Chapter Text
Andrew sits at his desk, College has been rough this week. Two exams and a project.. But then again this is the price to pay for better education.. Luckily he gets two weeks off! His dorm room's undergoing repairs after some termites were found in the walling. Lucky him?
Cutting Andrew from his mind fog over the slop the teacher is spewing is his seatmate, a girl with long black hair.. bright yellow eyes, and a passion only matched by the fires that seem to spout over in America every year. Her body clothed in a nice black crop top, and blue jeans.
"Hey.. You okay, Honey? You seem.. Out of it. If you need to talk, I'll listen."
The girl slides her hand across the desk and grabs Andrews hand, her smile bright enough to brighten up a dark room. Sadly it would take the sun to brighten up Andrew's soul.
Andrew meets her gaze, a soft smile he forces breaking out across his face. He honestly forgot about her presence.. Part of him wishes he had rejected her a few months back.. but at the same time he wanted to get people off his back, Wanted to get those gay rumors to drop.
"I'm fine, Julia. Thank you; Just a lot to think about. Plus I'll be having to spend my time with my parents for the next two weeks.. And you know how I feel about them."
Julia gives a sympathetic look, Andrew's parents are.. rough.. to say the least. Renee had nearly pushed Andrew to an unthinkable. Even thinking of it now her heart clenches tightly.
"I see.. Well, after those two weeks I'll be here. Okay?"
Andrew gives a quick nod. Turning his eyes to the teacher again as he slips his hand away from Julia's. Julia deflates a little as he does this.. it does sting. But she's used to it, Andrew's always so focused on his work.. every second of every day. But for her just having his presence is enough.
. . . .
Nearly an hour passes. The professor, a Mr Adam's, Short black hair with orange eyes and a fine old time suit, Closes up his presentation about the historical impact incest had made on old kingdoms throughout Europe. The topic had nearly bored Andrew to death.. With the class dismissed Andrew rises from his seat immediately and begins packing. Taking his notes and book before pocketing them into his backpack. As Andrew takes the first step up the stairs leading to the class exit his girlfriend grabs his free hand, squeezing it tightly.
Andrew glances at her, not reacting much as she takes his hand. To keep his performance up he leans over and pecks her on her lips, another forced smile breaking out through his usually monotone and bored expression. As the kiss breaks he resumes his walk, quickly ascending the stairs. Julia struggles a little to keep up due to their height difference; Stumbling occasionally and using Andrew to keep up. As they reach the door he pushes it open and steps into the hallway, the fresh summer air hitting him and Julia through the open hallway windows. Even for Andrew, a usually nihilistic man, he can't help but find some joy in it.
Julia tugs Andrew's arm, huffing at him for dragging her along like that.
"Slow down.. I was practically falling over."
Andrew glances back to her, eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he turns back to the hall and begins walking towards the College reception, Pace slowed to a more suitable one for Julia.
"Sorry." He says plainly, no real remorse in his voice.
Julia accepts the apology silently, knowing better than to push Andrew on the matter. Afterall its something small, He's a tall guy.. of course he'd be moving a bit too fast for her, Afterall that must be his comfortable pacing.. right..? Yeah. Yeah, What other reason could dear Andrew, her oh so loving boyfriend, be ignoring her stumbles?
The walk is silent, Andrew not uttering a single word as they walk to the reception. Upon arriving Andrew releases Julia's hand and turns around to face her, looking a bit unamused and like this is a chore.
"So.. Guess we'll see each other in two weeks?"
Andrew shrugs, his eyes meeting Julia's gaze. Tone dry.
"Yeah.. I-I Guess so..? Keep in contact, Okay..? I want daily updates."
Julia steps forwards, Raising to the ends of her toes to match Andrew's height.
"I want to make sure you don't kill your parents, Okay?"
Julia teases before leaning forwards and capturing Andrew's lips in a kiss. She pours her love and affection into it, her shoulders relaxing as her eyes shut. Andrew does the bare minimum, reciprocating just enough to not make it awkward. His eyes shut halfway, looking bored already.
A few seconds later the kiss breaks and Julia takes a step back, Her cheeks a faint red with her gaze soft. She's happy. Andrew gives a small smile in return.
"I'll keep you updated, Jules."
Andrew regrets his response the moment the words leave his lips. He does NOT want to keep her updated, These two weeks could've actually been some alone time! Of course he blows it.
Andrew waves bye before turning and walking to the front door. Stepping outside he's greeted by the bright sun in the sky, the green grass across the yard, and the other students making their way around the grounds. After a brief moment of thinking about his route he begins to walk. He follows down the concrete pathway leading down the short hill the building he emerged from is on.
After nearly five minutes of walking he arrives at the gate with a group of other students who are having to go home from the infestation. Some of them seem anxious, some of them seem happy, and a small group in the corner is passing around a single bottle of beer. Andrew can't help but cringe at the sight, He hates the taste of beer.. Wine on the other hand? He can't get enough of it.. His thoughts quickly begin to move to his earlier years in high school, Back to when he'd steal his mothers bottle of wine for a few swigs.. Really helped him build a resistance to alcohol.
Snapping Andrew out of his thoughts is a few cars pulling up. The group around him quickly begins to flock to their respective vehicles. Andrew takes a moment to glance them over, realizing that his Mothers vehicle isn't here.. Typical.. Late as always. Andrew turns and approaches a bench next to the gate, taking a seat before reaching into his bag and pulling out a book. Times like this makes him wish he was a smoker. They always seem to help the students around him; But then again he really doesn't want to get into that kind of habit, after all what reason would he have to smoke? No one actually finds it attractive after all.
Andrew sits there, flipping through the book's pages for nearly two hours before a new car finally pulls up. Andrew turns his gaze up, recognizing the vehicle as his mothers car. Andrew pockets the book into his bag before picking said bag up and standing up as his mother rolls down the window of the passenger seat door.
"About time, Mother."
Andrews' tone drips with irritation and disdain.
"Yeah, Yeah. Hop in."
Renee spits back at him, already clashing with her son.
Andrew rolls his eyes and approaches the passenger door. Once at the door he pulls it open and climbs in before slamming the door shut and setting his bag down on the floor between his legs. He briefly considers flipping off his Mother. He decides not to, deciding he doesn't want to deal with her attitude more than he has to. Once finally situated and semi-comfortable Andrew finally buckles his seatbelt.
Andrew reaches into the bag on the floor as Renee begins to drive off, Pulling out the book he was reading earlier and resuming from where he left off.
As Renee pulls up to a stop light she turns to Andrew, glancing over the book he's reading. She briefly considers spoiling the ending just to spite Andrew, but decides against it. Knowing that antagonizing him would only make these two weeks longer.
"Your little sister has been asking about you."
Renee says in a dry tone.
Andrew closes the book, glancing at Renee with a bit of a confused and irritated look to him.
"She has? I didn't think she'd care."
Andrew admits, some surprise leaking into his voice.
"Of course she cares, She's your little sister."
Renee says before turning her eyes forwards and pulling the car forwards, resuming their drive home.
Andrew turns his eyes back to his reading material, mind returning to his little sister. She missed him..? In all honesty he hadn't thought of her much past a stray thought on how the family was doing.. but now that she's actually going to be around him he can't help but think of her.. Specifically on the sleeping arrangements, How he'll deal with a child every day, and if he'll have to help with her again.
Before Andrew can dwell further on it all the car comes to a stop at the apartment complex. A hint of nostalgia runs over Andrew as he looks out the window.. He hasn't been here for nearly three years. Hell, he didn't plan to be back here! He had planned to completely move out by the time he completed college, To just leave this horrible family behind! But.. Looks like god had other plans..
Andrew closes the book he was reading, putting it into the bag before picking said back up and pushing open the car door. He climbs out as Renee does the same, the air feeling stale and old around this area.. Turning to look around Andrew takes note of how.. poor and sketchy the space is. It looks like a crack den.. On the corner is sitting a group of homeless people sharing a single needle, the ground is covered in garbage and full trash cans. Looks like even the garbage people don't come here anymore.
"Well? Let's get going."
Renee snaps at Andrew as she walks past, Her tone dripping with irritation, and a sense of exhaustion that wasn't there before. Maybe she doesn't like the area..? Then again, she never did seem fond of it. Part of Andrew wishes dad had gone to college like him so they'd all had a better life; But then again then his mother would have more money to spend on herself.. so oh well.
Andrew steps forwards, walking just behind his mother as they walk into the receptionists room. Andrew glances at the receptionist, taking note of the new person he hasn't seen before behind the counter. Part of him wonders if the old one had resigned, or died..? the old man was kind of old.. Would suck, He actually kind of liked that old bag. Hell, he's probably the only reason he made it through his teenage years with his advice, and the snacks he'd given Andrew since he was a kid. Andrew pushes those thoughts from his mind and follows his mom up the stairs, feeling both tired and anxious.
At the top of the stairs Andrew glances over the railing, He remembers thinking as a child he could parkour down it and breaking his arm.
"Hurry up!"
Renee snaps, hand on her hip. She stands in front of the cracked apartment door. Andrew rolls his eyes and quickly jogs across the hallway.
Stepping inside Andrew is greeted by a young girl standing at a small 4'3ft tall. Andrew takes a moment to realize it's Ashley, When he does a genuine smile spreads across his face as he crouches to her height.
"Hey'a Leyley."
Leyley, an energetic ten year old girl, spins around, dashing across the apartment to Andrew. She jumps into his arms and hugs him, burying her face into his shirt.
"Andy!"
She shouts, Tearing up.
Andrew's heart melts at the sight and quickly scoops her off her feet, resting her on him as he presses a tender kiss to the top of her head. His hand under her bottom, making sure she's comfortable.
"I missed you too, Little goblin." He Lies. Despite it being a lie it also feels honest in a way he doesn't understand.
Leyley huffs, but doesn't say anything further. Her tears slowly drip down her face as she lets out a low noise resembling a groan.
Andrew holds his smile as he walks into the apartment and glances around, taking note that almost nothing has changed. Even the mess seems the same.. How fun, He'll probably have to clean the house. His messy roommate at the college made him a compulsive cleaner, even if he hates it.
Cutting Andrew from his thoughts, Leyley reaches up and grabs at the ring of his collar with her small right hand, Sniffling.
"I Thought you were gone forever.. never leave me again."
Leyley demands, her tone near the end growing firm. The sound makes Andrew's heart flutter with affection for his little sister, her little tears and tone making him let out a small laugh.
"I can't stay forever, Silly. I'll be gone again in two weeks-"
"Nooooooooooooo!"
Leyley shouts, kicking at his legs with hers.
Andrew winces and shifts his hold on her so she can't kick him. He pulls her around to his front and holds her tightly to his chest, cradling the back of her head.
"Watch it, Brat. Or I won't come back after." He teases.
Leyley Freezes and goes quiet, curling up in his arms; Having taken his playful threat as genuine.
"..Sorry."
Andrew deflates a little in guilt, opening his mouth to speak only to be cut off by Renee with a cough. Renee steps forwards and takes Ashley from Andrew's grasp, setting her down and giving her a harsh glare directed at Ashley.
"Go change into your pajamas, Ashley. And clean your room!"
Leyley pouts, hesitantly glancing at Andrew for a moment. She's scared to leave him in case he doesn't come back. With a sniffle she turns and walks away, a defeat in her stride.
Andrew turns to Renee, a bit irritated.
"Don't be so hard on her, She was just-"
"Don't justify her Andrew! She's behavioral and needs discipline, Not.. Whatever it is you think she needs."
Renee snaps, pointing an accusatory finger at Andrew.
Andrew raises his hands defensively, knowing when to drop an argument with his Mother.
"Right.." Andrew responds in a low voice, feeling ticked.
Renee pulls her arms under her chest, crossing her arms while glaring at Andrew. It takes a few moments before she finally drops her attitude and speaks.
"You'll sleep in the same room you did when you were a kid, with your sister."
Andrew grimaces, The thought of sharing a bedroom with a hormonal ten year old girl does not sound super appealing.
"Got it.."
Andrew turns away from Renee, walking his way to the couch where he sets his bag down. Only joining his bag a moment later. Finally seated Andrew glances around the room, The layout of the apartment hasn't changed even slightly. It's a bit disappointing.. He had expected something to have changed, even something small would've been SOMETHING.
Andrew lays his head back, letting out a groan as his back finally relaxes and lets the exhaustion hit him. The pain puddles around his lower back and shoots up his spine. He can't help but feel a bit happy that he can finally relax today.. No Julia, No Renee, No-
Andrew jolts as a small hand presses to his Knee. His eyes dart down to the little figure in front of him, It's Leyley! Dressed in her cozy pajamas with a repeated design of bunny's. She looks both curious, and concerned. Had she noticed he seemed exhausted..?
"..Andy? you okay..?"
Leyley asks, her voice trembling slightly as she stares at him.. Her fingers tugging on the fabric of his leg.
Andrew pauses, the words sounded mature for her. After a few seconds he realizes he needs to respond and relaxes. Reaching down he pulls her up onto his leg. His right hand slides down to cradle her back as he responds in a tender, and warm voice.
"I'm fine, Leyley. I'm just tired from everything I've done."
Leyley searches his eyes for a moment before giving a quick and exaggerated nod, accepting his explanation. After a brief moment of thought she pulls herself fully into Andrew's lap and cuddles up to his chest, Her hands gripping his shirt tightly.. Like if she let go he'd disappear again. Once settled down she glances at the Television.
Andrew, Catching her gaze breaks into a small genuine smile.
"Want to watch something..?"
Leyley nods quickly, glancing over his shoulder.
"Hey, don't worry. Renee already went to sleep."
Andrew says as he reaches with his left hand across the couch and to the table, Grabbing the remote and turning on the television. With his right hand he hugs Leyley close, Thumb rubbing over her right arm.
Andrew scrolls through the channels before landing on one that interests him. a Horror movie titled "The Coffin We Designed."
Leyley pouts a little spotting the selection.
"I don't like horror movies.." She wines.
"Give it a chance. I think you'll like it."
Andrew responds, leaning down and kissing the top of Lesley's head in an effort to comfort her. In response Leyley lets out a little whine, but doesn't fuss further.
The movie spans on for nearly two hours, By the end Leyley is asleep in Andrews arms. Andrew himself is drowsy. His hand absent mindedly petting down Leyley's back. Without thinking his hand dips to the edge of her pajama pants. He stays there fidgeting for a moment before zoning back in and pulling his hand away quickly, Composing himself poorly as his cheeks turn bright red.. He brushes his hand placement off with the thought that it was just his exhaustion getting to him on top of being pent up and irritable.
Andrew picks Leyley up and turns the television off before walking his way to their shared bedroom. At the door he pushes it open, careful not to disturb his sleeping Leyley. Inside he kicks the door shut and approaches her bed, setting her down slowly. As he does, Leyley's hands are reluctant to release even in sleep. It takes some coursing before she finally lets go.
Andrew tucks Leyley into her bed, pulling the blanket over her shoulders before turning around and walking over to his bed; As he does so he strips off all his clothes with the exception of his boxers. Arriving at the bed he collapses onto it and pulls the covers up to his shoulders, finally feeling comfortable. His bed isn't perfect, actually it's much worse than his bed in the dorm room, but it isn't.. terrible.
Andrew shuts his eyes and rolls over onto his side, facing the room. As he drifts off he makes a mental note to call Julia in the morning after breakfast like she wanted. He already dreads it.