Hold Me

Sorry this episode took so long. And in addition it's a short chapter. I'll try to get the next chapter out sooner. It's just that right now is Midterms, so I'm a little bit stressed at the moment ^^;

Jenna T. - Thanks for the reviews! I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and sorry the update took so long!
me - Thanks for the review! Here's the more that you asked for!
SODA - Thanks for reviewing! Here's more for you too ^^
epica - wow, I didn't even realize his personality changed. But I suppose it's natural since he's starting to feel more relaxed around them.
dut - of course he did! Evan's just a little dense on the subject ^^
Jade - here's your update for you! And thanks for the review!

“What’s the matter?” Alex asked, noticing some tension when Eric and Evan joined him by the entrance.

“I let slip that you’re gay,” Eric replied with a shrug. Alex’s face fell, but he said nothing, only turned towards Evan and waited.

“What? Don’t we have an interview?” Evan asked, quickly collecting himself so that he wouldn’t let anything slip. “It’s not like anything has changed, right?” Evan asked, and watched Alex brighten. Suddenly, he felt his heart skip a beat, and felt quite perplexed as to why. However, he was determined to not let it affect him. They went into the building and met with the principal, and Evan observed the conversation, interjecting only when it was required of him. He would have to see the school nurse and take a test before he would be able to come to school. They scheduled both appointments and left. “I suppose this means I’ll have to study,” Alex muttered, dreading the test he was scheduled to take in three days.

“You’ll be fine, don’t worry,” Alex said reassuringly. Evan managed to smile back at Alex before delving into his own thoughts. Nothing should have changed when he discovered Alex’s preference, it was no different than Eric, and he didn’t care about that guy. So, why was it so different with Alex? Evan studied Alex from the corner of his eye as the two older boys laughed amidst themselves. He couldn’t name what he was feeling, but whatever it was it was bothersome. Stubbornly, he pushed the feelings and thoughts to the back of his mind and smiled as he joined the other two’s conversation. They stopped off at another clothing store next, and Eric forced Evan into all manners of outfits. Evan looked pleadingly towards Alex for help, but the other only laughed and shook his head. On the seventh outfit Eric forced Evan into, Evan noticed Alex blush as soon as the older boy laid on him. Alex hid the blush so quickly, however, that for a moment Evan thought he’d imagined it. However, his heart fluttered and he turned to inform Eric that he wanted what he was wearing. The older boy smirked, though Evan hadn’t realized he had seen the silent and hidden exchange between Alex and Evan, and nodded. Evan changed back into his old clothes so that they could pay for the ones that they were buying. Afterwards, Alex treated them to lunch at a small café. “There’s something I want to check on, will you two be okay by yourselves?” Alex asked, with a smile once they were done.

“Sure, don’t worry about us. I’ll take good care of the kid,” Eric responded with a smirk.

“I don’t like the implications of that statement,” Alex growled, but he didn’t look particularly upset. He’d been around Eric long enough to know when he was only joking.

“How many times must I say this, I don’t need a babysitter!” Evan snapped.

“How old are you?” Eric asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Seventeen,” Evan declared defiantly.

“Wow... You don’t look anywhere near there. But, of course, seventeen is still a kid. You’ll have to be babysat for a whole year still,” Eric replied, grinning.

“I’m not a kid!” Evan shouted indignantly.

“You’re not helping your argument with a reply like that,” Eric snickered.

“Both of you,” Alex chuckled, shaking his head and smiling at them. “Since you two get along so well I suppose I have nothing to worry about. I’ll be back shortly,” Alex promised before hurrying off.

“As if!” Evan growled, glaring at Eric who smirked back. “But... what is Alex going to do, anyway?” Evan asked, looking puzzled.

“Who knows? He didn’t feel like telling us, apparently,” Eric replied with a shrug.

“So, what do we do in the meantime?” Evan asked, frowning as he glanced up and down the street. It was early afternoon, but there were already a lot of people walking around. Standing alone with Eric on the side of the street made Evan feel conspicuous and he leaned back into the shadows to avoid notice.

“What’s the matter? Embarrassed to be seen in my company?” Eric asked, smirking.

“Exactly,” Evan drawled back.

“Hey! That’s not very nice!” Eric said, glomping Evan.

“Hey! Get off of me! You pervert!” Evan shouted, laughing as he momentarily forgot that other people might be watching.

“How does this make me a pervert?” Eric demanded, restraining the struggling boy. “You certainly have a dirty mind!” he teased.

“I do not!” Evan shouted back indignantly.

“Well, if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have turned something as innocent as this into something perverse,” Eric replied triumphantly. Evan growled in frustration as he struggled to free himself, finally resorting to slamming his foot down on Eric’s. The older boy yelped and released him instantly, staggering back. “Why are you so violent?!” he growled, looking shocked.

“You deserve it,” was Evan’s replied as he stuck his tongue out at the other boy. Suddenly, a dangerous look came into Eric’s eyes as he studied Evan and the boy felt very nervous. Eric lunged at him, but Evan had anticipated the action and fled down the street, before turning a corner and dashing into an alley. He leaned back against the wall and panted, laughing even as he tried to catch his breath. He looked towards the entrance, waiting expectantly to see Eric go running past. He was so intent on looking for the other man that he didn’t notice the person behind him until something sharp poked into his back.

“Don’t move,” a voice behind him ordered. Evan froze, realizing that he had gotten himself into a pretty serious situation. No one passing by on the street even bothered to look in, and there was still no sign of Eric. “I suggest you cooperate with everything I say,” the voice continued. Despite his fear, Evan found that the person behind him had a very pleasant voice to listen to, very musical in tone, and he wondered what he looked like.

“Who are you...?” Evan whispered fearfully.