What Happens on the Cruise

39. Joy to the World

Author's note: In looking at the readership numbers for various chapters, I've noticed that some later chapters have higher numbers than the chapters right before them. I haven't checked to see if there's anything they share in common -- being especially smutty or plotty or funny or something -- that has inspired folks to reread them. I'm hoping this is what's going on, because the other thought is that folks are just kind of shotgunning through the book randomly reading chapters like it's the book of Psalms or something. If you are reading it this way, well, thank you, first of all. But also please know this is a linear storyline, and I do make callbacks to earlier events. I've even got a couple Chekhov's guns in here. But, any way you're enjoying the story, I do appreciate that you took the time to give it your eyes.

***

"I feel like we should have, you know, Christmas sweaters and such," Austin said, adding a third belt to his suitcase.

"We're trying to establish our identity as a country group," Tim countered.

"I know. But it's the Christmas tour."

"Maybe next year." Tim leaned over and kissed him. "Have you got everything?"

Austin pulled up his checklist app where he maintained a standard packing list with add-ons based on the season. He scanned through the list, half vocalizing as he went. "... Sweaters, jackets, coat... I hope Adam remembers to bring our heavy coats to the airport."

"He will," Tim assured him.

Austin went back to the list, stopping at "lube, condoms". He looked up at Tim. "You're comfortable with us not packing condoms?"

Tim nodded. "I'm not planning on sleeping with anyone else."

"Me either," Austin said.

"I've felt... a lot closer to you since we stopped using them. Is that strange?"

Austin looked up at him, his eyes thoughtful. "No, I have, too. And just... happier, I guess? I don't know how to describe it."

"Contented," Tim said. "Like everything fits together better."

"Pretty sure we fit together same as we always did," Austin teased.

"Asshole."

Austin grinned at him. "I think I'm all packed with a half hour before we need to leave for the airport."

"Me too."

"Now what should we do with that time?" Austin wondered aloud, his eyes sparkling.

Tim sat down on the bed then pulled Austin on top of him as he laid back. "I'm sure we'll think of something."

***

"Do you gentlemen have warmer coats?" the flight attendant asked as Tim and Austin were gathering their carry-on bags.

"Our friend who's picking us up is bringing our coats and stuff," Austin assured him.

"That's good, because it's twenty degrees out and windy. And based on your accents I'm guessing you didn't grow up in snowy climes."

Austin chuckled. "Didn't see snow till I was nineteen."

"Twenty for me," Tim said.

"Well, stay warm out there, and thanks for flying with us."

"Damn, even the jetway is freezing," Austin complained as they made their way off the flight.

"And to think we were in the Bahamas just a few weeks ago," Tim said.

"Next year we should do the Christmas tour in the Caribbean."

"Maybe one day we'll be famous enough to do a Christmas cruise with Home Free."