Chapter Text
Neil sprang from his seat the moment Coach announced the meeting's end. As he left, Dan called after him, "Neil! You still need to take your phys—" but Abby interrupted her, which was uncharacteristic.
"He's already taken it," Abby said, her voice trembling slightly. Dan wondered about Abby's unusual behavior but let it go when Renee stood up and headed for the door. "I'd like to have a word with him, if you'll excuse me," she said, glancing back at Dan and then at the Monster, who still had a hold on Kevin's chin.
Dan gave a nod to their resident Christian and waited with the others for their physicals.
Exiting Abby's office last, Dan entered the foyer and addressed Andrew's group with a hint of hesitation. "So, what do you think of the new guy?" The question redirected everyone's attention away from their conversations. Aaron was quick to reply, "He's a creep!" which made Andrew chuckle and flash a broad grin. "I bet he could outrun everyone here!" he teased in a playful tone, eyeing Kevin, who was unresponsive, likely dying inside because of the district change. "He clocked a quarter mile at his high school game," Coach interjected, rifling through papers on his desk. Matt whistled in response, prompting Dan to roll her eyes at her boyfriend's antics. "Was that for the entire game?"
"No, the little rascal was subbed out and didn't even look winded on the bench," Wymack retorted, raising everyone's eyebrows. "Big deal, he's got stamina and speed, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a damn rookie!" Seth shouted.
Renee countered in her usual soothing voice, "Kevin believes he has potential, and I trust his judgment. You should have a bit more faith in the team." Seth scowled at her but held back any retort; even he wouldn't dare insult Renee.
"He did seem a bit... jumpy, didn't he?" Matt observed, scratching his arms where Dan knew his track marks lay it was a tick of his when he was nervous
"He probably just needs a bit more time to adjust and get to know everyone before he starts opening up," Nicky said as he began to stand. "Anyway, I'm beat. Can we leave now?"
"Get the hell out of my sight!" Coach Wymack scowled. "And get some damn sleep; you all look terrible!"
Nicky didn't waste any time; by the middle of Wymack's sentence, he was already reaching for the door handle.
Time seemed to slow, and her vision zoomed in on Nicky's fingers as they brushed against the handle of the foyer doors, and then suddenly, everything turned white.
꧁——————————꧂
Everyone awoke simultaneously, and the silence lasted barely a minute before chaos erupted. Seth was livid, while Coach, Dan, and Abby attempted to pacify the group. Matt stood close to Renee and Allison, all trying to discern their location.
Andrew herded his group onto the couch and chair, arranged just like those in the foyer.
"Where the hell is Neil?!" Coach's shout silenced everyone, his tone filled with an anger and concern they had seldom heard. Andrew, grinning wildly, retorted, "It's quite clear that only those in the foyer were transported here. The Rabbit escaped before we were ensnared by the big bad wolf, and Bee isn't here either, is she?"
Realizing Andrew was correct about Betsy's absence, Dan said, "Okay, let's all calm down and search the area. Maybe we can find something to help us escape, agreed?" Abby suggested, extending her hand as if it could halt any conflict between the groups. Without verbal agreement, they began their search, Andrew the most boisterous, whistling while he inspected the walls and rifled through a desk similar to the one in Coach's office, slamming drawers as he went.
"I found something!" Renee's voice rang out. Dan turned to see her friend's pastel hair, a beacon in the darkness, holding an envelope with writing on it.
Coach approached, with Abby to his left and Dan to his right and took the envelope from Renee's hand to read aloud, "To the Foxes of Palmetto State University." He tore it open and extracted a letter.
"Dear reader, I'm fairly certain David Wymack is perusing this, but given that foxes are as unpredictable as they are cunning, I'll refrain from addressing anyone specifically. Today, you've all been summoned to witness the past and future," Wymack reads, his voice faltering with evident confusion. "Hah, as if we'd believe that!" Seth interjects, only to be silenced by Allison. "If the entity that brought us here can teleport us, isn't it powerful enough to show us the past or future?" Renee posits, prompting Andrew to laugh. "This day just got a lot more interesting. Keep reading, Coach, or do I need to take over?" He advances, reaching for the paper, but Coach glares and continues.
"I'm aware some of you harbor doubts—Seth, notably," the letter reads, causing Seth to scoff and Andrew to snicker. "Regrettably, you cannot leave this pocket dimension unless you participate. Time is suspended outside this realm, so there's no harm in staying as long as needed to complete this task."
"What about practice?" Kevin exclaims, drawing everyone's attention. "Edgar Allen is visiting our district; we can't afford to linger here! I have a new striker to coach!" His mention of the college's name seems to unsettle him, but his anger prevails. "Kevin, were you not paying attention?" Andrew taunts, causing Dan to bristle. "Time won't advance beyond this room. And frankly, I'd have thought you'd be eager to glimpse the future—it is the future, after all." The group looks perplexed by his cryptic words, except for Renee, who has an epiphany. "We'll get to observe future games!"
"That's why you're the only one I can stand here," Andrew remarks, turning to Renee so quickly Dan is surprised he doesn't become dizzy. With a mischievous grin, Andrew rushes at Coach, snatches the paper, and eludes Wymack's grasp. "Damn it, Minyard!"
"Too sloooooooow—my turn!" He flips the paper over and begins to read, "The main subject of who's past and future you are observing is—" Andrew bursts into laughter, a dangerous gleam in his eye that sends a jolt through Dan's stomach, "—the one and only Neil Abram Josten!"
As he pronounces the final words, the paper disintegrates in his hands. Dan glimpses his surprise, but it's fleeting as a TV materializes on the desk at the front of the room, capturing her attention.
Abruptly, everyone freezes and moves to their seats. Dan attempts to move her arm, but it won't respond. She only regains control once she's seated.
"Ugh, that felt so weird," Nicky mutters, wrapping his arms around himself. "Agreed," Matt responds, and Dan notices a shiver run through him.
The TV flickers to life, and all eyes are drawn to it as words start to appear on the screen.
Rule number 1
Physical violence will not be tolerated and anyone who has bad intention will be forced to stay seated
Rule number 2
Breaking any property will have consequences so please avoid that
Rule number 3
Anytime some talks during reaction time the TV will pause so please refrain from having an hour-long screaming match thank you
The television screen fades to black, and suddenly, a remote materializes in Andrew's hand. "What? Why does he get the remote?" Seth protests, pointing at Andrew.
Andrew, grinning, doesn't spare Seth a glance, too engrossed in twirling the remote. Dan wonders if Andrew is even aware of their predicament. "Tut-tut, jealousy is unbecoming on you, Seth. How does Allison tolerate it?" Andrew taunts. Seth's expression twists into a snarl. "Shut up!" he snaps, and that's Dan's cue to tune out, weary of these all-too-familiar quarrels.
"Enough!" Abby's voice cuts through the tension, snapping Dan out of her reverie. She surveys the room: Seth's face is flushed, his body rigid with restrained anger.
"It seems to be working," Aaron remarks, his tone laced with his characteristic indifference. "Andrew—" Dan begins, intending to request the remote, but Andrew, pressing a series of random buttons, somehow switches the TV back on.
User 'Andrew Minyard'
Section 1
This is the first layer to your reaction! You will be reacting to music that resonates with your main subject which is 'Neil Josten' these are the 2 song chosen by the User 'Andrew Minyard' please choose which of the two you will like to start with ٩( ᐛ )و
Options<
Who are you, Really? By MIKKY EKKO
SPIT IN MY FACE! By ThxSoMch
"Damn it, Minyard! What did you do?" Wymack yelled at the grinning twin. "I followed the instructions, obviously," he replied, his tone a dry contrast to the devilish grin on his face, which to Dan didn't seem dry at all but rather a strange mix of joy and feigned seriousness.
"Music?" Nicky muttered to himself, but the room's echo carried his words to everyone. "It says Andrew chose these songs, but what were the other options?" Matt wondered aloud, knowing well that Andrew wouldn't provide any real answers.
"Hehehe, you'll never know. Why, you ask? Because you don't have the re- re- re-MOTE!" Andrew collapsed into hysterical laughter as if he'd told the world's funniest joke. Nicky, sitting next to him, looked extremely uncomfortable, and Dan genuinely felt sorry for the group's eldest member.
"Never mind that," Dan said, standing up. "I suggest we vote on which song to listen to first. Any objections?" She scanned the room and saw Wymack and Abby nodding in approval. She was no longer the first-year captain struggling to be heard; the affirmation was still comforting and appreciated.
"Good. Raise a hand for the first option, and make a fist for the second," Dan instructed, raising her hand, with the rest following suit.
Her, Renee, Abby, Matt, and Nicky chose the first option.
Andrew, Kevin, Aaron, Wymack, Seth, and Allison chose the second.
"Andrew, if you would do the honors," Renee said, gesturing to the screen. Andrew was already fixated on it, his hand moving over the remote without even looking. Dan wished he would take things more seriously but knew that was impossible with his medication.
User 'Andrew Minyard'
Section 1
This is the first layer to your reaction! You will be reacting to music that resonates with your main subject which is 'Neil Josten' these are the 2 songs chosen by the User 'Andrew Minyard please choose which of the two you will like to start with ٩( ᐛ )و
Options
Who are you, Really?
SPIT IN MY FACE!<
Context
"Oh come on! Are we still not finished?" Allison groans, collapsing dramatically onto Seth's lap. Dan lets out a huff of laughter.
"Everyone shut up and look at the screen!" Wymack reprimands.
This song is of the past and will focus on Neil's relationship with his mother
"Ooooh, the deadbeat mom who never wants to visit her son, how interesting," Andrew calls out, sounding far too amused.
The screen goes dark, and everyone waits in suspense as sounds begin to fill the space.
It starts quietly; Dan can barely hear it, but then a guitar slowly grows louder.
Scenes flash by in a rapid montage that Dan occasionally watches cars of many different types and styles, including one from Canada, fires, gas stations, houses, airports, and a disturbing array of bruises and cuts. Then, the lyrics finally rise from the background noise to center stage.
Spit in my face, my love, it won't phase me
The lyrics appear in a small gold font at the bottom of the large flat screen, and a car shows up on the screen. Dan doesn't recognize the type of car, but it looks quite worn. The parking lot they're in seems to be part of a gas station.
"Well, those lyrics seem very promising for their relationship," Aaron comments, glancing at the screen with a mix of annoyance and interest.
"Does anyone recognize this place? Kevin, Wymack? Does it look like Arizona?" Abby inquires of the two men.
"Nope," Andrew responds, emphasizing the 'p', then quickly hushes everyone.
Spit in my face, my love, it won't change me
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone crazy
The camera pans to the interior of the car, revealing a small child in the passenger seat, absorbed in the faint strains of music from the radio. "Is that Neil?" Matt inquires but receives no reply; the boy's face remains obscured. Dan remarks on the subdued volume of the lyrics, anticipating an imminent crescendo. "Yeah, these lyrics don't exactly hint at a happy relationship," Renee comments somberly, casting a pall over the group's spirits—except for Andrew, who just smiles.
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone mad!
Just as Dan had suspected, the music suddenly grew louder, and the boy everyone assumes is Neil stood up abruptly, causing Nicky and Allison to flinch at the sudden volume, which in turn made Andrew laugh at them. Dan ignored them, focusing instead on Neil, who turned off the music and looked toward the gas station where everyone noticed a woman approaching Andrew. Wymack fell silent, observing the short woman with evident interest.
The Foxes watched as she opened the driver's door, got in, and shut it. Her sharp brown eyes fixed on Neil. "Is it just me, or is anyone else getting the heebie-jeebies from the way she's looking at Neil?" Nicky asked, his voice tinged with unease. "No, I'm feeling it too," Dan agreed. The complete silence of the music seemed to spell trouble, reminiscent of a tense movie scene where the background noise drops, focusing all attention on the protagonist.
"Clear?" she asked, her voice gliding through the room with a slight British accent. "She's fucking British?" Seth exclaimed. Dan couldn't fathom why he was upset. What did he have against British people?
"Clear."
Neil responds, and Allison gasps in shock. "Wow, he sounds so young. How old is he?" Now that she mentions it, he does sound young. Why would such a young child and his mother be at a gas station in the middle of nowhere?
Everyone watches as he gazes out the windshield. Suddenly, the woman thrusts her long nails into his hair, digging her fingernails into his scalp. His face contorts slightly with pain before he turns back to the woman, whose eyes are wide, searching his face for something. Not finding it, she withdraws her fingers abruptly, pushing Neil against his window. Unfazed, he keeps his eyes forward as she starts the car and they drive away.
The silence is deafening. "Well, looks like Renee was right. Wonder what else in his file was a lie," Andrew drawls, sounding utterly bored.
"Ooh, hey Aaron, doesn't this scene seem awfully familiar?" Andrew chuckles, looking at his reflection. Dan feels pity for Aaron, having to be related to Andrew.
Spit in my face, my love, it won't phase me
"Isn't that the truth? He didn't react as if it was a rare thing for his mother to do," Allison called out from her place on Seth's lap, who scoffs, "Big deal, we all have shitty lives. It's why we're all here; he isn't special."
"Shut up, Seth," Dan says, and surprisingly, he does.
Spit in my face, my love, it won't change me
Walking side by side, Neil keeps his head down while the mother's head is constantly turning, as if searching for something.
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone crazy
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone mad!
More scenes flash very similar except the women and Neil keep changing appearance Neil getting taller each time until he is standing alone on the side of the road
"Where did she go?" Dan feels a sinking sensation in her stomach as she sees Neil standing alone, looking so forlorn. "He seems so lost," she whispers to herself. Beside her, Matt hums in agreement, his gaze fixed intently on the screen.
The lyrics continue now louder than before and when the singer yells the final word the screen bursts into flame
Silence falls for a minute, punctuated only by heavy breathing and the crackling of a fire in the background.
"Well, that isn't ominous," Aaron drawls. Dan has to agree; the last time the music stopped, it heralded the opening scene that established the tone for the entire song and their relationship.
The image returns, and they're in a motel—yes, a motel, Dan recognizes the look of one from her previous job.
This is your fault
"Hmm, that's a change" Kevin states as they see Neil on the bed face still hidden by the shadows the dinghy lamp causes but they can see he has a bandage on his face.
And I don't need you anyway
Stumble out the bathroom
The camera angle changes or is it Neil's point of view now? and they see Neil's mother in the bathroom washing her hands vigorously.
Stumble out your arms again
Neil looks away to just in front of the door where a chair was jamming the handle.
What does she want to keep out? She looks really stressed maybe because Neil is injured. She doesn't seem the type to be so stressed after an injury.
She is doing crank in the room with a noose and a Backwood
The bitch still call me crazy, lil' ho, how does that work?
Abby grimaces at the crude language while Andrew chuckles. Seth appears uneasy about the noose reference, and Dan feels similarly; it hasn't been long since what happened to Janie Smalls. Dan still recalls her devastation and his own sense of failure as captain.
Spotting Neil driving, Matt blurts out, "What- What the FUCK!?"
"He doesn't even look 16!" Wymack growls behind her, muttering under his breath.
"He's obviously been doing this for a while," Renee comments, her voice even. "What do you mean?" Allison inquires, her face a mix of disbelief and curiosity. Dan scoffs, likely considering another wager she's concocting. "Well, when most people drive for the first few times, they're either really stressed or really reckless," she explains, pointing to the screen. "He seems very calm."
"That doesn't make us feel any better, Renee," Wymack replies, his voice tense.
They switch positions Mary looks stressed again
She got the guest house jumpin' up with smoke out the attic
Mary and Neil looking at each other Mary with wide eyes filled with fury and judgement the screen flashes
Everyone tenses as they see the scene everyone knows what's going to happen next, they all experienced it they are foxes after all.
Neil with a slap mark on his cheek
"I care about you Abram"
"I know Mum......"
"Abram? Oh, why call him by his middle name?" Andrew, the bastard, can't read the room to save his life. Everyone ignores him, allowing the realization of this relationship to settle in.
You're right, I know we love to argue, let's get at it
A pipe swings down by a man at someone laying on the ground
Everyone jumps as they hear the hit metal to flesh but just as fast it goes away
"The fuck why was that in a video about Neil and his mother?" Matt questions no one has the answer, so they stay silent
Wasted, sippin' on that liquor, you can taste it
Girl, don't touch that drink, I know you laced it
Aaron, Matt and Seth go stock still and Wymack curses enough to put a sailor to shame as they watch the scene unfold.
Mary puts a drink Infront of Neil who drinks it without hesitation complete trust in his mother
The scene switches to his shoving fingers down his throat to puke it up Mary holding back his hair showing care
You made a mistake Abram her voice cold
Sorry his voice small and truly full of remorse
Dan feels a surge of intense rage coursing through her veins.
Her grip on his hair tightens
Do better
"Fuck you bitch what type of psycho drugs her own son!" Dan isn't sure who yelled what they are all thinking except maybe Andrew having to deal with the aftermath of what his little stunt in Columbia caused.
I don't know what to say except you're
Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine
Her hands rest on his shoulders in a portrait that resembles a family photo, but the entire left side is scorched, as the fire spreads to the other side. Kevin looks uncomfortable and Dan wonders if he is thinking of the Nest.
Allison makes a grunt before looking away
You crush my heart and say it's nothing
You broke me down, I kept on cutting
Neil is shown with a really beaten up face his nose has a ocean of red dripping down it.
Matt hisses in sympathy "Jesus what the hell happened to him?"
"A fight apparently or beat down looks more like it" Aaron says looking at the wounds showcased
I bleed for you and now I'm gushing
I bleed for you, but you never cared
Mary tosses him bandages and hands him a bottle of vodka before leaving after a silent conversation
"Did she seriously just give him alcohol?" Seth's confused voice comes from her side "It can be a good painkiller for desperate situation but not recommended especially for a child." Abby responds the pain in her voice hints that there is something she is not saying. Wymack looks at her searching but can't find it Dan thinks as he looks away worried.
The music cuts off it's electric beat of drum and guitar that filled the silence makes Dan brace for what she is about to see, she freezes as she sees what is playing
Now older, Neil holds an axe, its blade smeared with blood, and his eyes wild.
"You look just like your father, Abram."
"Oh... I do?"
The fear and revulsion in his voice fractures something inside Dan.
The screen flashes and it shows mostly Neil alone walking down a beach he seems unsteady and is carrying a large bag
The song repeats as Neil falls to his knees and starts digging with his bare hands pushing sand away making a hole
Andrew brakes out in hysterics for no reason all of a sudden "Oh man, hahahahaha whew continue continue!" He waves them off Dan feels a hot stream of annoyance at the short blonde psychopath. What could he possibly find funny about this situation?
Fo' sho'
Tell me give it up, I'll leave everyone in the cold
All I wanna say, I'll do anything you can do
Neil's mother is sitting on a couch in a shitty apartment reading a newspaper they see through Neil's eyes as he approaches and says something based on how Mary looks up and stares at him, they go back to an outside view seeing how he looks at her with hope.
Aaron shrinks down into himself and seems to be seeing something that is not there Andrew grabs him by the neck and shakes him he whispers something Dan can't hear but Aaron anger is easily seen in his eyes and body language
Mary says something her words sharp and cutting she looks like she is berating Neil ranting and pointing her finger at him he visibly recoils and shrinks into himself. Much like Aaron just did Dan makes the connection.
Show me heroin, I'll shoot it through my motherfuckin' bones
She doing crank in the room with a noose and a Backwood
The bitch still call me crazy, lil' ho, how does that work?
She got the guest house jumpin' up with smoke out the attic
You're right, I know we love to argue, let's get at it
You crush my heart and say it's nothing
You broke me down, I kept on cutting
I bleed for you and now I'm gushing
I bleed for you, but you never cared
Spit in my face, my love, it won't phase me
Spit in my face, my love, it won't change me
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone crazy
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone mad
Spit in my face, my love, it won't phase me
Spit in my face, my love, it won't change me
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone crazy
Spit in my face, my love, I've gone mad