With A Little Help From My Friends
Title: With A Little Help From My Friends - 29/47
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: R, maybe.
Summary: Reaching out in a crisis, truth and consequences, and being open to the possibility of new experiences.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane.
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: Warning of angst for this chapter.
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
Chapter 29
Seated at the kitchen table, Dom scans page after page of the newspaper that Billy bought this morning when they were out for breakfast, searching for anything that will help ease his mind. It’s been over six weeks now, and not only has Eric not called, he seems to have disappeared. Several times now, Dom has taken a walk through his old neighborhood, hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend, but each time he’s been denied. At first, he’d hoped that perhaps Eric was waiting until he was finished with his exams, but that was over a month ago. As much as Dom hates to admit it, he has to at least consider the possibility that Eric has met a fate similar to Cory’s.
Every couple of days, Dom dedicates at least an hour to pouring over the newspaper, searching for any reports of attacks or the discovery of unidentified bodies. So far, he hasn’t had any success, but he’s not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. The same can be said for when he’s watched the evening news, a new interest that Billy has noticed, but not questioned Dom about just yet. What disturbs Dom the most is that in the time that has passed since he moved in with Billy and left that life of degradation behind, there are far too many new faces on the street, desperation on every corner. It also helps to confirm for Dom that he’s made the right choice in deciding his career path.
Flipping yet another page of the newspaper, as Dom’s gaze slides over the headlines, he pauses to read an article about a recent car accident that took the lives of two men in their early twenties. The details don’t fit what he’s looking for, and Dom is about to move on when he shifts his arm and a familiar face nearly jumps off the page. Then he’s swallowing hard in a desperate attempt to not be sick. A few moments later, Dom manages to bring his breathing under control and fights the bile rising up in his throat as he stares at the picture, at eyes he thought he’d never have to look at ever again. Hands trembling visibly, he scans the rest of the short paragraph, scarcely able to believe what he’s reading.
When he can’t bear to look at the picture anymore, and Dom shoves himself away from the kitchen table, almost fleeing the room, leaving the pages of the newspaper spread all over. Blindly, Dom stumbles down the hall, briefly considers going downstairs to find Billy and then changes his mind when he realizes that he admits to himself that he’s unraveling at the seams. He doesn’t want to break down in the shop, where customers could see him. Sucking in a ragged breath, he blinks rapidly, and in a spilt-second decision, heads for the loo. Dom is naked in less than two minutes and steps into the shower, only to violently flinch at the almost scalding temperature. The shock of heat helps to slow the persistent excess moisture in his eyes, but does little to ease the crushing ache in his chest.
Dom’s shaking hands flatten against the wall of the shower, his head hanging down as the hot water flows over his neck and shoulders, but it doesn’t have the soothing effect that he’s hoping for. Unlike that morning when Dom told Billy about the horrible night of his birthday party, the water fails to wash away the hurt and pain, and when Dom tastes salt on his tongue, he realizes that he’s crying. Harsh, body-wracking sobs echo in the small enclosure as Dom is overwhelmed by the memories crashing over him, and every last, vivid detail rips through him, creating fresh wounds.
At the same time, Billy makes his way up the stairs to the flat, hoping to tempt Dom into having a picnic lunch in bed, walking into the kitchen and stopping short when he discovers the sections of the newspaper scattered all over the table and floor. Frowning in confusion, he gathers the pages up and drops the disorganized pile onto one of the chairs as he wonders where Dom is. The faint sound of the shower running draws Billy down the hall, his pace quickening when he recalls the times that Dom would withdraw into the loo, in an attempt to hide his pain. Billy’s heart sinks when he hears the unmistakable sounds of his lover in distress, and can’t help himself as he moves closer, lingering just inches from the shower curtain.
“Dommie?” Billy says softly, barely loud enough to be heard over the roar of the water pouring from the faucet.
“Yeah?” Dom croaks, fighting to draw in a ragged breath.
Billy’s voice is full of concern when he asks, “Are you all right?”
“No.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Come in here, with me?” Dom requests as he looks up to meet Billy’s gaze through the clear plastic, the vulnerability clear in his red-rimmed eyes. “Please?”
“Of course, love.”
Quickly peeling away his clothing and letting the items drop to the floor alongside Dom’s, Billy slips into the small enclosure, drawing the shower curtain closed behind him. For a fraction of a second Billy wonders what he should do next, and then Dom is curling his slender body into his, face pressed into Billy’s neck and his arms wrapping tightly around the older man’s waist. Automatically, Billy cradles Dom close and brushes a soft kiss to his hair.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he murmurs in Dom’s ear.
“In a little while,” Dom replies shakily. “Can’t right now.”
“All right,” Billy says tenderly. “Whatever you need, love.”
Thankful that at least he can be of some comfort to Dom when he clearly needs it, Billy sways back and forth beneath the spray, gently rocking his lover and stroking his back in soft caresses. It’s more than ten minutes later and when the water is starting to cool that Dom straightens up, brushes at his eyes and speaks.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispers, his voice hoarse.
“Okay.”
Wordlessly, Billy twists off the taps and pulls back the shower curtain, pulling a towel off the rod and tenderly wrapping Dom up in it before taking one for himself.
“Do you want to lie down?” Billy inquires, not missing the emotional strain and exhaustion in Dom’s eyes.
Weakly, Dom nods in agreement. “Yeah.”
Dom is as docile as a newborn kitten as Billy guides him out of the loo and over to the bed, wiping away a few stray droplets of water on his shoulders before tucking the coverlet around the younger man. A few seconds later, Billy’s sliding into the other side of the bed and gathering Dom close, his dark blonde head resting on Billy’s furry chest.
“Are you ready to talk?” Billy asks softly, his fingertips stroking the nape of Dom’s slender neck.
“I was, uh, reading the newspaper,” Dom begins hesitantly.
“So I gathered,” Billy says, gently encouraging Dom to continue. “I saw it in the kitchen.”
“I was looking for anything that could be about Eric, since I can’t find him,” Dom continues. “But there was nothing.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’ve been worried about him.”
“I found an article about a car accident, where two blokes were killed,” Dom adds. “I recognized one of them.”
Billy tenses, his hand stilling. “Eric?”
“No.”
A new wave of bile rises up in Dom’s throat and he shakes violently as he struggles to control it, taking ragged, uneven breaths as it slowly starts to subside.
“Dommie?” Billy whispers tightly, now very worried as he’s never seen his lover this way before.
“It was someone I knew from when I lived in Manchester,” Dom explains when he can speak, looking up at Billy with tear-filled eyes. “The one that you said you never wanted to know his name.”
It takes a few seconds, and then realization dawns on Billy, what Dom is telling him. The sick bastard who heartlessly used, brutalized and raped his precious Dommie is now dead. Billy no longer has to fear that one day he’ll show up and cause further pain to the man he loves, and it also means that he’ll never be able to hurt anyone else, ever again.
“Dommie-”
“I read it, and I was relieved,” Dom admits, hot tears threatening to spill down his cheeks, his body shaking with a rage that Billy’s never seen in him before. “I’m glad he’s dead. I’m glad he died horribly, and I hope that it took hours. That he suffered unimaginably.” Pausing, Dom looks away for a moment, and when he looks meets Billy’s eyes, there is a new emotion. “Does that make me a bad person?” he whispers.
“No, it doesn’t,” Billy replies quickly, smoothing back Dom’s damp hair and gazing deeply into his tormented eyes. “I think it’s natural to feel that way, especially considering all the terrible things he did to you.”
“I’m not a violent person, but-”
“Dommie, he maliciously violated your trust, your heart, and your body,” Billy soothes, drawing the younger man closer and holding him tight. “He was an evil person, and I’m thankful that you’ll never have to see him again.”
“I worried that maybe someday I would, somewhere, somehow, and that you would want to kill him, like you said that day,” Dom confesses. “I hate him, so much, but I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You’ll never lose me, Dommie,” Billy vows fervently. “Never.”
“Sometimes I feel guilty that I didn’t try to stop him that day, when I walked in on him, hurting that boy,” Dom adds tearfully. “But-”
“It’s not your fault, love,” Billy interrupts, brushing a kiss across Dom’s forehead. “You had just made a horrible discovery, about the man you thought loved you. At that moment, you were on overload, and couldn’t handle what was happening to you, let alone a stranger.”
“I hope he got away,” Dom whispers.
“I’m sure he did.”
Dom draws in a slow, deep breath, and holds it for a few moments before exhaling even slower, willing some control to return.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs, shifting his position until his cheek is pressed over Billy’s heart. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” Billy whispers, cuddling Dom to his chest and stroking his slender back.
“Do you need to get back downstairs?” Dom asks, sniffing and brushing at his damp eyes.
“Not for a while,” Billy replies. “I can stay here with you. How about a nap?”
“Are you tired?”
“No, but you are,” Billy says wisely. “Why don’t you close your eyes, love, and get some rest.”
“Stay until I fall asleep?” Dom requests hopefully.
“Of course.”
“Don’t let me sleep more than an hour, okay? I’ll be up all night, and I don’t want to miss any opportunity to spend time with you, even if I’m not conscious.”
“I’ll come wake you up if you don’t on your own,” Billy promises with a tender kiss. “I don’t fancy sleeping without you, either.”
“Thank you.”
“Get comfortable, Dommie.”
Shifting and then rolling onto his side, Dom snuggles back until their bodies are spooned together, and he tugs Billy arm around his torso until they’re wrapped up tight. The back of Billy’s small fingers rest against Dom’s stubbly cheek, and he lays his head down on the pillow beside Dom’s, his warm breath caressing the back of his lover’s neck.
“Bills?”
“Aye?
“Would you sing to me?” Dom asks quietly. “I love your voice, but I haven’t heard you sing since New Year’s Eve.”
“Of course,” Billy agrees. “Any requests?”
“No, you can choose.”
“All right then. Close your eyes.”
Obediently, Dom tucks his face into the pillow, his eyes falling shut and exhaustion quickly overwhelming him. Billy purses his lips in thought for nearly a minute while he chooses a song, and then he begins to sing, just above a whisper, his tender lilt caressing Dom’s senses.
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right it front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
By the time Billy finishes the last chorus, Dom is sleeping peacefully, lying limp and trustingly in his lover’s comforting embrace. A feathery kiss is pressed to Dom’s tattooed shoulder, and then Billy ever so gently eases his body away from the younger man’s prone form. Once Billy tucks the coverlet around Dom to ensure that he’ll stay warm in his absence, he disappears into the loo to get dressed, and then slips soundlessly out of the bedroom, closing the door to a crack.
When Billy appears at the bottom of the stairs, Mark tears a slip of yellow paper off a pad sitting next to the register and walks over to hand it to him.
“Aureen called just after you went upstairs,” he says. “She asked that you call her back.”
“Why didn’t she just call the flat?” Billy asks, looking down at the paper in confusion. “Did you-”
“I told her you were here, but for some reason she didn’t want to call upstairs,” Mark replies, shrugging his shoulders. “I told her I’d give you the message as soon as I saw you.”
“All right. Thanks.”
As Billy’s brow furrows, he walks into the office, closes the door behind him and takes a seat at the desk. He wonders if perhaps Austin is sick and Aureen didn’t want to tell Dom over the phone, and then considers that the matter may be much more serious. Not wasting another moment, Billy picks up the phone and swiftly dials the now familiar number, anxiously tapping his foot as he waits for someone to pick up the other end of the line.
“Hello?” Aureen says in greeting as she answers the phone.
“Hi Aureen. It’s Billy.”
“Thank you for calling me back,” she sighs, the relief evident in her tone. “I hope I’m not taking you away from anything.”
“Not at all,” Billy assures her. “Mark seemed to think that it was rather urgent that we speak. Are you all right? Is it Austin?”
“Oh no, it’s nothing like that,” she quickly assures him. “We’re both fine.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I, uh, I needed to speak to you about something else,” Aureen continues, her voice starting to waver ever so slightly. “It’s about Dom.”
Now even more confused, Billy raises an eyebrow. “Okay.”
“I was just reading the newspaper, and I found an article that I think you should know about. There was an accident-”
Realization dawns for the second time that day, and Billy’s mind is filled with the image of Dom’s pain-stricken eyes.
“He knows,” Billy says gently. “Dom read it a little while ago.”
“He’s already seen it,” Aureen says sadly. “How is he?”
“It was quite a shock, but I think he’ll be all right in a couple of days,” Billy assures her. “We just had a long talk about it. I imagine that he’ll speak to his therapist about it. He has an appointment later this week.”
“Knowing what he did to Dominic, I felt relief that he couldn’t come back and hurt him again,” Aureen admits, rather guiltily. “I feel for his parents, and the pain they must be feeling because of losing a child, but after the horrible things he did to my son . . .”
“He hurt someone you love and you want to protect Dom,” Billy soothes, not at all surprised that Aureen and Dom think alike. “That’s perfectly natural.”
“I’m glad you’re there with him,” she says quietly. “And that he can talk to you.”
“As am I.” Pausing, Billy gnaws on his lower lip in thought and then takes a deep breath to fortify himself. “Aureen, there’s something we need to talk about, regarding Dom.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s not aware that you know about the rape,” Billy explains carefully. “It’s nothing that’s come up in conversation, but since this has happened, I feel that if I don’t say something, it would be tantamount to keeping it from him. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”
Sighing heavily, Aureen falls quiet for several long moments.
“You’re right,” she says finally. “I thought not telling him would be better, but if something isn’t said now, it’ll be a lie.”
“Aye, I think so.”
“And Dominic’s had too many lies told to him,” Aureen adds. “He needs to know that he can trust us both, especially you. You’re getting married in a couple of months.”
“Thank you for understanding,” Billy says gently.
“How could I not, Billy?” Aureen asks. “You always have my son’s best interests at heart. I have no doubt that you would lay down your life to protect him.”
Billy nods in agreement, forgetting that she can’t see him. “I would,” he agrees.
“Should I tell him?”
“No,” Billy replies. “I’ll talk to him. I can explain how it came up, and why I chose to respond the way I did. It was my choice to stay quiet until now, and I take full responsibility for that.”
“Do you think he’ll be angry?” Aureen asks, suddenly worried. “I never meant to cause problems-”
“I think he’ll understand,” Billy tells her, attempting to reassure her. “He loves you, and he knows that we both love him. The fact that he doesn’t have to say it may come as a relief.”
“Well, if he does want to speak to me, I’ll be home all day. I’ll stay close to the phone,” Aureen promises. “Just in case.”
“All right. I’ll tell him that.”
“Thank you, Billy. I can’t tell you what a relief it is, to know that Dom is so loved, and well cared for.”
“Thank you,” Billy replies, blushing deeply. “He’s very easy to love.”
“I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Of course.”
“Good bye.”
“Bye.”
Hanging up the phone, Billy leans back in his chair and stares up at the ceiling, wondering if Dom is going to be as understanding as he told Aureen he would be. It wasn’t as though he deliberately kept it from Dom, but at the same time, he didn’t volunteer the information either. A quick glance at his wristwatch informs Billy that he has about forty-five minutes to fret about it, and then he’ll need to go upstairs to wake Dom. That’ll be the time to talk about it, so everything is out in the open as soon as possible.
Pushing himself up out of the chair, Billy walks out to the book shop, to check on how things are going. As Dom had predicted, now that he has earned his degree, Mark has found a job much closer to Emily, so he’ll be leaving at the end of the summer. In fact, he starts his new position as a teacher’s assistant just a couple of days after the wedding. As much as he’ll miss the younger man, Billy is thankful for the time they’ve had to get to know one another. A glowing letter of recommendation was ready and waiting when Mark gave Billy the heads up that a potential employer may be contacting him, and was clearly touched by Billy’s support of his moving on.
Very soon, Billy will need to hire and train a replacement, and fortunately for him, Mark has passed on a couple of names of people who have expressed interest in taking over his job. With a bit of luck, Billy will have someone hired to shadow Mark while he and Dom are on their honeymoon. That’ll mean he won’t be tied to the book shop as soon as they come back. He and Dom will be newlyweds, after all, and Billy is looking forward to experiencing all that comes with that designation. The idea of slipping upstairs for an afternoon of lovemaking, just celebrating the fact that they’ll be together for the rest of their lives, is very appealing to Billy. However, he needs to come clean with Dom first, and make sure that they’re going to have a future together.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Customers enter the shop in waves, and it’s as a lull begins to settle in that Billy looks at the clock and realizes that he needs to head upstairs, since an hour has passed and Dom has not appeared. As he climbs the steps to the flat above, Billy swallows hard in an attempt to settle the nervous butterflies in his belly. Hopefully the nap will have helped Dom, so he’ll be open to talking, and listening. The silence is heavy in the air until Billy reaches the bedroom, and his gaze falls on Dom’s sleeping form, in the exact position that Billy left him in. Moving quietly, Billy heels off his shoes at the edge of the bed and slowly eases his weight down onto the mattress, curling into the curve of Dom’s body and pressing a kiss to the nape of his neck.
“Dommie?” he whispers as he draws tangled strands of his lover’s hair off his forehead with the tips of his small fingers. “It’s time to wake up, love.”
Several feathery kisses are trailed down the side of Dom’s throat, and his breathing changes before his long eyelashes begin to flutter. Lips part briefly as Dom shifts, rolls over, and then burrows into Billy’s chest.
“Dommie?” Billy repeats. “Come back to me. You said you only wanted to sleep for an hour.”
“I know,” Dom replies sleepily, letting his head fall back against the pillow so their eyes can meet, his drowsy gaze making him look younger than usual, and achingly vulnerable. “But you smell good, and I love being close to you.”
“Do you feel any better?” Billy asks softly, drawing Dom close again, stroking his bare back. “Did the sleep help?’
“Yeah, it hurts less now,” Dom tells him. “It’s still there, but since we talked about it-”
“Good.”
“Thank you, for staying with me. Singing me to sleep,” Dom adds, turning so his cheek is pressed against Billy’s shirt. “I love that song.”
“I’m glad.” Biting down on his lower lip, Billy musters his courage. “Dom, there’s something we need to talk about.”
“What?”
“You remember that weekend that we went to Manchester, and you told your Mum and Dad the truth? About how you survived?”
”Yeah. Why?”
“When you were in the back garden with your Dad and Matt, your Mum and I were in the kitchen,” Billy continues.
Dom nods. “I remember that.”
“She, uh, she asked me about the attack,” Billy says quietly. “She was worried that in addition to being beaten, that perhaps you’d been raped as well.”
“Oh.”
“I told her that I had asked you the same question that night, and that you had said that you weren’t,” Billy says. “That the attack was about inflicting pain, and not sex. She was relieved, but then she said something else.”
Pulling back so their eyes meet, Dom’s brow furrows. “What did she say?”
“She asked me if you’d been raped before,” Billy reveals, watching as Dom’s eyes widen with alarm. “I tried to avoid answering her, by telling that I didn’t know much about your former customers, but she wouldn’t give up. She said she was talking about when you lived in Manchester.”
“What you say?” Dom asks, his voice barely a whisper.
“I told her that I wasn’t around then, and that I thought she should talk to you about it, but she saw right through me,” Billy says sadly. “She confessed that she’d always suspected, because of how you acted the morning after your birthday. She knew something terrible had happened to you that night.”
“She knew,” Dom repeats quietly, his eyes glistening brightly. “Mum asked me what had happened, but I wouldn’t tell her. I was cold to her, pushed her away.”
“She asked me what she had done wrong, and how she failed you,” Billy continues, cautiously reaching up to brush away the tears clinging to Dom’s lower eyelashes with the pad of his thumb. “She was so insistent that she could’ve said or done something to change it, but I told her that you didn’t think that was true. You didn’t blame her or Austin for what happened to you.”
“I never blamed them,” Dom murmurs in agreement, his breath ragged as he struggles to control his emotions. “It wasn’t their fault.”
“I told your Mum that you were seduced by a master manipulator, and nothing they said would’ve made a difference. You’d been drawn in completely,” Billy concludes. “Dommie, the reason why I told her is that your Mum didn’t want you to have to relive what happened that horrible night. She didn’t want you to suffer any more than you already have.”
“And you made her understand?”
“Aye, I did.”
“Why are you telling me this now?” Dom asks in confusion. “That was over a year ago.”
“She called the book shop while we were upstairs,” Billy explains. “I called her back, worried that something was wrong. She saw the article in the newspaper, and wanted to warn me.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything about it sooner,” Billy says sincerely, hoping and praying that Dom will understand his reasons. “Until today, it never came up, and then I realized that if I didn’t tell you now, it would a secret between us. A lie of omission.”
“I see.”
“It was my choice not to tell you, so please don’t be angry with your Mum,” Billy implores. “When we spoke this afternoon, I said I had to tell you, and she agreed. She’s a wee bit worried that it’ll cause a problem between us, when that certainly wasn’t her intention. If you need to be angry, the person responsible is me-”
Billy’s admission is cut off when Dom’s mouth covers his in a brief, but firm kiss, and then their bodies are wrapped up together, Dom’s face buried in Billy’s neck. Automatically, Billy’s arms encircle the younger man in a sign of support, and he can’t help but be relieved that Dom’s first reaction is to turn towards him. Perhaps everything will be okay between then. For several long moments, Billy doesn’t speak, too afraid to break the spell and have Dom pull away from him. Finally, he can’t stand not knowing what Dom is thinking.
“Dommie?”
“Hmm?”
“Are we going to be okay?” Billy asks softly. “I’d never do anything to deliberately hurt-”
“Bills, we’re fine,” Dom interrupts as he looks up to meet his lover’s worried gaze. “My Mum trusted you to tell her the truth, and you were able to give her some comfort. The truth is, I’m not sure I’d ever have had the strength to tell her. Now I won’t have to censor myself when we talk.”
Relieved that he made the right decision, the ache that’s been building in Billy chest releases, and it’s as though a heavy weight has been lifted off of him. “I love you, Dommie. So much.”
“It’s okay, Bills,” Dom murmurs, and then slides his long fingers around the back of Billy’s neck, drawing their mouths together. “C’mere.”
Amid long, deep, unhurried kisses, Dom pushes the coverlet down to his hips with his other hand and rolls onto his back, bringing Billy with him, so their bodies are pressed together firmly. Billy finally breaks the kiss when he’s desperate for oxygen, his hot breath caressing Dom’s cheek.
“What was that for?” he asks unsteadily, unable to look away from the deep blue of Dom’s passion-filled, vulnerable eyes.
“I love you, too,” Dom says simply. “When I’m happy or sad, you’re the one I want to be with. I trust you. Completely.”
“And that is a gift that I treasure,” Billy replies softly. “Every single day.”
“Weren’t we kissing?” Dom murmurs suggestively, tipping his head to one side and offering his throat.
“Are you sure you want to?” Billy asks, stroking the pouty curve of Dom’s lower lip with his thumb, gazing hungrily at his lover’s wanton expression. “You’ve had a rough day. Quite an emotional roller coaster, actually.”
“It’s just a bit of snogging, Bills,” Dom says with a small smile. “Unless, of course, I can convince you to lose those clothes and join me under here.”
Glancing at his wristwatch, Billy groans. “I’d love to, but I need to go out for a bit. I have a quick meeting with my lawyer in about twenty minutes.”
“Lawyer?” Dom repeats with surprise. “Is there something going on with the shop?”
“Everything is fine, Dommie,” Billy quickly assures him. “I’m just updating my will and I need to go in and sign the new papers.”
“Updating . . .” Dom’s mouth falls open. “You mean, you’re changing your will.”
“Aye,” Billy agrees. “When I bought the shop, I had to make provisions for what would happen if something unexpected happened. I left everything to Maggie, but now I have you in my life, so things are different.”
“You’re leaving something to me?” Dom squeaks, eyes like saucers. “The shop?”
“I’ve left everything to you, love,” Billy corrects. “You’re my partner. In a couple of months, we’ll be exchanging vows, promising to spend the rest of our lives together. I want to make sure that you’re taken care of, in the unlikely event that something happens to me.”
“But Maggie’s your sister-”
“She’ll be fine,” Billy soothes. “And it’s not like I’m cutting her out completely. There are a few things that belonged to our parents that I’d like her to have. They’d have far more sentimental value to her than the shop could ever be.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Can I take a rain check on that invitation until tonight?” Billy requests. “Or at least until I get back?”
“Of course,” Dom replies as he trails his fingers along the collar of Billy’s shirt and then up and down the length of his neck. “As long as I get something to tide me over until then.”
“You drive a hard bargain,” Billy almost purrs, dipping his head to bring their mouths together again.
Giving himself over to the intimate exchange completely, Dom is limp and pliant when Billy finally releases him, every last inch of his body humming with pleasure.
“Wow,” he breathes.
“Can I take that as confirmation that your appetite has been sated, at least for the time being?” Billy murmurs, his cherubic lips caressing the curve of Dom’s ear.
“Yes,” Dom sighs. “But hurry back.”
“Of course, love.”
After one final kiss, Billy reluctantly pulls away and rises to his feet, smoothing down his rumpled shirt. When he looks up at Dom, he breaks out into a grin.
“Stop that.”
“What?” Dom asks huskily, giving Billy his best, wide-eyed innocence look.
“You look at me like that and I want to climb back into bed and keep you there,” Billy almost growls, his hungry gaze sliding down Dom’s lithe body. “For days.”
“I’m just giving you extra incentive,” Dom says, his eyes twinkling. “In case you need it.”
“Wanker.”
“Not if you hurry,” Dom fires back, waggling his eyebrows.
Walking over to Dom’s side of the bed after pulling on his shoes, Billy swiftly leans down and captures Dom’s waiting mouth in a fierce kiss.
“Don’t you dare,” Billy warns playfully, drawing the coverlet up to cover the temptation of Dom’s bare skin, and ensure that he stays exactly where he is until Billy’s return. Dom’s warm laughter fills the room as Billy withdraws and moves over to the doorway. It’s there that Billy pauses. “Your Mum said she’d be close to the phone, if you wanted to call and talk to her,” he says gently.
“All right,” Dom replies softly. “Thanks.”
“I’ll be back soon,” Billy promises.
At Dom’s nod, he leaves, smiling to himself as he hears the faint sound of a sequence of numbers being entered into the cordless phone. Billy is at the front door of their flat when he hears Dom speak in a soft, gentle voice.
“Hi Mum.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Just under an hour later, Dom is stretched out on his side in bed, hand propping up his head as he reads the journal lying on the mattress in front of him, a secretive smile turning up the corners of his mouth. It’s only when he catches movement out of the corner of his eye that he looks up to spot Billy standing in the doorway, watching him.
“Hey.”
“You’re still in bed,” Billy comments.
“A sexy Scotsman promised to make it worth my while,” Dom replies seductively, rolling halfway onto his back and nudging the coverlet down to his waist to reveal his lithe body. “C’mere.”
“Did you sleep?” Billy inquires, gazing at the younger man intently.
“I dozed a little after I finished up talking to Mum.”
Billy arches an eyebrow. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah. It’s fine.”
“I brought you a present,” Billy says as he crosses over to the bed, shifting a brown paper bag up into his arms from it’s hiding spot behind his back. “I realized that when I first came upstairs, I was hoping to have lunch with you. We never did get around to eating, so I picked up some takeaway while I was out. Your favorite.”
Inhaling sharply, drawing in the spicy aroma, Dom sighs. “Thai?”
“Aye. I thought you might be hungry, and that we could have a late lunch,” Billy explains. “In bed, of course.”
“Only if you’re naked,” Dom retorts cheekily before his eyes darken with heat. “Get in here.”
“Miss me?” Billy teases, sitting the bag of takeaway on the bed before starting to unbutton his shirt.
“I was just reading about you, actually,” Dom explains, glancing down at the notebook next to him. “The first time we made love in the guest room, when I wearing my glasses.”
The vivid memory of Dom wantonly sprawled on the mattress, gazing up at him with passion-filled, bespectacled eyes, urges Billy on, and he quickly removes the remainder of his clothing. While Dom slides his journal onto the night stand for safe keeping, Billy slips beneath the coverlet in order to snuggle close to his lover. Small fingers cup Dom’s cheek and guide their mouths together for a tender kiss, Billy humming his pleasure at the contact, and then he laughs when Dom’s stomach lets out a low, insistent growl.
“All right then, we’ll eat first,” Billy chuckles as he sits up. “Now open that bag of takeaway before the Nua Kem gets cold. And pass me a fork with the Pad Thai.”
“You’re very good to me,” Dom comments, gazing at Billy fondly, leaning closer to brush a kiss across his lips. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done today.”
“Are you all right, Dommie?” Billy asks gently, drawing his fingers gently through Dom’s tousled hair. “Truthfully?”
Taking a moment to consider the question, Dom finally smiles, albeit a wee bit sadly. “Not quite, but I’m going to be.”
“If there’s anything I can do-”
“You’re doing it, Bills. Trust me.”
“Okay.”
Dom’s need to be close and comforted is made clear when he tucks himself into Billy’s side, the bag of takeaway tugged close as they dig into the Thai, the couple offering bites of food to one another while Billy keeps a protective arm around Dom’s slender shoulders. By the time the containers are empty, both men have eaten their fill, and Dom’s head is resting against Billy’s chest. A fond kiss it pressed to the top of Dom’s head as Billy sets the empty bag of takeaway to the side and then slides his fingers through Dom’s hair.
“Anything you want to talk about?” he asks quietly.
“Not really. Just like being here,” Dom replies, sliding his arm around Billy’s bare waist. “But I’m guessing you need to get back downstairs soon.”
“No, actually,” Billy corrects. “Mark is on until closing, so unless you’d like some time alone, I’m planning on staying right here.”
Dom sighs and relaxes into Billy’s body. “Good.”
Nearly a minute passes in silence, and then Dom shifts to look up at Billy, his brow furrowing.
“I guess I’m not in the mood to shag after all,” he admits. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine, Dommie,” Billy soothes. “I’m content to hold you, if that’s what you need.”
Nodding, Dom lays his head back down and closes his eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of Billy’s heart against his cheek. To Billy’s surprise, Dom doesn’t sleep, his long fingers stroking the ginger hair on his abdomen while Billy gently and methodically rubs the tense muscles in Dom’s back to loosen them. Less than half an hour passes, and then Dom looks up, meeting Billy’s eyes.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” he asks. “Get out of here for a while?”
“I think that would be nice,” Billy replies, nodding his assent. “I’m guessing the fresh air would be good for both of us.”
The couple quickly pulls their clothes on and after checking in with Mark, they head out, deciding to go to the park. Hand in hand, they stroll along the gravel paths, their pace unhurried, Billy watching Dom out of the corner of his eye, for any signs of distress. He’s relieved when quite the opposite occurs, the warm sun and blossoming nature surrounding Dom all but melting away the lingering sadness in his eyes, and when they start to head home a short while later, Billy is rewarded with a genuine smile from the younger man.
“What?” he asks, reaching over with his free hand and tousling Dom’s hair fondly before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
“I feel better.”
“Good.”
“So, uh, can I still call in that rain check?” Dom asks slowly, looking at Billy through a curtain of long eyelashes.
Billy’s eyes widen with surprise. “Now?”
“Well, yeah, when we get home,” Dom replies, a blush slowly rising up the slender column of his neck. “Only if you want to.”
“Are you sure you want to?” Billy asks, slowing to a stop and tugging on Dom’s hand until they’re face to face. “We don’t have to, you know.”
“Bills, he made me feel that I wasn’t worth anyone’s love, let alone to be with someone like you,” Dom explains, lacing their fingers together and squeezing gently. “He was wrong. He was wrong about that, and a lot of other things.”
“Aye, he was,” Billy agrees.
“That nagging doubt, in the back of my mind? It’s been his voice,” Dom reveals. “When we were in the park, I realized I couldn’t hear it anymore. It’s gone, just like he’s gone. He’s out of my life. Forever.”
“I’m glad,” Billy tells him with a reassuring smile. “I don’t want you to doubt what I feel for you. Ever.”
“I don’t,” Dom promises. “He’s gone, and we’re here. Together.”
“We are.”
“I want to celebrate that fact, and I thought what better way to do that, than to be together?” Dom explains shyly. “Skin to skin. You inside me.”
“Let’s go home,” Billy says as he nods in agreement, drawing Dom close before bringing their lips together in a passionate kiss.
Not caring that they’re in public, where anyone could see them, Dom eagerly sinks into Billy’s embrace, sighing with contentment when their tongues touch. It’s only when the need to be intimately joined becomes too great that the lovers part, and then they’re hurrying home, to the privacy and comfort of their bed, and the ecstasy of each others arms.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The sun is warm on the back of his neck and his shoulders as Dom shifts on the wooden park bench that he’s currently sitting on, and a quick glance at his watch tells him that he hasn’t much longer to wait, as long as Orlando arrives on time, as scheduled. The flutter of nervous butterflies in Dom’s stomach reminds him that this is more than an average social call, not that he could forget, and then he tries to convince himself that there’s nothing to be worried about. Before Dom can talk himself out of that thought, a familiar face enters his line of sight, and he automatically smiles, lifting a hand to wave.
“Hey. Am I late?” Orlando asks, dropping down to sit next to Dom.
“No. I was early,” Dom replies. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“I was glad you called, actually,” Orlando tells him. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”
“Yeah, it’s been a few months,” Dom agrees, swallowing hard.
“Vig and I got the wedding invitation in the mail last week,” the other man adds with a smile. “Sounds like you two have quite an event planned out. I’m looking forward to it.”
“We do,” Dom replies as he swallows a pang of nervousness. “I think we’re ready to go, aside for a couple of minor details. The only big thing I’ve got left is to write my vows.”
For a long moment, Orlando looks at Dom, his eyes serious. “Dom, is there something wrong? You seem tense.”
“Did Viggo ever tell about how we met?” Dom asks carefully, watching Orlando’s expression closely.
“Not really. I guess I assumed that you met through Billy, when you needed a doctor,” Orlando tells him. “Why?”
“Well, I think there are a few things that you should know,” Dom adds. “About me. How Billy and I met, and how I met Viggo.”
Orlando frowns in confusion. “Okay.”
Keeping his voice low, so he won’t be overheard by anyone passing by, Dom relays the necessary details of his past, from the day he and Billy met in the pub, to the first time Viggo saw him as a patient, and tended to his injuries. The longer Dom speaks, the bigger Orlando’s brown eyes become, and several times he has to consciously close his mouth, when it falls open in shock. By the time Dom is done, he’s faintly trembling, unsure of what Orlando’s reaction is going to be. Over the past six months or so, the two men have gotten to know each other fairly well, but this is by far the most personal thing that Dom has shared.
“Since we’re friends, I thought it was past time that you knew,” Dom finishes quietly, averting his gaze and staring at his feet.
“Dom, I-” Swallowing hard, Orlando takes a calming breath and tries again. “I, uh, wow.”
“Yeah.”
“I had no idea that you and Billy had overcome so much,” Orlando says finally. “I, uh, can I-”
“What?” Dom asks, looking up to meet Orlando’s eyes, his nervousness clear.
“Can I hug you?” Orlando says, almost sheepishly. “I don’t know why, but I have this urge to, well, hug you.”
“Of course,” Dom replies, smiling with relief when the older man briefly draws him close. “You’re taking this quite a bit better than I thought you would.”
“Vig always said you were special, and looked at you with a sense of awe, but I never knew why,” Orlando explains, leaning into the back of the park bench and propping his chin on his hand. “I couldn’t quite figure out what events had transpired for him and Billy to reconnect after so many years of silence. As it turns out, the catalyst was you.”
“I didn’t trust people, but Billy promised me that I’d be safe with Viggo,” Dom says softly. “And he was right.”
“I can’t even imagine what your life has been like,” Orlando muses aloud. “I know everyone has a story, but this isn’t quite what I pictured for you.”
“It wasn’t my plan growing up, that’s for sure,” Dom mutters under his breath. “Not even close.”
“That’s not what I meant, Dom,” Orlando says quickly. “I just mean, I look at you, and despite how difficult those years must’ve been, you’re not cold and bitter. You are warm and compassionate, with an infectious smile and a refreshing charm. I’m not sure that I could go through all that, and still see something good in the world.”
“I think Billy’s got a lot to do with that,” Dom tells him, his eyes softening at the thought of the man who saved him, the love of his life. “He showed me that not everyone has an agenda, that there are good people in the world.”
“Like Vig,” Orlando adds softly.
“Exactly,” Dom agrees. “And you.”
“Thank you,” the other man says with an embarrassed smile. “I appreciate that.”
“Well, I mean it.”
“So,” Orlando says, clearing his throat and not so subtly changing the subject. “You said you had some minor details to finish up for the wedding. Anything I can help with?”
“Not really,” Dom replies with a shrug. “I already know what I’m going to wear. We’ve taken care of dinner afterwards. I guess at some point I need to chase Billy down with a pair of scissors-”
“Excuse me?” Orlando interrupts in surprise.
“Oh, I need a haircut,” Dom explains with a grin. “I don’t want to look messy, hair hanging in my eyes.”
“Billy cuts your hair?”
“Yeah. When I first moved in, I really didn’t like to be touched, and Billy convinced me to let him give me a trim before I started working in the book shop,” Dom replies. “I’m a lot better when it comes to the physical aspect, but I guess it’s just become a habit for Billy to take care of it.”
“Ever consider changing that?” Orlando asks, watching Dom’s eyes with interest.
“Actually, I’ve thought about going more blonde, especially on top,” Dom admits, brushing a few strands out of his line of vision. “But I’m not sure Billy’s up for that challenge. I think he’d be too worried about ruining my hair or something.”
“Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know,” Orlando tells him. “I’ve got a friend who does great work. He’s an artist when it comes to hair.”
“Really?” Dom inquires dubiously.
“What, you think my hair is naturally this fabulous?” Orlando retorts, and then blushes when Dom bursts out laughing. “Okay, that came out way more nancy boy than I intended,” he adds as he shakes his head. “Bloody hell.”
“Well, you do have very nice hair,” Dom tells him, trying hard to hide his amusement.
Orlando rolls his eyes. “Thank you.”
“I’ll think about it,” Dom promises. “Probably talk to Billy, see what he thinks.”
“He was supportive about the tattoo,” Orlando points out. “And dyeing your hair is a lot less permanent than inking your body. Hair grows.”
“True.”
“He does free consults,” Orlando adds, trying to tempt Dom. “It wouldn’t take long, and I happen to know that he could probably squeeze you in this afternoon.”
Dom raises an eyebrow. “How do you know that?”
“I have an appointment in an hour,” Orlando explains, grinning widely. “If you want, you could come with me after lunch, and just talk to him. No pressure.”
For a long moment, Dom gnaws on his lower lip and considers the possibility. He’s sure that Billy would tell him to do what he wants. It is his hair, after all. And it’s just to talk about it. Nothing will be changed today. He and Billy could discuss it after the consult.
“Okay,” Dom says finally, nodding in agreement.
“Great!” Orlando replies, a smile lighting up his face. “I promise that he’s a good bloke. He won’t pressure you into anything that you’re not ready for.”
“That’s good to know.”
“C’mon. Let’s go eat,” Orlando urges, pushing himself up off the bench. “I’m famished, and as I recall, it’s my turn to buy.”
Rising to follow, Dom vaguely wonders what he’s gotten himself into, but decides to trust his instincts. Orlando took the news of his dark past remarkably well, and seems to be interested in helping Dom to try new things, in a way where he won’t feel pressured. The nervousness that he felt just a short while ago is gone, replaced by a flutter of excitement, and an eagerness to explore some new possibilities.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 30
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: R, maybe.
Summary: Reaching out in a crisis, truth and consequences, and being open to the possibility of new experiences.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta, frojane.
Special Thanks: To loki_girl for the exquisite banner that she has created, and to tarnishedhalo for loaning me her inspirational manip for the centerpiece. I am so thankful and appreciative of you both, and your generosity.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. This is my imagination at work.
A/N: Warning of angst for this chapter.
Previous Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
Chapter 29
Seated at the kitchen table, Dom scans page after page of the newspaper that Billy bought this morning when they were out for breakfast, searching for anything that will help ease his mind. It’s been over six weeks now, and not only has Eric not called, he seems to have disappeared. Several times now, Dom has taken a walk through his old neighborhood, hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend, but each time he’s been denied. At first, he’d hoped that perhaps Eric was waiting until he was finished with his exams, but that was over a month ago. As much as Dom hates to admit it, he has to at least consider the possibility that Eric has met a fate similar to Cory’s.
Every couple of days, Dom dedicates at least an hour to pouring over the newspaper, searching for any reports of attacks or the discovery of unidentified bodies. So far, he hasn’t had any success, but he’s not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. The same can be said for when he’s watched the evening news, a new interest that Billy has noticed, but not questioned Dom about just yet. What disturbs Dom the most is that in the time that has passed since he moved in with Billy and left that life of degradation behind, there are far too many new faces on the street, desperation on every corner. It also helps to confirm for Dom that he’s made the right choice in deciding his career path.
Flipping yet another page of the newspaper, as Dom’s gaze slides over the headlines, he pauses to read an article about a recent car accident that took the lives of two men in their early twenties. The details don’t fit what he’s looking for, and Dom is about to move on when he shifts his arm and a familiar face nearly jumps off the page. Then he’s swallowing hard in a desperate attempt to not be sick. A few moments later, Dom manages to bring his breathing under control and fights the bile rising up in his throat as he stares at the picture, at eyes he thought he’d never have to look at ever again. Hands trembling visibly, he scans the rest of the short paragraph, scarcely able to believe what he’s reading.
When he can’t bear to look at the picture anymore, and Dom shoves himself away from the kitchen table, almost fleeing the room, leaving the pages of the newspaper spread all over. Blindly, Dom stumbles down the hall, briefly considers going downstairs to find Billy and then changes his mind when he realizes that he admits to himself that he’s unraveling at the seams. He doesn’t want to break down in the shop, where customers could see him. Sucking in a ragged breath, he blinks rapidly, and in a spilt-second decision, heads for the loo. Dom is naked in less than two minutes and steps into the shower, only to violently flinch at the almost scalding temperature. The shock of heat helps to slow the persistent excess moisture in his eyes, but does little to ease the crushing ache in his chest.
Dom’s shaking hands flatten against the wall of the shower, his head hanging down as the hot water flows over his neck and shoulders, but it doesn’t have the soothing effect that he’s hoping for. Unlike that morning when Dom told Billy about the horrible night of his birthday party, the water fails to wash away the hurt and pain, and when Dom tastes salt on his tongue, he realizes that he’s crying. Harsh, body-wracking sobs echo in the small enclosure as Dom is overwhelmed by the memories crashing over him, and every last, vivid detail rips through him, creating fresh wounds.
At the same time, Billy makes his way up the stairs to the flat, hoping to tempt Dom into having a picnic lunch in bed, walking into the kitchen and stopping short when he discovers the sections of the newspaper scattered all over the table and floor. Frowning in confusion, he gathers the pages up and drops the disorganized pile onto one of the chairs as he wonders where Dom is. The faint sound of the shower running draws Billy down the hall, his pace quickening when he recalls the times that Dom would withdraw into the loo, in an attempt to hide his pain. Billy’s heart sinks when he hears the unmistakable sounds of his lover in distress, and can’t help himself as he moves closer, lingering just inches from the shower curtain.
“Dommie?” Billy says softly, barely loud enough to be heard over the roar of the water pouring from the faucet.
“Yeah?” Dom croaks, fighting to draw in a ragged breath.
Billy’s voice is full of concern when he asks, “Are you all right?”
“No.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Come in here, with me?” Dom requests as he looks up to meet Billy’s gaze through the clear plastic, the vulnerability clear in his red-rimmed eyes. “Please?”
“Of course, love.”
Quickly peeling away his clothing and letting the items drop to the floor alongside Dom’s, Billy slips into the small enclosure, drawing the shower curtain closed behind him. For a fraction of a second Billy wonders what he should do next, and then Dom is curling his slender body into his, face pressed into Billy’s neck and his arms wrapping tightly around the older man’s waist. Automatically, Billy cradles Dom close and brushes a soft kiss to his hair.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he murmurs in Dom’s ear.
“In a little while,” Dom replies shakily. “Can’t right now.”
“All right,” Billy says tenderly. “Whatever you need, love.”
Thankful that at least he can be of some comfort to Dom when he clearly needs it, Billy sways back and forth beneath the spray, gently rocking his lover and stroking his back in soft caresses. It’s more than ten minutes later and when the water is starting to cool that Dom straightens up, brushes at his eyes and speaks.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispers, his voice hoarse.
“Okay.”
Wordlessly, Billy twists off the taps and pulls back the shower curtain, pulling a towel off the rod and tenderly wrapping Dom up in it before taking one for himself.
“Do you want to lie down?” Billy inquires, not missing the emotional strain and exhaustion in Dom’s eyes.
Weakly, Dom nods in agreement. “Yeah.”
Dom is as docile as a newborn kitten as Billy guides him out of the loo and over to the bed, wiping away a few stray droplets of water on his shoulders before tucking the coverlet around the younger man. A few seconds later, Billy’s sliding into the other side of the bed and gathering Dom close, his dark blonde head resting on Billy’s furry chest.
“Are you ready to talk?” Billy asks softly, his fingertips stroking the nape of Dom’s slender neck.
“I was, uh, reading the newspaper,” Dom begins hesitantly.
“So I gathered,” Billy says, gently encouraging Dom to continue. “I saw it in the kitchen.”
“I was looking for anything that could be about Eric, since I can’t find him,” Dom continues. “But there was nothing.”
“I’m sorry. I know you’ve been worried about him.”
“I found an article about a car accident, where two blokes were killed,” Dom adds. “I recognized one of them.”
Billy tenses, his hand stilling. “Eric?”
“No.”
A new wave of bile rises up in Dom’s throat and he shakes violently as he struggles to control it, taking ragged, uneven breaths as it slowly starts to subside.
“Dommie?” Billy whispers tightly, now very worried as he’s never seen his lover this way before.
“It was someone I knew from when I lived in Manchester,” Dom explains when he can speak, looking up at Billy with tear-filled eyes. “The one that you said you never wanted to know his name.”
It takes a few seconds, and then realization dawns on Billy, what Dom is telling him. The sick bastard who heartlessly used, brutalized and raped his precious Dommie is now dead. Billy no longer has to fear that one day he’ll show up and cause further pain to the man he loves, and it also means that he’ll never be able to hurt anyone else, ever again.
“Dommie-”
“I read it, and I was relieved,” Dom admits, hot tears threatening to spill down his cheeks, his body shaking with a rage that Billy’s never seen in him before. “I’m glad he’s dead. I’m glad he died horribly, and I hope that it took hours. That he suffered unimaginably.” Pausing, Dom looks away for a moment, and when he looks meets Billy’s eyes, there is a new emotion. “Does that make me a bad person?” he whispers.
“No, it doesn’t,” Billy replies quickly, smoothing back Dom’s damp hair and gazing deeply into his tormented eyes. “I think it’s natural to feel that way, especially considering all the terrible things he did to you.”
“I’m not a violent person, but-”
“Dommie, he maliciously violated your trust, your heart, and your body,” Billy soothes, drawing the younger man closer and holding him tight. “He was an evil person, and I’m thankful that you’ll never have to see him again.”
“I worried that maybe someday I would, somewhere, somehow, and that you would want to kill him, like you said that day,” Dom confesses. “I hate him, so much, but I didn’t want to lose you.”
“You’ll never lose me, Dommie,” Billy vows fervently. “Never.”
“Sometimes I feel guilty that I didn’t try to stop him that day, when I walked in on him, hurting that boy,” Dom adds tearfully. “But-”
“It’s not your fault, love,” Billy interrupts, brushing a kiss across Dom’s forehead. “You had just made a horrible discovery, about the man you thought loved you. At that moment, you were on overload, and couldn’t handle what was happening to you, let alone a stranger.”
“I hope he got away,” Dom whispers.
“I’m sure he did.”
Dom draws in a slow, deep breath, and holds it for a few moments before exhaling even slower, willing some control to return.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he murmurs, shifting his position until his cheek is pressed over Billy’s heart. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” Billy whispers, cuddling Dom to his chest and stroking his slender back.
“Do you need to get back downstairs?” Dom asks, sniffing and brushing at his damp eyes.
“Not for a while,” Billy replies. “I can stay here with you. How about a nap?”
“Are you tired?”
“No, but you are,” Billy says wisely. “Why don’t you close your eyes, love, and get some rest.”
“Stay until I fall asleep?” Dom requests hopefully.
“Of course.”
“Don’t let me sleep more than an hour, okay? I’ll be up all night, and I don’t want to miss any opportunity to spend time with you, even if I’m not conscious.”
“I’ll come wake you up if you don’t on your own,” Billy promises with a tender kiss. “I don’t fancy sleeping without you, either.”
“Thank you.”
“Get comfortable, Dommie.”
Shifting and then rolling onto his side, Dom snuggles back until their bodies are spooned together, and he tugs Billy arm around his torso until they’re wrapped up tight. The back of Billy’s small fingers rest against Dom’s stubbly cheek, and he lays his head down on the pillow beside Dom’s, his warm breath caressing the back of his lover’s neck.
“Bills?”
“Aye?
“Would you sing to me?” Dom asks quietly. “I love your voice, but I haven’t heard you sing since New Year’s Eve.”
“Of course,” Billy agrees. “Any requests?”
“No, you can choose.”
“All right then. Close your eyes.”
Obediently, Dom tucks his face into the pillow, his eyes falling shut and exhaustion quickly overwhelming him. Billy purses his lips in thought for nearly a minute while he chooses a song, and then he begins to sing, just above a whisper, his tender lilt caressing Dom’s senses.
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right it front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
By the time Billy finishes the last chorus, Dom is sleeping peacefully, lying limp and trustingly in his lover’s comforting embrace. A feathery kiss is pressed to Dom’s tattooed shoulder, and then Billy ever so gently eases his body away from the younger man’s prone form. Once Billy tucks the coverlet around Dom to ensure that he’ll stay warm in his absence, he disappears into the loo to get dressed, and then slips soundlessly out of the bedroom, closing the door to a crack.
When Billy appears at the bottom of the stairs, Mark tears a slip of yellow paper off a pad sitting next to the register and walks over to hand it to him.
“Aureen called just after you went upstairs,” he says. “She asked that you call her back.”
“Why didn’t she just call the flat?” Billy asks, looking down at the paper in confusion. “Did you-”
“I told her you were here, but for some reason she didn’t want to call upstairs,” Mark replies, shrugging his shoulders. “I told her I’d give you the message as soon as I saw you.”
“All right. Thanks.”
As Billy’s brow furrows, he walks into the office, closes the door behind him and takes a seat at the desk. He wonders if perhaps Austin is sick and Aureen didn’t want to tell Dom over the phone, and then considers that the matter may be much more serious. Not wasting another moment, Billy picks up the phone and swiftly dials the now familiar number, anxiously tapping his foot as he waits for someone to pick up the other end of the line.
“Hello?” Aureen says in greeting as she answers the phone.
“Hi Aureen. It’s Billy.”
“Thank you for calling me back,” she sighs, the relief evident in her tone. “I hope I’m not taking you away from anything.”
“Not at all,” Billy assures her. “Mark seemed to think that it was rather urgent that we speak. Are you all right? Is it Austin?”
“Oh no, it’s nothing like that,” she quickly assures him. “We’re both fine.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I, uh, I needed to speak to you about something else,” Aureen continues, her voice starting to waver ever so slightly. “It’s about Dom.”
Now even more confused, Billy raises an eyebrow. “Okay.”
“I was just reading the newspaper, and I found an article that I think you should know about. There was an accident-”
Realization dawns for the second time that day, and Billy’s mind is filled with the image of Dom’s pain-stricken eyes.
“He knows,” Billy says gently. “Dom read it a little while ago.”
“He’s already seen it,” Aureen says sadly. “How is he?”
“It was quite a shock, but I think he’ll be all right in a couple of days,” Billy assures her. “We just had a long talk about it. I imagine that he’ll speak to his therapist about it. He has an appointment later this week.”
“Knowing what he did to Dominic, I felt relief that he couldn’t come back and hurt him again,” Aureen admits, rather guiltily. “I feel for his parents, and the pain they must be feeling because of losing a child, but after the horrible things he did to my son . . .”
“He hurt someone you love and you want to protect Dom,” Billy soothes, not at all surprised that Aureen and Dom think alike. “That’s perfectly natural.”
“I’m glad you’re there with him,” she says quietly. “And that he can talk to you.”
“As am I.” Pausing, Billy gnaws on his lower lip in thought and then takes a deep breath to fortify himself. “Aureen, there’s something we need to talk about, regarding Dom.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s not aware that you know about the rape,” Billy explains carefully. “It’s nothing that’s come up in conversation, but since this has happened, I feel that if I don’t say something, it would be tantamount to keeping it from him. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us.”
Sighing heavily, Aureen falls quiet for several long moments.
“You’re right,” she says finally. “I thought not telling him would be better, but if something isn’t said now, it’ll be a lie.”
“Aye, I think so.”
“And Dominic’s had too many lies told to him,” Aureen adds. “He needs to know that he can trust us both, especially you. You’re getting married in a couple of months.”
“Thank you for understanding,” Billy says gently.
“How could I not, Billy?” Aureen asks. “You always have my son’s best interests at heart. I have no doubt that you would lay down your life to protect him.”
Billy nods in agreement, forgetting that she can’t see him. “I would,” he agrees.
“Should I tell him?”
“No,” Billy replies. “I’ll talk to him. I can explain how it came up, and why I chose to respond the way I did. It was my choice to stay quiet until now, and I take full responsibility for that.”
“Do you think he’ll be angry?” Aureen asks, suddenly worried. “I never meant to cause problems-”
“I think he’ll understand,” Billy tells her, attempting to reassure her. “He loves you, and he knows that we both love him. The fact that he doesn’t have to say it may come as a relief.”
“Well, if he does want to speak to me, I’ll be home all day. I’ll stay close to the phone,” Aureen promises. “Just in case.”
“All right. I’ll tell him that.”
“Thank you, Billy. I can’t tell you what a relief it is, to know that Dom is so loved, and well cared for.”
“Thank you,” Billy replies, blushing deeply. “He’s very easy to love.”
“I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Of course.”
“Good bye.”
“Bye.”
Hanging up the phone, Billy leans back in his chair and stares up at the ceiling, wondering if Dom is going to be as understanding as he told Aureen he would be. It wasn’t as though he deliberately kept it from Dom, but at the same time, he didn’t volunteer the information either. A quick glance at his wristwatch informs Billy that he has about forty-five minutes to fret about it, and then he’ll need to go upstairs to wake Dom. That’ll be the time to talk about it, so everything is out in the open as soon as possible.
Pushing himself up out of the chair, Billy walks out to the book shop, to check on how things are going. As Dom had predicted, now that he has earned his degree, Mark has found a job much closer to Emily, so he’ll be leaving at the end of the summer. In fact, he starts his new position as a teacher’s assistant just a couple of days after the wedding. As much as he’ll miss the younger man, Billy is thankful for the time they’ve had to get to know one another. A glowing letter of recommendation was ready and waiting when Mark gave Billy the heads up that a potential employer may be contacting him, and was clearly touched by Billy’s support of his moving on.
Very soon, Billy will need to hire and train a replacement, and fortunately for him, Mark has passed on a couple of names of people who have expressed interest in taking over his job. With a bit of luck, Billy will have someone hired to shadow Mark while he and Dom are on their honeymoon. That’ll mean he won’t be tied to the book shop as soon as they come back. He and Dom will be newlyweds, after all, and Billy is looking forward to experiencing all that comes with that designation. The idea of slipping upstairs for an afternoon of lovemaking, just celebrating the fact that they’ll be together for the rest of their lives, is very appealing to Billy. However, he needs to come clean with Dom first, and make sure that they’re going to have a future together.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Customers enter the shop in waves, and it’s as a lull begins to settle in that Billy looks at the clock and realizes that he needs to head upstairs, since an hour has passed and Dom has not appeared. As he climbs the steps to the flat above, Billy swallows hard in an attempt to settle the nervous butterflies in his belly. Hopefully the nap will have helped Dom, so he’ll be open to talking, and listening. The silence is heavy in the air until Billy reaches the bedroom, and his gaze falls on Dom’s sleeping form, in the exact position that Billy left him in. Moving quietly, Billy heels off his shoes at the edge of the bed and slowly eases his weight down onto the mattress, curling into the curve of Dom’s body and pressing a kiss to the nape of his neck.
“Dommie?” he whispers as he draws tangled strands of his lover’s hair off his forehead with the tips of his small fingers. “It’s time to wake up, love.”
Several feathery kisses are trailed down the side of Dom’s throat, and his breathing changes before his long eyelashes begin to flutter. Lips part briefly as Dom shifts, rolls over, and then burrows into Billy’s chest.
“Dommie?” Billy repeats. “Come back to me. You said you only wanted to sleep for an hour.”
“I know,” Dom replies sleepily, letting his head fall back against the pillow so their eyes can meet, his drowsy gaze making him look younger than usual, and achingly vulnerable. “But you smell good, and I love being close to you.”
“Do you feel any better?” Billy asks softly, drawing Dom close again, stroking his bare back. “Did the sleep help?’
“Yeah, it hurts less now,” Dom tells him. “It’s still there, but since we talked about it-”
“Good.”
“Thank you, for staying with me. Singing me to sleep,” Dom adds, turning so his cheek is pressed against Billy’s shirt. “I love that song.”
“I’m glad.” Biting down on his lower lip, Billy musters his courage. “Dom, there’s something we need to talk about.”
“What?”
“You remember that weekend that we went to Manchester, and you told your Mum and Dad the truth? About how you survived?”
”Yeah. Why?”
“When you were in the back garden with your Dad and Matt, your Mum and I were in the kitchen,” Billy continues.
Dom nods. “I remember that.”
“She, uh, she asked me about the attack,” Billy says quietly. “She was worried that in addition to being beaten, that perhaps you’d been raped as well.”
“Oh.”
“I told her that I had asked you the same question that night, and that you had said that you weren’t,” Billy says. “That the attack was about inflicting pain, and not sex. She was relieved, but then she said something else.”
Pulling back so their eyes meet, Dom’s brow furrows. “What did she say?”
“She asked me if you’d been raped before,” Billy reveals, watching as Dom’s eyes widen with alarm. “I tried to avoid answering her, by telling that I didn’t know much about your former customers, but she wouldn’t give up. She said she was talking about when you lived in Manchester.”
“What you say?” Dom asks, his voice barely a whisper.
“I told her that I wasn’t around then, and that I thought she should talk to you about it, but she saw right through me,” Billy says sadly. “She confessed that she’d always suspected, because of how you acted the morning after your birthday. She knew something terrible had happened to you that night.”
“She knew,” Dom repeats quietly, his eyes glistening brightly. “Mum asked me what had happened, but I wouldn’t tell her. I was cold to her, pushed her away.”
“She asked me what she had done wrong, and how she failed you,” Billy continues, cautiously reaching up to brush away the tears clinging to Dom’s lower eyelashes with the pad of his thumb. “She was so insistent that she could’ve said or done something to change it, but I told her that you didn’t think that was true. You didn’t blame her or Austin for what happened to you.”
“I never blamed them,” Dom murmurs in agreement, his breath ragged as he struggles to control his emotions. “It wasn’t their fault.”
“I told your Mum that you were seduced by a master manipulator, and nothing they said would’ve made a difference. You’d been drawn in completely,” Billy concludes. “Dommie, the reason why I told her is that your Mum didn’t want you to have to relive what happened that horrible night. She didn’t want you to suffer any more than you already have.”
“And you made her understand?”
“Aye, I did.”
“Why are you telling me this now?” Dom asks in confusion. “That was over a year ago.”
“She called the book shop while we were upstairs,” Billy explains. “I called her back, worried that something was wrong. She saw the article in the newspaper, and wanted to warn me.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything about it sooner,” Billy says sincerely, hoping and praying that Dom will understand his reasons. “Until today, it never came up, and then I realized that if I didn’t tell you now, it would a secret between us. A lie of omission.”
“I see.”
“It was my choice not to tell you, so please don’t be angry with your Mum,” Billy implores. “When we spoke this afternoon, I said I had to tell you, and she agreed. She’s a wee bit worried that it’ll cause a problem between us, when that certainly wasn’t her intention. If you need to be angry, the person responsible is me-”
Billy’s admission is cut off when Dom’s mouth covers his in a brief, but firm kiss, and then their bodies are wrapped up together, Dom’s face buried in Billy’s neck. Automatically, Billy’s arms encircle the younger man in a sign of support, and he can’t help but be relieved that Dom’s first reaction is to turn towards him. Perhaps everything will be okay between then. For several long moments, Billy doesn’t speak, too afraid to break the spell and have Dom pull away from him. Finally, he can’t stand not knowing what Dom is thinking.
“Dommie?”
“Hmm?”
“Are we going to be okay?” Billy asks softly. “I’d never do anything to deliberately hurt-”
“Bills, we’re fine,” Dom interrupts as he looks up to meet his lover’s worried gaze. “My Mum trusted you to tell her the truth, and you were able to give her some comfort. The truth is, I’m not sure I’d ever have had the strength to tell her. Now I won’t have to censor myself when we talk.”
Relieved that he made the right decision, the ache that’s been building in Billy chest releases, and it’s as though a heavy weight has been lifted off of him. “I love you, Dommie. So much.”
“It’s okay, Bills,” Dom murmurs, and then slides his long fingers around the back of Billy’s neck, drawing their mouths together. “C’mere.”
Amid long, deep, unhurried kisses, Dom pushes the coverlet down to his hips with his other hand and rolls onto his back, bringing Billy with him, so their bodies are pressed together firmly. Billy finally breaks the kiss when he’s desperate for oxygen, his hot breath caressing Dom’s cheek.
“What was that for?” he asks unsteadily, unable to look away from the deep blue of Dom’s passion-filled, vulnerable eyes.
“I love you, too,” Dom says simply. “When I’m happy or sad, you’re the one I want to be with. I trust you. Completely.”
“And that is a gift that I treasure,” Billy replies softly. “Every single day.”
“Weren’t we kissing?” Dom murmurs suggestively, tipping his head to one side and offering his throat.
“Are you sure you want to?” Billy asks, stroking the pouty curve of Dom’s lower lip with his thumb, gazing hungrily at his lover’s wanton expression. “You’ve had a rough day. Quite an emotional roller coaster, actually.”
“It’s just a bit of snogging, Bills,” Dom says with a small smile. “Unless, of course, I can convince you to lose those clothes and join me under here.”
Glancing at his wristwatch, Billy groans. “I’d love to, but I need to go out for a bit. I have a quick meeting with my lawyer in about twenty minutes.”
“Lawyer?” Dom repeats with surprise. “Is there something going on with the shop?”
“Everything is fine, Dommie,” Billy quickly assures him. “I’m just updating my will and I need to go in and sign the new papers.”
“Updating . . .” Dom’s mouth falls open. “You mean, you’re changing your will.”
“Aye,” Billy agrees. “When I bought the shop, I had to make provisions for what would happen if something unexpected happened. I left everything to Maggie, but now I have you in my life, so things are different.”
“You’re leaving something to me?” Dom squeaks, eyes like saucers. “The shop?”
“I’ve left everything to you, love,” Billy corrects. “You’re my partner. In a couple of months, we’ll be exchanging vows, promising to spend the rest of our lives together. I want to make sure that you’re taken care of, in the unlikely event that something happens to me.”
“But Maggie’s your sister-”
“She’ll be fine,” Billy soothes. “And it’s not like I’m cutting her out completely. There are a few things that belonged to our parents that I’d like her to have. They’d have far more sentimental value to her than the shop could ever be.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Can I take a rain check on that invitation until tonight?” Billy requests. “Or at least until I get back?”
“Of course,” Dom replies as he trails his fingers along the collar of Billy’s shirt and then up and down the length of his neck. “As long as I get something to tide me over until then.”
“You drive a hard bargain,” Billy almost purrs, dipping his head to bring their mouths together again.
Giving himself over to the intimate exchange completely, Dom is limp and pliant when Billy finally releases him, every last inch of his body humming with pleasure.
“Wow,” he breathes.
“Can I take that as confirmation that your appetite has been sated, at least for the time being?” Billy murmurs, his cherubic lips caressing the curve of Dom’s ear.
“Yes,” Dom sighs. “But hurry back.”
“Of course, love.”
After one final kiss, Billy reluctantly pulls away and rises to his feet, smoothing down his rumpled shirt. When he looks up at Dom, he breaks out into a grin.
“Stop that.”
“What?” Dom asks huskily, giving Billy his best, wide-eyed innocence look.
“You look at me like that and I want to climb back into bed and keep you there,” Billy almost growls, his hungry gaze sliding down Dom’s lithe body. “For days.”
“I’m just giving you extra incentive,” Dom says, his eyes twinkling. “In case you need it.”
“Wanker.”
“Not if you hurry,” Dom fires back, waggling his eyebrows.
Walking over to Dom’s side of the bed after pulling on his shoes, Billy swiftly leans down and captures Dom’s waiting mouth in a fierce kiss.
“Don’t you dare,” Billy warns playfully, drawing the coverlet up to cover the temptation of Dom’s bare skin, and ensure that he stays exactly where he is until Billy’s return. Dom’s warm laughter fills the room as Billy withdraws and moves over to the doorway. It’s there that Billy pauses. “Your Mum said she’d be close to the phone, if you wanted to call and talk to her,” he says gently.
“All right,” Dom replies softly. “Thanks.”
“I’ll be back soon,” Billy promises.
At Dom’s nod, he leaves, smiling to himself as he hears the faint sound of a sequence of numbers being entered into the cordless phone. Billy is at the front door of their flat when he hears Dom speak in a soft, gentle voice.
“Hi Mum.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Just under an hour later, Dom is stretched out on his side in bed, hand propping up his head as he reads the journal lying on the mattress in front of him, a secretive smile turning up the corners of his mouth. It’s only when he catches movement out of the corner of his eye that he looks up to spot Billy standing in the doorway, watching him.
“Hey.”
“You’re still in bed,” Billy comments.
“A sexy Scotsman promised to make it worth my while,” Dom replies seductively, rolling halfway onto his back and nudging the coverlet down to his waist to reveal his lithe body. “C’mere.”
“Did you sleep?” Billy inquires, gazing at the younger man intently.
“I dozed a little after I finished up talking to Mum.”
Billy arches an eyebrow. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah. It’s fine.”
“I brought you a present,” Billy says as he crosses over to the bed, shifting a brown paper bag up into his arms from it’s hiding spot behind his back. “I realized that when I first came upstairs, I was hoping to have lunch with you. We never did get around to eating, so I picked up some takeaway while I was out. Your favorite.”
Inhaling sharply, drawing in the spicy aroma, Dom sighs. “Thai?”
“Aye. I thought you might be hungry, and that we could have a late lunch,” Billy explains. “In bed, of course.”
“Only if you’re naked,” Dom retorts cheekily before his eyes darken with heat. “Get in here.”
“Miss me?” Billy teases, sitting the bag of takeaway on the bed before starting to unbutton his shirt.
“I was just reading about you, actually,” Dom explains, glancing down at the notebook next to him. “The first time we made love in the guest room, when I wearing my glasses.”
The vivid memory of Dom wantonly sprawled on the mattress, gazing up at him with passion-filled, bespectacled eyes, urges Billy on, and he quickly removes the remainder of his clothing. While Dom slides his journal onto the night stand for safe keeping, Billy slips beneath the coverlet in order to snuggle close to his lover. Small fingers cup Dom’s cheek and guide their mouths together for a tender kiss, Billy humming his pleasure at the contact, and then he laughs when Dom’s stomach lets out a low, insistent growl.
“All right then, we’ll eat first,” Billy chuckles as he sits up. “Now open that bag of takeaway before the Nua Kem gets cold. And pass me a fork with the Pad Thai.”
“You’re very good to me,” Dom comments, gazing at Billy fondly, leaning closer to brush a kiss across his lips. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done today.”
“Are you all right, Dommie?” Billy asks gently, drawing his fingers gently through Dom’s tousled hair. “Truthfully?”
Taking a moment to consider the question, Dom finally smiles, albeit a wee bit sadly. “Not quite, but I’m going to be.”
“If there’s anything I can do-”
“You’re doing it, Bills. Trust me.”
“Okay.”
Dom’s need to be close and comforted is made clear when he tucks himself into Billy’s side, the bag of takeaway tugged close as they dig into the Thai, the couple offering bites of food to one another while Billy keeps a protective arm around Dom’s slender shoulders. By the time the containers are empty, both men have eaten their fill, and Dom’s head is resting against Billy’s chest. A fond kiss it pressed to the top of Dom’s head as Billy sets the empty bag of takeaway to the side and then slides his fingers through Dom’s hair.
“Anything you want to talk about?” he asks quietly.
“Not really. Just like being here,” Dom replies, sliding his arm around Billy’s bare waist. “But I’m guessing you need to get back downstairs soon.”
“No, actually,” Billy corrects. “Mark is on until closing, so unless you’d like some time alone, I’m planning on staying right here.”
Dom sighs and relaxes into Billy’s body. “Good.”
Nearly a minute passes in silence, and then Dom shifts to look up at Billy, his brow furrowing.
“I guess I’m not in the mood to shag after all,” he admits. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine, Dommie,” Billy soothes. “I’m content to hold you, if that’s what you need.”
Nodding, Dom lays his head back down and closes his eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of Billy’s heart against his cheek. To Billy’s surprise, Dom doesn’t sleep, his long fingers stroking the ginger hair on his abdomen while Billy gently and methodically rubs the tense muscles in Dom’s back to loosen them. Less than half an hour passes, and then Dom looks up, meeting Billy’s eyes.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” he asks. “Get out of here for a while?”
“I think that would be nice,” Billy replies, nodding his assent. “I’m guessing the fresh air would be good for both of us.”
The couple quickly pulls their clothes on and after checking in with Mark, they head out, deciding to go to the park. Hand in hand, they stroll along the gravel paths, their pace unhurried, Billy watching Dom out of the corner of his eye, for any signs of distress. He’s relieved when quite the opposite occurs, the warm sun and blossoming nature surrounding Dom all but melting away the lingering sadness in his eyes, and when they start to head home a short while later, Billy is rewarded with a genuine smile from the younger man.
“What?” he asks, reaching over with his free hand and tousling Dom’s hair fondly before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
“I feel better.”
“Good.”
“So, uh, can I still call in that rain check?” Dom asks slowly, looking at Billy through a curtain of long eyelashes.
Billy’s eyes widen with surprise. “Now?”
“Well, yeah, when we get home,” Dom replies, a blush slowly rising up the slender column of his neck. “Only if you want to.”
“Are you sure you want to?” Billy asks, slowing to a stop and tugging on Dom’s hand until they’re face to face. “We don’t have to, you know.”
“Bills, he made me feel that I wasn’t worth anyone’s love, let alone to be with someone like you,” Dom explains, lacing their fingers together and squeezing gently. “He was wrong. He was wrong about that, and a lot of other things.”
“Aye, he was,” Billy agrees.
“That nagging doubt, in the back of my mind? It’s been his voice,” Dom reveals. “When we were in the park, I realized I couldn’t hear it anymore. It’s gone, just like he’s gone. He’s out of my life. Forever.”
“I’m glad,” Billy tells him with a reassuring smile. “I don’t want you to doubt what I feel for you. Ever.”
“I don’t,” Dom promises. “He’s gone, and we’re here. Together.”
“We are.”
“I want to celebrate that fact, and I thought what better way to do that, than to be together?” Dom explains shyly. “Skin to skin. You inside me.”
“Let’s go home,” Billy says as he nods in agreement, drawing Dom close before bringing their lips together in a passionate kiss.
Not caring that they’re in public, where anyone could see them, Dom eagerly sinks into Billy’s embrace, sighing with contentment when their tongues touch. It’s only when the need to be intimately joined becomes too great that the lovers part, and then they’re hurrying home, to the privacy and comfort of their bed, and the ecstasy of each others arms.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The sun is warm on the back of his neck and his shoulders as Dom shifts on the wooden park bench that he’s currently sitting on, and a quick glance at his watch tells him that he hasn’t much longer to wait, as long as Orlando arrives on time, as scheduled. The flutter of nervous butterflies in Dom’s stomach reminds him that this is more than an average social call, not that he could forget, and then he tries to convince himself that there’s nothing to be worried about. Before Dom can talk himself out of that thought, a familiar face enters his line of sight, and he automatically smiles, lifting a hand to wave.
“Hey. Am I late?” Orlando asks, dropping down to sit next to Dom.
“No. I was early,” Dom replies. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“I was glad you called, actually,” Orlando tells him. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.”
“Yeah, it’s been a few months,” Dom agrees, swallowing hard.
“Vig and I got the wedding invitation in the mail last week,” the other man adds with a smile. “Sounds like you two have quite an event planned out. I’m looking forward to it.”
“We do,” Dom replies as he swallows a pang of nervousness. “I think we’re ready to go, aside for a couple of minor details. The only big thing I’ve got left is to write my vows.”
For a long moment, Orlando looks at Dom, his eyes serious. “Dom, is there something wrong? You seem tense.”
“Did Viggo ever tell about how we met?” Dom asks carefully, watching Orlando’s expression closely.
“Not really. I guess I assumed that you met through Billy, when you needed a doctor,” Orlando tells him. “Why?”
“Well, I think there are a few things that you should know,” Dom adds. “About me. How Billy and I met, and how I met Viggo.”
Orlando frowns in confusion. “Okay.”
Keeping his voice low, so he won’t be overheard by anyone passing by, Dom relays the necessary details of his past, from the day he and Billy met in the pub, to the first time Viggo saw him as a patient, and tended to his injuries. The longer Dom speaks, the bigger Orlando’s brown eyes become, and several times he has to consciously close his mouth, when it falls open in shock. By the time Dom is done, he’s faintly trembling, unsure of what Orlando’s reaction is going to be. Over the past six months or so, the two men have gotten to know each other fairly well, but this is by far the most personal thing that Dom has shared.
“Since we’re friends, I thought it was past time that you knew,” Dom finishes quietly, averting his gaze and staring at his feet.
“Dom, I-” Swallowing hard, Orlando takes a calming breath and tries again. “I, uh, wow.”
“Yeah.”
“I had no idea that you and Billy had overcome so much,” Orlando says finally. “I, uh, can I-”
“What?” Dom asks, looking up to meet Orlando’s eyes, his nervousness clear.
“Can I hug you?” Orlando says, almost sheepishly. “I don’t know why, but I have this urge to, well, hug you.”
“Of course,” Dom replies, smiling with relief when the older man briefly draws him close. “You’re taking this quite a bit better than I thought you would.”
“Vig always said you were special, and looked at you with a sense of awe, but I never knew why,” Orlando explains, leaning into the back of the park bench and propping his chin on his hand. “I couldn’t quite figure out what events had transpired for him and Billy to reconnect after so many years of silence. As it turns out, the catalyst was you.”
“I didn’t trust people, but Billy promised me that I’d be safe with Viggo,” Dom says softly. “And he was right.”
“I can’t even imagine what your life has been like,” Orlando muses aloud. “I know everyone has a story, but this isn’t quite what I pictured for you.”
“It wasn’t my plan growing up, that’s for sure,” Dom mutters under his breath. “Not even close.”
“That’s not what I meant, Dom,” Orlando says quickly. “I just mean, I look at you, and despite how difficult those years must’ve been, you’re not cold and bitter. You are warm and compassionate, with an infectious smile and a refreshing charm. I’m not sure that I could go through all that, and still see something good in the world.”
“I think Billy’s got a lot to do with that,” Dom tells him, his eyes softening at the thought of the man who saved him, the love of his life. “He showed me that not everyone has an agenda, that there are good people in the world.”
“Like Vig,” Orlando adds softly.
“Exactly,” Dom agrees. “And you.”
“Thank you,” the other man says with an embarrassed smile. “I appreciate that.”
“Well, I mean it.”
“So,” Orlando says, clearing his throat and not so subtly changing the subject. “You said you had some minor details to finish up for the wedding. Anything I can help with?”
“Not really,” Dom replies with a shrug. “I already know what I’m going to wear. We’ve taken care of dinner afterwards. I guess at some point I need to chase Billy down with a pair of scissors-”
“Excuse me?” Orlando interrupts in surprise.
“Oh, I need a haircut,” Dom explains with a grin. “I don’t want to look messy, hair hanging in my eyes.”
“Billy cuts your hair?”
“Yeah. When I first moved in, I really didn’t like to be touched, and Billy convinced me to let him give me a trim before I started working in the book shop,” Dom replies. “I’m a lot better when it comes to the physical aspect, but I guess it’s just become a habit for Billy to take care of it.”
“Ever consider changing that?” Orlando asks, watching Dom’s eyes with interest.
“Actually, I’ve thought about going more blonde, especially on top,” Dom admits, brushing a few strands out of his line of vision. “But I’m not sure Billy’s up for that challenge. I think he’d be too worried about ruining my hair or something.”
“Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know,” Orlando tells him. “I’ve got a friend who does great work. He’s an artist when it comes to hair.”
“Really?” Dom inquires dubiously.
“What, you think my hair is naturally this fabulous?” Orlando retorts, and then blushes when Dom bursts out laughing. “Okay, that came out way more nancy boy than I intended,” he adds as he shakes his head. “Bloody hell.”
“Well, you do have very nice hair,” Dom tells him, trying hard to hide his amusement.
Orlando rolls his eyes. “Thank you.”
“I’ll think about it,” Dom promises. “Probably talk to Billy, see what he thinks.”
“He was supportive about the tattoo,” Orlando points out. “And dyeing your hair is a lot less permanent than inking your body. Hair grows.”
“True.”
“He does free consults,” Orlando adds, trying to tempt Dom. “It wouldn’t take long, and I happen to know that he could probably squeeze you in this afternoon.”
Dom raises an eyebrow. “How do you know that?”
“I have an appointment in an hour,” Orlando explains, grinning widely. “If you want, you could come with me after lunch, and just talk to him. No pressure.”
For a long moment, Dom gnaws on his lower lip and considers the possibility. He’s sure that Billy would tell him to do what he wants. It is his hair, after all. And it’s just to talk about it. Nothing will be changed today. He and Billy could discuss it after the consult.
“Okay,” Dom says finally, nodding in agreement.
“Great!” Orlando replies, a smile lighting up his face. “I promise that he’s a good bloke. He won’t pressure you into anything that you’re not ready for.”
“That’s good to know.”
“C’mon. Let’s go eat,” Orlando urges, pushing himself up off the bench. “I’m famished, and as I recall, it’s my turn to buy.”
Rising to follow, Dom vaguely wonders what he’s gotten himself into, but decides to trust his instincts. Orlando took the news of his dark past remarkably well, and seems to be interested in helping Dom to try new things, in a way where he won’t feel pressured. The nervousness that he felt just a short while ago is gone, replaced by a flutter of excitement, and an eagerness to explore some new possibilities.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter 30