- did Andrew and Neil leave early because of trauma or because they’re horny

- is the heavy breathing behind the closed door people making out or is someone having a panic attack

- can we get Neil to admit to literally anything

enter Charles who is fed up with people picking on him for no good reason: he is a FOUR TIME—are you writing this down? FOUR TIME WORLD CHAMPION. I wish he would come to Ferrari just so I could race him properly! I wish it would happen, I really do. Lewis is great, but—no, I’m gonna stop there. Lewis is great. I still wish Max would come to Ferrari though, so we can race in the same (functioning) machinery *sideeyeing red bull*

media: …did you not used to hate each other?

Neil who never lets Andrew carry his own bag through an airport or out of a stadium, even though Andrew is inarguably bigger and more muscled than him. Who always keeps the freezer stocked with ice cream no matter the circumstances. Who keeps a bubble of space around Andrew when they’re walking through thick crowds, always a bicep or an elbow in the way to stop people from getting too close. Who gets his wallet out every time they get dinner like Andrew doesn’t make 80% more than him. Always free shoulder and feet massages, post-game and in-bed and whenever, without Andrew ever having to ask. He always washes Andrew’s hair first in the shower, always cups the water away from his face so soap doesn’t get in his eyes.

Neil who is always down to do Anything Andrew Wants, Ever. Andrew wants to go on a drive in the middle of the night? Or an impromptu road trip in the off season? Sure, Neil’s grabbing the keys. On the road they pass a pungent, fresh-made bakery and Neil turns the car around without uttering a word. Neil, who, after years, always answers the phone when Andrew calls on the very first ring — who turns his full-attention to Andrew when he calls his name, even in the most crowded room. Who does pretty much anything Andrew asks of him and anticipates dozens of other wants and needs. Who always goes out of his way to make Andrew’s life easier. Neil, who puts Andrew above anything and everything else.

charles: we don't care about piastri

one year you're being adopted as a leclerc, the other you're being disowned in spain. rough season for oscar.

Andrew, annoyed: Kevin threw out my chocolate

Neil: all of it?

Andrew: yes

Neil: and he’s still alive?

Andrew: he’s hiding at Matt’s

Neil: got it

Andrew: that’s it?

Neil: you want me to say more?

Andrew: yes.

Neil: okay...

Neil: shit happens

Neil: I’ll swing by and get you a new one

Andrew: *heavy sigh*

Andrew: how do I make him really suffer?

Neil, in German: his autograph from Jeremy and those newspaper clippings with him are hidden in the history books

[beeping tone from the phone]

Jean: so they finally noticed you’re gone?

Neil: that I went for a walk all the way to California?

Neil: not yet

Jean: what did you say about Jeremy?

Neil: nothing?? I didn’t even mention Jeremy

maybe kevin walks in and with the serious look on neils face maybe assumes its a ravens game. what else would neil be that concentrated about if not exy? and he goes over to check and its two men just fucking. going at it, ruthlessly. neil has no shame about it, why would he? he knows others watch it and its common enough he knows kevin has dabbled in it even. and neil turns to kevin with an analytical look like, "how would that work" and kevins face is just beet red, fumbling words and embarassment thats not even his own

andrew is taking an acting class after he loses a bet.

neil is taking an acting class because matt made his schedule.

kevin is taking an acting class because he’s annoying.

they are all juniors.

first day of class neil sits across the room from a blonde freshman with tattoos and ripped jeans. ugh and he’s sitting next to kevin. why did kevin steal the only interesting person.

kevin and neil have had classes together every semester since freshman year. this was not intentional. neither of them are happy about it.

andrew sees a kid engulfed in a metallica shirt glaring at kevin from across the room. when did kevin have time to piss off a freshman?

the professor has them go around the room, introduce themselves, and ask a classmate a question

neil asks andrew about his tattoos. kevin is upset that neil didnt ask him.

andrew asks neil to name three songs. neil is confused by this, which andrew does NOT find endearing.

after class ends kevin approaches neil and is like “this cant keep happening. switch your schedule.” and neil’s like well that’s too bad, because i have a writing class that cant be moved. so does kevin. the same one. why does this keep happening.

andrew decides to improve the situation by claiming neil as his partner for every assignment going forward. kevin is betrayed. neil is pleased.

the next week when andrew and neil are leaving, their professor pulls them to the side. and asks them if they knew each other before this class, and they’re like uh no ???

and he’s like hmmmmm. interesting. i just wanted to let you know that i noticed such a strong connection between you two on the first day, i assumed youd been intimate for years. ah this is exciting. i cant wait to see how your relationship blossoms.

andrew is mortified. neil is never going to speak to him again.

as soon as they leave the room they just kind of look at each other before neil starts giggling and then fully laughing because what the fuck was that.

But Neil? Andrew is what saves Neil. Andrew saves him in so many ways, but mainly by giving him the strength to stop running and by forcing him to own himself (Take the contact lenses out! Lean into the attitude problem!! Bury Nathanial in Baltimore!!!).

So Neil knows that the only thing that will save Andrew is Andrew himself. Getting sober, finding his own things to want, building his own life. Neil isn't the only person who loves Andrew, but he is the only person who trusts Andrew to be himself, who trusts that Andrew does have feelings and the capacity to wish good things for himself.

Kevin says "I will give Andrew something to build his life around"; Neil replies "we should give him something of his own".

Nicky doesn't think that Andrew is good enough to date Renee; Neil doesn't understand why Andrew wants him, but he's buzzed at the idea of Andrew wanting anything at all.