Page 3 of Just a Footnote

Aiden swallows roughly. “I’m fine. Scared about moving to New York.”

The lie is bitter on his tongue, and Archer clearly doesn’t believe it as they stare at one another. Archer looks back over his shoulder at Miles. Aiden follows his gaze, meeting Miles’ too knowing gaze. If Miles knows what's good for him, he’ll keep quiet, no matter his suspicions.

In the end Miles just shrugs.

Archer looks back at Aiden, blue eyes attempting to look into the pit of Aiden’s soul.

“I’m fine. I swear it. Just an overwhelming day.”

Lying is the only thing that’s ever kept him safe. It’ll keep him safe now too. If he lies enough, maybe he’ll start to believe it too.

PART ONE

Before

2024-2025

1

The beer in Aiden’s hand is already warm. Warm beer belongs in the seventh circle of hell. Who likes warm beer? No one. The crowded party moves on around him. A few of his brother's teammates shout and wrestle in the living room of the house he got dragged to for this stupid party. Parties aren’t really his scene even after three years of college. He’d rather spend his time in the library studying so that he can finish his final year at Athens University with a perfect GPA, forcing medical schools to fight over him when he applies.

His twin brother steps around the corner, one arm thrown around his boyfriend's shoulder, and it makes Aiden’s chest ache. It’s not that he’s not happy for Archer. Between the both of them, Archer deserves happiness the most. Especially after their tumultuous childhood. It’s just, it’s annoying that he’s found happiness with Miles. Archer and Miles met the year he and his brother were separated in the foster system. When they’d finally been reunited all Archer could talk about was Miles this and Miles that. Miles with his obnoxious auburn hair, bright eyes, and constant sarcasm that always leaves Aiden simultaneously on edge and annoyed.

His traitorous thoughts drift to him and Archer trapped in a locked closet as young boys. He viciously shakes his head so the thoughts are forced to disappear.

“The beer is warm,” Liam, Aiden’s twin’s teammate and best friend, complains from beside him.

“Never stopped you before.”

“True.” Liam smirks at him over the red solo cup at his lips. “Your brother and bestie already head out?”

Aiden glares at him. “He’s not my bestie.”

Liam shoots him a grin and it loosens all the knots that had formed in Aiden’s stomach. Another shout pulls Aiden’s attention away from Liam, back to the party around them. It’s loud, raucous, and Aiden feels the urge to flee. Being around too many people always makes him uncomfortable.

“It’s hot in here. Wanna stand outside?”

Liam doesn’t wait for Aiden to answer, instead he turns and heads into the backyard. Done with his warm beer, he sets it down on the counter to follow along empty handed behind Liam. It’s a nice October night outside. A cool breeze washes over them as they step out into the darkness together. Stars blink above them overhead and Aiden breathes it in. He’s always loved looking at the stars. As a kid he’d spun endless scenarios where he was on any other planet but this one. Each star had a name and a story, looking up at the night sky as an adult still gives him a strange sort of comfort.

“An agent wants to sign me,” Liam tells him, apropos of nothing.

Liam and Archer are both heading to the NHL right after graduation. Aiden and Archer talk about it a lot. The NHL is their way out. Since the first time Archer had picked up a hockey stick as a kid he’d been a natural. Now, he’s one of the best goalies in the college hockey circuit. Which doesn’t surpriseAiden because Archer had always been the fiercely protective type. Of course he’d be a naturally gifted goalie.

“And you’re surprised?”

Liam huffs out a laugh. “No, it just feels early.”

“Archer has been signed for a bit.”

Archer was drafted at nineteen but decided to go the NCAA route for Aiden. The whole ordeal caused a huge argument and Aiden tries not to dwell on it too much. They’re already almost done with their senior year and soon Archer will be an NFL goalie. It’s just the way it is.

Liam polishes off his beer then sets the cup on the railing. The veins in Liam’s golden arms pop out as he presses against the railing, making Aiden’s stomach tilt a little. Dark brown hair, green eyes, pouty lips, and a perfect nose makes Liam dangerous to be around. Liam’s a walking wet dream and Aiden willnotfall for it. Liam leans heavier against the railing so those arm veins pop a little more, and Aiden lets his gaze trail up those arms, taking in the warm flannel Liam is wearing over a tight white t-shirt that’s stretched unfairly tight over his muscled chest.Aiden leans against the railing, turning his gaze back up to the sky and away from Liam’s perfect face.

He’s got to get out of here.

“I wish Archer and I could stay on the same team,” Liam says wistfully, breaking Aiden out of his spiraling thoughts.

“If wishes were horses.”

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