Something Real (Andreil)

Chapter Four

In hindsight, Neil thought he could have probably handled that better.

He was just so swept up in Andrew and Exy that he lost sight of his goal. At first, Neil was fully set on telling Andrew his intentions. But as time went on, Andrew picked up on everything so quickly that Neil just wanted to keep teaching him, regardless if Andrew would join the foxes or not. Neil wanted to tell Andrew just that, but it was hard to get the words out with Andrews hands around his throat. Maybe it was for the best. Andrew had a reason for not telling anyone about Exy, and Neil wanted to respect that, even if he didn't know the reason himself.

Still..it was hard to turn away from such talent. And Neil was convinced Andrew didn't realize how special he truly was. No, he wouldn't give up on Andrew that easily. Even if everybody else does.

Neil gave Andrew exactly twenty-four hours to cool off, but he couldn't really wait much longer after that. The season was starting soon, and it would already be a hassle to sign Andrew this late. He made his way to Andrew's room and knocked on the door tentatively.

Nicky swung it open, a smile immediately encompassing his face. "Neil! You're just in time for movie night. Come in."

Neil followed Nicky to the main room, where Aaron and Kevin were chilling on the couch. He didn't see Andrew anywhere.

"Do you have a preference?" Nicky asked as he knelt in front of the DVD player. "I was thinking romantic comedy."

Aaron groaned. "Again?"

"It's either that or go with Kevin's pick, and I'm not watching another Exy game tonight." Neil heard Kevin huff and saw him slump further into the couch. "So, Neil, got any suggestions?"

"Actually, I was looking for Andrew." All eyes snapped to him. Silence filled the room and Neil felt a bit impatient when no one answered him. "What?"

"What do you want with Andrew?" Aaron questioned, his voice cold.

"I'm pretty sure that's none of your business."

Aaron fixed him with a dead stare that was so akin to Andrew's that if they stood next to each other in that moment, Neil would not be able to tell them apart. Aaron wasn't going to answer him, so Neil turned to Nicky. "Well?"

Nicky pointed to one of the bedroom doors. Neil muttered a small thanks but before he could take a step, the door swung open to reveal a disheveled Andrew. His blond hair was ruffled with sleep and he was wearing pajama bottoms that hung too low on his waist. He yawned as he made his way into the main room.

Inexplicably, Neil blushed at the sight of him.

Andrew did not seem surprised to see Neil there, nor did he acknowledge him at all. Andrew began to make coffee without a glance in Neil's direction.

Neil followed him to the small kitchen. He watched as Andrew poured water and added grounds to the machine. He opened one cabinet and had to go on his tip toes to retrieve a mug, and Neil adverted his eyes from the small patch of skin that revealed as Andrew's shirt rolled up. He risked a look behind him and discovered Aaron and Kevin were looking at them.

Neil couldn't talk here, not with them watching. "Andrew." He said, his voice quiet.

When Andrew finally turned around, he had two mugs in his hands instead of one. He handed one to Neil, then made a motion that said, 'follow me'.

They ended up on the roof, the night air wrecking Neil's body with chills. He was thankful for the mug in his hands and curled his fingers around the heat. Neil watched as Andrew sat on the cool concrete, his hands reaching for a pack of cigarettes.