Fic: An Otter Named Noodle
Okay so first bandom fic I'll be posting here. Not first one I've written but the first I'm actually not writing anonymously. anon_lovefest is kind of addicting. Anyway onto the story!
Title: An Otter Named Noodle
Promt: Here
Pairing: Mike/Kevin, if you squint and tilt your head Nick/William/Macy
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Kevin's cluelessness and William's sneaky matchmaking skills.
Disclaimer: None of these people belong to me they belong to themselves, the show and anything within the universe of the show does not belong to me. All things in this story are complete and utter fiction that came to me in the middle of the night - none of it is real.
Summary: Kevin begins to get presents from a secret admirer and he fails as a detective, William likes to give cryptic hints, Nick is paranoid but still supportive, Joe wants Kevin to play hard to get, Mike is a book club ninja guitarist. Also, I don't think this covers the promt completely, but I hope someone gets some enjoyment from it.
Final Note: I may have been a little sleep deprived writing this, I finished it at six in the morning. It's unbetaed (is that a word?) so any and all mistakes are mine, spell-check can only do so much so please feel free to let me know if you find any grammatical/spelling error.
Kevin carefully opened his locker, his bag hanging off his shoulder in an awkward angle, giving a slight sigh as what seemed like an avalanche of cards rained down from his locker to lie in a pile at his feet. Kevin loved Valentines Day; it was a good holiday about love and giving and telling that special someone what they meant. He was all for it. The only down side was it was one of those days when girls, and some guys, went a little crazy and decided to do things that they would usually refrain from doing. Like, for example, stuff what looked like the entirety of the local Hallmarks' stock into a classmate's locker.
Kevin shoved his bag into his locker and bent down to start gathering the wayward cards apologizing to the other students who dodged around him on their way to lunch. As he was reaching for a card that had somehow made its way down the hallway Macy came out of nowhere a field hockey stick swinging at her side and, as always, managed to hit Kevin.
"Oh Kevin I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going and I was walking too fast and I didn't see you there on the floor," Macy babbled, the stick held close to her side, eyes wide. "Do you want ice? Aspirin? We can go to the hospital - do you need to go to the hospital?" Kevin shook his head and rubbed at his sore arm giving her a reassuring smile.
"I'm ok, just a little bump, nothing I haven't gotten before," he told her bending to pick up the cards he dropped. "Where are you headed in such a hurry anyway?" he asked standing up finally managing to collect the cards. Macy eyed the cards and gave him an amused smile.
"Practice," she replied waving her stick, "I'm guessing you opened your locker," she continued looking at the cards in his arms. Kevin laughed and nodded as they walked towards his still open locker.
"Yeah, crazy huh? I think there may actually be more this year than last," he said.
"I saw Nick open his locker earlier, it was pretty epic and I have world history with Joe - there was a stack of cards on his desk, well not so much a stack as a mountain," she said thoughtfully smiling as Kevin laughed. As he reached his locker Kevin stopped, Macy stopping next to him and giving him a questioning look.
"Problem?"
Kevin tucked the cards in his arms with the others on the top shelf of his locker before reaching into it and picking up a black gift bag, silvery swirls glinting in the hallway lights, dark purple tissue sticking out from the top haphazardly.
"Oh a gift," he heard Macy say a smile in her tone. He looked around the hallway trying to figure out who could have slipped the gift into his locker but saw no one aside from Macy and himself and some guys who he knew from some classes but never actually talked to. Frowning at the bag he tilted his head wonderingly, it wasn't exactly very Valentine-ey, though the swirls did make a cool design.
"Are you going to open it?" Macy asked poking him on the side. Kevin smiled and opened the little card hanging from the handle.
"Happy Valentines from your secret admirer," he read, Macy giggled and Kevin felt the rush of heat making its way up his neck. It wouldn't be the first time that he had gotten a gift from a secret admirer but for some reason the gift felt like something more this time. Macy shifted at his side, poking him again. Biting his lips he pulled the tissue out of the bag and peeked in before giving a startled laugh and pulling out the content of the bag. Macy sighed and gave him a big smile as she saw the stuffed otter which was holding what was clearly a trumpet. "An otter playing a trumpet," he said unnecessarily smiling.
"Aww that's so cute Kevin," she said clutching her stick to her chest, eyes shinning. "It's too bad you don't know who it's from. It's so sweet." Kevin gave another nod holding the otter close running a finger idly over one of its ears.
"Yeah," he said looking at the otter's wide eyes, "I think I'll name you Noodle."
------
Joe and Nick stared at the stuffed animal sitting on Kevin’s chair, a look of confusion on both their faces. It wasn’t unusual for them to receive stuffed animals, it was actually pretty frequent and they kept some of them, though most was donated, but Kevin had never kept one that was from someone from school. It was just something he didn’t do, something about being too close to home. Seeing the brown, trumpet toting otter sitting in their room after Kevin had brought the thing to all his classes and to lunch was just weird.
“Does he even know who gave it to him?” asked Joe looking sideways at Nick.
“He didn’t say anything just kind of gave a dopey smile,” Nick replied tilting his head and rubbing his chin. “I asked Macy but she just giggled a lot.”
The two turned as Kevin made his way into the room eating a sandwich and humming, seeing his brothers Kevin smiled, raising a brow at their stare.
Joe ambled over to Kevin and threw an arm over his shoulder giving him a winning smile.
“So Kev, who gave you the otter? Someone we know? Macy? Stella? That hot girl in home ec? Or Jenney from geography?” he asked trying to coax an answer from his brother. Kevin just looked at him taking a bite of his sandwich before shaking his head and moving from under Joe’s arm to sit down, propping Noodle on his lap.
“I don’t know, it said it was from a secret admirer,” he explained, finishing his snack. “I was talking to Macy when someone put it in my locker so we didn’t see who it was.”
“So why is it still here?” asked Nick, “You don’t usually keep things from classmates.” Kevin shrugged at the question since he himself didn’t know why he felt like keeping Noodle, he just did, after all it was a Valentines Day gift and an otter playing the trumpet, there was probably a rule somewhere that stated it needed to be kept just because it was too cool to let go.
------
After that day Kevin began to find gifts in his locker along with small cards simply signed from a secret admirer. The day after Valentines Day Kevin found a box of chocolates in his locker, it wasn't the kind you could buy in February, with the red heart box and ribbons but was instead a box of assorted truffles. After that followed flowers, a journal, some sheet music and a mixed CD, the gifts didn't come daily but whenever he found another gift Kevin's day was instantly better.
Macy still giggled at him and cooed whenever she saw him with yet another gift, while Stella was stuck between joining her and glaring at him for getting gifts and complaining loudly that she hadn't had a secret admirer in a while. Joe rolled his eyes but Kevin had seen him giggling with Macy at him so Kevin was unconvinced of his vocal opinion on the whole matter. Nick was by far taking it the worst, as he often did, he was convinced whoever was leaving the gifts was some psycho stalker who was going to kidnap Kevin and kill him horribly. Everyone more or less ignored him.
After receiving his third gift Kevin had set out to find whoever was leaving him gifts with little success. For some reason no matter how vigilant Kevin was he never got a glimpse of whoever was leaving the gifts, he had even gotten the others to keep an eye out but no one could seem to find out. It was starting to frustrate Kevin a bit, as sweet as it all was it would be nice to get the chance to talk to whoever it was that seemed to know him well enough to know what he'd like.
Finding a book with a post-it stuck to it Kevin looked down the hallway trying to find a suspicious face but found nothing, just the same group of people who was always there, their lockers either in the hall or on their way to their classes. Sighing he read the post-it smiling at the now familiar scrawl.
'thought you might enjoy this'
At this point his secret admirer stopped signing the notes since it was pretty clear that whoever admired Kevin wanted their identity kept a secret.
"Another gift?" Macy asked appearing beside Kevin, smiling at him as he nodded and showed her the book. Macy eyed the book a small frown appearing between her brows. "Oh, that looks like it's interesting," she murmured biting her lower lip. Kevin gave her a questioning look and she shook her head smiling at him brightly again before making her way off waving at him absently.
"Weird," he said watching as she disappeared down the hall.
"I find, that sweet little Macy isn't exactly like your average girl and her eccentricities are rather endearing," a voice cut in from behind Kevin. He turned to see another student leaning against the lockers smiling at him. Kevin gave a small smile, the boy looked vaguely familiar Kevin was sure he'd seen him in one of his classes he just didn't know the other's name. "William Beckett," the other said holding a long fingered hand out, his eyes twinkling.
"Hi, Kevin Lucas," Kevin said reaching out and shaking William's hand, his smile widening. "I think we have umm...”
"Wood shop, fifth period," William said helpfully. Kevin nodded remembering.
"Right, right," he said. William gave another smile nodding towards the book still in Kevin's hand. "Is that book any good?" he asked.
Kevin held up the book and shook his head, "I haven't had a chance to read it actually; I just got it today."
"I see," William murmured, a smile pulling at his lips. "I think I saw one of my friends reading a book by that author, haven't picked up any of the books myself but he seems to enjoy it."
"Yeah it looks like it'll be a good read, maybe your friend can recommend some other books I can read if this one turns out good," he said smiling as he grabbed his books from his locker, tucking the small novel securely between himself and his textbooks.
"I'll tell him," William said pushing away from the lockers. "I have class in a bit and I've got to grab my books," he said rocking back in his heels, pushing his hands in his back pockets. "I'll talk to you later." Kevin waved as William made his way down the hall, stopping beside a familiar group that greeted him.
------
A week passed with Kevin receiving no gifts and he was on the edge, every time he opened his locker to find it empty he gave disappointed sigh and when he got home he often cuddled Noodle and sighed some more. Nick and Joe were at first concerned and had since moved to annoyed.
"Maybe this is a good thing," Nick said after a couple of days, his tone slightly placating, "I mean whoever it was broke into your locker in a regular basis. For all you know they could steal your house key or something." After saying that Joe had become somewhat paranoid and periodically checked the closets and under his bed until Nick smacked him on the head and told him he was being ridiculous. Kevin just sighed and listened to his mixed CD and cuddled with Noodle some more.
------
Kevin was shoving his books into his locker haphazardly, a frown pulling at his brows, it was the second week and there was still nothing from his secret admirer. He was starting to think that maybe they had lost interest; he tried not to dwell on how disappointed that made him feel.
"What's got your britches in a twist my curly headed friend?" William suddenly appeared beside Kevin a familiar smile on his face. Kevin gave a weak smile in return.
"Nothing, just one of those days I think," he replied leaning against his locker. "Well more like week really. It may actually push into being one of those months." William nodded solemnly eyes sympathetic.
"I know what you mean, my friend, the one I was telling you about the other day - he plays the guitar - he's still sick and he's one of those people who never get sick," William said, tone fond. "There was this one time I swear everyone we knew was sick and he just walked around all healthy and perky. He didn't even have the nerve to get a slight sniffle or anything." Kevin laughed at William’s affronted expression.
"Some guys are just lucky I guess," he said.
"So how did you enjoy that book?" William asked, the subject change throwing Kevin off. "The one you had when we met?" William clarified when Kevin continued to stare at him.
"Oh it was great actually," Kevin said smiling, his mind whirling as something occurred to him. "I may take you up on getting your friend to recommend some other books to me." William gave a big smile, clapping a hand on Kevin's shoulder.
"No problem, I'll be sure to pass on the message. Now I've got to get going I'll be late for chem. and we simply can not have that," he said waving as he walked away Kevin staring at him.
Kevin watched as William disappeared down the hallway one of his friends joining him, a frown pulling at his brows. He hadn't considered it as a possibility but now that he thought about it, thought back to the times he received a gift, Kevin could see it as a very viable possibility.
------
Kevin paced in front of Joe and Nick, biting at his thumbnail, the two of them watched him curiously. Finally he stopped in front of them and stared, eyes wide and earnest.
"I think my secret admirer might be a guy," he said and Joe and Nick's expression shifted to ones of surprise at his announcement.
"What?" Joe asked his mouth slightly open.
"I think my secret admirer might be a guy," Kevin repeated slower. Nick shook his head curls flying around his head.
"Where did you possibly get that idea?" he asked incredulously.
"I was talking to William, and he was acting a little suspicious," he explained. Joe looked at him in confusion.
"Do we know a William?" Kevin rolled his eyes and looked at Joe.
"Beckett? Tall and skinny, in my wood shop class? I think he sang in the talent show last year with his band." Joe just shook his head still confused and Kevin sighed, "He kind of looks like a pretty girl." At the description Joe's face lit up.
"Dude! The guy with the hips!" he said nodding in remembrance. Nick rolled his eyes and looked at Kevin to continue.
"Yeah, anyway, we were talking and I kind of got suspicious because he kind of started talking to me out of no where after I got that book, and since then he's stopped by to talk to me now and then," Kevin explained his brothers nodding along. "Today he totally brought up that book again and I'm pretty sure he was always around all the times that I found a present. Down by his friends' lockers." Joe looked thoughtful and Nick had that frown he always got when thinking hard about something.
"I do remember seeing him around too when we were keeping an eye out for your secret admirer," Joe said.
"If he was interested in you why didn't he already tell you he was?" Nick asked, pursing his lips. "He could have just told you already and asked you out or whatever."
"Maybe he's shy?" Kevin said shrugging. Joe looked uncertain, giving Kevin a disbelieving look.
"Do you remember last year's talent show? Because I don't remember his singing but I remember his performance. I think, no, I'm pretty sure he groped one of his band mates. I don't think shyness is really a problem for him," Joe said. Kevin scratched the back of his head, William's performance coming back to him as well.
"A better question is why we're even discussing this?" Nick said suddenly, eyeing Kevin. "I mean, I have no problem with it or anything, but since when would you even consider going out with a guy?" Kevin shifted as both his brothers eyed him, taking a few steps away before turning back and sitting on his chair. Pulling Noodle close not meeting either Joe or Nick's eyes.
"Kev?" Joe asked his tone careful, eyes serious.
"Okay so, maybe, theoretically," Kevin started, his eyes fixed on Noodle's, fingers playing nervously with the otter's little brown ears, "I may be interested in guys a little more than I am with girls." Kevin's shoulder hunched up protectively, his hands clenching in Noodle's fur, his eyes carefully not meeting either of his brothers who sat in stunned silence.
Suddenly a pair of warm arms came around Kevin as Joe drew him into a tight hug, Noodle between them. Nick came around Joe and hugged Kevin from the other side. Kevin sagged in relief giving a nervous laugh that dissolved into ragged breathing as he tried not to cry. His brothers said nothing just holding him tighter. Finally getting a hold on his emotions he pulled back slightly and looked at Nick and Joe who were both looking a little red in the eyes and Kevin gave a small laugh, smiling as they gave matching laughs.
"Okay so, enough with chick flick moment," Joe said pulling away with a cough, catching Noodle before it fell. "Let's get back to business." Nick pulled away and pated Kevin on the back before sitting down on the cushioned table, knees knocking onto Kevin's.
"Joe's right," he said decisively. "What are you planning on doing Kev? About the whole William thing?" Kevin shrugged taking Noodle from Joe and holding the otter close.
"I don't know, I haven't really thought that far ahead," he admitted, smiling sheepishly as Nick groaned.
"Well are you interested in him or what?" Joe asked sitting down next to Nick, looking at Kevin with a grin. "I mean he is hot, for a guy." Nick rolled his eyes and elbowed him on the side, ignoring his complaints Nick pinned Kevin with a serious look.
"Maybe you should bring it up, like in passing or something, just to see how he reacts. He may take a hint and tell you it's him. Then you can go out with him or turn him down," Nick advised. Joe frowned at his younger brother.
"Nick you can't expect Kevin to do that, he should play hard to get, that way if William is really interested in Kevin we'll know for sure," Joe said smiling. "I say wait for him to come to you then tell him you'll think about it and let him sweat it out for a bit before going on a couple of dates to see if you like him." Nick stared at Joe with a frown.
"You don't really think that's a good idea right? You want Kevin to act like a jerk and lead William on even if he isn't interested? We already know William's really into Kevin considering all the things he's given him, not to mention all the trouble he went through to keep it a secret." Kevin watched as the two continued their heated debate saying nothing until it looked like they were about to come to blows.
"Okay guys, enough, I love the support and all but I don't need you two planning my first relationship with a guy," he said as Joe opened his mouth to rebut Nick's points on whether or not William would provide Kevin with a satisfying first kiss from another male. "I'm just going to see where this goes. I'll mention the secret admirer to see how he reacts but I'm not going to call him out on it. If he's interested in me I'll let him tell me himself. I don't want to risk getting punched by him or something - he's kind of pointy and I'm sure he could do some damage." Nick and Joe gave agreeable mumbles still glaring at one another.
------
Three days later Kevin got another CD, a note stuck on the case with a simple 'sorry it's late' scrawled across the post-it. As he flipped the case open William appeared at his side again, a wide smile pulling at his lips.
"Hi," Kevin said, shifting slightly, nervously. William just gave him a bigger smile, eyes alight with mischief.
"What's that?" he asked, nodding towards the CD in Kevin's hand. Kevin smiled, and gave a nervous cough.
"A CD someone gave me," he said looking at William for his reaction, he continued to smile. "You remember that book? And those guitar picks?" William nodded, looking interested. "Yeah, someone's been leaving me things since Valentines Day, I still haven't figured out who it is though, so I haven't had a chance to thank them or anything really," he said. Kevin could feel the blush creeping up his neck but kept his eyes on William's face looking for any sign he might give. William nodded eyes shifting off to the side, his smile losing some of its mischief and gaining some fondness.
"That's sweet," he murmured, "Whoever it is must really like you." Kevin smiled seeing the change on William's face, biting his lower lip he nodded playing with the CD case.
"Yeah it is, I tried to find out who it is actually," he said, William's brows raised in surprise before he smiled, delightedly. "Yeah, I didn't really find out who it is," Kevin continued with a laugh. "I'm not really a good detective, and whoever it is they're kind of really sneaky."
William nodded, "I know what you mean, my friend, I've told you about him before - reads those books and plays the guitar, is never sick except the last couple of weeks - I swear he's like a ninja. We went swimming once and Sisky, that's another friend of ours, did something to annoy him, I don't really remember what and he managed to somehow steal all of Sisky's clothes after he showered, as in all of them," William’s expression was full of wonder, as if it still mystified him. "Even the wet ones; no one could lend Sisky anything because he took everyone's wet clothes. All that was left was this Barbie towel. Sisky had to walk all the way to the cars in this pink monstrosity." Kevin listened trying hard not to let his laughter out because William looked completely serious. "All through the summer we'd find a piece of Sisky's clothes from that day. Like tiny little corpses of clothes long gone from a battle that he just didn't have a hope of winning." At William's wide eyed awe filled expression Kevin lost his battle and let out a snort of laughter and William grinned.
"Wow, you're friend kind of sounds scarily awesome," Kevin said breathlessly.
"Oh he is," William assured him with a pat on the shoulder, "I'll totally introduce you, but I've got to get going, there's a quiz I haven't studied for and I think I can fit in some serious cramming before class." Kevin waved as William walked away, already opening his notes.
------
Later that day Kevin recounted William's story to Joe and Nick as the CD he received played in the background. He didn't notice them looking at one another as he played with the chords on his guitar trying to follow the ones spilling from the speakers.
"So, you think it is William? Because so far you've been going on about his ninja guitarist book club friend," Joe said and Kevin gave a distracted nod, a string of chords pulling his attention towards the music playing. "You're not even listening to me are you?" Kevin gave another nod, his fingers moving to follow the chords, frowning in concentration. Nick rolled his eyes before grabbing one of the controls on the table and turning the stereo off, levelling Kevin with a look when he raised his head to protest.
"Kevin, try to concentrate," he said pointing the control at his older brother. "Do you know what you're going to do now? You said you were pretty sure it's William." Kevin strummed on his guitar, the music still playing in his head.
"Yeah, I'm going to stick with my original plan, wait for William to say something and then go from there," he said before leaning forward and grabbing the control out of Nick's hand and turning the music back on, once again losing himself in the sound of the guitar playing. "Do you think this is him playing?" he asked. Nick just rolled his eyes and tapped a beat on his thighs as Kevin began to strum along with the music.
------
Kevin was putting his books into his locker humming along with the music in his head when a figure appeared beside him. Thinking about William Kevin smiled widely and turned only to be faced by an unfamiliar face. Light eyes beneath a fringe of dark hair stared at Kevin intently, mouth pulled in something caught between a scowl and indifference.
"Hi?" Kevin said nervously, his smile turning uncertain, whoever this was kind of looked like he could beat Kevin up without really trying.
"Bill said to talk to you," said the stranger, his tone a little rough but not unpleasantly so and Kevin found himself smiling a little more genuinely, earning him a raised brow.
"Oh umm, I don't know any Bills," Kevin replied haltingly, scratching his head. The other brow raised and that was definitely amusement Kevin saw in his eyes.
"William? Tall and spindly, kind of looks like a stiff breeze will blow him away," the other explained patiently, a corner of his lips pulling up as Kevin gave a startled snort of laughter.
"Oh, yeah Bill, William right, sorry," Kevin said between laughter, before holding a hand out, "I'm Kevin."
"Mike," he replied taking Kevin's hand in a firm grip. "Anyway, Bill said to talk to you, not really sure what about, but what can you do? It's Bill." Kevin nodded still holding Mike's hand, smiling widely. Mike gave him an amused look before glancing down at his hand that Kevin was still holding, letting go quickly Kevin gave an apologetic smile.
"Um, I don't really know either, he - um, he's never mentioned you before," Kevin said, shifting, pulling at the hem of his shirt to keep his hands busy. Mike nodded, eyes steady on Kevin and he felt heat crawl across his cheeks. "So Mike, um..."
Mike's eyes shifted slightly something catching his eyes. "How'd you like that book?" he asked suddenly nodding towards Kevin's locker where his now well read gift sat.
"Oh it's great, William said he had a friend who could recommend more from the author but he hasn't introduced me yet," Kevin said quickly, pulling the book out and holding it out to Mike who took it with an amused smile.
"Yeah," Mike murmured flipping through the book, stopping at a random page and reading before looking up at Kevin again, his eyes lit with amusement. "I'd recommend Seventeen Pieces; it's good, a little better than this one but only if you're okay with a not so happy ending. If you're looking for a happier ending I'd suggest Where the Skies Turn Green. The writing is up to par with Seventeen but the ending is not as bad." Kevin looked at Mike in confusion before his words registered and Kevin gave a big smile.
"Oh, wow, so you're the friend he's always talking about," Kevin said with a laugh. Mike chuckled and nodded.
"I hope he isn't spreading lies," he said. "I'd hate to have to retaliate." Kevin shook his head quickly, William’s story still fresh in his mind.
"No, definitely not. All good things I promise. I was actually beginning to think he was talking about more than one person, or like an imaginary friend or something. You kind of sound awesome," Kevin's blush deepened as his words caught up to him, looking down at his shoes and giving a nervous cough.
"Thanks," Mike replied and when Kevin snuck a look back at his face his breath caught a bit at seeing the smile on Mike's face.
"Yeah," he mumbled back before straightening up. "So, what was the name of that book again?" Mike smiled and Kevin leaned back against his locker listening.
------
Three weeks passed and Kevin spoke with Mike some more and even hung out a few times, and a pattern began to emerge in their interactions. Mike would appear, Kevin would smile, Mike would say something, Kevin would stutter, blush and make somewhat of an idiot of himself and Mike would laugh say something else that makes Kevin feel better and laugh some more. All this time Kevin’s secret admirer is strangely absent and Kevin didn’t even really mind or notice.
Joe watched Kevin strum on his guitar humming a tune Mike had played him earlier and gave his older brother a confused look.
“So are you going out with Mike? If you are how does William feel about that?” he asked wincing as Kevin struck a bad chord.
“What?” Kevin squeaked, looking at Joe open mouthed, eyes wide.
“William? You’re not so secret-secret admirer? The one whose heart you probably broke when you started going out with one of his friends? Ring any bells here Kev?” Joe asked, staring at Kevin who looked uncomfortable.
“Oh, right,” he mumbled. “I kind of forgot about that.” Joe rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at Kevin’s head.
“Dude, that’s not cool. You were all starry eyed over William and then you just totally forget about him. Harsh,” Joe said shaking his head. Kevin groaned rubbing his face with his hands.
“I wasn’t starry eyed, I said I’d see where it went and he still hasn’t said anything when we’ve hung out or talked so I don’t know what you want me to do. I don’t want to bring it up now, after all this time,” Kevin said. “Also, I’m not going out with Mike, we just hang out.”
Nick, who just came in, snorted at the statement, “Yeah Kev, no one believes you when you say that.”
“Quiet you,” Kevin ordered throwing an annoyed look at Nick who sipped at a water bottle.
“What are we talking about now?” he asked.
“I was just asking Kevin what he’s planning on doing now that he’s totally going out with one of William’s best friends, and how he’s probably broken the poor guy’s heart,” Joe explained helpfully with a grin.
“Oh yeah, what are you going to do about that?” Nick asked, sitting down. “Has he mentioned anything to you yet?” Kevin grimaced and shook his head - William was just William, no declaration of love just cryptic looks and smiles and the odd conspirational wink.
“Really guys I don’t know, I’m starting to think that it may not be him. He hasn’t said anything at all,” Kevin said, pulling the strap over his head and putting his guitar down. “Plus he’s stopped leaving me gifts.”
“Yeah that’s probably for fear of Mike coming after him,” Joe deadpanned at Kevin. “He kind of looks like he’ll beat anyone who looks at you wrong with their own arm.” Nick gave a laugh and nodded in agreement.
“Hey, Mike’s a nice guy. He’s a really great guitar player, and he’s funny and he has great taste in music and books and movies,” Kevin trailed off at the identical looks his brothers were throwing him. “What?”
“Okay Kevin,” Nick said slowly looking at Kevin with his serious face on. “Do you like Mike?” Kevin frowned wondering idly what kind of question that was; of course he liked Mike he just told them he was awesome and hot in that I can totally beat you up if I felt you were worth the trouble kind of way. “Kevin, do you like Mike, as in you maybe theoretically kind of want to go out with him?” Nick asked.
Kevin’s eyes widened, not so much at the question but at the answer that instantly leapt into his mind which was a resounding yes. Kevin’s heart began to beat quickly, and his breath stuttered out. Apparently he liked Mike, too bad he was only catching onto this now.
------
William stared at Kevin with an amused raised brow looking from the box in his arms back to the shorter teen.
"Okay, poodle, you're going to have to explain this to me again," he said with a smile.
Kevin gave a fortified breath and said, "I know you like, um left these in my locker but I like you, but umm, just not in that - like you're a friend and I'm sorry but that's...I really liked them especially Noodle but just not in the way you maybe like want me to? So I didn't think keeping them was umm a good idea - I like you as a friend," he finished weakly with a shrug. William's brows climbed higher and he bit his lip in an attempt to curb his smile resulting in a rather disturbing expression.
"Okay, Kevin, a more clear explanation is probably needed here," he said. "Now, go slowly and think about your words before you say them, try for coherence this time around." Kevin frowned at William who continued to smile, the box clutched in his arms Noodle staring at Kevin forlornly, accusingly.
"Umm, so I know you're my secret admirer and I'm flattered but I'm not interested. I hope we can be friends," Kevin said quickly, eyes trained on Noodle - sweet, innocent Noodle who was nothing but a good companion to Kevin, who didn't deserved to be taken from his loving arms but sadly Kevin just couldn't keep him without feeling guilty towards William.
William's delighted laughter pulled Kevin from his thoughts and he glared at the taller teen, lips pulling into a pout.
"Aww poodle, don't look at me like that," William said, still laughing. "I'm just - I'm really not laughing at you. I just thought you knew, or at least that he'd told you."
"William, I don't mean to sound conceited but you could be a little more heartbroken here," he said crossing his arms. Frowning as another peal of laughter fell from William's lips. "What?"
"Oh wow, okay you need to talk to Mike," William said his shoulders shaking. "I can't take this anymore. I think I may reach my glee quota for the year and I simply can not have that." William handed Kevin the box and turned him around pushing him down the hall. "Come on off you go." Kevin stumbled as William gave him another push, looking back at the waving grinning teen suspiciously. "Go and tell him to explain."
------
Kevin reached Mike's locker just as the other teen was shoving his books into it, his hair falling into his eyes, a small frown marring his brow. Kevin stopped and stared, a smile pulling slightly at his lips at the now familiar expression. Mike feeling eyes on him turned and upon seeing Kevin gave a lopsided smile, Kevin may have melted a little on the inside.
"Hey," Kevin said as he stepped closer, clutching the box tighter as Mike nodded back. Seeing the contents of the box Mike's expression suddenly closed off, the smile falling from his lips.
"What's all this," Mike said, voice a little rougher around the edges.
"Oh umm, I tried to return them to William but he started laughing at me and told me to come see you," he said apologetically. "I just want to be friends," he said sadly looking at Noodle and missing completely as Mike grimaced, his expression pulling closed, lips forming a hard line.
"I see," Mike said his expression blank, tone cold. Kevin looked up frowning at the other's cold expression. "Well you can keep all of that, no need to return them. Or throw them out, whatever," Mike slammed his locker closed and walked past Kevin who looked confused before following.
"What do you mean? William said you'd explain I don't understand," he said quickening his step and standing in front of Mike, blocking him as he tried to pass by Kevin.
"Mike?" Mike glared at Kevin, who took a half step back before straightening, a determined look falling over his face. "Look I was just trying to let William down gently, because he's a good friend, but then he was laughing and telling me to find you. He said you'd explain but now you're all pissed off. I know William's you're friend and all but I didn't think keeping all these things he gave me was a good idea when I'm kind of, maybe interested in someone else. I just didn't want to give him the wrong idea and have him get hurt. Really Mike, I like William just not in the way that he wants. I like you," Kevin's words spilled out and came to halt at his confession.
Mike stood his expression slowly changing the frosty anger melting into the familiar amused fondness Kevin had come to associate with Mike and he gave a tentative smile back. "I know William's your friend but I didn't want to lead him on. I really, kind of like you so I had to give these back, even Noodle and I love Noodle," Kevin said.
Mike smiled, "Noodle?" Kevin nodded and shifted to hold the box with one arm, pulling Noodle out with his other hand.
"Yeah, he was my first gift, on Valentines Day, he's kind of awesome. See? He's an otter playing the trumpet," Kevin said holding Noodle out to Mike who laughed and took the otter from Kevin's hand, running fingers over the stuffed animal's head.
"So you liked it huh?" Mike murmured. "I saw it at the store and thought you'd like it," he continued a blush making its way across his cheeks. Kevin tilted his head in confusion before his eyes widened.
"Oh," he breathed out swallowing hard as Mike scratched at the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Yeah, I thought you'd figured it out after we started hanging out. William said he gave you enough hints and kept on telling me to go introduce myself," Mike said Noodle clutched in his hands. "I thought that you knew for sure since I kind of played the song I played on the CD to you that one time and you didn't say anything - you kind of just smiled and um - yeah." Kevin starred at Mike the day playing back in his mind, and he gave a laugh shaking his head.
"I thought it was awesome how you were able to memorize the song I had you listen to so quickly," he said shifting the box on his hip, reaching out and pulling at Noodle's ear with his other hand, fingers brushing Mike's hand lightly. "Wow, I'm kind of epically bad at getting a clue aren't I?" Mike smiled, his fingers brushing Kevin's on the stuffed toy's fur.
"Kind of," he agreed, "I'm not complaining though. It's kind of one of the reasons I like you." Kevin blushed at Mike's words, his hand settling into Mike's, Noodle caught between them.
"So, I guess I don't have to give these back huh?" he said biting his lower lip, eyes shifting up to look at Mike who was looking back.
"If you want to," Mike answered fingers tightening on Kevin's pulling him closer.
"Yeah I kind of really do," he said softly, smiling up at Mike.
Mike returned the smile before reaching up with the hand not caught in Kevin's and Noodle's fur and tangling in Kevin's hair pulling the other teen closer until their lips touched finally.
------
William peeked from the corner sighing at the sight, "So sweet," he murmured.
"I know," Macy said from his side, eyes twinkling with happiness.
"Finally," Nick muttered from his other side. William and Macy turned to give him identical looks. "Don't give me that, you guys have to admit that took way longer than it should have. You should have just told him when you found out Macy, you know Kevin."
William gave a dramatic sigh, a long arm pulling Nick close as he held Macy close with the other. "Oh dear Macy, why is our Nicky like this? Where's the romance in his soul?" Macy giggled, tucking her face close to William as Nick gave a put upon scowl, his lips pulled down but his eyes shinning with laughter.
end
Title: An Otter Named Noodle
Promt: Here
Pairing: Mike/Kevin, if you squint and tilt your head Nick/William/Macy
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Kevin's cluelessness and William's sneaky matchmaking skills.
Disclaimer: None of these people belong to me they belong to themselves, the show and anything within the universe of the show does not belong to me. All things in this story are complete and utter fiction that came to me in the middle of the night - none of it is real.
Summary: Kevin begins to get presents from a secret admirer and he fails as a detective, William likes to give cryptic hints, Nick is paranoid but still supportive, Joe wants Kevin to play hard to get, Mike is a book club ninja guitarist. Also, I don't think this covers the promt completely, but I hope someone gets some enjoyment from it.
Final Note: I may have been a little sleep deprived writing this, I finished it at six in the morning. It's unbetaed (is that a word?) so any and all mistakes are mine, spell-check can only do so much so please feel free to let me know if you find any grammatical/spelling error.
Kevin carefully opened his locker, his bag hanging off his shoulder in an awkward angle, giving a slight sigh as what seemed like an avalanche of cards rained down from his locker to lie in a pile at his feet. Kevin loved Valentines Day; it was a good holiday about love and giving and telling that special someone what they meant. He was all for it. The only down side was it was one of those days when girls, and some guys, went a little crazy and decided to do things that they would usually refrain from doing. Like, for example, stuff what looked like the entirety of the local Hallmarks' stock into a classmate's locker.
Kevin shoved his bag into his locker and bent down to start gathering the wayward cards apologizing to the other students who dodged around him on their way to lunch. As he was reaching for a card that had somehow made its way down the hallway Macy came out of nowhere a field hockey stick swinging at her side and, as always, managed to hit Kevin.
"Oh Kevin I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going and I was walking too fast and I didn't see you there on the floor," Macy babbled, the stick held close to her side, eyes wide. "Do you want ice? Aspirin? We can go to the hospital - do you need to go to the hospital?" Kevin shook his head and rubbed at his sore arm giving her a reassuring smile.
"I'm ok, just a little bump, nothing I haven't gotten before," he told her bending to pick up the cards he dropped. "Where are you headed in such a hurry anyway?" he asked standing up finally managing to collect the cards. Macy eyed the cards and gave him an amused smile.
"Practice," she replied waving her stick, "I'm guessing you opened your locker," she continued looking at the cards in his arms. Kevin laughed and nodded as they walked towards his still open locker.
"Yeah, crazy huh? I think there may actually be more this year than last," he said.
"I saw Nick open his locker earlier, it was pretty epic and I have world history with Joe - there was a stack of cards on his desk, well not so much a stack as a mountain," she said thoughtfully smiling as Kevin laughed. As he reached his locker Kevin stopped, Macy stopping next to him and giving him a questioning look.
"Problem?"
Kevin tucked the cards in his arms with the others on the top shelf of his locker before reaching into it and picking up a black gift bag, silvery swirls glinting in the hallway lights, dark purple tissue sticking out from the top haphazardly.
"Oh a gift," he heard Macy say a smile in her tone. He looked around the hallway trying to figure out who could have slipped the gift into his locker but saw no one aside from Macy and himself and some guys who he knew from some classes but never actually talked to. Frowning at the bag he tilted his head wonderingly, it wasn't exactly very Valentine-ey, though the swirls did make a cool design.
"Are you going to open it?" Macy asked poking him on the side. Kevin smiled and opened the little card hanging from the handle.
"Happy Valentines from your secret admirer," he read, Macy giggled and Kevin felt the rush of heat making its way up his neck. It wouldn't be the first time that he had gotten a gift from a secret admirer but for some reason the gift felt like something more this time. Macy shifted at his side, poking him again. Biting his lips he pulled the tissue out of the bag and peeked in before giving a startled laugh and pulling out the content of the bag. Macy sighed and gave him a big smile as she saw the stuffed otter which was holding what was clearly a trumpet. "An otter playing a trumpet," he said unnecessarily smiling.
"Aww that's so cute Kevin," she said clutching her stick to her chest, eyes shinning. "It's too bad you don't know who it's from. It's so sweet." Kevin gave another nod holding the otter close running a finger idly over one of its ears.
"Yeah," he said looking at the otter's wide eyes, "I think I'll name you Noodle."
------
Joe and Nick stared at the stuffed animal sitting on Kevin’s chair, a look of confusion on both their faces. It wasn’t unusual for them to receive stuffed animals, it was actually pretty frequent and they kept some of them, though most was donated, but Kevin had never kept one that was from someone from school. It was just something he didn’t do, something about being too close to home. Seeing the brown, trumpet toting otter sitting in their room after Kevin had brought the thing to all his classes and to lunch was just weird.
“Does he even know who gave it to him?” asked Joe looking sideways at Nick.
“He didn’t say anything just kind of gave a dopey smile,” Nick replied tilting his head and rubbing his chin. “I asked Macy but she just giggled a lot.”
The two turned as Kevin made his way into the room eating a sandwich and humming, seeing his brothers Kevin smiled, raising a brow at their stare.
Joe ambled over to Kevin and threw an arm over his shoulder giving him a winning smile.
“So Kev, who gave you the otter? Someone we know? Macy? Stella? That hot girl in home ec? Or Jenney from geography?” he asked trying to coax an answer from his brother. Kevin just looked at him taking a bite of his sandwich before shaking his head and moving from under Joe’s arm to sit down, propping Noodle on his lap.
“I don’t know, it said it was from a secret admirer,” he explained, finishing his snack. “I was talking to Macy when someone put it in my locker so we didn’t see who it was.”
“So why is it still here?” asked Nick, “You don’t usually keep things from classmates.” Kevin shrugged at the question since he himself didn’t know why he felt like keeping Noodle, he just did, after all it was a Valentines Day gift and an otter playing the trumpet, there was probably a rule somewhere that stated it needed to be kept just because it was too cool to let go.
------
After that day Kevin began to find gifts in his locker along with small cards simply signed from a secret admirer. The day after Valentines Day Kevin found a box of chocolates in his locker, it wasn't the kind you could buy in February, with the red heart box and ribbons but was instead a box of assorted truffles. After that followed flowers, a journal, some sheet music and a mixed CD, the gifts didn't come daily but whenever he found another gift Kevin's day was instantly better.
Macy still giggled at him and cooed whenever she saw him with yet another gift, while Stella was stuck between joining her and glaring at him for getting gifts and complaining loudly that she hadn't had a secret admirer in a while. Joe rolled his eyes but Kevin had seen him giggling with Macy at him so Kevin was unconvinced of his vocal opinion on the whole matter. Nick was by far taking it the worst, as he often did, he was convinced whoever was leaving the gifts was some psycho stalker who was going to kidnap Kevin and kill him horribly. Everyone more or less ignored him.
After receiving his third gift Kevin had set out to find whoever was leaving him gifts with little success. For some reason no matter how vigilant Kevin was he never got a glimpse of whoever was leaving the gifts, he had even gotten the others to keep an eye out but no one could seem to find out. It was starting to frustrate Kevin a bit, as sweet as it all was it would be nice to get the chance to talk to whoever it was that seemed to know him well enough to know what he'd like.
Finding a book with a post-it stuck to it Kevin looked down the hallway trying to find a suspicious face but found nothing, just the same group of people who was always there, their lockers either in the hall or on their way to their classes. Sighing he read the post-it smiling at the now familiar scrawl.
'thought you might enjoy this'
At this point his secret admirer stopped signing the notes since it was pretty clear that whoever admired Kevin wanted their identity kept a secret.
"Another gift?" Macy asked appearing beside Kevin, smiling at him as he nodded and showed her the book. Macy eyed the book a small frown appearing between her brows. "Oh, that looks like it's interesting," she murmured biting her lower lip. Kevin gave her a questioning look and she shook her head smiling at him brightly again before making her way off waving at him absently.
"Weird," he said watching as she disappeared down the hall.
"I find, that sweet little Macy isn't exactly like your average girl and her eccentricities are rather endearing," a voice cut in from behind Kevin. He turned to see another student leaning against the lockers smiling at him. Kevin gave a small smile, the boy looked vaguely familiar Kevin was sure he'd seen him in one of his classes he just didn't know the other's name. "William Beckett," the other said holding a long fingered hand out, his eyes twinkling.
"Hi, Kevin Lucas," Kevin said reaching out and shaking William's hand, his smile widening. "I think we have umm...”
"Wood shop, fifth period," William said helpfully. Kevin nodded remembering.
"Right, right," he said. William gave another smile nodding towards the book still in Kevin's hand. "Is that book any good?" he asked.
Kevin held up the book and shook his head, "I haven't had a chance to read it actually; I just got it today."
"I see," William murmured, a smile pulling at his lips. "I think I saw one of my friends reading a book by that author, haven't picked up any of the books myself but he seems to enjoy it."
"Yeah it looks like it'll be a good read, maybe your friend can recommend some other books I can read if this one turns out good," he said smiling as he grabbed his books from his locker, tucking the small novel securely between himself and his textbooks.
"I'll tell him," William said pushing away from the lockers. "I have class in a bit and I've got to grab my books," he said rocking back in his heels, pushing his hands in his back pockets. "I'll talk to you later." Kevin waved as William made his way down the hall, stopping beside a familiar group that greeted him.
------
A week passed with Kevin receiving no gifts and he was on the edge, every time he opened his locker to find it empty he gave disappointed sigh and when he got home he often cuddled Noodle and sighed some more. Nick and Joe were at first concerned and had since moved to annoyed.
"Maybe this is a good thing," Nick said after a couple of days, his tone slightly placating, "I mean whoever it was broke into your locker in a regular basis. For all you know they could steal your house key or something." After saying that Joe had become somewhat paranoid and periodically checked the closets and under his bed until Nick smacked him on the head and told him he was being ridiculous. Kevin just sighed and listened to his mixed CD and cuddled with Noodle some more.
------
Kevin was shoving his books into his locker haphazardly, a frown pulling at his brows, it was the second week and there was still nothing from his secret admirer. He was starting to think that maybe they had lost interest; he tried not to dwell on how disappointed that made him feel.
"What's got your britches in a twist my curly headed friend?" William suddenly appeared beside Kevin a familiar smile on his face. Kevin gave a weak smile in return.
"Nothing, just one of those days I think," he replied leaning against his locker. "Well more like week really. It may actually push into being one of those months." William nodded solemnly eyes sympathetic.
"I know what you mean, my friend, the one I was telling you about the other day - he plays the guitar - he's still sick and he's one of those people who never get sick," William said, tone fond. "There was this one time I swear everyone we knew was sick and he just walked around all healthy and perky. He didn't even have the nerve to get a slight sniffle or anything." Kevin laughed at William’s affronted expression.
"Some guys are just lucky I guess," he said.
"So how did you enjoy that book?" William asked, the subject change throwing Kevin off. "The one you had when we met?" William clarified when Kevin continued to stare at him.
"Oh it was great actually," Kevin said smiling, his mind whirling as something occurred to him. "I may take you up on getting your friend to recommend some other books to me." William gave a big smile, clapping a hand on Kevin's shoulder.
"No problem, I'll be sure to pass on the message. Now I've got to get going I'll be late for chem. and we simply can not have that," he said waving as he walked away Kevin staring at him.
Kevin watched as William disappeared down the hallway one of his friends joining him, a frown pulling at his brows. He hadn't considered it as a possibility but now that he thought about it, thought back to the times he received a gift, Kevin could see it as a very viable possibility.
------
Kevin paced in front of Joe and Nick, biting at his thumbnail, the two of them watched him curiously. Finally he stopped in front of them and stared, eyes wide and earnest.
"I think my secret admirer might be a guy," he said and Joe and Nick's expression shifted to ones of surprise at his announcement.
"What?" Joe asked his mouth slightly open.
"I think my secret admirer might be a guy," Kevin repeated slower. Nick shook his head curls flying around his head.
"Where did you possibly get that idea?" he asked incredulously.
"I was talking to William, and he was acting a little suspicious," he explained. Joe looked at him in confusion.
"Do we know a William?" Kevin rolled his eyes and looked at Joe.
"Beckett? Tall and skinny, in my wood shop class? I think he sang in the talent show last year with his band." Joe just shook his head still confused and Kevin sighed, "He kind of looks like a pretty girl." At the description Joe's face lit up.
"Dude! The guy with the hips!" he said nodding in remembrance. Nick rolled his eyes and looked at Kevin to continue.
"Yeah, anyway, we were talking and I kind of got suspicious because he kind of started talking to me out of no where after I got that book, and since then he's stopped by to talk to me now and then," Kevin explained his brothers nodding along. "Today he totally brought up that book again and I'm pretty sure he was always around all the times that I found a present. Down by his friends' lockers." Joe looked thoughtful and Nick had that frown he always got when thinking hard about something.
"I do remember seeing him around too when we were keeping an eye out for your secret admirer," Joe said.
"If he was interested in you why didn't he already tell you he was?" Nick asked, pursing his lips. "He could have just told you already and asked you out or whatever."
"Maybe he's shy?" Kevin said shrugging. Joe looked uncertain, giving Kevin a disbelieving look.
"Do you remember last year's talent show? Because I don't remember his singing but I remember his performance. I think, no, I'm pretty sure he groped one of his band mates. I don't think shyness is really a problem for him," Joe said. Kevin scratched the back of his head, William's performance coming back to him as well.
"A better question is why we're even discussing this?" Nick said suddenly, eyeing Kevin. "I mean, I have no problem with it or anything, but since when would you even consider going out with a guy?" Kevin shifted as both his brothers eyed him, taking a few steps away before turning back and sitting on his chair. Pulling Noodle close not meeting either Joe or Nick's eyes.
"Kev?" Joe asked his tone careful, eyes serious.
"Okay so, maybe, theoretically," Kevin started, his eyes fixed on Noodle's, fingers playing nervously with the otter's little brown ears, "I may be interested in guys a little more than I am with girls." Kevin's shoulder hunched up protectively, his hands clenching in Noodle's fur, his eyes carefully not meeting either of his brothers who sat in stunned silence.
Suddenly a pair of warm arms came around Kevin as Joe drew him into a tight hug, Noodle between them. Nick came around Joe and hugged Kevin from the other side. Kevin sagged in relief giving a nervous laugh that dissolved into ragged breathing as he tried not to cry. His brothers said nothing just holding him tighter. Finally getting a hold on his emotions he pulled back slightly and looked at Nick and Joe who were both looking a little red in the eyes and Kevin gave a small laugh, smiling as they gave matching laughs.
"Okay so, enough with chick flick moment," Joe said pulling away with a cough, catching Noodle before it fell. "Let's get back to business." Nick pulled away and pated Kevin on the back before sitting down on the cushioned table, knees knocking onto Kevin's.
"Joe's right," he said decisively. "What are you planning on doing Kev? About the whole William thing?" Kevin shrugged taking Noodle from Joe and holding the otter close.
"I don't know, I haven't really thought that far ahead," he admitted, smiling sheepishly as Nick groaned.
"Well are you interested in him or what?" Joe asked sitting down next to Nick, looking at Kevin with a grin. "I mean he is hot, for a guy." Nick rolled his eyes and elbowed him on the side, ignoring his complaints Nick pinned Kevin with a serious look.
"Maybe you should bring it up, like in passing or something, just to see how he reacts. He may take a hint and tell you it's him. Then you can go out with him or turn him down," Nick advised. Joe frowned at his younger brother.
"Nick you can't expect Kevin to do that, he should play hard to get, that way if William is really interested in Kevin we'll know for sure," Joe said smiling. "I say wait for him to come to you then tell him you'll think about it and let him sweat it out for a bit before going on a couple of dates to see if you like him." Nick stared at Joe with a frown.
"You don't really think that's a good idea right? You want Kevin to act like a jerk and lead William on even if he isn't interested? We already know William's really into Kevin considering all the things he's given him, not to mention all the trouble he went through to keep it a secret." Kevin watched as the two continued their heated debate saying nothing until it looked like they were about to come to blows.
"Okay guys, enough, I love the support and all but I don't need you two planning my first relationship with a guy," he said as Joe opened his mouth to rebut Nick's points on whether or not William would provide Kevin with a satisfying first kiss from another male. "I'm just going to see where this goes. I'll mention the secret admirer to see how he reacts but I'm not going to call him out on it. If he's interested in me I'll let him tell me himself. I don't want to risk getting punched by him or something - he's kind of pointy and I'm sure he could do some damage." Nick and Joe gave agreeable mumbles still glaring at one another.
------
Three days later Kevin got another CD, a note stuck on the case with a simple 'sorry it's late' scrawled across the post-it. As he flipped the case open William appeared at his side again, a wide smile pulling at his lips.
"Hi," Kevin said, shifting slightly, nervously. William just gave him a bigger smile, eyes alight with mischief.
"What's that?" he asked, nodding towards the CD in Kevin's hand. Kevin smiled, and gave a nervous cough.
"A CD someone gave me," he said looking at William for his reaction, he continued to smile. "You remember that book? And those guitar picks?" William nodded, looking interested. "Yeah, someone's been leaving me things since Valentines Day, I still haven't figured out who it is though, so I haven't had a chance to thank them or anything really," he said. Kevin could feel the blush creeping up his neck but kept his eyes on William's face looking for any sign he might give. William nodded eyes shifting off to the side, his smile losing some of its mischief and gaining some fondness.
"That's sweet," he murmured, "Whoever it is must really like you." Kevin smiled seeing the change on William's face, biting his lower lip he nodded playing with the CD case.
"Yeah it is, I tried to find out who it is actually," he said, William's brows raised in surprise before he smiled, delightedly. "Yeah, I didn't really find out who it is," Kevin continued with a laugh. "I'm not really a good detective, and whoever it is they're kind of really sneaky."
William nodded, "I know what you mean, my friend, I've told you about him before - reads those books and plays the guitar, is never sick except the last couple of weeks - I swear he's like a ninja. We went swimming once and Sisky, that's another friend of ours, did something to annoy him, I don't really remember what and he managed to somehow steal all of Sisky's clothes after he showered, as in all of them," William’s expression was full of wonder, as if it still mystified him. "Even the wet ones; no one could lend Sisky anything because he took everyone's wet clothes. All that was left was this Barbie towel. Sisky had to walk all the way to the cars in this pink monstrosity." Kevin listened trying hard not to let his laughter out because William looked completely serious. "All through the summer we'd find a piece of Sisky's clothes from that day. Like tiny little corpses of clothes long gone from a battle that he just didn't have a hope of winning." At William's wide eyed awe filled expression Kevin lost his battle and let out a snort of laughter and William grinned.
"Wow, you're friend kind of sounds scarily awesome," Kevin said breathlessly.
"Oh he is," William assured him with a pat on the shoulder, "I'll totally introduce you, but I've got to get going, there's a quiz I haven't studied for and I think I can fit in some serious cramming before class." Kevin waved as William walked away, already opening his notes.
------
Later that day Kevin recounted William's story to Joe and Nick as the CD he received played in the background. He didn't notice them looking at one another as he played with the chords on his guitar trying to follow the ones spilling from the speakers.
"So, you think it is William? Because so far you've been going on about his ninja guitarist book club friend," Joe said and Kevin gave a distracted nod, a string of chords pulling his attention towards the music playing. "You're not even listening to me are you?" Kevin gave another nod, his fingers moving to follow the chords, frowning in concentration. Nick rolled his eyes before grabbing one of the controls on the table and turning the stereo off, levelling Kevin with a look when he raised his head to protest.
"Kevin, try to concentrate," he said pointing the control at his older brother. "Do you know what you're going to do now? You said you were pretty sure it's William." Kevin strummed on his guitar, the music still playing in his head.
"Yeah, I'm going to stick with my original plan, wait for William to say something and then go from there," he said before leaning forward and grabbing the control out of Nick's hand and turning the music back on, once again losing himself in the sound of the guitar playing. "Do you think this is him playing?" he asked. Nick just rolled his eyes and tapped a beat on his thighs as Kevin began to strum along with the music.
------
Kevin was putting his books into his locker humming along with the music in his head when a figure appeared beside him. Thinking about William Kevin smiled widely and turned only to be faced by an unfamiliar face. Light eyes beneath a fringe of dark hair stared at Kevin intently, mouth pulled in something caught between a scowl and indifference.
"Hi?" Kevin said nervously, his smile turning uncertain, whoever this was kind of looked like he could beat Kevin up without really trying.
"Bill said to talk to you," said the stranger, his tone a little rough but not unpleasantly so and Kevin found himself smiling a little more genuinely, earning him a raised brow.
"Oh umm, I don't know any Bills," Kevin replied haltingly, scratching his head. The other brow raised and that was definitely amusement Kevin saw in his eyes.
"William? Tall and spindly, kind of looks like a stiff breeze will blow him away," the other explained patiently, a corner of his lips pulling up as Kevin gave a startled snort of laughter.
"Oh, yeah Bill, William right, sorry," Kevin said between laughter, before holding a hand out, "I'm Kevin."
"Mike," he replied taking Kevin's hand in a firm grip. "Anyway, Bill said to talk to you, not really sure what about, but what can you do? It's Bill." Kevin nodded still holding Mike's hand, smiling widely. Mike gave him an amused look before glancing down at his hand that Kevin was still holding, letting go quickly Kevin gave an apologetic smile.
"Um, I don't really know either, he - um, he's never mentioned you before," Kevin said, shifting, pulling at the hem of his shirt to keep his hands busy. Mike nodded, eyes steady on Kevin and he felt heat crawl across his cheeks. "So Mike, um..."
Mike's eyes shifted slightly something catching his eyes. "How'd you like that book?" he asked suddenly nodding towards Kevin's locker where his now well read gift sat.
"Oh it's great, William said he had a friend who could recommend more from the author but he hasn't introduced me yet," Kevin said quickly, pulling the book out and holding it out to Mike who took it with an amused smile.
"Yeah," Mike murmured flipping through the book, stopping at a random page and reading before looking up at Kevin again, his eyes lit with amusement. "I'd recommend Seventeen Pieces; it's good, a little better than this one but only if you're okay with a not so happy ending. If you're looking for a happier ending I'd suggest Where the Skies Turn Green. The writing is up to par with Seventeen but the ending is not as bad." Kevin looked at Mike in confusion before his words registered and Kevin gave a big smile.
"Oh, wow, so you're the friend he's always talking about," Kevin said with a laugh. Mike chuckled and nodded.
"I hope he isn't spreading lies," he said. "I'd hate to have to retaliate." Kevin shook his head quickly, William’s story still fresh in his mind.
"No, definitely not. All good things I promise. I was actually beginning to think he was talking about more than one person, or like an imaginary friend or something. You kind of sound awesome," Kevin's blush deepened as his words caught up to him, looking down at his shoes and giving a nervous cough.
"Thanks," Mike replied and when Kevin snuck a look back at his face his breath caught a bit at seeing the smile on Mike's face.
"Yeah," he mumbled back before straightening up. "So, what was the name of that book again?" Mike smiled and Kevin leaned back against his locker listening.
------
Three weeks passed and Kevin spoke with Mike some more and even hung out a few times, and a pattern began to emerge in their interactions. Mike would appear, Kevin would smile, Mike would say something, Kevin would stutter, blush and make somewhat of an idiot of himself and Mike would laugh say something else that makes Kevin feel better and laugh some more. All this time Kevin’s secret admirer is strangely absent and Kevin didn’t even really mind or notice.
Joe watched Kevin strum on his guitar humming a tune Mike had played him earlier and gave his older brother a confused look.
“So are you going out with Mike? If you are how does William feel about that?” he asked wincing as Kevin struck a bad chord.
“What?” Kevin squeaked, looking at Joe open mouthed, eyes wide.
“William? You’re not so secret-secret admirer? The one whose heart you probably broke when you started going out with one of his friends? Ring any bells here Kev?” Joe asked, staring at Kevin who looked uncomfortable.
“Oh, right,” he mumbled. “I kind of forgot about that.” Joe rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at Kevin’s head.
“Dude, that’s not cool. You were all starry eyed over William and then you just totally forget about him. Harsh,” Joe said shaking his head. Kevin groaned rubbing his face with his hands.
“I wasn’t starry eyed, I said I’d see where it went and he still hasn’t said anything when we’ve hung out or talked so I don’t know what you want me to do. I don’t want to bring it up now, after all this time,” Kevin said. “Also, I’m not going out with Mike, we just hang out.”
Nick, who just came in, snorted at the statement, “Yeah Kev, no one believes you when you say that.”
“Quiet you,” Kevin ordered throwing an annoyed look at Nick who sipped at a water bottle.
“What are we talking about now?” he asked.
“I was just asking Kevin what he’s planning on doing now that he’s totally going out with one of William’s best friends, and how he’s probably broken the poor guy’s heart,” Joe explained helpfully with a grin.
“Oh yeah, what are you going to do about that?” Nick asked, sitting down. “Has he mentioned anything to you yet?” Kevin grimaced and shook his head - William was just William, no declaration of love just cryptic looks and smiles and the odd conspirational wink.
“Really guys I don’t know, I’m starting to think that it may not be him. He hasn’t said anything at all,” Kevin said, pulling the strap over his head and putting his guitar down. “Plus he’s stopped leaving me gifts.”
“Yeah that’s probably for fear of Mike coming after him,” Joe deadpanned at Kevin. “He kind of looks like he’ll beat anyone who looks at you wrong with their own arm.” Nick gave a laugh and nodded in agreement.
“Hey, Mike’s a nice guy. He’s a really great guitar player, and he’s funny and he has great taste in music and books and movies,” Kevin trailed off at the identical looks his brothers were throwing him. “What?”
“Okay Kevin,” Nick said slowly looking at Kevin with his serious face on. “Do you like Mike?” Kevin frowned wondering idly what kind of question that was; of course he liked Mike he just told them he was awesome and hot in that I can totally beat you up if I felt you were worth the trouble kind of way. “Kevin, do you like Mike, as in you maybe theoretically kind of want to go out with him?” Nick asked.
Kevin’s eyes widened, not so much at the question but at the answer that instantly leapt into his mind which was a resounding yes. Kevin’s heart began to beat quickly, and his breath stuttered out. Apparently he liked Mike, too bad he was only catching onto this now.
------
William stared at Kevin with an amused raised brow looking from the box in his arms back to the shorter teen.
"Okay, poodle, you're going to have to explain this to me again," he said with a smile.
Kevin gave a fortified breath and said, "I know you like, um left these in my locker but I like you, but umm, just not in that - like you're a friend and I'm sorry but that's...I really liked them especially Noodle but just not in the way you maybe like want me to? So I didn't think keeping them was umm a good idea - I like you as a friend," he finished weakly with a shrug. William's brows climbed higher and he bit his lip in an attempt to curb his smile resulting in a rather disturbing expression.
"Okay, Kevin, a more clear explanation is probably needed here," he said. "Now, go slowly and think about your words before you say them, try for coherence this time around." Kevin frowned at William who continued to smile, the box clutched in his arms Noodle staring at Kevin forlornly, accusingly.
"Umm, so I know you're my secret admirer and I'm flattered but I'm not interested. I hope we can be friends," Kevin said quickly, eyes trained on Noodle - sweet, innocent Noodle who was nothing but a good companion to Kevin, who didn't deserved to be taken from his loving arms but sadly Kevin just couldn't keep him without feeling guilty towards William.
William's delighted laughter pulled Kevin from his thoughts and he glared at the taller teen, lips pulling into a pout.
"Aww poodle, don't look at me like that," William said, still laughing. "I'm just - I'm really not laughing at you. I just thought you knew, or at least that he'd told you."
"William, I don't mean to sound conceited but you could be a little more heartbroken here," he said crossing his arms. Frowning as another peal of laughter fell from William's lips. "What?"
"Oh wow, okay you need to talk to Mike," William said his shoulders shaking. "I can't take this anymore. I think I may reach my glee quota for the year and I simply can not have that." William handed Kevin the box and turned him around pushing him down the hall. "Come on off you go." Kevin stumbled as William gave him another push, looking back at the waving grinning teen suspiciously. "Go and tell him to explain."
------
Kevin reached Mike's locker just as the other teen was shoving his books into it, his hair falling into his eyes, a small frown marring his brow. Kevin stopped and stared, a smile pulling slightly at his lips at the now familiar expression. Mike feeling eyes on him turned and upon seeing Kevin gave a lopsided smile, Kevin may have melted a little on the inside.
"Hey," Kevin said as he stepped closer, clutching the box tighter as Mike nodded back. Seeing the contents of the box Mike's expression suddenly closed off, the smile falling from his lips.
"What's all this," Mike said, voice a little rougher around the edges.
"Oh umm, I tried to return them to William but he started laughing at me and told me to come see you," he said apologetically. "I just want to be friends," he said sadly looking at Noodle and missing completely as Mike grimaced, his expression pulling closed, lips forming a hard line.
"I see," Mike said his expression blank, tone cold. Kevin looked up frowning at the other's cold expression. "Well you can keep all of that, no need to return them. Or throw them out, whatever," Mike slammed his locker closed and walked past Kevin who looked confused before following.
"What do you mean? William said you'd explain I don't understand," he said quickening his step and standing in front of Mike, blocking him as he tried to pass by Kevin.
"Mike?" Mike glared at Kevin, who took a half step back before straightening, a determined look falling over his face. "Look I was just trying to let William down gently, because he's a good friend, but then he was laughing and telling me to find you. He said you'd explain but now you're all pissed off. I know William's you're friend and all but I didn't think keeping all these things he gave me was a good idea when I'm kind of, maybe interested in someone else. I just didn't want to give him the wrong idea and have him get hurt. Really Mike, I like William just not in the way that he wants. I like you," Kevin's words spilled out and came to halt at his confession.
Mike stood his expression slowly changing the frosty anger melting into the familiar amused fondness Kevin had come to associate with Mike and he gave a tentative smile back. "I know William's your friend but I didn't want to lead him on. I really, kind of like you so I had to give these back, even Noodle and I love Noodle," Kevin said.
Mike smiled, "Noodle?" Kevin nodded and shifted to hold the box with one arm, pulling Noodle out with his other hand.
"Yeah, he was my first gift, on Valentines Day, he's kind of awesome. See? He's an otter playing the trumpet," Kevin said holding Noodle out to Mike who laughed and took the otter from Kevin's hand, running fingers over the stuffed animal's head.
"So you liked it huh?" Mike murmured. "I saw it at the store and thought you'd like it," he continued a blush making its way across his cheeks. Kevin tilted his head in confusion before his eyes widened.
"Oh," he breathed out swallowing hard as Mike scratched at the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Yeah, I thought you'd figured it out after we started hanging out. William said he gave you enough hints and kept on telling me to go introduce myself," Mike said Noodle clutched in his hands. "I thought that you knew for sure since I kind of played the song I played on the CD to you that one time and you didn't say anything - you kind of just smiled and um - yeah." Kevin starred at Mike the day playing back in his mind, and he gave a laugh shaking his head.
"I thought it was awesome how you were able to memorize the song I had you listen to so quickly," he said shifting the box on his hip, reaching out and pulling at Noodle's ear with his other hand, fingers brushing Mike's hand lightly. "Wow, I'm kind of epically bad at getting a clue aren't I?" Mike smiled, his fingers brushing Kevin's on the stuffed toy's fur.
"Kind of," he agreed, "I'm not complaining though. It's kind of one of the reasons I like you." Kevin blushed at Mike's words, his hand settling into Mike's, Noodle caught between them.
"So, I guess I don't have to give these back huh?" he said biting his lower lip, eyes shifting up to look at Mike who was looking back.
"If you want to," Mike answered fingers tightening on Kevin's pulling him closer.
"Yeah I kind of really do," he said softly, smiling up at Mike.
Mike returned the smile before reaching up with the hand not caught in Kevin's and Noodle's fur and tangling in Kevin's hair pulling the other teen closer until their lips touched finally.
------
William peeked from the corner sighing at the sight, "So sweet," he murmured.
"I know," Macy said from his side, eyes twinkling with happiness.
"Finally," Nick muttered from his other side. William and Macy turned to give him identical looks. "Don't give me that, you guys have to admit that took way longer than it should have. You should have just told him when you found out Macy, you know Kevin."
William gave a dramatic sigh, a long arm pulling Nick close as he held Macy close with the other. "Oh dear Macy, why is our Nicky like this? Where's the romance in his soul?" Macy giggled, tucking her face close to William as Nick gave a put upon scowl, his lips pulled down but his eyes shinning with laughter.
end