Fandom: Jumping Ship Pairing: Mike/Jake Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: This story takes place at the end of the movie and is my take on how things should have ended. Disclaimer: Jumping Ship and it's characters are owned and copyrighted by Disney.
Mike Wood returned to the table where his father, aunt, Tommy and Jake were sitting dining on hamburgers. After Twelve days stranded on a deserted island with nothing but lobster and fish to eat, the three young men were thankful to feast on something other than seafood.
"Hello", he sang cheerfully.
"Where were you?" Mike's father asked.
"Let's just say that preparation has met opportunity", Mike smiled.
Jake looked curiously at the older man.
"I hope you guys don't mind, but I created a job opportunity for us", he looked over at Jake.
"Here? What is it?" Jake inquired, knowing it sounded too good to be true. 'Us', he thought. 'He said us.' Jake blushed when he heard it. Images of he and Mike on the quiet beach at night, danced through his head.
"I'm going to rename that boat",he said nodding in the direction of a the sleek white vessel the pirates had used to chase them down with, "the Tiffany II, captain", Joe replied, handing a the blonde a baseball cap with those very words printed on it.
"What?" Jake was stunned. His heart was pounding. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't dare admit what he was hoping.
"They gave us a reward for turning in Franks, so I did a little negotiating. See they were going to put this boat up for auction, so I offered to buy the boat with our reward money. We are all going to be partners in the charter business."
Jake continued to stare at the hat in his hand. He wondered if Mike's gesture was simply a smart business move, or a desire to continue the relationship that began between them on the island. He sat there nervously fidgiting with the hat, trying to rein in his emotions and not read more into Mike's actions then what was on the surface. After leaving the island, Jake had resigned himself to the fact that his lover had a life to get back to. One that didn't necessarily include him. 'Don't you dare cry, you idiot', he chided himself.
"Are you serious?" Jake asked. His voice was thick with emotion.
"Yeah. You said it yourself. Charters sell out here all the time."
The last statement nearly crushed the young captain. There was apparently no emotion involved in Mike's decision. He was simply a rich kid attempting to make more money from himself. 'I was a fool to fall for you', Jake thought bitterly.
"And dad", Mike continued, "I was wondering if I could pay you back the money I owe you out of my share of the profits?"
Mike's father had been taking in the scene the whole time. He could sense there was something more going on here than a simple business transaction. His son always made decisions based on his feelings. When he liked somebody, he usually tried to impress them by throwing money around. 'Usually mine', his father mused to himself. This didn't seem any different, except for the fact that it was the most serious and well thought out plan he'd seen his son come up with in a long time. In truth, he was proud of Mike at this moment. He knew whatever happened on that island; Jake must be an extraordinary young man to cause his son to act like this.
"That's great", Mr. Wood answered, slowly. "But does that mean you plan to move to Australia?" He eyed the younger man, seeing the range of emotions that swept across his face.
"Well, If I'm going to be in the charter business, I need to learn about it...top to bottom", Mike let his eyes roam over Jake's beautiful form.
"Top to bottom", his father smirked. He made up in his mind not to interfere, whatever the outcome. He only hoped his son was making the right decision. "That sounds great son", he smiled.
"So", Mike said turning to Jake, "What do you say"
"I don't know what to say." Mike was staying with him.
"Say yes", Tommy chimed in. He knew all about his cousin and Jake's little trysts after they thought he was asleep.
"Jake, I'm not just asking you to be my business partner", Mike rose from his chair and got down on one knee.
Mr. Todd was shocked to say the least at his son's willingness to bare his true feelings in front of he and his aunt. Tommy smiled looking back and forth between Mike and Jake who could barely look him in the eye.
"What are you saying?" The younger man asked, barely above a whisper.
"I'm asking you to be my life partner, my partner in everything. Will you?" Mike rose pulling the young man out of his chair with him. At that moment, he didn't care who in the crowded cafe was watching them.
Jake finally got the courage to look his lover in the eye. The two men stared intently at each other for a few brief moments, and then Jake smiled that perfect smile that made Mike's heart skip a beat every time he saw it. The joy and relief he felt, knowing it was all for him and because of him was overwhelming. He cupped the young blondes cheek in the palm of his hand.
"Yes" Jake replied. "Absolutely yes."