~ Cole ~

The thick smell of burning hickory and dry leaves immediately assaulted Cole's senses as he stepped out of the car, pack of Marlboro in hand. On the driver's side of the Corvette, James greeted the same fate with a delighted grin.

"Don't you just love a bonfire?" James beamed.

Cole rolled his eyes at his friend and shoved a hand into his jacket pocket in search of his lighter. On either side of him, hoards of students were crossing the carpark to gather in the quad where the bonfire was being held.

A boisterous clump of football players jostling one another two cars down validated Cole's decision to make James drive. There was no way he was letting his baby get scratched up in the swell of roudy, young adults in full swing of losing all sensibility.

Cole dug out his lighter and his cigarette flared to life. Taking a slow drag, he leaned back against the hood of the Corvette.

James turned in his step up on the sidewalk. "You coming?"

"Kingpin," Cole said pointedly, "if you think for one second I'm going to step foot into that writhing, sweaty crowd of drunken no-nothings, you are dead mistaken."

James laughed. "C'mon, man. It's a bonfire. It's meant to be fun."

Cole exhaled, a trail of smoke whispering in the crisp night air. "Nothing about this is fun."

"So, your plan is to stand here all night and smoke?"

"I may sit too."

"You're impossible."

"And you're a hopeless dreamer."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Only when you're friends with me."

James laughed. "C'mon, man. Piper is waiting for us."

Cole took another drag. He raised an eyebrow as the smoke drifted from his lips. "Us, or you?"

James sent him a knowing look. "Us. As in, you and me. Now, let's go."

"I'm good here."

"Cole."

"Kingpin."

"Alright." James held his hands up in a defeated gesture and began to walk away. "I guess I'll just have to tell Piper, Adam and Leo that you didn't want to-"

"Hold up." Cole pushed himself off the car's hood, cigarette poised halfway in the air to his mouth. "Adam's here?"

The edge of James' mouth curled upwards slightly. "Piper texted me five minutes ago. They're waiting in the quad." He shrugged then. "Not that it matters. You clearly have better things to do than hang out with a bunch of us low-"

"Hold on, I'm coming." Cole's cigarette was snuffed out beneath his boot and the pack returned to the inside of his jacket. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he took three long strides to meet James on the sidewalk.

His friend smiled as Cole reached him before turning to face the brownstone buildings. Together they began to make their way down the path towards the centre of campus.

Friday night on a college campus was vibrant but this was complete mayhem. As Cole and James ventured onwards, the scene before them stretched out to reveal hundreds of students pouring into the quad from all angles.

Food trucks lined the sidewalk, plastic tables had been set up across the lawn, and a row of tents had been constructed for hired carnival games, and right in the centre of the quad, a great stack of kindling had been piled as high as a one storey building.

Someone had lit the bonfire at the base and great flames were slowly climbing to the top of the pile. An amber glow swelled under the moonlight as students gathered by the swarm, packing the courtyard full to the brim.

Cole glared as a girl narrowly missed bumping into him, too busy chatting boisterously with her friend to notice she'd stepped on his boot. James smiled knowingly and pulled his friend along as Cole shot daggers at the back of the girl's head.

"So, where are we supposed to be meeting the others?" Cole grumbled, nearly stepping in a hotdog that looked like it had gone six rounds with a meat grinder on the pavement.

James checked his phone. He neatly avoided the mangled meat while reading the message. "They should be over by the-there."

Cole looked up and sure enough, Adam, Piper and whathisname were huddled under one of the campus willows that overlooked the quad. James immediately headed for the group. Cole trailed after him.

"Hey," James greeted when he reached them. He gravitated to Piper, sliding an arm around her waist and pressing a soft kiss to her blue curls before fixing his gaze on Adam and the other kid. "Adam, Leo. Nice to see you again."

"Claremont," the boy in a yellow hoodie greeted, grinning wildly. "I see we dressed casual for a school bonfire. Tell me, did Humphrey Bogart surrender the blazer willingly or do you have another one of those scarves holding him hostage in your closet?"

James didn't miss a beat. He was used to people taking a jab at his wardrobe. One had to be when they looked like they'd just stepped out of a Welton Academy fever dream.

With a schoolboy grin, James slid his other hand into the pocket of his plaid trousers, signet ring flashing in the fire's glow. The fringe of his scarf swayed softly in the night breeze as he said, "This scarf was a gift from my darling mother last Christmas. Tragically, our Bogart passed on before he got the chance to enjoy the lavishes of modern Burberry but I'll be sure to hold your regards to the highest fashion when next your envy peaks." 

Piper rolled her eyes as Leo sputtered his way out of the conversation. James watched him in amusement before returning his attention to Piper.

Adam was stood back slightly from the rest of them, hands in his jacket pocket and gaze elsewhere. His shoulders were tense, as though he was trying to stop his body shivering. 

Cole said, "Hey, Adam."

Adam's head snapped up in surprise as all eyes fell on him. His cheeks were flushed from the cold but he let out an even, "Hi, Cole. It's nice to see you again."

"The feeling is mutual."

"Did you go alright with those worksheets? Any problems?"

"Not one."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"Me too."

Cole moved to stand closer to the other boy. "Not working tonight?"

Adam shifted from one foot to the other. "I picked up an extra shift tomorrow instead."

"It must be my lucky night then."

A small smile appeared from beneath dark lashes. "Mine too."

Cole would've said more except James spoke up a moment later. "They're starting the BBQ now. Should we head over?"

Cole's heart dropped as Adam looked away from him, and he felt the sting of betrayal coil in his blood toward his best friend. It was gone as soon as it had come.

Turning, Cole opened his mouth to say something to James but Piper was already speaking. Checking her watch, she nodded, "Yeah, if everyone's here we shou-"

"Oh, wait!" Leo rushed out. He blushed deep as the group stared at him. "There's, uh, we're waiting on one more person."

Cole watched as Adam raised an eyebrow at his friend, frowning. "Who are you talk-"

"Leo!"

A voice had them all turning in the direction of the bonfire. Emerging from a dense crowd to the left, a boy in a grey wool, sweater with thick-rimmed glasses was walking over to them. He came to a stop between Leo and James.

"Hey," the boy said to Leo. "Sorry, I'm late. Parking was a nightmare." He then turned to the rest of the group, grinning like sunshine. "These must be your friends. It's nice to meet you all! I'm Ethan, Leo's friend."

The group stood stock-still. Piper and James, being the most mature of all of them, were the first to react. They moved in synchrony, each extending a hand to Ethan.

"It's nice to meet you, Ethan." James smiled politely at the newcomer. "I'm James Edward Richard Claremont, but you can call me James."

Ethan grins while shaking James' hand. "Claremont, of course. Your name is certainly big in this town. I've heard a lot about you."

"And yet we haven't heard a thing about you," Piper said, not unkindly, as she stepped up beside James. She shook Ethan's hand with a smile, though Cole recognised the hint of perversity beneath it. "I'm Piper, Leo's friend."

"Of course," Ethan shook her hand too. "He doesn't stop going on about you. You're the one majoring in Biochem, right? That sounds amazing!"

Piper looked pleased, exchanging a quick look with James before turning her gaze back on Ethan. She smiled dangerously. "It's certainly fascinating. Tell me, Ethan. How did you and our wonderful Leo here meet?"

Leo looked like he was ready to run but Ethan was happy to meet Piper's spunk with a wide smile. "We met at the library a couple of months ago. He borrowed one of my favourite books and we got to talking. We've also had some classes together in the past."

"Oh, is that so?" Piper smirked at Leo over Ethan's shoulder. Leo glared and mouthed a string of phrases at her, gesturing wildly. Piper's smirk grew as she turned her attention back on Ethan. "Well, we're very pleased to meet you, Ethan. Will you be joining us tonight?"

Ethan shot a look around the group. "If that's okay? Leo invited me to join when he heard you guys were going tonight."

"Did he now?" Piper raised an eyebrow, clearly taking delight in how Leo's face was growing redder by the minute. "Well, I don't have a problem with it." She looked to James, then Adam, then Cole. "Do you have a problem with it? You? No?" Piper looked back to Ethan, smiling. "Welcome to the team, Ethan."

Ethan laughed. "Thanks for the seal of approval."

"And this is Adam and Cole," Leo finally spoke up again, gesturing to where Cole was stood with Adam by his side.

Adam was the first to move. Cole watched as the other boy stepped up to Ethan and held out a hand. "Adam, nice to meet you."

Ethan shook his hand, smiling sweetly. "You too." He turned to Cole. "Cole was it? It's nice to meet you too."

Cole stepped up beside Adam and shook Ethan's hand without a word.

James laughed behind them, saying to Ethan. "Ignore Cole. He's just in a mood because he didn't want to come tonight."

"Neither did Adam," Piper added helpfully, shooting a smirk at her best friend across the circle they'd formed. "Until I dragged him out."

Adam scoffed at Piper. "You wouldn't let up about it all week. I came so I wouldn't have to deal with your incessant texting all weekend."

"Oh, honey. I know my achievements. You don't have to list them for me."

Adam opened his mouth to respond but a squeal echoed overhead from the speaker before a voice rang out over the quad. "Alright, students. Welcome to our annual Holland University Bonfire Rager!"

A large portion of the crowd cheered. The voice went on. "As you may have already noticed, we have a bunch of game tents set up as well as a number of food trucks out by the parking lot. The BBQ will be starting in just a moment. May I remind you all this is a campus event and any consumption of alcohol on the premises will result in immediate suspension."

"There goes the fun." Cole grumbled. Adam let out a soft laugh at his side. The others were paying attention to the voice still talking overhead.

"The BBQ will be served outside of Building H. We've also set up a donation bin for this year's cause to restore the town memorial, sponsored by Spring Creek's very own Claremont Foundation."

Cole made a face at James, who kindly ignored him.

"The bonfire will end at eleven p.m. Our games night event hosted in the cafe will be starting in five minutes. Without further ado, please enjoy the night!"

Students cheered again as music took over on the speaker. An orange glow erupted in the centre of the quad as the fire reached full peak. The mouthwatering smell of sausages wafted through the air, mixed in with smoke. Students began to break off in different directions to explore the activities.

"Alright, I'm starving." Cole said as he grasped James' arm, turning on his heel in the direction of Building H. "If I'm forced to be here we're at least going to make it worthwhile with food."

"Wait!" Piper called. "That's not the way."

Cole frowned at her. "What do you mean? They said Building H is over there."

Piper shook her head. "We're not going to the BBQ just yet."

"What do you mean we?" Cole asked. "Says who?"

"We actually have something planned for tonight." James told him, smiling.

Cole stepped away from his best friend, not fooled for a second. "Oh no. I know that smile. What did you do?"

"Why don't you follow and find out?" Piper sung back to him. She moved over to Adam, looping her arm through his and walking off in the opposite direction.

"Ooh, I love mysteries." Ethan cheered as he and Leo followed after them.

Cole stared after the group. "What could be more important than the BBQ?"

James laughed, beginning to trail after the others. "Come and find out."

Grumbling, Cole once again began to trail after his best friend. He began to perk up when he realised they were headed down the path that led to the cafe.

"Oh, coffee." He groaned appreciatively. "Well had I known we were coming here first I would've-"

Piper appeared out of nowhere beside him, slapping a colourful bracelet around Cole's wrist. "The fuck is this?" Cole demanded, staring in horror at the neon yellow plastic offending his skin.

Piper grinned. "They're hosting a game night in the cafe. I bought all of us tickets two weeks ago."

"I didn't even plan on coming two weeks ago."

Piper's gaze very intentionally fell on Adam, who was now chatting happily with Leo up ahead on the path, before sliding back to Cole with a knowing smirk. "Of course you didn't."

"You are the devil's incarnate." Cole told her.

"I know."

"I'm not going to spend my night playing games in the cafe like a twelve-year old on sleepaway camp."

"Oh, yes you are." Piper said in a sing-song voice. Her voice then dropped and her eyes watered. "Besides, I spent all this money on the tickets. You wouldn't want me to waste my money, would you?"

"I'll pay you back the twenty cents it cost."

"Just c'mon."

Their group reached the entrance of the cafe. The building was already filling up with people as they stepped inside the warm room.

"Find us a table!" Piper called over the music. She tugged on James' arm. "We're going to go get a kit!"

"Kit?" Cole called back, confused, but she had already disappeared into the crowd. He scoffed under his breath before turning to the rest of their group.

Leo had already spotted a table in the back corner and was charging toward it like a valiant knight. Ethan ran after him, scarf flapping behind him as they pushed through the crowd of people. Adam shook his head as he watched them go.

Cole stepped up beside Adam, who looked sideways at him. "Do you know what this is?"

"No clue." Cole grumbled. "But I have a feeling I won't like whatever Enzo has dragged us into."

Adam chuckled. "You and me both. C'mon, we better go find a seat."

Leo had already wrestled a third chair off another student by the time Adam and Cole reached the table. Ethan was cheering Leo on, laughing when he finally managed to steal the stool away and dropped it beside the table.

"That was amusing," Ethan laughed.

Leo huffed. "The guy has four tickets and think he can just steal five stools. No sir, not today."

Adam, clearly being the more mature one, calmly took a seat on a stool beside the window. "So, does anyone know what this is?"

"You don't?" Ethan asked in surprise. "I thought Piper would've told you."

"She doesn't tell me anything she knows I'll back out of."

Cole was still hovering next to the table when Piper and James made it back. With a resounding smack, Piper chucked three notepads down on the table with three pens. 

"What's this?" Cole asked.

Piper grinned. "We need them to play the game."

"And what game would that be?"

"Okay, so who are the teams?" Ethan spoke up before Piper had the chance to respond.

The blue-haired girl shrugged. "There are eight teams playing. Each team has six members, of which must be divided into pairs for each category. James and I already decided to go Business and Art History."

"I guess that leaves us with with History and Entertainment," Ethan told Leo, who blushed. 

Piper slid a notepad over to them and kept one for herself and James. She then sat down on the stool beside Leo, waiting for James to join her. 

"Wait a minute," Adam frowned. "What's the third notepad for then?"

"And what are we playing?" Cole asked once again.

Piper flicked a blue curl over her shoulder. "Isn't it obvious?"

James slid the third notepad over between Adam and the empty stool. "You'll need that for the Science and Politics category."

Adam and Cole stared at him.

Piper sighed. "You guys haven't figured it out yet?"

Leo and Ethan watched on with amused expressions. Cole glanced around the room, noticing a stage had been constructed at the front and that other people were beginning to sit down at tables around them in groups.

"James and I are pairs in Business and Art History." Piper spelled out slowly. "Leo and Ethan are taking on History and Entertainment, which means..."

"Oh god." Adam whispered.

"Oh hell no." Cole said darkly.

Piper smirked just as the lights began to lower. "You two are partners in Trivia."

***

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