Jack was counting off the days he would see Ennis again. He had completely tuned Ron out after a while. Ron seemed to get the hint since there were less and less attempts at getting Jack's attention. Unless Ron was still trying, but Jack had just gotten that used to it. Either way, Ron wasn't a problem and now Jack was only a few days away from seeing Ennis. He was in a better mood than ever and was glad he had Lureen to dump all of his excitement on so it didn't fester inside him and get him into trouble.

He and Lureen hung out every day. Jack had even tagged along on a few of her dates. But that had only been on dates where she wasn't too crazy about the guy. When she really liked someone, Jack knew because she would rudely cancel any plans they had made and then apologize the next day and make up for it by telling him all about her date. In a short time, the two had become best friends.

It was Saturday morning. Jack, sitting at a table outside a coffee shop, stared at his phone, waiting to hear back from Ennis, whom he had just texted like a minute ago. He knew Ennis had gotten a part-time job and worked on Saturdays and Sundays, but he could be hopeful to hear from him right now. Ever since Ennis got the job, Jack missed him more and more on weekends. They talked more during the week. Jack finally got some free time and there was nothing.

"A watched pot never boils," Lureen said, sitting down across from him. She set his coffee down in front of him, drinking her own latte. "That all you do in your spare time?"

Jack laid the phone down and grabbed his coffee. "I get on a plane tomorrow night," he said. "I have two whole weeks free. I'd just like to know how often we'll be able to spend time together."

"There's enough time to talk to him," Lureen said. "There's a whole 'nother day." She shook her head at him, a slight smile on her face.

Jack checked his phone once more then slipped it into his pocket. "What's your plans for the holidays?" he asked, holding his coffee cup with both hands as he put his full attention on her.

"I was told it's a surprise," Lureen replied. She shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not allowed to ask, even though I have many, many times. He won't budge, so I know it's gonna be pretty special."

"Excited?"

"Probably not as excited as you'll be when you arrive in Iowa tomorrow night," Lureen said, the smile on her face widening. Jack felt his cheeks grow hot and he looked away quickly. "You're so damn adorable. Too bad I missed out on all that."

Jack looked back at her. "You didn't want all this," he said, sitting back and gesturing to himself. He picked up his coffee. "Thou aren't worthy to mount this steed." That got a laugh from Lureen and he couldn't help but laugh along with her.


Ennis got back to his dorm after work Sunday evening. He was late and didn't even bother changing out of his uniform before he grabbed Pete's keys and ran out the door. Pete had let him borrow the car only to pick Jack up and then drop him off again at the end of Jack's time here. Explaining why Jack would be here was tough since Ennis was deep in the closet around here. But, Pete was gone for the holidays. Christmas break. Ennis had stayed at the dorm because his job hadn't let him take any days off. He just hoped that didn't bother Jack. Ennis would eventually get a better job and better hours. Right now, anything else just wasn't an option.

He parked at the airport and walked inside the terminal, checking the arriving flights. He grimaced when he saw that Jack's flight arrived over half an hour ago. He pulled out his phone, only to find it dead. He cursed under his breath then went to find Jack. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Jack sitting in the waiting area around the Arrivals. Ennis walked over and cleared his throat.

Jack looked up from his phone and jumped to his feet when he saw Ennis, his things being left there as he crossed the short distance to Ennis. Ennis smiled and they grabbed each other in a tight hug. "So good to see you," Jack said, not even mentioning the fact that Ennis was nearly an hour late.

"You, too," Ennis said, pulling away even though he felt like holding Jack a little bit longer. "Sorry it took me so long to get here. I was held up at work."

"Life's a bitch," Jack said with a shake of his head.

"Says the guy who ain't got a job," Ennis said.

Jack turned and walked over, grabbing his things. Ennis stepped forward to help him out. "I'm gettin' there," he said. "Acquiring one is tougher than it looks."

"Especially if you're lookin' for a good one," Ennis said. "This everything?"

"Yes," Jack said with a nod. "You took so long I went to Baggage Claim and back."

"Now you're gettin' on to me for that?"

"Hey, I wasn't even gonna mention it," Jack said. "We're together now, that's it."

Ennis led the way outside to Pete's car and loaded all of Jack's things in the back seat. They climbed in and Ennis pulled out and headed back for the college.

"Nice ride," Jack said, playing with the radio, flipping through several different stations before he just turned it off and leaned back in his seat. "Friend of yours?"

"Not exactly," Ennis said. "He's my roommate. "He's off with his girlfriend for the holidays. Got the dorm all to myself."

"Ever think about gettin' an apartment?"

"I don't plan on livin' here forever."

"Yeah, but apartment's are naturally better than dorms."

"Do you have an apartment?"

"I don't have a job," Jack said. "Unless ignoring Ron counts as one."

"It doesn't," Ennis said. A few minutes later, he parked the car and got out then moved all of Jack's things out of the car and into the dorm room. He was glad Jack was here around this time of year. Most of the students were on vacation, so things were quiet.

Jack sat down on Ennis' bed, looking around the room. "Kinda dull," he said. "On your side." He gestured to the other side of the room. "His side looks like a swimsuit magazine."

"I like dull," Ennis said, putting emphasis on the word as he looked at Jack.

"OK, I deserved that."

"Damn straight."

Jack chuckled then got to his feet. "So what's first on the agenda?" he asked.

"Rest and relaxation?" Ennis asked. "I've got an early day tomorrow. We both need to get to sleep more than anything right now."

"But I'm not tired."

Ennis hung up his jacket then walked over to the bathroom door. He looked at Jack. "Too bad," he said then stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower.

When he came out, he smiled when he saw Jack fast asleep on the bed. He walked over and pulled Jack's shoes off then helped him further onto the bed. Jack stirred, but didn't wake up. Ennis climbed into bed with him and slipped his arm around him then fell asleep.