For doesntswing

[mtherfcknmonster]

[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]

Comments

[mtherfcknmonster]

[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.

[doesntswing]

[ 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. ]

[mtherfcknmonster]

[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?

[doesntswing]

[ 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?

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

[mtherfcknmonster]

[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.

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

[doesntswing]

[ 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. ]

getting back to life after holidays is damn hard lol

[mtherfcknmonster]

[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.