9.

"So, we're going out," Shawn began.

"No," Jack and Eric replied automatically.

"No? You haven't even heard where we're going yet!"

"It's a club, correct?" Jack asked, making no attempt to move.

"Well, yeah, but it's different. See, there's this barber chair-"

"No thank you," Eric interrupted. "Appreciate the thought and all, but no."

"Well, if you change your mind..." Shawn scribbled down an address on a piece of paper. "See ya later."

"Have a good time," Jack said as Shawn went out the door, whistling.

"He took that pretty well," Eric commented.

"Yeah. I figure because it gives him more time alone with Kat."

"Well, that leaves us alone," Eric said after a pause.

"What ever shall we do?" Jack said dramatically.

"I have an idea."

They ended up in their room, moving slowly, with no sense of urgency. As Jack fluttered soft kisses on Eric's cheeks, eyelids, nose, and finally, his lips, Eric said, "I'm ready."

"You're ready?"

"Yeah. It feels right."

"You can change your mind at any point," Jack pointed out quietly.

"Okay."

He didn't though, and at the end, when they lay there, together, Jack turned to him. "Are you alright?"

"Never better."