Love is When... - Logince & Prinxiety

Chapter Eight

Love is when you see another pair work out an argument that ends in genuine "I'm Sorry's," and it feels foreign to you.

The school hallways parted like the sea as Logan Smith and his boyfriend walked past, Logan's hand resting possessively on his lower back. People stared, but wouldn't you? For the first time in history, Roman Reyburn was quiet.

And not only quiet, he was timid.

While his boyfriend walked with his head held high, sending deathly glares at anyone who caught his gaze, Roman shuffled alongside him, eyes cast downward and barely peeking past his fringe. When Logan came to a stop, Roman's feet mechanically held in place, not questioning why they were stopped. Logan had quickly taught him not to ask questions.

"I am going to the bathroom," Logan said and left Roman waiting outside the Boys' bathrooms as Logan disappeared behind the swinging door. Logan gave no further instruction. He didn't have to.

Roman stood patiently, plastering himself against the wall so he wasn't in the way of anyone.

"You told me you weren't going to buy anything else!"

"I bought it for you!"

The shouts echoed off of the lockers, though Roman barely perked his head up when they reached his ears. He shifted slightly to the left, allowing him to catch a glimpse of the fighting couple, two seniors, Sloane and Corbin. He knew them from the community service work he did the year before, and Roman's face displayed a hint of shock when he found them shouting.

"We agreed you weren't buying anything this month! You can't afford to spend money on me!"

"But I wanted to!"

Roman, drawn in, started to walk closer, still trying to keep out of sight.

"But you shouldn't have!"

"I did though. Look, why are we fighting about this? I wanted to get you a gift because I love you, but if you want, I'll get you something small for your birthday, okay?" one of them said, his tone much softer than it used to be, and an adoring smile flitting across his lips.

"I - okay, yes that would be great. And I know you were trying to be sweet, and I really appreciate it. I just don't see the need in buying pointless gifts, that's all. But I love you too, sorry for freaking out."

Roman watched in awe as the two hugged warmly, one resting his head on the other's shoulder.

"I'm sorry too," he said. They pulled away and smiled at each other before intertwining their hands and walking off. Suddenly, a loud shout rang through the building.

"Roman!"

The cry snapped Roman out of his reverie, and he quickly scrambled back down the hallway where he found Logan standing outside the bathroom, foot tapping impatiently on the linoleum floor, and eyes glaring daggers at his helpless boyfriend.

"Where were you?" Logan snapped, not moving an inch while Roman meekly dragged his feet in his direction.

Head down, eyes not rising past Logan's knees, Roman quietly responded. "I heard shouting. I wanted to make sure they were okay."

"You know better to disturb other people. They probably thought you were very creepy to be standing there, watching them."

"Yes, I know. Sorry." As Roman apologized, the hallway became flooded with students as one class ended, and another one began.

"As you should be." Logan's eyes darted warily at the students around them. "We are going," he said sternly, grabbing Roman by the wrist and tugging him away from the crowd, not wanting to cause a scene.

"Logan," Roman muttered quietly. "Logan!" he said a bit louder, applying the slightest resistance to the iron grip on his arm. "Can we talk?" he asked once they had finally found a secluded classroom. "Please..."

"What?" Logan responded, sharply.

Can we try talking things out, for once? Instead of just shouting and then moving on?

"Nothing... nevermind."