Chapter Eleven

Jack's first few weeks teaching at Capeside High, went like a dream…..no initial problems with the kids, no backchat and no mention of his sexual orientation. He was just enjoying being an English Teacher at a school he knew.

Jack spent most of his evenings marking work and eating at the Ice House with Pacey and Doug. He was also on the phone to Jen every night, where they would give each other the low down on their days. Jack wanting to hear how Jen's pregnancy was going, she would always moan about not being able to fit her normal clothes and is now a borderline beach whale! Jen would enquire how things are with Doug, to which Jack would always give the same answer…nothing!

In actual fact Jack and Doug were hanging out almost every night and not always with Pacey in tow. They had become closer than ever. This pleased Pacey, but at the same time was frustrated with Doug for not letting Jack know how he really feels. However, Doug insisted that he was enjoying getting to know Jack and becoming a close friend to him was enough for him right now.

When the first break of the Fall term came in October, Jack went back to New York to stay with Jen and Grams. He managed to catch up with Joey and Dawson too. Pacey had to stay in Capeside as he couldn't get cover for the restaurant, was rather jealous that all the gang had managed to spend time together without him. He had to spend time with his "own" family instead, which he hated but least he had Doug.

All the time Jack was away, Doug buried himself in work, staying occupied so he didn't have to think about how much he was missing him. Pacey noticed this and made a flippant comment about "pinning for Jack" which Doug did not find amusing!

Jack was equally missing Doug, which infuriated Jen, as she insisted that he either did something about it or get over him!

It was the Thanksgiving holidays and Pacey had decided to throw a Thanksgiving party for family and friends at the restaurant.

Jack and Doug had spent most of the night in each others company like they had been for months, Pacey gave up trying to counsel Doug and decided to let them get on with it. They had become pretty inseparable as Pacey described it to Jen on the phone one day as they were discussing the duo, they came to the conclusion that it was properly best leaving it to them and let nature take its course.

Doug had a tough few weeks at work with a big investigation into an illegal firearms ring coming to Capeside, so tonight at the Thanksgiving party he decided he was going to "let his hair down" as he put it to Pacey who had commented on the amount of alcohol he was putting away.

Pacey had asked Jack to look after him and when Doug said he was going to get some fresh air, Jack went with him.

"You don't have to come with me…I can look after meself…..I am the Sheriff you know…." Doug slurred as he wandered in the direction of the beach.

"I know…..I wanted some fresh air too" Jack lied.

Doug went to sit down on the stone wall and swayed a little, Jack rushed over to support him and found himself sitting rather close to Doug.

The two of them sat close together on the wall, not saying anything, enjoying the warmth of each other's bodies.

Doug let out a huge sigh and said after a while "Jack…..I like being with you…"

Jack, without looking up from the sand he had been staring at replied "same here….."

"Really?" Doug said sounding vulnerable for the first time Jack thought.

"Yeah, really" Jack looked up to the direction of Doug's gaze and continued "but you have known that for months….."

"Yes, but what you don't know is…" Doug slurred, taking a deep breath…..he moved closer, turning his face to Jack's, he leaned in, their lips almost touching. Doug leaned in further to kiss Jack but before he got the chance, Jack pulled back in shock and asked "What are you doing!?

"But I thought it's what you wanted….." Doug said looking confused.

"Yes…..but Doug, you're straight! Aren't you? " Jack was more confused now than ever….did Doug really try to kiss him….did he really come on to him? Jack stared at him and wanting a response " Doug?"

Doug couldn't say anything, he was mortified that not only did he now make his feelings perfectly clear to Jack but the fact that Jack pulled away when he thought it was what he wanted…..

Doug just repeated "I thought it's what you wanted…!"

Jack was getting impatient now and said in an annoyed tone…"It is, but not like this…"

"Like what?" Doug said sounding hurt.

"Like your're going to regret it in the morning…." Jack said softly as he could see the hurt and rejection in Doug's face.

"How do you know I will?" Doug snapped back.

"If you really want it to happen and you really mean it then you shouldn't do it when you have had this much to drink….." Jack said reasonably. Damn! Why I am being so noble? Jack thought to himself I've been longing for him to do that for months and when he does I turn him down!? What the hell are you doing Jack?

"I don't understand…" Doug said bringing Jack out of his thoughts.

"What I mean, Doug, is, if it takes being this drunk to make a move on me, to finally accept that you have feelings for me….then you're not ready to face the reality of it all."

Doug had no response to this, because even in his drunken mind, he knew Jack was right.