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fellowshippers2004-07-01 11:43 am
ex-salwood.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2004-07-01 11:43 am
World Trip - 31/?
Title: World Trip 31/?
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: 15
Summary: Dom and Lij Sail to Sydney.
WARNING: None
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:Sal's Hobbit Haven
Disclaimer: None of this happened or will ever happen. It is all made up in my overactive mind.
Additional Notes: Any flashbacks are written as they happened, and not necessarily as a point of view.
Previous chapters can be found here.
World Trip
Chapter 31 – Sailing to Sydney
**
31 July 2005
Fourteen days until we reach Sydney, and I am counting every single one of them. It’s not easy talking to Dom, but it has helped a little. Trouble is, Dom has now got his over-protective head on, and I don’t need protecting; all I need to do is get off this fucking ship!
When I booked this voyage I did the simplest thing open to me, I mean I had so little time to make arrangements before we set off, that it seemed to be the obvious choice. When I booked the ship to cross the Aegean Sea, I found out that the company also sailed in the Caribbean as well as the Indian Ocean, so I just went ahead and booked this voyage, too. I mean, it was as easy as that.
How was I to fucking know what would happen in Istanbul? Jesus… so now I’m here on this sister ship… and it’s the same. The fucking same. Well… not exactly the same - in terms of size, it’s a much bigger ship, but the fucking décor… we could be back on that other ship sailing towards Greece, and we wouldn’t know any different - same fucking carpets, paintwork, and our cabin is identical, even down to the fucking bedspread.
It’s not easy… I have to remind myself that it is a different ship, but everywhere I look it’s the same, bigger, but the same. But it’s not the fucking same, and now I’m getting fucking worked up again. Fuck him! Fuck that bastard for making me go through this shit!
I want to get off… I really want to get off!
**
Elijah looked at the entry he had made four days ago. He sipped a glass of wine as he read over the page. No, it hadn’t been easy, but he was managing to stay in control, and that had to be a good thing.
Dominic was helping - or at least, trying to help - by keeping Elijah as busy as possible. But Elijah knew that if he paid one more trip to the fucking health spa, then he would scream. He wasn’t keen on them at the best of times, all that sweating in steamy sauna rooms with other people, not his scene at all.
But Dominic had booked them into some sort of treatment/therapy every day until the end of the voyage. They would be the fucking cleanest Hobbits in the whole of Australia!
Elijah chuckled at this thought, and then smiled. Dominic was only trying to do his best.
This ship was big, huge in fact. Twice the size of the other one, so there were plenty of places to go that did not hold bad memories, but Elijah was not keen to seek them out. He had come to the conclusion, probably due to his experience, that he did not like cruise ships. Didn’t like them at all, because in theory, they were prisons. Floating prisons, with no way off, no means of escape if you were being hunted……
“That’s better…”
Elijah looked up as Dominic walked onto the balcony to join him. He had a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He poured himself a glass of wine and sat down.
“It’s all yours, Lij. Pity it’s not big enough for both of us. Just soap the walls and spin round!” Dominic laughed as he closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of the early evening sun. “A ship this size with a shower not big enough to shower in. Fucking incredible.”
Elijah didn’t reply. He closed his journal and secured it. The forth-coming evening was something he was not particularly looking forward to. Somehow, he just knew it would only be a matter of time before they received an invitation to the Captain’s Table, and it had finally arrived that afternoon.
*
Dominic glared at the porter as he stood smartly in their cabin doorway with the invitation in his hand.
“No, thank you.” Dominic said, as he waved the porter away. The porter was momentarily stunned. No one declines an invitation to the Captain’s Table.
“Who is it, Dom?” Elijah was sitting on the balcony, recovering from yet another massage at the health spa.
“Nothing!” Dominic tried to usher the porter out of their cabin. “… just fuck off, will you,” he muttered under his breath. The porter looked mortified.
Elijah blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the gloom of the cabin. He walked over to the porter.
“What is it, Dom?” Elijah asked - he could see Dominic frowning.
“Nothing… wrong cabin… wasn’t it?” Dominic looked the porter right in the eye daring him to say otherwise.
The porter coughed and cleared his throat. “Mr Wood, sir. Please accept an invitation to dine at the Captain’s Table this evening.” He handed the white envelope to Elijah.
Elijah glanced at Dominic as he accepted the envelope.
“Pre-dinner drinks are at seven in the Herald Restaurant on Deck Five.” The porter then went silent; he took a quick look at Dominic’s scowling face, before daring to ask. “Will you be attending, sir?”
Elijah studied the gold writing on the envelope for a minute or two, it was made out in both their names.
“Sir?”
Dominic stood anxiously in the background. Although he wanted to tell the porter to just fuck off again, he thought better of it. He knew this was something Elijah was going to have to decide, not him. He knew that the Herald Restaurant was one of the ‘no go’ areas as far as Elijah was concerned.
“Mr Wood?”
Elijah nodded. “Yes…of course… we’ll be there.” His voice was quiet. He looked at the porter. “Tell the Captain, ‘thank you’.”
The porter breathed in a long sigh of relief… he knew the Captain was especially looking forward to meeting these two passengers. “Thank you, sir.” Then he was gone.
“Are you sure about this, Lij?” Dominic looked at the back of Elijah’s head. This was a bad idea!
“I’m sure.” Elijah placed the envelope on the bed, unopened. Fuck!!
*
Elijah dressed slowly… Dominic was already dressed and sitting on the balcony waiting for him. Throughout the short time since leaving Mauritius, they had dined either in their cabin or in one of the smaller cafes dotted around the ship, steering clear of the main restaurants altogether.
Elijah sat on the bed as he put his tie on; he stared at the wall opposite, remembering the morning when Hasad has waited for him outside the restaurant He could still feel the pressure of his hand around his throat. Dominic had been unaware then, and still remained unaware of most of what took place. Elijah had told him some, but not all of the story.
“Lij…?” Dominic looked at Elijah’s slumped shoulders. “You don’t want to go, do you? We don’t have to go you know, we can stay right here, have an early night, have some food sent in, make long slow languorous love… what do you say?”
Elijah sighed but didn’t turn round. He continued knotting his tie.
“Lijah…?”
“We have to go, Dom.” Elijah stood up and looked into the small mirror beside the bed. He ran his fingers through his hair and stared at his reflection. He watched Dominic approach him and felt his warm arms wrap around him.
“Let’s stay, Lij…” Dominic whispered as he lifted Elijah’s hair off his collar and kissed the back of his neck.
Elijah closed his eyes. Staying sounded like a very good idea, but staying wasn’t going to achieve anything. He turned to face Dominic, and ran his hand down his smooth shaven face. All Dominic ever did was care.
“Come on, Dom…” Elijah kissed Dominic quickly on the lips and then made for the door.
“Lij…?” Dominic protested.
Elijah stood in the open doorway and looked back at Dominic. “You know staying is the not the answer, Dom. Come on, or we’ll be late.”
“Lij… I really think…”
“I’ll go without you…”
“For Christ’s sake, Lij…”
Elijah held the door open as he stepped out into the corridor. “Are you coming?”
Dominic groaned as he picked up the cabin key and slipped it in his jacket pocket.
“We should stay…” he said one more time as he left the cabin.
“Dom…enough!”
“Ok, well… let’s get fucking drunk then!”
“Will you just quit it?” Elijah tried to keep his voice low so that other passengers could not hear him; the corridor was busy with human traffic.
“Lij… you’re going to hate it… you fucking know it.”
“Yes… probably.”
“So let’s bog off somewhere else.”
Elijah looked at Dominic as if he were mad.
“Bog off? ‘Bogging off’ as you put it, is not going to be the answer, Dom.”
“Well, what is?” Dominic was getting a little fed up now.
“Facing up to it. Facing up to what happened. That’s the answer!” Elijah walked off.
“God…” Dominic hurried after Elijah. “I’m sorry, Lij.” He took Elijah’s hand.
“It’s ok…” Elijah stopped to look at a map of the ship. “Let’s just get it over with.”
Dominic could hear the grit and determination in Elijah’s voice.
*
They were seated with nine other people at a large round, ornately decorated table. Several waiters hovered nearby ready to attend to their needs. The Captain, who had introduced himself earlier as Captain Bryce Palmer, slowly made his way over to the table, and all the guests stood when he arrived. As soon as he sat down there was a flurry of activity.
Dominic looked at the lavish layout in front of him; it was far too opulent for his taste, but he could see that the other guests were reveling in it. All he wanted to do was get Elijah back to their cabin, undress him and soothe away all the tension he was obviously feeling, but covering up so well.
Elijah had spoken with the other guests during drinks, smiled and shook their hands, and then stood by quietly while the Captain announced who he was. Dominic was more than used to being known as ‘that guy who played one of the other hobbits’. He had grown accustomed to Elijah being recognised and himself, not. In fact, at times he preferred it that way, unless of course he got mistaken for Sam, then he would have to either pretend that he was Sean Astin, or go into the long boring process of correcting the excited fan, who would then look at him in total confusion, and ask why he doesn’t have a Scottish accent anymore. At times anonymity was a great thing!
The dinner was a long affair, with a five-course meal, and plenty of wine. A lot of attention was directed at the pair of them, and Dominic had the sinking feeling that within a couple of days it would be all round the ship, and life would become a lot more stressful than it already was. The last thing Elijah needed was people hounding him for autographs and photographs for the remainder of the voyage.
Elijah kept up the small talk. Answered all the questions directed at him with regards to filming Lord of the Rings and his time in New Zealand, and brought Dominic into the conversation as much as possible… then as soon as the topic changed and moved onto other things, Elijah excused himself, and left the restaurant. Dominic was just about to follow him, when the Captain asked him something, and not wanting to appear rude for once, Dominic had to stay.
Elijah felt in desperate need of some fresh air. He left the restaurant and the noise that accompanied it and made his way out on deck. The change in temperature was immediately felt, and he took in a few deep breaths, and for the first time in a very long time he felt the need for a cigarette!
He walked along the promenade, stepping aside when other guests passed him, until he finally ended up by one of the swimming pools. There were a few people in the water, laughing, having fun. He remembered the last time he was in such a pool, being held against his will, with Hasad’s body rubbing against his….
“Lij…” Dominic placed his hands on Elijah shoulders, and couldn’t believe it when Elijah whipped round quickly; his eyes wide with fear.
“Shit… baby… I’m sorry…” Dominic pulled Elijah to him and hugged him tightly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you all right? Your company is being missed back there.”
Elijah held on to Dominic, not replying, his heart was racing.
Dominic stroked the back of Elijah’s head, letting his fingers weave through his hair. “We’re not going back, are we?” Dominic asked as he managed to pull Elijah away so that he could look at him.
Elijah shook his head.
Dominic hugged him again before taking his hand. “Come on, then, Lij…”
They were silent as they walked back to their cabin; life went on around them, noisy bustling life, but they felt detached, alienated, like they didn’t belong. And they didn’t… Dominic knew this and he also knew that Elijah was hating every single minute on this fucking ship, and no matter how hard he tried to make things better for him, well, it just wasn’t working. He just knew the dinner was going to be one big fucking mistake.
As soon as they were in their cabin Dominic took Elijah into his arms and kissed him, a long deep kiss. Then Elijah pulled away, removed his jacket and tie, and walked out onto the balcony. The night sky was black; thousands of stars twinkled above him as far as the eye could see. He looked over the balcony, at the sea. It was inky black, frighteningly black, and a long way down, a very long way down.
“Hey…” Dominic stood just inside the cabin. Elijah looked so tiny standing there all by himself, looking out over hundreds of miles of dark cold ocean.
The sea breeze was quite brisk at this time of the night and chilly too, but Elijah didn’t move. He was gripping the handrail, feeling extremely angry with himself for letting this all back in, when there was no need to. No need to at all. It was all in the past… history… forgotten… dealt with… Elijah closed his eyes.
Dealt with?
There… he suddenly realised he had found the key. He hadn’t fucking dealt with it, had he? He had locked it all away.
So fucking deal with it then!!! “Shit!!”
“Elijah?”
“Shit… shit… shit!”
“Baby?”
“Fuck him, Dom! Fuck him!”
“I know… I know.”
“Fuck him! Fuck him!” Elijah leaned over the balcony a little more. “FUCK HIM!” He yelled at the top of his voice. “FUCK HIM!!!… FUCK YOU, HASAD, YOU FUCKING BASTARD!”
Dominic bit his bottom lip as he watched Elijah begin to let it all out. He ached to go to his side… to be with him and hold him… but he knew he had to stand back, and wait.
“FUCK YOU!… FUCK YOU!… FUCK YOU!…”
That’s it, baby… Dominic could feel tears welling up as he watched his lover literally scream out all his pent up emotions. Fucking let it out, Lijah. Let it all out!
“FUCK YOU!”
Dominic could hear the strain in Elijah’s voice, and he could see his body shaking, as he continued to yell out at the darkness, over and over again.
“FUCK YOU!”
A knock on the door momentarily distracted Dominic, but he stayed where he was, watching and listening to Elijah pouring out his anger and his grief.
The knocking became louder, and Dominic knew that he had better answer it. He wasn’t surprised when he saw a security guard standing there.
“Everything is fine…” Dominic muttered as he tried to shut the door.
The security guard pushed it open.
“Look…” Dominic waved his hand in Elijah’s direction. “He’s ok… he’ll stop in a minute.”
“I’m sorry sir, we can’t have this behaviour on this ship, it’s disturbing the other passengers.”
Fuck the other passengers…! Dominic nodded. “I appreciate that… really… Look, he’s just about all wiped out, now. Any minute he’ll stop. I’m sure of it… I know it.”
The security guard looked towards Elijah, and frowned, not quite sure what to make of the whole situation.
“Look…” Dominic opened a drawer and pulled out his wallet. He stuffed a wad of South African rands into the security guard’s hand. “Just give us a few minutes… that’s all… please… just a few minutes…”
The security guard looked from the money to Dominic, to Elijah and then back to Dominic again. He handed the money back.
“Five minutes,” he said. “I shall be outside your door.” The security guard left the cabin, pulling the door closed behind him.
Dominic paused for a moment before turning his attention back to Elijah, who was still shouting out at the darkness, albeit a lot quieter now. The poor bugger was not going to have any voice left in the morning!
Dominic stepped out onto the balcony and placed a supportive arm around Elijah’s shoulders. He could feel heat burning through Elijah’s shirt, and he could feel his muscles tensing under the thin cotton fabric every time he shouted. Dominic stood there silently, holding Elijah, until he knew that at last there was nothing left… Elijah had finally exhausted himself.
Elijah lowered his head and closed his eyes, and then melted into Dominic’s waiting embrace.
“It’s ok, baby…” Dominic whispered. “It’s ok, now.”
Elijah swallowed hard, his throat hurt like fuck, and he had pounding headache.
“Let’s go inside.” Dominic spoke softly as he led Elijah into the cabin, and sat him on the bed. He knelt in front of him and held his hands; his eyes searched Elijah’s face for any clue as to how he was feeling right now.
Elijah took in a deep breath and raised his head to look at Dominic. “I want you to fuck me, Dom,” he whispered. “… I want you to fuck me…”
Dominic paused, before nodding very slightly. His fingers began undoing the buttons of Elijah’ shirt.
“Want you to fuck me, Dommie…” Elijah’s arms wrapped themselves around Dominic’s body as he pulled him down onto the bed. “Want you to fuck me…” Their mouths met and they began kissing.
***
Elijah unpacked the laundry bag. Everything was clean and neatly pressed. It may cost a lot more money to have someone do the laundry for you, but it beat doing it yourself, and laundry was one thing he had always hated, but tolerated.
They had seven days left before disembarking, so Elijah calculated that there would be one more laundering service required before then. He wrote down their requisites on the order pad and left it in the appropriate folder for their cabin steward to pick up later.
He looked at his watch. Dominic had left over half an hour ago for some gym time, followed by the usual health spa ritual. Elijah had declined this time; he had something else he wanted to do.
*
“E-mails? Aww come on, Lij. You can do that when we get to Sydney.”
“Yes, I can.” Elijah had replied matter-of-factly. “But I want to do it now. Our cells don’t work on this ship, Dom. I just want to let Mom know that we’re ok.”
Dominic thought about this for a moment. If Elijah wanted to wander around this ship on his own, that was good, wasn’t it?
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” Dominic asked again. “I’ve booked a Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, and Wild Strawberry Back Cleanse.”
Elijah laughed. “For God’s sake, Dom, what the fuck is that?”
Dominic shrugged and grinned. “I dunno, sounds good though.”
“Sounds like something you would eat.”
“Well…” Dominic winked at Elijah.
Elijah smiled and shook his head. “No seriously, Dom. You go do your workout and massage thing, and I’ll see you in the Internet café when you have finished.”
“Do you know where to go?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Where is it?”
Elijah sighed. He could see Dominic’s concern, it was written all over his face. “It’s on Deck Seven, Dom. Kind of in-between the Princess Theatre, and Wedding Chapel. It’s not a problem, ok? Now go!”
“Well…” Dominic was about to protest again, when Elijah picked up his travel bag, dumped it in his arms and pushed him through the door.
“Go!!… I’ll be fine…” Elijah grinned as he waved Dominic off.
*
Deck Seven was busy. Everywhere on the ship was busy. Elijah clutched his journal tightly as he meandered through the long corridors and open thoroughfares. This ship was more than a floating hotel, it was a floating city.
He eventually located the Internet café, and groaned inwardly when he saw how busy it was. A crew member saw him standing there looking lost and offered to help. Within a few minutes Elijah’s name was on the waiting list. He now had an hour and a half to kill before he could get anywhere near one of the computer terminals.
He debated going into the small bistro nearby, for a coffee, and then decided that he would sit outside in the sunshine, and make another attempt at writing something in his journal.
He had written nothing since his journal entry on re-embarkation. He had tried to; on several occasions he had written the date, but nothing else. He knew his mind was clearer now, and that his emotions were gradually coming back under control, but he just couldn’t seem to write about them… he was worried that maybe writing about them would be damaging and set him back again, and he wouldn’t know that until he did it. So the dates were there, but nothing else.
Elijah made his way outside into the sunshine. It was warm but not hot, it seemed weird to think that although it was August, they were sailing towards the end of an Australian winter, but not a cold winter, which was a relief. It had been winter in South Africa and the weather had been glorious, the same should apply to the East Coast of Australia, he hoped. Well, especially so when they picked up their motor home and headed north.
Elijah stopped for a while to look at the ocean. Nothing but water as far as the eyes could see. He looked over the railings to the deck below; people hundreds of people – he didn’t know who they were, yet they were all sharing this same experience, of being on this vessel, in the middle of a vast ocean. Sharing, but not sharing… an interesting if not daunting thought.
“Excuse me?”
Elijah turned to see who had just spoken to him. It was a young girl, a teenager he guessed, although it was always hard to tell.
“I’m sorry to... umm…bother you… umm…” The girl looked really embarrassed as she looked down at her shuffling feet and then at Elijah again. “I saw you at the dinner the other evening, and well… umm… gosh. I’m so sorry…” The girl went completely scarlet.
Elijah smiled at her, and waited for her to finish.
“Well… oh God… I mean… could I have a photo, please? Taken with you, I mean?”
If she goes any redder, Elijah thought. She’ll self-combust.
“No problem.” Elijah tried to put her at ease. “You have a camera?”
“Really? You will?” Her voice was almost a squeal. “My mother has a camera… oh God… please… wait right there… I’ll go and get it.”
“Sure, no problem.” Elijah watched the girl race off along the promenade. Then she returned, with eight other girls in tow.
Elijah sighed… and then put on a smile for them all. So much for a relaxed sit in the sun.
The girls’ excitement was over-exuberant, and they were noisy and giggly as they all took turns to have their picture taken with Elijah. They all asked where Dominic was too, and Elijah politely told them that he was resting in their cabin. No way was he going to tell them that Dominic was in the gym. He didn’t think Dom would be too thrilled to have this horde descend on him.
“And the movie is on, too…” he heard one of the girls say to another. “My father told me. He knows the Captain. I can’t believe it!” And then there were more squeals, and general bouncing by the whole group.
“Ok…” Elijah announced as he saw other curious passengers gathering. “I have to go now, ladies. It was really nice meeting you all.”
More squeals, and then…. “Will you be going to the film?” A voice asked as Elijah managed to manouevre himself out of the group.
Elijah looked puzzled. The whole group went silent as they waited for him to answer.
“Film?” he dared asked. He hadn’t looked at any of the timetables for the ship’s onboard entertainment. He just hadn’t been interested in any of that when he had first boarded. He knew there was a large cinema somewhere, which screened new releases, but he had preferred to stay in his cabin with Dominic, and spend as little time as possible outside it.
“They changed the schedule.” The voice piped up again. “They are showing one of your movies. I can’t remember which one, can you?” The girl asked one of her companions.
“The first one I think, I’m not sure…” The other girl replied.
Elijah looked at them blankly as they talked amongst themselves. He didn’t know anything about any movie, and to be honest, he didn’t really care.
“Thank you, ladies,” he bowed slightly. “I really do have to go.”
Moans of protest came from the girls as Elijah began to walk away. He looked over his shoulder, and prayed to fucking god that they weren’t going to follow him. They didn’t.
With a sigh of relief he pushed open a door and re-entered the ship. He checked his watch; he still had an hour to go. He began to debate with himself whether or not to go back to the café and just hang around, when he heard some excitable voices coming his way.
Worried that it could be the girls, Elijah looked for some means of escape, but found none, so he decided he would have to stand his ground. What he saw coming along the corridor, however, made him grin from ear to ear.
It was a young couple on their way to get married. They were stopping everyone they passed, telling them their exciting news, shaking their hands, hugging them, and even inviting them along. The atmosphere and energy surrounding them was electric.
Before he knew what was happening, the bride-to-be took Elijah into a friendly hug, her excitement was profound!
“We’re getting married!” Her voice was high, and sounded so happy, that Elijah couldn’t help but smile along with her.
“Congratulations…” he managed to say, as he was finally released! “That’s wonderful…”
“Thank you, thank you!!!” The bride twirled in front of him. “I’m so happy… this is the best day… the best day of my life!”
“You look beautiful…” Elijah nodded. “Really beautiful…”
The bride laughed… her happiness was catching, and Elijah found himself laughing along with her.
Her husband-to-be finally caught up and shook Elijah’s hand.
“Congratulations…” Elijah smiled.
“Come along…” the groom invited Elijah. We’re asking everyone. “Come along…” Then the groom released Elijah’s hand and hurried to catch up with his bride.
Come along… Elijah watched as the happy couple continued to hug other unwary passengers as they slowly made their way to the Wedding Chapel. Come along…
Elijah thought about it. A loud whoop of laughter from the bride helped him make his decision… he quietly followed them, and as they entered the chapel, he took a seat at the back.
*
He wasn’t there, and Dominic was finding it hard not to worry. The Internet café was extremely busy, and after an extensive search of the area surrounding it, including the promenade deck and bistro, Dominic found himself panicking. Where the fuck was he? Was he all right? He decided to go back to their cabin to see if Elijah was there, which of course he wasn’t.
Dominic threw his bag onto the bed and sat down on it. Shit, Lijah. Where are you? It was then that he noticed a gold embossed envelope on the small coffee table.
“What the fuck, now?” Dominic picked it up, opened it, read the contents, and then tore the letter in two. “Fuck that!” He dropped it in the bin, before leaving the cabin, to return to the cafe.
To his relief he found Elijah sitting at one of the terminals.
“Where’ve you been, Lij? I’ve looked everywhere?” Dominic pulled up a stool to sit beside Elijah.
Elijah looked at him; his eyes were bright and shining. “Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding.”
Dominic blinked hard. “You’ve what?”
“Yep…” Elijah nodded. “In the chapel… it was wonderful, Dom. Really special.”
“A wedding? Lij… what the fuck are you going on about?”
“It was lovely - Captain Palmer married them. They had these special vows that they had secretly written for each other. It was really romantic.”
“Lij!” Dominic frowned; he could see where this was going. “They must do ten weddings a day, it’ll be like a conveyor belt.”
“Well… no they don’t. Not at all. Only a handful of weddings on each voyage.”
“And how the fuck do you know that?”
“I asked. I spoke to the Captain afterwards.”
“Lij…” Dominic was feeling a little annoyed. He lowered his voice. “You know we can’t get fucking married.”
Elijah looked at him with a hurtful expression. “I know that! Did I say that?” Elijah paused…his voice dropped to a whisper. “You don’t have to keep reminding me.”
Dominic took Elijah’s hand, and his voice softened. “I’m sorry, Lij. But I know you. I know what you’re thinking.”
“It was lovely though, Dom. They were so happy.” Elijah wore a wistful expression.
Dominic nodded, “I expect they were. Now have you finished here?” He was desperate to change the topic of conversation, because if Elijah got into one of his ‘it’s a cruel world’ moods then the day would go downhill very fast.
“Finished?” Elijah blinked and looked at the computer screen. “I’ve only just got here.”
“Lijah!”
“Well I did get side-tracked. Why don’t you see if you can get online, too? You haven’t checked your e-mails for months.”
Dominic shook his head. “If it’s urgent, they can call me! Want a coffee?”
Elijah nodded, as he turned his attention back to the computer.
Dominic sat quietly next to Elijah as he sipped his drink. He looked at the other passengers as they milled around, he glanced occasionally at Elijah as he clicked and typed away answering his e-mails.
“Hey, fantastic! Here’s one from Danae!”
“No shit!” Dominic put his cup down and leaned into the screen.
Elijah opened the e-mail. “She says thanks for the photo, and that she’s busy, and that she misses us.” Elijah smiled at Dominic. “She’s asking about my ankle, and… and about you.”
‘How’s Dominic these days, Elijah? He seemed to be working through it. He loves you very much, although I fear you need to have a lot of patience with him.’
Elijah sat back in his seat, not realising that Danae’s e-mail was going to be so personal. He looked at Dominic, worried that he was going to get angry.
“It’s ok, Lij.” Dominic placed his hand on Elijah’s knee. “Danae helped me, a lot. I’m not sure that I would be sitting here now… you know… if she hadn’t spoken to me and helped me think things through.”
“You may have an e-mail from her too, Dom.” Elijah placed a comforting hand over Dominic’s. “You really should check.”
“Yeah… I know… and I will… later.” Dominic looked at Danae’s letter again. “So what’s going to be your reply then, Lij? That I’m still an awkward fucking twat?”
Elijah laughed. “Something like that.”
“Great!” Dominic grinned. “ Wouldn’t want you to lie or anything!”
Elijah smiled and then asked Dominic to fetch more coffee. Once Dominic was out of sight, he opened an e-mail from Sala.
***
Australia. One of five continents, and on the far side of the world from where they lived. In three days time they would anchor in Sydney Harbour, and would then spend two months traveling up the East coast of that vast country.
“Australia is quite different to New Zealand, isn’t it?” Dominic asked as he basked in the warm sunshine on their balcony.
Elijah was skimming through an Australian guidebook… as the end of their sea voyage approached he was trying to put together some sort of itinerary for their time in Sydney.
“Well, you know it’s warmer… I mean it’s coming to the end of their winter, but it’s a lot warmer than New Zealand.”
“Good!” Dominic didn’t feel quite ready to return to colder climes, which he knew were waiting ahead of them once they stepped onto Russian soil at the beginning of December. He actually wasn’t looking forward to that all. Well… he was looking forward to Moscow, but not the fucking perishing temperatures that came with it. But it would only be for a couple of weeks, he consoled himself. Because Russia was the last country on their worldwide journey. Next was Australia, and then Thailand, and China, and lastly Russia. Then it was home. Shit, it was going to be weird returning to LA.
But Dominic knew that he was going to return home a different person, and that was a great feeling. He looked at Elijah whose nose was buried deep in his guidebook.
“Love you, Lij!” he said to him, out of the blue.
Elijah looked up, and smiled. “You too, Dommie,” he replied and then returned to his reading.
Several knocks on their door brought Elijah inside the cabin. Dominic had fallen asleep, and Elijah slipped on his shirt before answering the door.
To his surprise it was the Chief Purser. Elijah invited him in.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr Wood, but we really do need an answer so that we can put announcements up ahead of tomorrow’s screening.
Elijah looked at the Chief Purser as if he had two heads. “Screening?”
The Chief Purser nodded. “A hand written letter from the Captain was left here by your steward.”
Elijah continued to look at him blankly.
“Four days ago, Mr Wood?”
Elijah scratched his head. “I’m sorry… I haven’t seen a letter.”
“I see.” The Chief Purser opened a large brown envelope that he had brought with him, and handed Elijah a copy of the letter.
Elijah sat down and read it. “You want us to attend a screening of The Fellowship of the Ring?” The babble from the group of teenagers was now making sense.
The Chief Purser nodded. “Ahead of the End of Voyage Ball, yes, Mr Wood.”
Elijah was not keen. “What does this entail?”
“We would like you and Mr Monaghan to attend before the screening, perhaps talk about your time making the movie, and answer any questions that the audience may have.”
“Well…umm… ” Elijah thought a little.
“We’re not doing it!”
They both looked round at Dominic as he walked into the cabin. “I saw the letter, Elijah, and we’re not doing it. It would kick up a whole shit load of attention, and we didn’t come on this ship for that.”
The Chief Purser looked at Dominic, surprised by his comments. “I quite understand your concerns, Mr Monaghan, which is why the Captain has deferred the screening until the end of the voyage. He feels privileged to have you both on board, and wanted to do something in way of celebration.”
“Nope.” Dominic shook his head. “Really, mate… it’s not something we want.”
Elijah cringed at the way Dominic called the Chief Purser ‘mate’. He knew Dominic was only trying to look after his best interests, but he needed to have his say, too.
“Wait a minute, Dom.” Elijah stood up. “Tomorrow, you said?”
The Chief Purser nodded.
“Lijah!” Dominic complained.
“Not tomorrow, but the next day. We’ll do it the next day, because the day after that we dock. And we’ll only do it for charity, won’t we Dom?” Elijah looked at Dominic for confirmation, but Dominic said nothing.
“We’ll do it for charity… the Captain can choose which one.”
The Chief Purser mulled this idea over. It meant postponing the End of Voyage Ball for one night. A lot of work would be needed to re-organise it, but he was sure it could be done.
“Yes…” The Chief Purser offered his hand to Elijah. “That can be arranged. I will have your steward bring you all the details. Thank you.”
The Chief Purser left the cabin, and Elijah turned to Dominic, he didn’t want to fight. He knew why Dominic hadn’t told him.
Dominic was braced - waiting for an argument.
“Dom… you can’t arrange everything for me. This is not up to you, I am quite capable of making my own decisions.”
“But, Lij… you’ll have everyone after you… you know you don’t want that. I certainly don’t want that.”
Elijah stood in front of Dominic and held his hands. “This voyage has been difficult, Dom. I won’t deny that, but I’ve worked through it, I’m still working through it… and… well… having you by my side means everything. You help by just being there, Dommie. You don’t have to do anything more than just be there… for me.”
“Aw shit, Lij... I’m sorry.” Dominic felt genuine remorse. “I don’t mean to take over. I mean I know I do… but I don’t mean it. I just care about you, baby. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore.” Dominic kissed Elijah’s hand. “When I saw that letter I knew you would do it, because that is the way you are. You never let anyone down, not like me. I didn’t think you were up to it Elijah. And I really mean that. I don’t know how you are doing, or feeling, you don’t tell me much.”
“Dom… sshh!” Elijah placed a finger against Dominic’s mouth. “Just know and believe me, Dom, when I say that I actually want to do this thing... I need to do it…because somehow it marks the end… for me. Of this voyage, and of facing up to what happened… everything. I have to do it… and I want you along with me.
Dominic nodded, and blinked back tears. “Ok, baby, if that’s what you want.”
Then Elijah kissed him, kissed him hard, and pulled him down on the bed as he did so.
***
“What was it like filming three movies, back to back?”
“What was Peter Jackson like to work for?”
“What was your favourite part of the story?”
“What was it like wearing those false feet?”
Dear God… the same questions, nothing new! Dominic squeezed some shampoo into his hand; he didn’t need much, and quickly washed his hair. Elijah had been brilliant though, he answered every question as though he had never been asked it before. Elijah always had a way of making fans feel important.
Dominic ducked under the water and rinsed his hair and then sat up. He saw Elijah quickly slip into the shower. Neither bathtub nor shower cubicle were big enough for two people and they didn’t have enough time to take it in turns.
The cinema had been packed to capacity, and after an hour-long question and answer session they both felt obliged to sit through the movie. It has been great to watch it again. Weird but great… it all seemed so long ago now.
Once the movie was over they got caught up with signing autographs, and not wanting to disappoint anyone, they stayed until everyone had signatures. Dominic also had his first encounter with the fan girls that had cornered Elijah a few days ago. They asked him if he was going to the ball, and became over-excited when Dominic said yes.
“And I expect to dance with everyone of you!” Dominic grinned and winked at them, they all screamed and jumped on one another.
Elijah shook his head and smiled to himself… Dominic would probably live to regret that flippant announcement.
Dominic settled back in the small bathtub and watched Elijah through the frosted glass. The shower was so small it was almost impossible to turn around inside it. Makes for nice viewing though! Dominic grinned as he watched Elijah’s wet body constantly pressing against the glass as he washed himself. Very nice!
Elijah turned the temperature of the shower up slightly, and then groped for the soap bar again. They had been detained for so long at the cinema that they were now in a rush to make it to the ball for the opening ceremony. Hope they’ve got some sort of food! Elijah closed his eyes as he tilted his head up letting the water run over his face. I’m fucking starving.
Watching your boyfriend shower… what a fucking great way to unwind. Dominic continued to observe Elijah. Showering with Lij would have been better, but watching was good… watching was very good. Dominic took hold of the hardness growing between his legs. Seeing Elijah naked was always a turn on… always had been, and always fucking would be. Dominic stroked his cock slowly, what he wouldn’t give to have Elijah’s mouth clamped on him right now.
Elijah stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel, what he got instead was Dominic’s hot wet body pressing against him.
“You look fucking great, Lij.” Dominic took Elijah’s face in his hands and kissed him. “Fucking great!”
*
FLASH!
Elijah blinked rapidly as the flash momentarily blinded him, then he took off after Dominic. They had managed to avoid the ship photographers for the entire voyage, until now. Dominic wasn’t sure it was such a good idea, letting the photograph be taken; after all it would be a memory wouldn’t it? And as far as he was concerned, the moment Elijah left this ship behind him, he would leave all the memories behind, too. They didn’t need a bloody photograph to come back and haunt them.
“Don’t worry, Dom!” Elijah said as he took his place against the backdrop. We don’t have to buy it.”
Dominic reluctantly joined him for the photograph. Behind them on a big screen was the name of the ship and the day’s date. Definitely not going to purchase this photograph!
The band was playing on the stage, and the large theatre soon began filling up with passengers dressed in their finery.
Drink waiters were kept busy, and Elijah asked one of them if there was going to be any food. He was told that a buffet would be available later, which was a relief. He decided to take it slow with his drinking; alcohol and an empty stomach did not go well together.
Dominic stuck by Elijah’s side, and as predicted they were the centre of attention, and once the dancing began, they found themselves continuously on the dance floor.
During a lull, Dominic signaled to the drink waiter, and handed Elijah a glass of beer.
“Jesus Christ, Lij!”
“I know!” Elijah drank his beer down in one go. He was extremely warm.
“I don’t want to dance anymore. Let’s get out of here. We’ve done our bit!”
“But they’re queuing up to dance with you, Dom!” Elijah nodded towards the dance floor. “You can’t let the young ladies down now, can you?”
“What?” Dominic looked in the direction that Elijah was indicating, and there they were, the teenie girls, all standing there and smiling at him.
“Aww, fuck… Lij!”
Elijah giggled. “You promised, Dom. You said you would dance with them all!”
“And you too, right? They want to dance with you, too?”
Elijah shrugged… “It’s you they want.”
“But why?”
Elijah laughed! “Your hypnotic magnetism…”
“You what…?”
Elijah snorted. “Go on… they’re waiting.”
“Look - can’t we just have a snog and put them off?”
“Dom!”
“If they see my tongue down your throat they won’t want to dance with me anymore! Yeah… great idea… come on, Lij.”
Elijah backed away, grinning. “Off you go, then.”
“Lij…!” Dominic whined, and then his attention was diverted by a voice behind him.
“Hi!”
Dominic closed his eyes, swore under his breath, and then turned and gave the young girl one of his biggest beaming smiles.
Elijah got himself another drink, and picked a little more at the buffet, quite relieved to have a break. He knew it wouldn’t be for long, but with a plate of food in his hand… well, that acted as a barrier… no one would ask him to dance while he was eating.
Dominic wasn’t a bad dancer, not that they had ever danced much, and Elijah could see that the girls loved it. It may not mean anything to Dominic but those girls would remember this night forever!
They kept Dominic on the dance floor for over an hour, before he had to really put his foot down and plead for a break. He made his way over to Elijah, who was now nicely rested.
“Having fun?” Elijah handed Dominic a drink.
“Jesus, I’m knackered! Why aren’t they dancing with you?”
“Don’t speak too soon!” Elijah watched the girls approach him…and he knew it was now his turn.
“Go strut your stuff, Lij!” Dominic sat down on a chair and grinned.
The evening began to wind down, and the music slowed.
“Fancy a smooch?” Dominic whispered in Elijah’s ear? He was feeling a little drunk, but not overly so.
“And break a million hearts?” Elijah wanted to place his lips over Dominic’s. A slow dance would be great… but a slow dance was out of the question.
“Everyone else is dancing with their partners.” Dominic looked at the dance floor. “Why can’t it be us?”
“It can… it can Dom…but in private.” Elijah smiled. “Come on…” Elijah stood up and took Dominic by the hand. As they weaved their way out through the guests, they could see the looks of disappointment on the girls’ faces. They had obviously been waiting for both Dominic and Elijah to ask them for one final dance.
“Night, ladies!” Dominic waved as they both disappeared through the swing doors. The quiet hit them immediately.
“Phew… we made it!” Dominic took in a deep breath and then took Elijah’s hands and looked at Elijah tenderly. “Well… you made it.”
Elijah nodded, kissed Dominic and then smiled. “Come on, Dom.… I want that slow dance!”
“Hmmmm… this is nice, Lij.” Dominic moved his body slowly, in time to the piped cabin music.
Elijah’s head rested against Dominic’s shoulder as their bodies moulded together. The music was slow, just right… and they both took this time to enjoy the closeness of each other, swaying gently, gradually moving towards the balcony.
Once outside they stopped and look out into the darkness.
“Our last night, Lij.” Dominic put his arm around Elijah’s waist. “Back on firm ground tomorrow.”
Elijah nodded and looked down at the dark water; it didn’t look so frightening anymore… and then it suddenly dawned on him… I’m not frightened anymore.
“Let’s swim.”
Dominic wasn’t sure that he had heard Elijah properly.
Elijah looked at Dominic, and smiled. “Let’s swim, Dom.”
“Ermm… Elijah, it’s half past midnight.”
“Come on…!” Elijah went into the bedroom and unpacked his swimming shorts.
“Lij… just what are you doing?” Dominic was completely puzzled.
“I want to go swimming.”
“Elijah?” Dominic placed his hands on Elijah’s shoulders; he could see that same look of determination in Elijah’s eyes that he had seen earlier in the voyage.
“You need to do this, baby?” he asked, knowing that there just had to be a reason for this sudden announcement.
Elijah swallowed hard and nodded, but said nothing.
“Ok… ok, then.” Dominic began undoing his shirt. “Let’s swim!”
The small pool was dark, no one was around.
“It has to be this pool?” Dominic asked, knowing there was an indoor pool, which was lit all night, just for this sort of thing.
Elijah nodded.
“Ok…” Dominic jumped in. He shook the water out of his eyes as he looked up at Elijah. I don’t know what it is, Lijah… that you have to do… but whatever it is, … you can do it…
Elijah sat on the edge of the pool and let his feet dangle in the cold water. Dominic never knew what happened in the pool… and Dominic would never know. Never know that it was in this pool that he made the deal that had almost cost him his life…
“Lij…?”
Elijah looked at the water, and then at Dominic who was waiting for him. His heart was pounding.
Come on, baby…
Elijah took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. It has been starry that night back in March. He looked at Dominic again, closed his eyes, and then slipped into the chilly water.
Dominic felt a rush of emotion so profound that he suddenly felt like crying.
Elijah swam carefully over to Dominic who caught him and held him tight. He wrapped his arms around Dominic.
“I love you so much, Dom, I love you so much!”
They kissed in the middle of the dark pool for a long time, long hungry kisses, deep tongue-filling-mouths kisses, until eventually the water chilled their bodies, and they had to get out.
Dripping wet they walked hand in hand back to their cabin. Once dried they crawled underneath the bedcovers and curled around each other for warmth and love - sleep soon followed.
***
“Come on, Lij!” Dominic was standing in the corridor, there were people rushing about everywhere. The Captain had expressed a wish to see them both before they disembarked. Their luggage had already been transferred to the dockside.
“Be right there!!” Elijah looked over the balcony at the bustling harbour. It was so nice to see land again. The sun was shining brightly, it was a beautiful day.
“Lij!”
“Two minutes!!” Elijah called back.
He sat down quickly at the table and opened his journal. He had to make this entry, if it was the last thing he did before getting off this ship.
Two pages stared back at him void of entries except for dates.
“Lijah!!”
“Coming!”
Elijah dug out the pen from his bag and quickly wrote…
14 August 2005
I beat you, Hasad! I fucking beat you!
tbc
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: 15
Summary: Dom and Lij Sail to Sydney.
WARNING: None
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:Sal's Hobbit Haven
Disclaimer: None of this happened or will ever happen. It is all made up in my overactive mind.
Additional Notes: Any flashbacks are written as they happened, and not necessarily as a point of view.
Previous chapters can be found here.
World Trip
Chapter 31 – Sailing to Sydney
**
31 July 2005
Fourteen days until we reach Sydney, and I am counting every single one of them. It’s not easy talking to Dom, but it has helped a little. Trouble is, Dom has now got his over-protective head on, and I don’t need protecting; all I need to do is get off this fucking ship!
When I booked this voyage I did the simplest thing open to me, I mean I had so little time to make arrangements before we set off, that it seemed to be the obvious choice. When I booked the ship to cross the Aegean Sea, I found out that the company also sailed in the Caribbean as well as the Indian Ocean, so I just went ahead and booked this voyage, too. I mean, it was as easy as that.
How was I to fucking know what would happen in Istanbul? Jesus… so now I’m here on this sister ship… and it’s the same. The fucking same. Well… not exactly the same - in terms of size, it’s a much bigger ship, but the fucking décor… we could be back on that other ship sailing towards Greece, and we wouldn’t know any different - same fucking carpets, paintwork, and our cabin is identical, even down to the fucking bedspread.
It’s not easy… I have to remind myself that it is a different ship, but everywhere I look it’s the same, bigger, but the same. But it’s not the fucking same, and now I’m getting fucking worked up again. Fuck him! Fuck that bastard for making me go through this shit!
I want to get off… I really want to get off!
**
Elijah looked at the entry he had made four days ago. He sipped a glass of wine as he read over the page. No, it hadn’t been easy, but he was managing to stay in control, and that had to be a good thing.
Dominic was helping - or at least, trying to help - by keeping Elijah as busy as possible. But Elijah knew that if he paid one more trip to the fucking health spa, then he would scream. He wasn’t keen on them at the best of times, all that sweating in steamy sauna rooms with other people, not his scene at all.
But Dominic had booked them into some sort of treatment/therapy every day until the end of the voyage. They would be the fucking cleanest Hobbits in the whole of Australia!
Elijah chuckled at this thought, and then smiled. Dominic was only trying to do his best.
This ship was big, huge in fact. Twice the size of the other one, so there were plenty of places to go that did not hold bad memories, but Elijah was not keen to seek them out. He had come to the conclusion, probably due to his experience, that he did not like cruise ships. Didn’t like them at all, because in theory, they were prisons. Floating prisons, with no way off, no means of escape if you were being hunted……
“That’s better…”
Elijah looked up as Dominic walked onto the balcony to join him. He had a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He poured himself a glass of wine and sat down.
“It’s all yours, Lij. Pity it’s not big enough for both of us. Just soap the walls and spin round!” Dominic laughed as he closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of the early evening sun. “A ship this size with a shower not big enough to shower in. Fucking incredible.”
Elijah didn’t reply. He closed his journal and secured it. The forth-coming evening was something he was not particularly looking forward to. Somehow, he just knew it would only be a matter of time before they received an invitation to the Captain’s Table, and it had finally arrived that afternoon.
*
Dominic glared at the porter as he stood smartly in their cabin doorway with the invitation in his hand.
“No, thank you.” Dominic said, as he waved the porter away. The porter was momentarily stunned. No one declines an invitation to the Captain’s Table.
“Who is it, Dom?” Elijah was sitting on the balcony, recovering from yet another massage at the health spa.
“Nothing!” Dominic tried to usher the porter out of their cabin. “… just fuck off, will you,” he muttered under his breath. The porter looked mortified.
Elijah blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the gloom of the cabin. He walked over to the porter.
“What is it, Dom?” Elijah asked - he could see Dominic frowning.
“Nothing… wrong cabin… wasn’t it?” Dominic looked the porter right in the eye daring him to say otherwise.
The porter coughed and cleared his throat. “Mr Wood, sir. Please accept an invitation to dine at the Captain’s Table this evening.” He handed the white envelope to Elijah.
Elijah glanced at Dominic as he accepted the envelope.
“Pre-dinner drinks are at seven in the Herald Restaurant on Deck Five.” The porter then went silent; he took a quick look at Dominic’s scowling face, before daring to ask. “Will you be attending, sir?”
Elijah studied the gold writing on the envelope for a minute or two, it was made out in both their names.
“Sir?”
Dominic stood anxiously in the background. Although he wanted to tell the porter to just fuck off again, he thought better of it. He knew this was something Elijah was going to have to decide, not him. He knew that the Herald Restaurant was one of the ‘no go’ areas as far as Elijah was concerned.
“Mr Wood?”
Elijah nodded. “Yes…of course… we’ll be there.” His voice was quiet. He looked at the porter. “Tell the Captain, ‘thank you’.”
The porter breathed in a long sigh of relief… he knew the Captain was especially looking forward to meeting these two passengers. “Thank you, sir.” Then he was gone.
“Are you sure about this, Lij?” Dominic looked at the back of Elijah’s head. This was a bad idea!
“I’m sure.” Elijah placed the envelope on the bed, unopened. Fuck!!
*
Elijah dressed slowly… Dominic was already dressed and sitting on the balcony waiting for him. Throughout the short time since leaving Mauritius, they had dined either in their cabin or in one of the smaller cafes dotted around the ship, steering clear of the main restaurants altogether.
Elijah sat on the bed as he put his tie on; he stared at the wall opposite, remembering the morning when Hasad has waited for him outside the restaurant He could still feel the pressure of his hand around his throat. Dominic had been unaware then, and still remained unaware of most of what took place. Elijah had told him some, but not all of the story.
“Lij…?” Dominic looked at Elijah’s slumped shoulders. “You don’t want to go, do you? We don’t have to go you know, we can stay right here, have an early night, have some food sent in, make long slow languorous love… what do you say?”
Elijah sighed but didn’t turn round. He continued knotting his tie.
“Lijah…?”
“We have to go, Dom.” Elijah stood up and looked into the small mirror beside the bed. He ran his fingers through his hair and stared at his reflection. He watched Dominic approach him and felt his warm arms wrap around him.
“Let’s stay, Lij…” Dominic whispered as he lifted Elijah’s hair off his collar and kissed the back of his neck.
Elijah closed his eyes. Staying sounded like a very good idea, but staying wasn’t going to achieve anything. He turned to face Dominic, and ran his hand down his smooth shaven face. All Dominic ever did was care.
“Come on, Dom…” Elijah kissed Dominic quickly on the lips and then made for the door.
“Lij…?” Dominic protested.
Elijah stood in the open doorway and looked back at Dominic. “You know staying is the not the answer, Dom. Come on, or we’ll be late.”
“Lij… I really think…”
“I’ll go without you…”
“For Christ’s sake, Lij…”
Elijah held the door open as he stepped out into the corridor. “Are you coming?”
Dominic groaned as he picked up the cabin key and slipped it in his jacket pocket.
“We should stay…” he said one more time as he left the cabin.
“Dom…enough!”
“Ok, well… let’s get fucking drunk then!”
“Will you just quit it?” Elijah tried to keep his voice low so that other passengers could not hear him; the corridor was busy with human traffic.
“Lij… you’re going to hate it… you fucking know it.”
“Yes… probably.”
“So let’s bog off somewhere else.”
Elijah looked at Dominic as if he were mad.
“Bog off? ‘Bogging off’ as you put it, is not going to be the answer, Dom.”
“Well, what is?” Dominic was getting a little fed up now.
“Facing up to it. Facing up to what happened. That’s the answer!” Elijah walked off.
“God…” Dominic hurried after Elijah. “I’m sorry, Lij.” He took Elijah’s hand.
“It’s ok…” Elijah stopped to look at a map of the ship. “Let’s just get it over with.”
Dominic could hear the grit and determination in Elijah’s voice.
*
They were seated with nine other people at a large round, ornately decorated table. Several waiters hovered nearby ready to attend to their needs. The Captain, who had introduced himself earlier as Captain Bryce Palmer, slowly made his way over to the table, and all the guests stood when he arrived. As soon as he sat down there was a flurry of activity.
Dominic looked at the lavish layout in front of him; it was far too opulent for his taste, but he could see that the other guests were reveling in it. All he wanted to do was get Elijah back to their cabin, undress him and soothe away all the tension he was obviously feeling, but covering up so well.
Elijah had spoken with the other guests during drinks, smiled and shook their hands, and then stood by quietly while the Captain announced who he was. Dominic was more than used to being known as ‘that guy who played one of the other hobbits’. He had grown accustomed to Elijah being recognised and himself, not. In fact, at times he preferred it that way, unless of course he got mistaken for Sam, then he would have to either pretend that he was Sean Astin, or go into the long boring process of correcting the excited fan, who would then look at him in total confusion, and ask why he doesn’t have a Scottish accent anymore. At times anonymity was a great thing!
The dinner was a long affair, with a five-course meal, and plenty of wine. A lot of attention was directed at the pair of them, and Dominic had the sinking feeling that within a couple of days it would be all round the ship, and life would become a lot more stressful than it already was. The last thing Elijah needed was people hounding him for autographs and photographs for the remainder of the voyage.
Elijah kept up the small talk. Answered all the questions directed at him with regards to filming Lord of the Rings and his time in New Zealand, and brought Dominic into the conversation as much as possible… then as soon as the topic changed and moved onto other things, Elijah excused himself, and left the restaurant. Dominic was just about to follow him, when the Captain asked him something, and not wanting to appear rude for once, Dominic had to stay.
Elijah felt in desperate need of some fresh air. He left the restaurant and the noise that accompanied it and made his way out on deck. The change in temperature was immediately felt, and he took in a few deep breaths, and for the first time in a very long time he felt the need for a cigarette!
He walked along the promenade, stepping aside when other guests passed him, until he finally ended up by one of the swimming pools. There were a few people in the water, laughing, having fun. He remembered the last time he was in such a pool, being held against his will, with Hasad’s body rubbing against his….
“Lij…” Dominic placed his hands on Elijah shoulders, and couldn’t believe it when Elijah whipped round quickly; his eyes wide with fear.
“Shit… baby… I’m sorry…” Dominic pulled Elijah to him and hugged him tightly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you all right? Your company is being missed back there.”
Elijah held on to Dominic, not replying, his heart was racing.
Dominic stroked the back of Elijah’s head, letting his fingers weave through his hair. “We’re not going back, are we?” Dominic asked as he managed to pull Elijah away so that he could look at him.
Elijah shook his head.
Dominic hugged him again before taking his hand. “Come on, then, Lij…”
They were silent as they walked back to their cabin; life went on around them, noisy bustling life, but they felt detached, alienated, like they didn’t belong. And they didn’t… Dominic knew this and he also knew that Elijah was hating every single minute on this fucking ship, and no matter how hard he tried to make things better for him, well, it just wasn’t working. He just knew the dinner was going to be one big fucking mistake.
As soon as they were in their cabin Dominic took Elijah into his arms and kissed him, a long deep kiss. Then Elijah pulled away, removed his jacket and tie, and walked out onto the balcony. The night sky was black; thousands of stars twinkled above him as far as the eye could see. He looked over the balcony, at the sea. It was inky black, frighteningly black, and a long way down, a very long way down.
“Hey…” Dominic stood just inside the cabin. Elijah looked so tiny standing there all by himself, looking out over hundreds of miles of dark cold ocean.
The sea breeze was quite brisk at this time of the night and chilly too, but Elijah didn’t move. He was gripping the handrail, feeling extremely angry with himself for letting this all back in, when there was no need to. No need to at all. It was all in the past… history… forgotten… dealt with… Elijah closed his eyes.
Dealt with?
There… he suddenly realised he had found the key. He hadn’t fucking dealt with it, had he? He had locked it all away.
So fucking deal with it then!!! “Shit!!”
“Elijah?”
“Shit… shit… shit!”
“Baby?”
“Fuck him, Dom! Fuck him!”
“I know… I know.”
“Fuck him! Fuck him!” Elijah leaned over the balcony a little more. “FUCK HIM!” He yelled at the top of his voice. “FUCK HIM!!!… FUCK YOU, HASAD, YOU FUCKING BASTARD!”
Dominic bit his bottom lip as he watched Elijah begin to let it all out. He ached to go to his side… to be with him and hold him… but he knew he had to stand back, and wait.
“FUCK YOU!… FUCK YOU!… FUCK YOU!…”
That’s it, baby… Dominic could feel tears welling up as he watched his lover literally scream out all his pent up emotions. Fucking let it out, Lijah. Let it all out!
“FUCK YOU!”
Dominic could hear the strain in Elijah’s voice, and he could see his body shaking, as he continued to yell out at the darkness, over and over again.
“FUCK YOU!”
A knock on the door momentarily distracted Dominic, but he stayed where he was, watching and listening to Elijah pouring out his anger and his grief.
The knocking became louder, and Dominic knew that he had better answer it. He wasn’t surprised when he saw a security guard standing there.
“Everything is fine…” Dominic muttered as he tried to shut the door.
The security guard pushed it open.
“Look…” Dominic waved his hand in Elijah’s direction. “He’s ok… he’ll stop in a minute.”
“I’m sorry sir, we can’t have this behaviour on this ship, it’s disturbing the other passengers.”
Fuck the other passengers…! Dominic nodded. “I appreciate that… really… Look, he’s just about all wiped out, now. Any minute he’ll stop. I’m sure of it… I know it.”
The security guard looked towards Elijah, and frowned, not quite sure what to make of the whole situation.
“Look…” Dominic opened a drawer and pulled out his wallet. He stuffed a wad of South African rands into the security guard’s hand. “Just give us a few minutes… that’s all… please… just a few minutes…”
The security guard looked from the money to Dominic, to Elijah and then back to Dominic again. He handed the money back.
“Five minutes,” he said. “I shall be outside your door.” The security guard left the cabin, pulling the door closed behind him.
Dominic paused for a moment before turning his attention back to Elijah, who was still shouting out at the darkness, albeit a lot quieter now. The poor bugger was not going to have any voice left in the morning!
Dominic stepped out onto the balcony and placed a supportive arm around Elijah’s shoulders. He could feel heat burning through Elijah’s shirt, and he could feel his muscles tensing under the thin cotton fabric every time he shouted. Dominic stood there silently, holding Elijah, until he knew that at last there was nothing left… Elijah had finally exhausted himself.
Elijah lowered his head and closed his eyes, and then melted into Dominic’s waiting embrace.
“It’s ok, baby…” Dominic whispered. “It’s ok, now.”
Elijah swallowed hard, his throat hurt like fuck, and he had pounding headache.
“Let’s go inside.” Dominic spoke softly as he led Elijah into the cabin, and sat him on the bed. He knelt in front of him and held his hands; his eyes searched Elijah’s face for any clue as to how he was feeling right now.
Elijah took in a deep breath and raised his head to look at Dominic. “I want you to fuck me, Dom,” he whispered. “… I want you to fuck me…”
Dominic paused, before nodding very slightly. His fingers began undoing the buttons of Elijah’ shirt.
“Want you to fuck me, Dommie…” Elijah’s arms wrapped themselves around Dominic’s body as he pulled him down onto the bed. “Want you to fuck me…” Their mouths met and they began kissing.
***
Elijah unpacked the laundry bag. Everything was clean and neatly pressed. It may cost a lot more money to have someone do the laundry for you, but it beat doing it yourself, and laundry was one thing he had always hated, but tolerated.
They had seven days left before disembarking, so Elijah calculated that there would be one more laundering service required before then. He wrote down their requisites on the order pad and left it in the appropriate folder for their cabin steward to pick up later.
He looked at his watch. Dominic had left over half an hour ago for some gym time, followed by the usual health spa ritual. Elijah had declined this time; he had something else he wanted to do.
*
“E-mails? Aww come on, Lij. You can do that when we get to Sydney.”
“Yes, I can.” Elijah had replied matter-of-factly. “But I want to do it now. Our cells don’t work on this ship, Dom. I just want to let Mom know that we’re ok.”
Dominic thought about this for a moment. If Elijah wanted to wander around this ship on his own, that was good, wasn’t it?
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” Dominic asked again. “I’ve booked a Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, and Wild Strawberry Back Cleanse.”
Elijah laughed. “For God’s sake, Dom, what the fuck is that?”
Dominic shrugged and grinned. “I dunno, sounds good though.”
“Sounds like something you would eat.”
“Well…” Dominic winked at Elijah.
Elijah smiled and shook his head. “No seriously, Dom. You go do your workout and massage thing, and I’ll see you in the Internet café when you have finished.”
“Do you know where to go?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Where is it?”
Elijah sighed. He could see Dominic’s concern, it was written all over his face. “It’s on Deck Seven, Dom. Kind of in-between the Princess Theatre, and Wedding Chapel. It’s not a problem, ok? Now go!”
“Well…” Dominic was about to protest again, when Elijah picked up his travel bag, dumped it in his arms and pushed him through the door.
“Go!!… I’ll be fine…” Elijah grinned as he waved Dominic off.
*
Deck Seven was busy. Everywhere on the ship was busy. Elijah clutched his journal tightly as he meandered through the long corridors and open thoroughfares. This ship was more than a floating hotel, it was a floating city.
He eventually located the Internet café, and groaned inwardly when he saw how busy it was. A crew member saw him standing there looking lost and offered to help. Within a few minutes Elijah’s name was on the waiting list. He now had an hour and a half to kill before he could get anywhere near one of the computer terminals.
He debated going into the small bistro nearby, for a coffee, and then decided that he would sit outside in the sunshine, and make another attempt at writing something in his journal.
He had written nothing since his journal entry on re-embarkation. He had tried to; on several occasions he had written the date, but nothing else. He knew his mind was clearer now, and that his emotions were gradually coming back under control, but he just couldn’t seem to write about them… he was worried that maybe writing about them would be damaging and set him back again, and he wouldn’t know that until he did it. So the dates were there, but nothing else.
Elijah made his way outside into the sunshine. It was warm but not hot, it seemed weird to think that although it was August, they were sailing towards the end of an Australian winter, but not a cold winter, which was a relief. It had been winter in South Africa and the weather had been glorious, the same should apply to the East Coast of Australia, he hoped. Well, especially so when they picked up their motor home and headed north.
Elijah stopped for a while to look at the ocean. Nothing but water as far as the eyes could see. He looked over the railings to the deck below; people hundreds of people – he didn’t know who they were, yet they were all sharing this same experience, of being on this vessel, in the middle of a vast ocean. Sharing, but not sharing… an interesting if not daunting thought.
“Excuse me?”
Elijah turned to see who had just spoken to him. It was a young girl, a teenager he guessed, although it was always hard to tell.
“I’m sorry to... umm…bother you… umm…” The girl looked really embarrassed as she looked down at her shuffling feet and then at Elijah again. “I saw you at the dinner the other evening, and well… umm… gosh. I’m so sorry…” The girl went completely scarlet.
Elijah smiled at her, and waited for her to finish.
“Well… oh God… I mean… could I have a photo, please? Taken with you, I mean?”
If she goes any redder, Elijah thought. She’ll self-combust.
“No problem.” Elijah tried to put her at ease. “You have a camera?”
“Really? You will?” Her voice was almost a squeal. “My mother has a camera… oh God… please… wait right there… I’ll go and get it.”
“Sure, no problem.” Elijah watched the girl race off along the promenade. Then she returned, with eight other girls in tow.
Elijah sighed… and then put on a smile for them all. So much for a relaxed sit in the sun.
The girls’ excitement was over-exuberant, and they were noisy and giggly as they all took turns to have their picture taken with Elijah. They all asked where Dominic was too, and Elijah politely told them that he was resting in their cabin. No way was he going to tell them that Dominic was in the gym. He didn’t think Dom would be too thrilled to have this horde descend on him.
“And the movie is on, too…” he heard one of the girls say to another. “My father told me. He knows the Captain. I can’t believe it!” And then there were more squeals, and general bouncing by the whole group.
“Ok…” Elijah announced as he saw other curious passengers gathering. “I have to go now, ladies. It was really nice meeting you all.”
More squeals, and then…. “Will you be going to the film?” A voice asked as Elijah managed to manouevre himself out of the group.
Elijah looked puzzled. The whole group went silent as they waited for him to answer.
“Film?” he dared asked. He hadn’t looked at any of the timetables for the ship’s onboard entertainment. He just hadn’t been interested in any of that when he had first boarded. He knew there was a large cinema somewhere, which screened new releases, but he had preferred to stay in his cabin with Dominic, and spend as little time as possible outside it.
“They changed the schedule.” The voice piped up again. “They are showing one of your movies. I can’t remember which one, can you?” The girl asked one of her companions.
“The first one I think, I’m not sure…” The other girl replied.
Elijah looked at them blankly as they talked amongst themselves. He didn’t know anything about any movie, and to be honest, he didn’t really care.
“Thank you, ladies,” he bowed slightly. “I really do have to go.”
Moans of protest came from the girls as Elijah began to walk away. He looked over his shoulder, and prayed to fucking god that they weren’t going to follow him. They didn’t.
With a sigh of relief he pushed open a door and re-entered the ship. He checked his watch; he still had an hour to go. He began to debate with himself whether or not to go back to the café and just hang around, when he heard some excitable voices coming his way.
Worried that it could be the girls, Elijah looked for some means of escape, but found none, so he decided he would have to stand his ground. What he saw coming along the corridor, however, made him grin from ear to ear.
It was a young couple on their way to get married. They were stopping everyone they passed, telling them their exciting news, shaking their hands, hugging them, and even inviting them along. The atmosphere and energy surrounding them was electric.
Before he knew what was happening, the bride-to-be took Elijah into a friendly hug, her excitement was profound!
“We’re getting married!” Her voice was high, and sounded so happy, that Elijah couldn’t help but smile along with her.
“Congratulations…” he managed to say, as he was finally released! “That’s wonderful…”
“Thank you, thank you!!!” The bride twirled in front of him. “I’m so happy… this is the best day… the best day of my life!”
“You look beautiful…” Elijah nodded. “Really beautiful…”
The bride laughed… her happiness was catching, and Elijah found himself laughing along with her.
Her husband-to-be finally caught up and shook Elijah’s hand.
“Congratulations…” Elijah smiled.
“Come along…” the groom invited Elijah. We’re asking everyone. “Come along…” Then the groom released Elijah’s hand and hurried to catch up with his bride.
Come along… Elijah watched as the happy couple continued to hug other unwary passengers as they slowly made their way to the Wedding Chapel. Come along…
Elijah thought about it. A loud whoop of laughter from the bride helped him make his decision… he quietly followed them, and as they entered the chapel, he took a seat at the back.
*
He wasn’t there, and Dominic was finding it hard not to worry. The Internet café was extremely busy, and after an extensive search of the area surrounding it, including the promenade deck and bistro, Dominic found himself panicking. Where the fuck was he? Was he all right? He decided to go back to their cabin to see if Elijah was there, which of course he wasn’t.
Dominic threw his bag onto the bed and sat down on it. Shit, Lijah. Where are you? It was then that he noticed a gold embossed envelope on the small coffee table.
“What the fuck, now?” Dominic picked it up, opened it, read the contents, and then tore the letter in two. “Fuck that!” He dropped it in the bin, before leaving the cabin, to return to the cafe.
To his relief he found Elijah sitting at one of the terminals.
“Where’ve you been, Lij? I’ve looked everywhere?” Dominic pulled up a stool to sit beside Elijah.
Elijah looked at him; his eyes were bright and shining. “Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding.”
Dominic blinked hard. “You’ve what?”
“Yep…” Elijah nodded. “In the chapel… it was wonderful, Dom. Really special.”
“A wedding? Lij… what the fuck are you going on about?”
“It was lovely - Captain Palmer married them. They had these special vows that they had secretly written for each other. It was really romantic.”
“Lij!” Dominic frowned; he could see where this was going. “They must do ten weddings a day, it’ll be like a conveyor belt.”
“Well… no they don’t. Not at all. Only a handful of weddings on each voyage.”
“And how the fuck do you know that?”
“I asked. I spoke to the Captain afterwards.”
“Lij…” Dominic was feeling a little annoyed. He lowered his voice. “You know we can’t get fucking married.”
Elijah looked at him with a hurtful expression. “I know that! Did I say that?” Elijah paused…his voice dropped to a whisper. “You don’t have to keep reminding me.”
Dominic took Elijah’s hand, and his voice softened. “I’m sorry, Lij. But I know you. I know what you’re thinking.”
“It was lovely though, Dom. They were so happy.” Elijah wore a wistful expression.
Dominic nodded, “I expect they were. Now have you finished here?” He was desperate to change the topic of conversation, because if Elijah got into one of his ‘it’s a cruel world’ moods then the day would go downhill very fast.
“Finished?” Elijah blinked and looked at the computer screen. “I’ve only just got here.”
“Lijah!”
“Well I did get side-tracked. Why don’t you see if you can get online, too? You haven’t checked your e-mails for months.”
Dominic shook his head. “If it’s urgent, they can call me! Want a coffee?”
Elijah nodded, as he turned his attention back to the computer.
Dominic sat quietly next to Elijah as he sipped his drink. He looked at the other passengers as they milled around, he glanced occasionally at Elijah as he clicked and typed away answering his e-mails.
“Hey, fantastic! Here’s one from Danae!”
“No shit!” Dominic put his cup down and leaned into the screen.
Elijah opened the e-mail. “She says thanks for the photo, and that she’s busy, and that she misses us.” Elijah smiled at Dominic. “She’s asking about my ankle, and… and about you.”
‘How’s Dominic these days, Elijah? He seemed to be working through it. He loves you very much, although I fear you need to have a lot of patience with him.’
Elijah sat back in his seat, not realising that Danae’s e-mail was going to be so personal. He looked at Dominic, worried that he was going to get angry.
“It’s ok, Lij.” Dominic placed his hand on Elijah’s knee. “Danae helped me, a lot. I’m not sure that I would be sitting here now… you know… if she hadn’t spoken to me and helped me think things through.”
“You may have an e-mail from her too, Dom.” Elijah placed a comforting hand over Dominic’s. “You really should check.”
“Yeah… I know… and I will… later.” Dominic looked at Danae’s letter again. “So what’s going to be your reply then, Lij? That I’m still an awkward fucking twat?”
Elijah laughed. “Something like that.”
“Great!” Dominic grinned. “ Wouldn’t want you to lie or anything!”
Elijah smiled and then asked Dominic to fetch more coffee. Once Dominic was out of sight, he opened an e-mail from Sala.
***
Australia. One of five continents, and on the far side of the world from where they lived. In three days time they would anchor in Sydney Harbour, and would then spend two months traveling up the East coast of that vast country.
“Australia is quite different to New Zealand, isn’t it?” Dominic asked as he basked in the warm sunshine on their balcony.
Elijah was skimming through an Australian guidebook… as the end of their sea voyage approached he was trying to put together some sort of itinerary for their time in Sydney.
“Well, you know it’s warmer… I mean it’s coming to the end of their winter, but it’s a lot warmer than New Zealand.”
“Good!” Dominic didn’t feel quite ready to return to colder climes, which he knew were waiting ahead of them once they stepped onto Russian soil at the beginning of December. He actually wasn’t looking forward to that all. Well… he was looking forward to Moscow, but not the fucking perishing temperatures that came with it. But it would only be for a couple of weeks, he consoled himself. Because Russia was the last country on their worldwide journey. Next was Australia, and then Thailand, and China, and lastly Russia. Then it was home. Shit, it was going to be weird returning to LA.
But Dominic knew that he was going to return home a different person, and that was a great feeling. He looked at Elijah whose nose was buried deep in his guidebook.
“Love you, Lij!” he said to him, out of the blue.
Elijah looked up, and smiled. “You too, Dommie,” he replied and then returned to his reading.
Several knocks on their door brought Elijah inside the cabin. Dominic had fallen asleep, and Elijah slipped on his shirt before answering the door.
To his surprise it was the Chief Purser. Elijah invited him in.
“I’m sorry to bother you, Mr Wood, but we really do need an answer so that we can put announcements up ahead of tomorrow’s screening.
Elijah looked at the Chief Purser as if he had two heads. “Screening?”
The Chief Purser nodded. “A hand written letter from the Captain was left here by your steward.”
Elijah continued to look at him blankly.
“Four days ago, Mr Wood?”
Elijah scratched his head. “I’m sorry… I haven’t seen a letter.”
“I see.” The Chief Purser opened a large brown envelope that he had brought with him, and handed Elijah a copy of the letter.
Elijah sat down and read it. “You want us to attend a screening of The Fellowship of the Ring?” The babble from the group of teenagers was now making sense.
The Chief Purser nodded. “Ahead of the End of Voyage Ball, yes, Mr Wood.”
Elijah was not keen. “What does this entail?”
“We would like you and Mr Monaghan to attend before the screening, perhaps talk about your time making the movie, and answer any questions that the audience may have.”
“Well…umm… ” Elijah thought a little.
“We’re not doing it!”
They both looked round at Dominic as he walked into the cabin. “I saw the letter, Elijah, and we’re not doing it. It would kick up a whole shit load of attention, and we didn’t come on this ship for that.”
The Chief Purser looked at Dominic, surprised by his comments. “I quite understand your concerns, Mr Monaghan, which is why the Captain has deferred the screening until the end of the voyage. He feels privileged to have you both on board, and wanted to do something in way of celebration.”
“Nope.” Dominic shook his head. “Really, mate… it’s not something we want.”
Elijah cringed at the way Dominic called the Chief Purser ‘mate’. He knew Dominic was only trying to look after his best interests, but he needed to have his say, too.
“Wait a minute, Dom.” Elijah stood up. “Tomorrow, you said?”
The Chief Purser nodded.
“Lijah!” Dominic complained.
“Not tomorrow, but the next day. We’ll do it the next day, because the day after that we dock. And we’ll only do it for charity, won’t we Dom?” Elijah looked at Dominic for confirmation, but Dominic said nothing.
“We’ll do it for charity… the Captain can choose which one.”
The Chief Purser mulled this idea over. It meant postponing the End of Voyage Ball for one night. A lot of work would be needed to re-organise it, but he was sure it could be done.
“Yes…” The Chief Purser offered his hand to Elijah. “That can be arranged. I will have your steward bring you all the details. Thank you.”
The Chief Purser left the cabin, and Elijah turned to Dominic, he didn’t want to fight. He knew why Dominic hadn’t told him.
Dominic was braced - waiting for an argument.
“Dom… you can’t arrange everything for me. This is not up to you, I am quite capable of making my own decisions.”
“But, Lij… you’ll have everyone after you… you know you don’t want that. I certainly don’t want that.”
Elijah stood in front of Dominic and held his hands. “This voyage has been difficult, Dom. I won’t deny that, but I’ve worked through it, I’m still working through it… and… well… having you by my side means everything. You help by just being there, Dommie. You don’t have to do anything more than just be there… for me.”
“Aw shit, Lij... I’m sorry.” Dominic felt genuine remorse. “I don’t mean to take over. I mean I know I do… but I don’t mean it. I just care about you, baby. I don’t want to see you hurt anymore.” Dominic kissed Elijah’s hand. “When I saw that letter I knew you would do it, because that is the way you are. You never let anyone down, not like me. I didn’t think you were up to it Elijah. And I really mean that. I don’t know how you are doing, or feeling, you don’t tell me much.”
“Dom… sshh!” Elijah placed a finger against Dominic’s mouth. “Just know and believe me, Dom, when I say that I actually want to do this thing... I need to do it…because somehow it marks the end… for me. Of this voyage, and of facing up to what happened… everything. I have to do it… and I want you along with me.
Dominic nodded, and blinked back tears. “Ok, baby, if that’s what you want.”
Then Elijah kissed him, kissed him hard, and pulled him down on the bed as he did so.
***
“What was it like filming three movies, back to back?”
“What was Peter Jackson like to work for?”
“What was your favourite part of the story?”
“What was it like wearing those false feet?”
Dear God… the same questions, nothing new! Dominic squeezed some shampoo into his hand; he didn’t need much, and quickly washed his hair. Elijah had been brilliant though, he answered every question as though he had never been asked it before. Elijah always had a way of making fans feel important.
Dominic ducked under the water and rinsed his hair and then sat up. He saw Elijah quickly slip into the shower. Neither bathtub nor shower cubicle were big enough for two people and they didn’t have enough time to take it in turns.
The cinema had been packed to capacity, and after an hour-long question and answer session they both felt obliged to sit through the movie. It has been great to watch it again. Weird but great… it all seemed so long ago now.
Once the movie was over they got caught up with signing autographs, and not wanting to disappoint anyone, they stayed until everyone had signatures. Dominic also had his first encounter with the fan girls that had cornered Elijah a few days ago. They asked him if he was going to the ball, and became over-excited when Dominic said yes.
“And I expect to dance with everyone of you!” Dominic grinned and winked at them, they all screamed and jumped on one another.
Elijah shook his head and smiled to himself… Dominic would probably live to regret that flippant announcement.
Dominic settled back in the small bathtub and watched Elijah through the frosted glass. The shower was so small it was almost impossible to turn around inside it. Makes for nice viewing though! Dominic grinned as he watched Elijah’s wet body constantly pressing against the glass as he washed himself. Very nice!
Elijah turned the temperature of the shower up slightly, and then groped for the soap bar again. They had been detained for so long at the cinema that they were now in a rush to make it to the ball for the opening ceremony. Hope they’ve got some sort of food! Elijah closed his eyes as he tilted his head up letting the water run over his face. I’m fucking starving.
Watching your boyfriend shower… what a fucking great way to unwind. Dominic continued to observe Elijah. Showering with Lij would have been better, but watching was good… watching was very good. Dominic took hold of the hardness growing between his legs. Seeing Elijah naked was always a turn on… always had been, and always fucking would be. Dominic stroked his cock slowly, what he wouldn’t give to have Elijah’s mouth clamped on him right now.
Elijah stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel, what he got instead was Dominic’s hot wet body pressing against him.
“You look fucking great, Lij.” Dominic took Elijah’s face in his hands and kissed him. “Fucking great!”
*
FLASH!
Elijah blinked rapidly as the flash momentarily blinded him, then he took off after Dominic. They had managed to avoid the ship photographers for the entire voyage, until now. Dominic wasn’t sure it was such a good idea, letting the photograph be taken; after all it would be a memory wouldn’t it? And as far as he was concerned, the moment Elijah left this ship behind him, he would leave all the memories behind, too. They didn’t need a bloody photograph to come back and haunt them.
“Don’t worry, Dom!” Elijah said as he took his place against the backdrop. We don’t have to buy it.”
Dominic reluctantly joined him for the photograph. Behind them on a big screen was the name of the ship and the day’s date. Definitely not going to purchase this photograph!
The band was playing on the stage, and the large theatre soon began filling up with passengers dressed in their finery.
Drink waiters were kept busy, and Elijah asked one of them if there was going to be any food. He was told that a buffet would be available later, which was a relief. He decided to take it slow with his drinking; alcohol and an empty stomach did not go well together.
Dominic stuck by Elijah’s side, and as predicted they were the centre of attention, and once the dancing began, they found themselves continuously on the dance floor.
During a lull, Dominic signaled to the drink waiter, and handed Elijah a glass of beer.
“Jesus Christ, Lij!”
“I know!” Elijah drank his beer down in one go. He was extremely warm.
“I don’t want to dance anymore. Let’s get out of here. We’ve done our bit!”
“But they’re queuing up to dance with you, Dom!” Elijah nodded towards the dance floor. “You can’t let the young ladies down now, can you?”
“What?” Dominic looked in the direction that Elijah was indicating, and there they were, the teenie girls, all standing there and smiling at him.
“Aww, fuck… Lij!”
Elijah giggled. “You promised, Dom. You said you would dance with them all!”
“And you too, right? They want to dance with you, too?”
Elijah shrugged… “It’s you they want.”
“But why?”
Elijah laughed! “Your hypnotic magnetism…”
“You what…?”
Elijah snorted. “Go on… they’re waiting.”
“Look - can’t we just have a snog and put them off?”
“Dom!”
“If they see my tongue down your throat they won’t want to dance with me anymore! Yeah… great idea… come on, Lij.”
Elijah backed away, grinning. “Off you go, then.”
“Lij…!” Dominic whined, and then his attention was diverted by a voice behind him.
“Hi!”
Dominic closed his eyes, swore under his breath, and then turned and gave the young girl one of his biggest beaming smiles.
Elijah got himself another drink, and picked a little more at the buffet, quite relieved to have a break. He knew it wouldn’t be for long, but with a plate of food in his hand… well, that acted as a barrier… no one would ask him to dance while he was eating.
Dominic wasn’t a bad dancer, not that they had ever danced much, and Elijah could see that the girls loved it. It may not mean anything to Dominic but those girls would remember this night forever!
They kept Dominic on the dance floor for over an hour, before he had to really put his foot down and plead for a break. He made his way over to Elijah, who was now nicely rested.
“Having fun?” Elijah handed Dominic a drink.
“Jesus, I’m knackered! Why aren’t they dancing with you?”
“Don’t speak too soon!” Elijah watched the girls approach him…and he knew it was now his turn.
“Go strut your stuff, Lij!” Dominic sat down on a chair and grinned.
The evening began to wind down, and the music slowed.
“Fancy a smooch?” Dominic whispered in Elijah’s ear? He was feeling a little drunk, but not overly so.
“And break a million hearts?” Elijah wanted to place his lips over Dominic’s. A slow dance would be great… but a slow dance was out of the question.
“Everyone else is dancing with their partners.” Dominic looked at the dance floor. “Why can’t it be us?”
“It can… it can Dom…but in private.” Elijah smiled. “Come on…” Elijah stood up and took Dominic by the hand. As they weaved their way out through the guests, they could see the looks of disappointment on the girls’ faces. They had obviously been waiting for both Dominic and Elijah to ask them for one final dance.
“Night, ladies!” Dominic waved as they both disappeared through the swing doors. The quiet hit them immediately.
“Phew… we made it!” Dominic took in a deep breath and then took Elijah’s hands and looked at Elijah tenderly. “Well… you made it.”
Elijah nodded, kissed Dominic and then smiled. “Come on, Dom.… I want that slow dance!”
“Hmmmm… this is nice, Lij.” Dominic moved his body slowly, in time to the piped cabin music.
Elijah’s head rested against Dominic’s shoulder as their bodies moulded together. The music was slow, just right… and they both took this time to enjoy the closeness of each other, swaying gently, gradually moving towards the balcony.
Once outside they stopped and look out into the darkness.
“Our last night, Lij.” Dominic put his arm around Elijah’s waist. “Back on firm ground tomorrow.”
Elijah nodded and looked down at the dark water; it didn’t look so frightening anymore… and then it suddenly dawned on him… I’m not frightened anymore.
“Let’s swim.”
Dominic wasn’t sure that he had heard Elijah properly.
Elijah looked at Dominic, and smiled. “Let’s swim, Dom.”
“Ermm… Elijah, it’s half past midnight.”
“Come on…!” Elijah went into the bedroom and unpacked his swimming shorts.
“Lij… just what are you doing?” Dominic was completely puzzled.
“I want to go swimming.”
“Elijah?” Dominic placed his hands on Elijah’s shoulders; he could see that same look of determination in Elijah’s eyes that he had seen earlier in the voyage.
“You need to do this, baby?” he asked, knowing that there just had to be a reason for this sudden announcement.
Elijah swallowed hard and nodded, but said nothing.
“Ok… ok, then.” Dominic began undoing his shirt. “Let’s swim!”
The small pool was dark, no one was around.
“It has to be this pool?” Dominic asked, knowing there was an indoor pool, which was lit all night, just for this sort of thing.
Elijah nodded.
“Ok…” Dominic jumped in. He shook the water out of his eyes as he looked up at Elijah. I don’t know what it is, Lijah… that you have to do… but whatever it is, … you can do it…
Elijah sat on the edge of the pool and let his feet dangle in the cold water. Dominic never knew what happened in the pool… and Dominic would never know. Never know that it was in this pool that he made the deal that had almost cost him his life…
“Lij…?”
Elijah looked at the water, and then at Dominic who was waiting for him. His heart was pounding.
Come on, baby…
Elijah took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. It has been starry that night back in March. He looked at Dominic again, closed his eyes, and then slipped into the chilly water.
Dominic felt a rush of emotion so profound that he suddenly felt like crying.
Elijah swam carefully over to Dominic who caught him and held him tight. He wrapped his arms around Dominic.
“I love you so much, Dom, I love you so much!”
They kissed in the middle of the dark pool for a long time, long hungry kisses, deep tongue-filling-mouths kisses, until eventually the water chilled their bodies, and they had to get out.
Dripping wet they walked hand in hand back to their cabin. Once dried they crawled underneath the bedcovers and curled around each other for warmth and love - sleep soon followed.
***
“Come on, Lij!” Dominic was standing in the corridor, there were people rushing about everywhere. The Captain had expressed a wish to see them both before they disembarked. Their luggage had already been transferred to the dockside.
“Be right there!!” Elijah looked over the balcony at the bustling harbour. It was so nice to see land again. The sun was shining brightly, it was a beautiful day.
“Lij!”
“Two minutes!!” Elijah called back.
He sat down quickly at the table and opened his journal. He had to make this entry, if it was the last thing he did before getting off this ship.
Two pages stared back at him void of entries except for dates.
“Lijah!!”
“Coming!”
Elijah dug out the pen from his bag and quickly wrote…
14 August 2005
I beat you, Hasad! I fucking beat you!
tbc
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Best line in the entire series. Go Lij! Love this whole concept. The World Trip seems so real. Ups and downs, disappointments, trials and the relationship between Dom and Lij as the actual heart of the story.
Thanks for a great fic. Looking forward to Australia and beyond.
Monet
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Should be quite a hoot!
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