He's Just a Skater Boy (boyxboyxboy)

Chapter 109: Imagine all the People

I didn't really think about the fact that they were walking me home. For no real reason that I could think of other than to make me feel like I was three feat tall the entire way, sandwiched between the two of them.

The very air between us felt awkward.

They looked pissed off, you'd have thought I asked them to stop breathing. Of course with Atlas if anything I felt relieved he couldn't do anything, not that if he did I'd have... well... Jacob was another story.

Whenever he was deeply annoyed he didn't show it in a normal way, instead of radiating that irritated, pissed off energy like Atlas, he kept a perfect posture, stiff, walked fast with long strides, eyes ahead no matter how much I stared at him, with a certain look in his eyes that even managed to change the shape of them.

So regardless of whether they intended to, they managed to intimidate the shit out of me the entire way home. I couldn't cough or even get on my skateboard without feeling like I was about to break a tenuous string between us that was keeping everything in line. Every five minutes my hand returned to scratch the back of my neck, when I got nervous I sweat and I felt clammy as I headed back, pretending everything was normal, blaming the sun.

"Okay uh..." I stopped a little way away from my house, suddenly realising they'd see Gift if I knocked on the door, and if I used my key he might be downstairs making food.

Even worse, Gift might see them.

Atlas squinted at me, Jacob turned to look at me, a glint in his eyes, and my stomach flipped nervously.

"Bye." I made a shooing gesture with my hands. Like off with you lads, go on your merry way. I didn't know what else do to don't fucking penalise me I never said I wasn't awkward as shit...

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "What, are we banned from your house now too?"

Atlas looked at him, then down at me, suddenly looking outraged. "What on earth... What's your problem?" He stepped up to me. "You said Callen's staying quiet so what's fucking crawled down your back?"

My face burned, heart thumping, I stepped back fast. "No, it's not- It's got nothing to do with him." I replied hurriedly.

"Then what-"

Jacob raised a hand for Atlas to shut up and he shoved his arm out of the way. "Tch, explain yourself."

Jacob looked annoyed but turned to look at me. "I agree. We've slept in your bed already, at this point I don't see what there is to hide."

How about a grown person?

I pursed my lips, my ears burning. "It's not to do with that..." I mumbled. "I just..." I looked around the place. "Uh, my neighbours..." I mumbled. I didn't know how to finish that sentence.

Atlas cocked his head, looking incredulous. "What? It's a bit early to be worrying about the neighbours finding out."

I shrugged, looking around, realising for the first time that people could actually see us, and if they did. Jesus, what would my parents think...

I couldn't even consider that.

Jacob glanced around as well, maybe wondering the same thing.

I thought I saw him frown, but after a moment he turned back to me and stepped up to me so suddenly I tried to back up, felt the hedge of someone's garden brush against the back of my head as he grabbed my arm and pulled me forwards.

"I won't kiss you on the lips, and I won't punish you." He spoke calmly, but his eyes seemed to be demanding that I look directly back at him as he dragged me forwards. "For one week." He emphasised.