4
3 weeks in, and Barty had started to tolerate Evan’s presence. Often he just tuned him out, but sometimes he would listen to the boy speaking without wanting to drive a knife through his eye. They’d set up a system; Barty would take them to school, and Evan would bring them lunch. It was a pretty good offer, considering Evan had good food (mostly, the exception being cut up apples. Barty hated apples).
As Barty pulled over in front of Evan’s house, the front door opened, revealing the Devil’s spawn himself. He got into the car, twisting to put his bag in the back.
‘Ready?’ Evan nodded.
‘I had a proposal for you.’
‘Every time you say that, I fall into a deeper pit of lies.’
‘God, you just never want to hear me out, huh?’ Evan sounded exasperated, but Barty knew that wasn’t the case.
‘Fuck, just say it then. You’re so dramatic.’
‘You should kiss me.’ Barty slammed the brakes. ‘Okay, that was unnecessary.’
‘Fuck no. No way. Not happening.’ He accelerated the car again.
‘You know just how to make a man feel loved, don’t you? I have no interest in kissing you. It’s just that Pandora’s starting to ask questions. Trust me, I would much rather be kissing someone else.’
‘The fact that you want James Potter carnally is still so funny.’
‘Yes or no, Barty?’
‘Fuck it.’ He grinned, looking over at Evan who grinned too.
‘Okay, so I know for a fact that James always takes Regulus to the second floor bathroom a few minutes before lunch. If we’re lucky, we can be there before them.’
‘How much thought have you given this?’ Evan looked at him, but didn’t answer. ‘That’s unhealthy.’
‘Fuck off, you’re in no position to say that to me, Mr ‘I’m so obsessed with my ex that I can’t walk straight’.’
‘Untrue.’
‘Whatever. Are you down?’
‘Yeah, why not.’
——-
Lunch was rapidly approaching, and Barty could feel his hands shaking. He checked the clock one last time before excusing himself from the class. The second floor bathroom felt like it couldn’t be farther.
The door clicked shut behind Barty. Evan was already inside, tapping away on his phone. He looked up, and smiled.
‘Why is it so hot in here?’
‘Sorry.’ Evan held up a box of cigarettes and a lighter.
‘Whatever. When are they coming?’
‘Anytime now.’ Just as he said it, heavy footsteps echoed outside. Barty froze up, but Evan was quick to act. He grabbed Barty, pushing him into the sink. They were kissing, but Barty wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. His hands were under Evan’s shirt, grabbing at any skin that he could, like he was going to go limp if he didn’t hold on. Evan’s hands were planted on both sides of Barty’s face, knee lodged between Barty’s legs. Barty let one of his hands tug at Evan’s hair.
The door opened, and Evan hummed against Barty’s lips. Conversation halted as the targets saw what was going on.
‘Barty?’ Regulus said at the same time as James said, ‘Evan?’
Barty and Evan pulled apart, breathless, chests heaving. They both turned to the source of the voices in feigned surprise, as if this wasn’t an intricately fabricated plan.
‘You taste like cigarettes.’ Barty said dumbly, pushing his fingers deeper into Evan’s hair. ‘Did he taste like cigarettes to you, James?’
‘Was that chocolate, Barty? Whatever it was, it was great.’ Evan added, pointedly looking at Regulus. ‘Oh, did you want the bathroom?’
‘We were just leaving. You got all you need, baby?’ Barty asked Evan, who grabbed his hand. ‘Well, it was great seeing you.’ The door shut behind them.
‘I’m going to jump off this building.’ Barty breathed out.
‘Make sure you do a flip, love.’