Case quirked a brow at Mads' response. Everything he said was going along with the joke but there was a severe lack of his normal enthusiasm behind it. Not that Case could blame him, he was probably lacking many of the same vibes himself. He just knew how to flirt like a sleaze a little better than Mads did, so he could at least cover it over.<br/>The blonde sighed and his hand dropped from his friend's chin as he asked what they would do if the new couple ever found out about their hidden feelings. He swallowed hard. As much as he wanted to hate the both of them for getting together and ruining everything, he'd never want to hurt them - especially not Julien - despite all that he'd said already. All the boys knew Case had a fairly short fuse and wasn't a fan of surprises, so his reaction would be smoothed over at some point, they'd forgive him, they always did. But Mads was right, if either of them found out about their feelings it would put a strain on the relationship and then on the friendships between them all. The whole group would fall apart. As much as Case would never admit it, those boys were the only thing he had that was even close to 'family', so he didn't want to fuck it up - not permanently anyway. No, everything had to be kept a secret. And maybe that was a good thing. Maybe if they never told, then the feelings would go away and he wouldn't care that those two were ....<i>dating</i>.<br/><br/>Case must have blanked out in thought because before he could fully register what was happening, Everett was sat beside Maddison in front of him with his arm slung around his friend. Case quirked a brow again, looking over the jock for a moment but not saying a word - instead just musing on what he'd hinted at. Mads spoke for the both of them anyway.<br/><i>'Hmmm....'</i>His mind began to tick away on the idea that everyone seemed to be joking about. But what better way to cover a secret than with a tailor made lie?<br/><br/>Eve called his name and Case looked over to him, instantly regretting it as he took in the crumble of the other boy's features. That sincere look on his face as he appologised with the twist of the knife 'we needed', Case felt sick all over again. But this time he wasn't going to burst like he did before.<br/>No need... he had a new plan. The perfect combination of a distraction<i>and</i>a cover up for both him and Maddison.<br/><br/>"Nah, Eve, you don't need to say anything. Honestly, it's my issue. You see, I've got. Well....<i>we</i>have a se-" He cut himself off, looking at Maddison with a wicked grin crossing his lips. This was playing almost as well as some kind of sick joke because what he was about to disclose about his 'hidden relationship' was so hidden that the other party had yet to be informed.<br/><br/>"You know, Mads, I think we should all go back to Julien and tell them together, don't you think?" Case scooted over a little so he was crouched before Maddison again, taking his hand within his own and squeezing softly before standing and pulling the other boy up with him. In the movement, he made sure to over compensate and cause Maddison's smaller frame to fall into his own.<br/>"Steady Maddy." He chuckled, clutching the other boy close to 'support' him whilst he whispered in his ear. "Follow my lead, it might hurt like a bitch, but this is still better for the both of us."