Interferanze

Part Two

Crunch Time

“You have five minutes Dominic, five minutes to decide if you're in or out. If you're out, no harm done and we'll go on as before. If you're in..well things change, for better or worse who knows? But they do change.”

Dom stared into the fire repeating Billy’s speech over in his head, marvelling at the mixture of reds and ambers and wondering exactly how much it'd hurt if he hurled himself in there. A coward’s way out? ‘Maybe.’ he glanced at the clock on the mantle, felt its loud tick resounding through his head, felt it pounding right down to his toes. He had roughly two minutes left, two minutes in which to decide what the nature of his relationship with Mr. William Boyd was to be.

1 minute 50 seconds.

He could just turn away. No harm no foul as they say. Billy wouldn't mind, of course he wouldn't; Bills was his mate wasn't he? Above all else, they'd always be friends.

1 minute 38 seconds.

But Billy would always be holding back, would never open himself up to Dom fully. And gradually a gap would grow between them and maybe one day what was once a tiny gap in a great friendship would grow to be a giant chasm in a strained acquaintance.

1 minute 8 seconds.

Could he risk it? Would he risk Billy? Friendship was a rare thing for Dominic and he'd precious little experience with it up to this point.

48 seconds.

Truth be told he was curious, he wanted to know what dark secrets haunted Billy at night, what torrid affairs had the capacity to keep his brilliant green eyes dull only to make them sparkle and twinkle again. He wanted to know Billy.

30 seconds.

Was it enough?

29 seconds.

Was Billy enough?

10 seconds.

Crunch time he thought to himself, its do or die now. Turn away or go on. Two roads...something something. How did that poem go?

2 seconds.

And he's there. Suddenly in the room and Dominic only realised now how he'd always had that unnerving habit of just appearing without any noise or any fuss.

0 seconds.

"Well Dommie?"

Dom looked up and all he can see is Billy, his senses are full of him. His eyes drink in the sight of Billy's almost delicate frame, the marvellous grace that he always seems to possess. His nose can smell the deep earthy musk that brings back memories of Dom's childhood but are also entirely Billy and he knows then. Knows this was always his only real option.

Dom clears his throat before meeting his level gaze with one he hopes is just as calm.

"I want in Bills...I want to go with you."

Billy smiles and Dominic is sure he has just seen the ninth wonder of the world.

"Excellent Dommie. Bloody excellent!"


The Patient

The pix lay on the stark white bed sheets his breath coming in short sharp pants. He had blacked out an hour ago and he was desperate not to let that happen again. Sometimes when he woke up he felt, different. Sometimes when he woke up he relied on gestures and scents more than words and feelings. Sometimes when he woke up he would forget how to walk and be found on the floor curled up in a ball, wailing. Elijah shuddered, the longer he stayed awake the more chance he had of retaining some human feelings.

“Elijah?”

He turned around to face the door, Viggo was standing there glass of water in his hand and a concerned expression on his face. Elijah wanted to bite him, he wanted to tear his fingers into the other mans flesh, make him raw and scarred. He squeezed his eyes shut desperately trying to get a handle on his breathing, sweat pumpdowndown his face as his fingers clawed at the bedspread.

“Ssssh.” Setting the water down on the bedside table, Viggo rested a hand lightly on his back the other one reaching down to smooth his hair back from where it was plastered against his forehead. “We’ll figure this out.”

The pix whimpered trying to vocalise his feelings but when the attacks got this bad it was hard to form a coherent sentence never mind carry out a full blown conversation. He settled for pressing his head further into Viggo’s hand, his nails lightly scratching at the other man’s arm.

“Here.” Viggo gently lifted the pix’s head and placed the glass of water to his lips. Elijah drank greedily, the water dripping down his chin. “Easy, I’m going to give you some tablets to help you sleep.”

Lij’s eyes widened in panic and he struggled to get free. “Calm down.” Viggo’s voice was stern “I’ll be here when you wake up, I promise.” He handed the tablets to the pix and watched as he swallowed them down. Viggo helped him back onto the bed, before settling down in the chair to watch over him as he slept.
+++

Elijah was dreaming he was in the room again. The girl lay on the couch like he had left her last time, her hands listlessly moving through the air. As he stepped further into the room she sat up and looked at him.

“You came back, I thought for certain you had forgotten me.”

“No I just got confused.”

“I seem to recall you do that a lot.”

He frowned and motioned behind him. “It’s not very well signposted around here.”

She turned to face him “You can’t have forgotten it all Elijah, it wasn’t supposed to be like that.”

He stepped towards her and instantly the room stretched wider, the floor sinking down into a vast cavern that had appeared between them. “I sometimes can remember…. It just slips away so quickly.”

She was angry and the air flickered around him with blinding flashes of reds and yellows. “You’ll just have to try harder.”

“I’m trying as hard as I can.” He protested.

“You lie!” Elijah jumped as thunder sounded across the distance; from where she now stood he could see her usual blue eyes turning black with anger. “You said you’d help me! That was the agreement, I’d help you if you help me.”

The was a sharp cracking noise and the gulf widened between them, the ground beneath Elijah’s feet jolting sharply and he panicked as he hit the floor. “I’m sorry!” he screamed “But I can’t remember! You have to help me to remember!” The wind howled as once again the room stretched and he found himself sliding into the chasm his fingers uselessly scrabbling for purchase on the glossy surface.

“Poor poor little rabbit, down the rabbit hole you go.” She was laughing now and suddenly he remembered how she had never laughed, how her eyes were always brimming over with tears and that’s when it came back to him -

“The Map!”

+++

He shot up in the bed knocking his head off Seán’s who had been leaning over studying him.

“Fuck sake! Elijah what’s the matter?”

‘I need a pen and some paper!’ He tried to scream only to find that his vocal chords weren’t working, frustrated he desperately tapped Seán’s hand trying to trace what he wanted into the skin.

“What is it?”

‘This is useless! I have to write it all down before it slips away!’ Irritated he glanced quickly around the room, his eyes stopping on the newspaper by the bed. ‘There!’ he pointed at it.

“You want this?”

Elijah nodded grabbing onto it and motioning for a pen.

“You want a pen and paper? Right back in a sec.” Seán all but ran from the room in his haste.

‘Yes! Thank you God!’ Elijah lay back against the pillows closing his eyes tightly shut and conjured up the map he’d seen in his dream. When Seán returned with the pens and paper he closed his eyes sketching the map from memory.

+++

When it was done it was as if someone had clicked a switch off in the pix’s brain and he collapsed back against his pillows immediately falling into a deep sleep.

“What do you make of it?”

“Not much at the moment, it’s very detailed…”

“Yes but what is it of?”
Viggo sighed staring down at the map the pix had drawn “I have no idea. We can only hope he knows..”


Billy (through the eyes of Dom)

Dom adores Billy, feels no one ever really understood him till he came along. He only feels truly whole when Billy is by his side.

When Dominic first moved to the city six months ago he was instantly overwhelmed, the people here were nothing like the people back home. The people here moved faster, dressed better and spent quicker. Spending over $200 on a single meal or a pair of shoes was nothing to them. Dominic couldn't keep up, couldn't understand the to to constantly acquire possessions, the need to be the best and have the best. Dominic wanted to be happy but he didn't want a part in one of the corporations didn't want to be one of the higher ones and didn’t want to be elevated. Dominic just wanted to be himself.

And for a while it was enough, he coasted along supporting himself on his bar work; landed a job in one of the trendiest clubs in town “The Spa”. It was a club that was run by the CEO of the Weishner group, the most exalted Karl Urban. Not many hours but the tips were brilliant and the clientele friendly even to a lesser like himself, so he managed well enough. Everything was going fine, just fine till one Friday evening when Billy Boyd walked into his life.

+++

It was a shit Friday night all things considered. The new girl Sonya had called in sick landing Dominic with a double shift, usually Dom would have been glad of the extra cash but the night before Mr and Mrs Next Door had been banging the headboard loudly enough to ensure that he’d gotten precious little sleep. When he’d finally dragged himself out of bed, it was only to discover that his hot water had been turned off which made him kick his shower in desperation which in turn made his big toe swell up to the size of an orange.

All things considered Dom wasn’t a happy camper. He was tired, hungry, had an unusually large toe and smelt pretty bad, when Billy and three young executive types from Wagner came in.

Dominic had noticed him instantly and immedly fly felt a deep “something” which, even years later he could never truly describe. Billy wasn’t extraordinary to look at, he was fairly short standing at roughly 5”6 with a small wiry frame. His hair constantly looked like it was on the verge of receding and running away but it was his eyes that first drew Dom to him. Eyes the colour of the purest jade that seemed to speak to his very soul. Eyes that fixed on him the moment he entered the club.

“Who’s that?”

Steph craned her head over Dom’s to have a look, “That’s Billy.”

“Billy.” Dom rolled the name around on his tongue before deciding he liked the shape of it “and what does Billy do?”

“He’s one of those up n’ coming hotshots with the Wagner corporation”, Steph regarded Dom for a moment before leaning in to ruffle his hair “little bit out of your league, eh Dom?”

“Fuck off”, muttered Dom turning round to reach at the shot glasses behind him, “stupid blonde tarts should mind their own fucking business no-“

“You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness,” a lilting Scottish voice behind him suggested.

“Yeah well answering yourself’s the second, so as long as I don’t do that we’ll be fine.” Dom quickly replied before turning around to be greeted with the hot shot of the Wagner corp. Billy. “Oh…hi.”

“Hello yourself,” said Billy smiling softly “I’ve not seen you round here before have I?” Billy leaned forward on the counter, attention totally focused on Domini
“W
“Well I’ve only been here two weeks or so.”

“Ah I was away on business … I’m Billy.”

“I know,” blurted out Dom before he could stop himself “I mean Steph mentioned your name.”

“My reputation proceeds me then, I’d really no idea I was so famous.”

Dom laughed softly, gradually feeling his nerves dissolve “So what’ll it be then?”

“A pint of Bud, two vodka’s, a tequila and whatever you’re having yourself.” Billy smiled, his whole face lighting up as he looked at Dom.

“Alright so.” Dom turned around quickly and set about getting the drinks hoping he was keeping his calm mask in check because his insides were dancing the polka at the moment. He reached up to the top shelf and grabbed the tequila, marvelling at his hands ability to stay still when all he wanted to do was turn around, grab Billy and make him his. Shouldn’t eyes such as his, be made illegal? When Dominic stared into them he lost all sense of everything around him, time lost all meaning. Which was of course ridiculous who could feel this emotion for a perfect stranger?

“There you go,” Dom set the dridowndown in front of Billy “that’ll be 24.50.”

Billy grimaced taking out his wallet “Corporations really are ripping us off aren’t they?” fumbling around he handed Dom a 50 note.

“Well you’d know. You are working for them.”

Billy snorted before agreeing, “Yes I am.”

For a moment the two of them simply gazed at each other before Dom remembered the change currently digging into the palm of his hand, silently he handed it over praising himself for not flinching when Billy’s hand rested on top of his.

Billy stroked his hand lightly over Dom’s, his hand cool in contrast to Dom’s “I’ll talk to you later Dominic “, he had gathered up the drinks and turned away before Dom remembered that he hadn’t given him his name.

+++

Billy always came alone on a Thursday just as the bas fas filling up, he would order a vodka and coke, sit at the end of the baattiatting to the regulars and watching Dominic as he worked. The first time he noticed Billy watching him it unnerved Dom, he was never comfortable with being scrutinized. The more he got to know Billy however, the more he realised that Billy scrutinized everything.

The week after he met Billy for the first time, Dom was cleaning glass when he heard the soft voice.

“Evening Dommie.”

“Dommie?” he questioned turning around to face the Scot.

Billy was smiling, the corners of his eyes crinkling up “Yeah, I think it suits you.”

Dom shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth “Alright then, but only you can call me that. Don’t tell anyone else bout it.”

Billy laughed sharp and bright as he enthusiastically nodded his head “Aye.”

As the weeks went on Dom started to look forward to Billy’s visits, found himself searching for the small blonde head in the sea of customers that surrounded the bar. He stopped feeling so nervous and started to truly get to know the Scot. Billy was by no means a simple man and, as Dom discovered, there were many different Billy’s. There was the Billy that walked into the bar with his friends from work – noisy, carefree and always laughing; the Billy that came in with his clients – quiet, serious, listening intently and always putting them at ease and there was the Billy that came in on Thursday night to watch Dominic work – an amalgamation of the other Billy’s with a playful, flirty edge.

One Tuesday night Dom was startled to look up and see Billy striding into the club; he didn’t look over to the bar, simply made his way to the very end booth and sat down. ‘That’s strange.’ thought Dom to himself. Usually Billy’s first stop was by the bar always with a cheery “Hello Dommie!”

Dom quickly decided that this must be yet another Billy and went upon his work. Steph’s quiet wolf whistle soon caught his attention and she whispered to him “Just look at the fox over there.”

The man was roughly 6” and built, he had sandy blonde hair with warm green eyes, his suit hung impeccably on him “Ralph Lauren”, Dom noted watching the man with appreciation as he made his way through the bar, past Dom and Steph, past the podiums and right down to Billy’s booth. Dom’s gut tightened as he saw Billy jump to his feet and greet the man with a ready hug.

“Looks like Billy’s getting lucky tonight,” Steph giggled as she winked at Dom “Its funny, I always thought he had a thing for you.”

Dom struggled not to slap her across the face “Steph, serve that man there.” he told her sharply, feeling strangely satisfied as he saw a look of hurt flash across her face.
‘It’s stupid”, he reasoned with himself ‘Billy’s allowed friends right?’

WRONG! His subconscious screamed at him ‘Only friends that know to keep their hands to themselves.’

He felt hurt and wanted to laugh at the stupidity of it all, he was too used to Billy devoting at least some attention to him. Dom squinted at the booth in the back; from his vantage point he could see the two blonde heads bent together evidently deep in conversation. He forced himself to feel numb as Billy gestured Tori off the floor over and ordered some drinks. Rubbing a hand across his eyes, Dom pushed all thoughts of Billy to the back of his mind and focused on his work.

It was two hours later when Dom heard the quiet “Hello Dommie.”

He turned sharply, determined to be aloof, to play it cool but all thoughts died in his head as he saw Billy’s face. The Scotsman’s usually bright eyes were tired and dull, his face pale and his shoulders slumped.

“Bill’s … you alright mate?”

Billy’s smile was forced, small and tight “How long have you got?”

Dominic answered immediately “However long you need.”

+++

Closing time saw them sitting on the grotty couch in Dominic’s front room. Billy cradled a beer in his hand as he stared into space.

“Billy?”

“Did you ever get involved with something, something you were so certain was a good cause, only to find…” He took a deep breath in and ran his hand through his hair “Just that it maybe wasn’t all that you thought it was….and…and maybe it’d be better just to look after yourself and everyone else could go fuck themselves blind.”

Dom didn’t know how to respond, he simply put his arm around Billy and pulled him to his chest. Billy lay there for a few minutes before straightening up to look at him “Dom I want you to understand how much I like you.”

“I like you too Billy.” Dom found himself blushing, something he was sure had never happened before.

“But nothing can happen between us.”

Dominic felt his heart sink down into his shoes “Why not? Is there someone else? A boyfriend? Girlfriend? You’re not married are you?”

“Not married, no. But there is a boy – its complicated… He’s not my boyfriend”, Billy frowned “but he is something and I don’t want to lead you on.”

“Oh no its fine, I understand.”

“ I don’t think you do”, he reached over and clasped Dom’s hands between his own. “What I feel for you Dommie, I can’t explain. I know we’ve only known each other a short while but somehow …”

“It’s like we’ve known each other forever.” Dom finished smiling at the look of shock on Billy’s face. “See I do know some things.”

Billy smiled gently “Just my luck. Before you and Elijah I’d not been with anyone in years and now..”

“Elijah? Is that the boy?”

“Yeah”, Billy frowned “He hasn’t been well, I’m trying to help him get back on his feet. I can’t explain what I feel for him or why I feel it. But I do need him and he needs me.”

Dom took a long drink of his beer before facing the Scot “That’s fine.”

+++

He woke up during the night to see Billy curled up over the other side of the bed. He murmured something in his sleep that was too soft for Dom to hear, his brow furrowing. Dom burrowed closer to Billy and spooned in against him. Wrapping his arms around him, he gently nuzzled the back of his neck.

He didn’t know what the elder man was involved in, but he sure as hell wanted to find out.


Danny


* Thump *

* Thump Thump *

*Thump Thump * “Oh Danny!”

Danny? ‘Who the fuck is Danny?’ Billy’s eyes flew open and he struggled to remember where he was. Beside him Dominic was curled in at his side, his head resting on his chest.

“They’re always like this”, murmured Dom sleepily “At it day and night, don’t know why though they’re both damn ugly.” He shifted closer to Billy wrapping an arm around his middle. “And slightly deaf too I think. What time is it Bill?”

“Just after six, you don’t have to get up early do you?” Billy asked while gently stroking Dom’s hair.

“No, not for awhile.” Dom raised his head and squinted at Billy. “You’re a very comfortable pillow Mr. Boyd.”

“Well I do try.”

Smiling Dom leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against Billy’s, before once again settling down at his side.

Billy bit back a groan, he knew he had feeling for Dominic but he never knew how much. This feeling of want that settled in the pit of his stomach, the feeling that grew and grew every day he got to know him more. How had it come to this? If only Dom had come along before Elijah, or even after Elijah, then maybe they could have made something work. But that wasn’t fair to the pix, for as much as Billy wanted to deny it, the boy had a hold on him and when he was with Elijah he felt as contented as when he was with Dominic. ‘It’s greedy is what it is.’ he thought to himself ‘I want both of them.’

‘When did it get so complicated?’

Last Week

Last week Seán had announced that Elijah was finally ready to leave the temporary care unit they had set up for him. The pix was still jittery around everyone who wasn’t Billy so (against Billy’s wishes) they had set up a temporary bed in Billy’s quarters.

“It’s just for a few nights.” Seán had explained, “Just till he gets comfortable being around people.”

‘Oh that’s fine and dandy. Maybe Seán would like to try having a cuddly pix around for just a few nights. All big eyes, trembling lip and clinging arms.’

It was ridiculous Billy had reasoned with himself. A grown man to be terrified of a young boy, well maybe terrified was the wrong word – unbalanced was more like it. Elijah made him feel unbalanced, off centre. Every time he looked at Elijah or sat talking with him it was as if his whole world shifted slightly to the left and his vision blurred. Lij made him feel at home, a feeling he hadn’t experienced since before his mother died.

“Billy?”

The pix was at the door shuffling from foot to foot. He was dressed in some old clothes of Orlando’s and Billy had to force himself not to laugh at the sight.

“What?” Elijah asked, picking at the grey tee shirt he wore. “S’not nice?”

“No it’s lovely, just I don’t think you need the trousers Lij – that shirts like a dress on you!”

Elijah smiled softly “Can stay outside if you want Bill. I don’t mind.” The boys eyes were big and round as he gazed at Billy deliberately clenching his jaw so as not to appear nervous.

Billy walked towards him holding out his arms and Elijah went to him immediately. The pix snuggled in against him, nuzzling up to the hollow of his neck. “Nah, if you where outside I’d miss you too much. Besides –” Billy straightene so so he could look him in the eye “I’ve been haunting your bedside for the past two weeks ‘bout time you got some payback, eh?”

Elijah laughed and leaning back against Billy wound his arms around him. “Thank you.”

+++

“I can remember some things,” Elijah said softly. “Just some pictures in my head. Sometimes I think I’m making them up.” He laughed and hung his head. “Do you think I was a bad person?”

“No Elijah I don’t.”

“But how can you be so certain?”

“I can’t, just know that someone half as beautiful as you could never be evil.”

“You..you think I’m beautiful?”

“Yes, yes I do.”

They were sitting side by side on the bed in Billy’s room. Billy lounged against the headboard regarding the boy in front of him. Over the previous days Elijah had made remarkable progress, he was now capable of communicating and only lapsed back into the animal state of mind when he felt he was threatened.

“Where do you go at night Billy?”

Billy startled looked up, the pix was staring at him with an expression of interest. “Why do you ask?”

“You’re all so busy round here, maybe I could be helping?”

“No!” Billy grimaced as Elijah jumped at his tone of voice. “I mean, no Elijah not till your better.”

“Oh” Elijah was frowning, chewing on his bottom lip. “I should probably take up knitting or something then.”

Surprised, Billy started laughing at the younger man “And what would you knit?”

“I dunno, maybe a scarf? Or some socks…. would you wear knitted socks?”

“Not usually but if you made them I’m sure I could make an exception.”

The boy giggled, the sound sharp and bright in the stillness of the room. “I sleep better when you’re around. You’re comforting.”

“Ah and here I thought it was ‘cause you fancied me.”

“Well it’s a little bit of that too.”

Billy’s eyes darkened “Come here.”

Elijah shifted closer to him. “Billy?”

Gathering the boy to him Billy bent his head and gently kissed him. Elijah’s eyes were wide with fear and lust as he hesitantly leaned in; softly he licked at Billy’s lips forcing them to part. Billy felt him trembling and forced himself to take it slow, guiding Elijah in a series of soft gentle kisses. He felt like he’d never kissed anyone before, for surely if kissing were always like this people would be doing it all the time. This warm wet feeling of belonging, of teeth and tongues and fingers and heat. Breaking the kiss Elijah angled his head te sie side and softly licked the smooth expanse of Billy’s neck before lightly biting down causing the Scot to groan.

“Is that ok?” he asked.

“Its fucking great love.”

Smiling he threaded his fingers into Billy’s short hair and gripped tightly. The older man whimpered and opened his mouth wider to give him better access. Tongues met, entwining hard and fast in an effort to explore and conquer. Elijah squirmed closer to Billy before deciding enough was enough and climbed up onto his lap wrapping his legs around him. Billy gasped at the feeling of the pix’s warm crotch pressed so intimately against his own, the firm hard pressure bringing him down to earth.

“Wait”, he said pulling back to stare at Elijah “You sure you want to do this ‘Lij?”

“Yes.” Elijah said nodding rapidly.

“You’re sure? We can stop at any time.”

“No, I want this.” he said more definitely as he pressed a firm kiss against Billy’s lips.

Growling Billy lay Elijah on his back and steadily ground down on him. The pix arched up against him, his hands scrabbling at Billy’s shirt trying to get him as close as possible. Taking the hint, Billy quickly removed the offending shirt before once again turning his attention to the pix underneath him. Elijah looked at him through hazy eyes, hands reaching up to touch his chest, down his sides, along his collarbone; everywhere he could reach, memorizing it all.

“You’re the beautiful one Billy,” he stated.

And suddenly Billy was lying down on him, his whole body tight with hunger, using his lips and teeth to alternatively kiss and bite at the pix’s flesh. Elijah burned, he ached; pressing upwards he moved his hands around Billy’s back and down to grasp at the firm flesh he found there. Billy groaned biting at Elijah’s lips as he began to slide his track pants downs his legs. His hands made quick work and it wasn’t long before he had a naked pix wriggling underneath him.

Elijah wondered if this was how it always felt, this feeling of wholeness like he was made for Billy and Billy was made for him. His breath hitched as Billy reached down and grabbed his cock, sliding his hand up and down the length. “Do you like that pet?” Billy asked.

“Yes.” Elijah said, his breath coming in short pants.

Billy smirked “Well see how you like this.”

Elijah cried out as Billy’s cool mouth settled over the head of his cock, sliding down and deep-throating it to its base. “Evil”, he gasped out as his fingers twined through Billy’s hair and his hips jerked upwards. Elijah felt his vision waver and cloud up as an unfamiliar tightening took hold of his gut, causing his throat to constrict.

And suddenly –

Everything went black.

When he came to, Billy was leaning over him brushing his hair back off his face.
“Wha-?” he struggled to ask.

“You blacked out there”, the older man frowned his hands nervously stroking down Elijah’s face “I knew I was good but…”

“Oh” Elijah sat up on his elbows. “I feel okay now though.”

“You’re still recovering, you should be taking it easy.”

The pix pouted, “You’re not leaving me are you?”

Billy’s expression softened “No I’ll stay with you. But you’re to try and sleep.”

“I feel fine Billy.” Elijah sighed. “And I didn’t get a chance to –“ he was cut off when a finger was placed against his lips.

“It doesn’t matter, we’ll take it up again when you’re better.”

A soft kiss was pressed against his forehead as Billy coaxed him under the covers before settling down behind him. Elijah sighed as he felt Billy spooning against him. “I’m so lucky I found you Billy.” He murmured feeling sleepy and happy.


The Question

It was a Tuesday when he finally asked Billy ‘the question’. Dom could clearly remember how Billy had finished off his pint before narrowing his eyes at him and askingou sou sure you want to know Dom?” Before Dom could respond he continued “It could be dangerous you know, most likely will be dangerous and once you’re in there’s no backing out. We have to be able to trust you 100%.”

Dominic inhaled sharply. “Bills you know you can trust me.”

“I do, but they don’t. What we’re doing…. it’s not kids stuff Dom. You could get hurt.”

“I’m a big boy Billy I can take care of myself.”

Billy sighed at the expression on Dominic’s face, the other man looked hurt and Billy realised he’d probably dented his pride. “Dom I know you can take care of yourself its just…. The people we deal with are the real thing, if they find out you’re working for us you could get killed.”

Dom gritted his teeth. “Just tell me what I need to know.”

Billy studied the man in front of him, Dominic Monaghan was the very picture of defiance his head held high, teeth gritted, and his usually laughing eyes had turned an intense and stormy grey. “I’ll tell you some of what we do Dom –“ he raised a hand up as Dom went to interrupt. “Just some and then you can decide for yourself. If you want in or out. If we’re worth the risk. If I’m worth the risk.”


Discussion at the Green Door

Billy came to a halt before a large bright green door. Dominic craned his head back to try and glimpse the very top and found it continued up to the ceiling.

“What is this place?”

Billy looked at him, and Dom looked back at him trying in vain to keep his fear under a mask of calm indifference “Are you okay Dommie?”

Dom’s eyes met his, slightly panicked “Yes… no, its just…should we really be doing this now?”

Billy reached an arm out, caught the back of his neck and gently pulled him close. Slowly he trailed his finger down Dom’s face before cupping his cheek “If not now, when would you propose we do it?” Dom gave a shrug, just the slightest movement of his shoulders. The fear in his eyes had given over to a mesmerised gaze as he leaned into the caress. Billy took his hand away and Dom startled, took a step back.

“I dunno”, he whispered, rubbing his cheek absently “how bout tomorrow? Tomorrow sounds good.”

Billy eyed his friend cautiously, he had always known that there was a possibility Dom would back out but he feared by now they were in too deep. He sighed and shoved his hands deep in his pockets, wondering what he would do if Dom abandoned him now “Are ye having doubts?”

Dom looked at him, worried and tense. His gaze taking in the sight before him, it had always been about Billy. No matter what he was unsure of, he was sure of Billy. Taking a step forward, bringing them face-to-face he reached out and ran a hand over Billy’s hair “Course not Bills, just a bit anxious.”

He smiled and Billy felt himself relax “Come on then”, he said putting a hand onto the doorknocker and knocking once “It’s a good thing too.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“’Cause it would’ve ruined my day if I had to kill you.”


The Leaders

Billy led Dom through a maze of twisting corridors, each one darker than the next. Dom shivered involuntary, glimpsing a cobweb the size of his hand.

“If you ran off now, I’d have no idea how to get out.”

Billy grinned, “That’s the idea”, reaching over he clasped Dom’s hand in his own “not long now.”

Billy’s hand fit perfectly in his, smooth and cool against Dom’s rough and calloused palm. Sometimes Dominic thought that Billy was made for him, he didn’t like to be soppy and use the term ‘soul mates’ but he supposed that if he had a soul mate the closest he’d have would be Billy.

The corridor took a sharp and unexpected twist; presenting them with steep stairs leading down into blackness “Be careful here Dommie”, Billy’s breath was warm and damp against his neck “there’s no lights but just stick close to me and you’ll be fine.”

They descended into the dark, Dom awkwardly shuffling along behind Billy; grabbing onto his jacket sleeve. He hated being in pitch darkness, hated the feeling of helplessness, the vulnerability of it. Down and down they went in complete silence until Dom felt he’d lost all track of time.

“Billy, how – “ A hand on his arm stopped him “We’re here.”

They had stopped in front of a wall; Billy reached forward and knocked three times before taking a key from his pocket. Dom leaned forward, squinting in the darkness to get a better view “There’s nowhere to put that Bill.” Billy grinned at him and simply said, “Just watch Dommie.”

He took the key to the wall and gently sketched a keyhole on the black wall. The keyhole shone a brilliant white causing Dom to look sideways from the glare; Billy approached the door encased in the glow. “He looks like an angel”, Dom thought to himself “or “, he quickly amended “a winner of the Daz doorstep challenge.”

Billy put the key in the lock and turned bathing the hallway in a heavenly glow.

“This is it I’ve died fuck and there’s so many things I never did like…. like …fuck! I can’t think of anything right now but I’m sure I was meant to do more than this.”

“Are you alright Dommie?” Billy’s amused tone caused Dom to shake his head and blink his eyes. Twice. Just to make sure. They were no longer in the hallway instead they were in what seemed to be a comfortable sitting room rather like his Auntie Marge’s “How the?”

“A very good question Dominic and one I hope we can answer for you in time…” Dom turned to look at the speaker in question and saw pale green eyes, short light blond hair and a friendly smile.

Billy stepped up to the pair of them “Dominic this is Seán.” Seán’s hand enfolded Dominic's in a warm, firm grip and Dominic smiled.

“Dominic Monaghan.” A quick handshake and Seán released him.

“What is this place?” Dom questioned

“This is the centre of our operations and also our home.”

He turned to face Billy “This is where you live?”

“Aye, tis where we all live and you can too if you wish … “

Seán smiled as he saw Dominic’s eyes grow wide “Have a seat Dominic, we have much to discuss.”

The Situation

Dom perched on the floral patterned sofa while Seán went to get him a drink; beside him Billy was busy looking through some papers. “Billy?” he whispered urgently.

“Yes Dominic?”

“I understand that you’re a highly sensitive organisation so you guys have to stay hidden and all that, but what’s the deal with the furniture?”

Billy giggled, “It’s not my taste either, it belongs to Viggo.”

“Viggo?”

“He’s kind of our leader, nice man though sometimes kinda scary and he does like this sofa so you do well not to slag it off when he gets here.”

Dom’s eyes widened “Whuld uld he pop a cap in mah ass?”

“No nothing like that. Viggo much more prefers the death by lethal injection approach.”

“Right.” Dominic gulped looking down at the sofa “You know it’s actually not that bad.”

“Not that bad? It’s fucking hideous!” Dom turned around as Seán entered the room laughing. “You’d never think that a man like Viggo would have such a penchant for flowers. Here - ” Seán offered the beer in his hands to Dominic. “But there you go; everyone has his or her own little quirks. Billy here has a thing for the ballet.”

“I do not!” interjected the Scot angrily.

“You cried like a baby when we went to see Swan Lake.”

Seán laughed at Billy’s obvious embarrassment before turning to face Dom. The young man was sitting nervously sipping his beer as he glanced between Seán and Billy. "When Billy told us you wanted in, I must admit we were quite surprised. We're a low key organisation, don't get many requests for application forms."

“Well I want to help.”

“Do you?” The older man leaned forward intently scrutinizing Dom’s face. “You do realise that if you’re in with us your whole life will change.”

“No offence, but anything has to be an improvement on my life at the moment.”

Seán and Billy exchanged a brief glance before Seán continued “A bright, healthy young man like you could land himself a job in one of the lesser corporations and work his way up the ladder.”

“But I – “ Dom fell silent as Billy placed a warning hand on his arm.

“Dominic, we have to be certain that you won’t go running to the corps as soon as anything a bit ‘hairy’ happens. We have to know that you’re with us for better or worse. Now Billy has already given you a vote of confidence but we’d like to make up our mind too. We have a mission for you.”

Dom’s head shot up “A mission? What kind of mission?”

“Nothing too hectic, we just need you to retrieve a sensitive folder from a member of Weishner’s private office”

“Not too hectic?” echoed Dominic looking from Seán to Billy “How am I supposed to get it out of his private office?”

Billy hesitated before answering “The thing is Dom, Dave has a thing for young trendy types much like yourself. He –“

“You want me to go home with him?” Dom felt his stomach clench as if it were caught in a vice grip.

“Dommie, Dommie.” Billy shifted closer to him and rubbed a hand down his back. “This is the type of thing we have to do…. The type of thing I have to do, it doesn’t mean anything … just a means to an end. Dave’s a rather silly bloke but he’s basically harmless, you won’t be in any real danger but – “

“I’ll have to sleep with him. That’s what it comes down to isn’t it Bills? I’ll have to fuck this Dave bloke.”

Seán pressed another beer into Dom’s hand. “In Dave’s private study there’s a blue folder that contains the listings of every staff member in Urban Enterprises. Dave’s notoriously lax about security so it’s just a matter of getting someone onto the premises and then we should be home free.”

Dominic stared into space trying to weigh everything up in his head. If he turned the mission down he knew without a doubt he’d be tossed out of the lair and his memory more than likely erased. And Billy? Probably turn into just another face in the crowd.

“You can take the night to think about it if you like? Billy can show you around, go over some strategies.”

“No, I’ll do it.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” This time his tone was more definite. “I’ll do it.”

“Great. Welcome on board Dominic.”

Dom shook Seán’s hand and trio smo smile as warmly as the other man was. Beside him Billy gave a mental sigh of relief, he hadn’t thought of what he would do if Dom had run out.

“How’s Elijah been?”

“Not so good, hang on I have to show you something.”

As Seán left the room Billy stared at Dominic intently. The man beside him was trembling and ever so slightly biting at his lip. “Dommie I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Dom turned to him, his eyes shining brightly “What you sorry for Bill?”

“Not giving you any idea…this thing with Dave. If you don’t want to do it Dom we could find someone else. I’ll understand.”

“No”, he shook his head roughly “No Bill I have to do it otherwise they won’t take me seriously. It’s fine.” And then he smiled, a bit too brightly and with eyes that glittered.

Billy reached forward and pulled Dominic in for a kiss. “Thank you.”

Dominic felt his heart speeding up, time seemed to slow down and stretch out in front of him while he kissed Billy. There it was again. The painful feeling of togetherness, the feeling that they could make it work that him and Billy could have … something. When he pulled away Dom released a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding, it was strange – in many ways it was as if they were already a couple. As if they had always been more than friends but then the spectre of Elijah would raise his head and Dominic would have to remind himself not to throw things and scream at the injustice of it all. He kept his mouth shut; he didn’t want to loose Billy.

“Here we go.” Seán entered the room and Dominic watched as time sped up again. He glanced briefly at Billy to see if he too had noticed this strange phenomenon but the other man was concentrating on the piece of paper Seán held in his hands. “This is something Elijah drew earlier after he woke up, said he dreamt it.” He said spreading the map over the table.

“Wow, give that boy a Blue Peter badge”, said Dom as he leaned over studying it “It’s certainly detailed! Boy’s got talent.” The pix certainly had him beaten on the drawing scale that was for sure.

“What is it?”

Seán spread his arms wide shrugging his shoulders “That’s the problem ‘Lij said he doesn’t know. All he knows is that it’s important.”

Billy sat back elbows on his knees “Did he have any attacks today?”

“Been on and off all day.”

Both men exchange grim glances, when the pix was in his animal state he could be uncontrollable, yowling and scratching at anyone who dared to come near him. Only Billy had the capacity to calm him without the aid of drugs.

“It’s my fault I should’ve been there.”

“You can’t be there all the time Billy. Look why don’t you introduce Dom?” Billy shook himself next to him Dom was still staring into Seán with a vaguely shell-shocked expression on his face.

“Right, come on Dommie I’ll show you to our room.”


Whirlwind

When they entered the room a small whirlwind hurled itself at Dominic using sharp teeth and nails to try and tear into his flesh. Reacting on instinct Dominic violently flung the whirlwind away, hitting back in a frenzy until the blood rush died down in his ears and he could hear Billy screaming at him to stop. Dom stopped; panting harshly while holding the 'thing' away from him; he looked at Billy who was in turn glaring at him with something akin to fury before turning his attention to the whirlwind. The wind was in fact a small fragile boy, with a mess of wild hair atop a pale pixie face, which contained the biggest and bluest eyes Dom had ever seen in his life. The boy still shaking dug his fingers into Dom’s arm.

"Hey Lij its me, Billy” Billy approached the boy slowly with his palms raised up. The boy sorry Lij (and Dominic only realises now that this is the Elijah that Billy had told him about) relaxed briefly before cocking his head and whimpering "Billy?"

"Yeah baby.” Billy moved to stand behind the boy with his arm loosely circling his waist. With a cry Lij detached himself from Dominic and pounced into Billy’s arms. Dom stared at Billy crooning endearments into Lij's ear, their eyes briefly meeting before Billy lowered his mouth to the boys and softly kissed him.

Dominic unnerved tried to look away. Never before had he felt this boiling deep within his guts that threatened to overwhelm him. Lij curled around Billy like a limpet, starting a slow grind that tightened things low in Dom’s body making his eyes go cloudy. He watched helplessly as Billy detangled the boy all the while gently rubbing his back.

"Dominic."

Turning Dominic met Billy’s eyes with what he hoped was his best blank stare, Lij watched him warily from within the circle of Billy’s arms "This is Elijah."

Dom swallowed the lump in his throat mumbling a paltry “Pleased to meet you.” under his breath before looking away. Billy approached him still cradling the boy and placed a hand on Dominic’s shoulder before leaning in and whispering, "I'm sorry.”

“Twice you’ve apologised today Bills. Think it must be becoming a habit.” Dom smiled he felt grateful that Billy apologised but again could not place why he should or indeed why Dom himself was feeling this way. He felt confused and jealous. Jealous of the boy’s obvious role in Billy’s life and confused because Billy had explained about Elijah, though knowing about something and seeing it in the flesh were two very different things.

His head was pounding and Dom fought back tears. Billy took a hold of his hand and ran his thumb lightly over his knuckles. Elijah whined softly as Billy gently drew Dominic closer to them but Billy quietened him by placing Dom’s hand on his face. Instantly the boy is upon him again but this time there is no biting as he nuzzled into Dom’s right ear and gently licked behind it. Dom yelped his hand coming up to instinctively push the pix away but Billy stopped him. "Elijah isn't like us Dom, He gets.... I’ll explain it later but this is his form of hello. You'll offend him greatly if you don't reciprocate."

"Reciprocate?” he queried staring into the abyss of jade before him.

"Yes just lick him to the back of his right ear like he did with you."

Dom regarded Elijah warily; the boy was practically trembling with what seemed to be great anticipation. Billy walked around behind Dom and wrapped his arms around middmiddle making Dom feel instantly calmer and it was easy to then lean forward and lick the pixie behind his ear. Elijah moaned softly in his throat and in an instant he collapsed against Dom chattering nonsense in his ear and wrapping his arms around both him and Billy.

Billy laughed and Dom felt the vibration against his back "Great, he likes you!"

Dom wrapped his arms around Elijah who was busy licking every bare piece of skin available to him.

“Great.”


Patrol

Orlando sat on the ground by the entrance to the enclosure. The night lay still around him yet he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that plagued him, the feeling that someone was watching him.

“Everything ok Orlando?”

Orli bit back a groan; he was not in the mood for yet another one of Seán’s pep talks “I’m fine Seán just feeling a little restless.”

The elder man sat down beside him and stared out across the dunes. “Think I’ve got a touch of that myself…. What do you think of young Dominic?”

“Young Dominic?” mocked Orlando “God Seán the way you sometimes go on, you’d think you where 52 instead of 42.”

“I’m just old beyond my years.”

“Bollix. I think you like pretending you’re older, for your next birthday I’m going to buy you a coffin.” Orlando traced a meaningless pattern in the sand “He seems nice though, Dominic I mean. He’s totally hung up on Billy, have you seen the way he looks at him?”

Seán grinned, “I’ve also seen the way Billy looks at him.”

“It’s funny that, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Few months ago Billy was talking about dieing alone, now he’s got two young attractive men after him.”

“I’m sure Billy can handle it.“

“I’ll bet he can.”

“You’re not the new kid anymore now though.”

“For God sake’s Bean! You don’t think I’m suffering from new baby syndrome do you? Besides I haven’t been the new kid since the pix came onto the scene.”

Seán laughed shifting closer to Orlando so he could punch him lightly on the arm. “Don’t be stupid. I just look out for you … you’ve got no one else.”

Orlando gazed out across the dunes “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go and eat worms.” He sang softly smiling at the look on Seán’s face. “Story of my life that is. Don’t worry bout me…. I’ve always known how to take care of myself.”

“Yeah” Seán grimaced slightly “That’s what I’m worried about.”


On the Run
<>

Gravel flew around him as he ran, the wind lashing out at his cheeks bringing tears to his eyes; each time his feet hit the pavement he was almost certain his knees would buckle under the pressure but he couldn’t stop. Faster and faster, Orlando Bloom was flying. The men still chased him; he could feel them in the distance, occasionally hearing the ping sound as another flier was launched. One had glanced off his cheek and if he were to really focus he would have noticed that blood was seeping down his chin. But Orlando couldn’t stop, stopping meant capture and capture was not an option.

The men had been chasing him for half an hour when he passed the warehouse. It was a normal enough warehouse as warehouses go, large, dark and dank; the perfect place to hide. Making a sharp turn left he ducked into an alleyway struggling to control his breathing. His heart was pounding so loudly he was convinced they’d be able to hear him. Stuffing a fist into his mouth he forced himself to relax, willed his body to calm down. As he heard the footsteps pounding pavement he concealed himself within the shadows.

They passed the laneway, five in total and all armed and looking to party. Five? He never would have thought he could warrant five patrolmen. ‘Show’s how much Bernard’s after my blood.’ Glancing out to ensure himself the men had gone, he traced his steps back to the entrance of the warehouse. Inside it was dark and musty, the air damp around him; Orlando hurried over to the darkest corner and crouched down to evaluate his situation. The men only had a brief stretch of road to check before they’d realise he’d doubled back. Time was of the essence, just a few minutes more and the place would be crawling with Squad members. Then he saw it, down the end of the warehouse there was a large green door. He blinked and looked again, it was still there; a green door that stretched all the way to the ceiling.

Orlando approached the door cautiously, he was fairly certain that large green doors were not commonplace among warehouses on the lower eastern side. Gingerly he reached forward and placing one hand on the door he pushed it open. Darkness loomed up in front of him, thick and foreboding. Orlando swallowed, his choices where pretty slim at this point ‘Capture is not an option’, he repeated and looking behind him he mentally blessed himself before walking through the doorway. The darkness embraced him and all was quiet.

Inside the warehouse, the door closed quietly and then promptly vanished.

+++

They found him two days later curled up in a corner praying for death. When he had started down the corridor he had no idea where he was going so he decided to head north. Pretty soon he came up against a wall that caused him to make a sharp right turn, then a left turn, then he found some stairs and before long he was dizzy and tired. The darkness was seeping into his skin and at times Orlando was sure that he’d been walking for days maybe years. He could hear their conversation and was certain they were figments of his imagination; it wouldn’t be the first time in the last few days he had made people up.

“Who the hell is he?”

“Don’t know, don’t care. Come on we’ll dump him back out on the street.”

“Now, now that’s not exactly very ‘Christian’ of you.”

“And whoever said I was a Christian?”

A laugh then, no it was more of a giggle and Orlando felt a tap on his shoulder before a bright light was shone in his eyes.

“Erugh..”

“Well it’s alive anyway.”

He squinted against the bright glare; he could vaguely make out the silhouettes of two people. ‘Men’, he thought and probably not Bernard’s considering he still had his legs attached.

Orli cleared his throat “Do you have any water with you?”

The smaller man had turned the glare down on his torch and was grinning at him “Aye we do, but why should we give it to you?”

“Cause I’m fucking thirsty! Jesus what kind of people are you?”

Now the bigger man was laughing at him “Maybe we’re the kind of people you shouldn’t be messing with. You ever think of that?” His eyes were lowered to slits and Orlando mentally cursed himself ‘Great Orli, get into a fight with the one who looks like he could break your neck in two with his fingers.’

Orli sat upright and tried to make himself look as contrite as possible “I’m sorry man, I just haven’t had anything to eat or drink in days.”

The man looked at him considering, “Billy give the boy some water.”

‘Boy?’ But Orlando didn’t argue he just took the water off the smaller man (Billy?) gratefully and took several large gulps before handing it back to him but Billy waved him off “No you finish it off, we have more with us.”

He didn’t say thank you before greedily finishing the water off

“Now I’m sorry we haven’t been introduced, what’s your name?”

“Orlando.”

“Orlando?” A small start of surprise, he was used to that. “That’s a pretty name, my name’s Billy and my friend here is Seán.”

‘Pretty? Oh God that’s all I need, two days running around in complete darkness and I run into a couple of pimps.’ Orlando nodded a brief hello.

“We were just wondering – these passage ways are guarded, how did you manage to come so far?” The smaller man, Billy, was squatting down beside him now looking rather like a friendly gnome.

‘Pimps aren’t usually that small are they? Or quite so…. Scottish.’

“I was in a warehouse and I saw a door.”

“Do you usually go walking through every random door you see?” Questioned the bigger man, staring intently at him. “What were you running from?”

“Who says I was running?”

“You mean you went through a random door in a random warehouse and you weren’t running from anyone?”

He took a deep breath in, how much can you trust a stranger? They could be uninformed lackeys of Bernard and Harry “People..”

“We can’t help you unless you tell us Orlando.”

“I got… involved with the wrong people. I was desperate, you have to understand that but when it came down to it I couldn’t do what the asked me to and now they’re after me. If they find me they could kill me or …”

“Or?”

“There are worse things than death.”


Seán smiled grimly, shaking his head “Orli mate? You just described my entire life. Come on we’ll get you cleaned up.”

Orli took the offered hand and following the two men, once again ventured into the dark.


Bedtime

‘One room, one bed and three people.’ No matter how many times Dominic did the sum in his head it still didn’t add up. He sat on the edge of the mattress nervously scratching the back of his hand as he waited for Elijah to be done in the bathroom. He wasn’t comfortable with the idea that Billy and his pix would be in the same bed as him ‘If they start shagging, I don’t care I’m running out of here. Billy or no Billy.’ He desperately wished that he could just sleep on the couch or the floor; yet when he had voiced both options Billy had looked at him like he was concussed.

The boom oom door opened and Dom felt himself tense as Lij entered the bedroom. The boy gestured towards the bathroom “You go?”

“Right. Yeah.”

Dom locked the door behind him, staggering over to the mirror to examine his face “Get a grip Dominic, I’m sure they’re not going to do any freaky pix sex thing and if they do? We could probably find a video camera and sell the film on Ebay.”

He splashed some water on his face and tried the breathing exercises that Bill had taught him the day before. Was it only yesterday? Seemed like a lifetime away now.

When he emerged from the bathroom the bedroom was in darkness and Dom had to squint to make out the little huddle underneath the bedclothes. Elijah’s hair was the only thing visible and Delt elt a small inexplicable pang in his chest. No matter how much he wanted to dislike the pix, he still felt it wasn’t fair for someone so young to have suffered so much.

Maybe he should sleep on the floor, the pix seemed so fragile that he was afraid to touch him.

“Dom Dom?”

Elijah was sitting up rubbing at the corner of his eye. He held one hand out towards Dominic, questioning.

Dom sighed and allowed the younger man to draw him down onto the bed, holding his breath as the pix curled in at his side and rested his head on his chest.

“Night, night Dom Dom.”

“Goodnight Elijah.”

He lay awake a while staring into space. By his side the pix slept peacefully on so still and serene that Dom had to concentrate to hear his breathing. After a few minutes he allowed the younger boys breathing to carry him off into sleep.

Rabbit, rabbit.

“Little one.”

The voice whispered softly to him, just teasing the edge of his consciousness. “Where are you little one?” It was familiar, comfortable, the voice of a loved one.

Opening his eyes Elijah gazed into a black void. “Who are you? Are you out there? I can’t – I can’t see anything.”

A laugh ttimetime, deep and throaty “I’m here whenever you’re ready to find me. I’m waiting for you.”

He tried to move forward, deeper into the darkness but found his legs were stuck fast to the floor. Looking down he realised that it was as if he were sinking into the ground, the blackness travelling up his legs, sticking to him like tar. “What the –?” Elijah struggled to find a way free but found whichever way he turned just pulled him deeper into the trap until the black was absorbed into his very pores. And then he was at one wthe the void.

He was the void.

And the voice was there too “You can never escape from me Elijah, I’ll always be here.”

+++

“Aahh!!” he woke up with a start, his tee shirt clinging to his skin, body trembling. Gasping Elijah rubbed his hands over his face grimacing when they came away slick with sweat.

“’Lij? You okay?” Dom’s voice was rough from sleep

“No, no I’t t’t think so…”

“What happened?” Dom struggled to sit up on his elbows “did you have a bad dream?”

The pix stared at him, his whole frame quivering “It …. It was awful, I could hear this voice…and I knew it. It was someone I know very well but every time I placed it, it got away from me and I was staring into darkness…. I tried to move but I was stuck and the darkness was swallowing me up and then – “ He trailed off, his eyes bright with unshed tears.

“And then?” Dom frowned “What happened then?”

“Then I … I disappeared.” the shaking increased causing the whole bed to rock. “Who the hell am I Dom?”

“Oh…” Dom found himself temporarily lost for words, Elijah was rubbing uneasy hands up and down his arms “Come here.” He held his arms out and Lij only hesitated a second before going to him. Gathering the boy to him he rubbed his back soothingly “I don’t know who you are Elijah but I promise you I’ll be here with you when you find out.” Dom pressed a kiss on his head before continuing “And I will do my hardest to make sure nothinppenppens to you.”

Elijah pulled away to stare into Dom’s face “Promise?”

He leaned in and wiped a tear from the pix’s che“I p“I promise.”


The Lair

Outside the bedroom Seán was examining the latest reconnaissance pictures while Orlando and Billy tried to make sense of the map Elijah had drawn.

“Fuck it!” Orlando exclaimed, “All I can see is dots.”

Billy grimaced rubbing a hand through his hair “That’sse ase all there is are dots, I dunno we must be lookingit tit the wrong way.”

“Yeah maybe we should be looking at it while hanging out a window or something.”

Billy snorted “We should probably pack it in for tonight, you look about ready to drop.”

“Me?” said Orlando; highly indignant “I’m not the one who’s been drooling on his hand for the past hour! - ”

“Gentlemen, unless you both want to be asleep at your posts tomorrow I suggest you both get to bed.” Seam turned to look at his two recruits both currently draped over the couch.

“Great” grumbled Orli “You made Dad mad.”

Billy snickered seeing the look of fury that passed over Seán’s face “We better get to bed before he spanks you!”

Orlando laughed as he hauled himself off the couch, briefly stretching “Wouldn’t want that now would we? Night all see you in the morning.”

Billy giggled as Seán narrowed his eyes at Orlando’s departure, “You alright Bean?”

Seán waved a hand in the air “Fine, fine – I’ll sleep a lot easier once we know where we stand with the Enforcers.”

“It’s here somewhere”, Billy frowned, and once again surveyed the map “It’s staring us in the face only we don’t know how to recognise it.”

The older man strode over and looked at the map intently “True, of course Elijah could be going mad and this could be a map to the King of the Potato People’s lair”, he sighed deeply “in any case it’ll wait to the morning. You should get some sleep Billy – go join that rather attractive pair of young men in your quarters.”

The Scot grimaced as Seán laughed, “Oh that’s very funny Seán, I’m half tempted to sleep out here tonight just to avoid the hassle!”

“Poor poor Billy, he’s got two beautiful young men to choose from, whatever next? Will his golden underwear get too tight or maybe it’ll start to rain lubricant on his head.”

“You’re a sick fucker, you do realise that don’t you?”

“But of course”, Seán bowed low “I mustn’tp yop you, you’ve to be up in three hours.”

“Bollicks”, Billy squinted at the clock on the wall “Finding the lair of the potato king does take time…”

“To bed Mr. Boyd!”

“Aye, Aye Captain!”

+++

Dom blinked as the door opened showering the bedroom with light, Billy quickly closed the door and once again the room was in darkness.

*Thud! *

“Aah Fuck!”

“Y’alright Bills?” Dom asked squinted at where he could make out the vague shape of Billy crouched down rubbing his knee.

“You’re awake?”

I waI wasn’t I would be now.” Dom chuckled as he turned on the lamp; Billy squinted at the light while balancing on one leg against the door.

“Sorry, didn’t realise it was so late. Is he ?" ?" Billy asked indicating towards Elijah.

The pix was still tucked tightly into Dom’s side, his head resting on his chest while his arm draped around the other man’s waist.

"Yeah, just had a nightmare.."

"Oh? Did he say what it was about?"

"Seemed like some sort of anxiety attack, you know the sort all black and gothic." Dom paused glancing down at the pix. "He's terrified Billy, terrified of who he is, terrified of what he is.... it just doesn't seem fair."

Billy reached at a hand and rested it on Lij's hair "That's why we have to protect him Dom - the men that are after him aren't amateurs and they'll stop at nothing to get him back."

"Has something happened?" Dom squinted at the Scot. "Was anyone hurt?"

"Nah,t a t a couple of raids - nothing too serious but next time you're out take a look around. The number of Enforcers on the street has doubled in the last week, Karl's not taking any chances."

The two men fell silent both gazing at the pix in Dom's arms. Elijah for his part had finally stopped shifting around and was laying still, his breath dampening Dom's chest. "I don't like what I'm hearing about this Karl guy...why does Elijah mean so much to him? He must have other pix's to choose from."

"I don't Dom Dommie, but see this here." Billy leant over and pulled a tuft of hair away from the base of Lij's neck.

Dom gasped as he saw the wound for the first time, it was closed over the scab raised and vivid, shining red raw. "That's horrible."

"No not that" Billy gently fingered the gold symbol underneath the hole "This."

"What is "
"

"It’s the insignia of the house of Urban, only the most honoured members of Karl's team and household carry it." Billy stood up and started to get ready for bed, casually disrobing as he talked. "Which means he is highly important to Karl. Dom? Are you listening to me?”

The other man was gazing at him with a glazed over expression, Dom shook himself he had gotten distracted the minute Billy’s shirt had hit the floor. “Sorry Bills just kinda tired, I’m listening now though.”

Billy smiled softly “It’s alright, it can wait till morning. Seán wants to give you your full debriefing on Dave then.”

“You ever seen him?”

“Who Dave? No, just heard some tall tails. The kind of man I despise – too much money and too little brains.illyilly settled himself in the bed beside Elijah spooning into the younger man. “You’ll be fine, he’s supposed to be quite stupid.”

Dom let his fingers trail over the sleeping pix’s chest, to interlace with Billy’s. “As long as he doesn’t try to chop my bits off or anything.”

“If he does I promise I’ll keep them in a jar next to my bed for all eternity.”

“Oi!”


Dom’s First Assignment

“Ok Dominic, your mission should you choose to accept it – “

“I thought I already had accepted it?”

Orlando sighed running a hand through his hair “Do you know what your problem is Dom? You’ve no sense of the dramatic.”

Dom grinned “While you seem to have it in abundance.”

“Quite. Now the club Dave usually is seen around is called ‘Q’ which is just around the corner from Weishner where he works. Do you know it?”

“Yeah, girl I work with hangs out there a lot.”

“Well it might be no harm to get her to go with you, could be handy to have someone there who’s familiar with the layout. Is she cool?”

“Steph?” Dom shrugged, “Yeah guess so, I’ll just tell her I’m going he phe pull and she won’t mind if I disappear off.”

“Right, Seán has so kindly furnished us with plans -”, Orli spread the plans over the coffee table with a flourish “of Dave’s townhouse. This is his bedroom here and his office here.”

“There’s two floors between them! How am I supposed to get down there and have a look round without him getting suspicious?”

“Ah that my friend is where I come into play, hang on a sec.”

As Orlando disappeared from the room Dominic turned his attention back to the plans. He was nervous, just a little – maybe a lot. ‘There’s a good chance that this Dave bloke might be a raging cannibal and want to chop my bits off. I don’t want my bits chopped off, they’re my bits!’

“Dom?”

He shook himself slightly; Orlando was standing in front of him with an expression of amusement. “You alright Dom? You were just staring into space, wasn’t sure if you’d had a stroke or something.”

“Nah, I’m cool…just thinking.”

Orli grinned “Don’t worry I’m sure he’s not going to chop your bits off and even if he does? Seán knows a very good surgeon.”

Dom narrowed his eyes “Well thank you very much. That’s very comforting to know.”

“Just trying to help.” He flashed a bright smile before continuing “And speaking of helping these little babies will help you keep Mr. Wenham down for the count.”

Dom caught the small package Orlando threw at him. “Insomninot? Wow, this shit’s illegal. How the hell did you get your hands on it?”

“Now that would be telling, all you need worry about is slipping this in Davey Boy’s drink. Once he drinks it you have two hours before it takes effect. Once it does you’ve a grand total of 14 hours to find the folder.”

Dom started laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

The expression on Olli’s face only made him laugh harder “Nothing, just I really feel like James Bond now.”

“Just make sure you don’t lose it Mr. Bond, otherwise you’re up shit creek. So how are you settling in?”

“Are you asking how I’m settling in in general or are you asking about someone in particular?”

Orlando smirked “Of course I mean - how are you getting on with Elijah?”

“I dunno. I like him, it’s kinda hard not too. You know?” Orli nodded letting Dom continue “Just every time I see him – he’s just staring at me with his big blue eyes, it’s kind of distracting.”

“That crafty bastard using his eyes to stare!”

Dom stuck his tongue out. “You’re making fun of me.”

“Was I that obvious? Look Dom it’ll be fine don’t worry about it. I mean you like Billy don’t you?”

He frowned “Course I do.”

“And Elijah?”

Dominic considered that for a moment “Well yeah…”

“Then it’s simple, just combine the two and then you’ll be a happy tiny threesome.” Orlando grinned. “I should have my own talk show.”

“Who mentioned a threesome? I don’t think I could ever have a threesome with Elijah.”

“That my friend is denial.”

“No, Elijah’s like a pet…” Dom shook his head frantically, the very idea of it seemed wrong.

“That you want to shag?” Orli asked smirking at Dom’s discomfort.

Dom spit out his beer grimacing as it slopped down his shirt. “No! More like a little puppy.”

“A little puppy that you want to shag?”

“You’re very strange.” He smiled “I mean that’s a weird animal fetish you’ve got going on there.”

“Nah, I’m just horny. At this stage I’m considering getting the coffee table drunk and having my wicked way with it.” Orlando sighed looking at said coffee table.

“Well it looks up for it… as much as any table can I suppose.”

“Bout the only chance of a shag I’ll get round here.”

“Ah don’t say that, you never know what’s ‘round the corner. I mean you’re a great guy… you’ve got great… hair …. It’s very glossy – like a thoroughbred.”

“I’m complaining about my lack of sex and you’re thinking bout horses! Yes ladies and gentlemen this young man won’t have a threesome with a gorgeous boy but he will muse on the idea of Black Beauty in his bed.” Orli’s eyes were full of mirth “I thought I was supposed to be the one with the weird animal fetish!”

Dominic laughed “Thank you Orlando.”

“What for?”

“Nothing, just you’re so insane you make me feel normal.” Dom grinned one last time before turning around and entering the bedroom.

Orlando stood bemused in the centre of the room. “Glad to be of service.”


Threesome

“You sure you’re ready for this?”

Billy was surveying him with a worried expression and Dom bit back a retort. “Billy I told you I’d be fine.”

He would be fine, he was certain of it if there was one thing Dominic Monaghan was good at it was going on the pull. “Besides Orli gave me the Insomninot so it’s not like I’ll be on my own with him for long.”

“I know but still.”

“Hey relax I’m the one who’s supposed to be panicking, not you.” Dom put his arms around the older man’s waist and pulled him into an embrace.

“Yeah, Just don’t want anything to happen to you”, Billy mumbled against his neck “Just want you to be safe.”

“Bills you’re the one who said to me that this was dangerous shit. I choose this, I choose you.”

“You still deserve one last chance to back out.”

Dom grinned, “I don’t need a chance to back out, my minds made up.” He leaned forward and kissed Billy’s lips, sucking gently on his lower lip. Billy kissed him back; softly stroking his hands down Dominic’s back pulling him closer to him. Ending the kiss, he pulled back and locked eyes with Dominic. “Promise me you’ll be safe.”

“I’ll promise I’ll try to be safe.”

Billy growled, “I suppose that’ll have to do.”

“Is everything ok?” The quiet question caused both men to spring apart, guilty expressions on their faces. Elijah stood in the bathroom doorway looking worried.

Billy walked towards the pix and put a hand on his shoulder. The pix looked tired and at that moment, excruciatingly young. “Dom’s agreed to do a mission for us, he was just promising me he’d keep his hide out of trouble.”

“Oh, is it dangerous?” Elijah turned too Dom, his blue eyes wide and fearful.

“Naw it’s nothing major, just an overnight job.”

“But you’ll be careful right?”

Dom sighed “Not you too ‘Lij. I’ll be fine.” Grinning he held up two fingers “Scouts honour and all that.”

Elijah walked towards him and offered a small apologetic smile “Sorry don’t know what the scouts are but I’ll take your word.” Suddenly he had an armful of pix, small insistent hands wrapping themselves around Dom’s shoulders. “Be safe Dominic.” The pix leaned slightly back before depositing a small soft kiss at the corner of Dom’s mouth.

Billy grinned to himself; Dom had a vaguely dazed expression on his face and he was looking at Elijah like he had found a new religion. Clearing his throat he walked towards the pair. “Right so that’s set in stone now Dom you’ve promised both me and Elijah.”

“And I obviously wouldn’t want to disappoint either of you.”

Elijah giggled and exchanged a glance with Billy “Yup, or we’d chop your bits off!”

Dom yelped “Erugh! Would people please stop talking about my bits?”

“But they’re very nice bits Dom Dom.” The pix grinned mischievously.

“Oh?” Billy raised an eyebrow “And how would you know?”

“I peeked!”

“Did you hear that Dommie? We have a peeker..”

“Naughty naughty ‘Lij.” Dom wagged his finger at the grinning pix. “We’re going to have to do something about that.”

“Oh yeah?” A challenge.

“Yup.” And with that Billy and Dom each grabbed an arm and a leg and threw the pix down onto the bed.

“No!” howled the pix as Dom proceeded to tickle him while Billy wrestled his tee shirt off. Elijah wriggled around as Billy put his lips on his stomach and gave him a rather slobbery raspberry. Lij squirmed about, his face turning red and hair sticking up in different directions “Guys…Stop.”

Dominic looked at him; the pix had an excited blush that was spreading over his face and down his chest. ‘Fucking hell.’ The younger man was beautiful and suddenly it seemed the most natural thing in the world to lean over and kiss him on his soft pouting lips. The kiss seemed to go on for a lifetime or two, Lij’s imploring arms reaching up to wrap around Dom and pull him down to grind against the pix. Dom lifted his head after awhile “I think we killed Billy.”

Elijah pulled himself up on his elbows. “Billy, are you okay?”

“Yeah”, the Scotsman had his head rested on Lij’s stomach. “Was just enjoying the view.”

“You wanna come up here and participate?” Dom held a hand out towards him and Billy sighed.

“Can’t sorry lads I’ve to head back to Wagner and pick up some files for Bean.”

“Now?” Lij whined “But Dom Dom has to go to the club later.”

“I know pet, we’ll have plenty of time to do this tomorrow.”

“Promise?” Dom stuck out his lower lip and did a passable impression of Elijah’s whine.

Billy laughed clambering up the bed to pull his two favourite people into a warm hug. “I promise.”


Rooftop Antics

Luca heen een sitting on the rooftop for four hours and his legs were beginning to cramp. Whoever said stakeouts were sexy obviously had never been on one. Not that he was on a stakeout as such. The very word implied organization and backup, neither of which he currently possessed. He’d come out here on a hunch and he was beginning to wish he had ignored his gut instinct and headed back home where the wife would be waiting for him. And probably ignoring him or even better cuttup hup his clothes. ‘Maybe being on a shit ass roof is alright.’

The club below him was pounding out some Euro Disco remix of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars”, he was willing to compromise his identity to just go down there, set a flier off inside and immobilise everyone in the whole goddamn place. The option was just starting to appeal to him when he noticed someone out of the corner of his eye exiting the Wagner building ‘No fucking way.’

He reached down and clumsily bht hht his camera to his eye, hastily bringing the man into clear sharp focus.

It fucking was.

William Boyd.

“Fucks sake!”

*Click click click *

When he had used almost an entire roll of film he put his camera down, grinning to himself. “Well well Mr. Boyd we finally found you. Promotion here I fucking go!” With that he abandoned his search for the pix, packed up his belongings and headed back to the Enforcer Headquarters.

In the club

When they arrived the club was packed. Dom surveyed the sight in front of him with disdain. All around him glitter and boob tubes blended together to form one seething mass. Hundreds of teenyboppers waving their hands in the air - offering themselves up to the DJ, it was a sight that always made him feel slightly sick.

Dominic sighed looking around at all the girls dressed to the nines all-trying to outdo each other. ‘Fuck, I’m stuck in a sea of individuals.’

“Come on we’ll get a table.” Steph chirped in his ear.

He gritted his teeth briefly glancing down at his watch. The LED display blinked back at him showing the time to be 22.30. What he’d do to be just curled up on the couch with Bills and Lij watching telly or even listening to one of Seán’s boring documentaries or a lecture from Viggo. Dom pushed past by two preppy girls trying to hump each other’s legs and reached his seat just as the bass beat reached a crescendo that threatened to sha his his teeth.

“That’s him there.” Steph leaned into him.

Dom turned to look “Right.”

Dave Wenham was standing by the bar casually surveying all around him ‘He’s not a bad looking bloke’, Dominic reasoned to himself. ‘Though there is that nose… Ok focus on the positive – nice eyes, good hair and expensive clothes. We can do this.’

“I don’t know why you want to talk to him, he’s a knob!” Steph said disgustedly “Besides you could do much better.”

‘I know I could I have.’

“Ah he’s not so bad, bit of a looker actually.” Dom grinned as Steph wrinkled up her nose.

“Do what you want I can’t stop you. I’ll be here getting drunk when you’re done!”

He kissed her on the cheek and getting up made his way to the bar. ‘Have to make this look good.’

Dominic Monaghan was on the prowl.

+++

He leaned casually against the bar, winking at a barmaid to get her attention. Turning round drink in hand he surveyed the club with an air of bored detachment mentally grinning as he noticed Dave appraising him. ‘Now for the accidental look.’

As Dave turned in his direction looking him up and down Dom thought to himself ‘It’s almost too easy.’


Dave

Dave Wenham was a rich man. Very rich. Dom followed him through the labyrinth like passages of his home, rich tapestry’s adorned every wall, chandeliers hung from the ceiling and there was that smell … Dom weighed it up in his head. The house smelt clean he finally decided, a smell that was uncommon to him as his flat (no matter how much he scrubbed or cleaned it) always had the vague odour of cat piss.

Dave was also a deeply stupid man. Forest Gump stupid, only not as endearing – maybe Forest if you dressed him up in Prada and gave him a sloaney accent. At the moment he was running down the corridor in a manner that should scream, “Chase me! Chase me!” but actually made Dom want to stab him to death with a fork.

“Dominic.”

“Yes Dave?”

“I want you to fuck me Dominic.”

‘Oh Christ,’ thought Dom ‘he’s actually trying to be coy.’

Dave did ‘coy’ by fluttering his eyelashes at an alarming rate and emitting what Dom thought was supposed to be a ‘breathy sigh’.

Putting his reservations aside, Dom strolled up to Dave and whispered in his ear “Where do you want me to fuck you?”

Dave emitted something, that which on any other person could be termed as a ‘giggle’ but on him soundeke ake a mule being repeatedly kicked in shins and said “In the bedroom … “

In his head Dom said ‘How original, next you’ll be asking me to take you in the missionary position while making a cup of tea – you’d think he could at least pretend to be vaguely interesting.’ But out loud he merely replied “Lead the way baby.”

He took off running around yet another corner and up a flight of stairs, Dom entertained the thought of going home and leaving him running around his house for the remar ofr of the night but if he did that Seán would be annoyed, Viggo would be angry and Billy would be disappointed. He sighed, if there was one thing he didn’t want to do it was disappoint Billy.

The bedroom was styled on a Victorian brothel; it was painted deep dark maroon with gold ornaments adorning every surface available. But it was the bed that caught Dom’s attention, it was an honest to god four-poster bed, with hangings and a mattress that Dom just knew would be like heaven to sleep on. He’d been sharing a bed with two other people for the last two nights and before that he had slept on a pallet, so he planned to make the most of it.

‘I wonder if he’d settle for just snuggling?’

“Hello lover.”

Dave was lounged against the bathroom door dressed in nothing but a g-string with a novelty moose attached to the front.

‘Bollix.’


When it’s all over

As well as being stupid and damn ugly, Dave also possessed no stamina and had come the very minute Dominic had entered him. Which meant that all the drugs Dom had purchased in order to keep up his stamina were left to waste ‘Bastard didn’t even have the decency to be a good shag’. Dom stared over at where he lay in the bed beside him, his face slack in a restful sleep, the kind of sleep that only narcotics could provide and Dom mentally thanked Orli for his gift. ‘Time to get to work Dominic.’

Dom eased himself from the bed squinting in thekneskness to locate his clothes. ‘Ah, there you are’, he found them beside the dressing table and shuddered remembering how Dave had almost torn his favourite t-shirt in his haste. He quickly located the main light and switched it on comfortable in the knowledge that anyone on Insomninot could sleep a staggering 16 hours at a stretch. Moving to the door he noticed something glittering in the corner of his eye. It was a statue of a unicorn standing roughly at 7cm high. It was done completely in marble apart from the horn that was solid gold. Weighing it in his hands, Dom decided it was a) worth a lot of money and b) a great present for Elijah. He had noticed how the pix had a habit of hoarding things away, like a magpie, anything that was shiny or sparkled in anyway captured the young mans attention for hours on end, Dom slipped the unicorn into his pocket and decided to give it to Lij the next morning.

Out in the hallway Dom retraced his steps to the main landing ‘Now according to Seán the study should be down a floor.’

He tried the first door only to be greeted with the biggest bathroom he had ever seen in his life. ‘That’s obscene, the Jacuzzi is orgy sized! Maybe when this is all over I can convince Viggo to get one for the house?” Dom snorted to himself, he could just imagine the leader’s reaction to that request.

The study was three doors down from the bathroom and was in a state of what one could term ‘organised chaos’. Documents were piled high on the mahogany table at the very centre of the room while books were strewn on the floor, chairs and window ledge.

‘Hmm…. needle in a haystack comes to mind. Right blue folder, got to find the blue folder.’

But the thing was – there were many blue folders and Dominic found himself wishing that Seán had specified a particular shade of blue. There was only one thing for it; he’d have to read through them all till he found the right one. He set the alarm on his watch for three hours time and opened the nearest folder to him.


The Blue Folder

His eyes were itchy and watering, his stomach was growling, he had an hour left and Dominic still hadn’t found the right folder. What he had found was the vilest pornography imaginable (and take a brief moment to actually consider the kind of man who would file porn), details of every trucking company west of Georgia, the fifty most wanted men in the State (which amused Dominic as it contained very young pictures of both Viggo and Seán), recipes for Italian food but no information of the listing of any employees.

He got to his feet and started to restlessly pace up and down the room, his eyes roaming the shelves for any hint of anything out of the ordinary when he noticed a scrapbook lodged firmly between two large tomes containing records of the Diocese. Moving closer he pulled the book out and thumbed his finger across the dusty cover, the title “Project Pixelization” soon became apparent.

When he opened the first page he felt his whole world tilt and slide from under him. The book was filled with pictures of Elijah; every year it seemed from birth was accounted for. The first picture was a scan of a baby in the womb wthe the label “Elijah – after implantation” The next page revealed a picture of a baby with bright blue eyes and a cheerful smile and again a label, this time it read – “Elijah – aged one year”. On and on the pictures went, the bright-eyed boy turning sullen and frightened after his sixth birthday.

At the back of the book were pages upon pages of notes, some written in Critelean, some in what appeared to be programming language and a few that seemed (to Dominic’s eyes at least) to be written in plain gibberish.

Beep beep beep.

Shit, had he wasted his time already? Stuffing the scrapbook into his jacket pocket Dominic quickly went about the room erasing all clues about his presence, when he was satisfied it was as he found it he quietly left the room.

And then the house.

And started towards the shelter.

His mind was a buzz of questions as he walked, what exactly was Elijah? Was he some form of super child or just another example of genetic engineering?

But his main thought was “I have got to talk to Billy.”


Karl’s Headquarters

“You took this picture tonight?”

“Yes Mr. Urban.”

“And Mr. Boyd? Did you see anyone around him?”

“No sir. He left Wagner alone.”

“Well this is a turn up for the books.” Karl tapped his fingers against his chin. “A red letter day you might say.”

Luca licked his lips eagerly, Karl was happy and if Karl was happy it could only mean good things for him.

“I’ve always liked you Luca.”

He didn’t bother to contradict that blatant lie, simply nodded his head as Karl continued. “That’s why I want you to head a team for a very important mission.”
Luca’s head shot up “Sir?” he questioned.

Karl studied him a cruel smirk on his lips. “Come now Luca don’t you think it’s a bit ‘coincidental’ that Mr. Boyd turned up in the same place we last got a trace on the Pix?”

“I didn’t think about it – “

“No”, hazel eyes were filled with disdain “No, I don’t suppose you would but I on the other hand am better informed –” He stopped just as he seemed to be on the verge of explaining his idea to Luca. “Luca I want you to pick a team of fifteen and report back to me in an hour.”

“Yes sir!”

A brief salute and Luca left the office. Karl leaned back in his chair and allowed himself a moment of smugness.

Everything it would seem was falling into place.


Return of the Dom

Dom raced through the tunnels leading to the shelter. His mind constantly racing repeating the same mantra in his head ‘Got to talk to Billy, got to talk to Billy.” He skidded down the stairs coming to abrupt halt before the black wall, knocking the code into the wall. He raced through the door and came crashing to a halt as the coffee table ran into him (or did he run into the coffee table?)

Dom stared up at the ceiling trying to catch his breath; he blinked as Viggo’s face came into his line of vision.

“Are you ok Dominic?” The older man peered down at him, concern in his eyes.

“Fine, Could use a hand though.”

“Ah, of course.”

Viggo helped him to his feet and Dominic brushed the dirt off his cargo pants.

“How did the mission go?”

Dom made a face “Erugh…”

Viggo’s laugh, warm and hearty filled the room “That bad?”

“I don’t think bad covers it Vig, not only was the man the most repulsive person on the face of the planet – I couldn’t find the blue folder, or at least the right blue folder.”

The older man frowned “That’s ok Dominic, I’m sure you did your best”, he clasped a hand briefly around Dom’s upper arm “Did you uncover anything at all?”

“Actually I did and I think it could just hold the key to Elijah,” Dom produced the folder and handed it to Vig “Some of it is written in languages I can’t recognise and some of it seems to be just plain gibberish but maybe you can make something out of it.” Dom shrugged as Viggo leafed through the folder his eyes growing wider and wider as he flicked the pages.

“Dominic this.. This is all about Elijah. This is fantastic!”

Viggo’s normal stern and commanding face was alive with excitement “I recognise some of the language – it’s an ancient form of Ceruleant. I’ll just go get Seán he might be able to shed more light on it.”

As Viggo went to fetch his mate, Dom made his way to the room he shared with Billy and Elijah. Truthfully, he was more than a little frightened of what they might discover about the pix, sighing to himself he turned the door handle and entered the room.

They were tangled together in the centre of the bed, as was their habit, Billy on his back with Elijah tucked in at his side, Elijah’s head rested on Billy’s collarbone and his leg was thrown over Billy’s hip. They breathed together as if they were one entity instead of two, both flushed in sleep, both childlike, both peaceful and Dom felt his heart break just that little bit more.

“Dommie?” Billy’s voice was rough from sleep as he turned to face him “Everything ok?”

Dom padded around to Billy’s side of the bed and lay down behind him, wrapping his arms around him and tucking his head into the back of his neck, just breathing in the scent of Billy.

“What’s the matter?” Billy’s hand gently stroked Dom’s where it lay, the fingers curling over the back of his hand.

“You gotta come outside Bill, I found something when I was at Dave’s.”

Instantly Billy was awake his hand reaching over to shake Elijah almost automatically.

“No leave ‘Lij.”

He didn’t question him, just briefly kissed the pix on the forehead before getting up to dress.

The Answer?

Seán and Orlando sat on the couch their heads bent over the folder while behind them Viggo paced restlessly back and forth.

“What is all this?” Billy questioned as he walked into the room with Dominic hot on his heels.

“From what I can tell it’s a genome experiment. This document details the origin of the pix’s. Your pix in particular.” Seán’s expression was grave as he handed the folder to Billy.

Billy flipped through the folder “I don’t understand any of this!”

“From what I can gather most of the text is written in Critelean, and while I’ve a rudimentary knowledge of it, it’s nowhere near good enough to translate the entire text.”

Dominic glanced at Billy; the Scot’s face was awash with confusion. “Do you know anyone who’d be able to translate it?”

“There is one man …” Seán trailed off exchanging a look with Viggo.

“Who? Who is it Seán?” Billy walked up to Seán staring intently into his eyes. “Whoever it is…. I mean however much money, I’ll pay it –“ The words died in his throat seeing the look of anguish on the elder man’s face. “What’s going on?”

“It’s not that easy Billy.” Viggo placed an arm on Billy’s shoulder softly drawing him away from Seán. “This man he’s…temperamental to say it lightly, anyone going out to him could get hurt. Seriously hurt. I don’t want to put any of the team in that kind of jeopa”
”

“I don’t care. I’ll go. I will!” The Scot’s eyes flashed with defiance as he faced Viggo, Seán and Dominic.

“Bills man calm down.”

“No Dominic, this … this needs to be done. I owe it to Elijah.”

The two leaders stared at each other for a long time before Seán said “I’ll look into it Billy. That’s all I can do but Ian’s always been evasive at best so there’s no guarantee I can contact him.”

“I just want to try Seán that’s all.”

“I know Bill, just give me some time.”

Seán moved over towards Billy pulling the smaller man into a brief hug. “You should get some rest, poor Dominic looks about ready to drop.”

Billy glanced over to where Dom was perched on the arm of the couch, his head drog log lower and lower until his chin bumped off his chest and he woke up with a start. “I’m okay!”

Seán laughed, “Get to bed the pair of you. I’ll talk to you more in the morning.”

+++

They entered the bedroom to find Elijah sitting up in the middle of the bed, blankets tangled all around him.

“’S everything alright?” He asked as he sleepily rubbed at his eyes.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. Did you have a nightmare?” asked Billy.

“No, just woke up and you weren’t here, then I heard Dom - was just about to go outside when you came in.”

Dom grinned at the pix “Aw.. Did little Lij miss me?”

“Not likely.” Elijah snorted before climbing across the bed to hug Dom around his waist. “Ooh Mr. Monaghan is that a pointy thing in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”

“Huh? Oh no it is in fact an actual pointy thing.” Dom grinned producing the unicorn with a flourish. “Ta Da!”

“Oh that’s beautiful Dommie, Elijah you okay?”

The pix was turning the unicorn round and round in his hands a blank expression on his face.

“Elijah?”

“Lij?”

+++

The man always came to see Karl on a Wednesday; Elijah remembered that because on Wednesday’s he got his shots. After he returned from the medical bay his head would be drowsy, his speech slurred and he’d climb under the desk to fall asleep at Karl’s knees.

One time he’d woken up to find the man under the desk with him. Staring. Just staring at him, he’d whimpered and went to cling onto Karl only to find that he’d left him. Alone with this stranger.

“Beautiful little pixie with eyes so blue.” The man had tried to touch him and Elijah had jerked back before scuttling out from under the desk. A high-pitched giggle, “Oooh poor little pixie has no master to run too. Whose legs are you going to cling onto now pixie?”

The man drew himself up to his full height, towering over Lij “Come here little pixie.”

He was hyperventilating now and struggled to find his voice, the man was getting nearer to him now his eyes glittering malevolently.

“No…” Elijah whimpered as he caught a glimpse of sharp teeth and even sharper nails. When the man reached forward and scratched a nail down his cheek he had screamed out.

But no one came.

He was left at the mercy of a man with greasy hair, stale breath, who scratched and bit at him, tearing open his skin causing blood to well to the surface.

Afterwards he lay on the floor, silently crying. The man bent down and stared into his eyes “And no one came for you? Here.” He took something from his pocket and threw it at Elijah’s feet. “I’ll see you soon.”

It wasn’t until the door had closed that Elijah had looked at the object at his feet.

It was a unicorn.

+++

“Elijah!!!”

“What?” He shook himself and turned to face Dominic and Billy. Both men had gone a startling shade of pale and Dom was opening and closing his mouth rather like a fish.

“I remembered something.”

“Evidently.”

“Huh?”

“Elijah look at your hands.” Dom came and stood beside him raising his clasped hands to his face.

And then he saw it.

The Unicorn, or rather what once was the unicorn, for now all that remained was a puddle of metal that dripped between his fingers.

“Ooh…. Oops?”


The Meeting

The next morning they all gathered in the sitting room, Orlando sat on the floor, Seán and Viggo at the table, Billy, Dominic and Elijah all clustered together on the settee.

“Well this is quite remarkable.” Viggo held the puddle of goo that used to be the unicorn in his hands. “You don’t remember how you did it?”

Elijah shook his head, he was feeling quite dizzy and kind of – stretched, like he was using a muscle he hadn’t exercised in a long time. Beside him Dom was chewing on his nail looking pensive, reaching over Lij pulled the finger from his mouth and turning his hand over interlaced Dom’s fingers with his own.

“This certainly changes everything.”

Billy’s head shot up. “Changes? Changes how?”

“From what I can gather now that Elijah’s not being sedated his pix powers are starting to develop.” Seán frowned, running a hand through his hair. “Which mean’s we’re going to have to move faster than I would have liked.”

“What do you mean move faster?”

“We have no idea how to cope with a pix that’s just starting to use his powers, if Lij could do that to metal what could he do to flesh and bone?”

The pix sighed as all eyes turned to him. “I didn’t mean to.” Dom’s fingers tightened reflexively around his hand and Elijah spared him a brief, grateful glance.

“We know that Elijah, its just we need more information, to both help you and us. Also we got in contact with Ian.” At Billy’s start, Viggo continued, “He’s agreed to meet with us but on his terms which means in his domain.”

“That’s not a problem, where’s he live?”

“It’s about three days journey from here into the desert.”

Billy got to his feet “Right, when do I leave.”

“It’s not that simple.” Seán reasoned, shifting around to face him “The desert is crawling with Enforcers.”

Looking at Billy Dom could see his eyes were a blaze of defiance as he faced Seán “So arm me up Seán, I told you I’d do whatever it takes.” Elijah swallowed around the lump in his throat. It was his entire fault, damn him and his stupid powers. Squeezing his eyes tightly shut he nestled closer to Dominic.

Viggo tilted his head, studying the man before him “Billy we can’t let you go out there alone.”

“I’ll go with him.”

The five men turned to stare at Orlando who had risen from his seat on the floor. “I’ll go with Billy.”

Seán appraised Orli for a moment before nodding his head. “Very well, you’ll have to set out soon though. Viggo and myself will get together a kit and weapons. You- “

“If anyone should be going it should be me!” Dom interjected angrily. “Billy I’m not about to watch you go off on some damn suicide mission!”

Billy walked towards him and kneeling down studied the face of his best friend. “Dom you can’t go I need you to look after Elijah.”

“I can look after myself!”

“No you can’t!” Both men replied without even looking at the pix.

“I need to know that he’s safe and I need to know that you’re safe. It’ll make it easier if I know I have you to come back to. Both of you.” Billy searched Dom’s face for some sign of weakening, the other man stared back at him challenging before finally relenting.

“Okay Boyd, but you better come back in one piece.”

“I’ll try.”

Dinner Time

"Fecking hell Boyd! You still not done with that steak?"

"A proper steak takes time Dommie."

"Minutes I can understand, even an hour or two but this is taking months and months! I'm wasting away here."

"You exaggerate too much Dominic."

"Me?” Dom replied highly affronted "I've never exaggerated about anything in my whole entire life!"

Billy giggled, "Go get the knives and forks you silly beggar."

Elijah watched them from the hall, watched their rhythm with each other, the way they unconsciously moved to accommodate each other, watched as Dom stood behind Billy, hugging him and placing his chin on Billy's shoulder. It was beautiful to watch the constant game that was William Boyd and Dominic Monaghan and Elijah felt guilty. It was his stupid powers and his stupid secrets that were forcing these two men apart. Viggo and Seán had decided time was of the essence so Orlando and Billy were to leave the following morning. If both of them had nothing to do with him ever again he wouldn’t be surprised.

"Why hello there Lij", he started as Dominic walked towards him with a wicked smile on his lips "You planning on joining us or you going to stand out there all night?"

Hen'tn't reply merely wrapped his arms around Dom and hugged him tightly; behind Dom he could see Billy dishing out dinner and smiling at them.

"You alright pet?" Concern evidevident in Dom's grey eyes and Elijah mustered a smile.

"Fine."

"Good cause I wouldn't want my favourite pix to be upset."

Dom bent down to kiss him and Elijah returned the kiss, urgently fisting his hands in Dom's hair.

"Hem, hem."

They broke apart quickly to look at Billy who was smirking at them "Dinner is usually served before desert gentlemen."

Elijah giggled "What if I want desert now?” keeping his eyes locked with Billy, he leaned forward and deliberatelyked ked at Dom's cheek.

"Now that's not fair Elijah, we don't want to get Dom all hot and bothered do we?" Billy came towards them and slid his arms around Dom's waist, resting them lightly on Elijah's hips.

"No it’s fine, I can be bothered...."

The two men laughed as Dominic collapsed into Billy's arms, his eyes still hooked on Elijah.

"Nah think we need some food."

"It can wait!!"

Dom impatiently jiggled between the two of them.

“Dommie dinners ready.” Billy whispered in his ear before taking Elijah’s hand and leading him to the dinner table.

“Oh come on! You guys are taking the piss!”

Elijah grinned at Dom’s indignant yell before starting in on the steak. “Come on Dom before it gets cold.”

Dom could just make the words out from beneath a mouthful of steak and he dragged his feet to the table, pointedly ignoring the blinding smile that Billy disposed on him.

“Don’t be mad Dommie”, leaning over Billy filled Dom and Elij gla glasses with wine. “I would like to make a toast.”

Dom and Elijah exchanged bemused glances before dutifully raising their glasses “To Elijah for turning evil unicorns to goo and to Dominic for managing to keep a firm hold of his bits.”

‘Lij cleared his throat “And to you Billy, to you coming back to us in one piece.”

“One alive piece.” Dom interjected.

“To us all.”

The three men raised their glasses in toast, each of them ignoring the cold dread that settled in the pit of their stomachs.

Tbc.