Bad Habit

seven

Phineas didn't plan on leaving Moss' place so soon, he simply had to. After receiving a frantic text from Aro, which was just about unheard of, he knew that his friend was far more important than his play date with Moss. Whatever Aro needed took priority, and that was one thing Finny would never compromise on. Ever.

"Aro? Aro, I'm on my way," Finny screamed into his phone as he ran down Moss' driveway, a stark contrast to his cool and collected exit from Moss' bedroom. "What's happening?"

"I fucked up," Aro mumbled, breathlessly. "It's— happening and— what do I do?"

"Don't move, are you home?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, don't move, stay there, I'll be there in literally 2 minutes. Want me to stay on the phone?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, okay, I just started my car," Finny cried, "don't move, Aro, please. Are you in your room? Is the front door unlocked?"

"Y–Yes."

"Okay, I'm coming in now, stay where you are." And with that, Finny Hung up and bolted towards his best friend's front door faster than he ever had. 

Meanwhile, Moss was pacing his room in a sweat. He had just  casually watched Finny running to his car while on the phone. He was confused and more importantly, he was concerned. For the second time that day, he felt genuine worry for Finny and wanted nothing more than to know what was happening with him. He felt drawn to Finny and wished that he would open up to Moss, not necessarily right away, but over time as the two became better friends. Of course, that would mean they actually became friends, but that would take time on Moss' part.

Moss went back and forth on whether or not he should text the moron or simply leave it alone. He thought that he would appear clingy or even slightly obsessed, but he still felt compelled to not only know why Finny ran off so abruptly, but to make sure he was okay. 

So he said, fuck it, and composed a text. 

To Finny:
I was walking passed my foyer after you left and I noticed you running to your car... Is everything ok?

Moss then sat anxiously awaiting a text that would never come. Until the next morning, that was.

--

Moss was awoken by the sound of his text tone. He shot up in his bed and rubbed his eyes groggily before grabbing his phone. He immediately turned the brightness down and then began scrolling through all the texts he had received over night. There were messages from Jane and a friend named Tyler among a few other people. But a text from Finny was at the very top. Moss took a breath and opened his phone eagerly. 

From Finny:
I'm surprised you'd care enough about me to ask! You're not sucking up, are you? But if you must know, no. Nothing was wrong, I just didn't feel safe alone in your neighborhood ;)

Moss knew that was a completely bullshit answer. Anyone would know that that was a bullshit answer. He wished Finny would drop the sarcasm and just tell him. 

To Finny:
Cute. It's fine, you don't have to tell me

From Finny:
You think I don't know that? That's why I haven't told you, Moss Man. And you think I'm cute?!

To Finny:
That's not what I meant when I said cute, fuck face

From Finny:
I don't care, I'm gonna take it as you think I'm cute ;)

Moss chose not to reply after that. He tossed his phone aside and started his morning routine, which hardly consisted of much. He showered and dressed himself before running a brush through his hair so that it wasn't flat. He then walked downstairs with his backpack and shoes on and sat down to eat a breakfast prepared by Anne. It was delicious and made him calm, as opposed to how nervous he felt just minutes prior. Seeing Finny at school would prove to be difficult, especially considering he was being forced into sitting with him during study hall. And since Moss sent that text to Finny that was so obviously deflected, he almost felt embarrassed. "Morning, Teddy," a deep, strong voice rang throughout the kitchen. Moss looked up from his French toast to make connection with his father.