"About us," Jason continued voice pitching slightly higher in anticipation or nerves Dawson couldn't quite discern yet sensed it nonetheless somehow resonating deep within own core where new roots took hold every second he spent enveloped so completely by this man. "And... and what we want."
Derick cracked open one eye warily to gauge the expression above him but found only sincerity gazing back from earnest hazel eyes now clear of shadows and self-doubt that had haunted their earliest days here together.
"Mmm?" He encouraged after a long pause, pulse quickening slightly as he wondered at the implications. They'd talked about desire, dreams even - but not specifics regarding the future beyond this idyllic interlude stolen out of time's relentless march forward.
Jason took a breath, audibly through his nose before exhaling slowly like steeling himself for some monumental undertaking, though nothing between them need ever feel quite that daunting again now...
"I want us to stay together," he said plainly, fingers beginning a slow sensual path up an arm raising goosebumps in their wake. "Not just here but back home too after summer's over."
The words hung heavy with unspoken implications yet still Dawson felt his heart swell at the raw vulnerability beneath them - the admission of needing someone so openly without guarantee it wouldn't be met by rejection scrawled all over his handsome features now bared completely.
"Because... because I don't think my life would feel right anymore if you weren't in it," Jason finished quietly, gaze searching intently for any hint of reaction he couldn't possibly misinterpret as anything less than overwhelmingly positive based on everything that had transpired between them so far...
Dawson rolled over to face him fully then after a beat of weighted silence, stretched up to press foreheads together nose-to-nose until their breath mingled once more in shallow puffs stoking embers banked low since last they'd kissed.
"Then that's exactly what we'll do," he whispered back fiercely, meaning it with every fiber of his being, now irrevocably intertwined as inextricable from this man. "I'm yours Jason - completely and utterly."
And sealing the pact just like before only more profoundly imbued by a promise they'd made to each other mere hours prior, Dawson closed the remaining distance until their mouths met again hungrily in a kiss redolent of new beginnings, old ends... Of two souls entwining into one entity that would weather any storm as long as it remained together. United now not just physically but spiritually too by bonds transcending simple flesh and blood.
When they finally broke apart minutes later for air - faces flushed cheeks dampened with tears shed unabashedly in joy and relief - Jason grinned broadly at his lover like a man reborn into light after years lost wandering darkened woods alone.
"Guess we'd better make the most of this place while it lasts then," he teased lightly, rolling onto back and pulling Dawson along on top of him playfully so they bounced slightly before settling together as two interlocking puzzle pieces carved from same mold.
And that's exactly what they did - spending every last remaining second in each other over the next few glorious days until tanned skin took on permanent rosy hue and muscles ached deliciously everywhere their bodies had met most frequently during long passionate nights spent exploring uncharted territories now forever mapped out for future adventures ahead...
Theirs was the stuff of fairytales - an epic love story unfolding against a picturesque backdrop of postcard-perfect coastal hamlet where everything seemed to glow brighter burn hotter simply by proximity of such intense emotion transpiring between them.
Even casual passersby on quaint cobblestone streets would pause sometimes just watching Jason and Dawson interact openly, easily now without a trace of the former wariness guarding once secret passions... To witness two souls so utterly lost in each other's orbit was to bear witness to a miracle itself.
But it wasn't all sunshine, roses and perfect bliss of course. There were moments too - fleeting as they may have been amidst a sea of pure euphoria enveloping their every waking moment together now inseparable...
Like the one late afternoon while collecting driftwood for the fire pit back at cottage Dawson paused mid-reach suddenly stiffening beside him, face draining abruptly of all color and animation. When Jason questioned, eyes wide with concern, he merely shook his head muttering something about needing to check his phone before stalking off towards the house leaving his lover staring after his retreating form in confusion.
Or the time they'd been making love - slow tender almost worshipful as usual, now grown accustomed to each other's rhythms, tastes and textures until it felt more natural breathing than actual air itself sometimes... when Dawson abruptly stiffened beneath him, eyes flying open wide in shock betrayal.
"Stop," he gasped out hoarsely, hands coming up to press firmly against Jason chest pushing away even though he trembled slightly from effort not just exertion but some deep seated emotion threatening to crack through the carefully constructed veneer of serenity they'd cultivated so diligently here.
And then there was the incident with a photograph - a candid snap captured by an unsuspecting tourist camera as Dawson and himself walked hand-in-hand down the pier one evening, heads inclined together laughing at something only the other knew...
Which ended up posted online mere hours later along with caption speculating openly about 'celebrity couple's new romance' despite neither being remotely famous for anything beyond maybe local surfing circuit Jason occasionally competed in when feeling nostalgic for old adrenaline rushes before discovering far headier highs possible between the sheets now instead.
But even these minor hiccups couldn't dampen the overall bliss suffusing every fiber of their beings. For each stumble brought with it renewed appreciation and preciousness of the hard-won connection they shared - a bond unbreakably forged through fire, trials and adversity itself only seemed to strengthen rather than fray.
Take that time Dawson had gotten spooked while gathering kindling for instance... He'd returned some twenty minutes later, face pale but determined. Sitting down beside Jason on a weather-beaten bench overlooking crashing waves he took a deep shuddering breath before speaking.
"My ex-girlfriend from college - she's been blowing up my phone," Dawson began hesitantly. "Apparently that photo of us online has everyone back home talking... wondering if I've 'gone gay' or something." A bitter little laugh escaped him as he shook his head ruefully.
Jason reached over to squeeze his thigh comfortingly, giving the other man space but letting physical presence alone convey unwavering support. "I'm sorry babe," was all he said softly - a simple acknowledgment of Dawson 's turmoil without any empty platitudes or promises everything would magically be okay.
Because it wouldn't necessarily be easy sailing from here on out, they both knew that full well now. Coming out to the world at large? Facing potential backlash and judgement... It was daunting as hell even for someone like Jason who'd long suspected his own leanings but never acted upon them until stumbling headfirst into this whirlwind affair with Dawson .
But then again, none of it really mattered compared to the sheer fact they had each other now - two hearts beating in sync, unshakable resolve to weather whatever storms lay ahead together hand-in-hand.
So when derrick glanced over at him sideways after a long moment, bottom lip caught anxiously between teeth worrying... Jason just smiled warmly back unfazed by the weight of implication of the underlying question hanging heavy in the air.
"Hey," he murmured reaching up to gently brush a damp strand hair away from the other's forehead like it was the most natural thing. "We're gonna be alright though yeah? You and me - teamwork makes dream work, remember?"
Witnessing a slow smile spread across his beloved face at the cheesy phrase never failed to fill him with purest joy even amidst dark clouds looming ominously on the horizon of their shared future... Dawson leaned into the tender touch instinctively now, so used to being able to open up fully without fear of rejection or recrimination.
"You're right," he agreed quietly, eyes shining brighter than any stars ever could. "Guess that means I need to man up and have an honest conversation with my parents too huh? Lay it all out there..."
"Mmmm yeah... And your siblings, friends and anyone else you feel needs hearing truth straight from the horse's mouth," Jason added practically, knowing full well the importance of laying groundwork now so they could build a proper foundation together later.
Because that was ultimately what this whole grand adventure amounted to at its core: Two flawed yet fiercely loving individuals choosing consciously again and again to stand side-by-side against all odds... United by the force of their feelings for each other stronger than anything else on earth.
And god help anyone who dared try standing in the way now! Jason thought with sudden fierce possessiveness, pulling his lover flush to his chest so they could feel the steady drumming heartbeat beneath their sternum - a silent promise unspoken but deeply felt.
No matter what challenges lay ahead... He would be right there fighting tooth and nail to protect this beautiful blossoming love between them, come hell or high water.
Because after all? They'd already weathered worst storms separately only to emerge stronger together now forged into a single unstoppable force of nature itself! So whatever came their way - they could handle it.
Together, always... Just like the universe had surely intended from the very beginning when first pushing them clumsily towards each other in dim light of that fateful seaside tavern all those weeks ago.
Fate works in mysterious ways indeed; and sometimes? Most magical journeys begin with single simple dance between two souls destined for so much more than mere fleeting pas de deux... But rather, chance to tango through eternity itself hand-in-hand heart-to-heart as one beautifully broken creature whole again at last.
And that was precisely what Jason knew beyond a shadow of doubt now: Him and Dawson ? They were forever. Come hell or high water - no force on god's green earth could ever tear them apart once they'd finally found their way back to each other after lifetimes wandering lost...
So bring it on world! This crazy beautiful love story was only just beginning...
And he for one couldn't wait see what glorious next chapter awaited now that his own brave hero had ridden triumphantly off into sunset of dusk's gentle blush painting sky in breathtaking hues outside their cozy little cottage by the sea. Where they would spend the rest of their nights tangled up together exploring every last inch of the newly discovered country...
Until kingdom come and beyond!
And so began a sensual journey for both men as they mapped each other's bodies with eager hands and curious mouths, learning the secrets that lay beneath tan lines and toned muscles. Each touch ignited sparks of pleasure unlike anything Dawson had experienced before - softer caresses from his lover trailing feather-light goosebumps across sensitive skin; firm grips possessively kneading flesh as if claiming every inch.
Jason guided them slowly, patiently coaxing responses with whispered encouragement and gentle pressure. He marveled at the sight of derrick lost in bliss beneath him on their first night together - chest heaving rhythmically against his own, slick from exertion; head thrown back baring a strong column of throat to reverent kisses lavished upon it like finest ambrosia.
"Look at you," Jason breathed, voice gravel-rough with emotion and barely restrained lust. "So beautiful... I've never seen anything so breathtaking." His large hands cupped the other man's face tenderly before drifting downwards over broad shoulders to rest on a heaving pectoral - feeling his heartbeat pounding wildly beneath his palm.
Dawson shuddered at the touch, eyes fluttering open lazily from the haze of arousal clouding mind. In their depths Jason saw wonder and trepidation warring for dominance... A silent plea not knowing how to voice it aloud yet still somehow audible in the charged air between them.
"I've never..." he started gruffly before swallowing hard around sudden the dryness of his throat, shaking his head slightly as if trying to dislodge unwanted thoughts. "No one's ever touched me like this."
"Shhhh... It's okay baby," Jason soothed instinctively - old habits of comforting the vulnerable and inexperienced dying hard even in heat of passion consuming him now too. "We'll take it slow, alright? Just feel..."
He sealed the promise with a kiss achingly soft yet still somehow searing intensity behind tender pressure. Dawson whimpered against his lips before opening up fully to let Jason plunder the sweet cavern of his mouth greedily.
Their tongues twined and danced as they lost themselves in the taste of each other - salty sweat mingling deliciously on their breaths, panting harshly into shared air between kisses growing sloppier, more desperate with every passing second...
Jason could feel himself hardening fully against the muscular thigh pressed intimately close through the thin barrier fabric. He rolled his hips instinctively seeking delicious friction even as he tore his mouth away reluctantly to blaze a trail lower over stubbled jawline...down the slender column of his throat, gulping audibly from exertion and anticipation.
Dawson gasped sharply when Jason 's teeth grazed his collarbone before sucking the tender flesh between his lips - surely leaving a vivid mark of possession behind. Hands fisted in sweat-dampened sheets on either side as he arched up helplessly into the touch, craving more...
"Please," Dawson choked out finally after long moments writhing under relentless stimulation driving him to new heights. "I need... I don't know what but please..."
Jason smiled against his skin before soothing the reddened patch with a kitten lick of his tongue. "Shhh, let me take care you baby," he crooned almost hypnotically as his fingertips skimmed down toned torso over ridges of abs until reaching the waistband of straining erection tenting the fabric obscenely.
He looked up at derrick from beneath sooty lashes darkened by arousal and something deeper - a profound affection blossoming between them even now amidst lust's flames licking hungrily higher. "Can I?" he asked softly, seeking permission before breaching the final boundary separating the innocent man from his own desires lying dormant within.
Dawson nodded jerkily once, twice, thrice...then again more deliberately as if steeling himself for the unknown, lurking just beyond the threshold of their new reality together. "Yes," he whispered hoarsely back down at Jason cradling his face gently in his callused palm - thumb brushing reverently across the kiss-swollen bottom lip. "Please..."
That single word uttered like a prayer hung heavy between them as Jason slowly peeled away the restrictive clothing to reveal flushed flesh straining towards his touch desperately...and began the slow process of unraveling all preconceived notions and limitations on pleasure that had constrained the beautiful soul beneath him for so long.
For this was no mere coupling but something far deeper transcending physical acts alone - a sacred ritual two hearts joining as one in search of answers only they could find together now come hell or high water...