A Slice of Life - 3. A Work in Progress

“Are you going to look at me funny all day or are you going to speak up about what is eating you?” Jessica asked as he made his way to his locker with her following close behind. Not having slept very over the past few nights he was in no mood to deal with any more nonsense.

“You've been walking around with a dark cloud hanging over your head for days, but every time I ask what is wrong you tell me nothing and change the subject.” Jessica placed her books in her locker before closing the door waiting for a response from Xavier. “If you ask me this has something or other to do with Jasper, or perhaps Kyle.” Jessica was fishing for something hoping Xavier would bite.

Xavier visibly flinched under Jessica's questioning, what's more, he knew why seeing Kyle with Jasper bothered him so much but he wasn't sure if he was ready to admit it to himself. “Do you think something is going on between Kyle and Jasper?” Xavier asked eying both boys who happened to be walking the halls at the moment.

Surprised Jessica was a bit taken aback before catching Xavier's line of sight noticing the boys engrossed in conversation moving in their direction. “I don't think so, I mean they probably have a lot in common I heard Jasper was going to try out for the basketball team and you know how Kyle is.” Then it clicked and Jessica knew what was up. “You either have a crush on Jasper and you don't like him hanging out with Kyle, or I am wrong and you are starting to soften to Kyle again. Maybe you are jealous of how chummy they are becoming?” The slamming of the locker startled Jessica and she was left shocked as Xavier hurried away from her.

“Why is it that every time I show up Xavier is running away in the opposite direction upset?” Jasper questioned as he and Kyle walked up behind Jessica before offering her a quick smile. Turning his attention back to Xavier stalking down the hallway he noticed him stop and for a brief moment, their eyes locked. As quick as it happened the moment was over, with his heart pounding he also caught a glance at Xavier's assets and felt his mouth go dry.

Waving her hands in front of his face Jessica tried miserably to conceal her grin, looks like a crush might be mutual. “Earth to Jasper, is anyone home?”

Kyle also was aware of what was taking place and wasn't sure how to feel about it. He knew things would go nowhere with Jasper, but to see him fawning over Xavier was almost like rubbing salt in his wounds. Kyle took a fleeting glance at Xavier becoming overwhelmed by guilt thinking about what he had so easily thrown away.

One of the best features of the school was undoubtedly the courtyard. Xavier found his favorite spot underneath a large tree that overlooked the whole thing. He knew why he was curious about the relationship between Kyle and Jasper, admitting to himself was relieved to hear that it was more than likely strictly platonic. His mood-improving he made a mental note to apologize to Jessica and he didn't truly believe her intentions to be malicious.

“Seems like you have good friends, they told me that you would probably be out here.” Xavier looked up to meet Jasper's gaze blushing a little when he found himself starting to stare. “Is company welcome or was this supposed to be a private thing?” Xavier responded to Jasper with a shrug before moving his bag making room for Jasper to sit. Jasper was both surprised and delighted as he plopped down immediately enjoying being close to him.

They both sat in silence both trying to discreetly watch the other, only to quickly turn away when their eyes would meet. Taking a gamble Jasper moved closer until their shoulders touched. When Xavier didn't immediately shy away, he reached out and gently grabbed at Xavier's fingers.

Xavier could barely believe this was happening pretending to still be reading, his focus really on Jasper gently pulling at his hand. He moved his hand ever so slightly to meet Jasper's, who took the subtle hint and they slowly interlocked fingers. They remained that way not saying anything when Xavier felt Jasper move. Looking over his book he saw Jasper turn to him without letting go of his hand, he nervously swallowed when Jasper's other hand brushed the side of his face. Dropping the book completely he found himself captivated by those eyes as Jasper's face came closer.

“I'm sorry I can't,” Xavier said quickly pulling away. He collected his things before turning back to Jasper with a sad smile. “It isn't anything you've done, it's me. There are still things in my head that I have to work out.” Jasper nodded trying to hide his disappointment, but this was quickly replaced by a soft smile when Xavier placed a quick kiss on his cheek blushing. Out of the corner of his eye, Xavier noticed Kyle standing a little way off an unreadable expression upon his face. Xavier instantly felt guilty and began to walk away when Jasper grabbed his arm.

“Can I take you out, for like a movie and a burger or something?”

Xavier nodded, “I'd like that,” Xavier smiled and offered Jasper his phone. Jasper fumbled to get his phone out so they could swap numbers. “I should get going, but call me when you've figured out the details.” Jasper nodded a smile still plastered across his face. Xavier walked away, his fingers to his lips smiling to himself until he remembered Kyle's expression.

Jasper leaned back against the tree still smiling from ear to ear, until a shadow appeared over him. He looked up and noticed Kyle standing over him with a very unhappy look on his face. This can't be good, Jasper thought to himself.