#of course i made it a twinyard drabble

[knox-knocks]

For the Drabble request, could I get an awkward Twinyard/ katelyn & Neil double date? 🖤

thank you!!! i’m not sure if this is  “awkward double date” or more “andrew being a little shit,” but i had fun with this one and i hope you enjoy it <3

-

“Are you still sulking?” 

Andrew glared at the red-headed menace that poked his head into the bathroom, dressed in a slim button-down shirt, navy blue and tucked into a nice pair of pants that he usually reserved for banquets and press conferences their coaches forced them to go to. Even his hair was styled nicely, curls combed out of his face. He looked good, looked nice, because they were going to a nice restaurant. Andrew scowled. 

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Neil said. “Come here.”

Never one to resist the temptations of Neil Josten, Andrew went. It wasn’t strictly necessary, but Neil helped him slip into a matching charcoal shirt. His eyes lingered on Andrew’s bare chest before he made quick work of the buttons and smoothed his hands down the lapels before taking a step back.

“Not so bad.” 

“I’m not tucking in my shirt. Or doing anything with my hair,” Andrew said, if only to be contrary. 

Not for the first time, Andrew wondered why he had gotten himself into this mess. He remembers how, of course, but every time he picks at the threads that lead him here he is left with the growing certainty that this was a bad idea. But had Bee suggested it, and Aaron pushed for it, and Neil encouraged it. So Andrew agreed to a double date with his brother and his brother’s fiancee while they were in town, having flown in from Denver for the holidays.

A double date. At a nice restaurant. 

What the fuck.

Neil did end up wrangling him into doing something with his hair, but only because Andrew liked the feeling of Neil’s fingers running through his hair while he combed it back. He gave Andrew an appreciative look in the mirror and then they were on their way. 

-

Aaron and Katelyn were already at the restaurant when Andrew and Neil arrived. They’d waited for Andrew and Neil to arrive before they ordered, so the waitress was at their table asking for their orders almost as soon as Andrew had sat down. He let Neil order for him, trusting that he would get something that Andrew would like. 

When the waitress left, Katelyn struck up a conversation and Andrew stared out the window that overlooked New York City, not really paying attention. The city glittered at night, all tall skyscrapers and sparkling lights. 

“Andrew?” 

Andrew tuned back in. He quirked an eyebrow at his brother. Aaron met his deadpan stare and held it. His hair was gelled back, and he had on a olive green shirt that complimented Katelyn’s gray dress. 

“Katelyn asked how your season was going,” Aaron said and Katelyn gave him a timid smile. Andrew could feel Neil’s eyes boring into him from the side. He didn’t know why Neil was so invested, but could practically hear his silent encouragements. Andrew sighed.

“Fine,” he said. “I’m still adjusting from the transfer, but they’ve moved me up to starting line. I’ll manage.”

He saw Neil grin at him from the corner of his eye and made himself relax. Aaron nodded and Katelyn took that lead to pepper him with questions about the move and living with Neil and the new team. Andrew let Neil handle most of the questions, but he added some input when it was necessary for him to do so. 

He was grateful when their entrees arrived and everyone was too busy eating to talk. By the end of dinner, Andrew was ready to leave and hole up with Neil for the rest of the night, ignoring the boxes they still had to unpack. 

Just before the check, Aaron straightened up in his seat, and cleared his throat. Katelyn beamed them, and Andrew squinted suspiciously. Andrew must have know there was more to this dinner than simply catching up, especially since Aaron and Katelyn would be at their apartment for Christmas Eve. 

“Katelyn’s pregnant,” Aaron said, and Andrew choked on his sharp intake of breath.

Neil recovered before Andrew did and offered a congratulations before asking how far along she was. Andrew hardly heard, he was too busy thinking of the mini Aaron-and-Katelyn that would be running around soon. He didn’t know how he felt about it. 

They’d be seeing each other again in a week to exchange presents with Nicky and his family, but for now they said their goodbyes and made to leave. But before they could leave the restaurant and return to their respective cars, Andrew gritted his teeth and turned back to Aaron and Katelyn. 

Baby steps, Bee’s voice whispered in the back of his head, and Andrew agreed.

“Congratulations,” he said begrudgingly. “I expect to see the little whelp when it’s born.” 

Aaron looked shocked at first, but he accepted Andrew’s congratulations with another nod. Katelyn’s smile was wide and her eyes were bright as she thanked him and promised him an invitation. Andrew had enough then, and left quickly with another nod. 

Back at their apartment, Neil curled up on the couch next to Andrew, feet tucked underneath him and wine glass cradled in his hand. He nosed his way to Andrew’s neck and left a lingering kiss that had Andrew squirming. 

“You’re going to be an uncle,” he whispered. 

It still hadn’t completely sunk it yet. Even at thirty years old, Andrew never imagined he’d have this in life; a home to return to, a family that visited and called, Neil. He swallowed and thought about his soon-to-be baby niece or nephew. He kissed the side of Neil’s head and pulled him a little closer. 

“Is it too soon to start buying the kid gifts?” he asked, and Neil laughed softly.