Page 18 of Just a Footnote

Archer narrows his eyes in disbelief. “What set it off?”

“Nothing.”

Archer sighs before rubbing a hand over his face. He’s in just a t-shirt and gym shorts, hair freshly washed from his after shower practice. “Miles and Liam are in the living room. We ordered pizza. We’re gonna watch the Jays game tonight. Do you want to join us?”

“I need to study.” It’s less that he needs to study and more that he doesn’t want Miles or Liam to see him the way he is right now.

Archer makes an affronted noise. “You can take tonight off.”

“Oh, can I? Thank you.” Aiden rolls his eyes. “Will you write a note for my professors for me?”

Archer’s lips twitch as he holds in a laugh. “We can try switching.”

Aiden laughs, rubbing at his own face. “We haven’t been able to pass as each other for at least a decade. Thank you for the offer though.”

Archer smirks, shrugs one shoulder, and the remaining anxiety eases out of Aiden. He nods, knowing Archer will understand. When Archer leaves he climbs out of bed then puts on a pair of sweats before dragging on the hoodie Archer gave him last Christmas. He looks in the mirror and doesn’t think he looks too bad. Dark bruises sit under his eyes because he’s been having trouble sleeping. Otherwise he looks alright. Not that it matters how he looks. He doesn’t need to impress anyone sitting out in the living room.

Before joining them, he takes out his contacts then puts on his glasses. He runs a hand through his short blonde hair, messing it up a little, and heads out to the living room.

“They were out ofalltoppings except for pineapple,” Miles teases as Aiden tosses himself on the sofa next to him.

“You don’t like pineapple?” Liam asks without looking away from the game on the television.

“Hate it.”

“It’s good for you,” Liam argues.

“I’m very aware of the nutritional and other values of pineapple. It makes my tongue itch.”

Liam turns to pin him with a look. “It makes your tongue itch?”

“He’s probably allergic,” Archer shouts from the kitchen.

“Probably?” Liam squeaks.

Aiden waves his concern off. “It’s fine. That’s why we never eat pineapple on pizza though.”

“I’ve filed that way for the future,” Liam says, a weird look in his eyes. His eyes flit down to Aiden’s hoodie. “What’s the hoodie about?”

Aiden grabs the edge of his hoodie, pulls it taut. “It’s Bigfoot?”

“And?”

“Well…it says it right here.” Aiden points out the words beneath the black image of Bigfoot walking among the trees. “He’s the world's hide and seek champion.”

“Aiden has a thing for Bigfoot.” Miles stands to go get the pizza at the door. He hip checks Archer as he passes.

“Do you read Bigfoot erotica or something?”

Aiden’s jaw drops but he closes it when Liam aims a smirk his way. Liam’s teasing him…and it doesn’t bother him. It’s kind of nice actually. He’s used to it from Archer and Miles but this is nice too.

“Would it be a problem if I did?”

“More like I can’t believe you’re holding out. Send me some recommendations.”

Aiden leers at him. “Don’t test me.”

“Tell me the real story then.”

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