Chapter Text
A slight jolt of excitement thrummed through Neil as he entered the lounge of the Foxhole Court. It wasn’t his first time here, but this was the first time he entered to find the exy team assembled there. Coach Wymack paused in whatever speech he was giving as he entered. Andrew caught Neil’s attention straight away, but Neil only allowed himself a moment to look at him.
“Who the fuck are you?” A boy with dirty blond hair curled a lip at him as he entered.
Coach Wymack flicked the guy a look and held up a finger to silence him, “Gordon.”
Neil drew his eyes away from Andrew. “Hey Coach Wymack, Coach Griffiths says the Vixens are stuck across the county and asked the dance team to step in for tonight. I need the spare key to the Vixen’s changing room.”
The guy who must have been Andrew’s twin, Aaron, scowled at these words. Ah, he was dating Katelyn, that tracked. The rest of the team seem vaguely interested in this development.
“Aw, poor Aaron - oof.” The tall curly haired one - Nicky if what little Andrew told Neil about him was anything to go on - was cut off with a swift jab to his side by Aaron.
The girl with the captain band gave Neil a wide smile, “You’re on the dance team?”
Neil gave her a nod. Wilds, as Andrew referred to her. First female captain or something along those lines. The guy sat next to her opened his mouth but was interrupted by someone from Andrew’s crew.
“Does this really matter?” Ah, Kevin. Kevin Day.
Neil might not know much about the Exy team but even if he wasn’t dating the Foxes’ star goalie, you’d be hard pressed to be a Palmetto student who didn’t know who Kevin Day was. His face was plastered all over the place on banners for one thing, and for another his transfer to Palmetto had caused enough waves on social media for it to be impossible to have been completely unnoticed by the student body.
“This has no difference on how we play.” He continued on.
“Might affect Aaron, not having his girlfriend cheer him on.”
“Nicky, I swear to God.”
The two groups dissolved into chatter, Kevin arguing with Gordon, Nicky teasing Aaron, the captain and the other upperclassmen loudly throwing out theories about the dance team based solely on rumours and completely ignoring the presence of one of it's members. They seemed to be betting too. Andrew regarded Neil with a cool look, and Neil looked straight back at him.
“If I actually try tonight, will you?” Neil asked, his voice low but Andrew still heard him.
Andrew tilted his head in consideration. They were still staring each other down when Wymack got his team under control, chucking the key he’d gone to fetch to Neil, who managed to catch it.
“So, it’s a deal then.” Neil said, still looking at Andrew; giving him a salute before he turned to leave.
Aaron’s voice sounded behind him. “What does that mean?”
“What deal? Andrew, what deal?” Nicky yelped, concern clear in his voice.
Andrew didn’t answer them, instead he said, “Renee, you’re taking the first half.”
“Andrew!” Kevin spluttered, unable to form an actual sentence.
“What’s happening?” Wilds asked, the last thing Neil heard before he was out of earshot.
Neil couldn't help but feel a slight thrill at being able to cause such last minute chaos behind him. He'd only been in the room for a minute or so. Now all he had to do was follow through on his end, which wouldn't be hard. Dancing was something Neil could lose himself entirely in, every dance inspired all his effort. He put everything into his dances.
The dance team got changed quickly but still missed the first half due to last minute run down of how the difference in space would affect their dance. It was a piece they were doing in competition soon and what better chance to workshop it. But the court was larger than their usual space, so their coach was running through how to fill the space without having to change too many of the elements. Eventually, however, they made their way to the court for the halftime show - something the exy board insisted was a must from the home team. An exy game without a half time show got penalised or something.
As they filed onto the court, Neil could see the Andrew hadn't moved from his spot on the bench. Some of the team had stopped too and seemed to be talking to Andrew, who ignored them. His eyes were fixed firmly on Neil. Excitement flared through Neil as he took his place for the opening.
Matt was breathing heavily when half time was called. Everyone filed off the court and were heading straight into the lounge when he noticed Andrew hadn’t moved from the bench. After the dance kid had left the locker room earlier, Andrew hadn’t explained anything that had just happened. Renee had agreed to be starting goalie easily and that had been that. Neither Kevin nor Coach could get him to explain himself.
“Hey, Andrew.” Matt tried for a nonchalant, casual tone. “We’re heading in now.”
Andrew ignored him and continued to gaze at the court as though he was waiting for something, which was when the lights went down. The audience quietened; the court was awaiting a performance.
“Boys what’s holding you?” Dan’s voice sounded behind them, coming to stand by Matt’s shoulder.
“Oh, are we watching the dancers?” Nicky too, had appeared.
Matt heard the others joining the group too, but the dancers were entering the court at this point now and his attention had been effectively stolen. They were hard to see, with the lights off, and what Matt assumed was black clothing. The kid earlier had been in an oversized orange hoodie and sweats, but it made sense that he wouldn’t be dancing in that.
The music started up as a handful of the lights turned on, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The Vixens often used lights to make their halftime performances more interesting so it was nothing all that new. What was intriguing, however, was just how obviously different the dance team was to the cheerleaders. Gone were the bright orange outfits and pom poms, now the Foxhole Court had a group of men and women in all black clothing with buckles and leather effect.
The song was upbeat and began with a lot of staccato movements. The kid from earlier was easily identifiable, the flare of auburn hair and piercing blue eyes. And he was good. It was moments like these that Matt remembered just how bi he was. He was so fucking bi.
The dancers spread out further across the court as the song continued, and soon the redhead was in front of the glass right before them. His eyes bright and playful as he moved easily, confidently, in front of them. He was staring intently at them, he wasn’t looking at Matt, but Matt couldn’t tell who he was looking at without looking away from him.
The foxes were transfixed, it was only when the song came to an end that they realised how much time they’d wasted. Dan shepherded them into the lounge to get water and actually listen to Wymack’s coaching. As Matt turned to leave he saw Andrew turn his head to the side and give someone a salute. Any thoughts on it were chased away by Wymack's harsh berating of the team for being so easily distracted by the dancers.
Neil had never actually watched an exy game but watching Andrew get into position after half time sent a thrill through him. Andrew was focused. Neil thoroughly enjoyed when Andrew focussed on a task. Especially when that task was Neil.
The game moved quickly, but Neil noticed number 4 Boyd and number 8 Hemmick both express surprise at Andrew apparently communicating with them. This information seemed to travel up through the lines to Day and Gordon. The two had previously been arguing with each other but as the ability of the backliners increased under the instruction of Andrew, they began meshing together more cohesively. The whole team did, buoyed by Andrew's apparent interest in the game.
The other team started panicking, noticing their goals getting blocked further and further up the court. At first it had just been Andrew with a bored dart of his hand, but then it was the backliners intercepting them. Then it was their inability to keep hold of the ball at all. The foxes kept near constant possession of the ball.
The Foxhole Court was in an absolute uproar. The foxes were winning. Neil wondered if the cheer team would usually be performing a cheer for them at this moment. The dance team weren't all that inclined to try, but they did cheer and clap alongside the crowd. Which was close enough.
The other team seemed to realise they weren’t going to win and started playing dirty. But it was too late. Soon enough, the buzzer called the end of the game. The foxes gazed around themselves at the cheering crowd, panting and in disbelief. Except for Andrew, he turned to look at Neil. Neil smiled at him and gave him his salute.
The dance team changed out of their outfits and Neil went to take the key back to Coach Wymack. As soon as he entered, a cheer went up.
“Hey man, you’re our lucky charm!” Boyd, number 4 said as he moved in hand outstretched. “I’m Matt by the way.”
Neil shook his hand. “Uh, Neil.”
“Dude you were so good.” Matt said, holding onto Neil's hand and continuing to shake it.
The captain cleared her throat behind him, eyebrow raised. He shrugged in response. “Babe, can you blame me?”
“I guess not, you guys were killer.” Wilds said, sending Neil a wide smile. “I’m Dan.”
Dan proceeded to introduce the rest of the team to Neil one by one. Allison and Seth gave him appraising looks, Renee gave him a sincere smile but her eyes had a glint that told Neil she knew more than the others. Kevin had glared at him but ignored him, Aaron hadn't even bothered to glare. “And it seems you know Andrew already.”
Neil flicked his eyes over to Andrew. “Yeah, seen him around.”
Andrew sent him a withering look in response. Neil fought down a smile. Nicky whipped his head back and forth between the two of them. Aaron frowned at Neil, looking him up and down as though his appearance would reveal how he knew his brother.
“Andrew, you have friends?” Nicky said, shock and delight on his face.
Andrew looked Neil up and down as though he were assessing him. “I definitely waste too much time with him.”
Neil snorted. “Cheers.”
Allison’s, the tall blonde, eyes bugged and turned to look at Seth,The other upperclassmen also made faces that Neil didn’t quite understand, but that was all secondary as Andrew’s excitable cousin bounced right up to him.
“Oh my god you’re actually friends. Tell me everything. How on earth is a hottie like you friends with Andrew?” Nicky continued to chatter on neglecting all the questions he’d asked of Neil.
Neil caught sight of Wymack coming into the room and held up the key. Wymack took the key slowly, his eyes considering Neil. Neil felt the need to step back, and instead flicked his eyes to Andrew. Andrew gave him the slightest nod, Wymack had his approval. Wymack followed his gaze and raised his eyebrows.
“Huh.” Wymack shook his head. “Alright you brats, get out of here. Go celebrate or whatever.”
“Neil, you have to come with us to Columbia tonight, right Andrew?” Nicky whipped his head around to Andrew. “I mean, he’s already your friend, and he’s totally our lucky charm.”
Neil and Andrew caught eyes again. Neil lifted his shoulder ever so slightly to tell Andrew he didn’t mind, Andrew’s brow raising minutely to indicate Neil could come if he really wanted. Looking back at his cousin, Andrew shrugged and turned away.
Nicky gasped. “Okay, okay, okay. You live in Fox Tower too right? We can give you a lift back and then we can all change and then meet you out the front?”
Five minutes later Neil was sitting in the back of Andrew’s car with Aaron and Nicky, Kevin having taken the passenger seat and Andrew driving. Kevin kept throwing looks at Neil in the rear-view mirror that Neil couldn’t interpret. Maybe Kevin was mad Neil messed up his exy game. Though Neil was the reason they’d won. Kind of. Maybe he was wondering how Neil had got Andrew to do it.
They split ways at Fox Tower, Nicky giving instructions to meet back at the door in 10 minutes. Only five minutes later there was a knock on his dorm door. Neil opened the door to find Andrew standing there, dressed head to toe in black. Neil’s eyes dragged down Andrew’s form fitting black top, down his black jeans to his black boots, and back up again. What Neil missed the first time was the bag in Andrew’s hand, which he held out to Neil.
Neil rolled his eyes as he took the bag from Andrew, walking to his bedroom to change. He heard the front door click closed but wasn’t surprised when he saw Andrew leaning on the doorway to his room. Andrew watched him dress in the clothes he’d chosen for him. Something Neil didn’t mind in the slightest, being dressed by Andrew or being watched by Andrew.
“Is this what you wanted?” Neil said, spreading his arms out to let Andrew get a look at him.
“I don’t want anything.” Andrew said, practically on reflex Neil thought.
Neil stepped toward Andrew. “Hmmm.”
Neil watched as Andrew’s eyes flicked up and down his body. Neil smirked in response and moved closer, waiting for Andrew to give him the go ahead. When he did, Neil happily moved into his space, pressing their lips together. Andrew entertained him for a moment before pulling away and giving him a stern look.
“Is that the last time you’ll kiss me tonight?” Neil asked as they made to leave.
Andrew paused on their way out and gave him a considering look. “We’ll see.”
A thrill travelled through Neil as they made their way out of his dorm. He followed Andrew downstairs where they found Andrew’s crew already waiting by the car. Aaron looked vaguely annoyed at having to wait, but was quickly distracted by a text message.
“Holy shit Neil,” Nicky said, giving him an appreciative once over. “You look even better than you did earlier. You know, when you first showed up in that oversized hoodie, you were cute. Then dancing in all those buckles? Definitely hot. Now? To die for-”
“Nicky, shut the fuck up.” Aaron said in German, causing Nicky to scowl at him and quip back in German.
They continued straight to a place called Eden’s Twilight. A place Neil had heard about from Andrew before, but never actually visited. Nor had he particularly wanted to. He still had no desire to go to the nightclub, but to spend an evening with Andrew? That was something he'd always say yes to. Andrew drove off with a parking voucher as Nicky led the way in. The bouncers didn't even give Neil a second glance as they were let in.
“I just realised; I’m finally going to have someone to dance with here!” Nick called to him.
“Oh, no. No.” Neil shook his head. “I don’t really do… nightclub dancing. Or nightclubs. In general.”
Nicky sent him a horrified look as Kevin and Aaron secured a table. By the time they’d gotten settled at one Andrew appeared to pulled Neil away to the bar and away from Nicky who had babbling non-stop about Neil 'not really doing nightcubs.' Andrew shouldered his way to the bar and caught the attention of a specific bartender.
“Hello Andrew.” He flicked an appreciative gaze at Neil. “And friend.”
“Neil.” Andrew supplied, then flicked his hand at the bartender. “Roland.”
“Pleasure.” Roland said. Neil nodded in response. “So, the usual?”
Andrew nodded and Roland got to work making up a whole slew of drinks. Andrew watched Roland while Neil watched Andrew. It was one of the things Andrew pretended to hate about Neil, that Neil knew he thoroughly enjoyed. Almost as much as he enjoyed watching Neil right back.
“Only eight, Roland.” Andrew said. Neil spared a glance to Roland, who was pouring shots.
Roland took it in his stride and continued pouring. “So, if you don’t like shots, what can I get you?”
“Just a soda.” Neil responded.
Roland slid a look to Andrew, who nodded. Roland raised his eyebrows but complied.
Andrew took the tray when it was done and led Neil through the crowd back to their table. The four of them immediately downed one shot each as Neil sat back in his chair and sipped at his soda. Quickly Aaron and Nicky disappeared, leaving Neil alone with Kevin and Andrew.
Kevin looked between Andrew and Neil, frown furrowing his brow. “Who even are you?”
Neil raised his eyebrows at him. “Neil.”
Kevin scowled. “Andrew hasn’t explained how you know each other.”
“That’s his business.”
Kevin threw a frustrated look at Andrew, who was watching Neil intently, eyes glinting. “Oh of course, you make a friend and it happens to be the second biggest asshole at Palmetto.”
“Is the first you?” Neil asked. Andrew's lips quirked but held his finger up in warning. Neil got it; Kevin was his friend too. Don’t antagonise too much. A little bit was allowed.
Kevin downed his second shot and left the table. Andrew watched him go with a considering look, Neil knew Kevin had some issues going on with cutting out toxic people. Only vague notions of what was going on there. Something Andrew was helping him with. Or supporting him through. Not that either would ever phrase it like that.
“Need to go after him?”
Andrew shook his head and turned back to Neil. They fell into easy conversation, Neil doing most of the talking. Andrew listened intently as he always did with Neil. Aaron and Nicky showed back up to take their second shot and take their drinks onto the floor with them. Nicky tried again to get Neil to dance with him, which Neil again declined.
Kevin reappeared so Andrew took Neil to get more drinks from the bar. Except when they got there, Andrew asked for a key instead. Roland gazed at Andrew for a second before looking at Neil again. Smirking slightly as he looked Neil up and down.
“Ah, I see. Sure.” He fished a key out his pocket and tossed it to Andrew, who caught it easily.
Andrew led him to a backroom and pushed him against the closed door. Neil’s breath caught as a smile spread across his lips.
“Hello.”
“Stop talking.” Andrew ordered as he pressed a quick kiss against Neil’s lips before dropping to his knees.
Neil’s breath hitched again. “Oh.”
“Neil.” Andrew warned as he unbuttoned Neil’s trousers.
Neil wound one hand through Andrew’s hair as he got his jeans down. Neil let his head drop back against the door as his eyes fluttered shut. Keeping his moans quiet got more and more difficult, and instead he made a series of frustrated huffs and gasps.
“Andrew.” He gasped out, unable to stop himself as he reached his climax.
His breath continued to come in pants and gasps as he slid down the door. Now face to face with Andrew, he got to see Andrew’s pupils blown wide. He groaned lowly and pulled Andrew in for a kiss. Andrew indulged in the kiss for a while before pulling away.
“Later.” He said, pressing one last kiss to Neil's mouth.
When they were presentable again, they made their way back to the bar. Roland snorted when he saw whatever expression was on Neil’s face but got to work making their drinks. Andrew traded the key for the tray and quickly rearranged them before setting off again.
“Neil, right?” Roland called out. Neil paused before leaving. “Let me guess, you’ve been together for about six months, right?”
“Uh, three. And a bit.” Neil answered automatically, not pausing to question whether he should share this information with the bartender. That being said, Andrew had made no effort to hide what they were doing from him.
Roland raised his eyebrows and looked at Andrew’s retreating form. Shaking his head as he let out a soft chuckle.
“You guys are cute together.” Roland went back to bartending before Neil had a chance to answer, not that he knew what he’d even say to that. Probably for the best, knowing Neil he’d say something accidentally rude.
Neil returned to the table and was handed his soda. Andrew murmured to him telling him they’d only be there for another half hour. Neil could tell by the way Andrew was holding himself that he was keyed up, but he was too controlled to drag Neil home now. They let the monsters dance and drink the night away before making the call to leave.
They herded the drunk trio to the Maz where Kevin promptly fell asleep and Nicky started babbling drunkenly about a guy he was dancing with. Aaron’s face was lit by the light of his phone as he typed away, a small smile on his face.
Arriving at the house Aaron and Nicky both disappeared straight to their rooms, leaving Andrew and Neil to attempt to carry Kevin to the sofa. He was asleep as soon as his face hit the cushion.
Neil turned to Andrew and raised an eyebrow. “Bed?”
Andrew said nothing but moved toward Neil. Heat blazed through Neil under the intensity of Andrew’s gaze, causing him to back away toward the door. Andrew continued to back him up until Neil’s back hit the hallway wall. Now trapped, Andrew took the time to take in the sight of Neil, eyes travelling from his eyes across his scarred cheeks down the line of his jaw, skating over his neck to linger on his collar bones. He continued to look his fill. All the while Neil’s breath came in shallow pants, shivering under Andrew’s gaze.
“Andrew.” He pleaded.
Andrew’s eye dragged back up to his eyes. “I haven’t even touched you.”
Neil didn’t say anything, just let his eyes do the talking. Whatever Andrew saw there convinced him. Andrew pulled him into his bedroom and pushed him down onto the bed, leaving Neil to get situated while he locked the door.
Neil watched as Andrew turned back to him and whipped his shirt off in one slick movement. That alone had Neil making a low noise of appreciation, his eyes dropping down to take in Andrew’s muscled torso.
Andrew smirked as he crawled over Neil and pinned him down.