Chapter 21

March 14th, 2004

It was a beautiful spring day and the sun was shining down on the car as they drove. Jack had the sunroof open and Ennis kept glancing at him, noticing how sexy he looked in his sunglasses. He would have liked nothing more than for them to pull over somewhere and have a quickie in the back, but they were pushed for time. They were driving around the cape right now, heading for Provincetown on the tip, and they kept looking around in wonder. Ennis kept catching glimpses of the sea and he was looking forward to being near it.

Both of them had wondered whether to drive to the cape or take a flight directly to Provincetown, but had ultimately decided to take the car, and Jack had reasoned that they would probably want to drive around when they were there. Ennis sighed and looked over at him.

"Looks real nice here, Jack. How far is it?"

Jack glanced around and saw a sign for Truro up ahead. "Dunno. Maybe about five miles or so. Shouldn't be too long now. You hungry or anything? We could stop somewhere..."

Ennis shook his head and pulled out another sandwich from the bag they'd brought from their last stop. "No, we're good with these. We can have somethin' proper when we get there, right?" Jack nodded and smiled at him, feeling happy that they were doing this. He had a feeling that they would enjoy this much-needed break.

They drove a few more miles and the tip of the cape became visible at last, and they caught their first look at Provincetown. Jack stopped the car for a moment as they looked over at it, completely awestruck. It looked to be a bustling beach town like any other, but they both knew that this wasn't the case. They kept their eyes open for any sign of gay couples, and as they reached the town they began to see what made this place different.

Everywhere they looked, they could see same-sex couples holding hands and showing affection openly. Nobody gave them looks of disgust or said anything, and the pair of them marvelled at how different things were here. As they stopped at the traffic lights, they saw a gay couple pass a straight couple, and Ennis's eyes widened as the two stopped and exchanged greetings. He turned to look at Jack, who was smiling at him.

"Told you this place would be good for us," he said, reaching over for Ennis's hand and squeezing it. Ennis smiled back.

"Yeah, an' you were right. I...I think I'm gonna like it here, Jack. I think we both will." Jack nodded and they carried on driving. They drove through the sun-dappled streets and were struck by how beautiful everything was. They were both struck by the New England architecture of the area and Jack knew that they were both falling in love with this place. He figured that they might be doing some rethinking about where they would settle down after graduation.

They finally reached the inn that Jack had found and they parked. Getting out, they looked up at the building in wonder. It was simple enough, but it had a certain charm to it. Jack had done more research on the place, and he knew that it housed a restaurant and a couple of bars for them to relax in at night. He couldn't wait to start exploring the area with Ennis. The beach was just a short walk away and he knew that there would plenty for them to do.

He turned to Ennis. "Well? What do you think so far?" Ennis smiled at him, looking nervous but happy.

"Looks real nice, Jack. This was a good idea..."

"Sure was. And because of how friendly this place is, I can do this..." He stepped closer to Ennis, eyes sparkling. He gently slid his arms through Ennis's and up his back, holding onto his shoulders and smiling up at him. Ennis tried to swallow down his panic about doing this in a public place, knowing that it was not only safe, but accepted. He wrapped his own arms around Jack and leaned down to kiss him, feeling himself relax into it and forget about his innate fears for the moment.

They pulled apart after a little while and Jack kissed his cheek. "Well, we better get a move on. The sooner we check in, the sooner we can hit the beach. Gonna get you a good tan, cowboy." Ennis smiled and they retrieved their suitcases from the car. They headed up the steps and into the lobby, noticing that there were other gay couples holding hands in here. It seemed so...normal, like it wasn't a big deal here. They both knew that it would take some time for them to adjust to this, but they also knew that it would be beneficial to both of them.

At the front desk, they were greeted by a friendly-looking man, who seemed to be several years older than them. "Hey, guys. How can I help you?"

"Hi," said Jack, putting his suitcase down. "We have a reservation under Jack Twist. Standard room with double bed, for five days?" The man checked the book and nodded.

"Right. If you could sign here..." Jack did so and was given the key. "Have a great stay, boys. Hope you enjoy it here, and let me know if you need anything." The pair of them nodded and headed up to their room on the second floor.

They found their room and looked around. It was light and airy in here; very relaxing and a good place to stay at night, they could tell. They walked in and closed the door behind them, putting their suitcases down and already feeling like they were on vacation, even though they hadn't yet been anywhere. It felt good for them to be away from the stress of their everyday life. Jack looked out the window and could see the bay and the beach; their own little piece of nature. He was about to turn and tell Ennis to join him, but he felt his lover's arms wrap around him from behind and a mouth kiss his neck.

"Good spot, huh?" Ennis whispered in his ear, and Jack nodded.

"Sure is...wanna christen the bed?" He didn't hear a reply, but he was soon turned around and being kissed thoroughly like there was no tomorrow. They fell onto the bed and decided to start their vacation right here.

Over the next week, Ennis and Jack settled in well to Provincetown, exploring the shops and buying souvenirs for themselves and their friends and family back home. They held hands as they walked down the street and felt relaxed in the knowledge that they weren't about to be insulted for it. They could see gay couples everywhere they went doing the same thing, and it felt as if they were in another world here.

They visited the museums in the area, soaking up the culture and enjoying the peace here. Jack glanced at Ennis now and then, and saw how happy he was looking. He started to seriously consider the two of them moving out here when they graduated. They would certainly be happy here, and it was a beautiful area. He decided to ask Ennis at the end of their trip.

On their second day they bought some postcards for their friends and family and sent them off, and Jack knew that Lureen would want to hear every detail when they got back. She loved going to the beach and he knew that at the moment she was stuck in Texas, taking part in more rodeos. They also spent some time on the beach, and Jack loved getting his hands on Ennis to apply sunscreen to him. They were both hard by the time they'd finished, so decided to lie on their stomachs at first. They rested their heads on their arms and talked, smiling at each other and feeling like they were the only two people in the world.

They spent their evenings walking along the beach barefoot and holding hands, enjoying the quiet around them and the sound of the waves. It felt incredibly romantic out here as they watched the sun set. A few times they went out to dinner at a seafood restaurant, and Jack could see how Ennis looked different out here, away from the stress of back home and what they were going through. He too was feeling a lot more energised by their break. By the time they went back home, they would feel a lot more prepared about facing their fellow students. This place had made them realise that they were normal human beings like everybody else, and that they didn't deserve to be treated as though they were inferior.

One cool evening, the pair of them were sat on the beach and facing the West, waiting for the sunset. Jack was sat between Ennis's legs and was in his arms, feeling loved and protected in his lover's embrace. He sighed happily. "I've really enjoyed this, Ennis. You had a good idea for us to go away this week. I think we needed it..."

Ennis pressed his lips to Jack's neck. "Yeah, we did. An' you had the best idea, for us to come here. It's...somethin' else. How they treat guys like us, an' even girls like us too...I ain't never seen nothin' like it."

"Me neither, cowboy. When I read about how gay-friendly it is here, I just knew it was perfect for us." He smiled. "I know we both needed a break from all that stuff back home, and...I think that when we get back, we'll be better at dealing with all that stuff."

"Yeah, darlin'. Whatever they throw at us, we can deal with it," Ennis said softly into his ear, making his hair flutter a little.

Jack nodded and they fell into silence, watching the horizon. The sun started to set and they were hit by the orange glow. Ennis planted his head on Jack's shoulder and looked down at how the light hit his skin, making it glow. He kissed Jack's collarbone and closed his eyes, pressing their cheeks together. When the sun had set, he sighed and rubbed Jack's stomach. "We gonna get a move on, bud?"

"Sure...you wanna head back to the inn or you wanna take a walk?"

Ennis thought for a moment. "We could get a bite to eat somewhere. Sure do like that fish they serve at that place near the pier." Jack made an affirmative sound and they got up, pulling on their loose shirts over their heads and picking up the sandals they had brought with them. They walked back across the beach barefoot and put their sandals back on as they reached the decking.

They bought themselves some fish and fries with tartar sauce, and slowly started to walk back to the inn, talking and half-listening to the music playing somewhere. The temperature was dropping and they were eager to get to their room and crawl into bed together. They had enjoyed their time here together so far and didn't want it to end. They finished their food and threw the wrapping away as they passed a bench on the street. Jack then took hold of Ennis's hand and pulled him down the street, running towards the inn and laughing. They paused and kissed in doorways and in the alleyways, wrapping their arms around each other and feeling each other up a little. The pair of them felt free and completely at ease to do this in public.

Jack pulled his lips away and looked up into Ennis's eyes. "Love you," he whispered, and Ennis nuzzled his nose into Jack's dark hair.

"I love you too, darlin'. You wanna go back to the room?" He saw Jack's eyes light up in the way they did when sex was on their minds.

"Sure. We could get into that warm, comfy bed...kiss a while, strip off...maybe rub together a little..." Jack kissed the side of Ennis's mouth and saw him grin. Through his hand on Ennis's crotch, Jack could feel him getting hard.

"Sounds good. Then I can, um...flip you on yer back, an'..." He smiled and kissed Jack one last time, leaving him in no doubt as to what they would be doing after that. They clasped hands again and took off down the street, eager to get into bed together.

They reached the inn and ran through like a pair of teenagers on prom night, neither of them wanting to wait any longer. Jack nibbled at Ennis's neck as he tried to unlock the door and slid his hands down to Ennis's crotch, squeezing and rubbing. Ennis shivered with delight and his hands shook.

"Hang on, bud," he whispered. "Wait 'til we're inside..."

"Can't wait much longer," Jack breathed in his ear. "Wanna get you naked and in that bed..."

Ennis grinned and finally got the door open. They went inside and he locked the door behind them. Before he could turn back around, Jack was all over him again, kissing his neck and running his hands everywhere. He slipped them under Ennis's shirt and caressed the warm skin.

"Mmm...you got a tan today, cowboy. Looks real sexy if you ask me." Ennis closed his eyes and brought his hands around to Jack's hips.

"You ain't so bad yourself," he murmured, and Jack turned him around so they could lock eyes. They leaned in and brought their lips together, Jack immediately pushing his tongue into Ennis's mouth and swirling it all around, tasting a trace of fish and tartar sauce.

"Mmm, not bad," he mumbled into his lover's mouth, and Ennis dropped his hands to Jack's ass, pulling him in close.

"C'mere...on the bed..." He walked Jack backwards until his legs hit the bed, and he gently pushed Jack down onto it, looking into his eyes. "Want you," he whispered, and Jack nodded.

"Come and get me then," he breathed, and Ennis could no longer hold back. He leaned in for another kiss and snaked his hands between them to pull Jack's shorts down. He then felt Jack doing the same thing to him, and shivered when he felt a warm hand touch him. They finally broke apart for air and he could see his own desire mirrored in Jack's lust-filled eyes. Jack kicked off his sandals and tugged at Ennis's shirt. They pulled their shirts off and Ennis stepped out of his shorts, kissing at Jack's collarbone and aching to be inside him. Jack shuffled backwards onto the bed properly and Ennis fell on top of him, completely blinded by desire and love. Their limbs twined together as they kissed, Jack wrapping his ankles around Ennis's calves and keeping him close.

"Fuck me, Ennis," he whispered, looking up into his lover's eyes. "Make me feel like a million bucks..." Ennis kissed him hard and reached around for the lube, locating it and rising up a little.

"You want me?" he breathed, stroking at Jack and making him squirm.

"Yeah...hurry up..." He gave Ennis a pleading look and was rewarded by Ennis getting himself ready and sinking down onto him again. With one hand between them, Ennis pushed into him and Jack's eyes fell shut as the sensation overtook him. He breathed deeply and pushed back to help, needing to feel Ennis inside him. He spread his legs a little wider and Ennis finally pushed through, gasping a little at how warm and tight Jack was. He took Jack's hands and pushed them upwards, where Jack grabbed the headboard and held on tightly. Anticipation flowed through him as Ennis wrapped him up in his arms and began to slowly thrust into him, just enough to drive him crazy.

"You okay, darlin'?" he whispered, eyes searching his lover's face. Jack opened his eyes and gave a breathless grin.

"Just fine, cowboy. You wanna go faster?" Ennis obliged him, thrusting a little quicker and as far into Jack as he could, making him moan aloud. "Oh God..." Jack's eyes fell shut again and his head fell back to the pillow. Ennis was struck by the look of pure bliss on his face, and he couldn't help but kiss Jack's beautiful lips, pushing his tongue into his mouth. Jack was raising his hips in time to Ennis's movements and taking in every thrust eagerly. Ennis had certainly come a long way since their beginning, especially since it had taken him so long to be prepared to be on top. Now it was second nature to him, and there was no holding back between them.

"Jack...love you...so much..." Ennis gasped out between thrusts. "So much, darlin'..."

"I...love you...too..." Jack groaned, burying his face in Ennis's neck and feeling Ennis pulled him closer. "You're amazing at this..."

"Only...'cos of...you..."

"God, Ennis..."

"Jack..." He was thrusting uncontrollably now, unable to stop or slow down. Jack's neck was arched and his knuckles were white as he grabbed the headboard. They were close to the edge and desperate for release, only aware of each other and the bed. Jack's hands flew down to grab hold of Ennis's ass, pulling him in further and feeling Ennis biting his neck. He gritted his teeth and screwed his eyes shut as he finally climaxed, groaning out loud and clamping his legs around Ennis's waist. He felt Ennis come inside him with a moan and they collapsed together, breathing heavily.

"Fuck," Jack panted, staring up at the ceiling. "That was something else, Ennis..." He wound his arms around Ennis's back and kissed the side of his face. He felt Ennis sigh against him.

"Sure was. Real good..." He rose up and looked down into Jack's eyes, his heart filling up with love for him. "Love you, Jack."

Jack smiled contentedly. "Love you too. Had a real good time out here, haven't we? Almost...don't wanna go back. Would...rather stay here."

Ennis nodded. "Me too...real nice here, 'specially for us."

"Well..." Jack said, ready to float his idea. "I had a thought. What if...when we graduate, we move out here? Or rent a place during the summer, and come live here permanently when we graduate?"

Ennis looked down at him for a few moments. "That what you want?"

"Yeah, but...what do you want?" Jack asked softly, rubbing his back. Ennis smiled.

"I wanna be with you, wherever you are. I'm happy for us to move out here, if that's what you want. Wouldn't be the worst thing, to live in a place like this."

Jack smiled up at him. "Guess not." They kissed once more and held each other close, knowing that no more words were needed.

March 19th, 2004

Ennis and Jack had had the time of their lives in Provincetown, and the week went by far too quickly for their liking. They had loved being amongst couples like them, without fear of ridicule or abuse, and a piece of their hearts now belonged to the seaside town. They both knew that they would be back at some point, certainly this year. Maybe they could rent an apartment during the summer and see how they liked it. If they were going to have a shot at a real life together, they couldn't think of a better place to settle down.

They brought their suitcases down to Jack's car and got them into the trunk. Jack sighed and looked up at the building. "Gonna miss this place, bud."

"Yeah, me too," Ennis agreed, slinging an arm around his shoulders and shaking him a little. "Had a good time. But we'll be back, right?"

Jack nodded. "Sure. We still on for renting a place during the summer?"

"Don't see why not. We'd have to tell our folks first, but...I think they'd be okay. Maybe not my dad, but..." He trailed off and shrugged. "I dunno."

"Yeah, they'll be alright with it, I reckon. And I checked; there's an airport a couple of miles north of here. We could get flights out to visit home whenever we want."

"Great. So, um...we better get goin', bud."

Jack sighed. "I know...don't wanna go." They smiled at each other and kissed. "Come on, then." They got into the car and Jack handed his cell to Ennis. "Could you call my house and let my parents know we're on our way back to campus?"

"Sure." He dialled Jack's home number and smiled when his mother picked up. "Hey, Mrs Twist. It's Ennis."

"Ennis! Good to hear your voice, sweetie. Where's Jack?"

"He's drivin'. We're on our way back from Provincetown, thought you oughta know."

"I see. How is it out there?"

"It's somethin' else. They're all real nice, an' there's loads of other couples like us." He felt a hand on his leg and looked at Jack.

"Tell her about our plan to move here," he said to him, and Ennis nodded.

"Listen, um...me an' Jack have been doin' some thinkin'. We think that maybe...we might be movin' in together this summer. I know you said I could move in with you guys, but...we're thinkin' we want our own place."

"Oh, Ennis...that's wonderful! Of course, we'd love to have you here, but...if this is what you want..."

"It is, Mrs Twist. We've talked it over a few times, an'...we wanna do this. An' there's somethin' else, too..." He bit his lip. "We, um...we're thinkin' of...movin' out here to the Cape. We think it's the best place for us to settle down."

Jack's mother was quiet for a moment, and then spoke again. "Well...I can see that my boy's landed on his feet with you. He sure knew what he was doing when he chose to be with you."

Ennis smiled to himself, pleased by the praise. "Um...thank you, ma'am. An' I want you to know...when we move in together, I'm gonna look after Jack real good. You won't have to worry about him, I promise." Jack looked at him in wonder at this, and then smiled widely. They would be alright.

"Well, I'm always gonna worry about my boy, but...thank you, Ennis. Listen, I better go. But, um...get Jack to call me as soon as he can, alright? Bye, Ennis."

"Bye, Mrs Twist. I'll get him to call you." He hung up and flipped the phone shut. "Told her about our plans, she's happy for us."

Jack nodded. "I heard what you told her, you know. About...looking after me." He gave Ennis a loving look and Ennis blushed.

"Well...I meant it. I, um...I'm gonna do right by you, Jack. We're together, an'...that's how I want it to stay. So...I figure I should make some promises." Jack sighed.

"I appreciate it, cowboy. And I promise to do right by you too." They smiled at each other and Jack carried on driving. They stopped halfway along the Cape and ate in a seafood restaurant one last time, enjoying the sea view and feeding each other from their plates.

They were reluctant to leave this world behind, but they had responsibilities back at Amherst. Both of them wanted to graduate and have some achievement to their names. They figured that they would be able to get jobs out on the Cape, and Jack made a mental note to check it out when they got back.

It was growing dark when they reached Milford, and they decided to take a room for the night at a motel, liking the feeling of having sex away from the privacy of their room. To bat off any negativity, they booked a room with two singles, but the beds were large enough for them to squeeze into together. They kissed feverishly as they stroked each other off, gasping and breathing heavily between kisses. When they had finished and caught their breath back, Jack pulled his lips away and looked deep into Ennis's eyes.

"Love you, cowboy. Can't wait to get back in our own room, and..." He sighed. "Can't wait to move in with you during the summer."

Ennis smiled at him. "Me neither, Jack. We'll work it all out together."

"Right. Just...will you let me take care of the money stuff at first? At least until we're settled and both have jobs."

Ennis nodded. "Yeah. Makes more sense to do it that way. But...promise me you'll let me help where I can?"

Jack kissed him softly. "I promise, sweetheart." He smiled widely and stroked Ennis's face. "Sometimes, I...I look at you, and...I can't believe how much I love you. Never thought I could love anybody this much."

"Me neither, Jack. Love you so much it hurts..." They locked eyes again and Jack brought their mouths together once more, melting into his lover's body and forgetting their troubles for a while.

Sometime the next day, they finally reached Amherst. While they were happy to see the familiar buildings again, they had already started yearning for the beach and New England charm of Provincetown. Both of them knew in their hearts that they wanted to return, and soon.

Jack parked the car and they stretched in their seats. He turned to look at Ennis. "Good to be back, huh? I kinda missed this place."

"Yeah. But, um...we gotta remember that this place ain't like back there. They ain't like that here, seein' us as normal. We gotta think before we get...you know...in public."

"I know, but still...we'll be alright. That place proved to me that not everybody would hurt us for being who we are. Just because the people here don't understand us doesn't mean that nobody does at all."

"Right. Anyway, um...we gonna get a move on? Get back up to the room?" Jack nodded and they got out of the car, looking up at the building and feeling relaxed. They felt more prepared to deal with their fellow students now that they had spent some time away.

They gathered their suitcases and headed to the building, wondering if Lureen was around. They had missed her during the break and were eager to catch up with her. The pair of them went up in the elevator and knocked on her door, but there was no response.

"Must be out," Jack commented, and Ennis nodded.

"Yeah..." They walked along the hall to their room and Jack unlocked the door, grinning when he felt Ennis's lips briefly touch the back of his neck.

"Steady on, cowboy," he said, feeling a hand wander around his waist. "Don't want anyone seeing us out here..."

"Mmm...you better hurry up, then..." He bit softly at Jack's neck and they were finally through the door. Ennis locked it behind them and they only just managed to get their suitcases in before they were in each other's arms, kissing fiercely and pulling each other close. Ennis slid his hands down to Jack's ass and made him grin into the kiss.

"Ennis," he said, half-laughing into his lover's mouth. "What's got into you?"

"I was hopin' you," Ennis mumbled back as his hands wandered around to Jack's belt and zipper. Just as they were getting somewhere, his cell rang. He reluctantly pulled his lips away from Jack's. "Damn, was hopin' to get started on somethin' then." Jack smiled wearily.

"No rest for the wicked, bud." He turned his attention to his suitcase as Ennis answered his phone.

"Hey, ma. What's up?"

"I'm just callin' to see how your trip went, sweetie. Did you have a good time?"

Ennis smiled and looked over at Jack. "We sure did. It's really somethin' out there. They're really welcomin' towards guys like us. Saw plenty of other couples out there, an' no-one gives 'em no trouble."

"That's wonderful, Ennis. I'm sure glad you found somewhere that you feel safe. How's Jack?"

"He's just fine. We had a great time, but...we're glad to be back. Feel better at dealin' with all the stuff here now that we've been away."

"I bet you are. I'm sure sorry that you're havin' to go through all that. Are you sure you can handle it?"

"Yeah, we'll be fine. We can take care of ourselves, an' each other. Um...how's my dad?"

His mother was quiet for a moment. "He's still angry, Ennis. He can't understand how any son of his could turn his back on the ranch an' all we have. How you could turn away from a nice young girl like Alma..."

Ennis sat down on his bed, biting his lip. Jack noticed his sudden silence and watched him warily as he put his things away. "Ma, I...I thought I loved her, but...after bein' with Jack I can see that I didn't. When Jack found out that I didn't break up with her, like I said I had, I nearly lost him. I hurt him bad when he found out I lied, an' I ain't about to go doin' anythin' to hurt him even more."

Jack sighed to himself as he remembered that dark day, when Alma had turned up and almost wrecked their relationship. He had long since forgiven Ennis for it, but he couldn't deny that it was a painful memory. He sat down next to Ennis and took his free hand, squeezing it gently. Ennis clung onto him and took a deep breath.

"I understand, Ennis. I've seen for myself how much you two love each other, an'...I wish it was easier for you, but...I hope you know that you have my blessin'. Whatever you two decide for your future, I support you completely." Jack heard this and exchanged a smile with Ennis.

"Well, there was actually somethin' I wanted to talk to you about. While we were in Provincetown, we decided on somethin'. Durin' the summer, we're gonna rent an apartment over there, an' go to Jack's house for Christmas. Same for the next two years. An' then...when we graduate, we're gonna settle over there permanently." He looked into his lover's eyes as he spoke, and Jack ran his thumb over Ennis's hand.

"Oh...that sounds wonderful, Ennis. I'm sure you'll be very happy over there. Can I come an' visit when you're out there?"

"Course you can, ma. You know you're welcome to come see us whenever you want."

"Great. Listen, sweetie, your dad's just pulled up in the drive. I better go."

"Alright. Bye, ma." He hung up and flipped his phone shut. "Always feel drained after talkin' to her on the phone."

Jack rubbed his back. "I know, cowboy. Want me to give you a backrub?" Ennis smiled gratefully and lay down on the bed, pulling of his shirt and resting his head on his elbows. Jack straddled him and began to rub his tired muscles. Ennis lost himself in Jack's caring touch and momentarily forgot his troubles. When he fell asleep, Jack lay down next to him and watched him for a while, marvelling at how far they had come in such a short space of time.