I Only Dream of You, My Beautiful, 8b/10
Author: Stargeek101
Rating: NC17
Summary: This chapter: Dom has flashbacks. Paul is confronted.
Pairing: BellDom
Feedback: Loved and cherished.
Warnings: Language and violence.
Disclaimers: I do not own Muse, Tom Kirk, or Paul. This is fiction.
Notes: I am absolutely horrible about writing this story. I am so very sorry. I kind of slipped off the BellDom wagon, and am now fully enveloped in Kaizerslash. However, I have had pwoperninjaelf remind me of my duties. Also, I saw Muse for the first time last week, and my love for them has been renewed again, so I'm all fresh and happy. BEST SHOW I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! (Until May when I saw Kaizers Orchestra XD)
It’s still dark by the time I reach my house. The rain had started up again shortly after I left Matt’s, so my hair is pressed to my face, and my skin feels like it’s freezing off my bones. My mobile’s broken, so I can’t call anyone for a lift. And even though I’ve had a couple hours to think things through, I’m still pretty shocked and confused about it all.
The light’s on downstairs, indicating that it’s sometime after 5:30, which is when my mom gets up for work. Remembering that my key’s at Matt’s, I gently knock on the door. It only takes a moment before it’s slowly opened, and my mom’s confused face pokes out.
“Dominic? What happened? Where are your clothes? What’s this bruise?” She pulls me in quickly, pointing at the purple splotch on my shoulder. “Are you ok? Have you been raped? Oh god, what happened?”
I wait for her questions to stop before I begin an answer. “I’m fine. A little cold, but ok.” Half a lie, but I’m really too tired and confused to be having a proper conversation.
“I’ll make you a cuppa. You get changed and dry, and tell me what happened.” She walks into the kitchen, opening drawers and cupboards.
I turn to trudge up the stairs to my room, dumping my wet clothes into the hamper and pulling on some PJs. My leg’s got a big bruise, and my shoulder, a small one. I don’t understand why Paul did this to me, but I realize that it should have been expected. I was treated much worse in Stockport, so this is pretty tolerable, I suppose. I’m worried about Matt though, because he’s stuck with him. Paul knows Matt much more than he knows me, and is therefore much more likely to act worse with him.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like this situation was predictable. Matt’s hinted that Paul didn’t approve. Like the first time we talked about sexuality, when he said that some people don’t understand him, but he’s learned how to avoid the subject around them. Or when I pointed out the DVD shelf, and he said that Paul wasn’t a fan of those movies. It wouldn’t have made a difference, keeping them with the other movies, unless Paul really didn’t like them. Also, Matt hardly had me over, and even still, only if Paul wasn’t home. Except, of course, when we had music earlier in the year. But we were hardly a couple then, and very exclusive.
But Paul always came across as such a nice guy.
“Dominic?” My mom asks, opening my door. “What’s wrong? Please, tell me what happened.” She rubs my back and pulls me towards her.
I’m crying. “I don’t even know.” I sink my shoulders and sigh. “I was thrown out of the house. Paul beat me a bit, threw my shite out the door, and I don’t even know what’s happening with Matt.”
“Oh Dom, honey.” She pulls me in for an even tighter hug. “Do you want me to take you there now? To check up on him?”
“Nah,” I throw my arm through the air. “I’ll see him at school. Maybe he can explain it to me, why this happened. I’m ok though. I’m just a little shocked, very cold and even more tired.”
“Ok, you come down and have your tea, then try to get some rest for school. You can miss first class if you need.” She makes to leave the room. “Do you want me to tell your dad what happened?”
“If you want.” I follow her. “But he’ll probably have a lot of questions I can’t answer yet.”
“I only have one more, for the moment.” I nod her on. “Are you and Matt going to be ok? I mean, I only just found out you were together, and I don’t even have any pictures yet. And you two look so cute together. You really do. And you’ve been so much happier lately.”
“To be honest, I have no idea. I can’t see him calling it off any time soon willingly, but who knows. I mean, Paul has a strong influence over Matt. Especially because their parents left them last year. They only have each other. But again, I have no idea. I need to talk to him first. I don’t want it to end. Not ever.” I wipe my eyes and take a seat at the table, wrapping my damp hands around my hot cup.
“Well, if it’s needed, Matthew can stay here. Not in your room, for obvious reasons, but we could set up the sofa for a bit. You let him know that.”
I nod. It would be nice to have Matt here, and pushing my own personal thoughts aside, it might be better for him. I will definitely bring that up.
“I really wish I could stay here for you, Dommy, but I have to go to work.” She frowns, wrinkles forming between her brows. “I love you.”
I nod, shooing her off and sipping from my steaming tea. The door silently clicks shut, and I find myself alone. I can faintly hear my father’s snores from upstairs, but I have a feeling that he would bring me the opposite of comfort, so I sit in my own silence.
I put my mug down, lost in thought about what it would be like to have Matt living here. His loud giggle as he finds my hidden collection of super tight shirts I wore in Stockport. Waking up to his falsettos in the shower every morning. Maybe I could purposefully fall asleep on the couch with him, faking that I was too lazy to drag myself upstairs.
Or the nights when my parents are both at work, and we could cuddle up in my room with the music on low. I would rub my thumb in circles on the back of his hand as he rests against my chest, and we would be talking about anything and everything we wanted. We’d have to make sure the door was locked though, so Chris couldn’t run in and beg for a safe haven from his sisters.
“Dom?”
I jerk my head up and wipe the drying drool from my cheek. “Huh.”
“What are you doing sleeping on the counter? I thought you were at Matt’s.”
I stretch my arms and rub at the side of my face that had been pressed to the hard counter. “I was, yeah, but I’m home now. What time is it?”
“Half seven. You should get ready for school.”
“Nnnng.” I close my eyes. “Mom says I can miss first class. I’m not feeling too well.”
“Oh.” He looks into my eyes. “Need something?”
“No, I think some rest will be enough for now.”
I can see that he knows I’m keeping something from him, but I don’t have the energy to explain last night. Especially when I don’t even know what happened myself. I slowly carry myself up the staircase, tripping on the last one and stumbling across the wood floors to my room. With a loud thud, I fall onto my mattress, sinking my head into my pillow and closing my eyes.
“Stop!” I can hear Matt shouting as I press my ear against the front door to his house. If I listen carefully enough, I can hear him whimpering. “Leave me alone.”
“Leave you alone? You… Thing. You’ve soiled my house. You’ve spread your sick germs over everything. I’m liable to catch this curse.”
“Don’t be an idiot. You can’t catch gayness.”
I hear Matt wail as Paul beats on him. “Don’t talk down on me. I won’t have any of your crap. You’re going to wash this entire house. Top to bottom, side to side. I don’t want to see ANYTHING that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned. And when you’re done, you’re going to bathe yourself in disinfectant.”
“That’ll burn my skin!”
Another smack. “That’s the fucking price you pay for being a girl. Get to work.”
I hear steps approaching the door, and I run to hide at the side of the house. I have to save Matt. I have to get him out of this place.
I awaken with a scream, smacking my head on the corner of the desk next to my bed. “Ah, fuck!” I shout, panting and trying to collect my thoughts.
“Dominic? What’s wrong?” My dad runs into the room in a panic.
“I need to go,” I mumble, pulling myself out of bed and throwing on some socks.
“I hope it’s to the hospital. Your head’s bleeding.”
I wipe the back of my hand across my forehead, surprised to find a thick trail of red. “No, it doesn’t hurt that bad. I need to go to school. I need to find Matt.”
“Dom.” He reaches for me, holding my shoulders with firm hands. “Sit down. Tell me what’s happening.”
“No. I need Matthew! I need to make sure he’s ok.”
“Can we at least make sure you don’t need stitches? What did you do?”
“I hit my desk.” I say, trying to regain my thoughts. Taking in my surroundings, it starts to clue in that I had only had a bad dream. Matt’s probably sitting at his desk at school. He’s probably pinching his nose in laughter at a silly joke the kid next to him made. He’s probably wondering where the hell I am, and worried if I’m upset with him over last night. I should go to school. “I think I had a nightmare. I’m ok.”
“You haven't had one of those in months," he tisks. "Sit here, and don’t muck up the sheets. I’ll be right back.” My dad turns out of the room, presumably to get something for my cut.
I pull out my mobile, temporarily forgetting that the screen was smashed. How am I supposed to text Chris?
My dad walks back in, carrying a damp cloth and a large Band-Aid. He bends down in front of me, pressing the wet fabric against my face.
“Ah, that hurts.” I whine, backing away. He rolls his eyes, continuing to clean the blood off me.
---
“Dom, jeez, what happened?” Tom asks as I take my seat next to him in Art.
“Stuff. Have you seen Matt? Is he ok?”
“No, we thought he was with you. Where have you been? You look like shite.”
“I’m really worried. Paul had a freak out last night, hence my state, other than my face. I did that to myself. And I need to know if Matt’s ok. I’m really worried.”
“Paul? Matt’s brother had a freak out? What happened?”
“I don’t even know. We were just sleeping, and then I was being kicked out of the house. He broke my phone.”
“What an asshole.” Tom stands up. “Let’s beat some sense into him.”
“I’m not sure that’s the proper way to go about things. I just want my boyfriend back.”
“School’s out in an hour. If we wait Chris, can come along too. Sound good?”
“I guess.” I frown, pulling out my portfolio and choosing what drawing to work on for the class.
---
“Ok, I’ll go to the door myself. If you don’t hear from me in ten to fifteen minutes, I would love for you to come save me. Or, you know, if you hear the sound of death, you might want to check on that too.”
“Where are we supposed to wait?” Chris asks, standing in the middle of the empty street.
“I don’t know. Right there? You can move if a car comes, obviously.” I turn towards the small house, taking a tentative step towards it. I don’t know why I’m so scared. It’s not like I was treated that badly last night, but past experiences have led me to fear jerks like Paul.
“Hey, Dom!” Jeremy shouts across the field. “Hey, wait up.”
I stop walking, turning to glare at the boy who’d not spoken to me in nearly a month. “What do you want?” I ask coldly.
“Easy, Man. I just wanted to apologize for the way I’ve been acting. You being gay doesn’t change anything. In fact, I think I kind of knew anyway.”
Tugging on the straps of my bag and taking a deep breath through my nose, I smile weakly. “Yeah?”
“Yup. Hey, why don’t we go out some place, catch up a bit. We haven’t really spoken in a while.”
“Yeah, sure.” I jog the tiny distance between us, eager to reunite with my best friend. “Where do you want to go?”
“I dunno. Somewhere to eat. There’s this new place down the street, I’ve heard it’s pretty good. We should go there.” He grins, though something is odd about it. Almost mischievous.
I follow closely next to him, talking about the past few weeks, and how rough my science teacher is. He laughs, agreeing that Ms. Hadfield is indeed an incompetent woman. Wrapping an arm around my neck and ruffling my hair, Jeremy grins. “I’m going to miss you Dom.”
“Yeah, I missed you- Wait. You what?”
I hardly have any time to react as a gang of seven or eight boys surround me. My bag is ripped from my shoulders and thrown out of view. Someone laughs as another person shoves me forwards, letting me fall into yet another person who pushes me away in return. I’m tossed about in an endless cycle.
“Little Dommy is a faggot.” Jeremy spits, kicking my shin. I cry in pain, but can’t move as my arms are held behind me. “I don’t like faggots,” he whispers into my ear before punching my jaw and stomach in one simultaneous blow.
I jump, from the memories flooding through my brain. I don’t care what kind of violence Paul is inflicting. I won’t let Matt be treated poorly in any way. I won’t let him go through what I did. Nothing even half as bad.
Taking a deep breath, I knock on the thin wood. There is no answer, so I knock again. Still silence.
“Open the door!” I shout, quickly glancing at Tom and Chris behind me. “It’s Dom, and I demand you open the door.”
The door swings open, revealing a grubby looking man in his PJs. “I don’t want you here anymore.” Paul glares. “I don’t want you near my brother. He is not gay, this is just a faze, and I want you to leave.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I saw the way you were snuggling last night, with that dumb movie paused on the telly. I’m not an idiot.”
“That’s not what I meant. How can you think that this is just a silly faze? How can you think so poorly of your brother? What’s wrong with two blokes loving each other? Tell me. I need to know why so many people have a problem with this? We’re not hurting anyone. We’re not doing anything wrong.”
“It is wrong though. It’s sick and diluted. How is the world going to keep its population up if everyone’s falling for this new craze? How are people going to keep from AIDS? It’s always been, and should always remain, man and woman.”
I laugh at this. Is this seriously what he believes? Can this really be what people view me as? “You’ve got it all wrong.” I shake my head, not allowing him to win this battle. “Firstly, the world is having no problems with its population. If you hadn’t noticed, we’ve got well over seven billion people occupying it right now. Secondly, this isn’t a fad or whatever. It’s always been this way, only now it’s becoming more acceptable. That’s a good thing, by the way. Thirdly, anyone can catch diseases. The key is to be safe and clean. We’re not even doing anything that would get us such a horrible thing as that. All we’re doing is loving each other. Can’t you see that?”
As Paul struggles to think of a repent, I notice Matthew sneak up behind him, watching from inside.
“Can’t you see we’re happy together?” I wipe a tear off my cheek, sniffling loudly. “I need him.”
Matt pushes past Paul at this moment, nearly knocking me over in a hug so strong I can’t breathe. I wrap my arms around his slender body as well, grinning into his bonyy shoulder.
“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Paul shouts, trying to pull Matt off me. “Stop it! Not out here! People will see.”
Matt slowly removes himself from his hold on me, still gripping my hand with a shaky fist. “I love him.” He smiles, watching Paul’s disbelieving expression. “I’m not going to leave him because you say so. I know you think you’re protecting me or something. Trying to save me from the heartbreak of losing people again. But all you’re doing is creating more pain. He’s not Mom. He’s not Dad. He’s Dominc Howard.”
Sighing, Paul leans against the door frame, looking deep into his brother’s oceanic eyes. He just stands there, staring for minutes. No one says anything further. We’re just waiting.
“Fine.” He flicks his wrist out. “Go. Do whatever it is you do. Be happy or whatever. I need a drink.”
With that said, he turns around, closing himself in the house. I look at Matt, not sure whether to be happy or terrified by that response. The wonky toothed grin I’m met with, however, answers my fears.
“He gave in. He actually gave in,” he squeaks, almost in shock. “I mean, I’m going to have to work on this more. He’s obviously not going to suddenly be happy with this, but he’s giving us a chance.” Matt spins into my chest, giggling.
“I was so scared earlier,” I whisper. “About what he could have been doing to you. If he was hurting you.”
“Just my heart,” he sighs into my neck. “He wouldn’t let me leave. He wouldn’t say anything to me either, just that I wasn’t allowed to leave.”
Another set of arms worm their way around me from behind. I let out a shocked gasp as I realize it’s Tom. “Group hug!” He sings terribly as Chris also joins in, leaving Matt and I a pancake in the middle.
All of us descend into a hysterical fit of laughter, slowly falling out of each other’s arms. Tom decides we should go to his house, watch some Doctor Who and calm down from the day’s events. “We haven’t even celebrated last night yet!” He remembers with disapproval, tugging on mine and Chris’ arms, my hand automatically linking with Matt’s, and dragging us down the street. “Partay!” He shouts.
What a day.
Rating: NC17
Summary: This chapter: Dom has flashbacks. Paul is confronted.
Pairing: BellDom
Feedback: Loved and cherished.
Warnings: Language and violence.
Disclaimers: I do not own Muse, Tom Kirk, or Paul. This is fiction.
Notes: I am absolutely horrible about writing this story. I am so very sorry. I kind of slipped off the BellDom wagon, and am now fully enveloped in Kaizerslash. However, I have had pwoperninjaelf remind me of my duties. Also, I saw Muse for the first time last week, and my love for them has been renewed again, so I'm all fresh and happy. BEST SHOW I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! (Until May when I saw Kaizers Orchestra XD)
It’s still dark by the time I reach my house. The rain had started up again shortly after I left Matt’s, so my hair is pressed to my face, and my skin feels like it’s freezing off my bones. My mobile’s broken, so I can’t call anyone for a lift. And even though I’ve had a couple hours to think things through, I’m still pretty shocked and confused about it all.
The light’s on downstairs, indicating that it’s sometime after 5:30, which is when my mom gets up for work. Remembering that my key’s at Matt’s, I gently knock on the door. It only takes a moment before it’s slowly opened, and my mom’s confused face pokes out.
“Dominic? What happened? Where are your clothes? What’s this bruise?” She pulls me in quickly, pointing at the purple splotch on my shoulder. “Are you ok? Have you been raped? Oh god, what happened?”
I wait for her questions to stop before I begin an answer. “I’m fine. A little cold, but ok.” Half a lie, but I’m really too tired and confused to be having a proper conversation.
“I’ll make you a cuppa. You get changed and dry, and tell me what happened.” She walks into the kitchen, opening drawers and cupboards.
I turn to trudge up the stairs to my room, dumping my wet clothes into the hamper and pulling on some PJs. My leg’s got a big bruise, and my shoulder, a small one. I don’t understand why Paul did this to me, but I realize that it should have been expected. I was treated much worse in Stockport, so this is pretty tolerable, I suppose. I’m worried about Matt though, because he’s stuck with him. Paul knows Matt much more than he knows me, and is therefore much more likely to act worse with him.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like this situation was predictable. Matt’s hinted that Paul didn’t approve. Like the first time we talked about sexuality, when he said that some people don’t understand him, but he’s learned how to avoid the subject around them. Or when I pointed out the DVD shelf, and he said that Paul wasn’t a fan of those movies. It wouldn’t have made a difference, keeping them with the other movies, unless Paul really didn’t like them. Also, Matt hardly had me over, and even still, only if Paul wasn’t home. Except, of course, when we had music earlier in the year. But we were hardly a couple then, and very exclusive.
But Paul always came across as such a nice guy.
“Dominic?” My mom asks, opening my door. “What’s wrong? Please, tell me what happened.” She rubs my back and pulls me towards her.
I’m crying. “I don’t even know.” I sink my shoulders and sigh. “I was thrown out of the house. Paul beat me a bit, threw my shite out the door, and I don’t even know what’s happening with Matt.”
“Oh Dom, honey.” She pulls me in for an even tighter hug. “Do you want me to take you there now? To check up on him?”
“Nah,” I throw my arm through the air. “I’ll see him at school. Maybe he can explain it to me, why this happened. I’m ok though. I’m just a little shocked, very cold and even more tired.”
“Ok, you come down and have your tea, then try to get some rest for school. You can miss first class if you need.” She makes to leave the room. “Do you want me to tell your dad what happened?”
“If you want.” I follow her. “But he’ll probably have a lot of questions I can’t answer yet.”
“I only have one more, for the moment.” I nod her on. “Are you and Matt going to be ok? I mean, I only just found out you were together, and I don’t even have any pictures yet. And you two look so cute together. You really do. And you’ve been so much happier lately.”
“To be honest, I have no idea. I can’t see him calling it off any time soon willingly, but who knows. I mean, Paul has a strong influence over Matt. Especially because their parents left them last year. They only have each other. But again, I have no idea. I need to talk to him first. I don’t want it to end. Not ever.” I wipe my eyes and take a seat at the table, wrapping my damp hands around my hot cup.
“Well, if it’s needed, Matthew can stay here. Not in your room, for obvious reasons, but we could set up the sofa for a bit. You let him know that.”
I nod. It would be nice to have Matt here, and pushing my own personal thoughts aside, it might be better for him. I will definitely bring that up.
“I really wish I could stay here for you, Dommy, but I have to go to work.” She frowns, wrinkles forming between her brows. “I love you.”
I nod, shooing her off and sipping from my steaming tea. The door silently clicks shut, and I find myself alone. I can faintly hear my father’s snores from upstairs, but I have a feeling that he would bring me the opposite of comfort, so I sit in my own silence.
I put my mug down, lost in thought about what it would be like to have Matt living here. His loud giggle as he finds my hidden collection of super tight shirts I wore in Stockport. Waking up to his falsettos in the shower every morning. Maybe I could purposefully fall asleep on the couch with him, faking that I was too lazy to drag myself upstairs.
Or the nights when my parents are both at work, and we could cuddle up in my room with the music on low. I would rub my thumb in circles on the back of his hand as he rests against my chest, and we would be talking about anything and everything we wanted. We’d have to make sure the door was locked though, so Chris couldn’t run in and beg for a safe haven from his sisters.
“Dom?”
I jerk my head up and wipe the drying drool from my cheek. “Huh.”
“What are you doing sleeping on the counter? I thought you were at Matt’s.”
I stretch my arms and rub at the side of my face that had been pressed to the hard counter. “I was, yeah, but I’m home now. What time is it?”
“Half seven. You should get ready for school.”
“Nnnng.” I close my eyes. “Mom says I can miss first class. I’m not feeling too well.”
“Oh.” He looks into my eyes. “Need something?”
“No, I think some rest will be enough for now.”
I can see that he knows I’m keeping something from him, but I don’t have the energy to explain last night. Especially when I don’t even know what happened myself. I slowly carry myself up the staircase, tripping on the last one and stumbling across the wood floors to my room. With a loud thud, I fall onto my mattress, sinking my head into my pillow and closing my eyes.
“Stop!” I can hear Matt shouting as I press my ear against the front door to his house. If I listen carefully enough, I can hear him whimpering. “Leave me alone.”
“Leave you alone? You… Thing. You’ve soiled my house. You’ve spread your sick germs over everything. I’m liable to catch this curse.”
“Don’t be an idiot. You can’t catch gayness.”
I hear Matt wail as Paul beats on him. “Don’t talk down on me. I won’t have any of your crap. You’re going to wash this entire house. Top to bottom, side to side. I don’t want to see ANYTHING that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned. And when you’re done, you’re going to bathe yourself in disinfectant.”
“That’ll burn my skin!”
Another smack. “That’s the fucking price you pay for being a girl. Get to work.”
I hear steps approaching the door, and I run to hide at the side of the house. I have to save Matt. I have to get him out of this place.
I awaken with a scream, smacking my head on the corner of the desk next to my bed. “Ah, fuck!” I shout, panting and trying to collect my thoughts.
“Dominic? What’s wrong?” My dad runs into the room in a panic.
“I need to go,” I mumble, pulling myself out of bed and throwing on some socks.
“I hope it’s to the hospital. Your head’s bleeding.”
I wipe the back of my hand across my forehead, surprised to find a thick trail of red. “No, it doesn’t hurt that bad. I need to go to school. I need to find Matt.”
“Dom.” He reaches for me, holding my shoulders with firm hands. “Sit down. Tell me what’s happening.”
“No. I need Matthew! I need to make sure he’s ok.”
“Can we at least make sure you don’t need stitches? What did you do?”
“I hit my desk.” I say, trying to regain my thoughts. Taking in my surroundings, it starts to clue in that I had only had a bad dream. Matt’s probably sitting at his desk at school. He’s probably pinching his nose in laughter at a silly joke the kid next to him made. He’s probably wondering where the hell I am, and worried if I’m upset with him over last night. I should go to school. “I think I had a nightmare. I’m ok.”
“You haven't had one of those in months," he tisks. "Sit here, and don’t muck up the sheets. I’ll be right back.” My dad turns out of the room, presumably to get something for my cut.
I pull out my mobile, temporarily forgetting that the screen was smashed. How am I supposed to text Chris?
My dad walks back in, carrying a damp cloth and a large Band-Aid. He bends down in front of me, pressing the wet fabric against my face.
“Ah, that hurts.” I whine, backing away. He rolls his eyes, continuing to clean the blood off me.
---
“Dom, jeez, what happened?” Tom asks as I take my seat next to him in Art.
“Stuff. Have you seen Matt? Is he ok?”
“No, we thought he was with you. Where have you been? You look like shite.”
“I’m really worried. Paul had a freak out last night, hence my state, other than my face. I did that to myself. And I need to know if Matt’s ok. I’m really worried.”
“Paul? Matt’s brother had a freak out? What happened?”
“I don’t even know. We were just sleeping, and then I was being kicked out of the house. He broke my phone.”
“What an asshole.” Tom stands up. “Let’s beat some sense into him.”
“I’m not sure that’s the proper way to go about things. I just want my boyfriend back.”
“School’s out in an hour. If we wait Chris, can come along too. Sound good?”
“I guess.” I frown, pulling out my portfolio and choosing what drawing to work on for the class.
---
“Ok, I’ll go to the door myself. If you don’t hear from me in ten to fifteen minutes, I would love for you to come save me. Or, you know, if you hear the sound of death, you might want to check on that too.”
“Where are we supposed to wait?” Chris asks, standing in the middle of the empty street.
“I don’t know. Right there? You can move if a car comes, obviously.” I turn towards the small house, taking a tentative step towards it. I don’t know why I’m so scared. It’s not like I was treated that badly last night, but past experiences have led me to fear jerks like Paul.
“Hey, Dom!” Jeremy shouts across the field. “Hey, wait up.”
I stop walking, turning to glare at the boy who’d not spoken to me in nearly a month. “What do you want?” I ask coldly.
“Easy, Man. I just wanted to apologize for the way I’ve been acting. You being gay doesn’t change anything. In fact, I think I kind of knew anyway.”
Tugging on the straps of my bag and taking a deep breath through my nose, I smile weakly. “Yeah?”
“Yup. Hey, why don’t we go out some place, catch up a bit. We haven’t really spoken in a while.”
“Yeah, sure.” I jog the tiny distance between us, eager to reunite with my best friend. “Where do you want to go?”
“I dunno. Somewhere to eat. There’s this new place down the street, I’ve heard it’s pretty good. We should go there.” He grins, though something is odd about it. Almost mischievous.
I follow closely next to him, talking about the past few weeks, and how rough my science teacher is. He laughs, agreeing that Ms. Hadfield is indeed an incompetent woman. Wrapping an arm around my neck and ruffling my hair, Jeremy grins. “I’m going to miss you Dom.”
“Yeah, I missed you- Wait. You what?”
I hardly have any time to react as a gang of seven or eight boys surround me. My bag is ripped from my shoulders and thrown out of view. Someone laughs as another person shoves me forwards, letting me fall into yet another person who pushes me away in return. I’m tossed about in an endless cycle.
“Little Dommy is a faggot.” Jeremy spits, kicking my shin. I cry in pain, but can’t move as my arms are held behind me. “I don’t like faggots,” he whispers into my ear before punching my jaw and stomach in one simultaneous blow.
I jump, from the memories flooding through my brain. I don’t care what kind of violence Paul is inflicting. I won’t let Matt be treated poorly in any way. I won’t let him go through what I did. Nothing even half as bad.
Taking a deep breath, I knock on the thin wood. There is no answer, so I knock again. Still silence.
“Open the door!” I shout, quickly glancing at Tom and Chris behind me. “It’s Dom, and I demand you open the door.”
The door swings open, revealing a grubby looking man in his PJs. “I don’t want you here anymore.” Paul glares. “I don’t want you near my brother. He is not gay, this is just a faze, and I want you to leave.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I saw the way you were snuggling last night, with that dumb movie paused on the telly. I’m not an idiot.”
“That’s not what I meant. How can you think that this is just a silly faze? How can you think so poorly of your brother? What’s wrong with two blokes loving each other? Tell me. I need to know why so many people have a problem with this? We’re not hurting anyone. We’re not doing anything wrong.”
“It is wrong though. It’s sick and diluted. How is the world going to keep its population up if everyone’s falling for this new craze? How are people going to keep from AIDS? It’s always been, and should always remain, man and woman.”
I laugh at this. Is this seriously what he believes? Can this really be what people view me as? “You’ve got it all wrong.” I shake my head, not allowing him to win this battle. “Firstly, the world is having no problems with its population. If you hadn’t noticed, we’ve got well over seven billion people occupying it right now. Secondly, this isn’t a fad or whatever. It’s always been this way, only now it’s becoming more acceptable. That’s a good thing, by the way. Thirdly, anyone can catch diseases. The key is to be safe and clean. We’re not even doing anything that would get us such a horrible thing as that. All we’re doing is loving each other. Can’t you see that?”
As Paul struggles to think of a repent, I notice Matthew sneak up behind him, watching from inside.
“Can’t you see we’re happy together?” I wipe a tear off my cheek, sniffling loudly. “I need him.”
Matt pushes past Paul at this moment, nearly knocking me over in a hug so strong I can’t breathe. I wrap my arms around his slender body as well, grinning into his bonyy shoulder.
“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Paul shouts, trying to pull Matt off me. “Stop it! Not out here! People will see.”
Matt slowly removes himself from his hold on me, still gripping my hand with a shaky fist. “I love him.” He smiles, watching Paul’s disbelieving expression. “I’m not going to leave him because you say so. I know you think you’re protecting me or something. Trying to save me from the heartbreak of losing people again. But all you’re doing is creating more pain. He’s not Mom. He’s not Dad. He’s Dominc Howard.”
Sighing, Paul leans against the door frame, looking deep into his brother’s oceanic eyes. He just stands there, staring for minutes. No one says anything further. We’re just waiting.
“Fine.” He flicks his wrist out. “Go. Do whatever it is you do. Be happy or whatever. I need a drink.”
With that said, he turns around, closing himself in the house. I look at Matt, not sure whether to be happy or terrified by that response. The wonky toothed grin I’m met with, however, answers my fears.
“He gave in. He actually gave in,” he squeaks, almost in shock. “I mean, I’m going to have to work on this more. He’s obviously not going to suddenly be happy with this, but he’s giving us a chance.” Matt spins into my chest, giggling.
“I was so scared earlier,” I whisper. “About what he could have been doing to you. If he was hurting you.”
“Just my heart,” he sighs into my neck. “He wouldn’t let me leave. He wouldn’t say anything to me either, just that I wasn’t allowed to leave.”
Another set of arms worm their way around me from behind. I let out a shocked gasp as I realize it’s Tom. “Group hug!” He sings terribly as Chris also joins in, leaving Matt and I a pancake in the middle.
All of us descend into a hysterical fit of laughter, slowly falling out of each other’s arms. Tom decides we should go to his house, watch some Doctor Who and calm down from the day’s events. “We haven’t even celebrated last night yet!” He remembers with disapproval, tugging on mine and Chris’ arms, my hand automatically linking with Matt’s, and dragging us down the street. “Partay!” He shouts.
What a day.