Chapter Text
Six months had passed in a blink of an eye. He sat by the hearth, looking into the flickering flames, reminiscing about those long months far away from his homeland, surrounded by strange people as he immersed himself in Foxenwald's customs and culture.
Kevin spent his time wisely, dividing his attention four ways. This simple, but effective routine allowed him to train with the royal guard in the mornings, then he moved on to have breakfast with Aaron. After their first shared meal, Kevin went to the royal library to read on Foxenwald's rich history. They also had volumes of some rare books that couldn't be found anywhere else in the world (as far as he knew) and so Kevin often took some of them to his room to read before it was time for sleep.
After he was done reading in the library, he had lunch in his room, because similarly like Aaron, he could do without finding their brothers in a compromising position, fucking around (literally in their case) in plain sight. Fucking exhibicionists, the both of them.
When he was sure they weren't screwing out each other's brains, Kevin (and sometimes Aaron, whenever his royal duties allowed it) hung out with Neil and Andrew. They tended to stay cooped inside most of the time, but there were a few instances when they went out, to buy some things and Kevin tagged along, only ever excited to experience the marvels of a bustling city other than Karas' capital. Although, they had to be careful and Andrew had always a hood on, obscuring his face.
That minor inconvenience, however, didn't deter Kevin from liking the royal capital. Obviously, both capitals were different, but he was secretly starting to think that Foxenwald had friendlier people.
In Karas, he was lauded for his noble blood. Some bigshots (the king included) had expected greatness from him as soon he took on a post at this or that Ministry, but Kevin was more passionate about history and keeping fit than let's say, doing the yearly budget dispensation documentation.
Truly, Aaron kidnapped took him on a vacation when he needed it the most; he just didn't know it back then. Back home Kevin was recognized everywhere he went, but here he was just another young man in the sea of faces on the street, just milling about and enjoying a lazy afternoon after a day's hard work.
Least but not least, he enjoyed quiet dinners with Aaron back in the royal suite. In the beginning of their arrangement, they kept a respectable distance and they talked mostly about safe topics, like for example what new Kevin had learned about Foxenwald in the library. As days turned into weeks and the third month rolled in, slowly Aaron's vigilance melted, exposing a tired man in his early twenties being forced to take on a position of overwhelming strain.
Kevin was there when the masks he wore during the day fell off, when Aaron let himself be just himself. Cranky, brilliant, handsome, strong-opinionated, witty and sarcastic. In turn, Kevin showed him everything about himself, too. Because, no one was perfect and Kevin was painfully aware of his own shortcomings; such as having too high expectations of others and then getting miffed when they didn't meet them, or his overly competitive, petty side that flared up whenever someone challenged him to be faster, better or smarter than them.
Fourth months into their deal, the status quo was broken on a cold night in Kevin's quarters. They shared their first kiss; and many more afterwards. Some liquid courage definitely helped pave the way, but Kevin was sure to kiss him silly again in private when the excuse of booze clouding their sound judgement couldn't be brought forth as an excuse, for their growing feelings were in the nascent, beautiful stage.
Somewhere in the second half of fifth month, Kevin had hopelessly fallen head over heels in love, finally acknowledging that what he felt wasn't something temporary that's bound to fizzle out. This wasn't a fleeting dalliance and it wasn't even funny just how much space that lovable midget king occupied inside his head.
Kevin sighed, holding the quill idly between his fingers. He had made his decision; albeit he told no one yet of his plans. His eyes grazed the blank parchment's scruffy surface. Knowing his heart was plenty hard on its own, but penning down his genuine thoughts was so much harder than it looked.
Perhaps, he's overthinking it entirely. His parents will understand; just like they did in the past, he too will listen to what his heart is telling him. His little brother already beat him to it, so really, Kevin was the 'late bloomer' as it were, in their family.
He dipped the quill in the inkpot and he started writing.
Dear mom & dad,
Today marks the end of the agreed upon deal I made with King Aaron. By the time you get this letter, my decision will be known across the nations, but I still prefer to tell you my honest feelings in this roundabout way. I don't want to bore you and wax poetic like a lovestruck maiden, but now I finally understand why you look at each other with so much respect and admiration. I regret to inform you that I'm not going back to Karas. I'll stay in Foxenwald and eventually I will wed King Aaron. He doesn't see me as means to an end, as I thought in the beginning. I admit that I was distrustful of him, but since we met and I got to spend time with him, I recognized that Aaron is very different from my first impression. I'll send you an invitation to the wedding (whenever it happens), so you can look forward to that happy occasion.
P.S. - We may not live in the same country anymore, but Neil and I will always love you.
With regards and best wishes, your eldest son
Kevin
He smiled wistfully as he set the quill down. It wasn't his most articulate letter he ever wrote so far, but at least he shared everything with them. Well, everything relevant. He's not sharing some extremely personal things with them; he's still got some shame in his body!
Kevin stretched his spine, feeling a bit stiff. He was sitting in that armchair far longer than he anticipated. The trip down the memory lane was at the very least, worth it. Remembering every instance of how he fell for Aaron and in turn how Aaron fell for him was worth sacrificing the quiescent sunup.
The door in between creaked and Aaron entered the bedroom, looking surprisingly rested despite the vigorous activity they had shared earlier in Aaron's bed. His sleep tousled blond locks and droopy drowsiness as he rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand were kinda cute.
"Morning." Aaron greeted him, his voice sounded just a tiny bit rough. Warmth spread through him as Kevin remembered he was the cause of Aaron's messed up vocal cords. Who knew the king of Foxenwald was a whimperer and a screamer during sex?
By now, the whole castle must have known what they got up to after the king retreated to his room. Somehow, he didn't feel any shame. They weren't (yet) married and they won't be for a while longer; and yet they have already consummated their relationship. Kevin might be already pregnant; that possibility somehow didn't scare him. Not as much as before he met Aaron.
"Morning, sunshine. You look like you've just crawled out of bed," Kevin commented, noting that Aaron didn't rebuff his statement. He snorted and crossed over to him. His focus was drawn to the drying parchment.
Was that relief Kevin saw reflected in those beautiful, expressive hazel eyes? Aaron's keen gaze lingered for a moment; then Aaron huffed and plopped down to sit in Kevin's lap, wrapping arms around his middle.
"I wasn't the one that left our comfy cocoon, Kev. So, do you wanna come back for a bit longer or stay here? I'm fine with either. I just want to hold you," Aaron's sleepy admission shouldn't have made his heart flutter, no, swoon and beat erratically in his ribcage, but it did.
Kevin kissed his cheek and Andrew's breath tickled his neck for a brief moment before he settled more comfortably, basking in Kevin's presence. Aaron sighed deeply, nuzzling against his chest. Tingling sensation of content spread through him, just like a warm hearth chased off the worst of seasonal chills.
He draped his arms over Aaron's back, closing his eyes. They had to get up eventually, but he was determined to postpone that moment for as long as possible. Kevin held him close, committing this moment to his memory. "Let's stay like this for a while," he replied after a while, knowing that Aaron was fast asleep (again) and using him as a pillow.
Fondness washed over him as he caressed Aaron's golden, shiny hair.
As he thought about the circumstances that led to this much happier life, Kevin wondered whether he should invite that little bitch Riko to his wedding, too. It would be so funny when he thanked that cretin for letting him go. Maybe he would even mockingly call him his best wingman.
That would surely ruffle Riko's feathers, but Kevin didn't care any longer for what he nor other members of the Karas' royal family thought of him.
He was happy and in love, all because of this short, loyal and loving man in his arms; and that was the best possible feeling in the world.