Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 22:58:54 EST
From: DrJJC19@aol.com
Subject: Leo and Jase, Chapter 28

Ok, I know its been a while since I've written another chapter, but blame
Christmas! LoL! Things have been soooo busy! Anyway, here's Chapter 28! Merry
Christmas Everybody!

Story Recommendation: Bleeding Heat (under high school) and its continuation
Reap the Whirlwind (under college)
Those stories are so incredibly awesome! Check 'em out! You'll get addicted,
I promise! J Later!

Leo and Jase
Chapter 28


"What was that all about?" Jeremy demanded as Kenny started up the car and
practically peeled out of the small parking lot. Kenny avoided eye contact
with Jeremy and stayed silent. Jeremy glared at him angrily and confused.
Kenny glanced over at him and sighed.
"It's a long story." Kenny mumbled.
"Well, I've got all the time in the world, so start talking!" Jeremy crossed
his arms and raised his eyebrows, waiting. Kenny sighed submissively. They
rode in silence until they got to Kenny's house. When they pulled up, Jeremy
stared out the window and then house caught his eye. It was a two story house
that reminded him of a plantation house from History class. They rode down
the long driveway, trees looming over it like a tunnel. Kenny stopped the car
and turned it off.
"Let's go for a walk." Kenny said simply, getting out of the car. Jeremy
sighed and started to open the car door but before he got the chance, Kenny
was at the door and he opened it and motioned for Jeremy to get out. Jeremy
stared at hi, dumbfounded. He then smiled slightly, but concealed it because
of his anger. Kenny closed the door behind Jeremy and then began walking with
Jeremy following closely. They walked around the house and through the large
white wooden gate where an enormous landscaped backyard stood before them.
Jeremy couldn't help but stare, awestruck. Kenny tapped his shoulder to get
his attention.
"Oh..sorry." Jeremy apologized. He turned and gave Kenny his full attention,
walking with him. Kenny took a breath and began talking.
"Well, that guy, Drew, was my best friend. He had been since we were like 2
years old."
"So what happened?" Jeremy asked, putting his hand on Kenny's arm. Kenny felt
a shot of electricity shoot through his body and he bit his lip, smiling a
bit.
"Well, I figured out some stuff. I realized how much influence he had on me
and how much he was manipulating me."
"Like how?"
"Like, I have treated Jase like shit ever since grade school because Drew
didn't like him. I think he was jealous in a way. First, Jase always made
good grades and had all the friends. Drew's first girlfriend dumped him
because she liked Jase. And then Jase beat him out one year for a lead part
in the 5th grade play. Things like that would happen, making Drew's hatred
and envy almost scary, ya know? Then once high school hit, things all
changed. Drew became the popular one because he shot up in height and bulked
up because of soccer. I followed after that, so we'd become the school goons,
so to speak."
Jeremy nodded in understanding and continued to listen.
"Anyway, Jase didn't hit his growth spurt until this year apparently." Kenny
chuckled slightly. "He was short and skinny with glasses. You know, one of
those guys you just look at and can tell he gets picked on in some way. Well,
Drew just made his life hell and manipulated me into joining in. I don't know
why and I regret it now.
"Well, at least you've changed and said you're sorry and everything."
"Yea." Kenny looked down. They reached a bench that sat in the middle of
trees and flowers. A small fountain sat in front of the bench and water shot
every which way. "Leo came this year and I saw him and we introduced
ourselves. Drew didn't like him, I could tell but he went along with it.
After a while, I developed more feelings towards Leo and I couldn't tell
anyone, so I wrote it all down in my journal. Well, Drew was spending the
night one night and he stumbled across it and read it. He freaked out on me
and ran out of the house. Next thing I knew, he had moved away without a
trace. Now he's back. I just hope it's not to make MY life a living hell."
Kenny finished and looked at the fountain. Jeremy looked down and then back
up at Kenny. He brought his hand up to Kenny's shoulder and placed it there
comfortingly. Kenny turned and looked at him. A small smile spread across his
face and their eyes locked tight on each other. Slowly, Kenny leaned in and
placed his lips over Jeremy's. Jeremy returned the kiss, pressing his lips
against Kenny's gently.
They were lost in the gentle kiss. When they pulled away, they gazed into
each other's eyes, lost. Kenny's heart stopped at the feeling of his first
kiss with another guy. He smiled as did Jeremy.
"I see you've gotten over Leo." A dreaded voice spoke, interrupting the
silence. Kenny fell from the cloud his was floating on. His head whirled
towards the voice and he nearly passed out when he saw Drew standing there
with his arms crossed over his chest and a patronizing, disgusted look
written all over his face. Jeremy looked up at Drew, then at Kenny who's face
had gone almost completely pale. Kenny stood up.
"Drew." He stuttered nervously.
"Yea. I thought maybe you'd gotten over this phase. I guess I was wrong.
Fag." Drew rolled his eyes and began to walk away. Kenny felt his heart drop.
He grabbed Drew's arms.
"Wait." Drew turned around with a stunned expression on his face. He glared
down at Kenny's hand, which held his arm. "I just…I."
"Whatever, Kenny. You're a freakin' queer." Drew shot. Kenny felt the shot
and his head hurt.
"What the hell is your problem?" Jeremy spoke up, fed up with Drew's
snubbing. Drew glared at him as if he would attack him, but he stood there.
"I wasn't talking to you fag!" Drew's voice was sharp. Jeremy's face flushed
red with anger. He lunged forward and pounced on Drew.
"People like you deserve a few broken limbs." Jeremy threw his fist down, but
Drew caught it and threw Jeremy back on the ground. Jeremy was surprised at
Drew's strength and before he could think Drew was on top of him, holding him
down with more force than he could stand. Drew stared down at him with a look
of pure, cold hatred. Jeremy struggled to get out of Drew's grasp, but as
strong as he was, Drew was too much for him.
"Drew, stop it!" Kenny pleaded.
"This'll teach you fags not to try anything!" Drew shot back, looking back at
Kenny coldly. He then brought his fist back and threw it down, connecting
with Jeremy face. Jeremy groaned in pain. Drew brought his fist back once
again and began to throw it down, but Kenny caught it and yanked Drew back.
Drew was caught offguard and had no time to react before Kenny knocked him
out cold. Jeremy lay on the ground moaning in pain, clutching his face in
agony. Kenny knelt down beside him and brought his hand gently to Jeremy's
face.
"I'm so sorry." Kenny whispered, a pang of guilt forming in his stomach. He
stared down at Jeremy sadly and noticed Jeremy's eyes widen. Kenny heard a
clicking sound from behind him and his head slowly turned. His heart stopped
when he turned to see a gun pointed in his face.
"Fags deserve to die." Drew said coldly. Blood dripped down his face. His
finger lingered over the trigger menacingly. Kenny swallowed in fear.
"Drew, you don't want to do that."
"Don't test me, Kenny." Drew threatened. His finger closed in on the trigger
slowly. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Kenny closed his
eyes. He heard a gunshot go off, but when it didn't hit him, he opened his
eyes. He looked around and Kenny was staggering back. He looked at Jeremy who
was holding the gun tightly, standing up, careful not to take his eyes off of
Drew. Kenny breathed a sigh of relief.
"Call the police, Kenny," Jeremy commanded coldly. Drew glared at Jeremy
intently.


That night, Jeremy came through the front door of Leo's apartment. Leo, Jase,
Jordan, and Mrs. Chase all looked up from their seats. Leo and Jase looked at
him curiously when they saw the black eye as Jeremy stepped into the light of
the living room. Mrs. Chase jumped up and rushed over to Jeremy worriedly.
"Jeremy! What happened!" She shrieked.
"Just a little fight." Jeremy lied, not wanting to explain the situation.
"You're mother's never gonna let you come visit anymore!" She rushed into the
kitchen to get some ice. Jeremy plopped down on the couch. Jordan climbed
into his lap and touched the black eye. Jeremy flinched and threw his head
backward.
"Ouch."
"Sorry," Jordan apologized shyly. "Want me to kiss it better?" She asked
sweetly.
"Please do." Jordan leaned up and kissed Jeremy's eyes. He smiled.
"There! All better!" She smiled. He smiled back and placed a little kiss on
her cheek. She then went back to the floor with Jase to color. Jase and Leo
looked up at Jeremy curiously, but he shook his head. They shrugged and went
back to whatever they were doing.
Mrs. Chase came in with an icepack and handed it to Jeremy who put it over
his eye thankfully.
"So what are you guys going to do for Christmas?" Jase asked, changing the
subject.
"Oh, we'll just probably sit around..do the regular thing. Jordan, how bout
go get me a glass of water, ok?" Mrs. Chase said. Jordan jumped up and ran
into the kitchen. Mrs. Chase lowered her voice and leaned in towards Jase.
"We don't have much for the little one and she misses her parents alot. I
mean, we've got a little for her from "Santa", but ya know." She stopped
talking when Jordan came back in the room. Jase had an idea.
"How bout you guys all come spend Christmas with us! And Ben too! It'll be
really cool! Mom and Dad would love that!" Jase suggested excitedly. Leo
laughed at Jase lovingly. Jase nudged his thigh from the floor and looked to
Mrs. Chase for an answer. She shook her head.
"No, we couldn't impose on your family like that, Jase, sweetie!" She smiled
thankfully.
"Impose, please! We'd love it, Mrs. C! Please!" Jase pleaded. He looked at
Jordan and motioned for her to help him out. She went to Mrs. Chase and gave
her best pitiful little girl face.
"Please Aunt Juli!! Can we go to Jase's???" Mrs. Chase smiled and glared at
Jase playfully.
"Are you sure it's no trouble, Jase?" Mrs. Chase relented.
"Not at all! You guys are practically family anyway!"
"Well call your mother to make sure!" She insisted.
"Its a deal!" Jase smiled and looked up at Leo with a wink. Leo smiled back
down at him.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Burke house. Only two
creatures were stirring, can you guess who? The snow fell outside like bits
of heaven floating gently by the window. The fire warmed the living room
where Leo and Jase were cuddled on the couch together. The Christmas tree
shone with it's lights and the ornaments hung in their special places on the
branches. Jordan and Jeremy slept in Jase's bedroom peacefully as well as
everybody else in their separate rooms.

"This has been some wild ride." Jase said softly as he cuddled up to Leo. Leo
smiled and tightened his arms around Jase.
"You're tellin' me." They both laughed softly.
"A new year's about to start and soon we'll be graduating. Does that scare
you?" Jase asked seriously.
"A little bit. I mean, I want to get out on my own. I don't want to leave
Mom, though. I don't know. But whatever happens, it'll happen for the best."
Leo said positively.
"And whatever happens, it'll happen to us together." Jase added. Leo smiled
and nodded. He placed a kiss on top of Jase's head.
"You bet your pretty little ass." Leo cracked. Jase giggled and sighed.
"Merry Christmas, Leo." Jase yawned.
"Merry Christmas, Angel." Leo replied.
"I Love You."
"Love You Too, J."

The next day, after all the gifts had been exchanged and given, Leo and Jase
went for a walk. The snow still fell lightly to the ground. When they got to
a frozen pond out in the woods, Leo stopped and reached into his coat. He
pulled out a small present and handed it to Jase with a shy smile.
"What's this?" Jase asked curiously. "You've already given me my present."
"I know, but I wanted to save this for later." Leo said softly, timidly. Jase
smiled and took the present. He unwrapped it slowly to reveal a small box. He
opened it up and inside was a ring. Jase picked it up to look at it. It was a
silver ring and on the front it read 'I Promise'. Jase bit his lips, wanting
to cry right there. Leo motioned for him to look in the inside of the ring.
Jase read it slowly and carefully.
                                    I'll Always Love You
Jase couldn't hold it back any longer. A single tear fell down his cheek. Leo
caught it with his finger and Jase looked up at him. He threw his arms around
Leo and hugged him tightly.
"I Love You, Leo! It doesn't seem to reflect exactly how much I love you, but
I love you more than anything!" Jase whispered softly. Leo smiled and pulled
back, placing a gentle kiss on Jase's lips.
"I Love You too, Jase." Leo said in the sweetest, softest voice Jase had ever
heard.
"Here...I know you'll lose it if your wear it on your finger." Leo went
around and unclasped the necklace he had given Jase so long ago and he
slipped the ring onto the chain. He clasped it back and Jase turned around,
gazing up into Leo's eyes.
"Keep it close to your heart. It's a promise ring, J. A promise to never stop
loving you and to always be here for you whenever you need me. You've been my
Angel and I want to return the favor. I Love You more than any word could
ever say and I want to spend eternity with you in my arms." Jase began to
tear up once more and he held Leo's hand tightly.
"Leo," Jase sighed. Leo smiled, knowing exactly what Jase felt. They
continued walking hand in hand.

"Oh, I have something else for you too actually." Jase stopped him.
"What's that?" Leo asked.
"It'll be waiting for you at home." Jase smiled coyly and then continued
walking. Leo stood there, thinking curiously.
"What is it, J?" He ran after Jase.
"I'm not tellin'." Jase teased.
"Tease." Leo cracked.
"Not for long." Jase replied slyly. Leo stopped dead in his tracks. 'He
couldn't mean..no'. He shrugged it and then caught up with Jase, slipping his
hand into Jase's.

TBC.....
Ok..remember to email me with feedback people!! Thanks everyone!