Legally Jonas 2/2
Title: Legally Jonas
For: allyndra
Author: bergann
Mike has a weird sense of humor, still looks like he should be the one on trial and not a defendant most of the time, and swears more than any other of Kevin's friends. Kevin's not exactly sure why Mike keeps hanging out with him since Kevin really is a total dork, the laughing stock of the school, especially considering that Mike is top three of the third years. Kevin's confused, but he's hardly complaining. Mike makes law school fun. Even with the dry textbooks.
Because they do study in between hanging out, and Kevin's no longer in danger of flunking out.
He discusses enthusiastically with Professor Way -- to the point where some classes end up as a back-and-forth between them. He knows the daily quotes Professor Salpeter tries to stump the class with -- in fact, he's the only one who knows the one by Madonna -- and he pulls out all the weird little facts he knows at appropriate (and occasionally not so appropriate) times in Professor Trohman's class.
But the absolute biggest achievement happens in Professor Ripley's class, where he totally shows Zac up and wins the case.
Mike's been hovering in the back of the class for that one, and at Professor Ripley's words, Kevin twists in his seat to look at him. Mike's grinning brilliantly and he beams back, so excited he feels like bouncing up and down, but settles for just facing the front again and drawing a happy panda in the corner of his notes. He's supposed to be professional, after all.
He completely misses the way Zac's scowling at Mike.
"That was quite impressive, Mr. Jonas," Professor Ripley says, as they're filing out of the room. "I trust you're applying for my internship this year?"
"Uhm," Kevin says, "Yes? I mean, I was thinking about it --"
"--a dangerous thing, to be sure," Professor Ripley says, "You have a resume?"
"Yes," Kevin says, and he digs into his bag to pull one out. "Here you go."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Professor Ripley says, and behind him, Kevin can hear Mike say, "In case you were wondering, yes, that is an aardvark engraved on it."
Kevin smiles.
*
"I can't believe you're not coming home for Christmas either," Joe says, "You love Christmas!"
"I love Thanksgiving too," Kevin says, "There's just so much I need to know and study and do here. I don't have time to go home and play guitar and go shopping and all of that. I'd never study if I went home."
"Yeah, but it's a holiday," Nick says, "You're not supposed to spend it studying."
"I have to, if I'm going to prove to everyone that I'm serious about this," Kevin insists.
"Are you?" Joe says, "Because the way dad tells it, you're not there because you're serious about law, which is understandable. Law's boring."
"Actually, it isn't," Kevin says, "I was surprised too, I thought I'd have trouble staying awake in my classes, but it's so challenging and interesting. I think I might stay here."
"What about the magazine?"
"One of you two could take it," Kevin says, "I mean, you're next in line."
"Yeah, but I'm not interested," Joe says, "I have better things to do than criticize what people wear."
"You do it to me all the time," Nick says.
"Oh yeah? Like when? I bet you can't even remember one instance where I made fun of your clothes."
"This morning, 8 AM, you said my shoes made me look like a clown."
"Ten minutes ago when you called, you told him his coat belonged in World War II."
"That could've been a compliment," Joe protests.
"You compared it to the Nazis," Nick says. "That's not a compliment."
"I never mentioned the Nazis specifically," Joe says, "Stop putting words in my mouth!"
"Hanging up now," Kevin tells them. "I'll call on Christmas Day."
*
"Bye, Zac!" Kevin shouts down the hall, "Have a great Christmas!"
"Might want to give that one another go. I think some people in Australia didn't hear you," Mike says, coming up behind him.
"Mike!" Kevin says happily, turning around in surprise. "I thought I wasn't going to see you until tomorrow."
"Yeah, well, I wanted to give you this now," Mike says, holding out a present. "It's not as good as going home for Christmas, but..."
"Really?" Kevin says, excited. "You are too sweet, seriously!"
"It reminded me of you," Mike says, shrugging, "and I know we agreed on using the money spent on presents on supplies for the Christmas feast instead, but whatever, it wasn't that expensive."
It's a tiny plush ostrich. "Oh my god," Kevin says, clinging to it for a moment before deciding the better course of action is to cling to Mike. "Thank you!"
"Kevin, hey!"
"Zac!" Kevin says in surprise, stepping back.
"Have you seen Ashley? I've been looking for her everywhere."
"Yeah," Kevin says, nodding until he realizes exactly what Zac just asked, "I - I mean no."
"Great," Zac sighs, already heading out the door again. "We're going to miss our flight."
"Uhm, Kev?" Mike says, after the silence has been stretched uncomfortably thin, "I don't know if you've ever noticed this before or what, but every time Zac walks in your IQ kind of drops to 40."
"What?"
"It's been duly noted it's none of my fucking business," Mike continues, "But just a suggestion here that the only thing in your way of actually becoming one hell of a lawyer is Zac."
"Maybe you're right," Kevin says, "I've been to busy focusing on trying to get him back and blowing my chance here, when what I really should've been doing is show him exactly what he's missing! Thank you, Mike, seriously, you're always such a great help."
"Yeah," Mike says, and his voice sounds weird. "No problem."
"C'mon," Kevin says, fingers wrapping around his wrist to drag him inside the room, "I bought you a gift too."
It's a customized mug with Big Damn Hero written on it. Mike laughs long enough to begin with that Kevin's a little afraid it was actually a terrible gift -- he's usually excellent at buying presents for people, but that had been an impulse buy at 3 AM after five hours spent reading up on criminal law, and so the element of it being a fantastically bad gift is very much there -- but then Mike refuses to use any other mug for the rest of the holiday, and Kevin spends an inordinate amount of time smiling whenever Mike is drinking coffee.
Ninja's adopted the ostrich for his own, and proudly carries it around everywhere in his mouth. Kevin had been worried he'd use it as a toy to rip to shreds, but Ninja seems perfectly content to just carry it around and use it as pillow when everyone is too busy to have him in their lap.
"Ridiculous," William announces, coming into his living room where Kevin's lying on the couch with his feet in Mike's lap and Ninja curled up on his stomach while he reads Criminal Law: Model Penal Code.
"What?" Mike asks, not even glancing up from the book he has propped up on Kevin's feet.
William shakes his head and sighs. "Absolutely nothing. Now, Brendon and me have slaved away for hours and dinner is almost ready. I expect you two to make sure that the table looks as magnificent as our meal will."
"So paper plates should be okay, then," Kevin jokes, and swings his feet off Mike's lap before he pushes them off.
"No seconds helpings for you, Jonas, " William sniffs and heads back into the kitchen.
*
"Spencer Smith the Fifth," Kevin sing-songs into his phone, "Please tell me I am correct in thinking you have a friend in the music business."
"I do," Spencer says, "Ryan's a scout. But last I checked, you didn't need a label."
"I don't," Kevin says, "But my friend does."
"What, is one of your lawyer friends giving up already?" Spencer asks, "I thought you lawyers were supposed to be tenacious."
"He's not a lawyer," Kevin says, "He's my hairstylist and he's really good. Seriously, Spence, his voice is amazing."
"I can't just hand off your friends to Ryan," Spencer protests, "Our friendship doesn't work like that. It never has and never will. Want someone to do your bidding, call someone else."
"Spencer," Kevin whines, "This is quid pro quo for me never showing those pictures I took last Christmas to anyone."
"Fuck you," Spencer says, but with no real heat in it, and sighs. "Fine, you send me some sound bites or something, I'll pass them onto Ryan. I'm not promising anything, mind you, no matter what blackmail material you have. Ryan has his ideas about music, he's not going to be influenced just because I say so."
"That's fine," Kevin says, "I wasn't expecting you to do anything but swing the initial contact. Thank you, Spencer."
"Now burn those pictures, Kevin," Spencer says, and then there's nothing but dead air. Kevin doesn't mind though as he pushes open the door to Hairin' Around. "Brendon," he calls, "You here?"
"Where else do you expect to find me?" Brendon asks, coming out from the back. "You look excited. Oh! Did you and lawyer guy finally make up?"
"Nope," Kevin says, "I need you to come with me to go see William."
"I'm not off for another three hours," Brendon says, "But it's kind of slow-going at the moment, I can probably ask to leave early. What's up?"
"You don't have --" Kevin says, when the door opens again behind him. He turns and Jon is striding into the salon, although he's out of his UPS uniform today. Instead he's wearing jeans, flip flops and a loose shirt. Kevin is seriously impressed by his ability to not get frostbite in this weather. Behind him, there's a small noise, almost like Brendon just swallowed his tongue.
His eyes travel around the saloon until they land on Brendon, and he smiles, "Hey," he says, "are you free?"
"For what?" Brendon says, and Kevin becomes very interested in the imaginary text on his Blackberry.
"I need my hair cut," Jon says, "That is what you do, right?"
"Yes? Yes. Yes!" Brendon nods, "I can do that, although your hair is nice. I lo-ike your hair, why would you want to cut it?"
"Maybe work a little on your sales pitch there," Jon laughs and his eyes crinkle in the corners, "but I didn't mean I wanted it all gone. Just a small trim or something. If you're free, that is."
"I need to go and Brendon has no appointments. He is free. Oh, and get the full treatment," Kevin smiles, "You won't regret it."
*
With the help of William and Mike, they manage to record three songs for Brendon -- Three Little Birds, Life is Wonderful, and Slow-Motion. Brendon's bouncing around the room while they listen to them on Kevin's laptop, and in between the thank-yous and oh-my-gods, Brendon talks about how soft Jon Walker's hair is, how he totally didn't nearly cut anyone's ear off this time, and Kevin's never felt happier.
"It sounds great," Kevin says, "How on Earth have you not been signed yet?"
"I've been told I'm a little too much," Brendon says, "But seriously, you didn't have to do this, Kevin."
"I'm doing nothing but sharing your music with a friend," Kevin says, "No influence on the final decision whatsoever."
"Still," Brendon says, "You're the best, seriously. I'm starting to think Mike is right about saying Zac's an idiotic asshole. He'd have to be to let you go."
"Of course I'm right," Mike says, "I'm a fucking lawyer, would I lie?"
William laughs as he comes back into the room with a plate of cookies. "You'd be one of the rare ones if you didn't," he says, and once he's put the cookies down he drapes himself all over Kevin and Mike.
"As much as I like hearing about my good qualities," Kevin says, "Which is not quite as much as my family, I like Monday comedy shows and cookies better."
"Yeah, yeah, okay," Brendon says, picking up the remote. "What channel are they on again?"
*
"Did you see yet?" Adam says as soon as Kevin walks down the hall. Adam is a first year as well, and can be as big a dork about animals as Kevin, although they hadn't realized that until Mike introduced them to each other. Apparently Adam is the younger brother to one of Mike's old friends or something.
There's a throng of people up ahead, crowded around the board and the noise volume in the hallway is way above what it normally is.
"See what? What's going on?"
"Ripley got a huge case and the workload is so big that he's picking four first years to help him with it," Adam says, "Man, you gotta see."
Kevin's already making his way through the crowd of people to the board. On the board there's a sheet of paper pinned up, and Kevin's name is printed on it in black and white. Along with Ashley's, Zac's and Demi. Kevin hasn't spoken much to Demi, as he's kind of written off his class for now -- except for Adam. "Oh my god," he says, staring at the paper. He's going to be working a case. A real case. Him, Kevin Jonas, of the media-dubbed doofus Jonas clan is about to have his first real experience as a lawyer. As an intern, but still. "Oh my god!"
Adam laughs and claps him on the back. "Man, you show them," he says, and that's the great thing about Adam. He doesn't get upset over his own missed opportunities. He's genuinely happy for his friends.
"Thank you," Kevin says, and out of the corner of his eye, he spots Ashley and Zac. "Excuse me for a moment. Hey Zac, Ashley, I just wanted you to let you know that I really look forward to working with you on this case, and I hope that we can act professionally."
"Wait, what?" Ashley asks, "You're on the list too?"
"Didn't read that far?" Kevin says, "That's okay. It was a lot of letters."
Ashley scowls at him.
"We're more than capable of acting professionally if you are," Zac says, but he looks a bit put out.
"Good," Kevin says, "Oh, but before all of that, Zac? Remember that first time we discovered my ring didn't even matter because you were able to come at just my voice? This is way, way better than that."
He smiles brightly at them, gives a cheery wave to Ashley, and heads outside to call everyone.
*
Their client is one Victoria Farlough, formerly known as the Victoria Asher who is absolutely famous for her work-out routine. After a summer spent being fattened up on Nick's amazing cookies, Kevin had decided to give the class a go and it was absolutely amazing. She had the ability to make a person drop three pounds in one class.
"It's just too bad she seems guilty as well," Professor Ripley says, after Kevin's done with his memories. "Her husband's son saw her standing over her husband's body. However, Victoria herself claims she didn't do it."
"She would never kill anyone!" Kevin protests, "She's not that sort of person."
"Anyone is capable of killing," Professor Ripley says, "The sooner you realize that, Mr. Jonas, the better for your career. Now, Victoria seems to have some trouble trusting me as when I try to speak with her I'm unable to get a plea, plan or an alibi. She needs to realize we are her only hope. I'm hoping, however, that she will open up to one of you."
As it turns out, Victoria will talk to them -- or, she'll talk to Kevin. "You are the only guy I've had in my classes," Victoria says, stopping him after the others have filed out of the conference room after a 'useless' meeting, "You had amazing flexibility."
Kevin beams. "Thank you," he says, "I do yoga."
"It shows," Victoria says, "I'm so glad you're going to be helping on my case. It gives me faith, y'know? I know this Guy Ripley is supposed to be good, but he gives me the creeps."
"He's really talented," Kevin says, "He'll win your case for sure."
"He thinks I'm guilty," Victoria says, "I'm not so sure about that."
"It's just because you haven't given us an alibi," Kevin says, "With that, we'd have you out in seconds."
"I can't," Victoria says, "My alibi would ruin everything more than prison would."
Kevin can't see how, but it's Victoria, so he accepts her word for it and jogs to catch up with the others.
*
The son of Jared Farlough, Diego, is 21 with blonde highlights and curls. Kevin doesn't like him, although he's not really sure why. Diego had hardly been in the room for a few minutes -- just long enough to shake the hands of the associates and linger by Mike -- and Kevin had gotten this feeling that there was something fishy about him.
"I got out of the shower, walked downstairs and when I saw her standing over my father's dead body," Diego says, complete with tears on his cheek, "I called the police."
"Did she have a weapon in her hand?"
"No."
"Was there anything that gave you cause for belief that she had discarded her weapon?"
"She'd killed him," Diego says, "Isn't that the logical thing to do?"
*
Danny Hutto is Victoria Farlough's personal assistant, and the second and last witness to the crime.
"What did you see when you entered the house?" Ripley asks.
"I saw Vicky-T standing over the body of Mr. Farlough," Danny says, "and Diego was in the other room on the phone."
"And was Mrs. Farlough carrying a weapon?"
"Nah," Danny shakes his head, "She was crying something mad, dog. Like, fuck, I didn't know she could cry like that."
"So it would be safe to say that she was distraught that her husband was dead?"
"Dude, yeah," Danny says, "Vicky-T is fierce but totally sweet. I love working for her, even if the whole 'getting fit' thing is not really me, y'know? But it pays for my shit and everything, and she's totally cool, so I don't mind."
"You don't think Mrs. Farlough could have committed the crime?"
"Honestly? I don't know, man," Danny shifts uncomfortably. "I mean, she's sweet. But when she gets mad she gets kind of crazy too, and Mr. Farlough -- he'd been having this thing with the maid that we all knew about. I guess it's possible she did it."
*
Professor Ripley seems even more sure that Victoria did the crime after Danny Hutto's statement is over. There's motive, means, opportunity and witnesses that saw her standing over the body with blood on her.
Which means there's really only one thing for Kevin to do, which is to go to the Boston Jail and see her. He signs in as Jonas Ostrich, relation cousin, and is actually pretty surprised when they let him through.
"Are you okay?" Kevin asks, once Victoria’s been brought in and settled down at the opposite end of the conference table. "I mean, I know you're not okay okay, since you're in prison and on trial for murder, but I mean like -- circumstances considering okay."
"I know," Victoria says, and gives a little half-smile. "I'm not great, but I'm glad it's you and not Ripley."
"He means well," Kevin assures her, "He might seem like a goofball, but he really is good."
"For what I'm paying for him, he should be."
"I tried to get my friend to come to your class with me that summer," Kevin says, trying for a change of topic. "But he didn't want to go because there weren't any guys."
"It is a workout meant mostly for women," Victoria says, "I was surprised to see you there."
"You could easily adapt it so that it's a routine for men," Kevin suggests, "I mean, I got a lot out of that class. Lost all my cookie-weight and everything, it was incredible. You could expand."
"If I ever get out of jail, I might look into that," Victoria says, smiling. "Although it's not looking so good right now."
"About that," Kevin says, "we really, really need your alibi if we're going to prove you're innocent."
"I can't, Kevin," Victoria says, tears forming in her eyes. "You don't understand."
"But I could!" Kevin insists, "What could it possibly be that anyone would understand better than me?"
"It's so shameful," Victoria whispers, "It could ruin me."
"How?"
"I've made my fortune on my ability to teach women how to perfect their bodies with the Vicky-T's Terrific Body workout and diet cleanse."
"I know!" Kevin says, "You got me down two sizes!"
"On the day of Jared's murder, I was --" Victoria sobs, her whole body shaking with it, "I was getting liposuction."
"No!"
"I'm a fraud!" Victoria cries, "If my fans knew, I'd lose everything. I've already lost my husband. I'd rather be in jail then lose my reputation too!"
"It's okay," Kevin says, "I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me."
*
"We have two new interviews tomorrow," Professor Ripley says, "and according to this communiqué from the prison, our client had a visit from her cousin -- a Mr. Jonas Ostrich."
It feels like everyone turns to look at Kevin. "I went to get her alibi," he says, and Mike's eyebrows rise in surprise.
"And did you?"
"Yes," Kevin says, "Only -- I can't tell you what it is."
There's shocked silence in the room for a long, terrifying moment. Kevin's reminded of that time his parents found out he'd locked Joe in the kitchen cupboard and then accidentally lost the key. "Why the fuck not?" Professor Ripley shouts and makes everyone jump in their seats. Kevin most of all.
"I promised her I wouldn't," Kevin says, "I gave her my word."
"Fuck promises! This is a murder trail, Mr. Jonas, not some fashion scandal. I want the alibi."
"I can't give it to you, but I can tell you that she's innocent." Kevin says, and he's seriously worried that Professor Ripley is about to hit him.
"Hey Ripley," Mike says, and his voice is quiet but it still makes everyone focus their attention on him. "There's someone outside waiting for you."
"Reason with him," Professor Ripley says, and disappears out of the room.
"Are you crazy?" Ashley says, "Give him the alibi!"
"I can't."
"We're going to lose this case if you don't," Demi says, her voice high enough to make Kevin wince.
"We're future lawyers from one of the best schools in the country," Kevin says, "We shouldn't let ourselves be stopped by the lack of an alibi."
Zac leans over in his chair, mouth nearly directly by Kevin's ear as he whispers, "If you tell him, you'll probably make summer associate, Kev. Who cares about Victoria? You should think about yourself."
"I gave her my word, Zac," Kevin says, and by the looks on everyone's faces, they've heard what Zac said loud and clear. He never knew how to whisper.
It's only confirmed when they leave for the day and Mike's walking with him back to campus and says, "That Zac is a real good guy. I can see why you'd want to marry him."
Kevin scowls. "Leave it, Mike."
"No, seriously," Mike says, a matching scowl on his face. "Who wouldn't want to be married to someone who's best advice is to think only about yourself and fuck everyone else? That's got to be the most loving relationship you can have."
"You're such a butthead," Kevin says, "You were all just trying to get me to tell the alibi."
"Which you really should," Mike says, "We'd win the case for sure. Don't you want Victoria out of jail?"
"I do," Kevin says, "but she doesn't want to be out of jail under those circumstances. I gave her my word, we pinky-swore."
"Oh, well, if you pinky-swore," Mike replies with a roll of his eyes, "No court of law could argue against that."
"Why are you so sure that she did it?"
"This is a woman who makes her living on telling women they're too fat and whose alibi is apparently so bad that prison is preferable," Mike says, "Who would be surprised to find out she was guilty? "
"Victoria would never tell anyone they're too fat," Kevin protests, "Besides, maybe her alibi isn't what you think."
"Maybe it is though," Mike argues, and then says, "Did you call me a butthead? What kind of weak ass fucking playground insult is that?"
"A true one, butthead," Kevin says, and takes the stairs up to his room two at a time.
*
There are reporters everywhere outside of the courthouse the next day. Kevin gives the door one look before he decides to go in the back way, because he really has no wish to end up in any newspaper or magazine. His brothers had called him that morning to tell him the reporters were going crazy for the Jonas Fashion Heir's first case, and Kevin has never been wild for reporters in the first place. He doesn't think taking the spotlight away from the case will improve people's opinion of him either.
This is the only real reason why he happens to brush close by Danny Hutto as they pass each other in the doorway to the alley behind the courthouse, and he doesn't even really recognize the smell until he's well down the hallway. "Oh my god," he says, and runs into the courtroom. "Mike!"
"What?" Mike asks warily, which okay -- fair enough. Kevin's been kind of petulantly ignoring Mike's calls.
"Danny's a pothead," Kevin says.
"What?"
"He's a fan of the grass," Kevin says, "I could smell it on him when I brushed past him in the door to the alley. You could get him discredited as a witness!"
"There's no proof of this," Professor Ripley says, "We can't just be making wild accusations."
"Why not?" Kevin asks, "They're doing it right now against Victoria."
"Mr. Jonas, as much as I appreciate your attempts to help, I'm afraid there's no proof to back your theory up."
"Smell him," Kevin insists, "He's a pothead."
"Please, Mr. Jonas, I have a murder trail to attend to."
Kevin's totally prepared to sulk his way through the trail, except then just as Professor Ripley says himself done with the examination of the witness, Mike stands up. "I have a couple of questions, Your Honor."
Ripley looks furious, but since Mike's an associate on the case, there's nothing he can do. "Would you agree that you and Mrs. Farlough have a close relationship?"
"Sure," Danny says, "I'm her PA. It’s a little hard to avoid."
"And would you say she knows you pretty well?"
"Better than my mom," Danny laughs. Kevin can see Victoria smiling as she watches the proceedings.
"And how long have you been working for Mrs. Farlough?"
"Three years."
"So how do you keep the pot a secret?"
"The shed, dude." Danny says, and the whole courtroom gasps. Kevin can't help the delighted grin on his face. "No, no, sorry, I misheard you, dude."
"Even so," the judge says, "I think it's best we get a drug test on Mr. Hutto, and resume tomorrow morning."
*
"I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given me this year," Kevin says, leading the way into a department store, "and to apologize for acting like a butthead after calling you a butthead."
"So you thought taking me clothes shopping was the best way to go?" Mike asks, disbelief and amusement coloring his voice. "Do you know me, dude?"
"I do," Kevin says, and there might be a little hint of pride in his voice. "My initial plan was to get you a guitar. But you already have one, and you've been teaching me all about how to be practical, so your need for a suit won out."
"I have a suit," Mike protests, "You've fucking seen me in it three times now."
"I have," Kevin agrees, "and that's just it. You have one suit. You're a lawyer. You need more than one suit if you're going to be taken seriously."
Mike makes a face. "It's not like I wasn't planning on getting another one."
"But you'd have to be forced then too," Kevin says, "Which is what I'm doing, and it won't cost you anything but your time."
"Fine," Mike says, then, "What are you doing?"
Kevin has been breathing it all in, but he was trying to be a little subtle about it. His brothers always did say he sucked at subtlety though. "I'm taking it all in," he says, "I haven't been inside one of these for too long. I put a self-imposed ban on shopping."
Mike snorts, and trails behind after Kevin into the store. "What made you think I'd even agree to do this?"
"I know you don't like clothes shopping," Kevin says, "and I know you're not crazy about me being the one helping you pick out stuff, but I also know -- or well, hope really, that you trust me. This is supposed to be the one thing I'm naturally good at. The only thing, if you believe the media."
"I trust you, Kevin, and the media's dead fucking wrong," Mike says, "I just don't like the idea of you fucking paying for all of my clothes, Christ."
"Just swallow your pride," Kevin says, rolling his eyes, "I already said it's for all the time you spent teaching me about habeas corpus and everything that got me into that internship. I would be back in LA if it wasn't for you."
"Fine," Mike says, "But I get to decide what is too expensive and what isn't."
"Of course," Kevin agrees, and starts picking out clothes for Mike's approval.
"No, maybe, fuck no," Mike says, "I'd get beat up for wearing that one."
Kevin actually has that one in his closet. He frowns at it, trying to see what Mike sees and eventually shrugs. "It really is all about how you wear it," he says, "but okay. Here, go try these on." Mike takes them and surprisingly goes without a word. "I really love shopping for other people," Kevin says, while he's waiting outside the changing room, "Just...watching them change right in front of me and becoming what they could be gives me this incredible feeling of a job well done."
"If you're watching me change," Mike's voice drifts out from the changing room, "Then that ring has officially fucked with your head long enough and needs to come off."
Kevin frowns and glances down at the purity ring. He's not entirely sure why he's so stuck on following it to the end, since he's fairly certain his brothers more than toy with the line, but it's kind of comforting, the thought that who ever he takes it off for will genuinely care about him.
"Well?" Mike says, stepping out, "What's the Fashion Lawyer's verdict?"
"You look amazing," Kevin says, going over to straighten out the arms and collar. "Seriously, Mike, we need to get you this. You look hot."
"If I say yes, can we go?"
Kevin hesitates. There are shoes and shirts and bags crying out for his attention, he can practically hear their fabric voices. "Yes, we can go," he says, "But I really had more time planned for this. What are we supposed to now?"
"We could go see Brendon," Mike says, "I figure, if you're gonna go all makeover on me, you should go all the way. Besides, you're right. If I'm going to be a lawyer, I need to at least look like a guy some people would hire."
"But," Kevin says, surprised, reaching out to Mike's hair without thinking about, "You can't cut this. It's what makes you you."
"Yeah, well," Mike says, holding unnaturally still as Kevin brushes his finger through Mike's hair. "I have it on good authority it makes me look like a serial killer, and it's not like I won't be me without the hair."
"No," Kevin says, letting his hand drop. "You're right."
"Damn right I am," Mike says, and slips back into the changing room.
*
"Kevin," Brendon says, rushing into Kevin's room, "I just got a call from Ryan Ross!"
"Spencer's Ryan?" Kevin asks, bouncing to his feet and completely oblivious to Mike's slightly disappointed frown. "What did he say?"
"He's coming here," Brendon says, "He wanted to meet me in person and hear what my voice was like live!"
"Oh my god, that's great!" Kevin exclaims and hugs him. "Dude, have you told Jon?"
"No, I had to tell you first," Brendon says, "Because you're the reason this is happening and I can't believe you might be getting me signed!"
"Congratulations," Mike says as he gets to his feet as well. He looks surprised when Brendon launches himself at him, but at least he doesn't like -- punch Brendon in the face or shove him away or anything, which is what Kevin's always afraid will happen if he hugs Mike. "Listen, I should probably get going. It's a big day tomorrow, and there's stuff I need to do."
"Oh," Brendon says, "You don't have to leave because of me. Seriously, Mike."
"I'm not," Mike says, and grins a little, "You're not exactly scary or threatening, Urie. You wouldn't be able to get me to leave a room I didn't want to."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Mike," Kevin says, and Mike throws a 'bye Ostrich!' over his shoulder before the door closes behind him.
"Man, I'm so sorry," Brendon says, looking guilty. "I ruined a moment, and I should have just called or knocked first."
"What?"
"You and Mike, you were on a date."
"Uh," Kevin says, "We were in my room, going over the case files."
"But he was all dressed up!" Brendon says, waving in the direction Mike's gone. "Like, really nicely dressed up, and that suit made him look smoking, and you had your head on his shoulder, and oh my god, that's totally why he cut his hair today!"
"I just wanted to check to see how the suit looked with his new hair," Kevin says, "I bought it for him today, and I was just reading the file over his shoulder."
"You bought him a suit?"
"As a thank-you," Kevin explains, "For all the help he's given me this year."
Brendon sighs. "Fuck, then it was an even bigger moment than I thought it was."
"There was no moment," Kevin says, "What are you talking about?"
"Look," Brendon says, "I hate to be the sort of guy who starts giving advice when he's only had a boyfriend for like less than a week, but I've seen the sparks between the two of you since, well, since the first time I saw you two together. You've got mad chemistry, dude."
"With Mike?" Kevin says, like they've been talking about someone else entirely.
Brendon rolls his eyes. "Man, you've been so caught up in law school and trying to get Zac back that you haven't noticed, but everyone else have. William and Sisky Biz, they've got a pool going on you two. People who you probably haven't even met have placed bets. He really likes you, and I think that if you stopped enough to consider anyone but Zac, you'd realize you really like him too."
Kevin opens his mouth to say something and then closes it again. He looks at Ninja, who's sitting upright on his bed, and it might just be his imagination, but it totally looks like Ninja nods in agreement.
*
"Kevin," Victoria says, "I have a favor to ask."
"If it's in my power, I'll do it," Kevin says without hesitation, because Victoria sounds upset and she's calling from prison. What kind of person would he be if he didn't help her?
"Ripley just hit on me," Victoria says, "Told me that unless I did what he wanted, he'd lose my case. I told him to fuck off."
"What?"
"I told you there was something creepy about that guy I didn't like," Victoria says, "You have to help me, Kevin, I can't go into court tomorrow with that asshole defending me, and it's too late to get a completely new lawyer."
"I'll figure something out," Kevin promises, and calls Mike.
*
The next day finds Professor Ripley fired from his job representing Victoria Furlough in her murder trial. His replacement is Kevin.
"He's a law student," Professor Ripley protests, "He can't defend you."
"Actually," Adam says, stepping forward from where he's been standing behind Kevin and holding out a casebook, "Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03 says he can."
"Counselors, approach the bench."
"You're not going up there," Professor Ripley says, holding a hand on Kevin's arm to stop him.
"Actually, I am," Kevin says, shrugging it off. "Kevin Jonas, Your Honor. Rule 3:03 of the Supreme Judicial Court states that a law student may appear on behalf of a defendant in criminal proceedings."
"I have absolutely no problem with this," the DA says, grinning.
"I do," Professor Ripley says, "I am not allowing it."
"But I thought you'd already given up on this case," Kevin says, "You know, last night at the prison?"
"The ruling also states that you need a licensed attorney to supervise you." The judge says, reading from the casebook. "Mr. Ripley?"
"Most certainly not."
"I'm supervising, Your Honor." Mike says, stepping up behind Kevin and placing a supporting hand on Kevin's back. Professor Ripley's shocked face almost makes Kevin laugh.
"Well, then, Mr. Jonas. Proceed."
*
Kevin's first action is to recall Diego Farlough as a defense witness. Once it has been made clear that he is still under oath, the judge motions for Kevin to start his questioning.
"First, Your Honor, I'd like to point out that not only is there no proof in this case, but there's a complete lack of mens rea, which by definition tells us that there is no crime without a vicious will."
"I'm aware of the meaning of mens rea," the judge says, "What I am unaware of is why you're giving me a vocabulary lesson instead of questioning your witness."
"Okay," Kevin says, "Mr. Farlough, what were you doing when the murder took place?"
"Taking a shower," Diego says, "I'd just put the highlights in myself and was washing it out."
"And when you came downstairs, what happened?"
"I saw Victoria standing over his body, drenched in his blood."
"But Mrs. Farlough didn't have a gun?"
"No, she'd stashed it by then."
"Move to strike that from the record, your Honor." Mike interrupts, "That's fucking speculation."
"Language, Mr. Carden," the judge says, "But consider it stricken."
Kevin should have done that himself, but Mike just smiles at him reassuringly. "Did you hear a shot fired?"
"No," Diego says, "I was in the shower."
"So your father was shot while you were in the shower, but you didn't get shot, because you were in the shower."
"Yes, I was washing my hair," Diego says, "Which is what you do in a shower."
"Mr. Farlough, can you tell us what you'd been doing earlier in the day?"
"I got up, went to the store to buy some dye, came home to dye it myself because I didn't want to pay for it when I went to get a perm later in the day," Diego says.
"Which is why you were in the shower," Kevin says, "to wash it out."
"I believe it's been made clear that the witness was in the shower."
"Yes, Your Honor." Kevin says over the small laughter of the court, fighting down a blush. "Had you ever gotten a perm before, Mr. Farlough?"
"Yes."
"And highlights?"
"Yes."
"How many, would you say?"
"Probably twice a year since I was twelve." Diego says, "It's my look. You do the math."
"You know, I had a friend who went to the hairdresser with her hair dyed to get a perm," Kevin says, "When she left, the color was completely gone. Could you tell me why her color was ruined when she got her perm?"
"Because the oil used in the perm weakens the color," Diego says.
"That's right," Kevin says, "Hair is not strong enough to take that kind of treatment, and it's always important to get highlights a day or two after a perm -- certainly not the same day. It ruins it completely, and wouldn't someone who's had perms and highlights two times every year throughout his lifetime, be well aware of this?" Diego doesn't answer, glaring over at Victoria. "And if you, in fact, were not washing your hair, as I suspect you were not, since your highlights are wonderful and have clearly been put in after the perm, wouldn't you have heard the gunshot? And if you in fact heard the gunshot, then Victoria Farlough wouldn't have had time to hide the gun before you got downstairs. Which would mean that you would've had to have found Mrs. Farlough with a gun in her hand to make your story sound plausible. Isn't that right?"
"She's my age," Diego says, "Did you realize that? I went to school with her! How would you feel if your father married your high school crush?"
"You, however, had time to hide the gun, didn't you, Diego?" Kevin asks, "After you shot your father?"
"I didn't mean to shoot him -- I meant to shoot you!" Diego shouts, pointing at Victoria. "You knew I liked you, yet you married my father! You used me!"
"Oh my god," Kevin says.
"Oh my fucking god," Mike says, "Fuck, Kev, you fucking did it!"
"Order!" The judge says, banging his gavel. "Order in the court!"
*
"You were amazing today," Zac says, coming up behind Kevin on the courthouse steps.
"Thank you."
"It made me realize something. I've really missed you lately, Kev." Zac says, "You should come visit me more often. I'm really sorry we haven't had a chance to hang out like we used to."
"You know what, Zac?" Kevin says, looking behind him at where he can see Mike's beat-up car waiting for Kevin's solitary moment of victory to be done, "I don't."
"What?"
"I thought losing you was something I'd never be able to live through," Kevin says, "I felt like I invented a completely new Kevin Jonas, just for you, but the fact is I didn't. You breaking up with me might just have been the best thing that's ever happened to me, because it showed me exactly what I could be if I put my mind to it. So if it's all the same to you, Zac, I think it's best if we don't see each other again."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah," Kevin says, heading back down the steps to Mike's car. "More than ever."
"What did that douche want?" Mike asks as Kevin slides into the passenger seat.
"An olive branch," Kevin says, "I gave him a location to put it. Only, more politely."
Mike stares at him for a long moment, then snorts, "Sure. It's you, so there's no fucking way it'd be anything but polite. You still feeling up for a celebration dinner?"
"I wouldn't be doing anything else," Kevin says, and smiles softly at him.
Mike turns to look at him, and there's none of the hard lines Kevin had seen the first time they met and found intimidating on his face now as he smiles back.
*
"I can't believe I have an album out," Brendon says, squeezing the air out of Kevin's lungs. They haven't really seen each other since Ryan Ross stopped by Boston and kidnapped not only Brendon, but Jon as well. Jon had quit his job in order to become part of Brendon's touring band. It's almost a year ago now. "And you have curls again!"
"Can't get rid of them," Kevin says, "Man, Harvard was just not the same without you."
"Please," Brendon says, "Like you even noticed my absence in between the law books and Mike's mouth."
Kevin hits him. "I notice, Brendon, you were my best friend there. There's totally an empty space where you and your magic head massages used to be."
"Mine now," Jon says cheerfully, coming up behind them. Mike's trailing after him, and his hand snakes around Kevin's waist, leaning in to steal a long kiss that borders on unacceptable for social gatherings. Kevin's really bad at keeping the lines up around Mike. He just doesn't want to stop kissing him.
"Gross," Lucas announces, "Your PDA is about to give me diabetes."
"That's fine," Kevin says, "You could stand to lay off the muffins anyway."
Lucas gasps. "I'm married to a jock, you asshole. I'll have him kick you ass."
"He can try," Mike agrees and grins. It's not a particularly nice grin, and it makes Lucas look uncertain.
Kevin loves it.
Almost as much as he loves it when Gabe comes up with an arm slung around William's shoulders and says, "I relieve you of our agreement, young Jonas. My mouth is open only to my dearest Billiam and no other. I hope you understand."
"Of course," Kevin says, nodding sagely.
"What gives you the right to assume I want to have my tongue in your mouth?" William asks, outraged, but he's had his hand in Gabe's back pocket since an hour after they met for the first time three days ago, so no one even tries to pretend to take him seriously.
Kevin ignores the ensuing chatter in order to properly survey the people who have showed up for Brendon's "intimate" release party - old friends, new friends, Victoria and family.
"Not bad for a Jonas," Mike whispers in his ear, nipping lightly at his neck, and Kevin smiles to himself.
No, it's not bad at all.
For: allyndra
Author: bergann
Mike has a weird sense of humor, still looks like he should be the one on trial and not a defendant most of the time, and swears more than any other of Kevin's friends. Kevin's not exactly sure why Mike keeps hanging out with him since Kevin really is a total dork, the laughing stock of the school, especially considering that Mike is top three of the third years. Kevin's confused, but he's hardly complaining. Mike makes law school fun. Even with the dry textbooks.
Because they do study in between hanging out, and Kevin's no longer in danger of flunking out.
He discusses enthusiastically with Professor Way -- to the point where some classes end up as a back-and-forth between them. He knows the daily quotes Professor Salpeter tries to stump the class with -- in fact, he's the only one who knows the one by Madonna -- and he pulls out all the weird little facts he knows at appropriate (and occasionally not so appropriate) times in Professor Trohman's class.
But the absolute biggest achievement happens in Professor Ripley's class, where he totally shows Zac up and wins the case.
Mike's been hovering in the back of the class for that one, and at Professor Ripley's words, Kevin twists in his seat to look at him. Mike's grinning brilliantly and he beams back, so excited he feels like bouncing up and down, but settles for just facing the front again and drawing a happy panda in the corner of his notes. He's supposed to be professional, after all.
He completely misses the way Zac's scowling at Mike.
"That was quite impressive, Mr. Jonas," Professor Ripley says, as they're filing out of the room. "I trust you're applying for my internship this year?"
"Uhm," Kevin says, "Yes? I mean, I was thinking about it --"
"--a dangerous thing, to be sure," Professor Ripley says, "You have a resume?"
"Yes," Kevin says, and he digs into his bag to pull one out. "Here you go."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Professor Ripley says, and behind him, Kevin can hear Mike say, "In case you were wondering, yes, that is an aardvark engraved on it."
Kevin smiles.
*
"I can't believe you're not coming home for Christmas either," Joe says, "You love Christmas!"
"I love Thanksgiving too," Kevin says, "There's just so much I need to know and study and do here. I don't have time to go home and play guitar and go shopping and all of that. I'd never study if I went home."
"Yeah, but it's a holiday," Nick says, "You're not supposed to spend it studying."
"I have to, if I'm going to prove to everyone that I'm serious about this," Kevin insists.
"Are you?" Joe says, "Because the way dad tells it, you're not there because you're serious about law, which is understandable. Law's boring."
"Actually, it isn't," Kevin says, "I was surprised too, I thought I'd have trouble staying awake in my classes, but it's so challenging and interesting. I think I might stay here."
"What about the magazine?"
"One of you two could take it," Kevin says, "I mean, you're next in line."
"Yeah, but I'm not interested," Joe says, "I have better things to do than criticize what people wear."
"You do it to me all the time," Nick says.
"Oh yeah? Like when? I bet you can't even remember one instance where I made fun of your clothes."
"This morning, 8 AM, you said my shoes made me look like a clown."
"Ten minutes ago when you called, you told him his coat belonged in World War II."
"That could've been a compliment," Joe protests.
"You compared it to the Nazis," Nick says. "That's not a compliment."
"I never mentioned the Nazis specifically," Joe says, "Stop putting words in my mouth!"
"Hanging up now," Kevin tells them. "I'll call on Christmas Day."
*
"Bye, Zac!" Kevin shouts down the hall, "Have a great Christmas!"
"Might want to give that one another go. I think some people in Australia didn't hear you," Mike says, coming up behind him.
"Mike!" Kevin says happily, turning around in surprise. "I thought I wasn't going to see you until tomorrow."
"Yeah, well, I wanted to give you this now," Mike says, holding out a present. "It's not as good as going home for Christmas, but..."
"Really?" Kevin says, excited. "You are too sweet, seriously!"
"It reminded me of you," Mike says, shrugging, "and I know we agreed on using the money spent on presents on supplies for the Christmas feast instead, but whatever, it wasn't that expensive."
It's a tiny plush ostrich. "Oh my god," Kevin says, clinging to it for a moment before deciding the better course of action is to cling to Mike. "Thank you!"
"Kevin, hey!"
"Zac!" Kevin says in surprise, stepping back.
"Have you seen Ashley? I've been looking for her everywhere."
"Yeah," Kevin says, nodding until he realizes exactly what Zac just asked, "I - I mean no."
"Great," Zac sighs, already heading out the door again. "We're going to miss our flight."
"Uhm, Kev?" Mike says, after the silence has been stretched uncomfortably thin, "I don't know if you've ever noticed this before or what, but every time Zac walks in your IQ kind of drops to 40."
"What?"
"It's been duly noted it's none of my fucking business," Mike continues, "But just a suggestion here that the only thing in your way of actually becoming one hell of a lawyer is Zac."
"Maybe you're right," Kevin says, "I've been to busy focusing on trying to get him back and blowing my chance here, when what I really should've been doing is show him exactly what he's missing! Thank you, Mike, seriously, you're always such a great help."
"Yeah," Mike says, and his voice sounds weird. "No problem."
"C'mon," Kevin says, fingers wrapping around his wrist to drag him inside the room, "I bought you a gift too."
It's a customized mug with Big Damn Hero written on it. Mike laughs long enough to begin with that Kevin's a little afraid it was actually a terrible gift -- he's usually excellent at buying presents for people, but that had been an impulse buy at 3 AM after five hours spent reading up on criminal law, and so the element of it being a fantastically bad gift is very much there -- but then Mike refuses to use any other mug for the rest of the holiday, and Kevin spends an inordinate amount of time smiling whenever Mike is drinking coffee.
Ninja's adopted the ostrich for his own, and proudly carries it around everywhere in his mouth. Kevin had been worried he'd use it as a toy to rip to shreds, but Ninja seems perfectly content to just carry it around and use it as pillow when everyone is too busy to have him in their lap.
"Ridiculous," William announces, coming into his living room where Kevin's lying on the couch with his feet in Mike's lap and Ninja curled up on his stomach while he reads Criminal Law: Model Penal Code.
"What?" Mike asks, not even glancing up from the book he has propped up on Kevin's feet.
William shakes his head and sighs. "Absolutely nothing. Now, Brendon and me have slaved away for hours and dinner is almost ready. I expect you two to make sure that the table looks as magnificent as our meal will."
"So paper plates should be okay, then," Kevin jokes, and swings his feet off Mike's lap before he pushes them off.
"No seconds helpings for you, Jonas, " William sniffs and heads back into the kitchen.
*
"Spencer Smith the Fifth," Kevin sing-songs into his phone, "Please tell me I am correct in thinking you have a friend in the music business."
"I do," Spencer says, "Ryan's a scout. But last I checked, you didn't need a label."
"I don't," Kevin says, "But my friend does."
"What, is one of your lawyer friends giving up already?" Spencer asks, "I thought you lawyers were supposed to be tenacious."
"He's not a lawyer," Kevin says, "He's my hairstylist and he's really good. Seriously, Spence, his voice is amazing."
"I can't just hand off your friends to Ryan," Spencer protests, "Our friendship doesn't work like that. It never has and never will. Want someone to do your bidding, call someone else."
"Spencer," Kevin whines, "This is quid pro quo for me never showing those pictures I took last Christmas to anyone."
"Fuck you," Spencer says, but with no real heat in it, and sighs. "Fine, you send me some sound bites or something, I'll pass them onto Ryan. I'm not promising anything, mind you, no matter what blackmail material you have. Ryan has his ideas about music, he's not going to be influenced just because I say so."
"That's fine," Kevin says, "I wasn't expecting you to do anything but swing the initial contact. Thank you, Spencer."
"Now burn those pictures, Kevin," Spencer says, and then there's nothing but dead air. Kevin doesn't mind though as he pushes open the door to Hairin' Around. "Brendon," he calls, "You here?"
"Where else do you expect to find me?" Brendon asks, coming out from the back. "You look excited. Oh! Did you and lawyer guy finally make up?"
"Nope," Kevin says, "I need you to come with me to go see William."
"I'm not off for another three hours," Brendon says, "But it's kind of slow-going at the moment, I can probably ask to leave early. What's up?"
"You don't have --" Kevin says, when the door opens again behind him. He turns and Jon is striding into the salon, although he's out of his UPS uniform today. Instead he's wearing jeans, flip flops and a loose shirt. Kevin is seriously impressed by his ability to not get frostbite in this weather. Behind him, there's a small noise, almost like Brendon just swallowed his tongue.
His eyes travel around the saloon until they land on Brendon, and he smiles, "Hey," he says, "are you free?"
"For what?" Brendon says, and Kevin becomes very interested in the imaginary text on his Blackberry.
"I need my hair cut," Jon says, "That is what you do, right?"
"Yes? Yes. Yes!" Brendon nods, "I can do that, although your hair is nice. I lo-ike your hair, why would you want to cut it?"
"Maybe work a little on your sales pitch there," Jon laughs and his eyes crinkle in the corners, "but I didn't mean I wanted it all gone. Just a small trim or something. If you're free, that is."
"I need to go and Brendon has no appointments. He is free. Oh, and get the full treatment," Kevin smiles, "You won't regret it."
*
With the help of William and Mike, they manage to record three songs for Brendon -- Three Little Birds, Life is Wonderful, and Slow-Motion. Brendon's bouncing around the room while they listen to them on Kevin's laptop, and in between the thank-yous and oh-my-gods, Brendon talks about how soft Jon Walker's hair is, how he totally didn't nearly cut anyone's ear off this time, and Kevin's never felt happier.
"It sounds great," Kevin says, "How on Earth have you not been signed yet?"
"I've been told I'm a little too much," Brendon says, "But seriously, you didn't have to do this, Kevin."
"I'm doing nothing but sharing your music with a friend," Kevin says, "No influence on the final decision whatsoever."
"Still," Brendon says, "You're the best, seriously. I'm starting to think Mike is right about saying Zac's an idiotic asshole. He'd have to be to let you go."
"Of course I'm right," Mike says, "I'm a fucking lawyer, would I lie?"
William laughs as he comes back into the room with a plate of cookies. "You'd be one of the rare ones if you didn't," he says, and once he's put the cookies down he drapes himself all over Kevin and Mike.
"As much as I like hearing about my good qualities," Kevin says, "Which is not quite as much as my family, I like Monday comedy shows and cookies better."
"Yeah, yeah, okay," Brendon says, picking up the remote. "What channel are they on again?"
*
"Did you see yet?" Adam says as soon as Kevin walks down the hall. Adam is a first year as well, and can be as big a dork about animals as Kevin, although they hadn't realized that until Mike introduced them to each other. Apparently Adam is the younger brother to one of Mike's old friends or something.
There's a throng of people up ahead, crowded around the board and the noise volume in the hallway is way above what it normally is.
"See what? What's going on?"
"Ripley got a huge case and the workload is so big that he's picking four first years to help him with it," Adam says, "Man, you gotta see."
Kevin's already making his way through the crowd of people to the board. On the board there's a sheet of paper pinned up, and Kevin's name is printed on it in black and white. Along with Ashley's, Zac's and Demi. Kevin hasn't spoken much to Demi, as he's kind of written off his class for now -- except for Adam. "Oh my god," he says, staring at the paper. He's going to be working a case. A real case. Him, Kevin Jonas, of the media-dubbed doofus Jonas clan is about to have his first real experience as a lawyer. As an intern, but still. "Oh my god!"
Adam laughs and claps him on the back. "Man, you show them," he says, and that's the great thing about Adam. He doesn't get upset over his own missed opportunities. He's genuinely happy for his friends.
"Thank you," Kevin says, and out of the corner of his eye, he spots Ashley and Zac. "Excuse me for a moment. Hey Zac, Ashley, I just wanted you to let you know that I really look forward to working with you on this case, and I hope that we can act professionally."
"Wait, what?" Ashley asks, "You're on the list too?"
"Didn't read that far?" Kevin says, "That's okay. It was a lot of letters."
Ashley scowls at him.
"We're more than capable of acting professionally if you are," Zac says, but he looks a bit put out.
"Good," Kevin says, "Oh, but before all of that, Zac? Remember that first time we discovered my ring didn't even matter because you were able to come at just my voice? This is way, way better than that."
He smiles brightly at them, gives a cheery wave to Ashley, and heads outside to call everyone.
*
Their client is one Victoria Farlough, formerly known as the Victoria Asher who is absolutely famous for her work-out routine. After a summer spent being fattened up on Nick's amazing cookies, Kevin had decided to give the class a go and it was absolutely amazing. She had the ability to make a person drop three pounds in one class.
"It's just too bad she seems guilty as well," Professor Ripley says, after Kevin's done with his memories. "Her husband's son saw her standing over her husband's body. However, Victoria herself claims she didn't do it."
"She would never kill anyone!" Kevin protests, "She's not that sort of person."
"Anyone is capable of killing," Professor Ripley says, "The sooner you realize that, Mr. Jonas, the better for your career. Now, Victoria seems to have some trouble trusting me as when I try to speak with her I'm unable to get a plea, plan or an alibi. She needs to realize we are her only hope. I'm hoping, however, that she will open up to one of you."
As it turns out, Victoria will talk to them -- or, she'll talk to Kevin. "You are the only guy I've had in my classes," Victoria says, stopping him after the others have filed out of the conference room after a 'useless' meeting, "You had amazing flexibility."
Kevin beams. "Thank you," he says, "I do yoga."
"It shows," Victoria says, "I'm so glad you're going to be helping on my case. It gives me faith, y'know? I know this Guy Ripley is supposed to be good, but he gives me the creeps."
"He's really talented," Kevin says, "He'll win your case for sure."
"He thinks I'm guilty," Victoria says, "I'm not so sure about that."
"It's just because you haven't given us an alibi," Kevin says, "With that, we'd have you out in seconds."
"I can't," Victoria says, "My alibi would ruin everything more than prison would."
Kevin can't see how, but it's Victoria, so he accepts her word for it and jogs to catch up with the others.
*
The son of Jared Farlough, Diego, is 21 with blonde highlights and curls. Kevin doesn't like him, although he's not really sure why. Diego had hardly been in the room for a few minutes -- just long enough to shake the hands of the associates and linger by Mike -- and Kevin had gotten this feeling that there was something fishy about him.
"I got out of the shower, walked downstairs and when I saw her standing over my father's dead body," Diego says, complete with tears on his cheek, "I called the police."
"Did she have a weapon in her hand?"
"No."
"Was there anything that gave you cause for belief that she had discarded her weapon?"
"She'd killed him," Diego says, "Isn't that the logical thing to do?"
*
Danny Hutto is Victoria Farlough's personal assistant, and the second and last witness to the crime.
"What did you see when you entered the house?" Ripley asks.
"I saw Vicky-T standing over the body of Mr. Farlough," Danny says, "and Diego was in the other room on the phone."
"And was Mrs. Farlough carrying a weapon?"
"Nah," Danny shakes his head, "She was crying something mad, dog. Like, fuck, I didn't know she could cry like that."
"So it would be safe to say that she was distraught that her husband was dead?"
"Dude, yeah," Danny says, "Vicky-T is fierce but totally sweet. I love working for her, even if the whole 'getting fit' thing is not really me, y'know? But it pays for my shit and everything, and she's totally cool, so I don't mind."
"You don't think Mrs. Farlough could have committed the crime?"
"Honestly? I don't know, man," Danny shifts uncomfortably. "I mean, she's sweet. But when she gets mad she gets kind of crazy too, and Mr. Farlough -- he'd been having this thing with the maid that we all knew about. I guess it's possible she did it."
*
Professor Ripley seems even more sure that Victoria did the crime after Danny Hutto's statement is over. There's motive, means, opportunity and witnesses that saw her standing over the body with blood on her.
Which means there's really only one thing for Kevin to do, which is to go to the Boston Jail and see her. He signs in as Jonas Ostrich, relation cousin, and is actually pretty surprised when they let him through.
"Are you okay?" Kevin asks, once Victoria’s been brought in and settled down at the opposite end of the conference table. "I mean, I know you're not okay okay, since you're in prison and on trial for murder, but I mean like -- circumstances considering okay."
"I know," Victoria says, and gives a little half-smile. "I'm not great, but I'm glad it's you and not Ripley."
"He means well," Kevin assures her, "He might seem like a goofball, but he really is good."
"For what I'm paying for him, he should be."
"I tried to get my friend to come to your class with me that summer," Kevin says, trying for a change of topic. "But he didn't want to go because there weren't any guys."
"It is a workout meant mostly for women," Victoria says, "I was surprised to see you there."
"You could easily adapt it so that it's a routine for men," Kevin suggests, "I mean, I got a lot out of that class. Lost all my cookie-weight and everything, it was incredible. You could expand."
"If I ever get out of jail, I might look into that," Victoria says, smiling. "Although it's not looking so good right now."
"About that," Kevin says, "we really, really need your alibi if we're going to prove you're innocent."
"I can't, Kevin," Victoria says, tears forming in her eyes. "You don't understand."
"But I could!" Kevin insists, "What could it possibly be that anyone would understand better than me?"
"It's so shameful," Victoria whispers, "It could ruin me."
"How?"
"I've made my fortune on my ability to teach women how to perfect their bodies with the Vicky-T's Terrific Body workout and diet cleanse."
"I know!" Kevin says, "You got me down two sizes!"
"On the day of Jared's murder, I was --" Victoria sobs, her whole body shaking with it, "I was getting liposuction."
"No!"
"I'm a fraud!" Victoria cries, "If my fans knew, I'd lose everything. I've already lost my husband. I'd rather be in jail then lose my reputation too!"
"It's okay," Kevin says, "I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me."
*
"We have two new interviews tomorrow," Professor Ripley says, "and according to this communiqué from the prison, our client had a visit from her cousin -- a Mr. Jonas Ostrich."
It feels like everyone turns to look at Kevin. "I went to get her alibi," he says, and Mike's eyebrows rise in surprise.
"And did you?"
"Yes," Kevin says, "Only -- I can't tell you what it is."
There's shocked silence in the room for a long, terrifying moment. Kevin's reminded of that time his parents found out he'd locked Joe in the kitchen cupboard and then accidentally lost the key. "Why the fuck not?" Professor Ripley shouts and makes everyone jump in their seats. Kevin most of all.
"I promised her I wouldn't," Kevin says, "I gave her my word."
"Fuck promises! This is a murder trail, Mr. Jonas, not some fashion scandal. I want the alibi."
"I can't give it to you, but I can tell you that she's innocent." Kevin says, and he's seriously worried that Professor Ripley is about to hit him.
"Hey Ripley," Mike says, and his voice is quiet but it still makes everyone focus their attention on him. "There's someone outside waiting for you."
"Reason with him," Professor Ripley says, and disappears out of the room.
"Are you crazy?" Ashley says, "Give him the alibi!"
"I can't."
"We're going to lose this case if you don't," Demi says, her voice high enough to make Kevin wince.
"We're future lawyers from one of the best schools in the country," Kevin says, "We shouldn't let ourselves be stopped by the lack of an alibi."
Zac leans over in his chair, mouth nearly directly by Kevin's ear as he whispers, "If you tell him, you'll probably make summer associate, Kev. Who cares about Victoria? You should think about yourself."
"I gave her my word, Zac," Kevin says, and by the looks on everyone's faces, they've heard what Zac said loud and clear. He never knew how to whisper.
It's only confirmed when they leave for the day and Mike's walking with him back to campus and says, "That Zac is a real good guy. I can see why you'd want to marry him."
Kevin scowls. "Leave it, Mike."
"No, seriously," Mike says, a matching scowl on his face. "Who wouldn't want to be married to someone who's best advice is to think only about yourself and fuck everyone else? That's got to be the most loving relationship you can have."
"You're such a butthead," Kevin says, "You were all just trying to get me to tell the alibi."
"Which you really should," Mike says, "We'd win the case for sure. Don't you want Victoria out of jail?"
"I do," Kevin says, "but she doesn't want to be out of jail under those circumstances. I gave her my word, we pinky-swore."
"Oh, well, if you pinky-swore," Mike replies with a roll of his eyes, "No court of law could argue against that."
"Why are you so sure that she did it?"
"This is a woman who makes her living on telling women they're too fat and whose alibi is apparently so bad that prison is preferable," Mike says, "Who would be surprised to find out she was guilty? "
"Victoria would never tell anyone they're too fat," Kevin protests, "Besides, maybe her alibi isn't what you think."
"Maybe it is though," Mike argues, and then says, "Did you call me a butthead? What kind of weak ass fucking playground insult is that?"
"A true one, butthead," Kevin says, and takes the stairs up to his room two at a time.
*
There are reporters everywhere outside of the courthouse the next day. Kevin gives the door one look before he decides to go in the back way, because he really has no wish to end up in any newspaper or magazine. His brothers had called him that morning to tell him the reporters were going crazy for the Jonas Fashion Heir's first case, and Kevin has never been wild for reporters in the first place. He doesn't think taking the spotlight away from the case will improve people's opinion of him either.
This is the only real reason why he happens to brush close by Danny Hutto as they pass each other in the doorway to the alley behind the courthouse, and he doesn't even really recognize the smell until he's well down the hallway. "Oh my god," he says, and runs into the courtroom. "Mike!"
"What?" Mike asks warily, which okay -- fair enough. Kevin's been kind of petulantly ignoring Mike's calls.
"Danny's a pothead," Kevin says.
"What?"
"He's a fan of the grass," Kevin says, "I could smell it on him when I brushed past him in the door to the alley. You could get him discredited as a witness!"
"There's no proof of this," Professor Ripley says, "We can't just be making wild accusations."
"Why not?" Kevin asks, "They're doing it right now against Victoria."
"Mr. Jonas, as much as I appreciate your attempts to help, I'm afraid there's no proof to back your theory up."
"Smell him," Kevin insists, "He's a pothead."
"Please, Mr. Jonas, I have a murder trail to attend to."
Kevin's totally prepared to sulk his way through the trail, except then just as Professor Ripley says himself done with the examination of the witness, Mike stands up. "I have a couple of questions, Your Honor."
Ripley looks furious, but since Mike's an associate on the case, there's nothing he can do. "Would you agree that you and Mrs. Farlough have a close relationship?"
"Sure," Danny says, "I'm her PA. It’s a little hard to avoid."
"And would you say she knows you pretty well?"
"Better than my mom," Danny laughs. Kevin can see Victoria smiling as she watches the proceedings.
"And how long have you been working for Mrs. Farlough?"
"Three years."
"So how do you keep the pot a secret?"
"The shed, dude." Danny says, and the whole courtroom gasps. Kevin can't help the delighted grin on his face. "No, no, sorry, I misheard you, dude."
"Even so," the judge says, "I think it's best we get a drug test on Mr. Hutto, and resume tomorrow morning."
*
"I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given me this year," Kevin says, leading the way into a department store, "and to apologize for acting like a butthead after calling you a butthead."
"So you thought taking me clothes shopping was the best way to go?" Mike asks, disbelief and amusement coloring his voice. "Do you know me, dude?"
"I do," Kevin says, and there might be a little hint of pride in his voice. "My initial plan was to get you a guitar. But you already have one, and you've been teaching me all about how to be practical, so your need for a suit won out."
"I have a suit," Mike protests, "You've fucking seen me in it three times now."
"I have," Kevin agrees, "and that's just it. You have one suit. You're a lawyer. You need more than one suit if you're going to be taken seriously."
Mike makes a face. "It's not like I wasn't planning on getting another one."
"But you'd have to be forced then too," Kevin says, "Which is what I'm doing, and it won't cost you anything but your time."
"Fine," Mike says, then, "What are you doing?"
Kevin has been breathing it all in, but he was trying to be a little subtle about it. His brothers always did say he sucked at subtlety though. "I'm taking it all in," he says, "I haven't been inside one of these for too long. I put a self-imposed ban on shopping."
Mike snorts, and trails behind after Kevin into the store. "What made you think I'd even agree to do this?"
"I know you don't like clothes shopping," Kevin says, "and I know you're not crazy about me being the one helping you pick out stuff, but I also know -- or well, hope really, that you trust me. This is supposed to be the one thing I'm naturally good at. The only thing, if you believe the media."
"I trust you, Kevin, and the media's dead fucking wrong," Mike says, "I just don't like the idea of you fucking paying for all of my clothes, Christ."
"Just swallow your pride," Kevin says, rolling his eyes, "I already said it's for all the time you spent teaching me about habeas corpus and everything that got me into that internship. I would be back in LA if it wasn't for you."
"Fine," Mike says, "But I get to decide what is too expensive and what isn't."
"Of course," Kevin agrees, and starts picking out clothes for Mike's approval.
"No, maybe, fuck no," Mike says, "I'd get beat up for wearing that one."
Kevin actually has that one in his closet. He frowns at it, trying to see what Mike sees and eventually shrugs. "It really is all about how you wear it," he says, "but okay. Here, go try these on." Mike takes them and surprisingly goes without a word. "I really love shopping for other people," Kevin says, while he's waiting outside the changing room, "Just...watching them change right in front of me and becoming what they could be gives me this incredible feeling of a job well done."
"If you're watching me change," Mike's voice drifts out from the changing room, "Then that ring has officially fucked with your head long enough and needs to come off."
Kevin frowns and glances down at the purity ring. He's not entirely sure why he's so stuck on following it to the end, since he's fairly certain his brothers more than toy with the line, but it's kind of comforting, the thought that who ever he takes it off for will genuinely care about him.
"Well?" Mike says, stepping out, "What's the Fashion Lawyer's verdict?"
"You look amazing," Kevin says, going over to straighten out the arms and collar. "Seriously, Mike, we need to get you this. You look hot."
"If I say yes, can we go?"
Kevin hesitates. There are shoes and shirts and bags crying out for his attention, he can practically hear their fabric voices. "Yes, we can go," he says, "But I really had more time planned for this. What are we supposed to now?"
"We could go see Brendon," Mike says, "I figure, if you're gonna go all makeover on me, you should go all the way. Besides, you're right. If I'm going to be a lawyer, I need to at least look like a guy some people would hire."
"But," Kevin says, surprised, reaching out to Mike's hair without thinking about, "You can't cut this. It's what makes you you."
"Yeah, well," Mike says, holding unnaturally still as Kevin brushes his finger through Mike's hair. "I have it on good authority it makes me look like a serial killer, and it's not like I won't be me without the hair."
"No," Kevin says, letting his hand drop. "You're right."
"Damn right I am," Mike says, and slips back into the changing room.
*
"Kevin," Brendon says, rushing into Kevin's room, "I just got a call from Ryan Ross!"
"Spencer's Ryan?" Kevin asks, bouncing to his feet and completely oblivious to Mike's slightly disappointed frown. "What did he say?"
"He's coming here," Brendon says, "He wanted to meet me in person and hear what my voice was like live!"
"Oh my god, that's great!" Kevin exclaims and hugs him. "Dude, have you told Jon?"
"No, I had to tell you first," Brendon says, "Because you're the reason this is happening and I can't believe you might be getting me signed!"
"Congratulations," Mike says as he gets to his feet as well. He looks surprised when Brendon launches himself at him, but at least he doesn't like -- punch Brendon in the face or shove him away or anything, which is what Kevin's always afraid will happen if he hugs Mike. "Listen, I should probably get going. It's a big day tomorrow, and there's stuff I need to do."
"Oh," Brendon says, "You don't have to leave because of me. Seriously, Mike."
"I'm not," Mike says, and grins a little, "You're not exactly scary or threatening, Urie. You wouldn't be able to get me to leave a room I didn't want to."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Mike," Kevin says, and Mike throws a 'bye Ostrich!' over his shoulder before the door closes behind him.
"Man, I'm so sorry," Brendon says, looking guilty. "I ruined a moment, and I should have just called or knocked first."
"What?"
"You and Mike, you were on a date."
"Uh," Kevin says, "We were in my room, going over the case files."
"But he was all dressed up!" Brendon says, waving in the direction Mike's gone. "Like, really nicely dressed up, and that suit made him look smoking, and you had your head on his shoulder, and oh my god, that's totally why he cut his hair today!"
"I just wanted to check to see how the suit looked with his new hair," Kevin says, "I bought it for him today, and I was just reading the file over his shoulder."
"You bought him a suit?"
"As a thank-you," Kevin explains, "For all the help he's given me this year."
Brendon sighs. "Fuck, then it was an even bigger moment than I thought it was."
"There was no moment," Kevin says, "What are you talking about?"
"Look," Brendon says, "I hate to be the sort of guy who starts giving advice when he's only had a boyfriend for like less than a week, but I've seen the sparks between the two of you since, well, since the first time I saw you two together. You've got mad chemistry, dude."
"With Mike?" Kevin says, like they've been talking about someone else entirely.
Brendon rolls his eyes. "Man, you've been so caught up in law school and trying to get Zac back that you haven't noticed, but everyone else have. William and Sisky Biz, they've got a pool going on you two. People who you probably haven't even met have placed bets. He really likes you, and I think that if you stopped enough to consider anyone but Zac, you'd realize you really like him too."
Kevin opens his mouth to say something and then closes it again. He looks at Ninja, who's sitting upright on his bed, and it might just be his imagination, but it totally looks like Ninja nods in agreement.
*
"Kevin," Victoria says, "I have a favor to ask."
"If it's in my power, I'll do it," Kevin says without hesitation, because Victoria sounds upset and she's calling from prison. What kind of person would he be if he didn't help her?
"Ripley just hit on me," Victoria says, "Told me that unless I did what he wanted, he'd lose my case. I told him to fuck off."
"What?"
"I told you there was something creepy about that guy I didn't like," Victoria says, "You have to help me, Kevin, I can't go into court tomorrow with that asshole defending me, and it's too late to get a completely new lawyer."
"I'll figure something out," Kevin promises, and calls Mike.
*
The next day finds Professor Ripley fired from his job representing Victoria Furlough in her murder trial. His replacement is Kevin.
"He's a law student," Professor Ripley protests, "He can't defend you."
"Actually," Adam says, stepping forward from where he's been standing behind Kevin and holding out a casebook, "Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03 says he can."
"Counselors, approach the bench."
"You're not going up there," Professor Ripley says, holding a hand on Kevin's arm to stop him.
"Actually, I am," Kevin says, shrugging it off. "Kevin Jonas, Your Honor. Rule 3:03 of the Supreme Judicial Court states that a law student may appear on behalf of a defendant in criminal proceedings."
"I have absolutely no problem with this," the DA says, grinning.
"I do," Professor Ripley says, "I am not allowing it."
"But I thought you'd already given up on this case," Kevin says, "You know, last night at the prison?"
"The ruling also states that you need a licensed attorney to supervise you." The judge says, reading from the casebook. "Mr. Ripley?"
"Most certainly not."
"I'm supervising, Your Honor." Mike says, stepping up behind Kevin and placing a supporting hand on Kevin's back. Professor Ripley's shocked face almost makes Kevin laugh.
"Well, then, Mr. Jonas. Proceed."
*
Kevin's first action is to recall Diego Farlough as a defense witness. Once it has been made clear that he is still under oath, the judge motions for Kevin to start his questioning.
"First, Your Honor, I'd like to point out that not only is there no proof in this case, but there's a complete lack of mens rea, which by definition tells us that there is no crime without a vicious will."
"I'm aware of the meaning of mens rea," the judge says, "What I am unaware of is why you're giving me a vocabulary lesson instead of questioning your witness."
"Okay," Kevin says, "Mr. Farlough, what were you doing when the murder took place?"
"Taking a shower," Diego says, "I'd just put the highlights in myself and was washing it out."
"And when you came downstairs, what happened?"
"I saw Victoria standing over his body, drenched in his blood."
"But Mrs. Farlough didn't have a gun?"
"No, she'd stashed it by then."
"Move to strike that from the record, your Honor." Mike interrupts, "That's fucking speculation."
"Language, Mr. Carden," the judge says, "But consider it stricken."
Kevin should have done that himself, but Mike just smiles at him reassuringly. "Did you hear a shot fired?"
"No," Diego says, "I was in the shower."
"So your father was shot while you were in the shower, but you didn't get shot, because you were in the shower."
"Yes, I was washing my hair," Diego says, "Which is what you do in a shower."
"Mr. Farlough, can you tell us what you'd been doing earlier in the day?"
"I got up, went to the store to buy some dye, came home to dye it myself because I didn't want to pay for it when I went to get a perm later in the day," Diego says.
"Which is why you were in the shower," Kevin says, "to wash it out."
"I believe it's been made clear that the witness was in the shower."
"Yes, Your Honor." Kevin says over the small laughter of the court, fighting down a blush. "Had you ever gotten a perm before, Mr. Farlough?"
"Yes."
"And highlights?"
"Yes."
"How many, would you say?"
"Probably twice a year since I was twelve." Diego says, "It's my look. You do the math."
"You know, I had a friend who went to the hairdresser with her hair dyed to get a perm," Kevin says, "When she left, the color was completely gone. Could you tell me why her color was ruined when she got her perm?"
"Because the oil used in the perm weakens the color," Diego says.
"That's right," Kevin says, "Hair is not strong enough to take that kind of treatment, and it's always important to get highlights a day or two after a perm -- certainly not the same day. It ruins it completely, and wouldn't someone who's had perms and highlights two times every year throughout his lifetime, be well aware of this?" Diego doesn't answer, glaring over at Victoria. "And if you, in fact, were not washing your hair, as I suspect you were not, since your highlights are wonderful and have clearly been put in after the perm, wouldn't you have heard the gunshot? And if you in fact heard the gunshot, then Victoria Farlough wouldn't have had time to hide the gun before you got downstairs. Which would mean that you would've had to have found Mrs. Farlough with a gun in her hand to make your story sound plausible. Isn't that right?"
"She's my age," Diego says, "Did you realize that? I went to school with her! How would you feel if your father married your high school crush?"
"You, however, had time to hide the gun, didn't you, Diego?" Kevin asks, "After you shot your father?"
"I didn't mean to shoot him -- I meant to shoot you!" Diego shouts, pointing at Victoria. "You knew I liked you, yet you married my father! You used me!"
"Oh my god," Kevin says.
"Oh my fucking god," Mike says, "Fuck, Kev, you fucking did it!"
"Order!" The judge says, banging his gavel. "Order in the court!"
*
"You were amazing today," Zac says, coming up behind Kevin on the courthouse steps.
"Thank you."
"It made me realize something. I've really missed you lately, Kev." Zac says, "You should come visit me more often. I'm really sorry we haven't had a chance to hang out like we used to."
"You know what, Zac?" Kevin says, looking behind him at where he can see Mike's beat-up car waiting for Kevin's solitary moment of victory to be done, "I don't."
"What?"
"I thought losing you was something I'd never be able to live through," Kevin says, "I felt like I invented a completely new Kevin Jonas, just for you, but the fact is I didn't. You breaking up with me might just have been the best thing that's ever happened to me, because it showed me exactly what I could be if I put my mind to it. So if it's all the same to you, Zac, I think it's best if we don't see each other again."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah," Kevin says, heading back down the steps to Mike's car. "More than ever."
"What did that douche want?" Mike asks as Kevin slides into the passenger seat.
"An olive branch," Kevin says, "I gave him a location to put it. Only, more politely."
Mike stares at him for a long moment, then snorts, "Sure. It's you, so there's no fucking way it'd be anything but polite. You still feeling up for a celebration dinner?"
"I wouldn't be doing anything else," Kevin says, and smiles softly at him.
Mike turns to look at him, and there's none of the hard lines Kevin had seen the first time they met and found intimidating on his face now as he smiles back.
*
"I can't believe I have an album out," Brendon says, squeezing the air out of Kevin's lungs. They haven't really seen each other since Ryan Ross stopped by Boston and kidnapped not only Brendon, but Jon as well. Jon had quit his job in order to become part of Brendon's touring band. It's almost a year ago now. "And you have curls again!"
"Can't get rid of them," Kevin says, "Man, Harvard was just not the same without you."
"Please," Brendon says, "Like you even noticed my absence in between the law books and Mike's mouth."
Kevin hits him. "I notice, Brendon, you were my best friend there. There's totally an empty space where you and your magic head massages used to be."
"Mine now," Jon says cheerfully, coming up behind them. Mike's trailing after him, and his hand snakes around Kevin's waist, leaning in to steal a long kiss that borders on unacceptable for social gatherings. Kevin's really bad at keeping the lines up around Mike. He just doesn't want to stop kissing him.
"Gross," Lucas announces, "Your PDA is about to give me diabetes."
"That's fine," Kevin says, "You could stand to lay off the muffins anyway."
Lucas gasps. "I'm married to a jock, you asshole. I'll have him kick you ass."
"He can try," Mike agrees and grins. It's not a particularly nice grin, and it makes Lucas look uncertain.
Kevin loves it.
Almost as much as he loves it when Gabe comes up with an arm slung around William's shoulders and says, "I relieve you of our agreement, young Jonas. My mouth is open only to my dearest Billiam and no other. I hope you understand."
"Of course," Kevin says, nodding sagely.
"What gives you the right to assume I want to have my tongue in your mouth?" William asks, outraged, but he's had his hand in Gabe's back pocket since an hour after they met for the first time three days ago, so no one even tries to pretend to take him seriously.
Kevin ignores the ensuing chatter in order to properly survey the people who have showed up for Brendon's "intimate" release party - old friends, new friends, Victoria and family.
"Not bad for a Jonas," Mike whispers in his ear, nipping lightly at his neck, and Kevin smiles to himself.
No, it's not bad at all.