Titanic: Chapter Four
AN: long chapter my loves, but i knew you'd rather have it now than later! I hope you can find time to read and enjoy it, my precious darlings, for i live and love to serve you!
Four
While lunch with Iris had been a little uncomfortable at best, what Ville was really dreading was dinner. And now, seven hours from leaving Bam and five minutes into the dinner hour, Ville felt a strong desire to sink into the floor. As soon as he sat down at the table, all eyes fell on him. Shameful eyes. His mother, whom he hadn’t seen, mostly due to avoidance, for more than five minutes since the night before, looked at him with slight disdain.
"Ville. Why did you embarrass me so last night? It was dreadful the way all their eyes stared at us. Like we were insects." Lesi scolded him harshly.
"I’m sorry mother." Ville squeaked, having always been very intimidated by his mother’s ability to explode when she was angry. "I don’t know what came over me."
"You should be sorry. It cost me quite a bit of money as well as dignity to postpone this wedding. Thank your lucky stars you have a few days to pull yourself together." She said sarcastically, stuffing her napkin into her lap as the main course was served.
"When will it be." Ville asked, sparing a glance at Iris next to him. She looked back at him but flinched away, and Ville realized that she and his mother had obviously planned out this stern lecture.
"The fourteenth. In the evening. Enough time for you to think about how to redeem yourself to this family." His mother said, and would look at him no more. Ville sighed inwardly. He hated upsetting his mother. She was the only parent he’d ever known and disappointing her was like a stake in his heart. Especially since she held a grudge like the ocean held fish.
Dinner trudged on like a slow death march. Nobody talked to Ville, not even Iris. She’d at least been a bit sociable during lunch, but now, most likely influenced by all the people around them, was avoiding his eyes like the plague. Why couldn’t it have always been like that? Maybe if she’d always hated him, they wouldn’t be in this mess to begin with. They wouldn’t have gotten passed the introductions if she’d treated him then like she treated him now. Ville’s mother wouldn’t have had it.
Would she?
Ville was beginning to think his mother would have anything if it meant adding to her wealth and popularity. Even for her only child to be miserable for the rest of his life. None of that mattered, not in the world they lived in. Marriage and love weren’t synonymous. Marriage without money, however, was unheard of. Realizing Bam had no knowledge of the world Ville lived in made Ville very sad. Sad for himself. Sad that Bam never even considered a marriage without love, and didn’t understand why Ville couldn’t do the same thing. Ville sighed softly, blinking back stray tears, and poked at dessert.
Why did he have to marry her? Why did he have to marry any woman? His mind ticked, racing over his dreaded marriage, his hidden sexual desires, and the third class passenger that had triggered it all.
A man would be wonderful.
Bam would be wonderful.
Ville glanced at Iris, earning nothing but a cold, skidding glance.
An attraction to Bam. Ville cocked his head and raised his eyebrows in a slight shrug to himself.
*Surprise, surprise*
~*~
After dinner, the group retired to an evening parlor room, enjoying brandy and cards. Usually, women would have nothing to do with either of those things, but Ville’s mother wouldn’t hear of the protests. "How are we ever to be taken seriously, if we can’t even play a little poker?" She proclaimed, and dragged Iris to a table. Ville sat in a leather chair next to a fireplace; smoking and watching the ladies give the men a run for their money. Ville wasn’t much of a card player himself, nor was in the mood. Losing to his mother was, lightly put, mildly humiliating, and his mother never lost. The men at the table with her were quickly learning this as he heard Lesi screech with joy and slam a hand down, followed by a chorus of moans.
"Is that good?" Ville heard Iris ask, and laughed to himself. He stared at the flickering fire for a few more minutes, and then got to his feet. He walked out the door unnoticed, stubbing his cigarette out on the wall as he left.
~*~
Ville wasn’t sure what inspired him to venture down to the steerage section, but welcomed the empty, silent halls. He wandered around, turning corner after corner, noting how many more doors there were, only a couple feet away from each other. How tiny those rooms must be, he thought, absentmindedly trailing his fingers along the wall as he walked. It smelled rather peculiar down here. Ville wondered why first class had enough perfumes and maids for Mount Olympus while third class couldn’t even be offered a satchel of potpourri. He was unbuttoning his white suit jacket when he began to hear faint noises from below. Shouting, some sort of music, maybe…as he continued down the hall, the sounds grew louder. Yes, music was playing, fiddles and such. He saw a sign for stairs and when he arrived at the stairwell, he was greeted by a rush of frenzied laughter and shouting, cigarette smoke wafting up from the hall down the stairs, and the undeniable sounds of Irish music. Curiosity got the best of him, and Ville headed down the stairs, and ducked beneath the low ceiling to find another flight of steps, leading to a very full, very smoky, room of very happy and drunk third class passengers. Ville took it in with amazement. He’d never seen a party like this, even being in the burlesque business. Everyone had a beer, some several, in their hands. There were people playing cards, arm wrestling, gambling, and in the middle of it all, there was a large stage-like platform where many couples were swinging around to the band of misfit instruments in the corner of the room. Fiddles, accordions, even a cowbell; Ville was astonished at how…unreal it all was. Just three stories up were a bunch of uptight rich people who got pissed when the caviar was too rationed, and down here, it was like a different century. One that hadn’t yet come. Ville closed his mouth and stopped staring like an idiot, walking down the steps and standing at the bottom, his eyes wrapping around the place. No one seemed to notice him, even though just his clothes were enough to call him out. His favorite white suit was like a beacon of light in this sea of grays and browns and poverty. His attention was drawn back to the dance floor, where men were twirling their girls and the girls were squealing with delight every time they spun out of control. People were tapping and laughing and clapping, more lively than Ville could ever imagine being. He watched a couple leave the dance floor and he let a tiny gasp escape.
Bam!
He was hidden by the hyperactive Irish couple, but was now in full view, dancing with a little girl. The girl’s curls were flying about her shoulders as Bam twirled her, laughing and catching her as she lost her balance. She giggled hysterically and clung to his leg, and he immediately picked her up and danced her around the stage, earning shrieks of laughter. Bam threw his head back and laughed, and just seeing that caused a huge grin to break out on Ville’s face. The song ended, and Bam plopped the little one down, bowing deeply to her. She curtsied carefully, and ran off, giggling and waving. Bam laughed and turned around, eyes meeting Ville’s. He stopped laughing and smiled, something in his eyes so lust-inducing that Ville leaned against the wall for support. The moment only lasted, well, a moment, and Bam pushed his way over to Ville.
"What the hell are you doing down here?" Bam asked, smiling and shaking Ville’s shoulder playfully.
"Just exploring." Ville replied. Bam clapped his shoulder again, this time leaving his hand there, leading Ville deeper into the sea of people. Bam reached down and took a random beer off a table, unnoticed by the patrons.
"Here!" Bam said, thrusting it into Ville’s hand. "It’s good for you."
Ville chuckled and chugged three huge gulps, leaving the glass a third full. "Jesus, that was impressive." Bam laughed, taking the glass from Ville and finishing the rest himself. Ville covered his mouth and belched, throwing his head back and laughing as Bam stared at him as if he were an alien.
"You’ve no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that without getting slapped by one of the ladies." Ville said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "They’ve practically turned me into a woman."
"Well since you’re a woman now, wanna dance?" Bam asked, shaking his shoulder. "Come on, whaddia say?"
Ville smiled nervously, and looked at the hectic dance floor.
"I don’t think I can do that." He replied, pointing to the flying couples.
"It’s easy. Especially when you knock a few back." Bam said, handing him another beer. Ville looked at the beer, then to the dance floor. Beer, dance floor. He tossed his head back and downed the glass, shaking his head furiously after he finished.
"You’re really becoming quite appealing to me, Ville." Bam laughed, and Ville smiled bashfully, laughing with him.
"If you want to dance with me, now’s probably the best time to do it." Ville said, and Bam grinned happily, grabbing Ville’s slender fingers and leading him to the floor.
Bam pulled Ville up onto the platform just as a new song started. This one was even more upbeat than the previous, and Ville already felt dizzy and embarrassed as Bam arranged their arms, hands folded together, Bam’s hand planted firmly on Ville’s waist. However, when he glanced around, he saw that no one noticed, or even cared for that matter, that the two men were preparing to dance together. Bam saw the look of slight confusion on Ville’s face, and nodded his head to the left. Ville glanced over and saw two men jigging around each other, arms linked, smoking and having the time of their lives.
"In Ireland, there’s nothing sexual about dancing with your buddies." Bam explained loudly, causing Ville to turn an even brighter shade of red.
"I guess I wasn’t taught that in finishing school." He replied, and Bam laughed heartily, taking Ville’s hanging arm and putting it around his shoulder.
"Hold tight!" Bam ordered, and Ville dug his fingers into Bam’s skin. "and off we go!" Bam swung Ville without any more warning than that, causing Ville to shriek and stumble, falling into Bam. He huffed and rolled his eyes, face crimson.
"This is the most undignified way to-"
Bam lifted his hand from Ville’s waist and covered Ville’s mouth with it.
"If you haven’t noticed, no one cares how undignified you are down here." Bam said in his ear, taking his hand away, and Ville smiled warily. "Don’t worry! Like anyone’s going to recognize you anyway, Tarzan." Bam winked, and Ville slapped his shoulder.
"Shut up! That was not one of my finer moments." He hissed, smile never leaving his face. They had begun to dance again, Ville barely noticing Bam’s arm wrapping tightly around his hips as their bodies flew around the floor.
"A slap and a shut up! Naughty, naughty. Where are your manners?" Bam asked, stopping and throwing Ville out on his arm. Ville took the move gracefully and twirled back into Bam, back against Bam’s chest.
"My manners went out with the ale." Ville replied, spinning himself back to fit properly in Bam’s arms. Bam grinned and ruffled Ville’s hair, earning a shy smile as they continued to dance to the jovial songs.
A half hour later, after rounds and rounds of hectic dancing, Ville and Bam swaggered off the platform and made their way to the bar. They jumped up onto the swiveling stools and demanded beers, spinning to face each other. Their knees bumped and Bam moved his over, so that it slid between Ville’s legs. Ville was either too intoxicated or too in love to care, and found his hand on Bam’s leg as they gulped thirstily at their ales.
"I’ve not gotten that kind of exercise in….ever." Ville finished his sentence stupidly, shrugging and taking another drink.
"Fuck exercise, I haven’t had that much fun in ….ever." Bam playfully pushed Ville’s shoulder, mocking his poor sentence structure.
"I don’t think someone like me is allowed to have that much fun." Ville griped, polishing off his glass and shoving it aside. He signaled for another just as Bam chugged his down, and asked for one more. The bartender thrust four full mugs of beer at them and told them to leave him alone for awhile, running off to tend to more patrons.
"What are we ever going to do with all this beer?" Bam asked, throwing a hand up to his face in shock. Ville laughed aloud and picked one up.
"Better drink it." He barely finished his sentence before the glass was to his lips.
"You really like beer, don’t you?" Bam asked, watching in amusement as Ville downed half the glass.
"I don’t get to drink beer. I get to drink brandy, and that is disgusting." Ville explained carefully, already tipsy.
"Reason enough." Bam raised his glass briefly to Ville before taking a long drink.
"We shouldn’t drink too much. Don’t want to get drunk. Iris will beat me." Ville said after slamming his empty glass down.
"Too late for you, my friend." Bam replied, earning a wave of giggles from Ville.
"Your friend, eh. Just your friend?" Ville smirked, and Bam smirked back.
"You’re the one with your hand on my thigh, mate." Bam said, and Ville looked down.
"So it is." He said seriously, then clenched his fingers around Bam’s leg, earning a shriek of laughter from Bam. They left it at that as they continued to drink, Ville pulling out a cigarette, lighting it, and taking a drag, offering it to Bam. Bam plucked it from Ville’s long fingers and stuck it in his mouth, sucking down the smoke.
"Don’t take it all," Ville reached for it, but Bam whipped his head away from him, making Ville almost fall off the stool. "Give it!" he whined, and Bam smiled around the cigarette.
"Try harder." He mumbled between the cigarette, and Ville narrowed his eyes at him. He took a delicate sip out of the last beer glass and slowly leaned forward, resting his forearm across Bam’s lap. He came within inches of Bam’s face and raised his hand to Bam’s mouth, fingers barely whispering over Bam’s lips before gently pulling the cigarette from Bam’s mouth, eyes dancing with small victory as he stuck it back in his mouth. They stared at each other, eyes on fire. After a long silence, Bam cleared his throat.
"Well then." He said, and Ville chuckled softly, holding the diminishing cigarette between two fingers.
"Well then."
They stared at each other a moment more, and then simultaneously reached for the last remaining beer. Bam got his hand on it first and shrugged, taking a swig and then handing it to Ville.
"Sharing is caring." He said, and Ville nearly choked as he tried to take a drink.
"That’s good." He said around his small coughs.
They talked for god-knew how long, about nothing mostly, passing the beer between each other and taking very small sips to make it last as long as possible. As long as possible was apparently a long-ass time, because by the time Bam tipped the glass back as far as he could and tried to lick the inside to catch the few remaining drops, the room was nearly empty. The only people left were the band members, mostly playing for themselves now, the barkeep, who was on his way out, and a few men passed out drunk.
"We’re gonna play one more boyos, its 1 o’clock in the mornin’" a thick Irish accent called to them, and Ville and Bam looked over to see the fiddler looking at them impatiently.
"Ok!" Bam called back, and pushed Ville’s shoulder. "One more dance?"
Ville nodded with a smile, and they nearly fell off the barstools, not really realizing how tipsy they really were till they had to support each other to the platform. Ville wasn’t really sure if he needed to lean against Bam’s shoulder, arms around his, forcing Bam’s hand to Ville’s hips, but it sure felt good regardless.
The band laughed to each other around their instruments as the two boys tripped up the platform, grabbing each other’s shoulders as they faced each other. The song was as jolly as any other, and they couldn’t stop laughing as they spun each other around, arms wrapping tightly around waists and shoulders. The song ended but that didn’t stop the boys from dancing. The band got up and left, but they still continued to twirl around the stage, tripping over each other, holding on tight, heads thrown back in cackles of laughter. Finally, surprised that it hadn’t happened before, they slammed into the wooden pillar at one of the edges of the platform. Ville hit his back hard against it and Bam fell into him, not moving as he laughed into Ville’s shaking shoulders. Ville leaned his head against the pillar, giggling uncontrollably, hands sifting through Bam’s curly hair. He tugged on Bam’s hair and Bam lifted his head and they looked at each other, seemingly mesmerized. Bam stood up straight and slowly raised his hand to Ville’s neck, running his thumb along the curve of his jaw. Ville held his breath, Bam’s face hovering inches from his.
"Let me show you how to dance." Ville whispered suddenly, and Bam nodded, pulling back a little.
"Ok." He whispered back, and Ville stepped forward, forcing Bam to back up till they were in the middle of the platform. Ville took Bam’s hand and placed it low on his hips, Bam’s fingers reaching down to the curve of Ville’s bottom. Ville placed one hand on Bam’s shoulder and the other in Bam’s warm hand, pulling it up.
"Arms up." He instructed softly, holding his chin high. Bam smiled at how serious Ville was, and they began to move slowly, feet taking small, careful steps, turning them in a slow circle. There was no music, they didn’t need music.
"You’ve got it quite well." Ville said, turning his hand and lacing his fingers through Bam’s. Bam said nothing, just tightened his arm around Ville’s waist, pulling him close enough for their chests to touch. They held each other, moving slowly, for what seemed like hours, eyes never moving from each other. Bam could identify every fleck of color and light in Ville’s emerald eyes, watching his long lashes as Ville seemed to blink in slow motion. Every thought in their minds was sober. Bam found himself dangerously close to Ville’s pale face, and Ville moved his hand to the back of Bam’s neck, fingers trailing along his hair, pushing it aside and feeling his hot skin. They stared at each other, unblinking. Without thought, Ville tilted his head slightly, parting his lips as Bam slowly leaned forward, closing the distance. Their lips met with a spark, and suddenly all thought was gone. They kissed innocently, eyes fluttering closed, only breaking for split seconds to find new places on their lips that hadn’t yet been caressed. Their once slow, nervous touches were growing deeper and faster, and Ville suddenly turned his head sharply, opening his mouth to Bam, their tongues sliding together fervently. Ville found himself being pushed backwards, and hit his back against the pillar, feeling Bam’s weight press against him, holding him hostage. Their kisses never ceased as Ville untangled his hand from Bam’s and they gripped each other’s necks, fingers on faces and ears and hair, no intention of ever letting go. Bam’s body pressed against Ville was the most wonderful feeling Ville could ever imagine, their mind-numbing kisses filled with more emotion than Ville had ever felt. It was as if he was a stone, and Bam had finally crushed him. He was melting, melting hot lava and could barely keep himself up on his buckling knees. After one more long, intense kiss, Bam broke his lips away, breathing heavily, slowing dropping his hands from Ville’s face to Ville’s arms, which were still resting around Bam’s neck.
"I’ve wanted to do that…for so…long…" Bam murmured between breaths, and Ville nodded, not saying anything. How he’d longed for something like that to happen to him, a lust strong enough to make his chest explode.
But this lust was for the wrong person.
Ville raised his head and met Bam’s eyes, and Bam could see the anxiety on his face.
"Ville…" he said softly, raising his hand and brushing Ville’s black hair from his face.
"I’m sorry…it’s just…" Ville stared into Bam’s wide eyes, and before he knew it he was kissing Bam again, throwing all consequences to the wind. They began to slide down the pillar, Ville landing roughly on the ground and Bam straddling his hips, leaning over to assault his mouth further. After a few more passionate seconds of stunningly arousing kisses, they pulled from each other at the same time, heaving shuddering breaths. Bam silently let Ville up, and they stood facing each other, hands together.
"I don’t know what to say." Ville whispered, closing his eyes as Bam reached up and cupped Ville’s cheek. "I can’t…" he shook his head, taking Bam’s hand away. It was a bullet in his heart to do that. Bam’s eyes showed understanding, and he gently released Ville’s hand. Ville reached up and trailed his fingers along Bam’s face, leaning forward and kissing him gently. He then turned and walked quickly to the stairs, swallowing the lump in his throat. He turned when he reached the first step, eyes lingering on Bam, who still stood on the platform, unmoving. Ville started to open his mouth to say something, anything…but instead gave him one last longing stare, and disappeared up the stairs. Bam watched him go, sighing softly, licking his lips to capture any remnants of Ville’s sweet taste. He gathered himself together, and slowly made his way back to the bunks.
*~*~*
comments are my life blood!
Four
While lunch with Iris had been a little uncomfortable at best, what Ville was really dreading was dinner. And now, seven hours from leaving Bam and five minutes into the dinner hour, Ville felt a strong desire to sink into the floor. As soon as he sat down at the table, all eyes fell on him. Shameful eyes. His mother, whom he hadn’t seen, mostly due to avoidance, for more than five minutes since the night before, looked at him with slight disdain.
"Ville. Why did you embarrass me so last night? It was dreadful the way all their eyes stared at us. Like we were insects." Lesi scolded him harshly.
"I’m sorry mother." Ville squeaked, having always been very intimidated by his mother’s ability to explode when she was angry. "I don’t know what came over me."
"You should be sorry. It cost me quite a bit of money as well as dignity to postpone this wedding. Thank your lucky stars you have a few days to pull yourself together." She said sarcastically, stuffing her napkin into her lap as the main course was served.
"When will it be." Ville asked, sparing a glance at Iris next to him. She looked back at him but flinched away, and Ville realized that she and his mother had obviously planned out this stern lecture.
"The fourteenth. In the evening. Enough time for you to think about how to redeem yourself to this family." His mother said, and would look at him no more. Ville sighed inwardly. He hated upsetting his mother. She was the only parent he’d ever known and disappointing her was like a stake in his heart. Especially since she held a grudge like the ocean held fish.
Dinner trudged on like a slow death march. Nobody talked to Ville, not even Iris. She’d at least been a bit sociable during lunch, but now, most likely influenced by all the people around them, was avoiding his eyes like the plague. Why couldn’t it have always been like that? Maybe if she’d always hated him, they wouldn’t be in this mess to begin with. They wouldn’t have gotten passed the introductions if she’d treated him then like she treated him now. Ville’s mother wouldn’t have had it.
Would she?
Ville was beginning to think his mother would have anything if it meant adding to her wealth and popularity. Even for her only child to be miserable for the rest of his life. None of that mattered, not in the world they lived in. Marriage and love weren’t synonymous. Marriage without money, however, was unheard of. Realizing Bam had no knowledge of the world Ville lived in made Ville very sad. Sad for himself. Sad that Bam never even considered a marriage without love, and didn’t understand why Ville couldn’t do the same thing. Ville sighed softly, blinking back stray tears, and poked at dessert.
Why did he have to marry her? Why did he have to marry any woman? His mind ticked, racing over his dreaded marriage, his hidden sexual desires, and the third class passenger that had triggered it all.
A man would be wonderful.
Bam would be wonderful.
Ville glanced at Iris, earning nothing but a cold, skidding glance.
An attraction to Bam. Ville cocked his head and raised his eyebrows in a slight shrug to himself.
*Surprise, surprise*
~*~
After dinner, the group retired to an evening parlor room, enjoying brandy and cards. Usually, women would have nothing to do with either of those things, but Ville’s mother wouldn’t hear of the protests. "How are we ever to be taken seriously, if we can’t even play a little poker?" She proclaimed, and dragged Iris to a table. Ville sat in a leather chair next to a fireplace; smoking and watching the ladies give the men a run for their money. Ville wasn’t much of a card player himself, nor was in the mood. Losing to his mother was, lightly put, mildly humiliating, and his mother never lost. The men at the table with her were quickly learning this as he heard Lesi screech with joy and slam a hand down, followed by a chorus of moans.
"Is that good?" Ville heard Iris ask, and laughed to himself. He stared at the flickering fire for a few more minutes, and then got to his feet. He walked out the door unnoticed, stubbing his cigarette out on the wall as he left.
~*~
Ville wasn’t sure what inspired him to venture down to the steerage section, but welcomed the empty, silent halls. He wandered around, turning corner after corner, noting how many more doors there were, only a couple feet away from each other. How tiny those rooms must be, he thought, absentmindedly trailing his fingers along the wall as he walked. It smelled rather peculiar down here. Ville wondered why first class had enough perfumes and maids for Mount Olympus while third class couldn’t even be offered a satchel of potpourri. He was unbuttoning his white suit jacket when he began to hear faint noises from below. Shouting, some sort of music, maybe…as he continued down the hall, the sounds grew louder. Yes, music was playing, fiddles and such. He saw a sign for stairs and when he arrived at the stairwell, he was greeted by a rush of frenzied laughter and shouting, cigarette smoke wafting up from the hall down the stairs, and the undeniable sounds of Irish music. Curiosity got the best of him, and Ville headed down the stairs, and ducked beneath the low ceiling to find another flight of steps, leading to a very full, very smoky, room of very happy and drunk third class passengers. Ville took it in with amazement. He’d never seen a party like this, even being in the burlesque business. Everyone had a beer, some several, in their hands. There were people playing cards, arm wrestling, gambling, and in the middle of it all, there was a large stage-like platform where many couples were swinging around to the band of misfit instruments in the corner of the room. Fiddles, accordions, even a cowbell; Ville was astonished at how…unreal it all was. Just three stories up were a bunch of uptight rich people who got pissed when the caviar was too rationed, and down here, it was like a different century. One that hadn’t yet come. Ville closed his mouth and stopped staring like an idiot, walking down the steps and standing at the bottom, his eyes wrapping around the place. No one seemed to notice him, even though just his clothes were enough to call him out. His favorite white suit was like a beacon of light in this sea of grays and browns and poverty. His attention was drawn back to the dance floor, where men were twirling their girls and the girls were squealing with delight every time they spun out of control. People were tapping and laughing and clapping, more lively than Ville could ever imagine being. He watched a couple leave the dance floor and he let a tiny gasp escape.
Bam!
He was hidden by the hyperactive Irish couple, but was now in full view, dancing with a little girl. The girl’s curls were flying about her shoulders as Bam twirled her, laughing and catching her as she lost her balance. She giggled hysterically and clung to his leg, and he immediately picked her up and danced her around the stage, earning shrieks of laughter. Bam threw his head back and laughed, and just seeing that caused a huge grin to break out on Ville’s face. The song ended, and Bam plopped the little one down, bowing deeply to her. She curtsied carefully, and ran off, giggling and waving. Bam laughed and turned around, eyes meeting Ville’s. He stopped laughing and smiled, something in his eyes so lust-inducing that Ville leaned against the wall for support. The moment only lasted, well, a moment, and Bam pushed his way over to Ville.
"What the hell are you doing down here?" Bam asked, smiling and shaking Ville’s shoulder playfully.
"Just exploring." Ville replied. Bam clapped his shoulder again, this time leaving his hand there, leading Ville deeper into the sea of people. Bam reached down and took a random beer off a table, unnoticed by the patrons.
"Here!" Bam said, thrusting it into Ville’s hand. "It’s good for you."
Ville chuckled and chugged three huge gulps, leaving the glass a third full. "Jesus, that was impressive." Bam laughed, taking the glass from Ville and finishing the rest himself. Ville covered his mouth and belched, throwing his head back and laughing as Bam stared at him as if he were an alien.
"You’ve no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that without getting slapped by one of the ladies." Ville said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. "They’ve practically turned me into a woman."
"Well since you’re a woman now, wanna dance?" Bam asked, shaking his shoulder. "Come on, whaddia say?"
Ville smiled nervously, and looked at the hectic dance floor.
"I don’t think I can do that." He replied, pointing to the flying couples.
"It’s easy. Especially when you knock a few back." Bam said, handing him another beer. Ville looked at the beer, then to the dance floor. Beer, dance floor. He tossed his head back and downed the glass, shaking his head furiously after he finished.
"You’re really becoming quite appealing to me, Ville." Bam laughed, and Ville smiled bashfully, laughing with him.
"If you want to dance with me, now’s probably the best time to do it." Ville said, and Bam grinned happily, grabbing Ville’s slender fingers and leading him to the floor.
Bam pulled Ville up onto the platform just as a new song started. This one was even more upbeat than the previous, and Ville already felt dizzy and embarrassed as Bam arranged their arms, hands folded together, Bam’s hand planted firmly on Ville’s waist. However, when he glanced around, he saw that no one noticed, or even cared for that matter, that the two men were preparing to dance together. Bam saw the look of slight confusion on Ville’s face, and nodded his head to the left. Ville glanced over and saw two men jigging around each other, arms linked, smoking and having the time of their lives.
"In Ireland, there’s nothing sexual about dancing with your buddies." Bam explained loudly, causing Ville to turn an even brighter shade of red.
"I guess I wasn’t taught that in finishing school." He replied, and Bam laughed heartily, taking Ville’s hanging arm and putting it around his shoulder.
"Hold tight!" Bam ordered, and Ville dug his fingers into Bam’s skin. "and off we go!" Bam swung Ville without any more warning than that, causing Ville to shriek and stumble, falling into Bam. He huffed and rolled his eyes, face crimson.
"This is the most undignified way to-"
Bam lifted his hand from Ville’s waist and covered Ville’s mouth with it.
"If you haven’t noticed, no one cares how undignified you are down here." Bam said in his ear, taking his hand away, and Ville smiled warily. "Don’t worry! Like anyone’s going to recognize you anyway, Tarzan." Bam winked, and Ville slapped his shoulder.
"Shut up! That was not one of my finer moments." He hissed, smile never leaving his face. They had begun to dance again, Ville barely noticing Bam’s arm wrapping tightly around his hips as their bodies flew around the floor.
"A slap and a shut up! Naughty, naughty. Where are your manners?" Bam asked, stopping and throwing Ville out on his arm. Ville took the move gracefully and twirled back into Bam, back against Bam’s chest.
"My manners went out with the ale." Ville replied, spinning himself back to fit properly in Bam’s arms. Bam grinned and ruffled Ville’s hair, earning a shy smile as they continued to dance to the jovial songs.
A half hour later, after rounds and rounds of hectic dancing, Ville and Bam swaggered off the platform and made their way to the bar. They jumped up onto the swiveling stools and demanded beers, spinning to face each other. Their knees bumped and Bam moved his over, so that it slid between Ville’s legs. Ville was either too intoxicated or too in love to care, and found his hand on Bam’s leg as they gulped thirstily at their ales.
"I’ve not gotten that kind of exercise in….ever." Ville finished his sentence stupidly, shrugging and taking another drink.
"Fuck exercise, I haven’t had that much fun in ….ever." Bam playfully pushed Ville’s shoulder, mocking his poor sentence structure.
"I don’t think someone like me is allowed to have that much fun." Ville griped, polishing off his glass and shoving it aside. He signaled for another just as Bam chugged his down, and asked for one more. The bartender thrust four full mugs of beer at them and told them to leave him alone for awhile, running off to tend to more patrons.
"What are we ever going to do with all this beer?" Bam asked, throwing a hand up to his face in shock. Ville laughed aloud and picked one up.
"Better drink it." He barely finished his sentence before the glass was to his lips.
"You really like beer, don’t you?" Bam asked, watching in amusement as Ville downed half the glass.
"I don’t get to drink beer. I get to drink brandy, and that is disgusting." Ville explained carefully, already tipsy.
"Reason enough." Bam raised his glass briefly to Ville before taking a long drink.
"We shouldn’t drink too much. Don’t want to get drunk. Iris will beat me." Ville said after slamming his empty glass down.
"Too late for you, my friend." Bam replied, earning a wave of giggles from Ville.
"Your friend, eh. Just your friend?" Ville smirked, and Bam smirked back.
"You’re the one with your hand on my thigh, mate." Bam said, and Ville looked down.
"So it is." He said seriously, then clenched his fingers around Bam’s leg, earning a shriek of laughter from Bam. They left it at that as they continued to drink, Ville pulling out a cigarette, lighting it, and taking a drag, offering it to Bam. Bam plucked it from Ville’s long fingers and stuck it in his mouth, sucking down the smoke.
"Don’t take it all," Ville reached for it, but Bam whipped his head away from him, making Ville almost fall off the stool. "Give it!" he whined, and Bam smiled around the cigarette.
"Try harder." He mumbled between the cigarette, and Ville narrowed his eyes at him. He took a delicate sip out of the last beer glass and slowly leaned forward, resting his forearm across Bam’s lap. He came within inches of Bam’s face and raised his hand to Bam’s mouth, fingers barely whispering over Bam’s lips before gently pulling the cigarette from Bam’s mouth, eyes dancing with small victory as he stuck it back in his mouth. They stared at each other, eyes on fire. After a long silence, Bam cleared his throat.
"Well then." He said, and Ville chuckled softly, holding the diminishing cigarette between two fingers.
"Well then."
They stared at each other a moment more, and then simultaneously reached for the last remaining beer. Bam got his hand on it first and shrugged, taking a swig and then handing it to Ville.
"Sharing is caring." He said, and Ville nearly choked as he tried to take a drink.
"That’s good." He said around his small coughs.
They talked for god-knew how long, about nothing mostly, passing the beer between each other and taking very small sips to make it last as long as possible. As long as possible was apparently a long-ass time, because by the time Bam tipped the glass back as far as he could and tried to lick the inside to catch the few remaining drops, the room was nearly empty. The only people left were the band members, mostly playing for themselves now, the barkeep, who was on his way out, and a few men passed out drunk.
"We’re gonna play one more boyos, its 1 o’clock in the mornin’" a thick Irish accent called to them, and Ville and Bam looked over to see the fiddler looking at them impatiently.
"Ok!" Bam called back, and pushed Ville’s shoulder. "One more dance?"
Ville nodded with a smile, and they nearly fell off the barstools, not really realizing how tipsy they really were till they had to support each other to the platform. Ville wasn’t really sure if he needed to lean against Bam’s shoulder, arms around his, forcing Bam’s hand to Ville’s hips, but it sure felt good regardless.
The band laughed to each other around their instruments as the two boys tripped up the platform, grabbing each other’s shoulders as they faced each other. The song was as jolly as any other, and they couldn’t stop laughing as they spun each other around, arms wrapping tightly around waists and shoulders. The song ended but that didn’t stop the boys from dancing. The band got up and left, but they still continued to twirl around the stage, tripping over each other, holding on tight, heads thrown back in cackles of laughter. Finally, surprised that it hadn’t happened before, they slammed into the wooden pillar at one of the edges of the platform. Ville hit his back hard against it and Bam fell into him, not moving as he laughed into Ville’s shaking shoulders. Ville leaned his head against the pillar, giggling uncontrollably, hands sifting through Bam’s curly hair. He tugged on Bam’s hair and Bam lifted his head and they looked at each other, seemingly mesmerized. Bam stood up straight and slowly raised his hand to Ville’s neck, running his thumb along the curve of his jaw. Ville held his breath, Bam’s face hovering inches from his.
"Let me show you how to dance." Ville whispered suddenly, and Bam nodded, pulling back a little.
"Ok." He whispered back, and Ville stepped forward, forcing Bam to back up till they were in the middle of the platform. Ville took Bam’s hand and placed it low on his hips, Bam’s fingers reaching down to the curve of Ville’s bottom. Ville placed one hand on Bam’s shoulder and the other in Bam’s warm hand, pulling it up.
"Arms up." He instructed softly, holding his chin high. Bam smiled at how serious Ville was, and they began to move slowly, feet taking small, careful steps, turning them in a slow circle. There was no music, they didn’t need music.
"You’ve got it quite well." Ville said, turning his hand and lacing his fingers through Bam’s. Bam said nothing, just tightened his arm around Ville’s waist, pulling him close enough for their chests to touch. They held each other, moving slowly, for what seemed like hours, eyes never moving from each other. Bam could identify every fleck of color and light in Ville’s emerald eyes, watching his long lashes as Ville seemed to blink in slow motion. Every thought in their minds was sober. Bam found himself dangerously close to Ville’s pale face, and Ville moved his hand to the back of Bam’s neck, fingers trailing along his hair, pushing it aside and feeling his hot skin. They stared at each other, unblinking. Without thought, Ville tilted his head slightly, parting his lips as Bam slowly leaned forward, closing the distance. Their lips met with a spark, and suddenly all thought was gone. They kissed innocently, eyes fluttering closed, only breaking for split seconds to find new places on their lips that hadn’t yet been caressed. Their once slow, nervous touches were growing deeper and faster, and Ville suddenly turned his head sharply, opening his mouth to Bam, their tongues sliding together fervently. Ville found himself being pushed backwards, and hit his back against the pillar, feeling Bam’s weight press against him, holding him hostage. Their kisses never ceased as Ville untangled his hand from Bam’s and they gripped each other’s necks, fingers on faces and ears and hair, no intention of ever letting go. Bam’s body pressed against Ville was the most wonderful feeling Ville could ever imagine, their mind-numbing kisses filled with more emotion than Ville had ever felt. It was as if he was a stone, and Bam had finally crushed him. He was melting, melting hot lava and could barely keep himself up on his buckling knees. After one more long, intense kiss, Bam broke his lips away, breathing heavily, slowing dropping his hands from Ville’s face to Ville’s arms, which were still resting around Bam’s neck.
"I’ve wanted to do that…for so…long…" Bam murmured between breaths, and Ville nodded, not saying anything. How he’d longed for something like that to happen to him, a lust strong enough to make his chest explode.
But this lust was for the wrong person.
Ville raised his head and met Bam’s eyes, and Bam could see the anxiety on his face.
"Ville…" he said softly, raising his hand and brushing Ville’s black hair from his face.
"I’m sorry…it’s just…" Ville stared into Bam’s wide eyes, and before he knew it he was kissing Bam again, throwing all consequences to the wind. They began to slide down the pillar, Ville landing roughly on the ground and Bam straddling his hips, leaning over to assault his mouth further. After a few more passionate seconds of stunningly arousing kisses, they pulled from each other at the same time, heaving shuddering breaths. Bam silently let Ville up, and they stood facing each other, hands together.
"I don’t know what to say." Ville whispered, closing his eyes as Bam reached up and cupped Ville’s cheek. "I can’t…" he shook his head, taking Bam’s hand away. It was a bullet in his heart to do that. Bam’s eyes showed understanding, and he gently released Ville’s hand. Ville reached up and trailed his fingers along Bam’s face, leaning forward and kissing him gently. He then turned and walked quickly to the stairs, swallowing the lump in his throat. He turned when he reached the first step, eyes lingering on Bam, who still stood on the platform, unmoving. Ville started to open his mouth to say something, anything…but instead gave him one last longing stare, and disappeared up the stairs. Bam watched him go, sighing softly, licking his lips to capture any remnants of Ville’s sweet taste. He gathered himself together, and slowly made his way back to the bunks.
*~*~*
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