“Thanks, you guys. It is pretty cool knowing we share something like this. We’ll call you later to set up a time for tomorrow. We’ll probably just meet at my parents’ house since all we need to do for Jersey is just carry whatever he wants from the main house for him. We’ll let you know,” Travis said as they all got to their feet.
More hugs and congratulations were offered and once the door closed and Travis had Jersey in the car, they headed back to Jersey’s place for more medication and a much-needed nap.
~
Their moving day was sunny and warm when they woke up, and after shared showers and breakfast, Jersey took Travis over to the guest house that they would soon be calling their home.
“My grandpa said they’d have the locks changed if we want and have new keys made up for us, but there are actually two separate ways to get in. There’s a door downstairs inside the garage and then there’s this separate side door and the entrance we’ll use the most,” Jersey explained as he attempted to unlock the door with his left hand. Travis gently took the key from him and once the door was unlocked, they climbed the stairs to the top floor. There was another locked door but once Travis pushed it open, the light from inside spilled into the stairway and he knew he was going to love the space.
The main living room was large and well furnished with oversized sofas, a fireplace, and large windows that looked out over the property. Everything was fairly neutrally decorated with off-whites and creams and there were some photographs that held a very Pacific Northwest feel: coastal scenes, forest views, and foggy mountain scapes decorated the wall in the eating area. The kitchen was small, but still modern, with stainless steel appliances and a small butcher block island with some shelves below.
“Come on, I’ll show you our room,” Jersey said and led the way through a door between the kitchen and living areas. “We’ll have to ask if we can redecorate. If we’re going to be living here, we should at least be able to make it feel more like ours.”
Travis came up behind Jersey and wrapped his arms around his Complement’s waist, nuzzling into his hair. “I like the sound of ‘ours’,” Travis said then nibbled his way down Jersey’s neck. Jersey tilted his head to the side to allow him better access and Travis gently swiped Jersey’s hair to the side, pressing kisses along the column of his neck and sucking gently on his earlobe. “Is it too soon to christen the room? It is going to be ‘our’ room starting tonight, so it seems only fitting that we should mark our space.”
Jersey groaned and rubbed himself back into Travis but it was his words that Travis frowned at. “We don’t have time, babe. We took forever in the shower and we have to meet up at your parents’ place soon.”
“Then why are you teasing me with your cute little butt? Maybe tonight we can finally have sex,” Travis said, rubbing his hands across Jersey’s chest and abs, paying special attention to his nipples as they hardened under his touch. “We’ll be in our own place and have all the time and privacy we need for us to take that last step. What do you think? A nice home-cooked meal, some music, and hot sweaty sex.” Travis rubbed his hard length against Jersey’s body, getting lost in the fantasy of finally making love to his man.
Jersey groaned. “As much as I’d love that, I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. I’m still pretty sore and the use of my arm would greatly improve things. I’m sorry to have to say no, Trav.” Jersey turned around and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Is that okay with you, if we wait a little while?”
“Of course,” Travis replied. “I’m sorry, love. I’d never pressure you and it was inconsiderate of me not to think about your injuries in the first place. Of course we can wait, babe.” Travis gently ran the backs of his fingers over Jersey’s cheek and laced their fingers together. “We should probably get going anyway. I love our new little home and I’m excited to get some of our own things in here; to start making it feel more like us.”
Jersey smiled. “Me too.” He pecked Travis once more and they left the bedroom. Travis locked the door behind them and they headed down the stairs to his truck.
Pulling up to the home he would soon be moving out of was a little surreal. Travis hadn’t figured that the last time he’d slept there would be the last time he’d sleep there. When he’d left Saturday morning to pick Jersey up for Brian and Monica’s move, he never would have thought his life would change so much.
“You ready for this?” Jersey asked. He was tucked into Travis’s side in the middle of the bench seat. It had become Jersey’s preferred place whenever they drove in Travis’s truck and Travis liked having him close. There was just something in him that needed to protect and care for Jersey and having him close by settled them both.
“Yeah,” Travis responded, shutting off the ignition but wrapping his arm behind Jersey’s shoulders. “I know it’ll be an adjustment to go from dating and seeing each other once in a while, to living together, but I’m not worried. We were made for each other and this was always where we were supposed to go; it’s what we were supposed to do. I know we still have so much to figure out, but we have time. Just like Josh and Cory. We’ll decide on what to do about school, and maybe we can both take some business classes or something. Maybe we wait a semester and start in the spring or maybe we take online classes, but we’ll find something that works for us. And when we’re ready, we’ll get our own place. We have our families and they’ll always be there to support us, so I’m not nervous about moving. I’m grateful and happy and relieved and in love with you, and I’m ready to start our lives together; you and me against the world.”
Jersey smiled such a beautiful smile and placed his hand on Travis’s cheek. “You and me against the world.” Travis nodded and Jersey continued. “I love you. I’m ready for this too and I’m excited for whatever comes next.”
“Me too,” Travis said and after a few lingering kisses, they finally left the truck.
Giggles and laughter met their ears as the entered the house. Travis smiled and took Jersey down to the nursery where he introduced him to Matthew, Avery, Nina, and April. Travis explained a bit about each of the kids and what their disabilities were, and they hung out and played until Cory texted that he and Josh were there.
Edgar appeared as they were all rummaging through the garage for boxes and bags to put Travis’s stuff in.
“You’re moving out?” Edgar asked.
Travis nodded. “I have to. Jersey is my Complement and we need to be together.”
Jersey came over then and looked between them questioningly. “Everything okay? I’m sorry Travis has to leave like this,” Jersey said while facing Edgar so he could read his lips.
Edgar shrugged. “Neither of you can help it. It just sucks to be left behind. I’ll miss you.”
Travis relayed his words to Jersey and then hugged his brother. “I’ll just be across town, E. You’re still my brother. Just because I don't live here anymore, doesn’t mean anything changes, okay? You text me whenever you need me, yeah?” Travis spoke aloud and signed so Jersey could be included in the conversation, as well.
Edgar nodded again and tried for a smile. “I will. Do you think I could stay with you sometimes?”
Jersey nodded before Travis even finished translating. “Of course. That would awesome. I’ve never had a brother and it would be fun to hang out. You can help teach me more signs.”
Edgar grinned and a silent laugh shook his frame. “Cool. Thanks. Can I help you pack anything?” He indicated to duffle bag Jersey held and Josh and Cory walked over each carrying an empty box.
“Yes,” Travis replied. “We’re saving all my heavy books for you.” And he wrapped Edgar up in a playful hold and they wrestled around for a minute, laughing and carrying on like the brothers they were.
He’d have to remember to thank Jersey for being willing to include Edgar in their new lives. It was important to him to stay close with his family, and being across town meant he’d see them a lot less, especially since he could no longer just pop over wheneve
r. He’d always have to bring Jersey with him or have his family come over to their place. All these new little things were going to take some time to adjust to, but he knew his parents were well aware of their limitations and would do what they could to help keep their family close.
~
The rest of the day was spent moving the few things Travis actually wanted to move. Since he didn’t need any furniture or his bed, those things were staying and he mostly took clothes and his more personal items. Jersey was much the same. Since he was still going to be living on his own property, he reasoned they could bring things over a little at a time, and with hugs and thanks, Josh and Cory left them to their unpacking.
Travis’s parents had promised to stop by and bring them dinner that night and they’d asked a tour of their new little home. They’d explained that even though they hadn’t been prepared for Travis to find his Complement at such a young age, being a Connective parent came with the knowledge that they would one day be saying goodbye to their children.
So when the time came for his parents to leave them for the night, it was with smiles and well wishes and the happy knowledge that Travis and Jersey had found each other. They were truly pleased that Travis had found his Connection and that he was going to be as happy and settled as they were.
Travis and Jersey spent the next few days settling into their new little home and their newly Connected lives. Jersey had gotten his hard cast put on, and although he couldn’t get it wet, he no longer had to wear his sling and was much happier about being able to use his hand again.
It was raining when Travis woke up before dawn Saturday morning. Jersey wasn’t in bed and a quick feel of the sheets told him he hadn’t been for some time. Travis heard shuffling coming from the living room and with just his underwear on, he went to see what his man was up to.
Jersey was dressed and in the kitchen. He had a pot of coffee brewing and two bagels already cut and smeared with cream cheese. He jumped when he realized Travis was standing there. “Babe, fuck. You scared the shit out of me,” he said, bringing his hand up to his heart.
Travis rubbed the back of his head and yawned. “What are you doing, love? It’s like zero dark thirty right now. Why are you dressed and making coffee?”
Jersey came over and wrapped his warm body around Travis’s, giving him a snuggle. He placed a soft kiss to Travis’s lips and then turned to get out two travel coffee mugs, preparing both coffees; one with cream and sugar, the other blonde with a squirt of chocolate syrup. “Can you just do me a favor and go get dressed?” he said over his shoulder as he stirred.
Travis eyed him and Jersey looked over, innocence and pleading battling in his expression. It was quite obvious Jersey was up to something, but not wanting to spoil whatever he had planned, Travis turned around and went to put on some clothes.
He made a quick stop in the bathroom to freshen up and brush his teeth, only to discover his toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant weren’t there. A quick check revealed his razor and hair custard weren’t in their places either. Travis grinned. Whatever his man was up to, it appeared they were going to be away from home for an evening.
He returned to the living room and it was only then that he noticed two duffle bags placed next to their front door. Jersey came over and kissed him again. “Do you have your wallet and phone?”
Without answering, Travis grabbed up the items from the entry table and shoved them into his pockets.
Jersey smiled.
“Would you mind carrying those downstairs?” Jersey nicked his chin out to indicate the bags and Travis nodded without comment. With another grin, Jersey clicked off the lights and grabbed up a small sack and flung a backpack around his shoulders.
Travis opened the front door and then grabbed up his assigned items. As he plunked his way down the stairs, he heard Jersey close the door behind him and then his lighter footsteps padded down after him. He waited at the bottom of the stairs for Jersey to direct him, and he walked past Travis without comment, making his way through the garage toward one specific car. Travis followed and Jersey pulled a key fob out of his pocket, clicking open the locks of his grandpa’s Land Rover.
Jersey opened the back and Travis loaded the bags inside. He indicated for Travis to take the passenger seat and once they were both buckled in, he clicked the garage door opener and started the car. “It’s a bit of a drive. You can have your coffee and bagel if you want, or you can go back to sleep,” Jersey said before he pulled out of the garage.
Travis placed his hand on Jersey’s thigh to get his attention and when Jersey looked over, he leaned in and kissed him. “I don’t know what you’re up to and I’m not going to ask, but thank you. Wherever we’re going, whatever you have planned, I’m excited to go on our first little adventure together.”
Jersey smiled back at him. “Me too. This is the start of our lives and the beginning of our journey together. And I couldn’t have asked for anyone more perfect to share it with. I love you, Trav.”
“I love you too, babe. I’m excited to see where we’re going. I don’t think I can go back to sleep now,” Travis said and Jersey grinned. He turned on the headlights and pulled the car out, beginning the first of a lifetime’s worth of journeys they would take together.
~
Two hours later, the sun was just coming up and Jersey parked the car in the long-term parking garage at the airport.
“You ready to find out where we’re going?” Jersey asked as they climbed out of the car and stretched their legs.
“I thought we were already headed there, but now it appears we were just getting to the launching point. Of course I’m ready to find out. I thought we were just going to be staying somewhere in the city, so knowing there’s more is way cool.”
Jersey grabbed his backpack and Travis grabbed their bags. Once the car was locked, Jersey led the way to the terminal they needed and Travis’s jaw dropped as he followed Jersey into the queue at the Hawaiian Airlines counter.
“We’re going to Hawaii?” Travis choked out, nearly swallowing his tongue.
Jersey turned back and nodded. “Have you been before?”
“Definitely not. I’ve only flown a couple of times and only to the south to visit my mom’s family. We could never really afford tropical vacations.”
Jersey looked almost sad as he replied, “I’m happy I can do this for you, Trav. You’ve done so much for me; you supported me when I was such a mess and tripping up at every turn, never really finding my footing with you or even with our relationship. I wanted to give you something nice. I wanted us to start our Connection with the most amazing memories. We can always look back and remember our first trip and how it all began for us. I love you and you deserve someone who can take care of you in return. It’s time for me to man-up and show you that I can take care of you too.”
Stepping over their bags, Travis wrapped his arms around Jersey and pressed his face into his hair. “I love you. So much. I know we’ve had a bit of a rocky start, but I am so looking forward to wherever it is we’re headed from here, okay? I don’t want you feeling like you’re not enough or have to prove yourself to me through some grand gesture. You are more than I ever could have hoped for in a partner and quite honestly, most of the time, I don’t think I measure up to you,” Jersey scoffed and Travis pulled back to look at him. The line had moved up so he scooted their bags down with his foot, but returned his attention to Jersey right away.
“It’s true, love. I’m literally a minimum wage working jock. I don't have anything to offer you. I could never afford to take you to Hawaii or drive you around in my fancy car or pay for expensive meals at expensive restaurants. I don’t play the piano or have a passion for helping people who’ve suffered like you have. I’m just an ordinary guy, who happened to fall in love with the most extraordinary person he could imagine. But, I don’t want us comparing all our flaws anymore. I just want us to be equal, to love each other, and to be happy. And I am so incredibly happy being with yo
u, okay? Whether we’re together in Hawaii, or in a dump in Alaska, it makes no difference to me. As long as I’m your Catalyst and you’re my Complement, we’ll take care of each other.”
Jersey nodded and pressed a kiss to Travis’s lip. Someone cleared their throat behind them and they both blushed, belatedly realizing the middle of an airport queue was probably not the place for deep conversations and kissing. They chuckled and with mumbled appoligies, they shoved their bags forward. And when their turn came at the service desk, they happily produced their ID’s in exchange for their boarding passes.
~
“Holy crap, Jersey! How did you plan all this without me finding out?” Travis asked as they buckled into their rental car. Apparently, since they weren’t twenty-five they couldn’t rent a car from a regular agency, so Jersey found an alternative through Turo, an app that was set up for private party car rentals, kind of like Uber, but you kept the car for however long you needed it. Travis had no idea such a thing even existed. “You are even more brilliant than I realized, babe. I didn’t even know you had to be a certain age to rent a car. How did you know that?”
“When I looked online for car rentals, everything said you had to be twenty-five.” Jersey grinned over at him. “Pretty cool, this thing called the internet. It teaches you all kinds of stuff. You should look into it. Might learn a thing or two.”
Travis laughed. “The internet, huh? Never heard of it. I’ll have to check it out,” Travis said, playing along. He loved when his man let go and just had fun with things. Jersey so often got caught up in his head about all the heavy things in life, it was such a joy to witness when he got into a playful mood and joked around. “So, smarty-pants. Where I am driving us? I can’t believe that after all we’ve done today, it’s still only four o’clock. The nap on the plane definitely helped and I’m totally ready to explore. It’s so beautiful here and all we’ve seen so far is the airport.”
Catalyst (Connectivity Book 2) Page 26