SUBURBAN LEGENDS

Act One 

Evan loved airports. 

Alright maybe that was a bit dramatic but honestly, where was there another place on earth where you could be dressed, doing, or acting however you wanted and no one batted an eye at eleven in the morning.

Well, except maybe New York apparently as Dorcas liked to say ‘anything goes’ when showing videos from her journey to and from school on the subway. 

The man to his left in arrivals was napping on the cold floor while his wife read erotic vampire fiction in pajamas.

A hen party was dressed in wedding dresses with signs saying here comes the bitch and were extremely hungover. 

A separate stag-do who had just arrived from Dublin was drunk and heading to the pub in the airport in orange wigs and green, stripy jumpsuits.

Two teenage boys in front of him were doing the worm, a family of four was having a screaming match, and one girl was even meditating.

Not nearly accounting for the hysterical families waiting for loved ones with signs of memoriam as they had just come back from war, the flight was from Turkey and mostly filled with people having had plastic surgery as far as he could tell, or taxi drivers from companies dressed in all black with sunglasses like the secret service. 

Sitting against the wall Evan was enjoying the people watching in all honesty until his phone began to ring and a familiar name popped up.

“Hey Dork” 

“Not sure if I should be offended or not” a different but familiar voice answered with a slightly lower-toned and amused voice. 

“Sorry Marlene thought I’d hear Dorcas’s charming voice” Evan joked into the phone.

A small snort echoed into his ear. That was one of his favorite qualities of Marlene, how unapologetic she was about everything.

“You enjoying the city, has it finally grown on you” Evan sighed slightly wistfully happily antagonising the usual rant that followed this particular question.

Every holiday and summer break Marlene and Dorcas alternated between visiting their respective families ever since they had got together in the first year of college after months of fighting and sexual tension. 

Currently, they were in New York where Dorcas was from, a city that had not garnered Marlene’s love but instead a lot of rather…strong opinions. Marlene, having been from San Francisco, shockingly preferred the slower pace and natural lifestyle.

She was also deathly scared of rats which didn't help matters.

“The city is as always overrated but Dorcas loves coming back and seeing the family so…” Marlene trailed off.

“That so considerate Marls” Evan mocked lovingly knowing how her hard-ass person seemed non-existent as she longed after Dorcas.

“Shut it you” Marlene retorted no real heat in her tone “Uhh damn you for distracting me I called you for a reason y’know” 

“What not just out of boredom,” Evan said in faux shock “I almost thought you and Dorcas missed me” 

“Well Dorcas does the softie, she’s just paying for some stuff” Marlene seemed to pause before adding the next bit, and by how childishly she was giggling Evan just knew it was going to be sexual “Dorcas missed you she was going to call last night but sadly I was too busy ravishing her and-“ 

“La la la la” Evan interrupted the frightening image of his two best friends, practically sisters’ sex lives. “You are such a freak, anyway tell me what was so important you needed to call me” 

“Well,” Marlene put what she named her spy voice on.

“Have you picked up the parcel” 

“The what” Evan huffed one hand in his left ear to hear her as a family with three babies crying walked past.

“The y’know” Marlene groaned “The new recruit…way to take the fun out of my game” 

“Putting whatever that sad attempt was aside. I got a text thirty minutes ago from Regulus saying the flights landed so I’m expecting him soon” 

“Great,” Marlene said in a decidedly unhappy voice.

“Y’know it’s going to be fine right Marls” he tried to reassure her. 

“Huh” she huffed “Well you can’t blame me for being nervous about a Raven joining our team”

“Ex-Raven” Evan corrected.

”Whatever” Marlene’s voice was muffled as she began to eat something “It’s all the same” 

“Yeah but he’s good Marls, like really good” Evan paused wondering how to put it gently as Marlene played the same position “We need him, our defence is weak and with you and him together we have a real shot at winning the Championship”

”Fine he’s good” Marlene interrupted “But he’s also violent, arrogant, aggressive, and from what I could tell when we played him not a team player” 

“Right” Well that wasn’t untrue he supposed anytime they played the Ravens in the semi-finals Crouch didn’t seem to possess any qualities that would dissuade that thought “But maybe those things can be taught” 

“Oh yeah think it's a bit late for that ” Marlene snorted amused at the suggestion “Plus who's going to do that Moody” 

Evan could have sworn his stomach dropped at the image of their coach, gruff, no-nonsense Moody trying to describe how to be a team player without offending anyone, that particular conversation was surely nightmare-inducing to even imagine. 

“No” Evan tried to put as much surety and seriousness into his voice “I will” 

“You what?” 

Marlene started fully laughing then like snorting and stomach grabbing chuckling, so much so he had to turn down the volume on his phone. 

“Stop it, Rosier, you're going to teach Crouch the power of…” She paused for dramatic effect, the bitch.

”The Power of Friendship” 

And then she started cackling again, Evan was not amused.

”You’re hilarious Marls. A real Comedian” 

“Sorry sweet-cheeks,” Marlene said cheekily not sounding remotely sorry “I'll make sure to give you a nice eulogy when Crouch smothers you in your sleep” 

“He’s not going to” Evan paused “Hopefully”

Which only set off Marlene laughing again. 

“Well I’ll let Dorcas know of your imminent death Rosie” Marlene sighed sympathetically.

“Look how hard can it be Marls, Regulus said he's in good enough condition to play, he keeps to himself and everyone's happy” 

“Huh” Marlene paused before scoffing “Nah something about this feels weird no way is this Crouch kid not going to be a problem” 

“Maybe he's secretly delightful,” Evan muttered, not even convincing himself. 

“Whatever he’ll be like is your problem, Captain, O Captain,” Marlene said in a sing-song voice. 

“Thanks for the support” Evan grabbed the water by his feet and took a large gulp, this day seemed to be stretching out before him as it was only half eleven and he could get into bed. 

Honestly, though Marlene was right Crouch was his problem for three reasons mainly. 

Firstly he was the captain of the Trojans which meant any usual recruit was his to guide, Barty Crouch probably the most unusual recruit possible was definitely his problem. So much so Evan had volunteered to stay for the remaining month of summer with his new roommate to help him get settled in and hopefully get him to warm up to him. 

Secondly, because he had convinced Moody they needed him, when the offer had come up and Coach had been unsure Evan had sworn this would help them win. How better to beat the unbeatable Ravens, well not quite but close enough, than with one of their star players? 

Finally, the secret reason that had been the catalyst to his agreement of the transfer was Regulus asking for a favor.

Regulus Black who had been Barty Crouch's teammate before his injury and move to the Palmetto Foxes had always been a friend. While the other Ravens had stayed out of the limelight both Regulus and his pseudo-brother Rabastan had always been sociable at team events while Barty sat sullen and silent behind them. 

Regulus after his move to the Foxes had reached out online and the two had struck a friendship based on a mutual love of the game and discussions on how the pro games were taking place. 

He'd always respected Regulus even when he had been number two and a Raven, so when after the semi-final match they had lost against the Foxes, which took them out of the final, he'd asked to speak with him about a personal matter Evan wasn't planning to say no. 

Regulus Black was the son of the founder of Exy and had overcome a career-ending injury so when he came to ask for a favour he listened.

He explained that Barty Crouch who was supposedly not playing with the Ravens currently due to sustaining an injury had left them due to personal reasons that he could not mention. 

“Barty needs a team to play with for his final year of college Exy.” 

Regulus spoke slowly in what Evan assumed was his negotiating voice still in full Exy uniform; he was an intimidating sight. 

“I need to find a team suitable for him and one where I trust not only the captain but that the transfer will go through secretly” 

He narrowed his eyes, the most serious Evan had ever seen off the court. 

“Are the Trojans able to be that team” 

Evan had pushed a hand through his wet hair then a million thoughts raced through his head, he wanted to agree but he just wasn't sure. 

“I thought he wasn't in a position to play Exy currently that's what the Ravens said” 

“He can play,” Regulus quickly answered. 

“Regulus, can I be honest right now?” Evan let out a small breath.

 “Obviously I'm not in the know all here” moving his hands in an outward gesture “but why can't he play with the Foxes” 

Regulus let out a small breath and his face crumbled slightly which almost made Evan want to take back his question, almost because it was a question he needed an answer to.

“Barty” Regulus’s voice cracked before slowly regaining his composure “needs a new environment, it would not be beneficial for him or me to play with each other again, it would bring up too many bad memories” 

Oh. Well, that was just sad, Evan couldn't imagine caring about someone that much only to have to help them leave because they couldn't move on from the past.

“Right well” Evan clicked his knuckles self-consciously “Why do you want him to join the Trojans” 

Regulus gave a small half smile almost self-pitying. 

“I need him to be on a team I trust, with people I trust. Barty’s a good person and an even better player so I need to know if you'll let your coach know about the possibility of a transfer and to support it” 

Evan sighed but he didn't disagree. He wanted to help but he couldn't promise anything. 

“I’ll speak to my Coach Moody, but I don't see why we don't find him a spot with the Trojans,” Evan said, smiling a bit of his southern drawl coming out as he shook Regulus’s hand. 

“Good I’ll call you to make the arrangements” Regulus replied visibly calmer and less on edge as he began to walk away. 

So Barty was his problem, one that he wasn't going to be returning. 

“Evan, Earth to Evan” Marlene interrupted “Guess who wants to say hello” 

“Don't tell me it's Miss Dorcas Meadowes” Evan said with faux shock. 

“Well Hello” a familiar voice replied “I've heard you've been missing me” 

“Oh how did you know Dork” 

“Watch it,” Dorcas said, pretending to be angry before beginning to tease him.

“Marlenes warned me the special guest hasn't arrived yet.”

“No Dorcas though, he should be here any minute,” Evan said, already exhausted.

“Well I for one am excited to meet Barty Crouch” 

“Of course, you are” Marlene groaned “This is like your obsession with evil cats” 

“What's wrong with cats,” Dorcas said confused “Cats are adorable” 

“They are vicious” 

“You two have real issues,” Evan said wearily. 

“Shut it you,” the two said at the same time before all three burst into laughter. 

Evan saw a text from Regulus telling him Barty should be arriving any minute. 

“I'm going to have to leave you two as Marlene's new best friend is about to arrive” 

“Huh” Marlene huffed “Like that's going to happen”

“Oh stop it” Dorcas lightly reprimanded “Update us when your free about how it's going alright and don't let yourself get worked up” 

“Yes Mom” Evan joked but he was secretly grateful Dorcas cared so much. 

“Yes Yes. It's all so beautiful, goodbyes are sentimental. I might cry” Marlene acted out dramatically “We are going to love you and leave you”

”Thanks Marls” Evan said a little amused.

“Good luck” she added ominously before ending the call. 

Brilliant well, nothing to worry about, he was definitely not panicking. 

Standing up and walking to the barrier where the arrivals walked in, he kept his eyes out as a new crowd walked through.

At the very back with a black cap covering his face and a grey hoodie, the man was tall, sticking out uncomfortably like a sore thumb. He figured what seemed to be the six foot four man was Barty Crouch even though he couldn’t see his face to recognize him.

As he approached the barrier the man looked up and Evan was taken aback by the somewhat scarred face, his dark eyes widened slightly in obvious acknowledgement. 

The cap partially hid his face but he could tell it must be Crouch as he had the signature number three tattoo in Roman numerals on the right hand side of his face. Not only that was the addition of a long scar from above his left eyebrow to by his ear, that same eye seemed to be healing from a bruise. 

Exy was a violent game but Crouch didn’t look like some kid who had been hit one too many times, he looked dangerous and incredibly injured but also a little bit scared, like too quick of a movement might send him tumbling. 

“Hi Crouch it’s uh Evan Rosier” he said putting his hand out to shake slowly.

He wasn’t sure how to do this, was it always this hard with new people or was Crouch an exception. Evan could feel a small drop of sweat forming in the California heat as he waited in anticipation for Crouch to shake his hand. 

Crouch lifted up his left hand warily and Evan saw that both hands now out of his pockets were wrapped in bandages, he barely suppressed a wince as Crouch had to grind his teeth to lift what seemed to be a very sore arm.

But when he gripped Evans hand it was still a strong grip  and as he shook it he managed to keep eye contact, which on closer inspection showed his eye’s weren’t just a dark brown but with an amber circle around the iris which were unnoticeable at first glance.

Evan looked him up and down as he began to step backward, Crouch stood still almost aware he was being inspected with a perfectly stoic face like one of those toy soldiers he had loved as a kid. 

He looked a bit worse for wear as if he’d just lost a fight. Damn Alice was going to kill him if he brought the new recruit in this state, hopefully the bandages indicated that he was close to being healed, unlikely as that may seem. 

“Do you have any more bags to pick up” Evan asked as all Crouch seemed to have was a small backpack. 

He shook his head again as an answer which didn’t stop him from feeling worse, it wasn’t Crouch’s fault he seemed to have nothing but the clothes on his back. 

In fact he seemed rather embarrassed as if he’d done something wrong. 

“Sorry, don’t worry we can get you all new things tomorrow” Evan suggested as they began to walk to the car park “Today though we’ll get some lunch and then bring you to see the stadium and do some boring admin stuff” 

He was rambling but Crouch seemed to be intently listening to every word, Evan thought at certain points he was going to interrupt and speak but Crouch kept his mouth firmly shut. 

The car park wasn’t too far but the walk was done in relative silence, it wasn’t uncomfortable though, but the most interesting sound was Crouch’s shuffling and presumably injured leg.

And what seemed to be continuous ringing coming from Crouch’s pocket which he was pointedly ignoring, Evan would have ignored it too if it wasn’t so annoying. 

“Uh are you going to get that” Evan said nervously fully expecting a glare from Crouch. Instead worst of all he got a blank stare but Crouch indulged him by picking up at least.

Evan didn’t like to think he was commanding Crouch, but he got the awful feeling that’s what he was waiting for.

“Hello” The voice said which sounded an awful lot like Regulus shouting down the phone “Barty what the hell I thought you’d got lost or kidnapped” 

Which seemed a rather dramatic assumption honestly, Crouch seemed to agree as he rolled his eyes. 

“I thought you were going to take this seriously” 

Then he seemed to transition into shouting French which caused Crouch’s calm demeanour into one of anger, Evan had never been good at French but whatever Regulus was saying was definitely pissing him off.

“Are you a child” Regulus broke out in English “I just don’t-”

Instead of ending the call Crouch threw the phone onto the ground quickly before stamping on it roughly five times with his left and less injured foot, which was good at least. 

The little bits of tech inside the phone splattered out across the concrete and the screen was broken into smithereens. 

He couldn’t deny that might have been possibly the most violent response but his mother had always told him that healthy communication was important and if Barty didn’t want to speak to Regulus, he certainly wasn’t going to judge. 

For some reason the sight of Crouch breaking something apart didn’t quite scare him, maybe it was because the guy had such a frightened expression on his face the whole time like the phone was about to attack him or maybe it was because Evan got angry too sometimes. 

Barty was stood silently staring at the broken up phone in disbelief, as if someone else had done it in his body. 

Whatever was going on was their business, Evan wasn’t going to intervene but at least Crouch was kind enough to wipe his shoe against the concrete to get the little bits of plastic off.

“Oh well” Evan said cheerily to get his attention “If you didn’t like that one, I’m sure we can get you another”   

He figured if Crouch wanted to break up his own phone, well he wasn’t going to judge. 

The car was up ahead and Evan was starving, so no phone-filled crisis was going to stop him now, Barty had followed behind him at least and seemed to stare at his truck suspiciously. 

“You like her” he gestured “she’s my truck from back home, not quite typical for this weather but lots of space for when we go shopping tomorrow” 

Barty didn’t seem to know what to make of the dark blue pickup truck but Evan thought he must like it if he didn’t try and break it. 

“Can you drive” Evan asked in the drivers seat getting another shaking of a head as a no from Barty. 

“Oh well maybe you can learn at some point huh?” Evan tried to smile but Crouch’s impassive face made it clear conversation wasn’t necessary.

“You hungry, I figure we stop and get a bite to eat along the way” Evan asked as they began to drive out of the car park. “You want anything specific to eat.” 

Again he didn’t get a verbal answer but a shrug, that’s fine, Evans had more awkward one sided conversations in his life. 

Alright maybe food isn’t a good topic. 

“Do you mind if I turn the radio on?” 

Another non answer. 

Crouch just tilted his head slightly in thought, Evan wondered if it was one of his mannerisms or something. 

But if his guest didn’t mind, maybe the mutual love or hate of music could bring them together. 

The opening lyrics of God Damn Mr Brightside starts and startled poor Crouch half to death as the lyrics start.

‘Coming out of my cage’

‘And I've been doing just fine’

‘Gotta gotta be down’

‘Because I want it all’

Evan couldn’t  help it as he started hitting the steering wheel to the beat, Crouch seemed mortified but Evan didn’t mind because at least he’d got his attention. 

‘It started out with a kiss’

‘How did it end up like this?’

As the beat picks up Evan reckoned, screw it and started singing along. 

“It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss. Now I'm falling asleep. And she's calling a cab. While he's having a smoke. And she's taking a drag. Now they're going to bed. And my stomach is sick. And it's all in my head”

Crouch looked genuinely disturbed at the singing, Evan was hoping he’d shock him to speak but instead he raised an eyebrow in judgement. 

Which only made Evan laugh, he wondered if that was the secret language of Barty Crouch all raised eyebrows and subtle head tilts. How long would it take to become familiar, to be fluent. He’d like to learn it though. Crouch certainly seemed interesting enough. 

Raising his fist to his mouth to his mouth like a microphone he sings out the next words and gestures for Crouch to join in.

”But she's touching his chest now. He takes off her dress now. Let me go”

“Cmon you don’t wanna join in?” Evan asks “You can’t be a worse singer than me” 

Crouch gives the first half smile at this but he still doesn’t speak, but a win is a win and the tension in car is at least gone.

‘And I just can't look, it's killing me’

“Do you know the song?” 

Barty shook his head again but he didn’t look like he was half a second before jumping out the side, so maybe he was doing something right.

‘And taking control’

The drive had gone quick and Evan was almost sad to see the service station, he was planning a bit more carpool karaoke to get Crouch out of his shell. 

“Do you need the bathroom” Evan asked when he saw Crouch's lingering stare at the sign for the toilets.

Crouch gave him a small nod but he certainly seemed less on edge and the little smile he gave was well, a little adorable. 

Evan didn’t want to do what he was planning on doing next, but he needed answers. 

“Regulus” Evan said seriously into the phone. 

“Oh good can you put Barty on” Regulus interrupted. 

“No. I’m sure you two can speak later” Evan didn’t want to sound too upset but he was rather annoyed “Why didn’t you tell me how injured Crouch was? He looks like he can barely raise his hand let alone play.”

“He can play” Regulus quickly said though he did sound a little embarrassed. 

“Cmon Regulus” Evan let out a small huff, he really didn’t want to be played like a fool “You can’t seriously tell me he’s fit to play.” 

“He can play” Regulus fired back “Trust me.” 

“I’m trying Regulus, but I need a little more honesty, just so I can make the transition easier”

“Look, let me help alright. I’ll tell you a few things so you don’t set him off or whatever” Regulus conceded “In the Ravens players don’t do anything, I mean anything alone, we are always paired up, so just don’t let Crouch out of your sight.” 

“What?” Evan responded frankly confused. 

“Hold on I’m not finished” Regulus paused as if debating to continue. 

“Just say it” Evan relented he wanted all the weird conditions and requirements out of the way so he can think.

“In the nest, there was a very delicate hierarchy. Barty will most likely listen completely to authority no matter what, so don’t…abuse that” 

“Abuse it” Evan repeated, even more confused “No one is going to hurt him alright but be serious right now. You can’t tell me you objectively think he’s in a position to play with his injuries.” 

“Well if that’s what you think. I’d wait and see.” Regulus said completely calmly like Evan was the odd one here. “Goodbye Evan” 

“Yeah Goodby Regulus” Evan muttered before hanging up. God this just keeps getting worse and worse. 

Turning around to look out for Barty, is Crouch standing right behind him. How long has he been there, shit.

Crouch was staring straight at him like a vengeful shadow, any potential amusement gone from his face and now scrutinising Rosier with those dark eyes, it made Evan feel a little transparent. 

In the silence it gave Evan time to memorise Crouch’s face, he has a rather strong nose what’s it called…Roman. And a little bit of a bigger bottom lip, his whole face looked sharp and he supposed handsome if his expression didn't look permanently murderous. The number three on his cheek made it difficult to forget he was a Raven and the scars he had alongside it reminded Evan this was not someone to mess with.

“Are you sending me back?” Barty said in a monotone voice so devoid of emotion it made him want to shake him.

Evan was stunned, it was the first time he had spoken. He wasn’t sure he had ever even heard him speak before. 

His accent seemed to have a little tilt of what Evan assumed was French and it was remarkably softer than his appearance would suggest, Evan guessed it would have been deeper and harsher instead it was a little melodic. Evan wondered if his laugh was as nice.

”Well” Barty interrupted and Evan remembered he’d actually asked a question and Evan hadn’t answered but instead stood staring like an idiot. 

“No, I only called Regulus to ask whether or not you can play with your injuries” 

“I’m not injured” Barty said quietly though his eyes were locked now against Evans, he sounded almost offended “I can play, I’ve played in worse conditions. Bring me to the court I can show you.” 

Evan wanted to argue with him but he figured that he’d leave that conversation to Alice. 

“Sure” he said easily “Let’s go get something to eat. Is there anything you want?” 

Barty shook his head. Back to the silent treatment. Great but earned on his part. 

“Alright how about anything you don’t want?” 

Barty paused to weigh up whether he should speak before giving in. 

“No chicken please.” 

Odd, but at least an answer. 

“Sure Crouch whatever you’d like” Evan said lightly hoping to make him relaxed again “Sorry for not asking you instead of calling Regulus.” 

Barty didn’t say anything to that but he tilted his head in confusion at that last sentence and Evan wondered if he’d ever work Crouch out.