mtherfcknmonster | For doesntswing

For doesntswing

[cont. from here]

So I told you I wanted ice cream, not anything else. [Just to lay that out there, even though Andrew knows he doesn't really need to. Aaron and Nicky's disappointment will live on. ]

You should try not practicing so hard.

[A futile thing to say, of course, but Andrew never hesitates to say what's on his mind anyway. There are more important things than Exy, like Neil as a person. He glances at Neil when he feels the other boy staring at him, but then his eyes are back on the road without a word, making a left and then another left before pulling into an ice cream shop parking lot]

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Maybe if you start to practice more.

[ Neil is quick to counter, a playful lilt to his words. He knows it won't change things. Andrew's apathy or his own desperate need to become good enough to make court. After all, his life now depends on it.

Just that brief eye contact is enough to make his breath hitch, happy to be in Andrew's company. Niel pushes himself up with a groan, glancing at the almost quaint ice cream shop as he steps out of Andrew's car. It's only the fact that they have the car between them that lets him keep teasing because he's hoping Andrew won't bother coming all the way around to take a swing at him. ]

Taking me out on a date?

I don't think that was part of the deal.

[He does what he needs to do when he absolutely has to do it anyway. They all know this. Kevin just likes to bitch like that's his entire job.

Andrew would roll his eyes at Neil's comment any other time, but now he only shrugs, heading for the shop as soon as he gets out of the car. He doesn't bother to check if Neil is following, he knows he will]

Call it whatever you want.

[ Neil is left staring at Andrew's back, startled by the easy admittance. At least, in Andrew terms. He hadn't denied it, threatened bodily harm, or made any mention of how much he hated Neil. They were on a date.

A smile, slow but certain, takes over his expression. Neil hurries to catch up with Andrew, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans because it is easier to keep himself from touching Andrew that way. For once, he doesn't even notice the stares of the patrons and staff at his scarred face. ]

If I'm the one paying, does that mean I'm the one taking you on a date? [ Neil muses aloud, switching to German to keep others from understanding. ]

[It's definitely something, but Andrew doesn't think on it too long or too hard. It's just there, out in the open. He can practically feel Neil smiling, which is another something.

He holds the door open for Neil, switching over to German when he speaks as well, heading to the counter to get a good look at the selections]

No, because I'm paying.

[ Neil continues to stare at Andrew while he makes his selection, ducking his head and biting his lip to keep control of his smile. It's all too easy to get caught up in simply being out together for now, to push his worries over the future of the team and what not living up to expectations could mean for his life aside for this disquieting giddiness.

Neil startles when he's asked for his order, too wrapped up in his own thoughts to hear the approach of the girl behind the counter. "Idiot," hisses his mother's voice in his memory. He allowed himself to be distracted and lose touch with his surroundings. Neil stamps down on the sudden panic, glancing away from the girl to suck in a quick breath. That isn't his life anymore. He's not running. ]

Cherry and Chocolate [ Neil orders quickly, keeping his gaze away from Andrew in hopes of hiding the fading flash of fear in his eyes. ]

[Once again, Andrew pretends he doesn't notice Neil staring at him. It's fine, he doesn't care. He's used to it now, actually. He always knows when Neil walks into a room because he can sense those eyes on him. This is no different.

He does notice Neil startle, of course, but all he does is step closer to Neil and lean his back against the counter]

Is that really what you want? You don't have to rush it.

[He says, before turning around to face the girl behind the counter]

Rocky Road with extra chocolate syrup.

[ Neil breathes out slowly, the jack hammering of his pulse beginning to settle down into a more familiar rhythm. He appreciates Andrew's calm tone. Andrew is a rock steady reminder that his life is different. That he doesn't have to look around for weapons when he's doing something as simple as buying a snack.

His nose scrunches up in disgust at Andrew's order, far too sweet for him. ]

Cherry and vanilla.

[ The girl gives a nod at his correction, beginning to prepare their ice cream. Moving past Andrew to go get them a seat, Neil allows his fingers to brush against Andrew's in the faintest of touches, a silent thank you. ]

[Andrew would protect Neil either way, but it's better for Neil to know it himself that he doesn't have to watch his back every second he's outside. And anyway, Andrew will probably be around anyway.

Cherry and vanilla seems more like Neil's thing, so he figures it's good he said something.

Andrew's about to follow after him to the table, when those fingers brush against his, and it makes him pause. It's a good thing Andrew stays behind to pay and grab their ice creams, because he needs that moment. Once he's collected everything, he goes to sit down across from Neil, eyes on him as he passes him the ice cream]

Would you have done this even if Kevin hadn't called you to complain?

[ Neil stares out the window when he waits, looking at the people moving by outside out of habit. When Andrew sits across from him, his attention is immediately refocused. Andrew Minyard makes it impossible for anyone to ignore him. ]

Come to get ice cream with you? [ Neil dips a spoon into the vanilla, taking his time to eat the spoonful before he answers, his steady gaze on Andrew's. ]

What do you think?

[Andrew doesn't lift his spoon just get, he just watches as well. His growing interest in Neil makes it hard to look bored and uninterested anymore.

He considers the question for a moment, though he already knows the answer]

Of course you would have. So now you want to know if I would have done this even if there was no deal.

The answer is yes to that too.

[ Neil arches his eyebrows at that answer. It wasn't exactly the question he had in mind, but he smiles nonetheless at knowing that Andrew would help him even without the bargain. It's... new. Having someone he can depend on. ]

You're being very accommodating lately. Someone might accuse you of being nice.

[ Yeah, right. ]

[His gaze doesn't shift away to look out the window like it might've once upon a time. He keeps it steady on Neil and doesn't even tell him to stop staring at him]

They know what accusations will get them. And you know I will push you off the roof.

[He finally lifts his spoon and starts eating his ice cream]

Don't look so smug.

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Sorry, I was lacking internet all these days! D:

it's okay, I'm slow due to holidays, too ;;

getting back to life after holidays is damn hard lol