It Was Fate (A McPriceley Fanfiction) {Book 1}

Chapter 4: New Friends Are Made In Awkward Situations

That evening, Connor packed his favourite blanket (one that he brought from home), and grabbed a small, pink book from underneath his pillow, shoving it into his pants pocket (no matter how much he trusted his fellow Elders, he didn't want to leave anything behind, in fear of embarrassment). With a deep breath, he started out the bedroom door, only to be greeted by Chris, with James lingering behind him.

"Hey, guys," Connor forced a smile, allowing them into the room.

"I'm sorry to be a bother," James apologized, shuffling over to Connor's bed.

"Oh, no! James, you're not a bother at all. Don't worry about me. I'm more focused on the wellbeing of all of my Elders. I care about you all."

"You're very kind, Elder McKinley," James smiled, before taking a seat on Connor's bed. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome, hun," Connor turned his attention to Chris, speaking in a much quieter voice. "I still can't believe you put me in the same room as Kevin! What the Hell, Christopher?!"

"Trust me, it's going to be worth it. You'll see..."

"I hate you so much," Connor glared at him, as Chris teasingly blew a kiss at him.

"Love you, sweetie~"

Connor rolled his eyes, sarcastically blowing a kiss back. After the two had a small giggling fit, Connor bid his goodnights, and started off to Kevin and Arnold's room. He took a few preparing breaths, before knocking on the door.

It took almost a good minute, before the door actually opened (Connor patiently waited the entire time). Kevin appeared in the doorway, already in his undergarments. It was needless to say that Connor had a rather hard time hiding his blush, but somehow managed to do so. He was so flustered. He had never seen Kevin Price with so little clothes on (even if he was clothed in his temple garments).

"Good evening, Elder Price," Connor greeted, "may I be allowed inside? It appears I am your temporary roommate until the conflict between Elder Davis and Elder Church can be resolved."

"I already know. I was there..." Kevin trailed off, clearing his throat. "...Sorry... I didn't mean to come off as a jerk..."

"It's quite alright, Elder," Connor managed a smile.

When Kevin stepped aside, Connor made his way into Kevin's room. Immediately, he was met with the extreme aroma of overused hair products and cologne. It smelled like a barber shop, and it was definitely surprising for Connor. He was used to sleeping in a room that smelled of strawberries and chocolate.

"Oh, wow," Connor refrained from plugging his nose, seeing as how that might come off as rude. "Do you get ready in the morning here, rather than the bathroom?"

"Uh...yeah, I do. How can you tell?"

"Just a lucky guess..."

Connor examined the room, noticing something that made his heart sink a little. Kevin and Arnold's beds were pushed apart, with a nightstand in between. Had that been the case for a while? Did Kevin not enjoy sleeping right beside Arnold? Or was it because of Connor? Was Kevin uncomfortable sleeping next to Connor because of their arguments? Was it because he was uncomfortable sleeping next to a gay man? Was it for personal reasons? Connor wasn't sure, but he hoped the reason was not as heart wrenching as he was figuring it to be.

"I see that you pushed apart the beds... Any specific reason?"

"Arnold's a loud snorer, and I have a hard time sleeping as is. Pushing the beds apart was the best option we could get, since there's no way that Arnold would allow me to switch rooms."