Damaged: a Andreil Story

Monster

The wind was blowing harshly outside. It was January. The snow was laying as a small layer on the ground. The moon shined brightly through the heavy snow clouds in the sky. A new year with new hope.

Neil didn't know if he was excited about the new year or if he was concerned. He sighed as he sat outside, staring emptily out at the environment around him. Two weeks. It's been two weeks since Andrew's release. Two weeks with constant training, a championships match, and the countdown to the Finals was beginning.

Even though they won the last match, they were not at their best, as the team was exhausted. Kevin has been constantly worried, Nicky hasn't been cracking as many jokes as he usually does, Dan was yelling at anyone daring to talk to her, Renee was sleeping most of the time, Allison was grumpy, Matt couldn't get enough sleep, and Andrew wasn't talking.

Neil was exhausted. He sighed softly as he got up from the ground, the small warmth he had from where he sat disappearing, making him shiver.

He slowly made it back inside the Fox Tower. The hallway was very quiet but expected from the time of the day. It was 2:30 am. Neil got into the elevator and zoned out as the elevator slowly made its way up the building.

The yellow like light in the elevator were flicking, and a low tune was playing in the distance. The low 'pling' signaling he had reached his floor made him come back. He stepped out, his shoes making an echo in the silent hallway.
He could hear the soft snores of other foxes as he slowly made his way to his room.

As he entered the room, the smell of popcorn made its way towards him. Even though it was so late, Neil saw that someone was awake, by the sound of the tv, and the movements from one of the bedrooms.

Neil cleared his throat. Out of the bedroom came a too wide awake Andrew.

"Oh.. hey Neil" Andrew rasped.

He was wearing a tank top with his wristbands still on, covering his lower arms. His hair was a mess, the blonde locks covered most of his forehead, his hazel eyes had a dark shine in them.

Ever since his release, he's been having this off vibe. He hasn't really talked. He has kept to himself. Neil being a hopeless romantic has tried to get him in a better mood, tried to sleep in the same bed as him, but every time he had tried, he's been shoved into another room.

The last few days Neil has been sleeping on the couch or to the girls.

"Andrew, what are you doing up?"

Neil took off his sneakers as he spoke, watching as Andrew sat down on the couch with a bag of popcorn.

"It's late, you should sleep"

Andrew shrugged and ate popcorn. Neil shook his head, realizing that's all he's going to get from the blonde.

Neil made his way to Andrew and sat down with him, grabbing some popcorn from the bag.

"Andrew you know I hate to say it, but you have to sleep. We have practice and school tomorrow" said Neil as he shoved popcorn into his mouth.

Andrew's mouth became a thin line as he stopped chewing on popcorn.

"I'm going to bed now," said Neil softly and stood up "I hope you can join me in bed. I miss you"

Neil slowly walked to the bedroom and shut the door. Andrew remained on the couch. Neil let out a long sigh as he stripped down, climbing into bed.

The sheets smelled of Andrew's cologne. He slowly closed his eyes, hoping for sleep to take him away.
—

Andrew looked at the clock. It was 5 am.