Chapter Text
Andrew sat down on the couch in his mother’s office, all of her glass figures that Stephanie gave her lined perfectly on the shelf behind the desk. Bee sat next to him on the couch, both of them sipping on hot chocolate as they talked about random little things- Bee's co workers excited for the wedding, how Andrew’s studies are going, what stupid thing Neil did the other day, and such. He liked it. He missed just spending time with his mom without anyone else around. He was grateful of course, that his life had expanded to the point where he could barely juggle all of the relationships he never thought he'd be able to have but he missed those days where it was just him, his mom, and King sitting on the couch, embroidering something silly together. He had to make more time in his schedule to spend some quiet time with his mom. Once he finished making her dress of course, he wouldn't be getting any sleep until that was done.
"Renee tells me that she's thinking about dying her hair again." Bee said with a pleasant smile. "She was torn between a solid pastel color or some kind of rainbow do. I think she'd look cute in a pastel purple but Stephanie thinks it would be funny if she gets the lesbian flag done."
Andrew hummed. It would be funny if his lesbian sister got the lesbian flag on her hair, especially if it was in time for their lesbian moms’ wedding. But he wasn't sure if Renee would go for it. She might decide to be practical and just do pastel colors. "Pastel pink would look nice." He said.
Bee nodded, swirling her hot chocolate in her mug with the fancy little spoon she had. She found the set when her and Stephanie went out shopping and it seemed Bee was a sucker for tiny decorative spoons. "I agree." She said. "I’m sure she'll take Allison with her. Those two are rather close."
Andrew knew that tone, it was the tone his mom used when she knew things that she wasn't supposed to know. Or sometimes things that even the person involved didn't know. She used that tone pretty much anytime little Andrew made a comment about marrying Neil before she broke it to his little gay self that he was in love with Neil. Speaking of, the ring still sat in his pocket. He brought it with him everywhere, even though he had a plan in place and knew how he wanted to propose, he carried it around in case Neil verbally harassed someone so badly that Andrew just had to propose right there and then. His attraction to Neil’s smart mouth might be a problem.
Bee continued on. "I’m not too sure about Allison, but I do know that Renee feels rather strongly for her." Her face carried a proud smile and Andrew knew she was proud at how far the world had come from when she was young. The world still sucked and horrible things still happened but it was well enough that at least one less person felt like they had to hide their love to survive. "I do hope she talks to Allison about those feelings, I dare say it might turn out well for her."
"I’m going to propose to Neil." Andrew said. He took a sip of his hot chocolate, the silence comfortable and calm. He looked up at his mom to find her smiling so brightly at him, the pride on her face moments before had nothing on the pride on her face now.
She was overflowing with it, pride and excitement and pure joy- it was all over her face. Andrew felt it, the warmth from his mom, down to his curled toes. It was nearly overwhelming, it was almost too much to handle but Andrew handled it. He welcomed it. "I’m so happy for you, honey," Bee said and Andrew knew just how much she meant it.
"You don't think it's too soon? That we're too young?" Andrew asked. They were the tiny insecurities he carried buried deep down that always managed to come to the surface around his mom. She wouldn't lie to him, she would tell him the truth no matter what. He didn't care about the rest of the world but he cared about what his mom had to say. She saved him and Neil, she didn't have to take them in but she did because she cared. She wanted what was best for them so if this was too soon, if they were too young then she'd tell them.
Bee chuckled and shook her head. "Maybe for anyone else," she said. When she looked at Andrew all he could see was her support and love written all across her face. "But you and Neil? This has always been in the cards for the two of you. I’m honestly surprised that you waited this long to propose to him, seeing as how you’ve been planning this for eleven years."
Andrew felt the tips of his ears heat at that. It was different coming from his mom- the person who had watched all of Andrew’s antics when he was little and blissfully unaware of his feelings for Neil. It had to be hard to watch at times- and that was embarrassing. He did embarrassing shit when in love.
Bee pressed on anyways. "You two have been through it all," she said gently. "I know that no matter what life throws at you the two of you will be able to handle it together. Besides," she reached out and ran her hand through Andrew’s head after a quick nod of approval. She smiled warmly at him, like he was the thing she was most proud of. "The most important part is that this will make you happy, and you deserve to be happy, Andrew."
Andrew felt like he was a small kid again, being told that for the first time ever that he was finally going to be someone's son, no strings attached. He felt like he should cry and hug her. So he put his mug down and turned to his mom, his biggest supporter. He waited for her to put down her own mug, that gentle smile never wavering. She let Andrew set the pace, let him take a deep breath and slowly open his arms.
He leaned forward and hugged her tight, closing his eyes in the familiar, comforting and protective warmth he had always wanted as a small child. His mom’s hug was loose, like it always was because she always wanted him to have the knowledge that he could let go at any time, that he could leave if the ghosts came back. He held on tighter, his hands balling up the fabric of her sweater. He really got lucky with her. "I love you, mom." He whispered.
Bee held on tighter for just a moment, something small and quick but spoke more than words ever could. Andrew knew she was smiling, maybe even tearing up. "I love you too, son."
-
Andrew’s hands were sweaty. He felt like he was going to vibrate out of his skin. His hair was definitely a mess even though he tried to tame it- he kept running his hands through it every time he got nervous which had been the whole time. Neil was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, happily talking to Bee about something morbid no doubt. He had been dropping more and more fucked up shit that happened to him when he and Andrew were alone, so it was very likely that Neil was saying it without truly realizing how fucked up everything that happened to him was. Hopefully Bee would be able to help.
Andrew would appreciate it. If he was still alive. He might fling himself down the steps and finally off himself.
Renee gripped his shoulders, pulling Andrew out of his anxiety ridden thoughts. Her face was stern and determined but still loving. "You've got this." She said. "You can do this, Andrew."
Andrew took a deep breath, shoving his hand into his pocket to grip onto the small blue box inside. He was taking Neil on a glorified hike. In realty it was more a walking trail but it would lead them into a beautiful clearing that would give them a perfect view of the stars. He had scooped out many areas with his brother and sister since he got the ring and it took a lot to get the three of them to agree on one place. But it was perfect. It was similar to the trail they hiked as kids, when they went camping for the first time and they spent the whole night looking up at the stars. He wanted them to be under the stars when he proposed. He could do this.
"She's right," Aaron jumped in. He had King in her cat carrier backpack because of course Andrew and Neil's daughter was going with them. Andrew had spent a lot of time with King lately, making sure she knew her cues. "You've got this, Andrew."
Andrew nodded, taking deep, slow breaths like his mom taught him. He could do this. He had this planned since he was eight years old. He had everything he needed. He had everything he could ever want and now he was going to live his life without fear. Maybe a little fear but he was pushing past that. He wasn't that same scared kid who lost so much. He was grown, he had a family and he had Neil right back by his side. "I got this." He told his siblings.
Renee smiled. She patted his shoulders and let go of him. "You’re prepared for this, Andrew," she confirmed. "Just don't trip on a rock and die. That would be embarrassing."
Andrew gave her a glare but it was half-hearted at best. He couldn't really stay mad at his sister for long, not when she stayed up late with him crafting his little speech. Aaron helped too, they finally made a sibling group chat for it. "I’m not going to die." He told her. "I didn’t survive my teenage years to lose to a fucking rock."
Aaron pulled a face at the reminder of their horrible teenage years. But he didn't dwell on it, shaking his head and carefully handing the meowing backpack. "I put some treats in there," he explained. "Second pocket. There's also some bear spray and there's a flare in case you get lost-"
"Neil has never gotten lost in his life." Andrew interrupted.
Aaron continued anyways. "There’s also extra batteries for your flashlights, matches, and-"
Renee not so gently shut Aaron's mouth by forcing his jaw shut. He kept trying to talk but it just came out as a bunch of random noises no one could understand. "We'll wait for you to come back." She said. "Now off you go, your menace is waiting for you!"
Aaron nodded, as much as he could with Renee forcibly holding his jaw shut. He gave Andrew a thumbs up when he realized it was fruitless behavior.
Andrew nodded, taking one more deep breath. He could do this. He was going to do this, and he wasn't going to pass out. Or trip on a rock. Andrew shared one more moment with his brother and sister before he carefully went down the stairs, holding onto King's backpack. She was just enjoying the ride, letting out cute little meows of approval at her subject carrying her around in style.
Neil looked over, his pleasantly blank face lighting up, his blue eyes sparkling. "Drew!" He called out, ignoring whatever it was Bee was telling him. But Bee was used to it by now, based on the smile and fond shake of her head. She had spent years with the two of them being obsessed with each other after all. Neil came bouncing over, happily and carefully taking Kings backpack- all so he could take Andrews hand into his own. "Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yeah, you?" Andrew squeezed Neil's hand, the ring box weighed down his pocket. He was sure Neil could see it but Neil just smiled and nodded.
"I can’t believe you want to go for a nature walk." Neil teased, his smile holding a bit of a smirk in it. He was lucky he was so cute.
"Shut up." Andrew warned him.
Neil rolled his eyes and pressed a kiss to Andrew’s cheek. He was going off on the free range he had been given by Andrew.
Andrew turned to his mom, ignoring his menace for one moment. He'd have hours to give him all of his attention. "We'll be back by ten." He promised.
Bee nodded, a knowing look in her eye. Luckily she kept it to herself and just handed Andrew Neil's backpack. "Stay safe, you two." She said.
"Of course, mom."
"Bye Andrew! Neil!" Renee called out from the top of the steps, waving at them with an obnoxious smile on her face that bordered on a smirk. Aaron just gave Andrew another thumbs up. Ugh, straight people.
Andrew’s phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it up as he and Neil left the house. It was a text from Nicky: a couple dozen heart emojis and a good luck! Ik he'll say yes!! Go get him!! message. Andrew sent him a quick thanks before he slipped his phone back into his ring box free pocket. He had this.
Neil made himself comfortable in the passenger seat, King happily in his lap and inspecting her carriage. Andrew let Neil talk and talk on the drive, the topic jumping from school to King to idiots to, briefly, world domination, to finally how they would survive the zombie apocalypse. Neil was sure that they would survive easily, as long as they had each other and a lot of guns. Andrew argued that they would need a lot more than that.
"Eventually supplies will run out," Andrew argued. "Who would run the electricity? Get the gasoline for the getaway cars?" He threw out as they pulled up to the nature trail parking lot. There weren't any other people thankfully. He didn't want an audience for this. This was for him and Neil alone. And King. But she was their princess.
"We survive like humanity used to!" Neil argued. "Live off the land! Use sticks and figure out metal working to create weapons. It'll be great!"
Andrew should worry about Neil's excitement to go live off in the wild. But Neil was beautiful when he smiled, when he talked about something that made him happy so he wouldn't. He instead just parked the car and turned it off. "Well here's our trial run," he joked.
Neil smiled at him, his lips begging to be kissed. So Andrew leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. "You'll need it if you're going to survive the apocalypse." Neil teased.
"Menace." Andrew said. He got out of the car and took one more moment to just breathe. He could do this. They would reach the clearing by the time it got dark and the stars were out and then he'd have King distract Neil as he got down on one knee and propose. He had it perfected. He practiced, and he worked on his speech with his siblings. He had this.
Neil got out of the car and came over to Andrew, King peacefully resting inside the backpack. He took Andrew’s hand and with the other hand passed the other, catless backpack. "I think we need another cat." He said with a playful smirk. "That way we can have two cat backpacks."
"For once you're not a total idiot." Andrew agreed. It would be good for King to have some company once they moved into their own place. Even while they were still at the dorms too. He didn't want her to get lonely. "But we'll have to make sure King doesn't get territorial. Otherwise we'll end up with two separate cats who hate each other."
Neil tugged on Andrews hand, excitement in every inch of his body. He couldn't stand still any longer and Andrew would never deny him something. "Can we get an older cat?" He asked. He swung their arms obnoxiously and all he needed now was a giant stick to cause mayhem with. They would look for one on the way. "They don't get adopted nearly as much as the kittens."
"Of course we can." Andrew agreed. "King would probably like an older lady to keep her company anyways. Having a youngster around would only disturb her naps."
Neil laughed, quick and only for Andrews ears. Andrew loved it and he hoped he kept laughing throughout their life. "Yeah you're right." He said, small sticks crunching and breaking underneath his feet.
The forest area was full of beautiful and big pine trees that kept the forest alive even during the winter. They walked along the trail marked out by sign posts and a cleared path in the forest. Andrew was already tired, even though if he turned his head he was sure he could still see the car. He had to work out more. Neil was walking slower than he normally did, no doubt for Andrew. Andrew loved him. He couldn't wait to make this man his husband.
"How do you think King would react to us getting a fox?" Neil asked as the two of them walked along the trail.
The sun was beginning to set, casting the forest in orange and faint pinks and purples. It looked beautiful but Andrew wanted the starry night sky above them when they reached the clearing. If he survived that long that was. He could feel his shirt was soaked with sweat and even Neil's breathing had gotten harsh. So Andrew tugged Neil to the side of the path, sitting them down on an overturned log. He would have dirt on his pants when he proposed but it'd be fine. Neil didn't give a shit. Neil rested against him, using him as his human pillow and Andrew let him.
"I think King would kill us." Andrew answered Neil.
Neil hummed. He sat back up and slipped Kings backpack off. She was getting antsy after being in the pack for so long. Neil carefully helped her out, her blue grey harness snug and secure thanks to Aaron taking one for the team and getting her into it. Neil found the leash and clipped it in place before he set her down on the ground to stretch her cute little legs. "Yeah she probably would." He agreed, going back to leaning against Andrew.
Andrew was more than happy to hold him up. He'd carry Neil up the rest of the way if he wanted. King sniffed around the ground, marching around like she owned the place before she plopped her fluffy self right in front of Neil and Andrew. Her tail went back and forth, back and forth and Andrew would have to give her a bath when they got back. Or he could pay Aaron to do it and incur King’s wrath for him.
They sat there, quietly listening to the sounds of the forest as the sun continued to set. Andrew didn't dare think about moving them until Neil's breathing evened out, the idiot probably exhausted himself earlier on his morning run because he didn't know when to slow down. When they were ready, King went back into her backpack and Andrew took Neil's hand again. They walked together until they finally reached the clearing.
There was an empty bench where Andrew set their backpacks down and was able to let King out again. Neil walked towards the center of the clearing, staring up at the darkening sky. Slowly but surely the stars were coming up, thousands of bright lights peppering the night sky. But they all paled in comparison to the content smile on Neil's face. He was far more beautiful than the thousands of stars in the night sky.
Andrew turned his attention to King, steeling himself for what he was going to do. "Do not fail me, King." Andrew whispered to her.
King meowed and Andrew took it as her promise to do her part.
Andrew, with shaky hands, pulled out the ring box from his pocket and clipped it to King’s collar. He had Renee add a clip to the box that could be secured onto the collar. King was fluffy enough that the tiny box was kind of hidden in her fur. At the very least Neil wouldn't notice it right away in the dark and with King constantly moving around.
Andrew gave her a couple quick pets, trying to hide the shake of his hands. He booped her cute nose and set her on the ground. "You know what to do," he whispered. "Go, annoy."
King meowed and pranced off, her tiny paws getting covered in dirt that would have to be cleaned off. The leash dragging behind her as she weaved in and out of Neil's legs, rubbing up against him and purring loudly against the sound of night.
"Aw, aren't you adorable?" Neil cooed, instantly distracted by King. He bent down, trying to pet her but King just dodged his attempts.
Andrew took a deep breath, slowly and quietly getting into place next to Neil with the stars behind him. He counted to five, not willing to risk it any longer before Neil found the box. "I love you." He said, his voice loud in the quiet night.
He could distantly hear the sounds of bugs making noises, the rustling of leaves in the slight wind, and other night time critters waking up. But his voice stood out from all of that.
Neil smiled, and even with his eyes focused in trying to catch King, Andrew knew he had Neil's attention. "I love you too, Drew." He said. He tried to reach for King, who expertly dodged him. "I don't think King does right now." He laughed.
"Neil," Andrews hands were sweaty and his knees were weak as he slowly got onto one of them. "I love you."
Neil paused, maybe hearing the difference in Andrew’s tone. His fingers brushed against King’s neck as she escaped when she saw her cue and Andrew watched as his eyes widened. Neil nearly snapped his neck to look at Andrew, his beautiful blue eyes wide with shock. He felt the box.
King came up to Andrew, meowing with pride and swished her tail widely in excitement for her treat.
Andrew pulled out a few of her favorites and gave them to her as he unclipped the ring box from her collar. He looked up at Neil and nearly smiled at the dumbfounded expression on his cute face.
"Wha-" Neil tried, looking rapidly between the box in Andrew’s hand to Andrew’s face, his jaw hung open and his face darkening by the second.
Andrew swallowed the anxiety and spoke the words he had been working on for over a decade. "Neil, I love you more than the stars in the sky." He loved Neil more than anything in the world, more than the things he longed to escape to, more than the only consistency he ever had as a child- he loved Neil more than all of it. "I've loved you the moment I found you in my hiding spot fourteen years ago and my life has been far better with you in it."
"Andrew," Neil choked on the words and he didn't know what to do with hands, constantly moving them around. Behind him, in front of him, tugging at his fingers.
Andrew took one of his hands into his own, happy to let Neil hold on tight. "I can’t imagine my life without you again." With his free hand he flicked the box open, the moissanite gem shining under the moon and stars. The small blue gems matched Neil's eyes perfectly. Andrew hoped he would wear it for the rest of their lives. "Neil, will you marry me?"
Neil stood there stunned, each second that passed made Andrew’s anxiety spike and he worried that he blew it all. Maybe he should have come up with something more romantic, used more flowery language. Maybe told Neil he loved him more. Or maybe he should have-
Neil fell to his knees, tears in his bright blue eyes that Andrew immediately moved to wipe away. Neil grabbed his wrist when he did, eyes on Andrew’s face. "Is this real?" He asked, his voice soft and breakable.
Andrew nodded. He leaned closer to him, pressing their foreheads together. "Of course it's real." He promised. "All of this is real: you, me, King, the stars above us- it’s all real."
Neil took a shaky breath, his eyes fluttering close for a moment. Just a moment. He quickly opened his eyes again, pulling away just a bit to look down at the ring still in Andrew’s hand. A smile broke out across his face, tears fell down his cheek and Andrew kissed them away. It made Neil chuckle. "You-" Neil started. "You’re a hopeless romantic Drew."
"And you're the love of my life." Andrew told him, whispered it between between. Neil was the center of his world, the one that had been growing larger and larger ever since they met. He wanted Neil by his side as it continued to expand, to be together to navigate each winding turn life brought them. He wanted Neil for the rest of his life.
Neil laughed, pushing closer to Andrew as he drank in that beautiful smile. "Yes Drew!" He exclaimed. "Of course I'll marry you, you damn sap."
Andrew’s heart beat wildly against his chest, he felt like he was walking through air. Neil said yes. Of course he knew he was going to say yes but, but, but- Neil said yes. Andrew and Neil would finally be getting married. Neil would wear the ring Andrew spent years thinking of everyday for the rest of their lives. Andrew would wake up to Neil for the rest of their lives. No one would ever be able to separate them again.
Andrew pulled Neil in for a desperate kiss. Neil let go of his wrist to grab onto Andrew’s shirt, pulling him in even closer. Andrew sighed against Neil's lips, knowing that he would get to do this for the rest of his life. He only pulled away when he needed to breathe even though he would have been happy to die like that.
Neil's eyes were bright and full of love and affection. He pulled away and let go of Andrew hand just so he could hold out his hand, shaking it impatiently. "Put it on." He urged. "I want it on."
"Needy." Andrew teased. He was as desperate as Neil was to see it on his hand. He gave Neil one quick kiss before he set to work. His hands still shook, but this time with overwhelming excitement. This was happening. This was really, finally happening. Andrew got the ring free from the box and quickly took Neil's left hand. He took a deep breath, calmed himself down before he gently and slowly slid the ring onto Neil's finger. It was a perfect fit.
Neil couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he slowly held his hand up, his eyes glued to the ring now adorning his finger. "Drew," he near squealed. "It’s beautiful. How'd you-"
"Custom made." Andrew said. King filtered around them, meowing her orders that no one was listening to. When she realized she simply hopped onto Andrew’s shoulders, her favorite spot for a nap. Her tail swished around, smacking Andrew in the cheek but he didn't care. This was one of the best days of his life.
Neil looked away from the ring to look at Andrew and Andrew wasn't sure how he could look even more in love than he did a second ago. "You big sap." He teased. "I can’t- well I can. I can totally believe this. Fuck, I love you Drew."
Andrew gently took Neil's hand again, tangling their fingers up. Neil's ring looked like it had always belonged there, the silver a perfect contrast to his darker skin. It was all so perfect. "I love you, Neil." He said. "Does it fit well?"
Neil nodded. He wiggled his fingers and grinned. "It’s perfect, Drew." He promised. "How'd you know my ring size? I don't even know that."
"Don’t worry about it."
Neil shook his head fondly. He simply moved around until he could lean his entire body against Andrew’s side, his head resting on Andrew’s shoulder. Neither of them cared about the fact that they were going to be covered in dirt as they sat on the cold hard ground of the forest, or that they would have to give King a bath- none of it mattered. They were engaged. They were going to be married one day, one day soon. Everything was right when just a year ago it was barely held together with duct tape.
"I love you Drew," Neil whispered. The stars shined brightly in the night sky above them. "I can’t believe we're getting married."
Andrew pulled Neil closer, King a warm and steady presence on his lap. "I can't wait to be married to you." He whispered. "I love you.”