Habits Of My Heart

Chapter 25

Over the next couple of months, Adrian and Bailey's relationship grew steadily, and people came to terms with it. They became the couple of the school since, you know, everyone else was supposedly straight.

Adrian had been out practicing more and more often for the tournament, and most of the time Bailey would go watch, but occasionally he'd stay home and use the toys Adrian had gotten for him. That didn't happen as much as it did though, since they'd moved further in their relationship and sometimes he and Adrian would do things together, but for some reason Adrian had never let it go far enough to be the real thing. So Bailey still had need for the toys in a way.

He stood in the principal's office at that moment, his mind wandering as Adrian tried to argue their case.

"He is allowed to accompany the team, I don't see why not, but the question is why." the principal said, leaning forward on his desk.

Since the tournament was in another town they'd have to go there, and Bailey didn't want to be left alone. Apparently nobody had ever wanted to go with the team to the tournament to cheer them on. Bailey rolled his eyes, some school spirit they had.

"Look, sir, he doesn't want to be alone in a dorm and all his friends are going too, but on top of all that, he wants to cheer for us. Isn't the reason enough?" Adrian said.

The principal hummed, thoughtful, "I suppose so. And you say you want him to be sharing a room with you?"

Adrian took a step back, hesitating for a second, glancing at Bailey, and then nodded, "Yes, sir. That is what we're used to, he's my roommate and we're comfortable like that."

They got a suspicious look from the principal, who was looking at them with eyebrows raised questioningly, "I see. So you don't want to be with Mason like you are every year?"

Adrian shook his head, "No sir- I mean I have nothing against Mason, but he can be with Blake, he'll be equally happy."

The principal hummed again, not convinced, and turned to Bailey, who straightened his back to stand completely straight, intimidated by just the eye contact, "And you? You want to be with him? You wouldn't want to be with Tristan?"

"I- um- I'd like to be with Adrian, sir." he said, trying to be confident.

"Hm." the principal sat up straight, lifting his elbows off the table, "Very well. I'll tell the coach that I've permitted you to room with a team member. So long as you make sure you don't distract him from the tournament."

Bailey gulped, "Of course I wouldn't, sir."

"Thank you." Adrian said, and the principal stood up to lead them out of the room, his round body waddling on his short legs as he walked towards the door.

Bailey stepped out, Adrian behind him, and the principal held the door and stopped Adrian.

"Don't think I haven't heard things about you two. If this were anyone else I would do something about it, but you're a star, my star. I would tread carefully if I were you, Adrian." the principal whispered through clenched teeth into his ear, "You wouldn't want me telling your parents."

Adrian sucked in a breath and felt the principal push him out and close the door.

"What was that about?" Bailey asked.

Adrian shook his head slowly, his eyes a wide, "I have no idea."

Bailey held his hand, "Well we did it! I'm coming with you and rooming with you."

Adrian smiled and ruffled Bailey's hair, "Yeah, I wouldn't be able to sleep unsure if you were sleeping okay or not."

It was warm and breezy when they were boarding the bus to go to the tournament, and Bailey was practically jumping up and down in excitement, standing in the line to get in, holding his duffle bag in his arms.