Shit. Ben had saw them together. Ben was one of his rivals too. Lucas couldn't risk Ben trying to intervene in his plans, and he couldn't have him be suspicious either. Ben really was observant though. He would most likely tell if Lucas was telling a lie. There was no harm in withholding the truth then, right?

Lucas cleared his throat, "Y-Yeah," Lucas lowered his voice as he continued, "Listen, I have a plan, okay? And that plan involves Miles. If it works, then Charlie won't have to deal with all this bullying bullshit anymore."

Ben raised his brows, surprised. But his features were quick to return to their stern nature, "Plan? What plan?"

"I can't tell you."

Ben grimaced, "Why not?"

Because if I do you will just end up getting in the way. Lucas took a deep breath, "Just... trust me, okay?"

Ben stared at Lucas for a long time, his piercing emerald eyes searching Lucas's determined ones. Ben wasn't sure whether or not he should trust this boy. Just because he was friends with his brother didn't mean much to Ben. Lucas still hung out around Miles even after learning what he had done to his little brother. But, at the same time, he didn't seem like he was lying. Perhaps he could help Charlie in a way Ben couldn't. Perhaps he could protect him as a friend could, not a brother. Ben ran a hand through his hair, "Take a seat, Luke."

Lucas feared Ben had not trusted him, but was reassured by the slight smile and reassuring nod Ben had sent him. Lucas shined a bright smile, "You got it, Mr. Marks."

He turned on his heel and skipped to his seat. Ben stood up and began the lesson. Yes! Ben trusted him. He wouldn't get in the way, that was a major relief. Now all Lucas has to do was hope his plan would succeed. He just had to convince Charlie that nothing was wrong, and persuade Adonis enough that he tells the truth tommorow. He just had to plan his moves carefully, and make sure he thinks before he acts. He couldn't afford to slip up.

Lucas continued to boost his rising popularity by participating in class and throwing jokes around, which his class has gotten rather used to. Some students joke around with him as well, and Lucas is glad for the company as they surround him at the end of class. Him and his small following head towards the door, with Lucas as a center of attention between them. His smile falters for the fraction of a second when he notices Adonis standing in the doorway, waiting for him. Adonis isn't smiling, he seems to be glaring at the students surrounding him, holding his precious attention. When Adonis notices his attention is finally on him, he flashes Miles's usual smile and greets the students around him, throwing his arm around Lucas's shoulder and pulling him out of the group rather eagerly while saying goodbye. They don't notice the way Adonis is gripping Lucas so tightly, only Lucas does as he notices the tight grip on his shoudler.

"Ado-" Lucas stops himself, realizing they are in the middle of the hallway with many ears that might pick up on something they aren't supposed to. Lucas clenches his teeth as he talks through a smile, "Miles, buddy," He lowers his voice, "What did I say about touching?"

Adonis's jaw clenches as he stares straight ahead, and his grip loosens the slightest, but he doesn't remove his arm from Lucas's shoulder. Adonis looks down at Lucas and visually relaxes at the sight of his face and forced smile. His breathing calms at the warmth of his body so close to his. His lips quirk into a soft smile, "Sorry, buddy. You're still coming over after school, right? To play video games."

Yes, this was of course normal teenage boy conversation to anyone that might be listening. But Lucas knew the hidden intent behind his invitation, the gleam in his eyes gave it away. Lucas nodded, forcing himself to look ahead. He really did not want to go to his house. Would Adonis really stay true to his word and not lay a finger on him? They would be alone, just the two of them. Adonis hasn't really assured Lucas in the slightest, with the incident at Lunch and with how so annoyingly close he's been the whole day. Lucas took a slow inhale, exhaling through his mouth. Just one step at a time, Ethan. One step at a time.

Adonis finally let him go when he they reached his next class, and Lucas hurried inside. Adonis continued to stand in the doorway, his piercing glare aiming directly at Charlie who flinched and squirmed under his gaze. Charlie had noticed Miles had been acting different lately. He knew Miles didn't particularly like him before, but he was mostly ignored by him. But now, he stared at him with such hatred and rage, it truly looked as if he wanted to kill him. Charlie shivered. What is up with him?

Lucas took a seat next to Charlie and glanced over at Adonis who was still standing there. Lucas furrowed his brows in confusion as Adonis quickly smiled and waved, finally turning to leave. Lucas shook it off, not noticing Charlie's quiet sigh of relief at his absence. Charlie muttered up the courage to speak as Lucas set his stuff down and took a seat.

"Are... are you sure Miles didn't do anything to you, Luke?" Charlie felt the need to confirm his suspicions.

He watched intently as Lucas rubbed the back of his neck. Charlie has noticed he does that a lot when he's nervous. Why was he nervous? Lucas cleared his throat, "No, really, I'm fine."

Charlie frowned, before leaning forward and looking up at Lucas reassuringly. He whispered, "You know you can tell me, right? You can tell me anything." He had a gut feeling Lucas was hiding something, something that had to do with Miles. He was worried for his friend.

Lucas only felt more guilty. Miles isn't the one you should be worried about, you should be worried about Adonis. But he couldn't exactly tell Charlie about Adonis. Adonis was technically created by the System, and Lucas couldn't tell anyone about the System. Lucas shook his head dismissively, "I know, but it's really nothing. I'm fine, Charlie."

Charlie pursed his lips shut, leaning back and continuing to stare at Lucas worriedly. He knew he was hiding something. He wanted to ask him more, but he also didn't want to press him about it. Miles might be threatening him, or bullying him. Charlie hated that he could only stand by and watch. He hated that Lucas couldn't confide in him. He only wanted to help, to the best of his abilities. He had noticed how close Miles had gotten to Lucas in Lunch, how close they were sitting together. Lucas seemed so uncomfortable, so uneasy, compared to his usual friendly and kind self. His once bright smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

The class continued and Charlie kept a careful watch on Lucas. He felt a lump building in his throat when he caught a faraway look in his eyes. He seemed tense, lost in his thoughts. His pencil tapped on the desk; he looked impatient as well. Why was he so nervous? What was he waiting for? He seems to be anticipating something, but what? What has him so on edge, so scared?

When the bell rings Lucas hops out of his seat and rushes towards the door, out of class and out of sight. Charlie is only left frowning and feeling helpless as his friend leaves without a sparing glance.

-

Lucas heaved a sigh as his new crappy flip phone buzzed, alerting him of a message. He had bought the phone as a stand in until he could afford a proper phone. He still refused to tell his mother about how he had practically mutilated his old phone, he still didn't have the guts to tell her about it.

He pulled out the phone, flipping it open. It was from Adonis, no surprise there. (I'm outside in the car. Don't keep me waiting.) Lucas rolled his eyes. Adonis couldn't pretend to be someone else via text. He was surprisingly impatient. But Lucas couldn't necessarily complain. He much preferred impatience over a sex addict. Adonis has been quite contained compared to the first day he met him. But Lucas certainly wasn't going to let his guard down around him.

Lucas hopped down the steps and forced himself to smile as he saw Adonis waiting for him in front of the school in his truck. Adonis was already watching the doors waiting for Lucas to come outside, so his eyes were locked on him as he made his way over. Lucas opened the passenger door and stepped inside, slamming the door shut behind him. He clicked his seatbelt shut and stared straight ahead. Adonis didn't say a word either, he simply drove out of the parking lot and away from the school. Lucas nervously fiddled with his thumbs as he stared out the window, taking in his new scenery. They were driving in the direct opposite direction of his house. To Miles/Adonis's house.

The drive was silent, except for the roar of the engine and the quiet radio playing the latest hits. Lucas couldn't help the rising nerves as the truck slowed and finally came to a stop. Lucas peered outside of his window to take in his surroundings. This wasn't a particularly safe neighborhood. Lucas didn't expect the golden boy to live some place like this. He decided not to dwell on it as Adonis unclipped his seatbelt, "Come on."

Lucas swallowed the lump in his throat before opening the door and stepping onto dry, patchy, yellow grass. He shut the door behind him, and followed Adonis to his door. He stepped on cigarette buds, and over empty beer cans. The house itself was relatively small, one story. Weeds grow along the side of the house, and one of the windows has a hole in it that has been patched up with duct tape. Adonis jiggles the key into the door and allows Lucas inside, shutting it behind him. Lucas wrinkles his nose as he gets a strong whiff of stale alchohol and smoke. The inside of the house isn't any better. There isn't much furniture. There's an old leather couch that looks like it's falling apart, and in front of it is a small coffee table with cigarette buds stashed in a small pile atop of it. The carpet is stained and littered with trash, and Lucas notices the open kitchen to the left has a sink full of dishes and a few garbage bags lined up next to each other. Ben would have a field day in here.

Lucas clears his throat as Adonis sets his keys down on the coffee table, "You smoke?" Lucas indicates the cigarette buds.

Adonis trudges towards the kitchen, "No, my Dad does. He's not here, so don't worry about him." He stops in front of the fridge, bending to open and peer inside, "Want something to drink? We've got beer, beer, and oh look, more beer."

Lucas shakes his head, "I'm good, thanks."

Adonis stands back up and closes the fridge, with nothing in hand. He goes to the couch and flops down on it, peering up at a nervous Lucas who continues to stand by the door. Adonis pats the space beside him, "Come here, I don't bite," He then smirks, "Not unless you want me to."

Lucas scoffs and makes his way over to the couch, sitting as far away from Adonis as possible. Adonis reached for the remote on the coffee table and flicked on the small television in front of them. A football game appeared, the sound of cheering and the voice of the announcer fills the empty space. Adonis sets the remote down on the armrest, glancing over at Lucas. He pouts at the space between them, before extending his arm as a welcome for Lucas to sit beside him, "Come here."

Lucas bites his tongue and glances over at Adonis, who eyes him expectantly. Lucas heaves a sigh before scooting to the spot next to Adonis. He tenses as Adonis wraps his arm around his shoudler and pulls him towards himself, so Lucas's head rests on Adonis's shoulder. Lucas doesn't say anything as Adonis plays with his hair, focused on the television.

What? He isn't going to do anything? I thought he was going to pounce on me, try and rip my clothes off. Why is he acting like this? Is this all he meant by being his boyfriend? He just wants to hang out? Lucas was more than confused at the situation. But he didn't openly object as the pair sat there in silence, watching the television. Though it seemed Adonis was really the only one paying attention, Lucas was too absorbed in his thoughts as he intently watched Adonis's every move. He continued to mindlessly play with his hair, and Lucas peered at his face from the corner of his eyes. He seemed calm, relaxed. There was a small smile tugging at his lips. Lucas was surprised that the man he was sitting next to was really Adonis.

Is this what couples do? Is this all he really wanted when he asked for them to go out? Lucas looked away. He was still somewhat on edge, that Adonis would still try to do something to him the moment he let his guard down. But Lucas wasn't complaining at the moment. If this was really all he wanted from him, then so be it. Lucas focused his gaze onto the television, trying to pay attention. He wasn't really that big into sports though. But he didn't want to make Adonis angry by voicing his opinion, nor did he want to give him any reason to divert his attention onto himself. So he sat there, and just watched.

He found his shoulders relaxing, and he slumped further into the couch as the minutes went by. The hand that had been previously playing with his hair was resting on his shoulder now, and Lucas became distracted by the television. Too distracted to notice Adonis leaning his head towards him and nuzzling his nose into his hair, taking a deep whiff. He closed his eyes, strawberries. He smelled like strawberries. Sweet. Just like him. Adonis couldn't help but smile, as he rubbed his face against Lucas's hair. His hair was so soft, it felt like a pillow. He rested his head against his, pulling him closer. Lucas tensed, his attention drifting away from the television. He didn't say anything as Adonis simply held him close. Lucas decided this was harmless; as long as he didn't try kissing him or touching him inappropriately, then this was fine.

Each breath Adonis took made him dizzy. It was his smell that intoxicated him, his sweet smell. He cradled the boy, craving the warmth his body provided. The smile that tugged at his lips grew even wider. Adonis could almost believe it. That this was real. That Lucas was his. Almost.

"Adonis..." Lucas whispered. Adonis shuddered with pleasure at the sound of his name being called. His name. He hummed in response, rubbing circles with his fingers on Lucas's arm. Lucas continued, "Tommorow. You're going to tell the truth, right?"

Adonis slid his hand up Lucas's arm, to play with his hair again. He wrapped a piece of hair around his finger, twirling it. "Hmm..." His chest rumbled, and Lucas nervously chewed the inside of his cheek, awaiting his answer. "Just one more thing... and I will."

"What?" Lucas pulled away, turning to face Adonis. Lucas was so close now. He didn't get this far for nothing. He didn't let himself be cuddled by Adonis for no reason. If there was just one more thing to do, then he would do it. One more thing, and his plan would be a success.

Adonis smirks, moving his hand to his face. He caressed his cheek, watching the glint of determination sparkle in Lucas's golden brown eyes.

"Kiss me."