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Aaron’s feeling a touch out of his depth. It wouldn’t be the first time, but this is next level compared to the usual networking events or coworker weddings that are the height of the formal events he gets invited to these days. At least then he’s usually got some knowledge of the expertise of the other people there, or can hold his own with his area. Sure, he may have a decent enough knowledge of exy, but he hasn’t played since high school, only really follows Andrew’s team with any consistency. Surrounded by Olympic level athletes, his confidence is shaky at best.
Not everyone here is an athlete. They’ve all got plus ones. That’s how Aaron got in, after all, Andrew bringing him along since his forever plus one already had his own invite. It’s a big exy gala that all the competing national teams have been invited to ahead of the Olympics. Not the sort of thing he would usually have an interest in, running in Andrew’s famous circles, but the idea of a lot of free and fancy food was tempting. Aaron’s drowning under a flood of student loan debt from med school, his residency salary enough to keep him afloat, but not for many indulgences. He has a lot of pride when it comes to offers of financial help, but free food, on the other hand…
Neil’s brought Allison under the guise of it being a good opportunity for her to make some connections, maybe even offer some sponsorships for her fashion brand. The reality is Allison is nosy and doesn’t like being left out of a good party. Aaron had feared that he might end up stuck with her, their format falling into some kind of faux double date nightmare, but it has quickly become apparent there was no need for that concern. It seems his worry should have instead been getting abandoned in a sea of incredibly hot people alone, for within half an hour he’s lost all three of them.
And everyone is incredibly hot. It’s frustrating. Even the plus ones all seem to be in great shape. Everywhere he looks he’s met with lean arms, strong shoulders, slim waists, powerful calves. Aaron does not always feel particularly great about his body, but he’s settled into a level of acceptance and comfort where he is not usually self conscious about it either. But he’s not usually surrounded by people who could pass for models. Right now that view of himself is getting very aggressively challenged. He fidgets with his cufflinks, wondering if he can find a quiet side room to slip into for a while. He has been distracted up to this point by grazing the buffet spread, trying as many different things as he can, but he doesn’t want to ruin his appetite for dinner, and so now he’s at a loss.
He’s inching his way along the edge of the room, seriously trying to locate a lobby or quiet hallway he can get a breather in, when someone steps out in front of him. Aaron has to look up to see his face. This, unfortunately, is not unusual. He has to look up to some extent to see most people’s faces. That’s one of the nice things about working in paediatrics, most of his patients are actually shorter than him. He has to look up quite a lot to see this man’s face, as he’s standing at over six foot.
“Hi. How ya doin’?” If Kevin Day were not immediately recognisable to anyone who has even come within six feet of the exy sphere, the accent would at least be a fair hint for which team he’s on. He’s got a deep, smooth voice, lilted with an Irish brogue. Aaron hates to admit part of him instantly melts at hearing it. “Minyard, yeah?
“You’ve got the wrong one,” Aaron says flatly. “The exy one is over there somewhere.”
Kevin laughs. His laugh is nice too. A warm rumbling chuckle that has no cruelty to it, does not make Aaron feel mocked in the slightest. He scowls anyway. For the principle.
“I am well aware of that. I know what Andrew looks like.”
“We’re identical.” Aaron’s voice is still flat, but he can feel his ears flushing. He hopes it’s not noticeable.
“You’re twins. You do look very alike. I would argue you’re not identical.”
“We literally are.”
“Your hair is longer, and you’re leaner in the arms.” Kevin purses his lips, eyes narrowing intently as he skims them over Aaron’s face. “You have more freckles, more yellow in your eyes, and you have a dimple-”
“We both have dimples.” Aaron cuts him off, because his blush is spreading to his neck now.
“You didn’t let me finish! You have a dimple on your left cheek. Andrew’s is on the right.”
“How do you even know that? You haven’t seen me smile.”
“I saw you laughing earlier. Not long after you came in.”
“Creep.”
For the first time, Kevin Day’s easy smile falters. His brows furrow, his eyes crease, his lips part in frozen concern, like he is unsure how he misstepped. Aaron definitely shouldn’t feel bad about it. He folds his arms, his suit jacket feeling too tight around the biceps when he does, looking off to the side so he doesn’t have to look at Kevin’s stupidly green sad looking eyes.
“How do you even know Andrew has a dimple? Have you been watching him all night as well?”
“No. I’ve met most of the US team before. I’m good friends with Jeremy. Also I’m mutuals with Neil online, and he posts about Andrew a lot.” Kevin’s smile returns, even if his eyes still look a touch wary. “I’m Kevin, by the way. Sorry. Where are my manners? Didn’t even introduce myself.”
He holds out his hand. Aaron looks at it for a long moment, then glances up at Kevin’s face, his own expression scrunched up. He doesn’t know if he’s being serious about introducing himself. If this is meant to be a ruse not to come across as arrogant. As if Aaron wouldn’t already know his name. Kevin looks like he might withdraw his hand by the time Aaron finally takes it. His smile relaxes again as his fingers tighten over Aaron’s skin. Kevin’s hand is big and warm, his grip firm without being too tight, and Aaron is conscious of how cold his fingers must feel against Kevin’s skin. He hopes his palm isn’t clammy.
“I know who you are. Obviously.”
“Still. Polite to introduce myself.”
“Hm.” Aaron withdraws his hand. He tries to hide it behind his hip as he flexes it, trying to shake off the lingering tingle where their skin was in contact.
“Do I… get to know your name?” Kevin tilts his head. His eyes catch the light when he does, seem to shine even fucking brighter. They’re framed by long, dark lashes. He has excellent teeth. Everything about him is unfairly attractive. Aaron wonders if this is some joke that he is supposed to be the punchline of.
“You already know who I am.”
“I know you’re Andrew’s brother. I don’t know who you are.”
“Aaron.”
“Aaron?” Kevin repeats, his tone making it sound like a question.
“Yes.”
“Aaron, like, A-A-R-O-N?”
“Congratulations. Any exy balls you may have taken to the head have not limited your ability to spell.” Aaron huffs. He folds his arms defensively across his chest again. Kevin’s eyes flick briefly to his bicep. He’s self conscious about the tightness of the material there now, but he doesn’t lower his arms.
“No, it’s just, back home your name would be pronounced Arr-ron . The way you say it is usually a girl’s name. E-R-I-N. Erin.”
“You’re insulting my name now?”
“No! I’m not, I’m just- That’s just why I asked for confirmation. I’m fact sharing. It’s an interesting cultural difference in accent and dialect.”
“Whatever.” Aaron rolls his eyes as if his fucking blush has not made it to his face now, cheeks hot.
“I like it.”
Aaron huffs an exhale through his nose, looking up at Kevin with an unconvinced expression. He still doesn’t fully know why he has approached Aaron in the first place, still has his guards solidly in place. Kevin’s smile is less easy now, the corners of his mouth strained. His lips part like he is about to speak again.
“Kevin.” A man slips through the crowd and strides towards them. He is even taller than Kevin, his voice flavoured with a French accent. “I cannot believe you abandoned me.”
“I didn’t abandon you. You went to the bathroom.”
“And you disappeared.” The man’s eyes cut sideways towards Aaron, narrowing suspiciously. “And who is this?”
“Ah. This is Aaron Minyard, Andrew’s brother.”
“I could have guessed that much.”
“And this is my plus one, Jean Moreau.”
“Really?” Aaron’s eyebrows raise. “You were hitting on me while your date was in the bathroom?”
He feels himself flush once more, but this time it is with indignation. Kevin’s face goes blank, then surprised. Jean starts to laugh loudly.
“Oh, god no. Heaven forbid,” he says. Kevin glares at him.
“No, Jean is a friend, who begged me to bring him along because he is fixated on another blonde in my acquaintance.”
“Shut up.” The amusement vanishes from Jean’s expression. “That is not the case.”
“Sure. So if I told you he was asking after you, and that he’s currently by the chocolate fountain, that information would mean nothing.”
“You are unbearable. I would run while you can, Aaron.” Jean purses his lips, shaking his head disapprovingly at Kevin, before he walks away from them. Kevin watches until he’s out of hearing range, chuckling. It’s a sound that rumbles from Kevin’s chest and sends a warmth right through Aaron’s.
“He is absolutely going straight to find Jeremy.” Kevin looks back to Aaron. “I’m not a cheat. Or a sleaze.”
Aaron ducks his head, feeling slightly ashamed for jumping to conclusions.
“And I’m not even hitting on you.”
Aaron flusters afresh. Stupid. Of course Kevin Day isn’t hitting on him. Why the fuck would he be? What allure could Aaron possibly have to him? Ugh. He looks down at the ground, stomach churning with embarrassment, hoping Kevin will just piss off and he won’t have to acknowledge that. Suddenly there’s a light touch to his chin. Aaron jolts back, but only by an inch. The touch returns to his chin, Kevin’s knuckle pushing Aaron’s head up to look at him.
“You’ll know when I am flirting with you.” He takes his hand away, but moves to brush an unruly lock of hair back from Aaron’s forehead instead. Aaron hates how that small gesture makes him feel wildly giddy. Sure, Kevin is incredibly attractive, and his voice kind of feels like warm melty chocolate dripping over Aaron, but he rarely has any interest in people he’s just met. He can appreciate attractiveness, sure, but he never usually has such a response to someone until he knows them.
“Right,” Aaron says, because he feels like he has to say something. Kevin looks amused.
“So what do you do, Aaron?”
“I’m a doctor.” Aaron is glad to be back on familiar ground. “I work in paediatrics.”
“That must be stressful.”
“Sure, but all jobs have their stress. Mine is also incredibly rewarding.”
“You love it,” Kevin says softly after a moment, his eyes flicking over Aaron’s face.
“Yes.” It’s a simple answer, but it’s honest.
“Did you always want to be a doctor?”
“Not always, but since my early teens.”
“Why paediatrics?”
“Children are an incredibly vulnerable group. Sometimes they’re too young to fully understand what is wrong with them, and even when they do, it’s scary. In a way they’re not always equipped to process in the same way as adults. I wanted to help make it less scary. I wanted to help kids. I wanted to be the person I never had when I was younger, a person who could let them know it would be alright when no one else would, or if I can’t do that, at least help them find comfort and strength. It’s not fair. When kids get hurt or sick. It’s not fair, and I can’t always make it fair, but I make it better where I can. I listen. I let them feel heard and respected. I think all good doctors do that, but like I said, they’re a vulnerable group. I always wanted to work with them.”
“You sound like a very caring person.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Were you ill as a child?”
“What? No.”
“You said you wanted to be the person you never had.”
“I was abused as a child,” Aaron says, his voice flat, devoid of emotion. Tilda feels a long way away now. It feels like something that happened to someone else. “Badly. Physically. I don’t know how people didn’t notice the signs, or why they didn’t do anything if they did, but they didn’t. I always wanted someone to help me, and no one ever did. I want to help where I can.”
“Oh. Aaron. I’m sorry you went through that.”
“It was a long time ago.”
“Doesn’t make it any less terrible.”
“Why are you here?”
“Uh. They invited all of the national teams-”
“No. Right here. Why are you talking to me? You don’t even know me.”
“Yeah, that is kind of the point of speaking to you.” Kevin smiles again, crooked, not the picture perfect smile Aaron had seen in his press shots, or the sharp, satisfied victory smile he wears on the court. This smile is soft and relaxed. Natural. “I’m trying to get to know you.”
“Why?”
“Because I like you.”
“I circle back to point number one: you don’t know me.”
Kevin laughs. Aaron tries to keep the annoyed expression on his face, but he can feel his mouth twitching as Kevin’s amusement creased eyes lock on his.
“Okay, I think you’re attractive, and from our brief conversation, funny and interesting. I think I would like you. I’d like to get to know you to find out.”
Aaron is definitely fully turning red this time. Fuck his complexion, honestly. Kevin’s eyes skim over his cheek. His smile grows.
“Maybe I could get your number?”
“I don’t go out with people I don’t know.”
“So presumptuous. I wasn’t asking you out.”
“You just said-” Aaron is getting fucking whiplash from this conversation.
“That I would like to get to know you. Aye, I would. Then we can both decide if we would like to take that further.”
“You live on the other side of the world.”
“I travel a lot for work, and to visit my father.”
“Right. Wymack.”
“You went to Palmetto too, didn’t you?”
“Yeah. Wouldn’t play exy for him though.”
“A shame. I bet you’d look good in the uniform.”
“You’ve see Andrew.”
“And?”
“Close enough.”
“I don’t think so,” Kevin says, his eyes dragging slow down over Aaron’s body in a way that makes every inch of his skin feel hot. Fuck. Does he want to give this man his number? It’s not like he really believes it’s going to go anywhere. He should probably just let this be a one off fever dream interaction and go back to his real life. Kevin will definitely get bored of him within the week. Why set himself up for disappointment? “What’s your position?”
“What?”
“Exy. You said you wouldn’t play for him, which suggests he tried to get you. What’s your position?”
“I was a backliner in high school. I don’t play anymore.”
“Backliners and strikers go well together.”
“You can’t judge compatibility based on exy.”
“Mm. I suppose we’ll see. If you get around to giving me that number, I mean.”
“I haven’t decided if I want to yet.”
“Hey, look.” Kevin’s voice softens. It sounds even sweeter. Aaron did not know before tonight that he has a thing for Irish accents, but all the evidence would seem to suggest that is the case. “I don’t want to be a creep. If you’re not interested, just tell me to get to fuck.”
“Who says I’m not interested?” Aaron arches a brow. Kevin’s mouth is at an unsure tilt, but his eyes are still bright and amused.
“Honestly, you’re very hard to read. I would have given up already if it weren’t for your blush. It suggests you might be enjoying this conversation, but your words and expression say otherwise.”
“If I didn’t want to be here I would have walked away already.”
“So you want to be here?”
“They’re not the same thing.”
“They’re close enough.” Kevin’s smile comes back with dazzling force. “I think you just enjoy being contrary.”
“Fuck off. Maybe I just like keeping you on your toes.”
“But I’m already so much taller than you.” Kevin laughs when Aaron throws a faux punch at him, catching Aaron’s fist in his palm, squeezing his warm hand around it. “We would be in a long distance relationship even if I did live in the states.”
“Alright, I am leaving now.” Aaron pivots away from him, but Kevin doesn’t let go of his hand. Aaron could yank free from him if he really wanted to. He doesn’t. He looks over his shoulder at Kevin, his expression disapproving. Kevin is still smiling at him like Aaron is the best thing he’s seen all day. Aaron doesn’t really know how to handle that, and his skin has never fully stopped blushing, so he has already achieved his usual reaction of turning pink. Not that he gets flirted with on the regular. Especially not by wildly attractive and internationally renowned men.
“Stay. I’m just playing. I think you’re cute.”
“Hm. Cute. Right.”
“You could give me a hint about what you think about me.” Kevin releases Aaron’s hand. Aaron misses the warmth of him immediately.
“I don’t think you can pull off playing coy like this when you’re consistently listed as one of the sexiest men in sport.”
“So you think I’m sexy?”
“The world in general does.”
“I don’t care what the world thinks. I’m asking you.”
“I think you’re annoying.”
“Yet you’re still here.”
“So it appears.”
“Can I get you a drink?”
“They’re free, so you’re not really-”
“Ah. I said get you a drink, not buy you one.” Kevin moves his hand as he speaks, emphasising. “So pedantic.”
“Fine. Yeah.” Aaron follows Kevin to the drinks table. On their way, they pass Jean, talking to Jeremy. Jeremy smiles brightly and waves at both of them. Kevin smiles easily in response, lifting his hand in return. Aaron’s only met Jeremy once, doesn’t know him particularly well. He gives a brief nod of acknowledgement. Jean glares at Kevin. Kevin’s smile widens into a grin.
Kevin grabs two glasses of champagne from the table full of them. He hands Aaron his, then holds his glass up. Aaron makes a show of rolling his eyes, but he indulges Kevin and clinks their glasses together.
“Sláinte.”
Aaron looks at him for a long moment, then takes a sip of his drink.
“It’s Irish for-”
“I know. I’m not stupid.”
“You’re a doctor. I never thought you were stupid.”
“Unfortunately, there are plenty of stupid doctors. Trust me.”
They look up as movement starts to ripple down the room toward them, wide doors at the top of the hall they’re in opening, leading to another large room lined with dining tables. The crowd starts to filter forward. Kevin’s gaze makes its way back to Aaron.
“It’s a shame we won’t be sitting together. Maybe I’ll see you after dinner?”
“Maybe,” Aaron says, trying to hide the twinge of disappointment he feels.
“I’d better go find my plus one. It was nice meeting you, Aaron.”
“Thought you wanted my number?”
“I’m letting you decide if you want me to have it or not.” Kevin winks at him before he slips through the crowd, back in the direction that Jean was. Aaron watches him go with a ridiculous feeling of loss in his stomach. It’s not like he’s never going to see him again. They’re literally both moving towards the same room, for fuck sake.
“Aaron.” Allison appears beside him, so sudden it makes him start. “Was that Kevin Day I saw you speaking to?”
“Yes.”
“God.” She grips his arm, nails biting through the suit jacket. “He is fine. I would love to dress him. Or undress him.”
She looks down at Aaron with a predatory grin. Aaron feels a flare of irritation that is not a rare response whenever he speaks with Allison. He tries to pull his arm free, but she only grips tighter, wrapping one of hers around it.
“I’m sure Seth would love to hear that.”
“Seth’s not here. It’s just the girls talking.”
“Fuck off.” Aaron tries in vain again to pull his arm from her grip, but she’s got her claws in him. He gives up and begrudgingly accepts his fate of walking arm in arm with her into the dining room.
“Thank me later,” Allison murmurs, subtly inclining her head. Aaron looks around, catching sight of Kevin watching them through the crowd, his brow furrowed. He’s blocked from view by other people before Aaron can catch his eye.
*
Dinner was absolutely worth coming along to this. Any of Aaron’s doubts or regrets are put to rest through the nine course tasting menu. He can’t remember the last time, if ever, that he ate so much rich food, and the variety of flavours and cultural cuisine make it a real experience. The only downside is the sheer amount. He wants to try everything, but he’s definitely struggling through the last couple of courses.
Not dessert, though. He and Andrew live by a solemn creed that no matter how full they are, there is always room for dessert. Dessert does not go to the stomach. Dessert goes to the heart.
Aaron’s feeling full and sleepy by the time the tables are cleared. He’s also several glasses of wine in by this point, and already looking forward to his bed tonight. The hotel they’re staying in is pretty upscale, and he’d tried the bed out when he dropped his case in earlier. Like a fucking cloud. He’s going to sleep so good.
His mind drifts back to Kevin, wondering if he’s staying somewhere nearby too. He had been distracted from thoughts of him during dinner, but now that the end of the evening is approaching, he’s realising he has no way of contacting him. Aaron shouldn’t have played so hard to get earlier. He should have just given Kevin his number when he asked. Now he’s tipsy and mad at his sober self for being so set on saving face. Stupid.
He looks for Kevin as they’re moved back into the first room, some tables set up around the edges of it now, but the centre cleared to act as a dance floor. Aaron both catches sight of and fully decides to ignore Andrew’s disapproving glance as he slips away from them, dipping his way between the flow of people, snatches of conversations in various languages surrounding him. Fuck. There’s a lot of people here. What’s the chances he doesn’t find Kevin again?
After about fifteen minutes, Aaron’s starting to accept that this may in fact be the case. Andrew and Neil are not really the type to stick around for long hours of socialising. They’ve made their appearance and stayed for the time they need to already. They’ll probably be leaving soon, dragging Aaron with them. He should have seized his chance when he had it. Aaron sighs, making his way towards the edge of the room. Probably for the better, anyway. Nothing would have come of this. No point getting his hopes up only for them to be dashed. He is not the kind of person international sports stars get attached to. He is not attractive or interesting. Not to mention the distance, and the fact that Aaron’s quiet, settled life is hardly compatible with a celebrity athlete. No. Better to be disappointed now before he gets any more attached.
“Leaving already?”
Despite his thoughts, Aaron’s head jerks round embarrassingly fast at Kevin’s voice.
“I keep catching you trying to slip away.” He steps closer. Aaron can smell his cologne, something earthy. Sandalwood, maybe. With patchouli. It smells good.
“Just wanted some air.”
“Can I come with you?”
Aaron nods. He holds the door for Kevin on the way out, even feeling bold enough to press a guiding hand against Kevin’s low back. Kevin smiles at him. It feels like they’ve been inside forever, but the sky is still light, late evening sun only starting to sink down, vibrant orange. There’s extensive gardens around the building. Aaron starts walking towards them. Kevin comes with him.
“I’ve decided.”
“Hm?”
“About you having my number.”
“What did you decide?”
“You can have it.”
“Excellent.” Kevin pulls his phone out of his pocket. He unlocks it, opens up a new contact, and hands it to Aaron. Aaron types his number in. He saves himself under first name: Aaron, last name: Not Erin. Kevin huffs a laugh when Aaron hands the phone back to him. He presses the call button. Aaron takes his own phone out when his watch buzzes to alert him of a call. He answers it.
“Hey.” He can hear the background echo of his own voice from Kevin’s line.
“Hi.” Kevin grins; crooked, dorky, too many teeth. It’s incredibly endearing.
“Did you not trust I’d given you the right number?”
“Just wanted to hear your voice.”
“Oh fuck off.” Aaron cuts the call as Kevin’s laughter carries down the line. He can’t help the smile tugging at his own mouth. He presses his knuckles to it, trying to push it away, but it sticks. Kevin takes hold of his wrist, moving his hand away from his mouth. His fingers slide down the side of Aaron’s hand as he lets go. Impulsively, Aaron catches Kevin’s hand in his. Kevin looks surprised, then pleased, slotting their fingers together as they make their way back, hands swinging between them.
People are spilling out of the building. Some standing in groups chatting, some further away to smoke, some heading off already. Aaron leads Kevin behind some bushes by the path. Kevin raises his brows in silent question, but goes easily when Aaron pulls.
“So. I guess I won’t see you again until the games.”
“You’ll be there?”
“Yeah, well, not every day your brother gets to play in the Olympics, you know?”
“I speak very good French. If you need a translator.”
“Do you now?”
“Oui.”
“That’s easy. Even I know that one.”
“Tu veux que je dise quoi?”
“Wait. You’re serious.”
“I’m always serious,” Kevin says, while grinning in a decidedly unserious manner. Aaron rolls his eyes, but he reaches forward and catches hold of Kevin’s tie, tugging on it. Kevin obediently bends at the light prompting.
“What I was trying to say is perhaps you should give me something to think about until I see you again.”
“Mmm. Did you have any ideas on what that might be?” Even as he’s talking, Kevin’s gaze has dropped to Aaron’s mouth. Aaron feels the electric zing of anticipation shoot through his body. It has been a long time since he’s kissed someone for the first time, and he really does want to kiss Kevin.
“I can think of some.” Aaron cups the back of Kevin’s neck with the hand not clutching his tie. Even with Kevin bent forward, he’s still a bit taller than Aaron. Aaron pushes up on the balls of his feet to meet Kevin’s mouth, but Kevin follows him when he drops back on his heels again. One of his arms immediately circles Aaron’s waist, hand on his low back pulling him closer. His other hand cups Aaron’s jaw, thumb stroking sweetly over his cheek as his lips part beneath Aaron’s. Aaron licks over Kevin’s tongue, Kevin’s answering moan sudden and surprised. He pulls back, catching hold of Aaron’s jaw.
“You have your tongue pierced?”
Instead of answering, Aaron sticks his tongue out to let Kevin see the green plastic ball. Kevin groans, kissing Aaron with much more enthusiasm this time. Aaron releases his tie to wrap both arms around Kevin’s neck as Kevin’s hands slip beneath his suit jacket, squeezing his waist through his shirt, the heat of his touch scalding. Aaron had only intended to kiss him briefly, a tease, but now Kevin is kissing him like his life depends on it, and Aaron is clutching just as firmly to him in return. They’re both breathless when they finally draw apart, bested by the unfortunate need for oxygen.
“God.” Kevin presses his forehead against Aaron’s, breath hot and heavy over his mouth. “I don’t know about you, but I will definitely be thinking about that.”
“Mmm.” Aaron tilts his head enough to let their lips press together much more chastely. He scratches his fingers against the back of Kevin’s scalp. Kevin hums soothingly. Aaron is just about to kiss him again when his watch buzzes to let him know he has an incoming call. Andrew. “Ugh. My brother. They’re probably ready to go.”
“I’ll text you.” Kevin squeezes Aaron’s waist one last time before he lets him go. Aaron steps back, straightening his clothes. “Think about texting back?”
Aaron covers his mouth with the back of his hand as he laughs.
“I’ll certainly think about it.” He pulls out his phone and presses it to his ear, walking backwards towards the path again, eyes still on Kevin. He gives a brief wave goodbye. Kevin blows him a kiss. Aaron can’t stop his grin. When Andrew answers, he says: “What?”
“Front of the building. Now.”
“One minute.”
Andrew hangs up without saying goodbye. Aaron decides since he’s an asshole, he can wait an extra minute. He jogs back to Kevin.
“I forgot something.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Aaron grabs the tie that Kevin has just fixed and proceeds to mess it up again, dragging him down once more. Perhaps this is just some brief moment of insanity for Kevin Day. Maybe he’ll come to his senses before they meet again, or realise that Aaron’s really not that interesting, or any other number of possible outcomes. Aaron’s going to make sure he gets one last great kiss in, just in case.
If Kevin has a problem with that, he doesn’t voice it.