The Brightest Star

60. King

King's POV

Once in the city, I parked outside the first place I wanted to take Leo to. I had been searching for good clothing stores all week that I thought he would like, and with the help of Jess, I had a few in mind.

I got out of the truck first as Leo waited for me to pay the parking meter, but opening his door, I could see how nervous he was. In fact, the whole way here, Leo was squeezing my hand tighter, and I wonder if he even noticed.

Leo got out, searching the sea of people walking on the sidewalk like waiting for someone to jump out and scare him. I rubbed his arm. It had to be hard for him to be here, but I would never let anything happen to him. He couldn't stay hidden in my room for the rest of his life. I want him to enjoy life again and smile like he did the first time we came to the city together.

We started walking to the building, and my want to comfort him clouded my mind as I reached for his hand. Our fingers began to lace together, and I could see Leo shiver at the feeling of it, but before he could let himself enjoy my warm hand, he snatched it away as if I burned him with a match.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, but I remembered how scared Leo was when everyone at the house found out and what happened at school when people thought he was gay. Of course, he wasn't ready for this kind of thing. I should have thought about that sooner.

"I... I'm sorry," Leo stuttered, and the look of terror on his face told me he didn't mean to do that. "I'm... just not ready for that kind of thing right now." He looked down at the ground, picking at the loose skin around his fingers.

"It's okay. I understand. You don't have to apologize. I shouldn't have done that so soon without asking first." I felt my face heat as I tried to smile and brush it off. "Could we head inside then?"

Leo kept his eyes on the ground while he nodded, so I led the way, hoping to find a way to cheer him up inside. We looked over for some time, and I tried my best to find some things I thought would look good on him, but I never had an eye for that kind of stuff.

It took a little longer to find a few things, but Leo looked confused when he came out of the changing room. "I dropped a few pants sizes. Did I really lose that much weight in just two months?" He asked in almost a whisper.

"Well, yeah. I guess you did. You don't have as much muscle as before,"  I stepped closer and glanced around to ensure no one could see or hear us. "but, I think you have an incredible body, Leo." I kissed his cheek but couldn't stop smiling at his darkening red face.

He quickly glanced around but let his hand brush mine, letting our fingers intertwine for a little longer before we were off searching for a smaller size in pants.

After paying over three hundred dollars at the first store, I was ready to move on to the next as we packed everything into the car. Leo was chewing his thumb again, stopping me from driving. "What's wrong?"

"I wish you didn't pay for all of that. I'll..., I'll pay you back for everything."

"Babe, I already told you that my money was yours too. You don't have to pay me back for anything. I want to do this." I tried to lessen his worries, but his eyes widened, making me think I said something wrong.

"Babe?" A faint smile pulled at his pinkening cheeks.

"What? Do you not like it?" I asked, feeling my face burn. I didn't realize I said that until he pointed it out.

"Well, umm, no. I did." He looked out the window, half covering his mouth. "I... I liked the way you said it. It was-"

I didn't mean to cut him off, but he looked too cute as I leaned over and kissed him slowly. When I pulled away, his eyes were still half closed. "Good. I liked the way it felt when I said it." I smiled. "Let's go eat and walk in the park before we head to another store."