On that though I do love the idea of Kevin and Riko being in a secret relationship that was as unhealthy and controlling as youād expect to be. And then Kevin ends up in the Foxes with a broken hand along with a broken heart.
Itās there he starts to learn what it truly means to be loved and valued beyond his skills at Exy.
Though the truth of his and Rikoās relationship doesnāt come out until Kevin gets absolutely plastered at Edens for the first time. Heās sat there rambling about Riko coming to get him and what heāll do to him when he does.
When Andrew questions him later Kevin is more concerned about the others knowing heās in relationship (or wasā¦heās not sure anymore) with Riko than the details about the abuse he let out.
No one at the Nest knewā¦not even Jean.
To him the details donāt matter but it matters to Andrew it matters a lot.
Kevin never talks about it on his own accord Andrew grows to know him well enough to know if and when Kevin will answer him. He keeps a mental note about everything Kevin says on the subject.
āI canāt say no to Riko.ā
It paints a horrifying picture and if Andrew stands that just bit closer to Kevin after such revelations and after every session with Bee, well thatās between them.
Kevin doesnāt really get what the fuss is about thereās not much he can do after swearing each and every player to secrecy. Itād ruin Rikoās reputation and Kevinās as well if the world found out they were closer then they should be.
He gets used to Nickyās annoying need to ruffle his hair and Andrew being able to stop the world around him by placing a hand on the back of his neck.
Itās strange that it doesnāt hurt.
Then Neil comes along and with him so does Riko. Kevin is a nervous wreck, he canāt eat, he canāt sleep, Andrew is the only thing keeping him together. Heās drinking more until every dark shadow in the room looks like Riko.
Neil doesnāt find out until after the Kathy Ferdinand show. When Riko pins Kevin against the wall and Kevin practically goes limp against him. Thereās a sweetness to his voice as he talks about how much he missed him but thereās venom behind every word.
Neil puts the pieces together in record time and practically pushes Riko off of Kevin as hard as he can. Kevin crumbles to his knees and Riko begins to attack Neil. Itās only than does Kevin get the will to fight back and gets elbowed right in the face for it.
Andrews smile has never looked so cruel when he surveys the sight.
Kevin falls apart the moment theyāre alone and Andrew as always puts him back together. He gives Neil a chat earlier on the rooftop and it becomes an unspoken promise between the two of them to keep Kevin safe.
Feelings start to blossom and Kevin feels incredibly guilty about it because Riko would be pissed if he knew. But Andrew makes him feel safe and home starts to feel like watching old Exy tapes with Neil.
Court after hours feels like the only time he can truly breathe again and maybe it wonāt last forever but Kevin wishes he could stay here.