Fleur

Chapter Eight

TRIGGER WARNINGS (because literally everything I write needs trigger warnings) But seriously guys, big trigger warnings. Like bigger than any other chapter.

•

It didn't take Connor long to realize what black flowers meant. And once he did realize, his concern for Evan only grew. The poor kid obviously had many social anxiety issues; he didn't need to deal with hating himself too.

Assuming Evan would be in the same spot as the previous day, Connor headed to the 800 wing near the computer lab. He wondered why Evan hung out near the computers. He didn't seem like the geeky kind.

"Yo Connman!" A voice that Connor wished he never knew yelled. But now he realized why Evan was always near the computers: his asshole "friend" dragged him there. Jared was, in simplest terms, pathetic.

Not bothering to look at Jared, Connor simply answered with a "don't ever call me that again,". His hope that Jared would leave him alone vanished when he heard rapid footsteps catch up to him.

"So, Connie Boy, Evan here tells me you're his soulmate. Man I feel bad for Evan. I get this super hot English chick and he gets an emo drug addict. Kinda sucks don't ya think? But I'm willing to make a deal."

"Whatever it is you want Jared I'm not doing it. I just want to see Evan then get the hell out of here," Connor huffed.

"Oh that's the thing, Conny Honey,"

"Stop with the nicknames."

"Well Connor, here's a deal you won't want to decline. I happen to be extremely skilled in computer hacking. And I've been using my skills to do something I've wanted to do for a very long time: impersonate someone's soulmate. And who better to do it with than Evan? He's gullible and I know him better than anyone. Knowing this, I pretended to be you and found out some things. With those "things" and my increasing desire for popularity, I have come up with a foolproof plan to elevate my status in this hellhole of a school. If you've payed attention to anything in the last twenty minutes, you'd realize Evan isn't here. Nor will he be for quite a while... unless you decide to agree to my deal," Jared smirked with a look of fake self confidence and a bit of guilt.

Connor picked up Jared by the collar forcefully to look at him in the eye.

"What did you do to him Kleinman?"

Jared squirmed a bit then gave up trying to escape Connor's grip. He cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.

"What matters is not what I did to him, but rather what I will do."

"I'm done with your games, Jason."

"Jared."

"Whatever, Jeremy. I'm done with your sick, messed up games. Now tell me where he is," Connor spat. His knuckles were practically white from gripping the nerdy boy's collar too hard. Jared laughed maniacally.

"I see someone would like to rethink this deal I've proposed."

"I'd rather not. You've kidnapped Evan and blackmailed me. You're in big trouble, kid," The taller boy sneered.

"You lay a hand on me and Evan pays for it. If that's how you wanna play the game, fine. But it won't end up pretty. And it doesn't matter if you tell anyone because who in their right mind actually listens to what a drugged up kid says?"

Jared had the upper hand in the situation, there was no way of denying it, and Connor knew if he declined his offer, Evan would get hurt or maybe even die.

Sighing, Connor shook his hand with Jared.

"Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Oh multiple things, C. Dawg. You see, I don't get a lot of attention in life and whenever I do, I am humiliated. So you can be my temporary... secretary. And as long as you do what I say, Evan doesn't get hurt. That sounds fair doesn't it?"

"But how do I get him back?"

"That is something you'll have to do on your own. Now to start off, you should make a habit of calling me 'Mr. Kleinman'."

"No way Jared."

"That's fine, we'll work on the name thing later, Cocoa."

Connor made sure he was very far away from Jared to let out a stream of curses that was seemingly endless.

But what options did he really have? Evan was kidnapped and he was the only one who could help him. So he'd just play pretend until Jared slipped up and gave away where Evan was. Yes. That was the strategy to beat the game.

•

(AN: I swear I love Jared. He's not a bad person, I'm just using him to move the plot along.)