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Kevin was used to Aaron's radio silence throughout the school day. Aaron was busy, Aaron was focused, Aaron was 100% committed to his future medical career just as Kevin was committed to his future professional Exy career. Kevin admired that drive, even if he often wished Aaron would channel more of that energy into practice but whatever.
So it wasn't odd that Aaron hadn't replied to his texts during the day. It was concerning that he skipped dinner. It was downright out of line that he didn't come to practice. Kevin thought about asking Andrew where his twin was but he remembered how helpful Andrew had been the last time he'd asked after his brother. He didn't bother with Nicky because he couldn't deal with his commentary when he was already annoyed.
His bad mood stayed with him as he trudged down the hall to the suite he shared with Neil and Andrew, and he was grateful that the two of them had slunk off to make out on the roof. He needed space to decompress and get out of his funk.
When he let himself into his room, he was startled to find Aaron curled up on his bed, wrapped around his pillow, face buried against the fabric. At first he thought Aaron was asleep but then he noticed the slight tremor shaking his body and heard his muffled cries.
Aaron was crying. Aaron never cried.
Kevin dropped his bag and moved to the bed, his anxiety spiking as he hovered uncertainly. Should he touch Aaron? Ask what was wrong? What would Abby do?
Kevin knelt down and placed his hand on Aaron's shoulder, squeezing just a little.
"Aaron." He kept his voice soft, tried not to show how freaked out he was. "Babe, what's going on?"
Aaron made a wounded noise and it was awful. It reminded Kevin of that blood-drenched day they didn't talk about. He felt like someone had kicked him in the stomach and then pushed him down a flight of stairs.
"Oh, Aaron, I --" he started and stopped himself. Tried again. "I've got you, okay?" Kevin leaned in and wrapped himself around Aaron and the pillow, hugging as much of him as he could. "I've got you."
He didn't know how long they stayed like that - him half on the floor, half on the bed, Aaron curled up as tight as possible. His whole body ached from the uncomfortable position and his heart ached for whatever Aaron was going through. They didn't talk. He just held Aaron and murmured soft things, words that he hoped would convey some kind of comfort. He didn't know what he was doing, but he was doing his best.
When Aaron finally came up for air his face was a mess, flushed red and creased from the pillow, cheeks sticky from tears, eyes swollen and bloodshot. He looked like he was seconds away from shattering into a thousand pieces. His throat bobbed as he swallowed and he bit down on his lower lip like he was fighting to keep it all in.
"Darling." Kevin didn't know why he said that, it just slipped out. He reached for Aaron and cupped his cheek in his hand, his thumb brushing away a new, silent outpouring of tears.
Aaron swallowed again and grabbed Kevin's wrist, tugging him forward. Kevin went, following Aaron's silent cues, until was was seated on the edge of the mattress with Aaron's head resting on his thigh. He reached behind him and pulled at the covers until he got them free and draped them over Aaron. Now that he was here he wished he'd had the forethought to get some water or Gatorade; Aaron needed it after all the crying.
Kevin braced his left hand against the mattress and played with Aaron's hair with his right hand. His fingers grazed the skin at the nape of Aaron's neck, causing him to shiver.
Bit by bit, Aaron started to relax, his muscles unclenching until he no longer had the pillow in a death grip and his legs were stretched out beneath the warm covers.
Kevin kept up his gentle touches and his silent vigil. There had been nights when Aaron had sat up with him too, drinking in silent solidarity until they passed out. Aaron made him feel safe and - he hoped - he made Aaron feel the same.
They still weren't good at using their words but tomorrow they'd try. Together they would keep on trying.