Page 59 of Just a Footnote

Archer slides a cup of coffee across to him. “Merry Christmas.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Aiden sips his coffee, closing his eyes in bliss at the taste.

“Grinch,” Miles needles him.

“Maybe.”

Archer busies himself in the kitchen, cooking a full on breakfast for them. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Nobody even complains when Aiden pulls out the nutella, smearing it on his pancakes. That’s how he knows something is up because those two always find a reason to mock him for how he eats his pancakes.

“Alright, what’s going on?” Aiden asks around a mouthful of pancake.

“I failed you deeply,” Archer says on a loud sigh. “You always talk with your mouth full.”

“It’s just you guys.” Aiden purposefully shoves more pancakes in his mouth to talk around. “You’re being weird. What’s up?”

Archer straightens up a little in his chair, turning to aim a hard look at him. He swallows around his pancakes, suddenly worried about whatever Archer is going to tell him. Oh my god. Maybe he’s been traded already. That would ruin Aiden’s life in so many ways. He can’t handle that. Anxiety spreads inside him, but Archer lays a hand on him to steady his nerves.

“I’ve been asked to play on this year's Olympic team.”

“Uhm,” Aiden says loudly. “Don’t you usually get asked yearsin advance? Isn’t that kind of late? Also, when did you even take part in the trials for it?”

Archer nods in agreement, a flush spreading over his cheeks. “First goalie dropped out and they only had one back up. I did the trials over the summer… they were here in New York. So I’ll be back up goalie, making it easier. But still…I might get to play in the Olympics.”

“That’s great, Arch!” And Aiden means it. God, he is so proud of Archer for making his dreams come true, for this huge moment coming so early in his career. He can’t help but grin at Archer, his face probably disgustingly full of love.

Miles clears his throat, breaking Aiden from his thoughts. “There’s something else.”

Aiden looks between them. “I get the distinct feeling I’m not going to like what you say next.”

Archer lets out a pained sigh, hooks his thumb over his shoulder, then mutters, “I’m just gonna…”

Aiden watches his brother flee, confusion settling over him. He turns back to Miles with a frown. Silence envelopes them as Aiden waits for Miles to drop whatever nuclear bomb Archer was so afraid to be around.

“Liam is on the Olympic team too.”

His heart flatlines, then restarts moments later. Carefully, he schools his face to betray no emotion. Blank. Absolute blankness. He must do it too well because Miles' gaze narrows at him.

“Great news for Liam,” Aiden says around the rock in his throat.

“Cut the shit, Clark.” Miles sighs loudly, pushing away from the island to turn his body towards Aiden. “Ever since your little confession, I’ve been carrying around that little bomb waiting for it to implode. I haven’t told Archer but he also isn’t stupid.”

“I can’t believe you’re talking to me like this,” Aiden grumbles.

Miles tips forward on his chair to hold Aiden’s gaze. “I don’t want any drama at the Olympics. None. Your business is your own. But you will be in the seats with me cheering your brother on. And if you see Liam, you will act normal.”

Anger bubbles up inside of Aiden. He pushes away from the counter, chair scratching the wood, the ugly sound echoing around them. Their gaze stays locked as Aiden fights to keep his reaction neutral.

“I know how to fucking act around Liam Walsh. All I do isact,” Aiden all but yells.

It’s a low blow, but Aiden felt the need to strike. Miles crumbles, all his resolve for Archer bleeding out of him, then he reaches out for Aiden. He sidesteps Miles' fingers. Pressing a hand to his chest, he closes his eyes, and lets out a painful sigh.

“Are you happy now?” Aiden asks softly, voice trembling.

“No, Aiden. I’m not happy.” For the first time in his life, Miles hugs him. He stands there still, arms at his sides, unsure what to do. Hugs are not something that they do. Aiden closes his eyes, letting himself be hugged.

Which is of course how Archer finds them.

“Oh my god, did I switch timelines? I was gone for ten minutes!” Archer yells while dramatically falling to his knees.

---