Chapter Text
It almost feels like whenever Andrew tries to do something nice and selfless for anyone, the universe decides to be a dick to him.
Bee needed someone to pick up their clothes from the dry cleaner. Nicky was on a date with Erik and Aaron was studying like crazy for their chemistry test next tuesday, so naturally Andrew got stuck with the duty since he didn’t need to study.
(Andrew’s memory never fails to drive his brother mad.)
Just as Andrew gets inside the car to drive back home, the light rain that has been going on since morning starts pouring down out of nowhere, completely blinding his front window.
Like he said, the universe is a dick.
He basically has to drive the car at turtle speed, so he has no trouble spotting a certain someone jogging in the streets. The sight doesn’t surprise him as much as it probably should and he briefly wonders what this says about him at this point.
Andrew rolls the window down, yelling to make himself heard over the rain. “Damn it Hatford, are you out of your mind?”
Miraculously, Neil hears him and stops jogging, approaching the car with a bright grin. Really, he has no business looking this happy when he is completely soaked and looks like an idiot. “Andrew,” he says. “It’s raining!”
Andrew gives him a flat look. “No shit.”
Ever since the day Neil and he had that… conversation in this car, they had somehow gotten closer. Neil isn’t clingy, he doesn’t completely devote his entire time to Andrew but he is definitely more around now. He never fails to greet him whenever they come across each other at the practice and a couple times he had hung out with Andrew’s lot after school. (He had always brought Katelyn with him since apparently he is closest to her from Vixens, so nowadays Aaron is reluctantly kinder to Neil.)
Andrew isn’t fond, he fucking isn’t, but at the same time his chest feels a bit warm when he remembers how Neil sat between Kevin and him when Kevin finally introduced him to Foxes, as if Andrew’s presence was reassuring.
(The whole thing was kind of hilarious, if he has to admit. Foxes were actually in their best behavior since Kevin threatened to pour his gross green smoothie down their throats if they upset Neil, but Allison being Allison, asked Neil what his uncle does for a living with a meaningful glance at his expensive outfit. Knowing how catty Allison could be if she wanted, she was actually polite in her manner but the question was tasteless anyway.
Neil had taken a small sip from his black coffee while Kevin looked five seconds away from jumping at Allison’s throat.
“He’s a gangster,” Neil had said absently. Andrew had actually bitten inside of his cheek to suppress his laughter, seeing the looks on the team’s faces. “I’m kidding, he’s a businessman.” Neil had said after a long and uncomfortable silence. Matt and Dan had laughed nervously. Neil had taken another sip from his coffee. “And a part time gangster.”)
“There has to be less complicated ways to catch pneumonia.” Andrew says with disdain. “Get in, I’m gonna give you a ride home.”
“Oh no, I’ll ruin your car,” Neil shakes his head. “I’ll just jog back.”
Andrew gives him an unimpressed look. “You’re getting wetter each second. Get in.”
For a second Neil looks like he wants to argue anyway but thankfully he gets inside quickly and closes the door. Andrew blasts the heat. “Even you can’t be stupid enough to think it was a good idea to go for a run in this weather.”
“Haha.” Neil says coolly, never getting offended from Andrew’s petty insults. He runs his fingers through his auburn hair to dry it. Andrew averts his eyes from the sight with difficulty and starts the car. “It was only light rain when I started jogging.”
“Still not the best weather for running.”
“I like it.” There’s a light happiness in Neil’s voice. “It reminds me of London.”
The statement somehow makes Andrew feel warm, which is fucking ridiculous. Seriously, he should’ve learnt to get a grip around Neil by now.
He drives carefully but a little quickly to Neil’s apartment. Kevin gets real bitchy whenever one of his friends gets sick and tries to get them to drink gross tea. Andrew just doesn’t want Neil to deal with it. It’s not like he’s concerned over Neil’s health or anything.
The last time he dropped Neil off, he didn’t get inside the fancy looking apartment complex but since it’s raining real bad, he wants to drop him closer this time. When he turns towards Neil to say this, he finds Neil looking at him with a nervous look in his blue eyes, biting his lower lip.
“Do you want to come upstairs with me?” he asks quickly, as if words are escaping from his mouth. “At least until the rain stops?”
Andrew stares. It sounds an awful lot like a flirty line but Neil surely doesn’t mean it like that.
Neil misinterprets his silence. “Oh, are you worried about running into my uncle? Don’t worry, he’s away for a business trip. The apartment is empty.”
Andrew chokes in his spit and coughs. Is… Is Neil doing this on purpose? Does he really not know how his words sound? But looking at Neil’s too-pretty face, Andrew can only see confusion.
“Fine,” he grunts in the end. “You better have something sweet in your fridge for me.”
Neil perks up. “I have. I don’t like dessert but my uncle does so I made a strawberry tart for him two days ago. We still have a few slices left. I hope you’ll like it.”
Andrew kind of wants to bury his face into his hands and stand like that for a few hours but he still has some dignity left so he refrains.
Neil directs him to an underground garage and tells him to park next to a luxurious Maserati. Andrew whistles as he gets out of the car. “I wonder who owns this…”
Neil sends a disinterested glance at the car. “Oh. I do.”
Andrew pauses. “What?” he asks. “You own this Maserati?”
Neil just nods.
“You own a Maserati and you don’t even drive it? It just sits in the garage?”
This time, Neil has the grace to look a little embarrassed. “I… don’t know how to drive this car. I mean, I have a license but I’m not very good at driving. I meant to practice but I never really found the time or motivation, you know? ”
Andrew stares at him for a long time before he makes a decision. “I’m going to give you driving lessons.” he declares. “You have one of the best cars in the world and it just sits here. Fucking unacceptable.”
For a guy who seems rather indifferent about his car, Neil just tilts his head aside and accepts the offer easily. He turns around and Andrew follows him to the elevator.
Andrew doesn’t know what exactly he expects from Neil’s apartment but upon taking a step to the entrance, he realizes it’s quite… modern. It’s clear either Neil’s uncle has a good taste, or he hired a good interior designer to decorate the place. The furtiture’s color scale mostly consists of blue, gray and black. Andrew reluctantly admits he’s impressed.
Suddenly, without a warning, something rubs against Andrew’s leg. He tenses immediately, ready to lash out, but when he lowers his gaze his eyes meet the fluffiest, most orange cat he’s ever seen.
“Peach, my sweet baby,” Neil coos as he bends down to scoop the cat into his arms. “Did you miss me?”
Andrew gives him a flat look. “Of course you have a cat.”
Neil walks inside and dumps the cat, Peach, on a fluffy cushion before giving it a quick pet. “Yes,” he says easily and turns around to enter the kitchen. “And she’s the sweetest girl in the world.”
Andrew stares at the cat. Peach gives him a disinterested look, licking her paw lazily. With a slight huff, Andrew follows Neil to the kitchen.
Neil is occupied with the coffee machine. “I hope you don’t mind coffee, I’m afraid I don’t have the ingredients for hot chocolate.”
“Do you have cream and sugar?”
“Yes.”
“Then coffee is fine.” Andrew gives a judging look at Neil’s clothes. “You might wanna change into dry clothes before you really catch pneumonia, though.”
“Oh. Right.” Neil sighs lightly. “I’m being a terrible host, huh? Leaving you alone when I’m the one who invited you…”
Normally, Andrew would roll his eyes or make a sarcastic comment if it was anyone else but by now, he’s come to learn Neil is strangely insecure about interacting with other people. So his voice automatically comes out gentle. “Just go. I won’t die from loneliness in ten minutes.”
Neil smiles and goes.
The kitchen is quiet except for the noise coming from the coffee machine. Andrew is about to take a seat when his eyes catch something on the fridge. For a moment he feels conflicted about whether this is an invasion of privacy or not but it’s on the fridge after all. Andrew isn’t snooping. So he takes a step closer.
There’s only one photograph and Andrew realizes with a jolt it’s a childhood photograph of Kevin and Neil. They’re standing next to an ugly looking snowman while Kevin grins brightly at the camera, his arm wrapped around a much smaller Neil’s shoulders. Neil’s clothes look two sizes too big for him but there’s also a happy smile on his face.
Kevin once told him it rarely snowed where he lived in Ireland with his mom. Andrew figures this photograph is a precious memory from one of those rare times.
There’s also a handwritten note on the fridge.
Don’t forget to heat up the meal preps I made for you! Love you cub. Will be back in a few days. -S.
Well, at least Neil’s uncle isn’t a complete asshole.
Andrew looks around. Everything he’s seen so far looks straight out of a home decoration magazine. He’s gotten used to the clean but chaotic order of his home, so looking at Neil’s home with an outsider’s gaze gives him… a lonely feeling.
He finally takes a seat and pulls out his phone to text his mom.
will be home later than i thought just letting you know
Bee’s text comes at a lightning speed. I hope you’re not texting and driving!!!
Andrew rolls his eyes. bee give me so credit… i’m at neil’s house. rescued him from drowning like rat and he offered me coffee.
He dreads his mom’s answer because he know it will be something like…
Oh. You be a gentleman, okay? :)
Andrew lets out a tired sigh. see you at home bee.
A quiet meow jolts Andrew from his stance. He glares at the cat but Peach merely jumps into another chair and looks at Andrew with calm green eyes.
“Can I help you with anything?” he asks sarcastically.
Peach continues looking at him. Andrew sighs and extends his fingers for her to sniff them. Peach sniffs his hand for five seconds before she decides Andrew is acceptable and literally shows her head against his palm for pets.
“Fine, geez.” Andrew murmurs but he can’t help but feel a little smug when the cat starts purring like a motor engine. After a while, it looks like she isn’t satisfied with the distance so she jumps into the counter and lays in front of him. “For some reason I feel like you’re not allowed here…”
“She isn’t.” Neil’s voice comes from the doorway. “But she’s the queen of this house while I’m a mere servant, so…”
Andrew turns and immediately feels speechless. It’s not because Neil looks overly pretty in another expensive outfit again. It’s because Neil is literally wearing shabby grey sweats that look very old.
Neil notices his look and grins when he goes to open a cupboard. “Go on, I’m listening.”
“Well, I have to admit I’m impressed.” Andrew says in a deadpan tone. “I didn’t know you were capable of wearing less than Louis Vuitton or some shit.”
Neil hums as he checks the coffee machine and presses some buttons. “To tell you the truth, I have zero knowledge about fashion and I don’t have a personal style at all.”
Andrew’s silence must show his confusion because Neil continues. “A few years ago, my uncle started to take me with him whenever he had business to do abroad so I could see new places. His colleagues always gave me strange looks because of the way I dressed and one day, I decided I didn’t want to embarass my uncle anymore. So I hired a stylist. Kendra knows my size, knows what I’m comfortable with, so she shops for me and decides what I’ll wear when I’m outside. But I’m free to dress however I want inside since nobody sees me.”
Andrew’s previous positive impression of Stuart Hatford evaporates instantly. “Did your uncle make you do it?”
“Not at all!” Neil says passionately. He fills the mugs and leaves a little space in Andrew’s mug for cream and sugar. “He even insisted I didn’t have to do this but you know? It’s actually a relief. I hate shopping and Kendra never picks me clothes I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing. Everybody wins.”
Andrew still thinks it’s a stupid effort. Who cares what Neil’s wearing when he looks like that but of course he’s not going to say this. He spins the mug to add cream and sees it has Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle on it. “Seriously, what’s your obsession with Ghibli?”
Neil’s cheeks turn a little pinky as he cuts a giant piece of strawberry tart for Andrew and a tiny one for himself. “I like it, okay? There isn’t much to do by myself while Uncle Stuart is away so I started watching anime to pass time. Go ahead, make fun of me.”
He puts the plate in front of Andrew. Peach takes a look at it, decides she hates the smell of strawberries and jumps out of the counter to run inside. The tart looks delicious but Andrew barely pays attention to it, staring at Neil with a serious look on his face. “Do you remember how we agreed to play a game?”
Neil takes a small sip from his coffee. “Truth for a truth.”
“Yes. I’m taking a turn.” Andrew speaks carefully. “You once told me, you were familiar with loneliness…”
Confusion clouds over Neil’s pretty face briefly before he sends Andrew a surprised glance. “That was weeks ago. How did you even remember?”
“I have an eidetic memory.” Andrew says, easily giving up a truth.
Neil realizes this and nods. “Go on.”
“What did you mean by that?” Andrew asks. “You’re rich, you’re okay looking, you don’t totally suck at conversations—"
“Thanks a lot.”
“So I feel like a guy like you would be more popular.” Andrew finally takes a bite from his plate. Damn it, it’s really delicious. Neil probably lied about making the tart himself, there’s no way this didn’t come from a bakery. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a people person myself. I’m simply curious.”
Neil hums quietly as he thinks about his anwer, drinking more coffee. He grins when he sees how Andrew is wolfing down his slice. Neil shakes his head a little before he starts talking. “Growing up, my mum didn’t let me make any friends.”
Andrew tenses.
“She was always a paranoid person. Always convinced someone was going to hurt me if I got closer to them. So, prior to Kevin, I pretty much didn’t have any friends. She couldn’t stop me from befriending Kevin since his mum was the one who helped us in Ireland.”
The tart doesn’t taste so good all of a sudden.
“I actually didn’t live in central London before coming here,” Neil explains. “Hatfords own a manor in a village just outside of London. That’s where my uncle placed me after my mother’s death. My uncle’s main business was in central London but he decided to stay away from me for a couple of years, only coming to the manor in summers since…” Neil takes a deep breath. “Since he knew how uncomfortable I was around unfamiliar adult men. It was very thoughtful of him, but it also made me feel so lonely for such a long time.”
Neil looks a little lost after admitting it so Andrew hums under his breath to show he’s still listening.
“I went to school in that village. There weren’t many students and they all knew each other since they were toddlers, so they didn’t like me very much. After all, I was an outsider.” Neil pops a strawberry into his mouth. “There was a cook, a gardener and a tutor in the household. All women. That’s how I ended up taking dance lessons from Ms. Whiteley.”
This time, a slight smile appears on his face. Andrew’s glad Neil was able to find something entertaining at least, because from what he’s heard it sounds like he’s lived a very isolating life.
“So yes, this is pretty much the first time I got to choose where we’re living.” Neil says. “As soon as Stuart told me he was moving his business to the US and I could choose our location, I gave Kevin a call. He still has to take care of some minor problems but soon he’ll settle here permanently.” Neil spreads his arms like he’s just wrapped a presentation. “And that is the story of why I’m such an anti-social freak.”
“I never said that.” Andrew says sharply. Neil actually looks startled. “I never said and I don’t think of you like that.” He grits his teeth and forces his next words out. “I’m… It’a good thing you came here. Kevin is less annoying with you around.”
Neil doesn’t say anything for a long time. Andrew doesn’t know what to think about the soft look in his blue eyes. “Would you like another piece, Andrew?”
“Yes.” he says grumpily.
It’s another game night, and just like any other game night, Kevin is being Kevin.
“There has to be something that will make you give a damn.” he keeps saying. “Lately you’ve been a little bit more energetic in practices. What’s your motive?”
Andrew doesn’t say anything. What is he even going to say? No big deal Kevin, I just like it whenever your childhood best friend watches me from the bleachers so I wanna show off a bit.
It’s a good thing he usually ignores Kevin’s gibberish. Kevin stares at his blank face for another second before leaving him alone with an annoyed huff.
Finally.
Lately, Vixen’s schedule has been replanned; so whenever Neil is done with his own practice, he sits at the bleachers and waits for Andrew to be done so he can take his daily driving lesson. Andrew didn’t see any significance in this at first; but one time, he made a nice save since he was getting bored of just standing there and Neil cheered. Loudly. For him.
The effect it had on Andrew’s body was embarrassing.
So nowadays he… doesn’t exactly try, but tries harder than before in practice. Neil always greets him with a smile whenever he’s done and Andrew always pushes down the urge to wrap a finger around a strand of Neil’s auburn hair before they leave for their lesson.
(One time, Kevin decided to go with them but his anxiety over Neil’s driving was so high that Neil ended up getting anxious because of him. So Andrew banned Kevin from joining them in future.)
They spend a lot of time alone nowadays and it keeps getting harder to be not captivated by Neil. Andrew wants… fuck, Andrew wants to hold Neil’s hand. To caress his hair. To have him lean against Andrew’s chest after a tiring day. To kiss the corner of his lower lip.
He also knows it wouldn’t work between them. Knows Neil deserves someone softer after all he’s been through. Knows someone like Neil can do so much better than Andrew.
He knows, he knows, but he still wants.
“Hey there.”
Andrew turns, and immediately wishes he hadn’t.
Neil in his tight leggings and shirt will never stop being a damn sight but today, he’s wearing orange glitter. Whoever has done his make up did a good job because his blue eyes look even more striking this way. Andrew’s palms feel sweaty all of a sudden.
It doesn’t help that Neil is wearing a wide, happy smile.
“Someone is excited.” Andrew comments dryly despite the mad beating of his heart.
“Of course I’m excited, this is my first big game!” Neil chides him, smile turning teasing. “But I suppose you’re not, since exy is the most stupid sport ever invented.”
“It is.” Andrew says and damn him, he really should keep his mouth closed but clearly he isn’t as smart as he thought. “Pick a number between one and five.”
Neil looks confused. “Three.”
“Cool.” Andrew turns around. “See you after the game.”
He takes a deep breath just before the game starts.
He lets three goals in. And then he shuts down the goal.
It is hard, fuck, it is really hard. He doesn’t know why Kevin acts like Andrew does some hocus pocus shit whenever he asks Andrew to really play, because by the time final buzzer comes, Andrew’s lungs are on fire. They win by seven to three. His teammates know better than to include him in their group hug but their gratitude for him is loud and clear. Very loud in fact. Andrew wants to plug his ears.
Besides, there’s only one reaction he’s curious about.
As if summoned by this thought alone, Neil is suddenly right in front of him. His eyes shine with joy, his hair turned into dark copper with sweat, his sharp cheekbones painted peach colored with that damn glitter…
Andrew never wanted to kiss someone this much before.
“Oh my god!” Neil says brightly with a wide smile. “This was amazing. Andrew, you were amazing.”
And Andrew—
He wants to say a million things at the same time at that moment.
“Go shower quickly,” is what he ends up saying. “We’re going to Kevin’s house to celebrate. Abby made burgers.”
Neil gives him one last smile before he goes.
Andrew is about to head to the showers himself when Kevin’s voice stops him in his tracks. “I have to admit, I didn’t see this coming.”
Acid fills Andrew’s mouth as he turns around to lash at Kevin but there’s nothing cruel in Kevin’s expression. Just understanding. Just acceptance. Just kindness.
“Stay out of my business.” Andrew says quietly.
Kevin nods and doesn’t say anything else, heading to the locker room.
Tomorrow, Andrew decides. He is going to deal with this tomorrow. Or the day after tomorrow. Or the day after that.
He isn’t willing to ruin the night where Neil called him amazing.
Stuart Hatford’s first words to him are, “So you’re the famous Andrew?”
Neil’s face instantly turns crimson red. “Uncle!”
“What? You do talk about him a lot, cub.”
Andrew slowly raises a single eyebrow.
It takes a while but Neil’s uncle finally settles his business permanently. When Andrew casually mentions it one evening, Bee gets a thoughtful expression on her face and asks Andrew if they should invite Neil and his uncle for one of their Saturday dinners. Andrew’s first instinct is to refuse but then he thinks of the alternative; to going over to Neil’s apartment to meet his uncle alone and immediately changes his mind.
Andrew is pleased to hear Neil talks about him but he still can’t help but feel annoyed Stuart teased him in front of Andrew. He opens his mouth to make a biting comment but then he pauses. Does he really want Stuart’s first impression of him to be him acting like a sarcastic shit?
Why does he even want Stuart to have a positive impression about him?
(He knows why.)
Andrew opens his mouth and says, “It’s nice to finally meet you, sir.”
The man’s eyes are knowing.
Stuart is only a few inches taller than his nephew, so Andrew thinks it’s safe to assume Neil got his height from his mother’s side. But unlike Neil, Stuart has sandy blonde hair and green eyes. So Neil probably inherited his father’s hair and eye color.
(Not that Andrew would ask anything about that abusive fucker.)
Throughout the dinner, it becomes obvious Stuart is extremely proud of Neil and generally a laid back man. He thanks Wymack and Abby (and even Bee, since Neil slept over in their place for a couple of times) for taking care of Neil while he was away and patiently answers every single one of Nicky’s tiring questions. Even Aaron, who has some sort of vendetta against rich people, doesn't glare at him too much. Kevin also appears comfortable with talking to Stuart.
Neil rarely participates in conversations that evening but the little content smile on his face never disappears once. Andrew spends most of his evening with his eyes on Neil.
When it’s time for everyone to leave, Stuart gives Andrew a handshake. “Thank you for giving Neil driving lessons. I’ve been meaning to do it myself but life has been hectic lately.”
Andrew nods hesitantly. “It’s no problem.”
There’s a significant look in Stuart’s eyes. “I hope you won’t stop coming over just because I permanently moved in. Neil would be upset. I promise, I wouldn’t get in the way of you boys anyway. I’m a cool uncle.” He winks very awkwardly.
Andrew wonders if the man has a misconception about the nature of the relationship between him and Neil. He wants to correct Stuart but his throat feels too dry. So he just nods.
Things go as usual but at the same time, they don’t.
He and Neil somehow get closer physically.
Andrew doesn’t even understand how this happens. He’s never been a guy who likes touching, for obvious reasons; but one time he lightly touches Neil’s lower back to show him something, Neil gently leans into the touch, and that’s it. From that moment, little touches become a part of their… friendship. Neil touching his arm to get his attention, Andrew grabbing Neil from the back of his neck to drag him for ice cream, Neil leaning his shoulder against Andrew’s during Andrew's rare smoking sessions, Andrew’s hand touching Neil’s when they pet Peach together…
One time, Andrew feels so drained after practice that he has to rest a bit before they leave for their driving lesson. He lies down on the bleachers and Neil, after a brief silence, quietly asks if he can touch Andrew’s hair.
It ends up being one of the best experiences of Andrew’s life.
(Most of the Foxes know better than to make a comment about it the next day. Seth Gordon, however, decides to refer to Neil as “Minyard’s little boyfriend” and gets punched by Andrew for the audacity.)
One day, Neil doesn’t show up at the bleachers to watch their practice. Andrew doesn’t find that odd since Neil told him he had some business to take care of for one of his classes but when he gets out of the shower and sees Neil still hasn’t texted him, he frowns and decides to look for Neil himself.
It doesn’t take him long to find Neil in the hallways and the sight immediately makes him bristle.
Because Brandon Williams is leaning over Neil, trapping him against the wall with one of his muscular arms while Neil watches him blankly.
The urge to lunge forward and rip the douche’s arm off is strong but Andrew doubts Neil would like to be treated as a damsel in distress, so he refrains.
Just barely.
“...and treat you the way you are used.” Brandon is saying. He winks at Neil obnoxiously. “So what are you saying, doll? You, me, pool?”
See, Andrew doesn’t care about most of the people in their school and he honestly doesn’t know much about any of them either. Brandon would be in that category too, if the fucker didn’t call Nicky a racist slur in Andrew’s presence, resulting in Andrew to attack him. The school didn’t give the two of them any punishment; Brandon because he was white and rich and popular, Andrew because there were multiple people who heard Brandon’s slur so it could cause a scandal if only Andrew got punished.
Andrew hates his fucking guts ever since that day.
Neil’s face is still blank when he answers. “Do you have trouble understanding my English?”
Brandon smirks. “No. I think you have a very sexy accent, gorgeous.”
“Then why do you keep making me repeat myself?” In one quick movement, Neil effortlessly frees himself from where he was trapped under Brandon’s arm. “I’ve told you three times already. I am not interested in you or your pool house. And I never will be. Just leave me alone already.”
Andrew can’t help his quiet huff of amusement and Neil hears him, face immediately softening when he sees Andrew. “Hey, sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go.”
Brandon’s mouth is hanging open from shock but his ugly face quickly turns red when he realizes Andrew saw what just happened. “Whatever, pom-pom waving whore.” he sneers at Neil.
Andrew sees red in an instant, ready to beat the shit out of this asshole again but Neil gently grabs his arm. He rolls his eyes and doesn’t even bother to look at Brandon again. “You’re the one who practically begged me for sex four times and I’m the whore. Makes perfect sense.”
“Don’t act like you’re not being a tease on purpose in that tight uniform!” Brandon foams, a cruel smile spreading on his face. “But I guess the only one who’s allowed to have a taste is the juvie freak.”
Andrew’s whole body turns into a block of ice. That’s it. This is the moment he kills Brandon Williams.
Except, before he even has a chance to blink, Neil suddenly turns and slams Brandon against the wall, grabbing him by his chin in a tight grip. Brandon’s eyes widen in panic while there’s an ice cold fury in Neil’s pale blue eyes.
“You,” Neil says in an incredibly controlled voice. “are getting annoying. I don’t want you to talk to me or Andrew again. I don’t even want you to look at us again. Otherwise I’m afraid I will not be very pleased. Have I made myself clear?”
Brandon gulps. Neil’s grip on his chin is very tight, so he barely manages to nod.
Neil lets go and slaps him hard. “So glad we have an agreement.” he says sweetly and turns around to leave, grabbing Andrew’s hand on his way.
They stay silent for a long time. Andrew doesn't fully pay attention to Neil’s driving but when Neil easily parks in front of the park Andrew took him when Neil had that panic attack, he realizes Neil actually got pretty good at driving by now and probably doesn’t need Andrew’s lessons anymore.
Yet he still willingly seeks Andrew out for them.
It’s Neil who breaks the silence first. “Is there anything you wanna ask me?” he says hesitantly.
Andrew stares. Brandon just outed that Andrew went to juvie and Neil thinks he has questions? He opens his mouth to voice these acidic thoughts but what comes out is, “What the hell was that with Williams?”
Neil winces a little. “Was that a bit much?” he asks. “Ms. Whiteley taught me self defense too. And I always end up acting a bit crazy when I’m really mad, so…” He quiets down with a sigh.
Andrew nods slowly. “Fine. Now you can ask your question.”
Neil actually looks confused.
Andrew’s smile is sharper than a knife. “That fucking douche just told you I was in a juvie, Neil. I’m sure you have some questions about it.”
“Oh.” Neil sends him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, I already knew about that. Two Vixens thought it was their duty to warn me, ” He makes air quotes. “About you. I told them to fuck off and I thought you’d tell me if you really wanted to.”
He says it so simply, as if it’s completely okay if Andrew decides not to talk about it and knowing Neil, it’s probably actually okay. That he respects Andrew’s choice, that he won’t push if Andrew doesn’t want it.
Andrew hates him because of it. Andrew wants to kiss him because of it.
“My last foster home before Betsy was not good,” Andrew says slowly. “They… beat me up a lot and also reduced my meals into basically nothing.”
Neil’s face hardens but he still listens patiently.
“One night, I couldn’t take it anymore and sneaked out of the house. I broke into a supermarket and the cops busted me. And since I was a troubled child with serious attitude problems, ” He copies Neil and makes air quotes. “They sent me to juvie.” He takes a deep breath. “I don’t fucking regret it.” he snaps.
Neil’s voice is soft. “Why would you? You did what you had to do in order to survive.”
And— Andrew’s not looking for validation, he’s not. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He meant what he said, he doesn’t regret his choice. Not when it saved his life like Neil said. Not when it brought Bee, Aaron and Nicky into his life.
But it feels good to hear Neil doesn’t blame him.
Neil smiles, but in mere seconds, a haunted look on his face replaces that smile.
“I want to show you something too.” Neil says quietly.
He gingerly removes his jacket first, throwing it to the backseat; and then under Andrew’s intense gaze, he stretches his shirt, exposing his right shoulder.
There’s a burn scar on it.
Andrew feels both frozen and ragious.
He slowly raises a hand, carefully looking at Neil to see if he’s expressing any objection, but Neil just nods lightly. Andrew puts his left hand to it, fingertips lining up perfectly with the raised bumps.
“What happened to you?” Andrew asks after a long silence.
“My father hit me with a hot iron when I was a child because apparently I was making too much noise when he was trying to watch a game.” Neil answers calmly. “That’s what made my mum finally leave him and change countries.”
Andrew’s felt anger before. Anger, rage, fury… None of them compares to what he’s feeling right now. It feels too much and too thick in his throat that he can’t breathe. “I’m gonna kill kim.” he chokes out.
Neil’s voice is carefully blank. “Oh, he's already dead. Turns out he pissed off the wrong people. Uncle wouldn’t let us move to this country if he was still alive.” He gently shakes off Andrew’s hand and adjusts his shirt again. “This is the reason why my uncle got my custody after mum died.”
Andrew reaches forward and grabs Neil’s face between his hands, leaning their foreheads together. He needs to keep Neil close now, otherwise he will go mad, he will snap, he will—
“You’re okay now.” Andrew says. I will never let anything like this happen again.
Neil’s exhale caresses his skin. “Yes,” he accepts easily. “I’m okay now.”
“Spirited Away or The Wind Rises? ” Andrew asks as he examines the Netflix screen. “Which one do you want?”
They actually weren’t supposed to be alone tonight. When Neil wanted to throw a slumber party; he actually invited Kevin, Andrew, Aaron and Nicky. But at the last minute, they all bailed out except for Andrew. Nicky and Aaron claimed they had an emergency double date (Those morons didn’t even try to come up with a good excuse) and Kevin said he was feeling under the weather.
None of them are subtle one bit and Andrew kind of wants to kill them all.
(But a large part of him is pleased to be alone with Neil.)
They’re alone in Neil’s bedroom now, laying on the large bed under cozy blankets. Him, Neil and Stuart had a delicious dinner together before Stuart smoothly excused himself to go work in his office, which is upstairs, he said meaningfully and flashed thumbs up to Andrew when Neil’s back was turned.
The man is honestly so fucking weird.
Peach is also sleeping in her fancy bed, located in front of the window so she can watch the outside.
They are both feeling lazy since their stomach is full. It’s all horribly domestic.
“Neil,” Andrew says again a little impatiently. “What do you want?”
“I want to kiss you.” Neil answers, calm and clear.
Andrew’s heart stops.
He slowly turns his head to look at the other boy. Neil’s body language is relaxed, curled up towards Andrew, and his pale blue eyes are so incredibly fond.
“Do you now?” Andrew asks slowly.
“Yep.” Neil says sweetly. There’s a cheeky little smile on his face. He’s so spoiled, so beautiful, so out of Andrew’s touch. “Been wanting this for a long time, to be honest. And I have a feeling you want to kiss me too.”
Of course he’s noticed Andrew’s interest in him. Andrew hasn’t been very subtle lately.
But why would he—
“Why?”
This time, Neil’s eyebrows wrinkle a little in confusion before it smooths out. “Why?” he repeats lightly. “Because it’s you. ”
Andrew leans in and kisses him.
Neil’s skin is even softer than he imagined, his full lips easily sliding on Andrew’s lips. He smells like a lotus lotion Andrew’s come to associate with Neil. He is warm, he is soft, and this touch doesn’t hurt at all. Every cell in Andrew’s body chants Neil, Neil, Neil-
When Andrew finally pulls back, Neil’s eyes are shining with bliss.
Andrew gently rubs his nose against Neil’s cheek. “Now you’ve been kissed.”
“Now I’ve been kissed,” Neil says seriously, and a moment later, smiles shyly again. “One more time.”
Andrew hides his own smile in Neil’s lips.