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monaboyd Aug. 21st, 2007 07:00 am)
dylan-dufresne.livejournal.com posting in monaboyd Aug. 21st, 2007 07:00 am)Title: With A Little Help From My Friends - 47/47
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: PG-ish
Summary: An early morning surprise and the journey home, in more ways than one.
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated as it’s my drug of choice. Many thanks to my beta,frojane.
Special Thanks: Toloki_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: One last *small* warning of angst.
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 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46
Chapter 47
One morning, Billy arrives at the rehab facility earlier than usual, having woken up before his alarm and deciding to spend the extra time with Dom. The halls are quiet because most of the patients are still sleeping, and he’s moving almost silently towards Dom’s room when a nurse spots him and waves hello. Because of the time Billy’s spent here over the last while, supporting Dom as he relearns to walk, the staff has gotten to know his face, and he’s made a point of learning their names. He’s grateful for the care they’ve given Dom, helping him through such a difficult time.
“Good morning, Annie,” he says softly when she draws near.
“You two are twins today,” she replies with a smile. “Dom’s already awake.”
Billy’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “He is?”
“He’s down in the lounge,” Annie tells him, gesturing to her left. “While he was eating breakfast he mentioned something about watching the sunrise. I brought him some tea, and I haven’t heard a thing since.”
“Thank you.”
Moving in the direction that Annie pointed in, Billy wastes no time getting to the lounge, only to stop short in the doorway, transfixed by the sight before him. The room is empty except for Dom, his wheelchair parked by the window and a mug of tea cradled between his palms. What has caused Billy to pause is the expression on Dom’s face as he watches the sun ever so slowly push the night away, and reclaim the sky.
For several long moments Billy tries to place it, give it a name, and he finally decides on peaceful. There is no stiffness in the way Dom is holding himself, his posture relaxed, eyes free of anxiety and fear. With his head tipped to one side, Dom simply gazes out the window, as though he’s at home, curled up in their bed, and fresh from a good night’s sleep. As Billy watches, the younger man draws in a deep breath and then smiles.
“Hi Bills.”
“How did-”
“After five years of living together, I’d better know your after shave,” Dom supplies as he looks over at Billy, eyes soft and gentle. “Good morning.”
“Aye, it is,” the Scotsman agrees.
“You’re early.”
“Wanted to see you,” Billy says simply, and starts to walk towards him, shrugging out of his coat.
He’s halfway across the room when Dom holds up a hand and says, “Wait!” in a firm voice.
“What?”
Not answering Billy, Dom sets the almost empty mug down on the windowsill, turns his wheelchair so it’s facing Billy, and sets the brake. It’s only when Dom reaches toward a nearby couch that Billy spots a metal cane lying on the cushions, and his heart skips a beat when he realizes what Dom is about to attempt. Tossing his coat over to a nearby chair, he opens his mouth to caution the younger man, but can’t form the words, fearful that any negative thoughts will cause Dom to falter. Silently, Billy watches Dom shift forward in the chair, plant his bare feet on the carpeted floor and then slowly push himself up into a wobbly, standing position. This time Sean isn’t there to steady him, offer support, or help bear his weight. This time, Dom’s doing it all on his own.
“Dommie,” Billy breathes at the sight, amazed at the accomplishment, and the progress that Dom has made.
Leaning slightly to the left and firmly clutching the handle of the cane for balance, Dom takes a deep breath to fortify himself, and then their eyes meet. A tentative first step is taken, and then another, and another, Billy’s eyes growing wider with every inch that Dom moves forward. Each shuffling step represents hours of hard work and determination, fueled by love.
The urge to step forward, to be ready to rush in case Dom’s unsteady legs give way, is strong, but Billy resists, choosing to believe Dom is right in his belief that he can do this. With his heart pounding wildly against the wall of his chest and nearly bursting with pride, Billy watches Dom take another three steps, pause to smile, and then start to move forward again, the exertion clear on his face, but there is also joy.
Even though it only takes a minute or so, it feels like an hour passes while Dom makes his way across the room to Billy. When he’s down to the last five steps, clearly growing tired now, Billy opens his arms.
“You’re almost there, love,” he says encouragingly. “Come to me.”
Billy glances down as Dom steps into the space between his hands and notices that he’s shaking, emotions from the months of wondering if they’d ever get back to this crashing over him in waves. When Dom’s fingers touch his shoulder, Billy wraps his arms snugly around his lover’s waist to support his weight, and then the younger man all but falls into the embrace as his knees buckle.
“You did it, Dommie,” Billy murmurs joyfully, placing several kisses to the side of Dom’s neck, and then laughter is bubbling up in his throat. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Bills-”
“Let’s sit down, yeah?” Billy interjects smoothly, moving them both over to the nearest couch, bearing the majority of Dom’s weight.
For several minutes they don’t speak, the couple curling into one another, Billy’s fingers stroking the damp hair at the nape of Dom’s neck as he rocks back and forth. Dom’s arms tighten around Billy’s torso, his face pressed into the side of Billy’s throat, enjoying the comfort of the embrace, and the knowledge that his wheelchair bound days are numbered. Soon, he’ll be free of it. Forever. All the hard work and pain has been worth it, because he was able to walk to his beloved Billy.
“Do you want to go back to your room?” Billy asks softly. “I can bring the chair over, if you’re too tired.”
“No.”
“How about a blanket? You’ve got bare feet, and it’s wee bit chilly in here.”
“I want to come home,” Dom says quietly, pulling back so he can look into Billy’s caring eyes.
“I know. Soon.”
“No,” Dom corrects. “Today.”
“Dommie-”
“I can practice walking at the flat,” Dom insists. “With you. I’ll get stronger there.”
“Are you sure?” Billy asks warily, the uncertainty clear in his expression. “I don’t want you to go too fast and then-”
A long finger is gently pressed to Billy’s bow shaped lips. “I’m ready. I want to come home,” Dom repeats.
Overjoyed at the mere thought of having Dom back in their flat, in their bed tonight, Billy breaks out into a smile. “Then let’s get you back to your room so you can pack while I’ll take care of the paperwork. I’m sure Cate and Sean will want to say goodbye.”
“Yeah?” Dom asks, his eyes lighting up. “Today?”
Drawing Dom close, Billy captures his waiting mouth in a kiss, full of passion and longing, lips parting and tongues touching. When a sigh bubbles up in Dom’s throat, he smiles, and lets his hand slide down the younger man’s side in a gentle caress. It’s only when their lungs demand air that they part, but stay pressed together, Billy nuzzling Dom affectionately.
“Let’s go home.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It’s not until Billy pulls the car into the parking space behind the book shop that Dom’s belly twists into a quivering knot, and anxiety rushes through him.
“Bills-”
“Yeah, love?”
“I’m not sure I can make it up the stairs just yet,” Dom explains. “I’ve been working on it-”
“If it’s all right by you,” Billy interjects smoothly, “I’d rather us try navigating the stairs another day. As long as you don’t mind getting carried over the threshold.”
“But I’m heavy,” Dom protests, even as a smile turns up the corners of his mouth, informing Billy that the romantic in him loves the idea.
“It’ll be fine,” Billy promises, gives Dom a quick peck on the cheek, and then slips out of the car.
With Billy’s keys clutched in Dom’s hand, the couple manages to maneuver their way inside with only a few wobbly moments, Billy hefting Dom’s weight with ease, or so he makes it appear. In the foyer, Billy pauses, and waits until their eyes meet.
“Where would you like to sit? The couch? The-”
“Bedroom, please,” Dom murmurs in reply. “I’ve missed it.”
“Okay.”
“Can we stop in the loo first?”
“The tiny bladder strikes again,” Billy teases. “Some things never change.”
Dom laughs. “You’re crazy.”
“About you,” Billy agrees, his eyes filled with memories.
As requested, Billy carries Dom down the hall to their bedroom, and then carefully guides him into the loo. He slows the pace there as he steadies the younger man, because Dom insists on attempting to walk a few more steps, wanting to regain his strength as soon as possible. With Billy’s arm wrapped around his waist and leaning on his cane, Dom uses the facilities and then they make the short journey to the bed. Dom’s shoes are removed before he stretches out on top of the coverlet, their tartan blanket covering his lower half.
“You need to get downstairs, Bills,” Dom comments as he glances at the clock on the night stand. “It’s time to open the shop.”
“But-”
“I’ll be fine.”
Pursing his lips for a moment, Billy walks over to his side of the bed and picks up the cordless phone sitting on the night stand before returning to Dom’s side.
“Start calling and telling people that you’re home,” Billy tells him as he hands over the phone. “I was going to have a ‘Welcome Home’ party, but I should’ve known that you’d improve faster than the supposed experts said you would.”
“Aww, Bills-”
“Start with your Mum. It’ll make her day.”
“I will,” Dom promises.
Gazing down at Dom fondly, Billy smiles. “I’ll be right downstairs. Call me when you need anything. I mean it.”
Their lips meet in a gentle kiss, and linger until Dom starts to laugh.
“Go, before I pull you into this bed,” he warns playfully.
“Don’t tempt me.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
As instructed, Dom calls his parents in Manchester, and speaks to his mother for a few minutes while she’s on a break at the hospital. Next on his list is Orlando, who is overjoyed at the news, and promises to come by in an hour for a visit. A quick call is made to Mark and Emily, where Dom leaves a message on their answering machine, to thank them again for all they did to help, and to let them know he’s home now.
It’s after Dom hangs up the phone that he looks around the bedroom, taking in every detail, grateful that he doesn’t have to imagine being here anymore. He no longer has to cling to his dreams about how things used to be, because he’s finally home. Shifting down on the bed, Dom rolls onto his side and pulls Billy’s pillow to his chest before smiling and closing his eyes for a quick nap. He’s sleepy, and it’s been a very busy morning.
After twenty minutes, Dom awakens, and he’s immediately filled with the desire to explore the flat that he’s missed so much. Aside from the one night that he spent here with Billy, before he was moved to the rehab facility, Dom hasn’t been home in several months. Even though he promised Billy to call if he needed anything, the urge to try to manage on his own is stronger, and before Dom knows it, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, toes barely touching the floor. Using his cane for balance, Dom carefully pushes himself up, and then focuses on the bedroom door.
“All right, then,” he says quietly, trying to psyche himself up for the challenge. “You can do this.”
Shuffling forward, Dom moves toward the goal, concentrating on moving the muscles in his legs, keeping them taut, and smiling with satisfaction when he’s rewarded with the sensation of his fingers making contact with the cool metal of the doorknob. The hall stretches out before him, and he can see the doorway to the kitchen in the distance. That seems impossible, too far away right now, so instead, Dom decides on a closer goal. The guest room. There are so many good memories associated with that room, especially with Billy.
It astounds Dom, the energy it takes to move such a short distance, and how he used to take it for granted, every single day. By the time he gets to the guest room, he’s exhausted, and nearly collapses into the chair at the desk. Sweat dampens his brow and the t-shirt he’s wearing, and it takes Dom a few minutes to catch his breath. It’s only then that he realizes that Billy’s been using the room in his absence.
Stacks of books and countless loose sheets of papers cover the desk, and Dom flips through several piles, touched when he discovers that it’s research on spinal cord injuries, studies on recovery, the best treatments available, and advice on living with the disability. Not that he’d ever doubted what Billy told him, that they would find a way to make it work, to see the evidence touches Dom deeply. His eyes are bright with emotion when he moves his attention to a pile of official looking papers sitting off to the side, and when he reads the top page, his heart skips a beat.
“What the fuck?” he whispers.
Scanning the documents, Dom’s belly twists into a tight, aching knot and a hand covers his mouth to muffle the cry of distress. If he understands the papers correctly, it appears that Billy has taken out a fairly substantial loan, and has used the book shop as collateral. Silently, Dom curses himself, for he was clearly too wrapped up in his own life to notice that the shop isn’t doing well. A moment later, he reexamines that theory, and decides that doesn’t make any sense, because a bank wouldn’t loan money to a business that was going under.
Desperate for more information, in the hopes of understanding what’s going on, Dom flips through the papers, and pauses when he spots the letterhead of the rehab centre. It’s an official receipt of payment for services rendered, he notes, and then gasps at the amount listed at the bottom of the page. This must be just one receipt of several, Dom realizes, and his heart sinks. This has be the reason for the loan.
Because of Dom and his injury, Billy has put the book shop in jeopardy, using it as a guarantee for the loan. He’s risking his dream, and it’s all Dom’s fault.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Glancing at his watch and then up at the ceiling, Billy smiles to himself.
“Think you can mange down here for a few minutes?” he asks Drew.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” the younger man replies with a nod, as he’s grown more confident in recent months, with Billy’s support and guidance.
“I won’t be long,” Billy promises. “Just need to make Dom some lunch.”
“Take your time and say hi to Dom for me,” Drew requests, and Billy waves before disappearing up the stairs.
Billy’s cheery mood carries him into the flat, past the foyer and into the kitchen, and it’s only after surveying what’s in the refrigerator that he moves toward the bedroom. After months of hospital food, Dom will surely enjoy having some choices for what he’d like to eat, and Billy’s looking forward to spoiling Dom. He’s almost halfway down the hall when he hears a sharp intake of breath coming from the open door of the guest room.
A few steps later, Billy is greeted by the sight of Dom sitting at the desk, quickly scribbling out words on a notepad and brushing at his damp cheeks with his free hand.
“Dommie?” Billy says, shocked to discover his lover out of bed. “What are you doing in here? Why didn’t you call me?”
The distress in Dom’s expression is unmistakable as he looks up briefly to meet Billy’s gaze, and then he returns his attention to the paper in front of him.
“I’m writing my letter of resignation,” Dom replies after clearing his throat and trying to pull himself together. “I’m not going back to the Centre.”
“Why not? Have you talked to Janeanne?” Billy inquires, confused as to why Dom would quit when the work means so much to him. “I spoke to her the other day and she said quite a few people have asked about you, how you’re doing.” Moving further into the room, Billy leans against the desk and reaches out, laying a hand on Dom’s shoulder, saddened when he realizes that the younger man is shaking. “Dommie?”
“I’ll find another job,” Dom says, mustering up all his strength. “Two, if I have to.”
“Dom, you need to take it easy, go slowly,” Billy cautions. “You’ve just got out of hospital.”
“You said we’d never make it if we weren’t honest with each other,” Dom chokes out, looking up at Billy again, eyes filled with hurt.
“Aye, I said that,” Billy confirms, his brow furrowing in confusion. “And I meant it.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me about this?” Dom demands, grabbing a handful of the documents he’d discovered and pushing them under Billy’s nose. “You took out a loan on the shop. Because of me.”
“Shite,” Billy curses under his breath. “Dom, let me explain.”
“You told me that business in the shop was good,” Dom fires back. “You knew that I didn’t want you to put it in jeopardy for me. You knew how I felt about that.”
“That’s not what I did,” Billy says firmly. “Now will you shut it for a minute?”
Silently nodding, Dom keeps his lips pressed together as Billy turns the chair he’s sitting in until it’s facing the bed, and then the Scotsman sits down on the navy coverlet so they’re face to face. He takes a moment to scan the papers Dom pushed at him, and then sets them aside.
“Aye, I admit, I took out a loan, insured by the shop,” Billy begins, and rushes to add, “But it wasn’t because of what happened to you.”
“Then why?” Dom whispers dejectedly, as he’s clearly unconvinced. “What could possibly be important enough to make you risk your dream?”
“A few days ago I put an offer on the space next door, the shoe shop that moved out last month,” Billy reveals. “I wasn’t lying when I told you that the book shop is doing well. It’s doing even better than I hoped. Before everything that happened in December, I was thinking about expanding and then-”
“You were attacked,” Dom supplies quietly. “And I got shot.”
“But it’s not just about making the shop bigger,” Billy continues with a nod. “I had an idea, and I didn’t know how I was going to make it work. Then I heard that the space was going to be available, and it all fell into place.”
Confused, Dom frowns. “I don’t understand.”
“One evening, you were working late, and I didn’t feel like cooking, so Aaron and I went to Tony’s for pizza,” Billy says gently, knowing that the subject of the boy is a painful one. “Sometime during the night I couldn’t sleep, and I got up, made myself a cup of tea. Aaron found me in the kitchen, and we talked for a while.”
Guilt washes over Dom at the memory of the young man he was unable to save, and the mental image of his brutalized body lying on metal table in the morgue makes Dom’s chest ache.
“I’m sorry,” Billy whispers, his tone filled with regret. “I know it hurts to hear about Aaron, but he was the one who encouraged me to try to do this. We talked that night, and he listened as I told him what I’d come up with so far, the rough idea, anyway.” Pausing to take a calming breath, Billy reaches out and gives Dom’s left knee a gentle squeeze. “I told him that I wanted to get the neighborhood involved in helping the people who need it most, and how I thought it was possible that I might be able to make it work. Aaron thought it was worth exploring and that it would be a great birthday present for you.”
“He would’ve made it, don’t you think?” Dom asks quietly, tears gathering at the corners of his expressive eyes. “He could’ve had a good life.”
“Aye, I think so,” Billy agrees, taking Dom’s outstretched hand and lacing their fingers together. “He was special, like you.”
“Special,” Dom repeats to himself. “Yeah.”
“I’m so proud of the work you’ve done, the people you’ve helped,” Billy says, his eyes unusually bright. “I’m amazed at the difference you’ve made in so many lives, but I must confess, I’ve missed you, missed what we had, working side by side. I want to support you in something that is so close to your heart, and I thought maybe if I could find a way to contribute, then perhaps you wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
“Bills-”
“I thought maybe, you’d let me help,” Billy continues, almost hesitant, holding Dom’s hand a wee bit tighter. “I’ve talked to some shop owners, and a few have agreed to take on an employee, to help give them a new start. It’s not a hand out, but a chance to start over. They’d work, learn valuable skills, and earn a fair wage.”
“Like Drew, working in the book shop,” Dom adds, thinking aloud. “Like how I did.”
“Exactly. The idea came to me because of how you started over,” Billy replies. “I thought it might work for others, give them a chance to help themselves.”
“You talked to people about this?” Dom inquires.
“Aye. Mike at the pub is looking for someone who wants to learn the business side of things, help him manage the place as well as learn to work behind the bar,” Billy replies. “I talked to Carrie, the owner of the floral shop down the street, and she’s willing to train someone in horticulture. Tony’s is looking for kitchen staff, and the patisserie shop is looking for someone who’s interesting in learning about baking and cakes. Plus, I’ll need someone to run the café here at the book shop.”
Dom raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Café?”
“Aye, I thought with the expansion, I could put a few couches in, some tables and comfortable chairs. Along with serving coffee or tea, the café could sell treats from the bakery, and maybe have a couple of authors come in,” Billy explains. “It would give people a place to sit and talk about books with others, or sit by themselves and enjoy reading.”
“That sounds nice.”
“I’ve told the owners that the majority of the kids they hire would be temporary and that eventually, they’d move on,” Billy continues. “Some might decide to go home, others to school, but in the meantime, they’d learn some skills so they can provide for themselves. They’d never have to resort to standing on a corner, or begging because they don’t have a choice. I talked to Mary-Ann yesterday, and she’s offered to help anyone who wants to try to complete their schooling, just like you did.”
When Billy pauses, Dom leans back in the chair and exhales heavily, their hands resting on his thigh. “You did all this, and didn’t tell me.”
“I wanted to see if it would work before I got your hopes up,” Billy adds softly. “I didn’t want to disappoint you if I failed, and now I’m wondering if maybe I made a mistake. This is your world, not mine. I didn’t mean to-”
“Bills, stop. Everything you’ve done sounds great, incredible, actually,” Dom says, his brow furrowed in thought. “I’m not sure how it’ll work with where they’re living, but I guess it’s one thing at a time. I know Janeanne was trying to get funding for some affordable housing-”
“I have a suggestion for that, too,” Billy cautiously supplies after Dom trails off. “One thing I remember about you being at the Centre was that there was never enough space for people who wanted out, and that they didn’t have the money to get started in a decent place on their own.”
“Yeah,” Dom says miserably, remembering all too well the struggle to find a safe place for someone in desperate need. “There’s always more need than spaces available. How are you going to change that?”
“I was thinking that the upstairs of the shop next door could be renovated, turned into a dormitory,” Billy replies. “Individual rooms with single beds. It wouldn’t be anything fancy, but it would be clean and safe, and-”
“How are you going to pay for all this?” Dom interrupts. “I don’t want you to keep throwing money at a problem that’s not going to go away.”
“I’m not expecting this to make money, Dommie,” Billy tells him. “The goal will be to get the initial investment back, and then run things as a nonprofit organization. Any money made will be put towards making things even better, create more opportunity, maybe even a scholarship program or something. Think about it this way: The kids who stay here, they’ll have a room of their own, share the loo and the kitchen, and only pay a fraction of what they’re used to for rent. The trade off is that they’ll learn about better nutrition, how to budget, save some money, and they’ll have their peers for support.”
“They wouldn’t have to do it alone,” Dom realizes, his fingertips caressing the back of Billy’s hand, sliding back and forth across the platinum band on his ring finger.
“They’d have friends, and they’d have people who believe in them,” Billy finishes with a hopeful smile. “A real chance at a new life.”
“It’s sounds like quite an undertaking,” Dom says aloud, then gnaws on his lower lip. “I’m not sure you can do it all on your own.”
“Alone, I couldn’t,” Billy readily agrees. “I’ll need to have a partner. Someone to coordinate things, make sure the kids are getting what they need, that sort of thing. Someone they can talk to. Relate to.”
“Did you have anyone particular in mind?” Dom asks, watching as Billy looks up from their entwined hands.
“Aye, a bloke I’ve known for some time now,” Billy replies, his gaze meeting Dom’s and holding. “He’s resilient, incredibly smart, brave and passionate.”
“Bills-”
“I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job,” Billy interjects to adds, hope rising up inside him. “He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”
“Shut it,” Dom instructs firmly as he pulls his hand free, causing Billy to inhale sharply. “So I can say yes.”
“Yes?” Billy repeats, shock quickly giving way to joy and lighting up his face. “You’re sure?”
“Bills, you’re talking about a plan, a program, that gives kids a better life, with jobs and a safe place to live, and I’d get to be an integral part of it,” Dom muses aloud, his voice full of wonder. “And to top if off, I’d get to spend time with you.”
“It would be your program,” Billy tells him. “You’d design it, be in charge of things, day to day. I’ve just gotten the ball rolling. Nobody knows better than you what these kids need, because you’ve been through it.”
“This is what I wanted to do, what I was trying to do, working at the Centre,” Dom says, shaking his head. “This could really make a difference.”
“It’s not going be easy,” Billy cautions. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work.”
Dom smiles, almost ruefully, and leans forward, sliding his fingers through Billy’s ginger hair before cupping his cheek. “The same could’ve been said about you and me, considering how we met.”
“Aye.”
“But what I’ve learned, Bills, is that getting the best things in life usually takes a lot of hard work. That’s what makes it all worthwhile."
Sliding off the bed and onto his knees at Dom’s feet, Billy leans forward; capturing Dom’s waiting mouth in several warm kisses before his arms tighten around the younger man. For several long moments they don’t speak, hands gently caressing as lips part and tongues touch. Billy is arching his back, attempting to get closer to Dom, and murmurs of pleasure are being exchanged when a sharp knock interrupts the private moment, causing the older man to groan in frustration.
“Hello?” Orlando calls out as he opens the door a few inches. “Anyone home?”
“C’mon in Orli,” Dom replies, then gives Billy an apologetic look. “Sorry,” he whispers. “I called him.”
“To be continued,” Billy whispers, and gives Dom a quick kiss before rising to his feet.
“Definitely,” Dom agrees.
Appearing in the doorway, Orlando smiles at the couple, not missing their rosy lips and the intimate way they’re looking at one another.
“Should I come back later?” he asks teasingly. “If I’m interrupting . . .”
“Oh, shut it,” Dom retorts with a smile. “Bills, give me a hand, yeah?”
A moment later, Dom is standing, one hand clutching his cane, and he grins when he notices that Orlando is staring at him, wide-eyed and slack jawed.
“Dom-”
“Don’t I get a welcome home hug?” Dom asks mildly.
“What? Of course,” Orlando replies after giving his head a shake. “I, uh, I had no idea-”
“He surprised me with it this morning,” Billy supplies dryly. “Sneaky bugger.”
“You love it,” Dom fires back fondly, and then wraps his free arm around Orlando’s slim torso.
“Congratulations,” Orlando says quietly, giving Dom a careful squeeze and then releasing him. “There are no words to describe how happy I am for you. For you both,” he corrects.
“Thank you.”
“Couch?” Billy asks Dom softly, drawing the back of a crooked finger up and down the small patch of skin between Dom’s elbow and the hem of his t-shirt. “Or-”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Dom replies. “Just stay close.”
“Always.”
A few minutes later, Dom is seated comfortably in the living room, Orlando across from him in the chair, his duffle bag at his feet, and Billy is in the kitchen, making them some tea.
“I’m glad you called,” Orlando begins, keeping his voice low. “We were going to drop by this afternoon for a visit.”
Meaningfully, he looks down at the floor, and Dom’s eyes light up when a soft mewling is heard.
“You brought her?”
“Of course. She pouts if she doesn’t see you often enough,” Orlando tells him, the amusement clear in his tone. “You’re her favorite.”
Leaning down, Orlando reaches into the unzipped bag, and a moment later, Dom is trying to stifle his laughter as the newly awaken puppy eagerly laps at his neck and burrows into his touch.
“She’s getting so big,” Dom comments, his voice full of wonder. “I suppose it won’t be long before you’ll be finding her a home.”
“Yeah, she’s ready anytime now,” Orlando replies, not missing the faint regret in Dom’s words, even though he’s trying to hide it. “But I wanted you to have a chance to see her.”
“To say goodbye,” Dom adds quietly, blinking rapidly to clear away the excess moisture. “Thank you.”
“You like milk and sugar in your tea, don’t you, Orli?” Billy asks as he enters the room, carefully setting the tray down on the coffee table.
It’s when the older man turns to sit down beside Dom that he notices the furry bundle cradled to Dom’s chest, and the guilty look in his eyes.
“Bills-”
“I’m assuming that this is the furry female who has stolen your heart,” he declares, watching as Dom’s jaw drops open in shock.
“You knew?”
“Of course I did,” Billy replies with a smile. “After you called on New Year’s Eve, I had a talk with Viggo, and Orli as well. I was thanking him for all he had done, and he wouldn’t take all the credit. He claimed that he had help.”
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Dom says, tipping his head to one side and gazing at the chocolate colored puppy, smiling when she delicately licks the tip of his index finger.
“She’s lovely,” Billy agrees.
“Orli brought her over so I could say goodbye,” Dom adds and then turns his attention to the small animal that has become fascinated with the collar of his t-shirt. “Did you hear that, sweetheart? You’ve got a family waiting for you. They’re going to love you, and take really good care of you.”
Letting his eyes close, Dom rubs his cheek against the top of her head and sighs quietly, stroking her rounded body, remembering when she was so small that she fit in the palm of his hand. He’s tremendously grateful for the tiny charge, and how she comforted him during some very difficult days, simply by needing him, and freely giving her affection, expecting so little in return. The warmth of Dom’s hand and to be nestled close to his heart was the extent of the puppy’s needs, and nothing made her happier than when he cuddled her close.
“You’ve got a good home for her, yeah?” he asks, looking up to meet Orlando’s caring gaze.
“The best,” the vet replies. “I promise.”
“Good.”
A ragged breath escapes Dom’s mouth, and he closes his eyes again to prevent the tears that have suddenly sprung to his eyes from falling. He knew this day was coming, but now it’s here, and it seems all too soon.
“Is she going there with a name?” Orlando asks gently. “Or would you prefer not to? I meant it when I said you could name her, but-”
Dom exhales sharply, and brushes away the dampness clinging to his eyelashes with his free hand. Then, he cradles the puppy in the crook of his arm, on her back so he can pet her soft belly and tease her small paws.
“Thank you,” he whispers after lowering his head so his lips are touching her floppy ear. “I’ll never forget you, I promise.”
Billy reaches out and lays a hand on Dom’s shoulder. “Dommie-”
“Her name is Lucy,” Dom announces as he looks up.
“Lucy?” Orlando repeats in confusion. “I don’t-”
“Lucy in the sky with diamonds,” Billy explains, a tender smile turning up the corners of his mouth. “The Beatles.”
“You didn’t even have to think about that,” Dom says with amazement, gazing fondly at Billy for a moment and then returning his attention to the animal in his arms.
“I know you.”
“And I should’ve known,” Orlando adds and then leans back, watching Dom tickle the dog’s rounded belly, not pulling back when she licks the end of his nose. “You should put her down, let her explore a bit and get used to the place.”
Confused, Dom arches an eyebrow. “Get used to-”
“She’s yours, Dom,” Orlando confirms, nodding his head. “She’s been yours from the first day I brought her to the hospital. I saw her choose you, and if you want her-”
A wobbly cry of joy bubbles up in Dom’s throat, and then he looks sharply to his right, meeting Billy’s eyes. “Can we-”
Billy’s grin is all the answer Dom needs, and then he’s laughing as Lucy squirms free and proceeds to bathe his cheek with her tongue, paws resting on his shoulder, tail wagging madly.
“I think she’s just what we need,” Billy murmurs tenderly, and leans over to capture Dom’s mouth in a soft kiss. “The perfect addition to the family.”
“We’re home, Lucy,” Dom says happily, shifting so his head is resting on Billy’s shoulder. “We’re home.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Sinking down in the bathtub, Dom sighs with contentment as the heated water surrounds him and soothes his tired muscles. It’s been an eventful and emotional day, and he was eternally grateful when Billy suggested that he have a long soak after dinner. In the distance, Dom can hear Billy cleaning up after their meal, rinsing plates and loading the dishwasher, and he smiles when a flurry of tiny feet race down the hall toward him, nails clicking on the hardwood floor. A moment later, the door is nudged open a few inches and a plaintive whine fills the air.
“I’m right here, Lucy,” Dom replies, pushing himself up in the water and looking over towards the sound.
By the time Dom lifts his hand out of the water and shakes off the excess moisture so it doesn’t drip on the floor, the frisky puppy has moved over to him, and is now standing on her hind legs, front paws braced on the side of the bathtub to steady her.
“Is Bills not paying enough attention to you, love?” Dom asks, smiling when she nuzzles into his hand and licks his fingers affectionately. “I’m sorry.”
When Lucy’s need to be petted has been satisfied, she sits and scratches at the new red collar now decorating her neck, then tips her head to one side, almost studying Dom as though confused.
“You’ll learn about bath time soon enough,” he tells her. “But not tonight.”
“There you are, little lady,” Billy says as he enters the room, shaking his head. “I turned my back for a second-”
Dom laughs, and watches as Billy scoops the puppy up in his arms, cradling her to his chest before murmuring in her ear. A moment later, Lucy yawns widely, and tucks her head under Billy’s chin. It pleases Dom to see Billy bonding with the puppy so quickly, and the ease that he’s incorporated the animal into their lives.
“Do you want to say goodnight before I put her to bed?” Billy asks him.
“Yeah.”
After a kiss to the top of Lucy’s head and a promise that they’ll play tomorrow, Dom’s fingers slide over Billy’s.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll put her down in the kitchen and then I’ll be back to help you, yeah?” Billy tells him. “Her bed’s all ready, and I’ve got some newspaper down.”
“Okay.”
Listening as the two leave the room, Dom reflects on the day’s events, the shock getting to keep Lucy, and how Orlando had planned for it, ensuring that he had all the things they’d need for her. The towel that Orlando used to line the duffle bag is now in her wee bed in the kitchen, small bowls for food and water are next to the refrigerator, several toys are scattered around the living room, and a leash sits on the foyer table. Since Billy was aware of impending surprise, everything has been taken care of, and now they’re ready to turn in for the evening. Dom is so caught up in his thoughts; he’s surprised when Billy’s hand touches his shoulder.
“Where’d you go?” Billy asks quietly, drawing his fingers through Dom’s damp hair.
“You think she’s going to be okay?” Dom inquires. “She’s so small, all alone in there, and-”
“She’ll be fine,” Billy replies gently. “With the door open we’ll be able to hear her, but unless you want to share a bed with a dog for the rest of our lives, we need to set guidelines right away.”
“Okay.”
Once Billy has ensured that he’s got solid footing, he leans over and slides an arm around Dom’s wet torso, bearing most of his weight as the younger man gets to his feet. To steady himself, Dom braces a hand on Billy’s strong shoulder, watching the Scotsman grab the towel that he’d placed nearby earlier, and smiles as he’s wrapped up in the softness. Carefully, with Billy holding him securely, Dom steps out of the bathtub, and together they walk over to the bed. A second towel is used to wipe away the water clinging to Dom’s back, chest and legs, taking special care around the scar on his abdomen, and while Billy disappears into the loo to deal with draining the bathtub, Dom slides back on the bed and settles into a comfortable position, the sheet and coverlet covering him to the waist.
“Thank you,” Dom says when Billy reappears in the doorway. “That was exactly what I needed.”
“You’re very welcome,” Billy replies fondly. “How do you feel?”
“Good. Happy to be home.”
It only takes a few minutes for Billy to peel off his clothing, toss the items in the hamper and then don a t-shirt, and once the worn cotton has been tugged over his head, he looks over at Dom with a quirked eyebrow.
“What?” Dom asks, having rather enjoyed watching his lover casually disrobe in front of him, since it’s been some time since he saw it.
“Are you going to be warm enough?” Billy wonders aloud. “I can get you-”
“You’re practically a furnace, Bills. I’ll be plenty warm,” Dom remarks dryly, causing Billy to laugh.
“You know what I mean. I just want want you to be comfortable.”
“I’ll be fine. Get into bed.”
Acquiescing to Dom’s request without further comment, Billy slides under the coverlet and settles on his pillow, automatically lifting his arm so Dom can curl into his side, and sighs as Dom’s fingers curl around his hip.
“It feels like forever since we did this,” Dom murmurs, relishing in the comfortable intimacy.
“Aye,” Billy agrees, letting his eyes close, letting his other senses take over for a few moments.
“Are you tired?” Dom inquires.
Billy’s non-committal grunt causes Dom to smile.
“Is that a yes or a no?”
Opening his eyes, Billy turns his head so their eyes meet, and then he draws his fingers through silky strands of blonde hair.
“Tired of you?” Billy asks gently. “Never.”
“You’re avoiding the question,” Dom replies, wrinkling his nose. “Why?”
Billy sighs. “You have that look.”
Curious, Dom arches a speculative eyebrow. “What look?”
“The ‘we need to talk’ look,” Billy explains.
“Well, now that you mention it . . .”
“If you don’t want the job, it’s okay,” Billy says, doubt swirling in his mind. “If you’d rather we didn’t work together and live together, I underst-”
“Bills-”
“I just mean, that if it’s too much pressure-”
“It’s not,” Dom interrupts firmly, pressing two fingers to Billy’s mouth to shut him up. “It’s something to look forward to; a goal to work towards. And we worked together for years in the book shop. There were no problems there, yeah?”
“This will be different,” Billy reminds him when he’s allowed to speak again. “We’ll be business partners, in a way.”
“I don’t think you’re trying to take over my career, so you can stop back-pedaling, okay?” Dom states bluntly, giving the older man a knowing look. “Your idea is brilliant, and like you said, you’ve got the ball rolling, but there’s a lot to be done. The possibilities are endless, and you trust me to take care of it. That’s means a lot to me.”
“So you want to do this?” Billy prompts. “You’ll run the program?”
“As long as we can discuss ideas and make decisions together, because I want this to be a joint effort,” Dom replies with a nod. “You’re more than the bloke who donated some space above his book shop. I want to know what you think.”
“Yeah?”
“Bills, you run a successful business, and it’s because of how you helped me that I’m here today, able to even consider such an opportunity,” Dom adds, quietly pleading for Billy to understand his intentions. “I want to share this with you.”
“Then we’ll do this together,” Billy vows solemnly. “Equal partners.”
“Good. Now c’mere,” Dom instructs, smiling just before their mouths meet to seal the deal.
“Things are going to be all right, as long as we’re together,” Billy whispers when their lips part, inhaling deeply to draw Dom’s scent into his lungs.
“Exactly.”
“Is that all you wanted to talk about?” Billy inquires as he pulls back just enough that their eyes meet.
“Actually, there is one thing that, uh, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about, but it just hasn’t seemed to be the right time,” Dom admits, averting his gaze.
“I’m listening.”
“I think it’s past time you stopped treating me like I’m going to break if you breathe too hard on me,” Dom says succinctly. “Specifically, you need to stop avoiding the subject of sex.”
“Dommie-”
“This is my first night home, we’re in bed together, and you’re all covered up,” Dom points out. “Why?”
Guiltily, Billy hangs his head. “I just thought-”
“Shut up and kiss me,” Dom demands, and slides his hand around the nape of Billy’s neck to pull their mouths together, lips meeting in a hungry, open-mouthed exchange.
Billy’s shirt has been dragged up to expose his furry chest and his boxers pushed down over his hips by the time they part for air, Dom’s eyes dark and drowsy with desire, his lips swollen from their passionate kisses.
“That’s much better,” he murmurs, and then dives in again, whimpering when Billy’s small hand slides over the sensual curve of his arse and guides a long leg up to wrap around his hip, bringing their bodies closer.
It’s only the sensation of something unexpected pressing against his inner thigh that causes Billy to break the contact between their mouths, and wide-eyed, he looks down at their entwined limbs.
“Dom-” he gasps in shock. “You’re-”
“Noticed that, did you?” Dom fires back cheekily, rocking his hips forward and rubbing his growing erection against the tented boxer shorts that still cover Billy’s arousal. “It’s a little slow to get going, but-”
“When?”
“It started a couple weeks ago,” Dom explains, almost shyly. “I’d been dreaming about you, and when I woke up, I noticed that there were some new developments downstairs.”
“Have you, uh, tried to-”
“Once,” Dom confirms. “Control isn’t quite there, but it’s-”
“Coming?” Billy supplies suggestively, and then breaks out into a joyful smile when Dom blushes.
“So are you going to take this off or not?” Dom asks, plucking at Billy’s rucked up t-shirt with his fingers. “I was hoping that you’d want to celebrate with me.”
“Tonight?”
“It’s been months since I’ve felt you inside me.”
“We can take it slow,” Billy murmurs tenderly. “There’s no hurry.”
“You want to be with me. Is now a good time?” Dom asks, falling back on a familiar phrase, knowing that his lover will remember it; that first night, when they became lovers.
Instantly, the older man recognizes the words and what they represent, and just like that, Billy feels the uncertainty melt away, releasing a longing that he’s kept bottled up for months. Reverently, he gazes at their entwined bodies, watching as his ringed hand moves down Dom’s bare chest until his fingers are splayed protectively over the scar on his lover’s abdomen. Relieved that they are once again whole, Billy smiles and surrenders to joy, knowing that their future is bright.
“Now works for me.”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Epilogue
Author:
dylan_dufresne Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: PG-ish
Summary: An early morning surprise and the journey home, in more ways than one.
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: One last *small* warning of angst.
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 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46
Chapter 47
One morning, Billy arrives at the rehab facility earlier than usual, having woken up before his alarm and deciding to spend the extra time with Dom. The halls are quiet because most of the patients are still sleeping, and he’s moving almost silently towards Dom’s room when a nurse spots him and waves hello. Because of the time Billy’s spent here over the last while, supporting Dom as he relearns to walk, the staff has gotten to know his face, and he’s made a point of learning their names. He’s grateful for the care they’ve given Dom, helping him through such a difficult time.
“Good morning, Annie,” he says softly when she draws near.
“You two are twins today,” she replies with a smile. “Dom’s already awake.”
Billy’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “He is?”
“He’s down in the lounge,” Annie tells him, gesturing to her left. “While he was eating breakfast he mentioned something about watching the sunrise. I brought him some tea, and I haven’t heard a thing since.”
“Thank you.”
Moving in the direction that Annie pointed in, Billy wastes no time getting to the lounge, only to stop short in the doorway, transfixed by the sight before him. The room is empty except for Dom, his wheelchair parked by the window and a mug of tea cradled between his palms. What has caused Billy to pause is the expression on Dom’s face as he watches the sun ever so slowly push the night away, and reclaim the sky.
For several long moments Billy tries to place it, give it a name, and he finally decides on peaceful. There is no stiffness in the way Dom is holding himself, his posture relaxed, eyes free of anxiety and fear. With his head tipped to one side, Dom simply gazes out the window, as though he’s at home, curled up in their bed, and fresh from a good night’s sleep. As Billy watches, the younger man draws in a deep breath and then smiles.
“Hi Bills.”
“How did-”
“After five years of living together, I’d better know your after shave,” Dom supplies as he looks over at Billy, eyes soft and gentle. “Good morning.”
“Aye, it is,” the Scotsman agrees.
“You’re early.”
“Wanted to see you,” Billy says simply, and starts to walk towards him, shrugging out of his coat.
He’s halfway across the room when Dom holds up a hand and says, “Wait!” in a firm voice.
“What?”
Not answering Billy, Dom sets the almost empty mug down on the windowsill, turns his wheelchair so it’s facing Billy, and sets the brake. It’s only when Dom reaches toward a nearby couch that Billy spots a metal cane lying on the cushions, and his heart skips a beat when he realizes what Dom is about to attempt. Tossing his coat over to a nearby chair, he opens his mouth to caution the younger man, but can’t form the words, fearful that any negative thoughts will cause Dom to falter. Silently, Billy watches Dom shift forward in the chair, plant his bare feet on the carpeted floor and then slowly push himself up into a wobbly, standing position. This time Sean isn’t there to steady him, offer support, or help bear his weight. This time, Dom’s doing it all on his own.
“Dommie,” Billy breathes at the sight, amazed at the accomplishment, and the progress that Dom has made.
Leaning slightly to the left and firmly clutching the handle of the cane for balance, Dom takes a deep breath to fortify himself, and then their eyes meet. A tentative first step is taken, and then another, and another, Billy’s eyes growing wider with every inch that Dom moves forward. Each shuffling step represents hours of hard work and determination, fueled by love.
The urge to step forward, to be ready to rush in case Dom’s unsteady legs give way, is strong, but Billy resists, choosing to believe Dom is right in his belief that he can do this. With his heart pounding wildly against the wall of his chest and nearly bursting with pride, Billy watches Dom take another three steps, pause to smile, and then start to move forward again, the exertion clear on his face, but there is also joy.
Even though it only takes a minute or so, it feels like an hour passes while Dom makes his way across the room to Billy. When he’s down to the last five steps, clearly growing tired now, Billy opens his arms.
“You’re almost there, love,” he says encouragingly. “Come to me.”
Billy glances down as Dom steps into the space between his hands and notices that he’s shaking, emotions from the months of wondering if they’d ever get back to this crashing over him in waves. When Dom’s fingers touch his shoulder, Billy wraps his arms snugly around his lover’s waist to support his weight, and then the younger man all but falls into the embrace as his knees buckle.
“You did it, Dommie,” Billy murmurs joyfully, placing several kisses to the side of Dom’s neck, and then laughter is bubbling up in his throat. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Bills-”
“Let’s sit down, yeah?” Billy interjects smoothly, moving them both over to the nearest couch, bearing the majority of Dom’s weight.
For several minutes they don’t speak, the couple curling into one another, Billy’s fingers stroking the damp hair at the nape of Dom’s neck as he rocks back and forth. Dom’s arms tighten around Billy’s torso, his face pressed into the side of Billy’s throat, enjoying the comfort of the embrace, and the knowledge that his wheelchair bound days are numbered. Soon, he’ll be free of it. Forever. All the hard work and pain has been worth it, because he was able to walk to his beloved Billy.
“Do you want to go back to your room?” Billy asks softly. “I can bring the chair over, if you’re too tired.”
“No.”
“How about a blanket? You’ve got bare feet, and it’s wee bit chilly in here.”
“I want to come home,” Dom says quietly, pulling back so he can look into Billy’s caring eyes.
“I know. Soon.”
“No,” Dom corrects. “Today.”
“Dommie-”
“I can practice walking at the flat,” Dom insists. “With you. I’ll get stronger there.”
“Are you sure?” Billy asks warily, the uncertainty clear in his expression. “I don’t want you to go too fast and then-”
A long finger is gently pressed to Billy’s bow shaped lips. “I’m ready. I want to come home,” Dom repeats.
Overjoyed at the mere thought of having Dom back in their flat, in their bed tonight, Billy breaks out into a smile. “Then let’s get you back to your room so you can pack while I’ll take care of the paperwork. I’m sure Cate and Sean will want to say goodbye.”
“Yeah?” Dom asks, his eyes lighting up. “Today?”
Drawing Dom close, Billy captures his waiting mouth in a kiss, full of passion and longing, lips parting and tongues touching. When a sigh bubbles up in Dom’s throat, he smiles, and lets his hand slide down the younger man’s side in a gentle caress. It’s only when their lungs demand air that they part, but stay pressed together, Billy nuzzling Dom affectionately.
“Let’s go home.”
It’s not until Billy pulls the car into the parking space behind the book shop that Dom’s belly twists into a quivering knot, and anxiety rushes through him.
“Bills-”
“Yeah, love?”
“I’m not sure I can make it up the stairs just yet,” Dom explains. “I’ve been working on it-”
“If it’s all right by you,” Billy interjects smoothly, “I’d rather us try navigating the stairs another day. As long as you don’t mind getting carried over the threshold.”
“But I’m heavy,” Dom protests, even as a smile turns up the corners of his mouth, informing Billy that the romantic in him loves the idea.
“It’ll be fine,” Billy promises, gives Dom a quick peck on the cheek, and then slips out of the car.
With Billy’s keys clutched in Dom’s hand, the couple manages to maneuver their way inside with only a few wobbly moments, Billy hefting Dom’s weight with ease, or so he makes it appear. In the foyer, Billy pauses, and waits until their eyes meet.
“Where would you like to sit? The couch? The-”
“Bedroom, please,” Dom murmurs in reply. “I’ve missed it.”
“Okay.”
“Can we stop in the loo first?”
“The tiny bladder strikes again,” Billy teases. “Some things never change.”
Dom laughs. “You’re crazy.”
“About you,” Billy agrees, his eyes filled with memories.
As requested, Billy carries Dom down the hall to their bedroom, and then carefully guides him into the loo. He slows the pace there as he steadies the younger man, because Dom insists on attempting to walk a few more steps, wanting to regain his strength as soon as possible. With Billy’s arm wrapped around his waist and leaning on his cane, Dom uses the facilities and then they make the short journey to the bed. Dom’s shoes are removed before he stretches out on top of the coverlet, their tartan blanket covering his lower half.
“You need to get downstairs, Bills,” Dom comments as he glances at the clock on the night stand. “It’s time to open the shop.”
“But-”
“I’ll be fine.”
Pursing his lips for a moment, Billy walks over to his side of the bed and picks up the cordless phone sitting on the night stand before returning to Dom’s side.
“Start calling and telling people that you’re home,” Billy tells him as he hands over the phone. “I was going to have a ‘Welcome Home’ party, but I should’ve known that you’d improve faster than the supposed experts said you would.”
“Aww, Bills-”
“Start with your Mum. It’ll make her day.”
“I will,” Dom promises.
Gazing down at Dom fondly, Billy smiles. “I’ll be right downstairs. Call me when you need anything. I mean it.”
Their lips meet in a gentle kiss, and linger until Dom starts to laugh.
“Go, before I pull you into this bed,” he warns playfully.
“Don’t tempt me.”
As instructed, Dom calls his parents in Manchester, and speaks to his mother for a few minutes while she’s on a break at the hospital. Next on his list is Orlando, who is overjoyed at the news, and promises to come by in an hour for a visit. A quick call is made to Mark and Emily, where Dom leaves a message on their answering machine, to thank them again for all they did to help, and to let them know he’s home now.
It’s after Dom hangs up the phone that he looks around the bedroom, taking in every detail, grateful that he doesn’t have to imagine being here anymore. He no longer has to cling to his dreams about how things used to be, because he’s finally home. Shifting down on the bed, Dom rolls onto his side and pulls Billy’s pillow to his chest before smiling and closing his eyes for a quick nap. He’s sleepy, and it’s been a very busy morning.
After twenty minutes, Dom awakens, and he’s immediately filled with the desire to explore the flat that he’s missed so much. Aside from the one night that he spent here with Billy, before he was moved to the rehab facility, Dom hasn’t been home in several months. Even though he promised Billy to call if he needed anything, the urge to try to manage on his own is stronger, and before Dom knows it, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, toes barely touching the floor. Using his cane for balance, Dom carefully pushes himself up, and then focuses on the bedroom door.
“All right, then,” he says quietly, trying to psyche himself up for the challenge. “You can do this.”
Shuffling forward, Dom moves toward the goal, concentrating on moving the muscles in his legs, keeping them taut, and smiling with satisfaction when he’s rewarded with the sensation of his fingers making contact with the cool metal of the doorknob. The hall stretches out before him, and he can see the doorway to the kitchen in the distance. That seems impossible, too far away right now, so instead, Dom decides on a closer goal. The guest room. There are so many good memories associated with that room, especially with Billy.
It astounds Dom, the energy it takes to move such a short distance, and how he used to take it for granted, every single day. By the time he gets to the guest room, he’s exhausted, and nearly collapses into the chair at the desk. Sweat dampens his brow and the t-shirt he’s wearing, and it takes Dom a few minutes to catch his breath. It’s only then that he realizes that Billy’s been using the room in his absence.
Stacks of books and countless loose sheets of papers cover the desk, and Dom flips through several piles, touched when he discovers that it’s research on spinal cord injuries, studies on recovery, the best treatments available, and advice on living with the disability. Not that he’d ever doubted what Billy told him, that they would find a way to make it work, to see the evidence touches Dom deeply. His eyes are bright with emotion when he moves his attention to a pile of official looking papers sitting off to the side, and when he reads the top page, his heart skips a beat.
“What the fuck?” he whispers.
Scanning the documents, Dom’s belly twists into a tight, aching knot and a hand covers his mouth to muffle the cry of distress. If he understands the papers correctly, it appears that Billy has taken out a fairly substantial loan, and has used the book shop as collateral. Silently, Dom curses himself, for he was clearly too wrapped up in his own life to notice that the shop isn’t doing well. A moment later, he reexamines that theory, and decides that doesn’t make any sense, because a bank wouldn’t loan money to a business that was going under.
Desperate for more information, in the hopes of understanding what’s going on, Dom flips through the papers, and pauses when he spots the letterhead of the rehab centre. It’s an official receipt of payment for services rendered, he notes, and then gasps at the amount listed at the bottom of the page. This must be just one receipt of several, Dom realizes, and his heart sinks. This has be the reason for the loan.
Because of Dom and his injury, Billy has put the book shop in jeopardy, using it as a guarantee for the loan. He’s risking his dream, and it’s all Dom’s fault.
Glancing at his watch and then up at the ceiling, Billy smiles to himself.
“Think you can mange down here for a few minutes?” he asks Drew.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” the younger man replies with a nod, as he’s grown more confident in recent months, with Billy’s support and guidance.
“I won’t be long,” Billy promises. “Just need to make Dom some lunch.”
“Take your time and say hi to Dom for me,” Drew requests, and Billy waves before disappearing up the stairs.
Billy’s cheery mood carries him into the flat, past the foyer and into the kitchen, and it’s only after surveying what’s in the refrigerator that he moves toward the bedroom. After months of hospital food, Dom will surely enjoy having some choices for what he’d like to eat, and Billy’s looking forward to spoiling Dom. He’s almost halfway down the hall when he hears a sharp intake of breath coming from the open door of the guest room.
A few steps later, Billy is greeted by the sight of Dom sitting at the desk, quickly scribbling out words on a notepad and brushing at his damp cheeks with his free hand.
“Dommie?” Billy says, shocked to discover his lover out of bed. “What are you doing in here? Why didn’t you call me?”
The distress in Dom’s expression is unmistakable as he looks up briefly to meet Billy’s gaze, and then he returns his attention to the paper in front of him.
“I’m writing my letter of resignation,” Dom replies after clearing his throat and trying to pull himself together. “I’m not going back to the Centre.”
“Why not? Have you talked to Janeanne?” Billy inquires, confused as to why Dom would quit when the work means so much to him. “I spoke to her the other day and she said quite a few people have asked about you, how you’re doing.” Moving further into the room, Billy leans against the desk and reaches out, laying a hand on Dom’s shoulder, saddened when he realizes that the younger man is shaking. “Dommie?”
“I’ll find another job,” Dom says, mustering up all his strength. “Two, if I have to.”
“Dom, you need to take it easy, go slowly,” Billy cautions. “You’ve just got out of hospital.”
“You said we’d never make it if we weren’t honest with each other,” Dom chokes out, looking up at Billy again, eyes filled with hurt.
“Aye, I said that,” Billy confirms, his brow furrowing in confusion. “And I meant it.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me about this?” Dom demands, grabbing a handful of the documents he’d discovered and pushing them under Billy’s nose. “You took out a loan on the shop. Because of me.”
“Shite,” Billy curses under his breath. “Dom, let me explain.”
“You told me that business in the shop was good,” Dom fires back. “You knew that I didn’t want you to put it in jeopardy for me. You knew how I felt about that.”
“That’s not what I did,” Billy says firmly. “Now will you shut it for a minute?”
Silently nodding, Dom keeps his lips pressed together as Billy turns the chair he’s sitting in until it’s facing the bed, and then the Scotsman sits down on the navy coverlet so they’re face to face. He takes a moment to scan the papers Dom pushed at him, and then sets them aside.
“Aye, I admit, I took out a loan, insured by the shop,” Billy begins, and rushes to add, “But it wasn’t because of what happened to you.”
“Then why?” Dom whispers dejectedly, as he’s clearly unconvinced. “What could possibly be important enough to make you risk your dream?”
“A few days ago I put an offer on the space next door, the shoe shop that moved out last month,” Billy reveals. “I wasn’t lying when I told you that the book shop is doing well. It’s doing even better than I hoped. Before everything that happened in December, I was thinking about expanding and then-”
“You were attacked,” Dom supplies quietly. “And I got shot.”
“But it’s not just about making the shop bigger,” Billy continues with a nod. “I had an idea, and I didn’t know how I was going to make it work. Then I heard that the space was going to be available, and it all fell into place.”
Confused, Dom frowns. “I don’t understand.”
“One evening, you were working late, and I didn’t feel like cooking, so Aaron and I went to Tony’s for pizza,” Billy says gently, knowing that the subject of the boy is a painful one. “Sometime during the night I couldn’t sleep, and I got up, made myself a cup of tea. Aaron found me in the kitchen, and we talked for a while.”
Guilt washes over Dom at the memory of the young man he was unable to save, and the mental image of his brutalized body lying on metal table in the morgue makes Dom’s chest ache.
“I’m sorry,” Billy whispers, his tone filled with regret. “I know it hurts to hear about Aaron, but he was the one who encouraged me to try to do this. We talked that night, and he listened as I told him what I’d come up with so far, the rough idea, anyway.” Pausing to take a calming breath, Billy reaches out and gives Dom’s left knee a gentle squeeze. “I told him that I wanted to get the neighborhood involved in helping the people who need it most, and how I thought it was possible that I might be able to make it work. Aaron thought it was worth exploring and that it would be a great birthday present for you.”
“He would’ve made it, don’t you think?” Dom asks quietly, tears gathering at the corners of his expressive eyes. “He could’ve had a good life.”
“Aye, I think so,” Billy agrees, taking Dom’s outstretched hand and lacing their fingers together. “He was special, like you.”
“Special,” Dom repeats to himself. “Yeah.”
“I’m so proud of the work you’ve done, the people you’ve helped,” Billy says, his eyes unusually bright. “I’m amazed at the difference you’ve made in so many lives, but I must confess, I’ve missed you, missed what we had, working side by side. I want to support you in something that is so close to your heart, and I thought maybe if I could find a way to contribute, then perhaps you wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
“Bills-”
“I thought maybe, you’d let me help,” Billy continues, almost hesitant, holding Dom’s hand a wee bit tighter. “I’ve talked to some shop owners, and a few have agreed to take on an employee, to help give them a new start. It’s not a hand out, but a chance to start over. They’d work, learn valuable skills, and earn a fair wage.”
“Like Drew, working in the book shop,” Dom adds, thinking aloud. “Like how I did.”
“Exactly. The idea came to me because of how you started over,” Billy replies. “I thought it might work for others, give them a chance to help themselves.”
“You talked to people about this?” Dom inquires.
“Aye. Mike at the pub is looking for someone who wants to learn the business side of things, help him manage the place as well as learn to work behind the bar,” Billy replies. “I talked to Carrie, the owner of the floral shop down the street, and she’s willing to train someone in horticulture. Tony’s is looking for kitchen staff, and the patisserie shop is looking for someone who’s interesting in learning about baking and cakes. Plus, I’ll need someone to run the café here at the book shop.”
Dom raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Café?”
“Aye, I thought with the expansion, I could put a few couches in, some tables and comfortable chairs. Along with serving coffee or tea, the café could sell treats from the bakery, and maybe have a couple of authors come in,” Billy explains. “It would give people a place to sit and talk about books with others, or sit by themselves and enjoy reading.”
“That sounds nice.”
“I’ve told the owners that the majority of the kids they hire would be temporary and that eventually, they’d move on,” Billy continues. “Some might decide to go home, others to school, but in the meantime, they’d learn some skills so they can provide for themselves. They’d never have to resort to standing on a corner, or begging because they don’t have a choice. I talked to Mary-Ann yesterday, and she’s offered to help anyone who wants to try to complete their schooling, just like you did.”
When Billy pauses, Dom leans back in the chair and exhales heavily, their hands resting on his thigh. “You did all this, and didn’t tell me.”
“I wanted to see if it would work before I got your hopes up,” Billy adds softly. “I didn’t want to disappoint you if I failed, and now I’m wondering if maybe I made a mistake. This is your world, not mine. I didn’t mean to-”
“Bills, stop. Everything you’ve done sounds great, incredible, actually,” Dom says, his brow furrowed in thought. “I’m not sure how it’ll work with where they’re living, but I guess it’s one thing at a time. I know Janeanne was trying to get funding for some affordable housing-”
“I have a suggestion for that, too,” Billy cautiously supplies after Dom trails off. “One thing I remember about you being at the Centre was that there was never enough space for people who wanted out, and that they didn’t have the money to get started in a decent place on their own.”
“Yeah,” Dom says miserably, remembering all too well the struggle to find a safe place for someone in desperate need. “There’s always more need than spaces available. How are you going to change that?”
“I was thinking that the upstairs of the shop next door could be renovated, turned into a dormitory,” Billy replies. “Individual rooms with single beds. It wouldn’t be anything fancy, but it would be clean and safe, and-”
“How are you going to pay for all this?” Dom interrupts. “I don’t want you to keep throwing money at a problem that’s not going to go away.”
“I’m not expecting this to make money, Dommie,” Billy tells him. “The goal will be to get the initial investment back, and then run things as a nonprofit organization. Any money made will be put towards making things even better, create more opportunity, maybe even a scholarship program or something. Think about it this way: The kids who stay here, they’ll have a room of their own, share the loo and the kitchen, and only pay a fraction of what they’re used to for rent. The trade off is that they’ll learn about better nutrition, how to budget, save some money, and they’ll have their peers for support.”
“They wouldn’t have to do it alone,” Dom realizes, his fingertips caressing the back of Billy’s hand, sliding back and forth across the platinum band on his ring finger.
“They’d have friends, and they’d have people who believe in them,” Billy finishes with a hopeful smile. “A real chance at a new life.”
“It’s sounds like quite an undertaking,” Dom says aloud, then gnaws on his lower lip. “I’m not sure you can do it all on your own.”
“Alone, I couldn’t,” Billy readily agrees. “I’ll need to have a partner. Someone to coordinate things, make sure the kids are getting what they need, that sort of thing. Someone they can talk to. Relate to.”
“Did you have anyone particular in mind?” Dom asks, watching as Billy looks up from their entwined hands.
“Aye, a bloke I’ve known for some time now,” Billy replies, his gaze meeting Dom’s and holding. “He’s resilient, incredibly smart, brave and passionate.”
“Bills-”
“I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job,” Billy interjects to adds, hope rising up inside him. “He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”
“Shut it,” Dom instructs firmly as he pulls his hand free, causing Billy to inhale sharply. “So I can say yes.”
“Yes?” Billy repeats, shock quickly giving way to joy and lighting up his face. “You’re sure?”
“Bills, you’re talking about a plan, a program, that gives kids a better life, with jobs and a safe place to live, and I’d get to be an integral part of it,” Dom muses aloud, his voice full of wonder. “And to top if off, I’d get to spend time with you.”
“It would be your program,” Billy tells him. “You’d design it, be in charge of things, day to day. I’ve just gotten the ball rolling. Nobody knows better than you what these kids need, because you’ve been through it.”
“This is what I wanted to do, what I was trying to do, working at the Centre,” Dom says, shaking his head. “This could really make a difference.”
“It’s not going be easy,” Billy cautions. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work.”
Dom smiles, almost ruefully, and leans forward, sliding his fingers through Billy’s ginger hair before cupping his cheek. “The same could’ve been said about you and me, considering how we met.”
“Aye.”
“But what I’ve learned, Bills, is that getting the best things in life usually takes a lot of hard work. That’s what makes it all worthwhile."
Sliding off the bed and onto his knees at Dom’s feet, Billy leans forward; capturing Dom’s waiting mouth in several warm kisses before his arms tighten around the younger man. For several long moments they don’t speak, hands gently caressing as lips part and tongues touch. Billy is arching his back, attempting to get closer to Dom, and murmurs of pleasure are being exchanged when a sharp knock interrupts the private moment, causing the older man to groan in frustration.
“Hello?” Orlando calls out as he opens the door a few inches. “Anyone home?”
“C’mon in Orli,” Dom replies, then gives Billy an apologetic look. “Sorry,” he whispers. “I called him.”
“To be continued,” Billy whispers, and gives Dom a quick kiss before rising to his feet.
“Definitely,” Dom agrees.
Appearing in the doorway, Orlando smiles at the couple, not missing their rosy lips and the intimate way they’re looking at one another.
“Should I come back later?” he asks teasingly. “If I’m interrupting . . .”
“Oh, shut it,” Dom retorts with a smile. “Bills, give me a hand, yeah?”
A moment later, Dom is standing, one hand clutching his cane, and he grins when he notices that Orlando is staring at him, wide-eyed and slack jawed.
“Dom-”
“Don’t I get a welcome home hug?” Dom asks mildly.
“What? Of course,” Orlando replies after giving his head a shake. “I, uh, I had no idea-”
“He surprised me with it this morning,” Billy supplies dryly. “Sneaky bugger.”
“You love it,” Dom fires back fondly, and then wraps his free arm around Orlando’s slim torso.
“Congratulations,” Orlando says quietly, giving Dom a careful squeeze and then releasing him. “There are no words to describe how happy I am for you. For you both,” he corrects.
“Thank you.”
“Couch?” Billy asks Dom softly, drawing the back of a crooked finger up and down the small patch of skin between Dom’s elbow and the hem of his t-shirt. “Or-”
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Dom replies. “Just stay close.”
“Always.”
A few minutes later, Dom is seated comfortably in the living room, Orlando across from him in the chair, his duffle bag at his feet, and Billy is in the kitchen, making them some tea.
“I’m glad you called,” Orlando begins, keeping his voice low. “We were going to drop by this afternoon for a visit.”
Meaningfully, he looks down at the floor, and Dom’s eyes light up when a soft mewling is heard.
“You brought her?”
“Of course. She pouts if she doesn’t see you often enough,” Orlando tells him, the amusement clear in his tone. “You’re her favorite.”
Leaning down, Orlando reaches into the unzipped bag, and a moment later, Dom is trying to stifle his laughter as the newly awaken puppy eagerly laps at his neck and burrows into his touch.
“She’s getting so big,” Dom comments, his voice full of wonder. “I suppose it won’t be long before you’ll be finding her a home.”
“Yeah, she’s ready anytime now,” Orlando replies, not missing the faint regret in Dom’s words, even though he’s trying to hide it. “But I wanted you to have a chance to see her.”
“To say goodbye,” Dom adds quietly, blinking rapidly to clear away the excess moisture. “Thank you.”
“You like milk and sugar in your tea, don’t you, Orli?” Billy asks as he enters the room, carefully setting the tray down on the coffee table.
It’s when the older man turns to sit down beside Dom that he notices the furry bundle cradled to Dom’s chest, and the guilty look in his eyes.
“Bills-”
“I’m assuming that this is the furry female who has stolen your heart,” he declares, watching as Dom’s jaw drops open in shock.
“You knew?”
“Of course I did,” Billy replies with a smile. “After you called on New Year’s Eve, I had a talk with Viggo, and Orli as well. I was thanking him for all he had done, and he wouldn’t take all the credit. He claimed that he had help.”
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Dom says, tipping his head to one side and gazing at the chocolate colored puppy, smiling when she delicately licks the tip of his index finger.
“She’s lovely,” Billy agrees.
“Orli brought her over so I could say goodbye,” Dom adds and then turns his attention to the small animal that has become fascinated with the collar of his t-shirt. “Did you hear that, sweetheart? You’ve got a family waiting for you. They’re going to love you, and take really good care of you.”
Letting his eyes close, Dom rubs his cheek against the top of her head and sighs quietly, stroking her rounded body, remembering when she was so small that she fit in the palm of his hand. He’s tremendously grateful for the tiny charge, and how she comforted him during some very difficult days, simply by needing him, and freely giving her affection, expecting so little in return. The warmth of Dom’s hand and to be nestled close to his heart was the extent of the puppy’s needs, and nothing made her happier than when he cuddled her close.
“You’ve got a good home for her, yeah?” he asks, looking up to meet Orlando’s caring gaze.
“The best,” the vet replies. “I promise.”
“Good.”
A ragged breath escapes Dom’s mouth, and he closes his eyes again to prevent the tears that have suddenly sprung to his eyes from falling. He knew this day was coming, but now it’s here, and it seems all too soon.
“Is she going there with a name?” Orlando asks gently. “Or would you prefer not to? I meant it when I said you could name her, but-”
Dom exhales sharply, and brushes away the dampness clinging to his eyelashes with his free hand. Then, he cradles the puppy in the crook of his arm, on her back so he can pet her soft belly and tease her small paws.
“Thank you,” he whispers after lowering his head so his lips are touching her floppy ear. “I’ll never forget you, I promise.”
Billy reaches out and lays a hand on Dom’s shoulder. “Dommie-”
“Her name is Lucy,” Dom announces as he looks up.
“Lucy?” Orlando repeats in confusion. “I don’t-”
“Lucy in the sky with diamonds,” Billy explains, a tender smile turning up the corners of his mouth. “The Beatles.”
“You didn’t even have to think about that,” Dom says with amazement, gazing fondly at Billy for a moment and then returning his attention to the animal in his arms.
“I know you.”
“And I should’ve known,” Orlando adds and then leans back, watching Dom tickle the dog’s rounded belly, not pulling back when she licks the end of his nose. “You should put her down, let her explore a bit and get used to the place.”
Confused, Dom arches an eyebrow. “Get used to-”
“She’s yours, Dom,” Orlando confirms, nodding his head. “She’s been yours from the first day I brought her to the hospital. I saw her choose you, and if you want her-”
A wobbly cry of joy bubbles up in Dom’s throat, and then he looks sharply to his right, meeting Billy’s eyes. “Can we-”
Billy’s grin is all the answer Dom needs, and then he’s laughing as Lucy squirms free and proceeds to bathe his cheek with her tongue, paws resting on his shoulder, tail wagging madly.
“I think she’s just what we need,” Billy murmurs tenderly, and leans over to capture Dom’s mouth in a soft kiss. “The perfect addition to the family.”
“We’re home, Lucy,” Dom says happily, shifting so his head is resting on Billy’s shoulder. “We’re home.”
Sinking down in the bathtub, Dom sighs with contentment as the heated water surrounds him and soothes his tired muscles. It’s been an eventful and emotional day, and he was eternally grateful when Billy suggested that he have a long soak after dinner. In the distance, Dom can hear Billy cleaning up after their meal, rinsing plates and loading the dishwasher, and he smiles when a flurry of tiny feet race down the hall toward him, nails clicking on the hardwood floor. A moment later, the door is nudged open a few inches and a plaintive whine fills the air.
“I’m right here, Lucy,” Dom replies, pushing himself up in the water and looking over towards the sound.
By the time Dom lifts his hand out of the water and shakes off the excess moisture so it doesn’t drip on the floor, the frisky puppy has moved over to him, and is now standing on her hind legs, front paws braced on the side of the bathtub to steady her.
“Is Bills not paying enough attention to you, love?” Dom asks, smiling when she nuzzles into his hand and licks his fingers affectionately. “I’m sorry.”
When Lucy’s need to be petted has been satisfied, she sits and scratches at the new red collar now decorating her neck, then tips her head to one side, almost studying Dom as though confused.
“You’ll learn about bath time soon enough,” he tells her. “But not tonight.”
“There you are, little lady,” Billy says as he enters the room, shaking his head. “I turned my back for a second-”
Dom laughs, and watches as Billy scoops the puppy up in his arms, cradling her to his chest before murmuring in her ear. A moment later, Lucy yawns widely, and tucks her head under Billy’s chin. It pleases Dom to see Billy bonding with the puppy so quickly, and the ease that he’s incorporated the animal into their lives.
“Do you want to say goodnight before I put her to bed?” Billy asks him.
“Yeah.”
After a kiss to the top of Lucy’s head and a promise that they’ll play tomorrow, Dom’s fingers slide over Billy’s.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll put her down in the kitchen and then I’ll be back to help you, yeah?” Billy tells him. “Her bed’s all ready, and I’ve got some newspaper down.”
“Okay.”
Listening as the two leave the room, Dom reflects on the day’s events, the shock getting to keep Lucy, and how Orlando had planned for it, ensuring that he had all the things they’d need for her. The towel that Orlando used to line the duffle bag is now in her wee bed in the kitchen, small bowls for food and water are next to the refrigerator, several toys are scattered around the living room, and a leash sits on the foyer table. Since Billy was aware of impending surprise, everything has been taken care of, and now they’re ready to turn in for the evening. Dom is so caught up in his thoughts; he’s surprised when Billy’s hand touches his shoulder.
“Where’d you go?” Billy asks quietly, drawing his fingers through Dom’s damp hair.
“You think she’s going to be okay?” Dom inquires. “She’s so small, all alone in there, and-”
“She’ll be fine,” Billy replies gently. “With the door open we’ll be able to hear her, but unless you want to share a bed with a dog for the rest of our lives, we need to set guidelines right away.”
“Okay.”
Once Billy has ensured that he’s got solid footing, he leans over and slides an arm around Dom’s wet torso, bearing most of his weight as the younger man gets to his feet. To steady himself, Dom braces a hand on Billy’s strong shoulder, watching the Scotsman grab the towel that he’d placed nearby earlier, and smiles as he’s wrapped up in the softness. Carefully, with Billy holding him securely, Dom steps out of the bathtub, and together they walk over to the bed. A second towel is used to wipe away the water clinging to Dom’s back, chest and legs, taking special care around the scar on his abdomen, and while Billy disappears into the loo to deal with draining the bathtub, Dom slides back on the bed and settles into a comfortable position, the sheet and coverlet covering him to the waist.
“Thank you,” Dom says when Billy reappears in the doorway. “That was exactly what I needed.”
“You’re very welcome,” Billy replies fondly. “How do you feel?”
“Good. Happy to be home.”
It only takes a few minutes for Billy to peel off his clothing, toss the items in the hamper and then don a t-shirt, and once the worn cotton has been tugged over his head, he looks over at Dom with a quirked eyebrow.
“What?” Dom asks, having rather enjoyed watching his lover casually disrobe in front of him, since it’s been some time since he saw it.
“Are you going to be warm enough?” Billy wonders aloud. “I can get you-”
“You’re practically a furnace, Bills. I’ll be plenty warm,” Dom remarks dryly, causing Billy to laugh.
“You know what I mean. I just want want you to be comfortable.”
“I’ll be fine. Get into bed.”
Acquiescing to Dom’s request without further comment, Billy slides under the coverlet and settles on his pillow, automatically lifting his arm so Dom can curl into his side, and sighs as Dom’s fingers curl around his hip.
“It feels like forever since we did this,” Dom murmurs, relishing in the comfortable intimacy.
“Aye,” Billy agrees, letting his eyes close, letting his other senses take over for a few moments.
“Are you tired?” Dom inquires.
Billy’s non-committal grunt causes Dom to smile.
“Is that a yes or a no?”
Opening his eyes, Billy turns his head so their eyes meet, and then he draws his fingers through silky strands of blonde hair.
“Tired of you?” Billy asks gently. “Never.”
“You’re avoiding the question,” Dom replies, wrinkling his nose. “Why?”
Billy sighs. “You have that look.”
Curious, Dom arches a speculative eyebrow. “What look?”
“The ‘we need to talk’ look,” Billy explains.
“Well, now that you mention it . . .”
“If you don’t want the job, it’s okay,” Billy says, doubt swirling in his mind. “If you’d rather we didn’t work together and live together, I underst-”
“Bills-”
“I just mean, that if it’s too much pressure-”
“It’s not,” Dom interrupts firmly, pressing two fingers to Billy’s mouth to shut him up. “It’s something to look forward to; a goal to work towards. And we worked together for years in the book shop. There were no problems there, yeah?”
“This will be different,” Billy reminds him when he’s allowed to speak again. “We’ll be business partners, in a way.”
“I don’t think you’re trying to take over my career, so you can stop back-pedaling, okay?” Dom states bluntly, giving the older man a knowing look. “Your idea is brilliant, and like you said, you’ve got the ball rolling, but there’s a lot to be done. The possibilities are endless, and you trust me to take care of it. That’s means a lot to me.”
“So you want to do this?” Billy prompts. “You’ll run the program?”
“As long as we can discuss ideas and make decisions together, because I want this to be a joint effort,” Dom replies with a nod. “You’re more than the bloke who donated some space above his book shop. I want to know what you think.”
“Yeah?”
“Bills, you run a successful business, and it’s because of how you helped me that I’m here today, able to even consider such an opportunity,” Dom adds, quietly pleading for Billy to understand his intentions. “I want to share this with you.”
“Then we’ll do this together,” Billy vows solemnly. “Equal partners.”
“Good. Now c’mere,” Dom instructs, smiling just before their mouths meet to seal the deal.
“Things are going to be all right, as long as we’re together,” Billy whispers when their lips part, inhaling deeply to draw Dom’s scent into his lungs.
“Exactly.”
“Is that all you wanted to talk about?” Billy inquires as he pulls back just enough that their eyes meet.
“Actually, there is one thing that, uh, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about, but it just hasn’t seemed to be the right time,” Dom admits, averting his gaze.
“I’m listening.”
“I think it’s past time you stopped treating me like I’m going to break if you breathe too hard on me,” Dom says succinctly. “Specifically, you need to stop avoiding the subject of sex.”
“Dommie-”
“This is my first night home, we’re in bed together, and you’re all covered up,” Dom points out. “Why?”
Guiltily, Billy hangs his head. “I just thought-”
“Shut up and kiss me,” Dom demands, and slides his hand around the nape of Billy’s neck to pull their mouths together, lips meeting in a hungry, open-mouthed exchange.
Billy’s shirt has been dragged up to expose his furry chest and his boxers pushed down over his hips by the time they part for air, Dom’s eyes dark and drowsy with desire, his lips swollen from their passionate kisses.
“That’s much better,” he murmurs, and then dives in again, whimpering when Billy’s small hand slides over the sensual curve of his arse and guides a long leg up to wrap around his hip, bringing their bodies closer.
It’s only the sensation of something unexpected pressing against his inner thigh that causes Billy to break the contact between their mouths, and wide-eyed, he looks down at their entwined limbs.
“Dom-” he gasps in shock. “You’re-”
“Noticed that, did you?” Dom fires back cheekily, rocking his hips forward and rubbing his growing erection against the tented boxer shorts that still cover Billy’s arousal. “It’s a little slow to get going, but-”
“When?”
“It started a couple weeks ago,” Dom explains, almost shyly. “I’d been dreaming about you, and when I woke up, I noticed that there were some new developments downstairs.”
“Have you, uh, tried to-”
“Once,” Dom confirms. “Control isn’t quite there, but it’s-”
“Coming?” Billy supplies suggestively, and then breaks out into a joyful smile when Dom blushes.
“So are you going to take this off or not?” Dom asks, plucking at Billy’s rucked up t-shirt with his fingers. “I was hoping that you’d want to celebrate with me.”
“Tonight?”
“It’s been months since I’ve felt you inside me.”
“We can take it slow,” Billy murmurs tenderly. “There’s no hurry.”
“You want to be with me. Is now a good time?” Dom asks, falling back on a familiar phrase, knowing that his lover will remember it; that first night, when they became lovers.
Instantly, the older man recognizes the words and what they represent, and just like that, Billy feels the uncertainty melt away, releasing a longing that he’s kept bottled up for months. Reverently, he gazes at their entwined bodies, watching as his ringed hand moves down Dom’s bare chest until his fingers are splayed protectively over the scar on his lover’s abdomen. Relieved that they are once again whole, Billy smiles and surrenders to joy, knowing that their future is bright.
“Now works for me.”
Epilogue
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
From:
no subject
I just knewthere was going to be an epilogue to this...and you DO realize that you've left the door wide open for yet another sequel? Something to look forward to for 2008.
It's been one wild ride, but it's been well worth every moment. This is a story I'll be glad to read over and over again down the road. As always, well done, Dylan!
From:
no subject
of course there is the dom home and walking. which was just wonderful.
then there is the PUPPY! lucy. *squishes*
the umm... arousal really was just the icing on the cake.
oh and YAY! epilogue!
From:
no subject
also? your 'He's BAAACK!' just gave me the giggles.
From:
no subject
The "He's BAAACK" remark came out of the blue. I was half hoping that Dom would regain at least SOME of his mobility down there before the story ended, and I'm glad to see it happen. Maybe we'll see the results in the epilogue...
From:
no subject
I love all the plans Billy has for the new program. I know better then to ask for a sequel that talks about that chapter in their lives. Your muse scares the crap out of me. But it will be nice to imagine what they'll be creating together.
The puppy? made me cry. damn. thought i was done with that.
this has been an emotional journey but i'm glad i took it.
*hugs*
kerry
From:
no subject
Lucy in the sky with diamonds....such a great song. And PUPPY! :)
Dom is home! Billy is happy, Dom is happy, all is well.
And absolute YAY for epilogue!
And another sequel if you want to *hint hint* ;)
From:
no subject
Thanks again for this wonderful series! So what's next and do you have plans for any other sequels of your stories?
From:
no subject
:::giggles::: You crack me up.
And you knew, did you? Well, then you knew more than me, because I hadn't originally intended to write an epilogue. Sequel? Uh . . .
Thank you so much. I'm so happy you've enjoyed. :)
From:
no subject
From:
no subject
Shesh. I haven't even posted the last part.
From:
no subject
I'm glad you like their plans. I love the idea of them working together to make a difference. And now they have Lucy, as part of the family. Hee. Icing on the cake. I like that.
So, most of your questions are answered, yes?
From:
no subject
Awww, Lucy made you cry? :::cuddles you::: I'm so glad you took this journey, too. It wouldn't have been the same without you.
:::hugs you:::
From:
no subject
The boys are both home, with a new member of the family, and their future is looking very bright. :)
Sequel? People keep saying that . . .
Thank you very much.
From:
no subject
Thank you very much. I'm taking a break from long series fic, but I'm still writing, and hope to post what I'm working on very soon.
From:
no subject
From:
no subject
I'm working on a project that I hope to be posting soon. On that note, I better get back to work. :)