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It starts like this: Even as the last remains of summer heat cling to October like a leech, the town is painted in warm reds and oranges. The air is crisp and Nicky, the hopeful idiot he is, is planning a Halloween party. Costumes are mandatory, of course, Andrew has listened to enough mindless chatter about matching couple costumes with Erik to be unable to forget about it. A night of binge drinking and eating candy sounds ideal, strangers flooding the dorm aside.
The problem starts with one Neil Josten. Neil who has apparently never celebrated any holidays. Neil, with his blasé attitude about violence. Neil, with his distressingly blue eyes and freckles. Neil, who Andrew wants to put on a jar and study like a bug. Yes, Neil Josten is a problem.
It´s him that has driven Andrew to this, seeking advice on Google like a teenage girl just to make sure Neil has the best holiday.
1. Apple picking! Nothing says autumn like the sweet scent of apple cider. Going to an orchard is a great opportunity to take cute pictures and let your man show off his muscles. Pro tip: Make him a nice apple pie to thank him.
Neil is concerningly trusting, Andrew thinks as they head to the orchards. He didn´t question where they were going, even as they reached the city limits.
“I could have brought you here to kill you, you know?” A threat so often made is usually met with a smirk.
But Neil wasn´t listening, he was too busy staring wide-eyed at the admittedly beautiful scene. Every tree branch was heavy with apples, perfectly ripe and sweet. A couple of people littered the farm, but they were otherwise unbothered. As they worked their way through the trees Andrew unfortunately recalled a certain fragment of the article.
Pick branches that are slightly too tall for you, and let your man use his height advantage.
Jesus, okay. Here goes nothing.
“Can you get that one for me?” Andrew pointed at a lone apple about a foot above his reach.
Neil locked eyes with it and on an unsurprising turn of events decided to climb the tree like a maniac. He proudly presented Andrew with the fruit.
“Yes, thanks. You did great.” Andrew couldn´t even muster his usual level of sarcasm as Neil preened over his praise, maybe the dumb article was onto something.
2. Visit a haunted house. Let your man protect you from all the big bads! Remember, holding hands is the perfect way to avoid being separated *wink*
Going to a haunted house sounds trite, but Andrew was unwillingly informed by Nicky that the Palmetto State drama club was doing one to fund the spring play. And so, as Neil was exiting his night language class he approached him with tickets.
“What´s this?” Neil scrunched his nose in confusion.
“Can´t you read? Let´s go.”
Andrew remembered the article once more. Hand holding, okay. He held up his hand and Neil grabbed it instinctively. He hummed and swung their hands as they headed to the entrance. The house was… pretty good actually. They managed to create a nice ambiance out of a rarely used part of campus, it was dark, but the room corridor was illuminated by candles. Cobwebs and curtains covered the surfaces transforming the classroom into a horror movie set.
A student approached them to give them the rules and backstory. Blah blah, 10 years ago a student died in this same classroom, don´t touch the actors, etcetera.
Neil seemed to be having a good time, jumping when someone popped up but otherwise laughing at the situation. That is, until some dude with a cape and cleaver decided to approach them. Andrew watched Neil carefully for signs of him wanting to flee but he managed to surprise him by choosing fight over flight for the first time. As Neil pushed the actor with their intertwined hands, they tripped over the rug, knocking over a candle and lighting the curtain and the student´s cape of fire.
When they were ushered outside by the firefighters, they were still holding hands.
3. Watch a scary movie. Same as above but for homebodies. Nothing beats Netflix and chill am I right?
The foxes' bimonthly movie night was upon them, a horror marathon, of course. Following the article´s advice Andrew got Neil a fruit platter and dragged a soft blanket from his bed. As they settled on the couch with the rest of the team, he made sure Neil was as comfortable as possible, so that when he inevitably fell asleep his neck doesn´t hurt the next day.
It was one of life´s simple pleasures to see one of the seniors turn excitedly to Neil after finishing their favorite movie and watch them realize he slept through all of it again.
4. Carve pumpkins. It´s a classic for a reason, perfect for decorating your love nest. Make it a double date and double the fun! This is my favorite set of carving tools (affiliate link)
In the continuous effort to improve his relationship with his brother, Andrew accepted an invitation to carve pumpkins. Double the fun huh? He watched as Kate expertly drew a fox on the vegetable to crave, while Neil made a paw, complete with claws to commemorate the holiday.
While Aaron and Andrew did the tedious job of emptying the pumpkins, Katelyn taught Neil a cheer routine. He moved awkwardly and didn´t quite have the hips to make most of the moves look good but there was something compelling about his energy. The way his hair bounced as he jumped in place, his confidence and skill while doing flips. Kate applauded as Neil mockingly bowed.
Andrew had heard the team compare Neil with the cheerleader, their auburn hair, and endless energy. He hadn´t understood at the time but seeing them side by side made it painfully clear. He glanced at Aaron and found him looking at them in despair, probably thinking the same thing. They made eye contact and wordlessly agreed to never admit it out loud.
The pumpkins turned out surprisingly good, they would make a good décor.
5. Couple costumes! Nothing screams “official” more than a couple costume. Mark your territory and take great pics with your man. Remember: Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.
A few days before the party found Andrew on Spirit Halloween debating costumes. There were some aspects of his anatomy that Neil paid more attention to. His shoulders, arms, legs, and soft stomach. As he looked at the skimpy outfits Andrew made his choice.
He handed Neil his appropriately covered Chucky costume and told him to meet him at Nicky´s dorm. By the time Andrew finished getting ready, he could hear the music pulsating through the whole floor. He knew that taking too long would make Neil check in on him so after a deep breath he headed to the party.
Andrew felt Neil´s eyes on him immediately, taking him in. He was wearing a Bride of Chucky costume, featuring white short shorts and a corset. In the background he heard someone wolf whistle but could only focus on Neil, approaching quickly. A quick nod later Neil put his hand on Andrew's hips. Right on the silver of skin between the end of his top and the waistband of his shorts. Andrew felt electric, vibrating with want. It was reassuring knowing Neil wanted him like this, like Andrew wanted him. They weren´t there much longer.
“Thank you”
Andrew squinted at Neil in the low light of the bedroom. Neil continued,
“I know how much effort it took to plan every date. I used your computer to submit an assignment, I saw that article.” He felt his ears turn red.
“I guess you must really like me huh?” Neil said cheekily, “I really like you too.”
In the haven that is their bed, Andrew couldn´t deny it. He just kissed him quiet.