Beyond Scrubs and Jerseys (Book 3 of the Floyrince)

9

If you are done brooding over my brother's return can we go back home, Adrian asked.

What do I say to him, I've been thinking all week, and I just can't seem to find what to say, Kennedy said.

Be yourself, Adrian said.

Easier said than done, Kennedy said.

You will be fine, it's Kim, Adrian said as they both left.

Kennedy and Adrian arrived home . Kennedy’s mind was anything but calm. His conversation with Adrian earlier had given him a sense of clarity, but now the weight of his upcoming confession to Kim was pressing hard on his chest. His hands fidgeted in his pockets as they walked through the living room door, greeted by the smell of dinner already prepared.

Trent and Kim were in the living room, casually chatting.

Finally,”Trent said, standing up as they walked in. We’ve been waiting forever. I’m starving, he added them wrapped up Adrian in a long kiss.

I really don't like seeing you two kiss, I want to puke Kim said.

Then get your own place, Trent said.

This is also my house, why would I do something stupid like that, Kim said.

Let's just go eat, Adrian said.

Kim glanced at Kennedy with his usual playful smirk, though there was something in his eyes that seemed different. Kennedy felt his heart race, knowing what he needed to do tonight. He avoided Kim’s gaze for the moment, busying himself with setting his things down.

Dinner was a mix of light banter, laughter, and stories of the week. Kim talked about the three wins the Titans had secured in LA, although they had lost one game.

We’re going to be fine, though, he said with a grin. The team’s in good shape, he added.

It's okay bro, you win some you lose some you feel me, Adrian said looking at the food.

How do I even reply to that, Kim said.

I don't know, Adrian said as they both laughed.

Kennedy mostly listened, his mind distracted by what he was about to say later. Adrian, had been giving Kennedy knowing looks throughout dinner.

Well, I’m stuffed, Adrian announced, stretching his arms above his head. I think Trent and I will leave you two to finish up here.

Trent shot Kennedy a look, nodding toward Kim with a smirk before following Adrian out the door.

Good luck, bro, Trent whispered to Kennedy as he passed by.

And just like that, it was just Kennedy and Kim.

Imma make those two noodles before Adrian orders pizza, they are both picky eaters, they barely ate, Kim said leaving, he went to the kitchen and took ingredients and noodles out.

Kennedy got in after him and stood there for a moment, unsure of how to start.

You also want some, Kim asked noticing Kennedy.

I wanted pizza, Kennedy said.

You can order it then, Kim said.

Before that I have something I want to tell you, Kennedy said.

Kim leaned against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed, waiting for whatever Kennedy had to say. The casual confidence Kim always exuded made Kennedy’s nerves tighten.

Kim, Kennedy started, his voice a little shaky. He cleared his throat. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you… for a while.

Kim raised an eyebrow.

Kennedy took a deep breath, feeling his pulse pounding in his ears.

I’ve been in love with you for seven years, he blurted out, his words fast, almost stumbling over themselves. He winced, but there was no going back now.

Since the day you stepped in front of a gun for me. I’ve been carrying this around for so long, and I couldn’t—wouldn’t—say anything because I was scared. Scared that you didn’t feel the same way or that it would make things weird between us. And I thought you really hated me.

Kim stayed silent, his face unreadable. Kennedy pressed on.

I know you’ve got this huge life, and you’re in the NFL, and you have all these eyes on you. If you don’t feel the same way, I’ll understand. I won’t push it, I just— I wanted you to know, and I know you are into girls and this doesn't have to be weird, I will stay out of your way, you won't have to be uncomfortable, I'll... I just —

Kim’s expression broke, and he let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

Kenny, baby boy, Kim said, cutting him off. I was confessing to you a week ago when I came to the hospital to tell you I was leaving for the game. You looked at me like I was crazy, like I was making you uncomfortable.

Kennedy blinked, confused. Wait… what? You were?

Kim stepped closer, his eyes soft but serious. Yeah. I tried to tell you, but you were too busy looking anywhere but at me. I thought you were uncomfortable that's why I said to not talk about it.

Kennedy ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the revelation hit him.

You suck at confessing, he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Kim laughed again, his eyes locking onto Kennedy’s.

I’ve never dated before. I don’t know what people are supposed to do when they confess. But I do know I want you.

Kennedy felt his heart skip at those words.

I stepped in front of a gun for you without even thinking about it all those years ago, Kim continued, his voice low but steady. Back then, I didn’t know why. But now I do. It’s because I want you. I need you.

Kennedy’s breath caught in his throat as Kim’s hand reached up, cupping the back of his neck. Let’s date, Kim said softly, his lips curving into that familiar, confident smile.

Okay, he whispered, a smile breaking across his face. Yeah… let’s date.

I'm sorry I was a jerk all these years, Kim said.

It's in the past, do you know how much I love you, I thought I was going to suffer from unrequited love Kennedy said.

I'm sorry it took all these years for me to notice my feelings for you, Kim said.

Don't apologize, Ad told me you are dense, Kennedy said.

I swear to God, Adrian,....so what else have you and my brother talked about, Kim asked.

He said you are hot, and I agree with him, Kennedy said smiling.

What else, Kim asked.

He kept saying how hot you are, for a minute there I forgot you two are brothers, Kennedy said.

I know it's weird but it's how it's always been between us, Kim said laughing.