The Prince

It had been a month since school started, a month since Billy and Dom met. They attended class everyday, made their homework together, did their projects together, paired up when they had to do stuff in pairs, and ate together. They almost did everything together.

Dom helped Billy get a job as a waiter in a little coffee shop; Dom was also a waiter there. He taught Billy how to slice ham, and how to make the best turkey sandwich.

Dom got to his apartment late on a Saturday night after work with Billy. He was grateful to not find Elijah there; he had a lot to think about tonight.

They went clubbing, something that they both loved to do. Dom has never seen Billy dance and he was completely impressed, Billy could dance any type of music, from salsa to swing. Girls were going crazy with the handsome well-dressed Scot.

His thoughts about Billy began to change and he felt warm during Billy’s presence, even nervous. One time he was so speechless he didn’t know what to say to Billy when he danced swing with a girl. For once in his life, Dominic Monaghan did not have words. This guy is full of surprises.

He liked Billy, a lot, from the first moment they talked, it had been easy. They were attached to the hip since they met. They almost did everything together.

His family must be wealthy for the way he dresses.

Dom had always been gay (as far as he knew). He had several affairs but nothing serious.

Billy’s not gay. He’s not gay. Why would he be gay? He’s got the looks that women want, the personality that women want, the charm that women crave for… he’s got everything that I want.

Dom was starting to get truly confused, was he in love with Billy? Was this a crush? An infatuation?

He started to think back in his life when he was a teenager. When he was 16 years old, still fresh from Germany. Growing up in Manchester was difficult because men have to be tough. Dom didn’t need that crap, he was happy with what he had. The problem was that he was not accepted by others, especially if they were gay, which Dom secretly was.

He had four affairs in his life. One was incredibly painful because he fell in love; the other three were simply lust, sex, nothing more. The last affair he was 24 and was beaten up badly by the guy he was involved with. Dom vowed never to get involved with a man if it wasn’t in love. He was tired of the sex; he wanted romance, the intimidation, and the mutuality.

To Dom, Billy was the first person that has accepted him for who he truly was. He remembered three nights ago confessing something terrible to Billy, who took it well. They were inside Billy’s room, sitting on the bed.

“I was a drug addict for three straight years,” he confessed to Billy, “it’s the reason why I’m going to college at 28.”

Billy’s face was sad, “How did you survive?”

“My mother found me in my bathroom with a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of pain killers. I was out, if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”

Billy felt his gut being punched. “God Dom, that is horrible! I assume you went to rehab?”

“Yeah, everyone in the clinic helped me out, they were so patient. The doctor encouraged my parents to let me come to America and try out life, go to college, build a life.”

“Oh Dom, I’m truly happy that you’re well.” Billy moved closer to Dom and hugged him.

He didn’t expect Billy’s touch, nevertheless, he returned the hug and said into Billy’s shoulder, “I’ve never told this to anyone outside my family.”

Billy pulled back, looked into Dom’s eyes and smiled kindly, “I’m so glad you trust me Dom, you have become very special to me, you are my dear friend.”

To Billy’s shock, Dom began to sob, hiding his face in his hands. Billy was rubbing Dom’s back and whispering words of encouragement.

“You can count on me, on everything, Dommie, I’m here for you, always, please know that.”

“I’ve never had a friend like you, I’m so grateful.” I love you he wanted to say.

They embraced again and rocked slowly. They didn’t let go until Dom stopped crying.

When Dom stopped thinking about it, a realization hit him really hard. He called me ‘Dommie’, no one has ever called me that… oh my God, I think I’m in love with Billy… yes, I’m in love with him! But I can’t tell him, he’s not gay!

~@~

Billy had never had a gay relationship. He had been gay since he was 20, but was and still is terrified of what his parents might think. Of course, Margaret knew. She was the one who encouraged Billy to find love, not lust.

“Fucking will lead you to a scandal because the person who did it with you will chant it all over Scotland. If you find love, your partner will do the same as you… keep your mouth shut! Why? Because he will love you, Billy.”

Billy had fun in the club; he danced, laughed and joked with his dear friend Dominic. He felt very attached to the other man, like he had to take care of him. We’re the same age for God sakes, we’re only four months apart.

The night after Dom’s confession, after he left, Billy cried to his sleep. He never imagined so much pain in a person who was filled with life and laughter.

For a moment he hated being a prince. Royalty never showed sorrow, sadness or angst. What we do is complain the whole fucking time! We’re never satisfied and people like Dom have to struggle to survive! Billy felt selfish.

He also meant what he said to Dom. Billy wanted to help him in everything that he can, and he couldn’t bear to see Dom crying. It’s not good for your health!

Billy attachment to Dom was strong, their bond as pure, they got along fairly well and never had a fight.

I want him to be safe, to be happy, I want to make him happy. How would he react if I tell him that I’m the future King of Scotland, would he still love me? Love? Do I love Dom?

Billy was very confused now. He never expected to meet someone like Dom. He had the chat with Margaret about meeting someone but Billy thought it would never happen.

It’s like those descriptions that I heard people say: when you see the one you love, you smile, you feel butterflies in your stomach, your breath leaves you lungs, you feel weak, you want to hug and kiss your loved one. I feel all this for Dom… oh my God, I’m in love with Dom! But he can’t love me back! What if he’s straight? He won’t want a rich boy as a lover, and he deserves someone better. Oh, I wish I could tell him that I’m a prince! I love him…