bigger (richbone)

chapter 4

The show that night goes no differently from the eleven shows prior. As repetitive as it is, though, the boys are always filled with the same adrenaline before and after the performance. As AJ exits the stage, he's handed a towel and a water bottle- which he downs in a few seconds.

"You were awesome tonight, Aje!"

Nick, after congratulating everyone else in sight, comes up to AJ and gives him an excited high-five. AJ returns his smile.

"Thanks, man. I still feel like I could- I don't know, run a mile or something!"

"Right?"

"Great job, baby."

Kevin comes and wraps an arm around both AJ's shoulders, giving a quick peck to his cheek. Nick sees that as his cue to leave.

"You too."

"I'm gonna pass out as soon as I get on the bus, just so you know."

"Classic Kev. You don't wanna hit the club or anything? I was thinkin' of going with Howie."

"Nah. You guys have fun, though."

Kevin pulls AJ in for a long kiss before retreating to the bus. Howie whistles.

"You wanna go to that club down the street, Aje?"

AJ turns his attention to Howie, who has a big smile on his face, like always.

"Yeah. Anyone else comin'?"

"Well, Nick wanted to, but since he's still practically a child- you know. And Brian wanted to sleep. Kev didn't wanna come?"

"Nah, he loves his beauty sleep. Must run in the family."

AJ and Howie walk a little ways down the street from the venue, to a colorful club on the corner.

"We only have, like, an hour in here."

Howie reminds AJ, who's already a few steps ahead. They fly easily past the bouncer, one of the many perks of their celebrity status.

Back on the bus, Kevin's practically already passed out on the couch, as promised. Nick's been complaining about not being able to join AJ and Howie at the club, to which Kevin ignored.

"You're not even old enough to drink yet. It wouldn't have been fun anyway, Nicky."

Brian assures.

"AJ's not either!"

"But you're still a teenager. Besides, your mother wouldn't be so happy to hear that we let her little boy out to a nightclub."

"Whatever, man."

Nick walks past Brian to hide away in his bunk. He might as well take a page fron Kevin's book and just get some sleep while he can.

♡

It's well past midnight when AJ and Howie return. Howie walks quietly to the back of the bus, taking into consideration his sleeping friends. AJ, however, doesn't make the same effort. He kicks off his shoes and turns on the lights, revealing Kevin still fast asleep, limbs sprawled out across the couch.

AJ smiles, crouching down and placing a soft kiss to his sleeping boyfriend's forehead.

"Hey, Kevy. Scoot over."

AJ says, crawling onto the couch. Kevin, although not fully awake, tries to make room for AJ to lie beside him. When it doesn't work, AJ just takes to lying mostly on top of him. Kevin's arms find his boyfriend's waist, holding him tightly as they fall asleep.