Work Text:
Five times the Foxes try to find out who Kevin is dating and one time they don’t have to
—nulla—
“Who the fuck is Kevin dating?” Nicky asks, as he arrives at the table where most of the team, bar for Neil, Kevin and Andrew, are sitting. Nicky doesn’t sit down, deciding instead to balance a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice wildly on a tray. By now Dan would presume that half of the contents must have spilled on it, the way Nicky moves, but the tray is still dry and clean.
“I thought he was still dating Thea,” Matt offers and Dan pets his arm as soon as Nicky and Allison give him the ‘I can’t believe you’ stare.
“They broke up about five months ago,” Renee says, spreading jam on her bread roll and sighing as she bites into it.
“Oh,” Matt mumbles. Then he shrugs.
“Though they have been somewhat separate before. They did decide to stay friends, however,” Allison says.
“How do you always know this stuff?” Nicky asks, and Dan thinks there may be awe in his voice. She hides the grin behind her cup of coffee. Nicky shakes his head, as if focusing on why he came here in the first place. “I haven’t seen him spend any time with anyone else.”
“We would have noticed if it was someone out of the ordinary,” Allison agrees, pressing her fork against her lips. “So maybe it’s someone living in Fox Tower? A cheerleader perhaps?”
Almost in sync, all of their eyes turn towards Aaron and Katelyn. Aaron keeps eating, completely unperturbed, while Katelyn smiles at them, still chewing on her piece of toast.
“If it’s a cheerleader, I haven’t noticed anyone,” she says after swallowing. Nicky sighs disappointedly and digs his spoon into his cereal.
“How do you even know he’s dating someone?” Dan decides to ask after she watches Nicky chew for a moment.
Nicky grins and digs into his pocket until he finds his phone. He unlocks it and turns it towards them. Facebook’s logo greets them and right below she reads Kevin Day is in a relationship.
“Could it be someone not Exy related?” Matt ventures, earning himself the same disappointed stares as earlier. “Hear me out, I’m pretty sure he really likes History. I think the only time I’ve seen him doing something that wasn’t Exy was when he read a book on the Aztec.”
This time, Nicky hums in thought, tapping his wet spoon against the bowl. “That is worth a thought,” he allows.
“Question is,” Allison interrupts, “can anybody not sports related stand his pure obsession."
They're all quiet, except for Aaron's chewing, which Dan swears he does more obnoxiously than before because he can.
“So, we're betting on this, right?” Dan asks.
“Oh, we're betting on it.”
—I—
Ever since the team got more used to the monsters, Dan started pushing for more team building activities that weren't based on how quick they could get drunk without talking. More often than not she got her wish, especially if she planned with Neil beforehand. None of them really know how he manages to drag Andrew along. He rarely participates but he also doesn't outright leave and honestly, that's already a huge improvement.
So now they're sitting in a circle on a Saturday night on one of their rare weekends off, beer in front of them and playing Never Have I Ever. Andrew simply sits next to Neil, their arms brushing together while he looks on, bored, but he's here. Kevin, unsurprisingly is on Andrew's other side, actually participating after a short conversation with Neil in French, and Allison honestly wonders what magical abilities Neil has to actually make the two most difficult members of their team do as he pleases.
As of now Allison has learned that Nicky once upon a time fooled around with girls (which is probably a sadder story than he lets on), that Matt borrowed Dan’s pink stiletto heels once to see how it would feel (powerful!) and that Neil basically has no knowledge of any kind of pop culture there is.
“Never have I ever participated in oral sex in a library,” Allison says, trying her hardest to smile as innocently as possible at Dan, who curses at her.
“Fuck off,” Dan says without any heat, but she and Matt are both taking a swig. Nicky laughs, but he’s raising his glass as well.
“Seriously,” Aaron says, sounding horrified. But then again, for someone who uses libraries for romantic dates, it probably is.
Nicky simply shrugs. “Your turn,” he says after putting the glass back down again and brushing his knuckles against Aaron’s shoulder. Aaron relaxes infinitesimally and it’s nice seeing the cousins bond, especially since Allison knows how desperately Nicky wants to connect more with the twins.
Aaron shakes his head, but he slowly starts, “Never have I ever…” before he trails off, his attention on Katelyn’s hand running up and down Aaron’s arm.
“Keep it simple,” Matt grins. Aaron glares at him just when Andrew snickers where he’s seated between Neil and Kevin.
“Never have I ever kissed a guy,” Aaron finally ends, not caring of the disappointed groans that rise from most of the group. Even Andrew lifts his glass, whether it simply coincides with him wanting to drink, Allison isn’t sure, after all he’d feigned disinterest during their whole game, only watching Neil play.
Matt and Dan share a knowing smile when he drinks, which piques Allison’s interest for a moment long enough to miss Kevin raising his hand to take a sip from his drink. She only sees it when he’s setting the glass aside.
Nicky’s eyes widen and his smile grows. “Kevin Day, really? I thought Thea had snagged your first kiss.”
Kevin shrugs and simply says, “no.” For a second Allison thinks that he looks lost, but that's not quite it, she realizes. There's something else, hurt, painfully tucked away between gulps of sour vodka and a serious frown.
"Who was it?" Nicky asks at the same time as Matt asks, "When was it?"
“Pretty sure that's not how the game works," Andrew says, appearing loftily, but his attention is completely on Kevin, watching him carefully, his muscles having tightened just a tiny bit, as if he’s getting ready for a fight.
"There—" Kevin frowns, but Neil squeezes his knee and Allison's eyebrows shoot up. "It was before Thea," Kevin admits, staring at his drink. Then, after a second, he downs the whole glass. Next to him Andrew tenses and there's a pinch between his brows. Kevin licks his lips.
"Jean," he says, and from the way he curls away from them, she knows it's the last thing Kevin will say about the subject. The rest of them have stopped asking questions, though. Dan is looking at Kevin, a question burning on her tongue from the looks of it, but she bites her lower lip. There is something sad and new on Renee’s face, as if she just realized something about him, something hard, that suddenly clicked into place.
It’s like they forgot where Kevin has lived for the longest time, like they forget the trauma that being with Riko had brought him.
Allison’s not the biggest Kevin Day fan, but she doesn’t have to be to recognize his pain. She swallows hard.
“Never have I ever fucked in my coach’s office.”
“ALLISON!” Dan shrieks horrified.
“Eww, guys really?”
“Was that a kink? Wait, was there roleplay involved?”
“NICKY!”
“What? It’s a serious question!”
Allison doesn’t think she’s imagining the small, thankful smile on Kevin’s lips. She shrugs at Dan and catches the straw with her tongue. “Yes, guys, answer the question!”
detective squad
Nicks
this opns up so many possiblts
did any1 kno kevin was bi? or pan? or whatevr
Renee
explains Kevin’s mile long crush on Jeremy Knox
Matt
so we’re opening up the investigation to guys now, right?
Alli
obviously
we should also reopen the bets, since almost nobody has money riding on a guy
everybody okay w/ that?
Dan
sure
Matt
yeah
Renee
agreed
Nicks
fine by me
Aaron
why am I in this?
I don’t care
Nicks
he could end up dating Andrew?
Aaron
don’t promise things you can’t keep
Matt
I didn’t know you liked Kevin that much
Aaron
I don’t.
Why aren’t they in here, though?
Nicks
too close
Renee
you have to ask?
Aaron
whatever
Alli
guys, focus!
get your bets in now
—II—
Nicky hears the heavy breathing before he's even opened the door. He has experience, okay, so he knows that the sounds he’s hearing now is not the fun kind, it's the, 'panicking, somebody help me’ breathing.
Before he can open the door and help, there's a second voice however.
"It's okay, I'm here, I'm—breathe with me, can you do that, Kevin?"
The breathing catches on a wet sound and then Kevin lets out a noise that somehow sounds like an affirmation.
"Okay just—just copy me," the next thing Nicky hears is exaggerated calm inhale and exhale and then Kevin trying to match it. He stutters, but after a few moments his ragged breathing becomes calmer. For a beat there's nothing but the two of them breathing in sync.
"Better?" Neil asks and Kevin exhales loudly, releasing the air through his teeth. Then he hums an affirmation.
"Yeah. Thanks," Kevin says, in such a quiet and soft way Nicky hasn't ever heard before. Nicky has never been subtle in his life, so he opens the door a smidge.
Kevin's sitting on the bed, his hand on Neil's chest, looking up at him. Neil, standing in front of him, has his hand on Kevin's, gently squeezing.
The moment looks painfully intimate and there’s a weird kind of peace between them, void of any kind of antagonism. In fact, it almost looks like a newfound intimacy. There’s something between them, almost palpable and Nicky thinks that if he reaches out, he can catch it and identify it.
Sure, they quite often agree, especially if it’s about Exy strategy, but outside of the court it’s different. It’s where Nicky still sees the irritation lingering in their eyes. Faces pinched and teeth digging into lips, not allowing the other one to gain even an inch.
Nicky’s still reeling in this new revelation, in the softness between them, their careful voices, their considerate touches and—and Nicky feels like he’s intruding in a moment that is completely private and should remain as such. Carefully he pulls the door close again and with stealth that only comes from him sneaking through his parents house, he moves away just to bump into his cousin.
He feels caught, like that one time he stole his mothers bright red lipstick because he wanted to see how it looked and then couldn’t get the color off his lips. Like he stepped into a situation that was completely forbidden and he did the unthinkable of pressing the lipstick against his lips.
“Hey Andrew,” Nicky says, trying for nonchalance, but he can already see it in Andrew’s face that he isn’t convincing him in the slightest. And now that he’s watching his cousin’s bored and suspicious face, he wonders whether Andrew’s aware of Kevin and Neil’s new closeness. After all, it did look very intimate and Nicky’s about to open his mouth to say something stupid, probably. But then he closes it again. There’s no proof and Kevin had been suffering from a panic attack. He shouldn’t jump to conclusions like that.
“What are you doing here, Nicky?” Andrew asks slowly. Nicky blinks at him.
“Me? I—why did I come here—right. So the girls and I were thinking that—”
Andrew brushes past him without letting him end his sentence and bursts through the door. Kevin and Neil jump away from each other at the bang of the door crashing against the wall.
“Hey Andrew,” Neil says, the, by now, familiar soft smile curling on his lips, though it freezes just for a second when Neil spots him. Nicky can see how Neil’s previously relaxed muscles bunch together again.
“We’re leaving. They decided on another team building activity and if I have to participate once again I will cut something. Or someone. Whatever’s closer.”
“Is it an Exy related exercise?” Kevin asks and Nicky doesn’t need to see his face to know how devastating Andrew’s glare must be.
“We’ll come with,” Neil says, ignoring Kevin's interruption and now Nicky realizes that with we he didn’t mean just Neil and Andrew but NeilKevinandAndrew. It's not that it's unusual. When Andrew was still acting as Kevin’s de facto bodyguard, Kevin wouldn’t go anywhere without Andrew. Nicky thinks maybe he just didn’t get the memo when Kevin started to matter more to Andrew than that. Now that Riko’s dead.
Especially after the whole Neil debacle, Nicky almost wonders that Andrew didn’t just toss Kevin aside. Or maybe that had more to do with Neil?
“That’s really rude, I worked really hard on that," Nicky pouts as Andrew lifts an eyebrow. There’s really nothing he can do but watch them leave.
detective squad
Nicks
so
do Neil and Kevin seem different to you?
in the way they intract w/ each otehr?
Alli
I did notice less exy talk
Dan
have you?
have you really?
Alli
eh
I may not pay enough attention to them
Matt
no I think Allison has a point
I mean … they still argue
but they started doing this new thing
it’s all in the eyes
Renee
I think I know what you mean
it’s like they’re at a stalemate
and the first one who blinks loses
I’ve seen them do it
Alli
why are you asking
Nicks
I acidntly eavesdropped
on a panic attack
Dan
Nicky!
Nicks
ACCIDENTALLY
anyway
they were like
the moment was so intimate
and they were so
I’ve never seen them act like this before
Dan
I think they're arguing less
I think Kevin caved in about how much criticism the newbies should get
Neil convinced him to start with the basics and not to overwhelm them
It was
quick
and Kevin was pouting
waaay less
Matt
wait guys
do we think…
Renee
No.
No, we don't.
But it's nice
They need each other
on the sports side, they are quite
perfect
Alli
Yeah
in fact…
Nicks
In fact… what?
Allison
?
Allison!
—III—
Celebrating with the other Foxes has become something of a normal standard to Matt. He likes it. The more time they spend together, the more he thinks he’s getting the Monsters. It’s still weird, however, to celebrate with other teams. Well, it would be, if it weren’t the Trojans. As always, Jeremy Knox has made them immediately feel immeasurably welcome. It doesn’t even matter that they lost. Especially, since what they’ve had today was only a friendly scrimmage and the Trojans are always nice about it. Matt thinks he realizes what Kevin sees in Jeremy Knox.
So now they’re at a different location. It’s a night club, smaller than Eden’s with both teams swarming all over the place and having at least three tables occupied which are standing in the same corner.
Matt feels warm, the alcohol settling in his stomach, warming his ears. He’s listening to Neil, sitting next to him, talking strategy with Kevin, Jeremy and Jean for as long as it takes Andrew to get back from getting them their second round of drinks.
From the corner of his eye he sees Dan engaged in a passionate discussion with Alvarez and another Trojan teammate he can’t name at this point. Renee's getting drinks with Andrew and Aaron and Nicky are at a different table with some of the other Trojans. Allison, he knows, is already at the dance floor with two girls. He’s lost sight of them, though.
It’s still weird seeing Jean Moreau here with them, next to Jeremy, with his shoulder pressed against the blond’s. But he looks more relaxed, his features not as severe as they’ve been before. Matt even catches him smiling once or twice and it’s such a huge transformation from his Raven days. That doesn’t mean that Matt has to like him, but he can admit that he’s impressed with what he’s endured and he really does hope that he’s as happy with the Trojans as he appears.
“I agree with Kevin,” Jean says. Jeremy grabs Jean’s arm with an exaggerated gasp and Neil yells something in French that Matt doesn’t understand.
“The betrayal,” Jeremy shouts, but all he achieves is just Jean rolling his eyes fondly,
“It was obvious,” Kevin says, shrugging. He and Jean exchange a short look. It’s nothing big, but their faces both go just a little bit softer and there’s a small smile playing on Kevin’s lips.
Oh?
“Or, it’s because you were both brainwashed by the same cult,” Neil cuts in. Jean and Kevin both shrink into themselves. Jeremy presses his side harder into Jean and throws Neil something that is not really a glare. Jeremy’s probably too nice for that. It looks intimate, the way the two of them sit next to each other, Jeremy offering comfort willingly and Jean simply soaking it up.
“You’re just mad that we’re right,” Kevin counters.
When Matt looks at them, he realizes that they’re both sitting just as Jeremy and Jean are with their sides pressed together. Matt knows Neil isn’t a touchy person, neither he nor Andrew are. He’s long given up trying to understand their relationship, but he didn’t think that he’d catch Neil … cuddling with Kevin? Even if it was simply for comfort, probably counteracting his trauma.
“Drinks,” Andrew announces, placing the glasses on their table. They each reach for their beverages. It’s taken longer than expected and Matt’s been highly awaiting his, so he takes a deep gulp from his vodka lemon, only to frown when he tastes the lemon but not the vodka.
“There’s no booze in here,” Matt says disappointed, smacking his lips together, as if that would make the taste and the feeling of the alcohol appear.
“That’s Kevin’s,” Andrew replies, quickly switching the two glasses before Kevin can take a sip from Matt’s actual glass. Matt blinks, the words hard to understand, because he’s never seen Kevin celebrate without at least a bottle of vodka in his hand or at least with new drinks in his hand every few minutes. Not drinking is more shocking than anything he’s experienced today. Which basically is nothing, but that doesn’t diminish the significance of his discovery.
“B—but,” Matt stutters helplessly, pointing at the glass in Kevin’s hand. “But there’s no booze in that,”
"I know," Kevin says and wipes the edges on the glass clean, as if the imprint of Matt’s mouth is something nefarious, only there to torture Kevin personally.
"Since when do you not drink? I thought that's the only way you could stand us, you know. When we're off the court."
Kevin glares at him. For a moment he thinks he's about to say something, but then he reaches for his glass and empties it in practiced ease. He licks his lips, staring first at his own empty glass and then his gaze slides over to Neil's.
"Five," Neil says, but then pushes his glass over to Kevin. Matt's pretty sure there's alcohol in there, but with this new information he can't be sure.
Kevin grips the edge of the table, whether to get ready to order or to hold on, Matt doesn't know.
Jeremy and Jean are watching them. There’s something in Jean’s eyes, a knowing glint, like he knows exactly what’s going on, and it irrationally irks Matt that he already seems to have a grasp on the situation.
Andrew says something, voice too low for Matt to understand, but Kevin nods, his head jerking almost violently and then Andrew puts his hand on Kevin's. Because it's Andrew, the gesture is so much bigger. Matt knows of his aversion to touch, even if he doesn't quite understand it, but for him to display it this openly… it has to mean something, doesn’t it?
“I—” Kevin starts, but Andrew shakes his head and Kevin sighs, once more relaxing. They keep talking for a few minutes until Jean gets up. He taps on Kevin's shoulders lightly, raising an eyebrow and Kevin nods. It's kind of cool and scary how easily the two of them can still communicate with each other.
When they start walking away from the table Matt forcibly relaxes himself, reminding him that Jean doesn't pose any kind of threat anymore. He lets himself get roped into a conversation with another backliner, Ethan, who readily talks with him about the game and then movies. They end up discussing which Star Wars movie is the best, so that Matt doesn't notice when Andrew and Neil vanish. He realizes he lost sight of Jeremy a while ago, too.
When they reappear, Jean’s blushing, huddling into a corner with Jeremy, their heads tucked together. Matt wonders about half a second where Kevin is when he appears with Neil and Andrew. His hair is mussed and his lips are still slick.
Maybe, Matt thinks, it's not Jeremy Knox after all.
detective squad
Matt
Okay guys, we might be not that far off with thinking it's a guy
Nicks
Oh?
Pray tell what makes you think that
Matt
Kevin and Jean Moreau went off somewhere together
and when they came back
Jean was all blushy
And Kevin looked
well he looked all disheveled and
Dan
hot?
that the words you're looking for?
Alli
you can admit it
there’s no shame in that
just never tell it to his face
Matt
…
maybe
anyway I think they made out
Renee
I don’t think so
Matt
really
you should’ve seen them
Renee
believe me
it ain’t him
Alli
got any inside information?
you’re still in contact with Jean
aren’t you
Renee
I am
and it’s not Jean
Matt
let’s agree to disagree
Renee
well I’m not gonna stop you if you’re this desperate to lose the bet
Matt
rude
Nicks
shots fired
—IV—
There are exactly three things Aaron wants right now that the game is over. One, a hot shower; two, being back in Fox Tower, preferably with a bottle of beer in his hand; and three, spending his time with Katelyn. Luckily for him all three are possibilities that can become true in a matter of minutes and hours.
He takes his helmet off on the way back to the changing rooms. It’s Dan’s turn with the press today, so she’s staying behind. His thoughts are already veering towards the shower, when he stops short so as to not run into his brother. Andrew’s staring into a far corner. There, in the nook between the press and the court, shielded from the curious eyes of the fans, stands Kevin. Next to him is a young man, which Aaron recognizes as one of the Belmonte strikers.
Their body language is relaxed, Kevin’s attention on the other striker as he talks, his movements are big and erratic. It’s not unusual for Kevin, because when he talks about Exy, he talks with his whole body. But even though his stance is loose, his jaw is tight and tense.
And Aaron gets why Andrew wouldn't want to leave, Kevin doesn't really look like he wants to be left alone with him, no matter how much he's talking about Exy.
It's a subtle kind of discomfort, displayed by someone who has negative experience with showing it openly. Maybe Aaron recognizes it because it's similar to the way he acted around Tilda. He's not sure why he cares. Kevin is okay, if he's being generous, but that doesn't mean Aaron gives a rat’s ass about him. Whatever it is, he can't help but stay and watch.
"What are you waiting for," Andrew asks without really asking, since his inflection is too flat for that. Still, it’s finally a sign that he's acknowledging him. Aaron eyes him warily and shrugs. Andrew says, "You stink," as if that's what it takes for Aaron to clear off.
"So do you, asshole," Aaron replies easily. Andrew shrugs, but he doesn't take his eyes off the other striker.
"You could cut their conversation short, you know. If it bothers you that much."
This time Andrew does turn towards him, the slightest sign of amusement on his face. "What? The faster we're back the faster you get back to smooch your cheerleader?" The way he pronounces it makes it sound like Katelyn is the most disgusting thing he’s ever heard of. But he doesn’t call her by a name and for Aaron it's enough. For now.
"Yes," Aaron says. There's no use lying and he thinks at one point it would be nice to have a decent relationship with his brother. "But also because Day looks like he'd rather be anywhere but there." Aaron nods towards them.
The Belmonte striker has taken a step forward and is now invading Kevin's personal space. His whole body has tensed up and he's shoving the other player away from him. The striker laughs, like it's a game and the sound infuriates Aaron.
However, it infuriates Andrew even more. His twin doesn't run towards Kevin, but his whole body is tense, muscles ready to attack the other striker, as if he’s stalking his prey like an especially dangerous predator.
When the other player tries to touch Kevin's shoulder, clearly against his will, Andrew's there, stepping between the two and forcing the Belmonte striker to step away from Kevin.
Kevin's whole body relaxes, slumping in on itself as if the conversation had exhausted him more than the game. He reaches out with his hand as if to touch Andrew's back and for a second Aaron sees Kevin lying on the ground with a broken arm. But instead of reaching out, Kevin's hand hovers in the air and then Andrew actually leans back.
Aaron blinks, sure that he's missed something, but there's Andrew, Kevin's hand on his back, still talking to the striker in what are probably thinly veiled threats.
The player scurries away and Andrew watches him leave, eyes narrowed. Then he turns back to Kevin, who lets go of Andrew just to touch his arm again, this time asking for consent if Aaron is right in assuming that that's what Kevin's moving lips mean. Andrew nods quickly and then they continue to stand there and talk. It's different than before. Aaron has seen them interact dozens of times, but there's always been a certain space between them, a wall they couldn't cross.
Now they’re leaning ever so slightly toward each other. Apparently the wall has been crushed to tiny pieces and thus a quiet piece of doubt has come knocking at Aaron’s door, but Aaron shakes his head, deciding to ignore whatever Kevin and his brother have going on. Although he decides that keeping a closer eye on Kevin might not be such a bad idea after all.
detective squad
Nicks
alright listen up losers
apparntly some1 from the Terrapins has a huge crush on Kevin
like giant
apprently they’re always on their phone
texting
Alli
first of all
if you have to butcher apparently
can you decide on one way to do it?
Renee
seconded
Alli
and secondly
you think Kevin got into a relationship thru text alone?
Renee
somehow I doubt that
Dan
I’m not sure …
maybe?
big maybe …
if they’re as big an exy nerd as Kevin is
Nicks
exactly
Aaron
listen
this is the one and only time I am entertaining you clowns
it’s a no on the Terrapins
Nicks
how can you be sure?
what do you know?
Matt
what did you see?
Aaron
what?
Matt
you witnessed something
that’s why you’re this adamant about it
out with it
Aaron
…
Matt
oh come on!
how are we supposed to believe you?
Aaron
I mean
you don’t HAVE to
Dan
please?
Alli
please?
Nicks
please?
Aaron
let’s just say I saw Kevin with a striker
and Kevin did not look like he had fun
Dan
wait
you don’t mean
Aaron
nothing happened
Andrew was there too
but it’s definitely not a Terrapin
I’m out now
Nicks
great
so that means we’re back at the beginning
Alli
maybe not
Renee
maybe not
jinx
Nicks
WHAT DO XOU MEAN MAYBE NIT
Alli
;)
Renee
;p
Nicks
OH come ON guys!
Matt
we’re not winning the bet, are we?
Dan
we’re definitely not giving up either!
—V—
Renee sighs as Dan gives them the sign to stop running and start walking to begin their cool down. She likes the burn in her legs. It’s the first week with the newbies and even if she isn’t quite impressed, she realizes why they stood out to Wymack, Dan and Neil. There’s a fire in Robin she hasn’t seen in quite some time and Jason is picking up drills quick, something that even Kevin realized in the appraising looks he’s sent him.
Andrew falls into step with her, easy as breathing and she nods at him. After a moment Andrew continues talking about the few interesting aspects of his classes, debating arguments with Renee. She enjoys their talks, Andrew usually has a very special way of seeing things. She smiles to herself privately as she watches Neil fall into step with them. He’s quiet, listening without really listening. Renee thinks he simply likes hearing Andrew’s voice and it’s cute. When he stares ahead, his eyes are locked on something Renee can’t see.
"So," Dan says, coming to a walk next to them. "We were thinking of a relaxing evening together, so we can get to know the newbies and they can get to know us," she continues. Renee can tell from lack of a give in Neil's body language that he's not surprised. Well, he probably planned it.
"Sure," Neil says easily and Renee agrees as well, but she keeps a close watch on Andrew.
"Will there be alcohol?" he asks.
"Yeah, we still have beer, but Matt also bought whiskey and vodka… among others."
"Are we going to play these stupid middle school games?"
"If yes, then with rules and voluntary participation, obviously. But I didn't plan on it."
"Is Kevin coming?" The question surprises Renee more than she feels it should.
Dan's mouth falls shut, but then she nods. "He agreed after I brought up team morale and that bonding will help us in our team play."
Renee smiles, yes, that sounds like Kevin.
Andrew watches their captain for a few more moments, but then he shrugs. "I leave when I'm bored," he says. Dan grins and winks at Neil. Then she's gone, off to the next people to talk to.
"So, are you keeping count today?" Andrew asks in his usual bored tone, but Renee can't help thinking that there's something behind it.
"You telling me you won't?" Neil says, a twinkle in his eye as he grins. Andrew scowls. Renee frowns, not quite sure what the two of them are talking about, but knowing that this isn’t about her. She takes a swig of her water bottle and waits until their conversation returns to their previous topic.
+++
Taking a shower and slipping into comfortable clothes didn’t take a long time. Renee sinks onto a couch, stretching out her limbs. Practice and the shower has her in a comfortable state of mind and she watches as Matt and Nicky ask about drink preferences before bringing them.
Renee agreed to drink something bubbly and fruity that Allison wanted to try and in all honesty it isn’t bad. She slurps on her glass as Allison pushes her legs aside, plops on the couch next to her, and then lays Renee’s legs across her lap.
Allison grins and clinks her glass with Renee. Slowly, the rest of the Foxes file into the room. Robin takes a beer and sits on one of the couches, talking amiably with Dan while Jason listens with a serious face to whatever Aaron and Katelyn are talking about. Neil sits down next to Dan, listening with half an ear to her and Robin’s conversation with Andrew next to him and Kevin is on the ground in front of them, swirling his drink with an absent expression on his face.
Renee lets herself be drawn in by a conversation with Allison, nodding at her as she tries not to focus on Allison’s wandering fingers on her knee. Still it’s nice being able to talk about nice things, like whether Allison should buy that pretty lacy bra she saw in a store last Friday.
The music in the background changes just after Renee’s assured Allison that yes, she definitely should buy the bra.
Her eyes roam the room, watch as Nicky sits down next to Allison and as Matt bites his lip as he shuffles through the music selection. Neil, Andrew and Kevin haven’t moved, and Robin has turned to Neil, while Dan has moved on to sit next to Jason. Andrew is watching Neil, though she believes that he also is talking with Kevin in a low voice. Kevin isn’t really looking at Andrew, but his head is turned to the side so he can hear the blond better. The drink in his hand is empty and Renee frowns.
She’s never really focused on Kevin’s drinking habits, simply because what she saw when she looked at him was usually Kevin emptying drink after drink without pausing. Sometimes he’d just keep the bottle, watching no one and nothing as he emptied it. What she usually doesn’t see is Kevin staying put when his drink is gone.
Kevin doesn’t look as urgent as he usually does, there’s no need behind his eyes to drown the recent memories and dreams. There’s no need to satisfy his addiction. No, she decides after a moment of watching him, that’s not quite right. She sees the longing looks Kevin throws towards the vodka bottle, like he’s straining not to jump up and get a refill.
Apparently she’s not the only one who realized that Kevin’s not drinking and that Kevin is basically trying to undress the vodka bottle with his eyes, because Matt grabs the bottle by its neck and sets it down right next to him. He mock salutes him and leaves Kevin with the more than half full bottle. Kevin’s hand twists at the neck, like he wants to strangle it.
“Four,” Andrew says, almost bored, but his attention is keenly on Kevin.
Kevin inhales sharply, twisting the cap off and pouring a shot into his glass.
“Where did you suddenly find manners?” Nicky jokes. “Did you practice so hard that you can’t lift the bottle?” There’s chuckling to the side, but Renee can’t make out who exactly it was. She’s too transfixed on Kevin. He throws the shot down and then gets up, stomping out of the room. Andrew watches him leave. Then he glares at Nicky and gets up, following Kevin out the door. Neil, excusing himself from his conversation with Robin, follows.
detective squad
Nicks
so that was weird
right?
Renee’s not in the mood. She leaves the message on read as she climbs the stairs up to the roof. The boys aren’t in their dorm rooms and the roof is the only place she can think of. (They could also be in court, but she doesn’t think they would, not after drinking at least.)
Matt
was he thta upset?
did I do something wrong
Alli
maybe we shouldn’t assume?
Aaron
it’s in the middle of the night
shut up
Nicks
this is important!
getting back to the subject
it wouldn’t be the first time that we saw him drink
remember that one time Kevin emptied the vodka bottle in six seconds flat?
that was pretty impressive
Aaron has left the chat.
Nicks
rude
Matt
maybe it is my fault
I shouldn’t have given him the bottle
I should’ve just waited until he got it for himself
+++
Renee sighs as she opens the door for the roof access. She has to take a few steps until she can see the shapes of three people and her eyes get used to the new light. Neil has his head pillowed on Kevin’s thigh. Kevin is leaning against Andrew’s side, eyes closed. One hand is in Neil’s hair and the other one is still holding that vodka bottle.
The boys look calm and relaxed. She keeps herself in the shadows not to intrude into a situation that is clearly not for her own eyes.
“It’s easier not to drink when I’m alone,” Kevin whispers. Neil moves his head slightly, showing his attention. Andrew nods lazily and lights a cigarette, inhaling the smoke deeply into his lungs.
Kevin looks at the cigarette like it personally offends him, but he keeps his tongue to himself, instead continuing where he left off. “When I’m with everyone it feels like … like it’s expected of me. I’m…” he shakes his head, an indiscernible sound ripping itself from Kevin’s throat.
+++
Dan
I’m sure Neil and Andrew have it handled
tho can I say … I was surprised seeing both of them follow him?
is that weird?
Alli
no, it was weird
there’s definitely something going on with them
Nicks
with them and Kevin’s drinking?
or with them and Kevin dating?
+++
“Nobody said it was easy,” Neil says, fingers dragging along Kevin’s knee. Renee shudders, feeling the ghost of Allison’s touch on hers.
“No one ever said it would be this hard,” Kevin mumbles. Andrew snorts, a quiet smile curling his lips lightly, the smoke escaping. Kevin grins.
Neil frowns, “Nope, I’m pretty sure all the pamphlets said that—” but before he can say anything else, Kevin tugged the cigarette from Andrew’s mouth and transferred it to Neil’s lips.
“You really are uncultured, Junkie,” Andrew murmurs and Kevin laughs. The sound is so free and unguarded, Renee can’t help but step back into the shadows.
+++
Alli
probably both
I’m sure they know
Dan
yeah
seconded
Renee
thirded
but
I think we should stop pushing the drinking part
facing his alcoholism can’t be easy for Kevin
Nicks is typing …
Matt is typing …
Dan is typing …
Alli is typing …
+++
Renee shuts her phone off and smiles, listening to Kevin and Neil bicker, and closes the door behind her, leaving the guys to themselves.
—+I—
Dan sets her laptop aside when Matt walks into the common area. At some point it’s become a hangout for the Foxes and Dan likes it. Matt shudders and rubs his hand over the back of his neck. He looks absolutely uncomfortable, as if he wishes to be anywhere but here.
“What happened to you?” Dan asks, amused, and waits for her boyfriend to come closer, so she can press a kiss against his lips.
“I accidentally walked in on Neil and Andrew,” he says and shakes himself. “I really shouldn’t have opened the door without knocking. I think Andrew’s gonna come for me for that. Probably with knives.”
The information makes it to her brain, but they refuse to be worked with. She’s sure that Neil’s just left the room to get a glass of that orange juice that Renee buys, which is outrageously expensive.
Dan’s not sure what exactly shows on her face, but Matt lets out a sound. “I didn’t linger or anything. I immediately closed the door after I saw Andrew leaning over Neil I think. They were only kissing. I promise I closed the door as soon as I realized,” Matt says at Aaron, who’s looking at Matt with a stony expression.
“Realized what?” Neil asks, a glass of orange juice in his hands with one of Renee’s crazy straws peeking out at the top.
Matt blinks, once, twice, thrice. The common area has become deadly quiet. Neil’s here, so who exactly is Andrew kissing in their dorm room? Her heart breaks a little at the thought. Neil is happy and relaxed, probably thinking everything’s alright in the world when it really isn’t.
Neil laughs, shuffling his feet at the attention of the whole team on him.
“You’re smooching,” Matt says helplessly.
“Smooching?” Neil repeats, a grin slipping on his lips as he repeats it towards Renee. Renee … doesn’t look too surprised, but there’s something in her eyes Dan can’t describe.
“Yeah. Smooching. Making out. Kissing. With Andrew in your dorm right now. Because if you’re not then—”
Neil opens his mouth on a silent ‘o,’ realizing just what Matt is implying. Dan doesn’t see anger or hurt or anything she would have associated with a breach of trust like that. It’s more … annoyance and worry that’s overtaking his face.
“You—” Matt starts again, but Aaron’s already off the couch. There’s something like fear on his face, as he speeds out of the common area, quickly followed by Neil and Matt. Then the rest of the Foxes jump up to run after them.
"Wait, I can explain," Neil gasps, somehow sliding in front of the boys between Aaron and Matt and the door to their dorm room. His face is set, decisive and Dan doesn’t think anyone would be able to go past him without Neil getting ready to fight.
"You can explain?" Matt asks, trying hard to keep his voice calm.
Neil nods, his whole head bouncing, and it would look funny if the situation wasn’t that dire. Plus there’s the thought that keeps repeating in Dan’s mind again and again. If Neil already suspects that Andrew might be cheating on him, why would he try to stop them? It’s almost like he already knows what they’re going to find out behind the door.
When she looks at him, blue eyes blazing defiantly, standing between the team and the door, between the team and Andrew, she can’t help to think that there’s more to it.
Did they break up perhaps? But then Neil would have said something, right? At least to Matt. Her boyfriend is infatuated with Neil and it’s really cute. They talk more and more and he doesn’t tell her all of it, which she respects, after all she doesn’t tell him everything Allison tells her. But a break-up seems pretty major, so maybe it’s not that.
“You have to promise to be calm about it,” Neil says, looking first at Matt and then, his gaze settling on Matt.
“I am calm,” he says, inhaling and exhaling in an exaggerated manner and Dan snatches his elbow to keep him back. With Neil’s background, she really thought he’d be better at lying, or at the attempt of lying. She gives him credit that his reluctance to not tell them the truth is so clear on his face.
“Well, it’s—”
Neil doesn’t get any farther. Behind him the door opens and Andrew’s bored expression faces them. He blinks at them slowly and then focuses his attention on Neil. Next to him, Kevin peers through the door.
Dan's not sure whether it's her touch that's grounding Matt or whether he's simply stunned speechless by Kevin's appearance. His hair is mused and his lips shiny and kiss swollen. There are red spots on his neck, which definitely will be forming hickeys. Andrew, now that she's looked at Kevin, looks similar. Lips red, but not quite as ruined as Kevin's. He's watching them, daring them to say anything.
"Hey Renee," he says, as if it were completely normal for their whole team to just assemble in front of their room.
“Hi Andrew,” she says pleasantly and does a little wave.
“What’s going on?” Kevin asks, earning glances from both Neil and Andrew. Neil sighs as he steps back, leaning against the doorframe in front of Kevin.
“Yes, what’s going on?” Matt repeats, and she can feel the honest confusion in her boyfriend. That is not to say that she herself isn’t … well not quite confused, she just doesn’t understand it. “He just—Andrew just made out with Kevin,” Matt says, but it sounds more like a question directed at Neil.
Neil turns towards the two and Andrew nods, then shrugs. “Looks like it,” Neil answers, repeating the shrug.
“But—” Matt says, then stops.
“It doesn’t bother you,” Allison says, a sparkle in her eye.
“No, it doesn’t,” Neil affirms her suspicions.
"Because you know about them," she strings the thought further and Dan watches as Matt's eyes bug out. "Because they're your boyfriends, too."
Neil grins at that and reaches back to place his hands on Kevin's thigh.
"No way! What? Wait what?" Nicky says, mouth wide open. Aaron has the same expression but without the words, staring at them for a moment before he reigns his feelings back in.
"You wouldn't be that surprised if you had paid attention," Kevin says. "We didn't even hide it."
Nicky shakes his head, and mouths 'the audacity' at Dan. She grins at him.
"If that's all, can you all leave now?" Andrew asks.
"So you can go back to making out?" Aaron asks, but there's a new kind of levity between them, the words less acid and more… dare she call it teasing?
"Yes," Andrew affirms and snatches Neil's arm before he can move. His grasp is light, easily evading should Neil chose to. "You wanna join?"
Neil grins at Andrew, who rolls his eyes.
"112, Josten." Andrew says, making Neil laugh and Kevin chuckle. Neil presses a quick kiss to Kevin’s plush and red lips before they all push back into the room and close the door in the team's faces.
For a moment there's nothing but silence as the six of them stand in front of the door, but of course Nicky breaks the silence.
“Looks like you got what you wanted,” Nicky says to Aaron. “Kevin’s Andrew's boyfriend.”
Aaron groans. “Yes, but I wanted Andrew to exchange a boyfriend and not add another one,” he answers and pushes his hands into his pockets, walking towards the common room, probably in search of Katelyn.
“But aren’t they cute,” Nicky calls after him, watching as Aaron gestures towards his ears, signaling that he can’t hear him, which only causes Nicky to run after him.
“Did anyone bet on Andrew, Neil and Kevin being in a poly relationship?” Matt asks, after watching the two cousins leave.
“I did,” Allison announces.
“So did I,” Renee says. The girls high five and smile at each other.
"We could open an office," Alison muses.
"Get our PI licenses," Renee agrees. Allison laughs, takes Renee by the hand and guides her away.
"Are these two…" Matt starts, watching them leave.
"Don't," Dan sighs. "We already lost enough money today."