Stronger Together (bxb) ✔

Chapter 53 - Jesse

Jesse's POV

"And then we made out one more time in front of our house!" Chase exclaims and Shawn squeals and claps his hands. "I love him so much!" He says, with a dreamy, lovestruck look in his eyes.

"I'm so happy for you and Diego! You both are so crazy about each other!" Shawn all but shouts. "I've been with Dean on a few occasions when Diego has called to gush about you, and let me tell you, he is smitten!"

Chase giggles and hugs his knees to his chest. Raised cheeks and crinkles at the corners of eyes, his lips pulled up in a contented smile, showcasing his milky white teeth, my twin looks truly happy and full of hope. I can't help the wide smile that adorns my face and I get up to squish him in a hug.

"I'm thrilled that Diego makes you so happy and that he treats you with the love and respect you deserve." I trap Chase in a tight hug and he giggles, hugging me back just a tightly.

"I want a hug too!" Shawn says sulkily, and I beckon for him to join us on the couch. Chase releases me while I continue to hug him with one arm. Shawn sits on the other side of me, and being careful not to touch Chase, embraces me in a hug.

I keep one hand around each of them and we stay snuggled up like this on the couch for a few minutes. We haven't all hung out together in a while so we're all being dramatically clingy.

"What are you doing for your birthday in a few weeks?" Chase asks, readjusting himself so that he is facing Shawn and I.

Shawn also sits up before he starts talking. "I'll just invite you guys over for dinner or something."

"Didn't you want to have a party? You've been saying for years that you were going to have a massive twenty-fifth birthday party," Chase replies, giving Shawn a skeptical look.

Shawn shrugs. "I changed my mind."

Chase pouts and folds his arms over his chest. "I'll still come if you have a big party. It's your birthday and I can't miss that. I'm supposed to be working on trying things that I used to do or liked to do."

"But you've always hated parties!" Shawn exclaims, with a pout.

Though Chase has been to parties or clubs with us in the past, it's never really been his thing. The large crowds and drinking were his hang ups. However, although he's definitely not a good dancer, he loves dancing, so he usually enjoyed himself.

"That's not true, I just don't like some elements. I don't want you to change your plans because of me. Besides, it'll be good practice for me." Chase has a defiant look in his eyes, and so does Shawn, as they continue to stare at each other. Chase ends up looking away first and he releases an irritated sound before pouting.

"You should have the party," I tell Shawn and he gives me a puzzled look while Chase smiles triumphantly. "You've always wanted to celebrate your twenty-fifth like that, so you should do it, you might regret it if you don't. And Chase will probably be too busy making out with Diego to worry about anything," I explain.

"I'm not sure if Diego will come. I'll ask him about his general take on parties and depending on what he says, I'll ask him to come to the party. I don't want to force him into an environment where everyone is drinking," Chase replies before pulling out his phone to message Diego.

Shawn and I peek over to see what he's typing and when Chase doesn't protest, we make ourselves comfortable and openly stare at his screen.

Chase: Hi DiDi!!! Do you go to a lot of parties or go clubbing a lot?

The three dots immediately appear as Diego starts to reply.

My Actual BOYFRIEND!: Hello my precious lamb!!!! Yes? I'm not sure what constitutes a lot, but I'm required to attend a few functions for work. I've also been clubbing with Bryan and Dean whenever they wanted but they both got boyfriends so it's been a while since we've been clubbing. Why? Do you want to come to one of my work functions? I'm allowed to bring a date!!