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Note: In response to the LiveJournal PRSW 22 challenge; themes #06 family, #13 loss and #18 rock. - Well, another story arc done. Hope you all like it! Once more thanks to Cmar for comments/help, and on to the next chapter. Enjoy, and please pass by the feedback box on your way out?

More Than Friends And Brothers
Chapter 13: The Price of Love Pt. 3



Once back at the house, Jason excused himself and went inside. He really would've preferred to lie down and rest, catch up on the sleep he'd missed lately and to snooze away the aches his brawl with Eric had left him with, but the SUV was still parked out front - which meant Wes and Eric were still around. So he just grabbed a change of clothes from his bag, then went into the bathroom to wash off the worst of the sweat and grime. As he stood at the sink, he saw the tube of ointment Wes had left there, made a quick decision and stripped off completely for a quick shower. He set the water's temperature as hot as he could stand, wishing he had enough time for a full, long soak in the big tub, but he didn't want to let Tommy wait longer than necessary.

When he was done, Jason applied the ointment to those most painful of his bruises he could reach on his own, hoping with a certain grim maliciousness that the Quantum Ranger would find himself as black and blue the next day as he knew he was likely going to be. Then he slipped on a fresh t-shirt and shorts and made his way to the kitchen. Through the window he saw Wes in serious conversation with Tommy under the parasol. Of Eric, there was no trace.

Just as well. Dunno if I can face him again so soon.

Jason also noticed the beer bottles on the table, and decided that something stronger than water would go down really well right now for him as well. He reached for the wine rack in one corner, wincing as a muscle in his back pulled painfully. Choosing a rustic merlot, Jason deftly opened the bottle and poured himself a drink. Suddenly thirsty, he downed half of the ruby wine right there at the counter, sighed with satisfaction and was in the process of refilling his glass when a lazy drawl from the hallway made him freeze.

"Still drinking that fancy-shmancy stuff, I see."

Eric. Jason sighed. Exactly the person he least wanted to see, hear or talk to right now. But it seemed he had no choice. Slowly, he turned and saw the older man lounging against the door frame. The look in his dark eyes was coolly assessing, but no longer unfriendly. So Jason decided the least he could do was be civil.

"I told you nine years ago that I don't drink beer; why should I have changed?"

"I have changed in nine years."

"Could've fooled me earlier," Jason muttered to himself, eliciting a smothered snort from Eric. "I just don't like the taste of beer. Too bitter. So sue me," he shrugged.

Eric returned the gesture. "Suit yourself." He was not about to tell Jason that in those nine years since they'd first met, Wes had taught him to enjoy the occasional glass of wine with a good meal; let Jason go on thinking that he was a simple guy with simple tastes. "Got another beer in that fridge?"

"Lemme check." Sure enough, there were a few bottles lying on the bottom shelf. "Yep, here you go." He tossed one across the breakfast bar towards Eric, who caught it deftly, lifted off the cap with a practiced flip against the door lock and raised it in a challenging kind of salute towards Jason.

"Bottoms up," he murmured with a wry grin, taking a swallow.

"Up yours," Jason replied somewhat rudely, but with a sudden amused gleam in his eyes as he sipped on his wine.

"Sorry, you blew your chance that one time in San Diego."

"Well, hell," Jason pouted, trying vainly to suppress a grin of his own. By rights, he supposed he should be royally pissed; with Tommy for going to outsiders for help - to Wes and Eric of all people, too - and with Eric for all the snide remarks he'd used to goad him into that fight, but couldn't find it within himself. Instead, Jason realized with surprise that his earlier anger and irritation as well as his physical aches were being pushed aside by something new. Numb contentment came closest, he decided after a moment's thought. Which, in and of itself, was rather amazing.

I haven't felt anything but depressed for so long ... do I even know anymore how it is to actually feel good?

The tension that had gripped Jason for so long, exacerbated by Eric's first words, sloughed off like dirt in the shower, and he tried to smile - genuinely this time. Eric pursed his lips, nodded once and ambled across the room, coming to stand a short distance from Jason against the sink. He stared at the bottle in his hand for a minute before looking up again.

"Are you okay?" he asked abruptly.

Jason inhaled slowly, held his breath for a couple of seconds, then released it in what wasn't quite a sigh.

"I will be," he said at last. "It's not gonna happen today, or even tomorrow, but in time ... and with Tommy to help me, or to catch me if I fall ... I'll make it."

"Good."

Jason gave Eric a sideways glance. "Just don't expect me to say thanks," he murmured somewhat grumpily. "I don't thank guys who try to beat me up."

"Wasn't much trying involved," Eric smirked. "I took you down."

"Only because you fought dirty," Jason countered with asperity, but without any real rancor. Tommy had explained Eric's motives, so Jason had a pretty good idea why Eric hadn't stuck to the rules. "If it had been a fair fight ..."

"If you hadn't completely lost it, you mean."

"Like you had nothing to do with that?" Jason asked wryly, and had the satisfaction of seeing Eric blush just a little.

"Well, er ..." Eric coughed uncomfortably. If someone had said half the things he'd used to goad Jason into losing his temper to /him/, he might've tried to kill them - or at least inflicted major damage. He had to give Jason credit for that much, at least - even in his blind anger, he had still fought fair. "I, uh, didn't mean most of it," he mumbled by way of an apology.

"I know that - now."

"Um. Okay."

Guess that's one way of saying he's sorry, Jason reflected. Kinda typical for him, I guess. The funny thing is ... it's enough. That realization lifted another weight he hadn't even been aware he was carrying off his shoulders, and despite his weariness stood a little straighter. Regardless of everything that had occurred between them, Jason came to the startling insight that he kind of liked Eric - and that he was glad to count him a friend. Only a friend would care enough to risk getting injured; he couldn't know that he'd manage to defeat me. Which resurrected another feeling, one that had been absent these past few weeks as well: his competitive streak. Jason had never liked coming out second-best in any fight; if he truly wanted to go back to normal, maybe it was time he let it make a full comeback.

Eric has always managed to bring out my reckless side. And dammit - it was fun while it lasted! Well, I'm not gonna repeat what we did nine years ago, but ... Without thinking, he said the first thing that occurred to him.

"Next time, I'm so gonna kick your ass!"

Eric looked startled for just a second, then grinned slowly as he recognized the implicit challenge. Without hesitation, he accepted.

"Oh yeah? You and what army?"

*

Outside, Wes and Tommy were beginning to wonder whether their partners had gotten lost.

"I better go check on Jase," Tommy murmured. "He only wanted to wash up and change, but he was pretty banged up ..."

"Eric shouldn't take that long for a bathroom trip, either," Wes agreed. "He'd die rather than admit it, but Jason got him good a few times, too." He glanced towards the house. "You don't think they're, um, in trouble, do you?"

"Man, I hope not." The two exchanged a long look, then as one rose from the comfortable chairs. "Let's make sure - just in case."

"Right behind you."

Doing their best not to run, they went up the porch and entered Tommy's house. Once inside the hallway, they heard familiar voices from the kitchen and made a beeline towards the sunny room. Just as they reached the door, Tommy heard Jason say clearly, "I'm so gonna kick your ass!" and stopped dead in his tracks. Wes' blue eyes widened in alarm when Eric replied just as succinctly, "You and what army?"

Both men exchanged an incredulous look.

"That better not mean what I think it means," Wes murmured, alarmed. "That'd be the last thing we need!"

"No shit," Tommy agreed, feeling his heart drop into his stomach. "Whatever it is, we need to stop it - now!" Nearly colliding with sudden urgency, they all but burst through the door side by side - only to find their lovers leaning against sink and countertop respectively, drinks in hand and grinning madly at each other.

Relieved that at least they hadn't come upon a scene of mayhem and violence, Tommy let his eyes dart from one black-haired man to the other.

"What're you guys up to?"

"Yeah," Wes chimed in. "What's taking you so long?"

"Nothing," Jason said promptly, taking a sip from his wine.

"At all," Eric added, swigging from his bottle. Both tried - and failed - to look perfectly innocent.

"Riiiiiight," Tommy muttered suspiciously. "Like I believe that."

"Or me. You're not fooling either of us," Wes warned. "Either you spill it - or Tommy and I will have your hides!"

Jason smothered a laugh. "Did he just threaten to spank us, or something?" he asked Eric casually, ignoring the two worried men as if they weren't there at all.

"Or something, I guess," Eric drawled, readily playing along. "He gets kinda kinky ideas from time to time."

"Oh, really? Then ... maybe all four of us could ... after we're done, of course ..." Jason let the sentence hang, thereby making Tommy and Wes jump to all sorts of utterly wrong conclusions. They turned identical shades of red and began to sputter incoherently.

"Sounds like fun," Eric mused, unsuccessfully hiding his grin. He raised an eyebrow at Jason. "So who's gonna tell 'em the details - you, or me?"

"You do it; you're older," Jason replied promptly.

For the first time in years, Eric was tempted to stick out his tongue at someone. He fought the impulse, thinking that he could rarely remember an occasion where he'd felt as amused and lighthearted when under all other circumstances he'd be irritated to hell and back. Offhand, he could only remember two other instances where banter like that had come naturally - on the Animarium with Taylor after they'd successfully defeated the Mutorgs, and with the other Red Rangers during the aftermath of their joint mission to the moon. Other than that ... he had only ever been able to relax that much with Wes, and if he was honest, it felt damn good to have found someone else to let down his guard with. Guess it's not so bad to have more than just one friend.

"Hmph," Eric huffed anyway.

"Oh, what the hell," Jason capitulated. Carefully not looking at Tommy, he drained his glass before saying nonchalantly, "Eric and I are gonna have a rematch."

Predictably, the other two all but exploded. "WHAT?!?"

"Another fight. A fair one, this time," Jason added helpfully, otherwise ignoring the twin outburst. Eric nodded his agreement.

Speechless with shock, Wes and Tommy stared at their partners, at each other, then at Jason and Eric again. "You're nuts," Wes declared at last, shaking his head. "Both of you. Completely off your rockers."

"You can't be serious," Tommy protested. "After the trashing you already gave each other today? That's crazy!"

"Who said we're doing it today?" Eric said. "I don't think Jason's up to it-"

"Speak for yourself," Jason interrupted him. "I kinda doubt you're fit for a full match now, either!"

Grudgingly, Eric had to concede that point. "Well ... maybe not. But anyway, we're thinking some other time. Like, end of summer or so ... full tournament rules, best of five falls, at the Guardians' training center? With an impartial referee?" They hadn't had a chance to talk details yet, so he made it a question to Jason as well as an explanation to the other two.

"Fine by me," Jason agreed immediately.

Tommy sighed. Thanks a lot, Eric! That wasn't quite what I had in mind when I asked you guys for help, but ... whatever works, I guess. He was secretly elated that Jason seemed to be bouncing back to his usual self so quickly; he just wasn't sure whether he liked the consequences. But he was determined to take whatever good was coming out of this - and if he couldn't have been the one to effect that change, he would just have to swallow his pride and be glad that someone had found a way. He exchanged a long-suffering look with Wes.

"You're right, they are nuts. Tell me again why we love 'em?"

Wes rolled his eyes. "Right now, I'm not so sure." He sighed as well. "I need another drink."

"You're driving," Eric said even as he was opening the fridge to snag a beer and tossed it towards his partner. "'Cos I can't, not anymore."

"Oh. Right."

"Shit, stay the night," Tommy suggested on impulse. "It'll only take five minutes to make up the bed in the guest room."

Clearly tempted, Wes tried to gauge Eric's opinion. All he got was a shrug, but the look in the slanted eyes said his partner wouldn't mind. "We shouldn't," he murmured nevertheless. "You and Jason have stuff to talk about, and we'd only be in the way ..."

"No, you wouldn't," Jason said firmly. Then, he blushed and glanced at his feet. "As I told Tommy earlier, I'm not really up to a lot of soul-searching tonight." He smiled when Tommy laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently, covering it with his own fingers. "Seriously, guys - I'd welcome the company."

"If you're sure ..."

"We both are," Tommy confirmed. "So why don't you grab that beer and I'll see about having food delivered? Jase and I skipped lunch, and all that excitement has made me hungry."

"Then thanks, we'll stay." Grinning, Wes tossed the beer back at Eric and turned to Jason. "Got any more of that wine?"

*

Looking out over the ocean just before sunrise, Jason smiled at the memory. The evening with Wes and Eric had been ... nice. Good company, good food, sharing memories of their Rangering days, getting to know each other better ... all of them getting a little drunk ... just four guys, /friends/, spending some real quality time together.

Perhaps inevitably, his good mood hadn't lasted. He suspected that it had mostly been sort of a reverse reaction to all the turmoil he'd gone through earlier that day, but at least he hadn't sunk back into a bleak depression. Like true friends, the others had respected when he went quiet, even melancholy at times. The next morning he'd managed a few minutes of good conversation with Wes, who'd offered to be available whenever he felt the need to talk. So far, Jason hadn't taken him up on it, but it was good to know that there was someone who'd gone through a comparable experience and was willing to listen and give advice.

At least I can sleep with Tommy again without feeling all guilty.

That was all they'd been doing, though - sleep. Jason knew Tommy missed their lovemaking, and so did he, but was still grateful that his best friend hadn't pressed the issue. Instead, they'd spent the rest of the holiday weekend reconnecting on other levels - and with school out for the summer, they had decided to take a true vacation. Thus they'd driven up the coast to this small fishing village in Oregon, rented a tiny beach cottage for two weeks and spent their days swimming, soaking up sun, exploring the spectacular scenery, taking long walks on the beach and often ended up talking long into the night, sitting at a driftwood fire on the warm sand in front of the house.

By now Jason had mostly come to terms with his father's attitude; he knew it was going to hurt for a long time and probably leave a small shadow permanently in his heart, but as long as he had Tommy's love and support, he could cope. Going away had helped a lot, too - he was still prone to occasional mood swings, and the rougher Oregon climate and more varied landscape suited him just fine. He'd had quiet, sunny days for soaking up peace when he felt mellow, and windy, rocky beaches to explore when restlessness and pain threatened to overwhelm him.

The thing that carried him through everything, though, was being alone with his lover - without distraction or outside influences, they'd managed to cement their relationship in ways they hadn't achieved before.

I never could've made it without Tommy, Jason reflected with deep gratitude. I've loved him before, knew that he loves me, but now ... he really is my rock. Solid, steady ... eternal.

*

The waves breaking gently onto the beach were soothing, reaffirming Jason's certainty he'd made the right choice for himself that he was once more feeling deep within his soul. Looking towards the horizon as he sat on the sand, deep contentment filled him as the sun rose in a fiery ball on this, their last morning of vacation. Jason was so absorbed in nature's spectacle that he never heard Tommy leave their cabin and join him. They had become so attuned to each other that he didn't even flinch when a strong arm slipped unexpectedly around his shoulder.

"You're up early," Tommy murmured with a smile in his voice. "Couldn't sleep?"

"I think I'm finally all slept out," Jason replied, leaning easily into the light embrace. "And I didn't want to lose a minute of today."

"I know what you mean. Pity we can't stay longer, but I really have to get back."

"Your new research project with Mercer?"

"Uh huh. If I didn't have that deadline, though ..."

"Yeah," Jason smiled. "Maybe we can come back another time; I really enjoyed it here."

"Me, too."

"Did you?"

"Yes," Tommy said with conviction. "It was just what we needed, I think - time alone together, away from everything and everybody."

"I know it was what I needed, anyway," Jason murmured. Then, he shifted slightly so he could look fully at his lover. "Did I ever thank you?"

"What for?"

"Everything, I guess."

"That covers quite some territory," Tommy teased. Jason grinned and settled more comfortably against him.

"Well, yeah. How about ... thanks for being there, for understanding, for not giving up on me ... for never stopping to love me?" he finished in a whisper. "And that's just for starters ..."

The brown eyes were warm and soft. "Anytime, Bro. And no thanks are necessary. Not for any of that. You'd have done the same for me."

"Yes. Still, I needed to say it just once," Jason replied, gazing seriously at the other half of his soul as he laid his hand against a lean cheek for emphasis. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Bro." Tommy kissed Jason's palm, then slowly bent forward to capture the warm mouth with his own. Jason's lips were soft against his and opened readily when he deepened the kiss, welcoming his tongue with a small, contented moan. Tommy felt his body react almost immediately - it had been far too long since their kisses had led to more - but checked himself; Jason wasn't giving him any sign yet that he was ready, and he could be patient a while longer.

As long as it takes!

They parted with a smile that turned into laughter when Jason's stomach rumbled as if on cue.

"Guess I got my appetite back, too," he grinned, slightly embarrassed.

"Looks that way," Tommy grinned back, stole another quick kiss and jumped to his feet. "C'mon then - let's get you fed!"

*

The day turned out to be warm and sunny, so the two men took a blanket and books to the beach, lazing away their last hours with easy conversation, quiet companionship and a couple of romps in the surf. When night came, they walked into the village to a quaint seafood restaurant and a couple of drinks. Back at the cottage, they decided to do their packing in the morning and spent a quiet, contemplative hour on the wide double lounger in front of the house, star-gazing and generally storing up on peace and contentment for the weeks ahead.

It was past midnight when they finally went inside. Jason showered first and was already in bed when Tommy joined him. To his surprise and delight, Jason was naked under the thin sheet.

"Jase?" he whispered, trying not to let hope make him sound too eager. He got a sleepy and somewhat sheepish smile in return.

"I want to feel you against me," Jason confessed. "All over. Hold me?"

"Sure." A little disappointed that that was all Jason asked for, but willing to take whatever steps he needed to regain their former closeness - even if they were but baby steps - Tommy slid under the cover next to him and drew him into his arms. With a contented sigh, Jason turned around so that they lay spoon-fashion and took hold of Tommy's hand, drawing it across his chest.

"This is nice."

It would be even nicer if I didn't have to keep my hands - and everything else - to myself, Tommy sighed inwardly, valiantly controlling his reaction to having his cock nestle against the firm ass. But no matter how much he wanted to make love, he wouldn't persuade, or worse, force Jason into anything he wasn't ready for. After all, this is way more than we had a week ago.

"Uh huh," was all he said.

Jason yawned. "G'night."

"Good night. Love ya." Tommy kissed Jason's shoulder, then determinedly closed his eyes as they found the most comfortable positions and settled against each other. Soon, even breaths from both men were the only sound in the room.

*

Maybe a couple of hours later, Tommy woke up from a light slumber; consciousness returning was a slow process for once, and gradually he became aware of a feeling of well-being he hadn't experienced for some time. As his mind catalogued and analyzed each sensation in the darkness, he realized that Jason's back was still pressed against his chest, their legs were intertwined ... and that his hand had drifted downwards in his sleep to cup Jason's genitals. The furry weight of his balls rested against his fingers, and the silky-soft skin of his flaccid cock tickled his palm. It was enough to bring him to full wakefulness in an instant. With some effort, Tommy suppressed a groan. It would be so easy to start playing - to cuddle the heavy testicles, to gently run his fingers up and down the still-soft penis until it hardened and he could ...

No. Not without Jase being aware and okay with what I want to do. I can't simply assume that he won't mind; forcing the issue, forcing him, no matter how gently or with how much love, would be barely a step away from rape. And I can't do that to him. Not now, not ever.

Better to move away from temptation, then. Regretfully, Tommy even denied himself the smallest caress and carefully released his lover. But he had scarcely done so when Jason spoke softly into the night-still room.

"Don't."

Shit, he's awake! Tommy froze.

"I'm sorry, Jase, I didn't mean to-" he started contritely, but Jason interrupted him.

"I know you didn't. I meant ... don't let go of me. I like your hand where it is." The low rumble was intimate and warm, but lacked the playfulness he was used to when they were spooned in bed together like this.

"Are you sure?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Okay." Gingerly, Tommy put his hand back where it had been. Almost inevitably, his fingers soon seemed to develop a mind of their own and started to gently fondle Jason's cock. Unable to stop himself, he waited with bated breath for some protest, but it never came. Instead, Jason sighed and shifted his legs to give him better access, silently granting permission. So Tommy continued his careful strokes, keeping things slow and undemanding while he felt his own cock harden against the rounded butt.

"Jase ... if you want me to stop at any time, just say the word," he murmured into the short hairs at Jason's neck. "Promise?"

He felt the nod. Then, a small shudder ran through Jason's body.

"I've wanted this ... wanted to make love to you again for weeks," he whispered.

"So have I," Tommy replied. "And not only sex; I missed being that close to you."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I knew we'd be back together sooner or later." Smiling, Tommy nuzzled Jason's neck and flicked his tongue teasingly against one ear while closing his fingers around the base of Jason's shaft. Jason gasped, shuddered and tensed. Immediately, Tommy stopped.

"What's wrong? Do you want to wait?"

"I- no."

Whew. Brushing his lips across one broad shoulder, Tommy strove to keep his voice even, to not betray his own rising excitement. "Then tell me what you want me to do," he said gently.

He heard Jason swallow once. "Everything. Nothing. I don't know ..." Another fine tremor shook the strong body. Slightly alarmed, Tommy tightened his embrace, careful to keep it light and tender rather than demanding. To his relief, Jason relaxed again.

"I- I want to make love, but ... I don't know if I can go through with it. There's so much still going on with me ... Tom, what if I get cold feet at the last moment?"

"Then we'll stop. No matter when."

"You ... you won't be angry?" Jason asked in a small voice.

"Of course not." He permitted himself a tiny chuckle. "Frustrated as hell, most likely, but never angry, not with you anyway. The only thing that matters is that you're comfortable. And that we get together again, however far you want to take it tonight. It'll be worth the blue balls, if it comes to that."

"Really?"

"Really."

Jason lay still and silent for several minutes. Finally, he made up his mind and rolled over so that he was facing Tommy. "Do it, then."

It was what Tommy had hoped for, even if it wasn't quite happening the way he'd imagined it. "Just like that?" he murmured.

Jason shrugged and smiled, touching the lean chest hesitantly. "I, ah, I'm not really ready for any hot 'n' heavy stuff, but if we take it slow ... and if you won't mind doing most of the work ... I'm all yours."

A strong wave of déjà vu, followed by a powerful surge of arousal, swept over Tommy. "Mine for the taking - like you promised me in the beginning?" he asked huskily. Jason shivered, but didn't draw back.

"Yeah."

Tommy's mouth went dry with love and desire. "Then lie back and enjoy, Bro," he requested. "I'll try and make it good and easy for you." He didn't wait for an answer, just slid one hand around Jason's head and drew him into a deep, tenderly passionate kiss.

*

Barely hesitating, Jason responded like he had that morning and earlier out on the deck, entwining his tongue with Tommy's. They took their time, rediscovering the taste and texture of each other's mouths, but without overt urgency. But just the knowledge that this time they weren't going to stop, plus the fact that they were both naked, in bed, /together/, was enough to lend a deeper meaning to their kiss again.

When they broke for a much-needed breath, both men were smiling. Tommy very much wanted to see, to watch how Jason reacted to what he was planning to do, but turning on one of the nightlights - or even taking the time to light a candle - was sure to destroy the mellow, intimate mood. So he had no other option but to look out for other signals Jason might give him ... the cadence of his breathing, the beating of his heart, the way he moved and moaned whenever Tommy would do something to please him.

Most of all, though, Tommy wanted to feel the thick shaft he continued to fondle stretch and harden until it strained upwards, begging to be caressed by his hands and lips.

Even the mere thought of taking Jason's cock into his mouth once more made his mouth water. He could hardly wait - but first, he had to reintroduce Jason to the pleasures they could give each other. He started by kissing him again and again; sometimes nibbling at the pliant lips, other times licking the soft surface or inside, into moist heat, feeling the hard, sharp enamel of white teeth scraping against his tongue as he did so. He interspersed these kisses with teasing forays across Jason's cheeks, his eyes, forehead, chin, only to always return to the accepting mouth. Only when Jason began to make soft sounds at the back of his throat and sought out Tommy's mouth without being prompted did he venture further, down the strong column of his neck.

Within seconds, Jason was tossing his head back and forth, thereby offering Tommy better access to the vein running down from his ear to his shoulder. Obligingly, Tommy licked and nipped his way up and down, hearing and feeling the muted moans Jason couldn't hold back.

The broad shoulders were next to be explored; while Tommy drew lazy circles with his tongue in the hollow just beneath Jason's throat, he used his hands to sweep along the firm skin of his arms and gently kneaded the muscles underneath. It occurred to him that in a strange way this was a reversal of the first time they'd made love; then, Jason had been the experienced one, guiding Tommy with infinite patience towards pleasure. Tonight, it was Tommy who was leading the way - they were matched in skill now, but it was he who had the confidence to bring them together again.

And man, it feels good!

Tommy hadn't realized that some part of him needed that experience, but accepted it with nary a thought. It was something to think about later, perhaps - at a time when he wouldn't be distracted by the feel, sight, taste and smell of having Jason back in his arms. For now, he decided, it would be enough to just concentrate on the joy they could give each other.

*

Jason's breath caught when the hot, moist lips wandered to his chest. Tommy outlined his pecs with long sweeps of his tongue, aided by firmer strokes of his hands down to his waist and across his abs. He could feel them clench and flutter, and a faint, dull ache started in his nipples when Tommy caught first one, then the other between his teeth and sucked gently until they felt swollen and hard. He wasn't as sensitive there as Tommy and usually preferred slightly rougher caresses, but the slower pace set by his lover suited him perfectly tonight. Panting, Jason arched his back towards that maddening mouth.

*

Delighted with Jason's response so far, Tommy continued to lick, pinch and nibble on the small brown nubs. His fingers weren't idle, either; when he wasn't busy to tease the nipple not in his mouth, he ran his short nails repeatedly over his flanks and the flat stomach, circling Jason's navel before going even lower. With feather-light touches he skimmed across the narrow waist, from hipbone to thigh and finally along the edge of the dark patch of hair below Jason's navel. With each pass, Tommy could sense Jason's cock fill with more blood until it was stretched to almost its full length and he couldn't help but brush against the satiny head. Jason gasped and instinctively bucked his hips, then froze.

Tommy didn't want to risk what they'd achieved by doing too much, too soon. So he simply held Jason with a firm but undemanding touch, keeping them pressed closely together. Almost immediately it became clear that he'd made the right decision; Jason relaxed with a soft, pleased moan and sought Tommy's mouth with his own. This time, he was no longer just passively accepting Tommy's kiss, but responded fervently. Only the need for oxygen managed to end that kiss.

Jason shifted in the embrace, sighing with pleasure as his lover's erection bumped against his own. Now Tommy was able to take hold of his ass, kneading the muscular globes. Eventually, he could detect a certain impatience in Jason; it was the way his hands threaded into his hair, then moved restlessly across his back, to his waist and up again to his chest, never quite taking the initiative to heighten Tommy's arousal or urging him downward, but it was still more than aimless wanderings. His moans also became throatier, and his heartbeat hammered harder than usual under Tommy's gentle fingers.

Taking a chance that this was the right moment to go on, Tommy kissed Jason deeply one more time, then resumed his intimate journey. This time, he didn't linger, just reawakened the erogenous zones he'd come to know so well. Slowly he scooted far enough downwards so that he could rest his head on the flat abdomen, gaining a perfect view of the hard shaft rising from its nest of near-black curls. The longing to swallow it whole, NOW! was nigh irresistible, but he fought it down, inhaling Jason's familiar, long-missed scent - of aroused male.

"Oh, Jase ..." Tommy whispered, shakily reaching for his prize. "I missed this ... missed /you/."

"Mmm." The pleased hum morphed into a sharp hiss when Tommy trailed one finger from the base of his cock to the flaring head, carefully circling the ridge. "Yesss ..."

Encouraged, Tommy repeated the motion, adding more fingers until they loosely closed around the velvety shaft. His fist wasn't big enough to hold the full length, but he had just enough room to start pumping. Jason moaned again, louder this time, and from his vantage point Tommy could see the tiny slit on top of the purplish-brown head flare when the first drop of pearly moisture emerged. Tempted beyond endurance, he bent forward and licked it up.

"Ahh!"

The first taste of Jason's essence exploded on Tommy's tongue. Combined with the small cry, it made him even bolder and he scrambled to his knees. Gently nudging Jason's thighs apart, Tommy moved to kneel between them, reached for the heavy balls with one hand, steadied the engorged prick with the other and licked once from root to tip. Jason shuddered and opened his legs wider, his chest heaving.

Guess I'm doing something right, Tommy thought woozily, almost overcome with desire. But a part of him knew even now that he'd have to wait, that Jason wasn't quite ready yet to reciprocate. Doesn't matter. This is for him. I can - I will - wait my turn! So he continued his gentle seduction, using every bit of technique he'd learned in five years of being Jason's lover to bring him to the edge of orgasm time and again. He wanted Jason to forget everything but what he was doing to him, only to feel the pleasure he was giving him with hands, lips and tongue as he went down on the throbbing cock.

*

Jason was floating on a sea of sensation. His head swam as Tommy mapped out his body, seemingly knowing precisely what to do to make him lose all sense of time and space.

It's almost as if he's reading my mind.

How else could Tommy know where to kiss him, when to use his hands or how hard or gentle he needed to be touched? He didn't care; what mattered was that he was rediscovering the delight he'd always found in their lovemaking, and how immensely freeing and satisfying it was to give himself completely over to the man he loved.

His groin felt as if it was on fire by the time Tommy finally touched his cock. Flames licked from his balls into the head, and only one thing would be able to quench the simmering heat generated by his seed.

No sooner had the thought formed in Jason's fevered mind that he felt the first touch of blessed moisture. An agile tongue scooped up the tiny amount of pre-come that had already seeped up and outwards, and Jason could no longer suppress a cry of desire.

"Ahh!"

The warmth of Tommy's body left his side and gentle hands parted his legs. Mere seconds later, his lover bent over his genitals, cool breath teasing his skin. Skilled fingers touched and steadied him, then the moist tongue swiped upwards once. A shiver of desire shook him and without thinking Jason let his legs fall open. Everything around him faded into the night as his lover expertly handled his cock and balls. Finally Jason felt himself completely engulfed in the hot wetness of Tommy's mouth; and when the tongue-tip stabbed gently against the vee formed by the ridge of his cockhead, all thought fled and only desire remained.

*

Tommy was only dimly aware that Jason began to squirm excitedly underneath him; he was too busy sucking on the silken steel embedded deeply in his throat. His own cock was begging to be touched, but he determinedly ignored the clamoring of his body in favor of concentrating fully on bringing Jason to his climax. He cheered inwardly when Jason started to buck his hips upwards, especially as it afforded him the chance to get one hand beneath that tight ass. Soon, Jason's skin turned slick with a light sheen of sweat and Tommy was able to work one finger into the crack.

A loud groan broke from Jason's throat, and he spread his thighs even wider, opening the path to his core. For a second, Tommy was tempted to abandon the throbbing rod of flesh and claim his lover fully, but refrained with no small amount of regret. In fact, he dared not push even one finger into the hidden opening - he had no lubricant and his mouth was too busy licking and sucking on the thick cock to provide saliva. At any other time, he wouldn't have cared and gone on regardless -after all, sometimes Jason liked it just a little rough.

But not tonight.

No, tonight was for pleasure only; even if at those other times any slight pain was willingly endured and even welcomed, it had no place between them now. What he could do, though, was tease the puckered anus. It had always heightened their pleasure before they'd gone all the way; Jason was already squirming excitedly, so Tommy figured that if he was lucky, Jason might relax just enough for Tommy to slip past the tight sphincter and trigger Jason's orgasm by stimulating his prostate.

Jase loves being sucked off and having his ass filled at the same time; hopefully, if I'm careful I can get my finger far enough into him even without lube!

Tommy thought he'd succeeded, but no sooner had he managed to work one fingertip into the hot tunnel that he felt Jason's hand on his hair. At first he assumed it was to keep his head in place so that Jason wouldn't lose contact with his mouth once he'd be thrusting in earnest, but when the strong fingers touched first his cheek, then underneath his jaw in a stilling motion, he sighed to himself.

Damn.

It seemed Jason wanted him to stop. Reluctantly, Tommy obeyed, easing gradually off the pulsing shaft. When only the head remained caught between his lips, he kept flicking the tip of his tongue softly against the tiny slit and lifted his eyes towards Jason to make sure he was doing what he wanted. In the darkened room, and without his glasses, he couldn't even clearly make out Jason's expression - all he saw was the smooth expanse of flat stomach and heaving chest right before his eyes.

What Tommy could see quite clearly, though, was the tube of lubricant Jason was holding out to him.

He didn't even stop to wonder where it had come from; without thinking he immediately reached for the plastic container and started fumbling to open the top with one hand.

"Are you sure, Bro?" he asked nonetheless, letting the slick cock slip from his mouth momentarily.

"Yes," Jason replied softly. "I want you in me - now."

Too overcome for words, Tommy nodded once and reclaimed the hard shaft. Squirting a liberal amount of the cool gel onto his other hand by touch alone, he prepared his lover with trembling fingers while continuing to suck. Soon, two of them were sliding easily in and out of the narrow passage. Tommy released the thick rod with one last sweeping lick from base to tip, then knelt between Jason's thighs and lifted his ass onto his lap. Tommy barely remembered to apply some more lubricant to his own long-neglected cock and positioned himself. Only a small amount of steady pressure was needed to let his cockhead slip into the ready-to-be-filled orifice.

Tommy groaned blissfully as the familiar heat surrounded him. He reached blindly for Jason's legs, spread and lifted them out of the way, then thrust forward. Jason shuddered once, relaxed fully ... and with his next thrust, Tommy buried his cock more than halfway within his partner. Both men moaned.

"Jase ... aw, man, Jase ..."

"Take me, Tommy ... make me yours," Jason gasped, wrapping his knees around Tommy's chest.

"Oh yeah," Tommy laughed breathlessly, leaned forward and hooked his hands under Jason's shoulders, bracing himself. The position was familiar to both men; it allowed them to make love face to face with as much freedom as possible - whoever was on top could thrust as gently or as hard as they liked while the other could touch him freely on arms, chest or ass. Often, the one bottoming would also masturbate, either to speed things along or to provide a show for the one doing the actual fucking.

This time, though, Jason just held on to Tommy. Eyes closed, he moved in perfect sync to every thrust or minute shift in position, panting and moaning softly as the fleshy rod impaled him time and again.

All too soon, Tommy felt his orgasm approaching. It had been a long time since Jason had submitted to him so willingly - and that wasn't even counting the weeks where they hadn't had sex at all! He could feel his balls slap rhythmically against the upturned ass, and the added stimulation drove him wild. But he wanted Jason along on his ride to climax, so he slowed down just a tad to have enough breath to warn him.

"I'm gonna come any second, Bro," he panted, relishing the thrill of being inside his lover again. "Are you ready?"

"N-not yet," Jason gasped, holding him more tightly. "Just a little m-more ... ohh!" He bucked his hips as Tommy's cockhead hit the small bump just behind his sphincter just right.

"Need help?" Tommy rasped, freeing one hand as if to reach between them.

"No - just keep going as long as you cannnnnnnn..." The drawn-out moan was music to Tommy's ears. For the first time that night, Jason took a more active role. He used his strength to hold Tommy's torso in position with his knees, clasped his hands around Tommy's neck and began to meet each thrust with one of his own. When Tommy rammed forward, Jason clenched his ass tight; when he withdrew, he relaxed. It was a familiar rhythm to both, as old as time, and it drove them to impossible heights together until Tommy finally lost control. He grabbed Jason's thighs, yanked them as wide apart as possible and snapped his hips forward several times in rapid progression until he could feel the explosion start deep in his groin. With one last thrust, he buried himself to the hilt. His seed boiled over, spurted up from his balls into his cock and with a sharp cry he erupted deep within Jason's ass.

*

Slumping bonelessly on top of the heaving chest, Tommy needed several minutes to regain his bearings. He was virtually plastered to Jason's skin, and it only gradually seeped into his consciousness that the grip of Jason's thighs around his upper body had eased. Sucking in great lungsful of air, he finally found his voice.

"Hang on, Bro," he panted. "I'll take care of you in just a sec."

If I ever manage to move again. Man, that was intense!

To his surprise, Jason chuckled, equally breathless. "Don't bother."

What? No way!

Puzzled, Tommy raised his head to peer into the flushed face so close to his own. Even if he couldn't see the heightened color in the darkness, the heat radiating from Jason's cheeks was a sure indicator of his excitement. "I'm not gonna leave you like this," he protested.

Jason chuckled again. "You're not. What I meant was ... you don't have to 'take care' of me - you already did, thankyouverymuch."

"Huh?"

Smiling, Jason cupped the side of Tommy's head and drew him into a fleeting yet thorough kiss. "Didn't you notice? I came when you did."

"Y-you did?" Now that he thought about it, there had been a deeper echo to his own shout of release ... quickly, Tommy took stock of all his senses. His cock was still buried deeply within Jason, but no longer in a virtual death grip; to the contrary, Jason's body was relaxed all over. Only then did he notice the evidence of Jason's orgasm - a beginning-to-itch pool of wetness between their close-pressed bellies.

"Whoa. That's never happened before," he said wonderingly. "That one of us has come just from being fucked, I mean."

"No - but it was great," Jason assured him. "I love it when you jerk me off when you're doing me, but trust me, I didn't miss a thing."

"Oh man," Tommy sighed, half happy and half chagrined that he hadn't got to watch Jason's climax. He shifted a little and grunted in disappointment when the movement made him slip out of the warm sheath that was his lover's ass.

"Mm. Pity. I like having you stay in me afterwards," Jason murmured, lowering his legs with a small, satisfied groan. His arms were still holding firmly onto Tommy, however.

"Next time I take you from behind," Tommy promised immediately. "It's easier that way." The thought sent a pleasant thrill into his spent prick, but it was much too soon to even think about an encore. I'm just glad that there will be a next time again - and soon, I hope! He stretched out contentedly. There was a slight squelching sound as their sweat-slicked bodies rubbed against each other. They shared a rueful look over the familiar, often inevitable messiness of two men having sex. "Ugh. I suppose we should get cleaned up."

"Hmph. Only, I'm too comfortable to get up - and I forgot to have a towel handy."

"We're all sticky and kinda wet, though," Tommy pointed out.

"So? I don't mind if you don't; we can take a shower in the morning, and since we're dropping the sheets off at the laundry ..."

"Okay." Smiling to himself - he hadn't been keen to leave his partner even for a minute anyway - Tommy settled himself more comfortably, drawing Jason into his arms so that the dark head came to rest on his shoulder. Idly, he ran one hand down the broad back to the roundness of Jason's buttocks, tickling the cleft, and had to grin when the pleased rumble coming from Jason's throat reminded him vividly of a large cat's purr. If lions purr, that is ... Suddenly, something hard nudged uncomfortably against his hip. Frowning, he fumbled around and found the tube of lubricant tangled in the sheets. He pulled the offending object out from under him and held it up.

"Where did that come from, anyway?" he asked. "Good thing you had it - I would've hated to stop just when we needed it - but I didn't see it on the nightstand when we went to bed."

"I put it under the pillow when you were still in the bathroom," Jason admitted. "I didn't know if we'd need it, but I wanted to be ready just in case. 'Always prepared', like the Boy Scouts say."

"You, my love, were - are - a lot of things, but never a Boy Scout," Tommy snorted amusedly, then kissed Jason. "Still, I'm glad."

"Thanks." Jason went quiet then, staring pensively at the ceiling. Tommy gave him some time, then gently tilted his face upwards so that he could look into the dark eyes.

"What made you think you couldn't go through with making love, Bro?" he asked softly. "Or for that matter, to hold me at arm's length so long? I could guess at the reason at first, but ... it's been weeks since the last time, and ... things got pretty lonely without you." He waited for several heartbeats, then added, "I can wait if you don't want to tell me yet, but ..."

"No, it's okay," Jason sighed. "I want to - have wanted to tell you for a while, but ... I couldn't. I'm sorry."

"Whenever you're ready," Tommy reassured him. "But I think you should make it soon," he murmured softly. "Don't shut me out, remember?"

"Yeah, I know." Jason exhaled slowly, then took the plunge to deliver the necessary explanation. "Ever since Dad locked me out of the house, I ... I c-couldn't get it up for weeks. And later, when I was no longer quite so numb and tried again, it wouldn't stay up," he confessed hoarsely at last.

"What?!?" Tommy had to use every ounce of control not to jerk up from their embrace in shock. "Why didn't you tell me?" Not that I don't have a good idea ...

"I was ... too embarrassed, I guess." Jason muttered. This was the last detail of his recent mental anguish he needed to share - and when better than now, when the problem had resolved itself so perfectly? He went on determinedly. "At first, when Dad walked out on me ... sex was just about the furthest thing from my mind."

"I can imagine. Small wonder, really," Tommy commented, kissing him soothingly. "I think it would've been weird if you hadn't had some kind of reaction like that."

Jason shrugged, then continued, wanting to get everything out into the open now that he'd started. "Maybe. Anyway, after the ... shock, I guess ... had kinda worn off a little I lay in bed one night and missed being with you something awful; I started fantasizing how you'd hold me, kiss me if you'd been there ... long story short, I began to jerk off, pretending like always that it was you touching me. I was this close to coming when - bam. I went limp as if somebody had suddenly cut off my cock. No relief, and no matter what I did, nothing worked to get me going again." He refrained from mentioning the mental image of his father's disapproving face staring down on him; surely Tommy could fill in that detail by himself.

"Ouch." Tommy winced. After their long talks this past week, he could correctly surmise the reason for the dysfunction. A temporary one, thank God!

"Yeah. Since then, whenever I thought intimately of you, of us together ... I started feeling guilty as hell. When Mom told me about Dad's health ... it only made matters worse. Then, on top of that/, I was getting afraid," he whispered miserably. "What if I /never could get it up again? Having to think that I wouldn't be any use to you anymore, either ... it just got to be too much. Especially when I ran into Mom at the store one day and she just went past me." The memory of his mother's face crumbling with unshed tears as she did so with barely a mouthed 'I'm sorry' hadn't helped matters, either, but Jason suppressed it with a mental sigh. He had to get past the pain of the incident, or his future with Tommy was doomed.

Damn you, John Scott! Damn you to hell and back! And Helen, too!

With a monumental effort, Tommy stopped himself from cursing out loud. No wonder Jason had shied away from even touching him all these weeks! To have to deal with what must've looked like impotence in addition to what his parents' rejection had done to him already ... it didn't bear thinking about. It was almost a miracle that Jason had been able to regain any confidence in himself and their relationship!

If I could get my hands on you right now, I'd welcome - no, I'd invite the return of Rita's Green Ranger. And then you'd get your just deserts!

"I understand," he said soothingly at last, when he could manage to speak calmly without showing his fury. "Well, at least we found out tonight that your, um, problem no longer exists."

Jason coughed. "Actually ... I've known that for a while," he admitted. "Ever since Eric's little 'talk' with me I got, uh, interested again. I just didn't know how to let you know; by that time, it'd been so long ..." the deep voice trailed off rather sheepishly.

"You could've shown me," Tommy couldn't help saying. "We never needed a lot of words to share our feelings."

Jason shrugged. "I know. This was different."

Tommy wanted to protest, or at least know how the matter differed, but thinking about it for a second he could see the point. When he'd been the one holding back in the beginning, unsure whether he was choosing the right path by becoming intimate with his best friend, he'd known that Jason would've backed off, retreated to their former, 'just friends' relationship. Whereas now, he would've tried his utmost to prove that nothing had changed, that Jason's problem was just in his mind - which it was, dammit - and need not affect what they shared.

But if Jase hadn't been able to work through his issues, to realize for himself that it was feeling hurt and guilty, not something else, that made him temporarily ... dysfunctional ... it could've led to disaster. I'd have tried to persuade him to try anyway; I know I would've. And if he had failed, possibly several times, I'd only have made things worse for sure. With all the best intentions in the world.

As Eric's 'solution' had proved a few weeks ago, sometimes love, no matter how deep or true, just wasn't enough. No matter how much I don't like it, or wish it was. Shit.

"I guess," he conceded reluctantly at last. It seemed they weren't finished talking yet - but not now, not when they should still be basking in the afterglow of some spectacular lovemaking. Tucking the issue on a back shelf of his mind to bring forth at some point in the future, Tommy needed reassurance on something else. "But things are all right now? You're okay with ... with us, and your parents?"

"I've always been okay with us/," Jason replied. "If I hadn't been completely, utterly convinced that loving you, /being with you was the right thing for me, I would've called things off. And I can't do that. Ever." He sighed. "If the price for loving you is losing other people in my life, even my parents, I'll play it gladly. It's more than worth it." Wordlessly, Tommy hugged him. "I'll always regret that they can't, or maybe won't, see how truly happy I am with you. And I'll probably go on hoping for a miracle that one day they'll change their minds. Until then ... it's their loss," Jason finished.

Thank you, God!

"Thanks," Tommy murmured, kissing Jason's forehead and received a one-armed hug in return, cut regrettably short by a jaw-cracking yawn from his lover.

"Man, I'm exhausted," Jason murmured, then sent Tommy a tired but saucy look. It was a mere shadow of his usual irreverent humor, but it was definitely a start in the right direction. "You wore me out good, Bro," he teased.

"My pleasure," Tommy smiled back and winked. "Literally."

"Smartass."

"Hey, it's not my ass that should be smarting," Tommy said oh-so-innocently, eagerly seizing the opportunity to get some of his own back for once. "I was fucking /you/, in case you've already forgotten - oomph!"

Exhausted or not, Jason wouldn't let that remark go unpunished. Quick as lightning, he sat up and pinned his lover to the mattress in one smooth, easy motion. Looming over Tommy, he gave him the best glare he could muster. "Just wait until the next time - I'll make you smart in places you don't even know you have," he threatened, then thoroughly spoiled the effect by leaning down and kissing him soundly. Tommy responded without hesitation, and within a heartbeat the kiss gentled into a soft, tender exchange.

"I'm looking forward to it," Tommy whispered against Jason's lips once he could speak again. "Very much."

"Mm. Me, too." Another yawn snuck up on Jason and infected Tommy as well. Grinning sleepily, Jason released his grip on the leanly muscled shoulders and lay back against his partner's side once more, his head tucked securely under Tommy's chin. "Just not tonight, huh?"

"Nope."

"Sleep well, then."

"You, too." Tightening his arms around his love, Tommy listened to Jason's breath which grew deep and even within seconds as he drifted off to sleep. A smile on his lips, Tommy followed suit.

*

Morning found the two men already in the shower; they had a long drive ahead of them, but they found the time to turn cleaning each other into a playful interlude under the hot spray nevertheless. Jason still let Tommy take the lead, moaning blissfully when his lover held him against the tiled wall and aligned their straining cocks. But it was both their hands that fondled the hard shafts and furred balls, pumping in unison until they climaxed within moments of each other.

Feeling keyed up rather than worn out, Jason grinned at Tommy as he toweled off afterwards. "You think we'll ever learn how to do that in the shower without half-drowning ourselves?"

Tommy laughed and reached for his underwear. "I hope so. We'll just have to practice until we get it right, I guess." He leered comically at Jason. "Best fun I ever had at any kind of practice, at least."

"You got that right, Bro," Jason agreed, his midnight eyes sparkling in a way that had been absent far too long.

The sight made Tommy happier than the sex they'd just shared. But time didn't stand still, no matter how much he would've liked to take Jason back to bed right away. A quick glance at his watch showed that the cleaning crew would arrive at their cabin within the hour, and they still hadn't eaten nor loaded the car. So, with an inward sigh, he waited until Jason had finished dressing as well, then led the way into the kitchen.

"Breakfast?"

"You bet. No way am I braving your driving on an empty stomach!"

"Pffft. Watch it, Bro, or you'll walk back to California!"

"Like you'd leave me behind? I don't think so," Jason said softly, suddenly serious. "In fact, I know you wouldn't."

"Never," Tommy vowed, equally serious, and drew Jason into a long, gentle kiss. Then, deliberately breaking the mood, he pushed him towards the table. "Sit. Eat."

With a jaunty salute, Jason obeyed.

*

Everything was finally packed and sorted, and the lovers left their small haven for the last time. Jason stood at the edge of the deck, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Oregon coast one last time.

"I needed this time," he said quietly, just loud enough for Tommy to hear. "To be away from it all, alone with you ... thanks."

"I needed it as much as you did," Tommy answered. "For different reasons, yes, but ... I know we would've taken longer to sort everything out between us, and things would likely have been a hell of a lot harder if we hadn't come here together."

"Yeah," Jason agreed. "I know there's a whole bunch of stuff still waiting for me back home to deal with, some of it not very pleasant, but ... the way I feel now, I think I can handle everything."

"That's good," Tommy replied, locking the cottage and tossing the keys to Jason who caught them expertly. "Just remember, you can ask for help if you think you need it. No matter what with."

"Don't worry, I will. I've learned my lesson."

"That's all I need to know."

Jason smiled at him as they walked towards the car. "Actually, there is something I could use your help with."

"Just say the word, and I'll be there," Tommy promised, pressing the remote to unlock the doors.

"You may regret that once you've lugged a dozen crates full of my books down the stairs," Jason chuckled, slanting a sideways glance to catch Tommy's reaction as he lifted the lid of the trunk and slung his suitcase inside. It was everything he'd hoped for.

"What?" Hardly daring to believe that his best friend and lover had come to far so soon, Tommy dropped the last of the bags and gripped Jason's shoulder. Jason simply stepped into his arms and reached up to run his fingers through Tommy's hair, coming to rest against his cheek.

"I'm ready to move," he murmured. "My lease is up the first of next month anyway, and I need to leave Angel Grove at some point if I want to be ready to start at Brookhill come September." He inhaled softly, committing himself all over again. "Most of all, though ... I love you, and I want to live with you. If you'll still have me, that is."

"Always," Tommy all but choked with emotion. "It's what we decided this spring, isn't it - and I can't wait!"

"Okay then," Jason smiled, gave him a quick kiss and slammed the boot shut. "How about as soon as you're done with whatever Mercer has you doing?" They both climbed into the car and Tommy started the engine; Jason would spell him later on the long drive.

"Sounds fantastic - that'd make it three weeks from now. Think you'll be all done with the paperwork by then?"

"Definitely."

"Great! So let's get moving - and not just away from here," Tommy suggested with a smile of his own, knowing that Jason would understand his meaning. He wasn't disappointed. His best friend and lover nodded, leaning back into the seat with a content sigh.

"Yeah. Let's go home."



To Be Continued ...