Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

May, 20XX

“Um, sir, are you serious?” Andrew asked.

“Extremely! I would not joke about some of the best editing potential I’ve ever seen.” The voice at the other end of the line responded.

“With all due respect, Professor Dawso-”

“Please, Andrew, call me Shane. And this is an opportunity I would not offer to just anyone.”

Andrew sat baffled as he tried to process what was happening. At 21, Andrew Siwicki was currently enrolled at a hell pit for a college. He couldn’t afford his dream school, The Queen University for the Arts, so he had to settle on the small community-technical college that taught him things he already knew about editing. Day in, day out he never felt challenged, none of the homework was thrilling or something he looked forward to because his professor had told him he was making some of the other students feel inferior and needed to dial it back. All he wanted to do was create cool videos and make people happy, but he couldn’t do either in his current situation. Entering a video editing contest had really just been off of a whim, he wouldn’t have even done it if it hadn’t been a contest from Queen University, or for the ‘Mystery Prize,’ the curiosity would have killed him. And what can you do, curiosity is a great motivator. The contest gave some simple footage, and the objective was to make it “lively ” and “ full of energy”. Andrew had finally found something interesting.

He never thought he would ACTUALLY win. Yet, here he was, sitting in his small shared dorm room, roommate passed out and snoring, talking to the Dean of the Film and Media department of Queen University, about said prize. Which, apparently, was a full ride.

“With that being said, however,” Shane started, “there is one minor catch. I’ve been in need of an assistant. Someone who will help me edit the videos for my online courses, organize the storage units for the department and just generally help me out. The department is going through a reboot, per say, and I haven’t found a student with enough ‘umph’ to be of any use.”

Head swimming Andrew tried to respond coherently. “So.. me, you want.. Me? Sir, er, Shane, you realize I don’t have any money? Even with a full ride, I couldn’t afford to move to or live in Los Angeles.”

“Oh! You don’t have to worry about that, everything will be covered. An airline ticket here and individual dorm on campus will be provided for you. And obviously, you’ll be paid for the hours you work.” As Shane rattled off the things he would be providing, Andrew started to smile, he smiled so wide he thought he would either injure himself or end up like the joker.

“So, will you do it?” Shane asked.

The answer to that simple fucking question would change Andrew’s life. He could leave this little town and this stupid community college and further his passion for video editing. So, in full Andrew fashion, he answered,

“Yeah.”

~~~~

August, 20XX

After four months of planning, packing, and getting extremely excited every two seconds, Andrew was finally in Los Angeles and heading to meet Shane at his office. He had gotten to his dorm the day before and unloaded and set-up shop. It was a crazy thought to think he got to have a room all to himself, sure it was all the way across campus from the F&M building but Andrew couldn’t complain. The campus may have been in LA but it was tucked into the mountains, surrounded by hiking trails on one side and the forest on the other, it made it seem like it was in its own little universe. Not to mention that the campus had its own restaurants, a few shops, and Andrew thought he even saw a police building. Even so, there was still a little over a week before classes started, so the campus seemed much quieter than it should have been. His footsteps echoed across mostly empty buildings, sounding loud in his own ears. But the excitement to be on the campus way outweighed the strangely quiet walk.

Finally, Andrew reached the Film and Media building. A wide and tall two-story brick building with one wall entirely made up of colored glass panels, Andrew recalled reading somewhere that those were used as solar panels to produce energy. Excitement made its way through his body again while staring at such a stunning building, he quickly climbed the stairs and entered through a pair of glass doors. Inside a man was talking animatedly to a girl behind the front desk.

“I’m telling you, Morgan, this is a great idea.” He motions across the air with his hand. “‘Two types of Sisters!’ It’ll be hilarious, Boujee vs. Budget.”  The girl, Morgan, gives a sarcastic look over her laptop and says with a slightly sing-song voice, “Whatever you say, Ryland.”

Andrew reaches the counter where they’re talking, he’s about to ask where he needs to be when...

“AH!! You must be Andrew!” What was his name again? Ryan? “It’s so nice to finally meet you, I’m Professor Ryland Adams, you can just call me Ryland. I’ve heard so much about you from Shane. He couldn’t stop laughing at the video you sent in for the contest! The cat one? I saw it, too, it really is hilarious.” There was a cough over his shoulder. “Oh, right, this is my sister Morgan, she’s also going to college here.”

“Hey, nice to meet you, Andrew.” She said

“Hello Ryland, Hi Morgan. It’s nice to meet you guys, too. I’m actually headed to see Shane, could you all point me in the right direction of his office?” Andrew asked.

Rylands face perked up, “Oh yeah, that’s what I came down for, Shane wanted me to show you around the building a bit before you start working.” He turned to Morgan, “I still wanna talk about that idea later, okay?”

“Heh, sure, okay.” She seemed amused but then put her focus back to whatever was on her laptop.

Ryland led Andrew further into the building, starting to explain where everything was and where he would be for his classes. They had started in the east wing of the building, which held most of the classrooms. Everything was insanely big and open, the ceilings had to be at least twenty feet up. Not to mention that none of the classroom walls went all the way up to the ceiling, which was nothing but catwalks and lighting equipment.

“The first floor is mostly for the Film and Acting majors. Plus, we like to film in these classrooms, sometimes, so the catwalks are for cameras and whatnot. We think it makes the learning experience much more immersive.” Ryland explains, “The second floor is more for professors offices and the students that like the technical aspects, learning those in’s-and-out’s and such.”

“Cool, cool.” Andrew tried to make a good impression and start up an actual conversation, “And, you said you are a professor, right? What do you teach?”

“Oooh, tea! I’m kind of a new professor, it’s just my second year, so I’m exploring some classes. But, my favorite classes to teach are Costuming and Acting 101, both of which I doubt you’ll be taking. You are more of a behind the camera type of guy right?”

“Yeah, I really enjoy editing and filming really cool shots. Although I really haven’t had a chance to explore anything else, my last college was really slow paced and didn’t have a fourth of the equipment we needed.” Andrew couldn’t help but get excited again at the thought of never having to listen to those professors ever again.

“Well, I know you are going to love it here! We consider everyone family and will always fight for the best opportunities for our students.” Ryland said with a genuine smile.

All this was so crazy, Andrew was being led through the hallways of his dream school by one of the kindest professors he’d ever meet, and he was going to meet the Dean who literally made his dreams a reality. Andrew had a fleeting moment where he thought he actually died and went to heaven. As Ryland led him through the U-shaped east wing, then the identical west wing, talking animatedly about classes and how Andrew would find friends almost immediately he couldn’t help but feel like he was already fitting in. Ryland finally led him up a staircase and started showing him the second floor, which looked more like a regular college. Albeit there was more colorful and creative decor, but that was just a given. All the doors were glass, too, something Andrew thought was really cool. He was starting to get a little nervous when the duo came to a glass door etched with the words ‘Shane Dawson - Deans office.’ Andrew straightened his shirt, wanting to look presentable, as Ryland entered without so much as a knock. Whatever Andrew was expecting, this was not it.

First of all, ‘office’ must be a loose term here. The room just was a large sectional plus a coffee table, with a mini fridge, and microwave in one corner. A man, head covered in a blanket, was sat in the center of the couch intently staring at his Macbook. Andrew was thoroughly shocked.

“Ugh! Shane!” Ryland yelped.

“What?!” Shane seemed shocked as his head whipped up from his screen in confusion, the blanket falling back unto his shoulders.

“I’m sorry about this, Andrew, he’s normally a little better than this. I mean he showers sometimes.” Ryland seemed a bit embarrassed. Andrew was desperately trying not to laugh at the whole situation. He had been nervous about making a good impression, yet here was the dean in gym shorts and a tee shirt, slouched on a sofa. This was hilarious.

“MEAN!! I’ll have you know I showered this month, you should be proud.” Shane pulled a sarcastic face. Andrew gave up his fight and clutched his sides as he bent over in a fit of giggles.

“Oh my gosh, Shane, you broke him!” Ryland seemed amused as Shane set his laptop down and rose from his spot on the couch.

“Holy cow, I’m so excited to be here, you guys are the best,” Andrew said as his laughter died down a bit.

Shane gave him a large smile, came over and put his hand on Andrews' shoulder, “ We are beyond excited you are here, too. I have to tell you, I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately, but after seeing the video you edited I’ve been so inspired again. I can’t wait to work with you.” Shane was beaming at this point and Andrew probably wore a similar expression.

“I am excited you guys have finally met, and I’d love to stay and chat but I have some lesson plans to finish, nice to meet you, Andrew, I’ll make my exit!” Ryland waved his arms in a dramatic fashion then leaned up and gave Shane a kiss on the cheek and left.

Shanes' eyes followed Ryland until he left, a fond smile on his lips, “Oh, hope you are okay with that by the way,” he seemed to just realize. “Me and Ryland are partners.”

“Of course, you guys seem really in love,” Andrew said.

There was that smile again as he said, “Yeah, we are.” A small part of Andrew couldn’t help but want to experience a love like that, but he pushed that feeling away, he was far to busy to maintain a relationship. Shane cleared his throat, “Anyway, welcome to my team! I haven’t really had the chance to formally introduce myself, I’m fairly sure you know, but I’m Shane Dawson, the Dean of the Film and Media Department here at Queen University.” Shanes' face was bright and excited, emotions Andrew felt as well in this moment.

“I’m Andrew Siwicki and I don’t really have a title.” Andrew shrugged.

“Hah! Don’t worry about it, you’ll get there! But for right now, I’m a bit unconventional, I hope you are okay with working on a couch while editing. That will be your main job in being my assistant. I’d like to get to know your personality a bit more as well so let's go see the equipment rooms then we can come back and chat!” Shane started towards the door and slipped on what looked like Gucci slides.

“Cool, I’m down for anything.” Andrew followed.

~~~~

They realized they probably needed to stop talking when it got dark outside. The past few hours had been Andrew and Shane talking like they were old friends, at one point Ryland came up and they ate dinner. Chipotle, obviously. Then, much like before Ryland went back to work, and he and Shane continued to talk. Andrew knew this was going to be more than just a boss and employee relationship, it was going to be more like friends who just so happen to get to work together.

“Shit, did it already get dark out? I’ve still got to get a few things wrapped up here, Ryland’s probably gonna want to leave soon, too.” Shane turned to Andrew. “You can start working tomorrow, I’ll film some lessons tomorrow morning and give you the footage in the afternoon. Oh, and tomorrow we can work on your schedule.”

“Awesome, I’ll be in at around 1 pm tomorrow, how’s that?” Andrew asked.

“Perfect,” Shane had already delved back into his laptop. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Andrew, Have a good night.”

“You too,” Andrew muttered, laughing slightly, knowing Shane was to busy with whatever lesson he had to finish.

He made his way down to the lobby, he checked his phone as he walked. It wasn’t as late as he thought, only about nine twenty-ish. He checked out the few twitter notifications he had gotten as he reached the lobby. Morgan was still sitting at the front desk, she was typing on her phone this time.

“You still here, Morgan?” Andrew inquired.

Morgan looked up from her phone a bit surprised, “Oh, hah, yeah, I work ‘til 11. It’s a pretty sweet gig in the summer, all I have to do is sit here!”

“Nice! I’ll head out then, you working tomorrow?” Andrew asked.

“Kind of, Ryland wants me to help him act in a video, so I’ll be around.” She sounded like she faintly regretted agreeing to the earlier proposition from Ryland.

Andrew laughed quietly and responded, “Heh, alright I’ll probably see you tomorrow then. Night.”

Morgan raised a hand as a goodbye and Andrew turned to face the door. He only made it a few steps before, all of a sudden, his heart started hammering in his chest, hands clenched at his sides. Looking out into the dark night, he stood almost weak-kneed, staring at the glass double doors outside. The outside that would lead him to his dorm, his bed, a wonderful night's sleep, but he felt the familiar grip of fear around his stomach and gave him chills that ran down his arms. The dark terrified him right down to his toes. Andrew had no idea why he was so afraid of the dark, it was a childish fear most people lost when they started middle school. Yet, here he was, terrified to step outside because it was dark.

‘‘I thought I was over this…’’ Andrew whispered to himself.

Morgan must have taken notice of his hesitancy to leave, she called over to him from the front desk, “Hey, Andrew, are you okay?”

“Uh, can I be honest with you?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah, sure.” Morgan sounded more concerned than bothered, and Andrew already considered them friends, so he decided to be honest.

“It’s kind of embarrassing, but, uh, I’m like, extremely afraid of the dark,” Andrew confessed.

At first, she seemed confused, like the words he said made no sense. But then Morgan burst out into laughter and clamped a hand over her mouth, which did little to stifle the noise. “I’m sorry, W H A T?”

“Hey, shut up, it’s not that funny!” Even Andrew couldn’t help but laugh a bit, it helped ebb the fear, but only slightly.

Trying to catch her breath Morgan said, “I’m really not tryna be mean here, but, that's a little funny.”

“Yeah,” Andrew chuckled, “Why aren’t there any lit lamp posts out there? I know I saw them earlier… It’s like pitch black outside.”

“Well, the school likes to conserve energy during the summer and on weekends, so they just don’t use ‘em.” Andrew visibly gulped, and after what looked like a moment of intense thought, Morgans face lit up. “You know,” She wore something of an all-knowing grin, “we actually have an escort service for students, it’s used by female students normally, where a police officer will walk with you across campus if you feel unsafe, or in this case,” Morgan stifled another laugh, “afraid.”

“A police officer?” Andrew didn’t hate the idea but it was kind of embarrassing, “I don’t know Morgan…”

“Oh, don’t worry, there is only one police officer that’s working this late in the summer and he,” there is that smile again, “will be more than willing to help out. He’s a friend of mine.” She pulled out her phone and started texting before Andrew could protest. That smile slightly concerned him, but he let it slide considering they were apparently friends, and because he was starting to feel fear grip him again.

“He’ll be here soon, the station is like a two-minute walk from here. And I can’t leave so we can just hang out for a bit!” Andrew could tell him and Morgan would turn out to be great friends, she seemed super chill and easygoing. They talked for a bit longer than two minutes, about the school and whatnot, Andrew was just starting to get a bit nervous when he heard the glass doors beside him open.

Fuck.

The man that walks through the door has to be over six feet tall, was broad and extremely handsome. He was wearing a black police uniform with a belt that could’ve been a size bigger. It was wrapped tautly around his chest and biceps, rippling with his muscles as he moved towards the front desk, it was as if his clothes had painted on. Andrews' mouth grew dry as he swept his eyes across the man's body, he was built. Strong arms attached to a defined chest all leading down to sculpted legs, or at least as sculpted as what Andrew could tell in the pants of the uniform. Looking up, his face was just as good, sporting a wide grin and a slightly goofy looking expression, he had a strong jaw and high cheekbones. His sandy blonde hair looked freshly cut but was pushed forward in a messy way. Andrew felt a slight tingle at the back of his neck looking at such a man.

FUCK.

Chapter Text

Andrew was in no way a ‘skinny’ guy, he worked out, played basketball sometimes, he wasn’t exactly a gym rat though. He was slender and fit, he was pretty self confident. Looking down now, Andrew was starting to reevaluate that, not to mention his choice of clothing. He was wearing some Adidas track pants, a loose fit white tee shirt and black sneakers. As the officer moved closer, Andrew smoothed the front of his shirt and fidgeted with its hem feeling, well, small.

“Hey! Morganics! What's up? Need me to save you from this boring job? Or did ya just miss me?” His voice was higher than Andrew had been expecting, but he used a light-hearted fun tone that was much like his expression, goofy.

“Hah! This job is easy, not boring, there’s a difference. And actually~” She drew out the ‘y’, “I need a favor,” she turned her head towards Andrew. “This big guy needs an escort to his dorm. Tell him why, Andrew.” There was a clear smirk in her voice.

Andrew swallowed hard. As Morgan spoke Garrett had been gently side eyeing him, Andrew could feel his eyes on him. When Garrett fully turned to him, shoulders squared slightly more than in the previous second, his cheeks were lightly dusted with a rosy color and wore a small dopey grin. Although he could tell that, even though this guy was big, he was really just a big softy, it was a bit intimidating. Andrew felt his own cheeks grow red at his full gaze, embarrassed not only because he had this guys full attention but also that he would have to reveal his less than manly fear.

“Well, uh, I, uh, you see…” Andrew stuttered out, desperately trying to string together an acceptable sentence. Before Andrew could stumble worse over his words, Garrett saved him a bit.

“Well, first, how about,” He extends his hand to Andrew, “Hello, I’m Officer Watts, I’ve heard every light joke in the book, but feel free to reuse them!” Andrew swears a wink followed that statement. “You can just call me Garrett. I work at the station a block over and I’m a Hufflepuff!”

Andrew takes Garretts hand and shakes. Garretts’ hand was large with thin fingers, they were also soft and warm. Andrew almost didn’t want to let go, but he knew the conversation was only going to go one way soon. Either way, Andrew was quickly deciding this guy was funny and seemed really easy to talk to, as he was the one doing most of the talking.

“Heh, nice to meet you, Garrett. I’m Andrew Siwicki, and at least people can pronounce your last name. I’m a new student here, and I’m not sure I know what house I’m in.”

Morgan groaned and Garrett gasp.

“Now you’ve done it..” Morgan chuckled, she stood from her seat.

“YOU WHAT?? You’ve read the books right? Or even seen the movies? You have to take the quiz!” Garrett had started to talk animatedly with his hands, Andrew just happened to notice the black mark of the inside of his left wrist. A number, it looked like a nine with something else next to it. Hard to decipher something traveling at maximum velocity. While Garrett had been speaking, Morgan had come out from behind the counter. She was now waiting for his spiel to be over to speak.

“That is such a good idea Garrett!” She said with pliable sarcasm. “How about you guys talk about it more on the way to his dorm?” She gestured to Andrew. “I’m sure he is super tired from today!”
Andrew gave a small smile, and nodded a little.

Garrett opened his mouth and then shut it, his eyebrow slightly askew. He may have been about to ask a question, but thought against it. Instead he smiled, “Yeah, that’s a great idea! Which dorm are you in?” Morgan held open the door as Andrew replied “Dorm.. Star?”

Garrett stepped through first, and in doing so caught the toe of his rather sturdy looking boots and stumbled forward, arms flailing and a few steps. Steadying himself, he looked back at Andrew whose eyebrows had knit together in amusement, brown eyes sparkling and holding back laughter. He walked out of the media building with some hesitation hidden in his laughter. Behind the scene Morgan closed the door, laughing and mumbling something about wondering how Garrett ever became an officer.

“So, heh, that happen often?” Andrew laughed a bit looking up at the kind faced officer Watts.

One of his hands made its way up the back of his neck scratching in mock thought, the other reached to grab a large flashlight. Flipping on the light, Garrett responded, “more than I’d like, heh, I’m what you call, clumsy.”

They shared a laugh and began their trek.. much to Andrews dismay. The further they strayed from the warm glowing media building, the more frightened Andrew got. When the pair had started walking there had been a good few feet between them. In the fifty feet since then, Andrew had made his way to the point of brushing knuckles with Garrett every few seconds, and verged on being pressed up against the officer, eyes focused on the circle of light leading their way. Garrett, being the ever vigilant officer that he was, noticed Andrews unease and sparked back up some conversation.

“So, first day on campus! I assume you’ve met Shane and the whole media crew, right?” Garrett asked. Andrews brain had been in a bit of a spiral of fear and anxious thoughts, but Garrett's question pulled him back to reality. “Yes,” He started shakily, “Shane brought me out here to work for him and go to school.” His voice became stable. “Ryland showed me around the building, all the classrooms and equipment, it’s really amazing!”

Garrett swore he could see light coming from this guys face as he spoke. Andrew was talking with his hands waving and his eyes focusing on something far away, as if he were deep in his imagination. He could tell Andrew was a passionate type of person, sweet and hardworking.

He definitely didn’t think this would be how this interaction would go.

~~

Garrett would be lying if he didn’t know why Morgan had texted him. It was a slow night, there was only faculty and a few student workers on campus. It would be like that for the next week when classes started back up. So there he sat, playing a switch game until someone needed something or his shift ended. He had just set the switch down to stretch, in between some intense levels of Mario, when an all to familiar text tone rang through the quiet station. Reaching his long limb across the desk, he found his phone lit up with a text from none other than..

“Morgan, yes!” Garrett squealed with relief.

The glowing text simply read, “FM building, required assistance please :)”

He and Morgan had been friends for two years, ever since her older brother, Ryland, had become a professor in the FM department. Well, that, and the fact that he began dating Garretts best friend Shane, the head of the department. Regardless of their strange dynamics, he always knew that when Morgan texted him like this, she had a scheme planned. She would often try to hook him up with whomever happened to travel through her department, that was above a six out of ten. Generally speaking, the odds of it being really fun were in the ninetieth percent range. There is a ten-ish percent chance that it would be a non scheme related request, but either way it would relieve him from the dull clutches of this office.

Lifting his long, dense body off of his chair, Garrett grabbed his duty belt and walked out into the velvety depths of campus. Garrett liked the weeks before classes started because they would save power by not turning on the street lamps. The campus was far enough into the mountains where the light emitted from downtown didn’t bleed into the sky. He looked up into the rich indigo sky and saw hundreds of twinkling stars. The moon was a gentle crescent and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. It almost reminded him of his home in Tennessee. It was a nice mellow feeling, settling on him like a blanket being wrapped around his shoulders. He made a mental note to call home soon.

He finally approached the FM building and surveyed the situation from outside for a moment. Morgan was in her normal ‘secretary’ spot, she was sporting her classic all black outfit of a hoodie and leggings. But was speaking animatedly to a guy Garrett had never met, but, boy oh boy did he want to. He was partially turned away from Garrett. A red head, he realized, the guy has a fluffy tuft sticking out of his backward black hat. He was wearing a simple white tee shirt over a rather nice looking physique. The white lines of his Adidas track pants lead Garretts eyes further down to an ass taken right from his dreams.

Garrett decided that ogling at the guy from outside the doors was beginning to reach into a weird territory, so he made his way inside. He put on his best suave cop face and opened the glass door, effectively getting the mystery guy to turn towards him. Boy was Garrett glad he could keep a semi straight face, because right now his thoughts were the opposite of straight.

Breathtaking is one of a thousand words that passed through Garretts now racing thoughts. Warm brown eyes landed somewhere near his neck and Garrett watched as they moved up to his face while widening slightly. Garrett remembered suddenly that he was freakishly tall, it felt nice to see such a handsome guy staring at him like Garrett was the only thing in the room. The guy with Morgan had a soft and gentle face but a strong nose, a few light freckles, a perfect cupid's bow. Those eyes had started scanning Garrett, it made his temperature rise a bit, but he his it with his signature dopey smile and sauntered forward.

~~

“Sorry, I started rambling a bit. How long have you been a cop?” Andrew asked.

“I don’t mind a bit! You seem very passionate about filming, it’s very refreshing.” Garrett started, “I’ve been a cop for about five years, started off in Tennessee, but I wanted to move out west. I wanted to be doing more personal work with students! I got this job three years ago, I’ve made tons of friends and have loved it ever since.” He finished with a very satisfied smile resting on his lips. Andrew smiled and started to say something, when suddenly the light on Garretts’ flashlight flickered and died. The two were quickly swallowed in the velvety night.

Garrett hit the flashlight a few times on his hand to no avail, when there was an abrupt grip to his arm. Andrew had wrapped both arms around Garretts upper arm, forehead pressed into his shoulder. Garrett could feel the quick heartbeat of Andrews chest and the breathless exhales from his mouth. Andrew pressed himself as close to Garrett as he could possibly get, mind going crazy with fear. In any other situation this situation would have Garrett melting into the ground. Not this time though, Garrett recognized that Andrews was panicking. Thinking quickly, he whipped out his lighter from his belt (as best he could with Andrew on his arm) and clicked it to life. The soft orange flame lit up both of their faces. Their faces mere inches apart, but Andrews eyes wild and full of fear.

Garrett spoke softly in an attempt to keep Andrew calm, “Hey, hey, what’s wrong? I need to know what’s happening.”

Andrews eyes were fixated on the small flame, he stared at it seeking the comfort of the light and looked up at Garrett. There was a genuine concern in them, the slight crease between his eyebrows, his steadfast expression. Andrew could feel himself calm just enough to speak.

“I-I’m afraid of the dark..” He mustered, too occupied with his phobia to be embarrassed. He was beginning to calm down, in his panicked state he hadn’t realized he was grasping at Garretts very muscular arm. It would He thought about releasing the man, but such a thought made his anxiety flare up a bit. So he held on, hoping Garrett wouldn’t mind.

“Okay, the dark! Right, we can fix that!” Garrett made a nonchalant face, shrugged and holstered his large flashlight. Reaching into his belt for a different tool, he pulled out his phone and flipped on the flashlight. Light illuminated their shoes and a few feet in front of them. Garrett felt Andrews chest fall, as if he had just released a breath he had been holding.

“I’m really sorry about that, I thought I had fresh batteries in my light, but I guess..” Garrett trailed off as he turned towards Andrew. Their eyes met in the lowlit night, Garrett was captivated, running his eyes over Andrews face. For just a moment, Garrett thought he felt something really strong between them. It was like his heart was being drawn into a black hole, one he would very willingly leap into at this moment. Andrews eyes flickered down to Garretts lips when he suddenly realized he was still clinging onto his arm. He let go quickly, averting his gaze with a pink dust to his cheeks, still staying close to Garrett. Andrew felt his heart race a little, but this was totally different from his anxious heartbeat.

“I probably should’ve just told you about the dumb phobia,” Andrew said breaking the silence, “its just seems silly to say, you know?”

Garrett jumped back to life and started moving towards the dorms again when he answered, “No! Phobias are very valid, being afraid of the dark is also a very primal fear. So it’s totally fine!” Garrett grinned. He knew phobias were not to be mocked, and he considered himself a great distraction, “But more importantly, we need to figure out what Harry Potter house you are in!”

Andrew was glad the conversation had strayed away from his fear. He let himself be led into the night answering Garretts many questions, laughing every few seconds as some of them were too ridiculous to have been imagined from the burly looking officer. He hadn’t realized they arrived at his dorm building until Garrett dramatically turned to him.

“I declare you to be a Gryffindor!” He proclaimed. “That and we have arrived at Dorm Star!”

Woah, that was quick, Andrew thought. They were standing in front of some more glass doors, ones that were spilling out warm light that made Andrew relax further. He turned to thank Garrett, and suddenly the atmosphere felt a little intimate, like after a first date. Garrett and him standing outside of his dorm, getting ready to part ways, neither party wanting to separate, having had far too much fun. But just as soon as that feeling came, it got lost.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking,” Garrett started, “but I know the lamps won’t be turned on for another week, and I now know you are afraid of the dark, so I was thinking that I could give you my phone number so if you left work after dark this week you could just text or call me and I could walk with you again, unless you don’t want to that is..” Garrett took in a large gulp of air, he had started rambling by accident. Luckily for him Andrew laughed and gave him a big smile.

“That would be really helpful actually, hand me your phone and I’ll put in my number.” Andrew said with a lingering chuckle.

“Oh, yeah, for sure!” Garrett agreed and handed over his phone as Andrew quickly typed in his number. He texted himself from Garrett's phone so he could save the number too. As he was handing Garrett his phone back their hands touched again, lingering for a moment longer than would be considered platonic. Andrew felt a slight blush raise to his cheeks and Garrett adopted a bit of a dopey grin.

“I’ll, uh, see you tomorrow, Garrett.” He fumbled out, feeling a bit flustered.

“See you soon Andrew!” With that Garrett gave him a playful smirk and turned to head back into the night.

The journey through the dorm halls solidified his fate. Andrew wanted nothing more than to run back to Garrett, grab him and make him stay, hang out and laugh with him. Andrew felt magnetized towards the man. Like he was pulling Andrew in and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Although, it’s not like he’d want to. His presence had been intoxicatingly enjoyable. Andrew wanted more, needed more. When he arrived at his room, he quickly entered as the thought struck him like a ton of bricks, he liked Garrett. His back hit the door and he slid down with a bright red face hidden in his hands from no one but himself. His heart beating hard and his mind racing with thoughts of the guy he’d just met. He really couldn't wait for tomorrow.