Chapter Text
Kevin loves Wednesdays. Wednesday, Monday, and Friday Kevin can get up early and take Bacstaí out on a run around campus. He leaves at the same time every day, runs the same route every day, and passes the same people every day. Everything is the same. Kevin gets to go on autopilot and run around with his dog. It’s meditative, and it’s all the same.
Except for the blond man who steps right into Kevin’s path.
“Fuck!” The man yells, falling backwards to the ground.
“Shit!” Kevin hisses, trying to pick up the files the man has dropped.
“Don’t touch them! I have them organized.” The man says, pushing Kevin’s hands away from the papers.
“That’s impressive for a student,” Kevin shrugs.
“I’m not a student.” The man says harshly, pausing his paper organizing to shoot daggers at Kevin. “I’m a professor and I’m supposed to have my first class in 35 minutes but now I have a massive coffee stain across my shirt so… thanks for that.” The man says angrily.
“Could you maybe run to your place and change?” Kevin suggests.
“I live too far.” The man grumbles.
“You can come to my apartment. I live super close, I can even drive you back.” Kevin offers.
The man chews on the inside of his cheek, glances at his watch, and rolls his eyes before nodding.
“Yeah, let’s go.” The man agrees.
“Follow me,” Kevin says, before taking off in a jog toward his apartment. “Oh, I’m Kevin Day. I’m the head of the history department.”
“Aaron Minyard, I’m teaching chemistry.” Aaron offers, seeming a little less hostile.
“Chemistry, that’s cool,” Kevin says awkwardly.
“You don’t know anything about chemistry do you?” Aaron assumes.
“Not a single thing,” Kevin admits. It’s not too long after Kevin turns to Aaron. “This is my place.”
Kevin leads Aaron up to a small, but nice apartment. He quickly unhooks his dog from the leash before heading to his bedroom.
“I’m a lot bigger than you but I’ll try to find something that will work,” Kevin says, fishing through his drawer.
He finds a simple white button-down that he intended to return because it was too small. It will still be big on Aaron but it should fit better than Kevin’s normal wardrobe.
“I think if you roll up the sleeves and tuck it in it’ll look fine,” Kevin says, reentering the entryway of his apartment.
In said entryway, Aaron is standing topless and petting Bacstaí. It’s not the petting Bacstaí part that shocks Kevin, god knows that dog won’t let anyone not pet him. It’s not even the shirtless part, Aaron has to change his shirt, it makes sense. No, It’s how good he looks.
His body has a soft layer of fat over it, but underneath Kevin can see impressive muscles working as he moves. He’s pale with freckles peppered over his body. He’s built, but not jacked. He walks this perfect line that Kevin finds incredibly attractive.
Even his face, the soft shape of his nose and lips against the harsh edge of his jaw and sharp eyes. He’s beautiful, and Kevin is just now realizing this.
“H- here,” Kevin says, clearing his throat as he hands Aaron the shirt.
“Thanks.” Aaron hums before beginning to pull the shirt on. “Cute dog, what’s his name?”
“Bacstaí,” Kevin says softly.
Will Aaron like the name? Will he know what they are and find it ridiculous Kevin named his dog after Irish potato pancakes? Will Aaron know what they are and find it endearing that Kevin named his dog after Irish potato pancakes? Why does it matter what Aaron thinks?
“Does it mean anything?” Aaron asks casually, buttoning up his shirt.
“They’re uh… Irish potato pancakes.” Kevin whispers.
“Cute.” Aaron says simply, and Kevin can’t tell if that’s a ‘you’re weird’ or a ‘you’re endearing’ chuckle going with it. “Okay, I’m ready.” Aaron says, scooping his files back up into his arms.
Kevin, not trusting his voice, just grabs his keys and leads the way to his car. It’s barely a two-minute drive to the science center where Kevin drops Aaron off.
“Thanks for the shirt. Though it is the least you could do after getting me drenched in coffee. You’re glad I only drink iced,” Aaron says before winking.
Before Kevin can even form a thought Aaron is walking away, leaving Kevin with a question of what that wink meant and the perfect view of Aaron’s ass.
“Fuck.” Kevin groans.
He should probably head home and get changed before heading to his office, but instead, he drives towards the building that houses Jean’s office.
——
“Jean,” Kevin mumbles, knocking on Jean’s office door.
“Kevin?” Jean's familiar voice calls out.
“Oui! Laisse-moi entrer.” Kevin all but whines.
“Attends, attends,” Jean says, his voice moving closer before ultimately opening the door.
“I’m fucked.” Kevin groans, pushing his way into Jean's office.
“What now?” Jean sighs.
“I met a guy.” Kevin pouts. “And he’s cute… and smart… and he didn’t really make any jokes but I’m assuming he’s funny because he’s too cute not to be.”
“I’m not seeing the problem,” Jean says after waiting for Kevin to continue.
“He’s the new chemistry professor. “ Kevin adds.
“Still not seeing the problem,” Jean says, affectionately rolling his eyes.
“I'm pretty sure he hates me.” Kevin finally says.
“Why?” Jean prompts.
“Because when I ran into him I literally ran into him. I made him spill his coffee all over himself.” Kevin says, cringing at the memory.
“Okay… that’s… not ideal. Then what?”
“I offered that he come to my apartment and change into one of my shirts. So that happened, and then so saw him shirtless which is a whole other thing— he has these cute little back dimples that look kinda like the Roman-”
“Kevin, you’re getting off topic.” Jean interrupts.
“Anyway, he was understandably kinda short with me but then when I dropped him off he said thanks and then winked at me,” Kevin says, acting like he just dropped a massive bomb.
“Kevin… you just told me the story of some YA meet cute. How is this bad?” Jean asks, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Because you know how people like to act like I’m the staff slut? What if he heard that rumor and he only winked at me because he knows I’m supposed to be some overly horny sex machine and he was mocking me?” Kevin asks.
Jean looks at Kevin like he’s considering hitting the other man with a glove.
“Kevin, with all the respect in the world, that is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” Jean says flatly.
“But you didn’t see it, Jean. He never said anything with any kindness, the only time he even smiled was when he was potentially laughing at me for my dog’s name.” Kevin says dramatically.
“Kevin. You’re not all smiles and giggles yourself. You can’t expect him to be.” Jean points out.
“At least I fake it,” Kevin argues.
“Maybe he doesn’t like to.” Jean reasons.
“Or he hates me,” Kevin says, shrugging in defeat.
“You know, that’s your problem. You need to control everything, so you need everyone to hate you so that you can then choose to make them like you. And if you don’t want them to like you, you just let them hate you so you can use it to confirm any negative view you have of yourself. Or you use it to prove nothing matters and therefore nothing can hurt you.” Jean says, never hesitating or tripping over a word.
“I regret setting you up with a psych professor.” Kevin mumbles.
“I don’t need to be with Jeremy to know that. I’ve been your best friend for years. If there’s one subject I know better than art history that I could teach a class on, It’d be all Jeremy’s little mannerisms.” Jean admits. “But right below that is you. Kevin. I know you. And I know that your obsession with this guy will likely dissipate by the end of the day. But, if it doesn’t, then just talk to the guy. I’m sure he doesn’t hate you. And that ‘Kevin is a manwhore’ joke is played out by now. No one’s talking about it.”
“Allison called me a sex fiend last week,” Kevin says flatly.
“Allison doesn’t count, she'll never let you live that down.”
——
As much as Kevin may hate to admit it Jean is usually right. Kevin also hates to admit that this time he isn’t right.
Kevin’s interest in Aaron doesn’t dissipate, in fact, it just gets stronger. So strong, in fact, that Kevin shows up at Aaron’s office, coffee in hand.
Kevin can’t quite knock, so he simply kicks the door awkwardly.
“Who is it?” Aaron’s voice calls out.
“Kevin! The uh… guy with the dog.” Kevin says, unsure of how to remind Aaron who he is.
“The one named after Irish potato pancakes,” Aaron says as he swings the door open.
Damn.
Aaron looks even better in his own clothes. They’re not tailored, but they fit very nicely, the color compliments his fair, rosy complexion, and golden hair.
Not to mention his glasses.
“Yup… that’s me. Well- not me. I’m not naked after Irish potato pancakes. That would be very weird.” Kevin says, trailing off as he speaks.
“Luckily I didn’t think that’s what your name means,” Aaron says simply. “Why are you here?”
“Coffee,” Kevin says, raising his hands so Aaron can see the cups. “I kinda owe you for that one I ruined. I figured I could officially welcome you to the campus over coffee. Well, not officially but… you get the point.”
Damnit, Kevin hates how nervous this guy makes him.
“Come in.” Aaron shrugs, taking the iced coffee from Kevin’s hand.
“I want to apologize again. Usually, I’m more observant. Then again I didn’t expect someone to all but leap out into my path but… yeah” Kevin says, following Aaron into his office.
“Oh, so this is my fault?” Aaron asks defensively.
“No. I just mean if you had also been more observant maybe that wouldn’t have happened.” Kevin explains.
“So you’re saying this is my fault,” Aaron says, this time it’s not a question.
“No. Well, I guess. I mean, I was going straight and you were turning onto the main pathway. It’s like driving, I had the right of way if you ask me.” Kevin says, crossing his arms across his chest.
“Then I guess it’s good that I didn’t ask you.” Aaron spits.
“Why does it even matter? It’s in the past. Just… get over it.” Kevin points out.
“Says the history professor.” Aaron scoffs. “ You’re the one who brought it up.”
“That’s- okay yeah that’s true.” Kevin mumbles. “Okay, can we start over?”
Aaron takes a long sip from his coffee before looking back up at Kevin.
“You brought me caffeine so… yes.” Aaron decides.
“Good. I’m Kevin Day, I’m the head of the history department.” Kevin says, reaching his hand across Aaron’s desk.
“Dr. Aaron Minyard. I’m new to the chemistry department.” Aaron says, taking Kevin’s hand firmly in his and shaking it.
Shit. Kevin likes touching Aaron’s hand a lot.
“So, what brought you to PSU?” Kevin asks.
“I actually grew up in the area, only moved away to get my Ph.D. Anyway, my brother and I were talking and we kinda wanted to move back here together— don’t judge me for living with my brother at my age which, we’re only 32 anyway-”
“I’m not judging,” Kevin assures Aaron.
“Well, we wanted to move back to the area and it turned out they were looking for holes to fill in the chemistry department,” Aaron explains.
“Do you love chemistry?” Kevin asks.
“So much,” Aaron admits. “I mean it’s just… it’s everything. I know bio is the science of life, and I love bio, but chemistry is… it’s life to me. Everything around us is chemistry. That’s why when you study bio you kinda also need to study biochem, my personal favorite. Still, at the end of the day it’s all It’s all elements and atoms interacting and reacting constantly. It’s like, no matter what science you decide to study, when it comes down to it it’s all chemistry.”
Kevin is truly speechless. He can see why it was so easy for Aaron to get a job here. He’s clearly passionate about his work. He’s so passionate about it that Kevin almost wants to run to the nearest library and check out every book on chemistry. The way he talks and moves is so genuine and effortless and it takes Kevin’s breath away.
“That was embarrassingly nerdy.” Aaron sighs.
“No, that was beautiful,” Kevin admits. “It’s amazing that you’re so passionate about your field.”
“So what about you? What do you love about history?” Aaron asks, almost challenging Kevin.
“Well, of course, you have the whole ‘study the past so you don’t make the same mistakes’ thing.” Kevin starts.
“Every high school history teacher’s favorite line.” Aaron chuckles.
“And they’re right. But it’s more than that. I love teaching about and learning about the big stuff. The wars, the famines, the genocides, revolutions, all the horrible shit you need to know. But more than that I love learning people's stories. How they lived, what they did, who they were. These people and civilizations are long gone, they’ve had their voices lost to time. But history and studying them respectfully and objectively, when you try to drop the eurocentric lens, you can help give people their voices back. You become the mouthpiece of those who have been silenced by time and violence.”
Kevin hardly realizes that he’s even out of his seat. He’s been pacing the length of Aaron’s office nearly this whole time, acting like he’s giving a lecture.
Aaron, for his part, doesn’t look creeped out by Kevin’s impromptu history-is-the-love-of-my-life rant. Instead, he’s leaning forward in his seat, eyes wide and inquisitive.
“You’re not like I expected.” Aaron eventually says, dropping his eyes to his coffee.
“What’d you expect?” Kevin asks, returning to his seat.
“I expected you to be less inteligent.” Aaron admits honestly. “I heard this thing that you were like… I don’t know a Ken doll with a flashy smile and an insatiable sex drive. Clearly, you don’t spend that much time having sex if you have time to contemplate things so deeply and give yourself to your passion like that.”
“I- I have sex,” Kevin says quickly. “I have lots of sex. Not too much sex. I could though if I wanted. But I don’t.” Kevin says, wishing he had stopped talking a sentence ago as every sentence falls from his lips.
“So you have an impressive but still decent amount of sex?” Aaron asks, chuckling.
“Yes…” Kevin says, almost like it’s a question.
“A pity,” Aaron hums.
“Yeah,” Kevin says without thinking. “What?”
“I wish you weren’t so decent.” Aaron shrugs, finishing his coffee. “Thanks for the coffee, I promised my brother I’d meet him for lunch. You’re welcome to stay in here with your jaw resting on my desk for a bit longer, the door will lock behind you so just remember to turn the lights out.”
And then, Aaron is gone.
——
“Jean,” Kevin whines the second Jean picks up the phone.
“What are you calling to complain about now?” Jean sighs.
“It didn’t go away. In fact, I like him more. And I was right, he is funny, and passionate, and hot, and I like him.” Kevin says, unsure of if this is good or bad news.
“So someone who exists in close proximity to you who is all the things you're looking for in a relationship has flirted with you, and this is a bad thing how?” Jean asks.
“He hasn’t flirted with me!” Kevin says defensively.
“He winked at you.” Jean reminds Kevin.
“He was mocking me. In fact, I know that he didn’t like me because when I first went to his office we fought. It was only after that things went well.” Kevin explains.
“Kevin Day rubbing someone the wrong way upon first impressions. Yeah, that’s totally unheard of.” Jean says sarcastically.
“He also thinks I’m a prude,” Kevin argues.
“I thought that’s what you wanted. For him to not see you as Kevin the staff slut— Allison’s words, not mine.” Jean says, clearly confused.
“Well that actually came up and while I was explaining to him that I don’t have an exorbitant amount of sex he said he wished, quote, I ‘weren’t so decent’. He thinks I’m a prude.” Kevin declares.
There’s a long stretch where the only thing Kevin can hear on the other end of the line is Jean laughing.
“He’s hitting on you, Kevin!” Jean eventually yells back.
“Jean, not everything is flirting,” Kevin argues.
“Well, that definitely is.” Jean decides. “Just ask him out.”
“Not everyone is destined for some love like you and Jeremy have.” Kevin mumbles.
“Oh, Kev. He’s not around anymore. He can’t hurt us. We are destined for whatever we decide. Because we are free. Do you understand?” Jean asks. “Tu comprends?" Jean says when Kevin doesn’t respond.
“Ouai. Je comprend.” Kevin says simply.
——
Kevin spends the next day trying not to think about Aaron or Riko or anything that isn’t history and teaching.
It’s surprisingly easy. He loves his job and most of his students are great to have. At this point in the year, they’ve learned to respect Kevin so he doesn’t have to deal with as much of their bullshit. Now he just gets to teach. It’s only when all his classes are done and he’s left to grading that other thoughts seep in.
Having the warm weight of Bacstaí’s head in his lap helps, but as pain creeps into his hand it’s hard to keep Riko from his thoughts.
Bacstaí begins to whine, no doubt sensing Kevin’s increasing anxiety. Eventually, the vizsla walks towards the door and sits there, staring back at Kevin as his whines increase.
“I’ll order some food for pickup and we can go walk and get it,” Kevin suggests to the dog, pushing his work, and thoughts of Riko, to the side.
Kevin orders himself a meal before prepping Bacstaí for the walk. The air is cool and slightly wet against Kevin’s skin. He doesn’t mind though. It’s fresh. It’s fresh and it’s real and it’s now.
The area is pretty active, customary for a Friday night in a college town. It’s a nice distraction, watching people pass by as they go about their lives. Kevin’s simply glancing towards the patio of a restaurant when he sees a familiar head of blond hair. Kevin quietly takes a few steps closer, wanting to know if it’s truly Aaron or if he’s just seeing Aaron in any blond man. However, Bacstaí bounds forward, catching Kevin off guard and running right up to the man.
“Oh, hey! Hello Mr. Potato Pancakes.” Aaron says, happily petting the dog. “And Dr. Potato Pancakes,” Aaron says, regarding Kevin with a teasing smirk.
“Sorry, I just- he caught me off guard I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Kevin says.
“It’s fine. Much more pleasant than the last time we ran into each other on the street.” Aaron jokes.
“Who the fuck is that?” A man asks, approaching the table.
Kevin glances up to get a better look when he notices that the man has the same face as Aaron.
“This is Kevin,” Aaron says.
“The guy named after potato pancakes,” The man says, clearly recognizing Kevin’s name.
“No, the guy who named his dog after potato pancakes.” Aaron clarifies. “Kevin, this is my brother Andrew.”
“Hello,” Kevin says stiffly, not knowing what to do, he settles for an awkward bow.
“Cool,” Andrew says dryly.
“Andrew.” Aaron scolds.
Andrew holds his hands up in an ‘I’m innocent’ manner.
“So you’re the guy who drenched my brother with coffee. What if it had been hot?” Andrew asks
Andrew's harsh gaze and tone leaves Kevin feeling uneasy, subconsciously opening and closing his hand repeatedly.
“I- I don’t know.” Kevin barely manages.
“Stupid,” Andrew mumbles.
“Andrew,” Aaron says, this time much firmer.
“It’s stupid and reckless and you could have been hurt.” Andrew insists.
Kevin’s phone chimes. Fortunately, the powers that be have given Kevin an out.
“I gotta go pick up my food,” Kevin says quickly before walking away, Bacstaí in tow.
Kevin takes an alternate route home.
——
Kevin didn’t get as much grading as he would have liked to last night. All he could think about was Andrew, and how much he hated Kevin. Any hope of even considering asking Aaron out has been completely crushed.
Who wants to date someone their brother unabashedly hates?
Maybe it’s stupid and overly dramatic to eat vegan ice cream while grading because the cold numbs Kevin enough to not feel miserable over what Andrew said.
It’s shocking how much Andrew’s words have gotten to Kevin. Somehow the man managed to hit Kevin’s core within seconds, itching at that place Riko left raw.
“Shit,” Kevin sighs, glancing affectionately down at Bacstaí. “At least I have you.” Kevin sighs.
Bacstaí makes a grunting sort of sigh before walking away and towards the door.
“Asshole!” Kevin yells out as his traitorous dog rounds the corner.
Before Kevin can even get another scoop of ice cream in his mouth the doorbell rings, making Bacstaí’s disappearance make a lot more sense.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Kevin sighs.
Begrudgingly Kevin swings the door open and puts on his meanest, most uninviting face, which is pretty damn mean and uninviting.
“Whatever you’re selling I’m not buying.” Kevin spits before even being able to process Aaron Minyard standing on his doorstep.
“Not selling anything, but I can take this free coffee and give it to someone else if you’re not interested.” Aaron shrugs, smirking perfectly up at Kevin.
“Sorry, come in,” Kevin says, holding the door open for Aaron.
“Hey, Bacstaí!” Aaron says happily when he sees the dog.
Damn, people really do tend to be more excited to see Kevin’s dog than Kevin himself, not that he can blame them.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the beverage, but why are you here?” Kevin says as Aaron hands Kevin a cup of coffee.
Aaron’s face flushes a light pink for a second and Kevin can’t tell if it’s in a good or bad way.
“Well, you got me a coffee the other day and I figured it would only be fair to return the favor,” Aaron says, shrugging casually. “Not to mention, my brother was a complete ass to you last night and I wanted to apologize for that.”
“Yeah, that was… that was pretty unexpected,” Kevin mumbles, picking at the lid of his cup awkwardly.
“Look, I couldn’t tell you why he said that shit but I can assure you that what he says or does means nothing to me. He can hate you all he wants. That doesn’t change how I feel about you.” Aaron says, speaking almost urgently, like it’s absolutely necessary that Kevin believe him.
“How do you feel about me?” Kevin can’t help but ask.
“W- well I don’t- I mean…” Aaron trails off, his face red again. “We only just met.”
“Yeah, but you said it doesn’t change how you feel about me. Which means you feel something worth noting.” Kevin reasons.
“I just… I think that I’d like to get to know you better. I don’t have very many… okay I don’t have any friends. I’d like to change that.” Aaron mumbles.
Friends. Yeah, that’s probably for the best anyway Kevin isn’t cut out for romance.
“So you’re here to give me coffee and propose we be best friends?” Kevin says, panicking and resorting to dry sarcasm.
“I can go,” Aaron says simply. “I just wanted to repay you for the coffee.”
“That coffee was to repay you for the one I ruined. So technically I still owe you.” Kevin points out.
“You’ll find a way to make it up to me,” Aaron says smugly.
Fuck. That shouldn’t be that hot.
“Stay.” Kevin finally settles on saying.
It’s in that moment that Kevin realizes he has no idea what to do with Aaron. Yeah, he wants Aaron around but what’s there to do other than silently sip on their drinks?
“So,” Kevin says, so desperate to fill the silence that he doesn’t have a way to end the sentence. “You have no friends.”
“Thanks. You sure know how to make a guy feel special.” Aaron says flatly.
“I just mean that, if you want to make friends there’s a pretty tight-knit group within the humanities department,” Kevin explains.
“I’m not in the humanities department.” Aaron points out.
“I’m sure they’ll make an exception for you,” Kevin assures Aaron.
“I don’t want to intrude,” Aaron says dismissively.
“Okay, let me know if you change your mind,” Kevin says, trying not to feel too rejected. “If you do just… text me.”
“I don’t have your number.” Aaron reminds Kevin.
“Right, you don’t,” Kevin says, forcing a chuckle.
“Would you like me to?” Aaron asks, slow and smooth, the warm southern accent thick around the words.
“Yes. I would.” Kevin says stiffly.
Aaron hands his phone over, empty contact ready and waiting. Kevin enters his information with shaky hands before returning Aaron’s phone to its rightful owner.
The pair lapse into an awkward silence, leaving Kevin desperately reaching for something to say.
“You grew up in this area, didn’t you?” Kevin asks, recalling Aaron mentioning something earlier.
“Yeah, this was home,” Aaron says bittersweetly.
“Was?” Kevin asks before he can stop himself.
“Now I’m not sure what it is,” Aaron admits.
“Do you have any family close by?” Kevin asks.
“Just Andrew. My cousin is out in Germany.” Aaron explains.
“You have a small family too?” Kevin assumes.
“Uh… I’m not sure. It was only my mom and me growing up and… we weren’t exactly close, so I don’t know how much family I have. I guess my cousin would know. But even then, they wouldn’t be family, just relatives.” Aaron says sadly. “What about you?”
“Well, originally it was my mom and me, never knew my dad, but then she died. I was adopted by a family friend and I…” Kevin fights to keep his mind clear, even through the heavy weight of memories on his mind. “Well, basically that’s when I met Jean and he’s been my rock ever since, so I guess he’s family. Anyway, then I found my birth father and reached out and now we’re pretty close.” Kevin says, rushing to finish the story before flashbacks entirely consume him.
The two sit in silence for a few minutes, and while Kevin can’t read minds he can’t help but get a feeling that Aaron is fighting back his own internal demons.
“Why’d you decide to teach?” Aaron abruptly asks.
“Uh… I don’t know. It just felt right. I can’t really imagine doing anything else. At first I just wanted to be able to talk to people about history for a living, but now it’s just who I am. I remember how excited I was when I first learned about history, noe I get to give that to more people. I get to be reminded how much I love history everyday.” Kevin explains, watching carefully as Aaron nods along with Kevin’s response. “What about you?”
“College was a rough time for me. As nerdy as it may seem I found comfort in my studies. Yeah it was stressful as fuck, but sitting in the library and learning something just for the sake of knowing it was… it felt safe. Talking to a professor about something that, to me, is so beautiful and amazing made me feel seen and not like it’s weird to love science like that. I just want to share that with students. The magic of chemistry ya know.” Aaron says that last sentence sarcastically, but the bright look in his eyes suggests he means every word.
Kevin is floored. It’s not a particularly unusual response, but Kevin has never heard it said so truthfully. It’s breathtaking. Aaron’s devotion and passion are beautiful.
Aaron is beautiful.