Kings of Hawkings [bxb]

Bonus: Eli (2)

Eli knew Jonas was angry. He could see it in the way he argued with Jackson and Lukas. It pained him that they had to pretend to be at odds with each other.

Eli especially hated when Lukas draped his arm around him just to provoke Jonas. Lukas was disturbingly obsessive, and Eli noticed the strange glint in his eyes whenever he looked at Jonas.

When Eli had the chance, he left. He knew that if he stayed, he would only be a distraction and a liability. Travis was already safe and trusted Jonas and Hugh to handle the situation. So he walked away without looking back.

The night of the Hunt, the Spencer house was eerily quiet.

Eli stayed up all night watching the livestream, seeing Jonas and Hugh tear apart anyone who came at them. He loved it.

However, Clark Spencer had a different reaction. He also watched the livestream in silence, which was more unsettling than his usual yelling. By the end of the stream, the bottle of whiskey beside him was empty.

Eli stayed away, locked in his room, and remained as quiet as possible. If he didn't make a sound, maybe he could have a peaceful night.

But early in the morning, his father pulled him out of bed and forced him to get ready to go out. Eli mentally prepared himself for a fight; his father was definitely in a foul mood.

As they drove, Eli glanced around, trying to figure out their destination. A chill ran down his spine when they stopped in front of an old dormitory. He noticed kids his age looking exhausted and wearing battered blue jackets. Eli wanted to curse. How had his father found out where Jonas lived?

They exited the car, drawing strange looks from the Hawkings students. His father eyed them with disdain as he pushed past, with Eli and his mother trailing behind. He stopped in front of a door and knocked roughly a couple of times. Eli bit his lip and leaned against the wall, trying to appear indifferent.

He looked down at his phone, trying to remain calm. He reminded himself that he needed to maintain his facade, but it became more challenging when he heard the door rip open and noticed his father's subtle flinch. He didn't have to look up to know it was Jonas; he could just tell.

He knew his father wanted to say something condescending, but Jonas cut him off sharply, "Save it for when we're inside. You're making a scene."

Eli wanted to cheer. No one silenced Clark Spencer so efficiently. When they were allowed inside, Eli chose a spot away from everyone else. He didn't want to be in the way while Jonas confronted their father, but he still wanted to be within Jonas' line of sight. It was his silent way of showing support. Finally, he looked up to glance around the room.

That glance made his heart stop.

His angel.

His delicate face still bore the remnants of cuts and bruises, yet he was still utterly beautiful, especially when he glared at their father.

Travis had the looks, confidence, and feistiness to bring the world to its knees... or at least Eli's world.

Inside the dorm, things went as expected. Their father exploded, but Jonas held his ground this time. Eli felt a wave of relief, knowing that Jonas was finally breaking free. Eli could endure a little longer if it meant he could protect Jonas.

Eli took a chance to speak with Jonas alone, making some excuse when their parents were leaving. Fortunately, they allowed it. Fifteen minutes was worth whatever punishment his father would dole out later.

Jonas began with his usual questions, trying to figure out everything that had been happening, and Eli did the same. When Jonas asked if he had a boyfriend, Eli had to laugh, berating himself for not being able to come out of the closet yet.