Habits Of My Heart

Chapter 17

Adrian opened the door slowly, walking into the dark, silent room.

"Bailey?" he said softly, "You asleep?"

There was no response, just heavy, quick breathing and little moans of discomfort, fear.

He knelt by Bailey's bed, looking at his face with concern. His eyebrows were drawn together, and his eyeballs moved rapidly under his eyelids, his hands twitching sometimes. He was dreaming.

"Bailey." Adrian whispered again, and lightly touched his forehead, "Hey Bales."

Bailey's head quickly turned from side to side and he whimpered, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Bailey!" Adrian said louder, squeezing his hand, "Wake up, Bailey, wake up." he put his hands on the small boy's shoulders, skaking him hesitantly.

Bailey gasped and his eyes snapped open, taking a second to focus on Adrian. He swung his arms around his neck, grateful for him being there.

"Adrian, it was so scary- he- t-they-" he sobbed, not being able to talk.

Adrian put a hand on Bailey's bare back, rubbing circles on the smooth skin which was now clammy with sweat.

"It's okay, I'm here." he whispered into Bailey's ear, "You're okay."

Bailey clutched onto him tighter, taking a deep breath, "Lie with me, please. A-and tell me what happened with Tristan."

Adrian smiled at him, pulling away from the hug, his hands cupping Bailey's face, "Okay." he said, "Let me get ready for bed first, though. I need to quickly wash my body and brush my teeth."

Bailey nodded, his cheeks getting a little squished, making Adrian's heart melt at the sight of his cute pout, his lips looking plump and soft. He smoothed his hair back, quickly hugging him again.

"Should I such on the lights?" he asked, standing up.

"Yes please." Bailey said softly, his slim, bare legs swinging off the bed, his skin milky and smooth.

Adrian hurriedly looked away, realising he'd already stared too long. And he was wearing only his boxers. Adrian took a deep breath okay, take it easy.

He switched the flip for the lights and looked at to make sure Bailey would be okay, seeing him sitting on the edge of his bed, looking down, his hair falling in front of his eyes.

"I'll be as quick as possible." Adrian said, then grabbed extra boxers and his PJ's and went into the bathroom, shutting the door. He put his back to it, and closed his eyes, leaning his head back. What was happening to him? Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bailey in his mind's eye. His eyes, blue like the ocean in the evening; his straight brown hair that feel like a mop around his head, sometimes messy, sticking up in random parts when he woke up in the mornings; how his skin was somehow magically so beautiful and practically glowed in the light, like there was fairy-dust sprinkled all over him.

He would think of the cute way Bailey laughed, his giggle ringing repeatedly in his head, his smile plastered in his brain.

But, of course, his thoughts went deeper as well, to a part the scared him more than anything. Like how when he would see his bare legs, know that he was only in his boxers, see his small waist, his hips, the way his body was more curvy than the average boy's, more feminine. Adrian gulped, opening his eyes, trying not to think of the way Bailey's hips swayed when he walked, how perfectly round his butt was.

He went to the sink, breathing hard, his heart slamming against his ribs, trying to break free. He splashed water on his face in an attempt to wash away his unholy thoughts, only to realise it obviously wasn't working when his memory of the picture flashed in his mind.