Chapter Text
13 June, eighteen months later.
Neil woke up to a pleasant London morning in his bed, the sun already bright and warm from behind the curtains. He rubbed his eyes open before he pushed the covers aside and got up. He stretched his limbs, flattened (or at least, tried to) flatten his bed head before he sat back down and searched for his phone. There were a few messages on the foxes group chat, a couple from his assistant and a missed call from Coach.
Surprisingly, he didn't have any messages or calls from Andrew since yesterday evening. He figured Andrew would be busy with work and Griffin's school so he didn't think over it too much. He sent Andrew a good morning text before he got up to brush and freshen up before breakfast.
It had been more than a year since he and Andrew had gotten together again, a year since he and Andrew had become them, a single entity almost. Some things changed, some things didn't. Neil flew back to London after New Year's while Andrew and Griffin came to stay for a couple of weeks in January.
The whole of the internet now knew that Alan James Martin and Nicholas John were together, now replete with the knowledge of what Martin actually looked like. Andrew's latest book with the cover designed by Neil was another success, making Nicholas John a celebrity as well. Which meant Andrew got busier with press tours, book signings and Neil got busier with more clients and meetings. Griffin continued his homeschooling, with Bee on his side. He had grown, and grown taller as well.
Neil flew back and forth, so did Andrew and Griffin whenever they could to see each other while other times, their laptop screens bridged the distance between them. Neil had slowly stitched himself into Andrew and Griffin's routine, learning about their routines and habits, likes and dislikes, taking care of them on good days and bad days.
Good days were filled with sunshine and laughter while Andrew's bad days meant darker memories of people long gone and distancing himself from everybody else. Griffin's bad days included nightmares of his accidents and the fear that somebody would take him away as well. With both of them, Neil spoke with gentle words and gentler touches, holding them under his hands and showering them with small kisses and lulling them into sleep. Bad days were also a very rare occurrence on everybody's part, as the better memories replaced the tarnished ones.
Matt and Dan had moved in together in a cozy apartment in Brooklyn while Kevin and Aaron lived together in Los Angeles. Allison and Renee were still doing long distance, but now newly engaged. Renee was planning to move back to the States and work from Palmetto, where Allison lived as she had become Coach's right hand woman, training the new Foxes towards victory. Nicky and Erik were to get married this fall in Germany, a vacation Neil was already looking forward to.
To his surprise, when he went to the dining room, Martha and Wayne weren't the only ones present. On a chair, nursing a cup of coffee, sat Andrew Minyard himself. While Martha and Wayne saw Neil, Andrew was facing with his back to him. They didn't say anything, acting as if they hadn't seen him while Neil walked closer. Neil tapped on Andrew's shoulder.
"Pleased to have you here, Mr. Martin", Neil teased him. Andrew rolled his eyes before he caught Neil's hand in his and pulled him closer. Neil chuckled. "Hi Drew."
"Hi Neil", Andrew said. "Yes or no?"
"Yes, of course yes", Neil said. Andrew wrapped his arms around Neil's middle, his cheek pressed against Neil's chest.
Neil smiled, his hands around Andrew's neck. Martha and Wayne smiled widely at him, controlling their laughter. "What are you laughing at?" Neil asked, smiling, faking annoyance at them. They burst into laughter before they let them be.
"Missed you", Neil said.
"Me too."
"Where's Griffin?"
"Outside on a walk with Stuart. He told us you were asleep."
Neil hummed. "Griffin quite likes him, doesn't he?"
"He has too many grandparents now", Andrew said. Neil laughed.
"How come you're here? You didn't tell me."
"Well", Andrew said, pulling away. "I have offers for guest lectures at the University of London. And I've to meet the agent for the new book."
"Guest lecturer? That's amazing", Neil said, grinning at him. "And by the way, I'm still very offended that I do not get to design the cover for the new book. Not even being considered", he added, pouting. Andrew shook his head fondly.
"Regarding that. Me and Robin, we did something."
"What did you do?"
"The information that I've written about the book that's being circulated is wrong," Neil blinked at him, confused.
"What do you mean Andrew?"
"The book is not a dystopian suspense novel. It's-", Andrew got his bag and picked out a stack of papers and handed it to Neil. Book 4 , it read on the first page. "Open it", he added.
"Okay", Neil said as he sat down beside Andrew. He was still confused.
He flipped the page. Boy memorized , it read in large block letters with Andrew's pen name written below. Neil flipped another page. To Neil Josten, boy memorized . The dedication read in italics. Neil was dumbfounded. It was his name on the page.
"Andrew, what is this?" He asked, looking up at Andrew. He was smiling at Neil. Neil thought he died a little on the inside.
"More than a year ago, you found me again. Nine years ago, I lost you. But how could I forget you?"
"And how could I forget you?", Neil whispered, his heart so full.
"It's everything about my life, written in that book. Everything you already know, the truth of it all. And it ends with you, of course." Neil laughed brightly. "So, surprise."
"You wrote a book about me", Neil said. A faint pink blush appeared on Andrew's cheeks. "I just really, really love you Drew."
"Yes I know, me too", Andrew said before he leaned forward and pressed his lips on Neil's cheek.
"When will it be out?"
"Next year or so? I'm not sure. I'm reading it one last time before it goes as the final draft. Robin's been on my tail for a week now."
"That's great. And the guest lecturer offer. Looks like you're going to be busy again." Andrew hummed before he cupped Neil's face.
"Listen Josten, nothing comes before Griffin and you. No matter how busy I am. You understand?" Neil hummed.
"I know", he replied, his hands on Andrew's. "I know."
"Yes or no?"
"It's always yes with you, isn't it?"
"Shut the fuck up", Andrew grumbled before he kissed Neil. Neil's hands lay on Andrew's waist, Andrew's hand cupping Neil as he pressed their lips together. He felt like home.
"Now do I get to design the cover for the book that's about me?" Neil asked after they pulled away.
"Maybe", Andrew said. "Or it can be a surprise."
Neil rolled his eyes. Andrew chuckled as he drank his coffee. Neil made his coffee while Martha came back and made them both breakfast. Neil talked more book talk and university offers with Andrew. Stuart came back after a while, Griffin's hand in his. Griffin ran towards Neil, laughing as he spotted him. Neil chuckled and caught him in his arms, Griffin nuzzling into the crook of his neck. Andrew and Stuart laughed.
"I missed you so much", Griffin said, his hands around Neil's neck.
"Missed you too, pumpkin. What a great surprise to wake up to", Neil said, peppering a giggling Griffin with kisses.
"You're welcome. Drew was planning to come alone by the way", Griffin said. Neil gasped dramatically while Andrew muttered "traitor" under his breath.
"Andrew?" Neil chided him.
"In my defense, he has school. He can't keep missing school. And it's probably his last year of homeschooling."
"Oh?" Neil asked. "Okay."
"I was going to talk to you about it today", Andrew said. Neil absolutely did not miss the way he immediately stiffened.
"Griff, why don't we go and change and freshen up, okay?" Stuart asked, sensing the tense situation.
Griffin nodded and Neil set him down. Stuart between the both of them before he took Griffin to his room. Neil sat down on the couch beside Andrew. Andrew sighed.
"I didn't mean to dump it on you out of nowhere", Andrew said, pointedly not looking at Neil.
"Look at me, Drew." Andrew looked at him. "I'm not mad. Just surprised. Do you want to talk about it now?" Andrew nodded.
"Bee said it will be better if he starts school. So that he can meet more people his age and all. Homeschooling is good because he's around us all the time but it's better if he goes to school. Make friends and be more social."
"That's good. Bee's right, of course."
"I'm sorry", Andrew mumbled. It was quite a rare occurrence that Andrew said sorry.
"Why?"
"Because we're supposed to make these decisions together for Griffin."
"As his parents?" Neil asked. Andrew sighed.
"Or something like that."
"Oh Drew. It's okay. Whatever you and Bee thought about is right. I have no qualms about it. And we'll talk to Griffin about it soon too, yeah?"
"Yeah, that's good."
"Again, for clarification. I'm not mad", Neil said. Andrew nodded. He didn't look entirely convinced so Neil pulled him closer, snaking an arm around his shoulder. "I really am not. I'm happy that you're here actually."
"Me too", Andrew mumbled.
When they sat down for lunch at noon, Neil sent a picture of Andrew, Griffin and Stuart at the dinner table on the Foxes' group chat, captioned with "look who's back home<3". Allison replied with "cheesy little fucker" while the rest flooded the chat with a string of heart emojis. Neil sat down for lunch with Martha and Wayne serving them steaming food.
Travelling had understandably made both Andrew and Griffin tired so they were yawning and tired. Griffin had been assigned his own room, which was chock full of his stuff along with his clothes and a soft board Neil had hung up which had pictures pinned to it. Andrew went to change while Neil sat down beside Griffin on his bed, his hand running through his boy's blonde curls. Griffin yawned, smiling sleepily at Neil.
"I'm very happy you're here, pumpkin", Neil said before he kissed Griffin's forehead. Griffin giggled sleepily.
"Me too, Neil. I love you."
"Love you too. Sleep well, you're tired", Neil mumbled, patting his head.
Griffin hummed before he closed his eyes. Neil sat there for a few minutes before he got up to leave, closing the door behind him gently. Back in his room, Andrew sat on the edge of the bed, his back facing Neil. Neil sat down beside him. Andrew dropped his head on Neil's shoulder.
"Tired?" Neil asked.
"A little bit."
"You should nap. Griffin slept too."
"Not sleepy", Andrew replied, clearly sounding not sleepy. Neil huffed in disagreement before he got up, gently pulling Andrew with him. Andrew grumbled something before he lied down, Neil sat on his other side, back to the headrest. He yawned, making Neil laugh. "Shut up, Josten."
"I didn't say anything", Neil retorted. Andrew groaned before he snuggled into Neil's side, an arm thrown around his waist. Neil chuckled as he ran his hand through Andrew's hair. "Sleep well, Drew."
Andrew drifted to sleep, snoring softly. Neil got his iPad and continued to work on a new commission he had been working on for a week. He was supposed to meet the client tomorrow with test prints and finalise it. It was turning out quite good. Some time later as he was sketching, the door knocked on before it unlocked and Griffin's head popped in.
"Neil?" He asked, sounding sleepy.
"Hey. What's up?" Neil asked, keeping the iPad away.
"Can't sleep", Griffin said, his voice cracking.
"I'll come with you, yeah?" Neil said. It was one of those days apparently. He moved which made Andrew stir and open his eyes. Neil rested a hand on his cheek. "I'm just going to be with Griffin for a while yeah? Go to sleep."
"Okay. Wake me up if you need anything", Andrew mumbled. Neil kissed his forehead.
"I will."
He watched Andrew drift off to sleep again before he went out, Griffin's hand in his as they went to his bedroom. "Under the covers you go", Neil said as he held the blanket up for Griffin to slide under. He pulled the blanket closer as Griffin leaned into Neil's side, smuggling into him.
"Nightmare?"
"No, just couldn't sleep", Griffin mumbled into Neil's hoodie. "I feel better now."
Neil chuckled. "I am very glad you do."
"I do. I really, really do. And you're warmer than Drew." Neil laughed, remembering how cold Andrew always felt, no matter the weather. "Don't tell him I said that."
"Oh I absolutely will", Neil said, chuckling.
7 September , thirteen months later.
Andrew packed his bag, Sir and King asleep on his bed as usual, nothing new about that. Griffin was off to school and Bee was out and about with Coach, taking a stroll, who had come to pick her up for a few days as a couple of the new Foxes needed some help. Bee-related help, which meant Andrew wouldn't say no. And Bee had probably missed Palmetto, not having been there in a while.
While she did visit from time to time, the traveling was really tiresome. And Andrew left no opportunity to tease her for being in her old age (she was barely past fifty but Andrew was Andrew). She left for Palmetto every year before the year started, staying for a couple of months before she was back, which generally meant she was here half the time and half the time at Palmetto.
Ever since Griffin had started school, shifting from homeschooling, Bee had taken to doing her counselling from home, relying on the wonders of technology in doing so. And to add on to that, Andrew also relied on the wonders of technology for his literary and publishing related work as well as Robin, who was in Los Angeles. It worked out fine. Griffin had taken time, but had gotten pretty used to school and made friends and settled into a routine himself. Bee did talk to him from time to time as a professional, just in case but so far, he had no hassles.
Andrew got his clothes, toiletries, his writing material and documents before he unzipped his bag and began to organise everything inside. He had already packed Griffin's carry on with his necessities. It was almost late noon, and Andrew was yet to eat lunch and Griffin would be home soon. He finished packing and walked into the kitchen, reheated the pasta Bee had made for lunch. Whilst waiting, he called Neil.
"Hello?"
"Hi Drew." It did not forget to melt Andrew, that was for sure.
"Did you leave?" Andrew asked. Even if Andrew was flying to London for his second ever guest lecture, Neil was flying to Singapore to meet a high profile client for major design work. While it sucked, he was going to be away for only two nights, so it was fine, Andrew guessed.
"Leaving now. What time is your flight?"
"Little after midnight, so we have time. Coach is here to pick Bee up, and said some of the new Foxes need her help."
"Oh. That's good. Tell them I say hi."
"Yes. Did you get everything you need?"
"Yes", Neil replied, sounding breathless.
"No need to be nervous, Neil. You'll be fine. Breathe."
"Yes Drew. Is Griffin back?"
"He should be back soon. I'll tell him to call you once he is." Neil hummed. "What is it, Josten?"
"Nothing", Neil mumbled. "It's just hard sometimes, you know? Being away from you and Griffin for so long. Sucks." Andrew sighed.
"I know. But hey, two more days wouldn't hurt, yeah?"
"Yeah. I guess."
"Cheer up, sunflower. It's going to be a good day", Andrew said.
"Did you just call me sunflower? You've been reading too many children's books, Drew", Neil said, laughing brightly.
"Liar."
"Whatever. Cab's here. Call me when Griffin is back, okay? I'll have reached the airport by then."
"I will. Travel safe."
"I will. Bye Andrew."
"Bye Neil. And hey?"
"Yeah?"
"I know." He didn't need to say, I know you do and I love you, too .
Neil chuckled before he hung up. Andrew sighed and kept his phone away. He ate his pasta, with Bee and Coach back in the house when he was cleaning up the kitchen. He talked with them about Exy (surprisingly enough), therapy and their plans for their friend getaway (Abby had been hounding them to go on a trip for a good while now). Griffin came back, all loud and energetic as always, running into the kitchen.
Andrew chuckled before he tugged Griffin towards his room to freshen up and change. Griffin kept his bag in its place as he got rid of his clothes and dropped them as they ran around his room. Andrew shook his head as he picked up the strewn piece of clothes. Griffin gave him a devilish grin before he disappeared into the bathroom.
"Don't forget to wash your face", Andrew said.
"Yes dad", Griffin yelled back. Andrew fondly rolled his eyes as he folded Griffin's clothes and kept them away.
"Did you eat your lunch?" Andrew asked after Griffin was back. Griffin nodded as he wiped his face with a towel.
"It was good. I talked about my parents in class today", Griffin said. Andrew tensed and looked at him.
"Okay. How did it go?"
"Good. We were asked to talk about our family and people we love the most and all that. So I talked about my mom and dad."
"Good. You felt okay?" Griffin nodded as he hopped on the bed. He lied down, his head on Andrew's lap.
"I did. But then I talked about you and Neil and everybody else and I felt so much better."
"You talked about me, bug?" Andrew asked, fingers running through Griffin’s hair.
"Of course. You and Neil are kinda like my dads. In a weird way, but yes. I like to think so."
"I'm happy that you think so, bug. And I'm really proud of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd be sulky." Andrew chuckled. "And hiding in your room with your cats."
"Stop talking young man." Griffin giggled.
"I'm right."
Andrew snorted. He ruffled Griffin's hair before he made him change clothes. Pleasant September weather in Napa meant no need for wearing layers and layers of clothes, which Griffin always hated. They had to leave after dinner, so Andrew got more work done as Griffin sat down with his homework. Coach and Bee got busy with the Foxes and Palmetto with Abby on call so Andrew didn't bother them.
Neil called around evening time when Andrew was on his desk working and Griffin was entertaining the cats.
"Bug. Neil's calling."
"Oh yay", Griffin exclaimed before he came and sat down beside Andrew.
Andrew picked up. Neil's face popped up on the screen. Neil smiled widely at them while Andrew and Griffin waved.
"Hi Neil", Griffin said.
"Hi pumpkin. How are you?"
"I'm great. I can't wait to see you."
"Yeah me too. Hi Drew", Neil said to him.
"Hi Josten. Are you still at the airport?"
"It's been hours, Drew", Neil grumbled. "The flights were delayed. I'm getting irritated ", he added.
"Easy. Have they told you when the flight is?"
"Should be an hour more", Neil grumbled.
"Why do you and Griffin talk while I make coffee? You'll feel better", Andrew suggested. Griffin looked at him, beaming. Andrew gave him a wink. Neil hummed, pressing the heel of his palm into his eye.
Andrew let them be while he went downstairs towards the kitchen. He peeked into the living room where Bee and Coach were talking.
"Coffee?" He asked.
"Yes please, thank you", they both said together with a laugh.
Andrew nodded and went to the kitchen to make coffee. He handed them their coffee before he got his mug, topped with honorary marshmallows and went back upstairs. Neil and Griffin were still talking so Andrew waved a hello and sat down on his bed, his old laptop in front and lots of mails that needed urgent responses. Neil hung up a while later as his flight arrived and promised to text as soon as he landed. Griffin went downstairs while Andrew continued to work until it was dinner time.
Bee made dinner as usual after which Andrew freshened up, changed and checked everything while Coach had taken it to make Griffin ready for the traveling. Bee had called a cab for him which would be here soon. Andrew hauled his bags downstairs where Bee was waiting and Griffin came running downstairs, already excited with Coach following him with a sigh.
After Bee informed them that the cab was here, Coach helped him get everything into the cab before Andrew hugged both of them, Griffin following suit before they got inside the cab, the night inky blue outside as the cab began to move. Griffin sat beside Andrew, his arm thrown around Griffin's shoulders. Griffin yawned, rubbing his eyes.
"Weren't you the one running around the house like an over enthusiastic chipmunk around the house?" Andrew asked, teasing. Griffin pouted.
"Car drives make me sleepy and it's night time. Of course I'm sleepy", he grumbled. Andrew chuckled and ruffled his hair. Griffin had fallen asleep by the time they reached which meant waking up and facing a very grumbled up Griffin Minyard.
"Wake up bug, we're at the airport."
"London?" Griffin asked, making Andrew chuckle.
"No, California. The flight will be here soon, come on. We'll get you coffee ice cream?"
"Okay", Griffin mumbled, rubbing his eyes open. He pushed his own carry on like a bicycle while Andrew followed him. Being a late flight, there were less people for the same. They checked in and got coffee ice-cream. Andrew sent Neil a picture of Griffin eating ice-cream.
Andrew: <jpeg>
Andrew: see you soon, junkie
They walked towards the flight after their flight attendant called for them. Andrew busied himself with his notes and books for his lecture while beside him, Griffin peacefully went to sleep. He himself slept after a few hours, waking up in sunny London.
Stuart had already arranged for Wayne to pick them up as usual and they met him at the exit, Griffin babbling along. They drove to the Hatford mansion. Being so early in the morning (it was not even nine), the house was quiet except for Martha who came out to greet them with cheerful hellos. She was serving them coffee when Stuart walked in, all ready for the day.
"Oh, good morning. Hope you had a good trip?" Stuart asked Andrew as he ruffled Griffin's hair. Griffin giggled.
"Yes sir, we did."
"It's been almost two years Minyard, you don't need to call me sir", Stuart said, laughing.
"Okay Stuart", Andrew said, awkwardly. Behind Stuart, Martha chuckled as she flipped sausages and toasted bread.
Griffin raided the fridge, found his usual favorite grape soda stocked in there and sat back down. Stuart opened the can for him. Ever since Neil had found out both Andrew and Griffin like that soda, he always kept the refrigerator stocked up with it without fail. Andrew smiled and got up to get plates whilst Martha finished preparing breakfast.
Stuart had apparently taken a day off to keep them company, mostly Griffin since he knew Andrew would need time to prepare for the lecture. After lunch, Stuart and Griffin disappeared for an outing while Martha gave Andrew company while he made notes, laptop in front of him. Just like Bee, she had an intense liking and motherly attitude towards Andrew whilst also being a hardcore fan of his books. Neil thought it was quite amusing how both Wayne and Martha, who were obsessed with Alan James Martin. The same Alan James Martin who was Neil's boyfriend. Andrew didn't disagree.
His phone rang, with Neil's name flashing on the screen. Andrew picked up.
"Hey."
"Hello lover", Neil teased. Andrew rolled his eyes, a blush instantly creeping into his cheeks. "I reached. Just checked in at the hotel. You?"
"We reached in the morning. I'm preparing for tomorrow while Stuart and Griffin went out."
"Uncle Stuart told me he's going to stay at home for you guys. Are you nervous about tomorrow?"
"A little bit. But I'm used to it, it's just been a while."
"I think you'll do amazing. I've seen you during the tour."
"Yes yes, I know junkie. Stop obsessing."
"God forbid I'm obsessed with my boyfriend."
"That mouth", Andrew grumbled, still blushing. Neil chuckled heartily. "When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow night. Sucks that I'm not at home", Neil said.
"One more night. Then you'll be home."
"I know. See you soon?"
"Yeah Neil, see you soon. Call me again whenever you're done with work."
"I will. Bye Drew."
"Bye Neil."
One more night. Couldn't hurt now, could it?
Andrew found himself walking towards his assigned classroom or lecture hall, whichever it was the next morning. Griffin had come with Stuart to drop him off before Stuart whisked him away for more sightseeing. It had taken him an hour to meet the office staff, get his stuff sorted before he left for his lecture. Andrew breathed before he pushed the door open and entered. The lecture hall, which was buzzing with students, suddenly went quiet. He could feel those fifty odd pairs of eyes on him as he walked towards the desk. He took a breath and looked ahead. All those college kids were beaming at him, huge smiles of awe on their faces. Andrew had never really realised that he was sort of like a celebrity. He couldn't help but smile. Before he could speak, a girl spoke.
"Mr. Martin, can I take a picture?" She asked. Andrew chuckled, the class following suit.
"I wouldn't suggest doing that during class but maybe after. Thank you miss-?" Andrew asked.
"Hana", she said with a smile.
"Thank you miss Hana."
Andrew took a sip of the water. He got out the copy of his book, Boy Memorized and his notes. He stood leaning against the desk. He took a breath.
"Morning everybody", he started. His heart beat faster, but he knew he could do this. "I'm Alan James Martin and I'll be your lecturer for the next two weeks. We will be-" he added but was interrupted as the door unlocked.
"You're late", he said but when he turned to look at the door, it wasn't a student. Of course it had to be Neil fucking Josten barging into the room. And late, at that. What a pleasant fucking surprise. The whole class collectively gasped, breaking into excited murmurs.
"Sorry professor, I got lost in the corridors", Neil said. Asshole.
"Detention for you, Mr. John. Please take a seat", Andrew replied smoothly, heat creeping up his neck. Neil, the asshole grinned before he swiftly took a seat. The class was still murmuring and went silent when Andrew cleared his throat.
"Isn't he your boyfriend?" A guy asked.
"Yes he is but not inside this lecture hall, he isn't", Andrew said. The guy chuckled, nodding. "Where were we? Yeah. As short as the time I have, I will be giving you an insight into my creative writing process for the most part with some knowledge on how to enter the publishing world."
Andrew continued to speak, referring to his notes here and there while Neil, stupidly pretty Neil sat there and watched him, eyes bright and smile constant. Andrew gave them a five minute break and he drank more water as he chatted with the students. They all settled down as Andrew talked, reaching towards the end of his lecture.
"Boy memorized, in my conclusion, is about the people, or the person you can't forget, no matter how hard you try to, or even, you want to. I met Neil when I was nineteen, that was almost ten years ago. And then we disappeared from each other's lives for eight years.
But fate is a fickle thing, it finds out ways for people to be thrown into each other's orbits, clashing and collapsing. People you meet, no matter for how long or how close you get, there's always some part or another that gets hurt, or leaves with wanting more. I too, lost Neil but eventually, he found me again."
When Andrew looked at him, the whole class went "aww" collectively. Andrew chuckled while Neil blushed.
"Neil, insanely smart who will convince you that fish can walk and two plus two equals four. And mind you, he will convince you. But he's also a dumbass." Everybody laughed.
"This isn't a part of the book, part of the life I've lived with him after I wrote the book. Because stories don't have a full stop, they always end with a comma. Back to Neil, yes he's a dumbass. The man who can remember complex mathematical equations and will use words like chartreuse and magenta and mustard yellow also forgets which of our cats is which. The orange one is Sir and the black with white patches is King, Neil." Neil rolled his eyes fondly.
"He is also good at knitting, a hobby he picked up from Bee, my therapist. He's always knitting random stuff. And it's always something orange and Fox related. Some things rarely change", Andrew said. A guy held his hand up. Andrew nodded.
"Did he play for the Palmetto exy team?" Andrew smiled as Neil chuckled.
"We both did. He was a striker while I was a goalkeeper", Andrew said.
"Oh my god, you're Andrew Minyard. Ryan I told you", a girl yelled. The whole class gasped again.
"I'm afraid you've discovered my true identity. It's a shitty pen name so anyone who thought it was my real name, I won't be grading your assignments."
"Oh my god", many people said at the same time.
"Let's not digress. For me, Neil is one of those people who are worth fighting for. We all face hardships in our lives, with long lasting effects sometimes, but we also get up. And don't forget that you will always have someone to lean on, when the burden feels unbearable. Get lost, but also find what you've been searching for. I will see you all next week with your essays", Andrew said, his hand on his chest and a smile on his face.
Everybody, including Neil was beaming proudly at him, with huge smiles on their faces. Andrew smiled back, his heart so full. Neil sat down while the rest of the students packed up and got to moving around, either to talk to Neil or Andrew or both. Andrew sat on his desk, with people crowding him as they asked questions or expressed gratitude.
Neil hugged him tightly after everybody left, his one hand around Andrew's waist while the other rested at the base of his skull.
"You're the boy memorised", Andrew whispered in his ear.
"And I found you", Neil answered. Andrew hummed.
He was lost, he was lost, he was lost. He was found.
"Hello lover", Neil whispered in his ear.
"God Neil, shut up", Andrew murmured, blushing.
"Make me", Neil said.
"This is a holy place of knowledge", Andrew grumbled.
"I'll unholy it for you then", Neil said, smirking. Andrew rolled his eyes before he tugged Neil out of the lecture hall.
They drove home, Neil driving the car after they left. Stuart had conveniently taken Griffin out for sightseeing while Neil and Andrew reached home. They said hello to Wayne before they made their way upstairs.
In his room, Neil's hands snaked around Andrew's waist, fingers hooked in his jeans' belt loops. Andrew's hands cupped his face as they kissed, they kept on kissing. When they pulled away, Neil rested his forehead on Andrew's shoulder and breathed while Andrew's hands came to rest on the either side of Neil's waist.
"I really, really love you", he said.
"I really, really love you, too junkie", Andrew whispered, his nose brushing Neil's neck.
Andrew felt like he was right at home.
The internet went into a frenzy the next morning with two back to back Instagram posts.
@nicholasjohn: oh I'm going to husband him very soon <3
@alanjames: I guess I'm stuck with him all my life :/