Holding on by a Thread, Dare, Syn, tags Evan

[Evan Hughes]

“It’s easy.” Evan told Dare when his friend said he struggled to approach people, a thing that unfortunately had to be done when you wanted to ask someone out. “Asking someone out is easy too. You just have to, you know, not think too much about it, just do it. Actually, better if you don’t think about it at all. I’m good at that, the not thinking.” he laughed. He thought he was onto something with that, after all, it was nerves that got to people the most, so if you didn’t overthink it, if you just blurted it out and got it over with, well, you wouldn’t have a problem with that. It was actually quite smart really, he was impressed with himself.

And being so smart and clever and all, it wasn’t hard for Evan to realise that Dare was embarrassed by his...enthusiasm towards the whole situation. It was just a feeling he got. And the fact that Dare’s face went a bright red Evan didn’t think was possible on a person. His friend was a quieter than him, a lot, lot quieter, so he figured it was because of that, he didn’t want a big fuss. Though he couldn’t quite come to grips to it himself, he did know that some people were like that. Not him though, there was nothing that Evan loved more than a big fuss. It was always fun. And nothing ever embarrassed him.

“Um, how bout this? I’ll ask Kian and Connor, they’re the guys I mentioned before, about if they know any nice, gay guys? I’ll say I want to set a friend up, but I’ll say it’s all my idea, and I don’t have to tell them it’s you. And then I can run everyone by you, and if there’s someone you like, I can play cupid. Sound good?” It was rather on the down low, which he figured was more like Dare. If he could do whatever he wanted, Evan knew he wouldn’t be as quiet in the whole things. Flyers at least. Maybe even sweet posters he could put around the school.

[Dare Madison]

Dare bit his lower lip trying to imagine himself running up to random guys and asking them out. He'd heard that there was one guy who had almost beat up a boy for dancing in the halls the other day, he couldn't imagine what would happen if he asked that guy by mistake.

After Evan promised to keep things quiet, Dare felt better about the whole thing and nodded with a shy smile. If he knew about the flyers he would run and never stop, but luckily he didn't know and what he didn't know couldn't hurt him. "I think that would work... Do you really think anyone would want to date me. I am really different than most of the kids in our school. Most of them look at me funny," he said expressing his lack of self confidence.

Dare got to his feet and went to rummage in one of the kitchen cabinets. Making a sound of satisfaction, he pulled a bag from it and held it behind his back. He went back to join Evan and tossed a bag of assorted candy onto his lap and hugged him. "Thanks... for being a friend. I am so glad you were here," he said, his eyes glittering.

[Evan Hughes]

“Course there would be someone who wants to date you! Bet even more than one!” Evan answered confidently. Not being attracted to guys, he couldn’t think of Dare as cute or anything, in that way, but from a friend’s perspective, he wasn’t ugly, far from it. Plus he was fun, and he knew music, and Evan figured Dare being different from most would play in his favour. After all, uniqueness appealed to the teen, he figured it must appeal to other people too. Not that Evan was the best template to compare others to, being a bit odd himself.

“Never know, there might be someone who likes you already, and you just don’t know yet!” That would make things easier for him, if Evan could find out if that person existed, and then who that person was. But he was never one to back down from a challenge, and the whole idea of playing matchmaker, of him playing matchmaker, was more than amusing enough to keep his interest.

Watching as Dare walked off, Evan let his mind wander, until a sound had him crashing back down to Earth. It was the sound of a packet, unmistakable in its crinkling, and his gaze shot in the direction Dare disappeared. And luckily his friend came straight back into view, holding something hidden. Now, if you hide something from Evan, it only makes him more interested, so he sat up straight, craning his neck in an attempt to see what it was, the smile on his face as big as a kid’s on Christmas Day.

And his friend didn’t disappointed, not only bringing out one of the best things known to man, but giving Evan a big bag of it. “Sweet man, thanks!” he laughed, clearly excited, before returning the hug one handed. “Hey, no need to thank me, happy to help, you’re a mad friend. And glad I was here too.” He was sure Syn would have been fine on his own, but still, he was glad he could help, and glad that he actually been of use, not as helpless as he felt at times.

Wasting no time, he split open the packet, excitedly going through the contents. “Oh, this is the good quality stuff too.” Evan sighed, almost sounding in awe. “Go on, help yourself. Or I’ll just eat it all and get sick.”

[Evan Hughes]

Dare didn't think that there was anyone male attracted to him, he thought he would have noticed something like that. "I don't think so. I am not sure that anyone except my few friends even know I am gay," he said with a slight frown. He didn't lisp or sway his hips when he walked, even his clothes were just like anybody elses. He knew there were people that thought he might be a lesbian at first glance though. It was the long hair. He took a piece of candy, but just held it, being too preoccupied with his love life or lack of one to think of eating it. "Would you like some cocoa to wash it down?" he asked.

Evan did have other things on his mind as well, even things he could see were much more important, worries about his friend as well as trying to come up with someone he could set him up with. But even so, that wasn’t enough to distract him from the candy in his hands, and he furiously started to munch on it as his friend spoke.

“Yeh, coco wuld be god thaks.” he muttered incoherently, forcing himself to swallow it before grinning wildly at Dare, surprisingly no candy all over his mouth. Yet. “Sure, I’d love some cocoa.” he smiled, holding off on more candy munching, which wasn’t exactly an easy feet for him, in case he needed to speak again.

Dare moved off into the kitchen area and began to putter about gathering milk, cocoa mix and marshmallow fluff. He used the microwave to heat the milk because it made less dishes for Marcus in the morning. "What are your friends like that you're going to talk to?" he asked, not really knowing any openly gay people at the school. He figured the people they knew would be kind of like they are so if he knew what they were like then he could get an idea of what to look forward to.

It took Evan just a moment to understand what Dare meant, after all, he had lots of friends that he talked to. “Oh, Kian and Connor?” he said as if clearing that up, even though he hadn’t yet told the other guy their names. “They’re pretty cool. I’ve known Kian for a while now, he’s an old friend of Patch’s. He does acting and stuff, singing. Haven’t seen him in much, but he looks real good at it. And I met Connor mainly through Kian. He’s a photo dude.” he explained, thinking that explanation made sense.

Stretching out his legs, he used that as an opportunity to stuff some more candy in his mouth, hastily eating that. He tried to think of any other gay, or even bisexual guys that he knew, at least well enough to stroll up to and ask if they wanted to be set up, but none came to mind. “They’re good fun. Can introduce you sometime to them, if ya want.” This offer was quickly followed by more candy.

"It would be nice to meet them, maybe Ki...an would like to sing with our jam session? My voice is okay but nothing special and I don't know about Taki. Do you sing?" Dare asked, his mind drifting back to music as usual. The microwave dinged and he scooped the cocoa mix into the hot milk and then added a dollop of marshmallow fluff on top before delivering it to Evan. He sat down next to him with his own cup.

“I can always ask, but I think he’s more of a, you know, musical dude. Don’t know if jams would be his thing.” Evan shrugged, thinking it could be fun though. Reaching out to take the cup for Dare, he grinned at the sight of it. He loved marshmallow fluff. “Oh, I sing.” he tried to sound serious, before laughing and having a sip of his hot drink, hissing slightly as he burnt his lips. It wasn’t enough to deter him from another sip though. “Just really, really badly. Ask Brit, she’s the one lucky enough to hear me sing mostly. I think she secretly loves it.”

"Secretly?" Dare asked with a grin. "What does she say not so secretly?" He hadn't met Brittany yet, but she had to be special since Evan loved her so much.

“Well, cause she has her own band, she can’t openly admit to anyone being a more awesome singer than her.” Evan chuckled. “I don’t think I’m better, maybe she’s just a bit, just a tiny bit better than me. And that’s mainly cause she’s hot, so more fun to watch.” Laughing, he grabbed a handful of candy before pushing the bag towards Dare. “She doesn’t whinge about my singing, too much anyway, cause we’re normally just belt out together in the car, but she likes to pull these faces, like it’s really bad, you know. I know she’s just pretending and she really loves it. But I don’t mind. The faces are cute.”

"She sounds fun, I would really like to meet her someday. Are you bringing her Saturday? Taki and I invited Lexi to be our groupie. So I think Brit is welcome too. I don't know if Taki is bringing Izzie or not," Dare told Evan. Then he made a face. "I don't know if Syn will be here or not, if she does she will probably just give me a hard time." He wasn't really aware of how much his suicide attempt had affected his half-sister.

He couldn’t quite see Brit as a groupie, but he could make it up in his head, so imagine it he did. And it would be awesome! And hot. “I dunno, she might have her own stuff on, her band and stuff. But I can ask her. She might wanna see me do my thing. And sweet, we’ve already got one groupie? It’ll be mad!” Evan really couldn’t wait for the weekend now, both days were going to be great. “Yeah, was talking to her about it before. I don’t think she’ll be that bad to you. I mean, like before, she really seemed worried about you.” he said.

"Yeah, do you know Lexi? We walk dogs together sometimes. That reminds me I should at least let Rufus out on the balcony. I can clean it up in the morning," Dare said, grabbing some newspapers and calling the puppy. He weighted the papers down with bricks he kept for that purpose and let Rufus out for some fresh air and privacy. "Is your cocoa all right?" Dare sat down again and drank his.

Scrunching up his face a little as he thought, Evan eventually shook his head, a resounding no. “I know of her, but we aren’t friends or anything. Or not yet.” He was sure that when they met, by the end of the day, she would know far too much about him than she ever would need to know. He loved making friends. The other question made him grin. “Drinking chocolate! Of course it’s good!” he enthused, smacking his lips together as if this was further proof. Shifting around where he sat, always having trouble in staying still, he watched Rufus waddle outside. “So, still up for the jam session this weekend?”

"Oh God yes, its the only thing keeping me going. Sounds like it will be a blast since everyone has invited someone. Like a party with live music, it will be mad. Should help me to keep my mind off things," Dare said, things specifically being Phil who had hurt him so badly. "I should do something nice for Annie, I was thinking of going to one of those baking supply places and get her some stuff for her baking... do you think that would help?" He didn't know Annie that well, but he had hoped to get to know her and make friends, but then it all turned into a nightmare for both of them.

“Yeah, and plus, with all those people there, will just give me more of a chance to show off my skills. Cause that’s what everyone’s there for, to see my skills. I know.” Evan laughed, rummaging through the candy packet on his lap. It was good, really good, to see his friend seem a little happy this afternoon. Now all he had to do was find someone good to set Dare up with. “Baking supplies...yeah, that’ll be awesome! She’d love that.” He didn’t know her well either, but he was sure he had her cupcakes on more than one occasion, and they were pretty good. Plus, she was always cheery, well, usually, today was an understandable exception. “I’ll come with you to give them to her, if ya want.”

"That would be great, it's always good to know people care about you," Dare said for he had just come out of feeling that no one cared at all and that had been horrible even if it hadn't been true. "I was thinking maybe pizza on Saturday or tacos and burritos... what do you think?” He liked both, but he wasn't sure what everyone else ate at parties. "And ice cream for later with stuff to make sundaes or floats."

“Uh....” Evan pondered, the question Dare posed one of the most difficult he had been asked that day, “I can’t decide. Which only means one thing. Both!” he laughed. He loved pizza, and he loved tacos, and he loved burritos. He was an equal opportunity sort of guy, he loved most food. “And ice cream sounds good. Oh, and candy too, people need their candy. Okay, I’m sorted. What’s everyone else gonna have?” he sniggered before tossing a few pieces of candy goodness at Dare. “Ok, I’ll try to leave some for everyone. Now, you’re just making me hungry.” Finishing his cocoa, he placed the empty mug down. “Speaking of, I’d better get going. Gotta get dinner started for when Mum comes home. Um...you sure you’ll be right? I can stay a while if you want. And you can call me, anytime.”

"I'll call if I start feeling dark again," Dare promised and stood up. "Take the candy home, Evan. I will go shopping tomorrow." He walked Evan to the door and hugged him. "You're a great friend and If anyone disagrees send them to me." He was serious even though he doubted he could do much more than be flattened. "Have a good evening, don't worry if I am not in school tomorrow. I don't think I can face people yet."

Evan was a hugger himself, so he gladly wrapped his arms around Dare to return the sentiment, one hand clutching tightly onto the candy offering. “Thanks mate, but how can anyone not think I’m awesome?” he teased lightly. “Okay then, but don’t be surprised if I call you a heap tomorrow. Besides, I’ll start my matchmaking then, I have to let you know how it’s going.” Rubbing his hands together in glee, it was obvious how much he was looking forward to it. “Uh, say bye to Syn for me. And remember, very important, tomorrow in your shopping, candy. Plenty of candy.” Cause he could, he hugged Dare one more time before heading out the door, waving. As he left to walk back towards the beach, near where he left his car, he grabbed out his phone to send off a quick text message to Brit, hoping he wouldn’t be in trouble.

Dare watched Evan until the elevator doors closed and then made a face as his cell rang. It turned out to be his Dad whom Syn had called to rat him out. He was to expect a keeper to arrive soon. A pregnant lady no less. They were to get a bedroom ready for her and listen to her and not give her a hard time. If they had questions they could call him. Well not for two hours as he would be on stage. Dare argued a bit, but there wasn't much time for it and then went to tell Syn what she had done to them both.