"The more I think about it, it's kind of obvious, isn't it?
I mean, Elio liking boys. He's never talked about girls, never. Not even when prompted."
Cedric leg automatically bopped under the table from what could only be described as frustration - "He's a good looking guy - is that weird to think? Anyway, he is. Let's be honest, and yet he's never dated a single girl."
His eyes were staring intently at the mess of blonde waves in front of him - Elio's hair. His eyes shifted around the classroom at the girls who seemed down in the dumps. He knew why. He glanced across the classroom at the raven haired boy, one of Elio's childhood best friends Maximus Reed.
It was because of him - and - he focused his gaze once again on the back of Elio's head. Him. Two, stunningly gorgeous boys. The best looking boys in Hogwarts and they had, well, supposedly broke up last night. A mutual decision, they were saying. However, that's not why the girls were sad. It was because they couldn't help but wonder - are they gay? What's their story?
"I know I heard him doing it with someone a few months back but - I didn't think it was -"
"Mr. Diggory, what do you think the answer is ~?"
Cedric snapped out of his daze, eyes darting around the room as everyone turned to look at him. Startled by McGonagle's sudden intrusion of his daydreaming - he stuttered for a few seconds before emitting a soft sigh.
"I'm not sure, miss."
McGonagle scowled, pursing her lips together, "please pay attention in my class, Mr. Diggory."
Cedric nodded, sitting back in his seat and looking down sheepishly.
"He seems rather distracted today," one girl muttered to her friend seated beside her, "I wonder if he's feeling confused."
"You mean the whole thing with Malfoy and Reed?"
"Yeah. I mean, it would be so hard to choose between two of your friends like that."
'I can hear you, you know?" Cedric thought, emitting an annoyed sigh. He tried his best to listen, but the girls continued to gossip.
"Yeah, I agree. I don't know what I'd do, personally. Diggory is a good guy, though. I'm sure he'll figure it out."
"I can't believe it, though. They're both so cuuute. Why do they have to be gay?"
"It's not fair", the other whined.
Cedric shifted uncomfortably in his seat and, becoming aware he could hear them, the girls piped down to an almost inaudible whisper - but didn't stop talking about him or his friends.
As class concluded moments later, Cedric tried his hardest to pack away his things quickly in order to catch up with Elio, but Elio was too fast for him. He was gone before Cedric even had his backpack on his back.
"Dammit," Cedric mumbled. He glanced across the classroom at Maximus, who was packing his things away slowly. They weren't particularly close, so he didn't feel too comfortable asking him if it were true. Still, he didn't feel it was appropriate to ask Elio, either. They were roommates since first year, and he had noticed Elio being quiet the night before when he returned to their dorm in the evening. Was that when things ended? Who ended it with who? And most importantly -
"Why didn't they tell me they were together?"
That was the most confusing part for Cedric. Neither of them had told him. Sure, Maximus probably wouldn't have told him but, surely Elio would have? They had been best friends for ages. As he attempted to leave the classroom, McGonagle called him over.
"Dammit, Elio is going to be ages away by the time I get out of here."
"Mr. Diggory, is there something on your mind?" she asked, crossing her legs as she sat on the desk.
As the last of the students poured out of the classroom, Cedric shook his head, "No, Miss. Nothing."
"Nothing at all?" she squinted, "you seemed more interested in the back of Mr. Malfoy's head than my lesson, today. It's unlike you, is all."
"I-!" Cedric stopped himself, blushing furiously. She had noticed, she had noticed. Did it look wrong, like he was interested in him or something?!
McGonagle sighed, shaking her head. His bashful reaction had seemingly confirmed her suspicions.
"There is no time for romantic relationships right now, Mr. Diggory. Your grades are wonderful, and you plan to put your name down for the Triwizard Cup this year, yes?"
Cedric nodded, "yes, Miss, but I'm afraid you've got it all wrong. Elio is my best friend and people are gossping about him. I'm just worried is all."
Now it was McGonagle's turn to be embarrassed. She cleared her throat nervously, shifting her eyes to the side.
"My apologies, Mr. Diggory. I thought - nevermind. I will speak to Hufflepuff about the gosipping this evening."
"Thank you, Miss."
He turned on his heel to exit the classroom after a few seconds of staring and silence.
"Mr. Diggory, keep up the good work," she said as he opened the door.
"Thank you, miss. I will."
As he exited the classroom, he bumped into someone. Letting out a small oof, he stumbled backwards, as did the person he bumped into. Once they both gained their balance, their eyes met.
"E-Elio!" he exclaimed, "did you forget something?"
"Yeah - I forgot my pen," Elio said, looking down at the ground.
"O-oh. Cool."
An awkward silence followed, and Cedric gave him a weird smile.
"I better go inside and get it," Elio said, moving around him, "see you later, Diggory."
Cedric clenced his fists, emitting a small squeak before he exclaimed, "a-are you okay?!"
Elio, who was now stood with his back to his back, froze with his hand on the door handle.
Cedric took a deep breath, "you're not acting like yourself and - I'm worried about you."
"Worried. . .?" was Elio's quiet response.
"Everyone's talking, saying weird stuff," Cedric laughed awkwardly, "something about you and Max being a couple."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, didn't you hear?" Cedric asked, shuffling his feet nervously, "I mean, that's a crazy lie, right? You wouldn't hide something so serious from me."
A small silence followed. Cedric frowned, feeling his heart sink. So. . . it was true, then?
Then, Elio surprised him with his next statement.
"Who said anything about serious?"
Cedric's eyes widened, "H-huh?"
"We were just messing around, nothing serious," Elio replied, his tone lower now than before.
"Are you sure? You seem upset."
"I'm fine. I'm upset that it got out, not that it ended."
"O-oh."
"Listen, Cedric. . ."
"Well, as long as you're okay!" Cedric said sweetly, "I'm here if you need to talk or-or something."
Again, another silence.
"Um. . .Elio?"
As Cedric went to turn around, he felt himself get flung against the wall outside the classroom. He yelped, confused by the sudden movements of his friend. Elio pinned him to the wall, one leg between Cedric's and both hands either side of his face.
"E-Elio?"
"You seem awful interested in Max and I, why is that?" Elio questioned.
"I just - I was -"
"Worried?" Elio smirked, trying to catch Cedric's gaze. In the end, he took a hold of his chin, forcing him to look at him.
"Or jealous ~?" he teased.
"Wha-?!" Cedric stopped, feeling his heart race in his chest. His cheeks were a roaring red. To anyone, it would look like Elio was correct in his assumption.
"It's okay to be jealous. I think it's cute," Elio told him, leaning into his ear, "t's a good look on you."
"I don't understand -"
"You've heard us before, Didn't you?"
Cedric's blush darkened, and he couldn't find the words to reply. So it WAS Max he was doing it with that night?
Elio smiled seductively, tightening his hold on Cedric, "tsk, tsk. So naughty to be listening."
"I-I wasn't! I promise!"
Elio chuckled, pulling away and fiddling with one of his many ear piercings as he entered the classroom.
"Alright, see ya ~"
As he entered the classroom, Cedric ran down the hallway, leaning against a wall and sliding down it. He covered his mouth with his hands, unable to believe what had just happened.
"What was that about?" he asked, tucking his shaking legs up under his chin. His heart was racing, he was sweating - he felt alive.
"Shit. . . what is this feeling?"
