Speedbump

Though surprised, Leo can feel his pulse quicken as Ryan's first words sink in. What he wouldn't have given not all that long ago to hear those words. He'd tried so hard for ages to just get Ryan's attention... when he'd finally had her, he felt like he was in seventh heaven.

But he had someone else now... and he knew in his heart that it was right. He couldn't help it that right now, feelings for Ryan lingered. But they were slowly, slowly dissolving. The hole in his heart was being filled by someone who understood him so much more than Ryan ever could. If it weren't for Cassy, would he take Ryan back now? He'd vowed at one time that he never would. But maybe it was best he didn't try to even answer that question.

Hearing that Alec hadn't called her, Leo understands more now, where Ryan's feelings were coming from. He felt badly, but surely something like this wouldn't mean that she and Alec would break up... did it?

Having been staring at the car, he now turns his head to study Ryan's face, looking into one eye then the other. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. What could he say? She'd certainly made him feel good, in a way, but saying thank you wasn't appropriate. Nor was saying sure, take me back.

Wandering a few steps closer to her, he thinks before speaking carefully. "You didn't make the wrong choice, Ryan. You wouldn't think so either if you'd heard from Alec, so don't let his thickheadedness make you think you chose poorly. You and Alec, you're..." He fishes for the right word. "Kindred spirits. What would you and I do?"

He grins a little. "Our weekends would be spent with you at the races and me down at the dance studio. The important things in our lives are just... different. You wouldn't need me at the races - I make a good speedbump, but that's about it. And you don't care at all for the stage scene. It would only end in frustration."

Leaning back against the car, he keeps his eyes on her. "You're pretty and smart and you don't let anything stand in your way. You're bullheaded, rough and tumble and you can take on any guy you want. What am I supposed to do? Stand on the sidelines and cheer you on?" He shakes his head. "Alec's the kind of guy who will jump right into that fight ring with you - stand back to back with you take out anyone who dares threaten you." He rubs his jaw, a twinkle coming to his eye. "And he can do it, too."

Letting out another little sigh, Leo purses his lips, forcing another small smile. Maybe he was trying to convince himself as much as her and that's why he'd become long-winded. "I'm... glad to know that you see value in me. At one point, I didn't think you did or ever would, and it hurt. But... just because you see it now, doesn't mean you can compare me with Alec. We're two totally different people and... I don't want him to disappoint you, but I do know that whatever happens, you will find happiness someday... you're too stubborn not to."

Spotting a little smudge of grease on Ryan's cheek, he chuckles and straightens to reach up with his thumb to rub it away. "I'm a homebody, Ryan... you need to run... go... stretch yourself beyond the small town boundary. You've got a drive for adventure that I never will have. I wish I did - I really do. But... I don't. But Alec does. I see it. Don't let regrets get in the way of what you really want. We've all learned some hard lessons lately but... if anyone can come out on top, it's you."

Continuing to search her eyes, he nods. "Maybe you haven't heard from him because he's being a jerk. Or maybe the Elite's got him grounded for staying out too late. You don't even know why he hasn't called, so don't throw it all away yet... I know you don't want to."


Mmm... better make it half an hour. Any sooner and I'd think the pizza wasn't cooked.

Jason lets some humor slip through the cracks.

I'll be waiting for you. Maybe I'll see if there's any movies on tv. Nothing loud - don't wanna disrupt Destiny, but maybe enough to entertain us for a while.

He grins.

Not that we couldn't find something to entertain ourselves, but I wouldn't want us getting in trouble over here.