Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2000 20:45:58 EST
From: DrJJC19@aol.com
Subject: Leo and Jase, Chapter 21 (Category: Gay/High School)

Hey people, wassup. I know that last chapter was a little shorter than the
rest, but as I said, I've been really busy lately with a bunch of stuff, so
thanks for sticking with me through my slackness at times! Lol. I've got a
lot of good ideas though, so I'm hoping everyone will like what's to come as
much as they've liked what I've written already! Well, here's Chapter 21.
Hope you all enjoy it!


Leo and Jase
Chapter 21: Why me?

           Jase reluctantly awoke from his uneasy sleep and groaned, not
wanting the day to even begin.
"Jase, get up sweetie. You slept in this morning. Leo's going to be here in
half an hour!" Jase's Mom said through the door.
"I'm up, Mom." Jase called out, pushing the covers off of him. The cold air
hit him and sent a shiver through his body. He rubbed his eyes, stretched,
and stood up. Within minutes he was in the shower, the hot water cascading
over his body, warming him and waking him up.
      Jase had been stressing about the coming weekend all week long. He
couldn't get it off of his mind. How was he going to tell his best friend
that he was gay? Was he going to tell her? What's she going to do when he
does? All these questions he had been asking himself all week, coming up with
differend answers every time. Sweet Leo, trying so hard to get his mind off
of it and assure him that it would be alright and everything would work out
for the best. Dear sweet Leo. Jase turned the water off and stepped out of
the shower, grabbing a towel and drying himself off. He wrapped the towel
around his waist and stepped in front of the mirror, clearing the steam off
of it. He ran his fingers through his wet hair and stared at himself
shamefully. 'Why do I have to be like this? Why couldn't I just be a normal
guy who falls all over hot girls and not have to worry about all this shit?'
Jase thought to himself sadly.
      Jase brushed his teeth and went back to his room and got dressed and
finished up his morning ritual. About half an hour later, Jase sat on his
bed, waiting for Leo to arrive. He looked through a photo album filled with
just pictures of him and Chrissie.

'There's that picture of the time we went to Disney Land together. There's
that fishing trip we took. She was such a priss that weekend.' Jase laughed
to himself, reminising.
"Eh hemm." Jase looked up to see Leo standing in the doorway.
"Hey." Jase greeted, closing the album.
      Leo looked at Jase sadly as he pretended to be fine with everything. 'I
wish he'd stop worrying. I hate seeing him like this,' Leo thought to
himself. Jase walked up to him and hugged him and then pulled back and gave
him a quick kiss on the lips. Leo looked into Jase's eyes.
"Jase, please relax. It's not going to go as bad as you think," Leo tried
comforting him as best he could.
"You know that's starting to get creepy. I can't keep anything secret
anymore!" Jase joked, breaking a small laugh. Leo was relieved to see Jase
smile finally. He'd been so distant and melancholy the past few days. Leo
caressed Jase's cheek lovingly. Jase sighed and gained his motivation to get
going.
"So you ready to go?"
"I was born ready," Leo replied, stepping aside to let Jase out first.
"Such a gentlemen," Jase said as he walked by Leo, pinching his cheek. Leo
rubbed his cheek and rolled his eyes.

"Oh God, where did the day go?" Jase thought aloud as he climbed into the
passenger side of Leo's car. Leo looked at Jase and smiled sweetly.
"Relax, J."
Jase sighed and smirked. He loved it when Leo called him J. He didn't know
why, but the way he said it. His tone of voice and the way his eyes turn all
puppy-like when he says it. Leo started up the car and they were on the road.

They pulled up in Jase's driveway about 10 minutes later. Jase closed his
eyes and tightened his grip on Leo's hand. His heart pounded in his chest
like it was about to burst out. Leo felt Jase grip his hand and he put his
other hand on Jase's comfortingly and rubbed it gently. Jase took in a deep
breath and glanced at Leo for encouragement. Leo nodded and smiled sweetly.
Jase wanted to melt. 'That smile. Nothing calms me down like that smile.'
 Jase got out of the car and began making his way up to his front door. Leo
followed closely behind him.
      When they reached the door, Jase reached for the doorknob, but the door
swung open, revealing a peppy blonde girl, about 5'6 or so, blue eyes, and a
smile from ear to ear.
"Jasey!" She squealed, throwing her arms around Jase's neck and hugging him
tight.
"It's good to see you, Chrissie!" Jase exclaimed, feeling a little more at
ease, but his stomach turning knots. Christina noticed Leo standing there and
pulled away from the embrace.
"And this is the famous friend who went to save my Jasey?" Leo put his hand
out to shake, but she pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you....I didn't catch your name." Chrissie pulled back and looked at
Leo.
"Leo."
"Well, Leo, thank you for watchin over my cuz." The smile never left her
face. "And he wouldn't tell me, but you are very easy on the eyes. Guess he
figured I'd be wanting your number before I even got here." She laughed. Leo
blushed slightly and glanced at Jase who smiled brightly and nodded in
agreement.
"Chrissie, down girl!" Jase pulled her back. "He's taken." She put on her
best pouty face and crossed her arms over her chest.
"You know, all the cute ones are taken!" She chuckled and sighed. "Or gay."
Jase's heart caught in his throat. She turned and took Jase's arm, leading
him inside. Jase threw a look back to Leo who bit his lip nervously. Leo
closed the door behind him as they entered the house and followed them into
the living room. He took a seat in the arm chair as Jase and Christina sat on
the couch together.
"So, Jasey, tell me how your life's going. Anything new besides getting
kidnapped? Got anyone special in your life? Do I know her?" Chrissie asked
cheerfully. Jase smiled sheepishly.
"My life's going awesome at the moment for the most part. I...uh..do have
someone special actually.." Jase could barely think he was so nervous.
"Ooh, do tell. Who is she? Is she pretty?" Chrissie pressed for details. Jase
glanced up at Leo and then immediately turned his attention back to Chrissie.
"Well...um...they are very goodlooking actually. I've never seen anyone more
so." Jase said, keeping his answer somewhat vague. Leo blushed and smiled as
Jase spoke.
"But enough about me, tell me what's going on with you Chrissie?" Jase
changed the subject.
"Well, I'm still single and minglin. School's going great. College is
awesome, you're gonna love it! I've been in 2 major plays this year so far
and I'm going to be in another one later on where agents are coming to look
for new talent!" She said excitedly.
"Chris, that's awesome! Wow, I'm gonna have a famous cousin! You can take me
to big movie premiers to meet famous people!"
"Jumpin the gun a little there, Jasey."
"Aw, Chrissie, you're an amazing actress. You're going to be major one day,
you'll see." Jase smiled.
"We'll see. But what about you? You could take over the music industry with
that voice of yours!" She exclaimed. Leo's attention was caught immediately.
"Excuse me?" He stepped into the conversation.
"You mean to tell me that you've never heard this boy sing?" She asked in
shock. Leo shook his head, looking at Jase curiously. Jase blushed and looked
at the floor.
"It'll give you chills, I swear!"
"Oh come on, Chrissie, you're exaggerating big time." Jase said modestly.
"Oh please! Jase, why haven't you pursued singing? You'd go so far!" Chrissie
exclaimed, halfway scolding Jase. Jase shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. I don't really want to be famous or anything. Besides, I'm not
THAT good, Chrissie!" Christina rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, new subject before we start arguing!" Christina turned back to Leo.
"So, Leo, what's your story?" She crossed her legs and leaned in
interestedly.
"Well, um...don't have much of one really. I've moved around a lot cuz of my
father's business.."
"Oh, what does he do?" Christina asked.
"Um...he owns Chase Sporting Goods." Leo replied. Her eyes widened and she
glanced at Jase.
"Oh, wow!" She exclaimed in surprise. "Anyway, continue."
"We moved here at the beginning of the school year. My parents just recently
separated and I'm living with my Mom and that's about it." Leo finished.
"Oh, so where'd you and Jase meet? School?"
"Yea, actually, on the first day. He was the first person to introduce
himself and I was not minding that at all." Leo slipped, his voice showed his
reference Jase's looks way too obviously. Christina arched an eyebrow
curiously. Jase's heart jumped as did Leo's.
"You know, cuz I was really nervous about the new place and everything. I'd
never been to a public school before and I wasn't sure how people were going
to act there." Leo tried to cover. Christina nodded. Phew. Jase relaxed a bit
and Leo took a deep breath. That was close. Too close.
"Well, you seem to be good for my Jasey, here. Glad to have you watchin over
him for me." Christina flashed a bright smile. Leo smiled and nodded,
glancing at Jase who was blushing. Leo then stood.
"Well, I'm going to get outta here. Let you guys catch up and what not. It
was really nice meeting you Christina."
"Call me Chrissie!" She said cheerfully. "We'll see each other again before I
leave on Sunday, I'm sure!" Christina gave Leo a hug and smiled. Leo turned
to Jase and started to leaned in for a hug, but stopped himself and
outstretched his hand.
"I'll see ya, J." Leo smiled. Jase smiled as well, really wanting to kiss Leo
goodbye, but he put his hand out and shook Leo's.
"Yea..see ya, Leo." Jase looked into Leo's eyes breifly. Leo smiled and
nodded, mouthing the words, 'I love you too'. Jase smiled and nodded before
following him towards the door.
"Bye!" Leo called as he headed out the door.
"Later!" Jase replied, closing the door behind Leo. He lingered at the door,
wanting to rush out and run into Leo's arms, but he slowly turned around and
went back into the living room where Christina sat on the couch with her legs
curled up under her. She looked up at him and smiled.
"Leo's great, Jasey! I love him already!" Chrissie exclaimed cheerfully. Jase
smiled and took a seat next to her.
"Yea, he's awesome. Never met anyone like him before." Jase looked over at
Christina and smirked. His heart began to pound once again and he took a deep
breath, gathering his courage. 'Just do it, Jase. Get it over with. Worry
about consequences later. She needs to know. Just do it.'
"Chrissie?"
"Yea?"
"I have to tell you something." Jase tried to catch his breath. 'Calm down!'
"What is it? Something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong. Just, there's something you should know...about me."
"Are you alright? Are you sick or something?"
"No, Chrissie! I'm fine! Really!"
"Well, then what is it."
"Chrissie.....I..I." Jase searched for the words, "I'm....."
Just then, Jase's parents, and Josh walked in the front door. Chrissie looked
up and her face lit up.
"Aunt D, Uncle Charles!" Chrissie squealed happily, rushing up and hugging
them both. She looked down at Josh.
"Sup Squirt." She cracked. Josh cringed at the nickname.
"Chrissie!" He whined. She laughed and ruffled his hair.
"Christina Rene, you have grown up so much since we last saw you! I bet
you're fighting off the guys with a club!" Mrs. Burke commented, looking
Christina over. Mr. Burke smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Yea, and I'll help out!" He joked. Chrissie flashed him a cheesy smile and
took his arm, leading them all into the living room.
"Hello, Jase, how was your day sweetie?" Mrs. Burke asked, taking a seat next
to him.
"It was good, Mom." Jase replied, a bit distant. In a way, he was relieved
that they had come in just then, but that meant he would have to go through
getting up the courage once again, which he wasn't sure he was prepared to do.
"So how's Leo?" Mr. Burke asked, sitting on the arm of the couch. Jase shot
him a look, shaking his head. Mr. Burke had a curious look on his face at
Jase's reaction. Jase bit his lip nervously.
"He's such a nice guy!" Chrissie raved happily. "And if I do say so myself
he's quite a cutie. I might have to get his number." She laughed. Mr. and
Mrs. Burke caught on to what Jase was shaking his head for.
"But Leo's g.." Josh began.
"Josh, go in the kitchen and get Chrissie something to drink." Mrs. Burke
interrupted him. Josh rolled his eyes and went into the kitchen.
"It's ok, Aunt D, he told me he had a girlfriend. Darn the luck." Chrissie
snapped her fingers teasingly. Mrs. Burke arched an eyebrow and shot a look
in Jase's direction. Jase buried his face in his hands tiredly. His brain
hurt.
"Jasey? You still with us?" Chrissie shook him softly. Jase looked up and
gathered up the best fake smile he could muster.
"Yea, sorry. I'm a little tired."
"Aw." Chrissie teased. Jase rolled his eyes.
"So what say we all go get a bite to eat and catch up on things?" Chrissie
suggested. Mr. and Mrs. Burke and Josh all nodded their heads.
"Actually, I'm gonna hang back here. Maybe take a nap. I'm not feeling to
good." Jase made up an excuse. A disappointed look spread across Chrissie's
face.
"Aw, come on Jasey! We haven't seen each other in so long!" She whined.
"We have all weekend. I promise we'll spend the whole weekend practically
connected at the hip." Jase promised, wanting to be alone if even only for a
little while. She thought and then relented.
"Well, alright. Feel better tho!" She encouraged, standing up. "You guys
ready?"
"Yea, I'm going to get my heavy coat, the air's getting even chillier."
Jase's Dad hung back as the rest piled into their car. He grabbed his coat
and then went back into the living room.
"Jase?" He asked. Jase looked up, not realizing his Dad was still in the
house. His face was wet with tears. He wiped them as best he could, trying
not to make it seem like he was too upset.
"Yea?" He cleared his throat and mustered up another fake smile.
"You haven't told Christina yet?" His father asked softly. Jase looked down
and shook his head slowly.
"I don't think I can do it. I know she's not going to take it too well, Dad.
She's really against all of it." Jase sighed. His father took a seat next to
him and put a comforting hand on his back.
"She needs to know, Jase. You two have been so close since you were born and
she deserves to know."
"I know it. I'll tell her, I will." Jase stared down at his feet. His Dad
sighed, sad for his son. The car horn sounded.
"We'll be back in a while, Jase. Don't worry yourself over it so much."
"Bye Dad."
Jase buried his face in his hands and sighed. He had to see Leo. He wiped his
face once more and stood up, going into the kitchen and opening a drawer. He
rummaged through it and pulled out a keyring with a few keys on it. He closed
the drawer and grabbed his coat on the way out of the house.

Leo lounged on the couch in his living room, watching TV and munching on
chips. He sighed, not able to get interested in the program. A knock on the
front door. He turned off the TV and set the chips down on the coffee table.
He walked over to the door and opened it.
"Kenny, hey." Leo greeted Kenny, surprised to see him.
"Hey Leo, can I talk to you?" Kenny seemed a little stressed about something.
"Yea, sure." Leo stood aside and ushered Kenny in. He closed the door and
gestured for Kenny to sit. Kenny denied the offer and took a deep breath.
"Something bothering you?" Leo asked, leaning against a table. Kenny figeted
nervously, avoiding eye contact with Leo. Leo was baffled at Kenny's clumsy
nervousness and he crossed his arms over his chest.
"It's ok, Kenny. You can tell me." Kenny looked up at Leo.
"I'm sorry, Leo. For ya know, being such a jerk to Jase. It's not my place to
tell you who you should be friends with and I don't even know him all that
well, but he seems nice enough and I just..I'm sorry." Kenny rambled,
stuttering.
"You already apologized for that, Kenny, which was awesome of you." Leo tried
to reassure Kenny, smiling.  Kenny saw Leo smile and he twisted his face
strangely.
"Anything else?" Leo persisted. Kenny breathed short, gaspy breaths.
"yea, there is actually." Kenny took in a long, deep breath as if working to
get something out. Before Leo could realize what had happened, Kenny had his
lips pressed against Leo's. Leo threw his arms up in surprise and he yanked
away.
"What the hell?" Leo's eyes were wide with shock.
"I think I'm in love with you Leo." Kenny confessed. He looked at Leo as if
searching for a reaction. Leo just stared wide-eyed, the event of a few
seconds ago not quite sinking in.
"W....wh..what?" Leo stuttered, still in shock.
"I'm in love with you. I..uh...I'm gay and I love you." Kenny breathed out as
if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He smiled at Leo and then
moved in and kissed Leo once more. Leo mumbled through the kiss and tried to
pull away.
       The sound of the front door opening and key's dropping on the floor
rang through Leo's ears. Kenny pulled away and looked towards the door. Leo
caught his breath, furious with Kenny. He looked at Kenny who was staring at
the door. Leo followed Kenny's gaze.
       Jase stood in the doorway, his eyes wide and glazed over, a single
tear falling down his cheek. His mind whirled and he felt like he would throw
up. His world crashed down around him as he stood there, shaking.
"Jase, no. It's not what you think." Leo stepped towards him. Jase just shook
his head, not looking at Leo.
"Jase, please. You know me." Leo pleaded. Jase looked up at Leo, more tears
running down his face. Leo was taken back by the look in Jase's eyes. A look
of utter hurt, pain, disappointment, and sadness. Leo choked as he saw the
look in Jase's eyes and he felt overwhelmed. Jase just shook his head and
then bent down, picking up his keys. He shot one more look at Leo and then
darted out of the apartment.
"Jase! Wait, please! It's not what it looks like! JASE!" Leo screamed after
him as Jase flew down the stairs and into his parents' car. He peeled out of
the parking lot and disappeard around the corner. Leo held onto the railing
for support, unable to catch his breath.
"Leo?" a voice from behind him. Leo slowly turned and saw Kenny looking at
him. Leo glared at him coldly.
"Get out." Leo commanded softly and forcefully.
"But."
"Get the hell out!" Leo yelped, choking on his tears. Kenny nodded and bent
his head over, making his way down the stairs. Leo gathered his strength and
ran into the apartment and grabbed his keys. He darted out the front door,
slamming it behind him and down the stairs he went. He got into his car and
was out within seconds.

Jase sped down the roads of the town, tears running down his face. He wiped
his face, trying to gain his composure before he arrived home. He took deep
breaths and pulled into his driveway. To his surprise, his family had already
gotten back. He sat in his car, waiting so that he could go in without it
seeming like he had been crying. A few moments later he got out and went
inside.
"Jase, where have you been?" Chrissie ran to the door, greeting Jase.
"Um...I remembered I had to talk to Leo about something." Jase lied.
"It's called a phone, hun." Chrissie pulled Jase into the kitchen. Jase faked
a chuckle and followed her.
"We decided to just bring food back here. That way we could be together."
Chrissie explained. Immediately, Mrs. Burke sensed something was wrong. She
stood and pulled Jase's arm.
"I need to talk with Jase for a moment." She excused them. She pulled him out
into the hall.
"Jase, honey, what's the matter?" She asked worriedly. Jase said nothing. If
he spoke, the waterworks would go off again. He held it back with all his
strength.
"Jase!?" She demanded. Still he said nothing. The front door swung up.
"Jase?" Leo called through the house. Jase cringed as he heard Leo's voice.
Leo spotted him and began to approach Leo.
"Jase, please let me explain."
Jase's mother stood there dumbfounded. Jase stood there trying to block out
Leo and the rest of the world.
"Jase, please." Leo pleaded softly, stepping close to Jase. He started to put
his hand on Jase's face but Jase yanked away. He still did not look at Leo.
Chrissie and Mr. Burke stepped out into the hall.
"J.." Leo felt the tears roll down his face. Jase choked as Leo spoke.
Finally he looked up at Leo, his eyes filled with tears and his body shaking
wearily. 'No, don't call me that. Please, dont do that. You've hurt me, Leo.
Don't call me that.' Jase thought, his mind whirling.
       Chrissie watched intently, wondering what this was all about.
"J, he came by without any warning. I had no idea and before I knew it,
he..." Leo trailed off, his eye catching Chrissie standing in the corner. He
sighed, not wanting to give it away.
"Can we please talk in private?" Leo pleaded. Jase bit his lip
contemplatively. He then slowly looked up at Leo and nodded. They went into
Jase's room and Leo closed the door.
"Jase, I had no idea he was coming. He just...kissed me. I had no time to
react and then you showed up at the wrong time. It wasn't what it looked
like, J. I swear to you!" Leo put his hands on Jase's arms, his eyes
connecting with Jases pleadingly. Jase sighed and one last tear fell down his
cheek. Leo wiped it away.
"You believe me don't you?" Leo asked. Jase nodded and a small smile spread
across his face. Leo caressed Jase's cheek, relieved. He hugged Jase tightly,
not wanting to let go. Jase gripped onto Jase tightly, enjoying the feeling.
They parted eventually.
"How could you think I would.." Leo began.
"I didn't."
"Huh?"
"I knew you wouldn't. I just didn't know what to think, so I did what came to
me first. I'm just so scared, Leo."
Leo brought Jase into another hug comfortingly.
"I know, J. You didn't get to tell her, did you?"
Jase shook his head.
"Tell me what?" Chrissie appeared in the doorway. Jase pulled away from the
hug immediately, looking at Chrissie nervously. She stared at him with her
arms crossed over her chest. She shook her head and then disappeared. Jase
looked at Leo and sighed.
"I'm sorry." Leo said softly. Jase smiled and brought his hand up to Leo's
cheek. He then ran after Chrissie..

To be continued...