Jason and Shaun Chapter 34

If you don't agree with guys being in love with guys, then you need to find someplace else to spend time.

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.

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Jason and Shaun

Chapter 34 Part 1

So Busy

Despite having friends here in Utah, their lives just seem so busy; it's as if there is no balance in their lives. They have been so busy with work and home that socially, things are just not happening. They don't have time to be social. It would be nice to be able to visit with friends. Shaun and Jason are working for the next 5 days straight with very little time to do anything other than eat and sleep. Right now, the guys are at work. They're both wishing that they were home, so they could relax. Shaun would like to relax by reading the book that he's been reading. Jason wants to spend time with the animals at his house. The last pay period was great, but this pay period has them feeling a tad bit crazy. Hopefully, the week will go fast for them. This pay period has been moving very slowly.

***

Sometimes, it feels like their jobs are keeping them apart. They rarely see each other, and it sucks. Their relationship has come down to kisses as they pass each other as they leave for work. The guys would love to have just 1 hour that belongs to them each day, that they can cuddle on the couch, or 2 hours that they can spend cooking together and eating a meal together. The schedule this week just sucks. All they can do is simply wait it out. Oh well, they just have to find a way to make it work.

***

One morning Jason decided to leave a little note for Shaun, which started a new tradition in their relationship. The following day after Jason's message, Jason managed to drop a note in Shaun's lunch, and Shaun also dropped one in Jason's lunch. At Shaun's lunch, he pulled out Jason's note.

"Hey Babe, I love you! See you when I get home."

Shaun immediately grabs his phone and texts his husband.

"I love you too."

Sending notes and texts back and forth makes them feel like they are dating. On Jason's lunch, he pulls out Shaun's note.

"I guess you started something yesterday. I can't wait to see you tonight. Think we could steal a few minutes to cuddle tonight? I want more than one kiss. Love you!"

Jason smiles as he checks his phone. He sees Shaun's text, and he smiles. He quickly responds to his husband.

"I would love to steal some minutes from our day if it means I can snuggle up against you. See you tonight! Here is a little kiss for you."

Jason hopes that Shaun can feel that kiss and love in his text. All week long, they write notes to each other and continue sending texts back and forth.

***

Finally, they have some extra time to themselves, so they decide to write Eric and Steve separately. Jason and Shaun sit down with a pencil to write them. Jason's letter to Eric reads.

"Dear Eric,

How are you doing? I hope you are doing well. Shaun and I are doing okay. Wish I could say that I like my job, but I don't. I love my job, but I would rather be with Mr. Bowman. I hope you are all okay? How is your summer going? Is it weird being out of school? We met a couple living down the street from us, from Indiana. Grant and Jeff help make this place a little bit nicer. Remember, we are here for you and Steve.

Yours truly,

Jason"

Jason carefully folds the letter, sticks it into an envelope, sets it down, and gets another piece of paper. Next, he starts with Steve's letter.

"Dear Steve,

Hey Steve, I hope you are doing okay? We decided to sit down and write to both of you. I just finished Eric's letter, and now I will write you. How are you doing? Shaun and I are doing okay. Sometimes, we feel like we're struggling, but overall, things are good. Hope your summer is going good? We met another gay couple. Their names are Jeff and Grant, two really nice guys. I am not making this a super long letter, so I will end it here. We just wanted to let you guys know that we are here for you and Eric if you need us.

Your's truly,

Jason"

Jason folds this note up and sticks it in the envelope. He seals each envelope and then addresses each envelope. Now we'll go back to Shaun as he writes his letters.

"Dear Steve,

Hey, I hope you are doing okay? I know Jason is writing you, so I don't want to talk about something he has already mentioned, so I won't tell you about our awesome neighbors. However, let me just say that work really sucks lately. I feel like all I do is eat, work, eat work, and sleep every day. I'm lucky to get a kiss from Jason when I leave for work or vice versa. I will send photos of the cats to you and Eric. We figured we would write to you guys to let you know that we are alive and thinking about the two of you. We love you. I will talk to you later!

Sincerely

Shaun"

Now Shaun writes Eric.

"Hey Eric, what's up?" I hope things are good. How are things with the family? Doing okay for the most part. I just want a chance to breathe a little. How goes your summer so far? I hope the photos of the cats put a smile on your face. By the way, I am not going to talk about anything that Jason already talked to you about, so this letter is kind of short. Love you, dude! Talk to you later!"

Shaun folds up his letters, stuffs his envelopes, and then seals them. He also makes sure to address both letters. Jason hands his letters to Shaun so they can be stamped since Shaun is sitting at the desk. Shaun takes care of that, walks to the mailbox, and puts the envelopes into the box.

***

After the letters are put in the mailbox, Shaun decides he will squeeze whatever time is left of today with his husband. He walks into the house, and then the guys warm up leftovers and have their dinner. After eating dinner, they brush their teeth. Shaun leads Jason to the couch, where they snuggle and exchange a couple of quick kisses.

"I know we could be doing something else, but I needed to be next to you. Do you want to watch something or listen to music?"

Shaun asks his husband.

"How about music? We can do watch television another night."

Jason answers his husband. Shaun turns on the Bluetooth speakers and then plays his "With You" playlist. It has songs from their wedding and new songs that they think are special. They aren't on the couch too long when the cats discover them. It may have only lasted an hour, but it feels good to be with each other.

***

It's the next day, and Jason has come home ahead of Shaun, so he decides to walk around the block. It feels good to get some air into his lungs. As he gets close to Grant's and Jeff's house, he decides to just visit for a few minutes, at least until Shaun gets home. Jason is feeling kind of low at the moment. He feels disconnected from the world. Maybe, it is just the wear and tear of the day showing through. No, he's been feeling this way for a while now. Being around friends might help to get him out of the funk. Jason knocks on the door. Grant opens the door and invites Jason into the house.

"What's up, Jason?"

Grant says as Jason sits down on the couch.

"I don't know about you and Jeff, but we've been going nuts. It's like our bosses' got together and planned our schedules for the past week so that we wouldn't have five extra minutes to spare in our day. Yesterday, Shaun sat me on the couch and we cuddled for an hour instead of doing something that needed to be done. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining at all. In fact, I'm glad that he decided to do that because I needed some time with him."

Grant remembers those days; sometimes, they still have days like that, where everything seems to be aimed at their relationship.

"We've been, and I'm sure every couple out there has felt this. It's like the world is aiming everything it has at you, and there is no end in sight, and then it's like the clouds depart, and things go back to normal."

The friend tells Jason hoping something will help him.

"It never felt like this back in Indiana. Maybe, it's just a normal part of life, and it will pass, but everything seems to be spinning out of control lately."

You can see that Grant is worried.

"Maybe what you're feeling is just a mix of things. It could be home-sickness mixed with the stress of a crazy work schedule. You could still be adjusting to life here in Utah. It's a different sort of lifestyle out here."

Jason agrees with him, especially when he said that Utah is a different sort of lifestyle. Maybe it will take time for them to adjust to life here in a new state.

"When we first moved here, life was pretty crazy. It took time for us to adjust. Granted, it's beautiful here, but we took things slowly. Was it stressful in Indiana?"

Jason chuckles a bit.

"Yeah, but it was different somehow. Back home, I woke up in the morning, went to school or work, depending on the day, and then came home to my husband. I literally loved school, and I loved my job. I was working at a roadside zoo and rescue. I went to school for zoology. At the old job, I had animals that I knew. I could read their body language and worked with them daily. I feed them every day. One animal, in particular, was this Salmon-Crested Cockatoo. He was my baby. We had a special bond, a trust between us. My boss, the owner, told me that he responded to me in ways that the other keepers couldn't get from him. The other keepers have been here longer than I have, and the animals are new. They haven't had time to build that trust with me. I haven't found my place with them yet, and it sucks. Shaun is new at this job too, and he gets all kinds of crazy deadlines."

He sighs and then looks at the door as he contemplates leaving his friends' house. Grants gets up to give his friend a hug. Jason is happy to accept the hug because he needed it. It did lift the mood a little.

"I'm going to head out and get home before Shaun gets home. Maybe I can get dinner started before he gets home."

Jason tells his friend.

"Jason, I hope things get better for Shaun and you."

Grant tells Jason as his friend stands near the doorway. Jason smiles at his friend.

"Thanks! Bye, Grant."

Grant opens the door, and then Jason leaves to head home. True to his word, Jason goes home to start dinner. He is making General Tso's chicken, brown rice, and something to drink. He's making a larger recipe than he usually would, so there are leftovers for lunches tomorrow. When he gets home, the house already smells great. It usually does when Jason cooks. Hearing Shuan enter the house, Jason speaks up from the kitchen.

"Dinner isn't quite ready. Can you see if the cats need to be fed?"

Shaun sets his backpack on the couch and then goes to do what his husband asked of him.

"I'm on it, Babe."

Shaun says so that Jason knows that he heard the request. After filling the cats' dishes, he gets the laundry gathered up and started. They have to take advantage of every minute in their day; sometimes, that means not having that break right after work and helping out with chores you normally don't do.

***

Today, it's Shaun's turn to feel like the world is out to get him. Shaun gets home and calls his dad to talk. If this continues, he may have to find a counselor.

"Shaun, what is going on, my son?"

Shaun wants to cry but swallows it back a little, so he can speak to his dad without breaking down on the phone. Something has to give in their lives.

"Dad, I don't know what is going on with us this past week and a half. We just feel like we are working twenty-four-seven lately. Our schedules clash, our time at home seems filled with chores, and we haven't had any intimate moments in a week, which isn't like us at all. I don't know if we can handle another week like this one."

His dad frowns a bit because he feels bad that his son and son-in are suffering.

"I'm sorry, Shaun. Life sometimes throws punches, and when it does, you have to fight back and find a way to smile. Would life be easier someplace else?"

Shaun thinks about what his dad just asked him. Honestly, he has no clue if Indiana would be a better fit for them or not, but he knows it is where Jason would like to be, and if he is honest with himself, he too would like to be back in Indiana.

"Dad, I don't know if Indiana would be easier than Utah, but I think it's where we need to be. I don't want to put Mom and you out; you've helped us so much. I know Jason is hurting inside, and I don't know what to do. I know Jason is hurting inside, and I have felt a pull tugging me back to Indiana."

His dad smiles at him.

"Shaun, if you feel a pull to go back to Indiana, then maybe it's time. You'll be wise to give work a two-week notice before heading to Indiana. You've got this, Shaun; you've got this."

Since they arrived in Utah, this craziness inside of him kept whispering, "Go home!" but Shaun didn't listen to the voice and now look at where he is. They are going crazy here, and his dad knows it.

"Okay, Dad!"

His dad did give him a lot to think about, and he needs time to consider what steps to take. He may need to discuss this conversation with his husband at some point.

***

Jason is at home when Shaun's dad makes a surprise visit.

"I had a conversation with Shaun today, and I wanted to give something to Shaun in case he decides to act on it. Don't open it! Sandy and I want to talk to both of you as you open it."

Jason is curious about what exactly is in the envelope. He's also wondering exactly what was discussed in that conversation between his husband and Shaun's dad.

"Okay, Dad, I will make sure that Shaun gets it."

Shaun's dad hands the envelope to his son-in-law.

"Jason, I want to ask you a question, and I want you to answer it honestly. How are you doing? Is everything good between you and Shaun?"

The last question has Jason wondering if Shaun is having doubts about their relationship.

`He would tell me if something was wrong with us?'

He realizes that this isn't something that one sends in a text. It will have to wait till he gets home.

"Jason, are you there, Son?"

Asks Shaun's dad.

"Sorry, I was just trying to remember if I turned off the stove."

Jason walks into the kitchen and takes a deep breath to hold back the anxiety and the tears. After wiping his eyes, he goes back to the living room.

"I did turn I off; all is good. Now, what did you ask me?"

Jason asks his father-in-law.

"I asked you if you were okay and if everything was good between Shaun and you."

Jason isn't sure he'll make it through this okay.

"The past week and a half have been really hard on me. I've felt like I just don't get enough sleep, enough time with Shaun, and enough time with my thoughts. Yeah, Shaun and I are fine."

Jason feels like he is lying to his father-in-law.

`Why would he ask if we were okay?'

Jason can't think of anything he has done that might have upset Shaun.

`Is Shaun cheating on me?'

Shaun's dad is convinced that something is wrong, but Jason isn't speaking, so he decides it's best to just let it go and head home.

"Jason, I am going to head out. Call me if you need me!"

Jason knows that the last sentence is heartfelt.

"I will."

Shaun's dad turns to leave.

"Bye, Jason! Don't forget to give that item to Shaun."

Jason nods his head.

"I won't forget."

As Jason watches the man walk out of the house, he quickly writes a note to himself, and then he plans on calling his mom. He needs to hear some wisdom. As he walks to grab his phone off the dining room table, he decides to call Sarah instead.

***

Sarah will tell him exactly what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hear. Sarah picks up right away.

"Jason, what's up?"

Sarah asks.

"I...I...need to...to talk to you. Shaun's dad...came over and gave me something to give to Shaun. Then he asked me if I...was okay. Then he asked me if Shaun and I were good. Why...why would he ask that unless something was wrong? Unless...unless Shaun said something to him. I can't...I can't..."

Hearing Jason crying is hurting her. She knows Shaun wouldn't do anything to hurt him.

"Jason, you're breaking my heart. We both know that Shaun wouldn't do anything to hurt you. I've seen how he looks at you, and I know he loves you."

She decides to cheat and write a note to give to Mark while she talks with Jason.

"Mark, text Shaun! Tell him that Jason is on the phone crying. Something about there being something wrong between Jason and him. I'm not sure what is going on, but I think Shaun needs to be there."

Mark quickly heads to the bathroom and calls Shaun.

"Luckily, Shaun is sitting in his car in a parking lot and can answer his phone.

"Shaun, what's up, man?"

"Mark doesn't know what to say to Shaun exactly, but he needs to tell him what Sarah said to him.

"Hey, Big Guy, I was told to text you, but I thought it best to call you. Jason called Sarah, and they are still on the phone together. Apparently, Jason is at home crying..."

Instantly Shaun starts the car. He puts the phone on speaker mode and then turns on the car's Bluetooth mode.

"Jason is crying?"

Shaun asks, hoping he didn't hear what Mark said about Jason.

"Yes, he is crying. Sarah said that there was something wrong between Jason and you. Hold on, a note just got slipped under the door. It seems your dad over at the house and asked if everything was good between Jason and you."

Shaun needs to be home.

"Mark, I need to call my dad. I'm going to let you go."

Shaun wants to make good use of his drive home.

"Bye, Shaun, good luck, man!"

Mark ends the call.

***

Shaun is ready to call his dad.

"Call Dad."

The phone dials his dad's number, and it isn't long before his dad picks up the phone.

"Hey, Son, are you home?"

Shaun is sick with concern over his husband.

"No, but I am on my way home. Was Jason upset when you were there?"

Shaun asks, hoping his dad can provide additional information that Mark couldn't provide.

"He was fine when I first got there; I asked him "How he was doing?" and when I first asked him "If everything was good Shaun and you?", he got a little emotional. He seemed like he was lost in thought. Is everything okay? Just before I left, he went into the kitchen to check the oven to ensure it was off. When he returned, it looked like he might have been crying."

Shaun isn't sure what to think. Then it hits Shaun; he knows why his husband is upset; well, sort of anyway.

"Dad, you asked him if anything was wrong between us?"

Shaun's dad has a wave of guilt come over him.

"Shaun, I didn't mean to upset him. I was just concerned with all the stuff going on in your lives that maybe there might be some strains in your relationship."

Shaun's dad might have spawned the emotion that sits in Jason's heart, but Shaun doesn't want his Dad feeling bad about it.

"It's okay, Dad. I got this; after all, I am Jason's husband and his best friend. I'm on my way home now."

His dad is glad to hear that Shaun isn't mad at him and, more importantly, that he's on his way home to calm his husband.

"Son, go save your husband."

As his dad finishes talking, Shaun's house comes into view.

"Dad, I can see the house. I'm going to let you go."

His father manages to tell him goodbye as the phone call ends. Shaun chooses to park on the street to head straight for the front door. He does just that and walks right up to the front door. After unlocking the door, he opens the door and heads into the living room, unsure of what he found.

***

He walks into the house using the front door. Shaun doesn't see Jason in the living room, so he heads to their bedroom. He doesn't know what shape his husband will be in when he finds him. Jason isn't usually emotional, so Shaun is hoping that the tears have ceased. The door to the room is open, but before he steps into the bedroom, he pauses to look at his husband. What he sees breaks his heart; Jason is in the fetal position on top of the bedsheet and the blanket. He can hear soft sobs coming from his sweetheart. Shaun sits beside his husband and gently lays down next to Jason's still form. Jason doesn't seem to respond to Shaun's joining him on the bed. Shaun places his hands over Jason's heart.

"Jason, I don't know what thoughts are running through your head right now, but I'm sorry. My dad was worried about us with everything that we've been going through this week., He didn't realize how stressed we are right now."

Jason didn't flinch, but he was listening.

"Shaun-do-do-you love me?"

Maybe it was the fact that Jason was crying, or perhaps it was being asked if he loved him, but Shaun's eyes grew wet.

"Jason, I loved you from day one, I loved you when we started dating, I loved you when we got married, I loved when we moved here, and I'll love you when we get back to Indiana, and I'll love you forever. Now, do you want a kiss?"

Jason doesn't want a kiss. There is still one question on Jason's mind that needs to be answered.

"Shaun, do-do-do you have another...guy?"

Shaun's heart drops.

"Jason, I am hardly worthy of you. How could I do that to the man that I love? I only have space for one guy in my heart. Now, can I steal a kiss?"

Jason stretches out his legs and then turns his body to see Shaun. Shaun wipes away his husband's tears.

"You can have your kiss now, Babe."

Jason tells Shaun. Shaun places a kiss on his husband's lips. This wasn't just any kiss; this is the type of kiss that sends electricity all the way down to the toes.

"I love you, Jason. I love every inch of you with all the fiber of my heart."

Jason knows what he wants and gets up to close the bedroom door. As he moves back to the bed, he drops a piece of clothing until he reaches the bed, and then everything else is history, and nothing else matters. You can use your imagination about what's going on behind closed doors.

***

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