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The store lights overhead are too bright for this late at night. However, they create a halo of light on Andrew’s blonde hair and make him even more enticing. Neil can admit he has a staring problem, but at least he is self-aware.
“Staring,” Andrew mutters, pulling Neil’s gaze from his hair to his eyes. They look dark brown in this light, Neil knows they are still the warm hazel that can ground him.
***
Neil woke from a nightmare earlier in the night. He had fallen out of his bed with a loud bang that of course woke Andrew. Through Neil's hazy brain, he could make out Andrew's head poke out from beneath his blankets and peer over the railing of his bed, hair tousled from sleep. He could see his lips moving but nothing could break through the ringing in his ears. He closed his eyes and put his hand over his ears trying to stop the ringing.
Andrew slowly climbed down the ladder, walking over to Neil —who was curled up by the door. Andrew cautiously gripped the back of Neil's neck and began rubbing small circles with his finger trying to ground Neil.
“eil Josten, starting striker on the Palmetto State foxes, number 10.” Neil eventually relaxed as the ringing lessened until it was a faint buzz. His nightmare had left his skin feeling abused and tight.
“Can we go somewhere drew?” Neil had asked, needing to move.
Andrew grunted but grudgingly picked up a sweater from the ground, probably Kevins because it fell to his mid-thigh, and put it on. A warm feeling had filled Andrew when Neil had called him drew, but he didn’t let it show other than his ears turning a bright red. Andrew walked over to the dresser and grabbed his keys, the keys rattled and had brought Neil back to the present as he had accidentally zoned out. Andrew opened the door to the living room and gave Neil a “hurry up” look. Neil had scrambled up, throwing a sweater Allison had bought for him on one of her shopping sprees. It was (of course) orange and had a fleece lining. Neil had caught Andrew wearing it once but the glare on Andrew's face was enough for Neil to pretend it never happened.
***
This is how they ended up at Target with Neil sitting in the cart and Andrew pushing him aimlessly through random aisles. The cart slowly fills up around Neil with candy, ice cream, fruit, pens, and just random items. There are only a couple people in the store at this hour. They had passed two people the entire time, which were teenagers around 16 talking loudly until they saw Andrew’s scowl and Neil’s blank face which scared them into silence. They both have blue rings under their eyes from little sleep and late night practices.
They turned into the decor aisle and continued walking until Neil made a surprised sound that stopped Andrew in his tracks. Andrew followed where Neil’s eyes were pointed too. There sat a white fuzzy blanket with orange foxes in different poses on it. Some were sitting while others were running and playing. Andrew thought it was absurd but went over to grab it anyway. Andrew hated to admit it but it was made of the softest fabric and might have to steal it from him once or twice. Andrew put it in Neil’s lap who instantly unfolded it and covered himself in it. Andrew believed this was the most relaxed he seemed in public and he felt the warm feeling return. Once they exited the aisle, Andrew decided it was time to head back so they could rest together before morning practice.
***
Kevin woke up to Neil and Andrew’s bed’s both empty. Confused, he headed out to the living room, where he saw two beanbags pushed together. There sat Neil and Andrew huddled together, sleeping, as close as they could without touching. A new blanket is shared between them and Kevin realizes Neil must have begged Andrew to let him buy. Kevin eventually turns to the kitchen to start the pot of coffee. The only thing Kevin doesn’t know about is the pinkies entwined under the blanket.