neqs
in
sodamnskippy
Bingo Fic: True Lies
Title: True Lies (square 4: Pretending to be married)
Warnings: Geography-fail, OOC, melodrama, villain!Zac, and some events not likely to happen IRL.
Words: 2700+
A/N: Sorry, not beta-read.
It was some lame industry party, and since his band had fucked off somewhere without him, Mike was pretty bored and wishing these things weren’t so fucking tedious. He should have been more careful what he wished for.
"The first clue Mike had that something was up was Joe Jonas coming up to him, sneering, and saying, “You may look like a serial killer with your dead shark gaze, but I don’t, so I could kill you and keep your head as a trophy, and they’d still never believe I had anything to do with it. Keep that in mind.”
Ok, then. Clearly Disney was handing out the wrong psychedelic drugs these days.
Mike was a little freaked out after that, which was the only reason he jumped when Nick Jonas snuck up behind him and spoke right into his ear.
“My brother has more artistic talent in his sideburns than you do in your entire ugly-haired, sloppily dressed body. You’re a disgrace to your band and to your instrument.”
Now that was just way out of line, but Jonas stormed off before Mike could ask what the hell his problem was.
Mike was feeling pretty aggrieved by this point, so he was taken by surprise when the littlest Jonas kicked him in the leg.
“Ow, what the fuck! What the hell did I ever do to your family?” he demanded to know, rubbing his leg.
The kid shrugged. “I dunno. But it’s something bad, because Kevin was fighting with Zac and your name came up and Zac was mad and left and then everyone shouted a lot and Kevin was really upset. And it’s all your fault somehow,” the kid rattled out before flouncing off in a good imitation of his older brothers. The crazy ones, anyway.
Although, if Kevin Jonas was blaming his problems on Mike, the evidence was pointing to him being crazy too.
*
“What. The hell, Jonas,” Mike ground out.
“Um. How did you get this number?”
“This is Mike Carden, by the way. Also known as the Anti-Christ and the source of all evil. Never mind how I got your damn number. What the fuck did I ever do to you?”
“Oh, wow. I’m- sorry?”
“Oh that’s just fine then, let’s forget that I got death threats from your psycho brother, had my guitar-playing dissed by your music snob brother, and was kicked in the leg by your midget brother, no hard feelings!”
“I’m so, so sorry-”
“I don’t want an apology, I want a fucking explanation, Jonas,” Mike snarled.
“That’s- it’s a really long story. Could we, I know it’s a lot to ask but could we talk about it face to face?” Jonas asked quietly, sounding pitiful.
Mike growled, telling himself he was agreeing because he was curious, not because the kid sounded really miserable.
“Fine, but if any of your crazy family show up, I’m using you as a human shield.”
*
Mike looked both ways before letting Kevin into his apartment, already having second thoughts about having anyone named Jonas know where he lived.
He was determined to stay tough, hold firm, and get some answers, so naturally he ended up sitting on his couch with Kevin Jonas crying all over his shirt − the nice one that Bill said made him look like a hitman instead of axe murderer.
Mike sighed.
“There, there, kid,” he said lamely, patting Kevin’s back a few times.
“I’m sorry!” Kevin warbled wetly. Mike tried to remember if he had any tissues, much less within reaching distance. He doubted it. Luckily the kid seemed to have come prepared.
“I’m so pathetic! I’m crying all the time lately,” Kevin moaned and blew his nose. “It’s just so messed up… I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble, but Zac was being really weird and intense and I thought he’d go away if I told him about you, but he just made a huge scene and got all my family into it, and it’s just a big mess!” he wailed, waving the tissue around.
“Wait up… Zack who? And what exactly was he doing that made you uncomfortable? And you told him what about me?” Mike asked, frowning in confusion.
“You know, Zac Efron? Oh, you don’t know. He was in High School Musical? He’s kind of weird but we’re friends, were friends anyway. He’s kind of into me and we’ve been flirting a little, but lately he’s just been getting way intense and starting to scare me. I thought he’d lay off if I told him I was seeing someone like you,” Kevin explained, calming down a bit.
“You mean that creep tried to-” Mike tried to find a euphemism for rape that didn’t sound like it was from a fifties sitcom or a soap opera. “He was a dumb shit who wouldn’t take no for an answer?” he asked seriously.
“Yes! In my own fricking bedroom with my family downstairs! I could have shouted for help but I didn’t want to make a scene, didn’t want them to- well. They certainly know *now* that I’m gay. I’m really sorry for bringing you into it, but I was trying to think of someone manly, someone Zac would think twice before messing with, and I immediately thought of you,” Kevin said, looking down at his hands, which he was twisting in his lap.
Mike tried not to let that warm his macho little heart. He tried really, really hard. This was fucked up and stupid, but even knowing that, Mike couldn’t help feeling a protective instinct sparking up inside him.
“It’s ok, kid,” Mike said, putting a hand on top of Kevin’s and trying to sound reassuring. He wasn’t sure how successful he’d been, because Kevin smiled at him shakily, burst into tears, and buried his face into Mike’s shirt again.
Ah, well, Mike thought philosophically while rubbing Kevin’s back. At least he knew the kid had tissues. And he’d never liked this shirt anyway.
*
Afterwards, well, Mike would be lying if he said he didn’t know what happened. He also couldn’t say that he’d been railroaded or emotionally blackmailed. Kevin had just looked at him, eyes wet and nose bright red, and not asked for anything. Okay, maybe that counted as emotional blackmail with some people, but even from a short acquaintance he knew that Kevin didn’t have a manipulative bone in his body. Sure, he was emotional and impulsive, but not manipulative.
Kevin just pulled back, rubbed his face with shaking hands, and didn’t ask for anything. Having him there in his apartment, looking like a kicked poodle puppy, made Mike forget that chivalry was dead.
“So, here’s an idea…”
*
A haircut and a new dress shirt later Mike found himself sitting in the Jonases’ living room, holding Kevin Jonas’s hand, being glared at by the rest of the family.
He let Kevin do most of the talking and just concentrated on keeping breathing and not turning into stone.
“…so you see, it’s my fault, and I’m really sorry for keeping it a secret, but I was afraid it would hurt our image. And I was afraid of hurting all of you,” Kevin said with a pained smile. “I love Mike, but I love my family too, and I couldn’t bear it if you all hated me,” Kevin said tearily and squeezed Mike’s hand.
Mike was maybe changing his mind about the manipulative thing, but he was sure Kevin only used his powers for good.
Kevin’s mother came over to hug her son.
“Of course we love you too, Kevin, and we could never hate you,” she said sweetly. “Isn’t that right?” she asked the rest of the family with a steely glint in her eye.
They nodded fervently.
Kevin’s father cleared his throat. “I’m disappointed that you felt you had to lie to us, son. And that you went and got married behind our backs, to a man we’d never even met!”
“I’m so sorry daddy!” Kevin rushed to explain. “Mike wanted to meet you and ask you for my hand, but I was so scared. He suggested a long engagement, but I just needed to know we were joined together in the eyes of God, even if no-one else knew, and even when our careers took us to the opposite ends of the country,” Kevin said with emotion.
Mike gallantly moved aside on the couch to let Kevin’s father embrace his son from the opposite side from his wife. Kevin hugged them tightly for a minute before drawing back to look at his brothers.
“Joe, Nick, Frankie, I’m really sorry for lying to you and for hiding things from you. I apologize for that − but it wasn’t Mike’s fault, so I think you owe him an apology for your rudeness last night,” he said seriously.
The three menaces looked belligerent.
“But what was that thing with Zac, Kev?” Joe asked.
“Yeah, it sounded like Zac thought Mike had hurt you or something,” said Nick.
“I thought you and Zac were sucking face,” Frankie said, looking confused.
Kevin buried his face in his hands. Mike scowled for a second before blanking his face and setting it back into what someone had called his least killer-like look.
Kevin rubbed his face before taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly.
“Guys… Zac and I were, are just friends. We fought because he didn’t want to respect my relationship with Mike or to honor our commitment. I didn’t mean to tell him before I told you guys, and I’m sorry for that too, but he just… Well, I felt that he needed to know, and he felt that he needed to cause a big scene. So, yeah, that’s what happened,” Kevin said ramblingly, and Mike hoped that the Jonases bought it.
They did. One group hug later, Kevin’s mom clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Alright! Kevin, you should have been honest with us, and we’re hurt that you thought any image was more important to us than your happiness. Still, we all love and support you, and we’re happy you’ve found someone special. Now, let’s all organize some dinner so that we can get to know Kevin’s husband better!”
Mike wasn’t into God, but for a second he prayed for help. Not surprisingly, there was no divine intervention. Kevin took his hand, though, and gave him a bright, grateful smile, looking happier than he had all day.
Ah well, Mike thought, it probably wouldn’t be too bad.
*
Later that night, Mike lay down feeling like he’d been interrogated by the CIA, the FBI, and the Spanish Inquisition while being fed the most delicious home-cooked meal he’d had in years. He felt totally wiped, but also slightly smug. They’d evaded the worst potholes and bear traps and woven a pretty convincing story of how they’d met, secretly dated, and fallen in love.
The bathroom light flicked off. “What are you smirking at?” Kevin asked and slipped into bed.
“Nothing,” Mike said, making room for him, or trying anyway. Kevin’s old bedroom didn’t exactly come with a king-sized bed.
“Are you uncomfortable? I’m sorry my parents insisted you stay the night, only it got late and they’re funny like that,” Kevin explained earnestly, leaning on his elbow.
Mike cleared his throat. “I don’t mind, don’t worry about it,” he said, trying to keep his voice down. He wasn’t sure whose bedroom was behind the wall.
Kevin beamed at him. “Thank you so much for today! You were *perfect*. I can’t tell you how much this meant to me,” Kevin said, kissed Mike on the cheek, and switched off the bedside light.
Mike gazed silently up at the dark ceiling, totally not blushing. Well.
“Anytime, kid,” he said gruffly. He felt Kevin’s smile against his shoulder when Kevin snuggled closer. It would have been rude to push him away, especially when the bed was so small.
Mike felt himself starting to get drowsy, enjoying the warmth of another body against his own.
“By the way, while you were winning points by clearing the table with Joe and Nick, mom said that our wedding wasn’t real because we didn’t have a wedding license, just a small, private ceremony. So while she’s treating us as a married couple because we’ve made a commitment, she’s going to organize a real wedding, plus a reception. She said she’d aim for next May, so check with your band, please? And they’re totally invited to lunch tomorrow if they can make it. Goodnight,” Kevin said and snuggled down, seeming to fall asleep straight away.
Mike’s eyes snapped wide open. His body went stiff and he may or may not have stopped breathing for a few minutes.
“Mike?” Kevin mumbled quizzically and rubbed Mike’s chest with a sleep-uncoordinated hand.
“Shh, go to sleep,” Mike whispered. The kid needed his rest. He must be exhausted after all the stress he’d been under for the past few days. He’d never have dropped this last bomb on Mike like this otherwise, Mike was sure.
This marriage thing didn’t seem so tough, Mike mused. He could totally pull it off. He sent Bill a text about the lunch and asked him tell the others. Then he switched off his phone, tucked the covers better around the two of them, and went to sleep.
He really should have specified which “others” Bill was supposed to tell and what he was supposed to tell them.
*
“Uh, honey,” Kevin said at the breakfast table, eyes glued to the television. “Why is William Beckett tweeting about our nuptials?” he asked Mike with a cute baffled crinkle on his forehead.
Mike was saved from answering by Kevin’s mother cutting in.
“Cat’s out of the bag, sweetheart,” she said serenely. “Our publicist will be making a statement soon, too. Here, have some fruit,” she prodded.
Kevin looked at Mike, his face drooping apologetically. Mike patted Kevin’s hand.
“It’s ok, ki- uh, Kevin,” he said and tried to smile reassuringly.
Kevin’s mother nodded approvingly. “I’m so glad you’ve found a life partner to love and support you, Kevin,” she declared. “Mike, you should smile more often, it changes your entire face. Here, have a bagel, they’re fresh.”
Mike took a bagel, smiled at Frankie who covertly making faces at him, and politely asked Nick to pass the cream cheese. He tried the fruit preserves Kevin nudged towards him and liked them a lot, earning more beaming approval from Kevin’s mother.
He could do this. If he’d made it through yesterday, he could probably make it through lunch. Especially if he could make sure that most of his band couldn’t come, or if they did, that they behaved themselves and lied their asses off.
“I understand that your family isn’t in the area right now, but we’re looking forward to meeting them, too. Your mother sounded lovely on the phone, if a bit surprised,” Kevin’s mother said with a gently chiding smile.
Mike froze with the last bit of bagel halfway to his mouth.
Well. He knew he’d forgotten *something*.
He finished his bagel slowly. Kevin rushed to pour him more coffee.
“Here you go, dear. More juice? It’s freshly squeezed,” he tempted Mike while apologizing with his eyes.
“Sure, please,” Mike said, pulling himself together. No big deal. His parents would love the idea of him settling down with a nice boy. Eventually, anyway. Getting to help plan a wedding would help, at least in his mother’s case. His dad was like him, he could keep it cool. After the initial shock, anyway.
“Thanks, babe,” Mike said to Kevin, his smile real enough to crinkle his eyes. Kevin’s mother cooed, his father snorted but failed to hide a smile behind his newspaper, and Kevin’s brothers pretended to gag.
Kevin’s reaction was the one that mattered, though. Basking in the warmth of his smile, Mike felt pretty damn content. He totally rocked this pretending to be married thing.
Until the altar anyway, from which point on he would totally rock the being married thing. He was just that amazing, and Kevin- Well, Kevin was worth it.
Even if his (fake) husband was a little manipulative, Mike couldn’t say he didn’t like where it had taken them so far. He might as well sit back and enjoy the ride.
So he did, and they lived happily ever after.
*The end.*
Warnings: Geography-fail, OOC, melodrama, villain!Zac, and some events not likely to happen IRL.
Words: 2700+
A/N: Sorry, not beta-read.
It was some lame industry party, and since his band had fucked off somewhere without him, Mike was pretty bored and wishing these things weren’t so fucking tedious. He should have been more careful what he wished for.
"The first clue Mike had that something was up was Joe Jonas coming up to him, sneering, and saying, “You may look like a serial killer with your dead shark gaze, but I don’t, so I could kill you and keep your head as a trophy, and they’d still never believe I had anything to do with it. Keep that in mind.”
Ok, then. Clearly Disney was handing out the wrong psychedelic drugs these days.
Mike was a little freaked out after that, which was the only reason he jumped when Nick Jonas snuck up behind him and spoke right into his ear.
“My brother has more artistic talent in his sideburns than you do in your entire ugly-haired, sloppily dressed body. You’re a disgrace to your band and to your instrument.”
Now that was just way out of line, but Jonas stormed off before Mike could ask what the hell his problem was.
Mike was feeling pretty aggrieved by this point, so he was taken by surprise when the littlest Jonas kicked him in the leg.
“Ow, what the fuck! What the hell did I ever do to your family?” he demanded to know, rubbing his leg.
The kid shrugged. “I dunno. But it’s something bad, because Kevin was fighting with Zac and your name came up and Zac was mad and left and then everyone shouted a lot and Kevin was really upset. And it’s all your fault somehow,” the kid rattled out before flouncing off in a good imitation of his older brothers. The crazy ones, anyway.
Although, if Kevin Jonas was blaming his problems on Mike, the evidence was pointing to him being crazy too.
*
“What. The hell, Jonas,” Mike ground out.
“Um. How did you get this number?”
“This is Mike Carden, by the way. Also known as the Anti-Christ and the source of all evil. Never mind how I got your damn number. What the fuck did I ever do to you?”
“Oh, wow. I’m- sorry?”
“Oh that’s just fine then, let’s forget that I got death threats from your psycho brother, had my guitar-playing dissed by your music snob brother, and was kicked in the leg by your midget brother, no hard feelings!”
“I’m so, so sorry-”
“I don’t want an apology, I want a fucking explanation, Jonas,” Mike snarled.
“That’s- it’s a really long story. Could we, I know it’s a lot to ask but could we talk about it face to face?” Jonas asked quietly, sounding pitiful.
Mike growled, telling himself he was agreeing because he was curious, not because the kid sounded really miserable.
“Fine, but if any of your crazy family show up, I’m using you as a human shield.”
*
Mike looked both ways before letting Kevin into his apartment, already having second thoughts about having anyone named Jonas know where he lived.
He was determined to stay tough, hold firm, and get some answers, so naturally he ended up sitting on his couch with Kevin Jonas crying all over his shirt − the nice one that Bill said made him look like a hitman instead of axe murderer.
Mike sighed.
“There, there, kid,” he said lamely, patting Kevin’s back a few times.
“I’m sorry!” Kevin warbled wetly. Mike tried to remember if he had any tissues, much less within reaching distance. He doubted it. Luckily the kid seemed to have come prepared.
“I’m so pathetic! I’m crying all the time lately,” Kevin moaned and blew his nose. “It’s just so messed up… I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble, but Zac was being really weird and intense and I thought he’d go away if I told him about you, but he just made a huge scene and got all my family into it, and it’s just a big mess!” he wailed, waving the tissue around.
“Wait up… Zack who? And what exactly was he doing that made you uncomfortable? And you told him what about me?” Mike asked, frowning in confusion.
“You know, Zac Efron? Oh, you don’t know. He was in High School Musical? He’s kind of weird but we’re friends, were friends anyway. He’s kind of into me and we’ve been flirting a little, but lately he’s just been getting way intense and starting to scare me. I thought he’d lay off if I told him I was seeing someone like you,” Kevin explained, calming down a bit.
“You mean that creep tried to-” Mike tried to find a euphemism for rape that didn’t sound like it was from a fifties sitcom or a soap opera. “He was a dumb shit who wouldn’t take no for an answer?” he asked seriously.
“Yes! In my own fricking bedroom with my family downstairs! I could have shouted for help but I didn’t want to make a scene, didn’t want them to- well. They certainly know *now* that I’m gay. I’m really sorry for bringing you into it, but I was trying to think of someone manly, someone Zac would think twice before messing with, and I immediately thought of you,” Kevin said, looking down at his hands, which he was twisting in his lap.
Mike tried not to let that warm his macho little heart. He tried really, really hard. This was fucked up and stupid, but even knowing that, Mike couldn’t help feeling a protective instinct sparking up inside him.
“It’s ok, kid,” Mike said, putting a hand on top of Kevin’s and trying to sound reassuring. He wasn’t sure how successful he’d been, because Kevin smiled at him shakily, burst into tears, and buried his face into Mike’s shirt again.
Ah, well, Mike thought philosophically while rubbing Kevin’s back. At least he knew the kid had tissues. And he’d never liked this shirt anyway.
*
Afterwards, well, Mike would be lying if he said he didn’t know what happened. He also couldn’t say that he’d been railroaded or emotionally blackmailed. Kevin had just looked at him, eyes wet and nose bright red, and not asked for anything. Okay, maybe that counted as emotional blackmail with some people, but even from a short acquaintance he knew that Kevin didn’t have a manipulative bone in his body. Sure, he was emotional and impulsive, but not manipulative.
Kevin just pulled back, rubbed his face with shaking hands, and didn’t ask for anything. Having him there in his apartment, looking like a kicked poodle puppy, made Mike forget that chivalry was dead.
“So, here’s an idea…”
*
A haircut and a new dress shirt later Mike found himself sitting in the Jonases’ living room, holding Kevin Jonas’s hand, being glared at by the rest of the family.
He let Kevin do most of the talking and just concentrated on keeping breathing and not turning into stone.
“…so you see, it’s my fault, and I’m really sorry for keeping it a secret, but I was afraid it would hurt our image. And I was afraid of hurting all of you,” Kevin said with a pained smile. “I love Mike, but I love my family too, and I couldn’t bear it if you all hated me,” Kevin said tearily and squeezed Mike’s hand.
Mike was maybe changing his mind about the manipulative thing, but he was sure Kevin only used his powers for good.
Kevin’s mother came over to hug her son.
“Of course we love you too, Kevin, and we could never hate you,” she said sweetly. “Isn’t that right?” she asked the rest of the family with a steely glint in her eye.
They nodded fervently.
Kevin’s father cleared his throat. “I’m disappointed that you felt you had to lie to us, son. And that you went and got married behind our backs, to a man we’d never even met!”
“I’m so sorry daddy!” Kevin rushed to explain. “Mike wanted to meet you and ask you for my hand, but I was so scared. He suggested a long engagement, but I just needed to know we were joined together in the eyes of God, even if no-one else knew, and even when our careers took us to the opposite ends of the country,” Kevin said with emotion.
Mike gallantly moved aside on the couch to let Kevin’s father embrace his son from the opposite side from his wife. Kevin hugged them tightly for a minute before drawing back to look at his brothers.
“Joe, Nick, Frankie, I’m really sorry for lying to you and for hiding things from you. I apologize for that − but it wasn’t Mike’s fault, so I think you owe him an apology for your rudeness last night,” he said seriously.
The three menaces looked belligerent.
“But what was that thing with Zac, Kev?” Joe asked.
“Yeah, it sounded like Zac thought Mike had hurt you or something,” said Nick.
“I thought you and Zac were sucking face,” Frankie said, looking confused.
Kevin buried his face in his hands. Mike scowled for a second before blanking his face and setting it back into what someone had called his least killer-like look.
Kevin rubbed his face before taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly.
“Guys… Zac and I were, are just friends. We fought because he didn’t want to respect my relationship with Mike or to honor our commitment. I didn’t mean to tell him before I told you guys, and I’m sorry for that too, but he just… Well, I felt that he needed to know, and he felt that he needed to cause a big scene. So, yeah, that’s what happened,” Kevin said ramblingly, and Mike hoped that the Jonases bought it.
They did. One group hug later, Kevin’s mom clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Alright! Kevin, you should have been honest with us, and we’re hurt that you thought any image was more important to us than your happiness. Still, we all love and support you, and we’re happy you’ve found someone special. Now, let’s all organize some dinner so that we can get to know Kevin’s husband better!”
Mike wasn’t into God, but for a second he prayed for help. Not surprisingly, there was no divine intervention. Kevin took his hand, though, and gave him a bright, grateful smile, looking happier than he had all day.
Ah well, Mike thought, it probably wouldn’t be too bad.
*
Later that night, Mike lay down feeling like he’d been interrogated by the CIA, the FBI, and the Spanish Inquisition while being fed the most delicious home-cooked meal he’d had in years. He felt totally wiped, but also slightly smug. They’d evaded the worst potholes and bear traps and woven a pretty convincing story of how they’d met, secretly dated, and fallen in love.
The bathroom light flicked off. “What are you smirking at?” Kevin asked and slipped into bed.
“Nothing,” Mike said, making room for him, or trying anyway. Kevin’s old bedroom didn’t exactly come with a king-sized bed.
“Are you uncomfortable? I’m sorry my parents insisted you stay the night, only it got late and they’re funny like that,” Kevin explained earnestly, leaning on his elbow.
Mike cleared his throat. “I don’t mind, don’t worry about it,” he said, trying to keep his voice down. He wasn’t sure whose bedroom was behind the wall.
Kevin beamed at him. “Thank you so much for today! You were *perfect*. I can’t tell you how much this meant to me,” Kevin said, kissed Mike on the cheek, and switched off the bedside light.
Mike gazed silently up at the dark ceiling, totally not blushing. Well.
“Anytime, kid,” he said gruffly. He felt Kevin’s smile against his shoulder when Kevin snuggled closer. It would have been rude to push him away, especially when the bed was so small.
Mike felt himself starting to get drowsy, enjoying the warmth of another body against his own.
“By the way, while you were winning points by clearing the table with Joe and Nick, mom said that our wedding wasn’t real because we didn’t have a wedding license, just a small, private ceremony. So while she’s treating us as a married couple because we’ve made a commitment, she’s going to organize a real wedding, plus a reception. She said she’d aim for next May, so check with your band, please? And they’re totally invited to lunch tomorrow if they can make it. Goodnight,” Kevin said and snuggled down, seeming to fall asleep straight away.
Mike’s eyes snapped wide open. His body went stiff and he may or may not have stopped breathing for a few minutes.
“Mike?” Kevin mumbled quizzically and rubbed Mike’s chest with a sleep-uncoordinated hand.
“Shh, go to sleep,” Mike whispered. The kid needed his rest. He must be exhausted after all the stress he’d been under for the past few days. He’d never have dropped this last bomb on Mike like this otherwise, Mike was sure.
This marriage thing didn’t seem so tough, Mike mused. He could totally pull it off. He sent Bill a text about the lunch and asked him tell the others. Then he switched off his phone, tucked the covers better around the two of them, and went to sleep.
He really should have specified which “others” Bill was supposed to tell and what he was supposed to tell them.
*
“Uh, honey,” Kevin said at the breakfast table, eyes glued to the television. “Why is William Beckett tweeting about our nuptials?” he asked Mike with a cute baffled crinkle on his forehead.
Mike was saved from answering by Kevin’s mother cutting in.
“Cat’s out of the bag, sweetheart,” she said serenely. “Our publicist will be making a statement soon, too. Here, have some fruit,” she prodded.
Kevin looked at Mike, his face drooping apologetically. Mike patted Kevin’s hand.
“It’s ok, ki- uh, Kevin,” he said and tried to smile reassuringly.
Kevin’s mother nodded approvingly. “I’m so glad you’ve found a life partner to love and support you, Kevin,” she declared. “Mike, you should smile more often, it changes your entire face. Here, have a bagel, they’re fresh.”
Mike took a bagel, smiled at Frankie who covertly making faces at him, and politely asked Nick to pass the cream cheese. He tried the fruit preserves Kevin nudged towards him and liked them a lot, earning more beaming approval from Kevin’s mother.
He could do this. If he’d made it through yesterday, he could probably make it through lunch. Especially if he could make sure that most of his band couldn’t come, or if they did, that they behaved themselves and lied their asses off.
“I understand that your family isn’t in the area right now, but we’re looking forward to meeting them, too. Your mother sounded lovely on the phone, if a bit surprised,” Kevin’s mother said with a gently chiding smile.
Mike froze with the last bit of bagel halfway to his mouth.
Well. He knew he’d forgotten *something*.
He finished his bagel slowly. Kevin rushed to pour him more coffee.
“Here you go, dear. More juice? It’s freshly squeezed,” he tempted Mike while apologizing with his eyes.
“Sure, please,” Mike said, pulling himself together. No big deal. His parents would love the idea of him settling down with a nice boy. Eventually, anyway. Getting to help plan a wedding would help, at least in his mother’s case. His dad was like him, he could keep it cool. After the initial shock, anyway.
“Thanks, babe,” Mike said to Kevin, his smile real enough to crinkle his eyes. Kevin’s mother cooed, his father snorted but failed to hide a smile behind his newspaper, and Kevin’s brothers pretended to gag.
Kevin’s reaction was the one that mattered, though. Basking in the warmth of his smile, Mike felt pretty damn content. He totally rocked this pretending to be married thing.
Until the altar anyway, from which point on he would totally rock the being married thing. He was just that amazing, and Kevin- Well, Kevin was worth it.
Even if his (fake) husband was a little manipulative, Mike couldn’t say he didn’t like where it had taken them so far. He might as well sit back and enjoy the ride.
So he did, and they lived happily ever after.
*The end.*