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#Money that will cover what Neil owes Ichirou for a year. He's set it aside in case this ever happens
jtl-fics · 10 months
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Time After Time:
Math Nerd AU
May 19th, 2020 (in the past future [before the reincarnation])
Math Nerd AU | Unusual Fic Asks
Neil was coming to accept that he wasn't going to die of old age as the doctors told him the recovery time for his twisted knee. He would need to do physical therapy before he could even have the surgery and then additional physical therapy afterwards.
It would take too long.
The Moriyamas would cut him as a useless thread. "Mr. Josten, you'll play again." The Doctor assures, "You will just-"
"Thank you Doctor, yes I understand." Neil interrupts. "Let's schedule a time to start the physical therapy." he says because a part of him feels spiteful. He knows how Ichirou works, knows that his death will look like a suicide.
People who are committing suicide don't make plans right? Maybe his death would be just enough to topple it all to the ground and save Kevin and Jean. He makes his appointment and hobbles out of his doctor's appointment to find Andrew in the waiting room.
He wonders how much longer he'll get to look at him.
He'll never actually be ready to stop.
Andrew's gaze snaps to him and Andrew has always been able to read him like a book. "It's too long?" he asks.
Neil laughs because, as usual, there was no point in hiding things from Andrew. "I've had my will ready for a while. I'm leaving-"
"Stop." Andrew raises his hand, "you aren't dying. Not before me. I'm older." Andrew argues.
Neil smiles and wishes to say the three words that bubble up in him but he wants them to be the last ones he says to Andrew if he can manage it. Saying them now would only make Andrew upset and possibly leave.
"Let's go home. I wanna see the cats." he says instead. It doesn't matter too much, his will spells out where everything is supposed to go. Andrew helps him into the car and puts his crutches in the backseat. They drive in silence and Neil finds himself looking at every black car with out of state licenses.
He looks at his phone because there's no point in worrying. His fate was sealed the moment that Ohio player rammed into him. He hopes Andrew likes one of the options he listed in his will. He hopes he stays close to Andrew, hopes he can protect him from beyond.
He prepares texts for all of his friends as he goes. Most are just I love yous and some thanking them for being especially kind to him. His text to Matt a long note on how sorry he is that he won't get to watch his god daughter grow up. His note to Aaron to make sure that his daughters take after Katelyn when they're born.
They get home and Neil is glad to see that there are no cars in their driveway. It does not mean that Ichirou isn't there, but it gives him a bit more time to look at Andrew.
Andrew's jaw is tight as he pulled into their garage.
"I've had arrangements made and paid for Andrew. It's going-"
"Shut up." Andrew hisses and gets out of the car.
Neil's phone rings and he sees a familiar area code he looks as Andrew shuts the door as he enters the house.
He hits accept. 32 wasn't bad considering he never expected 20.
"Hello?" he asks.
"Wesninski." Ichirou greets and Neil lets his eyes close. "I hear you will not be able to pay me." he comments.
"It will be quite some time before I can work on the court again My Lord." he doesn't lie or try to hide it. "I understand what this means for our deal. May I-"
"I wish to strike a different deal." Ichirou interrupts and Neil blinks.
"You...wish to strike a different deal?" he asks.
"I am in need of someone with your certifications Wesninski." Ichirou says.
Neil's jaw tenses. He can't do his father's work. He'd rather just have Ichirou shoot him and let it be done.
"You have kept up to date with your CPA certification from what I understand?" Ichirou continues.
Neil blinks.
What?
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