Evan had always been a talented guitarist, and he knew that. It’d be almost impossible not to know. When he was younger, people commented more on it, but as he’d gotten older, the compliments had cooled off, droning to a constant simmer, as people got bored of his talents. It’s not like he’d gotten worse, it's just he hadn’t gotten any better.
Maybe that’s why he’d put down his guitar that fateful spring day, dooming it to sit in the corner of his living room collecting dust, to remind him of his shortcomings.
Or so he thought
October 9th
When Evan first got the call from his sister, he’d thought it was a joke.
It wasn't a joke.
“Panda, I can’t”.
“Why not? I know you don’t have anything going on right now, plus everyone’s really excited to see you!!”
“...”
“Come on, even Dorcas is gonna be there.”
“Why don’t you make her do it then?”
“She can’t play the guitar dipshit.”
“Ughhhhhhhhh fineeeeeeeee.”
“YAY!!” A squeal from the other line solidified his sense of impending doom. With that, they said their goodbyes and hung up.
Evan sighed, standing up. He grabbed his guitar and sat on the floor, his back pressed against his couch. He hummed a simple tune, strumming it with his pick as he sang, tapping his fingers to keep a beat.
The truth is, Evan had once been in a band. Actually, he'd been in the band. The one that Pandora had just called him about, begging for him to be their stand-in guitarist. He’d been there when it was first formed, he’d been there when Barty had come up with the name “The Serpents”, which admittedly had been dumb, but had grown on most of them (Regulus was still a work in progress). He’d been there when Regulus’s heart had broken, was there to repair it, and there to hear the songs written by the boy, desperate to help him climb out of the hole in his chest. He’d been there when the band had gotten a sudden burst of popularity and had gone on tour with them, soaking in their new following that packed bars and music venues every weekend. He knew a couple of their songs but hadn’t really anticipated being pulled into their chaotic world, and didn't cope well with it. Evan was never made for the stage, as the world seemed to continuously remind him. He didn't like the crowds, the noise, the swirl of comments on everything they did. He knew he, Barty, and Regulus didn't have it as bad as Pandora, but that didn't mean it didn’t suck.
Plus, it hadn't been fun being in love with their lead singer who clearly couldn't give a shit about him.
God, Barty. I wonder how he's doing. Probably still as psychotic as ever.
When Evan left, he’d left a piece of his soul with each of them. Pandora, his twin sister, his first friend, his other half. Regulus, his best friend, the first person to talk to him at his parents' boring parties, the first person who wasn't blood but might as well be. Barty, his first love, and his last. The thing that had brought Evan into the band and the force that made him leave.
October 10th
The atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy when Evan walked into the dimly lit practice space. The band members were gathered around, their faces a mixture of excitement and apprehension. They glanced up when the door slammed shut, solidifying the fear he felt in his stomach. Barty, with his tousled hair and easy smile, stepped forward to greet him.
He came in for a hug, but Evan was quicker. He redirected the former’s hands into a firm handshake. Barty took the rejection with grace, walking back over to his other bandmates.
“So, Evan!! Long time no see, right?” Barty said, amusement evident in his voice as he turned back around. His gaze lingered on Evan, a spark of something playful flickering in his eyes. Evan hated how Barty always seemed to be flirting with him even if he was doing the most blatantly straight thing, like playing football, or idk being illiterate.
The first rehearsal was a whirlwind of sound—Evan trying to lock in with the rest of the band while juggling the intricate tunes. Barty, with his ever-magnetic stage presence, sauntered around the room, occasionally leaning toward Evan to offer encouragement that felt more personal than professional. At one point Regulus had to yell at him to get him singing as he’d missed his queue talking to the blonde.
“Bartimaeus Crouch Jr. If you don't stay still and actually do your job so help me god I will-” Their tour manager, Mr. Riddle started, scolding him as he’d sauntered off again to bother Evan.
“Oh my god, give me a break, I haven't seen my Pookie bear in forever, let me talk to him a little bit.” Barty returned, smiling his lopsided grin, pulling Evan into a forced hug. The blonde wiggled out of his grip, walking over to stand near his twin.
“You can do that later, you have work to do right now.” Riddle said at the same time as Pandora said “You saw him last month?”
“Exactly, forever!”
Riddle rolled his eyes “Get to work right now or I cancel your show tomorrow and you have to explain why.”
Barty scoffed but said nothing in return.
He also didn't leave Evan alone like he was told.
“Nice Job,” Barty leaned in closer, his voice teasingly low. “I didn’t think you’d be able to remember the chords.”
Evan’s heartbeat quickened. He couldn’t ignore the chemistry building between them, the way Barty’s shoulder brushed against his, or how he’d lean just a bit too close during practice, inhaling the faint scent of Evan’s cologne. Evan tried to focus on the music, but the persistent warmth of Barty’s attention was intoxicating.
As the rehearsals progressed, their connection deepened. While he had stopped trying to be in Evan's space every second, Evan still caught Barty’s eyes during a solo, the brunette grinning mischievously as if sharing a private joke. After a particularly energetic practice, Barty plopped down next to Evan on the couch he had ended up on, wiping sweat from his forehead.
“You’ve got to come out with us after the show tomorrow night,” Barty said, leaning in slightly. “We need a real guitarist back in our corner, and I can’t let you slip away again when I already have you so close.”
Evan just rolled his eyes and scoffed, unfazed by Barty's piercing gaze. “I don't know. I’ll think about it”
The night of the show arrived, and the venue was packed. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and Evan took a deep breath, trying to channel his nerves into the rhythm of the beat. He’d done this before, he could do it again. As the band struck their first chords, the crowd roared, and Barty’s presence lit up the stage. He owned every inch of it, his voice soaring and his energy contagious. The crowd sang, screamed, cried, and swayed with him, feeding into his energy and making it skyrocket.
Midway through the set, Barty turned to Evan as if they were the only two people in the room. “You’re killing it!” he shouted, punctuating his words with a playful wink. The adrenaline rush mixed with the realization of his feelings rendered Evan momentarily speechless. They hadn't left. He was still just as in love with Barty as he'd been when he was eight, sixteen, and now twenty-three.
The show raged on, and as it concluded, the crowd begged for an encore. With adrenaline coursing through him, Evan lost himself in the rhythm, eyes set on the crowd, ignoring Barty, who was practically glowing as he sang. After the last song, the band erupted in cheers, and Barty pulled Evan into a quick embrace.
“See? You’ve still got it!” he laughed, pulling back to meet Evan's gaze. “Does this mean you’ll come back?!”
Evan stared at him, dumbfounded. “What? No! Why would that be happening?” He asked, confused.
Barty’s smile dropped. “Pandora said that if you liked playing at the show, you’d come back.”
Evan's face morphed, his tone cold. “Pandora doesn't speak for me. When I quit I meant it, Barty. You can’t uproot my life and force me into it.”
Barty stared at him, anger written across his face. “Why not?! You had fun out there, I saw, we all saw?!” His voice was growing, rage entering at its peak.
“That doesn't mean it's what I want to do with my life!”
“Why not?!” Barty screamed, now all up in Evan’s space, blocking the entrance.
“My reasoning doesn't matter, Bartimeies. I'm done with this.” He said coldly
With that, he pushed past the singer, leaving him standing still in the room, tears running down his face. Evan wanted desperately to run over and dry them, but he knew he couldn't.
Later, at a nearby bar, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and tension. Evan watched Barty interact with the crowd, his charm enveloping everything in warmth. He turned his eyes away, instead focusing on his ginger haired friend that had just sat down next to him.
“Hey Lily, How-”
“Skip the pleasantries.” She snapped, the bite in her tone taking him aback. "I can not believe you're leaving the band again!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. "You're letting your feelings for Barty get in the way of your passion!"
Evan looked at her, his expression a mixture of surprise and defensiveness. "Lily, it's not that simple," he started, but Lily cut him off.
"It is that simple, Evan! You're giving up on something you love just because of this crush! It's not fair to the rest of the band, and it's not fair to yourself," Lily insisted, her green eyes flashing with intensity.
Evan sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his brow furrowed in frustration. "I know, but I can't just ignore how I feel about Barty, Lily. I love him. He's never gonna love me back" he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation.
"You're letting your fear of rejection hold you back," The ginger pressed on, her hands gesturing emphatically. "You need to talk to Barty about this and figure things out. Don't give up on your music, yourself, because of this. You did that once, im not letting it happen again"
Evan looked down, his jaw clenched in contemplation. "I'll think about it, Lily. I just need some time to sort things out," he murmured, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Lily softened her tone, her frustration giving way to concern. "Fine, but don't take too long. The band needs you, and so does he, even if he doesn't know it yet." she says softly, her eyes searching his for a spark of determination.
As the tension dissipated, Lily and Evan settled into a meaningful conversation, their friendship weathering the storm of emotions.
Twenty minutes later, Lily left to go hang out with Pandora. Evan was pretty sure there was something going on between them, but he didnt know for sure. Pandora would always be a mystery to him.
It was then that Barty decided to sit next to Evan, their knees brushing together, sending shivers through him.
“I never really took drummers seriously until I met you,” Barty admitted, leaning slightly closer. “You’ve got this vibe about you. Makes me wonder what else you’re good at.”
Evan stares at him for a beat before responding. “Wow, forgotten everything about me in the small month since we last saw each other?” It was meant to be a joke but it came out far more bitter than was necessary.
Barty’s eyes sparkled with interest. “I’d be honored to relearn it all. Just make sure there’s wine involved. I’d love to know every secret you keep hidden behind those chords if you’d have me?”
A beat of uncertainty passed.
“Maybe if you get me drunk enough,” Evan said, a smile on his face. “Now come on, singer boy, let's see how you dance.” He stood up, pulling the brunette up with him
The night unfolded, filled with music, laughter, and flirtations that felt electric. Evan couldn’t help but be drawn to Barty’s warmth, the way he made everything feel possible. He still didn't want to rejoin the band, but the thought of what was blossoming between them ignited a new kind of rhythm within him, a song waiting to be written. Evan wanted him so badly, he needed Barty like he needed air in his lungs—that's why he’d left in the first place. Evan loved Barty so much that sometimes he couldn't tell if the air helped him breathe or if it was slowly suffocating him.
“Well aren't you pretty? Whats a boy like you doing sitting all alone?” A new voice joined the fray, and Evan looked up to see someone he didnt know.
“Oh.. nothing, just waiting for another drink.” He answered, his voice tinged with dissapointment.
“Here, you can put it on my tab.” The guy moved to hand the bartender his card.
“Oh you really dont have too” Evan said, stopping the man before the bartender could grab it.
“My my, aren't we a handsy one? Don't worry, I like that.” The mystery man said, winking at him.
Evan recoiled, disgust clouding his mind. “Oh, no um-”
The guy grabbed him, dragging him over to the wall. “There, its more quiet over here, now isnt it? My names Linus, how about you, Pretty boy?”
The blonde looked around, eyes searching for literlly anyone who could help him.
“Well? Are you going to answer me?” The mystery guy- Linus, demanded.
“Sir, I dont know whats happening right now but im not interested. Please back up.”
The Linus guy was about to retort, but he got cut off quickly by James Potter fucking throwing his ass. Well, not throwing, but it was defnitly a hard shove.
“You okay?” He asked, eyes not leaving the man on the floor.
“Yeah… thanks…” Was all he could muster.
He wasnt sure when exactly James had walked away
He, however felt the moment anger overtook him once again, feeling his heart speed up, feeling his muscles tensing and untensing, and thousands of thoughts swirling in his head in a second.
POV Switch, first-person now because I want to (Still Evans POV tho)
I looked back to the dance floor. He was still there, screaming along to some Queen song, oblivious to my eyes. I hate him. I HATE HIM. I know it's not his fault, I know he's done nothing wrong, but I don't care.
Why couldn't I just give up my feelings? Why can't I just turn them off?
I walked out of the bar, bottle clenched in my hand.
“So cool… What a great and awesome guy... Doesn't everyone just love him?” I say, giggling as I say them. It feels like I'm losing it.
I scream, throwing the bottle at the wall, the sound of the bottle breaking falling on deaf ears. Before I know it, I'm sinking to my knees, the world gone from around me.
“Ev?”
A voice pummels me in the gut, and all the noises that had previously muted came rushing back, swirling around my head. I screamed again, hands covering my ears.
“Loud. Loud. Too many voices. Make them stop, MAKE THEM STOP!!” I mutter, looking around.
Huh
At some point, id started crying.
Regulus stares at me, dumbfounded. “Evan? What's goi- Nevermind we can talk about that later, but for right now, I need you to get up.” He says, staring at me. Staring at ME. Like I'm the crazy one!! Like i'm the crazy one…
I'm pulled out of my thoughts, literally, as Regulus grabs my arm, forcing me to stand.
“Wha-”
“Where going home? You said it's too loud, I think it's too loud. Let's go.” He says, still staring at me. It's as if he thinks this would be obvious.
“Okay.”
I'm crying again. I still don't know when it starts, all I know is I can feel them running down my face, pooling slightly on my chin. Quiet sobs echo, the only sound other than the gentle thrum of the car's engine. Regulus keeps looking at me, but he doesn't press. He just drives me home. I wonder how he knows where I live. I get out of the car, stumbling to my door. I walk into my flat, crashing onto the floor and sleeping there. It's what I deserve.
A sound wakes me in the morning. I groan, pushing myself up onto my elbows. My cat, Minnie, walks over, and I turn to her.
“What was that, Ms Minerva? Was it-”
Another sound interrupts me.
“So it's the doorbell then.”
I check my Phone. The screen reads 11:08 PM. There are 20 missed calls from an assortment of people. Pandora’s in the lead with 7, Barty close behind with 5.
Another ring.
“Fine, i'm coming. Jesus.” I grumble, walking over to unlock the door.
I expected a lot of things.
I didn't expect Barty standing in the rain with a bouquet of flowers.
(Barty’s POV/ Third person!!)
The rain came down in heavy sheets, drumming against the pavement and creating a symphony of sound that echoed through the quiet street. Barty stood just a few feet away from Evan’s doorstep, drenched but determined. The cool droplets clung to his skin, but it was the nervous energy swirling in his chest that made him feel panicked.
He shifted from one foot to the other, glancing down at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time. He wasn't sure if Evan would answer the door, much less talk to him, but he had to try. After all, he had something so important to say.
After a moment of deliberation, he stepped up to the door and knocked, the sound barely audible over the pounding rain.
No reply.
He knocked again. He could hear Evan yelling something, footsteps approaching, and his heart raced in time with the rhythm of the droplets.
“Barty!” Evan opened the door, looking surprised. Water coursed down Barty’s face as he forced a smile, shaking his head slightly to clear the rain away.
“Hey! Sorry for just showing up… I wanted to talk.” His voice came out steadier than he felt.
Evan stepped aside, a mix of concern and curiosity in his eyes. “You’re soaked.” It was more of a statement than anything.
Barty laughed at him, rain still pouring into his eyes. “Just a little.”
“Want to come in?” The blonde asked, moving so he could walk through.
Barty hesitated but finally stepped inside, grateful for the warmth that enveloped him.
Once inside, the cozy glow of the living room lights contrasted sharply with the storm raging outside. Evan went to grab a towel, and Barty stood awkwardly, trying to gather his thoughts. This was it. No more overthinking or second-guessing.
“Here, I would give you some clothes but i'm not sure they'd fit.” Evan handed him the towel, and Barty rubbed it over his hair, feeling the warmth return to his cheeks.
“Thanks,” he muttered, biting his lip. He took a deep breath, looking into Evan’s concerned eyes. “I really need to say something.”
“Okay,” Evan replied, his tone even. “What’s on your mind?”
Barty’s heart raced as he approached Evan, holding the towel like a lifeline. “I’ve been feeling something for a long time, and it’s been eating away at me. I didn’t know how to say it.”
Evan’s expression shifted; there was a hint of something in his eyes, a flicker of understanding that made Barty’s heart leap.
“I think… I think I’m in love with you, Evan.” The words trembled slightly as they escaped, but there was a weight lifted from his shoulders just by saying them. “I’ve wanted to tell you for so long, but I was scared. Scared of ruining our friendship. But I can’t hide it anymore.”
For a moment, silence enveloped them. The rain poured even harder outside, the sound wrapping around them like a blanket. Barty’s stomach twisted with nerves, waiting for Evan’s response.
Finally, Evan stepped forward, his expression softening. “You have no idea how long I’ve been hoping you’d say that.”
“What?” Barty blinked in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest.
Evan chuckled softly, a mix of relief and joy in his eyes. “I’ve liked you for years, Barty. I was just terrified to tell you, too.”
A wave of warmth surged through Barty, tightening something in his chest and making him feel lighter. “Really?”
“Really.” Evan took another step closer, his smile brightening the dim room. “You mean everything to me, and I didn’t want to mess up what we have. It's part of why I left the band.”
Rain continued to fall heavily outside, but all Barty could focus on was Evan standing in front of him, vulnerability reflected in both their eyes.
Without a second thought, Barty reached out and cupped Evan’s cheek, a sudden boldness rushing through him. As if guided by an unseen force, he leaned in, and in that charged moment, their lips met.
It was soft and tentative at first, then deepened as the realization of their feelings washed over them both. The world outside faded away.
When they pulled back, breathless and smiling, Barty felt an overwhelming sense of rightness. “So… what now?” he asked, hope glimmering in his voice.
Evan grinned, his eyes sparkling in the dim light. “Now? I say we start by making out for at least another thirty minutes.”
They shared a light laugh and moved closer together, feeling the warmth between them as they prepared to face anything. (Except for Pandora, she still scares him.)