The Only Faith [boyxboy]

The Only Faith {19}

                When we returned to classes, things were tense. The teachers were ready to crack down on any student who so much as muttered a word. But that didn't stop the talking in the hallway.

                People were wondering what Leon's secret was. I heard multiple rumors flying around, some involving his sexuality but most saying that he was working with the rebelling Maroons because he was jealous he wasn't going to take over the Academy. That was the popular theory, which set me a little at ease.

                Security guards were moving through the hallways, watching students carefully. There were no security cameras in this building so that the teachers could get away with their abuse, which was the only thing saving Fagan right now.

                He'd offered to set things up when I described my plan yesterday. I knew he was unhinged, but I'd agreed for two reasons. The first was that I knew he would be able to pull it off quickly and without being spotted. The second was that he had consistency in his favor, so it wasn't as suspicious that he was missing when the alarm went off. He was always late to first period.

                Still, I was so damn stupid. I should've known he had his own agenda. Beckett trusted him, but I shouldn't have been such a fool.

                When classes let out, I hurried out of the academic building as kids began up their theories of Leon's secret again. As long as the idea of him being jealous about not taking over the Academy stayed the strongest rumor, Leon wouldn't be in as much danger of being outed.

                I started down the path towards the market, needing to get myself some tea to calm down. I also didn't want to head back to my room right away. It was taking an impressive amount of self-control not to punch Fagan in the face for doing this.

                I looked up and my eyes widened a little at the sight of Leon standing outside with his friends. They had claimed one of the outside tables in front of the market, all of them sharing a bag of chips and having drinks open in front of them.

                I hung back on the path, observing them a little. They were talking, but Leon was just listening. He nodded along and even offered smiles, but his hand was buried in his pocket and his eyes kept drifting away, his mind no doubt far from their conversation.

                Taking a breath, I started forward again. I'd have to act normal around Leon so he didn't get suspicious of me.

                "Brennan!"

                "I was ignoring you," I said, not slowing my pace.

                Leon appeared at my side. "I finished my drink. I was planning to go in and get another one anyways."

                We entered the market together and ordered our drinks. I swatted Leon's hand away as he tried to pay and tossed my money to the cashier, walking away.

                Leon hurried to keep up with me as I left. He walked past the table his friends were at, instead following me onto the path.

                "I didn't invite you along," I said.

                "I know." He looked down at his drink, holding it between both hands. "My dad started an investigation into...into what happened today."

                "I didn't think you'd be on campus," I said.

                He shrugged. "My dad sent me home. But I drove myself back. I didn't want to hide. My dad always told me and my siblings you have to be strong, even when you're in a bad situation."