With A Little Help From My Friends

[dylan-dufresne.livejournal.com]

Title: With A Little Help From My Friends - Epilogue
Author: dylan_dufresne
Pairing: BB/DM
Rating: NC-17
Summary: One last look.
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: This is it. The last one. To those who have commented so faithfully along the way, I offer my most heartfelt and sincere thanks. I’m amazed at the places this story has gone: Canada, USA, Switzerland, UK, Scotland, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Australia, India, and the Ukraine - just to name a few. Even if you never commented, thanks for reading. :)
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 | 47


Epilogue

Almost 2 years later . . .

It’s the sensation of a sleepy kiss to the nape of his neck that teases Dom from his dreams, and as he slowly rises to consciousness, he smiles against the warm cotton of his pillow. When he’d fallen asleep last night, he and Billy had been spooned up together under the coverlet, a gently possessive arm looped around his waist, both sated and spent. Now, it seems that Billy is starting to wake up, and his body knows what he wants, even before he’s fully cognizant.

As it has become habit, Billy’s hand is splayed protectively over the mark on Dom’s abdomen that has slowly faded over the months following the shooting, leaving a pale pink ridge of scar tissue. The reminder of what they almost lost that night in the alley. It took some time, but Dom has come to accept the change to his body, embracing the second chance he’s been given, mostly because of all that has happened since. The rewards have been incredible, and that difficult time was the catalyst so his life would move in a different direction. The fact that Billy’s journey has been right alongside him has only made it sweeter.

Feeling more that a wee bit playful, not to mention aroused, thanks to Billy’s growing erection pressing against the left cheek of his bare arse, Dom snuggles into the curve of his lover’s embrace, and forces his body to relax, as though he’s still deeply asleep. A moment later, he’s rewarded with another kiss, this one to his upper back, Billy’s lips slightly parted, the tip of his pointy tongue darting out for a taste of his skin.

“No, Lucy,” Dom mutters drowsily and then burrowing his head further into his pillow. “Bad dog. No licking.”

“Wha-?” Billy says, shaking himself awake, as that’s certainly not the response he was expecting, considering the passion they’d shared last night.

“Go find your ball and get Billy to play with you,” Dom adds, continuing to feign sleep and desperately trying to keep from bursting out laughing. “‘m sleeping.”

“I’m not the bloody dog, Dominic Monaghan,” Billy growls against the side of his neck, breathing hotly against the sensitive skin while his fingers curl around Dom’s rapidly stiffening erection. “And you ought to know it, you wanker.”

Unable to contain himself any longer, Dom dissolves into helpless laughter, and then gasps with pleasure when Billy nips at the spot where neck and shoulder meet.

“Bills-”

Turning in his lover’s embrace, Dom burrows into Billy’s warmth and brings their mouths together in a lingering kiss as his fingertips slide up and down the shallow groove of Billy’s spine in a lazy caress.

“G’morning,” Dom says when their lips part.

“I’m waiting,” Billy tells him, attempting to look stern, his brown furrowed.

“For what?”

“An apology for making me think I could be mistaken for the dog,” Billy retorts.

“I’m sorry,” Dom says solemnly. “Is there something I can do to make it up to you?”

Intrigued, Billy purses his lips in thought for a moment. “What did you have in mind?”

“Serve you breakfast in bed?”

“And?”

“Wash your back in the shower?”

Billy cocks a dubious eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Rocking his hips forward, Dom gently presses an index finger between Billy’s cheeks to caress his tight entrance. “After a thorough shagging?” he murmurs hoarsely, his tone rich with promise.

“You promised me that last night,” Billy points out, and then swallows a whimper of pleasure.

“I did?” Dom asks mildly as his fingertip circles the tight pucker, knowing just how much Billy loves to be touched this way. “When?”

“I was inside you,” is the breathless reply. “You were begging.”

“Well, I am a man of my word,” Dom whispers after dipping his head so his mouth is nearly touching the curve of Billy’s ear. “And you certainly lived up to your end of the deal last night. You were incredible.”

“I thought you’d like it,” Billy gasps, arching his back when the tip of Dom’s elegant finger slips past the ring of muscle and then withdraws. “Dommeh-”

“Roll over, baby," Dom requests hotly.

“If that’s another bloody dog joke-”

“What?” Dom asks, startled. “No! I didn’t mean-”

Small fingers slide over short strands of dark blonde hair and then mouths fuse in a lusty kiss, Dom moaning raggedly at the intimate contact. Tongues touch, and a moment later he’s urging the older man onto his back and sliding a leg between Billy’s thighs, bodies pressed together firmly. Feasting on the pouty curve of Dom’s lower lip, Billy opens his knees wider so Dom can settle into a more comfortable position, and he’s rewarded with the sensation of two stiff erections trapped between their bellies.

After a long, passionate exchange, Dom pulls back slightly, panting for breath, his chest heaving, only to be overcome with the need to be closer to his lover. Leaning in, he nuzzles the older man affectionately, lips sliding along the scruffy line of Billy’s jaw, and then he nips gently at his neck, soothing the resulting red marks with his tongue.

“Dommeh,” Billy groans, arching his back and tightening his hold on his lover’s slender hips. “Don’t tease.”

“Not teasing,” Dom murmurs in reply, tracing the line of Billy’s shoulder with the tip of his tongue. “Tasting. Exploring.”

The erotic tone of Dom’s words cause Billy’s arousal to throb, and he rocks his hips forward in a desperate attempt at relief.

“Do you want me to taste that?” Dom inquires, meeting Billy’s heated gaze and then his breath catches at the smoldering intensity he finds there.

“You know what I want,” Billy whispers hoarse, desire shredding his control at a dizzying speed.

“This?” Dom whispers, and unexpectedly presses a single finger between Billy’s cheeks, burying it to the knuckle.

Unable to control himself, Billy flails helplessly, bucking up wildly, crying out Dom’s name when contact is made with the bundle nerves deep inside him.

“Now, Dommie,” Billy shamelessly begs. “Please.”

Gently, the finger is withdrawn, and Dom covers Billy’s mouth in a deep, wet kiss; an apology of sorts, and a promise that the separation is only temporary. While Dom slicks his fingers with lubricant, Billy’s hands slide over his neck and shoulders, endlessly caressing. Their mouths meet in warm, lingering kisses as Billy is tenderly breached and stretched, and it’s only when he’s accommodating three of Dom’s elegant fingers that the younger man shifts into position. More lubricant is used to slick Dom’s now leaking arousal, and he’s gazing deeply into the older man’s eyes as he reverently whispers Billy’s name, and their bodies become one.

Gasping at the exquisite pleasure of being filled so completely, Billy pulls his knees to his chest, urging Dom closer, crying out wantonly when Dom acquiesces to his request, and buries himself to the hilt. Ankles cross behind Dom’s slender back to keep him close, and the couple writhe wildly, mouths coming together, overcome with passion and need for one another. With one hand cupping a bare hip to steady himself, Dom begins to thrust into Billy, keeping the pace slow and sensual, drawing out the ecstasy for as long as possible.

Billy’s small hands roam endlessly over Dom’s bare skin, seemingly unable to get enough, craving more, and his erection throbs as it rubs against Dom’s flat stomach. Words aren’t possible, the intensity robbing Billy of his coherency, and he’s unprepared when long fingers wrap snugly around his arousal, stroking him from root to glistening tip. Bucking wildly and delirious with passion, he arches up, offering his body, moaning when Dom increases the speed of his thrusts, repeatedly sliding over his sweet spot.

“Let go,” Dom gasps breathlessly against Billy’s parted lips, glancing down just as Billy’s left hand joins his between their bellies. “I want to watch you.”

Fingers lace together around Billy’s erection, the couple stroking him swiftly as their mouths meet in a sensuous kisses, Billy whimpering when he feels Dom’s thumb slide over the sensitive tip. Overcome, Billy clings to Dom with his free hand, ankles locked and hips rising to meet his lover’s deep thrusts, urging the younger man on. Billy’s hunger for more causes him to drag their mouths together, his pointy tongue thrusting in the same rhythm that Dom is sliding in and out of him, hot breath and words of pleasure mingling.

Without warning, Dom begins jackhammering his hips, the bedsprings squeaking in response to the vigorous activity, and the result is Billy being hurtled over the edge, into the bliss of orgasm as he climaxes with a ragged shout. Intimate fluid slicks their heaving bellies, and Dom’s name tumbles repeatedly from Billy’s sated mouth as he invites Dom to finish, hoarsely begging Dom to fill him. Staring deep into Billy’s smoldering green eyes, dark with passion and soft with love, Dom thrusts deep, burying himself to the hilt, and then he surrenders.

Utterly spent, Dom sinks down into Billy’s waiting arms, and for several minutes they don’t speak, just holding one another, hands gently caressing heated skin as heartbeats begin to slow. Finally, the younger man starts to move, but not too far, as requested by Billy’s hands gently tightening their hold on Dom’s biceps. Shifting so his weight is supported on his elbows, Dom rubs his nose against Billy’s cheek in a sign of affection, and watches as green eyes slowly flutter open.

“Well?” Dom prompts.

“You’re forgiven,” Billy replies as his lips quirk into a smile. “But-”

“But?”

“I still want breakfast in bed.”

“Absolutely,” Dom murmurs and then brings their lips together for a tender kiss. “I better-”

“Stay for bit,” Billy requests, holding Dom at his hips so he can’t slip away. “I want to talk to you.”

“About?”

Billy smiles and shakes his head. “It’s a big day, Dommie. You don’t have to pretend. It’s okay if you’re nervous.”

“I know,” Dom replies with a sigh. “I’ve got my speech done, so as long as I have that, and you, of course, it’ll be fine.”

“I’ll miss you when you’re away.”

“I don’t have to go-”

“Aye, you do, so stop that,” Billy gently chastises. “It’s important.”

“Two weeks, not a day more, and I’ll call every single night,” Dom promises. “Unless I can convince you to meet me for a day when I’m in London.”

“Mmm, perhaps that could be arranged,” Billy teases.

“Then I shall take it upon myself to spend the next six weeks convincing you,” Dom declares impishly. “Short of threatening not to speak to you, as we know how spectacularly I fail at that.”

“As do I,” Billy replies with a laugh.

He recalls the day they’d had a disagreement about construction in the upstairs of the new section of the book shop, uncharacteristically snapped at one another, and ended up going to bed without resolving the issue. Dom had opted to sleep in the guest room, and Billy had quickly abandoned their bed in favor of the couch, unable to bear staying in their room alone, knowing that Dom should be next to him. At half one, Billy gave up on any hopes of rest, and his hand was on the door knob of the guest room when the door was suddenly pulled open from within.

A moment later, both were apologizing for quarreling over something so silly that they couldn’t remember what it was, and then they were moving down the hall to their bedroom, peeling away clothing and burrowing under the coverlet together. Once curled up in one another’s arms, Dom’s cheek pressed to Billy’s chest, they were both asleep and dreaming peacefully in a matter of minutes. In the morning over breakfast, a pact was made to never let that happen again, and it hasn’t.

“I’m proud of you,” Billy adds, moving his hands higher so he can slide his fingers through his lover’s hair. “And have I mentioned lately how much I love your new haircut?”

“You don’t mind it being darker?” Dom inquires, tipping his head to one side and nuzzling into Billy’s touch. “My natural color?”

“It suits you,” Billy replies. “You needed a change.”

Dom sighs, a contemplative look overtaking the blissful one he’d had since they made love. “I’m not the same person.”

“Change is a part of life, and reminds you that you’re living, not just existing.”

“Quoting me, are you?” Dom says with bemusement, arching an eyebrow.

“Dommie, you’ve accomplished so much-”

“Not alone,” Dom interjects. “You’ve been there, every step of the way. Literally.”

A soft kiss is shared, and then Dom carefully withdraws, rolling them over as he settles on the mattress so they’re still face to face.

“You decided to write a book about what you’ve been through, how you got out, and what you’ve done since, helping others as your life’s work,” Billy muses aloud, his fingers trailing over Dom’s bicep in a lazy caress, tracing the words of his tattoo. “That was your decision.”

“I had plenty of inspiration,” Dom points out, and Billy is quick to nod in agreement.

Aside from a few hiccups in the construction and remodeling process, things progressed fairly quickly, and by the time ‘Aaron’s Hope’ was ready for inhabitants, the program was in place to support young people as they started over. In the end, Dom wasn’t able to return to the Centre full time as originally planned, but Janeanne was very understanding, and grateful, considering what he and Billy were trying to do. She even offered whatever assistance she could, and made suggestions when asked.

Many late nights were required as Dom and Billy pored over the details, trying to account for every conceivable possibility, wanting to ensure success. As originally agreed, every decision was made together, from the paint on the walls, to the sheets and towels in each room, to how they were going to support those who wanted to participate in the program. The first to move in was Drew, the same day of the Grand Opening, where the public got a look at ‘Aaron’s Hope.’ Drew is continuing to working part time at the book shop as well as taking his A-levels, following in Dom’s footsteps.

Right now, there are five rooms at Aaron’s occupied; four boys, one girl and one room is empty. As planned, the dorm has their own kitchen, living room, laundry facilities, and two loos; one with a bathtub, the other with a shower. The empty room was inhabited until just a few days ago, when a runaway named Jenny worked up the nerve to call her mother, and after a long talk, she boarded a train for home, optimistic about her future. It was the others in the dorm who convinced her to call, and the risk paid off. Disaster was averted in her case; because she had a safe place to go to while things got sorted out.

Over the last year, several more businesses have joined the work program, including Orlando, who is now mentoring Matt, since he hopes to attend veterinary school one day. The young man has thrived in the nurturing environment, surrounded by animals in need of care, and barely resembles the guarded and withdrawn boy who once stood on a corner, renting out his body. He and Drew have maintained a friendship, due in no small part that they live next door to one another, and have forged others as new faces have arrived. They’ve come a long way, and their future is looking very bright.

Other businesses have gotten involved for a variety of reasons; some looking for temporary help during the busy tourist season, others for permanent placement. In each case, Dom works hard to find the right fit, for both parties involved, to ensure success. The most important thing is that fewer kids are on the street, and the mood of the neighborhood has vastly improved. It’s a problem that isn’t solved by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s definitely not as bleak as it once was. There is hope.

It turns out that the expansion of the book shop was the best thing that Billy could’ve done, and now it’s constantly bustling with activity. There are afternoons devoted to a mentoring program, and as a result, a number of people, young and old, have improved their vocabulary, or even learned to read for the first time. The café has developed a regular clientele, is the host of a book club that meets weekly, among others things, and offers a student rate on any books that are required for school. Business is good enough that Billy has been able to hire someone full-time in the shop, so some of his time can be devoted to other things, like being with Dom.

The money Billy borrowed from the bank for ‘Aaron’s Hope’ is being paid back in record time, and plans are already being made to set up a more in depth program for young people who are in need of specialized care. Numerous boys and girls have come through the program, most with a positive ending, and Dom constantly strives to make the success rate even better. The street can be ugly and dark, and not all wounds are healed with a safe place to stay. Not everyone has a parent to go home to, and they need extra support. Both Dom and Billy want to do all they can, knowing that therapy made a huge difference for Dom, and that it could help someone else.

While they want to support the kids in the dorm, they also want to encourage independence, which has lead to the inhabitants taking turns making meals for everyone. At least once a week, Billy and Dom have dinner over at Aaron’s, where they bring the food, usually pizza, since that is what is most often requested. Those evenings are often filled with laughter and everyone looks forward to them. The kids have made the space their own, and along the way, are learning to manage their lives, work as a team, and respect others opinions. Lucy visits them quite regularly, but always comes back to the flat at the end of the night, usually curling up at the foot of Dom and Billy’s bed.

While the kids know that Dom and Billy are always there to listen or offer their support, they are also aware of ‘Date Night.’ To ensure that Dom and Billy never again make the mistake of getting so involved with work that their relationship suffers, a plan was made. Each have one night each week that is just for the two of them. For those two nights, it’s about staying connected, and sharing time together; no work talk is allowed. Without exception, the couple has kept to that schedule, going out to dinner, to the movies, even staying home and making a meal together. So determined to have the time together, they even had a date when Billy was sick with the flu and their evening consisted of taking a bath together and curling up in bed with chicken soup.

As a result, the closeness they once had is restored and has grown, but it was Aureen who pointed out to them what an example they were setting for their young charges. In addition to life skills and experience in the work force so they can support themselves, they are also being shown what a healthy relationship looks like, and can take that knowledge with them, as they move on. While Dom and Billy never intended to be role models when it comes to love, part of Dom is pleased at the idea, knowing how long he thought he wasn’t worthy of it. Fortunately, life with Billy has taught him just how wrong he was, and he’s reminded every single day.

The journey has been a lot of hard work, but it’s been worth it, and so much more. The dream that Dom and Billy created together is a success, and this afternoon is the launch party for Dom’s book; a celebration of sorts. Their family and friends, as well as the dorm kids will be there, as the world gets a first look at what Dom has spent nearly a year creating.

“Hey,” Billy says softly, pulling Dom from his thoughts. “Where’d you go?”

“Just thinking,” Dom replies. “After I get back from the book tour, do you want to get away for a weekend? Just the two of us?”

“That would nice,” Billy agrees, nodding his head. “I’m sure the kids can manage.”

“I could ask Orli and Vig to check on them for us.”

“Any idea where you’d want to go?” Billy inquires.

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care.”

“Do you think you could get away for a wee bit longer?” Billy asks mildly.

“Why?” Dom asks.

“Well, I thought-” Blushing, Billy trails off and dips his head. “I don’t know.”

“What?” Dom prods gently. “Tell me.”

“I was hoping that you’d marry me again, now that it’s legal, and then we could go on a wee honeymoon,” Billy confesses.

Shock quickly gives way to joy, and then Dom is curling into his lover’s body, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.

“I didn’t know if you were going to ask me,” Dom tells him when they finally part, his eyes shining.

“I know it’s just a piece of paper, but-”

“I want to,” Dom interrupts. “When? And please tell me that we’re not going to wait until September.”

“How about New Year’s Eve?” Billy suggests. “Six years to the day that I asked you the first time.”

“Aww, baby-”

“So that’s a yes?” Billy teases.

Dom laughs. “You’re crazy, Bills.”

“In love with you,” is the familiar retort, followed by an intimate smile before their lips meet.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Watching from the doorway of Billy's office, Dom sighs with contentment at the sight before him. The shop is bustling with activity, the mood light and warm as people mill about, saying hello or introducing themselves. Although the dorm kids were a wee bit shy at first, they've begun to open up, and are now smiling, engaging in conversation.

"It's almost time, Dommie," Billy says, causing Dom to turn around, his focus drawn to a box on Billy's desk. "Can I open it now?"

"Go ahead."

"I don't know why you wouldn't let me do this yesterday," Billy teases gently. "I've already read it, and I could've had copies out for people to buy."

"I have my reasons," Dom tells him, accepting the first copy of the book that Billy lifts out of the cardboard box and holding it with both hands. “I’m not worried about it selling.”

For a long moment he gazes at the cover, tracing the title with his fingertips, and then turning it over to see the picture on the back. Rather than a stuffy looking picture of him looking proper and posed, Dom had opted for a photograph that Billy had taken of him during the summer. He was sitting on the steps behind the book shop, smiling as he scratched Lucy behind her left ear. He wasn't expecting Billy to have a camera, and was caught off guard when the older man said his name. As a result, the expression on his face was warm and intimate, and he and Billy agreed it was a photo that captured the true Dom.

"Ready?" Billy asks softly, resting his chin on Dom's slender shoulder and smiling when Dom turns his head to brush a feathery kiss across his lips.

"Yeah, let's go."

They've barely moved out of the office when people spot Dom, walking over, saying hello and offering their congratulations. Spirits are high, laughter ringing out often, and the couple has only made it part way through the shop when a familiar face catches Dom's eye.

"Orli?"

"There's the guest of honor," the other man says with a smile. "I've been looking for you."

"I thought you weren't going to be able to make it," Dom replies, not hiding his surprise and then smiling when he realizes that Viggo and David are there as well. "Vig said you had an emergency."

"I did," Orlando confirms. "I got back about an hour ago. I had just long enough to grab a change of clothes and get over here."

"Everything okay?"

"Better than that, actually."

Not understanding the look the couple before him exchange, Dom nods. "Well, that's good. Thank you both for coming."

"Hold on a minute," Orlando says quickly, reaching out and touching Dom's forearm, his fingers brushing over the book in Dom’s hand. "We have a present for you."

"But I said no gifts," Dom protests. "You didn't have to-"

"I know," the other man interjects. "Just shut it and listen, yeah?"

"Okay."

Obediently, Dom closes his mouth and casts a curious look at Billy, finding it interesting that his expression is inscrutable. The Scotsman clearly knows something, but seems determined to give nothing away.

"A few months ago, I called Billy, because we wanted to do something special, with your book coming out and whatnot," Orlando begins, glancing at Viggo for confirmation. "And as you mentioned, Billy told me that you didn't want any gifts. I asked him if you had one wish, what would it be, and he gave me an answer. I talked to Vig about it, and we decided to see if we couldn't do something about it."

Utterly confused, Dom looks to Billy again, only to discover that Billy's deep green eyes have widened considerably. Evidently, he's in the dark as well, at least to some extent.

"We did some digging, but didn't come up with much, and then Vig suggested that we ask a friend for advice," Orlando continues. "We needed help, and we got it. From David."

Turning his attention to the detective, Dom's hand unconsciously squeezes the hardcover book in his hand as he racks his brain for what Orlando could be talking about, only to come up empty. "Okay," he says warily.

"He offered some suggestions, and said that he'd look into it as well, if we wanted. Knowing how much it meant to you, we said yes."

When Billy slides an arm around Dom's waist, he welcomes the touch, feeling uneasy and baffled by what he's being told. To know that Billy is right beside him is of comfort, even though Dom knows that Orlando would never do anything that would hurt him. There’s no way.

"For months it was one dead end after another, and then a couple of days ago, that all changed. David got a lead, and we had to move fast."

"Okay."

"We went looking for an old friend," Orlando finishes softly. "And we found him."

As the words leave Orlando's mouth, David silently steps to one side, revealing someone standing behind him, and when recognition sets in, Dom can't speak. Breath rushes out of his lungs in a silent gasp as hot tears spring to his eyes, and he blinks rapidly to clear his vision, not quite able to believe what he's seeing.

"Long time no see," Eric says softly, eyes filled with uncertainty. "I'm sorry that it's taken-"

Swallowing a sob, Dom rushes forward and hugs the other man fiercely, limbs trembling as he’s unable to find the words to express the relief of seeing his friend. Alive. For a long, quiet moment, they don't speak, and once Dom's control starts to return, he loosens his hold and steps back, brushing at his damp eyes and tucking his book under his arm. Gaze sliding over Eric's features, Dom takes in all the changes since they last spoke. The other man’s eyes are no longer flat and bleak, and there is a healthy glow to his face. So many times Dom wished he could go back to that day and change it, say something or do something that would've helped his friend. After years of not knowing, thinking the worst, Eric is now standing in front of him, looking better than Dom's ever seen him. And alive.

"It's good to see you," he says quietly.

"You, too."

"Bills, this is Eric," Dom adds, shifting closer to Billy again. "Eric, this is Billy. I don't believe you two have met."

"You don't know how nice it is to meet you," Billy says warmly, extending a hand to the other man. "I've heard a lot about you."

"I can't believe this," Dom murmurs in utter disbelief, looking around at the people who worked together to make this happen. "How?"

"It's a long story," Eric replies, almost ruefully. "The short version is that I got kicked out of my flat the day I saw you at the shop, and I decided that I needed to go somewhere else, when what I should’ve done was come back here and talked to you. Not long after that, I got arrested. In the end, that wasn't such a bad thing."

Dom’s breath hitches. "You got out?"

"Yeah," Eric confirms. "I thought about calling you, so many times. I'm sorry. I didn't know how to even start-"

"This was your emergency," Dom says after Eric trails off, meeting Orlando's gaze.

"Yeah. I figured the only way to convince him that you'd want to see him was to show up in person," Orlando replies with a warm smile. "So I did."

"Turned up at my flat and rang the bell," Eric confirms with a nod.

"I don't know where to begin," Dom says aloud, shaking his head, trying to take it all in.

"We can talk later," Eric suggests. "If you want."

"Yes," Dom answers firmly. "Of course. Can you stay for a bit? Tonight?"

"I can do that," Eric agrees with a smile. "From what Orlando tells me, I think it’s safe to say you've been busy."

Dom has to laugh at that. "Yeah, you could say that."

Before the old friends can say anything else, Dom’s editor, Claire, catches his eye and waves him over, pointing at her watch. He nods, and then turns back to look around at his friends, his face a myriad of emotions.

“I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you for this,” he begins, drawing in an unsteady breath and letting it out slowly. “For everything you’ve done for me. I promise you I’ll try.”

“You’re welcome,” Orlando replies gently, stepping forward and pulling him close for a brief hug. “I wish we’d thought of it sooner.”

“I’ll be back,” Dom says, glancing over his shoulder. “I just need to say a few words. Don’t go anywhere.”

“We won’t,” Viggo promises. “Go on and make your speech.”

“Okay.”

Taking Dom's free hand as it's extended to him, Billy stays at Dom's side as they make their way through the crowd and over to a spot where they have a good view of the entire space. There are many well-wishers along the way, and Billy kisses Dom's cheek before Claire calls the room to attention.

"Good afternoon everyone," she says warmly. "And welcome to the celebration on the release of Dominic Monaghan’s memoir, ‘Once Lost.’ "

As Claire talks, Dom finds his mind drifting, his gaze sweeping over the room and finding many familiar faces. Of course, his Mum and Dad have come down from Manchester, along with Maggie from Glasgow. Janeanne is standing next to Mark and Emily, who have made the trip as well, their little girl cradled in his arms, and unless Dom is wrong, it looks as though Emily is expecting again. Local business people are in attendance, a great number of them involved with the program, and Dom is amazed at the number of people he's helped in the past who have turned up to the event.

He honestly had no idea how many lives he’d come in contact with over the last several years, and is grateful that he was able to help, in some small way. For so long, Dom wanted to put a human face on the growing problem, one that the public couldn’t ignore, to represent the people who were too often forgotten. It took him years, but he finally found it, rather unexpectedly, one night when he and Billy were having pizza with the dorm kids.

During their meal, he’d mentioned his goal, how it still remained elusive, and then a shy young man who’d slowly blossomed over the past several months spoke up. He disagreed that Dom hadn’t found the person he needed, and informed Dom that all he had to do was look in the mirror. The face he was looking for, was his own. It was that night that Dom decided to write a book about his experiences, the book now clutched in his hand.

“I know who you really want to hear from," Claire concludes, pulling Dom from his thoughts. "So I’m going to stop talking and turn things over to the guest of honor. Dom?”

Billy gives Dom’s hand a gentle squeeze and after they share a fond look, the Scotsman lets him slip away to address his guests.

“First of all, thank you for being here today,” Dom begins, a hand coming to rest over his heart in a gesture of his appreciation. “It means so much to me, that I can share this with you.”

There is light applause, and then the room quiets, waiting for him to continue.

“I know I’m supposed to give some kind of a speech, and I’ve been thinking about what I’d want to say for a few weeks now,” Dom says, his expression contemplative. “In the end, I decided that I want to share something with you; the reason why I’m standing here today.”

Eyes suddenly growing bright, Dom pauses to compose himself, and then opens the book he’s written, turning several pages until he finds the one he’s looking for. It's the only part of the book that he's kept completely private, not even allowing Billy to see it. Looking up, Dom meets his lover's reassuring gaze, and then recites from memory, the heartfelt words he composed to express the depths of his feelings.

"This book is dedicated to the person who made all the gifts in my life possible," he begins, unembarrassed at the emotion he's displaying.

"Billy, you're so much more than the love of my life, and the most extraordinary man I’ve ever known. I am honored to call you my partner, and am so thankful that I entrusted my heart to you. I never could've imagined this life for myself. You've taught me everything I know about love, and I consider myself privileged to share that knowledge with someone as amazing as you."

Deeply touched by Dom's public declaration, Billy recalls the things they’ve been though over the years, marvels at how they've overcome obstacles, and that are still together, stronger than ever. He keep his eyes on Dom as the younger man glances down at the book cradled to his chest, and then continues.

"In my most desperate hour, your kindness and generosity saved my life, and every single day I am grateful for the precious gift of the love we have found together. Your unshakable faith and strength has carried me through very dark days, and it has shown me that anything is possible . . ."

Pausing, Dom glances across the room, meeting Eric's gaze for a brief moment, and then looks back at Billy, smiling as he's filled to bursting with happiness.

"With a little help from my friends."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

fin