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Today was the day my parents would meet Jasper for the first time and I was not looking forward to it. So many things could go wrong and I found myself willing the day to go slower, something I have never done before, ever.

I was sat in History class, not at all paying attention to what the teacher was saying and instead was sat at the back of the classroom, scenarios running through my head of how dinner could pan out. I really shouldn't over think things and just pay attention to class, it was bad to let my mind wonder too far as it would just lead to me worrying myself sick but I couldn't stop myself. I was scared. What if my parents didn't like him? No that wasn't possible, what's not to like about Jasper? But what if they find out he lives in the abandoned building that everybody avoids, as if it didn't even exist. Would they ban me from seeing him? If they did would I listen? No...

I've done a lot of thinking lately and I realized that I really like Jasper and there was nothing I could do to change that. Whether that made me gay or not, I don't know, but if it did I certainly did not plan on telling anyone here. Why make my high school life even worse and anyway it was none of their business.

I still haven't seen the jock that attacked me, since it happened but then again I haven't been looking for him, I just noticed he hasn't been causing me grief and for that I'm thankful. The bruises have pretty much cleared up now and the pain was completely gone. And now I was back to being ignored by everyone.

I didn't realize how long I'd spent spacing out until the bell rang to signal the end of class. I looked down at my book in front of me and saw the page was completely blank. Crap! I didn't take any notes. This happened with people all the time so they would just ask their friend for their notes but unfortunately for me, the only friend I had not only didn't go to our school but also hasn't left his house in seven years.

When the end of the school day finally rolled around, I walked slowly to my locker trying to take as much time as possible. What was I going to do? I placed my books into my locker and walked out of the front doors. People were crowding the car park, talking to friends and getting into their cars to make their way home. Some being picked up, others walking home. I walked over to my own car, unlocking it and getting in. I hated hanging around this place, mostly out of fear. It was no longer school hours after all. I sighed to myself, deciding I had no other choice but to man up and put the key in the ignition.

*****

I had just told my parents I was going to get Jasper and I am now standing in front of the back entrance to the house. My decision to man up had failed and I kept searching my mind looking for an excuse. I think I stood there for about 10 minutes and came up with nothing. Sighing to myself, I pushed open the door and made my way inside. I wonder if Jasper is freaking out as much as I am? Who am I kidding, he hasn't left this house in seven years which means I'm probably the first person he's talked to in seven years as well, though I could be wrong.

Opening the door to his bedroom, I found him pacing around the room. His breathing heavy and his fists clenched. I'm so selfish....I've been worrying about myself all day and didn't even spare a thought to how Jasper might feel. Maybe this is why I don't have friends? Pushing that thought aside, I walked towards Jasper and pulled him into my arms, encasing him in a hug. I heard him gasp as he struggled against me.

"I'm so sorry you have to do this, Jas" I whispered as I held him close to me, being careful as to not hold him to tight. To my relief he relaxed at the sound of my voice and clung to me desperately.

"I'm scared" He whispered, his grip on me never loosening.

"I know but it's going to be okay, they'll love you" I tried to reassure him as I ran my fingers through his hair. It was as soft as it looked, I noticed as it slipped through my fingers. I inhaled his scent, which calmed me down considerably.

After a few minutes had passed, I finally pulled back. He seemed reluctant to let go but did so anyway.

I placed my finger below his chin and slowly pulled his head up to look at me. His eyes showed fear but there was another emotion, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. It got me curious but I had no time to be curious. I took hold of Jasper's hand as I gestured towards the door.

"Are you ready to go?"

"N-no" Well at least he was honest.

"Me neither" He chuckled slightly at my response and stared at the door to his bedroom, scared.

I pulled his towards me, making his attention fall away from the door and on me instead and I kissed him. My lips molding against his own and my eyes fell shut, I placed his hand against my chest and kissed him harder. He gasped as he felt my heart racing and kissed me back with so much passion I felt invincible. We didn't kiss for long but it was short and sweet and filled with so many emotions.

Jasper pulled back first this time and took a deep breath, looking towards to door with a look of determination before looking back at me.

"Okay, now I'm ready" I smiled at the fact that he seemed to gain confidence from my kiss or maybe it was knowing how much he effected me by the feel of my heartbeat. Either way I was happy I could help and I found that I felt a lot calmer now, myself. Jasper was sure addicting and with him by my side I felt like I could do anything.

We reached the back entrance of the building and Jasper halted, he was still scared of going outside and now he would have to stray further than the backyard. I felt bad but at least my house was only down the hill.

"You can do this, I'm right here" I whispered softly in his ear as I locked his hand with mine.

I watched as he took a deep breath before stepping outside, his eyes were screwed shut as he breathed heavily. I let him take his time and squeezed his hand to assure him I'm still here, this seemed to help because he finally opened his eyes but they were filled with fear.

"I could just tell my parents you weren't feeling well" I offered, feeling extremely guilty for making him do this. I've never seen him so scared before and it was breaking my heart.

I felt him squeeze my hand and I looked up to find him watching me. He no longer looked scared and there was a tiny smile on his face.

"I'm okay, just stay with me"

"I'm not going anywhere" I assured, making him smile more as his eyes filled with the same emotion I saw earlier. Hmm...what was that?

I guided him round the side of the building, holding onto him so he wouldn't fall over all the overgrown grass and vines. As we came to the front of the building Jasper stopped again, this wasn't going to be easy. But as I turned to help him again I found him staring up at his house in amazement.

"Wow, it really does look daunting" I heard him say quietly, as if talking to himself.

I looked up at the old house as well, I suppose Jasper hasn't seem the outside of this house in seven years. I vaguely remember what it used to look like, I seem to recall it looking very beautiful back then but that was a long time ago.

"Come on" Jasper tore him attention away from the house and started walking towards the hill, his hand still in mine.

"This hill" It was like he was seeing it all for the first time and it was very amusing to watch, I found myself smiling as we descended the evil hill. I wonder how he'd cope climbing it later, will he be as out of breathe as me?

I led him to the front door of my house, just across from the hill and he pulled me to a stop once again.

"This is your house?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"You live so close" He stared at me in amazement as he spoke.

"Yep" I laughed as he continued to watch me.

"So? You ready?"

He nodded timidly, his cheeks turning pink and I let go of his hand. I didn't want to, to be honest but what would my parents think if we walked in holding hands.

"We can do this" I whispered more to myself than Jasper and opened the door.

I led Jasper into my house and we took off our jackets, leaving them near the front door.

"Come on" I whispered, leading Jas into the living room, which I was surprised to find empty. I walked into the kitchen to see dinner cooking but nobody around.

"I'm back!" I yelled and quickly apologized to Jasper as I watched him jump.

"Down in a second" My mother replied from upstairs.

Shrugging I took a seat at the dining room table and gestured for Jasper to sit next to me. His movements were soft, quiet, wary.

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah" He was scared, I could see it.

"They're lovely people, honestly. And I've told them to go easy on you and I'm right here so don't think you're alone on this because you're not" His face lit up with my words and a smile formed on his face as he looked at me. The emotion in his eyes was back. What was that?

"Sorry about that, your dad blocked the toilet" Oh no she didn't....

"Tell everyone why don't you? What a great first impression, sorry about her. You must be Jasper" I'm so sorry, Jasper. I promise I will find a way to make this up to you.

"Uh, yes s-sir"

They made their introductions and dad sat down at the table with us, while my mother went to check on dinner. I hope it's ready, I'm starving and that way I can make this meeting as short as possible.

I could feel how tense Jasper was as he sat by my side, his shoulders were tense and he looked absolutely terrified. I wish there was something I could do to help him but he seemed to find comfort in the food that was set in front of him.

We started to eat and I noticed Jasper's eyes widen slightly out of the corner of my eye. I instantly looked at him in concern but I just watched as his eyes lit up and he continued to eat. Oh right, this must be the first home cooked meal he's eaten in...well seven years maybe? Wow I didn't like the idea of that.

"So Jasper, do you go to school with my son?" My mother asked, I wondered when they would start asking questions, so far they've been reasonable and for that I was grateful.

"Yes" He answered simply, seeming to have relaxed a bit.

"So what do your parents do, Jasper?" I choked on my food at the question. Oh no...my parents and Jasper all looked at me concerned as my dad began to slap my back. I quickly reached for my glass of water, chugging it down.

"Uh, actually my parents passed away several years ago" sadness touched his eyes but he kept a straight face as he spoke to my parents.

My mother gasped as she looked at Jasper "Oh, I'm so sorry, Jasper"

"I shouldn't have asked, I apologize" I dad looked guilty as he continued to eat his dinner.

"It's fine, it's only natural for you to ask" Jasper shrugged it off and I was honestly surprised, for somebody who was pacing around his room earlier seconds away from a panic attack at just the thought of coming here, he was doing a pretty good job.

*****

So dinner went surprisingly well, Jasper handled the situation better than I originally expected and I found myself feeling proud. He seemed to be getting more comfortable with the more time he spent here, which was good.

Afterwards my parents stood to do dishes and I excused ourselves and grabbed Jasper's hand, pulling him upstairs. I pulled him into my room before letting go of his hand and shutting the door.

We did it! I walked over to my bed and collapsed face down. I can't believe we actually did it. And I could already tell my parents loved him, yay!

I lay like this for a couple of minutes, just running over the conversations of the night before realizing Jasper was still here and was now standing in my room, but I hadn't heard him make a sound since we entered. I sat up on the bed and turned to face Jasper who was currently staring around my room in fascination.

"Oh, you like it?" He didn't say anything, just nodded. My room was decorated like the solar system. The ceiling was black with white stars, the walls a mix of blue, black and purple with planets scattered around, very dorky I know, but I loved it.

After a couple of minutes, Jasper seemed to snap out of his daze and came to sit beside me on my bed. His cheeks lit up for what I can only imagine was because I had sat there watching him while his eyes wandered.

"So how bad was it?"

"It was actually pretty...nice. It's been a long time since I've done something like this."

"Yeah...you've achieved a lot today, Jas. I'm proud of you" Suddenly his eyes went wide and I wondered if I said something wrong. I was about to asked him, when he leaned forward and kissed me.

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