philosophium:

this is the fic I promised @requiemofkings to go along with their beautiful art

---

Andrew might be the only person in the room not uncomfortable in the sudden silence. Neil is on his feet, eyes too wild, too tipped towards turning into Nathaniel. He is a study in battle, poised to run but ready to stand and fight with everything he has. The disjointed team that has become Neil’s family stares back at him, everyone facing down the front of his fury, with Andrew at his back for support. If he needs it. This isn’t an argument Andrew wants to be part of if he can avoid it. He gave up fighting for himself years ago.

Matt is the first one to try for words. “Neil, we didn’t –”

“You did,” Neil bites, and he doesn’t stop when he makes his best friend flinch. “You meant it. He’s not a fucking monster.”

It looks like Matt wants to get to his feet but is thinking better of it. It’s rare that Neil goes off like this, at his family least of all, but it’s human instinct to not look threatening when a wild dog’s hackles are raised.

The others let Matt carry the conversation. Smart, but it’s not going to do them any good. “Okay, Neil, we’ll stop calling him that.”

The harsh laugh that froths at Neil’s mouth fights to realign his rapid breathing. “Will you, though? It’s been years, and no matter how much he does to prove you wrong, you still can’t see past your hazy impressions of him.”

Keep reading