Chase's POV

"Why don't I have any cute clothes?" I mumble, as I toss aside another T-shirt. The barbecue at Bryan's house is today and Diego is going to be there! I really shouldn't be putting so much effort into my appearance because this is definitely not a date and nothing will happen with Diego but I can't help the excitement coursing through my veins.

Diego and I spoke everyday for the past three days and he told me more about his past and life at his Public Relations job. Since I wasn't ready to share anything too personal, we watched a lot of movies together and talked about our favourite romantic comedies and music. I sigh as I hold up a tie dyed T-shirt. Why do I even own this? I toss it onto one of the mountains of clothes on the floor and pull out another draw and rummage through that.

I hear my phone ping and I immediately stop my search, clawing my way through the pile of clothes to get to my phone. I finally find it and unlock it to find a selfie that Diego sent of him wearing a huge smile and holding up five packets of M&Ms along with another text. I giggle at the selfie and stare at his flawless face for a few extra seconds before reading his text.

My Future Boyfriend: Chase! As promised, I got your M&Ms! Are you still coming to the barbecue?

I decided not to change the way he saved himself on my phone. It makes me giddy with excitement every time I see a notification pop up from him and I think I'm already starting to like him. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in person!

Me: Yes! Don't eat my M&Ms! I'm looking for a shirt but I have nothing cute to wear!!! I've tried on at least fifteen outfits!

I gasp in horror as I reread my text. Why did I tell him I'm looking for something cute to wear? And that I'm putting so much effort into my outfit! Will he think it's a date? Do I want him to think it's a date? I don't have long to dwell on this because Diego instantly replies.

Diego: Are you getting all dressed up for me? ;) You'll be cute in literally anything! Do you want me to video call so I can help you choose?

I perch on the edge of the bed as I consider my options. I do need help choosing an outfit but I don't like how any of my clothes are fitting and would prefer if Diego didn't see them.

Me: I don't want to video call but thanks for the offer. I'll see you soon!!!

Diego: Ok! If you change your mind just give me a call, if not I'll see you soon! I'm excited to see you!

I smile at his message and fall backwards onto the bed, releasing a contented sigh. I wonder what Diego will wear. When I met him at the hospital he was wearing a shirt which clung to his abs. I smile dreamily at that image. I hope he'll wear something like that again!

"Hi Chase!" Shawn's voice sounds from the doorway interrupting my daydream. I raise my head and see him dramatically hopping over piles of clothes to get to me. I roll my eyes and again rest my head on the mattress. "Need some help?"

"Nothing is cute! All my clothes are too big for me now and I look like a scarecrow!" I reply sulkily. This is the first time I'm casually going out since that night and I want to look good! There's also a small part of me that wants to impress Diego. More than a small part if I'm being honest.

Shawn hums a response, sits on the floor and starts going through a pile of clothes.

"Any progress?" Jesse asks, sticking his head into the room a few minutes later.

"I've got some ideas!" Shawn replies enthusiastically and I prop myself up on my elbows to see what he's talking about. "Try these!

I look at the bright pink shorts and yellow T-shirt and frown. "Too bright." Shawn nods and holds up an dark grey shorts and light grey button down. "Too dull." Shawn rolls his eyes and holds up a black shorts that will stop about two inches above my knee and a black and yellow checkered flannel. "Hmmm not bad, I'll try that!" I grab the clothes from Shawn and head to the bathroom.

After getting dressed, I look at myself in the mirror and frown. The shirt completely swallows me and the pants are also loose. I'm about to take them off when I hear Shawn yelling through the door, "Get your cute butt out here so I can work my magic!"

I frown but nonetheless open the door. Jesse is folding and putting away my discarded clothes and Shawn beckons me to stand in the middle of the room.

"Tuck in the front," Shawn orders and I comply. He nods in approval and calls Jesse over. "Roll up both of his sleeves to his elbows," he instructs Jesse who immediately starts rolling up my sleeves.

Shawn circles me, eyeing me from head to toe. "Chase, can I fix your shirt a little? I'll be very careful not to touch you." I nod in response to Shawn's question and feel him gently tugging my shirt. When Shawn is finished, he surveys me from the front. "Would you be willing to open a few buttons?" I scrunch up my nose but comply. My shirt is buttoned right up to the top so a few buttons undone should be okay.

"And this." Shawn holds out a simple black belt and I fasten that around my waist and put on the yellow converses he recommended. "Perfect!" Shawn exclaims, clapping his hands with a wide smile that mirrors Jesse's. I walk over to my full length mirror and an involuntary smile spreads across my face. I look pretty cute!

I thank Shawn and then head to the bathroom to style my hair. I also put on a little eyeliner which always makes my eyes pop. Once I'm finished, I join Jesse and Shawn who are folding and putting away my clothes.

"Wow you look hot!" Shawn says as soon as I walk back into the bedroom and Jesse nods in agreement.

I giggle and sit on the floor next to them to help fold and put away my clothes. "Guys?" I say tentatively and gulp when two sets of eyes land on me. They both notice my immediate discomfort and gracious look away. I take a deep breath before I continue, mentally preparing myself for Jesse's reaction. "I know that you'll be busy with your respective boyfriends so I'll be alright spending time alone with Diego. Actually, I think I want to spend time with him."

Jesse's head immediately snaps back to me. "Absolutely not! This isn't a video call Chase. What if Diego makes you feel uncomfortable by being too flirty? What if he accidentally touches you and you have a panic attack? What if-"

Somehow I think that if Diego touches me, it wouldn't be a problem. It wasn't a problem in the hospital, it wasn't terrifying or uncomfortable at all, in fact it was quite the opposite and there's a part of me that wants to try touching him again. I frown. Unable to listen to Jesse listing all the possible negative outcomes any longer, I interrupt him. "Diego wouldn't make me uncomfortable and I trust him-"

"But you don't know him so you can't-"

"Jesse," I say sternly, cutting off my twin. I don't know why I know that I'll be alright spending time alone with Diego but I know I will be. He's made me feel so safe and comfortable talking to him and I have no doubt that he'll be the same in person. I know I've had less than desirable instincts in the past and ignored the red flags but I just know that Diego is different. Even before I saw him, when I fainted in the hospital and felt his arms catch me, I felt secure.

In any case, my physical safety is the least of my concerns, it's really my heart that I should be worried about. The way it flutters and thumps excitedly when I talk to him can't be good for my health!

I scoot closer to Jesse and reach out to take his hand. "I understand your concern and I know you're just looking out for me and trying to protect me. But I can't keep being afraid of everything. Diego makes me feel..." I pause trying to find the right word. "Alive. I don't know how else to describe it. Jesse, I'll be okay! Diego won't hurt me and even if he does inadvertently bring on a panic attack, he's already talked me out of one so he already knows what to do," I say with a little giggle and Jesse's face softens though I can tell he still doesn't approve.

"I think Chase is right," Shawn interjects, moving closer to us. "You'll be in the vicinity if Chase needs you and so will I. And you also don't get to spend that much time with Bryan so go have fun and spend time with him." Shawn gets a mischievous glint in his eyes and giggles before he continues. "Even if you're butt naked and sprawled out on Bryan's bed, it will take you all of twenty seconds to reach Chase. He's not asking to go to Cuba with the guy."

Jesse scoffs and I giggle watching the scarlet colour spread across his entire face.

"And Dean and I see each other plenty so we'll either be talking or making out. We'll stay close by so that we can be there if something does happen. Oooooh! Chase and Diego can stay outside in the backyard. Dean and I will be in the living room and you and Bryan can get you freak on upstairs!" Shawn exclaims, looking incredibly proud of himself for coming up with that plan.

I turn to Jesse who looks like he's genuinely considering it. "Please Jesse!" I plead, giving him my best puppy dog eyes.

"Fine," Jesse mutters reluctantly and I squeal and embrace him in a hug which he returns, chuckling lightly.

It might be dumb to even ask for Jesse's permission but I really want him to approve of me spending time with Diego. He hated Mike and that ended horribly, so it would give me some peace of mind if he approves of Diego.

We finish folding the clothes and make our way to Bryan's house. I'm so excited to see Diego! 

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