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“What.” Andrew said, his tone void of emotion, as it usually was. Nicky’s expression flickered between bracing for violence and the half-grimace-half-smirk he adopted whenever he was nervous. He cleared his throat.
“I just thought it’d be nice. You know. For you to meet somebody.” Nicky said, his voice dropping in volume as he continued his sentence. Andrew remained silent, his spoon hovering over the bowl of cereal he’d been previously enjoying before Nicky came as the bearer of bad news.
Nicky clasped his hands together and appeared to give his best attempt at a casual smile. Andrew had never wanted to murder someone as viciously as he did in that moment. “No.” He said, blinking and resuming his breakfast. “Andrew,” Nicky pleaded, bending his head down to catch Andrew’s eye, pouting in that stupid way he knew Andrew hated. Nicky unfolded his hands and instead held them in a prayer position — ironic, Andrew thought, given everything.
“You’ll like him! I swear. Jeremy says he’s really nice. I just don’t want you… stuck home alone all day. I mean, Aaron’s got Katelyn, Kevin’s got… hockey?” Nicky said. “The past few weeks I haven’t seen you leave the house once, other than to go to the rink or the gym.”
“I don’t have anything to do outside.” Andrew replied. What was so wrong with staying in? He liked being able to sit at home and do nothing. “Which is why I’m asking you to come with me.” Nicky said.
Andrew wanted to believe his cousin had his best interests at heart, but this was surely a step too far. It wasn’t like he was lonely. In fact, he was sure that he seemed less alone the past year, as compared to the ones prior. Though the last few weeks might’ve been a change — with Neil gone, he was definitely more snappy. But it wasn’t like he was moping around.
“I just don’t want to see you moping around. Look, you know I don’t pry. But did somebody dump you?” Nicky asked, his eyebrows knitted together in what looked like genuine concern. Andrew gave him a cutting glare that had Nicky sheepishly raising his hands up.
Andrew promptly stood up from his seat and went to dump his bowl of soggy cereal into the sink. With a clatter, he dropped the bowl and slid his phone out from his hoodie pocket, leaning against the counter.
andrew: nicky is trying to set me up on a blind date
andrew: a double blind date. tonight. with erik and some guy that his friend jeremy says is single
andrew: and he also thinks i got dumped because i’ve been ‘moping around’
neil: i was just about to text you something crazy happened
neil: lol as if you would let someone dump you
neil: wait what date
neil: wait really
neil: really?????
neil: a double blind date
neil: YOU SHOULD GO
andrew: and why would i do that
neil: bc it’s funny, and so you can tell me about it
neil: i won’t get jealous
neil: actually no promises
neil: andrew you have to go
andrew: 120%
“I’ll go.” Andrew said, pocketing his phone and walking off into the living room.
“Wait, really? Andrew?” Nicky said, his voice rising in pitch. Andrew could practically feel the giddiness and hope radiating off him. “Thank you! Thank you! Oh, Erik’s gonna be so happy! And I’m happy too!” Nicky exclaimed, skipping to catch up with Andrew.
“Look, we’re just going out to dinner. Try to be nice to the guy, won’t you?,” Nicky said, spinning and stopping right in front of Andrew, stopping just short of grabbing him by the shoulders. Andrew raised an eyebrow and used a finger to push Nicky away, collapsing on the couch.
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll like him?” Nicky said, his voice lilting in the way it did when he was saying something he knew Andrew wouldn’t agree with.
Andrew didn’t respond. It didn’t matter if he liked the guy or not. There was only one reason he was even considering going on the date. Since he couldn’t have Neil around — he didn’t want to deal with Nicky, though it was inevitable — he settled for any entertainment he could get. He was going to ask to see Neil tonight, since he knew it was the first night Neil had off in a while after championships, but judging from how he slept like the dead when he was on break and didn’t do much other than sprawl lazily on top of Andrew, he decided that seeing Neil tomorrow was a better choice.
A blind date could go horribly wrong. But imagining how Neil would laugh if Andrew described how the guy had humiliated himself was a gift Andrew would give up most things for.
//
When Erik arrived at the door that evening, Andrew watched as he pulled a bouquet of flowers out for Nicky, who in turn laughed happily and pressed kisses to both of Erik’s cheeks. He watched the pair of them do their stupid, gushy couple shenanigans and missed Neil with an intensity that made him regret his choice of agreeing. How he was going to survive when the last time he’d seen Neil had been three weeks ago, Andrew was unsure.
“Andrew. I’m so glad you agreed to go. My friend Jeremy says this guy is the funniest person you’ll ever meet.” Erik said as Andrew exited the house and let Nicky lock the door behind them. “There’s not much competition, seeing as I live with Nicky and my other friends are… Kevin Day and my twin brother.” Andrew deadpanned, earning a laugh from Erik and several outcries from Nicky defending himself.
Andrew slid into the backseat of Erik’s car and pulled out his phone.
andrew: omw to date i don’t want to do this anymore
neil: it’ll be fun
andrew: easy for u to say… lying in bed watching the office
neil: i’ll have you know that is definitely NOT what i’m doing rn
andrew: yeah right
andrew: miss u
neil: miss you too. see you tmr? <3
neil: >:)
andrew: sounds good
Andrew tucked his phone back into his jacket pocket and half-listened in to what Nicky and Erik were rambling about, the other half of his mind preoccupied with how stupid this whole thing was. He felt extremely bad for the man he was going to have to be occupied with the whole night. For someone friends with Jeremy Knox, Andrew didn’t have high hopes on the chance of amicability between them.
It wasn’t long before Erik pulled into the restaurant they’d chosen. Andrew would not be returning here anytime soon. Neil could find another fancy dinner place if he wanted one. “Andrew, will you promise to be nice?” Nicky said in a sing-song tone.
Andrew didn’t spare him a glance before stepping out of the car. He’d made sure to make himself at least semi-presentable, unless he wanted Nicky shooting him disdainful glances for the duration of the date. Nicky had given him the lamest thumbs-up when he stopped out in a fitting black shirt and jeans. Andrew couldn’t care less — he would’ve shown up in one of Neil’s horribly fluorescent Palmetto hoodies and basketball shorts if Nicky wasn’t there.
“I need a cigarette. Go in first.” Andrew said, jerking his chin in the direction of the restaurant’s entrance and pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. He watched as Nicky and Erik went ahead, lighting his cigarette and taking a long drag. The smoke rose slowly, and as Andrew sighed, it was replaced by the fog of his breath.
He wanted to message Neil again, but he didn’t want to miss him even more. The last time they’d seen each other was for barely a day, a day hazy with endless touches and Neil muffling his cries into a pillow. Andrew inhaled too deep on his cigarette and coughed out smoke.
He finished off his cigarette and ground it out under his boot. Making sure his arm sleeves were properly covering his arms under his leather jacket, Andrew walked slowly towards the restaurant door. At the host stand, Andrew gave the last name Klose and had his jacket taken by the hostess, then he was led to the table.
Andrew kept his gaze averted as he neared the table, mapping out in which ways he could appear the most disinterested to whoever his ‘date’ was. When he sat down, Nicky flashed him a bright smile and Andrew blanched at the man in front of him.
In a button-down shirt with a sly grin on his face, Neil stood up and extended his hand for Andrew to shake. Andrew’s mouth hung open for a second before he regained himself, taking Neil’s hand and allowing himself to be pulled into a hug.
“Hi, Andrew.” Neil whispered into his ear softly, unheard by Nicky or Erik’s ears. Andrew breathed in Neil’s warm scent, feeling his scars through the thin shirt and his heart actually swelled.
“Andrew, this is Neil. Neil, this is my cousin, Andrew.” Nicky exclaimed, a smile stretching across his face, probably since Andrew hadn’t shied away from this mysterious man yet. Andrew was almost marvelling at the peculiarity of the situation. He had never even met Jeremy Knox, he hadn’t even known Neil knew Jeremy — but based off of Nicky’s descriptions of him, it seemed like he was a man who was capable of making friends with even a tree; it would be no surprise if Neil was friends with him.
Andrew sat back down and so did Neil. Neil’s face was contorted into a charming, amused grin, and Andrew wanted to kill him and kiss him at the same time. “Andrew… Hemmick?” Neil asked, and Andrew rolled his eyes.
“Minyard.” He answered, occupying his hands and picking up the glass of water on the table. Neil couldn’t help himself and laughed, covering his stupid mouth with that soft, scarred hand. “What’s so funny?” Nicky asked, shooting puzzled glances at Erik and Andrew.
Andrew avoided his eyes and faced Neil instead. “So, Neil. Tell me about yourself.” Andrew asked, deciding to humour Neil, much to Nicky’s enthusiasm. He could almost see the tears of joy shining in Nicky’s eyes.
“Well, I’m a professional lacrosse player for the Arizona Wildcats. I just finished a season.” Neil said, leaning back and crossing his arms, looking at Andrew through his eyelashes. Andrew schooled his expression into one of stoicism, though he wanted nothing more but to take Neil home and take him apart, as he always did after they were separated for too long.
“I play hockey. For the Carolina Coyotes.” Andrew said. Neil didn’t get the chance to reply as Nicky cut in with a question for Neil. Andrew was content to sit back and listen to the conversation, content with watching Neil’s profile in the dim light.
His eyes, impossibly blue, even more so to Andrew after so much time apart. Andrew’s vocabulary was not vast enough to appropriately describe the colour of his eyes. His scars, crisscrossing his face — Andrew wanted to touch his fingers to them so badly. Sitting next to Nicky, with Neil so far from him yet so close, when he couldn’t just reach out and touch him — it was akin to torture. Andrew Minyard was the complete opposite of a weak-willed man — he was resolute, tenacious, steadfast, whatever adjective fit best — but he was so easily undone by auburn hair and that sharp smile.
When Nicky finished his spout of useless questions and Neil’s attention was back on Andrew, Andrew almost lost himself and let a small smile break through his mask. “What do you do in your free time?” Neil asked, feigning interest over his appetiser that had somehow materialised while Andrew was busy ogling at Neil.
“Go to the gym. Play video games. Playing hockey.” Andrew answered, shrugging. “What about you?” Andrew asked when Nicky shot him an expectant look. Why was he letting Nicky dictate his choices? Andrew could never bring anyone he knew around Neil. Next thing you know, he would let Kevin talk about history if Neil was there. The horrors.
“I like to watch shows. Have you seen The Office?” Neil said, the tone of his voice growing more teasing with every word. Andrew fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Which version?” Andrew said, and Neil’s expression faded into one of annoyance.
Nicky and Erik took control of the conversation then, probably fearing that Andrew would try to provoke Neil — which was exactly what he was trying to do. It was funny how hurriedly Nicky steered the conversation to prevent them from going for each other’s throats, and Andrew felt the corner of his mouth twitch upward. The glint in Neil’s eyes told him exactly what Neil felt as well.
While Nicky and Erik playfully argued about a show they liked, Neil plucked the cherry from Andrew’s sugary monstrosity of a drink and made a show of sucking on it, slipping it into his mouth and running his red tongue over his sticky lips. Andrew felt his stomach twist pleasantly, and he was seriously going to kill Neil the second they were alone.
He was saved when Erik began asking about Neil’s lacrosse games — things Andrew had heard more times than he could count — and Nicky flashed excited eyes at Andrew. Do you like him? Nicky mouthed. Andrew pretended he didn’t see and turned his head to gaze out the window.
Suddenly, he felt something slide up his leg. He jerked his head to Neil, who was speaking intently to Nicky now, the innocent look on his face exaggerated. Andrew kept as still as he could as Neil’s foot continued its treacherous journey up Andrew’s leg, stopping just short of his thigh. Andrew felt his neck heating up, and he wanted to put his hands around Neil’s neck. Neil’s lips were still slightly red.
Andrew kept his eyes trained intently on the man he called his boyfriend, who had a bright, self-satisfied grin on his face. Andrew then used his free leg to stomp down on Neil’s other foot. “What were you saying, Neil?” Andrew asked as Neil doubled over in pain. When he looked back up, he was smiling in delight, even through gritted teeth.
Nicky and Erik both turned to Neil and looked at him expectantly. “I was just telling Andrew how good he looks tonight.” Neil said, retracting his feet, his lower lip caught between his teeth, mockingly seductive.
Andrew hoped red wouldn’t show on his face as he scoffed and sat back in his chair. Nicky looked to Andrew with hope again. “You too,” he relented, “though I’m only saying that for Nicky’s sake, so please stop looking at me like that.” Andrew turned to glare at Nicky.
“Oh come on, Andrew!” Nicky exclaimed, throwing his arms up in exasperation. Both Neil and Erik chortled, and Andrew excused himself to go outside for a smoke.
He leaned against the brick wall of the back of the restaurant, cupping a hand around his cigarette so he could get it lit, when Neil rounded the corner. Andrew exhaled a puff of smoke and watched Neil approach. Neil looked like a dream in the dim moonlight, his eyes brighter in the darkness, movements slow and relaxed. Andrew completely forgot that he wanted to kill Neil.
“Hi.” Neil said, leaning with one shoulder against the wall next to Andrew. Andrew held the cigarette out for him and Neil inhaled on it as well. “So this is why you were being strange over the phone.” Andrew said.
Neil rolled his eyes and blew smoke into Andrew’s face. “I just thought it’d be funny. I didn’t even agree to go before you told me.”
Andrew raised his eyebrows. “Jeremy and Nicky really are instigators.” He said.
“So Nicky really doesn’t know about me?” Neil said, handing the cigarette back to Andrew.
“No. How do you know Jeremy?” Andrew asked. “Kevin. Does Kevin know?”
Andrew blinked. “No. Why would I tell him?”
“Have you told anyone?” Neil inquired.
“No. Do you want me to?”
“No. I like this. It gives us opportunities to do entertaining shit like this.” Neil said, plucking the cigarette from Andrew’s fingers and taking another drag. “Besides, how have they not figured it out? Where do they think you disappear to every other week?”
“It’s not entertaining. And who knows. It’s not like I tell anyone anything.” Andrew said, leaning up to look at the sky. The stars were bright, and he couldn’t wait to disappear into Neil’s apartment tonight.
Neil didn’t respond. When Andrew tilted his head back down, Neil was in front of him, a question in his eyes. Andrew lifted his eyebrows and raised his chin in response. Neil flattened his palms on either side of Andrew’s face, before pressing his lips against Andrew’s.
Neil’s lips were still slightly warm from the cigarette, and his mouth tasted like ash and cherries. Andrew moved his own hands around Neil’s waist, relishing in the sigh Neil exhaled when Andrew’s grip tightened. It had been a long few weeks without the feeling of Neil’s mouth on his, his body flush against Andrew’s. The hole in Andrew’s chest seemed to fill with every passing second as Neil kissed him.
“Missed you.” Neil muttered into Andrew’s mouth. “And you decided you wanted to see me under the guise of a blind date, where we couldn’t do anything but have small talk?” Andrew whispered back as Neil’s lips trailed down his chin and to his neck.
“I thought it was funny.” Neil protested quietly, nipping at Andrew’s throat then swiping his tongue over the tender spot. Andrew shuddered at the feeling of Neil’s mouth on his neck, digging his fingers deeper into Neil’s waist.
“Not. That. Funny.” Andrew choked out as Neil continued leaving marks on Andrew’s neck that would surely be visible tomorrow. He used a hand to nudge Neil’s chin upwards before kissing him again. He could taste his own sweat on Neil’s tongue.
Moments like these with Neil, when they were completely and utterly alone, it made Andrew oblivious to the world around them — as if they were truly alone, in the whole universe. He didn’t mind, though. There was nothing in the world Andrew wanted to be with other than Neil Josten. Nothing else really mattered with Neil, and everything paled in comparison.
“Let’s just ditch Nicky and Erik and go back.” Neil breathed out when they pulled apart for air. He leaned his forehead against Andrew’s, and their breaths swirled together into one cloud.
“Andrew? Neil?” He heard Nicky call out, and Neil jerked away just as Nicky came around the corner of the building, though Andrew’s hands were still firmly on Neil’s waist.. “Oh my God, you two do know each other.” Nicky said, in a tone akin to awe yet closer to horror.
Neil must’ve had a similar, confused look on his face since Nicky continued, “Jeremy said you two knew each other. So we tested his hypothesis.” Nicky walked closer, about to say more before finally noticing the way Neil was pressed against Andrew, and the white of Andrew’s hand against Neil’s dark jacket.
“And you’re dating?” Nicky cried out.