A very merry birthday to Billy
Saturday, August 28th, 2004
A very merry birthday to Billy
A Billy/Dom Chat
Dom: *I pedal my bike down the last block to our house. Billy’s and my house, that is. It’s still incredible every time I think about it. And since I took off from work early today, it’s even more incredible, because that means I’ll be seeing Billy, in our house, within the next couple minutes, rather than the next couple hours. Mick-Mack wasn’t at all upset about closing up at the office today for me, since I told her I had some important business at home that couldn’t really be put off for later. She asked me what my “important business” was and I told her it was a surprise. I didn’t tell her, however, who the surprise was for. Honestly, it’s for Billy. But if she knew that, she wouldn’t have shooed me out of the post office at 1:30pm with a flirtatious grin. (I know, I’m a cheap bastard). But if she knew Billy, I think she might understand why I’m so anxious to see him, and to celebrate today, his birthday. My sweet love is turning thirty-six. It’s our first time together (you know, like that) on his birthday, and I’m going to make it as perfect for him as possible. He deserves it, (not only because last year I spent his birthday being suspicious and jealous thinking that a birthday card from his sister in Scotland was a letter from his wife), but also because he is my world, and I’m so in love with him, I can hardly steer my bicycle straight. I pull up into our gravel driveway and all the way to the side of the house, dismounting my bike and leaving it to wait for the next morning. Little T.S. scurries out in front of me as I hop up the stairs of the porch and open the screen door. As I finally get the doors open, I step inside to a slumbering home which probably hasn’t changed at all since I left this morning. Yes, there are Billy’s books still neatly stacked; no stray glasses left on the table, no smell of stale coffee in the air. I take off my jacket and hang it by the door, proceeding quietly up the stairs toward our room. I open the door, holding my breath, just enough to see a sliver of the bed where a body still lies rumpled in the covers. I smile softly and open the door all the way, taking soft strides over the carpet to the bedside where my Billy is still fast asleep, right where I left him with a goodbye kiss this morning. I lean down close, his sleeping breath on my skin, and with a smile, place a hello kiss on his cheek. His eyes pinch slightly, dark eyelashes against his flushed cheeks, and he dips his gentle head deeper into the pillow. My pillow, actually. I smile again, loving all the ways that he is adorable, and whisper close to his ear.* Rise and shine, my sunshine...
Billy: *Surely it can’t be time to get up, can it? I mean, it’s got to be still early. I don’t feel nearly rested enough. And my alarm hasn’t gone off yet, just in time for me to get up and pretend I’ve been doing something with my day before Dom gets home. And yet, I feel lips brush my cheek, murmured words near my ear, and I am quite sure that that’s a whole lot better than waking up to an alarm clock. But as pleasant as it was, I think I’d like to go back to sleep now, thank you very much. Or maybe I was dreaming in the first place...* Mmrf... *I murmur, or something along those lines anyway. I bury my face deeper within the pillows, breathing in the warmth and the comforting scent of Dom, reaching out blindly to where I’m fairly sure the voice came from in the first place.* Bed... come to bed, Dommie... *In the event that this is a dream, then Dream Dom will no doubt do what I ask and curl up around me, keeping me nice and cozy until my alarm goes off. And if this turns out to be not a dream, then I have to invest in a new alarm clock. Or figure out why Dom is at home so early. I’ll cross those bridges when I come to them. I flail a bit with my outstretched arm, coming in contact with another arm and latching on.*
Dom: *My smiles blooms a little more when he speaks, reaching out to me, and I feel a new rush of love come into my heart, just like it did last night when we said goodnight and closed our eyes. I’ve missed that feeling so much already. I lean down and give Billy another kiss to thank him.* I can’t come to bed, sweetheart... You’ve got to wake up; we have lots to do today... *I speak softly to him again, resting the back of my hand on his warm cheek and caressing it down his neck. His fingers rub my arm as I speak, and he looks a little adverse to the idea of leaving bed. I trace a line around his ear.* Come on, love... Wake up...
Billy: Lots to do today... *What the bloody hell is he talking about? It’s Saturday. We have the rest of the day and all day tomorrow to do absolutely nothing, like we always do.* Lots to do today right here, in bed... sleep. *I turn my head away from the fingers that are attempting to be persuasive but tug on the arm in my grip again, sighing as I find a new cool patch on the pillow to rest my cheek against. I’m not going to open my eyes and find out whether I’m really awake or not. I’m just going to keep sleeping until my alarm goes off, no matter what.*
Dom: *I sigh and brush some hair from his forehead before retrieving my hand from his skin. This isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Especially since Billy is tempting me in so many ways to forget everything and hop into this bed with him. I try to stand firm and slowly reach for his hand on my arm, taking it in my own hand and massaging his fingers lightly.* You’re not going to keep sleeping until that alarm goes off, which I know is set to go at about quarter to three... *I state, watching the shape of his body shift as he breathes. He’s probably huffing at me. But he deserves it, the little lazy-arse. I don’t care how adorable he is; he can’t get away with everything.* It’s one-thirty and I’ve got a surprise for you. Do you want to know what it is?
Billy: *One-thirty? It is early then. My mind is muddled. I obviously have not received enough sleep to be thinking on the level he is asking me to think. I turn my head back towards him, finally cracking open an eye and looking blurrily up at him.* What are you doing home? *I ask suspiciously, fingers involuntarily closing around his. This doesn’t make any sense. It is Saturday, isn’t it? I didn’t completely sleep through it on until Sunday, did I?* Did you say something about a surprise?
Dom: *I laugh finally, loving the sight of that little bit of green I see in his opening eye. My sleeping beauty, I suppose. It took a kiss to wake him, but it’ll take something more than that to actually get him out of bed. Like a surprise. It seems to be working anyway. I lean in again and kiss a bit at his lips, humming contentedly.* Yes, a surprise. I got off work early to give it to you. Hm... *I kiss again, watching his eyes darken subtly.* But you have to get up... *Oh, get up now before I do fall in that bed with you... My lips won’t come away from his. He tastes like sleep...and leftovers of the two of us from last night.*
Billy: *I weigh the possibilities, comparing the merits of both options. On one hand, sleeping for longer would feel wonderful, especially now that Dom’s home. But on the other hand, a surprise is fairly tempting. And I know I’m going to get back to bed eventually, anyway.* Get up? *It still comes out as a whine, despite my excellent intentions. But I raise myself from the pillows, sitting up with a puddle of sheets around me, and blink at Dom, still holding his hand.* What is it? And why do I get a surprise? *I rub the sleep from my eyes with my free hand, peering up at him.*
Dom: I can’t tell you what it is, Bills, it’s a surprise. That’s how surprises work. *I tease through a smile. He looks so groggy, his body is still wobbling as he sits up. His beautiful eyes are blinking up at me, and my expression softens at the sight of him, a part of my heart melting. I rub his little fingers in my hand and then set his hand back down in the sheets to give him more balance.* And you get a surprise for two reasons:... *I grin, running a fingertip down his sleepy cheek.* One, because I love you and you’re so adorable... And two... * I pause, giving him a long look and stroking his stubbly chin with my thumb.* ...because today happens to be someone’s birthday. Remember?
Billy: *My mouth pops open into a little “O” and I drop my fingers heavily down onto the mattress. I usually remember dates, especially something like my own birthday, but I did just wake up... I raise my hands to my face and press the heels of my hands into my eyes, letting out a tiny moan as it hits me.* I’m so old, Dom. Let’s just forget this whole birthday business and go back to sleep, hmm? *One hopeful glance at him eliminates that idea and I sigh, finally swinging my legs off the side of the bed and looking around for my discarded pants from yesterday. I slip them on and blink wearily up at him.* Right. Can we go to bed after the surprise? *I didn’t used to dislike birthdays. It’s just in the past few years that I’ve shifted from the pleasure of youth to the worry about aging of the middle-aged. Is that what I am now? Middle-aged? I definitely needed more sleep before starting to think about this.*
Dom: Well... *I twist my brow, looking at him as he buttons his pants and zips them, plopping back down on the bed afterward.* It’s kind of a long surprise, but I suppose we could go to bed once it’s done. *I rub my hands on my thighs and turn to sit down beside him, shoulder pressed to his. Smiling wearily, I nudge the side of his head as I lean my forehead against his temple.* And you’re not old... *I speak into his ear, his skin warm near my nose.*
Billy: I am too old. *I reply stubbornly, turning my own forehead to his and resting a hand on top of his own.* I was old last year and I’m even older this year. Stone aged. Infirm. *Oddly enough, whining and joking about it is making me forget the number assigned to this year, and I don’t feel so old after all. Or maybe that’s just Dom that does that. I sigh happily and kiss the corner of his mouth, standing finally to retrieve a t-shirt from a drawer. I hold my arms out in a ready posture and look down at Dom.* Surprise me. *I say finally, and then pause, considering.* But kiss me properly first.
Dom: *My grin spreads and I reach out my hands to his. He helps me up and I step into his arms, placing my hands around the shape of his waist and dipping my head down to meet his gaze.* At least you haven’t outgrown this... *My head tips in and my lips find his in a silent, moving kiss. With all the kissing we do, it’s amazing that this simple moment could be giving me butterflies all through my stomach. I sigh happily from deep in my chest, and as our mouths part I speak upon his moistened lips.* Happy birthday, my Billy Boyd...
Billy: *I laugh softly, and I’m fully aware that I no longer mind getting up before I was fully ready to. Not for this.* Thank you, love. *I say quietly before kissing him again, briefly, stealing another birthday present for myself that I know he wouldn’t begrudge me of anyway. I pull back a bit, hands resting on his back, and look at him.* Now: surprise time. Even my patience has its limits, you know.
Dom: Hah. *I grin at him, glad I’ve gotten my usual ‘second kiss’ out of the ‘proper kiss,’ and squeeze his sides gently with my fingers.* All right, smarty. But I should have told you not to get dressed. *His expression turns quizzical, and I laugh again, tracing my thumb just inside the waist of his pants.* I’m taking you out to the river, and we’re going swimming because it’s bloody hot today, and I want to see you in swim trunks. *He makes a face at himself and I kiss it.* But mostly because it’s your birthday and you can dunk me in the water as your present.
Billy: Oh wow. *My eyes widen at the idea, and I grin at him before leaving the warm confines of his arms.* That is a present. *I wink at him and turn to rummage around in the drawers, looking for my long-forgotten swim trunks. I can’t even remember the last time I went swimming. I haven’t had anyone to go with for a long time. I pull them out of the drawer triumphantly and begin to undo my pants, looking over at him with another grin.*
Dom: *I scrunch my nose at him teasingly and smile, indicating at his stylish swimwear, and laughing when he makes another little face. I walk to the corner of the room, where I have clothes piled up and scattered, and begin digging through clumps of them at a time. Finally, I see something brightly colored, and retrieve my swim trunks, draping them over another pile of clothes I’ve created in my search as I begin to take my pants down. After I’ve gotten my trunks on, I pull my pants up over them, zipping up and turning to Billy.* We’ll bring a sack for our clothes and things; a backpack or something. Do you have one? *I kick some sandals out from under the chair in the corner and slip them on.* I’ll get towels, k? *I walk past him out of the room, tugging the edge of his shirt lightly as I go, making my way for the hall closet.*
Billy: *My eyes follow him out of the bedroom distractedly before I turn to the closet, rummaging around at the back before I pull out an old backpack. I grab a pair of sandals and my jeans again and put them on before getting up and heading out into the hallway. When I approach Dom I hold the backpack open, and he plops a couple of towels in. I zip the bag up and make sure I have my keys securely in my pocket before shouldering the bag, smiling at him, and starting downstairs. The river’s not far away, and it’ll be good to get out and take a walk as well.*
Dom: *Billy starts down the stairs before me as I’m still shutting the closet door, and I hesitate to make sure I have everything I need. I feel my pockets, making sure my wallet is tucked in securely, then I head back for our bedroom, remembering another part of Billy’s surprise.* Be right down, love. *I call down to him, entering the room and reaching my side of the bed. I bend down and search a hand underneath, finding the package that I had hidden there earlier this week. I pull it out and stand up, admiring my decent wrapping job as I walk back out of the room and start heading downstairs after Billy. He looks up as I thump to the bottom, and I try to disguise the pride in my smile as I stop before him and present him with his gift.* Here... I, uh, got you this for today. *I turn the package in my hand and he takes it curiously.*
Billy: *I take the package from him and look at it, turning it over in my hands before looking up at him, smiling, pleasantly surprised.* I thought you said my present was getting to dunk you in the river. *I move a few steps into the living room and sit down on the arm of the sofa, unwrapping the package slowly.* Oh! *It’s a camera – a really nice one, with lots of buttons I’ll probably never learn how to use, and a package of film. I realize suddenly that I don’t have a single picture of Dom... not in the house, not in my wallet, not at school... I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity now to change that.* How did you know what the perfect gift was when I didn’t even know? *I grin at him and open the box, taking a quick look at the instructions before I realize it’s not hard to use after all. I load the film and the batteries and turn it on, aiming the camera in Dom’s direction.* Say cheese!
Dom: *I grin widely, and Billy laughs as the camera flashes in my eyes. As my sight becomes focused again, I see him busying his hands about the buttons and looking through the camera at different angles of the living room.* I’m glad you like it. It’s a shame I can’t take a picture of you with it, though. *I put my hands in my pockets and stand beside him, watching as he toys with the zoom.* That was the most confusing one I could find, so I figured it was probably the best. When we go to the river, we can take some more pictures. And I want some of you, too. *I grin, biting my tongue now.* Swim trunks pictures. For my wallet.
Billy: *I’m already packing the camera away in the case that came with it, a little bit hesitant about taking it to the river as I’m afraid it might get wet, but I know I can’t pass up the chance of taking pictures with it, especially more pictures of Dom. I slip the case into the backpack, still grinning hugely. Leaning forward, I wrap my arms tightly around his waist and place a soft kiss on his lips.* Thank you, Dommie. It’s wonderful.
Dom: Mm, maybe I should’ve given you two cameras. *I grin and give him another kiss, as I can never seem to leave it at just one. Sliding my hands off of his hips, I turn for the front door, reaching my coat hanging beside and digging into the front pocket for my house keys. Plucking them into my hand, I stuff them in the pocket of my jeans and pat them down, now reaching for the door knob. Crackling, the front door comes open, and I release the screen door with my thumb and prop it open with my foot. I hold both doors open for Billy, smiling expectantly as he adjusts his backpack on his shoulders and steps out before me. I shut up the house behind us and lock it, shaking the screen door handle to be sure it’s secure. Then I turn and follow Billy down the porch steps. Our feet hit the gravel of the driveway, and I come up beside Billy, silently entwining my fingers with his as we walk.* It’s nice out... No clouds. *I try to look up to the sky, but the sun causes me to squint away.*
Billy: Well, it is my birthday. The weather knows what to do. *I give him a quiet grin, also squinting against the sunlight.* Damn it, we should have brought sunglasses. *I laugh softly and swing our hands a bit as we start down the road.* So what did you have to tell McKenzie to get her off your case when you left so early today? *I ask, nudging his shoulder gently with my own.*
Dom: *My smile sprouts when he bumps me.* I told her I had important business... *I say and look to see Billy glance at me out of the corner of his eye. Damn it. I set my jaw with a grin.* Well, ok, I said something about a surprise. She might have thought it was for her. I don’t know. She’s always reading into what I say, you know... Anyway, she didn’t mind me leaving. *I look back to Billy, squeezing his hand for his attention, smiling expectantly.* It worked, right? You’re surprised?
Billy: *I look back up, smiling happily.* Oh, it worked very well, I can assure you. Waking up before the alarm clock is always very surprising. *I nudge him again, turning my head in mid-step and kissing his shoulder.* However, I’m rarely awoken with something so lovely as a kiss. Usually it’s one of the cats clawing the door down. *I pause, stepping around a pothole.* What do you think you’re going to tell McKenzie when she asks about the “surprise” on Monday? Because she will, you know.
Dom: Hah. *I grin, though only half-heartedly, because I know he’s right. She’s tenacious, and that’s an understatement. Luckily, she doesn’t know me as well as Billy does. I kick a small rock off of the paved road and watch as it bounces away into the gravel.* I could say, “Surprise, I came back!” and she’d probably just love me more. *I hesitate, wondering if I should mention to Billy the fact that McKenzie has an almost overwhelming crush on me...and whether not mentioning it would be out of having his best interest in mind, or out of modesty. I clear my throat and look to him at my side.* What do you think I should say?
Billy: *I laugh a bit, but it’s a bit shorter than I would have hoped. I get the feeling that McKenzie may be a little more friendly with Dom than the average coworker is, just from how he talks about her so... carefully. I think I’ll test that theory out.* Just bring her some candy or something, say thanks for closing up on Saturday, and surprise! Maybe she won’t even ask why you had to leave if you dazzle her with your charm.
Dom: *I laugh and watch my feet hit the pavement.* Probably right. I might not even have to bring candy, if I play my cards correctly. You think? *I raise an eyebrow to him shortly, then continue watching my steps in silence.*
Billy: Well, it’s a possibility... but if I were her, I’d hold out and not shut up about it until I got something out of it. Like chocolate. *I smirk and tug his hand a bit, out of habit.* Just don’t be too charming. Wouldn’t want her fainting on the job or anything. It would be a mess. You’d probably have to stay late, and then the whole plan would be mucked up anyway.
Dom: *I look at him surprised, as he seems to have everything figured out already. A small chuckle escapes between my lips and I tug his hand in response.* Well, I'd better get her candy then. Otherwise I'll be late picking you up from school, you know, and then you'd probably make me sleep on the couch. *I laugh and bring his hand to my lips for a quick kiss, then look up as the road curves and we begin down the street leading into town. The river will be coming up soon, I think.*
Billy: *I groan loudly, squeezing his hand in response to his statement.* I may make you sleep on the couch just for mentioning that. We don’t speak of school. It’s still... *I pause.* ...three days away. And the kids don’t even come for another week after that. I still have two mornings of sleeping in, don’t you forget it! *The slightly hysterical tone of my voice is mostly for show, though. I love school and I love teaching, or else I wouldn’t do it. I’d get myself a job at the post office so I could work with Dom every day. However... I am going to miss the sleeping in part.*
Dom: *I giggle and shrug my shoulders to my ears as he lashes back in a pre-school year rant, (which I can't blame him for, really).* I won't, I won't! I'll let you sleep in as late as you want for the next to days, I promise. I just wish I had more than one morning to share with you. *I lower my shoulders slowly and walk a bit closer to him. A few of Lauderville's outlying espresso stands are coming into view up ahead, and I can barely read one of the signs: "New Chiquita Granita: Blended Ice and Banana Flavor." Gross. I should uninvent bananas. Billy takes a big step over a rock at the side of the road, and I look from the corner of my eye, also noticing the river coming alongside.* I don't want summer to end...
Billy: Why? It’s not like you have to go back to work. You’re already at work! *Well, not at the moment, obviously, but he knows what I mean.* And we still have every Sunday. That won’t change. *I move my other hand over to his arm, rubbing up and down it slowly.* C’mon. You can’t tell me that there’s not a single bone in your body that won’t secretly enjoy seeing lazy Billy go back to school.
Dom: *Though I'm soothed by Billy's touch, his words make me laugh despite myself, and I look to him with adoration. I don't really want Billy to have to work again - even though I know he likes it. But I have to admit... it'd be nice to see him, awake, before we both go off to our separate routines. My smile grows a little, and I rub my thumb over his hand.* Well, it would be nice if half of the coffee I made didn't go to waste... And now I won't be the only one feeling the effects of you keeping me up all night doing you-know-what. *I speak through a grin, waiting for him to object so I can kiss him.*
Billy: Dom, you know I don’t have sex during the school year. I’ve got to be one hundred percent committed to the job. *I grin sweetly at him, knowing that that is probably the most unbelievable joke of a lie I have ever told. But I know Dom will just laugh again anyway, so there’s no harm in it, especially if I get to see him smile wider, which I most assuredly want to.*
Dom: *I lean in, giggling, and put a kiss on his cheek, nipping a bit.* I hope you know that you're joking, smart-arse. Just for that, I'm going to throw you in the river. *I smooch him again near the corner of his smile, unable to hold back my own grin even as I kiss him.* Love... Your job is to have sex with me every night. Didn't anyone tell you? *I pull away and watch him still, with a smile. I can hear the river rushing just behind the nearby reeds. It must be close now.*
Billy: *I laugh, enjoying his little kisses and intending to give him bigger ones as soon as we reach the river.* I don’t remember them putting that on my paycheck... *I muse, tipping my head back to watch him with an amused expression. If only that paid the bills... not that I’d need money to have sex with Dom. Oh-ho-ho, no. But if we could stay home and do that from nine to five and still be able to live in our little house, then I might have to think about quitting teaching, as much as I enjoy it.*
Dom: It's more of a favor, really. It pays for itself. I think it was arranged that way so they wouldn't have to write those kinds of things on paychecks. *I smile and look away, biting my tongue. But when I look up, I notice a small trail up ahead into the reeds; the one that should lead us to a good swimming spot. Nodding toward it, I indicate to Billy.* That's it up there. Should I pick you up now, or do you think I should wait until we reach the edge of the water to throw you in?
Billy: *I stop, tipping my head to the side and contemplating the pathway. I can’t remember the last time I was down here, at the river. I wonder how often Dom’s been here.* I think... that you’re going to have to catch me first! *And I’m off with a cackle, running down the pathway, trying to wrestle off my shirt and pants while still wearing the backpack (a difficult job to do) so I can get into the river before Dom has the chance to drop me in it.*
Dom: What! *I see Billy bolt and I'm soon to follow him, tugging at my shirt and trying to untangle it from my arms as I run down the narrow path. Ducking out of the collar, I fling the shirt into the reeds, and begin unbuttoning my jeans.* Wait, you dirty cheater!! Billy! *I start to laugh as my pants bunch at my knees and I'm forced to hop the rest of the way down the path until I can kick off my sandals and break free from my jeans at an uncoordinated sprint. I unlatch my watch around my wrist and fling it back into my jeans, glancing behind only a moment before turning to see the river up ahead and Billy dropping his backpack and heading straight for the water at full speed.* Billy, you're gonna regret this...if I ever catch you!... *I pant, still running.*
Billy: *I am so good. I managed to get my sandals, jeans, and shirt off before reaching the river, and I only nearly fell once! My stuff left in a heap on the shore, I’m already wading into the slow, shallow water by the time Dom breaks out of the trail. I walk slowly backwards in the water, grinning hugely at him, and shrugging my shoulders, my arms outstretched.* Are you giving up then? Or did you just need a nap on the shore before coming in? *I may be pushing it, but... I can’t resist.* C’mon, I thought I was supposed to be the old man! Come make me regret it!
Dom: *I can hardly laugh, running like this, but I manage a little breathy chuckle, determination stronger than ever to make Billy wish he'd never run off.* Oh, you'll regret it, then, old man! *I call out to him, and at once I come barreling into the cold water, spray splashing up from my feet until the weight of the river sinks me in and I come rushing toward Billy, water gushing out as I reach him and collide with his body through one deep kiss on the mouth, grabbing hold of him as we both fall into the water.*
Billy: *I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed underwater... so this is what it feels like. The kiss ends up tasting more like river than Dom, largely because I was unprepared when he pushed me in and probably had my mouth hanging open. Unfortunately, the causes a premature end to the kiss as I come up spluttering water, but laughing all the same. I haul Dom up into a sitting position as well, laughing even more when I see his hair going every which-way, and I smooth my hand up over his head, tempering my smile down enough to just look slightly smug.* Let’s try that again, shall we? *I cup the back of his neck with my palm gently, pulling him forward to cover his mouth with mine.*
Dom: *Drops of water run from my hair into Billy's hand at the back of my neck; they drip on the edges of my ears and around the edges of my closed eyes. I move my mouth against Billy's gently and begin to smile, bringing my hands up out of the water, sliding up his bare, wet shoulders, up his neck carefully, to cup his face to me. When Billy leans back away from the kiss, I wobble a bit in the water and smile at him, still framing his face with my hands as water runs between my fingers.* Now you can dunk me in the water if you want to.
Billy: *I smile softly, gently, and lean in to nuzzle against his cheek, kissing his lips softly once again. My hands move to his shoulders, and when I break away from him and smile once more, I push him back down in the water, letting out a triumphant laugh and scrambling away before he’s recovered enough for retaliation. I make my way out farther into the river, to a place where the water’s up to my shoulders, and stand out there with that same stupid grin on my face, waiting for him to come join me again.*
Dom: *I come out of the water, blowing water out from my mouth and hesitantly opening my eyes in surprise. When I see Billy, my mouth spreads in a big grin and I shake my head, droplets of water flying in every direction. I'm sure my hair must look like a mess. Pushing off of a large rock below me, I take large strokes toward Billy, floating closer and trying not to bump him as I stop, finding my footing on the unstable riverbed. He smiles as I wobble and have to push out with my arms to steady myself. All of the uncertainty of water... It always makes things more amusing than usual. Even Billy's small smile is making me laugh, which isn't helping me at all to balance against the current. I look up to Billy, an uncontrollable smile on my lips.* I should dunk you too, you know.
Billy: *I steady myself in the water, arms outstretched and floating to keep me balanced. I look down at Dom with an amused smile and a cocked eyebrow.* Should you? *I shrug, closing my eyes and tipping my head back.* Get it over with, then. I suppose I deserve it, after all.
Dom: *I bite my tongue, grinning greedily. He's closed his eyes, eh? Big mistake, Bills. Who knows what kind of outlandish activity I could get away with now that you can't see me? Paddling silently, I slip around the other side of him and try to hold my place. Then I take a slow breath and dip down into the water. Feeling my way, my fingers find the curves of his waist and in one motion, I tug him down into the water and push myself out at the same time. I break through the surface with a shout.* Ha! *I swipe my eyes, bobbing in the current.* So there, Mr. Clever-arse! Beat that!
Billy: *I come back up spitting water and brushing hair off my forehead, but when I’ve wiped my eyes I open them, grin at Dom, and launch myself at him. Not with the intent to dunk; no, I’ve had enough of that for awhile; but to tackle, grab, and latch onto. We bob a bit in the water, but we’re in a shallow enough part that even if we were to go under, we’d come back up quickly enough.* You had it made there, Dommie, and you didn’t even take full advantage of the situation! You could have had my shorts gone and I wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it.
Dom: I thought about it, but I decided I love you too much. *I wrap my arms around his waist somewhere under the surface of the water and feel the contrast of his warm body and the cold water. I shiver and poke my thumbs under the waist of his trunks.* Besides, I'd be jealous of the fish for the view. *I tease, bringing our bodies a bit closer, even, than they already were.*
Billy: Good point. I think I’d be afraid of the fish, actually. Don’t know how vicious they are. *I giggle, trying to wrap myself completely around him without upsetting our balance. It sort of works. I feel more balanced, anyway.* Shall we call a truce, then? No more dunking unless permission is granted?
Dom: *I huff a little laugh under my breath, shaking my head when water drips from my hair into my eyes.* All right, agreed. *I nod, then raise an eyebrow at Billy.* ...This is a kissing truce, right? *I ask, sneaking a few more fingers below the waist of Billy's trunks.*
Billy: *I squeak as he adds more fingers to the ones already there, wondering if he’s changed his mind about the whole de-shorting bit.* No, just pinky swear on this one. *I grin and press my lips to his neck, tasting the river water against his skin, and in small quantities, with the taste of Dom overpowering the mixture, it’s not half bad. I raise my head to look at him, still smiling.* Of course it’s a kissing truce! How many truces have we ever had that aren’t kissing truces? How many truces have we ever had? *I’m starting to get confused. Better to just lean in and... there. My lips make contact again and this is definitely worth having my dunking privileges revoked.*
Dom: *Yes... He tastes like the last bit of summer. And out of all of the silliness that comes with floating in a river, kissing your lovely boyfriend on his birthday, I feel warmth welling up from deep inside my body and I want to just burst out and shout, "My boyfriend loves kisses!" to the entire world. Certainly that's the most important thing that could be said now. But as my lips are being massaged by Billy's, all I can manage is a long, deep groan, which is muffled when my legs give out completely and our mouths dip just under the surface of the water. As soon as we reappear in the open air, we break apart from the kiss, and I laugh gently, sliding all of my fingers into Billy's trunks and rubbing his hips softly, gazing at him through damp eyelashes.* River kisses taste even better than bed kisses.
Billy: That’s just because bed kisses are often accompanied with the taste of morning breath. *I say softly, a slight smile tilting my lips. But really, I think I’d have to agree that this particular brand of kisses has something really special about it. Maybe it’s because this brand was born for us on my birthday, or because this is one of the last days of our summer, autumn tainting the water ever so slightly with a hint of its own flavor, or maybe it’s just because of the way Dom looks right now, hair plastered against his forehead, eyelashes clinging together with heavy water droplets, and I know that, whatever it is, this water is infused with a little bit of that something that made me first fall in love with Dom, and has done every day since. It hits me with a little jolt, and I almost twitch in his embrace, masking it by leaning in and putting a long kiss on his forehead.* You’re beautiful, you know? *I fairly sigh, pulling back just to look at him again with deeply loving eyes.* I love you.
Dom: *My heart springs in a beat. I can feel goosebumps growing on my arms, even under water, and my hands hold his sides.* I... *I think I'm forgetting to smile, but I'm so startled that my happiness is stuck deep inside of me. Slowly, I bring my hands around Billy's waist and overlap my arms around his back, bringing Billy as close and secure as I can without squeezing him too tightly.* I love you, too... *A hint of surprise is still in my voice. Billy thinks I'm beautiful. I'm beautiful? I watch him silently as little drops of water make their way down his face. His skin reflects softly in the water, its color pale in the cold. Little waves cradle him in the river, touching his body. He is beautiful... His green eyes are beautiful, hazy from the water, as he looks at me adoringly. Another droplet of water runs down his brow, and quietly, I lean in, brushing it back with my cheek. I wrap my arms further up his back and hold him so our bare bodies press against one another. I can't help trembling; it's so cold and still.* I love you, Billy... *I whisper into his ear.*
Billy: *I let out a sigh, long and contented, that can’t even begin to explain how much love I’m holding in for him right now. My hands brush up and down Dom’s back, breaking in and out of the water in an effort to cover more skin at once, to keep him warm in the cool stillness of this spot of the river. I can feel him shivering; his shivers echo into me and ripple back to him, and I’m not sure whether that’s more from the water temperature or just from standing here, with him. I tip my head to rest it on his shoulder, lips brushing his neck just barely, as I hold him tight, hoping to squeeze into this embrace some of the gratitude I feel for today, for his surprise, for him in general.*
Dom: *I try to stand as steadily as I can for him, holding him still. But I feel like sinking deep into this water, deep until nothing exists but Billy and I; I want to find some place down there that is as warm as I’m trying so hard to feel. There must be somewhere. I can feel bumps growing on Billy’s back now, too, as he trembles with me, and I try to rub them away in slow circles with my hands. They only grow, and I turn my head to kiss Billy’s damp hair, hoping that might help. He ducks steadily into my embrace, and I wish that I could wrap him up inside myself to keep him safe and warm. All I want to do is keep him out of the cold, somewhere in the warm love that’s pushing out on every wall of my heart. I could wrap him in it like a blanket. His breath tumbles down my neck, lips grazing my skin only slightly. As I feel his kisses, my mouth moves with his into the wet strands of his hair. I can smell him more richly now. I’ve never felt this before; felt this scent all around me, so strong and deep. Billy’s hair smells like vanilla, and his garden on hot days, with the grass and the flowers... and it smells like... like his pillow... I’ve smelled this for so many nights now, I’d almost detached it from Billy’s presence. But now it isn’t just a bed smell. Or a river smell. It’s just Billy’s smell... I turn my nose into his hair and take deep breaths. Billy... He smells like waking up together. He smells like saying “I love you”s before turning out the lights and holding each other closely. He smells like melting together when we’re making love; when we fall back into the pillows exhausted and happy and in love with each other, so much in love. My heart does somersaults in my chest and I cuddle Billy close so he can feel it. After a moment, I move my mouth close to his ear and kiss gently.* You smell like home; you feel like my home with you. I’m home with you... I love you, Billy, I love you... I love you...
Billy: *This is what I really wanted for my birthday. I didn’t know if I deserved it but I hoped for it all the same, and here it is. These little moments that epitomize the reasons I love my life with Dom, the reasons that I truly believe there is no other way for my life to be. I grow more and more convinced that, as corny as it may sound, that before Dom all I had in Lauderville was an existence, and he made it a life. A year, it’s been, over a year since Dom first showed up on my doorstep, bleeding from a head wound, and honestly, he was the best thing that my cats ever left on the doorstep for me as a present. I smile, a ghost of a smile that grows as I tighten my arms around him, feeling our hearts thudding together in unison, the way they were meant to beat together since the beginning. I am happy, so powerfully happy in a way that’s subdued inside me to preserve this quiet, perfect moment, but I’m about to rupture from the force of it.* You love me... *I whisper against his jaw, softly, like the breath of air that ripples the water around us.* ...and I love you... *I lift my head, meeting his eyes with a smile so small yet so absolutely filled with adoration.* ...and that’s all I’ll ever need. *My forehead tips against his, resting there for a moment as I sigh shudderingly, a prelude to tears that will not fall but are felt just the same. I move my lips to his then, pressing gently, just enough to seal what I intend to keep as a promise.*
Dom: *Billy's kiss lingers for a moment; a frozen moment that makes my heart beat impatiently. I nip at his mouth once with my lips, unable to stand the stillness, and I hold my breath when I feel his arms tense around my back. Turning my head without losing his touch, I find that place where my mouth fits perfectly with his, and my whole body shivers in the cold until the moment I break away from the kiss and find Billy's eyes again staring darkly into mine. I want to pick him up and carry him to a secluded place. I want to see his sun-speckled body lying beneath a low tree on the river bank, these same dark eyes watching me as I touch him, not making a sound. I have the smallest urge to break from Billy's gaze now just to look for a place nearby where we could hide. But I can't do that. I have this day all planned for him. Not for me. For him. I just have to remind myself. If he picks me up and takes me away, then I won't stop him, but I can't let this end here on my account. I'm still going to be telling him the sweet things I think about him as we're lying next to each other in our bed tonight, cuddled under the covers. I'll still be holding him like this and brushing away the tearful look on his face, gently kissing him all night with his head rested on our pillows. I'll caress him and keep him safe even into the morning. This day is going to be perfect; I have to make it perfect so he'll remember it tomorrow and tell me he loves me for it, in a different way than he's ever felt before. Because he has all of me. I will get down on my knees, and I won't take anything from him. I promise, Billy. I'm going to make this day perfect for you.* Billy... *I let my forehead slowly touch his again. I can barely feel our cold noses brushing. Gradually, I begin to smile.* Ask me for anything...
Billy: *Anything. I’ve no doubt that his invitation is sincere. I feel like he’s giving me far too much leeway today, but it’s not as if I’d give it up for an instant. My lips curl upwards in a smile as I think about all the possibilities, and as I’m contemplating my options I lean in and let my lips curl over Dom’s again; kissing may not help me make decisions but it certainly gives me more to think about. I break away from his lips finally, decision made.* Let me play with my camera some more? *I ask softly, eyes turning up to meet his earnestly.* Let me take pictures of you, back on the riverbank. You’re getting cold; you can warm up in the sun.
Dom: I...uh... *Oh hell, I think I just stopped working. C'mon, Dom, stop thinking with that rotten part of your brain. I bring my head away from Billy's a bit to focus on him, and his beautiful smile catches some of the sunlight. He rubs my back soothingly, and the slight churn of the water reminds me of how very cold it is in here; how I'd much rather be on the riverbank, uh, warming up with Billy.* Uhm, yeh sure. It is kind of cold, huh. *I feel my goosebumps returning as Billy's arms slide away from my body and he steps back into the water alone. I start toward him as he begins moving for the shore. Shouldn't this be the part where I say something cheeky about taking pictures and he gives me a splash for it? Like, "what positions do you want me in?"*
Billy: *I plop myself down by my backpack, reaching in, pulling out the camera and fiddling with it for a moment before I remember how to turn it on. I lift it up to my face and catch Dom in my sight, slowly coming up out of the water and walking towards me. I almost ask him to smile but decide right before I click the button that I much prefer the expression on his face there anyway. It’s a mixture of confusion, amusement, and something else I can’t really put a name to, but makes me wonder idly just how often I’m going to be too embarrassed to take in a roll of film to have it developed. I take the picture and lower the camera, smiling at Dom as he reaches my side. This camera could be dangerous.* Sit down. *I offer, patting the ground next to me and then rise. I fiddle with the camera a little more as I wait for him to settle.*
Dom: *I turn, hesitating, then lower myself to the mix of rocks and new reeds. My knees are up to my chest and I scoot my bare feet to a more comfortable distance, looking up at Billy and squinting into the sun as I wring some water out of my trunk legs.* You've already figured that thing out then, have you? Well, if this is a professional photo shoot, I think I should be wearing more clothes... But, then, you're the professional, it's your decision. *I say with a grin, bringing one hand up to shield my eyes as I watch Billy adjust the camera at his face. I wonder what I've gotten myself into... My smile broadens and I scrunch my toes around the rocks at my feet.* How should I pose?
Billy: Some professional photo shoots require no clothes at all. *I work with the zoom for a bit before I chance a glance at Dom, raising one eyebrow in silent suggestion. That’s not the kind of photo shoot for today though, on this riverbank in broad daylight. That is the type of photo shoot I will save for our bedroom, on a night when I have the time to devote attention to detail. Today I am just taking the sort of pictures I can confidently display in plain sight.* Just do whatever feels natural, Dom. *I snap a picture of him sitting like that quickly, before he decides to move. He’s still smiling, and it makes a good shot.* Um... *Speaking of that smile... I think I’d like a close up of it. I kneel down in front of him, zooming in on his face.* Say cheese.
Dom: *I would kiss him instead, but he has a camera right in his face. I stop fidgeting with my wet trunks and set my hands on the ground behind me, grinning wide at him.* Cheese! *I say through my teeth, and the camera clicks. I lick my lip absently as Billy takes the camera down with a smile.* That's a keeper. For your desk at school, hey? *Slowly, I lower myself back to rest on my elbows, bringing my chin to my collar so I can still look at him. The sun's already drying off my chest.* You can blow little kisses at me when the kids aren't looking... *I say with a cheeky smile.*
Billy: *I take a picture of that as well, though with that kind of smile I might be better keeping that one in my wallet, because the way he looks right now could lead my thoughts on so many paths.* Believe me, the kids are always looking... that’s not to say I’d not do it anyway. *I lower the camera and grin at him, walking over to him on my knees. On second thought, I raise up and straddle his waist, pushing him back on the ground and leaning over to take a picture of his face from this angle. I lower the camera again.* Maybe at recess.
Dom: *Oh wow. Bloody hell, I love this camera. I let my arms fall and then sneak up to find his waist, holding him with a mischievous expression as he looks down at me over the top of the camera.* You'll have to tell me when recess is, so I'll know when to catch the kisses while I'm at work. *I rub my fingertips against his soft skin, just above the band of his trunks, and grin at him as he takes another photo.*
Billy: 10:50 and 1:25. *I reply automatically, winking at him before I snap another picture, just to catch his grin again. Each one is different. How many of them have I missed since I’ve known him? Too many.* And the class goes to either P.E. or music class every day at 2:30. So be prepared then as well.
Dom: Mm, k... *I'm not looking at the camera anymore. I watch as my fingers trickle over to his belly button and dip into it gently, my thumbs poking just barely under the waist of his trunks. Damn, I really shouldn't be doing this. Taking what I want from him... I promised I wouldn't. I let my hands rest where they are and finally lay my head back against the hard ground, looking up against the sun and feeling the velvet skin of his belly only hesitantly.* What other poses will you blow kisses at?
Billy: *My stomach jumps slightly under his touch, and I fight the urge to giggle. Instead I lean back and take a picture of his hand on my skin.* All of them. *I smile down at him, resting my hand on his chest for a moment and pressing down with my fingers before I stand.* That’s enough for now. I want to take some of you at home later. *I stand over him, looking down, using my shadow to keep the sun out of his eyes.*
Dom: *My fingers already miss the touch of him. I gaze up at him in the dim light now and smile, hearing his words echo in my head.* I want to take some of you at home later, too... *I speak softly, a little gruffly as I prop myself up on my elbows again and begin to push myself off of the ground.* I may not have a desk to fill, but I'd still like to take you to work with me. *I sigh as I stand up straight and take Billy into my sight again, just below the streaming light of the sun. I give him a short grin before turning around to look for my discarded jeans and shirt.* Maybe I'll frame you and put you on the wall in the post office. *I tease over my shoulder as I find my jeans and watch, tucking the jeans under my arm and sliding my watch on. As I'm latching it, I see my shirt in the reeds and grab that too, along with Billy's shirt lying close beside. I turn and head back to the riverbank, toting our clothes.* Should probably dry off; do you have the towels? *I ask, offering him his shirt.*
Billy: Hmm? Oh. *I reach for my shirt, taking it before leaning over to rifle through the backpack. I pull out the towels, rubbing my hair with one as I look around for my jeans. I find them and pluck them off the ground, wrapping my towel around my shoulders.* How are we supposed to get jeans on over wet trunks? *I wonder out loud, draping Dom’s towel over his shoulders and rubbing him down a bit.* It’s my camera, isn’t it? What if I don’t want any pictures of me taken? *I give him a glance, smiling teasingly. He knows I wouldn’t prevent him from it. I like the idea of us carrying each other around in our pockets.*
Dom: *I grin amusedly and move my towel through my hair a bit before lowering it down to pat off my damp trunks. I squeeze as much water out of the legs as I can, glancing up to Billy momentarily with the same look on my face.* Having your picture taken on your birthday is mandatory, Bills. *I stand up straight and pat my towel around my hips.* If you don't, the birthday police come after you and take away all of your presents. *Smirking, I toss my towel back into the backpack and reach down for my jeans, stepping into them and pulling them up around my waist. My trunks are still a little wet. Then again, I don't really think it would help to go without them. I button and zip my jeans, feeling a bit crowded and sticky.*
Billy: *I finish toweling myself down, casting a hopeless glance at my jeans before I pull them up and fasten them. I hope I can find my sandals.* That’s not how it worked last year. *I mutter, stuffing the towels back in the backpack, setting the camera on top and closing it. I grab my shirt and slip it on, slinging the backpack over a shoulder and beginning to look around for my footwear. Of course, I didn’t get any presents last year, so I can’t confess to be an expert on the rules.*
Dom: Oh... *I mumble, looking a little sad as I pull my shirt up and over my head, tucking my arms into the sleeves. Good one, Dom. I smooth my shirt down with a sigh and walk behind Billy, finding my sandals a bit apart from each other and slipping them on one by one. Then I continue on after Bill, stopping just behind him when he finds one of his sandals and begins to toe it on silently. I don't think I even got Billy a present last year... Although, last year I was just his postman, not his boyfriend. It was different. Suddenly, I make a face. Who am I kidding; I had feelings for him last year, too. Small ones. I liked him enough to be jealous of his sister. I should've gotten him something, I really should have. I step close behind Billy and slide my arms around his waist, making an "I'm sorry" sound as I press my nose to his shoulder.*
Billy: *I smile when I feel him come up behind me, and cover his hands with my own, slipping the other sandal on. But then I turn, frowning a bit when I see his expression.* Hey. What? *Don’t know what happened there. I slip my own arms around his waist, leaning back so I can see his face.* I’m just joking with you, Dom. Of course you can take pictures when we get back home.
Dom: *His arms come around me warmly as he turns, and I feel a little less worry when he looks at me with wonder, apparently unaware that I made such a big mistake last year. I smile weakly, looking at him and hesitating.* I knew you well enough to get you a present last year, right?
Billy: What? Dom! *I can’t believe he’s thinking about something like that. A year passes and he worries about whether or not I resent the fact he didn’t get me a present after knowing him for less than a month. I press my lips to his forehead firmly, resting them there as I speak.* No, you did not. You didn’t know me nearly well enough to even think about getting me a present, or a card, or anything. You didn’t even know it was my birthday until the same day you found out I wasn’t married. So no, you didn’t know me well enough last year.
Dom: *I rest my head on his lips, draping my arms around him again and slowly feeling myself come to ease. Maybe he's right. It makes sense, now, anyway; now that he's said it. I smile a bit. He's always right... I nuzzle my nose against his softly and then bring my head away to look at him. My smile grows gently wider when I see his gaze still tinted with a little confusion, and gradually a little laugh tickles in my throat as my next thought comes through my lips..* ...I'm glad you're not married...
Billy: I am too. *I wrinkle my nose a bit, grinning back at him.* I’d make a horrid wife. *I laugh and give his waist a squeeze, pressing one more kiss to his forehead before I let him go and take his hand instead.* Well, what now? *I swing his hand a bit, looking down at our entwined fingers.* Home?
Dom: *I grin, my happiness at once rejuvenated, and I'm sure it's because we're holding hands and he's smiling. I give his fingers a small squeeze.* Nope. We have to pick up dinner. And that means we're going to town. *I turn and begin leading him up the riverbank.*
Billy: *My stomach gives a lurch as I realize how hungry I am.* Dinner. Good idea. *That could of course be due to the fact that I haven’t eaten yet today. Maybe.* What are we having then, oh Master of Surprises? *I smile at him and continue swinging our hands as we walk back up the path we came from.*
Dom: You'd like to know that, wouldn't you? *I ask, grinning over my shoulder secretively.* But now that I'm the Master of Surprises, I think I'll keep it to myself for a while. *I stride along happily, toting Billy behind me until we reach the top of the bank and we set foot on the road side by side with our hands clasped between us. I see that same Chiquita Granita sign up ahead and continue toward it, following the main street into town.*
Billy: Alright then, keep your secrets. *I fix the strap of the backpack with my free hand as we trudge along the road, still wishing we had had the foresight to bring sunglasses.* What are we doing this evening? Or are you not going to tell me that, either? *I don’t mind not knowing. Birthdays aren’t a terribly big deal for me, not after already having had thirty-five of them, but the fact that Dom’s wanting to make the thirty-sixth one something special makes me smile uncontrollably.*
Dom: *I press my lips tightly together and shake my head, swinging Billy's hand at my side.* All you need to know is that we'll be spending the evening in at home and we'll be together. The rest is a surprise. *I grin, tossing a glance to him to see him smile, a touch of laughter in the very corner of his mouth. I'll kiss it off tonight, if he lets me. I'd do much more with him, if he'd let me. But a part of me doesn't really want him to. For some reason. I keep feeling like, even in the midst of our passionate kisses and hours spent love-making, I might be missing something; some moment I should have spent silently holding him and looking into his eyes. There's someplace somewhere full of the comfort and wholeness of letting Billy simply lie down beside me and tell me everything he's ever done or wondered; that's a place I've never been to. I'm starting to think that maybe I spend too much time hurrying things, spending my love on him before we have the chance to catch our breath. Well, I'm going to hold each breath twice as long tonight. Now that I think of it, taking my time tonight may not be that difficult after all. I smile warmly, watching him walk so close to me that our shoulders bump together.*
Billy: *I sigh dramatically, but I’m smiling all the same.* Oh, alright then. I can wait, I suppose. *I know I can, but I still feel like a kid on Christmas. Maybe the feeling is pouring over from Christmas time, since I certainly didn’t feel that sort of anticipation then, not early Christmas Eve, at least. Now is different. Even if the surprise turned out to be nothing at all I’d still be excited for this evening, because it’s Saturday, my favorite evening of the week, and it’s started early, with Dom here now.*
Dom: *I look toward town, to all of the small buildings approaching ahead, and I hope silently that Billy will see my surprise the way I do. I haven't really planned to do much tonight; it's not really fair that I keep telling Billy that it's a "surprise" anyway, as though it's going to be something incredible. Well, it could be incredible...depending on how everything plays out. I look at my feet and try to walk along the white line on the side of the road, a smile still evident upon my lips. The sun is warm on my eyelids...like Billy's kisses have been... My feet step one in front of the other on the line.* Tops or bottoms? *I ask suddenly, with a grin.*
Billy: *I’ve been watching Dom’s feet, watching his concentration as he tries to walk on the line, and waiting for the ideal moment to nudge him off, and his question catches me off guard. My head snaps up and I meet his eyes, giving him a perplexed look.* Dom... what?
Dom: *I recognize his surprise for a moment and offer a wider smile. Not glancing up, I bite my tongue and keep walking, still watching my feet and trying not to wobble.* Which do you prefer?
Billy: *I’m still too distracted by his question to take advantage of the situation and push him off, so I ponder the question a bit, smiling. It’s another question and answer session. He knows this is my favorite game.* It depends on the situation... I don’t like to limit myself. But overall, I suppose tops.
Dom: I like both. *I say, still concentrating on the white line passing below me.* Tops is like experimenting. And bottoms is like being experimented on, you know? Sometimes I don't want to have to know anything about what's going to happen, and sometimes I want to decide everything. But both ways feel good. *I begin to lean and use my hold on Billy's hand to ease myself back up again, taking a few quick steps. I can feel Billy looking at me in silence and I try not to laugh, faltering a bit. My foot steps wide over a rock lying directly on the line.* ...Making love or cuddling?
Billy: *I muffle a soft giggle, deciding against pushing him and instead choosing to hold him up. I lean as he leans, helping him keep his balance.* That is an unfair question. They belong in completely different categories. I like making love for how it feels physically, obviously, and how connected it makes me feel to you. But cuddling is perfect for talking and still being mushy and lovey-dovey. So both, all the way. *I nod matter-of-factly and look at him.* What about you?
Dom: Both, definitely. *I laugh a little, causing myself to wobble again. It's a crime that the simplest things, like walking a painted line for example, should be made more difficult by the fact that you're laughing at yourself for doing them. I lean on Billy again gently.* Making love is...incredible. Like I'm a part of you. Like you said. ...Cuddling, I think, makes me feel like you're a part of me. I can look at you and think about how much I love you. You know? *I see the shape of a building in the corner of my eye, but I still don't look up, not yet.* Uh... *I swerve again and bump Billy in the shoulder, giggling softly.* ...Me or all of your old boyfriends?
Billy: All meaning one. *I laugh softly and nudge him, but only gently.* Now this... this is a difficult question to answer. I may have to think awhile on this and get back to you, is that alright? *I giggle and flinch away, dodging a swat that may or may not come.* Don’t be silly, Dom. You, above and beyond everyone else I’ve ever had in my life, in this place in my heart. Because you’re the last one who will ever be here, because I plan on keeping you. *I smile and lean on him lightly.* What about you?
Dom: *I have to swallow my heart down to answer, still smiling.* I pick me, of course. *I laugh lightly, squeezing my fingers around his hand before bringing it up for a quick kiss.* I never knew your old boyfriend.
Billy: *I roll my eyes but smile indulgently, feeling the remnants of his kiss on my hand.* Ha ha, very funny. How about between me and all of your former lovers? Or would you rather avoid the question a bit more?
Dom: *I laugh again and glance up for an instant, noting that we've entered the heart of town. Sighing, I finally give up on the line. I swear it goes on for miles, anyway. Swinging his hand again, I come into stride with Billy, content to walk without anymore unexpected twists and turns. I look at him with a relenting smile, and he glances at me too.* I pick you. You're beautiful and I love you. I want you in my life forever, even if it means I have to be bottoms for the rest of eternity. *I lean in and kiss his cheek with a grin.*
Billy: I believe I told you I was flexible, Dominic. I don’t think I signed my name to a contract. *I lean over and press my lips to his ear.* Besides, if I were really tops only do you think I would have let you fuck me over my desk? *I punctuate the question with a kiss near his ear and a grin of remembrance, straightening up and looking around the street.* What’s for dinner? *I chirp again, hiding a snicker.*
Dom: You... *I mumble, as my lips meet his cheek again.* Don't change the subject so quickly... I can't keep up... *I breathe on his skin, still thinking about 'fucking him over his desk' and trying my best to remember what he said afterwards. I pull away from his face slowly and sights of the town begin to register around me. Dinner... That's right; where do we get dinner? I look about me and at once catch sight of the local grocery store on the other side of the road.* There. *I say, tugging Billy's hand as I start out into the road, checking for cars.* We've got to find our dinner in the grocery store.
Billy: *I follow him across the road, eyeing the grocery store and then Dom dubiously.* This could pose a significant problem, Dom. I don’t think they have food in the grocery store. *I giggle and push the door open, holding it open for Dom and then following in after him.* What are we looking for?
Dom: Sustenance… *I speak slowly, looking around the grocery store to familiarise myself with the layout.* The frozen variety... *I turn back to Billy, eyeing him and scratching my chin with exaggeration. I give him a teasing smile and then fumble my hand back for his, beginning toward the frozen foods section of the store with him in tow.*
Billy: The frozen kind? *I wonder aloud, following Dom helplessly, not that I’d try to resist. I’m so curious about what he’s got up his sleeve, lured in by the natural interest I have in Dom and all that he does. Still, I’m glad he’s not spelling it out for me. I’m enjoying the ride.*
Dom: Yes. *I state, stopping hesitantly at the beginning of the aisle and looking up and down each section of the freezer as I move along. Where would they be keeping the frozen dinners, huh? Aren't they, possibly, the most important frozen food item in the world. In my opinion, yes they are. They should be close... I spin around quickly to see if I've missed them on the other side of the aisle. Nope... Pizza, waffles, no... I continue down the aisle and turn round the corner to the next aisle, hoping for better luck. The frozen foods, uh, basin...lies before us, and I think recall seeing TV dinners in a similar place somewhere else. Walking up to the basin, I press my hips to the cold edge and look in. Frozen juice... ice cream... The icy air hits my bare arms and just begins to sink in when I see before me the multi-colored boxes of my search. I smile triumphantly and reach a hand into the basin, picking out a cold box and looking it over with pride.* This. *I say, nudging Billy's thigh with our enlaced hands.* Is our dinner today.
Billy: Hmm... *I pause before my selections, smiling faintly before reaching in and plucking out some sort of three-cheese lasagna dish that looks good to me.* Okay! *I respond happily, grinning at him and squeezing his hand sporadically. I’m suddenly cherishing the idea of a comfortable meal in, just Dom and me, and I’m half considering hurrying him along to get home. Because TV dinners imply dinner in front of the television, which in our case is in the front room, which would imply sitting on the couch, which would present a terrific opportunity to engage in one of our mutual favorite activities: cuddling.*
Dom: *I turn my head to consider his happy smile, and my own smile grows bigger than ever. I didn't think he'd find TV dinners very appealing, at first anyway. But he seems enthusiastic, really. I'm so glad. I pause, looking at him, before turning back to the dinners and replacing the one already in my hand for one with chicken fingers and French fries.* All right! *I announce, taking the dinner in my hand and turning to Billy again.* Now, I don't suppose you'd want any snacks... You know, real junky stuff like popcorn and candy and things... You don't like that, right? *I shake my head at him and try not to smile.*
Billy: *I shake my head violently, looking as disgusted as I can possibly fake at all the treats he’s suggesting.* No, I don’t go for that kind of stuff, you know that Dom. Lead on to the celery. *But I’m already dragging him towards the snack food aisle, biting back another huge grin that sneaks up on me all of a sudden, and I pause in the middle of the aisle, already searching for what looks best.* I seem to have gotten us lost, hmm. Guess we’ll just have to make do here. *I’m already reaching for a box of microwave popcorn.*
Dom: Haha. *I can't help it, but he looks so serious. I bite my smile down and wrap my arms around his waist, standing close behind him and looking at the popcorn over his shoulder. He takes a box and considers it. I read the front to myself.* Extra butter. *I make a face, reaching over Billy for another box.* Don't they have anything better? *The box in my hand reads "Buttery Explosion" and I nod approvingly.* What do you think, Bill? Yes? No? Yes? *I show him the box and press myself close to him.*
Billy: Hmmm... this very important decision isn’t one we should really be making on the spot like this but... I would have to concur, Dominic. *I put the box I’m holding back and wiggle out of his arms, leaving him holding the box of popcorn as I go in search of sweeter delights.* What d’you fancy, Dom? M&Ms, licorice, chocolate bar? Hmm?
Dom: Definitely lots of chocolate for me; dark chocolate in your case, of course. *I agree, hurrying after him and putting my hand back in his.* M&Ms are good. They don't come in dark chocolate, really. *I stop beside Billy in front of the wall of candy.* But they pose options... Do I eat just one at a time, or a handful at once? Oh! *I say, pointing.* Reese's cups! Two is never enough, I say. *I reach down and pick up two packs. Then another.* Now you pick, Bill.
Billy: *I reach for a package of M&Ms at his encouragement, then pause to consider my remaining choices. Dark chocolate, mmm. I grab a large bar of dark chocolate, a dopey smile already covering my face, and I haven’t even been placated with the candy yet. I turn to face Dom, our free arms filled with the ingredients of our dinner. We should have picked up a basket.* Anything else?
Dom: Hm... *I look over the aisle and back, coming to a decision almost at once.* I always find it nice to have some backup chips, just in case. You know. *I begin, turning to the opposite wall of the aisle and looking over the chip bags.* You don't really plan on opening the bag, but if the situation arises, and you absolutely need a chip...it's good to have one or two handy. You know? Something like Fritos... *I point casually to the bag.* …Or Doritos... Or Cheetos, even. *I point to each bag in turn.*
Billy: Or all three. *I grin naughtily at him, snatching the bags off the shelf and balancing them in my arms.* Last few days of summer. Let’s have a blowout. *I plant a quick, sneaky kiss on his cheek before pulling back to smile.* Ready to go home?
Dom: *I laugh and take two of his bags.* I think so. *I kiss him lightly in return, and then look over our gatherings as we begin for the check-out.* Looks like we have all of the essentials. Unless you wanted something special to drink. *As we reach the checkout, I begin placing our things on the conveyer belt, still looking to Billy questioningly, giving a short shrug.* I'd suggest chocolate milk, but again, it's your birthday. If you want me to run back and get some plain milk, I could do that too.
Billy: We have enough to drink at home. We can always make chocolate milk. I’m pretty sure we still have some syrup. *I lay my armful of items out on the belt, hoping that my impatience to get home won’t be misread as impatience with our activities. I can’t help it that I infinitely prefer Dom all to myself, away from everyone else’s eyes. And that has nothing to do with what I quite often end up doing with him. It has everything to do with us just having our full attention on each other, no interruptions allowed.*
Dom: *I nod understandingly, then stop, pause, and look up. I stare at Billy, surprised.* I didn't know we had chocolate syrup at home! What a shame. Think of all of the fun I've missed out on. *The clerk looks at me in the corner of my eye, and I smile at him shortly in recognition, tugging my wallet out of my pocket and wondering if he caught my insinuation.*
Billy: *I roll my eyes, stepping to the end of the register to accept some of the bags as they are filled.* I always keep chocolate syrup in the house, Dom. I know your penchant for sundaes. *As well as other things, but that I’ll keep between just Dom and myself. I smile at him, then at the clerk as I take the rest of the bags, waiting for Dom to get his change.*
Dom: *The clerk hands me my change and my receipt, and then tells me to "have a nice night," as customary, and I smile and grab a couple of the bags on the way out. I walk beside Billy to the door, then turn around and push it open for him, following him once he's out.* You seem to be in a bit of a hurry. *I say, picking up his moderately quickened stride and smiling as I watch his feet move across the pavement.* Any reason in particular? *I grin at him as we reach the sidewalk and turn down the length of the road.*
Billy: A hurry, me? *I ask, faking shock, and, rearranging my bags in my hands for a moment, link my arm through Dom’s as we continue down the road.* It’s because although I try to promote it in my classroom, really I’ve always been horrid at sharing. It’s just not in me. And the grocery clerk didn’t really look worthy, anyway. *I smile, kicking a couple stones out of the way.* It’s my birthday. I want my presents all to myself. And since you’re one of them, I want to be by ourselves at home now.
Dom: You make me sound so important. *I smile at my feet, a little pride as well as embarrassment rising in me.* Maybe I should've wrapped myself in a bow. *Swallowing my emotions down I lift my eyes to him and squint.* You should've said that you wanted me for your birthday, then I wouldn't have had to buy you so many presents... *I grin cheekily and squeeze his arm against mine.*
Billy: Mmm, save the presents for Christmas, then. I might be tired of you by that time. *I snort and lean heavily into him, smiling as we sway a bit off our straight line.* As if that would be possible. You are important, and you’re all mine, mine, mine.
Dom: Hehe. *I laugh greedily, then turn to him and put a warm kiss on his cheek. Our grocery bags knock together as I try to walk this way.* I'm glad you know that. Don't forget it. *I kiss him again, grinning.* Mine...my Billy. I belong to you. How will you have me?
Billy: *I try to rest my head on his shoulder as we walk, feeling a bit romantic and soppy but not really minding at all.* In every way possible, and for the rest of eternity. *I cling to his arm, smiling happily as we take the turn off main street. Home is just around the corner.*
Dom: *I close my eyes even as we walk and bend my head toward Billy's, inhaling deeply and sighing against his forehead.* Mm... *I press my lips on his skin, and our steps jostle the kiss away.* Okay... I could give up dying to live with you forever... *I smile and feel him nuzzle under my chin.*
Billy: Such a sweet and considerate boy. *I tease, lifting my head finally and giving him a quick peck on the cheek followed by a bright smile.* I quite fancy that idea, living with you forever, in our little house. I don’t think we’d ever get bored.
Dom: I just hope we wouldn't be really old for forever. *I say, grinning at him with laughter on my lips.* I kind of like us the way we are now. We could stay like this forever; the same age. We'd still celebrate birthdays, you know, but we'd both know that they didn't really count.
Billy: Or maybe I should stop aging for a bit and let you catch up with me, and then we can both stop, hmmm? *I grin, and my grin only grows when we turn onto our street and I can see our house.* No, I agree. I think we’re both in the prime of our lives right now, so we should really stay here if we can manage it.
Dom: I think we could manage it... You know, because... *I smile and look to my feet, wondering if I should say the soppiest thing I've ever thought of, even in reference to Billy and me. I start...and feel silly for doing it at all.* Billy... Uh, you know... Do you ever feel like time has stopped?... For a little while?
Billy: *I hide the tiniest of little smiles, turning my head to kiss his shoulder again briefly as we approach the house.* I suppose I do, at times. As if you could live in one moment forever. Do you, Dom?
Dom: *I feel the warmth of his kiss sink into my shirt sleeve, and my smile grows softly.* ...Yeah. *The gravel of our driveway crunches lightly beneath our feet, and I turn to look at him, his beautiful face. My heart grows two sizes, and that same feeling takes over me. I sigh and lean my head close to his as everything starts up again.* Yeah, I do...
Billy: *My smile blossoms, and I’m smiling so much that I almost forget to reach for my keys when we climb the porch steps and stop in front of the front door. I let go of Dom then, giving his arm a firm squeeze before I let us in. I’m barely a step in the door before I drop the bags and my backpack, arms going around Dom before I really even register it myself.*
Dom: *I stop, a little surprised when Billy turns and wraps himself around me before I've even set down my bags. But his presence slowly comes over me like a wave of warm water and I can't even remember if I'm holding anything at all, or if the door is still open behind me, and right now, I don't care if everything in the world is being put off because of this one moment. I lower my arms slowly, resting them against his sides since I'm unable to hold him, and my smile finds its way back onto my lips. The whole bloody world can wait for now. I don't care. Billy is holding me, and that's all that matters. That's all that matters, regardless of everything. I lean close to him and place my lips beside his forehead, not wanting to move anymore.*
Billy: *My chin sinks into his shoulder on its own accord, my eyes slipping shut as I take this moment to immerse myself fully into Dom, to take all of my senses and focus them on this man. It’s not hard to let myself be overtaken by everything he is. If it were possible, this is where I’d choose to spend the rest of eternity. I pull back finally, smiling joyfully at him as I let go of him and remove the bags from his arms, placing them on the floor next to my own, and shutting the front door.* Come on. If you don’t feel as disgusting as I do then you’re a tougher man than I am, because I don’t think I can spend another minute in these damp trunks before going mad. Let’s go change and then we’ll make dinner, alright?
Dom: *The corner of my mouth perks when he mentions the trunks. It's true, they are pretty uncomfortable now; still damp and a little bunched up. I pull at the thighs of my pants, trying to adjust them as I'm standing, then give up and smile wider at Billy. I reach out for his hand, taking it as he begins to lead through the entryway and up the stairs.* Yeah, disgusting. *I agree suddenly.* I can't believe I walked all the way home like this.
Billy: I didn’t even notice until we were standing still. Now I just feel clammy. *I lead us down the hall into the bedroom, releasing his hand to fumble at the fly of my jeans as I go hunting for a fresh pair of jeans in the chest of drawers.* That, and it’s a good excuse to get you out of your pants. *I grin over my shoulder at him and toss him a pair of jeans.*
Dom: *I catch the jeans just before they hit my face, and exhale with a little laughter. Dropping the jeans on the bed, I begin unfastening my own jeans and drop them to the floor, kicking them out from around my sandals, (which turned out to be easier than I expected).* Well, it worked. *I laugh to Billy, deciding I don't want my sandals on anyway. I toe them off and take down my trunks next, watching as Billy does the same. He probably doesn't care that I'm looking, but even so I tend to feel a little dirty when he doesn't know I'm doing it. I step out of my trunks and pick up the jeans from the bed, smiling expectantly.* Hoy, beautiful, do I get some underwear, too?
Billy: No. *I lean over and pull some boxers out of another drawer, tossing them over with a laugh and taking a peek at Dom while I’m at it.* I don’t know why you insist on underwear. It’s an unnecessary layer and just gets in the way when the time comes for me to take it off. *Despite my words I pull out some boxers for myself, slipping them on and then reaching for the dry pair of jeans.*
Dom: Oh, Billy, you don't mean that... *I say, grinning and putting on the pair of boxers he's tossed me. I slide my thumb around the band at my waist and then step into my jeans.* Each layer makes everything a little more exciting. *I pull up my pants and zip them, looking at Billy finish his buttoning with delicate hands.* You know... *I begin, too attracted to Billy's hands suddenly to keep myself from reaching out a finger to brush one gently.* ...I should really be wearing three layers, of underwear alone.
Billy: It’s summertime, Dommie, too hot to wear three layers. You should just be naked, all the time. *As unfeasible as it is, the idea is appealing. I look down at his hand, reaching out for it with one of my own as I look up at him, a small smile lingering.* Tell you what: save that idea for the winter and we’ll make love in the snow, hmmm?
Dom: *A chill runs through me already and I take a step closer to Billy, lacing our fingers between us.* ...Promise? *My grin spreads and I look into Billy's eyes with a skipping heartbeat, images of last winter flashing quickly into my mind.* ...If I remember correctly, you look absolutely devastating in the snow.
Billy: Devastating. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? *I bite my lip, my free hand resting on his hip and kneading gently.* We can find that tree again, late at night, and keep each other warm. *I feel a shiver run through me, a premature shudder from the approaching winter, and I almost forget that today is August and not December.*
Dom: *I step closer into his massaging touch and our bodies come together perfectly. My eyes close slightly, and I bring my free hand around to the small of his back. I can picture the two of us now, lying desperately in the snow, cuddled close and breath echoing visibly on each other's skin as we delve our hands into clothes. My whole body quivers at the pictures, blurred with snow, each one stiflingly warm and cold at the same time.* Billy... *I whisper close to his skin.* I wish it were winter...
Billy: *I laugh softly, stepping impossibly closer and touching my forehead to his.* It will come soon enough. But we should enjoy summer while we can. It’s almost gone... *I sigh and look up into his eyes.*
Dom: Yeah... *I touch my nose to his and look down between our bodies, not that there's any space to look through. So I sigh softly, too, and let go of his hand, sliding both hands to his waist as I look up at him again. I can't think about summer ending. I'm just going to think about Billy, and his birthday. I'm going to make him smile a few times more tonight. I rub my thumbs over the shape of his hipbones and my smile slides to one corner of my mouth.* We have TV dinners melting downstairs...
Billy: Can’t have that... *I rub my nose with his, tipping my face forward to kiss his lips gently, combining our smiles and coming away with one big one. I step reluctantly out of his arms, reaching for his hand again as I lead him out of the bedroom. When we make it downstairs I pick up some of the bags and head towards the kitchen.* It’s tempting to skip the TV dinners altogether, you know that?
Dom: *I stop beside him, pressing my front against the counter where he sets down our bags, and I poke a finger inside one to peek at our snacks.* I know what you mean... I don't think any of this is quite as edible as you are... *I pull our TV dinners out from one of the bags and set them on the countertop with frozen clunks. Flipping both boxes over to the back, I read the cooking directions to myself. In my hand, I rub Billy's fingers absently.* ...You can put yours in first, Bill; yours takes longest. I mean... *I look up with a quick grin.* It's your birthday, Bills, you go first.
Billy: Why thank you, love. *I say with just a hint of sarcasm, reaching for the box with a smirk. I read the back of the box quickly as I’m opening it, then pop the tray in the microwave and set it for the appropriate time. Once the hum of the appliance fills the room, I turn and lean against the counter, watching Dom for a moment before heading over to the refrigerator.* Shall I make some chocolate milk? *I pull out the milk and then dig in the back for the syrup, not waiting for his response.*
Dom: *I nod vigorously at him, smiling around the edges as I see him bend down to look in the fridge for the ingredients.* Extra chocolate. *I pronounce over his shoulder, and he stands with the container of syrup in his hand, milk carton waiting in his other hand as he turns and heads back to the counter, setting both items down.* How many times have I been in that fridge and never noticed this? *I ask, pointing to the chocolate syrup as Billy heads for the glasses.* This is important. Extremely important to have and know about having.
Billy: I hid it. For a special occasion. Otherwise I’d be buying chocolate syrup as often as I buy milk and bread. *I pour some milk into each glass, setting the carton down before popping the top off the chocolate syrup bottle and beginning to squeeze it over one glass. I pause, considering the amount I’ve just added before adding some more, passing the glass over to Dom and getting a couple spoons out of the drawer.* Stir. *I begin on my own glass.*
Dom: Yes, sir. *I plop my spoon into my milk and begin stirring rigorously, clinking around all sides of the glass. I watch as the dark brown substance on the bottom slowly melts into the entire drink and turns my milk a creamy truffle color. I hold my spoon back in the glass with a finger as I tilt the glass to my lips, taking a gulp to test.* Mm! *I come out of my glass with a nod, swallowing.* I’d forgotten how good chocolate milk is. For the past few years, I’ve felt an empty pit in my stomach... and now I know why. *I feel something cold along my upper lip and raise the back of my hand to wipe my milk moustache away, revealing my grin.* Chocolate milk makes everything better.
Billy: *I finish stirring my own glass slowly, smiling amusedly as Dom sports another fashionable mustache. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, if the US Postal Service ever needed a Got Milk model, Dom would be the one to do it. I take a sip and grin, knowing instantly what he means.* I would have to agree. *The microwave pings.* And so does food. *I lift the tray out, watching it steam, and set it aside, grabbing Dom’s and popping it in.*
Dom: Smells good, Bill. *I say, eyeing his tray of microwaved lasagna and allowing the steam to hit my face. I look at the empty lasagna box and read.* Caution, product may be hot. Let cool in microwave for 2 minutes. *I toss Billy a casual glare.* Don’t you have to follow directions? You’re going to burn your mouth, and you’ll probably blame me when my kisses hurt you.
Billy: Your kisses never hurt! *I say with indignation, looking at the back of his box.* And besides, I’m not going to touch it until it’s cool. I’ll wait until yours is done and then I’ll eat mine while you burn your mouth. *I grin and lean up against the counter, taking a slow sip from my glass.* And yours takes four minutes. Are you hungry?
Dom: *I swallow another gulp of chocolate milk.* Yes. Famished. Starved. *I shake my head and look at him dismally.* Couldn’t possibly wait four minutes. Not even three and a half. I’d die before then; fall over right onto the floor. And I’d be lying in chocolate milk. *I turn an eye to Billy, stirring my milk slowly with my spoon.* You wouldn’t want to clean that up... Would you?
Billy: *I shrug casually, hoisting myself up on the counter next to the microwave, careful not to spill my milk.* The mess would be a pain, yes. Not half as much a pain as the police questioning, though. You know, can’t have them poking around here. *I peel the cover off of my tray, plucking a couple forks out of the drawer, and poke the fork into the lasagna, holding the fork out to Dom.* Have a bite of mine and kindly refrain from expiring on my kitchen floor, will you?
Dom: Done and done. *I lean in and pop my mouth over his fork. The warm lasagna enters my mouth and I step away, munching happily at Billy.* Mm, thanks. *I say with a swallow, feeling the warmth run down my chest.* I’m sure I can last at least another... *I glance at the microwave timer.* ... three minutes or so... You can have the rest. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.
Billy: *I spear my own bite and mumble around it, already digging for another one.* You see how much I love you? I give you the first bite and everything. There are very few people I would do that for, you know. I can only think of... *I chew slowly, pausing to consider.* ...two or three more. *I give him a pointed look and shove another bite in my mouth.*
Dom: Two or three... *My words slide through my mouth, watching him as I hold my milk out dumbly. He could be kicking his feet merrily and humming to himself. I take a drink of my milk.* You mean the cats? I don’t think they like lasagna, Bill. You know, they’d rather eat fresh meat. I say we get a pet fish instead and you can keep giving me the first bites.
Billy: How do you know I’m talking about the cats? *I raise one eyebrow slowly, for effect, and take another slow bite, even as Dom’s dinner is finished by the ping of the microwave.* However, do you have any idea how long a fish would last in this house. For about, oh, three seconds. And neither of us would get the first bites on that one. *I wrinkle my nose and pull Dom’s tray out, nearly dropping it on the floor as I touch the hot base.* Ouch. Let that one cool for about an hour.
Dom: *I quickly reach a hand out to help Billy carry the tray to the counter, snatching my fingers back once its down.* Ow... *I pop my index finger in my mouth and look at Billy with hurt surprise as he shakes his hand a little to disperse the heat. Looking at Billy with sudden concern, I pull my finger from my mouth and rest my milk on the counter.* You all right? Did you burn yourself? *I reach down and take his hand gently, lifting it to inspect and dabbing his fingers with my own.* A little red. *I pause, and then raise an innocent brow at him.* Shall I take you to the doctor?
Billy: *I shake my head gently, smiling a bit at Dom, before I pull my fingers from his and rest them on his lips briefly.* You can be the doctor. That’s good enough for me. *I hop off the counter, taking his hand and bringing his fingers up to my own lips.* Better? *I smile and grab a tray, carefully loading both our dinners and our milk onto it.* Shall we move this to the couch? These are TV dinners after all; we should be eating them in front of the set, even if it’s not on.
Dom: Yeah... *A warm smile has spread across my lips and I walk up behind Billy to give him a soft kiss behind the ear. Brushing my hands around his hips, I move away while speaking lowly.* You go into the other room and get things settled; I’ve got to go get something. *I watch him smile as I walk out of the kitchen.* I won’t be long...k?
Billy: Okay... *I give him a curious smile and walk slowly into the front room, settling the tray down on the table and settling in on one end of the couch. I pick up my dinner and take a slow bite, eyeing Dom’s as I chew, and steal a fry off the tray before he can get back.*
Dom: *I hurry to the closet near the entryway, opening the door and reaching a hand up to search the shelf. Grinning, I pull out a small, rectangular package with a bow in the middle. The tag on top reads: “I thought you deserved a second present. I love you, - Dom.” I take the package in my hand and walk with anticipation back to the living room where Billy is waiting for me on the couch. He tosses a glance over his shoulder at me as I come in, and with a great grin I step around the arm of the couch and plop down beside him, handing him the package.* Here. For you. For tonight. *My grin grows when he takes the package from my hand.*
Billy: *I grin delightedly at Dom, taking the package and looking at the tag, smile growing exponentially.* Dom... you spoil me. I love you too. *I rip eagerly into the package, laughing when I see what it is.* Finding Nemo. The closest we’ll ever come to an aquarium, eh? I love it! Thank you. *I set the tape down, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek.* So that’s why we got so many snacks? We’re having a movie night.
Dom: Yeh... *My smile glows bashfully. I love giving him presents; he really does deserve every one. For loving me. For letting me stay with him. I guess I just get a little shy when he gives me so much praise in return. I take his hand absently and carefully find a way between his fingers, lacing our hands together between our laps.* That was my biggest surprise. *I grin at him, little by little as he still smiles at me.* I was just worried you’d rather go out instead... Do you still want to stay in? We could wait on the movie...
Billy: Nope. *I shake my head, squeezing his fingers as I give in and lean against him fully.* I want to stay in with you. Like I said, I am the only one who gets to enjoy your company tonight. But. *I lean forward, picking up his tray and fork and handing them to him.* The movie will have to wait until we finish dinner. I don’t want it getting cold when you get distracted by all the fish. *I smile and pick up my own tray, taking another bite.*
Dom: It’s different. *I say, taking my tray as he hands it to me.* These fish can talk. They’re more distracting than regular fish. *I take my fork and swirl it in my yellow corn, set off in one compartment of my dinner. Scooping some up, I decide it’d be better if I finished off the vegetables first, and save the good part for best. I slide the corn in my mouth and take out my fork to poke at another scoop.* You know... *I swallow, and scoot down to lean gently into Billy’s side.* We should have put a candle in your dinner and sang Happy Birthday.
Billy: Ha. *I mumble around a bite, trying to remember the last time I had a candle on my birthday.* Aren’t you supposed to have one for every year? In which case, we’d probably set off the fire alarm. *I wave my fork around a bit before spearing another bite.* Besides, too hungry to wait for a candle. I could barely wait until after it cooled. *I swallow a bite and tip my head against his.* You can still sing to me, if you like.
Dom: Haha. *I jump with a chuckle and put another bite of corn in my mouth, nearly finishing it off. Swallowing, I push my fries around in my tray distractedly.* All right... *I can feel my stomach rising, and I can’t look up. I swallow again, though there’s nothing in my mouth.* Um... Do you want it to sound pleasant, or not pleasant?
Billy: I want it to sound like my lovely boyfriend, wishing me the happiest birthday I could ever possibly have. *I take a last bite of lasagna, setting the tray down on the table and settling back in against Dom’s side.* And it will sound pleasant to me, no matter what.
Dom: *A nervous laugh trickles up through my throat. The only time I ever really sing at all is when I’m doing it obnoxiously to my own loud music. I’ve never had an audience before. Even if it is an audience that loves me very much and wouldn’t care if I were the worst singer on the planet. Which, right now, I suspect that I might be. For the third time, I swallow, feeling like my stomach has reached my throat. I nod down to my dinner with a shy smile, setting the tray in my lap with the fork resting on top. I can feel Billy waiting, his body resting closely against my side, and I realise that I must really love him, because I’m about to sing to him the one song that I’ve never seemed to get right, no matter how many times I’ve practiced up until now. My shoulders fall with a sigh and, smiling softly, I turn my shoulder in so that Billy is resting back onto my chest. I feel his body rise with my breath and I dip my head down alongside his.* Happy birthday to you... *I pause, feeling his sudden smile against my cheek as I sing.* Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Billy... Happy birthday to you. *I smile uncontrollably and kiss him on the cheek, wanting to bury my face against his shoulder to hide how much I’m blushing. I kiss him again, resting my smiling lips on his skin and closing my eyes.*
Billy: *My smile threatens to split my face open, it’s so wide. That couldn’t have been more beautiful to my ears, even if it had been sung by angels.* That was wonderful, Dom... it’s been a long time since anyone’s sung me that. Thank you. *I tip my head to the side, feeling his cheek hot against mine before meeting his lips with my own briefly, a smile against a smile. I pick up his tray then, turning a bit towards him, taking a chicken finger and holding it up to his lips.* Eat now. The sooner you finish eating dinner, the sooner you can begin eating the good stuff. And we can watch the fish.
Dom: Good. *I sigh shakily and bite down on the chicken with my teeth, pulling it into my mouth as Billy lets go. I rest my head against his again for comfort and chew softly, sneaking an arm between Billy and the couch and resting it around his waist. I pull him a little closer and kiss his cheek again. My nerves are still shivering through my body.* You should eat yours too... *I look down and notice his tray is still half full and I take my own tray into my lap to give him room to eat. I pick up a fry and wait as he bends forward to retrieve his tray, resting back again with it on his own lap. I nuzzle into the crook of his shoulder and put the fry in my mouth.* I love you. *I speak around the bite, my heart still spinning lightly in my chest.*
Billy: *I’m not really interested in my dinner anymore, not once he puts his arm around me and pulls me tighter, but I know I should eat some more. I take a couple more bites, resting my cheek against the top of his head, feeling his soft hair brush my skin with every movement.* I love you, too. You’re making this my best birthday ever, you know that? Promise me you’ll do the same next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and so on and so forth. Okay?
Dom: *I turn my head under his chin and smile against the bend of his neck. My insides begin to feel a bit calmer.* Okay... *I peek out again to eat another fry, letting the rest of my corn stay where it is as I push my fork aside to pick out a chicken finger.* I don’t know if every year will be exactly the same, but if that’s what you want, I’ll try very hard. *I pop the chicken between my lips and munch on it for a while silently. I’m just thankful for all that his statement means. If I have to make his birthday wonderful for years after this, that must mean that I’ll have to be here for years after this, and that thought makes me love him very much. I pick up a couple fries this time and put them in my mouth, chewing them slowly in thought. I finally swallow, turning my head.* Bill... *My voice wanders, eyes turned away as I massage my fingers against his opposite side.* ...Do you really want me to stay with you forever?
Billy: *I finish off the lasagna in one large, final bite, leaning forward a bit to deposit my tray and fork on the table, before sinking back into his arms. The tone in his voice is unreadable, but my answer is inevitable. I couldn’t answer any other way.* Yes. I would have you with me, body and soul, forever, if you would. *I turn, sliding both arms around him as I press my face against his shoulder.* No one has ever completed me like you do, Dom. The idea of being without you, now that I’ve found you, is unbearable. *The notion has flitted through my mind during some of my darker days, and it was definitely one of the worst thoughts I’ve had in recent years. But today I’m not going to dwell on it for more than an instant. We’re here together now, in each other’s arms, and I feel our eternity nestled safe between us.*
Dom: *I don’t know why. I feel like crying. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say that to me. Not anyone this important; this close to my heart. His is the only opinion I’ve ever cared about anyway. He’s the only one I’ve ever wanted to hear say that. His words spring into my heartbeat, magnifying it, ricocheting through my body somewhere between excitement and desperation. I can’t look at him. I can’t. If I do, I know I’ll start to cry. With a trembling hand, I pick up my dinner tray and set it on the couch beside me, and slowly I turn and pull him close in my arms, wrapping him up into me with one shaken breath. My eyes pinch tightly closed and I press my face down into the bend of his neck, his smell and warmth filling me all at once.* I can’t be without you... *My eyes are burning; my voice is breaking within my throat. Everything feels thick, and painful. Everything except him.* I don’t want to be without you, Billy. I need you forever... You’re my life. You’re my best friend...
Billy: *I cling to him, fingers fisting the back of his shirt as I rest my temple against his head. Every time he says something like this, a little part of me I didn’t know I had lights up and starts burning just for him, making me remember just how much of me is solely for him, making me wonder how I had ever gone on without him as a purpose. I’m grateful for these little reminders every day, but today his words seem particularly poignant.* You’ll have me forever, no doubt about it. *I murmur warmly near his ear.* So much of you is a part of me now that it just wouldn’t be life without you. There’s no danger of us losing each other, Dom. It’s just not possible. *I tighten into his arms, pressing my lips desperately to the crook of his neck.*
Dom: *Slowly, my heart begins to ease against the walls of my chest. His words sink into my ears and I can hear him all over me; I can feel his lips circle on my skin in a calming pattern. I don’t feel that desperate sensation in the pit of my stomach, the lightning racing through my veins. It’s disappearing, allowing my tense muscles to slowly melt into him and find him as another part of me. I let out the shuddering breath from amid his embrace, and, just as if that very breath had been stopping me up from inside, the burning behind my eyes subsides, and the thickness in my throat recedes to nothing as though it had sprung from nowhere at all. I suppose I should be more careful, asking simple questions. The simplest questions, I think, have the most difficult and complex answers. When two people are in love... That makes everything more complex, doesn’t it? I feel things with Billy. Strange things. He makes me want to ask simple questions and feel complex. All for the sake of loving him, and knowing how much I can. Now it seems so clear, how very much I love him at this moment. The stillness and quiet are holding him against me, and I don’t want to open my eyes and realise that we’re not everything in the world, because that’s how it feels.* I say silly things to you... *My voice appears softly.* You make me better. I like myself more when I’m with you. *I sigh on his skin. I let myself rest in his arms.* My Billy, I love you so much...
Billy: I love you, too... *I murmur across his skin, and it’s times like these that make me realize how inadequate that very sentiment is. How can you explain to someone how much they make your life worth living in so few words? It’s impossible. But it’s the closest thing I have in words to this feeling that threatens to completely overtake me, body and soul, and all I can do is speak those words and hope that my actions tell the rest of the story. I press another kiss, lingering, my hands loosening in the fabric of his shirt, though my arms remain tight around him. I pull back far enough to look at him, the tiniest of smiles crossing my face, unable to represent the amount of joy he gives me just by being here. It’s close enough. I lift a hand to touch his face gently, getting his attention.*
Dom: *My eyelids flutter open and there he is in front of me. His hand is resting against my cheek and he’s looking at me with one of those adorable expressions of his that I can’t help but smile at. I glance down to where his arm is extended to me, and I lift a hand from around his back, softly grazing the light hair on the back of his arm. I look back up at him and feel a comfortable smile settle on my lips. It isn’t long before that smile is settled upon his, too. I lean back from the short kiss and look him over fondly.* Beautiful you... You always make me feel good, and it’s not even my birthday.
Billy: *I don’t know what it is I did to deserve hearing such words from him, but as long as he means them, I don’t care, because I could say the same things to him.* It’s my job, that’s why. *I bite my lip around a smile, fingers still caressing his cheek, and I look down at the tray next to him on the couch.* It’s also my job to make sure you eat right. So finish your dinner so we can break out the sweets. *And so I can kiss you properly, I think, but I don’t say it out loud.*
Dom: *I grin knowingly, and slide my hand from his arm, resting both hands at his waist a moment before sighing and turning to grab the tray and set it in my lap. I pick out another chicken finger and lean comfortably into Billy’s side, taking a bite and chewing with another sigh.* Food always gets in the way of cuddling. *I lean my head toward Billy’s shoulder and watch the black TV screen until I can see our reflection in it. My grin grows while I’m watching the glass when Billy’s reflection tilts his head toward mine and smiles. I cuddle in against him with an open smile, even though I know I shouldn’t while I’m eating.* We’re on television, see. *I point with a fry at the blank TV screen.*
Billy: My favorite program. *I take the fry from his fingers and poke it against his lips, smiling and watching our reflections smile back at us.* It’s a good thing we’re the only ones who get this channel, though. *Once he’s taken the fry I scoop the last bite of corn onto his fork and wait patiently for him to pop his mouth open again.*
Dom: *I look down at the fork and purse my lips.* Mm-mm. *I shake my head stubbornly and chew on the fry still in my mouth. I’ve already decided, I don’t want anymore vegetables today. Not even Billy can make me want more vegetables. I discretely pick up another fry and pop it in my mouth before Billy has the chance to put the fork in. Laughter hums happily on my lips when Billy makes a frustrated face.*
Billy: Vegetables are good for you, Dommie. And you’ve only got one bite left. *I frown and angle the fork towards his mouth again, waiting for him to open up. He doesn’t.* Do I have to make the fork into an airplane?
Dom: *I hesitate in thought. Soon I have to force back my grin. You know... That just might be worth it. I try to mumble through my lips so he can’t sneak the fork in.* It’d better be a bloody fantastic plane. I’m sure those things are cold. *I point half-heartedly at the kernels of corn waiting on the upheld fork. They look disgusting. But at least it’s not broccoli.*
Billy: *I roll my eyes, not sure I’m going to actually be able to make Dom’s dinner turn into an aircraft. I haven’t had experience with this. First graders are generally too mature for this.* They’re not cold at all. Just open up, alright? *I sigh and make a buzzing noise with my lips, laughing in spite of myself, and move the plane – I mean fork – on a path towards Dom’s lips.*
Dom: *I burst out laughing instantly, and as soon as my mouth comes open, Billy lands the fork on my tongue, and I close my mouth on the corn, coughing as I laugh. I can hardly chew anymore, and my body doubles over, somewhere between choking and dying of hysterics. I manage to munch the corn down and swallow, laughing aloud again, eyes rimmed with tears. I fall back into the couch and bounce with giggles, trying to point at Billy with a weak hand.* That was hilarious! Are you sure you work with kids? *My stomach hurts now, so I wrap my arms around my front, letting out the loose ends of my laughter as I watch Billy’s expression.*
Billy: Hey! I don’t have much experience feeding them. First graders are usually able to feed themselves, unlike someone I know. *I laugh with him though I can feel my cheeks going scarlet, grabbing the last chicken finger and poking it at him.* Now hurry up and finish this, before I dump your tray on your head and eat all the junk by myself.
Dom: *I bite the chicken finger out of his hand and laugh as I begin to chew.* Maybe you shouldn’t play the airplane game with your future kids, Bill. I don’t know many airplanes that make sounds like that, and you don’t want to give your kids the wrong impression. *I giggle at him and finish up my dinner, picking up the last fry and popping it in my mouth. I gather up my tray and my fork and reach out to pick up Billy’s as well before leaning over and pressing a kiss to his flustered cheek.* No, I’m sorry... I shouldn’t laugh at you on your birthday. *I nuzzle his cheek with my nose, and then slowly stand up with our dinner trays in my hands.* Besides, your kids will love you. *I give him an honest smile before I make my way around the edge of the couch, looking back at him.* I’m going to go toss this then. Don’t start the fish without me, hey?
Billy: *My fingers reach for the tape, ripping the plastic off the video as I turn to glance after Dom with a large smile.* Better hurry then. And don’t forget to bring the snacks! *I watch him leave the room, arms already aching to be back around him as I leave the couch and kneel before the TV, popping the tape in and grabbing the remotes as I return to the couch to wait for him.*
Dom: *I reach the kitchen and toe open the cupboard under the sink, tossing our dinner trays in the trash and our forks in the sink. Turning to the counter, I grab our grocery bags of snacks with both hands and, before I head back for the living room, I think it best to take out a bag of popcorn and set it to cook up in the microwave. As the humming of the microwave begins, I take up our bags again and move to the next room. Billy’s on the couch with the remotes as I walk in, turning the television to the appropriate station. I scoot around the arm of the couch and plop all of our bags on the coffee table, dropping down on the couch myself. I poke a finger into one of the bags and lean forward to see what’s inside.* So... What d’you fancy? I’ve got in here some candy. The chips are in the next bag. *I point with a finger, giving Billy a short glance.* I could fix you some more chocolate milk. And I’ve got popcorn heating up in the other room. *I pause now and look at Billy questioningly.* Have I forgotten anything?
Billy: *I nod, ignoring the bags completely and latching onto Dom, giving him a loud kiss on his cheek.* Yes, you have. You. But since you’re here, I suppose you didn’t forget, after all. *I squeeze him tightly for a moment before letting him go to investigate the bags, my sweet tooth winning out. I poke amongst them for a minute before pulling out my dark chocolate bar.* You know me, I’ll be set with this for awhile. *I sink happily back into the couch, listening as I hear the microwave go off again.* And popcorn. Just to balance it out.
Dom: Guess that means I’ll be needed in the kitchen again. *I smile and get up from where I’ve just sat down and step around the couch toward the kitchen. I reach the microwave quickly and pop open the door, grabbing the ends of the popcorn bag and resting it on the counter as I look up into the cupboard for a bowl. I find a large flowery one and set it down beside the popcorn, picking up the bag, opening it, and dumping its buttery contents inside. The popcorn steams invitingly, and I smile as I take the bowl into my arms, stuffing the empty bag down into the trash, and hurry with the snack back into the living room.* Here you are. *I say, plopping down next to Billy on the couch and presenting him with the warm popcorn bowl.* Your birthday popcorn. Is there anything else you need before we start with the fish?
Billy: *I shake my head, peeling back the wrapper on my candy bar and biting off the corner with a contented sigh.* Just you. *I reply, setting the candy down and opening up my arms.* C’mere, otherwise I’ll never be able to concentrate on the fish. *That’s probably a lie, because it’s more likely that I won’t be able to concentrate on them if he’s in my arms, but this is how I prefer it anyway.*
Dom: *I smile, biting my tongue. “C’mere” is a phrase that really makes him look like the most edible thing I’ve ever seen. I consider him for less than a second, then pounce straight into his arms, knocking him back a little into the cushions of the couch in a loving tackle. And when we finally bounce to a stop, I look up at him where we both lie disheveled; he’s lying halfway on the arm of the couch amid the pillows, in the very corner, stuck below me as I lie comfortably against his chest. I grin at him with laughter all over my face.* Looks like I caught a fish... *My hands slowly sink between his body and the couch, and I wrap myself carefully around him, laughing a little still.* You all right? I didn’t hurt you, little fish?
Billy: A fish? *I laugh, once I’ve recovered from the shock of being attacked.* I’m not a fish! I’m not nearly as slimy. And you wouldn’t really kiss a fish, would you? *My arms find their way around him, sliding up the back of his shirt to rub along his skin.* And this “little fish” very much would like to kiss you, if you don’t mind. *I smile and then give a small pout, which lasts for about two seconds before I smile again.* So you had better make up your mind whether I’m a fish or your boyfriend, because it’s really only appropriate to snog one of the two.
Dom: “Snog,” hey? *I say, sitting up and raising a brow in expectation. I scoot up on him a little for a better angle.* I don’t really think a fish would suggest anything like that. *I smile and retrieve a little smile back.* You must be my boyfriend. My very beautiful, cuddly, snoggable boyfriend. And it’s your birthday. *I touch the tip of my nose to his, grinning soundly.* And you’re not slimy. And you’re beautiful. ...Did I say that?
Billy: I certainly hope you did. It sounded like you did. Of course, that could have been my own wishful thinking. *I smile and rub my nose against his, tipping my chin up a bit, but not touching my lips to his. Not just yet.* I must not be a fish. Do fish even have lips?
Dom: Fishy lips. *I reply. And speaking of which, his lips are very close. I try looking down at them to see just how close, but my nose is in the way. I can feel warmth on my mouth; just out of reach.* Fishy, slimy lips... *When I speak, my breath echoes from his mouth to mine. He said he’d kiss me. He didn’t say when. I adjust my arms around his body impatiently, nearly tasting his kisses in the warm air between my lips and his.*
Billy: *I giggle softly, feeling my lips brush his as the vibrations rush through them.* And I certainly don’t have them, do I? *I close my eyes and lean up to touch my lips to his, only parted slightly, waiting for his answer to be told through the movement of his kiss.*
Dom: *My body goes still at the slight touch of warmth on my mouth, and I nudge up hungrily into the kiss, lips sliding in on his with a sigh. The room goes silent then; no more filling it with our words. I don’t remember what he said, or I said. I seem to forget the sound of our voices. But I remember how he breathes when we’re kissing; it’s rushing on my skin and moaning softly. My arms tighten around the shape of him, his warm and perfect shape, and I feel his heartbeat against my chest. I can’t count it. I can’t think. I just know it’s there. That’s all I need to know. My mouth glides upon his wantonly and, for a moment, my tongue tastes the part in his lips. Billy, my mind repeats. It suddenly tastes like him. Right on the tip of my tongue. I moan softly, deepening the kiss on his lovely skin. I can’t move anymore; this feeling of kissing him has washed over me again as though I’d forgotten it before. My kiss begins to slow. I remember... the kisses get better when they stop, and then start again. I kiss him gently, then more gently, easing softly away from his lips until I can barely feel them like a whisper on my mouth. I touch his mouth with mine a last, delicate time, and then lean back to see him. His eyes rest closed, then slowly open little by little to see me, and he smiles. The corner of my mouth bends a bit.* You are certainly not a fish...
Billy: *I can’t answer for a moment; he’s literally taken my breath away. I exhale at last, shakily as I try to remember how to breathe. Every time he kisses me like that, I have to relearn.* Have you ever kissed a fish, Dominic? How would you know? *I ask with unconcealed amusement, yearning to lean up and kiss him again but preferring to pause and await his answer.*
Dom: Just a guess. *I smile and scoot up on him again; it seems I’ve sunken a bit into his lap.* I didn’t suppose fish would have such soft lips, and I don’t think they taste like dark chocolate either. That is, unless, you’ve heard of a fish that eats dark chocolate... *I ask, tasting dark chocolate on my own tongue as I gaze at him inquiringly.*
Billy: *I shrug as best as I can under him, smiling indulgently.* Who knows? There might be one in the film. Which we’ll watch. In a minute. *That minute could turn into a very long one with what I’ve got in mind, but it’s too late to care and I don’t anyway as I’ve already pressed my mouth back up to his, already sliding open slowly beneath his lips. He doesn’t taste like dark chocolate or like a fish; he tastes like nothing other than himself, which is quite the perfect taste on its own. I wish I could tell him how he tastes, show him even, let him experience it for himself, but that’s impossible. However, he probably has a pretty good idea, because I think it’s just this kiss that tastes so good, and he’s experiencing that first hand. My tongue sneaks out to taste a bit more deeply, greedily seeking out as much of Dom as possible. It’s hard to remember why our mouths aren’t just permanently attached in the first place.*
Dom: *Humming on his tongue, I slowly allow it between my lips, wrapping it in my own tongue as our mouths fully coincide. My hands beneath Billy’s back massage and take hold absently, pushing him up as I’m pressing him down into the cushions. I slide up his body to tilt my head down upon his, lips moving in and holding the movements of our tongues inside. I moan deep and shiver as I feel it across both of our mouths, and my legs slide down on either side of his thighs, hips bumping gently with his. And suddenly I feel a prick of light in my mind, and I stop my hands, and my hips, and my tongue from moving hardly at all. Hesitantly, I try to finish the kiss, pulling gently at his lips as my tongue escapes back into my own mouth. I rest my lips on his for one complete moment, and sigh, pulling away softly.* Sorry... *I speak gruffly, voice confused by this sudden loss of his taste. I open my eyes and gaze down at him. Luckily, the sight of him is all I need to begin to smile again.* ...I didn’t want to... Well... You know, take advantage. Not on your birthday. That is... I promised myself I wouldn’t. I wanted to make it special. Different. *I swallow and his taste runs down inside of me. And I still sense that simple comfort, being with him; I haven’t lost it.*
Billy: *I should have sensed that, should have realised that something must be up, because there have been at least half a dozen times today that could have very easily ended up with us making love, and yet we always managed to move the day on a different path. Different. I suppose I can see what Dom means.* Don’t apologise, love. *I smile up at him, heart slowing gradually as my fingers rub soothing circles across his back.* And I’d hardly call it taking advantage. *I grin and nuzzle his cheek, kissing.* Let’s watch the movie then, yeah? *I can play this game too. We can prove that we’re able to spend a night in without having sex on the couch, just once. It will be a challenge, but I think we can last the evening.*
Dom: *My smile grows and I can feel it in my heart again. I look at him fondly.* Yeah... *I sit back into the couch cushions so he can reach the remote, setting myself upright with Billy at my side.* I want to see fish. *I state, grinning at him as he leans back into the couch, cuddling into my side with the remote in his hand. I work my arm around his waist again and pull him close, leaning my head toward his. With a thought, I turn my cheek slightly against his hair.* You won’t be frightened by the sharks, will you?
Billy: I might be. *I reply seriously, starting the tape and settling back against his side. One arm curls around his waist while the other reaches for the bowl of popcorn, taking a handful and neglecting my candy bar for the moment in favor of buttery goodness.* Ummm. *I mumble happily around the bite, wishing I had another hand to fast forward through the previews.*
Dom: Good idea... *I reach a hand forward and retrieve a ball of buttery popcorn, cupping it under my mouth and picking off pieces at a time with my tongue. The kernels crunch in my mouth as the previews begin. I toss the last few kernels of my popcorn in my mouth, looking toward Billy and considering the remote. Lending a hand, I press the fast forward button on the remote as Billy holds it, skipping through the three or four sneak peeks of movies I’ve already seen until I reach the familiar Feature Presentation screen. I cuddle down next to Billy again.* There; better? *I press a kiss down into his hair gently and let the edges of his hair tickle the corner of my smile before looking out at the television again.*
Billy: Much better. *I agree, settling in and enjoying the feeling of his lips brushing across the top of my head. I lean in against him, enjoying his warmth as the film begins. I reach blindly for my chocolate bar and take a bite, eyes already focusing on the television as the movie promises to capture my attention.*
Dom: *I turn my head, looking as he takes a bite of his chocolate, his face glowing now from the light of the movie. He looks so intent on the screen now. I guess I would be too, if I weren’t watching something much better. I smile softly, knowing that he’ll probably never know that I’m doing it. Look how beautiful he is... My heart feels like it’s sighing, and I lean the bridge of my nose against his temple, closing my eyes in the midst of his warmth and scent. Beautiful Billy... I feel his skin close to my lips, and I mouth “I love you” very softly.*
Billy: *I smile, registering Dom’s attentions just barely as I concentrate on the loss of Nemo’s mother, and then Nemo’s first day of school. I don’t think I’m nearly as interesting of a teacher as Nemo’s. Of course, I’m not a manta ray, either. Tough competition. My fingers squeeze Dom’s side as the film progresses, and without noticing I eat almost all of my candy bar.*
Dom: *As Billy’s hand is finally emptied of candy, I reach over and take hold of it lovingly. Leaning, I bring his fingers to my lips, then rest back and continue watching the movie as little Nemo is captured by the scuba divers. I suppose that’s what happens when fish disobey their parents. ...Well, you know... I make a mental note to comment on “touching the butt” next time Billy and I watch this film. Silently, I pull Billy closer as the movie becomes a bit darker; as Nemo’s father rushes out into the open sea in search of his son. But soon there’s Dory... Every time Billy laughs softly, I smile and nuzzle into his hair, hoping he knows how adorable I think he is.*
Billy: *I wonder if Dom thinks this is as funny as I think it is. I can’t tell if he laughs when I do. He pulls me closer every time. Finally the sharks show up and I make a show of hiding my eyes against Dom’s shoulder, obviously very frightened, and I giggle as my attention goes back to the television. I think they’re probably not scary for a reason. Maybe I’ll show this movie to my class as a treat sometime this year.*
Dom: Don’t be scared. *I whisper against Billy’s ear as he hides into my side for a moment, Dory and Marlin scurrying away from the Bruce the shark on the television. I smile and give Billy a little kiss. I can’t take my eyes off him for more than ten minutes, which I figure must be relatively short when you’re watching a feature-length movie. I don’t even notice when Dory and Marlin escape the deep sea fish and make off for... P. Sherman... 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. I smile in spite of myself, and lean my head against Billy’s, trying to watch the movie as best I can, but still unable to stop thinking about the lovely person holding my hand and resting into my side.*
Billy: *The movie is wonderful. It’s entertaining, and anyone who says it’s just a kid’s movie is wrong, wrong, wrong. But I’m warm and comfortable here in Dom’s arms, and in that comfort my eyelids are growing heavy. I know I shouldn’t, but I close them for a moment, and then the sounds of the movie fade into the background, and I don’t notice anything anymore.*
Dom: *I watch the screen as Nemo tests the tank fishes’ escape plan, feeling a little nervous for the little guy. My hand massages Billy’s side for comfort, and I suddenly notice that his breathing has become very steady, and he hasn’t laughed or gasped in quite a while. I lift my head from his and tilt my gaze toward his face. The smile on my lips grows gently as I see the dark color of his eyelashes lining his cheeks, his eyes closed softly in the glow of the screen. I want to hug him close out of my sudden love for him, but I decide against it, afraid I’d wake him. Instead, I lean toward the table, careful not to bump Billy as I grab hold of the remote and turn the volume down on the television. I rest back again and cuddle Billy closely to my side, gently untangling our hands and bringing my arm around his front. Turning my head toward his, I press my lips into his hair and then lean my cheek against its softness, sighing beneath him and closing my eyes as well. I hear the movie echoing in my ears, sounds that should catch my attention, but my eyes remain shut. It isn’t long before I forget about reopening them.*
Billy: *I wake up with a crick in my neck, wondering why it is I’d fallen asleep in such an uncomfortable position. I’m in Dom’s arms, which isn’t anything new, but... And then I hear the faint crackling sound and open my eyes to see the TV covered in snow, and I realize what must have happened. And I didn’t even get to see if Nemo was found or not. Oh well, we can finish up tomorrow if we want to. I wonder why Dom didn’t wake me when the movie was over. So I look over across his face, seeing instantly that Dom fell to the same fate that I did. I smile, taking a long moment to just watch him in his sleep, mouth slightly open, breathing deep and slow. I nudge him finally with regret, knowing we can’t stay here all night, and we’re bound to do so otherwise.* Wake up, love. It’s... *I squint at the clock on the VCR, blinking when I see the time.* ...11:30. Wow.
Dom: *A quick breath comes into my lungs and my eyes blink open. Where am I? Television; I see the television, screen fuzzy and flickering all around the darkness of the living room. Blinking again, I turn my head with another quick breath, my lips dry as my tongue runs over them.* Bill... *My voice breaks roughly when I see Billy at my side, and I suddenly feel my arm pinch in its place behind him, probably fallen asleep. I sit up groggily and pull my arm back into my own lap; it’s not asleep, luckily, but my muscles are a bit sore. I bring my hand up and rub my eyes.* ...What did you say? *Billy’s words are still lost somewhere in my subconscious, and I look at him questioningly through sleep-dusted eyes.*
Billy: It’s late, Dom. 11:30. The movie’s been over for ages. *I smile softly at him, stifling a yawn.* I think the fish were just too exciting for us. Shall we head to bed? *I slide my arm out from behind him, flexing it to get some feeling running back through it. Late evening naps are generally a bad idea, but I have a pretty good feeling I’ll be able to get to sleep tonight.*
Dom: *Billy’s voice slowly begins to register in my ears, and I nod absently. Then I hesitate and shake my head.* Well, I...Uhm... *I look around the room, trying to avoid the bright light of the television static. I look back into Billy’s eyes and begin to smile when I see his gaze is only half-lidded.* Awake? *I ask softly, brushing the back of my hand along his arm where it rests between us. Slowly, I scoot to the edge of the couch and press the power button on the remote. The room goes dark except for a light in the entryway, and I get to my feet, looking toward it with a stretch. Then I turn to Billy, still sitting sleepily on the couch.* Should I carry you up to bed, love?
Billy: *I smile gently, giving my own stretch before rising off the sofa.* Sweet of you to offer, but I can probably manage. I’m tired, but not quite that tired. *I look at the mess across the table, all the food we bought and didn’t eat, and decide that can wait until the morning to clean up. Well, make that afternoon.*
Dom: *I grin at him, tilting my head in for a quick kiss.* All right, but your birthday’s not over yet, you know. I’ll still do anything for you for the next... half hour. *I laugh softly, and turn for the entryway, taking Billy’s hand gently and leading him toward the stairs. We climb up slowly and pass down the hallway; I begin to feel more awake as I reach our room and flip on the light, smiling as I’m filled with the familiar smell of the two of us mixed together in one place. It’s strongest here; this is where I feel most at home, and I can smile to myself as I see our neatly-made bed contrast with my pile of unfolded clothes in the corner. I carefully let Billy’s hand slide from mine as he walks behind me to the dresser, and I stop beside the bed to pull of my shirt, tossing it into my corner and then messing my hand through my hair. I begin to unfasten my pants and glance at Billy shortly as I see him pulling his shirt over his head as well.* I still have one more surprise for you, you know... *I say through a grin.*
Billy: That you’re not going to hog the covers tonight? *I ask amusedly, unfastening my jeans, opting to sleep in just my boxers tonight. It’s not cold enough for a shirt, and Dom keeps me plenty warm. I fold up my shirt and jeans and leave them in a nearby chair, wandering over to the connected bathroom to brush my teeth.* What sort of surprise? *I call over the running water before brushing thoroughly.*
Dom: A birthday surprise. *I state, matter-of-factly, though I’m sure he already knew that much. I take down my jeans and step out of the legs, balling them up and tossing them to the corner near my discarded shirt. I sit down on the bed and wait for Billy to return from the bathroom.* It’s better than giving you the covers. But I’ll do that too, if that’s what you really want. *I smile to myself and stretch my legs out in front of me.*
Billy: *I rinse my mouth out and return to the bedroom, sitting down on the edge of the bed and taking Dom’s hand.* Just hold me close, and we’ll share them. *I smile and play with his fingers for a moment, not quite as tired as I was a few minutes ago.* What’s my surprise then? Don’t keep me on pins and needles.
Dom: Maybe I should brush my teeth first. You know. In case you want to kiss me for it afterwards. *I smile and bring a hand to his chin, brushing it with my thumb lightly before getting up and heading for the bathroom. I put some toothpaste on my brush and get to work, looking out at Billy where he waits on the bed and trying to hurry. Quickly, I rise and spit, cupping some water in my hand and splashing it over my face while the tap is still on. I turn off the water with the heel of my palm and then dab my face dry with the hand towel hanging beside. When I’m done, I walk back into our bedroom and plop down beside Billy on the bed, hesitantly taking his hands. I kiss him lightly at the corner of his mouth.* Better?
Billy: Much. Though you weren’t particularly foul to begin with. Still, dental hygiene is a must. *I smile and squeeze his hands, nudging his knee with my own.* I’d really like to kiss you for your surprise, but you’re going to have to tell me what it is, first.
Dom: *I smile knowingly and nudge his knee back.* All right, then. *Standing, I let go of Billy’s hands and step around to the other side of the bed and drop down on my knees to peek underneath. I search my hand over the carpet until I find the last of Billy’s packages, hidden far under the bed where Billy wouldn’t look. The package is a little larger than his last two; a box which I’ve filled with various presents for him. I don’t know why I didn’t wrap everything separately. Three did seem like a well-rounded amount of presents for one birthday, I suppose... Pushing off the edge of the bed, I stand up and walk back over to Billy, sitting down beside him and handing him the package with a smile.* Here’s the last surprise. It’s not too much, but I thought you needed one more present.
Billy: *It always seems like he’s trying to set himself up for a letdown, like I’m going to open the box and my face is going to fall because what he’s given me just isn’t the perfect gift. He never seems to realize that that just isn’t possible. I give him a pleased smile and settle the box in my lap, pulling off the wrapping paper with loud rips. I set the paper aside and open the box.* Dom! *I exclaim, giggling insanely at the first item on top, which is a picture in a frame. But it’s not just any picture. It’s hand-drawn and hand-colored in crayon, I’d almost say by one of my students but I know better. It’s Dom in his postman’s outfit. A self portrait.
Below that is another hand-drawn masterpiece, this time of me teaching in my classroom. Very accurate, I’d say.
After that is a picture of our house, with Dom and I, along with the three cats, in the front lawn.
The fourth and final picture is of Dom and I, standing under a rainbow kissing.*
This one’s going on the fridge, actually. *I say with a huge smile, already slipping it out of the frame. The frames, I’ve noticed, have all been school-themed, with apples, pencils, paper, books, that sort of thing all around them in various colours. There’s another frame beneath the four pictures, empty.* For one of the pictures I took today. *I inform him, not knowing whether or not that was what he intended it for. Under that frame is a bunch of miscellaneous items, mostly school supplies. A pad of heart-shaped sticky-notes, smiley heart stickers (with different faces), a pencil with my name on it, and an apple-shaped paper-weight that reads: “You’re my favorite teacher.” And also a jar of mini dark chocolates. My favorite. I set this all back in the box and push it aside, reaching for Dom’s hands with a huge smile on my face.* As if I could love you more. *I murmur, placing a kiss on his cheek.* They’re the best birthday presents I’ve ever received. Thank you so much, Dom.
Dom: *I can't control my gleeful smile when I see the drawings again. They look like I drew them with my left hand; well, I did a little. There's no comparison to Billy's expression as he's looking at them through the glass of those frames. When Billy takes my hand and kisses me, I start laughing automatically. I'm sure I'm blushing, too. But I'm so glad he likes the gifts. My fingers curl around both of his hands so proudly and I just can't seem to get enough of him.* You're welcome, you're so welcome. I'm glad you like it... *I lean in and kiss him longingly on the mouth, trying to hold back my smile until I can pull away and look at him happily.* They're for work. For school this year. *I rub my thumb against his fingers, excitement still bubbling within me.* I love you... I love you, Billy, I'm so glad you like it. *I speak, overflowing into another kiss.* Love you- *I catch his lips in mine again, smiling and kissing excitedly.*
Billy: *I giggle into the kiss, still barely able to believe he’d draw like that for me. It’s the sweetest gift I’ve ever received, tied for first with everything else Dom’s ever given me.* I promise you, they’ll all get prominent places on my desk, and no other’s pictures will be able to take their place. Except for the last one. That one gets the special place on the fridge. *I kiss him again, infected by the same ailment that seems to be causing Dom to regret having his lips even an inch from mine, though I’m not bothered by it. It does make it difficult to have a conversation, though.* You beautiful, beautiful man... I love you too, Dommie. *I move the box off the bed before reaching up for his cheek, kissing him again.*
Dom: Mm... *I don't know why I'm suddenly so excited. My lips nibble at his one kiss at a time, and I almost start to laugh in spite of the fact that I'm moving so quickly. I'm sure I just get nervous about giving gifts. The fact that he says he loves them has sent my emotions to their peak, and I just can't keep my lips off of his, or my hands off of his, or my body... My body... Slowly, I let go of his hands, pressing my palms into the bed and easing my knees up onto the cushion of the mattress, still kissing Billy as I kneel in front of him. My hands trail from the bed delicately up his arms as I try to keep my careful balance, and soon my fingers are stumbling along his neck, over the curve of his jaw, and cupping his face into the motion of our kisses. I sigh, tilting my head and meeting his lips soundly. Taking a new breath, I hold it and hesitate, fingers gently feeling the shape of his face; my tongue timidly slips through my lips, dabbing at the taste of him lightly, unsure if I should take this as far as I did this evening on the couch. An uncertain, little moan runs through my throat to our mouths.*
Billy: *I whimper; he’s so good at this. I’ve never met someone who could turn me on so instantaneously. I know what he meant about making my birthday different, about it being a time for us to be together, to talk and just enjoy each other’s company. I know what he meant but I can’t convince myself to care anymore. And besides... I kiss him more desperately, hands finding their way up his thighs to rest on his hips. I squeeze him briefly, tongue and lips melding warmly against his, before I abruptly break away. I back away from him on the bed, towards the pillows, and climb under the covers, giving him a beckoning look.* Dom... come to bed. It’s late. *I glance at the bedside clock, grinning cheekily.* After midnight, in fact. It’s not even my birthday anymore.
Dom: *My trance breaks suddenly and I turn my head to see the clock. 12:07am... I can't believe it. My eyes trail back to Billy and my smile slowly begins. Would it be hypocritical to take him now, just seven minutes after his birthday; after I promised myself I wouldn't? I set down my hands in the plush of the comforter and begin to gradually crawl up the bed toward Billy. His own grin then bends expectantly; he is so fucking gorgeous... I crawl toward him faster. Hypocritical or not - like I give a bloody damn... Coming up upon Billy, I straddle him between my thighs and tug the blankets down until I can climb over the edge and pull them up behind me, covering both Billy and I in warm darkness. Gently, I lower my hips to his, sitting carefully against his arousal as I bend down into the shadows of the blankets to lap eagerly at his throat. My hands find his sides and begin to slip down, feeling his goosebumps and following them. There, at the rim of his boxers, my fingers slip, massaging under the elastic, cupping the shape of his hipbones.* Yes... *My voice vibrates on his neck in a kiss. Silently, I lift my head to watch his facial expressions. I'm beginning to realise why I waited for this. This is the gift I've been dying to give him all day. As his hips begin to move beneath mine, a slow smile grows on my lips. I slip my hands further into his boxers and bend down to whisper words on his mouth.* Happy un-birthday, Billy Boyd...
Billy: *My lips reach up to ghost across his, tongue sneaking out to taste said lips as I feel our breath mingle in the minute space between our lips, just as our bodies will be mingling in a moment’s time. The perfect ending to a perfect day, and I don’t think either Dom or I will ever argue about that again.* And a happy un-birthday to you as well, Dominic Monaghan... *I lean up the rest of the way to slide my tongue between his lips, my hands gripping his hips and fingers spider walking slowly up to the waistband of his boxers. I arch up under him, feeling the friction and heated warmth of his body turn things very hot very quickly. My fingers slip under the waistband of his boxers finally as I continue to rock up under him, sliding around to his back and dipping farther in until I get a good grip on his bum, massaging gently. It’s funny how every day is beginning to feel like a birthday.*
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