutes. They lived almost entirely separately, sleeping in different rooms and eating at different times, and although it was a lonely existence Kevin suffered through it.
For his brothers, for the boys who deserved everything.
“Kevin.” Jenson smiled, coming up to the couple and inclining his head. Kevin smiled at his dad, instantly clutching at Nico’s hand to hold him close. Jenson eyed them curiously, but then smiled.
“You still make a fine couple.” he said, nodding approvingly. Nico inclined his head.
“Thank you, Lord Button.” he said politely. Jenson waved his hand.
“Oh please, call me Jenson. We’re family.” he smiled. Kevin was looking anywhere but his father’s eyes, afraid his dad would see right through his facade. Nico gently squeezed his waist again, and where Kevin would normally push the man away he now valued the comfort.
“Are you alright, Bunny?” Jenson asked softly. Kevin tensed at the nickname, instantly seeing Nico perk up with a twinkle in his eyes, and sighed.
“I’m fine, father.” Kevin murmured. “Just tired from the journey.” It wasn’t wrong, Kevin supposed. He really was tired from travelling in the carriage for hours on end, but he was mostly tired from pretending like he was in love and happy while he really wasn’t.
“Okay.” Jenson said slowly. “But if something is wrong, you’d tell me. Right?” Jenson asked, gaze flickering between Kevin and Nico and both men nodded dutifully.
“Of course.” Nico said gently. “I’ll make sure of it.” he added, and Jenson nodded in approval.
“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to threaten some people into dancing with Lando.” he added. Kevin’s eyes widened.
“No one wants to dance with him?” Kevin asked, tensing up and looking around until he spotted his younger brother on the other side of the room, waiting around with pink cheeks and a shy smile, but no one stopped for him.
“I can dance with him?” Nico asked. “Not as good as a suitor, but it might get things going.” he added. Kevin sighed, nodding and squeezing Nico’s hand.
“Thank you.” he murmured. Nico bowed.
“Anything for you, my Dove.”
~~~~~~
“I still need to thank you for tonight.” Kevin said. He was laying in bed next to Nico, who was reading the newspaper at the light of the candle on the nightstand. Nico turned to him, taking off the glasses he often wore when reading and giving Kevin a small smile.
“Whatever for? Not embarrassing you?” Nico teased softly. Kevin sighed, rolling his eyes and cuddling further in under the blankets.
“No. For dancing with Lando. And for comforting me.” Kevin murmured in answer. Nico smiled, placing his book on the nightstand and rolling onto his side to face Kevin.
They didn’t share the bed often, only occasionally when they had fought and needed to blow off some steam. But they had never shared the bed to just sleep. Since they were staying over in Kevin’s parental home, they had no choice but to do so, having to keep up the pretences they had married under.
Nico's closeness startled Kevin, and he was tempted to get out of bed, but then Nico gently reached for him and took Kevin's hand in his.
"I'm always here for you. We might not have married out of love, but we are married, and I'll support you." Nico murmured. Kevin sighed, averting his eyes. He wished he could voice his thoughts like Nico could, but he was not so in touch with his feelings. He either could love Nico and show it, or show the older man he didn't care.
He didn't know how to act now that Nico fell in the grey zone in between.
"Just don't get too close." Kevin whispered, and he wasn't even sure what he meant himself. He rolled over, facing away from Nico and closed his eyes, pretending he didn't hear Nico's melancholic sigh, or the man's hand coming to rest on his hip as they fell asleep.
Nobody had to know.