why I'm here, but I'm currently in the front seat of Parker's sports car. I glance back at Jackson, giving him a reassuring smile. Turning back around, I look out the window. We've been sat in silence for the past 2 minutes, but it feels like it's been an hour. Not even a few minutes later we pull up into my neighbourhood. I completely forgot James lives near me. We pull up on the curb, since there are already two cars in the driveway.

Parker gets out without saying a word, walking around to help Jackson out. My door clicks open but he doesn't look at me through the window. What a kid. I push my door, slipping out of the unnecessarily complicated car.

Jackson is holding Parker's hand as they walk towards the door, me trailing behind like a third wheel. Parker knocks twice, a few beats passing before the door opens.

"Hey bro." James greets Parker with a complicated handshake, ruffling Jackson's hair.

As the two step past him, his eyes land on me, widening slightly.

"Elena. Hey." he smiles softly.

"Hi. Uh, I hope you don't mind me being here." I step forward a little.

James smiles. "Come in."

His aftershave hits me as I walk past him, making me shiver. I kick my shoes off and place them beside Jackson's tiny Jordans.

"This way." James brushes his hand against my waist as he motions toward a door.

He pulls it open, revealing a set of stairs going down. I walk down behind him, trying not to trip over.

"Are you leading me to my death James?" I say, even though I'm smiling.

He glances back at me, flashing me a cheeky grin. "Maybe." he drags the 'y'.

Once we reach the bottom, he pushes open a second door, finally leading to a room.

Neki is sprawled out on the far end of the couch, his tshirt draped around his neck and over his face. Parker has a PS4 controller in his hand, focusing on the screen, Jack holding the other.

"I left you for two seconds Blaine." James shakes his head, swiftly jumping over the back of the couch and sitting down.

He looks back at me, patting the seat beside him. I walk around, sitting down next to him, pulling a cushion over and wrapping my arms around it. As I look up, I notice Parker glance at me, before looking back at the game.

Jackson flinches as there's a loud slashing noise from the TV, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Hey Jack." I sit up, and he looks over at me. "Do you wanna play Animal Crossing on my phone?"

His face softens and he smiles, nodding.

"He's playing with me." Parker says from beside him.

"It doesn't look like he's enjoying it." I frown.

Jackson looks between us, visibly torn.

"You don't have to play with him Jack." I smile, and Jackson nods.

"It's just a game." he makes a face.

"And he's just a kid." I frown.

"How about you mind your business, Kinsley." Parker puts his controller down, looking me dead in the eye.

"Bro you're being a douche. Chill." James sits up.

He leans forward, holding out a hand. "I'll play Jay."

Jackson hands him the controller, standing up and walking over to sit next to me. I move up a little, hip bumping James.

"Sorry." I mumble.

"You're good." he glances at me briefly.

I hand Jack my phone and he smiles gratefully. Sitting back, I turn my eyes toward the screen.

"Do you wanna play?"

I turn to James, only noticing how close we're sitting when my lips brush his sleeve.

"Shit, sorry." I whisper, taking his sleeve and attempting to rub away the pink tinted lip balm, only rubbing it in more.

He chuckles a little, his body jolting.

"For fuck sake."

Our attention is pulled to Parker, who throws the controller down on the seat beside him as he stands up.

"Ow, shit!" Neki jumps as the control hits his calf.

He pulls the shirt from his face, his eyes landing on Parker leaving the room.

"What the hell man!" he throws a hand up.

Parker slams the door shut behind him making me jump.

Then Neki spots me.

"Oh! Heyy beautiful." his mouth spreads into a grin.

I push my tongue on the inside of my cheek. "Hello Neki."

He sits up properly, slipping his arms into his shirt and pulling it down.

"Were you staring at my abs while I slept Elena?" he narrows his eyes, taking the controller in his hands.

I scoff. "No."

"You need a second look?" he lifts his shirt again and I laugh, turning away.

"You're such a creep Blaine." James sighs, keeping his eyes on the screen.

"You're just jealous because she likes me more." he hums.

"I never said that." I mumble.

James laughs as Neki brings his hand to his heart.

"Ouch, babe, I thought we were getting serious." he pouts.

I bring a cushion to my face, groaning. The boys continue playing and I sit idly watching. I should've brought a book or something. I contemplate walking down the street to my house when the door clicks open.

Parker stalks in, walking around the couch back to his seat. He looks over at Jack.

"You okay little man?" he slouches down.

Jack looks up, nodding his little head before looking back down.

"Are you done being a child Ash?" James says, a hint of humour in his voice.

Parker turns to him, pulling a face and James laughs.

"I'm guessing that's a no." Neki says under his breath.

"Uh, James?" I nudge him a little and he glances at me.

"Yeah El?" he says as he looks back at the game.

"El? Nicknames huh?" I tease and his cheeks flush.

"What was the question Elena?" he sighs feigning annoyance, which makes me smile.

"Bathroom?"

I take a left as I reach the top of the stairs just like James directed me to, pulling open the door and stepping inside. Once I'm done, I walk back down the stairs on to the first floor.

Just as I got to open the basement door a sound from the kitchen makes me jump out of my skin. I notice Parker, leaning against the counter.

He looks up as I walk in scoffing and bringing a glass of water to his lips.

"What's your problem?" I stop in front of him.

"What?" he deapans.

"Did I stutter?" I huff, folding my arms over my chest.

Parker studies my face for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.

"Move out of the way Kinsley." he says dully.

"Answer my question." I retort.

"My problem is you Elena." he finally says, and even though I already knew, it still hurts.

I shake my head. "You're a dick, Parker."

"Isn't that what you wanted to hear?" he says in a tone that irritates the hell out of me. He's mocking me.

"I-"

"You want me to dislike you so badly Elena."

I groan in frustration, running a hand through my hair.

"But I don't." he says, almost to himself. "I just can't be around you."

I frown. "Why?"

"Don't ask questions that you don't want the answer to."

Is this man speaking in riddles right now?

"Whatever. I'm taking Jack home." I huff, spinning on my heels.

"I drove." he hums as he follows me.

"We'll walk." I pull the door open, starting down the stairs.

"It's a 30 minute walk."

"Stop talking." I whine.

James is laughing as we walk in.

"Jack, c'mon let's go kiddo." I ruffle his hair and he looks up, smiling.

"Okay." he says quietly, handing me my phone and standing up.

"Bye guys." I wave at the boys, taking Jackson's hand.

"Bye Elena." James lolls his head back to look at me.

"Call me later wifey." Neki blows me a kiss and I laugh.

I push past Parker, Jack following me up the stairs. The guys exchange some words between each other before I hear another set of footsteps behind us.

"Get in the car Kinsley." Parker sighs as Jack and I begin to walk down the sidewalk.

He looks up at me for reassurance, and I squeeze his hand a little.

"Elena, get in the car." he repeats.

I stop as he calls my name, the hairs on my arms raising. Humming in defeat, I turn back around. I don't really feel like walking the 30 minutes anyway, I just wanted to make a point.

He clicks the passenger seat door and pulls it open. I guide Jackson in first, before pushing the seat down and slipping in after him. Moments after, Parker appears beside me, pulling his own door shut.