Jason chuckled. “I’d love that Alex.”
Alex smiled, happy that Jason sounded a bit happier. The rest of the conversation was short, Jason asking Alex how his classes were doing while poking while Alex questioned Jason about his classes. “Well……..i guess I should get going. Smells like Casey is burning the food again so I guess I better go help him before he burns the apartment down. Goodnight Alex.”
Alex smiled, “goodnight Jason.”
Hanging up the phone Alex smiled to himself as he put the phone back on its charger before turning out the lights and leaving the dojo. He moved through the house glancing at the windows which had turned a faint orangey red color. Pushing open the door to Leo’s bedroom Alex watched as Leo finished pulling on a shirt that matched his pajama bottoms before smiling at him. “How’s Jason?”
Alex smiled. “We’re gunna go to the mall this weekend.”
Leo smiled. “Good. I’m glad you two are going to spend some time together.”
Alex nodded and moved dropping himself down onto the bed before speaking. “Leo………,”
His voice trailed off in thought. Leo turned to look at him, a faint look of concern across his face. “What is it?”
Alex bit his lip before speaking. “I’m worried about Jason. I……I know he says he’s ok, but…….but I know him. He’s…….he not ok.”
Alex shifted slightly, leaning his head against Leo’s shoulder as the older turtle sat down next to him on the bed. “Do you think he’s in danger?”
The question made Alex look up at Leo who spoke calmly. After several moments Alex shook his head. “No……I don't think so. But I’m still worried about him. He’s not the best and containing his emotions, or asking for help when he needs it.”
Leo nodded and gently wound his hand into Alex’s giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Do you think you can help him?”
Again Alex bit his lip. “I…….I don't know.”
Leo nodded and again squeezed Alex’s hand. Leaning in again Alex rested the side of his head against Leo’s shoulder. A moment later he felt Leo kiss the top of his head. “When you two hang out on the weekend, you can ask him face to face if there is anything wrong.”
Smiling, Alex stood up and slowly set about changing into his pajamas before crawling into bed next to Leo. He smiled to himself as he felt Leo’s hands gently touch his hips. This happened every night. No matter how close he and Leo had become in the past few weeks Leo always showed a bit of hesitation when it came to being so close together in bed. His hand would first gently rest of Alex’s hips, before he’d move in a little closer. Again Alex smiled as he heard Leo take in a deep breath before moving in still closer; his hands gently running up Alex’s chutes, making the young turtle giggle slightly. Leo froze at Alex giggles. “S...S…sorry.”
Alex shrugged and felt Leo move in, his chest finally touching Alex’s shell. Again Leo inhaled a deep shuddering breath that made Alex move; slowly rolling over until he was looking at Leo. Even in the dark Alex could see that Leo’s face was tense. Gently Alex moved his own hands going to Leo’s chest, rubbing the tense muscles before finding Leo’s heartbeat. He could feel Leo’s eyes on him, nervously watching him. It was always like this. During training Leo seemed to change; he became calm, collected…..eager to touch Alex and correct his stances and moves. But outside of the dojo, again Leo would change. He was affectionate yes; but he was also nervous his movements slowly and tentative; almost unsure of what he was doing. Gently Alex smiled at Leo who smiled weakly back at him. “It’s ok Leo.”
He could see Leo biting his lip as his arms moved, slowly wrapping around Alex’s shoulders pulling him in just a bit closer. Dimly Alex wondered if Leo knew that he was shaking slightly. “Goodnight Leo.”
Again Leo smiled weakly. “Goodnight Alex.”
THE NEXT DAY
Alex groaned as the bell for the beginning of class rang. Dropping into his seat he tried to focus on the teacher; a balding badger who prattled endlessly about……..what was he talking about? Alex shook his head, forcing himself to focus to on what the badger was saying. “The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the …..”
Alex groaned as his eyes drifted closed; why was math SOOOOOOO boring? Alex slumped forward dropping his head onto his desk, and groaning. Seriously how was any of this supposed to help him? Hell he didn’t even know what kind of a job he wanted when he was done with college. Groaning again Alex sat up and tried to focus on what his teacher was trying to teach him. Time seemed to drag on and on until finally the bell signaling the end of class rang. He was up and out of his seat so fast that he almost didn’t hear the teacher telling them what their homework was.
Racing through the hallways Alex skidded to a stop in front of the cafeteria before scanning the various vendors until he found the one he was looking for. Rushing over to the sandwich vendor Alex was soon walking away with a small grin on his face as he carted with him a ham and cheese sandwich with extra pickles and olives. Dropping down into a chair Alex began eating, pausing only when a large reptilian form walked towards him. Swallowing his bite Alex waved and grinned and Gary dropped down into the chair across from him before groaning and dropping his head against the table top. After a moment Gary spoke; his voice rumbling slightly. “How can you still have energy? It’s hardly past noon and I’m exhausted.”
Alex grinned and shrugged taking another bite of his sandwich before responding. “I’ve always got energy.”
Gary groaned and shifted leaning back in his chair fixing Alex with a look of amusement. After a moment Alex offered the alligator half of his sandwich which Gary took and bit into it. After a moment Gary spoke. “You know…..you’re happier than usual. What’s going on?”
Alex grinned and bit into the sandwich again before speaking. “What happens on Friday?”
Gary was silent as he thought for a moment before speaking, “Um……..last day of the week?”
Alex rolled his eyes and spoke. “No. it’s the 31st; October 31st. it’ll be Halloween.”
Gary’s eyes widened slightly as a faint grin spread across his face. “You’re gunna pull pranks of people?”
But Alex shook his head; what he had in mind was less…….childish. “Nope…..I’m just excited for the costume I’m gunna wear.”
Gary cocked his head. “What are you gunna be?”
But Alex shook his head. “Sorry…….but the costume isn’t for others to see. It’s only for one person.”
Gary continued to look confused as Alex finished eating before beginning on his math homework only stopping when the bell signaling that lunch break was over sounded. Cramming his books back into his bag Alex waved to Gary as he ran down the hall towards his favorite class, Japanese studies with Leo. Skidding into the class Alex gave Leo a big grin, dropping himself down into his desk and waiting for the class to start. While all the other students groaned and did their best to at least look like they were paying attention Alex sat rapt with attention as Leo spoke. There was something about Leo, some kind of calmness that covered him when he taught his class. He moved around the room with absolute confidence his movements precise and captivating while he talked about the ancient culture. Several times Leo’s eyes would flick over Alex who would feel his face go a bit red as for a moment he remembered how good it had felt when Leo and he kissed; when their bodies pressed against each other and…….
But Alex shook his head, no now not the time for such thoughts, not when they could possibly get Leo into trouble. He’d looked up the punishment of fraternizing with a student; his heart had clenched as he read over the words ‘immediate termination’. So he'd keep these thoughts at bay; the memories of Leo’s lips and body against his…..shaking his head ago Alex turned his focus back to Leo’s lesson. Scribbling down notes on what Leo was saying Alex almost didn’t hear the bell signaling the end of class ring; as the other students filed out of the classroom Alex stayed behind, pretending to busy
himself with his bag until he was the only student left in the room with Leo. Only then did he stand up and move towards Leo’s desk, smiling at the older turtle who smiled back up at him a small blush playing across his green skin. “Hey.”
Leo was silent for a moment the blush on his face getting darker. “Hey.”
Alex smiled at Leo’s obvious embarrassment. “I just wanted you to know I’m going to run an errand today after school. So I’ll be taking the bus back to the house.”
Leo looked at him curiously. “What kind of errand?”
Alex grinned but shrugged. “It’s a surprise for Halloween.”
Leo continued to look at him for a moment before speaking. “Ok thank you for telling me. I’ve got some stuff to catch up on here, so I may be home late.”
Alex nodded. “Ok, I’ll see you when you get home.”
Smiling at Leo Alex left the room moving down the hallways and towards the part of school that the local bus systems dropped off and picked up students. Running at full speed Alex managed to catch his bus just as it was pulling away from the curb. Flashing his student badge Alex dropped down into his seat gasping for breath as the bus drove along its route; stopping every so often when a person needed to get on or off. Pulling the signal Alex quickly got off the bus and began walking. He was downtown now. In the last 2 weeks the city had begun to change. All around him the large trees that dotted the sidewalks and parks had changed from green to shades of orange and reds; while the air became crisper making him tug his jacket closer to his body as he sped up slightly.
Crossing the street Alex felt a smile spread across his face as he hurried towards his destination; a large costume shop that had been opened up in the normally empty store front. Stepping through the door Alex smiled at the greeter who was wearing a clown costume. Moving through the eyes Alex’s eyes flitted over the various costumes; clowns, werewolves, vampires, and various other characters. But he passed by them searching for 2 specific costumes, stopping only when he found them. Pulling the packages off the racks Alex moved towards the back of the shop passing a collection of foam skeletons; only to smile at the person who stood in front of the changing rooms.
Handing the girl one of the costumes Alex watched as she opened the package before pulling out the costume, smiling at him as she did so. After a moment she looked at him a slightly confused look on her face. “This costume……..it’s for a girl.”
Alex nodded. “I know…..”
He let his voice trail off, making the girl’s eyes widen slightly as she handed him the costume. “You can take room 2.”
Nodding Alex moved to one of the changing rooms, closing the door behind him and beginning to strip down to his underwear. His hands shook slightly as he pulled of his shirt exposing his chest and arms. His eyes roved over his body, noting that his arms had more muscles to them then they had 3 months ago. His smile widened as he pulled down his pants giggling slightly at the odd little dance he did to get his pants over his hips. Picking up the costumes Alex held the smooth fabric against his skin making not that he had grabbed the correct size. Pulling the fabric over his head Alex shuddered as the cool silk rubbed against his skin. Making sure the costume was on correctly Alex again giggled as he looked at his reflection in a large mirror that hung on the wall.
His plan for Halloween was coming together. Pulling the costume off Alex pulled his normal clothes back on before leaving the changing room, before picking up the second costume he’d pulled from the rack; moving to another shelf Alex found several small packs of costume make up that would work with his costume before making his way to the front counter to pay. Soon he left the shop hurrying back across the street before dropping down onto a small bench and waited for the bus to return and take him back to the college; where he would then take another bus that would drop him off a block or so from Leo’s house.
As he walked through the neighborhood Alex found his eyes scanning the various houses, taking in the decorations that had been put out to celebrate Halloween. Tombstones stood erect in several front yards while other houses were wrapped up like mummies in fake spider webs; and in one case a giant black spider sitting perched on top of one of the houses. Smiling to himself Alex walked up the steps of Leo’s home while his hands dug around in his pocket for the spare key Leo had given him. Pulling out the small piece of metal Alex looked down at it, smiling as the memory of Leo giving him the key; telling him the house was his home now. It had been around that time he’d fallen truly in love with the older turtle. It wasn't just that Leo had been kind; I was that he genuinely wanted to help Alex get better. But it was also more than that it was the feeling that he belonged here with Leo. That he was meant to be here. Unlocking the front door Alex stepped into the house……his home.
Slowly he took off his shoes before moving down the hallway towards his room so he could stash the things he’d bought. As he pushed open the door he paused; it had been almost a month since he’d been in this room last. Setting the costumes in his closet Alex paused slightly as his eyes flitted over the various shirts, pants and other clothes in his closet. He felt an odd sensation of his heart clenching as he found that they were mostly Leo’s old clothes that he’d been borrowing; mixed in with the occasional article of clothing that Leo had bought for him. Again his heart clenched as he slowly looked around the room. His eyes roved over the alarm clock that Leo had bought him, the skateboard, a few small action figures……..all of them bought by Leo as gifts.
Alex swallowed roughly as a he felt a rock well up in his throat which had gone suddenly dry. Leo was taking care of him. His chest ached slightly as he felt his eyes begin to water. How much money had Leo spent on him; on the clothes he liked, the food he ate or the extra use of power and water? How much money was he costing Leo? Alex’s breaths began ragged as his sides heaved slightly. Was he a burden to Leo? He felt tears well up in his eyes as that thought echoed in his mind. He was a burden to Leo. How much money had Leo spent on him since he’d started staying with him? Again his heart clenched as he looked around the room at all the things Leo had bought for him. Slowly he sank down until he was sitting on the floor. Yes, he had a little bit of money; what was left over after he had paid for his classes and books; but it wasn't much maybe a few hundred dollars.
Again Alex swallowed; painfully aware of just how tight his throat felt. He could try and give Leo some money……to pay him back at least some of what the older turtle had spent on him but Alex had a nagging suspicion that Leo would reject any money Alex offered him. Slowly he began to rock back and forth; things had been going so well. The last few weeks had been like a dream to him; he’d been happy. When Leo would smile at him it made him feel warm and happy; was Leo happy too, or was he pretending? “Alex?”
Leo’s voice echoed through the house making Alex flinch slightly. He could hear Leo moving through the house, looking for him. He drew his legs against his chest as Leo appeared in the doorway. Leo’s face changed becoming concerned as he slowly entered the room. “Alex? Alex what’s wrong?”
Alex sniffed loudly; keenly aware of the silent tears that trickled down his face. He watched as Leo moved across the room and knelt down next to him. Alex shuddered as Leo slowly wrapped his arms around his shoulder before pulling him in closer. “Come on Alex……talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Alex sniffed loudly before managing to speak. “It’s……it’s all your.”
Leo looked at him still unsure of what was upsetting him. “Alex….. I don't understand. What’s all mine?”
Alex sniffed again gestured half heartedly to the room, “Everything.”
Leo sighed, he still didn’t understand. “Alex I don't-”
But his words were cut off as Alex shoved him away and then began tearing at his clothing, ripping his shirt and pants off his body before hurling them away. “Alex, what’s going on?”
Leo’s voice was a little firmer now. Alex took several deep breaths remember that when he got upset in therapy Anthony would
have him breath in and out through his mouth. “I……I…..I am I burden to you?”
Leo blinked slightly stunned before shaking his head. “No. you’re not a burden to me Alex.”
He moved slowly going back to Alex. He didn’t move to touch Alex; 2 months living with the young turtle had taught him when and when not to touch Alex. He watched as Alex took another deep breath. “I…..I feel like I’m a burden to you.”
Leo cocked his head, “Why do you feel that?”
Alex inhaled again. “Because all I do is eat your food, use your power, and I don't give you anything in return. I mean……I could……maybe…..”
But Leo cut him off as he saw that hallow empty look starting to form in Alex’s eyes. When he spoke his voice firm without a hint of doubt or room for negotiations. “DON'T EVEN FINISH THAT SENTENCE ALEX.”
Alex looked up at him. “Why not? It’s about the only thing I can do for you.”
Leo sighed. “If I wanted that from you I would have taken you up on your offer the first night. But I don't want ‘sex’ from you.”
Alex watched as Leo took his own deep breath. “I want to love you.”
Alex bit his lip as he felt his heart flutter; even now Leo cared about him. He watched as Leo shifted closer, stopping when he sat next to Alex. Slowly he reached up wrapping his arms around the young turtle’s shoulders. “I get what you’re saying Alex. You feel like this relationship is one-sided. Right?”
Alex nodded. Leo smiled. “Well then that’s a simple fix. For now why don't we make it so once a week or so, you cook dinner?”
Alex smiled weakly. “I…..I don't know how to make much. Grilled cheese sandwiches are about the only thing I can make really well.”
Leo shrugged. “I like grilled cheese. But maybe I could teach you to make a few other things?”
Alex nodded, “ok. I’d like that.”
A Student In Need Page 14
