Jason and Shaun Chapter 27

Author's Notes:

I want to thank my Readers. You guys are the best. Okay, these characters are not meant to resemble any living or dead persons. I make no apology to anyone who is offended by anything in this story. If you do not agree with the idea of guys being in love, then find something else to read. Let me know what you think of the story by emailing me at

_Hnstskr4@aol.com_

Jason & Shaun

Chapter 27

"Work and School Worries"

After Shaun's announcement and the first job interview, Jason's schooling has fallen right into place. In fact, it's pretty amazing how everything is falling into place. Jason graduation is just a month away, and he trying to wrap things up at school. It's been his home away from home for the past 4 years, and now Utah is going to be home if Shaun gets the job.

`It's going to stink if Shaun doesn't get this job.'

Jason thinks to himself as he leaves the building houses his advisor's office. He's heading home with some anxiety and some happiness.

***

Shaun has been tied the house as he waits for that second interview. Finally, he decides that he needs to step away from home. Shaun takes a chance to get away so he can get a breath of fresh air. He gets into his car, rolls down the windows, and heads out for a drive. As he's driving, his mind goes to Jason, Mr. Bowman, Eric, Steve, Sarah, and Mark, not to mention Jason's and Shaun's families. The husbands have already discussed the possible future and how they feel about it. He's been going from excited to sad in a blink of an eye. He keeps driving as his mind races around the idea of taking the job in Utah. Things have fallen into place so far with this job, but if Jason said the word, if Jason needed him to say "No" to the opportunity, he would in a heartbeat walk away from this job and look for another closer to home. All Jason needs to do is just say let's stay here, so much is riding on this job, and Shaun can't help but feel scared and excited. He wonders if Jason is feeling the same way. He looks at the clock on his dashboard and realizes that he's been driving for hours, and now it's time to head home. Jason will be waiting for him.

***

Shaun showed up around eleven o'clock in the morning at the house. Jason's car is in the driveway, but Shaun can't find Jason at first when he enters the house. As he moved towards the bedroom, he can hear the sounds of someone crying, that someone is Jason. Shaun sits on the bed. He places a hand on his husband's back to let him know that he's here. Jason gets up and embraces Shaun. His tears still running down his face, Shaun just allows him to cry on his shoulder. When the tears stop, Jason releases his hold on Shaun and kisses him.

"Jason, what's wrong?"

For a second, the words get stuck in Jason's mouth.

"I...I...have a month left of school, and it hit me, I'm about to enter the real, real world. Guess, I got overwhelmed."

All Shaun can do is hug his husband and give him a couple kisses. Even Shaun is feeling a bit overwhelmed. Sex would go a long way right now, but so would some time away from the house, but first some cuddling on the bed

***

After an hour cuddling in bed, Shaun takes Jason out for lunch. They visit their favorite lunch spot. The guys laugh and smile as they eat and talk. It's incredible how a little time together can alter a mood. Jason went from being sad to being truly happy. The guys kick back and relax, ignoring the fact that they aren't alone in the restaurant. They only spent a half hour in the business, before heading out for another destination.

***

They were going to check in with Mr. Bowman, but someone decides that he should get home in case a call comes in from Salt Lake City. Jason is feeling so much better, and even better, his stomach is full. When they get home, Jason checks in on the animals and then sits on the couch so he can spend time with the cats. Shaun, in the meantime, sits down on the sofa with his current book and starts reading. The day is going to be a long on at this rate. It's vital that Shaun doesn't miss the call. It would have been awesome to have stopped in at work since Jason only has basically a month to go.

***

While they wait for the call, Shaun decides that they need to plan for the great "what if" because he doesn't want to be caught off guard. He wants Jason's input more than anything else in the world.

"So what area of Salt Lake City do you want to live in, Jason?"

Jason really isn't sure what parts of Salt Lake City are safe places to live, nor does he really know precisely where he wants to live. Sure, they can talk things over and decide together where they might want to live. The guys glance over a website that shows the different neighborhoods in the city, and then they look up what information they can on each area. After studying the communities, Jason picks an area that he thinks will fit with their situation in Indiana; Rose Park, Salt Lake City, Utah. For some reason, Rose Park seems to fit their lifestyle better. Sure they could live in an area that matches their orientation better, but those places tend to be more costly. Besides, if he's going to be in Salt Lake City, he wants to live in an area where he's going to be comfortable, and being in neighborhoods like Marmalade or The Avenues might be more expensive, they might also be safer for them. As for money for the house, Jason's parents might give cash for a home, but he would whether do this a couple without his family's wealth. He's pretty sure that they would rather not loan them the money, to begin with, and that is okay with him.

"I think Rose Park might be a good area. I mean, if we have to be Salt Lake City, this area seems to fit our checking account a little bit better then other's."

Shaun looks at the laptop that is sitting in front of his hubby and scans the information on the website that Jason was looking at a moment ago.

`It's a place to start anyway.'

Shaun isn't happy about the possibility of living in the neighborhood that Jason seems to think is okay, but he knows people who have lived in n the area, and they don't complain too much about living there.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we found a house in this area, I think it would be perfect for us."

Is there such a thing as the perfect house? It's hard to know if they will find an ideal home or not.

"Jason, I would love to find a house, but it could be anywhere in Salt Lake City as long as you are with me."

Someone is getting a kiss from their hubby for being so sweet.

"So how are we moving all of our stuff and driving our two cars out to Salt Lake City?"

Jason had moved for college with the help of his friends, and then when he and Shaun bought their house, the move didn't seem that bad, but now he wants answers. This move just seems crazy, it might the distance involved or the fact that any house that they buy will be done with help from Shaun's dad and mom so that they can be in the house as soon as possible. Who knows maybe the company will want Shaun bad enough that they'll pay for the move and assist in the house hunting.

"Well, we hire movers then either have them move the cars too, or we have them move one while we drive the other car with the animals, a change of clothes, and whatever else we are going to need with us in the vehicle. I can do some searching on the net for some movers once, I know that we have the job."

Shaun tells his husband knowing that they'll have to figure it out and soon if need be.

"Jason, we got this and anything else that comes along, I promise baby."

He can't resist throwing a hug at his husband. It helps to reduce stress.

"We do, we got this move."

Jason says with a smile on his face.

***

Shaun uses Jason's phone, so he can call his parents; Dad and Sandy. It doesn't take long for someone to pick up the phone.

"Hey Shaun, what's going on Son?"

Sandy answered the phone, and Shaun can tell she is smiling on the other end of the phone.

"Jason and I just had a discussion about where we would like to move, and we are looking at Rose Park. I looked at it, and it's maybe ten minutes away from where my work is located, and a little further for Jason but we'll figure it out."

She has always listened to Shaun ever since they were first introduced to each other, and on the phone right now, she hears something in his voice, and it's possible that he doesn't even know it's there hiding amongst his words. Whatever it is, it can wait for a minute for two.

"I would love to have you guys closer, you know that but Rose Park isn't too far away."

Even his dad would love for the guys to be closer to them, but he would agree with his wife, that this neighborhood isn't too far from home.

"How is everyone?"

She is quiet for a moment.

"We're good. Everyone is busy with either school or jobs. I know your dad is stressing a bit with this possible job of yours."

Shaun understands his dad's stressing over his job, but he wishes that he wouldn't.

"Tell Dad, that everything is okay, and we'll get it figured it."

Her step-son has never jumped into anything unless he can land safely. In almost every instance, he has come to rest in one piece. However, there is a small percentage of times that his legs have failed him, and there has been some pain involved.

"Shaun, how is Jason doing?"

Sandy asks knowing full well, what this move might feel like for Jason because she watched Shaun go through some pain when he left for Indiana. She watched her step-son say good-bye to his friends and finally his family when he left, and she knew that he was hurting.

"I know this doesn't need to be said, but you'll need to support Jason during the move. He'll need you just as much as you need him."

She tries to remind him you of what the move might mean to Jason and what he needs to do for him.

"Believe me, Mom, I know what it means to him. I think my hubby is feeling it already. So, I'm going to do my best to see that he knows that he's loved and wanted."

Again, a smile breaks out on her face because she knows how much they mean to each other.

"Shaun, I know that you guys are going to be fine. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I want you to promise me, that if, the two of you aren't happy in Utah, that you'll do whatever you need to do to return to Indiana."

Sandy mentions this to Shaun hoping that he'll take the advice instead of falling apart because one or the either being unhappy. She doesn't want them divorcing. There is a lot of potential between the two of them.

"Mom, you're right, it does sound a little crazy but, I promise that, if we aren't happy we'll come back to Indiana."

Shaun says, putting up a sticky note up inside his mind so he won't forget to tell Jason what Sandy just told him. Shaun isn't planning on coming back to Indiana, but on the other hand, Sandy has never been wrong before, so he'll listen to her words.

"Honey, I think we should end the call now. I love you, Shaun. Give my love to Jason, okay?"

She suddenly gets the impression that she needs to end the call, so she'll do it.

"Love you, Mom. I will give Jason your love and maybe throw in a kiss or two."

Sandy laughs at her stepson's last comment.

"Good-bye Shaun."

Without a second to pause, she ends the call, and Shaun is left with his thoughts.

***

Within mere seconds of ending the call, another phone comes in on Shaun's cell phone. The screen shows that the phone is coming from the "801" area code, Shaun knows instantly that it's coming from Utah and more precisely the Wasatch Front area. For an hour, while Jason is outside in the yard, his hubby is glued to the phone answering questions and getting lots of information. The bottom line is that they like Shaun, and they want him in Salt Lake City in a month. Yes, they will help them to Salt Lake City. Shaun is happy, but maybe happy isn't the right word. Only one thing left to do, he needs to tell everyone, but first, he needs to speak with and kiss his husband.

***

Shaun sets his phone on the couch and then runs outside to find Jason. Jason is cutting back some vines that are growing up near their roses.

"Babe, I got the job."

At first, Jason isn't sure what he heard.

"Can you repeat what you just said?"

Jason asks his husband.

"I got the job."

Jason sets down the pruning shears and hugs his lover and lays a kiss on his lips too.

"Awesome Babe, I am so happy for you."

Shaun smiles, but there is still a chance that maybe this job isn't a good match for them. He won't know until Jason tell him that everything is okay.

"Do you really want to do this? I mean..."

Jason interrupts Shaun before he can even finish the sentence.

"Don't you dare, you already know my answer. I am in this to the end, and you know that, so no more guilt. Let's get ourselves ready for this love."

Shaun really should have known better than to try and get Jason to say let's stay here in Indiana. As much as Jason would like to stay in Indiana, he refuses to get in the way of Shaun's dreams. Although, he does question why his hubby is always trying to get out of moving to Utah. Maybe, that's it, the idea of moving back to Utah; back to his past. Well, whatever is doing on inside Shaun's mind, maybe it's time to just let it go.

"Shaun, I think we need to make some phone calls, then we need to get with Sarah and her crew to let them know what's going on with life."

Jason looks across the street, and he fills up sadness. Sarah and her family have been great neighbors and who knows what the neighbors will be like in Rose Park. Shaun might be from Utah and use to the culture there, but Jason has minimal contact with Mormons other than with Shaun and his family. Maybe, it won't be so bad since they are great people.

"I agree on Jason, I think we need to do right with everyone."

At this point, Jason picks up the shears and heads into the house followed by Shaun.

***

The guys walk into the house and grab their phones. Jason walks into the bedroom and sits down on the bed. He hits the icon for his family's house phone. He's hoping someone will answer quickly so that he can get back to the yard work or whatever else the guys decide to do. Not a second goes by before his dad answers his call.

"Hi Son, how are you?"

Jason's dad is glad to hear his son's voice.

"I'm good. Is Mom home?"

Jason asks, wanting to talk to both parents at the same time.

"Yeah, I'll get her."

His dad says as he gets ready to set the phone down. Since he's planning on telling his parents that Shaun got the job. It's the least he can do for his family; his parents.

"Dad, I need you to come back with her, because I need to speak to both of you."

He wants to say what he needs to say once and only once.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

A few minutes later, Jason's dad returns to where the phone is sitting with his mom. They sit down together and then get ready to talk to their son.

"We're back."'

Jason wants to get this done and over with, so he can spend time with his family. He hopes they give him some advice or that they don't disown him over the move. They would never do that, to be honest.

"So Shaun got the job in Salt Lake City, and in a month we'll be moving to Salt Lake City, Utah."

There is silence on the phone, while Jason's parents take in the news. Quite a few questions begin to bubble up in his parent's minds.

"That isn't much time, how are you going to move?"

His mom asks not understanding how her son and his husband are going to pack up their house and move in such a short time.

"Believe it or not, his employer is moving us out there. We're looking at moving to the Rose Park neighborhood."

His dad opens his laptop and looks up Rose Park, He wants to know what they see in this neighborhood.

"Wow Son, housing is going to be expensive out there, Are the two of you really sure that you do this finically."

Jason isn't sure that they can pull this off, but since they have money saved up, help to move from Shaun's employer and the fact they aren't moving into other more expensive neighborhoods, that maybe just maybe, they can make this move happen."

"Yeah, we are totally committed to the move. Shaun wants the move, and I want to see my hubby happy, Plus, he's been stressing over this job, trying to figure out if it's the right thing for us. I keep telling him not to worry about it, and I think I need to be strong for him. Everything has been falling into place so, yeah I am going for it."

His mom and dad can feel the excitement in their son's voice, and not only that, but she knows that he has faith in his husband's ability.

"Jason, I think you're right. Shaun is thinking of you and only you as he thinks about this move."

His mom speaks the gospel truth to her son.

"I agree with your mom, Son. Even with my concerns about the move, the two of you have faced a lot, and this will be one more mountain to climb as a couple."

No matter what mountain has been in front of him, Jason has reached the summit and survived."

"Thanks, Mom, thanks, Dad."

Jason knows that he owes them so much and he doubts that he'll ever be able to pay them back for everything.

"You're welcome, Son."

His dad says to him.

"Bye guys, I love you."

He tells his parents with sincerity.

"Love you too, Son."

His parents say at the same time. With his parents hearing about the news, it's time to have the talk with a bunch of people who will have him in tears.

***

Jason decides that it's time to head over to Sarah's house. He knows that Shaun talked with everyone the other day, but he wants to confirm it. Walking over the house, he sees Steve and Eric near the front door. He tries to get Shaun's attention, but Shaun isn't watching him. By the time he gets to the edge of Eric's sidewalk, the boys are already in the house, so when he gets to the door, he knocks. While he waits for someone to answer the door, Jason thinks over the time spent in the house, and how Sarah and family have blessed their lives. It doesn't take long, though for someone to answer the door. Sarah opens the door while holding the little guy, and she smiles at Jason.

"Come on in Jason, we are just finishing up watching a movie. Did you need something or just coming to visit?"

The happy expression on his face disappears from his face. Worry washes over Sarah's face as she wonders what might be wrong.

"Can you gather up the family? Shaun is busy, so I am the bearer of bad news?"

Jason says, knowing that his husband was just here the other day.

"Oh...okay, I'll get everyone gathered up."

True to her word, Sarah disappears, and in no time she gathers everyone in the house. Jason is now surrounded by a bunch of loving and worried people. He looks everyone in the eyes before he starts to speak.

"I suppose, you're all wondering what's going on well, here it is, we are leaving Indiana in a month. Shaun got the job that he's been hoping to get for some time now. The person who did the interview agreed to help us move, so I guess that is everything I needed to say."

Sarah and Mark seem to be okay, but Eric and Steve are not okay at all. Understandably, they would be upset. After all, they are losing their friends and their mentors. Maybe, Jason and Shaun should pull them aside so they can talk. Jason considers it and then drops the idea just as quickly as it popped up in his head.

"Eric, Steve, I know this is hard for you guys. I know graduation is coming up, and this job is going to stop us from being there and celebrating with you. We don't want to be gone, and I promise you that we will make up for it. I promise we will always be there, just like we are here. We have a month to go, and then our time in Indiana is over but you will always and I mean always be a part of our lives."

Eric and Steve take in everything that Jason just told them.

"So what happens if we need to talk to you and you're at work?"

Steve is hoping that the answer will be good news. Steve knows that although the universe seems to be smiling at them for the moment that it can all come crashing down around them.

"Steve, you know very well that if it happens, we'll call you as soon as we can. Course, I know that waiting for us to get back with you will suck, right now that is the best answer I can give you. I promise though, we'll be right here..."

Jason says as he points to his cell phone. Just then Jason gets a text from Shaun, he glances over it.

"I need to run, but if you need us; text us, call us, and we will get with you."

Steve and Eric get up and wrap their arms around Jason.

"We'll miss you, Jason. Tell Shaun, we will miss him too."

Steve says as he hugs Jason. As Eric removes his hands from Jason, he looks at Steve.

"I love you, Babe."

He then gives Jason a peck on the cheek, and then turns and gives Steve a kiss to end all kisses.

"Bye, Eric, Bye, Steve."

Jason doesn't think that they noticed him leaving. Before he walks out the door, he said goodbye to Sarah and Mark.

***

Jason arrives at the house as Shaun requested, and as he steps into the house, his stomach growls.

"Shaun, what do you want for dinner?"

Jason walks into the kitchen and grabs his wok, thinking that he would make a stir fry. He gets out the cutting board and his favorite knife. He opens the fridge to get out the vegetables for the dish when Shaun walks into the room. Shaun grabs the wok as Jason was getting ready to pour in the oil.

"What are you doing?"

Jason is caught off guard by his husband's actions. Shaun goes right behind Jason and puts the cutting board and the knife away.

"We are eating out tonight. I don't want anything fancy. Do you want to go to the buffet?"

When Shaun mentions the word "buffet,," it means this local Chinese buffet that the guys are going to miss when they move. Jason would whether cook than go out; however, tonight is special, so he decides to go for it.

"Sure, I can do Chinese."

Jason says as puts the vegetables back in the refrigerator. They head out the door, lock up the house and then load up into the car. For the next hour, they enjoy a meal and each other's company. Their evening isn't over yet, because Shaun wants to see the sights that helped bring together.

***

Right now, it's all about visiting the sites that mean something to our couple. Their first stop is the apartment building where the guys first met. It was in this parking lot that Jason first saw the hunk that is now his husband. It's crazy to think that if Jason had never seen the ad that Shaun posted, that they would have never met each other. Another life changes event happened here, Shaun and Jason met Miss White. This lady changed their lives. She pushed until Shaun and Jason were boyfriends. Next stop is the cemetery where a few of their friends are buried. Jason and Shaun get out of the car and walk to the first of three graves. Shaun walks up to the stone and stops.

"Hey Miss White, We are going to be leaving the area and moving to Utah. Just wanted to stop by and see you for a second before we moved on for the night."

Out of reach of the guys, a friend is watching and listening. She descends and stands in the back of the guys before walking up behind Shaun.

`I love you, my sons. I just wish that I could be with you. Don't worry, there is something amazing waiting for you.'

As she speaks a gentle breeze blows through the graveyard. They have got in the practice of keeping fake roses in the trunk. Jason grabs a couple of the roses and places them next to the grave.

"I know how much you loved flowers, just wish they were the real thing."

`Jason, they are beautiful. I wish they were real too."

"Bye."

The guys say as they turn their backs on the Miss White's resting place. The next stop is the grave of Payton. Shaun always has mixed feelings when he stops by this grave. Shaun's memory of him is tainted because of the attack, but without it, he may not have met Miss White. When they came to the last grave, they didn't stay long, but they did put down a few roses on the grave as well. This stone belongs to Mike Wilson; a member of the GLSA at the university who committed suicide. It's a reminder to them to always be on the lookout for those around them who may need a smile. When they are done at the graveyard, they continue to drive around the area, taking in their sights. Jason wants to do one more thing tonight.

***

There is one existing drive-in theater in the area, and they are ready to head out and watch a movie. It's not something they do a lot, but from time to time, they enjoy coming here for the occasional date night. Tonight's film is a romantic comedy, which Jason loves and Shaun loves them because Jason loves them.

"Are you enjoying the movie?"

Shaun asks his husband as they are watching the film.

"Yeah, I am. I sort of wish that we were watching this film at home."

Shaun can understand that because he wouldn't mind being at home cuddling up with Jason. They get quiet and continue watching the movie. During the intermission, they move to the backseat so they can cuddle while watching the movie. After the movie, they head home too tired to do anything more than to change and get in bed. Tomorrow will be a new day, and it's going to be Jason who is running around like crazy.

***

The guys get up and have breakfast and then Jason has to leave so he can go up the university. Jason doesn't have today, but he has to talk with his advisor. He's already spoken with the advisor, but now that the move has been confirmed, he feels like he needs to ensure that everything still is set up for him graduating. There is no need to look at these classes or worry about what he'll be able to do with his degree. It's crucial for him to be able to put this degree to work for himself. Of course, Shaun fits into this equation too, but he has to plan for a time when they either break up, or something happens, and Shaun can't work. Even Shaun needs to figure this out, or he could end up in trouble. It comes down to this, Jason will not be able to walk in the graduation, but he already suspected that he may not be able to walk at the ceremony. It hit him when Shaun first told him about the job, and somehow, he knew that he wouldn't be walking with his fellow graduates. He would love to walk and have his husband and their family there to see him get his diploma, but it's not happening, so the dream isn't coming true. Instead, it's time to form new dreams. There might be people who are going to be disappointed that they can't see him walk across the stage, but they'll have to get over it. He's still going to be living his dream, and right now everything is falling into place, and that is what's important. His advisor is sad to see him go, but at least the degree is completed, and now the only thing left to do is him being able to get his diploma. There is one last thing he needs to do, and that tells his family that he won't be walking.

***

Jason drives home and arrives to find Shaun has gone somewhere. A note on the table says that he went to the cemetery again. Jason knows when Shaun is stressed that he goes there to talk it out. He grabs his phone and stares at it, then he touches the icon to call his mom.

"Hello Jason, is everything okay?"

He took a deep breath and then started to talk.

"I've just come back from my advisor's office, and I will be graduating on time, but...I won't be participating in the graduation ceremony. I'm sorry."

Mom isn't a little sad that she won't see him, graduate. She knows that all of this is in her son's best interest.

"I can't say that we aren't a little disappointed that we won't see you walk, but you have to know that we are proud of you for finishing your degree."

Jason holds back a tear of happiness.

"Thanks, Mom. I'm going to let you go and go rest for a bit."

"Hold on Jason."

There is a pause in the conversation while his mom speaks with her his father.

"Jason, Dad wants to have dinner with you and Shaun before the move to Utah."

Some guys have in-laws that they don't like, but Shaun is lucky. His in-laws are some of the kindest people. With that out of the way, Jason lets his mom go, so he can go have a rest.

***

Knowing that Shaun's employer is going to be moving them, they thought it might be a good idea to start house hunting. Jason and Shaun both get out their laptops and begin looking at real estate in the Rose Park neighborhood. One by one, they look at each house while making sure to bookmark each home that they like. When they have quite a few selected, then they come together to review them. The guys already know that they want 3 or 4 bedrooms, so they have a guest bedroom as well as an office. The list of houses that they like is growing ever so slowly. After much discussion, they finally pick a house that they both want. It has 4 bedrooms, two that will serve as an office and one that will serve as a pet room, and one that will be used as a guest bedroom. They are one step closer to be being in Salt Lake City at this point. They cuddle together and just enjoy the rest of the day.

***

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