"Blood On The Ground"

Summary: The rivalry between Adam and Owen takes a dangerous turn. Adam-centric; Post-"Radiate"; Fiona/Adam pairing; Dark fic; Trigger warning.

Author's Note: This story is set in December of Adam's junior year. It takes place after "Radiate" and the directly after the two-shot "That's All!"

This examines the attacks referenced in "How To Save A Life" (which takes place in March of Adam's junior year).

Categories: Drama/Hurt/Comfort/Angst/Friendship

Rating: M (for violence, language, and dark themes)

Disclaimer: Do NOT own Degrassi!


1-

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"Bingo!" Adam said aloud to himself as he reached for the container of whole milk. Hood was his favorite brand and there was no substitute. It annoyed him that he had to walk a little further to find it at this corner store but it was worth it.

He quickly closed the cooler door and started towards the counter. He sighed seeing there was a person ahead of him with an armful of items. As he waited in line his eyes swept over the array of candy at the counter. He noticed they had mint dark chocolate three musketeers bars and debated getting one. It was Fiona's favorite candy bar. He smiled at the thought of her and resolved to call her again once he was out of the store.

"Next!" the cashier at the register called out.

Adam shook his head at his spaciness and stepped forward. He suddenly flinched when he noticed a figure in his peripheral vision. It looked like Owen. He quickly turned his head to see someone walking out of the store. Though he had a similar build his face was different.

'I'm losing it,' Adam thought. His mother's paranoia was starting to rub off on him! It was ridiculous that for a fleeting moment he had second thoughts about going to the corner without Drew. He could admit, they had a legitimate reason to worry – the bully was angry with Adam after being tossed out of school – but this was only a twenty minute walk. He had nothing to fear.

Adam nodded thanks at the cashier and headed out the door with a bag that contained milk and one candy bar. Immediately the cold air hit his skin, causing him pull the collar of his jacket together.

Without warning, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He immediately pulled away and looked up.

"What the hell!" he spat out. He found himself face to face with Owen.

"Torres, nice meeting you here," he said menacingly.

Adam had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He bit back a retort, in favor of putting as much distance between him and the bully as he could. He quickly turned but before he could break into a run he doubled over in pain.

He heard laughter as the guy who had punched him in the stomach high fived Owen.

"Thanks Cuz," he heard Owen smirk. "Let's keep it moving," he added nonchalantly.

Adam was roughly pushed towards the parking lot. Owen walked ahead of them to his car.

"What are you doing?" Adam asked, doing his best to keep the fear out of his voice.

Owen shrugged. "You ruined my life, Torres. I'm just trying to repay the favor."

Adam's mind was racing but he had to find a way out of this. Owen had a history of violent tendencies and right now he was drunk. He realized if he got into that car there would be no one to save him. They wouldn't know where to look. He had to keep him talking.

"I had a little bit of help, if you'd remember," Adam quipped.

Owen narrowed his eyes. "You're a freak! You don't deserve what you have. After tonight everyone will see that."

A cold feeling ran up Adam's spine. This tactic wouldn't work. He had to get away. He abruptly slammed his right foot down on the toes of Owen's accomplice. The guy howled in pain and let go of his hold on Adam, who then took off running.

"Hey! Hey!" Owen angrily called after him.

Adam was at the edge of the parking lot when he felt a hard tug on the back of his jacket. It caused him to trip over a large rock. 'Shit!' he thought as he tumbled towards the pavement. After that everything went black.

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tbc