Two Player Game

~Chapter Fourteen~

The next day when Jared has to go back to school with Connor and Evan, he's decided that he officially hates his life. When Evan sits next to him, he looks so tired, so broken. He has a couple new marks, lighter than his bruises. Hickies. Connor's version of an apology. Jared's still upset with him and Connor. He still has his bruises from yesterday as well.

"So I see you two made up." He says it bitterly. Evan sighs.

"Spare me a lecture this morning, I'm too tired. But yes, we made up." He looks over sheepishly.

"How's your face? You're wearing contacts today."

"Well he did break my glasses so I had no choice. And.. it's sore." He doesn't look at him.

"...I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for you to get caught up in my mess."

"I just wanted to help."

"I... I know. And I appreciate it, but it isn't your mess to deal with. You shouldn't worry. about it that much. I don't want you getting hurt because I'm too fucking weak to leave him." Connor get on and presses a kiss to Evan's cheek before he sits. Evan gives a tiny smile. Jared continues to look out the window. He missed talking to Michael and Jeremy about their wedding.

Evan and Connor talk quietly all the way up tot he school. It's Connor's last Friday there. They leave Sunday. They spend the day together as much as they can.

"You. Me. Orchard tomorrow. My last full day with you. How's that sound?"

"....Sounds wonderful, Connor." Evan gets on the bus as usual with Connor, sitting next to him, playing with his hands absently. Connor whispers.

"You know I love you right?" Evan nods. Connor goes home and Evan heads to his place by himself. After being there in that empty house for a bit he texts Jared.

E: [Xbox later?]

Jared thinks about it long and hard. He wants to but he's still a little upset with him.

Ja: [Yeah. Only if I can introduce you to some of my friends from Jersey]

E: [I'd love to meet your friends. Connor won't bother us tonight. Promise.]

Ja: [Okay. I'm gonna bring my lap top to skype them]

E: [Sounds good.]

He sighs in relief. He really didn't want to be there by himself. Jared texts Michael.

Ja: [Hey. You and Jeremy want to meet Evan tonight?]

Michael gets very excited.

M: [Hell yeah man!!]

"Jer, we get to meet Evan tonight!"

"hell yeah." When Jared gets there, It seems like Evan was waiting for him all day. He instantly perks up like a puppy would.

"Jared. I'm so glad you came."

"Yeah. me too." He lets him in and they head up to his bedroom. It's messier than last time. He hasn't been cleaning much recently. He's been... down.

"So... What are your friends like?"

"Friendly. Michael's a bit overly excited sometimes and Jeremy is chill. But they're both gonna be overly excited when they meet you. I might have talked about you to them.... a lot." Evan cracks a small smile.

"About me? Jareeeeeeeeeeeeeed. I'm flattered." Jared blushes slightly and opens his compter to call them on skype. Michael picks up after two rings.

"Good evening Virginia! How's it hanging? Jerermy get in here, Jared's calling!" Evan laughs very quietly. Jeremy runs in.

"What did I miss???"