Fic: The Ring of Fire - Chapter 5
Title: The Ring of Fire - Chapter 5
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Danny/Adam
Summary: The evolution of Danny and Adam’s relationship as it unfolds under the Big Top that is American Idol.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. No money is being made. No disrespect is intended. It’s all done out of love.
Chapter 4
===================================
Adam spent a majority of the night angry, mostly at himself. He had let things go too far. He thought he had been able to rationalize and control his feelings for Danny but that obviously wasn’t true. Of course, in the midst of kissing Danny, all rational thought went out the window. Damn him for initiating the kiss in the first place! Wait, no, damn him for ending it!
He couldn’t sleep. His brain just kept replaying the incident over and he’d admonish himself all over again for allowing it to happen. He should’ve known better no matter what he felt. He wished it had never happened.
With growing frustration he glanced at the clock as the hours slipped past. There were only two days left before the finale and instead of not being able to sleep because of anxiety and nerves, he was dealing with heartache. It was ridiculous. And it had to stop. He was on the cusp of the singing career he had always dreamed of. Now more than ever he needed to get himself together and focus. He had a job to do. It was time to turn off the distractions.
He finally fell asleep without any more thoughts about what had happened. He was more determined than ever to pull out all the stops and sing like he never had sung before, and become the next American Idol.
=================================
The next morning came all too quickly. After what had happened, it would’ve been natural to try to avoid Danny but, given the circumstances, that was impossible. It couldn’t be helped. There was no avoiding each other. So, Adam didn’t even try. It didn’t matter anyway. His thoughts were elsewhere.
“Good morning,” he greeted courteously, finding Danny sitting in the kitchen the next morning.
Danny seemed surprised that Adam was even talking to him.
“Morning,” responded Danny.
And that was it. That was the extent of their conversation.
Their comfortable friendship no longer existed. In its stead was civility and professional courtesy. That was something Adam excelled at, and it was something he could cling to for the moment. He was the consummate professional.
Danny didn’t seem to know how to handle Adam’s new demeanor. As they made their way through rehearsals and appearances he at times appeared confused and hurt by it but mostly he kept quietly to himself, until they were forced to interact. He would then react with the same courtesy given to him.
Adam no longer allowed himself to think about Danny. His focus was on one thing and one thing alone, his performance. Everything else was out of his control so there was no use worrying about it.
He smiled and went about his day as he always did, as if nothing had changed. But the American Idol staff that had spent the past several months witnessing their burgeoning friendship couldn’t help but notice the sudden change in dynamic between the two.
“What’s going on with Adam and Danny?”
“I don’t know. Lover’s spat?”
“Seriously?”
“You tell me. You drive them everywhere.”
“You do their hair. Aren’t hairdressers supposed to know these things?”
“I’m a stylist, not a hairdresser.”
“Whatever.”
“They’re not as chatty as they used to be. And Danny stopped smiling.”
“Before, when I’d drive them around they were always laughing and joking about something. Now they just plug in their iPods and act as if the other isn’t there.”
“They must’ve had a fight.”
“About what?”
“I don’t know. About what country they should adopt their children from?”
“You better be careful no one hears you.”
“I can’t help it. They were so cute together. It breaks my heart.”
“Come on. They’re just friends. Or they were anyway.”
“Did you see the way they used to look at each other?”
“You seriously think…?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. But then, what happened?”
“Ya got me.”
A couple of times, someone on the staff casually tried to broach the subject but each time they got the same reply - nothing was wrong, things were fine. So, they stopped asking. Whatever was going on, it was their own business.
==============================
They rehearsed for their last two shows over and over and over again. It made it easier to deal with and it made it worse. It had always been hard work but it had been fun. Now it was just work. But Adam could deal with it. It wasn’t much different than his work in the theatre. It just would’ve been nice if… No. He wasn’t going to think about that. The next day was the finale. That’s all that mattered.
Adam slept well for a change, confident in his preparation. He woke up in a great mood. Today was the day. His life had changed so much already and it was about to change even more if he had anything to say about it. This was what he was born to do. This was what he lived for.
The energy and excitement was already thrumming through his veins as he came into the kitchen that morning. He found Danny as usual, who looked the complete opposite of Adam. His hair was a mess and it looked like he hadn’t slept.
“Good morning,” greeted Adam.
Danny just stared at him. Adam shrugged off his non-response. If that’s the way he was going to act, then so be it. He turned to the cupboard to grab a coffee mug.
“Adam…”
Adam froze. He couldn’t remember the last time Danny had actually addressed him. And the way he said his name, almost as if he was pleading for something. It seemed obvious. Danny wanted to talk. Unfortunately for Danny, Adam didn’t.
“Ya know,” said Adam as he turned around. “There are a few things I wanted to do before we have to leave. I should probably, ya know, go do them.”
They may not be able to avoid each other physically, but there were other avenues of avoidance.
He filled his coffee mug and headed back upstairs.
===================================
Once they got to the Kodak Theatre, time flew by as makeup was applied and the wardrobes were sorted out. They had a few last run-throughs then before you knew it, Ryan was opening the show. The time had come. Adam and Danny stood on stage being introduced as the last two finalists. The crowd roared. The energy was amazing. It fueled Adam.
He then went backstage and took some deep breaths as he focused on his first song. Nothing else mattered. He knew what he was doing. So, once he was called to do the first song, he went out and did it. It was spectacular. It was how a show should be started off, with an explosive, leave it all out there, shake the rafters performance. The audience went nuts. The judges responded in kind.
“Way to start this thing off!” said Randy.
“That was awesome!” said Kara.
Paula was speechless.
“Well done,” said Simon.
His smile was a mile wide. He couldn’t ask for anything more. He practically floated back stage and immediately started preparing for his next song.
His next two songs went just as well if not better. He just seemed to get stronger as he went on, first slowing it down with a heartfelt ballad, and finally, bringing down the house with his signature spin on a classic tune. The audience loved him. The judges loved him. It was spell-binding. And it was all over in the blink of an eye.
He headed back to the green room on an incredible high. He had no idea how the rest of the show went. He was so focused on his own thing that he had not seen any of it. It was over as far as he was concerned. He had done all he could do. It was now out of his hands.
But as he walked over to sit down and relax, he happened to glance at one of the monitors that had the show on. It was playing a taped interview with Danny. What had caught his attention was the shirt Danny was wearing, the orange shirt that he wore the day…
“Adam and I…It’s not hard to see, we’re pretty different,” explained Danny on the tape. “But music, ya know, that’s our common link. It’s brought two people together that might never have been friends. And we’re more than friends. I love Adam,” said Danny casually. And then he blinked, as if he had just listened to what he himself had just said and it was a revelation. “I love him.”
Adam couldn’t breathe.
The monitor then cut back to the American Idol stage in real-time.
“Danny Gokey,” announced Ryan. “Singing ‘Sideways’ by Citizen Cope.”
Danny stood on stage in the shadows with his head down as an acoustic guitar began playing. Still looking tired, he finally raised his head along with the microphone.
“You know it ain’t easy
For these thoughts here to leave me
There’s no words to describe it
In French or in English
Cuz diamonds they fade
And flowers, they bloom
And I’m telling you
These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
They’ve been knockin’ me out lately
Whenever you come around me
These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away”
Adam stood transfixed, unable to form any coherent thoughts.
“But these feelings won’t go away
These feelings won’t go away”
The emotion in Danny’s voice was transforming. He had sung emotional songs before but this was different. It was so raw, each word a weight he seemed to be trying to extricate himself from.
“These feelings won’t go away
They’ve been knockin’ me sideways
I keep thinking in a moment that
Time will take them away”
But these feelings won’t go away
These feelings won’t go away”
He barely spoke the last words of the song. The audience came to their feet. Danny slowly recovered from the song and simply moved to the designated spot on the stage, standing with his hands behind his back to face the judges.
“Yo,” said Randy, but the crowd continued its cheering. Danny responded with a smile, though tired and brief. Randy held up his hand in a vain attempt to silence the audience. “Yo, yo, yo. Danny, ahhh, I gotta say that was a weird choice for me, man.”
The crowd didn’t like his critique. The boos kicked in.
“I mean,” continued Randy. “You really had the emotion there but…I don’t know. I just wanted to see something…bigger, ya know.”
More boos.
“Come on, dogs. It’s the finale. So, yeah, for me…it was a weak choice. I don’t know.”
Kara took her turn to lean into her microphone. “Well, I loved it.”
Her statement was met with cheers.
“Emotion is right. You are on tonight. I felt such a huge connection for you and this song. Heck, with all you’ve done tonight. I don’t know what’s going on for you emotion-wise but… You really brought it. You dug deep. Great job.”
“Thank you,” responded Danny.
“Kara is right,” said Paula, with tears in her eyes. “I don’t know what is going on with you. You have been Mr. Joyful for so long but tonight…whatever’s going on, you took it and you used that emotion to build your songs around and it was masterful. We’ve always known you had the voice and we got to really see you connect with the song. It has been such a joy to watch you this season.”
“Thank you,” said Danny.
The crowd echoed their approval of her praise and then they waited for Simon.
“Okay, look, Danny,” began Simon. “I like you. But I thought that was complete, self-indulgent rubbish.”
The audience was not happy with that assessment.
“Oh, come on,” said Paula.
“No, seriously,” said Simon. “You literally had the opportunity to pick any song in the universe that could have showcased your voice, and instead you picked a weepy, boring…”
“No, no, no,” interrupted Kara.
“Heartfelt, genuine…” added Paula.
“…independent song,” continued Simon. “That nobody’s ever heard of.”
“I’m just trying to do my best,” said Danny.
“Well, frankly, that wasn’t good enough,” stated Simon. “I don’t think you deserve to win.”
The crowd erupted with vitriol toward Simon. Ryan walked over to Danny.
“So, Danny, what do you think of what Simon said?” asked Ryan
Danny shrugged. “I don’t really have anything to say.”
“Nothing? Nothing at all?”
“The song, all the songs, they weren’t for the judges.”
“They’re for the audience,” suggested Ryan.
“Yeah, the audience, and me, ya know, what I’m feeling,” stated Danny. “And if the audience liked what I sang, they can vote for me. If they didn’t, they should vote for Adam.”
Ryan seemed surprise by the statement.
“That’s very charitable of you.”
“I’m not trying to gain any favor,” Danny quickly clarified. “I just think it should be about singing. It shouldn’t be about anything else.”
“Fair enough,” said Ryan, then turned to the camera. “Before we open the phone lines, let’s recap tonight’s performances.”
Adam didn’t have time to see the clips of what else Danny had sung. He was being sent back out onto the stage for the last minute wrap-up. He was still reeling. He took a couple extra breaths and put on his smile as he walked out. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Danny.
Ryan stood between the two - Adam and his charming smile, Danny and his somberness.
“The lines are now open,” announced Ryan. “Go and vote for who you want to be your next American Idol. The results will be read on our two-hour finale, tomorrow night, right here on Fox. We’ll see you then.”
The show was over.
“Great job guys,” said Ryan, shaking each of their hands. They then were facing each other. They stared for a minute without speaking, until Danny finally held out his hand.
“You were incredible,” he said, smiling sadly.
Adam shook his hand but couldn’t speak.
The opportunity for any further conversation was lost because in the next minute they were once again being pulled away to do interviews and greet fans and friends and family members.
======================================
Adam felt numb. He went through the rest of the evening on auto-pilot, responding and smiling in all the right places. The performance never really ended. Of course, no one was the wiser. No one was aware of the turmoil simmering just underneath the surface. He wanted to enjoy the evening, soak in the last night of this incredible experience, but the situation with Danny had turned him inside out.
He lingered, not wanting to return to the mansion too soon. He wasn’t prepared to deal with Danny. He hadn’t had a moment to himself to think about any of it, what it meant, how he felt. He needed some time to himself.
By the time he made it back, Danny had gone to bed. Finally faced with having some time alone he suddenly wished he had someone to talk to. Things had been such a roller coaster in the past several days that it was hard to have any perspective. He needed an objective opinion. But it was late so he’d settle for just an opinion.
He pulled out his phone and sent a text to Evan.
U awake?
No go away
I don’t know what to do
Go to him
U don’t even know what I’m talking about
Danny
How did you…
Adam didn’t finish his text before getting the next.
He fucking said he loved you idiot
On national TV
GO TO HIM
He’s asleep
WAKE HIM UP
Adam considered it for a second. Danny had woken him on several occasions. It would only be fair. Of course, they had been on better terms with each other at the time.
Adam’s cell phone rang. It was Evan.
“Hey,” said Adam.
“Why are you still sitting there?”
“It’s 3 a.m. I’m not waking him up.”
“Did you watch the show?”
“I was in the show if you recall.”
“Did you hear his songs?”
“Just the last. What did I miss?”
“Okay, well, maybe I’m just biased…”
“About...?”
“You two had very different vibes going on up there.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Let’s put it this way, when you were singing, it was like…it was like you were singing for everyone.”
“Yeah. Okay, so?”
“Well, he was singing for one person.”
The phone went silent.
“Look,” continued Evan. “That’s just my opinion. Maybe I’m wrong. But you’re never going to find out for sure unless you talk to him.”
Adam closed his eyes and sighed.
“Are you gonna be all right?”
“Yeah.”
“Can I go back to sleep?”
“Yeah.”
“Hey, call me tomorrow and let me know how it went.”
“I might be a little busy tomorrow.”
“Oh right, finale. By the way, you were awesome.”
“Thanks. Did you actually vote?”
“Um…I couldn’t find my phone?”
“You mean the one you’re holding in your hand?”
“Hey, you found it,” joked Evan.
“Go back to sleep.”
“All right. Good luck.”
“Thanks.”
==============================
Adam paced the mansion as he thought more and more about what Evan had said. Had Danny really sang for him? Did he really have feelings for him? He was going crazy without any answers. He needed to talk to Danny. He stood in front of his door several times seriously considering waking him up. But he talked himself out of it each time.
He sat on a couch in a sitting area just off the kitchen just in case Danny came down to get something to eat. As he sat there, he willed Danny’s insomnia to kick in. But, after several hours, he never appeared. He knew he was going to be hurting for the results day if he didn’t get some sleep but he couldn’t even think about that. He only had one thing on his mind.
Eventually, exhaustion finally overtook him and he nodded off. He was hidden well enough that it took the staff a while to find and rouse him the next morning.
“Adam, you have to get up. We need to leave in twenty minutes.”
The abrupt wake up call wasn’t what bothered him the most. It was the absence of a certain someone.
“Where’s Danny?” asked Adam.
“He’d been wanting to go to church so he finally talked Carol into taking him to early services. They’re going to be cutting it close though. We’ll have to meet them at the theatre.”
Adam’s heart sank. He knew that as soon as the day started they weren’t going to have a minute alone.
=====================================
Adam had been right. It was a circus. There was so much going on. Go here. Sit there. Adam, over here. Are you excited? Did you think you’d get this far? It was insane. And when he did finally come upon Danny, he found he didn’t know what to say.
“Hey,” said Danny.
“Hey,” he replied.
“You ready for this?”
“Yeah.” Adam was a little surprised. Their recent conversations usually didn’t make it past “hey” so he was caught a little off guard. “How about you?”
“Yeah.”
Adam was just about to open his mouth to try to continue the conversation but was interrupted.
“Adam, we need you in makeup.”
“Okay.”
They stared at each other for another second and then Adam turned to leave.
=================================
Ten minutes can sometimes seem like a lifetime. Two hours bordered on cruel and unusual punishment. The results show kicked into gear. Special guests sang. Duets were endured. The tension was rising. Eventually the two hours passed and the moment had come for the final results. They walked out onto the stage to hear the verdict.
Adam was smiling but he felt a little sick. The nerves and anxiety were shooting full force and he was sure Danny must have been feeling the same way. They were so disconnected from each other though that it felt awkward to be there together. It seemed hard to believe that at one time they had been so close. Adam desperately wanted that closeness back. He wanted his friend back.
“Your votes have been counted…” said Ryan.
He put his arm around Danny’s shoulder and pulled him close. It’s what you’re meant to do in that situation, show support and camaraderie for each other. Danny smiled and responded by mirroring the action and put his arm around Adam’s back. It was the cliché action and yet it meant so much more to Adam. It felt so good to once again have Danny that close. He had missed his casual touches, his goofiness and easy manner. It seemed like they hadn’t talked in months. Adam felt a bit of hope in that moment that their friendship wasn’t completely over. So when Danny patted his back a few times and then let go, Adam could have cried. It felt like that was it. The defining action. It was the end of the road. The smile disappeared from Adam’s face and he couldn’t get it back.
“With a record-setting seventy-nine million votes…”
Adam looked around the studio. His family and friends were already standing in support no matter what happened. Fans were on their feet cheering. It was the culmination of a dream. He should be ecstatic. No matter who won, his life would never be the same again. And yet all he felt was sadness.
Then suddenly, and unexpectedly, a hand slid into his, fingers linking with his own. It was Danny’s hand. He was so surprised that he looked down to be sure. When he finally looked up meet Danny’s gaze, Danny gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand, not letting go.
That’s when the tears officially started.
“Your 2009 American Idol is……Adam Lambert.”
Adam didn’t hear much after that. Shock did that to a person. Danny had pulled him into a bear hug and he returned it with equal strength, tears streaming down his face.
He had won.
He had won.
And Danny was there holding him. He couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
Ryan kept trying to verbally pry them apart but Adam wouldn’t let go. He just wanted to stay there crying into Danny’s shirt for a little while longer.
When he finally remembered that there was still a TV show going on, he slowly pulled away to find that Danny was crying as well. They both wiped at their eyes.
“So, how does it feel?” inquired Ryan.
Adam could barely find the words.
“This is just amazing. I…I don’t have the words to describe it. Thank you all so much. Thank you.”
The rest of the finalists came out to congratulate him while they played the video of Adam’s American Idol journey. It felt like a dream.
As the footage rolled, Danny found his way back to his side, putting his arm around Adam’s back which precipitated another hug. And more tears.
“I’m so proud of you,” said Danny.
“Danny, I’m so sorry. I…”
“Adam,” started Danny. “Adam, stop. It’s not important. We can talk later. Right now you need to enjoy this. You’re the new American Idol!” He took Adam’s face in his hands to emphasize the point. “You. Are. The new. American Idol!”
Both smiled widely at each other and hugged one last time before Adam was swallowed up by all the people who wanted to congratulate him.
The celebration began. It was nonstop hugs and pictures and smiles. People he’d never met before wanting to shake his hand. Celebrities sending messages of congratulations. It was surreal. He didn’t remember ever feeling so happy before.
The party went on into the wee hours of the morning. Slowly most people started to head home but he was the honorary host at this strange event and he didn’t want to let anybody down by leaving. However, he was reminded that in only a few short hours he was going to be called upon to be doing interviews so he should probably head back to the mansion to get some sleep. He also realized he had another reason to want to go back to the mansion. He wanted to see Danny, who had disappeared some time ago.
Upon returning to the mansion Adam went straight to Danny’s room and was surprised to find that not only was he not there but his bed had not been slept in. He headed for the kitchen to see if his insomnia led him there but, again, no Danny. He then began wandering through the rest of the rooms, one by one.
While he searched, their conversation played in his mind. It’s not important. We’ll talk later. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered about what exactly he had meant. What wasn’t important? And the longer he went without finding Danny, the more he questioned where they really stood. He needed to find Danny.
When he found himself back in the kitchen, he sank against the counter, sighing. He had been everywhere. Danny was nowhere to be found. Exhaustion hit him like a train. There was nothing more he could do for the moment. He slowly walked up to his bedroom ready to collapse. When he finally got there, he was stunned. Danny was curled up on his bed, asleep. He couldn’t imagine a more beautiful sight. Smiling, he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Danny,” he whispered, but he didn’t move a muscle.
He ran a hand through Danny’s hair.
“Danny.”
Danny inhaled sharply and opened his eyes long enough to recognize Adam.
“Hey,” he said, speaking in a rough, sleep-laden voice.
“Hi,” smiled Adam.
Danny turned over onto his back, rubbing at his eyes and trying to blink away his sleepiness.
“Party finally over?”
“For the moment.”
“You must be tired. And here I am lying in your bed…”
Danny moved to get up but Adam stopped him.
“No, please, don’t get up.”
Danny relented and relaxed back onto the pillow.
“Aren’t you tired?” inquired Danny.
“Exhausted.”
“See, I told you…”
Danny tried to get up again and, again, Adam pushed him back down.
“I’ll be fine. Just…here…move over.”
Danny looked at him in surprise for a second and Adam waited to see what he would do. He finally scooted over to give Adam room to lie down.
They lay on their sides facing each other.
“Is this okay?” asked Adam quietly.
Danny stared at him for a minute.
“Adam…”
He stopped and sighed, closing his eyes as if to find the words he wanted to say, while Adam anxiously waited.
“Please don’t say you’re sorry,” pleaded Adam.
“But…”
“Just…” Adam interrupted. “Tell me how you feel. Please. Please just…tell me. Do you have feelings for me?”
Danny closed his eyes again.
“Yes,” he whispered, and opened his eyes. Adam’s heart soared. “But…”
“No,” said Adam. “No buts…”
“Adam…”
“I have feelings for you. You have feelings for me. That’s what’s important…”
Danny grabbed Adam’s hand to get his attention.
“Adam, you have to let me finish.”
Adam remained quiet.
“I…” began Danny. “I’ve never felt this way before…for a guy. I know that’s the way it is for you but it never has been for me so I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know why I’m feeling the way I do or what to do about it. I just know that I do. I care about you. A lot. I’m just not ready for all that goes with it I guess. I’m still trying to deal with the fact that I kissed you in the first place. I didn’t plan on doing that. And I’ve just been so confused. To have these feelings at all right now…” Danny swallowed and tears formed in his eyes. “I feel like I’m betraying Sophia. You know, I just can’t…”
Adam squeezed his hand, tears forming in his own eyes.
“And I am sorry,” continued Danny. “I can’t help but be sorry. This isn’t fair to you. Especially right now. You should be celebrating and enjoying yourself and here you are dealing with me and my…issues.”
“Danny,” said Adam, pulling his hand toward him and placing a kiss along his knuckles. “I like you. Issues and all.”
“But it’s not fair…”
“Danny, this is my choice. I want this,” emphasized Adam, squeezing his hand. “Whatever you’re will to offer. And I understand that this isn’t exactly what you’re used to. And because of that ‘I don’t know’ is a valid and honest response. I’m sorry if I made you feel like it wasn’t. I don’t ever want you to feel like you can’t tell me the truth just because you want to spare my feelings.”
He paused to let what he said sink in.
“The fact of the matter is,” he continued. “I wouldn’t be here right now if I didn’t want to be. The question comes down to…what do you want?”
Danny looked into Adam’s eyes for a minute and then looked away, struggling with his thoughts.
“I’m not ready,” admitted Danny finally. “I’m just not ready.”
Adam smiled despite his disappointment.
“Okay,” he said. “That’s okay.”
He then took a deep breath.
“Do you think….you might ever be ready?”
Danny sighed heavily.
“Weirder things have happened. I mean, I kissed you. That was…”
“It was..?”
“It was…nice,” said Danny, smiling.
“If I recall correctly, it was better than nice,” leered Adam playfully.
“Until I ruined it.”
“You could always make it up to me.”
Danny chuckled. “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now.”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” smiled Adam. “And I’m telling you right now. I’m going to keep trying.”
Danny smiled back.
“What about the fact that you’re a superstar now and our lives are going to go in different directions.”
“We’re going on tour together.”
“I’m talking about after that.”
“I don’t want to talk about after that. Let’s just focus on right now. We’ll figure it out as we go. We’ll figure it out together. It’s not like I know how to be a superstar.”
Danny raised an eyebrow.
“Okay,” admitted Adam. “I have dreamt about it most of my life but I’m sure there are a few things I haven’t considered.”
Their hands still linked, Danny ran his thumb across the back of Adam’s hand.
“Did you ever dream about me?” asked Danny shyly.
Adam chuckled.
“You have no idea.”
========================================
The following day, their interviews finally ended and they were packing up all their belongings to move out of the mansion.
Once he got to the bottom of the stairs, Danny handed his last bag to the driver who immediately headed out the front door, leaving just Danny and Adam to say their goodbyes.
They stared at each other for a long minute.
“I can’t believe it’s all over,” said Danny, looking fidgety.
“We’re going on tour. We’ll see each other in a couple weeks,” said Adam, as if he’d made the statements many times already, perhaps to himself.
“I know but…okay, well, I’ll see you in a couple weeks then.”
“Yeah,” echoed Adam. “I’ll see you in a couple weeks.”
They stood awkwardly, neither seemed to know quite where they stood with each other.
“I’m sure I’ll talk to you before then anyway,” added Danny.
“Right. We can call, text, send smoke signals. Absolutely.”
“Okay, cool.”
Adam had had enough.
“Danny, come here.”
Adam held out his arms and Danny immediately walked into them for a big hug. Each sighing contentedly as they took a moment to memorize the feel of it.
When they finally drew back, Adam’s breath caught as Danny leaned in close as if to kiss him. He stopped short to perhaps consider his actions but then finally closed the distance between them and gave Adam a short but very sweet kiss.
“I thought…” said a confused Adam when he could breathe again.
“Just…” interrupted Danny, shaking his head. He smiled up at Adam briefly as if offering it in replacement of the words he couldn’t find. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Okay,” said Adam, still recovering from the kiss.
Danny exited the mansion.
Adam stood there for a few minutes longer and then went back up to his room to finish packing. He threw a couple things in his suitcase but then quickly lost interest. He dropped onto the bed and stared off into space for a minute before a playful smile suddenly showed up on his face.
He reached for his phone and immediately called Danny.
“Hello?” said Danny.
“What are you wearing?” Adam purred seductively.
Danny busted out laughing.
“I just meant,” explained Adam innocently. “You’re flying to Milwaukee. It’s probably going to be a little chilly. You might want a jacket or something.”
“Actually the weather is supposed to be pretty nice. Ya know, it’s spring and all.”
“Spring in Milwaukee. Sounds nice.”
“Yeah, you should come see it some time.”
“I’d like that.”
“Summer too. And fall is beautiful with all the colors. Now winter, that’s a different story…”
Adam smiled into the phone, content in just listening to Danny talk. After a while he realized neither had spoken for several minutes.
“Sorry,” said Adam. “I guess I could add to the conversation instead of letting the line go quiet. Makes the call a little pointless not to talk.”
“That’s not true,” said Danny. “I can hear you smiling. It makes me smile.”
“You can hear me smile?” chuckled Adam. “I didn’t realize you were such a sap.”
“You love it.”
Adam smiled fondly.
“That I do.”
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Author’s postscript: There will be a short epilogue
Epilogue