Work Text:
Neil woke up feeling strung too tight like there wasn't enough skin to cover his bones. He felt wrong. He rolled over in bed, and the sheets made his skin prickle like little needles were sticking out of his mattress. He looked over to his alarm clock and the contrast of darkness to bright green hurt his eyes. Squinting he realized it was only four in the morning. Knowing he wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep he carefully slipped out of bed, cautious not to wake Andrew.
His skin still felt raw and tight, so he slipped on a hoodie and his running shoes and slipped out of the dorm. As soon as his feet touched the cement he ran. His skin slowly went numb from the bitter cold and a burst of relief hit him, the only thing he thought about was his feet hitting the ground with each step. Once the sun started to rise he turned around towards the fox tower. As soon as he entered his dorm he was hit with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and a bleary-eyed Andrew standing in the kitchen. Andrew raised his hand holding Neils's phone. Andrew threw it at Neil’s chest and he caught it over his heart.
“I thought you ran,” stated Andrew, emotion evident in his eyes. Neil’s skin began to prickle again.
“I came back,” was Neil's only response as he headed into the bathroom to shower. He felt bad making Andrew worry, he couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
The floor was wet when he entered the bathroom, which meant Kevin just had one, hoping there was still hot water left, Neil turned the shower on to hot. Kevin seemed strong but was a princess when it came to water temperature. Anything below scalding was too cold. Neil stepped in, cursing Kevin when the water was only lukewarm but it still felt nice against his cold skin.
***
Wymack blew the whistle signaling the end of practice. Neil felt pathetic, he missed the net over and over again in their scrimmage. Kevin's voice echoed in his head “fucking pathetic,” each time he missed.
His legs felt weak and his knees buckled out of nowhere. He fell to the ground, pain radiating up his thighs and his heartbeat began to speed up, pounding in his ears. He didn’t know what was wrong. His breathing was picking up and his lungs began to hurt. He couldn’t catch a deep breath. Dots began to cloud his vision as everything went dark.
***
Waking up felt like a dream. He was disoriented and his eyes were working faster than his brain. Blonde hair and hazel eyes swam into his vision. Andrew. Safe. Andrew helped him sit up and passed him his water bottle. The foxes were standing around him all supporting worried looks. A different feeling bubbled up into his throat. He felt like crying. He never cried. Never dared.
“Yes or no?” Neil whispered. Andrew studied him but must have seen something in his eyes.
“Yes,” he whispered so only Neil could hear. Neil flung his arms around Andrews's neck, burying his face in his neck. Emotion immediately came to the surface. Andrew stiffened but didn’t pull back, instead carefully wrapping his arms around Neil's shaking frame.
“Foxes, let's go!” Wymack shouted causing them to begin shuffling towards the door away from the pair. Neil never felt this grateful towards Wymack, he didn't want the foxes to witness him breaking down.
Rough sobs overtook Neil's body causing him to bury his hands tightly in Andrew's jersey. Andrew's hands began rubbing circles on Neil's back whispering reassurances he couldn’t quite pick up over his sobs. He cried and cried without knowing the cause just couldn't stop. Andrew didn’t seem to mind just held Neil together as he threatened to break. Slowly, his breathing slowed down and his body became lighter. Neil slowly pulled out of Andrew’s neck, sniffing and trying to wipe his tears. Andrew continued rubbing circles onto his back until Neil had fully calmed down.
“Sorry,” Neil whispered. Voice rough for crying.
“Don’t,” replied Andrew as he stood up and offered his hand to Neil. “Will you be going to classes today?” Neil shook his head taking Andrew's hand. They began walking towards the showers hand in hand.
“I’ll be fine being alone today, you can still go to class,” Neil said. Andrew scoffed rolling his eyes.
“Idiot,” he replied. Squeezing Neil's hand before heading towards a shower stall. Neil followed and stepped into the one beside him. He felt better after letting everything out. He didn’t know what overcame him. Maybe it was the stress or the lack of sleep. He felt bone-deep tired now, but better. His skin stopped prickling. He felt happier. Being held together by Andrew was what he needed. The comfort in knowing he wasn’t alone.
Once they were both finished and dressed they headed back to the dorms, long after the foxes. Andrew grabbed his book and laid down on the couch. Neil came over and hovered beside Andrew silently asking permission. Andrew nodded and Neil flopped down beside Andrew with his leg and arm thrown over him. He needed a nap to recover from the emotionally exhausting day. Andrew’s hand made its way to Neil’s hair and began running his hand through it. Slightly scratching is scalp everyone in awhile. Neil fell limp and focused on Andrew's going back and forth. His eyes began to feel heavy and he let them fall shut as he began to drift off.
***
Andrew knew this was coming. Neil had been fidgety and on edge all week. He was glad it was over and Neil let out the emotion that had been building up. Once Neil’s breathing evened out, Andrew put his book down and decided to join him knowing no one would bug them right now
***
This is how the foxes found them. Neil was pretty much on top of Andrew fast asleep with Andrew's hand curled in his hair as if he had been playing with it. Nicky fished out his phone and took a picture deciding he was going to frame it and put it in the lobby of the court.
Andrew's eyes snapped open seeing the foxes huddled at the door. One glare their way sent them scrambling back out the door to their rooms, giggling and chatting. Neil stirred from the commotion, his nose twitching like it usually did when he was about to wake up. His eyes finally opened, they were clear and aware after being distant all week. He blinked up at Andrew, a soft smile taking over his face. That did totally nothing to Andrew. However, Neil saw the way his eyes softened around the edges which meant he was content.
***
During one of his and Kevins' late-night practices, Neil was walking through the lobby when he saw a new picture on the wall. Curious, he stepped closer and realized it was him and Andrew sleeping together on the couch. Neil realized when this picture had been taken, smiling he took a picture of it and sent it to Drew.