Chapter 6
Evan was knocked out for hours, blood drying on his skin, on his sheets. He was exhausted, probably could have slept for the entire day, but was rudely awoken to a buzzing on his bed. He reached blindly for the feeling, his phone growing louder as he picked it up. He didn't even read the number before picking up, just wanting silence.
‘Evan? Evan! You picked up! Thank God, Ev you scared me, Jesus.’ Pandora broke down, voice desperate, but ease slowly took over her as she spoke.
Evan just grunted in response, the pain of his head was kicking in, and he didn't want to speak.
‘Evan! Seriously, I was so worried. You weren’t picking up...’ She was shaking again ‘Father messaged me some cryptic message, how disappointed he was in you, how he didn't want me to become like you or something. Fuck, Evan, he sounded demented, I thought he fucking killed you.’
Evan just groaned at that again, the thought of his father messaging Pandora sending a wave of shame over him.
‘Might as well have..’ Evan grunted down the line, which seemed to worsen Pandora’s mood, as she let out a gasp, Evan sat up allowing himself better access to the phone, trying not to look at the sea of blood beneath him for too long. As Evan leveraged himself upward, he could hear more clearly, Pandora was letting out soft tears.
‘Ev, please don't joke. Evan, what did he do?’ Her voice was serious, clear she didn't find Evan’s joke funny
‘Pan, sorry, I am fine, he just…’ Evan didn't finish his sentence, looking around his room once again. He found his thoughts slipping back to Barty’s room, the posters and guitars, fun trinkets, and pictures with friends. Evan’s room was a pitiful attempt at decoration in comparison, with stark white walls, white sheets, now dotted with red, wooden floorboards, and a desk. He had no posters, his father wouldn't let him.
‘What?’ Pandora prompted him to continue. ‘Evan, did he hurt you?’ Pandora sounded weak, like she didn't want to know the answer, like she already knew but wasn't ready to face it.
‘Yeah.’ That is all Evan said back, sighing in defeat.
He heard a choked sob from the other line, as he lay back onto the bed, the blood loss making him lightheaded. He felt faint, he hadn't eaten since yesterday, and he slept until late afternoon, his run home earlier that day wearing him down weak.
‘Dora?’ A voice muffled through the phone, clearly coming from another room. Regulus, Evan thought in his sleep-addled state. Evan heard rustling, as he tried to stay awake.
Evan felt himself slipping out of consciousness, still on the line, when the new voice cut into the phone.
‘Evan? It's Regulus, we are coming to get you. Try and stay awake.’ The voice affirmed,
Evan grunted in acknowledgment, not really following, but too tired to question it.
‘We should hurry, I think he is pretty out of it.’ Evan didn't say anything back. The words clearly were not aimed at him, even if they were Evan didn't have the capacity to speak just yet.
‘Ev, please, I love you, we will be there soon, I’m so sorry..’ Pandora chimed in, her voice breaking up with tears, Evan wanted to comfort her, tell her it was all okay, that he was fine, but he couldn't find the strength to as he let sleep take over his body once again.
There was a hand stirring him, gently, but promptly, clearly trying to wake him from his deep slumber. ‘Evvvv..’ A voice entered his sleep, his dream dissipating in front of his eyes. He grunted, but ultimately let the hand pull him out. Looking up to see Pandora sitting on his bed with pitying eyes, concern in her face, with red-rimmed eyes, showing remanence of tears.
Evan’s eyes flitted over to his door frame, where Regulus stood, as suspected, but Barty was there beside him, looking at Evan with bitten nails, as he bit his lip. Evan’s eyes widened at this, feeling suddenly vulnerable under his gaze. He probably looked like shit, blood running down his face, bruised, and in last night's clothes.
Pandora spoke when she saw Evan was awake, ‘Evan, oh my god, there is so much blood, shit.’ She pulled him into a tight hug, squeezing him within half an inch of his life.
‘It isn’t that bad, worse than it looks.’ Evan simply muttered in response.
He heard a scoff from across the room and looked up at Barty from his grip in Pandora’s arms.
‘Rosie, c’mon, I have been in plenty of fights. You got it pretty bad.’ Barty joked affectionately.
Evan simply rolled his eyes at the admission. Pandora was still holding him tightly, in her grip, as Evan lifted his arms to slowly peel her off. ‘Pan, I am fine.’ He exerted. ‘But thank you for coming.’ he admitted at the end.
Pandora covered her face, still crying at the sight of her brother's bruised face, and stood up, walking over to her friends. She gave Evan a once over, and sighed sadly, choosing to let her brother pretend to her. ‘Evan, we got ingredients for soup, you lost some blood, so I will make you a high-iron soup, it will make you feel better, trust me. I will go make it, Barty, you know what to do?’ She gave her friend a small glance, to which he just smiled at her, shooting a swift thumbs up and walking over to where Evan was sitting on the bed, as the other two walked downstairs to make the food.
Evan was truly unaware of what Pandora was talking about, feeling shaken up from his long day, and as Barty sat down beside him, he was flooded with memories of the party.
Evan still hadn't replied to Barty’s messages from the party and hadn't seen him since he walked off after the shot. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room.
‘Rosie,’ Barty started, facing Evan with big pleading eyes, as he brought a hand up to touch Evan softly, not wanting to hurt him. Barty let his hand span over Evan’s cuts. Delicately trailing over them, feeling the dried blood. ‘Rosie, how could he do this to you?’
Evan let out a whimper in response, inadvertently leaning into the soft touch.
‘Can you stand?’ Barty asked, as he pushed himself off the bed, holding a hand out to Evan, which Evan rolled his eyes at, and replied coarsely, ‘Of course, I can fucking walk Crouch, he didn’t hit my fucking leg.’ As Evan deliberately made a show of standing up and trying to walk towards his en suite, only to feel instantly lightheaded, his knees weak as he made his way to the floor.
Shit. Clearly, he had lost more blood than he realized. However, Evan didn't hit the floor, because Barty was beside him, and his hands grabbed Evan securely, holding him up with ease, before giving him a look, as if to say ‘I told you so’. Evan felt small under Barty’s hold, so looked away abashedly.
Barty just snickered at the blonde’s behavior, before effectively grabbing Evan by the waist and hoisting him into the bathroom, with little to no effort, much to Evan’s complaint. He set Evan onto the sink counter and stood familiarly between his legs, seemingly Barty’s new favorite spot. Barty proceeded to outrightly disregard Evan’s muttering, as he opened the cupboard to pull out a first aid kit.
‘Relax, Rosie. Let me take care of you.’ Barty said in a calm voice, soothing Evan’s restless body.
Evan fell quiet, as Barty took a disinfectant wipe to Evan’s cuts, and wiped across his skin smoothly, using his other hand to move Evan’s face around effortlessly. Evan allowed his eyes to flit up and look at Barty where his face was, mere centimeters away. Barty was looking at Evan like was the most precious thing on earth, making Evan flush under his heavy gaze. Barty let out a small huff of laughter at this, as Evan looked away again, unable to hold eye contact with the older.
Evan hissed as Barty cleaned the cut on his cheek, easily his largest one. He didn't want to cry in front of Barty, but the pain, and the embarrassment, the shame and the thought of his fathers words, became too much for Evan to handle. He let a small hiccup out, and tilted his head back to let the tears fall back into his eyes. He didn't need this, crying would do him no good.
‘Evan.’ Barty spoke quietly. Evan didn't acknowledge him. ‘Rosie’ Barty tried again. ‘Look at me.’ Barty said. Evan looked at him wordlessly.
Evan could see what the boy was thinking, what he was going to say, and he didn't want to hear it. He didn't want pity. Before Barty could speak Evan finally opened his mouth.
‘Why do you call me Rosie? It's a girl's name.’ This wasn't what Barty expected to hear, amusement evident on his face at Evan’s words.
‘Cause, Rosie, it suits you.’ Barty emphasizes the nickname if only to see the other boy blush under the usage.
‘How does it suit me?!’ Evan raised his voice, crossing his arms over his chest in annoyance, ‘I am a boy. You shouldn't call me a girl's name. I’m manly.’ He protested, which only made Barty laugh more.
‘Yeah, you are very manly.’ Barty mocked Evan, infuriating the blonde. ‘I am!’ He retorted back, flailing his arms up in exasperation.
‘Of course, you are manly, Evan, you're just, you know…’ Barty granted the boy his desired compliment, but went silent, voice searching for a word, ‘...pretty.’ He finished.
If Evan was red before, now he was burning, his whole skin was on fire, at Barty’s genuine tone.
‘I am not fucking pretty, Crouch! I am handsome, I have been told that so many times, don't piss me off.’ Evan let his anger take over his words, but his face was still pink from the compliment.
‘Evan, you are handsome.’ Barty offered in response, calming the younger as he placed his hands on the boy's thighs around him.
Evan clearly not expecting to hear this went silent, ‘Yeah, of course, I a-’
But Barty wasn't finished. ‘-You are handsome..’ He repeated, clearly not done yet, ‘-But, you are also pretty.’ Evan let his jaw drop again, ready to fight back, when Barty raised his hand to cover Evan’s mouth, as he explained himself.
‘You can be both, Rosie, but I just think you're more pretty. You have such long eyelashes, and pink lips, and cute pink cheeks, and small waist, and blon-’ Barty listed off Evan’s every feature, as Evan let his eyes widen in shock at the statement, He had never been called pretty. Did Barty really think he was pretty?
Evan watched as Barty fell silent as if realizing where he was, it was the brunette's turn to blush now.
Barty’s hand fell from around Evan’s mouth, which was open as he sat on the counter.
‘I didn't know guys could be pretty.’ Evan said, somewhat breathlessly, almost speaking to himself, but in the small bathroom, Barty heard him.
‘Course they can.’
Evan looked up from his lap, and met Barty’s gaze, starting up, but stopping himself a few times before finally asking, ‘Do you think Fabien is pretty?’
Evan isn’t really sure why he asked, the answer would probably upset him. He heard Barty open his mouth a couple of times, clearly contemplating his answer. After a moment, he spoke.
‘Not as pretty as you, Rosie, nowhere near,’
Oh.
Evan felt himself smile at that answer, he wasn't sure why he cared about Barty’s opinion, but he wanted to be Barty’s favorite, maybe Barty was right, or maybe he was selfish. The air in the room felt thick, suddenly Evan was aware of every hand on his body, every point at which Barty and Evan met. Barty looming over him, his thighs around the older. He looked into Barty’s green eyes, he had always liked Barty’s eyes the most. They drew him in, his body moving closer, slowly, so slowly it was almost undetectable. Barty seemed to move forward too, the short distance between them becoming indefinitely shorter.
Evan let his pink lips fall open, Barty’s eyes tracked the movement, licking his lips subconsciously. Barty was going to say something, mouth open, when the door kicked open, Pandora smiling at him with a massive bowl of soup in her hands, and a sheepish-looking Regulus to her left. Barty lept back at the motion, creating a distance between them, and as he looked over to Pandora, he was himself out of the room, to give room to the boy's sister. She held the soup out to him, giving Evan’s clean face once over, some plasters dotted over his skin where Barty had patched him up, looking undeniably better than when they first saw him.
His hands took the soup graciously, letting the spoon hit his lips and fill his stomach, the soup was perfect, heartwarming, and light, exactly what Evan’s body needed. He scarfed down the bowl, as his sister spoke excitedly about something, he tuned her out, trying not to think about the almost kiss he just shared. He had wanted Barty to kiss him, he knew that much. He doesn't want to think about why. He didn't want to think about much.
Barty was silent in the other room, clearly content to let Pandora speak her mind when a sudden bang from downstairs startled the four, they all shut up as they heard Mr Rosier's screams from downstairs. Evan hadn't even considered when his dad got home, mind too preoccupied.
‘Evan, you better explain yourself this instant!’ The voice bellowed, getting closer slowly, like a ticking clock, they were running out of time, and the group shared a wordless look. Barty had shot up at the words and quickly locked the door, giving them a few moments to think.
‘Why is there a goddamn car in the driveway? Evan, so help me God, if somewhere is up there with you, I will not let you hear the end of it.’ Evan’s body had begun to shake again, Pandora hugging him tightly, trying to protect him from the words.
‘Evan, let’s go, we can go to my house.’ Regulus chimed seconds later, voice affirming. Evan just shook his head at this stepping out of the bathroom, out of his sister's grip to enter his room. He walked over to the window, opened it, and looked down.
‘You guys can jump out, it isn't too far, you will be fine if you hold onto the pipe.’ Evan said, voice returning to a quiet speech, not wanting to alert his father of the people in his room, his after could be heard pacing below him, periodically yelling Evan’s name up the stairs.
Barty checked the door was locked securely before making his way over to where Evan stood by the window, ‘Are you fucking serious? Evan. We are not going to leave you here, especially not like this.’ Barty sounded sour, griping on as Evan looked down.
‘You don't wanna go to Regs’? We can go to mine, but we are not staying here, I won't take no for an answer.’ Barty finalized, sounding deadset.
Evan scoffed, rolling his eyes as he spoke, aware of their time running out. ‘Correct, Crouch,’ He continued through Barty’s face at his last name, ‘We are not staying here. I am staying here, the rest of you are going back to where you came from.’ Evan retorted, soloing himself out, and pushing his window open, to try and hurry the other three out of his room, before his father got there. As he opened the window, he noted the dark sky, shit he had got to stop losing track of time like that.
Barty just shook his head at this, watching as Pandora and Regulus stared at their small fight, ‘Evan, let’s go. You are not staying here. I don't care. We are leaving, Roise, he will hurt you.’ Barty sounded desperate at this point, clearly as aware as Evan of the approaching footsteps.
Evan took in his room. Pandora stared at him with pleading eyes, arm wrapped around Regulus, shaking with every yell of their father. The sheets, still dripping red from his blood, Barty, looking at him, like that.
He sighed, defeated. ‘James. I will go to James’.’ Evan chose to not comment on Regulus's reaction to his friend's name.
That was enough for Barty who let out a sigh of repose. On hearing this Barty jumped into action, instantly sliding out of Evan’s windows, without thinking, he grabbed the pole and slid down with ease. He looked up at Evan who was staring at him, jaw unhinged, from out of his window. Barty held out a hand as if to say he would catch Evan. Evan just rolled his eyes and peeked out for a second, returning moments later with Regulus and Pandora, who both jumped down, a small ‘eek!’ from Pandora, but otherwise uninjured.
Evan was at the top looking down at their awaiting stares. He grabbed his phone from his bed, shaking with every hit of his door, heavy and hard, ricocheting through his room.
Evan just kicked his legs out of the window, pulling the window shut as he slid down the wall, hand on the drain pipe for security. As he appreciated the floor, a familiar hand softened the blow, holding Evan’s waist steadily. The four ran towards the car parked in Evan’s driveway, all of them mute.
As the door was pulled open, Evan realized he didn't recognize this car, he knew for a fact Pandora couldn’t drive, let alone did she have a car. Regulus didn't drive either, he mused, Barty was the only one who could drive, but Evan never saw this car at Barty's apartment.
‘Who’s car is this?’ Evan broke the silence, too curious to keep quiet.
The other three all stayed quiet, mumbling some incoherent excuses.
‘Who’s fucking car is this?’ Evan repeated, growing louder as he felt himself losing his mind at the lack of response.
‘Ev, don't be angry, we just needed to know you were safe, I mean, to be fair, you weren't so we had to come get you! We had no other choice!’ His sister chartered away, rolling out excuses, but still no answer.
‘Who’s car?’ Evan said, voice unsmiling.
The car was driving away onto the road, by the time anyone gave him a response.
‘Sirius’. We stole his keys.’ Regulus finally said. He didn't sound as scared as the other two, clearly, he was unaffected by this brother's dramatics. Evan however, was not, and the thought of Sirius finding out his car was stolen, finding out the reason why, made his stomach flip.
'Honestly, Rosie, he won't care, not when he sees why.’ Barty spoke into the tension in the air, nonchalantly. But Evan didn't take it well.
The car made a whirring buzz as it drove, but it wasn't loud enough to block the sounds of Evan’s tears. Barty’s head looked over to Evan tentatively, eyes widening at the blonde's tears. Pandora and Regulus were sat in the backseat, whispering to each other, inaudible from the front seats. Barty said nothing, not wanting to alert the others, instead he moved one hand of the wheel and rested in gently on Evan’s knee.
The ripped jeans Evan fell asleep in still on, allowed Barty's fingers to splay out under the fabric, his thumb testing the waters as he stroked Evan’s bare skin. The touch sent chills through Evan, but after the day he had had, he wasn't about to get rid of the one source of comfort he had left.
As Evan leaned against the window, his body turning in towards the car, his eyes stuck onto where Barty sat, driving the car. He had one arm across the car, resting on Evan, the other on the wheel driving. Evan thought he looked good as he drove, one-handed, utterly too confident, way too relaxed. Barty turned to face him, and Evan decided to hold eye contact for once, to not let the weight of Barty's stare make him shy. Barty just smirked at the younger boy, his fingers splaying further over Evan’s thigh, to cover more ground.
‘I need to call James.’ The sudden realization hit Evan, as they drove to the boy's house, who didn't even know they were coming. Evan reached for his phone from the dashboard. It was dead. Shit. There was loud shuffling in the backseat, but Evan kept his view firmly planted on Barty, scared to look away from the other boy, in case he let go of Evan.
‘Call him on my phone.’ Barty offered, when he noticed Evan’s phone, lifting his hand off Evan’s thigh to pass his phone over. Evan had to force himself not to whine at the loss of touch, Barty handed him the phone, swiftly resuming his positioning on Evan’s skin. Evan mumbled a thanks, before typing his friend's number into his phone, praying he remembered it correctly. The phone rang once, a resounding beep. The call hadn't gone through.
‘Fuck, I don't know his number.’ Evan groaned, a newfound wave of stress consuming him.
There was even more shuffling in the backseat at his proclamation, Barty was still circling slow motions into Evan’s thigh, a grounding sensation. Evan heard some whispers, unable to pick up on what his sister and Regulus were actually saying before he heard Regulus let out an angry ‘Fine.’
‘Take this, Evan.’ Regulus sighed from the back seat. Evan eyed him strangely but was willing to try anything at that point, grabbing the phone from Regulus’ outstretched hand. Evan looked down at the screen of Regulus’ phone curiously. He nodded appreciatively at Regulus when he saw James’ contact on the screen, saved with a small heart. He didn't comment, just clicked call.
James’ voice hummed through the line after a moment.
‘Reg? Are you there?’ His voice was hurried and panicked, sounding mildly out of breath.
‘James, it’s me.’
‘Oh.’ Evan tried not to feel upset at the disappointment evident in his friend's voice. ‘Why do you have Regulus’ phone? Is he okay? Are you with him?’ James rushed out before Evan could explain himself, and Evan had to force himself not to smile at his friend's crush, acting like a lovesick fool.
‘James, chill, I um…’ Evan didn't really know how to say this, he hadn't thought that far ahead when he had left his house, coming to a realization that if James said no he was practically homeless. ‘Jamie, my dad, he um, he just,’ Evan sounded weak to his own ears, ‘Can I stay at yours for a bit?’ Evan sniffed, tears coming back.
‘Yeah, course, are you coming now? You’re okay, right?’ James spoke easily, a soft voice, warm, homely. Evan couldn't wait to see his friend.
‘Thank you, James. I will be there soon.’ Barty had remained focused on the road the entire time, but his hand an unwavering force, the circles speeding up as Evan began to shake, a reminder of Barty’s presence, which startlingly worked wonders to calm Evan.
James was silent for a moment, neither of them moving to hang up, but neither of them saying anything. James spoke up first, ‘Why do you have Regulus’ phone?’ James repeated his earlier question, clearly not about to let it go. He sounded shy.
‘Yeah, Regulus gave me his phone to call you, mine is dead, Bary is driving us and Pandora to yours. Hope that’s okay?’ Evan rattled on, not bothering to pretend he wasn't talking about the boy in the backseat. James didn't reply. ‘James, is that okay?’ Evan continued when James kept quiet.
‘Yeah, yeah, course. Um, Ev, can you pass the phone to Reg,’ James’ voice was hushed, ‘Please.’ He added, a soft plea.
Evan just leaned back to Regulus, passing him the phone and mouthing, ‘He wants to speak to you.’ Evan watched as Regulus hesitated, before grabbing the phone, and holding it up to his ear. Regulus didn't say much down the line, James’ voice could be heard in the car, muffled and incoherent. Regulus was replying short, cut, one-word answers, giving away nothing. The call finished with a stifled, ‘Goodbye, James.’ Nobody spoke, the tension evident.
The car drove in silence for the rest of the way, Barty had lifted his hand off from Evan shortly after the call ended, leaving Evan frustrated in the front seat. He wanted to grab Barty’s hand from where it rested on the wheel, and drag it over to his leg, to watch his tattooed hands spread over the flesh, to feel his fingertip digging into the ripped knee. But he kept still, looking out the window, lost in his own thoughts.
James’ house was in full view, as they pulled into the road by his driveway. Surely enough, James was already stood outside, fixed on the car as it parked. He eyed the car for a moment too long, clearly connecting some dots, but ultimately said nothing, to Evan’s relief.
The second the car was slow enough, Regulus opened the door, not waiting for Barty to stop driving before running out. He stalked over to where James stood, a terrified look on his face. Regulus took James’ arm in his grip and pulled him away, James calling out a sorry to Evan as he didn't fight back, allowing Regulus to pull him into the house. Evan did not envy the conversation they were surely about to have, almost feeling bad that he brought Regulus right into James’ house, setting his friend up. But it would all work out in the end, honestly, he was probably doing him a favor, in the long run.
Evan recognized Effie and Fleamont standing by the doorway, warm smiles on their face. No doubt ready to welcome him with open arms, they were easily the kindest people had ever met. He shot them a small smile from the window of the car, not quite ready to get out yet. Pandora, however, loved conversing with adults, she would always tell Evan how they had so much wisdom, and that everyone should listen to them. She skipped towards them, waving with a bright smile on her face. Parents loved Pandora, so he let a light chuckle out as he watched James’ parents reciprocate the girl's happy energy.
Barty looked over to Evan, eyebrow raised in question. But Barty was opening the door and getting out of the car before Evan could question him. Evan followed his actions, opening the car door and stretching his legs, arm over his head, and leaning against the car. His body let out a series of snaps as he popped his body into place, a satisfied grunt as he did so. Barty was staring at him intently when Evan went to look at the older boy. Without noticing, Barty had crossed the car, to meet Evan on his side of the door.
When they stood beside each other, it was difficult for Evan to ignore the head that Barty had over Evan, the way he looked down to see Evan, the way his arms ended towards Evan’s hips. Barty leaned against the side of Sirius’ car, feet in front, lowering himself to only a few centimeters above Evan. The evening sun was just setting, a warm breeze flowing through the boy's hair, forcing the green strands off Barty’s forehead, his whole face on display. He wasn't really pretty, Evan mused. Barty had made a whole show about how he thought Evan was pretty, but Evan coumdt reciprocate. He thought Barty was much more handsome than he was pretty, with his dark, sharp features, chiseled jawline, and deep eyes. He was very attractive, that was obvious, but he held himself with an air of coolness.
He and Barty had never been friends, Evan was always considered cool; at school, due to his popularity, people idolized him. But secretly, Evan thought Barty was the cool one. Barty was as attractive as him, but he dressed how he wanted, he didn't care what he looked like, he just happened to be blessed. There was something about his carefree lifestyle that Evan respected, envied almost. How Barty could go to school and do what he wanted, piss off the popular kids just because, and not care about the consequences.
The sun hit Evan in his eyes, the blue brightening under the yellow rays, his freckles illuminating, and his hair turning a golden soft pile of waves atop his head. Evan let his hand come up to block the sun, as he turned to Barty, ‘You aren't pretty.’ His thoughts free-flowing. Barty didn't even look offended, he just laughed, smile growing as he looked at the boy with crossed arms. ‘Evan didn't let this lack of response stop him from saying what he needed to say.
‘You're handsome. I think.’ This elicited a reaction, a small stutter in his chill facade. ‘W-What?’ Barty barked out, taken off guard, at the confession. Evan didn't really give, in their relationship, it was Barty who spoke boldly and made the first moves. But Evan didn't really care anymore.
‘I mean, you said I was more pretty than handsome, but I think you’re more handsome.’ Evan spoke as if it was the easiest thing in the world. His relaxed nature rubbed off on Barty, who took the compliment, smiled, and looked fondly at where the blonde leaned against the car.
‘Thanks.’ Bartyuncrossed his arms, ‘You are pretty, the prettiest.’ He added, as he let his arm fall to his side, and brought one up to Evan’s jaw, touching over where his tongue had been the night before. The touch had Evan like Pavlov’s dog, bringing back every emotion he felt the last time he Barty was there. His thumb stroked over the skin, and he smirked to himself.
‘What?’ Evan managed to choke out. Compliments, flirting, that was all doable, but this, this touching. Evan couldn't breathe. He needed Barty to do something, the open air was suddenly hot, and thick.
‘Nothing.’ Barty chuckled to himself, a smirk still adorned on his face. ‘Just, I guess I got a bit excited.’ This did nothing to clear up Evan’s confusion as he turned to the car window, taking in his appearance, trying to figure out what Barty was staring at so closely. The black windows weren't the best mirror, but as Evan leaned closer, he spotted it. A hickey, Barty had given him a fucking hickey. Evan’s hand shot up, brushing over the skin, red and raw.
‘Oh my fucking god…’ His voice faded off as he stroked it, the memories all returning, stronger than ever. Barty did not look embarrassed, if anything he looked proud when Evan turned to him, jaw wide. ‘Jesus! Barty, you fucking mauled me!.’ He wasn't exaggerating, the mark was large, Evan hadn't even realized he had it until that moment. Fuck, had everyone seen him walking around, parading his neck.
‘Sorry, Rosie,’ sounding entirely unapologetic, ‘Guess I got excited, you should've seen how you looked under me. All panting and flushed, stomach out. Anyone would've left a mark if they were there.’ Barty explained himself, his voice low, slightly croaking, as though the memory of the night before was occurring as he spoke. At the description of himself, Evan blushed, Barty was speaking about it so casually, as though Evan hadn’t left the situation hard and was on the verge of crying. They hadn't spoken about it since it happened, Barty’s messages still on his phone, unanswered.
Evan hummed, untrusting his voice to reply. This didn't seem to suit Barty, who pushed off the car, returned to his full height, and took a position in front of Evan, once again caging him in. Barty was looking at Evan’s stomach, his hands making their way to rest on his waist, the shirt ripped at the bottom, small patches of skin unveiled. Barty’s fingers couldn't keep to themselves it seems. Always mapping the land of Evan’s skin whenever given the chance, Evan shivered as Barty’s thumb tucked into the rip.
‘Your stomach..’ Barty began, the rasp in his voice growing, ‘It is so perfect, Rosie, so soft. Fuck.’ he cursed, every word made Evan’s body light up. The strong hands on him slipped to his hips, strong, as they pushed his hips back against the car door. Evan couldn't hold himself up, knees weak, but the grip on his was decided, holding him upright. Barty moved closer, the gap between them small. Evan looked at Barty, Barty still staring at his thumbs on Evan.
The green eyes met him after a moment, wordless. Evan was looking at him, desperation in his stare, as he began to move a hand to Barty’s hair, tangling into the soft locks. Barty let out a soft groan at the touch, Evan tested the waters, grip strengthening as he pulled lightly. Barty barely stifled a moan, the noise going straight to Evan’s head.
With a grip now on Barty, Evan felt his confidence coming back, they were even, everything to play for. And Evan wanted to win, he knew that now. He guided Barty towards him, pink tongue peeking out to wet his lips, smiling as Barty’s eyes followed the movement, subconsciously mirroring him.
Barty was panting onto Evan's skin, noses brushing, when he spoke aimlessly, ‘Can I kiss you, baby?’ The words came out a beg, a whimpered. Evan leaned to connect their lips, finally, he thought. The touch was hard at first, his grip on Barty’s hair clenching and unclenching with every movement.
Barty pushed Evan impossibly further against the car, their bodies touching everywhere, as Barty fell between Evan’s legs, his knee opening the younger. This made Evan let out a helpless moan into Barty’s mouth, which led the brunette further, tongue brushing against Evan’s lips in a wordless question. Evan submitted, opening his mouth and letting their tongues brush, the wet feeling going down. Fuck.
The feeling was unlike any kiss Evan had ever had, he felt pliable in Barty’s tight grasp. Barty had started to move his knee higher, temptingly delicious, but Evan knew where he was, he was outside James’ house, kissing Barty fucking Crouch, against Sirius’ car, as his sister spoke with James’ parents inside. His father was probably calling his dead phone to no avail, as he stood there, letting Barty touch him like he would break if he pressed too hard. He probably would.
So, unhappily, he pulled away, his eyes pulling reluctantly open. As he took in the sight of Barty, wet red lips, open and panting. A line of spit connected their mouths and he had to stop himself from chasing after it. Barty was staring down at him, hooded eyes, gaze firm on Evan. It was the best thing Evan had ever seen, and he hated himself for it.
He had kissed Barty, he had let himself kiss Barty. Fuck.
Evan was going to be sick, how could he have been so stupid? This was Barty, his sister's friend, he hated him. Okay, maybe he didn't hate him, maybe he hadn't hated him for a long time, and maybe, just maybe, he had never hated him, despite popular belief. But it still hurt. It hurt how Barty looked at him, how Barty called him pretty and touched him. How Barty was nice, and caring when Evan didn't deserve it. When Evan was nothing but mean in return, ignoring and teasing, jabbing, and taking, and taking, and taking. And just when Evan gave, he took it back. It was too much.
‘I’m not gay.’
Oh. That wasn't what he had meant to say. Probably a stupid thing to say. Barty’s face fell, his grip dropped, and he looked away. Yep, definitely a stupid thing to say. Evan wanted to take it back, to apologize, to kiss him again. But he didn't. Instead, he let Varty scoff at him, echoing his words from before.
‘You are pathetic, Rosier.’ But Evan didn't fight back. He didn't disagree. He nodded, he was, after all, pathetic.
The nod didn't make Barty happy either, it seemed everything Evan was doing made him sad, and that only made Evan feel worse. The look on his face, as he looked down at Evan, he looked disgusted. Evan kicked away, ran into the house. Barty didn't call after him, and Evan didn't look back at Barty. His stomach was a deep pit, full of emotions and feelings, some resentment, but unfortunately, a lot of tenderness. Ten seconds had passed and he already missed Barty.
He was so fucked.