In Between [Crankiplier]

10. Not Afraid

Mark POV

I'm skating around the rink when I notice someone sprint out of the boys bathroom. Fuck. That's Ethan. I'm too late when I get out of the rink because they're already out the door. Rage fills me and I run to the boys bathroom. Before I reach it I find two guys come out looking disappointed yet pleased. I recognize them. Felix and Cry. Such assholes. Yet they're good to their friends. So I guess that's all that matters?

I walk up to them, hoping to get some answers. "Hey,did you guys see the kid that was in the bathroom when you were in there?" I asked.

They glanced at eachother and the blonde kid smirked. "Yeah we did. The little slut got away before we could give her a show." They shove shoulders jokingly. I am ready to fucking scream.

I grab both of them by their shirts and pin them painfully against the wall. I'm astonished that I'm even doing this. I've never hurt a fly. "What did you just call them?"

They were terrified. Mission accomplished. "Uh um nothing." The one wearing a mask said. "Bitch."

I put both of them in my right hand and punched Cry right in his jaw. He winced and Felix looked at him shocked. Guess they didn't expect much from a nobody.

"You assholes better get the fuck out of here and never hurt or harass anyone ever again. Understand?"

Felix nods vigorously while Cry is still recovering from the pain. I let them go and they sprint out of the building. Thank god. I decide I'm done and get my stuff and leave. I first go to Ethan's house to make sure they got home after that messed up shit. Thankfully the right upper window is illuminating with light and i'm pretty sure that's their room. I want to go in and check on them but after something like this it's best I leave them be. I go home and sit on my bed, thinking about tonight. Even though those assholes ruined it, this was one of the best nights I've had in a while. And I would do it all over again.

Ethan POV

I sketch a crank in my sketchbook as I wait for Mark to come in. I'm calling him "Gizmo." It's weird yet it's perfect. I shade in the edges and hear the footsteps of somebody walking into the room. I smile knowing it's Mark. He sits down in his chair and turns to me. Before he can say anything the pledge of allegiance comes on the speaker and we stand up, placing our hands over our hearts and looking up at the American flag. *Yaima this must sound so weird to you XD* Mark always says it in a different accent and today it's southern, making me laugh my ass off.

"I pledge allurgence to da flurg of unurted sturtes of amurica." He yells. I'm a mess of happy tears at this point. He makes me so happy, even if it's just the littlest thing.

We sit back in our seats and stare at each other. I was expecting it to be a confused stare or mad stare but nope. We both just stare at each other like we're all either of us want and need. Mark breaks the stare first and looks down at his hands. It's cute, how he always fidgets with them.

"Sooo..." he starts. I meet his eyes once again. "What.. happened last night?"

I wince. Just thinking about it hurts. I loved hanging out with Mark, but those guys made it fucking terrible. I really don't want to talk about it.

"Cause I had a blast. You surprised me. I'm really shocked you can skate so well." He adds on. I sigh in relief. I'm so glad he isn't making me talk about it.

"Well I learned from the best." I reply flirtatiously. He blushes and I laugh, proud of myself.

"We should do it again sometime." He says. "Like not rock night, maybe we could check out the free skating time." He adds quickly.

Mark's so sweet. Accepting that I don't want to go back there without communication. I admire that. "That'd be fun." I reply.

We both look back to Ms. Nelson. "Okay. Today's art day so assemble yourselves in the auditorium and you'll be put into groups there. You can pick a partner to be paired up with and you'll have a group of four or five pairs to check out each part."

I look at Mark and he turns back to me. We both nod, knowing what the other means. It's a nice kind of bond. I haven't had any like that in.. well... ever. She dismisses us and we head to the auditorium side by side. I really want to hold his hand for some reason but I fight the urge. We sit down and our elbows are touching which sends butterflies into my stomach. Just something about Mark's touch makes me.. feel.

We listen to our principal ramble, well sort of listen, Mark keeps poking me in different places and looking away like nothing happened and I laugh every time. Sometimes I catch a little smirk on his lips where I immediately call him out making him straighten again. We get into our groups and start going around the school. Most of its boring lecturing and facts and shit but we get to the good part in the actual art room where we're making pottery.

Mark is a pro. When he gets the clay he molds it into a beautiful unique shape and spins the stand. Gliding his hands on all the right places. I wish he did the same with me.

I get my wish when I stood there dumbfounded. "Want me to help you?" He asked. I nod vigorously and he came over. He places the clay in the center and silently guided my hands through everything. It was at first a joke then we became more serious with it. Marks hands were locked into mine and I'm just a mess of emotions.

And somehow I know he feels it too.

*sorry late update*