Work Text:
November fourth.
The sun shined through the window in a blinding flash. Groaning, Andrew turned his back towards the sun and tried to go back to sleep. It was a useless effort he rarely could ever just fall asleep again.
He didn't want to be awake that day. He wanted to go back to sleep and never have to deal with what this day would bring.
Birthdays generally aren't an enjoyable experience for him. Years of it either being ignored or worst from foster care made it nearly unbearable. and then finding out a twin only made it worse.
He didn't get many birthdays with Aaron but this would be number four and he didn't want it. He knew he probably should because technically everything had been fine since Aaron's trial. The twins were closer than ever and there were no threats
But he still felt the hands of his past grabbing at him. Heard phantom voices around him. Telling him that it was nothing special about turning twenty one. That he was nothing special.
He pulled the blanket over his head like it would shield him from the world. Of course that's not how it worked and that's not what his family would allow today.
"Andrew," Neil's voice was soft. Like he was really trying to wake Andrew up. They both knew Andrew was awake. But Neil had been gentle recently. He didn't know how to feel about that.
He groaned and Neil chuckled. Andrew felt the bed dip slightly at the end. He did his best to ignore the annoying presence in his bed.
"Drew you have to wake up. You're lucky it's just me," Neil laughed. "Nicky tried to get in the dorm and I had to beat him off with a piñata stick."
Andrew sat up and looked over at his boyfriend. Raising a brow, he studied his face to see if he was lying. He wasn't. "Where the fuck did you get a piñata stick?"
"I took it from Nicky." Neil shrugged but he could see Neil was amused by himself. It made Andrew roll his eyes.
He reached out a hand towards Neil. "Yes or no?"
Neil's face lit up and he nodded as he took Andrew's hand. "Always a yes with you." And before Andrew could respond. "Until it's a no I know."
Andrew pulled him closer. He wanted something. But he frowned as he realized he didn't know what. For the day to end? For him and Neil to spend all day in bed and never speak to anyone else? To spend forever with him?
"Cuddling yes or no?" Neil asked.
Andrew considered it and nodded. Neil didn't move and stared at him until Andrew let out a "yes junkie"
Neil pulled him into his arms and held him. It was nice, he felt safer than usual. Neil must've already gone on a run then showered because he smelled like Andrew's body wash.
"You don't have to do anything today Drew." Neil whispered. Like he didn't want to disturb the moment. Andrew cuddled into him closer. Until he couldn't see the sun and all he could see was the horrific orange of Neil's hoody. "We can just stay like this all day. Maybe get ice cream. Whatever you want."
It was tempting. Andrew sighed and shook his head. He didn't want to disappoint Aaron. And he did make a promise to go spend the day with him.
Neil rubbed circles on his arm. It was an established yes during cuddling. As long as Andrew didn't tell him to stop Neil could touch his arms.
"Little longer." Andrew muttered and Neil never stopped drawing the circles.
"Okay."
~~~
Whoever's idea it was to have an actual party was messed up. Andrew was used to attention but never like this. Not where the other foxes cheered for him and Aaron like they didn't just call them an asshole and monster last week.
They made absolutely no sense to him.
But this made Aaron happy so Andrew didn't complain. He was quiet but he always was now. And Nicky was beyond thrilled that his cousins were allowing this.
"My babies are all grown up!" He cheered and Andrew saw him wipe a tear away. He felt warm, it was a strange feeling.
Neil had held his hand the entire time. A comfort to Andrew to feel his partner's touch. He was pretty much the only person whose touch comforted him.
"We're literally twenty one, Nicky." Aaron mused. "And you're like three and half years older than us."
"You're still my tiny little babies." Nicky argued "literally you two are small."
Both Andrew and Aaron glared at him. Nicky laughed nervously before running into the kitchen to grab their cakes.
Nicky always insisted they do two cakes since they're two different people. Nicky also insisted he be the one to bake and decorate the cakes. He never let anyone help.
Andrew had never said it out loud but it meant a lot. No one had ever cared that much for them, and he wished he was able to communicate that with his cousin. He had issues with that sorta thing.
"Bet you ten bucks they both have orange icing." Aaron whispered. Andrew laughed quietly and thought about his odds.
"Twenty bucks you coward." He replied.
"Deal." Aaron sounded smug, like he was so sure he would win.
Which is why it delighted Andrew immensely when neither cake was orange. Aaron didnt look too upset over it as the lights were dimmed and all the foxes and vixens gathered around.
They began to all sing happy birthday not in the same tune but Andrew found he didn't he mind so much. It was nice actually.
That warm feeling returned and he watched as Nicky placed their cakes in front of them. Aaron's was a nice blue and white, and Andrew's was black and white. Andrew loved it.
"Happy birthday to Aaron and Andrew!" Nicky sang dramatically. "Happy birthday to yoooooooooou. Make a wish!"
At the same time, in perfect sync, the twins blew out their candles. As the smoke curled in the air Andrew thought of his wish.
~~~
They did presents next. Well not the presents the twins got each other, that had been decided to be a private deal. Aaron had technically told Andrew not to buy him something because he already agreed to the party.
What Aaron didn't, but should've, suspected was that Andrew was going against that and got his brother a damn present. His presence was not enough Andrew thought. And Andrew actually enjoyed giving gifts.
He enjoyed the way the person's eyes would light up when they got one. He liked the fact that he made someone happy. It was the way he showed love.
He didn't enjoy receiving them as much. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the effort, he did. It was just he felt awkward. Especially with those he didn't know well. But he thanked his teammates and the cheerleaders. They looked shocked at the gratitude but he shrugged that off.
"I hope it's the right size." Katelyn told him as he opened a jacket from her. "I made Aaron try it on and it was a little big in the shoulders but yours are bigger."
Everyone but Aaron laughed at that. Andrew snorted and pulled it on. Perfect.
"Thanks cheerleader."
"No problem goalie." Katelyn turned to Aaron. "Open yours babe."
Neil squeezed his hand and Andrew looked at him. He looked proud and Andrew rolled his eyes. He was capable of being nice to Katelyn. Now anyway.
~~~
Pretty much everyone was drinking. Andrew is pretty sure the only sober ones at this point was Renee and Matt. Even Neil had joined Andrew in shots.
Andrew had cut himself off already. He was at the delightful tipsy but won’t have a nasty hangover stage and he was not fucking it up by drinking with Kevin.
Neil was currently talking about some exy game with Dan so Andrew sat on the couch watching. The music was really loud now and Andrew didn’t like it but parties were always loud.
He hated that he jumped when his shoulder was tapped. He reacted instantly and grabbed the arm of the persons touching him.
“Shit, Andrew.” Aaron yanked his arm back. Andrew turned to his twin and held out his hand. Aaron placed the twenty he owed him. “Come on ass hole.”
Andrew got up and gestured to Neil, who was looking at him, that he was leaving. Neil nodded and Andrew followed his twin into the bedroom.
On the way he grabbed Aaron’s present since he figured that was what Aaron wanted to do. He was right when Aaron pulled out a box.
“Happy birthday Andrew.” He handed him the box. Andrew set it on the bed and held the bag he grabbed out.
“Happy birthday Aaron.”
Both boys sat down and held their presents. Four birthdays together and they were still painfully awkward over this.
“I told you, you didn’t have to get me anything.” Aaron said but he was smiling. “You agreeing to socialize was enough.”
“Don’t say stupid shit.” Andrew replied and gestured for Aaron to open the bag. Aaron flipped him off but did.
He pulled out the frame and his eyes went huge. Now Andrew wasn’t what he considered an artist but he heard once that Aaron wanted something commissioned of him and katelyn. It was months ago, shortly after the spring semester ended.
So Andrew spent months teaching himself how to draw and watercolor. Until it was at least acceptable enough that he could paint Aaron and Katelyn.
Aaron held it close to his chest and looked at Andrew like he grew a second head. Andrew just stared because how was he supposed to react to that.
He wanted to know if Aaron liked it. But was stubborn and unwilling to ask.
“Where did you get this?” Aaron asked.
“The frame was from a craft store. I made the picture.”
Aaron was silent. He was still staring and Andrew was about three seconds away from fucking leaving. He hoped his expression conveyed that.
“Thank you,” aaron said. “I really love this. You don’t understand how much.”
Andrew looked away because he didn’t know how to respond. Words weren’t his strong point.
“Open yours.” Aaron said softly.
Andrew ripped the black writing paper. And opened the top of the box quickly with a swipe of one of his knives.
Inside the box were two books. They were very nice actually. One was covered in red foil and said “six of crows” and the other had gold foil and said “crooked kingdom.” Andrew had heard of these books before, fantasy criminals working together for a heist.
He liked the author who wrote it. Had read two of her other series prior to this. He didn’t think Aaron noticed that.
“I remember seeing her name on one of the books you pretend not to read.” Aaron explained. “So i looked her up and thought you would like this series. Did more research and I think you will love two of the main characters.”
Andrew looked back at his brother. He looked nervous at that last statement which confused him.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Umm Inej has a similar background as you.” He whispered. “And she uses knives to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Andrew sucked in a deep breath. He refused to think about what that meant. “And the other character?”
“He doesn’t like to be touched. But he’s still the most ruthless character.” Aaron’s words were still soft. “He and Inej are love interests. And are two of the most powerful characters even without being grisha.”
Andrew opened one of the books and saw the art. Inej’s picture had knives in her hands and he smiled. He heard Aaron let out a relieved breath.
“I was worried I upset you.” Aaron told him. “I just didn’t want you to go in blind on that but I figured you were going to read it eventually.”
Andrew set the books down. “You didn’t upset me. Thank you. For the books.”
Aaron nodded. And they sat in silence for a little while longer. Aaron got up and put his framed art on his dresser. Positioning it so he could see it the best from his bunk.
“Can I give you a hug?” Aaron asked after he sat back down.
Andrew considered it. He couldn’t handle being touched by most people. Sometimes he couldn’t even be hugged by Neil. But this was Aaron and he could trust him.
“Yeah.” And he pulled Aaron in for a hug. It was the first time they’ve ever hugged and he had to admit it was nice. Not that he was an expert on hugs.
But it was normal. Something completely normal that regular siblings could do without a second thought but it took Andrew four years to do.
“So much better than awkward holding your hair.” Aaron joked. And Andrew shoved him off him with a laugh.
“Dickhead.” Andrew got up, collecting the books. “Come on before people realize we disappeared like ghosts.”
Aaron laughed and followed.
Andrew thought back to his wish and though his face remained neutral. It was the same wish he had every year but didn’t think would happen. He was pleased to find out that sometimes wishes did come true.
‘I wish for Aaron and I to be real brothers.’