Work Text:
Respect your elders?
‘Respect your elders’ my ass.
Not when they’re picking on Esposito’s boyfriend like they are doing now.
Esposito had gone to one of these huge Ryan family reunions, as Kevin’s boyfriend for the very first time. And he loved Ryan’s family - mostly - but one of his great-aunts was pushing it here.
“I never thought you would be successful, Kevin, but being in a relationship with a man? Even I couldn’t have imagined you’d fall this deep. You’re a disgrace to our family, Kevin Ryan. If I can even call you a Ryan anymore.”
She had been ranting for the past five minutes. And Kevin let it wash over him, looking at his hands the entire time.
“You should really stop talking now.” Javier said, trying to stay calm. At least on the outside. His insides were boiling.
“And who do you think you are?” The great-aunt said. At least she wasn’t ranting against his partner anymore.
“Me? I love Kevin. Kevin Ryan is the most amazing man I know. You shouldn’t talk to him like that. You obviously don’t know him very well.” Javier said. He saw the warning looks Kevin was shooting him, but he ignored them. He wasn’t sure that was the best idea though.
“Of course I know him. He’s my family.”
“Yeah? Then you’d know how incredible he is. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I’d take a bullet for him. I did it on several occasions, just like he did for me. He saved hundreds, if not thousands, of people with his police work and brought justice to so many more. He even went undercover in the Irish mob! And that’s only at work. Next to his work, he’s the most gentle men you’ll ever meet. He cares deeply about everyone who matters to him and will do everything to make them happy. And you know what the sad part is? You’re one of those people who he cares deeply about. So I suggest you stop ranting to him about what a disgrace he is to this family and you start seeing how amazing he is.”
An awkward silence fell over the room. Javier could hear one of Kevin’s sister cheer him on in a faraway corner of the room and he smiled. Kevin’s great-aunt stuttered, but didn’t say anything.
“Come on, Kevin. Let’s get you to your sisters and your parents. At least they love you for who you are.” Javier said. He pretended it to be for Kevin’s ears only, but everyone knew he said it loud enough for Kevin’s great-aunt to hear it.
“Kevin, I’m so sorry if I overstepped. I just couldn’t let her talk to you like that.” Javier said when they were out of earshot.
Kevin looked at him affectionately and kissed him shortly.
“I love you, Javi.”
Javier sighed relieved and smiled.
“I love you, too, Kevin.”
And his great-aunt? She never talked to Kevin like that again.