Chapter 8
The bass of the song thumps through the floor, and Barty can feel it in his fingertips. It’s so loud that Barty can’t even hear himself think. The song’s great, but he can’t find himself to enjoy it with the chaos around him. There’s a thick layer of smoke that hung above the crowd, and Barty guessed that Marlene was the reason for it.
Barty finds himself mouthing the words to the song, though he never remembers learning them. Evan had excused himself to go meet a few friends of his a couple minutes ago, and though Barty said he was okay with it, he missed Evan’s presence greatly. However, he’d die before admitting that to anyone. He looked around for his own friend group, finding almost no one. It was almost poetic how in a sea of people he couldn’t find the ones he wanted to see.
He decided to let it be, and to just move awkwardly through the people, half-dancing, half-walking. He could at least try to find Pandora, who was most likely by the drinks. As he expected, she was holding a clear bottle of cheap tequila to Lily Evans’ mouth. Talk about an unexpected turn of events. She whooped as Lily wiped the tequila that dribbled down her chin. Barty smiled too, swiping a full shot of tequila, downing it without a second thought. The liquid burned only momentarily, as Barty downed another one. And another. And another.
Pandora’s arm was around his shoulder, screaming in glee. He felt his cheeks heat at the mercy of the alcohol. He was already running hot, tugging at the collar of his shirt to let some air in.
‘Where’s Evan?’ He shouted at Pandora.
‘Outside, near the,’ she hiccuped, ‘Near the pool.’
‘I’ll see you later, yeah? Don’t have too much fun, you two.’ Lily pressed a finger to her lips as if telling him to be quiet.
Outside, Barty had a whole lot of trouble looking for Evan. People seemed to double in every direction he looked, blocking his view of the blond. He had taken a circle of the house, and was about to go inside, when he felt a hand on his shoulder, making him turn around.
‘Leaving already? It’s not even 12.’ Evan pouted.
‘I was looking for you. Have you seen the targets?’ Evan rolled his eyes.
‘Yeah, near the pool. I had to leave because they were being really fucking touchy. Wanted to throw my guts up.’ Evan’s words slurred slightly.
‘We should create a distraction, don’t you think?’
‘What are you thinking?’ Evan’s eyes seemed to be focused on a certain point of Barty’s face.
‘Do you trust me?’
‘I suppose.’ Barty nodded, taking Evan’s hand.
‘Do you want to keep your shirt on? I’m not going to.’
‘What the fuck are you planning, Bats?’ Barty felt himself smile at the nickname.
‘Evan, choose.’ Evan sighed, hastily pulling his t-shirt off, tossing it to the side. ‘Ready?’ Evan shook his head.
‘Yeah.’ They made their way to the pool, fingers interlocked. Regulus and James were on one of the chairs, practically eating each other’s faces off.
He looked at Evan, who seemed to be buzzing with nervous energy. He squeezed Barty’s hand, before the pair bolted towards the pool. Cold water hit his skin like a whip, before it drowned out all the sound of their surroundings. Evan’s hand was still in his, and he pulled them both above the surface. Subtly, Barty looked to the side, satisfied to see that James and Regulus were half-soaked. He definitely had their attention.
Without thinking, Barty grabbed Evan’s face, kissing him. Evan caught on almost immediately, running his hands all over Barty’s torso. Kissing Evan was normal, but the feeling of people watching them get messy was slightly electrifying. Barty couldn’t hear any music in his stupor, but he was sure that if he could, it would be the sort that would crescendo to a slow, slow peak. Touching Evan’s skin under him confirmed that this was real; he was real.
They’d broken apart, both heaving and breathless. Evan was red in the face, as was Barty. Barty laughed first, a small giggle, which evolved into him almost losing his balance and clutching his stomach. Evan held onto his biceps, stabilizing him before he stumbled. He laughed too, and when Barty fell into him, he could feel the laugh radiating through his body.
When Barty looked up at Evan, wrapped in the multicoloured lights that emanated from each fucking corner, he felt something he couldn’t even explain. It was so minute that it was almost negligible, but not to him. He wasn’t even thinking of anything else except the fact that they were so close that Barty could practically taste Evan.
‘D’you want to get out of the water?’ Evan whispers. Barty nods, holding onto Evan still. They wade through the water, watching the crowd dissipate. James had stripped his shirt, and it was clear that Regulus couldn’t keep his eyes off him. Evan ran a hand through Barty’s hair, flicking out the water that was dripping onto his shoulders. Barty felt woozy, possibly the tequila working its way through his system. Evan set him down on a lounge chair, saying something he didn’t catch. Barty’s blood was roaring in his ears, as he waited for Evan to come back.
Evan handed him a bottle of water, which Barty refused. ‘Sleepy?’
‘Nah. Sit with me.’ Evan obliged. ‘You’re kinda cute.’ Barty slapped a hand over his mouth. ‘That’s not what I meant to say at all.’
‘I mean—‘
‘I’m sick of meaning. I just want to hold you.’ Evan smiled.
‘I didn’t know you were so forward when you’re drunk.’
‘Take me to your room, and I’ll show you how forward I can be.’
‘Bats, that’s enough. You’re going to drink this water, and you’re going to go to sleep.’