Chapter three of L&L
Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!
Thank you everybody for the reviews! Especially to harryeron, fl1789, vesperlynd,Jada91, haljbg, grlewis, sytle, gres1, Debra, ramona4jake,bmshirts and WCUGirl.
Chapter Three: Returning to your old self
When he started waking up, Jack had trouble figuring out how he had managed to fall asleep at such an odd hour of the day. Actually, he was finding everything that had just happened a littllelittle hard to believe. He couldn’t believe his own memory, but the fact was, it was right in front of him. More like underneath him actually.
Jack moved his head slowly as his eyes came to rest on Ennis’s face, who seemed to have also fallen asleep. Considering how intense the last two hours had been, it was understandable. Jack himself was feeling the familiar pain of sore muscles.
Jack sighed, taking the time to rest his excited heart and enjoy the peacefulness of the moment. He was happy, satisfied as he hadn’t been for a long time and a small part of him seemed to have finally awoken from a deep sleep. He couldn’t understand why Ennis had thought that he would just come back to his life only to leave him again. Or worse, that he didn’t love him anymore. He had expected the pain, the hurt and the anger of someone who had been pushed away. He hadn’t expected this. Ennis had looked as scared as Jack felt and his words had been of forgiveness and pleading. It was a welcome back that he hadn’t expected. He hadn’t even dared to dream about it.
He was beginning to believe that Dr. Whistle had been right. He was returning to the people he loved. He just wasn’t sure if this had been the best decision. He was still worried about his own issues. It was constantly in his mind that, sooner or later, Ennis would leave him because he wasn’t the Jack Twist he used to be. Because he didn’t sleep well at night, had odd mood swings and was sometimes aggressive to people he liked. Because now he cried so easily, was always stomach sick and even bit his nails. He didn’t feel like the old confident Jack Twist.
“What are you staring at?” Ennis asked amused, jarring Jack from his thoughts. He realized he had been staring at Ennis's forehead.
“I just can’t believe we’re here.” Jack said, resting his head on Ennis’s chest.
“I can’t believe you’re finally back, baby.” Ennis said cautiously.
“Honestly? I thought you wouldn’t even want to see the back of me.” Jack said raising his head to look at Ennis’s face again.
“I’m not going to lie to you. That day I was tremendously pissed off. I went home and broke half of my plates. Even had argument with Veronica. But then I seriously thought about it for days after that. You needed time alone and I understood that. It wasn’t easy and I’m convinced we could have done it differently, but I understood.” Ennis took a deep breath and he felt Jack’s eyes piercing his skull. “I was so surprised that day that I didn’t react the way I should have. Your reasons to break up with me were ridiculous…”
“Ridiculous? They’re still very much true. I’m not the same person anymore. I spent two months away from the world doing nothing but dealing with the changes. I’m not sure you’re understanding.” Jack was determined to confront Ennis with his side of things.
“Really? I’ve just made love with a perfect stranger then? Because I thought I heard Jack Twist saying he loved me a couple of hours ago.”
“You know very well what I mean.”
“No, I don’t. You’re still the man I love and nothing will ever change that. Nothing. Two months! We’re back here, aren’t we?” He had raised his voice as the words he had planned to say came out of his mouth. He wondered if Jack would notice. “I’ve waited 30 years for you. I was stupid enough to run away from you once and then let you push me away. But that’s it! From now on, no matter what happens. We’ll do things together.”
It was a declaration and it left Jack speechless. This was totally unexpected.
“Ennis, this is my fault. How can you blame yourself?” He caressed Ennis’s arm slightly. “I was the one who pushed everybody away. I was sick and it was my fault. My biggest fear was that you would never forgive me for that.”
“Your only fault was forgetting that what happens to you affects me. I’m surprised myself, with the depth of my feelings but we’re already connected that way. You can’t expect me to be indifferent to your own feelings, baby.”
“I underestimated your feelings hadn’t I? And you're still here…” Jack’s voice was trembling.
“Keep this forever in your mind -- I’ll always be here for you.”
“You sound like were married, honey.” Jack said, attempting to lighten the mood.
“As far as I'm concerned, we’re only missing the papers.”
“You’re kidding.” Jack said leaning against his elbow.
“I’m dead serious, Jack Twist.” Ennis said locking their eyes together.
“You’re always surprising me.” Jack said resting against Ennis’s chest once more. “Do you remember when I told you that you had always been there for me? That I had been wrong in believing I was the one helping you? I was right then. You came to my life to help me, even though the circumstances didn’t predict it, you’re way ahead of me.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re the strongest man I've ever known. You’re just going through a difficult time. You’ll see. We’ll get through it together.”
“You’re the best thing that's ever happened to me, you know that, right?” Jack said and they kissed lazily, just for reassurance that they were indeed back together.
“You're aware that Beth is going to kill me.” Jack said a few minutes after, while they hugged under the covers.
“She probably had this all planned out.” Ennis said with a smile.
“It’s her wedding. We need to at least pretend we’re still interested in the celebration of such an important day.” Jack said laughing.
“You’re right. Especially me, since I’m going to take care of Sophie for the next two weeks. I should be listening to Mary’s endless number of instructions.”
“Really? I thought she would ask Monique, seeing as I’m still not in the best condition.” Jack was instantly tense and Ennis noticed.
“Don’t even try. You’re definitely going to help me. She’s a little devil when she’s away from Elizabeth and Mary.”
“Sure, I’ll be glad to help you. After all, I’m her godfather. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convince Dr. Whistle to let me take care of Sophie. She says it's still too early.”
“Your psychiatrist is right. You should follow her advice. A baby can be tremendously stressful.”
“You still remember her?”
“Actually Elizabeth kept me up to date about everything happening at the Twist Mansion. I received a lot of information about your progress.”
“I should have known.” Jack said, hugging him closer. “You never left my side after all.”
The four hour lunch was almost over when Ennis and Jack finally returned to the wedding party. Their table was near Elizabeth and Mary’s and their seats next to each other. They sat down quietly, trying to avoid the stares of the well-known faces of their colleagues. Elizabeth and Mary smiled at them but avoided any more signs. It was not a good idea to call attention to themselves, especially to Jack.
“I told you they had it all planned. We’re seated together.” Ennis whispered to him, while they started eating the glamorous lunch.
“I had expected it. I’m only surprised you wanted it too.” Jack didn’t say anything else, he just held Ennis's hand in his.
“You know that by now, everybody knows we’re back together.” Ennis said glancing at the table where some colleagues were eating.
“We’ve just spent three hours away from the party, only to return holding hands. There’s no space for wondering.” Ennis smiled at Jack’s words. “I’m more worried about the members of the board. They’re going to press me into assuming my responsibilities, now that they've seen me at the party.”
“You don’t want to return to the firm yet?” Ennis whispered.
“No. I need a few more days. I can return without being completely ready and that also means I have to read the thousands of papers about the management of the last two months Elizabeth has left me.”
“It’s the perfect moment, you know? These two weeks of vacation Elizabeth is taking will leave the firm with no firm leader. People had gossiped about who could take the place, but I would say you should do it.”
“Already conspiring against the world, master Jack?” A voice said behind them and Jack and Ennis moved their heads away to face Edward and Matilda.
“It’s good to see the two of you together. I knew deep in my heart that Ennis would be the one bringing you back. And here you are, finally!” Matilda said hugging him.
People at their table stared at the scene. They were mostly Mary’s family that neither of them knew. Elizabeth had placed them away from any colleague or previous clients on purpose. Jack was forced to laugh when Matilda decided to also hug Ennis and the blond lawyer had no chance to hide his discomfort. As far as Jack knew, there was only one person with whom Ennis was always comfortable at showing openly his affection, and it was him. It hadn’t been always like that, but Ennis had opened his heart and placed a golden statue of Jack inside. Yes, a golden statue; because that was the only way Ennis could be convinced that Jack was human perfection with no blame. The only way he could have understood and forgiven him so easily.
“We’re happy for both of you. Now take good care of each other and don’t scare us like that ever again.” Matilda said with a smile. “I expect you to spend as little time as possible at the mansion. We’re taking Sophie with us for the rest of the day. This is no place for a baby and I expect you two have much to talk about. Now enjoy yourself because we’re leaving.”
“We can’t stay much long either. Her leg is hurting again, master Jack.” Edward said seriously.
“Matilda…” Jack said worried.
“Enough, we must go and you two must at least pretend to make conversation with some of the guests.” She said moving to the door.
“She’s impossible, master Jack. I apologize for her.” He said softly.
“As if something like that was needed. Take care of her. We’ll manage to trick her into a doctor’s appointment soon.”
“Thank you master Jack.” He smiled. “Goodbye, Mr. Del Mar.” Edward said quickly walking away.
“All this “master Jack” makes me feel like we’re in a Batman movie.” Ennis said smiling.
“I know it’s a bit odd, but he insists on it. I guess it’s the English education.”
“Somaster Jack how is it? When are going to congratulate the newlyweds?”
“As soon as…” Jack was interrupted by another guest.
“I knew I would found both of you here! So how is my favorite couple of lawyers?”
Ennis couldn’t believe it. Mr. Santos was currently standing in front of him, hands on his hips and a big smile on his face. Ennis hadn’t seen him in ages. He had politely declined the invitation to Mr. Santos’s wedding, which was set to be next week and in the last two months, Ennis had only done a small amount of work for the man.
“We’re fine, Mr. Santos.” Jack said glancing at Ennis.
“I heard about your father. Very sad. Very sad indeed. If there’s anything I can possibly do, don’t hesitate. I owe a lot of my money and peace of mind to your firm and I had the opportunity to acknowledge that your father was an excellent attorney and a good person.”
“Thank you, Mr. Santos.” Jack said, becoming emotional.
“But, Mr. Santos, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in Spain organizing your own wedding?” Ennis asked changing the subject.
“A great reason to leave your fiancée and family in Spain and attend to some very important business in New York.”
“You didn’t bring her?” Jack asked curious.
“No. I decided to spend this week by myself in New York. I’m seeing this as a long bachelor party. Some of my friends will actually arrive later this week. We’ll have a very nice party on Friday. You’re both invited, of course.”
“We have a busy week ourselves but we’ll see what we can do.” Ennis said noncommittally.
“I’ll expect your call, then.” The older man said smiling. “Maybe I’ll stop by the firm also.”
“It will be my pleasure, Mr. Santos.”
“Then, if you'll excuse me, we’ll see each other soon.” Mr. Santos said moving to another table.
“If we don’t leave soon, we’ll have to make small talk with half of the Magnet’s clients.” Jack whispered when the man left.
“Not to mention that our company at the table is looking at us oddly.”
“They were having such a great time until we arrived.” Jack said with humor.
“I still feel like Mr. Santos is making a mistake.” Jack whispered a few seconds later.
Ennis smiled to himself. It was a pleasure only to have Jack next to him, whispering in his ear. It was in these little details that he was different from everyone else. Ennis felt good with him all the time. Just knowing he was next to him was enough to make him smile, enough to keep that warm feeling in his heart. It was also a relief after two months of separation.
“Ennis? Are you listening to me?”
“Yes, yes. I agree with you, there’s something strange about this wedding. But what can we do? I already told you that he’s deeply in love. Nothing we can say is ever going to chance his mind.” Ennis finally answered.
“There’s something about that woman…” Jack said and Ennis was surprised to recognize the spark of excitement in his eyes. Jack loved a good mystery. He was a great attorney because of that. That and he took genuine pleasure from helping others, even if they were very rich others.
“I felt it too when we met her. Still, I see no other way to protect Mr. Santos.”
Jack sighed and Ennis observed the change from excited to clearly tired. Jack was showing signs of all the stress they'd gone through at this wedding. Unfortunately, it was still too early for them to leave.
“This is draining my energy. I’ve never been outdoors this long before and our one hour nap wasn’t long enough for me to recover from allthat.” Jack said smiling at Ennis and resting his head on his hand.
“Perhaps we should just go home.” Ennis knew Elizabeth would be furious, but Jack had made the effort to come and circumstances had made it difficult for him to endure much more of the party.
“Elizabeth is going to skin me alive. She wanted to dance with me.” He shook his head.
“Let’s talk with her. I’m sure she’ll understand that this was a bit too much for you.”
“I’m not so sure…” Jack said while they walked to Elizabeth and Mary’s table.
Ennis took the time to observe the room. It was enormous and very beautifully decorated. The walls were covered in red satin and the floor was pink marble. The tables were round, with the exception of the table where Elizabeth, Mary, Monique and few other unfamiliar faces were sitting. That one was rectangular, one side long, facing the rest of the guests. All the tables had silver tablecloths and matching candles. Tables with fruit and desserts were everywhere and there was a big screen behind Elizabeth’s table, where photos of them rotated. Some of those were quite old, and others showed Sophie with both of them. Ennis found it to be quite splendid.
“Hello, beautiful ladies. Congratulations again!” Jack said smiling at Elizabeth and Mary.
“Congratulations!” Ennis added.
Ennis smiled, trying not to stare too much at Mary. The woman had decided to wear a white suit, which in itself was odd, since Mary never wore anything formal. But the effect was even more strange when compared with Elizabeth. She truly looked like “the groom” of this wedding. Ennis looked at the floor for another second. He was being childish, he knew.
“I see that everything went well.” Elizabeth said smiling.
“Yeah, you were right, Beth.” Jack said, looking at Ennis. “I’m glad you convinced me to come to the party.”
“I suppose I could forgive you for spending the entire day locked behind closed doors upstairs.” Ennis laughed at her comment, while Mary raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Come on! You were convinced I would only go to the ceremony. I’ve been here far too long.” Jack complained.
“You’re leaving then?” She asked seriously.
“Yeah. I’m sorry Beth, but I’m exhausted and we still have much to talk about…” Jack looked her in the eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Hmmm. Well I guess I have to let you two go then. But I expect a detailed e-mail about everything Jack Twist. And don’t try to call me! I plan to be unavailable for everyone.”
“Amen to that.” Mary murmured, drinking her champagne.
“I promise I’ll send you a summary then.”
“And don’t worry about Sophie. I’ll pick her up tomorrow morning.” Ennis added.
“Yes, Matilda told me she’ll stay with her tonight. I’m not worried, the mansion has a large number of people who can help.”
“Since Monique was forced to take a vacation.” Mary said laughing and Elizabeth glared at her.
“She needed to rest. It was the best moment to convince her.”
“I understand. Matilda does the same thing.” Elizabeth nodded to Jack.
“Ok. So we’re leaving. I hope you have a great time on your honeymoon and please tell me what you honestly thought about my present.” Ennis said worried.
“I’m sure we’re going to like it, Ennis. It's probably the only practical and usable thing anyone is going to give us today.” Mary said honestly.
“Thanks so much for the compliment, Mary.” Jack said with sarcasm.
“Oh come on, Jack. You know she’s never going to like any of the presents.”
“As long as you like it.”
“I will, kid. Now go and take the rest of the day to rest.” Elizabeth stood up and hugged him from the other side of the table.
“Thanks Beth.” Jack whispered, his eyes tearing up.
“Bye, Ladies.” Ennis said offering his hand to Jack.
“Bye.” Jack waved at them.
“Are you crying?” Ennis asked worriedly as they left the room.
“I’m worse than a woman lately; I keep crying about everything.”
“Baby, it’s ok.” Ennis said putting his arm around him. “We’ll go to my apartment and spend the rest of the day lazing out.”
“Thanks, honey.” Jack said resting his head against Ennis’s shoulder.
Jack took a deep breath. They had spent all afternoon being couch potatoes, watching the sports channel. They'd talked about the firm and Ennis’s latest work, avoiding any reference to anything else. Jack had dozed off a couple of times, resting his head against Ennis’s lap. He had missed Ennis’s place. It was small and cozy. It looked and smelled like Ennis.
“Ennis?” Jack asked resting his head against Ennis’s shoulder.
“Yes?” Piercing brown eyes read his soul.
“How did you…” Jack swallowed hard. “On that day?”
Ennis eyes widened for a second and then he moved his head, facing the television. Jack wondered if he was ever going to answer.
“Terrified. I felt like a complete fool.” He was still looking at the television.
“You love me enough to do this, but a part of you must still be mad.”
“I kept remembering my last words to your father; «I can’t picture myself with anybody else anymore»; and how ridiculous they sounded at that moment, when you kicked me out of your life.”
“Ennis what you told my father…”
“What I told your father was the truth. A truth that not even I knew before I said it out loud to him.” Ennis finally faced Jack. “That I love you, that I would eventually marry you, and that we would have a family together.”
“Ennis…”
“So, yes! I was furious that day. I ran for hours and hours trying to make sense of what had happened. I came home and walked into the shower still dressed. I cried for so long… I can’t even remember! And what did that anger get me? How did it help me? It just kept me away from you for a whole month.”
Jack didn’t say anything, just let Ennis share his feelings and pain about what happened. He felt like he needed to know, just as much as Ennis needed to tell him.
“Finally, when I came to my senses, Elizabeth, Veronica and other friends made me realize that you weren't ready to hear from me. I stopped calling and sending you stupid flowers.”
“I kept all your cards on my dresser back home. I just couldn’t throw them in the garbage.”
“I guess my friends were the psychiatrist I needed. I started reading about grieving. It helped me cope with the waiting.”
There was a long silence between them during which time it was as if certain pieces of the big puzzle were finally connected.
“Do you feel better now?”
“Yup, much better. I needed to tell you that.”
“I think so too.” Jack kissed Ennis’s neck.
“How about you?”
“Honestly? I was completely lost on that day. Of course, it only made things worse that I sent you away. I was so dead inside… I felt nothing, really. I guess it only hit me a month before. If it hadn’t been for Matilda, Edward and Uncle Daniel, I’m not sure what may have happened to me. Dr. Whistle was a big help too.”
“Elizabeth told me something about it.” Ennis murmured.
“I thought you would never want to look at me again. Pushing you away like that…” Jack was fighting back tears.
“I pushed you away too, after that night in Madrid. And it wasn’t nice either. I guess we’re even.”
“We’re a couple of messed up orphans, aren’t we?” Jack said with a sad smile.
“We have each other.” Ennis said hugging him.
“Honey, don’t ever let me do such a stupid thing again.” Jack said against Ennis’s neck.
“I promise.” Ennis said kissing him.
Jack felt the rush of desire pass through him as he leaned against Ennis, deepening the kiss. How he had managed to spend two months without sex was beyond him. But then, before he met Ennis, his libido was below average. He didn’t like to have casual sex and even porn didn’t catch much of his attention. As far as he saw it, he was a busy young man with too many romantic notions about sex.
“Make love to me… Make me remember how it used to be, how it's going to be forever.” Jack whispered against Ennis’s neck.
“Jack, you need to rest…” But Jack was already sitting on Ennis’s lap.
“Don’t make me beg, honey.” And Ennis was yet to know how to resist Jack’s demanding tone and those shining blue eyes.
He circled Jack in his arms and leaned in for a slow and sensual kiss. He didn’t want to rush things. He didn’t need to. They had the rest of their lives together.
Ennis let his hands move to the lower back of his brunette lover and pushed their bodies closer, making Jack breathe out. His mouth moved to the piece of porcelain skin he loved so much. He covered Jack’s neck with kisses until Jack moaned in appreciation. He couldn’t help but smile.
His hands moved to open the button of Jack’s shirt for the second time that day. His hand explored the skin he had just exposed. His fingers played with the black hair on Jack’s stomach as his mouth covered his left nipple. Ennis had easily found out, a few days after they started having regular sex, that he liked the differences and contrasts between them. He liked Jack’s black hair. On his legs, on his chest, on his arms, around his cock. He liked his blue eyes and long lashes. Generally, he liked the natural contrast between them. Somehow it made always sense.
Ennis's tongue came to trace a path to Jack’s belly button and Jack was in paradise. Nothing felt better than to feel cherished and loved after two months of miserable loneliness. Only a starved man can truly appreciate the intensity of the common flavors.
His eyes rolled back when he felt a hand inside his boxers. If he wasn’t careful he would come in his pants like a teenager. He took a couple of deep breaths but there was only so much he could do to relax once he felt Ennis’s hand around his cock. He moved his hands to Ennis’s shirt but it was difficult to open all the buttons. Finally he gave one hard pull and buttons flew to the floor.
“Jack! That was an Armani shirt.” Ennis complained without stopping his administrations.
“I’ll buy you another one or two of them, don’t worry.” Jack said pushing the shirt down.
Ennis only smiled. Jack Twist was gradually coming back.
Ennis carefully laid Jack against the sofa and the brunette attorney tried not to complain about the gentleness. Jack moved his hands to strip Ennis of his trousers and boxers and was more than happy when Ennis did the same to him. His hands came to circle Ennis’s neck and they kissed intensely, rubbing their cocks against each other. Their tongues were thrusting at the same pace of their cocks and although Jack tried hard to warn Ennis, it had been impossible since their kiss was completely demanding. A few more minutes and he came forcefully, followed by Ennis shortly thereafter.
They stayed naked on the sofa, embracing each other, feeling their heart beats slowing and their breathing returning to normal. Jack was completely exhausted. His eyes barely managed to stay open.
“You did that on purpose.” Jack whispered, his hand moving to slap lightly Ennis’s ass.
“You need your rest.” Ennis said moving away from the couch.
Jack shivered with the sudden cold his body felt.
“Come on, I’ll take you to the bedroom. We’ll take a nap before dinner.” Ennis said pulling Jack up from the couch and embracing him again. He picked up a blanket from the floor and covered both of them.
“You’re sleeping on your feet, baby. Come on, I’ll take care of you,” Ennis said moving them both to the bedroom.
Jack knew he was right. No matter what, he could always count on Ennis Del Mar to take care of him.
Author: I felt the need to write a chapter about answers. Surely you’ll understand what I mean. Still I thought I reached 9 pages a little too fast. The next chapter will be on the same line of thought and from then on it’s surprise next to surprise! I’m writing chapter 7 and I’m a little surprised myself!
On the next chapter: Lunch at the Twist’s mansion and dinner with Veronica. Our favourite couple is back together. But what has really changed? What more about the last two months is still a secret?