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#Neil: “OH SO NOW HE'S A CAPTAIN TOO? WHAT'S NEXT?!”
jtl-fics · 7 months
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Fluent Freshman - Part 40
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The Winter Banquet.
Where the Spring Championship announcements happen for Collegiate Exy. A formal event meant to allow the ERC to showcase how their stars weren’t just brutes on the court. Look at how beautiful and handsome they all were. Look at how they danced together. Look at the smiles and laughter and-
Wait.
No.
Put that down.
Who had the great idea to put the Jackals next to the Terrapins? Things have been tense between the teams since the Captain of the Terrapins stole the Captain of the Jackal’s date during the Fall Banquet!
I thought we all agreed that there would never be any more steak knives! What was the point of paying for all the pre-cut tenderloins if we’re just going to give them steak knives?! 
Really gotta find an intern to pin this fiasco on.
Oh great the Foxes are leaving! Did we even get a picture of Kevin Day in his suit? Fuck it’s going to be a two intern firing kind of day isn’t it.
Someone get an eye on the Ravens before they try and grab some hapless idiot and sacrifice him to revive Riko Moriyama. If there’s even one more damn tabloid with a blurry photo of ‘Riko Moriyama’ to prove that his death was faked then heads will roll.
Honestly, the biopic that some Edgar Allan Film student is making about him seems pretty interesting. The ERC just wishes people would stop taking pics of the ‘lead actor’ and sending it to tabloids as proof that the King hadn’t died.
Fuck, the Foxes left before we got any decent pictures.
Well just great.
You’d think that after all these years of the Foxes leaving early they’d have learned that getting pictures as they arrive is the most important thing. 
Oh thank god it looks like the Trojans are starting to mediate the fight. You can always count on good ol’ Jeremy.
Fuck.
A Raven got too close to Jean Moreau and now Jeremy Knox has punched a Backliner. Great. The Trojans have formed ranks around Moreau but the kid’s just too damn tall. Someone has hit him in the head with an especially saucy meatball, he’s not injured, just confused. The Trojans are acting like it’s a gunshot he just took to the head.
The refreshment table just seemed to collapse in on itself and god wasn’t that just an allegory for this entire damn evening.
Anita Flores sighs as she watches yet another banquet go down in a riot. Honestly, she doesn’t know why they think these will end up differently. She finds herself often missing when she used to coordinate banquets for football teams.
She sighs and thinks about her least favorite interns.
Alex had been getting a bit too cocky lately. He’d make a good sacrifice.
***
(Three hours earlier)
The Palmetto State Foxes were on their way to the Winter Banquet. From what FF understood it was categorically always a 90% chance of a shitshow. Honestly FF was surprised that the percentage was that low.
There was a general tenseness in the air surrounding it that went beyond the Banquet’s propensity to become a fight. 
This year the Winter Banquet was going to be held up at the Binghamton Bearcat’s stadium. The nation knew the story from the news and FF knew the story from both that and from the Foxes themselves who were there at the time in bits and pieces.
Captain Neil had been kidnapped from this stadium and then he’d been tortured. FF hadn’t even been on the team when it had happened and he was anxious about Captain Neil going anywhere near the stadium.
“He was just…he was just gone.” Matt had said, “Neil was gone and Kevin said that he was probably dead when Andrew got back with his phone.” He continued as the two of them sat up late in the living room of the dorm one night back in early October.
“I thought Andrew was going to kill me y’know.” Kevin had said bottle in hand as FF tried to help him up the stairs because apparently he would 100% guarantee vomit if he was in the nausea box. “I thought that maybe I deserved it, since I didn’t help Neil. I just let him walk to his death.” He said and despite assurances that he wouldn’t puke FF’s shoes did not make it through that journey unscathed.
“We called…we called everywhere.” Nicky had stared up at the ceiling of his hospital room, “Andrew was adamant that he was still alive even though Kevin kept saying he was dead and that dead was the nicest thing he could hope for. I thought that was a terrible thing to say.” Nicky curled up closer to him.
“I told you, Andrew dragged me like I was nothing to get to Neil. I don’t think he even noticed the guns.” Wymack said to Abby as the two sat on the back porch during Aras’ going away party. “His eyes were on Neil.” he gestures towards where Andrew was watching Captain Neil wrestle with Matt.
“He looked like shit.” Aaron had said unable to stomach a diagram of different degrees of burn in his medical book. “At least he was alive.” He adds.
“A hero.” Andrew’s voice had been what could be considered teasing from Andrew, “Someone who looks like her.” he had said touching Captain Neil’s burn scars as they drove away from the stadium after coming back to pick FF up.
Captain Neil had come to him the day before they were set to drive out, “Take me somewhere no one will find me for an hour.” FF hadn’t quite understood what Captain Neil meant, he never hid anywhere. People just failed to realize where he was.
“Ok.” he says instead of trying to explain because being unnoticed means no one hid codes from him.
The roof of the Library wasn’t that much different from the roof of the Tower, only that it was taller and bigger. Captain Neil had shut his phone off after texting something, likely to Andrew, and then put it into his pocket.
FF settled on the roof, sat with his back against a heating vent to stay warm. Captain Neil settled next to him and they sat in silence. It felt like back at the start of this where Captain Neil and Andrew would come find him and just sit in silence. 
It was nice. He had missed-
“They act like the stadium is the thing that kidnapped me.” Captain Neil says.
Oh okay, quiet time is over apparently.
FF doesn’t say anything, figuring that nothing he could say right now would be the right thing and maybe Captain Neil just needs to talk through some stuff.
“That stadium is where I thought I’d have my last good memory.” Captain Neil explains, “I’m not scared of it and yet Andrew’s acting like I’ll die if I’m left alone for more than 2 seconds while we’re there. Every time we go there they all act like the most important thing in the world is that I get on that bus at the end of the night.” Captain Neil explains.
FF does remember how Andrew had grabbed Captain Neil after their October game up in Binghamton. How Captain Neil had complained bitterly but had gone after looking at Andrew.
“He’s dead!” Captain Neil exclaimed and FF couldn’t help but look over at the entrance and hoped no one heard them. “He’s dead! I watched him get shot! He can’t kidnap me again!” Captain Neil continued to yell and FF couldn’t help but worry that they’d be heard below, or worse bother a student trying to study below.
FF reached out and touched Captain Neil’s arm and bright blue eyes turned to him, “We’re on a library. Don’t yell.” FF said and Captain Neil looked at him incredulously.
Then he laughed. He laughed and laughed and FF was worried that he’d gone and broken his Captain.
He suddenly felt bad about his own bout of hysterical laughter a while back.
“Thanks Smith.” Captain Neil had said with a smile.
They had sat up there until it was dark and Andrew had started calling FF’s phone and Captain Neil took the call to say he was coming back.
Now they’re on the bus, dressed nicely, and on their way up to Binghamton’s stadium. Captain Neil and Andrew are hidden in the far back of the bus with Andrew looking far more like a watchdog than anything else the closer they got to their destination.
Captain Neil had seemed largely resigned to this treatment at this point. Eventually they were at the stadium and shown to their seats. They were sat across from the Trojans and it seemed like the rest of the team was quite pleased with that.
“Smith!” Captain Jeremy Knox is smiling at him, “Nice to see you again bud, nice name change too.” he says.
“It’s nice to see you too, Captain Jeremy.” FF says and doesn’t notice how Captain Neil’s head whips around to look at him.
“You two know each other?” Nicky asks looking between the two of them with excitement.
“Of course! We offered Smith a spot at the USC Trojans.” Captain Jeremy says and FF feels his stomach cramp at the memory.
That had been terrifying.
Coach Rheman and Captain Jeremy wanted to sit down to make their offer with his parents. He was still 17 and unable to sign anything legal without their permission. He’d tried to decline and move past them and Captain Jeremy had put the final nail in the coffin at the time for any thought that he could go to college on the power of his apparent Exy capabilities.
“I saw in your file that you have brothers! USC always gives a second look at student applicants who already have siblings in the university. You could go to school with your brothers!” he had smiled brightly like he wasn’t issuing FF one of the most terrifying threats he’d ever heard in his entire life.
He had given the firmest ‘No thank you, I’m not interested in playing Exy in college.’ he could and was running to his Grandma’s to breath into a bag for twenty minutes.
“I see you changed your mind about playing Exy in college.” Captain Jeremy said with the same smile that still feels like a threat.
“Coach Wymack and Captain Dan were convincing.” he says and looks to see if there’s any way he can move further away from Captain Jeremy’s attention.
“Can I ask what convinced you to be a Fox?” Captain Jeremy asks, “I’m always trying to see what support we should be offering. I found out last year that we missed out on Andrew because we didn’t offer spots to Aaron or Nicky. I thought since you had brothers that’d be the thing that got you.” Captain Jeremy leans across the table but stops when he notices the Foxes all tense. “Whoa, what’s up?” he asks.
Jean Moreau sighs from next to Captain Jeremy, “Not everyone wants to go to college with their family, Jeremy.” Jean says, “Did it not cross your mind that he changed his entire name?” he asks with a raised brow.
Jeremy blinks, “Oh,” he looks at FF, “I guess that wasn’t the right thing to offer.” he says leaning back in his chair.
“I guess I should thank you for offering that?” Nicky says wryly before turning to look at FF, “You look better in orange anyways.” he says.
“Thank you Nicky.” FF returns loyally.
The banquet gets started shortly afterwards. Food is served. The bar is opened. People are talking. FF finds himself relaxing the longer the conversations around him go on. Matt is talking with a backliner on the Trojan line named Todd in good cheer. Captain Neil, Kevin, and Jean are all talking about the latest updates with Ichirou in French with the occasional gesture towards FF. Jean Moreau looks at him with a raised eyebrow but gives him a single nod when Captain Neil explains what happened.
Jeremy is chatting with Jack and even Jack was finding it hard to maintain his usual level of rudeness in the face of such unbridled positive energy. Nicky was talking with Katelyn and Alvarez. Aaron was chatting with a fellow med student college athlete who was an offensive dealer. 
It was shaping up to be a good night.
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MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU
NEXT
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denimbex1986 · 5 months
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'Well now, that was quite the episode of Doctor Who. Clearly wanting to end the 60th anniversary specials with a bang, the latest episode from returning showrunner Russell T Davies, titled The Giggle, saw David Tennant's Doctor and Catherine Tate's Donna Noble take on the Toymaker, played by Neil Patrick Harris.
Their battle against the villain took many unexpected turns, which all built up to the moment everyone was waiting for - the regeneration into Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, who will be captaining the TARDIS from here on out. However, it's safe to say that it was far from your usual regeneration... Oh yeah, Davies is having fun, and not only with that, as a few clues are littered throughout the episode too that hint at what's coming next.
Naturally you will be left with many questions but never fear, as we've got the answers...
So… what is bi-generation?
The Giggle just completely changed the history of Doctor Who with the introduction of bi-generation, a new concept for the beloved show. As the Toymaker challenges the Doctor to a third game, as they are playing for best of three, he decides he wants to play against a new face, blasting the Time Lord with the galvanic beam, causing him to regenerate.
Companions Donna and a returning Melanie Bush (portrayed by Bonnie Langford), each hold the Doctor's hands, who of course chooses his famous catchphrase "allons-y" for his last words. However, after glowing with light nothing happens - the Doctor still has David Tennant's face. Saying that it "feels different this time", the Doctor asks his friends to "pull" his body each way, and in doing so they yank Ncuti Gatwa out of him. And so, standing in front of us are two Doctors - Tennant's Fourteenth and Gatwa's Fifteenth.
Both are clearly initially puzzled, but soon realise that they have "bi-generated", something we are told was previously only thought of as a myth. This means we now have two Doctors, each with the same memories and abilities, but able to co-exist in the same world, leading separate lives. And if you were worried about them sharing a TARDIS, Gatwa's Fifteenth reminds us that after winning the Toymaker's game they are still due to be given a prize. And so, he hits the TARDIS with a fairground hammer causing it to duplicate. Tennant's Doctor now has his own, as does Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor - notably his comes with a jukebox, which is rather fabulous!
What happens to David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor?
After banishing the Toymaker (more on that below), David Tennant's Doctor admits that now there are two of them, he's unsure how everything is going to work. As the Doctors discuss their life so far, it's noted that not for one second has the Time Lord stopped for a breather, always going from adventure to adventure, battle to battle. Donna believes this is why his previous face came back and reunited with her - the Doctor's body was telling him that it's worn out and needs to process all the pain it's experienced over those many, many years. And how better to do that then spend some time relaxing with best friend Donna Noble?
Which is exactly what the Fourteenth Doctor does, going on a journey they have never been on before - resting. After saying goodbye to Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, we catch up with Tennant's Time Lord at Donna's home, where he is sat enjoying lunch with his new found family - which includes former companion Mel. Smiling at everyone, he says he has "never been so happy" in his life.
However, we doubt that this restful time will last as the Doctor can't resist adventuring. In fact, we learn that he has already taken Yasmin Finney's Rose and Langford's Mel for a spin already in his TARDIS. With the launch of the new 'Whoniverse', the official home for all things Doctor Who, and a deal with Disney+ internationally, we can easily see Tennant's Doctor getting his own spin-off show. Allons-y!
What happens to Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor?
After comforting an emotional Fourteenth Doctor, it's time for Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord to go on his own adventure. Saying goodbye to Donna Noble and Tennant's Doctor, giving the latter a respectful salute, the Fifteenth Doctor sets course for a new destination in time and space, beginning their travels in the TARDIS. Just like us at home, Donna asks the important question, "where's he going?" The Fourteenth Doctor's answer is quite simple, "everywhere". He then wishes the Fifteenth Doctor "good luck" on his journey, which is an emotional handover between the two characters.
Words appear on the screen right at the end of the episode telling us that the "destination" is "Christmas" - with a trailer playing after the credits have rolled for the upcoming Christmas Day special The Church on Ruby Road.
What happens to the Toymaker?
After losing a game of catch against the two Doctors, it is decreed that the Toymaker will be banished from existence for forever. Shrunken into a box, UNIT's Kate Lethbridge-Stewart asks her colleagues to take the Toymaker down into the deepest vault, where he will be trapped.
Just before he is punished to banishment the Toymaker warns that his "legions are coming" - whilst we think this is a desperate, empty threat, you really do never know with Doctor Who. Maybe the Toymaker will pop up again in the future...
Who is 'the one who waits'?
One character that we definitely know is coming is "the one who waits", a character the Toymaker mentioned earlier whilst in discussion with the Doctor. He confessed that whilst he has faced many foes - including the Master - there was one "player" he could not play against, cryptically saying: "I saw it, hiding, and I ran."
Naturally the Doctor questions who the Toymaker is referring to, but the villain shrugs it off by replying with: "That's someone else's game." Presumably here that "someone else" is Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, who will at some point face-off against this currently mysterious enemy.
But who is the one who waits? Given that Doctor Who has a long history, there are plenty of villains to choose from, but it has to be someone so terrifying even the Toymaker didn't want to take them on.
One possible answer is the Eternals - and no, we aren't referring to the Marvel characters here, but instead a race of powerful, element beings who were first introduced to Doctor Who in 1983. Able to create things out of only thin air and manipulate matter at their will, they would be a formidable foe.
We have also met similar powered beings in 1978, this time called the Guardians (again, not a MCU reference), who each embodied different parts of the universe, from light to darkness.
Of course, we will have to wait and see, but perhaps this is the "boss" the menacing Meep mentioned in the first Doctor Who 60th anniversary special The Star Beast. We were told that character would be revealed during Ncuti Gatwa's upcoming season, so maybe it is the same being as "the one who waits".
What happens to the tooth containing the Master?
Not all of the Toymaker is banished into that box though, as we see his gold tooth lying on the floor. Of course, that isn't your typical tooth though, as we learnt earlier that inside it is the Master. That's right, the most famous Doctor Who villain of them all played a game against the Toymaker and lost - his punishment was to be "sealed for eternity" inside that tooth.
Intriguingly a hand wearing red nail polish picks up the tooth, indicating that someone is going to bring the Master back. But who does the hand belong to? Our bet is that it's the character Ru Paul's Drag Race star Jinkx Monsoon will play. All we know so far is that Monsoon will play a villain against Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, an enemy that is said to be "the most powerful" one yet in Doctor Who history. Intriguing...'
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geneclarksboobs · 6 months
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birth of manassas: the bible
hidden under readmore - an uncovered stone tablet.
excerpt: GRAHAM, CROZ AND NEIL ALL TOOK A LOOK AT EACH OTHER'S ESTROGEN SHOTS AND LOOKED AT STEPHEN. WAS HE NOT LIKE A BABY BUTCH OR SOMETHING?
STEPHEN ARTHUR STILLS BORN JANUARY 3 1945 WAS BALD BLONDING AND AUTISTIC HE WAS A GREAT COOK ACCORDING TO HIS BANDMATES AND HE WAS A MAMA'S BOY! GRAHAM ONCE SAID: this guy. welp. hes got like a mental illness or something AND HE HIT NEIL YOUNG IN THE FACE. ONCE UPON A TIME HE WAS IN A CAR AND HE MET NEIL YOUNG. HE SAID TO NEIL "YOU COULDA BEEN SAVED BY ESTROGEN" BUT ALAS NEIL SAID "im canadian now. and emo too" AND STEPHEN WAILED. BUT BEFORE THAT HE WAS BEST FRIENDS WITH PETER TORK JUST BECAUSE THEY LOOKED ALIKE. THEY WERE INDEED SISTERS BY CHANCE FRIENDS BY CHOICE. STEPHEN SAID "hey the monkees. you know the monkees? you could be the monkees. -im kinda ugly-" AND PETER TORK SAID "ok! ill be the monkees (i hate the monkees later on). LATER ON NEIL AND STEPHEN HATED EACH OTHER. NEIL SAID "i have epilepsy" AND STEPHEN SAID "aww gee emma lepsy? whos that? her ass jiggle good or no?" AND NEIL HAD A SEIZURE RIGHT THEN AND THERE. THIS WENT ON FOR MANY YEARS UNTIL HE MET THE CROSBY. HE HATED CROSBY. HE HATED CROSBY ALOT. BUT IT DIDNT MATTER CUS HE WAS FAT AND FUNNY. CROSBY SAID "i dont like this guy" AND BANDMATE CHRIS SAID "hey. you know i was writing something on my wrist and it came up on his wrist. i think we might be soulmates" AND HIS BANDMATE ROGER SAID "IRRELEVANT. I HATE HIS AUTISTIC ASS"
AND STEPHEN SAID. "hey. i fucking hate my band. they fucking broke up. hey crosby. join a band with me" AND CROZ SAID "ok. im a weed smoker and womaniser. but we need another woman in this band" AND STEPHEN SAID "hey. they arent any women in this band." THEN GRAHAM NASH ARRIVED. HE HAD JUST BEEN DIVORCED FROM ALLAN CLARKE. IT HAD BEEN A RAW AND NASTY DIVORCE BUT IT WAS ALRIGHT. HE TOOK ONE GOOD LOOK AT CROSBY: "oh great googly moogly! that orange bitch is kind of hot in a thick mama way." HE WENT OVER TO CROSBY AND HIS CHIHUAHUA STEPHEN STILLS AND SAID "hey. youre cool. whats your name. Oh kaff kaff im scik im goigntodie" AND CROSBY SAID "lets form a band! btw i think joni mitchell may be impregnanting you in the next few years." AND GRAHAM SAID "WHAT!" SOONER OR LATER JONI MITCHELL WOULD PUT HER HAND IN STEPHEN'S HAIR AND SAY "hey youre hair is nice and soft. very thin. oh hey that british boy looks kind of impregnatable. can i have a try?" AND CROSBY SAID "oh yes please do its kind of kinky" SOON: GRAHAM WAS PREGNANT. BUT THAT DIDNT MATTER
LATER: NEIL YOUNG WAS FORCED TO JOIN A BAND. NEIL SAID: "oh lordy lordy eh a band full of women eh this isnt going to end well eh. has a seizure" AND STEPHEN SAID "hey they arent any women in this band." GRAHAM, CROZ AND NEIL ALL TOOK A LOOK AT EACH OTHER'S ESTROGEN SHOTS AND LOOKED AT STEPHEN. WAS HE NOT LIKE A BABY BUTCH OR SOMETHING? LATER ON STEPHEN SAID "hey graham i think you have my girlfriend. hey graham. graham graham awwww whatever spits on you spits on you spits on you spits on you spits" AND ALL GRAHAM DID WAS SHRIEK AT HIM AND HIT HIM WITH A BUNCH OF CHAIRS. THEN CSNY DISBANDED FOR A BIT. AS USUAL. STEPHEN SAID TO CHRIS: "hey buddy. i think you deserve a little bit of that mandolin magic baby boy. baby. hey youre kind of a baby butch to me in a way." AND CHRIS SAID: "hey but there arent any women in this band. eh? band? thats weird. im part of no band." AND STEPHEN SAID: "boy you gotta join my band. they call me captain many hands they do. you can be my second hand man. my lieutenant. sleep in my mansion. sleep in the army beds. were you there in vietnam? I was" AND SO MANASSAS WAS BORN
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hellerism · 2 years
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hi i just have to thank you for mentioning Not Easily Conquered! i don’t even usually read stucky/marvel but oh my god i cannot stop thinking about that fic even though i finished it four days ago. i think it changed me forever. so i have to know if you know of any similar fics, either stucky specifically or that level of quality in any fandom bc clearly you’ve got great taste lol. ty in advance! <3
oh wow i’m so glad you liked it! it ruined my fucking life when i was a 16 year old stucky stan and even now when i dislike them there’s just something special and insanity inducing contained in that fic. it’s one of the most romantic things i’ve ever read in my life and i will never be over it. and thank you for the compliment >:) the secret to good taste in fic is only read fics that have been thoroughly vetted beforehand
as for other fics…ummm to be honest i don’t really read a lot of fic. i don’t know of any stucky fics that are on the level of nec but i can list off a few well-written ones that i remember being my favorites
no matter how long the day is (i’ll come home to you) by alby_mangroves and talkplaylove: steve is the regular canon captain america struggling to adjust to modern day life. he meets bucky, a civilian bookshop owner, and they bond while bucky helps to ground him in modern life
thirty-eight days and counting by thecommodore_squid: bucky is in witness protection and steve is the agent assigned to protect him. posing as his husband ofc. clintasha is there as a supporting couple
various stucky fics by thebrotherswinchester: these fics were all deleted from ao3 bc the author started publishing real books but you can download the pdfs from that link. i don’t remember the plots of most of them but i know they were well-written. the reason i bring them up is bc this author wrote one of my favorite fics ever which i’ll mention later
where there’s no end or need for goodbyes by buckyjerkbarnes: bucky is a lighthouse keeper and steve washes up on his island after a storm one day. bucky patches him up and they start to get to know each other. i really debated including this one bc it was my white whale when i was in the stucky trenches. it’s a wip that was abandoned halfway through and steve and buckys relationship isn’t even close to being resolved. but the writing is good enough that i think it’s worth the lack of closure and you can just like imagine for yourself what happens next
for other fandoms
i’m assuming you know the spn classics but my personal favorites are and this, your living kiss and so says the sword
this could be a city by cherryice: spn, deanbenny. i have to spread the deanbenny agenda or i’ll die. alternate s8 where benny stays in the bunker. examines and begins to dismantle the tenets of monster hunting. found family galore. plate tectonics. my deanbenny scholar bestie swears by the rest of cherryice’s fics too but this is the only one of theirs i’ve personally read
tell me about the big bang by thebrotherswinchester: star wars, finnpoe. post-tfa character study of finn adjusting to. like. being a person instead of a stormtrooper. it was written before tlj so there’s no reference to any of that bullshit. this is the fic i mentioned before. its one of my favorite fics of all time and i reread it yearly. it’s got a few off moments but if you’re not a militant finn stan like me they won’t bother you
i loved you first by thirdactlove: tenet, protagoneil. only read this one if you’ve seen tenet as it won’t really make sense otherwise. follows neil before, during, and after the events of the movie and details his relationship with the protagonist. the sequel follows the protagonist and does the same from his own pov. had me writhing around in my bed at 3am out of misery and lovesickness
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miraclesabound · 1 year
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I posted 4,895 times in 2022
That's 2,753 more posts than 2021!
240 posts created (5%)
4,655 posts reblogged (95%)
Blogs I reblogged the most:
@yayforawesome
@thisiswhymomworries
@sorrelchestnut
@sariahael
@writeforfandoms
I tagged 1,190 of my posts in 2022
#dracula daily - 99 posts
#our flag means death - 27 posts
#the sandman - 16 posts
#moon knight - 11 posts
#the sandman netflix - 10 posts
#ofmd - 9 posts
#darlin darlin daaaarlin - 9 posts
#whale weekly - 9 posts
#the sandman fanfic - 8 posts
#ha! - 8 posts
Longest Tag: 129 characters
#two thirds of my family wouldn't exist if my nana couldn't get her ectopic pregnancy treated and that was in 1963 for fuck's sake
My Top Posts in 2022:
#5
Ooooh, I’m excited for this part! I had hoped that the editor would choose to do the Demeter section as it happened, but I wasn’t sure. I do understand the original choice, and it doesn’t surprise me that Mina would have pasted this into her journal.
For those wondering, “backsheesh” should apparently be spelled as “baksheesh” - it’s a form of tipping/bribery. Wikipedia has a good article here explaining its cultural background. I figure the captain notes it just to keep track of the ship’s funding.
The Mediterranean may not be the largest sea, but the idea of being stuck out in the waters for days on end with *something* being on board your vessel with you is suitably spooky. On a lighter note, I’m imagining Izzy Hands from OFMD as the first mate of the Demeter. Lord knows he wouldn’t stand for superstitious vampiric nonsense.
166 notes - Posted July 18, 2022
#4
Bram Stoker may get ridiculous at times, but entries like today's from the local paper are some of his finest work. I could so easily imagine the great beauty before the storm, and the crowds of Whitby hoping against hope that the Demeter would make it safely. If a new modern adaptation is made, I hope they get this part right.
240 notes - Posted August 8, 2022
#3
Faithful to the End
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Summary: Morpheus’s wife has a nightmare - or more accurately, a Nightmare tries to have her.
Pairing(s): Morpheus/F!Reader, one-sided Corinthian/F!Reader
Notes: Set post-Season 1. I’m using the show’s continuity, along with Neil Gaiman’s statement that the version of the Corinthian in the show is pansexual. Also available at AO3.
Warnings: Sexual harassment, unwanted kissing, threat of sexual assault, nightmares, suggestions of smut. Reader is never in any true danger, but she doesn’t know that at first.
Tag List - @writeforfandoms, @insomniamamma, @darklingveracruz, @morpheus-helm, @bowieandqueen11, @mylifeisactuallyamess​, @whovianayesha​, @blueeyesatnight​​
“Beautiful weather, isn’t it?” your driver asks. “You made the right decision asking for the convertible today, Your Grace.”
You smile, your eyes half-closed against the sun. “I thought so too,” you say. “Thank you, Corinthian.”
“Not at all,” the blond Nightmare says. If he’s squinting as well, you can’t tell – he’s wearing his usual black sunglasses. “Now, where did you want to go?”
“Hmmm…OH!” You sit up higher in your passenger seat. “Over there!” You’ve been driving through rolling hills, and on the next ridge, you see a large tree. “That’s perfect!”
“You got it.” When he’s close enough, the Corinthian drives the car under the tree’s shade. Cutting the engine, he steps out and around, opening your door and offering his hand. You smile and take it, using the extra support to stand up.
Getting a closer look at the tree, you’re glad you stopped. There are blossoms here that you’ve never seen before in the Dreaming, and they glitter like spun sugar. “Oh, they’re wonderful!” you say, and start to walk forward to the tree.
However, you’re stopped by the Corinthian’s hand - it’s still gripping yours tightly. Looking back, you ask him, “Is something wrong?” To your shock and horror, he turns your hand over, bringing it to his lips and kissing the palm.
“What are you doing!?” you shriek, yanking yourself free from him. “Are you trying to enrage my Morpheus?”
“No, my queen – if I wanted to do that, this is what I would do.” Before you can stop him, he pulls you into his arms and kisses you deeply. You push and shove at his chest, but he’s too strong. Without breaking his lips from yours, he backs you against the tree, pressing his body against your curves.
For a few awful seconds, he has you at his complete mercy, pinning your hands above your head while he explores your mouth with his own. Just when you’re about to pass out from lack of air, he pulls away, smiling at you. “I’ve wanted to do that for years,” he says.
You can’t break his grip, so instead, you spit, managing to hit his glasses. “You’re going to pay for this insult,” you hiss. “When my husband gets here –”
“Your husband is pathetic,” the Corinthian interrupts, his smile turning even more frightening than usual. “You deserve someone strong, someone who knows what to do for such a fine woman, someone who won’t abandon you for a century.” Letting your wrists go, he removes his sunglasses, exposing those horrific eye-sockets. “Say you’ll be mine, and we’ll rule the Dreaming for ourselves.”
Instead of answering him, you let out a scream. When your shriek pierces the air, a crack in the ground opens, pulling you out of his reach. “You’re the pathetic one here, Corinthian,” you say. The tree he’d used to trap you lowers a branch for you to sit on, and you lean into it as if you’re settling into a hammock. “Do you really think I need your help to shape the Dreaming? I am the Dream King’s bride – this land loves me as much as he does.”
The Corinthian sinks to his knees, and for a moment he looks almost wounded. “My queen, please…I’ve been in love with you for so long – do you truly feel nothing for me?”
Your branch carries you gently across the chasm, and you land on your feet in front of him. “You were my friend until now, and I treasure that – but no. I don’t love you.”
His look of pain becomes a snarl. “Then you’ll pay.” He begins to pull a blade out from within his blazer.
“NO.” Morpheus’ voice echoes all around, and you feel him appear behind you. “This ends now.” He pulls you close and whispers in your ear. “Darling, you need to wake up.” You blink – and the meadow around you disappears, along with the Corinthian himself.
--
When you return to yourself, you recognize your and Morpheus’ shared chambers in the Palace. The two of you are still in bed, and he strokes your cheek to make sure you’re fully awake. “Are you all right?” he asks. “I could sense everything that was happening.”
“I think so…” You scoot in close to him, feeling the solidness of his body. “Is the Corinthian back?”
Morpheus kisses your forehead. “He’s safely in the vault until I can figure out what to do with him,” he promises. “The being you saw is a scrap of memory.”
“A false memory, then,” you say. “He certainly wasn’t in love with me, I would have remembered.”
Your husband has never been especially talkative, but his silence after your statement is concerning. “…he wasn’t, surely?” you ask.
“It…wouldn’t be impossible.” Morpheus tilts your chin up, and you see the concern in his beautiful eyes. “You’re right that the Dreaming looks after you because it’s part of me. But the Corinthian had part of me too. If he inherited any of my affection for you, he would have thought you the queen of his heart.”
See the full post
445 notes - Posted August 24, 2022
#2
I'm sure I'm not the only one who noticed, but I love how all three main couples on OFMD got together in different ways.
- Jim and Olu - they've always been each other's Person(tm), and that ripened into a lovely romance.
- Lucius and Black Pete - the sexual chemistry was there, and the realization of "Oh shit, I really like you!" came afterwards.
- Ed and Stede- almost your classic Regency romance, where you don't kiss until you're just about ready to share your life with someone.
The show would have been so much weaker if the romance styles had all been the same.
663 notes - Posted March 28, 2022
My #1 post of 2022
As much as this entry destroyed me emotionally, especially as a parent, I realized it showed a perfect Rule of Three of the courage of the people of Transylvania.
1) The woman who gave Jon her crucifix to wear - she couldn't go with him to the castle, but she was willing to offer what protection she had.
2) The man who tried to keep Jon from his coach- this was more direct action, but when faced by the Count (or his alleged "associate"), couldn't fight back out of fear. Sometimes, all you can do is just try to gum up the works and buy some time.
3) The woman at the gate in today's entry- what guts! She knew full well what the Count and his brides were, and she still was pounding on the door of the castle to the bitter end, praying for the slimmest possibility that her kid was still alive.
There's a pretty substantial vein of discontent and resistance among the Transylvanian people against Dracula, and I wish modern adaptations did more with that.
1,691 notes - Posted June 24, 2022
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Text
can you write about andrew calling neil captain as a joke but he likes it so much that andrew regularly call him it in bed
~~~
“Just shut up unless you want ten more laps.”
“Damn Neil,” started Nicky, making a gesture of zipping his lips up. “Didn’t know you were as bad as Kevin.”
“Fifteen.”
“Shutting up now.”
Sighing, Neil brushed away the curls of hair falling in front of his eyes before leaving Nicky to his lunges. With Dan and Kevin on some sort of promotional trip for the day, Neil was left to lead the foxes’ training. Granted, the idea sounded much better as just that— an idea. But no one could deny⁠— he was effective.
Blonde and black on orange caught in the corner of his eye, and with a quick jog, he arrived at the other end of the court.
“Having fun?”
Leaned against the goal was Andrew, plucking at the net of his racket with a disinterested look on his face.
“Actually, yes,” replied Neil. They’d barely started, yet Neil’s shirt was already sticking to his torso with sweat. “Are you planning on doing anything?”
“Not if I can help it.”
“Just a few rounds?”
“Hope must be a blinding thing.”
“Fine,” said Neil, pulling a light scowl. “But you’re covering the goal so the rest of them can practice.”
“Yes captain.”
The word was barely uttered, yet Neil heard it loud and clear over the chatter behind them. His face flushed a deep red and for a split second he froze. To his embarrassment, Andrew seemed to have picked up on it, raising an eyebrow.
“Flustered much?”
“Shut up.”
“Or I’ll get ten laps?”
Neil simply replied with a glare.
~~~
For an strenuous hour (though they’d all have sworn it was two), Neil went on yelling orders to the others. If they were being honest, practice was slightly irritating, possibly because of Neil’s favouritism to a certain blond goalkeeper. But no one could deny; it was almost the most effective they’d been in weeks.
That being said, they were still exhausted, practically dragging themselves out of court. And after a tiring morning of practice, Neil would have been perfectly content spending the rest of the day on Andrew’s lap, or skimming through a math textbook that Nicky had once threatened to burn.
“Wait— Neil hasn’t been to the ice cream place on fifth street, has he?”
But apparently, Nicky had other ideas. Neil sighed redundantly.
“Really?” Asked Matt, frantically turning to face Neil. “Have we seriously never taken you?”
“No, but I don’t really⁠—”
"Well, would you like to⁠—” started Renee, quickly interrupted.
“We’re going now! And you,” emphasised Nicky, pointing directly at Neil, his finger just falling short of Neil’s chest. “Are coming with us.”
With a helpless look on his face, Neil turned to Andrew for some sort of help. But Andrew merely shrugged and turned to Neil. “Have a problem, captain?”
After almost missing his step and falling flat on his face, Neil resisted the very strong urge to roll his eyes.
“As a matter of fact,” started Neil, making deliberate eye contact with Andrew’s unbothered face. “No, I don’t. We’re going.”
That seemed to elicit some sort of reaction from Andrew, even if it were only his eyebrows twitching up slightly in surprise. Neil took it as success, though his satisfaction was quickly wiped away by the rest of their smiling faces rushing him to the car.
Though he wouldn’t admit how contagious their excitement was.
~~~
If Neil was being honest, the place wasn’t half bad.
With bright blue walls and an overenthusiastic waiter, it was practically trademark to the underclassmen, and came with no surprise. Squeezing into a booth, he was grateful for the way Matt next to him tried his best in a feeble attempt to give Neil some space. Neil threw a glance at Andrew, who seemed surprisingly void of regret.
“No, shut up Neil,” started Allison.
“I didn’t— ”
Aggressively, she shushed him with a finger to her lips. “I’m ordering for you. Because a plain vanilla ice cream is not an acceptable choice.”
The way she said it, you’d think Neil had committed a war crime.
“Don’t worry about Allison—” said Nicky, waving her off. “This place is her lifeforce, just smile and wave is my advice.”
Neil noted the way he seemed to have perfectly mastered the art of ignoring Allison shooting daggers with her stares.
Daggers turned to smiles as the waiter came over to the table. As if on script, each person recited their order on cue— except for Neil, whose pleading look was unfortunately not enough to bag a choice.
With a glance, Neil observed as Allison sent a wary glare to Andrew, waiting for his order. And he watched as her look went from wary to puzzled with his dry response.
“Tell the captain to choose for me.”
No words in any of the numerous languages Neil knew were strong enough to describe the feelings that flew through Neil, all at once.
The emphasis on a certain word was obvious, and Nicky’s stare was uncomfortably knowing. And Neil certainly wasn’t the only one blushing faintly.
Only Renee seemed utterly unfazed. “I’d suppose that’s Neil?”
At Neil’s scowl she responded, “…as he’s the captain of the team for the time being, of course?”
Watching tense faces melt slowly, Neil sent a much more grateful look, for which he was rewarded with a glowing smile.
“The same for him, please.”
“So…” started Nicky. “Practice was hard, huh?”
“No,” mumbled Allison. “The captain was.”
“Well I for one have no doubt that Neil would make a delightful captain.”
Neil passed a small smile to Renee.
“As long as we’ve all graduated before.”
“Well, Allison,” started Neil. “It’s not my fault you were sloppy on your—”
“It’s not my fault you left us too tired after warm ups to actually play anything decently!”
“I agree with her, actually,” added Nicky.
“Oh really? Because you weren’t perfect eith —"
“I was glowing, thank you very much.”
The deadpan stare on Neil’s face was answer enough. Allison tried to hide her grin. Something about a riled up Neil was so easily entertaining. And somewhere at the edge of the seat, Andrew shared a glance with Renee, silently thinking the same thing.
Eventually amongst the bickering, came a voice. “Your orders are here, ma’am.”
The waiter looked baffled— so baffled that Neil had to let out a chuckle. Placing down the ice creams that looked too large to be real onto the tables, he disappeared almost as quickly as he came.
“Well,” started Renee, trying to break the silence. “What are Andrew’s thoughts on practice?”
Perking up ever-so-slightly, Andrew said smoothly. “I was just obeying the captain.”
And with that, he ignored the almost flustered breath Neil took in as he shot a world-class glare. If looks could kill, almost everyone at the table would certainly be in danger. Most certainly Andrew.
But his stare was as blank as ever.
~~~
If Neil knew how the evening would turn out, maybe he wouldn’t have pushed himself to exhaustion during training.
Sprawled over the floor with his math book laid out in front of him he flicked through the pages, skimming the pages disinterestedly. Every couple seconds— though he wouldn’t admit it⁠— he stole glances of Andrew, staring vaguely into the air. Numbly, his mind was going over the events of the day, and Neil couldn’t help a certain, faint blush that overcame certain moments.
When the keys jangled, and Nicky left the house, a small glance was shared between the two. Funnily enough, the bed seemed awfully empty all of a sudden.
It started out with small kisses. Andrew’s lips were soft against Neil’s— something that he was grateful for, what with being thoroughly exhausted.
Fingers trailed over bare skin, and with every small touch, Neil felt his breath quiver. With sudden contact, Neil felt his back against the wall. Letting a heated breath out, he felt Andrew’s lips travel over his neck and collarbone, exploring his skin. With Neil’s elbows resting on his shoulders, he let Andrew lead the way.
Soft kisses gradually became more passionate, until both of them were ready for more. Meeting Andrew’s eyes, Neil pushed back ruffled strays of auburn hair.
“Yes or no?”
“Yes, captain.”
The sigh that escaped him was answer enough.
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transias · 3 years
Note
can i request a neil x reader where she’s mr. keating’s nephew and goes to welton (first girl there)? and everyone is surprised bc they didn’t expect her to look like that kskssokw they fall for each other and you can come up with the rest :)
For The First Time.
Tumblr media
Inspiration: This ask + For The First Time - Mac Demarco
Pairings: Neil Perry x Keating!Reader
Warnings: None!
〰️
"Alright, (y/n). You got this! You look great and everything will be fine!" I said to myself, pacing around my Uncle's classroom.
He looked up at me and sighed, "I see you're getting a little exercise before school." He jokes. I look at him and chuckle, shaking my head, "I'm just... really nervous. What if they don't like me? What if my teachers hate me?"
Uncle Keating shook his head, "I don't think so. (Y/n), you were one of the best and most loved students in London, if you were able to do that there. I'm sure that you can do it here." He smiles reassuringly, "They won't like you, they'll love you."
I nod, taking a deep breath in and returning the smile, "You're right, thank you. I got this!"
We looked at the watch before realizing class was about to start, "Go get 'em, kiddo." He ruffled my hair.
I give him a playful little salute before grabbing my books, "Aye aye, Captain! I'll see you later!"
And with that, I left his classroom.
The hallways were filled with the loud chattering of the boys, but as soon as I pass by some of them quiet down, while others whisper to their friends.
I gulp and try and shake any negative thoughts out of my head.
Of course, it wouldn't be a first day without getting lost. Welton was giant, seemed like a maze.
I walk up to the first person I see and tap his shoulder, "Excuse me, could you tell me where Chemistry class is?"
He turns around, a small smile on his face but it slowly faded.
He was quite a handsome man, he had really lovely eyes, thick eyebrows, and his smile was quite nice. I hope I hadn't done anything wrong.
"Neil!" One of his friends nudge him, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"O-oh i'm sorry, yeah! We're actually going there right now, come with us we'll show you." He smiles widely again.
I return the smile and nod, "Yes please! That would be lovely, this place is huge and packed with people it's almost a maze." I chuckle softly.
Neil nods, "You're right, there. Don't worry, stick with me and you won't get caught up in a stampede." We both laugh softly.
I start walking with him and he sticks his hand out for me to shake it, "I'm Neill Perry, nice to meet you!"
I shake his hand and nod, "Nice to meet you, too! I'm (y/n) Keating! Mr. Keating is my Uncle."
"Ohhh right, yes. The new English teacher." He registers.
"Please tell us your Uncle won't leave us a bunch of homework and is one of those teachers that get angry for a reason." One of Neil's friends says.
I shake my head, "No he is FAR from that. My uncle's a very lovely man, you guys will like him!"
"Oh i'm sorry, (y/n), these are my friends. Charlie, Knox, Meeks, Pitts, Cameron, and Todd. He's new this year, just like you." Neil points to each one of them, we all wave at each other before entering the Chemistry class.
〰️
I had been at Welton for almost a month now. Uncle Keating was right, everything turned out okay and I created awesome friendships with the guys.
I grew closer with Neil, we became best friends but over time, I felt my feelings for him grow stronger and stronger.
Neil and I were in my dorm, it was small and the two of us were cozied up next to each other in my bed.
Neil was reading a poem outloud, his arm around me, and my head resting on his shoulder. Neil paused for a moment and looked at me, "(Y/n), I need to tell you something. I can't- I don't want to keep living with this secret anymore, so I need to tell you."
I sit up and I nod, "Yeah, you can tell me anything. What is it?"
Neil took a deep breath, "Ever since I laid my eyes with you, I've had this uncanny feeling when you were around me. I now realize, it was love."
My breath hitched in my throat. I want to say something but I don't know what, words simply won't come out.
"(Y/n), will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" He asks.
"Neil... I feel the same way, I really do. A-and I would love to be yours." I smile softly.
〰️
"Do you really wanna do this?" I look over at Neil, who nervously nods.
We both walk into Uncle Keating's classroom, he's at his desk, peacefully reading a book.
"Excuse me, Captain? Do you have a second?" Neil asks.
Uncle Keating looks up from his desk and nods, "Of course, what can I help you with?"
"Neil and I... we're dating, we've been together since last month and we felt bad for hiding it from you." I reply.
He looks at the both of us before letting out a small laugh, "Oh trust me, I knew already."
Neil and I both look at each other with a confused look on our faces, "H-how did you know? Did anyone tell you?" I ask.
He shakes his head, "No one told me. It was easy to tell. The way you and Neil looked at each other, it was so familiar. I had seen that look on the face of my wife before."
I smile and look down, a few memories of the both of them ran through my head. I didn't realize why they never wanted to be away from each other, but now I do. And it was with Neil, with all of the millions of people in this world, i'm glad it could be with him.
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crazy-fangirl2524 · 2 years
Text
January 19
“I wish you could come,” Neil said wistfully, staring at Andrew who he was FaceTiming. Andrew hummed in agreement. He had extra practices because his pro team is having a match on the coming Tuesday, so he couldn’t free his weekend. Neil hadn’t see Andrew for almost three weeks and he was missing him terribly. It didn’t helped that tomorrow would be January 19, a day he couldn’t help but be conscious of.
“Well goodnight,” Neil said, after a while of comforting silence. At least Matt and Dan would be coming over tomorrow, Neil thought to himself as he turned off the lights and charged his phone.
The next day, he woke up to Robin knocking on the door, asking if he wants to have breakfast with her. With a sigh, he thought that it was better to go out and eat than wallow in his room.
Just as he was getting out of his dorm, someone tackled him and he almost punched them, but then he heard familiar laughter and he hugged Matt back.
“I missed you so much,” Matt cried.
“I missed you too,” Neil said, muffled by Matt’s thick coat.
“Hey Dan,” Neil flashed a genuine smile at her. Dan grinned and joined in on the hug. Matt chatted on and on, gushing and talking animatedly. They were going into Neil’s car when Neil realised that Robin didn’t follow them.
“Oh it’s fine, she told us to get some alone time,” Matt winked at Neil. Dan shook her head in exasperation. She got into the backseat while Matt got into the front, pushing the seat way back. Andrew would be so annoyed the next time he sit there, Neil thought.
Neil drove them to the waffle house and it was really nice to see them in person. Matt talked about his pro team and complained while Dan talked of her pro team and how being an assistant coach actually weren’t that different from being captain because it’s still “ordering around lazy assholes though they are more professional and less complaining”. Neil then complained about the freshman foxes and he and Dan exchanged pointers. Sitting there with them late in the morning in a busy restaurant, Neil felt this quiet buzz of happiness and content. Nothing could ever beat the original foxes that had been there for him through thick and thin. They were his family always, he would burn the world and not let a single flame touch them.
As they were finishing breakfast, Neil went to the bathroom, and when he came out, Matt and Dan were gone. Instead a blond man was at their table and for a split second, Neil’s heart almost beat out of his chest and he remembered all the exits and thought of the fastest way to his car and how he has to find Dan and Matt and he knew what person to ask to find someone and-
The man turned and how could Neil not recognised him sooner? That tussled blond hair styled with care, the brown coat that Neil bought with him last year, and no man would ever be that height.
“Andrew” and Neil felt his chest contracted and everything spilled out of him. All the pent up tension and worry seeped out like someone opened up a locked gate.
Andrew’s piecing gaze never left his face and hungrily drank Neil in. He didn’t move as Neil walked towards him until they were just inches apart and Andrew had to tilt his head up slightly to look into his eyes.
It could have been just a few seconds, or maybe minutes, it wasn’t until a waiter cleared his throat then Neil broke away his stare. “What,” Neil said flatly.
The waiter shrank back, “uh- I- uh the bill, you guys asked for the um bill.” Neil dumped some twenties and the waiter scrambled away, stuttering something about change but Neil waved him off.
Andrew began to walk away and Neil could only follow him, like the sea following the calling of the moon. Neil noticed that his car was gone and he guessed that Matt and Dan drove it away. They walked a bit further and stopped in front of Andrew’s Maserati, a sight so comforting and real that Neil was just getting hit with the fact that Andrew was actually here. He was with him right now, next to him. And Neil suddenly wished to prove it to himself that this was all real and it wasn’t something he dreamed up himself and that Andrew was actually here.
Andrew got into his car without looking back and Neil got into his seat, the cold metal beneath his hand warmed him up more than any fire ever could. Andrew was already blasting warm air out of his car and was taking off his thick coat, leaving a big sweater, Neil’s sweater.
“Yes or no?” Neil asked, facing Andrew, his hand hovering over Andrew’s face, eyes glancing down to Andrew’s lips.
“Yes,” and Andrew closed the distance. Neil couldn’t help but sigh at the first contact of lips. He never thought he would miss kisses this much. But Andrew was everything surreal and impossible that’s right in his life and if he would burn the world for the foxes then he would upheave the whole world and fight the entire universe just to keep Andrew happy and safe.
“I thought you had extra practices.” Neil said pulling away reluctantly as humans unfortunately had to breath.
“I do,” Andrew answered.
“Thank you,” Andrew shut him up by pulling him in again. Maybe January 19 really wasn’t all that bad if he could spend it with his real family.
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fruitcoops · 3 years
Note
After the wedding, coops plays the newly wed game and Marlene is just like 😍😍
The newlywed game is so cute and Neil Patrick Harris did one with his husband a few years ago that is just adorable. SW credit goes to @lumosinlove!
“Welcome back, Lions!” Marlene said with a broad smile. “After a brief summertime hiatus, we’re back with Captain Sirius Black and our brand-new winger, Remus Lupin. Do you guys want to tell the viewers why you’re here?”
“You threatened us,” Remus said.
“Also, we got married,” Sirius added, holding up his left hand.
“Oh, yeah, that too.”
Marlene rolled her eyes as they turned to her with matching grins. “You two are hopeless. You’re here today to play the newlywed game, which will test how well you know each other. I’ll be asking each of you eleven questions that the other person has already answered, and you get a point for each answer that matches. Does that make sense?”
Remus gave her a thumbs-up. “Crystal clear.”
“Loops, because you slandered my good name earlier, you’re going first. I hope your husband wins.”
“Oh, I will,” Sirius promised, kicking the leg of Remus’ chair lightly as he tapped his cue cards on his thighs. “Alright, first one: what did we do on our first date?”
“Pizza at Sid’s,” Remus answered.
Sirius held up a small posterboard with ‘pizza’ written on it. “Correct! What was the last thing we bickered about?”
Remus thought for a moment. “You answered these today, right?”
“Yeah, honey, we did this in adjacent rooms,” Sirius laughed.
“Right, sorry. In that case, it was parallel parking because there weren’t any spots outside the building.”
“Correct! If our love life was a candy bar, what would it be?”
Remus frowned. “What?”
“If our love life was a candy bar, what would it be?” Sirius repeated with a devilish smile. “What, you don’t know this one?”
“Shit, what would you say to this?” Remus muttered. “Um…hell, I don’t know, a Snickers?”
The smile slipped off Sirius’ face. “Are you kidding me?”
“Did I get it right?” Remus’ eyes widened when Sirius held up the posterboard with ‘Snickers’ scrawled across it, and pumped both fists in the air. “Ha! I don’t even care who wins now!”
“Good, because it’s going to be me. Next question: If I could describe you in one word, what would it be?”
“If you could describe me?” Remus exhaled slowly. “That’s tough. Uh, chatty?”
“What?” Sirius asked through his laughter. “Chatty?”
“It’s true!”
“I said ‘sweet’!” He showed the board to the camera and they both burst out laughing. “Jesus, who do you think I am? Just rolling up to Marlene like, ‘hey, did you know my husband talks a lot?’”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”
“You’ve only made it through four questions,” Marlene informed them, clearly amused.
“What is your weirdest quirk?” Sirius read off the board.
Remus paused. “Like, what do I think my weirdest quirk is?”
“I think so. It threw me off at first, too.”
“This is not grammar correction hour,” Marlene called.
“I think my weirdest quirk is that I can’t end stairs on my left foot,” Remus said after a moment. “I’ll skip a step if I have to.”
Sirius hummed. “I didn’t even think of that one.”
“What did you put?”
“Pre-game superstitions.”
“Hypocrite,” Remus said with a grin.
“Perhaps. Who is my celebrity crush?”
Remus raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure you want me to tell them?”
“It’s not that weird!”
“Freddie Mercury.”
“That is a little odd,” Marlene agreed when he showed the board.
Sirius looked between them in disbelief. “Why?”
Marlene snorted. “Because the person you married is basically the exact opposite.”
“There’s a difference between thinking someone’s hot and wanting to marry them.”
Remus pouted slightly. “You don’t think I’m hot?”
“Oh my god,” Sirius groaned. “Next question. What is my favorite book?”
“The Hobbit.”
“Nope.”
“Three Musketeers?”
“Nope.”
“Winnie the Pooh?”
“What the fuck?” Sirius laughed. “It’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Marlene, can I skip the next one?”
Remus leaned closer. “Well, now I’m curious.”
“Which of us would win at Trivial Pursuit?”
“Oh, baby, I would wipe the floor with you.”
He sighed heavily. “Yeah, I know. If I needed a lift at 3 am, who would I call?”
“James.”
“Yep. What is my silliest fear?” There was a brief pause. “Really? I thought this was one of the easier ones.”
“There are several to choose from,” Remus mused. “But I think you would say your silliest fear is dishsoap bubbles.”
Sirius held the final board up. “Unfortunately, you’re correct. They’re all slimy and gross. Last question: what is our favorite activity to do together?”
A smile twitched at Remus’ lips for half a second before he regained his poker face. “I would say hockey, but I think it’s actually road trips.”
“Incorrect,” Sirius said smugly.
“We literally had this conversation two days ago. What did you put down?”
He flipped the board around. “Movie night. You’re not entirely wrong about road trips, but bonus points helped you win last time, so I’m never doing that again.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Remus waved him off, as if he wasn’t having the time of his life. “Okay, number one: who is the better driver?”
“Me,” Sirius said without hesitation.
“Indeed. What did I wear on our first date?”
Sirius bit his lip in concentration. “You wore jeans and a sweater. Your green one, right?”
Remus glanced to the camera, clearly stunned, then held up his board. “Yeah, you nailed it.”
They high-fived and Sirius leaned back in his chair, grinning. “You thought you were so smart with that Snickers answer, huh? I know things, sweetheart!”
“Who is the tidiest?” Remus continued with a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Me, but you clean more often.”
“True. Who is the funniest?”
“You.” Remus shook his head and Sirius gave him an offended look. “You’re way funnier than I am!”
“We’re funny in different ways,” Remus conceded. “You make really good puns, but I’m just sarcastic and people think I’m kidding. Who does the most cooking?”
“You, for sure.”
“Marley, these questions are too easy. You’re rigging the game against me.” Remus shot her a teasing glare as he set the used boards on the ground. “What is my ideal date?”
“Going to the bookstore and staying there for at least four hours.”
“I don’t know about four hours—”
“Re, I love you, but that is exactly what we did last weekend.”
Remus hesitated, then nodded. “Fair. What is my favorite junk food?”
“You are an Oreo hound. We have, what, three boxes stashed in the house right now?”
“Five,” Remus muttered.
Sirius’ jaw went a little slack. “Where? I only saw three in the pantry.”
“I’m not telling you, you’ll steal them!”
He turned to Marlene with a disbelieving look and she shrugged. “Hey, I’m just here to moderate. This is reality tv for me.”
“If I was a Disney princess, who would I be?” Remus asked before things could devolve further.
“Belle, obviously.”
“Hell yeah. What do I think your best feature is?”
“Again with the wording,” Sirius sighed. “Hmm. You’re always messing with my hair.”
“It is very soft,” Remus agreed. “But that’s the wrong answer. I think you have the prettiest eyes.”
His cheeks went pink. “Really?”
“Babe, I’ve told you this a million times,” Remus laughed.
“Still.”
He shook his head and moved on to the next question. “Which of us has the worst handwriting?”
Sirius frowned. “Neither of us has bad handwriting.”
“Which one is worse than the other?” Marlene clarified.
“You, maybe?” he guessed. “I really like your handwriting, though.”
“Yeah, I put myself for that one. It’s kind of a weird half-cursive with a bunch of loops. Which is fitting, I suppose.” He shrugged. “Ready for the last one? You’re totally going to get this.”
“Don’t jinx me.”
“What was our last date, and when?”
“Last Thursday,” Sirius said. “We got takeout and watched The Princess and the Frog.”
“Did you sing along?” Marlene asked.
“Of course we did,” Remus said with a playful scoff. “Alright, who won?”
Behind the camera, Dorcas cleared her throat. “Remus, you got seven out of eleven correct, and Sirius, you scored a grand total of…nine.”
Sirius whipped back around to face him. “I told you I would win!”
“I’m crushed,” Remus said drily, though he couldn’t keep down his smile. “Oh, no, my husband knows me too well!”
“Did you guys have fun?” Marlene asked.
“We always do.” Sirius slid the boards across the floor to her before looking up to the camera. “Thanks for joining us today to see my victory at last, Lions! Be sure to like and subscribe to Lion Pride for more content like this.”
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wesawbears · 3 years
Text
Happy summer exchange season! This is for @autumnalpalmetto, who asked for Andrew friendship with the rest of the Foxes/Andreil for the @aftgexchange event.
I hope you enjoy!
--
At first, Andrew suspected it was just a bad day. A heaviness in his head, a fog that made him pay less attention to practice than normal. He brushed both Neil’s concern and Kevin’s anger off in equal measure, just wanting to get back to his room and sleep for the rest of the day.
Neil didn’t comment when he burrowed beneath his blankets and didn’t talk for the rest of the night. The junkie eventually left him to sleep and watched games with Kevin in his room, but Andrew could feel his eyes on him as he walked away. At the moment, he was too tired to muster up the energy to feel bad about pushing him away. Neil could handle Andrew’s moods.
His bad day theory was proven wrong when he woke up with a throbbing headache. He sits up, only to find the world was tilting a little bit. Groaning, he lays back down. “Fuck.”
Neil, insufferable morning person that he is, is already up and back from a run. Andrew can hear him rummaging around in the kitchen. The noise is for Andrew’s benefit; he knows if he wanted to Neil could do his whole morning routine in near silence, so used to being unseen. But he doesn’t want to startle Andrew. It’s as annoyingly considerate as it is unnecessary.
 He also knows without seeing that Neil’s getting two mugs of coffee, one for Andrew to wake him up before Neil goes to his 9:00 class, like he does every Thursday. “Don’t bother,” he tries to yell, but his voice comes out a thin, papery rasp.
Neil comes into the room then, before stopping short at the door. “You look like shit.”
“I’m not sick,” he says immediately.
“I’ll make you some tea,” Neil answers, turning on his heel and heading back into the kitchen.
“I don’t like tea,”
“Can’t hear you. I’m in the kitchen.”
Andrew wants to scream, but can’t muster the energy, so he just settles back against the headboard and closes his eyes.
A few minutes later, Neil is there, handing him a thermos of tea. He can barely taste it, which is ideal, but he can tell Neil put a truly obscene amount of honey in it. His throat still feels like it’s been shredded when he swallows, but he hides his grimace. 
At least, he thinks he does. Neil’s face says otherwise. Or maybe Neil is just obnoxiously good at reading him.
“Shut up,” he rasps.
“Didn’t say anything,” Neil quips back.
“Your face speaks volumes.”
Neil smiles like it’s a love confession. “I’ll tell Coach you won’t be at practice.”
“Letting me play hooky, captain?”
“It’s a liability if you pass out. Lots of paperwork.” His face softens then. “I’ll come check on you later.”
“You don’t need to.”
“I know.”
Andrew doesn’t know if it’s being sick, or the discomfiting feeling of being...looked after that makes him feel like heaving, but he shuts his eyes in an effort to make it leave. He hears the click of the door shutting as Neil leaves and breathes out.
--
Kevin gets back from his own class about an hour later, and Andrew wakes at the sound of the door opening.
. “Neil was right- you do look like shit.”
“Unlike with Neil, I will throw this thermos at your head.”
Apparently it didn’t come across with the bite Andrew had intended, because Kevin just scoffs and throws something at him.
“Cold medicine?” 
Kevin shrugs. “You’re too stubborn to take it on your own. So I’ll just stand here until that happens.”
He swallows the pills with the last drops of tea, wincing as they scrape his throat. “Did Neil put you up to this?”
“You think Neil would think of using medicine? I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s never heard of cold medicine.”
Andrew grunts in assent, turning the thought over as Kevin retreats into his bedroom. If Neil didn’t put him up to it, Andrew doesn’t know what sparked Kevin’s sudden concern for his wellbeing. It was a cold. He wasn’t dying. 
He had half convinced himself it was all a fever dream when he heard a knock. “Who’sit?”
The person didn’t bother answering, opening the door where Kevin had left it unlocked. 
Andrew purses his lips. “I didn’t know a cold would turn my room into fucking Grand Central.”
“Relax. I’ll be gone in like two minutes.”
He watches as Aaron walks past him to the kitchen. “Nicky got you ice cream, even though I told him that dairy just makes sore throats worse. He wanted to bring it himself, but I told him the last thing you would want was him buzzing around.  Here are some crackers if you get hungry.”
He was gone as soon as he’d arrived, and Andrew settles back under his blankets for a nap. When he wakes to a soft knock at the door, he glances at his phone and sees it’s close to dinner time.
“It’s me,” he hears, and recognizes Renee’s voice. “I’ll only be a minute.”
He thinks he mumbles, “Come in”. 
“I brought you some soup, when you’re feeling up to it. And Dan, Allison, and Matt offered some of their DVDs in case you get bored. Allison says that bad movies are the best cure for a cold.”
He hums at that. “I think most doctors would disagree.”
Renee chuckles lightly at that. “Yes, well. They’re trying.”
He doesn’t know whether he wants to ask why. It seems a pointless question. “They know I probably wouldn’t do the same for them.”
Renee smiles. “They know. But I don’t suspect that that’s why they’re doing this.” She pauses at the door, evidently not expecting an answer. “Feel better, Andrew.”
--
Neil makes his reappearance shortly after that, once he’s done ending his day running drills with the freshmen strikers. 
“You missed quite the parade in here,” Andrew greets him.
“Oh yeah?” he asks, making his way up to the loft.
“Yes. Kept me from taking the nap I wanted.”
“I don’t know. You looked pretty dead to the world when I came in earlier to check on you.”
“Well, I didn’t have to keep up with you running your mouth. That preserves energy.”
“You like my mouth,” Neil smirks, leaning in and stopping short of his mouth. “Yes?”
“You’ll get sick.”
“I don’t care. We have plenty of provisions.”
Andrew closes the gap with a short kiss. “I’m not sharing my soup. Or my ice cream.”
“Rude.”
Andrew doesn’t have the energy to deal with the look on Neil’s face, so he pushes his face away lightly. “That’s it for tonight.”
“Do you want me to sleep in my bed?” 
From anyone else, it would come across petulant, but Andrew knows Neil means it. He also doesn’t have the energy to parse through the jolt that goes through him at the idea of Neil not being next to him.
Instead of voicing that, he shrugs. “Don’t whine when you get sick.”
Neil doesn’t answer, simply settling in next to him.
Andrew closes his eyes. “And don’t keep me awake with your staring.”
“Go to sleep, Andrew.”
He drifts off to the feeling of Neil’s hand in his hair, and the warmth of his body next to him. He knows the comfort won’t last, and he won’t always be okay with this,  but for now, it’s enough.
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emilysshortstories · 3 years
Text
Steven Meeks x Reader, part 3
sorry i haven’t updated this in a while, work and my period have been kicking my ass. 
Words: 1059 (59, year it took place HA)
Warnings: sexual harassment
Listening to my uncle go on about Walt Whitman and Carpe Diem yet again was fun, even if I had heard it a thousand times before. Even more interesting was looking at the boys' faces that have never heard this monologue before, physically seeing it touch their hearts. I never really understood why my uncle loved teaching so much until that moment. 
Assuming that 2pm quickly became everyone's favorite time of the day wouldn’t be that absurd of a thought. It was my favorite, no question, but there was also no question about meal times becoming my least favorite. Specifically lunch, the teachers didn’t eat lunch with the students like they did breakfast and dinner, so that meant I couldn’t sit with my uncle and the students were a bit less supervised. This gave the boys a pass to make me their target, target for what? You may ask. Flirting is the answer. Charlie wasn’t the only flirt in the school. So during lunch I would constantly have boys trying to sit next to me, get a little too close for my liking, ask me out, and talk about me like I couldn’t figure out what they were doing. I never encouraged this behavior, but tried not to be rude, always saying no to the dates and eventually starting to ‘save’ seats for friends or my uncle. This only made the boys of this school start treating me like a prize, see who was the man capable to win me over. Consequently, the flirtations got increasingly more intense by the day, making me feel like a new animal at the zoo. I was always doing school work with a blank face to seem unapproachable, but that didn’t always work sadly. 
A boy, who approached me yesterday, came up to me, slid on my bench until he was so close that I could feel little droplets of his saliva on my neck, and said “Hey sweets!”. Same as yesterday. I cringed back away from him and said “First of all, my name is Y/N, second of all, could you not get so close to me? I asked this of you yesterday in case you forgot”. I said this in a strong tone to let him know I was being serious, but also putting effort into not sounding rude to hopefully not make him too mad. “Oh come on, I was just joking-” and what an utterly hilarious joke that was. “- can I sit with you?”
“Actually, I’m saving this seat for a friend”
“Really? You’re gonna do me like that? We all know you say that to every guy and no one ever shows up.”
“Well, sometimes they don’t show up, but I still think it’s nice to save spots for your friends”
“Alright, I can read a room-” Can you? “- Bye sweets” he says, leaning way too close yet again. I flinch, shoulders coming up to my violated ears with a frown on my face. 
I was getting really sick of this shit, and actually tried talking to my uncle about it. We were walking through the courtyard when Charlie and the gang came up to my uncle and I. “Oh captain, my captain” Neil said to grab his attention. Neil presented my uncle with his school annual and asked him about the dead poets society. Of course I knew what it was, it’s all Mike would talk about when the topic of highschool came up. So while he was talking, I zoned out while looking at meeks. He was so pretty, I wish he would sit next to me and ask me out. He’s the only one I find interesting anyways, plus it would get everyone off my ass. Bonus. 
When my uncle was done, we stood up and started to walk away. “You know they are gonna go tonight right?” I asked. “Well I would sure hope so!” he said with a smile. “I love you uncle Mike” I said with a laugh, leaning into his shoulder with a hug.  “Now the question is, which of the boys do I give my old book to?” he said while slinging an arm over my shoulder. “You’re gonna trust them with that?”
“Well of course, how else will they know what to read at the start?”
“You are insatiable uncle”
“Oh, clever word, you must be related to me”.
“AHH! I’m a dead poet!” “Oh that’s really funny Charlie” “Hey, right in here- Fuck.” Neil cursed at the sight of me, with a flashlight, laying down on a flat rock with my legs crossed. “Oh what, you really didn’t think I wouldn’t figure it out would you? Who else told Mike who to give the book to?” I asked while the other boys piled into the cave, all stopping at the sight of me. “Are you gonna tell?” Dick Cam asked bitterly. 
“Course not! I just didn’t want to miss out on anything. Can’t let you guys have all the fun!”
“I’m alright with it, we need someone to swoon.” Charlie said, walking further into the cave. 
“Yeah right.”
We all listened to everyone’s scary stories, poems, and more until Charlie presented us with an original piece. As soon as he opened up the picture it was written on, Meeks yelled “Charlie! What the hell is the matter with you!” and quickly put his hands over my eyes. Wow, nice hands. “It’s ok Meeks, nothing I haven’t seen before, I just hope you boys aren’t naive enough to believe that is realistic”. 
“See?! It’s fine” Charlie said before beginning his poem “-- They learn to love from me”.
“SWOON!” I dramatically yell and flop into Meeks’ lap like a fish. Once I landed I looked up at his wide eyes and gave him a bright look and started laughing. Everyone started to giggle as I pulled myself up. Everyone but Meeks, “Sorry Stevie” I say and nudge him with my shoulder. He smiles at that, filled with teeth and pink cheeks. Cute. We walked back to the school, actually rather danced. Meeks at one point taking my hand and spinning me around. So I hugged him back and dipped backwards when he put his arms around my waist, exposing my chest and neck to him. Screaming my intentions of course, but in that moment I didn’t care. I swooned. 
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jtl-fics · 11 months
Text
Fluent Freshman - Part 28
PREVIOUS
FF does not like being on pain medication.
Everything feels floaty and it is so hard to focus on anything around him.
He’s almost glad that his Gran has given him something to focus on that something being helping her sell her lie to the Foxes that she only knows Polish. Coach Wymack must know but the man is a steel trap and FF finds himself envying his Gran that HER secret keeper is Coach Wymack.
“Smithy! My sweet beautiful idiot!” Nicky cries when Gran gives Wymack the OK for them to come back in. FF finds himself on the receiving end of 2 forehead kisses and a kiss to each of his cheeks from Nicky. “Next time you see a crazy mafia hitman looking to kidnap me you just grab me and RUN.” He orders pointedly, “No more cool guy shit where you take ‘em out in the weird sex alley.” He runs his fingers through FF’s hair and…
Yeah it’s okay that Nicky is the one that knows.
Nicky is so nice.
“What about Aaron?” FF asks.
“If Romero could grab Aaron when he is in whacky inflatable tube mode then I don’t think he’d be taken out by you and Andrew.” Nicky says with a watery smile.
“Hey.” Aaron’s voice is offended.
“Learn to dance at a club already. We’ve been going for years.” Nicky shoots back but never takes his eyes off of FF’s face.
“I dance just fine. I’m better than Kevin.” Aaron argues.
“Hey.” Kevin’s voice is offended.
“You are better than Kevin, but that’s not a real standard of good.” Nicky dismisses, “Regardless, next time grab me and I’ll grab Aaron and the three of us can hide literally anywhere other than the weird sex alley. We could go to the back room with Roland or, if it means you not ending up in the hospital with a stab wound, I would even tolerate hiding down in the straight swingers club in the basement.” Nicky says.
He sees Andrew and Captain Neil tense off to the side.
Oh, that’s right.
Oh fun another lie for him to focus on instead of feeling floaty. Gran always talked about the virtue of telling the truth but the only thing set free would be Nicky in a club that he’s not supposed to know about.
“I wouldn’t ask that of you Nicky.” FF says instead.
Nicky laughs and kisses his cheek one more time. “You’re my favorite family member now. Sorry Aaron, you’ve made me endure the horrors of a heterosexual relationship for too long.” Nicky says stroking  FF’s face as he looks up to where FF assumes Aaron is.
“Hey.” Aaron says in the exact same way he said earlier.
“Andrew-“ Nicky starts but is cut off.
“I don’t care.”
“That’s the spirit.” Nicky says, “Neil-“
“Nicky, I also don’t care.”
“At least you have one another to support each other.”
“Wait, what about me?” Kevin asks.
“You won’t even LEARN the family language Kevin, you were NEVER in the running for my favorite.” Nicky dismisses and doesn’t bother to turn back to the  “So Smithy is my favorite family member now with Aras coming in second.”
Two things strike FF in the wake of family conversation.
First, when in the world did Kevin get here? Why is he here? Is he going to ask the doctors to run tests on FF to figure out stealth mode?
Second, Nicky just used his Gran’s nickname. The nickname that causes FF no small amount of embarrassment. It was a youthful indiscretion! He had thought he understood Lithuanian quite well! He had wanted to impress his Great Gran and his Gran with his knowledge.
“You’re looking pale Smith, do you need more pain medication?” Captain Neil asks.
“No, I’m fine.” He is pretty sure that pain meds can’t numb the psychological pain of his friends hearing about his youthful mistakes and he doesn’t care how bad his stomach is going to hurt he wants to only take the absolute minimum amount of pain meds required to get through this so he can stop floating.
Having friends nearby makes it so much easier.
Conversations go on with him and around him. He’s tired still from everything and when a nurse comes in to try and give him more pain medication he declines. All present in the room except Gran try to convince him to take it but he declines all but the most minor amount to take the edge off.
He finally realizes that Kevin had not been with them and asks why the hell he’s here. He gets an answer that makes him reconsider being on any pain medication at all because it doesn’t really make any sense. Why in the world is Kevin telling him not to trust the nutritionist?
Neil lets him know that the FBI are going to be coming around at some point to talk to him. He says that Agent Browning is a dick but generally fine and that there will be a local agent Iruma Matsumoto stopping by before him, probably today. He looks right at Andrew and says “Yeah, I’ll talk with them about how Romero stabbed me.” Andrew lets out an amused puff of laughter that makes FF feel like he might be doing alright at this friendship thing.
He apologizes to Andrew that he can’t make the pie today and gets a flick to his ear.
He finds out that he slept through all of Saturday and that it is Sunday morning. Finds out that his Gran and Wymack had stayed over at the Columbia house last night and that Wymack has him excused from his classes this week. He also finds out that Nicky has given his grandma a key to the house in Columbia so she could stay there while she’s visiting him.
He apologizes to Nicky for messing up the clothes he’d let him borrow and earns another flick to the ear from Nicky.
Wymack hands him a new phone that Nicky has apparently set up for him. His lip quirks up slightly when he sees that Nicky registered it as ’Smithy’s phone’. Neil shows him some stuff since he has the same phone model but Andrew rolls his eyes.
“You’ve barely figured out how to set anything on your phone Junkie. You still haven’t even set a screen lock.” He says as he pulls Neil back from FF’s space.
“I’ve figured out how to change the notification ping.” Neil argues but lets himself be pulled away and if Andrew keeps his arm around Neil afterwards? No one comments on that.
He translates things for his Gran when it seems important for her to be able to respond to and helps Nicky with some pronunciations.
He falls asleep a couple times and wakes up to his friends and teammates in all sorts of different configurations. Nicky gets him some good sugar-free Jell-O from the nurses while Aaron smacks Kevin upside the head when Kevin complains that it’s not good for him and not part of the diet he’s making to get FF back on the Court ASAP. “He’s gotta be on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours after his surgery.” Aaron hisses.
“Why does it have to be clear? I can put it in a blender but it won’t be clear.” Kevin grumbles.
“He’s not going to be on puree’d food for at least two weeks idiot.” Aaron smacks his head again.
“Stop that.”
He hears from Wymack the other Freshman Dealer won’t be returning and that Sheena is now their only Dealer and she does not do defense well. Kevin’s disapproval for the Jell-O cups only grows stronger in light of this news. His grumbling only stops when Gran looks at him and says “Maybe someone should help you pull that stick out of your ass young man.” In her nicest most grandmotherly voice.
When Kevin turns to FF for a translation Nicky beats him to it, “She said a handsome young man like you shouldn’t ruin your face with worries.” He says without a hint that he’s lying.
Kevin preens at the grandmotherly approval of his looks and FF gets to know that he, Nicky and his grandma all have lying in common.
Eventually it’s lunch time and the natural hunger of college athlete boys trumps anything else. Kevin won’t eat anything at the cafeteria since he doesn’t trust the nutritionist so they agree to head out of the hospital to grab food. He’s more tired than hungry so he tells his Gran to go with them. She pats his face and promises she’ll be back with some clear soup for him per the Doctor’s order and despite Kevin’s grumbling that he could make a clear protein shake.
His Gran kisses his forehead and tells him that she’ll be back soon and that he should rest as much as he can.
***
FF can’t sleep.
He tried.
He really did.
But without the noise of everyone else his mind keeps going back to the last time he was in a hospital. He closes his eyes and he can see Gran’s pale face when she tells him that his dad didn’t make it and the tears when she tells him neither-
He can’t sleep.
So he gets up against medical advice and decides to go on a walk. He’s not been connected to any of the monitoring equipment since he had first woken up, just the IV keeping him hydrated. FF decides he wants to get his dad’s leather back because it would make him feel better. The leather jacket has weight that would keep his feet strictly on the ground and it’s something his Gran had given to him when he went off to college so that he could keep his dad close. He could call a nurse but it feels like he shouldn’t distract them with something as stupid as getting him his dad’s jacket so he doesn’t have a panic attack.
So he lets himself slip into the background and heads towards the nurse station. He thinks that might be where they’re holding his belongings. It’s a good first stop if nothing else.
He can’t help but notice a strange number of men in suits but figures that maybe they’re just there to talk to people who seem to have gotten caught up in some sort of mass casualty incident.
He makes it to the nurse station and when a whole 5 minutes goes by without a single nurse clocking that he exists he considers speaking up until he sees a nurse bagging up some clothes, slapping on a label, and heading away.
It’s nice when things work out for him.
Another suit wearing man comes up and a different nurse sees him there immediately and comes up, “What can I help you with?” She asks.
“I’m looking for someone with the last name Smith, he has a stab wound?” The man asks.
“You’re going to have to be more specific.” The nurse responds with exasperation but FF is already almost out of earshot when he hears it because he’s following the nurse with the bag.
He follows her down the hallway and she thankfully takes an elevator instead of going down the stairs because FF doesn’t know how he would have gotten his IV stand down with him.
FF walks in with her and he watches her slump as the doors slide close. Relaxing like most people do when they think they’re alone. Her shoulders go straight back when the elevator opens again and he follows after her.
He follows her to a door that she unlocks and proceeds to enter and FF sees a room full of the same bags with belongs all tagged with a last name and a room number. “Christ, why are there so many fucking Smiths in here right now?” She grumbles but takes him straight to the S section and he sees his own ‘Smith’ and room number.
He grabs it and heads out the door before the nurse and heads into the elevator.
His phone pings with a text message. He opens it and sees a text from an unknown number.
“Come to the Cafeteria. - IM”
FF stares at his phone for a few minutes before the initials click.
Iruma Matsumoto, the local FBI agent who was coming to talk to him today according to Captain Neil. It’s weird to be texted like this but this is the first time he’s ever had to talk to the FBI. Maybe it’s normal? He doesn’t really want to bother Captain Neil about what getting interrogated by the FBI is like since Captain Neil is out at lunch.
He decides to go to the Cafeteria.
FF follows the directory in the elevator and then the arrows that point him towards the cafeteria. He takes a moment to pull his dad’s jacket out and it does help him feel better. He realizes the McDonald’s toy is still in his pocket and thinks that he really should probably turn that over to Agent Matsumoto.
When he gets to the cafeteria he sees even more of those guys in suits and then he sees a well dressed Japanese man sitting by himself at a table. FF has a moment where he thinks ‘Wow that FBI agent sure does look like a member of the Yakuza.’ Before he squashes it because ‘OMG that’s such a fucking racist thing to think. Thoughts from the abyss are the worst and Agent Matsumoto is probably a perfectly nice guy.’
He takes a seat in front of the man who is surrounded by two other of the men in black he’s seen. Oh that guy was probably looking for him to bring him here so they could have the talk.
None of the men seem to notice him and FF realizes that he’s still in stealth mode. He sets the bag with the rest of his clothes to the side and clears his throat.
Three sets of eyes are on him immediately and FF breathes through the anxiety as the two men at either side of Agent Matsumoto seem to reach for something at their holsters.
“Captain Neil said you wanted to talk to me.” He says.
Captain Matsumoto raises a hand and the two men on either side of him return to an at ease position.
***
Ichirou Moriyama could admit to himself that he had been startled when a young man seemingly appeared out of nowhere in front of him without any warning. He sees a bulge in the man’s pocket that says that he’s armed and he could have done anything before bringing attention to himself. He had men throughout the hospital and no one has spotted Wesninski or any of his cohorts but they had their eyes peeled for the uninvolved civilian who had taken out Jackson on his own and had assisted Wesninski’s guard dog in taking out Romero.
Interesting.
Ichirou clasps his hands together in over the cafeteria table.
“Yes, let’s talk.” He agrees.
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kevindayscrown · 3 years
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The one where Kevin Day falls in love with an ice hockey player.
Part 1 The lost bet
Anything included in this head canon takes place the semester after the Foxes won the championship against the Ravens.
Disclaimer: I know next to nothing about varsity teams in the United States so excuse any false information. If you haven’t read the Introductory post, you are adviced to do so or you won’t understand shit. 
It started with a bet.
A lost bet.
Of course, the Foxes of the Exy team are used to placing bets amongst themselves over the smallest and silliest things. It’s when they include others that it gets complicated.
Ask any of them, and they will not be able to tell you how it started, probably to avoid the embarrassment. Ask the ice hockey players, and they will gladly fill you in.
It started in the athlete’s dining hall. The unhealthy featured option for the day was pie. Nicky, of course, had left class early just so he would be able to get a piece for himself and his cousin with the sweet tooth. Pie ran out early if you weren’t from the firsts to wait in line.
It just so happened that a group of hockey players were behind Nicky in line. Nicky, with the remarkable ability of not being able to shut up, started blubbering about how sweets were not allowed in the dorms after Kevin kept bitching about it.
One of the ice hockey players – Bryce Matthews, left defenseman – dared to make the following statement:
“Bet you that Day wouldn’t even dare eat today’s dessert. That guy has his racquet stuck up his ass. Doubt he would ruin that freaky diet of his.”
Of course, that was a challenge, a bet. Nicky wouldn’t dare not accept it. Especially from their ‘sworn enemies’.
“Oh, really? Bet you I can get Kevin to eat the entire thing.”
The two of them agreed to it after also discussing the terms for the winning and the losing side. Nicky knew he had to get Kevin to eat from the pie.
He didn’t.
“Kevin, I’m telling you, we will all regret it.”
Kevin gave him a blank stare and pushed the plate away, thinking that Nicky was messing around, trying to annoy him. He soon realized that wasn’t the case.
“Seems like we are going to have guests at the rink today,” a voice said from behind him. Kevin turned around, finding none other than Jiang Eric, standing there with his two lackeys at his side, grinning.
It was unusual for the Ice Hockey Captain to take pleasure in such stupid bets his own team usually engaged in.
But this involved Kevin.
And if there was anything Eric was more passionate about than Ice Hockey, it was annoying Kevin Day.
“What did you do this time?” Aaron snapped at Nicky.
“I may or may not have placed a bet.”
“See you there after practice!” Eric called and fist bumped his teammates as they exited the dining hall, their laughter echoing around the room.
Turns out, these were the terms that Nicky had agreed to:
The losing side’s team would have to come over to the winning side’s facilities and spend the entire evening after afternoon practice playing the other team’s sport.
Which meant that the Exy team now had to put on skates and spend two whole hours balancing on ice.
“Hemmick, I swear, I’m gonna murder you.” Kevin was furious. Of course, they couldn’t just not go, it was a matter of pride.
They were in the lounge when afternoon practice was over, discussing how they would manage to not make fools out of themselves. Allison was the only one who was having fun with this, seeing as she already knew how to skate.
Andrew was munching on that piece of pie from earlier.
(Neil may or may not have smuggled it for him after it was left untouched.)
“Look, I just think we should all be blaming Kevin for not trusting me,” Nicky said, holding his hands up in defense. The foxes let out exasperated sighs of frustration.
“Why are y’all sitting on your asses?” Heads turned as Wymack spoke. The coach wouldn’t admit it, but perhaps seeing his foxes on skates was the most amusing thought he had had in a while. “Get going. Or they will think you are all a bunch of cowards.”
The Foxhole Rink was as big as the university’s Exy court, though there had been talks of reconstructions, seeing as the team had been climbing up the ranks. The Ice Hockey team – all six players of the starting lineup – were waiting for the Exy players.
Eric’s grin from earlier was still plastered on his face as he held up a pair of skates and threw them at Kevin, who caught them just in time.
“Welcome to my domain, Day.”
The Exy Foxes were led to the locker rooms and were given spare equipment that would fit them best. It was rather similar to their own equipment so they easily slipped into it.
Then the ice hockey players came in with the skates. Spares of all sizes that the Foxes could choose from according to their size. They passed them down one by one and helped the exy players tie them properly.
“Need help Day?”
Kevin had managed to squeeze his one foot in but it was harder than expected to figure out all the laces and the straps. Admitting he needed help, however, would be just another blow to his confidence.
Eric kneeled down nonetheless and picked up Kevin’s foot. He secured the skates and then held the blades up, attaching them as well. Kevin grumbled something under his breath but Eric doubted it was a thanks.
They only exchanged a glance before Kevin tried getting onto his feet.
“Hey, this isn’t that bad,” Matt said. Indeed, balancing on the blades while on a stable floor wasn’t too bad. It was tricky at best, but the foxes knew tricky.
It was when they slid on the ice that they realized exactly how tricky it was.
The first one to fall on his face was Aaron. The Foxes rarely heard him curse so colorfully.
Dan was clinging onto the side of the rink with wobbly legs that threatened to give out at any moment. Matt was easing into it slowly. Allison gracefully skated past them with a small flick of her hair.
Kevin was also holding onto the ledge, deciding there was no chance he would let go.
That was, until he saw Eric glide in, looking surprisingly graceful for a six-foot five guy with all this heavy equipment on him.
Kevin slowly pushed himself off of the ledge and slid across the ice, holding his hands out for balance while also holding onto the hockey stick. He couldn’t understand how Eric could move around, block hockey packs and coordinate his team at the same time.
“It’s not as hard as it looks,” Eric said, which somehow annoyed Kevin more.
“At least it explains why you are all such thickheads,” Kevin snapped back.
Kevin noticed Eric’s eyes narrowing underneath the helmet. The goaltender moved to him in a way that made Kevin try to move backwards. His left foot slipped and he lost his balance.
A hand around his waist stopped him right before he hit the ice. He looked up and saw Eric, his hockey stick dropped as he had moved to catch Kevin from falling.
Eric wasn’t sure why he had done it. The first lesson to ice skating was that you would fall many times before you’d even be able move. It was mostly harmless.
He told himself he had just felt responsible for startling Kevin and immediately pulled him upright.
“Part your legs.”
“Excuse me?” Kevin asked with an arched eyebrow.
“Part your legs. Keep just the right amount of distance between your feet. Lean your body slightly forward and find your balance.” As Eric talked, he pressed one hand on Kevin’s stomach and the other on his back, adjusting his upper body properly.
Kevin was too stunned to push him away.
Thankfully, Andrew had not been in the first six to enter the rink or he would had probably tried to stab Eric with the blade of his skates for touching Kevin.
“Ready to try playing? I promise I’ll be gentle.” Eric said and winked as he picked up his stick. Kevin convinced himself it was a trick of the light as he moved forward.
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simonsrosebud · 3 years
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the one where someone doesn’t know who kevin day is, pt. 2
part one three four five
dalton’s apartment becomes a common occurrence over the next month.  kevin kisses dalton into the couch cushions, and then the bed.  and this one time it’s almost the same, except dalton interrupts.  “oh, hey, i’ll be at your game tomorrow- ah,” he breathes as kevin kisses down his neck.
kevin doesn’t like that.  no- he likes that, that dalton is willing to see him  do what he loves and all, but not that he told him right now.  because now he has to stop what he’s doing and explain.  explain that he’s pretty fucking famous in the exy world, that his mother is the creator of the sport, that he’s kevin day- what that entails.
but dalton takes it surprisingly easily.  he thinks it’s because he’s not invested in the sport in the way almost everyone else kevin knows is and just doesn’t get it, or maybe because he actually likes kevin for kevin and just doesn’t care about his past and the weight of his name.
because after kevin’s done dalton kisses away his frown and climbs onto his lap.  “don’t worry, hot shot, you’re still just a history nerd to me.”
kevin upgrades dalton and his friend to his family seats.  his friend seems to know exactly who he is when he goes up to them before warm ups, and by the guys face kevin realizes that dalton definitely didn’t tell his friend who they’d come for.
kevin hugs dalton.  “i’m not out yet,” he whispers.  “otherwise i’d kiss you.”
dalton grins like a child.  “later.”  he shrugs.
andrew mocks him in the car to fox tower after their win.  “invite your boyfriend?”  and he freezes.  “fuck you for thinking i’m an idiot.”
kevin thanks god that nicky rode with matt.  aaron and neil both look at him, though.  “you’re dating someone?”  neil will never not be oblivious.  aaron just sneers.
kevin stays quiet.  he should’ve known better from andrew, after all.  but he pulls out his phone.  come pick me up?
be there in 30, we're walking home from the stadium LOL
it's enough time to go hang out with the rest of the team and the vixens in the lounge, dan would kill him if he didn't show at all.  but he must lose track of time because eventually the door opens and instead of another fox it's dalton.  it's not enough to pause conversations, even though kevin is sure they all at least notice.
when kevin follows him out dalton knocks shoulders with his and smiles.  “are you drunk?  i noticed they were drinking.”
“no.  i’m um, i’m-i’m four months... sober.”
dalton is a pure angel because he smiles at kevin as he drives.  “that’s good, kev, i’m proud of you for that.”  and he doesn’t make him explain, or ask questions.  he takes it at face and lets it go, and it makes kevin want to bask in the feeling he gets from it.  it’s a different kind of trust than he’s used to.
he texts andrew that he’s not coming home for the night.  as soon as they get inside dalton’s place he has his lips on kevin’s.  “looked really hot tonight,” he mumbles and lets kevin walk him backwards towards his room.  “wish you still had your uniform on.  so strong,” and squeals when kevin picks him up.
“stop talking, d”
the next morning dalton drops him off at the stadium for training.  he doesn’t see anyone else there, so he lets dalton grab his face and kiss him before climbing out with a smile.
it fades when he sees nicky and allison staring at him as they exit the stadium.  he forgot it was therapy week for the team.
kevin freezes up.  nicky’s grinning, and allison continues walking to her car.  “wait!”  nicky wiggles his eyebrows when kevin grabs his arm.  “for once in your life, nicky, please don’t tell anyone.”
and it’s weird, because nicky kind of loses his smile.  “are you gay?  or bisexual?”
shrug.  “second.”
“are you serious about not telling people?  you’re obviously not out yet.”  kevin nods, and nicky smiles.  “i won’t tell.  i can keep secrets, you know, when they matter.”
kevin looks to allison, who looks to nicky.  “we’ve all noticed you hanging out with that guy lately.  if a bet about you two boning comes up we’re splitting the pot.”  nicky nods.  “secrets safe with me, then.”
kevin doesn’t tell them that andrew and neil know.  allison’s stubborn and he’s lucky he got her to keep her mouth shut on the first try.
he’s still moody during practice, though.  on their way back, andrew drives right past fox tower and to dalton’s apartment.  kevin doesn’t even realize until the car stops.  “what are-“
“get out.  you’re not allowed back until your mood is gone.”  and kevin could just walk back.  it’s only a fifteen minute walk, honestly, but he doesn’t really want to.  he wants dalton to wrap his body around him so he can take a nap and he wants to just hug him.  he’s realized over time that he’s been incredibly touch starved, and he’s become a fan of bear hugs.
he could feel himself distracted during practice, worrying himself over if he should tell the public that he’s bi to get ahead of it and worrying over what he and dalton are.  if it’s going in a direction that would even give him reason to come out.
so when dalton lets him in with a smile at the unexpected visit, kevin kind of falls into his arms and hugs him.  “can you hold me.”  it’s a different type of vulnerability, but dalton takes it with grace.
and eventually, when dalton’s lying on him with a hand in his hair, he asks, “do you wanna be my boyfriend?”
kevin snaps his head to look at him.  he runs his hand up dalton’s bare back.  “i’ve never been in a real relationship before.  my last one... she was toxic for me.”  triggering would be more accurate.
“that’s okay,” he whispers, his hand slides down to kevin’s face and he drags his thumb down his lip.  “just want you, kev.”
it’s the first time he thinks he’s ever heard something along those lines, and it hits so deep.  he rolls over dalton and kisses him into the mattress.
the foxes have a field day with it.
kevin doesn’t tell them, but he realizes two weeks later that allison was right when she guessed about them starting bets, and it doesn’t help when kevin brings dalton back to the suite only to find the upperclassmen and cousins all spread out on the couches and floor- minus renee and aaron.  he freezes and starts to walk backwards but andrew steps in front of him.  “stay.”
“why.”  but andrew doesn’t answer because he’s already said his piece, and kevin almost ignores him until neil pulls the vice captain card and forces him to stay.
kevin wants to hit him.
“it’s fine, kev,” dalton practically pulls him to the group.  dan greets him first and introduces herself.  “we’re playing never have i ever, drinking edition, if you wanna play, but you’ve got to drink for kevin, too”
and dalton’s wanted kevin’s friends to like him ever since he first saw them, so he doesn’t really want to say no.
“this is a bad idea.  they don’t play nice,” kevin says to dalton.  and he’s right.  the foxes don’t really play the game right, and all they do is go for each other.
kevin starts.
never have i ever payed a guy to knock me out:  neil takes a drink with murder in his eyes.  andrew’s behind him and flicks the back of his head.  he isn’t playing, but he’s not letting neil get wasted without being close by.  and also, he kind of lives there.
never have i ever gone to a peaceful exy banquet:  no one drinks, and for some reason it makes them all burst into laughter.
never have i ever done cracker dust:  dan says that one with a drunk pointed look.  the cousins, neil, and dalton for kevin all drink.
never have i ever had a panic attack over getting a phone:  neil
never have i ever kissed the same gender:  neil, nicky, allison, dalton takes two swigs.
never have i ever dated someone outside of exy:  nicky and dalton for kevin.
never have i ever broken a bone:  kevin, matt, aaron
broken a hand:  kevin
witnessed kevin having a meltdown:  everyone
lived with my dad for two years without telling him he was my dad:  kevin shoots daggers at allison.  dalton drinks for him.
had to get shitfaced to get a tattoo:  kevin
sent neil to west virginia:  kevin
seen kevin’s real smile:  dalton, neil
dated kevin:  dalton.  it settles a few bets all at once.
given kevin a blowjob:  dalton laughs before taking a drink, but that’s the last straw for kevin.  he’s sober as all hell and not letting them take the piss out of him and dalton like this.  “we’re leaving.”  he pulls dalton up.
dalton has an arm around his shoulders and his head ducked by kevin’s.  “s’fun, hm?”
kevin’s not having it.  it was not fun and he had reasons he didn’t want dalton meeting the foxes yet and the whole thing was fucked over because neil pulled the VC card and dalton was too nice to decline it.
neil says, in french.  “you knew he’d find out at some point”
kevin is furious.  “none of you had the right pulling the shit you did tonight.  i’ll fucking kill you.”  and he grabs dalton by the waist to escort him out.
all posts/updates relating to this au can be found in the “OC: dalton miller” tag!
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noelliza · 3 years
Text
The Pursuit of Two Left Feet Ch 2 - Anderperry
Hey guys! Here‘s the final part of the fic. I hope you enjoy it! You can also read this on ao3 here.
Summary: Neil made the mistake of telling Charlie about his feelings for a certain poetic blonde, and in true Nuwanda fashion, he got up to some mischief. Now, stuck in a plan to sneak out of school to go to an underground swing dance club, Neil has to make the best of it and pray to God his father doesn’t find out. Hopefully, Neil will get something out of this excursion, perhaps the heart of the object of his affection. He believes it’s nothing more than a dream, a wish. However, Todd Anderson falling for Neil is more likely to happen than he thinks.
Part 1
~
Neil, Todd, you two ready for tonight?” Charlie asks, wiggling his eyebrows as he peeks his head into their room Friday morning.
“As ready as ever,” Neil says, the pit in his stomach growing at the reminder. He still doesn’t know what he’ll do if and when his father finds out.
Charlie pats the doorframe and winks at them before disappearing down the hall.
Neil turns to Todd who’s putting his sweater on, not phased by Charlie’s appearance. “This is not gonna go well,” Neil grumbles.
Todd laughs as the two grab their bags and decide to head down to breakfast.
The whole school day Neil’s thoughts are directed to the vision of sitting in Nolan’s office with his father, his life officially over. If this goes south, Neil’s father will never let him down for it. He wants to have faith in Charlie, but part of him struggles to. Charlie doesn’t care about getting in trouble, he wants to get kicked out. Neil just doesn’t think he’s really thinking this whole thing through.
During english, Neil notices that Mr. Keating shoots him a couple knowing looks, a flash of a smile that’s gone before Neil can process it. It makes him nervous, wondering if somehow he found out about their plan and therefore so did Nolan. Keating would never fink, but Charlie isn’t particularly great at keeping his mouth shut.
That night, Charlie grabs Neil’s suit and drags him to the bathroom,  shoving a hair comb and gel into his hands.
“Charlie, aren’t we making this a bit obvious if we’re getting ready in the bathrooms? Hager is gonna see us.”
“Relax, there’s no reason to hide. This is allowed,” Charlie says. “But I won’t be getting ready here, I have a new suit to give Todd, so we’ll be in my room. See ya!”
Before Neil can object and question his motive, Charlie is out of sight. Neil shakes his head and begins changing into the suit, trying to push back the looming anxiety of his father finding out about this scheme.
As he's combing his hair into place, he hears two pairs of feet barge into the bathroom, and in the reflection of the mirror is Charlie with Todd in tow.
“Perry! Lookin’ like a dreamboat!”
Neil nods in thanks before turning to Todd, whose mouth is open slightly, his eyes roaming up and down his body. “Um, you… you look… really nice,” Todd mutters with a gulp.
“Thank you, uh, so do you,” Neil replies distractedly, his eyes unable to focus on a single part of Todd as he takes in the sight of him. Todd looks incredible in his suit, and he’s surprised Charlie did such an amazing job dressing him. It fits him perfectly, as if it tailored to his exact measurements—he wouldn’t be surprised if that was intentional on Charlie’s part. The coat, tie and slacks are a rich navy blue with a white button up underneath, and the color makes his eyes gleam. His hair is slicked back with gel, revealing more of his face, his cheekbones appearing more prominent. It makes him look more open, soft, and Neil is completely stunned. He’s always thought Todd is handsome, but right now he’s completely mesmerizing.
“Earth to Neil?” Charlie calls, waving a hand in his face. Neil blinks rapidly and clears his throat. “Hey, your bow tie’s crooked. Todd, fix it for him, yeah? I’ll be right back,” he says, giving Todd’s shoulder a firm pat before swaggering over to Meeks who’s combing his hair at the other side of the bathroom.
“Uh, sure,” Todd stammers a beat late, his eyes darting around nervously. He steps up to Neil, reaching out with slight hesitation. Neil holds in a breath as he adjusts the tie back into place. He inadvertently stares at Todd's focused face, tempted to press a soft kiss to his now exposed forehead.
“Alright, let's head out!” Charlie shouts, motioning for them to head out into the hall. Todd pulls back, ducking his head and walking out of the bathroom in one swift motion. Neil sighs, turning his head and catching Charlie’s knowing gaze as he heads towards him. He throws an arm around Neil’s shoulder and leads him out.
Together, the boys make their way outside into the cold night, all of them chattering excitedly. Awaiting them, leaning against his car looking ready for a night out, is Mr. Keating.
Neil gapes. “Charlie, how did you…”
“Amazing, right?” Charlie says proudly, stalking off to the car.
“Hello boys, you all look fetching. Ready?” Mr. Keating greets the noisy bunch, a wide grin on his face as they approach him.
Before Neil can even say anything, he’s being shoved into the backseat, smushed between Todd and Charlie in the third row. Knox lays himself across the boys, his face right in front of Charlie’s.
“I’m liking this view,” Charlie smirks.
Knox rolls his eyes, slapping Charlie’s shoulder. “Shut up.”
“Wait, Captain, are you coming with us to the club?” Pitts asks as he slides into the second row after Meeks, closing the door.
“Oh no,” Keating chuckles, turning the car on. “I’m much too old for a hullabaloo. Don’t sweat it, this old man has plans of his own with a special lady tonight.”
The boys all holler and whistle, making Keating flush in embarrassment. “Yes, yes, your teacher has a real life too, I know it’s surprising. Let’s get rolling!” He calls, putting the car in motion.
“Captain, how did the school allow this?” Neil can’t help asking. Charlie gives him a look, but he ignores it.
“Well, they think we’re off to see an invigorating show about the life and work of William Shakespeare. As illuminating as I imagine it would be, that is not on the itinerary for you boys tonight. You’re off to a much more exciting endeavor filled with music, dancing, and a bit of romance,” he says, and Neil swears Keating meets his eyes through the rear view mirror. He looks away hastily.
“Aww, that actually sounded pretty interesting…” Cameron mutters, trailing off forlornly and glancing out the window.
Charlie elbows Neil in the ribs to make a point, and he makes an effort to hold in a groan. “We can drop you off there if you’d like Cameron?” Charlie smirks.
Neil returns the elbow in reprimand and Charlie squawks indignantly. “We can all go see that another time. I’m sure it’s quite interesting,” he says, sending Charlie a glare that he responds to with sticking his tongue out childishly. Knox snorts, resulting in a jab in the ribs courtesy of Charlie.
“Good idea,” Cameron says, his face lighting up. “You know, something  interesting about Shakespeare is that there was a seven year period between 1585 and 1592 where no one knew—”
“I’m going to claw my ears out before the end of this car ride and you’ll be next,” Charlie whispers aggravatedly in Neil’s ear.
“You’ll forget that as soon as we get there and you spot someone attractive,” Neil says wryly.
Charlie leans back, taking a deep breath with a startling, fierce look in his eye. Oh God…
“Thou doth thinketh I'm a predictable young squire? I willith kick thy bosom!” Charlie pronounces, sticking his finger in the air. Knox rolls his eyes.
“Charlie, a bosom is a woman’s chest,” Neil chuckles.
“Thine ears will suffer great of mine Shakespearean drivel until a most suffering death graces itself upon thee when mine fist meetseth thy cheek,” he says, folding his hand into a tight fist.
“I feel like you speak Shakespeare a bit too well for you to hate it as much as you say you do,” Knox prods with a crooked smile.
Charlie turns to Knox, leaning into his face. “Thou wilist meet a fate much alike if thou speaketh onward.”
“Bite me, nerd,” Knox grins.
In a blink, Charlie attacks Knox with his fingers, tickling his armpits and ribcage fervently as he cackles wickedly. Knox yelps and squirms fiercely, kicking his legs erratically, his arms flailing.
“Boy, boys, I’m all for a bit of roughhousing but please settle down until we get there,” Mr. Keating cuts in.
Charlie lets off, allowing Knox to catch his breath, and they both call back a low ‘yes, Captain.’ Neil feels Todd’s quiet laughs beside him, the breath hot beside his ear. He tries not to shiver at the sensation by focusing on the road ahead. They pass by trees lining both sides of the street, and in the distance he can see the beginnings of the town. As they proceed, he can make out the buildings, growing larger with each passing second. The illuminating signs on the buildings shine high above the people walking merrily down the sidewalk, contrasting the subdued ambience of their school. Neil thrums in excitement, and he tries to stay hopeful, pushing down the looming anxiety that this will all suddenly go wrong.
“I-I guess Charlie was right. This is working out.”
Neil looks at Todd, an amused smile gracing his face. “Yes, for now. Though any minute I anticipate something to blow up,” Neil jokes, knowing Charlie can hear him.
“Hey now, we’re off to fill our minds with the knowledge of the legendary William Shakespeare. If anything, Nolan is happy that a select few of Keating’s students seek such a riveting educational opportunity,” Charlie says in his most dramatic tone, and Knox sends him an exasperated look.
“Right.” Neil scoffs, earning poke on the cheek. Neil responds with a quick pinch on Charlie’s thigh, eliciting a yelp from him. Knox cackles as Charlie attempts to attack back with jabs to his arm and ribs, Neil giving a harder pinch on his arm. Before he can continue the attack, a hand wraps around his wrist, stopping his movement.
“I- we can’t until we get there. Captain’s orders,“ Todd says, flushing.
“It’s alright, trouble is what I live for,” Charlie says though he lets off, leaning over the seat to pull Meek’s hair. “Right Meeks?”
Neil hasn’t moved, his brain still frozen at Todd’s touch. “I- right.” Neil laughs faintly. He shakes his head and pulls his hand into his lap, ignoring the looks he’s getting from Charlie and Knox.
Neil stays silent the rest of the car ride, tuning out everyone’s voices around him. He’s fighting to ignore the feel of Todd’s leg pressed against his, the slight shake of his leg as he bounces it anxiously, the sight of his fingers tapping on his leg in repeated patterns. It’s also impossible to forget the feel of Todd’s hand circling his arm, his touch soft, almost like a caress. Neil aches to place his hand in Todd’s lap and let him hold it how he wants, yearning to feel his palm against his skin, perhaps in his own hand, once again.
Eventually, Keating pulls over in front of a lit up, cozy diner, with a neon sign hanging up titled “Leggy’s Breakfast Town.” Next to it is a smaller sign that reads, “Open 24 hours.”
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow,” Mr. Keating says as the boys all climb out of the car.
“Romeo and Juliet!” Knox calls back proudly, closing the door once he steps onto the pavement.
“You got it Mr. Overstreet! Have fun!” Mr. Keating drives off, waving at them through the window before disappearing down the street.
Suddenly, Neil hears a car door open. He turns to see a green car parked up ahead, and stepping out of it is Chris in a flowy, emerald dress reaching her knees, fit slim on her waist. When Knox catches sight of her, he stares, drooling.
“Hey Knox,” Chris says with a radiant smile as she walks over to the group, her heels clicking on the sidewalk with each step.
“Chris… wow, you look…” he stumbles.
“Knox, save it for the club, come on buddy,” Charlie cuts in, clapping his shoulder and steering him inside. The other boys and Chris all tumble into the diner, following Charlie and Knox into the diner. The place is packed, filled with loud families and couples, eating burgers and dipping their fries in milkshakes, so no one bats an eye as the group crowds in the entrance.
Charlie stops and looks around before spotting a waiter cleaning behind the counter. He approaches the counter and leans over, resting his elbows on the surface with his famous Charlie smirk in place. “Hello, we’re here about your duck special,” he says in a low yet overly casual tone.
The waiter, a long haired boy looking about their age, holds Charlie’s gaze for a moment before nodding. “Yes, right this way,” he says, walking toward a long hallway. Neil glances at Todd who looks just as confused as he does before they walk after them. They reach a door that opens to a flight of dark, descending stairs, and the waiter leads them down, instructing the last person to close the door behind them.
“Isn’t it a bit noticeable when they take a bunch of teenagers to the back room that they’re not here for dinner?” Neil whispers furiously in Charlie’s ear after catching up to him.
“Relax, everyone here knows about the club, but no one says anything about it. They make major dough, so no one complains. The customers get good food, and the city makes capital. It’s a win win.”
Neil shakes his head as they reach the bottom, and the waiter opens the door, revealing a huge, bright room buzzing with life. It’s packed with people dressed in their most fancy attire—women in stunning, flowy dresses and men wearing fine suits. He sees numerous couples dancing across the expansive dance floor and others chatting away with cocktails in hand and wide smiles on their faces. Neil stares in awe, taking in the sight, unable to fathom that he’s standing here right now. He’s half expecting his father to appear any moment to shut down the place, ready to drag Neil home and give him the reprimand of his life. Abruptly, he feels Charlie pat his shoulder, which brings him back to himself.
“Alright mates, I’ve got some ladies to charm and men to woo, enjoy yourselves,” he says to the group with a wink before disappearing into the fray.
Neil stands there dumbly as the other boys start wandering off into the room. Since when does Charlie say ‘mates’? he wonders bemusedly. He hears someone clear their throat beside him and he turns to see Todd still standing there, looking at him with a nervous but expectant expression. A flash of panic shoots through him. This is it, the moment he’s been dreading and waiting for this entire week. He opens his mouth, the words on his lips, and panics.
“So… a drink?” Neil suggests, hating himself.
“I- uh, yeah sure. I’ll come with you..?”
“No, no. I’ll go. Find us a table?”
“Yeah sure,” he says, looking almost disappointed.
At that, Neil flees to the bar to get away from Todd, his heart crying more the further he goes. As he approaches, he schools his features into a more mature, serious look and straightens his posture. He leans over the counter until the bar man catches sight of him.
“I’ll have your strongest, please, and something sweet,” he says hastily as the bar man walks over. He frowns slightly, but just nods. “You got it.”
When he turns around, Neil releases a long breath, slouching over the bar. He’s such a fucking coward. Charlie put too much faith in him, there’s no way he can do this. Todd is just going to reject him and that’ll be the end of their friendship. He can’t afford to lose it.
Soon, the bar man returns with the drinks before turning to another customer. Neil grabs them and turns around, taking a step away from the bar to scan for Todd. He walks listlessly as he looks, but stumbles when he catches Todd on the dance floor with some random guy.
Suddenly, he collides into someone’s chest, and he returns his gaze in front of him to see his drinks spill right onto a man’s shirt, staining the white button up red. Neil pales in horror. “Oh my— I’m so sorry, I—”
“No! Don’t worry about it, nothing I can’t get out later,” the man says, sending Neil a reassuring smile. Neil’s face heats up at the sight—he’s quite attractive. He’s tall and lean with golden hair and a charming smile. His eyes are a blinding blue, shining in amusement.
“Want this one? I have an extra. They’re not the best here, but they sure do the trick,” he says, holding out a small, dark colored drink.
“Sure, thanks,” Neil says, putting his emptied drinks onto the bar with a grimace and accepting the glass. He takes a quick sip and has to withhold a cough at the strength of the drink, not wanting to embarrass himself.
“What are you doing on your own? Come here with anyone? Surely you didn’t have two drinks for yourself,” he chuckles softly.
“Yeah, my friends,” he says solemnly, his eyes glued to Todd across the room, having a grand old time with some stranger.
“Where are they?” he asks.
Neil watches dolefully as Todd is swung around the dance floor, his smile bright, blinding. He feels the man follow his gaze and soon he makes a noise of realization.
“Ah, I get it. You like him?”
Neil flushes, almost choking on his drink. “Wha— um… it’s…”
“No judgement, that charming fella over there is my boyfriend,” he says, pointing to the far corner of the dance floor where he’s dancing with a woman around his age, tall and gorgeous. They’re moving together like water, twirling around the floor without missing a single beat. It’s incredible. “Plus, this place is meant for people like us, so don’t sweat it,” the man adds.
People like us, Neil repeats internally. He supposes the man’s not wrong. Neil has come to accept that he isn't like most other boys his age, especially not the kind his father wants him to be. He relents with a sigh. “Well, yeah, fine. I do. Like him, that is.”
The man hums understandingly, taking a swig of his drink. “Does he know it?”
Neil shakes his head. “No, it’d ruin… everything.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well… I don’t think he’s…” Neil trails off, a part of him still terrified of saying the word.
The man laughs, which makes Neil frown. “I’ve been there too. I get that it’s scary, risking your friendship like that. But that’s the thing about life, sometimes it’s worth taking that leap. What’s that one saying… carpa dem…”
“Carpe diem,” Neil corrects, hiding a smile.
He snaps his fingers. “Yes! Carpe diem.”
Neil huffs a laugh at the irony. “Yeah, I try to live by that every day, actually.”
“Well, then why is this any different?”
“Because… he’s the most important person in my life. If I lost him…” Neil swallows, looking away.
“I see,” he says, taking a breath. “Well, I’m not gonna sit here and force you to do anything, this is your life. But take it from someone who was in your shoes once. If he’s meant to be in your life, telling him won’t ruin a thing. If not, then it means there’s someone else out there who’s meant for you.”
Neil simply nods. This man doesn’t understand that no one could ever replace Todd, but he doesn’t bother explaining it. “Yeah, well my father wouldn’t be pleased by this either.”
“Not accepting?”
“That’s putting it lightly,” Neil says. “He’s trying to take hold of my entire life, insisting I have to go to Harvard, go to medical school and become a doctor.”
The man sighs sympathetically. “That’s a tough situation, what do you want to do instead?”
“Act, but that’s never going to happen,” he snorts.
“You know, my boyfriend said the same thing when he was around your age.”
Neil whips his head towards him in shock. “Really? He’s an actor?”
“Yeah, and he loved it. Now, he owns a small, local theater for children and teens in New York.
“That’s amazing,” Neil breathes.
“It is, I’m proud of him,” he says with a fond smile.
A part of Neil wonders if that future is possible for him, that despite everything, he has a shot. But even that doesn't overpower the voice in his head telling him it’s impossible, so he moves on from the thought. “What do you do?” Neil asks, taking a large sip of his drink, ignoring the burning in his throat as he swallows.
“Nothing nearly as exciting. I’m a lawyer,” he laughs. Neil nods. “Do you like it?”
The man shrugs slightly with a smile. “I do now, but I didn’t at first. Too much paperwork and talking to a bunch of stuck up people in overpriced suits. But then I got a case where I was defending this girl who was getting abused by her boyfriend. We won the case, and when I saw her face, it reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place, to help people. It’s cheesy, but true.
“That’s really great,” Neil says.
“Thanks. But just know I’m not saying that to make you feel bad for not wanting to be a doctor,” he clarifies.
“Oh, no of course, I get it,” he says, not offended. He understands that helping others that way is their calling, but in Neil’s heart he knows it's not meant for him.
“My mother wasn’t very accepting of my choice of career either. Growing up, she wanted me to take over the family business. We own a restaurant in town called “Leandro’s Italian Restaurant.” My grandfather opened it, and after he got old, he passed it onto my mom. But let me tell you, I’m the last person you want in the kitchen. I manage to burn anything I lay my eyes on. Andrew won’t let me lift a finger when making dinner,” he chuckles.
“But she let you pursue that career instead when you told her?”
“Yeah, but I know it’s only because it pays well,” he says regretfully. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Andrew’s parents were horrified at the idea of him becoming an actor. He told me about how they fought all the time, his father insisting he needs to have a real career with a steady income, but my stubborn Andy refused, of course. He worked as much as he could in school, saving up his money. Once he graduated, he got a second job and worked day and night until he was able to support himself and move out. It took him a few years to get it together, but eventually he made it onto the stage. He told me it was gruesome in the beginning, but that he’s never regretted it for a second. Such an optimist he is,” he says admiringly.
Neil nods absently, completely absorbed in the story. It’s possible, a small, hopeful voice in his head says. But that was one person… what if he’s not so lucky?
“Alright, I’ve chatted your ear off enough,” the man says, breaking Neil out of his thoughts as he pats his shoulder. “Go out there and dance! You’re young, enjoy it!”
“Okay. Thank you though, Mister…?”
“Emerson. But call me G.”
“You like poetry?” Neil asks with a playful smile.
G laughs, throwing this head back. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who hasn’t asked me some version of that question. I do, but not Emerson, funny enough. I’m more into the beat poets like Gary Snyder. Some powerful words, I’ll say. You?”
“Nice, I prefer Whitman,” Neil smiles. “Thanks for the drink!” He says, swallowing the rest before placing the glass on the table.
“Of course, don’t go too crazy though! Enough of those and you’ll wake up in the alleyway next to the diner. Trust me, I’ve been there,” G says slyly.
Neil laughs with a nod, holding G’s gaze for a moment longer before striding to the dance floor in pursuit of Todd. He supposes there's truth to the phrase “liquid courage,” because with just a glass of alcohol in his system, he feels unstoppable. Carpe fucking diem.
He taps on his shoulder and Todd spins around, his face lighting up at the sight of Neil. “Neil, you’re here! Oh, I-I’m so glad. I missed you!” Todd shouts, clearly very drunk.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he says, not feeling sorry in the slightest, “but Todd… will you dance with me?”
The guy Todd was just dancing with gives him a nasty look, but doesn’t protest. “I- of course! I’ve been waiting all night for you to ask!” Todd beams, stumbling over to him.
“Well, here I am,” Neil laughs, taking in Todd’s smile.
“Y-you should try the drinks I had. They sucked b-but my anxiety, it went POOF!” He says, making an exploding gesture with his hand, swaying closer to Neil.
“I’m glad, but I’ll try it later. Come on,” he says, leading Todd gently to an open spot on the dance floor with a guiding hand on the small of his back.
Neil takes deep breaths, trying to control his nervousness. He may have learned ballroom dancing, but swing dancing is a foreign concept to him. He’s going to embarrass himself and Todd will laugh at him. He darts his eyes around, trying to see how the other couples are dancing. As he’s about to begin his attempt, Todd takes hold of his arms, leaning in close.
“Don’t worry,” Todd says, “I-I think I have the hang of it. Follow my lead.”
Neil gasps as Todd pulls him around, bouncing on his heels a bit unevenly. Neil copies his movements, trying to let his body feel the music. The pair are off beat to the music, but Neil doesn’t care. They could be tap dancing to an opera ballad and he would be over the moon, just happy to be dancing with Todd, holding his hand and moving around the space together.
At first, Neil fumbles a bit, tripping over his feet a few times and moving his limbs in awkward motions, but eventually, he starts getting into the groove. Todd still misses a few steps every so often, but he laughs it off and warmth spreads through Neil’s chest at the sound. He laughs breathlessly, boldly deciding to pick Todd up by his hips and swinging him around his body. Todd lets out a surprised gasp, giggling as Neil moves him through the air, holding on for dear life. Neil keeps a firm hand on his waist and places him back on his feet carefully. Once Todd finds his balance, he haphazardly reaches out for Neil’s hand again, losing his grip a couple times, and twirls him around, pulling him into his chest and spinning him back out again. Neil’s heart is soaring, and he can’t hear anything besides the music ringing in his ears and Todd’s unrestrained laughter.
They dance song after song, and Neil loses track of how long they’ve been there, moving under the flashing lights and through the bodies of the crowd, throwing one another into the air. Eventually, Todd leans close to his ear, clutching his shoulder to keep balance. “‘ve gotta go to the bathroom,” he mumbles, his words slurred and breathy.
“Oh, ok! Want me to come with…?”
Todd shakes his head smiling, placing his hand on Neil’s chest. “No, no, ‘m alright. I’ll be… right back,” he slurs.
“Alright, I’ll be at the bar. I’m gonna get another drink,” Neil says.
Todd nods, staring at him for a moment before stalking off the dance floor towards the bathroom. Neil breathes out, trying to settle his nerves down. Adrenaline is coursing through his body, and his heart is thumping out of his chest. Dancing with Todd is exhilarating, and Neil could do it for the rest of his life—even as an old man in a wheelchair.
He walks off, ready to drown himself in liquor until he can gather enough courage to tell Todd how he really feels. But he’s quickly intercepted by Charlie who jumps in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Having a good time?” He asks smugly.
“Yes!” Neil shouts. “I feel… I feel so alive!”
“That’s what I like to hear!” Charlie cheers. “Next thing you know you’ll be getting at it like bunnies in the bathroom stall,” he winks.
Neil tries not to choke on air as he stares at Charlie, his eyes wide. “Charlie, stop! But it doesn’t matter, Todd was dancing with someone earlier. I don’t think he… he can’t.”
Charlie rolls his eyes, letting out an overly exasperated sigh as if Neil is out of his mind (which he isn’t). “Oh sit on it Neil, did you miss the way he looked at you? He looks like a lovesick puppy.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Neil mutters.
“Not now no, if anything I’m understating it. Go over there and swap some spit with him before I do it myself.”
“Charlie! It’s- you don’t understand. He’s my best friend, besides you of course. We… it’s not like that,” Neil stresses.
Charlie doesn’t look the least bit swayed by his words, giving him a wry look. “Neil, Todd only wants to dance with you. The only reason he was with that chump was because I made him. I know how possessive you can get.”
“Nuwanda…”
“Hey, I needed something to push him onto the dance floor, loosen up a bit, you’re welcome. Later, lover boy!” Charlie hurries off into the crowd, and Neil sighs. Of course Charlie would meddle like that.
Neil heads to the bar, already plotting Charlie’s murder when he spots Cameron leaning against the counter talking to a young, gorgeous blonde woman.
“Hey Cameron! Who’s this?” He asks as he approaches them, clapping his shoulder and turning to the woman with a smile.
“Neil! This is Caroline, she goes to Ridgewood,” Cameron says. He looks happier than Neil has ever seen him.
“Neil, nice to meet you! Cameron’s such a charmer isn’t he? I could just drown in those freckles,” she says dreamily, kissing his cheek.
Neil refrains from laughing as Cameron’s face turns beat red, more fiery than his hair. “I’m glad you’re having a good time!”
“The best! Thanks for inviting me, I know Charlie didn’t really want to,” he says.
“Oh, it’s nothing, you know how Charlie can be, he doesn’t really mean it,” Neil says with a nervous laugh, feeling guilty at how transparent Charlie’s disdain has been. He doesn’t think Cameron deserves it.
“If you say so, but you’re cool, Neil. So thanks,” Cameron says gratefully.
Neil gives a quick nod, feeling a bit embarrassed at the praise. “Course, don’t mention it. Anyway, Caroline, it was lovely to meet you, but I’ve gotta get a drink before my… friend returns from the bathroom.”
“Ooh, Todd?” Cameron ribs, elbowing him and raising his eyebrows with a smirk.
“Uh, yeah,” he stammers. Neil turns to the bar man walking in their direction as a distraction from this topic. “Excuse me, can I have—“
“OH!” Cameron lights up with a thought, cutting him off. “Get a pina colada, they’re really good!”
“You might also like a dirty martini!” Caroline chimes in, winking at him.
Neil blinks and looks back at the waiter who’s waiting patiently. “I’ll take both,” he says. The bartender nods and promptly grabs a glass and a vodka bottle.
Not even a moment later, Cameron and Caroline start making out passionately next to him. Neil turns away awkwardly, hoping that Todd comes back from the bathroom soon. He looks at the dance floor and spots Knox and Chris together, laughing as Knox spins her in the air. Off to the side, he notices Meeks and Pitts dancing to the music at their own speed, away from the throng. Charlie, however, is nowhere to be seen, which is never a good thing.
After what feels like an eternity, the bartender slides his drinks across the bar, and Neil hands him a few dollar bills. “Keep the change,” he says quickly and turns away from the bar, desperate to get away from their slobbering and moaning. As soon as he takes a step, he crashes into someone, once again spilling the drinks he was just holding. He refrains from cursing, almost choking on air when he recognizes the victim of his clumsiness as G’s boyfriend.
“Oh, hey, you alright bud?” He asks, his voice deep and warm. He’s tall with curly, brown hair gelled back, and his smile is friendly, his green eyes soft and benevolent. The drinks drip down his cream colored suit, the large stains prominent.
Neil lets out a long breath and closes his eyes. “I’m so sorry, I’m not having the best luck with carrying drinks tonight.”
“No it’s alright, now my boyfriend and I can have matching, stained shirts,” he says with a hearty laugh. Normally, Neil would feel like he’s being made fun of, but from his sincere expression, it comes off lighthearted.
“Yeah, that was me…”
His eyes widen in recognition. “Oh! He mentioned you. Neil, right? Potentially an Armstrong?”
“Yes, I’m Neil, but no, unfortunately not related,” he says with an embarrassed laugh.
“Damn, that’s too bad. I’m Andrew McDorman,” he says, holding out his hand. Neil grips it, Andrew’s handshake solid and firm. “Giovanni told me you act!”
“Well… I’d like to, yes. But, my father wants me to become a doctor,” he says, pausing as a thought hits him. “And he told me he goes by G.”
He laughs. “Yeah of course he did. He’s been trying to sound younger now, but I refuse to call him that. He’ll always be my Giovanni, even if I always butcher the pronunciation, according to him,” he says with a sappy expression. Neil can tell they both truly love each other, and it makes him ache to have this with Todd, speaking of one another fondly, others sensing how close the two of them are.
“And about your father,” he adds, going back to the original topic, “mine wanted me to become a dentist. It’s not easy, I know. You feel like you’re stuck, that there’s nowhere to go. But trust me, Neil, there is.”
“Thanks, I’m glad you were able to pursue your dreams, but I’m not sure if I can…”
Andrew sighs with a smile. “Okay, you got me”eks planning that” an idea has dawned on him. “Tell you what, you wanna follow your own path, get away from your shitty father? Our door is always open, alright? I know, I know, stranger danger, but the offer is there. Actors gotta support each other, and I wanna be able to help out someone who’s in the same situation I was,” he says earnestly, the unspoken homosexuals falling between them.
Neil stands there completely speechless, his mind whirling in a million directions. This sounds too good to be true, because there’s no way he could escape his father’s grasp. He’d track him down, make him come home and ensure he makes it to medical school. But… what if…?
“No pressure kid. Here, let me replace those drinks. On me,” he offers kindly before Neil is able to respond. He’s left with his mouth hanging open as the man passes him, walking up to the bar to order.
“Neil!”
Neil turns to see Todd walking towards him, and his distress melts away as his eyes lay on Todd. His hair is slightly disarrayed, a few hairs drooping down his forehead, his cheeks still red from the dancing. He’s absolutely perfect. “There you are,” he says breathlessly.
“Hey, there was a guy in there who said I looked like uhh Nikola Tesla,” he giggles.
“Huh, not a bad guy to be compared to I guess,” Neil says, amused.
“Here we are!” Andrew says, holding out the drinks.
“Oh! Pina colada, I had one earlier and it was great!” Todd shouts gleefully, taking the glass and sucking the drink down, practically inhaling it.
“Ah, is this your boyfriend?” Andrew asks, directing the question to Neil, handing him his martini.
“N-no I wish,” Todd answers, swallowing his drink before returning to it promptly, the glass already halfway empty.
“I- he’s had a lot to drink…” Neil says, taking a big gulp of his drink.
Andrew gives him a knowing look. “Don’t fret, I’ve been there,” he says quietly so only Neil can hear him. “Alright cool cats, I gotta scoot, have fun and stay safe!” Andrew says to the pair, giving them both a wide grin before walking off.
As Neil turns to Todd, getting the nerve to ask him to dance again, a voice booms through the room.
“All the lovers to the dance floor! For this next song, we’re going to slow things down a bit. This is a special request from a man who goes by the name Nuwanda, and this is dedicated to Neil and Todd,” the singer announces.
Neil stares at the stage, noticing Charlie standing nearby with a shiteating grin. Charlie catches his eye and winks. Bastard.
“Um, Neil?” Todd asks, his voice cracking.
Neil turns to him and stops breathing at the look on Todd’s face. His eyes are wide, appearing anxious but hopeful, like he’s placing his heart in the palm of Neil’s hand for safe keeping. Neil hopes to God it doesn’t slip from his grasp.
“Yes?” He says, almost in a whisper.
Todd slowly reaches his hand out, palm up. “W-will you dance with me?”
A smile grows on his face. “Always.” Neil accepts his hand, placing his glass down on the table beside him, and allows Todd to walk him to the dance floor. He can’t tell if it’s the alcohol or his nerves, but Neil can’t feel the floor beneath his feet as he moves through the crowd, almost like he’s floating.
When I fall in love it will be forever
Todd positions them both, placing a gentle hand on Neil’s back. His face heats up inadvertently at the touch, his back tingling at the sensation. Todd looks at him, his eyes steady. “I’ll lead,” he says.
Or I'll never fall in love
Neil smiles in response, and it doesn’t wane even the slightest as Todd stamps right on his toes. Neil breaks out in a laugh, resting his forehead on Todd’s shoulder. Todd doesn’t move or make a sound, so Neil pulls back and gives him a reassuring smile. “It’s ok,” he says softly.
In a restless world like this is
Todd looks down at his feet self-consciously and Neil tilts his head back up with a finger under his chin. “Don’t worry about it, really.”
Love is ended before it's begun
Todd takes a hesitant step, breathing out as he manages to avoid Neil’s foot. Slowly, he takes another, and another, and Neil follows, feeling gratified that Todd is so dedicated to this.
And too many moonlight kisses
Neil revels in the feel of Todd’s hand in his own, his fingers wrapped around it firmly as they step around. Until this moment, Neil hasn’t realized how desperately he needs Todd in his life. How he wants to wake up beside him in the morning, make him breakfast in bed, go on walks with him through a park full of birds and laughing children, listen to him read poetry as they sit by a toasty fire. These images flood his mind, and he’s overwhelmed by how much he craves for this to become reality.
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
Neil gazes into those soft, blue eyes, never wanting to escape their grasp ever again. As they stare at one another, drowning in each other, their movements slow. Neil is too distracted by the sight to acknowledge it. His body is moving on his own accord, leaning in to take in his face, the scent of strong cologne he assumes Charlie sprayed all over him.
When I give my heart it will be completely
“Todd—”
In a blink, Todd grabs both sides of his face and in a singular movement he crashes their lips together, cutting him off with a bruising kiss. Neil doesn’t react at first, completely stunned by the feel of Todd’s lips. He quickly comes back to himself, sliding his hands behind Todd’s neck, cradling it as he moves his lips, taking him in. Todd places a hand on his cheek, which sends a shiver down his neck. After a moment, they slow, and Neil gradually pulls back to look at him, aware that he’s now plunged in the water, completely head over heels for this boy.
Or I'll never give my heart
“Todd,” he breathes.
A flash of worry crosses Todd’s eyes. “Y-yeah?”
Neil stares at him before speaking. “You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that.”
“O-oh sorry you can—”
“Todd,” he laughs fondly.
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Before Todd starts to ramble, Neil shuts him up with another kiss, slotting his lips between his with a hmph. This one is softer, more tender than the last, yet just as remarkable. He pours out every emotion he can into the kiss, wanting Todd to understand how he loves every inch, every quirk, every fiber of his being.
Is when I'll fall in love with you
As the last note rings through the room, Neil hears a sudden whoop. He turns, watching in horror as Charlie barrels towards them in glee. “Fucking finally you nimrods!” He shouts, giving Neil a quick noogie. “I thought I was gonna have to smash your faces together myself.”
Neil can’t hold back a grin as he rolls his eyes. “Get out of here, you’re kind of ruining the moment, you know,” he teases.
“That was the most romantic kiss I’ve ever seen!” Charlie exclaims, completely missing the hint, or purposefully ignoring it. “Knox wishes he could be on that level.”
“Charlie, I heard that!” Knox calls, pacing over to them.
“That’s my queue to leave, see you!” Charlie says, dashing away as Knox chases after him.
Neil laughs and looks back at Todd who’s smiling dazedly at him. He swipes his thumb across Todd’s cheek, and leans in for a quick kiss. “Sorry, I just can’t help it now.”
Todd blinks. “D-don’t apologize for that. Ever,” he breathes.
“Okay,” Neil says, recapturing his lips in a searing kiss. He doesn’t care that they’re surrounded by a bunch of strangers, any care in the world is lost among the feel of Todd’s lips between his own. After a moment, Todd pulls back, his eyes taking in every feature of Neil’s face.
“What is it?” Neil asks, smiling. He hears the lively music pick up again, everyone dancing around them, but he doesn’t move.
“I- nothing I… just never thought you’d…”
“I thought the same about you,” Neil admits.
“But.. how?” He asks, astonished. “Y-you’re… you’re literally perfect, Neil.”
Neil shakes his head. “No, I’m far from it. But Todd, you’re incredible. You’re better than any dream I could ever fathom, you’re single handedly the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You always listen when I rattle nonsense to you as if every word I say is meaningful, you’re there for me on my low days, ready with an open ear and a shoulder to lay on, you write the most outstanding poetry known to man. How could I not be completely in love with you?”
Todd gapes at him, disbelieving. “You… you love me?”
Neil laughs. “Of course, dummy,” he says affectionately.
“I- I do too. Love you. I… I love you,” Todd says.
An overwhelming sense of joy floods through him, and without thinking, Neil wraps his arms around Todd’s waist and picks him up, spinning him around as he shouts in elation. Soon, Neil sets him back down and brings him into a tight embrace, nuzzling into his neck. Todd returns it, sliding his arms around his back, holding him close.
Suddenly, someone bumps into Todd’s back as they dance, shouting a quick apology as they pass, and it seems to send them both back into reality. They pull back and glance around, watching as everyone is jiving to the upbeat music. Neil looks back at Todd who returns his gaze and they break out into a fit of laughter, making their way over to a table.
They collapse into some seats, breathing heavily. Neil is relieved to have a break; he’s starting to come back down from his rush of energy, and his eyelids are getting heavy.
“Neil,” Todd says, shaking his shoulder lightly.
He lifts his head and looks at him questioningly.
“Don’t fall asleep yet, wait until we get in the car.”
Neil makes a noise of complaint. “I’m tired. Be my pillow, Todd?” He asks, leaning his head over onto Todd’s shoulder.
Todd sighs defeatedly, raising a hand to card through Neil’s hair. They stay like that for a few minutes, relaxed and at ease, until Charlie approaches their table.
“Seems it's a general consensus that it’s time to go,” Charlie says, plopping into the seat across from them and taking a swig from his drink. “The others are starting to get tired too. They wanna grab a bite upstairs before Keating comes. What do you say?”
Neil lifts his head, sitting up in his chair. “Sure, Todd?” He nods in agreement.
“Alright, perfect. I’ll go grab the others, be back in a flash,” he says, darting away.
“Tell Charlie to wait up, I got to say bye to some people first.”
Todd’s eyebrows raise in remembrance. “Oh, that man who gave us the drinks?”
“Yeah, and his boyfriend.”
“O-okay I’ll tell him,” Todd says.
Neil leans over and kisses his cheek before walking off in search of G and Andrew. He goes toward the bar first and doesn’t see them, so he looks through the crowd of the dance floor. After a few seconds, he feels a hand clap his shoulder. Neil whips around.
“Hey kid! How you doing? I saw you and that boy earlier, I’m proud of you,” G says. “And you’ve got one hell of a friend to request a song for you two like that.”
“Yeah, that was more romantic than our first kiss,” Andrew adds, sliding an arm behind G’s back. “You’re gonna have to step up your game.”
“Hey, don't you forget my proposal, I spent weeks planning that!”
Andrew sighs with a smile. “Okay, you got me.”
G gives him a quick peck before returning his attention to Neil.
“I’m- we’re great. I’m… really happy,” Neil says, beaming. “And yeah, Charlie is not one to be subtle about anything.”
The couple laugh. “Well, I’m glad it worked out,” G says sincerely.
As Neil nods in thanks, Andrew gasps in realization. “Give me your hand,” he requests.
Neil complies, pulling back his sleeve. Andrew pulls a pen out of his pocket and writes on the back of his hand. Once he’s done he releases his arm and caps the pen. “In case of anything, don’t hesitate to call us. If things don’t bode well with your father, we’ll be here for you, okay? Any hour of any day. I never really sleep anyway,” Andrew says with a crooked smile.
Neil looks down at the phone number written on his hand, and holds in the tears welling up in his eyes. “Thank you,” he croaks, keeping his eyes down and wiping them surreptitiously.
“Any time,” G says, a smile in his voice.
Finally he looks up at them both, feeling fiercely grateful for them—despite the unideal introduction of Neil ruining their clothes.
“My friends and I are heading up to the diner before we leave. But it was great to meet you both. Sorry again for spilling the drinks on you. Both of you,” he says, wincing as he peers at their stained outfits.
“Oh, don’t even stress it. It’s a good thing you did now, isn’t it?”
Neil laughs. “I suppose it is.”
There’s a beat of silence between them before they bid each other good night, Neil returning to his table. Todd looks up at him as he approaches. “They’re all waiting by the door. Ready?” Todd asks, standing from his seat.
“Actually, I wanted to ask you something first,” Neil says, his heart pounding out of his chest.
Todd blinks. “Okay,” he says, anxiety creeping into his features. Neil reaches out and strokes his cheek in reassurance.
“I just wanted to know… now that we’ve… you know, told each other how we feel… where are we?”
Todd’s eyes widen in understanding. “Um, I mean what can two guys be to each other?” He asks.
“Boyfriends?” Neil tries, unable to breath.
Todd’s face lights up, and it sends a flood of relief over Neil. “Uh, Yeah.”
“Yeah?”
Todd nods, beaming, and Neil can’t resist leaning over to give his nose a quick peck. He never thought this would ever be possible, and yet here he is, able to call Todd his boyfriend. With Todd by his side, he’s willing to take anything his father tries to throw at him.
Neil slots their fingers together and the pair walk over to the other poets who are standing by the door. Upon seeing them, Charlie grins. “The new lovely couple has arrived! Let’s go!”
The boys make their way up to the diner and slide into a booth, ready for a late dinner before Mr. Keating arrives to pick them up. Todd seats himself beside Neil, and he wraps an arm around his shoulder, kissing Todd’s forehead.
“Alright, as happy as I am that you two finally got your act together, please don’t be necking each other and being all lovey dovey in front of me. I don’t need it getting in my food,” Charlie says.
“No promises,” Todd says.
Neil laughs breathlessly, at Todd’s bold comment and the way Charlie gapes, shellshocked. “Yeah, don’t be a hypocrite. If you had someone you’d be slobbering all over them any second you could.”
“I guess you’re not wrong there, but it makes me wish I did.” Charlie winks. Neil and Todd grimace, and at that the subject is dropped.
“So Cameron, who was that girl I saw you all cozy with?” Meeks asks, his eyebrows raised suggestively.
“Cameron was with a girl?” Charlie asks, nonplused. “Did someone give you drugs, Meeks? You might have been hallucinating.”
“No, I saw. They were locking lips,” Neil adds.
“No way!” Charlie calls, his eyes blown wide.
Cameron blushes, staring down at the table, “Yeah, I did. I saw her at the bar and we started talking. She’s… great.”
Knox leans over and high fives him with a proud smile as Charlie chokes on air. Once he recovers, he shakes his head and huffs a laugh. “Well… atta boy Cameron!” Charlie hollers, smacking his back.
Cameron looks at him for a moment before smiling back. “Thanks, Charlie.”
Soon, the food arrives and after much more rowdy laughter and chatter, the boys pile back into Keating’s car.
“Enjoy yourselves boys?”
The boys all agree and over the rest, Charlie shouts, “Hell yeah!”
“Thank you for your exuberance, Mr. Dalton,” Keating deadpans, chuckling.
“Enjoy your date, Captain?” Pitts asks.
“Yes, thank you,” he smiles.
“What’d you do? Spend any cozy alone time together,” Charlie asks, grinning mischievously.
“If you’re insinuating what I think you are, then I am not at liberty to discuss that with my students. However, we went for a nice dinner and afterwards we walked along a nearby lake. They’re quite a lovely spot to bring your significant other, actually,” he says, and Neil catches his eyes in the rear view mirror. Neil’s face flushes and he looks away, unable to hold back a smile.
Multiple different conversations among the other boys pick up after that, but Neil stays quiet, taking time to enjoy the moment. A few minutes later, when Todd lays his head on his shoulder as he dozes to sleep and Charlie gives him a smug look, Neil feels truly grateful for his friends, Keating, and Todd. He looks down at the number scrawled on his hand and realizes that he’s no longer dreading the future. His future. It won’t be easy, but with Todd by his side, Neil can do anything. And he wouldn’t want it any other way.
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Text
Foxes and presentation night
So Allison offhandedly mentioned wanting to do a little presentation night and of course Dan and Renee immediately hopped in
They tell the other foxes and no one was really against it, not even Andrew which surprised everyone
Now comes presentation week and Matt is freaking out because he doesn’t know what to do his slides on
Dan helps him out, assuring him that this is just for fun and he shouldn’t be stressing out about it (also because like who’s taking this srsly?)
Day of the presentation and Andrew, Allison, Matt and Renee are shopping for some little snacks and onesies for the night
Aaron, Dan, Kevin, Nicky and Neil are in the dorms trying their darn hardest to cook food (this fails spectacularly seeing as none of them had good family life)
The others get back from shopping and as soon as the car parked on the lot they could hear a beeping alarm sound
“Please tell me it wasn’t the others who’ve caused that”
“Keep wishing Matt and maybe it’ll come true”
“Renee your enthusiasm is clearly misplaced if you think the jerks we left at home are capable of cooking so I wouldn’t put my words for it”
“Can’t believe I’m agreeing with Andrew but yeah he’s right”
The students at said college were familiar with the foxes’ mischief and did not run out the building in terror (maybe it’s because finals were getting to them and they couldn't care if they got set on fire)
“Did you guys get the snacks?”
“Of course, why’d you think we went out for?”
“Andrew your sarcasm is very much appreciated”
“Glad to know captain” (mock salute)
Night comes and the foxes change to their fox onesies and all gather in a big circle with a projector in the middle
Andrew and Neil are sitting together and are touching hands (they hold hands halfway through the presentation and Neil does that little thing where his thumb rubs Andrew’s hands)
Kevin and Aaron are on a beanbag (aaron’s on kevin’s laps and kevin has his arms around aaron’s waist while aaron is twiddling with kevin’s hands)
Nicky, Dan, Matt, Renee and Allison are sitting on the couch
Dan volunteers to go first
Reasons why team building exercises are necessary: (read: how to consider others feelings/emotions)
1. Therapy
“oh come on! I’ve had five of those” “Andrew has had too many lmaoooo” “shut up! Nicky”
Next is allison
How to cover up scars/basics of makeup
“Neil’s gonna need this one” “So did you Aaron” “Andrew not you talking as though you were faring any better” “and this is why we need therapy” (dan is tired)
Neil did his slides solely to piss off Aaron
Broken bones and how to heal them
“Istg if any of y’all listen to this idiot’s advice” “he’s had experience!” “yeah but who’s the medical student here Allison? Yeah, that’s right me!”
Nicky comes in with that is your close friend gay?
“Nicky you know damn well none of us in this room can be considered straight” “yes my dear Renee but here are factors of a gay b-”
1. “I went to starbucks and got…” this person is straight
2. “I got boba and/or I want boba” this person is the furthest thing from straight
“Why’s he right though??” “Oh my god!”
Reasons why Neil should sign these adoption papers
“MATTHEW DONOVAN BOYDD, why the hell do you have adoption papers at the ready!?” “But Dannn” “no”
The things humanity could have achieved if the Alexandria Library wasn’t burnt
1. Avoid war of 1812 (this was literally just America feeding their man’s egos)
2. Hanging garden of babylon was real and I will not hear a words against it
3. Reduction of men’s audacity
“Kevin woke up today and chose to state facts 💅”
Different types of Knives and when to use them
“I’d expect this from Andrew not Renee” “ I know, just go along”
“You’re a blessing, I will definitely be using this new information” “Neil!” “What? It is good information”
How many shots I’m gonna need to go to bed with you (excluding nicky and andrew):
And finally,, Andrew’s
Things I’ll do to make your day a little bit worse
1. Kevin (I’d just leave him in a store or something, he doesn’t have a car either so that helps)
2. Dan (I’ll block goal and make sure none of y’all ever score)
3. Renee (ignore you, leave you on read)
4. Allison (buy Neil some clothes before you get the chance”
“Do it I’ll claw your balls off”
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