Chapter 7
Barty wouldn’t have imagined that he would be lying down next to Evan Rosier with a shared tub of ice cream between them as they watched a romance movie that Barty had no interest in. His eyes were starting to droop as Pandora and Evan spoke about the characters of the movie as their friend group. He seemed to zone in and out of the conversation, hearing bits and pieces.
‘Barty would be Kat, I think.’ Pandora said, and both the siblings looked at him. Suddenly, he was awake. ‘And you would be Patrick, obviously.’ Evan’s face had flushed as he shoved a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
‘Is that because he hates me?’
‘I guess, but you just give off teenage dirtbag Heath Ledger.’ Evan rolled his eyes. ‘Barty, do you want to go to sleep?’
‘Hm? No, I’m not tired.’ Barty lied.
‘Baby, your eyes were shut two minutes ago. Are you sure?’ Evan put the lid on the ice cream, leaving it on the coffee table. ‘Come on, we’ll go to my room.’
‘Raunchy. Keep the door at least three inches open. No funny business because I can hear it.‘ Barty took the hand that Evan offered, letting the blond pull him up.
‘Yes mom,’ Barty said, stifling a yawn. He followed Evan stupidly as he held on to his hand still. Evan stopped in front of his door, which had a piece of caution tape stuck on it.
‘Here we are. I can take the floor, but I’ll need a pillow.’ Evan pulled back the navy covers of his bed, patting the cold space he just created.
‘Are you stupid? I’m intruding into your house and you expect me to let you sleep on the floor. My mother raised me better, Evan.’
‘Fine, but you better not kick me.’
‘I don’t kick, but I don’t promise other parts of my body won’t touch you.’ Barty stretched his hands behind his head.
‘You’re so weird.’ Barty hummed, settling between the covers. Evan mirrored him, and the both of them faced each other. The silence between them wasn’t absurd or awkward. It was comforting, like being by the sea listening to crashing waves.
‘I don’t hate you.’ Barty blurted.
‘What?’
‘You said I hated you. I don’t. I’ve come to tolerate you and perhaps like you a little, even.’
‘High praise coming from you. I don’t hate you either, Bats.’ Barty raised an eyebrow at the name. ‘Do you not like it?’
‘No, no, I do. Just different.’
‘Okay, Bats, I think we need to discuss our next plan of action.’ Oh. Barty had sort of forgotten about Regulus.
‘What are you thinking?’
‘Pandora wanted to have a party when mum and dad leave for their trip. We could call them then? Bombard them with all sorts of shit.’
‘Sounds good. That way, we know where they are at all times, and they can’t possibly miss us.’ Evan smiled, soft and private. He reached out to brush away a strand of Barty’s hair that had strayed onto his forehead.
‘What are you thinking of?’ Barty asked.
‘Nothing at all.’
‘I’d believe that if I was an idiot. You’re thinking of something.’ Evan sighed.
‘I’m just wondering if James Potter is worth the trouble. If any of this is worth the trouble.’
‘Think of it this way. If it’s affecting him, he’s probably thinking of you right now. If it isn’t, you’re hot and you can always get another James.’ Evan snickered.
‘And what if I don’t want a James?’
‘Hmm. Who would you want? I’m pretty sure I could wingman you.’
‘I want you, Bats. I need you. Oh baby, oh baby.’ Evan said, face completely wiped of expression, similar to his voice.
‘Funny.’
‘Go to sleep, Barty.’