The Bad Boy Effect (H2OVanoss) [Completed]

Chapter 15

"So, what did Evan do this time?" I ask as soon as I see Craig sitting at our lunch table. "Punch you again? Or maybe he just finally scared you off." My tone was more threatening than usual, but, like Lui says, anyone in that group needs to understand we're on the same level.

"I, to be completely honest, just realized he's a major dick." He said, his arms crossed on the table, his eyes locked with mine. "What about you, huh? You think just because Lui and Marcel tell you one thing you have to act like them."

Huh, an edge, I definitely was not expecting that.

"Well, you know what they say, rivalries never die." I replied, taking note of how long it's taking for the other two to arrive.

"Oh yeah? Since when was this your battle?" He growled underneath his breath, glancing over at his old table, where it appeared Tyler was holding up a recorder, and Evan was walking out- his hands shoved in his pockets and his head ducked low.

What happened to him?

"If it's Lui and Marcel's battle, then it's my battle, too." Lui had warned me about them, no matter how weak, they would always try to one up you.

"No it's not, dude. I know Lui has probably told you every bad thing he can about us, but he's wrong. You don't know the full story, so don't pretend like you do." He stood up, glancing to the right. "Oh look, your owner's here." He walked off with a smile and a wave.

"Where's he going?" Lui slid in next to me, Marcel next to him.

"School project." I replied with ease.

Lui nodded with blind faith.

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"Evan!" Craig called after his 'friend', guilt pooling in his stomach as he realized he was going back against his promise.

"Go away, Cub Scout." Evan's harsh tone nearly caught Craig off guard, but he quickly remembered their discussion.

Craig risked a glance behind him, and sure enough he saw someone coming. Not knowing who, he did the first thing that came to mind.

Grabbing the back of Evan's shirt, he pulled him back and spun him around. "I'm talking to you, jackass." He hoped Evan could see what he was doing.

Evan grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulling the two closer together. "You want to do this now, Cub Scout? I really thought you were smarter than this." Evan shot him a look that meant he understood.

"I could say the same to you, Evan. Trying to walk away from a fight."

"Don't make me punch you again, Cub Scout, because you know I will not hesitate to break that stupid face of yours."

"Midnight, Saturday, please." Craig whispered, earning an understanding glare from the boy in front of him. "Bite me." He said, loud enough for anyone behind him to hear.

"Ev, dude, back off." Craig heard Tyler say from behind him. "He's not worth it."

Giving him one last look, Evan let go of him, rolling his eyes as his attention turned back to Tyler.

"What do you want?" He asked, not intending for the words to be so harsh. Shaking his head slightly, he also said. "Sorry, sorry about that."

Tyler held his arm, looking at him sympathetically. "It's okay, Ev, really, it is."

Evan looked up as he heard more footsteps, seeing his friends walking towards them, sending glares at Craig as they pushed past him.

Tyler pressed the recorder into Evan's hand. "Here, we decided we're not going to listen to it. Before you say anything, it's okay, we don't need to know. Whatever happened, it can't be your fault, okay? It's not, and it's not anyone else's but Lui, and that's only because he's a dick who can't forgive you, alright?"

Evan looked at the device now in his palm. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, we're sure." David said, nodding in confirmation.

Evan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, looking at the guys thankfully. "That's, actually kind of nice to hear."

"Of course, dude, we're your friends, we always got your back." Tyler patted his back as they all began to walk down the sidewalk. "So, your house?"

All Evan could do was nod.

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"Dude, are you okay? You're shaking." Craig asked as he met up with Evan at their spot.

"I'm fine, just cold." He pulled his jacket closer around him, looking up at his friend. "Why did you want to talk?"

"You're making me do this because of Jonathan." Craig stated, not even attempting to beat around the bush.

"What are you talking ab-"

"Save it, Ev, that's the only possible reason you want me to do this, isn't it?"

"Craig-"

"Isn't it?" Craig had locked eyes with him at this point, not in a threatening way, just a friend way. "Just be honest with me, Ev, I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"You're a liar." Evan blurted out at the sound of those words. "You say you promise, but then you're gonna go behind my back and do something stupid and I'm gonna see it and I won't forgive you because I'm stubborn and stupid and refuse to listen to anyone but myself! Because that's what liars do! They....they make promises they can't keep...." Evan wrapped his arms around Craig, thankful as Craig returned the gesture as he hugged back.

"Hey, Ev, it's okay, let it out, it's fine. I really won't tell anyone, okay? Just, be honest with me, please." Craig spoke softly as he heard Evan's crying become softer and softer.

He nodded against his shoulder. "You're right, it's because of Jonathan." Evan whispered.

Craig smiled softly. "I told you the new kid was a good thing."