Bad Habit

thirteen

Finny and Moss didn't speak to each other for the rest of that weekend. Moss was too embarrassed and Finny too ashamed; both of the boys had done things they were not even remotely proud of. Moss acted creepy and overbearing, even threatening, and Finny got off to his new friend soon after watching him dancing in lingerie. So it was safe to say that the avoidance was real on Monday morning.

Unfortunately, it was a day where they both had gym class. On opposite ends of the locker room, they both stressed to themselves about coming face to face. Finny feared he'd throw up, and Moss feared he'd punch Finny in the face. Finny had no regret about getting off to Moss before they were friends, but since he had done it after having had a sleepover with the boy where they slept in the same bed, he felt extremely guilty. Moss was mad that Finny hadn't tried to contact him on Sunday and that his scheme to make Finny jealous seemed to have no effect whatsoever. That was not what he was going for.

When he finished changing, Finny locked up locker with shaking hands and stumbled his way towards the entrance to the gym. Nerves were something he so rarely felt, especially when it came to dealing with people. It could be hard pressed to find Finny feeling any sort of remorse as well, and at that moment, that was all he was feeling. Dirty, dirty remorse.

He managed to get out of the locker room unseen by Moss, though he suspected Moss wouldn't say anything to him had the boys met faces. Finny awkwardly stood alone in the gym, seeing as he got there five minutes early to avoid Moss. Little did he know, Moss had done the exact same thing, thinking there was no way Finny would ever be early. So after about a minute of standing alone, Finny was no longer by himself. He was joined by the boy he least wanted to see.

Stepping out of the locker room was Moss, who felt confident about not having to see Finny. But of course, his efforts never pan out in his favor. His eyes scanned the seemingly empty gym until they landed upon Finny, who's back was turned and walking further away.

Finny was panicking; he literally began walking towards the gym teachers office with nothing to say to him in mind. But if it came to it, Finny was willing to make anything up to tell Mr. Barnet if it would get him out of dealing with Moss. But fortunately, he was saved by a girl walking out of the locker room who he knew was in her class. He smiled at her and ran to her side. "Hey, Sara," he said smoothly, remembering that was her name. "Do you know what we're doing today?" Sara looked blankly at Finny, confused as to why he would be talking to her.

"Uh, yeah," she stammered, tucking her hair behind her hear, "we're joining team today and running work out drills." Finny's stomach dropped. We're joining Moss' class?

"Jesus, of course," Finny muttered, watching Moss intently as he connected with a couple of friends. Sara stared up at Finny inquisitively.

"Is that bad?" She asked. Finny laughed.

"Yeah," he replied. "I hate the team class."

Soon after, all the students came flowing out of the locker rooms and the gym teachers called everyone together. Sara was right and Finny's lifetime class joined Moss' team sports class for a joint work out. Everyone was asked to gather a partner, but the pairs had to consist of one lifetime and one team student. Finny groaned and contemplated punching himself in the face to get out of it, but as if an angel was watching over him, Noah Brooks came running over to Finny's side.

"We're partners," Noah declared, snaking his arm through Finny's as they were told to do once paired. Finny looked at him and smirked.

"You don't even know how much I love you right now," Finny whispered, looking around, "wanna get out of here? My offer still stands." Noah rolled his eyes playfully and jabbed Finny's side.