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World Trip - Chapter 38/39
Title: World Trip 38/39
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: 15
Summary: Elijah gives his gift to Dominic.
WARNING: some angst
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:Hobbit Haven
Disclaimer: None of this happened or will ever happen. It is all made up in my overactive mind.
Note: Any flashbacks are written as they happened, and not necessarily as a point of view.
Previous chapters can be found here.
Thank Yous to: to Jesslotr for my wonderful icon! And Ru for being a fantastic beta! And also to Rosie and Amy who have helped me so much with this chapter!
World Trip
Chapter 38 – Elijah’s Gift
Dominic studied his face in the bathroom mirror as he ran a razor along his wet jaw line. A tired face stared back at him. Water from his hair ran down his forehead, and gathered in the new lines of worry now permanently etched on his features.
After Danae’s arrival Dominic had not returned to bed. Lynne had stayed with Elijah for what remained of the night, helping him when he got into difficulty, doing her utmost to try and relieve his symptoms.
Dominic and Danae had talked - for hours. They drank endless cups of coffee, made by the ever attentive Sala, and Dominic, for the first time since Elijah was injured, was finally able to pour his heart out… and to someone who was willing to listen and more importantly, understand.
When the sun rose they walked outside onto the patio and watched the sea change colour from black to red to gold and then to deep blue. It was a beautiful morning… and it was going to be a beautiful day… Elijah’s day.
Dominic stood with his hands deep in his jeans pockets looking out at the horizon, watching fishing boats sailing back to harbour with the first catch of the day. Life was going on as normal around him… because life did go on… nothing really changed not on the outside… but on the inside…
“Dominic…”
Dominic turned to look at Danae.
“I know how hard it is to be strong… but you… you will come through this.”
Dominic stared at her before slowly shaking his head.
“Dominic… do you know what I see standing before me?”
Dominic looked at her… a woman who had suffered immeasurable pain in her own past, and who was here now, for him.
“I do not see the same confused and angry man that lived for a short time on my boat… and I do not even see a brave man, because we can all be brave to some extent. And brave is not the word I want to use here.
What I see before me, Dominic is a strong man. Fearful yes… but very strong. Strong in character, and strong in determination. What you are doing for Elijah is a complete act of selflessness, and that takes courage, and above all else, Dominic… what you are doing takes immeasurable love.”
Dominic didn’t answer as he looked down at his feet. He didn’t feel strong, and he certainly wasn’t brave, all he knew was that he was scared. In fact he had never been so scared in his entire life.
“It is ok to be afraid, Dominic.” Danae turned her head as she heard a violent episode of coughing coming from Elijah’s room.
Dominic’s eyes followed the sound, and when Danae turned to look at him again she could see the hurt and pain that weighed heavily upon him.
“Oh God… Danae…” Dominic’s voice finally broke as he choked back a sob.
Danae took him into her arms and held him tightly. “Dominic, you know, it really is alright to be afraid.”
*
Elijah looked at the ceiling above his bed while he waited for Dominic to finish in the bathroom and help him dress. Danae had just been in to see him. Dominic had informed him earlier that she was here, that he had asked her to come, and Elijah hadn’t been at all surprised by that announcement. Danae had made quite a big impact on their lives … especially Dominic’s life. Their brief acquaintance with her earlier in the year had brought about a major change in Dominic… a profound change, and to know that she was here offering support to Dominic, was a very comforting thought.
Elijah knew very well that Dominic needed someone to lean on, he knew that Dominic was under immense strain, unbearable strain… oh yes… he knew his Dommie… every single bit of him, and he knew that he was going to need Danae more than ever by the end of this day. He was very glad she was here for him.
Elijah glanced at the bathroom door; Dominic was taking a long time, probably deliberately. Poor Dom…and then Elijah closed his eyes. He had been planning this day for months, and here he was lying on a bed, unable to breathe properly on his own. How the fuck did it ever come to this?
In an hour’s time they should be heading to the summit of Mount Victoria, where Elijah knew he would have taken Dominic’s hand, and in a ceremony tailor-made by himself, but performed by a Maori elder, he would tell Dominic just how much he loved him.
Elijah blinked back tears. That wasn’t going to happen now… not in the way he had planned it. Fuck it…fuck it! Elijah quickly wiped his eyes; he didn’t want Dominic to see him crying. Not today… not this special day… but God he was scared… scared that his own body was going to fail him… that he wouldn’t get through this… that Dominic would never really know just how much he meant to him… how much he deeply loved him.
His eyes began welling up again, and Elijah angrily wiped the tears away… He wasn’t going to do this… he wasn’t going to break down now… not now… not after all this time. He loved Dominic and he would show him… he would!
But he needed help, and he knew it. All his months of research in getting it just right were going to be thwarted by his inability to be able to speak for any great length of time. And this had upset him greatly.
There were things he needed to say to Dominic at the ceremony, many things, but it was going to be impossible, and so he had spoken individually to Sala and Lynne and Danae, and asked them all to be part of the ceremony. And they had all been greatly moved by his request. Especially Danae… as she looked at the words on the sheets of paper that Elijah had given her she knew how much this was going to mean to Dominic… and she knew it would chase away all his fears and lingering doubts, and bring a sense of acceptance and hopefully, peace.
So all they needed to do… was just go.
Just go… Elijah repeated the words to himself. He could barely sit up by himself, let alone just get up and go. He had asked Lynne if he could be left alone with Dominic, so that he could help him get ready. He wanted some private time before they left, and she had agreed. So she removed all the wires and tubes, but left the ever-present oxygen tank and mask in place. But that was going! He could get by with the supplementary tank. He could. He would… he fucking had too!
Dominic finally emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped firmly around his waist. He held in his hand a small bowl of warm water, and Elijah’s shaving kit.
“Come on then, Lij.” Dominic raised the head of the bed. “We’d better get you ready.”
Elijah smiled up at him. “You smell nice,” he whispered.
“Don’t tell, Sala that! I pinched his stuff!” Dominic grinned at his lover as he set about his task.
Elijah giggled quietly at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
Dominic took his time. Elijah was extremely weak, and as he helped him button up his shirt he couldn’t help but notice the amount of weight that Elijah had lost. He had always been slim, but now he was painfully thin, and it showed when Dominic helped him slip into his trousers.
Elijah frowned at how the waistband sat away from his skin… Dominic kissed him on the forehead reassuringly, before slipping a leather belt through the loops and fastening it securely. “There…” he whispered. “No problem.”
Then Dominic proceeded to get himself dressed, remembering when he had taken Elijah to the outfitters in Budapest to buy the suits they were wearing for the ceremony.
As he sat down on his bed to slip on his shoes he smiled to himself as he remembered Elijah’s confusion back then… he hadn’t told him they were going on the Orient Express. It seems now, on reflection, that they were both very clever at keeping secrets.
And he remembered how utterly beautiful Elijah had looked when he was dressed in his finery… and then… and then Dominic remembered with a crushing blow how Elijah had thought that they were about to get married…
Dominic stopped what he was doing and stared at the floor… he could feel his heart breaking because he had not done what Elijah had wanted. He looked up at Elijah who was staring at him. God… he fucking loved him so much… yet he never wanted to marry him… Why? Fucking why? He would never be able to forgive himself for that… not ever…
“Dom…?”
“Baby…?” Dominic quickly went to Elijah’s side.
“Remember when we first wore these?” Elijah’s fingers ran along the smooth silk line of Dominic’s jacket.
“I do…Lij.” Dominic helped Elijah sit up to put on his own jacket. “And you look as beautiful today, as you did then.
Elijah smiled at Dominic… who always knew how to say the right thing. His jacket felt incredibly loose… he knew he must look anything but beautiful.
“One last thing…” Dominic ran a brush through Elijah’s hair… long dark brown locks, curling this way and that. It hadn’t lost any of its lustre…beautiful.
“Truly beautiful…” Dominic whispered, and then Elijah removed his mask and they kissed softly and very gently.
*
The Byrd Memorial, just below the summit of Mount Victoria, and built in memory of Admiral Richard E Byrd, a polar aviator and explorer, was closed to the public. The security man on duty removed the traffic cones to allow entry to the ambulance and vehicle that Sala and his guests were arriving in.
The Maori hosts were already there, waiting for them.
Lynne shook her head at Elijah’s request. “You won’t make it, Elijah.”
“Lynne, please…” Elijah pulled the mask over his head, and dropped it on the ambulance floor. He immediately struggled to breathe.
“Jesus Christ, Elijah!” Lynne snapped as she quickly placed the mask over Elijah’s mouth. She looked up at Dominic. “This isn’t going to work.”
Dominic ran his fingers through his hair, and then crouched down by his lover.
“Baby… listen to Lynne, ok?”
“No… no, Dom…” Elijah pulled the mask away again. “I’ll make it… I can make it.”
Dominic held Elijah’s hand, which was hot and damp… and then he looked up at Lynne’s grave face, and nodded.
Lynne drew in a deep breath; this was going against everything she was trained for, and it was also illegal. She has already explained the risks to both Dominic and Elijah, and the risks were enormous. If Elijah arrested, he would be too weak to bring back.
“Right…ok then!” Lynne gathered the supplementary oxygen tubes and as gently as she could she removed the mask from Elijah’s face and inserted the tubes into his nose. Then she looked at Elijah chest... his shirt was already damp from sweat, and almost at once she could see a change as his lungs struggled to take in air.
She turned her attention to one of the attending medics, and asked him to take the positive pressure oxygen tank to where the ceremony was taking place… if she decided it was all too much she was going to use it, and she didn’t care if Elijah objected.
“Ok, baby?” Dominic looked into Elijah’s eyes, which were red rimmed and watery.
“Yes…” Elijah replied… lying… and he knew Dominic knew he was lying. And his lungs were burning, and everything looked grey around the edges, and then suddenly he was hit by a wave of terror, and everything began rushing away from him down a long dark tunnel.
He was losing… going… he was going…
No… no… not yet… Dommie?
“Hey you… I hope you’re not going anywhere!”
Dominic’s face came back into focus as the darkness gradually faded.
“Don’t you dare go anywhere…”
Elijah gripped Dominic’s hand tightly. “I love you,” he whispered.
*
Warm spring sunshine, a sky clear and blue… a ceremony about to begin.
Dominic stood beside Elijah’s wheelchair, and held his hand, behind Elijah was Lynne, and beside Dominic stood Danae. Sala nervously shuffled to the left of Elijah. They were all bare-footed, out of respect for the Maori hosts standing before them.
The hosts were four Maori from the Te Ati Awa tribe, all dressed in traditional costume. One female, a Kuia, and three males. The tribal elder, the Kaumatua, stepped forward, he wore a cloak woven from flax and feathers of the Kiwi and the Kereru, a cloak which had been passed down over many generation and only ever worn at tribal ceremonies.
The Kaumatua spoke. “Good afternoon, Manuhiri. Haere mai, haere mai, haere mai! Welcome!” He then walked towards Elijah. “You have chosen a fine day, Elijah, for your ceremony and proclamation.” He then looked at Dominic and smiled. “I understand you know nothing about today, Dominic?”
Dominic shook his head, and gripped Elijah’s hand tighter. “No, sir… no I don’t.”
The elder nodded, then he looked at Danae, Lynne and Sala, before returning his attention to Dominic.
“Today, Dominic, is a ceremony put together in its entirety by Elijah. It is to commemorate your relationship, mark your anniversary and more importantly Elijah wanted to make it a ceremony of love. His love for you.”
Dominic nodded already feeling a lump forming in his throat.
“Elijah has wanted a large element of Maori tradition and symbolism to be included in this ceremony in honour of this country, where you first met.” The elder returned to the other tribe members.
“So, we shall commence, with an Inoi. A prayer.”
Elijah closed his eyes as the prayer was said, remembering long ago when Sala had e-mailed him details of the Powhiri, the Maori welcome which preceded all Maori ceremonies. He could remember trying to decide which parts of Powhiri would be relevant to what he wanted and if it would be ok to leave certain parts out, and would the Maori elder be all right with that?
Sala had reassured him. Told him that his ceremony could be tailor-made in anyway he wanted. He had had a difficult job in finding an elder who was actually prepared to perform such a ceremony, which broke away from all known Maori tradition. But of course, he hadn’t told Elijah that.
When the prayer was over, the two Maori men performed the Haka Powhiri – The Welcome Dance. Dominic and Elijah had seen this performed many times before in the days when they lived in New Zealand. But it had never been performed especially for them.
Then the hosts approached their visitors and greeted them in the traditional Maori way by the touching of foreheads and noses, with each Maori member getting down onto one knee in order to perform the greeting on Elijah.
When that was over, it was Sala’s big moment. He had discussed this with Elijah over many e-mails… what would be an appropriate koha (gift) to offer to the tribal elder? Traditionally it was precious materials or food. But this wasn’t a traditional ceremony. This was something unique and completely different, and Elijah wanted to offer a gift, which would show his gratitude and thanks, but he also wanted it to be personal too. He had thought about it long and hard, before coming up with an idea, which Sala thought was totally inappropriate - but so Elijah.
Sala picked up his bag and approached the elder.
“Please accept these Kaumatua, on behalf of Elijah whose gratitude runs deep.” Sala first pulled out an envelope, which contained a gift of money to help fund the Maori arts and its students. After handing it to the elder, he placed a second, more unusual gift at his feet. It was a wooden box containing a selection of compact discs.
The elder looked down at the box… traditional music from each country that Elijah had visited. It was a good gift, a very personal gift.
The Kaumatua smiled broadly as he looked across at Elijah. “I shall enjoy listening to these, Elijah.” Then he returned his attention to Sala. “And Sala, thank you.”
Sala made his way back to Elijah’s side, and hoped that no one could see just how much he was trembling. Elijah smiled up at him, and Sala squeezed his shoulder before relaxing and letting out a big sigh of relief.
The tribal elder took a step forward. “Before we move on to Elijah’s words, I would like to say some of my own.
“Dominic and Elijah have been on a journey… but life is also a journey and there is no greater discovery on that journey, than when you find someone, and fall in love.
Dominic and Elijah’s journey started here in Wellington six years ago, and Elijah decided earlier this year that he wanted to bring Dominic back to this place, to celebrate those six years, not only to celebrate their love but to celebrate his own love, and what it means to him… and now I think Elijah would like to put that into his own words.”
Elijah shifted in his wheelchair… he was hot, and shaky and extremely uncomfortable, but he was here with Dominic, and that was all that mattered.
He had memorised what he wanted to say, and had gone over it countless times before he became sick. He had known it off by heart… no problem at all. Now he seemed to have forgotten everything.
“Are you ok, Elijah?” Lynne leant forward whispering into his ear. She received a slight nod in response.
“Ok…little buddy… it’s your turn…” Sala squeezed Elijah’s shoulder again, trying to ignore the heat he could feel coming though the material of Elijah’s suit. “This is what you have been waiting for…”
Again, Elijah nodded. He looked across at the Maori who were waiting patiently… he knew they would give him as long as he needed, but he wasn’t sure how much time he had. He wanted to say this… he needed to say this… only he wasn’t sure if he could… if he were able… it was hard enough to breathe, let alone speak.
“Hey, baby…” Dominic crouched down beside Elijah and saw tears in his eyes. “I love you, and already you have shown me your love today… you don’t have to do anymore…”
Elijah knew that Dominic meant well… but he had to do this…
“Dom… … my Dom…” Elijah closed his eyes.
“I’m here, Lij…”
Elijah opened his eyes again and looked directly into Dominic’s. He reached out and took hold of Dominic’s other hand.
“Dom… sometimes… …sometimes I feel I never have the words to tell you how I feel about you, and what you mean to me.”
Jesus… you do… Elijah…all the time…
“So… so, I wanted to show you… by… by bringing you back here.” Elijah paused… this was too difficult; he felt light-headed and he was fighting to concentrate and stay in control.
“Bring you back here…” he repeated and then paused again. He felt unbearably hot, and the pain in his chest was incredible…
“Elijah?” Lynne spoke quietly.
“I’m… I’m…ok…”
Dominic didn’t take his eyes off Elijah as he continued to speak. He took in this young man, this beautiful young man, who was so obviously in great pain and distress, but was dismissing it, because what he had to say was more important. More important than himself, and more important than his well being.
“I… I wanted to bring you back here, Dom… because this is where my life changed.”
Elijah paused again. “Until I met you, I… I hadn’t lived… not in the sense of being alive and in love. You… you’ve changed my world… and… and… you’ve made me whole… and… … and…”
Elijah struggled to carry on… his chest heaved trying to take in the air that he needed, but he couldn’t do it. He grasped Dominic’s hand tightly as tears streamed from his eyes…
“… and you have become my life…”
Dominic didn’t turn his head as he heard Danae’s voice take over. He just continued to look at Elijah…
Danae spoke on Elijah’s behalf… saying his words for him. She looked at the sheets of paper in her hand, and tried to keep her voice as steady as she possibly could.
“When we first met I was only eighteen years old, and I knew that I had my whole life in front of me… like an unknown journey, waiting to be taken.
I never thought I would meet someone that would join me on that journey, and in a sense, become that journey… but I did… and every step that I have taken, I have taken with you, Dom… and it is a journey that I never want to end.”
Danae paused while she turned to the next page. Sala kept his eyes forward… he knew the contents of Elijah’s words, because Elijah had sent them to him months ago, but never did they have such a profound meaning as they did right now. And those same words were shaking Sala to the core.
As Danae continued, Elijah and Dominic’s eyes never left one another… it was as if everything around them was melting away…
“You are the most incredible and intense person Dom… and I know that your love for me has no boundaries. We are complete opposites, yet inexplicably joined. You never fail to tell me how much you love me and how much I mean to you… and you do so in the most incredible ways.
When you wish on a star, or write my name in the sand, or take my hand to show me a sunset or sunrise, I am always moved, often beyond words, and I’ve always wanted to do something similar for you… to show you how I feel, and how important you are to me… and how much I love you.
We started our journey here, in Wellington, two complete strangers from opposite sides of the world. Now… you have become my world, and today I have brought you here, to the place of our beginnings.
Today I want to show you and tell you just how much you mean to me, that you will always be part of my life, and that I will never let you go, and that I will love you always and forever… until the end of my days…”
Danae lowered the paperwork that she had been holding so tightly, and she looked across the space between them and the Maori. She could hear Dominic gently sobbing.
The Maori woman, the Kuia, along with one of the men stepped forward. The man raised a koauau, a type of flute to his mouth, and began to blow… a haunting sound filled the air.
The Kuia began to sing, and as she did so, Danae handed Dominic a single piece of paper, which held the translation of the song that she was singing for him.
Above the words Elijah had written… This is for you, Dommie…
Ki a koe te tau
aku mihi e.
Ahakoa haere koe ki hea
maku ra koe e whai atu e.
Ko taku aroha
ka u tonu.
Tena ra e hine
huri mai ra ki ahau e tau nei
hei, utanga atu,
e Ipo.
Otira, e hine,
kua taunga ke tenei tianana,
aue, ki te aroha
e Ipo.
Tena ra e hine
huri mai ra ki ahau e tau nei
hei, utanga atu,
ei Ipo.
Ki te aroha e Ipo.
To you, my darling
my greetings.
No matter where you go
I will be there with you.
My love will remain firm.
Come, my beloved,
turn to me as I stand here
and I shall carry
your love with me.
Indeed, beloved
my whole self is at home
with your love
my darling.
Come my beloved,
turn to me as I stand here
and I shall carry
your love with me,
My never ending love.
The koauau’s haunting tune continued for a little while longer… Dominic had been barely able to read the words… the whole occasion was beginning to overwhelm him.
When the song was over he reached out and caressed the side of Elijah’s face wiping away his tears. The heat from Elijah’s skin was intense.
“That was beautiful, Elijah…” he whispered… “Beautiful.”
Elijah took hold of his hand and kissed it… and they both faced the elder as he approached them.
The elder held in his hand a small ceramic bowl and the finest of brushes. He gave a brush to Dominic and held out Elijah’s hand towards him, palm facing upwards.
Dominic looked at him quizzically and then at Elijah… Elijah wanted to tell him what was happening, but he knew he had to save what little strength he had left for the words he was about to say and for the presentation at the end of the ceremony.
The elder carefully painted the words O nga Iwi Atua, the Maori translation of the meaning of Dominic’s name onto Elijah’s palm, and then he asked Dominic to paint his name underneath. The clay paint dried almost immediately.
Then the elder stepped back.
Don’t let me fail…please… Elijah looked at the writing on his hand. This was not a Maori tradition, but during his time researching for the exact things he wanted to say to Dominic, he came across this verse… and when he had read it he immediately knew he wanted to include it in his ceremony. If he had been fit and healthy, Dominic’s name would have been tattooed onto the palm of his hand, but that wasn’t to be… so Elijah knew had to say this … he had to get the words out, there were only a few… Please…please let me be able to do this one small thing…
It seemed a monumental task. As his breathing became more laboured, and sweat ran into his eyes, Elijah shakily closed his fist…as if clutching Dominic’s name. He made several attempts to speak. Lynne looked nervously over her shoulder to the waiting ambulance.
“Love you… baby…” Dominic silently mouthed the words as he watched Elijah struggle…
Then Elijah spoke… his voice barely audible but loud enough for Dominic to hear.
“I have carved you on the palm of my hand… …
I have called you by your name… …
You are mine… …
You are precious to me… …
I love you.”
Elijah then closed his eyes… and Dominic through a blur of tears quickly took his hand.
“Baby… Lijah?” He shook it gently and then looked up at Lynne, panic crossing his face.
He felt a gentle squeeze in response, and he took in a deep breath, quelling the panic, putting it on hold for now. Elijah was absolutely exhausted.
Lynne knew she had her words to say now - that the ceremony was almost over. She could tell by the way that Elijah’s shoulders were moving up and down that each breath he took, was a fight for air…
She looked at the Maori elder, and waited for her cue.
The Kaumatua looked at his guests one at a time, then he turned his gaze on Dominic and Elijah.
“Before the gift giving, and the end of Elijah’s ceremony I want to give to you a Maori blessing.”
The elder closed his eyes and held his hands outstretched in front of him as if he were taking Dominic and Elijah into his embrace.
“Kia hora te marino,
Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana,
Kia tere te karohirohi.”
Then he looked at Lynne and nodded, and Lynne proceeded to read the translation.
“May the seas be calm,
May the shimmer of summer
Glisten like the greenstone,
Dance across thy pathway.”
And when she finished she realised she hadn’t taken one breath while reciting it.
The elder made his way to where the other three Maori were standing and picked up a small leather pouch, then he returned to stand before Dominic and Elijah.
“To end today’s ceremony you must each give and receive a piece of pounamu, greenstone, otherwise known as New Zealand jade. It is tradition that these pieces are always given as a gift, because the gift brings the love of the giver.”
The elder pulled out of his pouch a small green carving – known as a twist, and he handed the pendant, which was threaded on a waxed braid cord, to Dominic. Dominic stood up to accept it.
“The single pounamu twist shows the joining together of two people for eternity.” The elder explained the carving to Dominic and to the others.
“Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys,” he continued as he handed Elijah the other carving he had brought with him. “They will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of the bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever.”
He stood back, giving Dominic and Elijah space to carry out the last part of their ceremony.
Dominic looked at the piece of jade in his hand… it was beautiful, semi translucent with swirls of green that seemed to float deep within the stone. He went to crouch down again so he could place the pendant around Elijah’s neck… but stopped.
Sala was helping Elijah to his feet…
“Lijah… no…” Dominic could see the pain on Elijah’s face as he swayed, and what little colour was left in his face drained completely away.
Dominic reached out his hand and Elijah grasped it and held on as everything began spinning away from him.
“It’s ok, little buddy…” Sala spoke gently “I’ve got you…” Sala put his arm around Elijah’s waist and held him as steadily as he could.
“Dom…” Elijah whispered as he looked at Dominic. He could barely see him, as his vision began greying out again.
“I… love you, Dom…” Then with Dominic’s help Elijah’s weakly placed the pendant over Dominic’s head. “I… I love you…”
Then Elijah saw Dominic disappearing… into blackness… and there was a weight on his chest so unbearable that he needed to close his eyes… he wanted to close his eyes.
“Lijah…?” Dominic took Elijah into his arms. “Baby…?”
“I’m ready to go, Dom…” Elijah’s words were carried on mere wisps of breath as he slipped into unconsciousness… and Dominic had barely heard them, but he understood them…
“Oh…baby… I love you… I love you…” Dominic held Elijah to him tightly. “I’ll always love you… always… you know that… don’t you. Always… always…”
…always… Elijah…I’ll always love you…
“Dom… Dom…” Lynne’s voice filtered in. “Let me take him, now.”
Suddenly Elijah was pulled out of Dominic’s arms, and Dominic had never felt so alone.
Danae was by his side instantly, and they watched Lynne and the medic put Elijah’s body on the stretcher. As Lynne performed a number of checks Dominic approached the stretcher and got down on his knees, and then gently, without a word he placed his pendant around Elijah’s neck and kissed him gently on the mouth. I love you…
tbc
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: 15
Summary: Elijah gives his gift to Dominic.
WARNING: some angst
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:Hobbit Haven
Disclaimer: None of this happened or will ever happen. It is all made up in my overactive mind.
Note: Any flashbacks are written as they happened, and not necessarily as a point of view.
Previous chapters can be found here.
Thank Yous to: to Jesslotr for my wonderful icon! And Ru for being a fantastic beta! And also to Rosie and Amy who have helped me so much with this chapter!
World Trip
Chapter 38 – Elijah’s Gift
Dominic studied his face in the bathroom mirror as he ran a razor along his wet jaw line. A tired face stared back at him. Water from his hair ran down his forehead, and gathered in the new lines of worry now permanently etched on his features.
After Danae’s arrival Dominic had not returned to bed. Lynne had stayed with Elijah for what remained of the night, helping him when he got into difficulty, doing her utmost to try and relieve his symptoms.
Dominic and Danae had talked - for hours. They drank endless cups of coffee, made by the ever attentive Sala, and Dominic, for the first time since Elijah was injured, was finally able to pour his heart out… and to someone who was willing to listen and more importantly, understand.
When the sun rose they walked outside onto the patio and watched the sea change colour from black to red to gold and then to deep blue. It was a beautiful morning… and it was going to be a beautiful day… Elijah’s day.
Dominic stood with his hands deep in his jeans pockets looking out at the horizon, watching fishing boats sailing back to harbour with the first catch of the day. Life was going on as normal around him… because life did go on… nothing really changed not on the outside… but on the inside…
“Dominic…”
Dominic turned to look at Danae.
“I know how hard it is to be strong… but you… you will come through this.”
Dominic stared at her before slowly shaking his head.
“Dominic… do you know what I see standing before me?”
Dominic looked at her… a woman who had suffered immeasurable pain in her own past, and who was here now, for him.
“I do not see the same confused and angry man that lived for a short time on my boat… and I do not even see a brave man, because we can all be brave to some extent. And brave is not the word I want to use here.
What I see before me, Dominic is a strong man. Fearful yes… but very strong. Strong in character, and strong in determination. What you are doing for Elijah is a complete act of selflessness, and that takes courage, and above all else, Dominic… what you are doing takes immeasurable love.”
Dominic didn’t answer as he looked down at his feet. He didn’t feel strong, and he certainly wasn’t brave, all he knew was that he was scared. In fact he had never been so scared in his entire life.
“It is ok to be afraid, Dominic.” Danae turned her head as she heard a violent episode of coughing coming from Elijah’s room.
Dominic’s eyes followed the sound, and when Danae turned to look at him again she could see the hurt and pain that weighed heavily upon him.
“Oh God… Danae…” Dominic’s voice finally broke as he choked back a sob.
Danae took him into her arms and held him tightly. “Dominic, you know, it really is alright to be afraid.”
*
Elijah looked at the ceiling above his bed while he waited for Dominic to finish in the bathroom and help him dress. Danae had just been in to see him. Dominic had informed him earlier that she was here, that he had asked her to come, and Elijah hadn’t been at all surprised by that announcement. Danae had made quite a big impact on their lives … especially Dominic’s life. Their brief acquaintance with her earlier in the year had brought about a major change in Dominic… a profound change, and to know that she was here offering support to Dominic, was a very comforting thought.
Elijah knew very well that Dominic needed someone to lean on, he knew that Dominic was under immense strain, unbearable strain… oh yes… he knew his Dommie… every single bit of him, and he knew that he was going to need Danae more than ever by the end of this day. He was very glad she was here for him.
Elijah glanced at the bathroom door; Dominic was taking a long time, probably deliberately. Poor Dom…and then Elijah closed his eyes. He had been planning this day for months, and here he was lying on a bed, unable to breathe properly on his own. How the fuck did it ever come to this?
In an hour’s time they should be heading to the summit of Mount Victoria, where Elijah knew he would have taken Dominic’s hand, and in a ceremony tailor-made by himself, but performed by a Maori elder, he would tell Dominic just how much he loved him.
Elijah blinked back tears. That wasn’t going to happen now… not in the way he had planned it. Fuck it…fuck it! Elijah quickly wiped his eyes; he didn’t want Dominic to see him crying. Not today… not this special day… but God he was scared… scared that his own body was going to fail him… that he wouldn’t get through this… that Dominic would never really know just how much he meant to him… how much he deeply loved him.
His eyes began welling up again, and Elijah angrily wiped the tears away… He wasn’t going to do this… he wasn’t going to break down now… not now… not after all this time. He loved Dominic and he would show him… he would!
But he needed help, and he knew it. All his months of research in getting it just right were going to be thwarted by his inability to be able to speak for any great length of time. And this had upset him greatly.
There were things he needed to say to Dominic at the ceremony, many things, but it was going to be impossible, and so he had spoken individually to Sala and Lynne and Danae, and asked them all to be part of the ceremony. And they had all been greatly moved by his request. Especially Danae… as she looked at the words on the sheets of paper that Elijah had given her she knew how much this was going to mean to Dominic… and she knew it would chase away all his fears and lingering doubts, and bring a sense of acceptance and hopefully, peace.
So all they needed to do… was just go.
Just go… Elijah repeated the words to himself. He could barely sit up by himself, let alone just get up and go. He had asked Lynne if he could be left alone with Dominic, so that he could help him get ready. He wanted some private time before they left, and she had agreed. So she removed all the wires and tubes, but left the ever-present oxygen tank and mask in place. But that was going! He could get by with the supplementary tank. He could. He would… he fucking had too!
Dominic finally emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped firmly around his waist. He held in his hand a small bowl of warm water, and Elijah’s shaving kit.
“Come on then, Lij.” Dominic raised the head of the bed. “We’d better get you ready.”
Elijah smiled up at him. “You smell nice,” he whispered.
“Don’t tell, Sala that! I pinched his stuff!” Dominic grinned at his lover as he set about his task.
Elijah giggled quietly at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
Dominic took his time. Elijah was extremely weak, and as he helped him button up his shirt he couldn’t help but notice the amount of weight that Elijah had lost. He had always been slim, but now he was painfully thin, and it showed when Dominic helped him slip into his trousers.
Elijah frowned at how the waistband sat away from his skin… Dominic kissed him on the forehead reassuringly, before slipping a leather belt through the loops and fastening it securely. “There…” he whispered. “No problem.”
Then Dominic proceeded to get himself dressed, remembering when he had taken Elijah to the outfitters in Budapest to buy the suits they were wearing for the ceremony.
As he sat down on his bed to slip on his shoes he smiled to himself as he remembered Elijah’s confusion back then… he hadn’t told him they were going on the Orient Express. It seems now, on reflection, that they were both very clever at keeping secrets.
And he remembered how utterly beautiful Elijah had looked when he was dressed in his finery… and then… and then Dominic remembered with a crushing blow how Elijah had thought that they were about to get married…
Dominic stopped what he was doing and stared at the floor… he could feel his heart breaking because he had not done what Elijah had wanted. He looked up at Elijah who was staring at him. God… he fucking loved him so much… yet he never wanted to marry him… Why? Fucking why? He would never be able to forgive himself for that… not ever…
“Dom…?”
“Baby…?” Dominic quickly went to Elijah’s side.
“Remember when we first wore these?” Elijah’s fingers ran along the smooth silk line of Dominic’s jacket.
“I do…Lij.” Dominic helped Elijah sit up to put on his own jacket. “And you look as beautiful today, as you did then.
Elijah smiled at Dominic… who always knew how to say the right thing. His jacket felt incredibly loose… he knew he must look anything but beautiful.
“One last thing…” Dominic ran a brush through Elijah’s hair… long dark brown locks, curling this way and that. It hadn’t lost any of its lustre…beautiful.
“Truly beautiful…” Dominic whispered, and then Elijah removed his mask and they kissed softly and very gently.
*
The Byrd Memorial, just below the summit of Mount Victoria, and built in memory of Admiral Richard E Byrd, a polar aviator and explorer, was closed to the public. The security man on duty removed the traffic cones to allow entry to the ambulance and vehicle that Sala and his guests were arriving in.
The Maori hosts were already there, waiting for them.
Lynne shook her head at Elijah’s request. “You won’t make it, Elijah.”
“Lynne, please…” Elijah pulled the mask over his head, and dropped it on the ambulance floor. He immediately struggled to breathe.
“Jesus Christ, Elijah!” Lynne snapped as she quickly placed the mask over Elijah’s mouth. She looked up at Dominic. “This isn’t going to work.”
Dominic ran his fingers through his hair, and then crouched down by his lover.
“Baby… listen to Lynne, ok?”
“No… no, Dom…” Elijah pulled the mask away again. “I’ll make it… I can make it.”
Dominic held Elijah’s hand, which was hot and damp… and then he looked up at Lynne’s grave face, and nodded.
Lynne drew in a deep breath; this was going against everything she was trained for, and it was also illegal. She has already explained the risks to both Dominic and Elijah, and the risks were enormous. If Elijah arrested, he would be too weak to bring back.
“Right…ok then!” Lynne gathered the supplementary oxygen tubes and as gently as she could she removed the mask from Elijah’s face and inserted the tubes into his nose. Then she looked at Elijah chest... his shirt was already damp from sweat, and almost at once she could see a change as his lungs struggled to take in air.
She turned her attention to one of the attending medics, and asked him to take the positive pressure oxygen tank to where the ceremony was taking place… if she decided it was all too much she was going to use it, and she didn’t care if Elijah objected.
“Ok, baby?” Dominic looked into Elijah’s eyes, which were red rimmed and watery.
“Yes…” Elijah replied… lying… and he knew Dominic knew he was lying. And his lungs were burning, and everything looked grey around the edges, and then suddenly he was hit by a wave of terror, and everything began rushing away from him down a long dark tunnel.
He was losing… going… he was going…
No… no… not yet… Dommie?
“Hey you… I hope you’re not going anywhere!”
Dominic’s face came back into focus as the darkness gradually faded.
“Don’t you dare go anywhere…”
Elijah gripped Dominic’s hand tightly. “I love you,” he whispered.
*
Warm spring sunshine, a sky clear and blue… a ceremony about to begin.
Dominic stood beside Elijah’s wheelchair, and held his hand, behind Elijah was Lynne, and beside Dominic stood Danae. Sala nervously shuffled to the left of Elijah. They were all bare-footed, out of respect for the Maori hosts standing before them.
The hosts were four Maori from the Te Ati Awa tribe, all dressed in traditional costume. One female, a Kuia, and three males. The tribal elder, the Kaumatua, stepped forward, he wore a cloak woven from flax and feathers of the Kiwi and the Kereru, a cloak which had been passed down over many generation and only ever worn at tribal ceremonies.
The Kaumatua spoke. “Good afternoon, Manuhiri. Haere mai, haere mai, haere mai! Welcome!” He then walked towards Elijah. “You have chosen a fine day, Elijah, for your ceremony and proclamation.” He then looked at Dominic and smiled. “I understand you know nothing about today, Dominic?”
Dominic shook his head, and gripped Elijah’s hand tighter. “No, sir… no I don’t.”
The elder nodded, then he looked at Danae, Lynne and Sala, before returning his attention to Dominic.
“Today, Dominic, is a ceremony put together in its entirety by Elijah. It is to commemorate your relationship, mark your anniversary and more importantly Elijah wanted to make it a ceremony of love. His love for you.”
Dominic nodded already feeling a lump forming in his throat.
“Elijah has wanted a large element of Maori tradition and symbolism to be included in this ceremony in honour of this country, where you first met.” The elder returned to the other tribe members.
“So, we shall commence, with an Inoi. A prayer.”
Elijah closed his eyes as the prayer was said, remembering long ago when Sala had e-mailed him details of the Powhiri, the Maori welcome which preceded all Maori ceremonies. He could remember trying to decide which parts of Powhiri would be relevant to what he wanted and if it would be ok to leave certain parts out, and would the Maori elder be all right with that?
Sala had reassured him. Told him that his ceremony could be tailor-made in anyway he wanted. He had had a difficult job in finding an elder who was actually prepared to perform such a ceremony, which broke away from all known Maori tradition. But of course, he hadn’t told Elijah that.
When the prayer was over, the two Maori men performed the Haka Powhiri – The Welcome Dance. Dominic and Elijah had seen this performed many times before in the days when they lived in New Zealand. But it had never been performed especially for them.
Then the hosts approached their visitors and greeted them in the traditional Maori way by the touching of foreheads and noses, with each Maori member getting down onto one knee in order to perform the greeting on Elijah.
When that was over, it was Sala’s big moment. He had discussed this with Elijah over many e-mails… what would be an appropriate koha (gift) to offer to the tribal elder? Traditionally it was precious materials or food. But this wasn’t a traditional ceremony. This was something unique and completely different, and Elijah wanted to offer a gift, which would show his gratitude and thanks, but he also wanted it to be personal too. He had thought about it long and hard, before coming up with an idea, which Sala thought was totally inappropriate - but so Elijah.
Sala picked up his bag and approached the elder.
“Please accept these Kaumatua, on behalf of Elijah whose gratitude runs deep.” Sala first pulled out an envelope, which contained a gift of money to help fund the Maori arts and its students. After handing it to the elder, he placed a second, more unusual gift at his feet. It was a wooden box containing a selection of compact discs.
The elder looked down at the box… traditional music from each country that Elijah had visited. It was a good gift, a very personal gift.
The Kaumatua smiled broadly as he looked across at Elijah. “I shall enjoy listening to these, Elijah.” Then he returned his attention to Sala. “And Sala, thank you.”
Sala made his way back to Elijah’s side, and hoped that no one could see just how much he was trembling. Elijah smiled up at him, and Sala squeezed his shoulder before relaxing and letting out a big sigh of relief.
The tribal elder took a step forward. “Before we move on to Elijah’s words, I would like to say some of my own.
“Dominic and Elijah have been on a journey… but life is also a journey and there is no greater discovery on that journey, than when you find someone, and fall in love.
Dominic and Elijah’s journey started here in Wellington six years ago, and Elijah decided earlier this year that he wanted to bring Dominic back to this place, to celebrate those six years, not only to celebrate their love but to celebrate his own love, and what it means to him… and now I think Elijah would like to put that into his own words.”
Elijah shifted in his wheelchair… he was hot, and shaky and extremely uncomfortable, but he was here with Dominic, and that was all that mattered.
He had memorised what he wanted to say, and had gone over it countless times before he became sick. He had known it off by heart… no problem at all. Now he seemed to have forgotten everything.
“Are you ok, Elijah?” Lynne leant forward whispering into his ear. She received a slight nod in response.
“Ok…little buddy… it’s your turn…” Sala squeezed Elijah’s shoulder again, trying to ignore the heat he could feel coming though the material of Elijah’s suit. “This is what you have been waiting for…”
Again, Elijah nodded. He looked across at the Maori who were waiting patiently… he knew they would give him as long as he needed, but he wasn’t sure how much time he had. He wanted to say this… he needed to say this… only he wasn’t sure if he could… if he were able… it was hard enough to breathe, let alone speak.
“Hey, baby…” Dominic crouched down beside Elijah and saw tears in his eyes. “I love you, and already you have shown me your love today… you don’t have to do anymore…”
Elijah knew that Dominic meant well… but he had to do this…
“Dom… … my Dom…” Elijah closed his eyes.
“I’m here, Lij…”
Elijah opened his eyes again and looked directly into Dominic’s. He reached out and took hold of Dominic’s other hand.
“Dom… sometimes… …sometimes I feel I never have the words to tell you how I feel about you, and what you mean to me.”
Jesus… you do… Elijah…all the time…
“So… so, I wanted to show you… by… by bringing you back here.” Elijah paused… this was too difficult; he felt light-headed and he was fighting to concentrate and stay in control.
“Bring you back here…” he repeated and then paused again. He felt unbearably hot, and the pain in his chest was incredible…
“Elijah?” Lynne spoke quietly.
“I’m… I’m…ok…”
Dominic didn’t take his eyes off Elijah as he continued to speak. He took in this young man, this beautiful young man, who was so obviously in great pain and distress, but was dismissing it, because what he had to say was more important. More important than himself, and more important than his well being.
“I… I wanted to bring you back here, Dom… because this is where my life changed.”
Elijah paused again. “Until I met you, I… I hadn’t lived… not in the sense of being alive and in love. You… you’ve changed my world… and… and… you’ve made me whole… and… … and…”
Elijah struggled to carry on… his chest heaved trying to take in the air that he needed, but he couldn’t do it. He grasped Dominic’s hand tightly as tears streamed from his eyes…
“… and you have become my life…”
Dominic didn’t turn his head as he heard Danae’s voice take over. He just continued to look at Elijah…
Danae spoke on Elijah’s behalf… saying his words for him. She looked at the sheets of paper in her hand, and tried to keep her voice as steady as she possibly could.
“When we first met I was only eighteen years old, and I knew that I had my whole life in front of me… like an unknown journey, waiting to be taken.
I never thought I would meet someone that would join me on that journey, and in a sense, become that journey… but I did… and every step that I have taken, I have taken with you, Dom… and it is a journey that I never want to end.”
Danae paused while she turned to the next page. Sala kept his eyes forward… he knew the contents of Elijah’s words, because Elijah had sent them to him months ago, but never did they have such a profound meaning as they did right now. And those same words were shaking Sala to the core.
As Danae continued, Elijah and Dominic’s eyes never left one another… it was as if everything around them was melting away…
“You are the most incredible and intense person Dom… and I know that your love for me has no boundaries. We are complete opposites, yet inexplicably joined. You never fail to tell me how much you love me and how much I mean to you… and you do so in the most incredible ways.
When you wish on a star, or write my name in the sand, or take my hand to show me a sunset or sunrise, I am always moved, often beyond words, and I’ve always wanted to do something similar for you… to show you how I feel, and how important you are to me… and how much I love you.
We started our journey here, in Wellington, two complete strangers from opposite sides of the world. Now… you have become my world, and today I have brought you here, to the place of our beginnings.
Today I want to show you and tell you just how much you mean to me, that you will always be part of my life, and that I will never let you go, and that I will love you always and forever… until the end of my days…”
Danae lowered the paperwork that she had been holding so tightly, and she looked across the space between them and the Maori. She could hear Dominic gently sobbing.
The Maori woman, the Kuia, along with one of the men stepped forward. The man raised a koauau, a type of flute to his mouth, and began to blow… a haunting sound filled the air.
The Kuia began to sing, and as she did so, Danae handed Dominic a single piece of paper, which held the translation of the song that she was singing for him.
Above the words Elijah had written… This is for you, Dommie…
Ki a koe te tau
aku mihi e.
Ahakoa haere koe ki hea
maku ra koe e whai atu e.
Ko taku aroha
ka u tonu.
Tena ra e hine
huri mai ra ki ahau e tau nei
hei, utanga atu,
e Ipo.
Otira, e hine,
kua taunga ke tenei tianana,
aue, ki te aroha
e Ipo.
Tena ra e hine
huri mai ra ki ahau e tau nei
hei, utanga atu,
ei Ipo.
Ki te aroha e Ipo.
To you, my darling
my greetings.
No matter where you go
I will be there with you.
My love will remain firm.
Come, my beloved,
turn to me as I stand here
and I shall carry
your love with me.
Indeed, beloved
my whole self is at home
with your love
my darling.
Come my beloved,
turn to me as I stand here
and I shall carry
your love with me,
My never ending love.
The koauau’s haunting tune continued for a little while longer… Dominic had been barely able to read the words… the whole occasion was beginning to overwhelm him.
When the song was over he reached out and caressed the side of Elijah’s face wiping away his tears. The heat from Elijah’s skin was intense.
“That was beautiful, Elijah…” he whispered… “Beautiful.”
Elijah took hold of his hand and kissed it… and they both faced the elder as he approached them.
The elder held in his hand a small ceramic bowl and the finest of brushes. He gave a brush to Dominic and held out Elijah’s hand towards him, palm facing upwards.
Dominic looked at him quizzically and then at Elijah… Elijah wanted to tell him what was happening, but he knew he had to save what little strength he had left for the words he was about to say and for the presentation at the end of the ceremony.
The elder carefully painted the words O nga Iwi Atua, the Maori translation of the meaning of Dominic’s name onto Elijah’s palm, and then he asked Dominic to paint his name underneath. The clay paint dried almost immediately.
Then the elder stepped back.
Don’t let me fail…please… Elijah looked at the writing on his hand. This was not a Maori tradition, but during his time researching for the exact things he wanted to say to Dominic, he came across this verse… and when he had read it he immediately knew he wanted to include it in his ceremony. If he had been fit and healthy, Dominic’s name would have been tattooed onto the palm of his hand, but that wasn’t to be… so Elijah knew had to say this … he had to get the words out, there were only a few… Please…please let me be able to do this one small thing…
It seemed a monumental task. As his breathing became more laboured, and sweat ran into his eyes, Elijah shakily closed his fist…as if clutching Dominic’s name. He made several attempts to speak. Lynne looked nervously over her shoulder to the waiting ambulance.
“Love you… baby…” Dominic silently mouthed the words as he watched Elijah struggle…
Then Elijah spoke… his voice barely audible but loud enough for Dominic to hear.
“I have carved you on the palm of my hand… …
I have called you by your name… …
You are mine… …
You are precious to me… …
I love you.”
Elijah then closed his eyes… and Dominic through a blur of tears quickly took his hand.
“Baby… Lijah?” He shook it gently and then looked up at Lynne, panic crossing his face.
He felt a gentle squeeze in response, and he took in a deep breath, quelling the panic, putting it on hold for now. Elijah was absolutely exhausted.
Lynne knew she had her words to say now - that the ceremony was almost over. She could tell by the way that Elijah’s shoulders were moving up and down that each breath he took, was a fight for air…
She looked at the Maori elder, and waited for her cue.
The Kaumatua looked at his guests one at a time, then he turned his gaze on Dominic and Elijah.
“Before the gift giving, and the end of Elijah’s ceremony I want to give to you a Maori blessing.”
The elder closed his eyes and held his hands outstretched in front of him as if he were taking Dominic and Elijah into his embrace.
“Kia hora te marino,
Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana,
Kia tere te karohirohi.”
Then he looked at Lynne and nodded, and Lynne proceeded to read the translation.
“May the seas be calm,
May the shimmer of summer
Glisten like the greenstone,
Dance across thy pathway.”
And when she finished she realised she hadn’t taken one breath while reciting it.
The elder made his way to where the other three Maori were standing and picked up a small leather pouch, then he returned to stand before Dominic and Elijah.
“To end today’s ceremony you must each give and receive a piece of pounamu, greenstone, otherwise known as New Zealand jade. It is tradition that these pieces are always given as a gift, because the gift brings the love of the giver.”
The elder pulled out of his pouch a small green carving – known as a twist, and he handed the pendant, which was threaded on a waxed braid cord, to Dominic. Dominic stood up to accept it.
“The single pounamu twist shows the joining together of two people for eternity.” The elder explained the carving to Dominic and to the others.
“Even though they sometimes move away from each other on their own journeys,” he continued as he handed Elijah the other carving he had brought with him. “They will always come together again sharing their lives and blending to become one. It tells how the strength of the bond of friendship, loyalty and love will last forever.”
He stood back, giving Dominic and Elijah space to carry out the last part of their ceremony.
Dominic looked at the piece of jade in his hand… it was beautiful, semi translucent with swirls of green that seemed to float deep within the stone. He went to crouch down again so he could place the pendant around Elijah’s neck… but stopped.
Sala was helping Elijah to his feet…
“Lijah… no…” Dominic could see the pain on Elijah’s face as he swayed, and what little colour was left in his face drained completely away.
Dominic reached out his hand and Elijah grasped it and held on as everything began spinning away from him.
“It’s ok, little buddy…” Sala spoke gently “I’ve got you…” Sala put his arm around Elijah’s waist and held him as steadily as he could.
“Dom…” Elijah whispered as he looked at Dominic. He could barely see him, as his vision began greying out again.
“I… love you, Dom…” Then with Dominic’s help Elijah’s weakly placed the pendant over Dominic’s head. “I… I love you…”
Then Elijah saw Dominic disappearing… into blackness… and there was a weight on his chest so unbearable that he needed to close his eyes… he wanted to close his eyes.
“Lijah…?” Dominic took Elijah into his arms. “Baby…?”
“I’m ready to go, Dom…” Elijah’s words were carried on mere wisps of breath as he slipped into unconsciousness… and Dominic had barely heard them, but he understood them…
“Oh…baby… I love you… I love you…” Dominic held Elijah to him tightly. “I’ll always love you… always… you know that… don’t you. Always… always…”
…always… Elijah…I’ll always love you…
“Dom… Dom…” Lynne’s voice filtered in. “Let me take him, now.”
Suddenly Elijah was pulled out of Dominic’s arms, and Dominic had never felt so alone.
Danae was by his side instantly, and they watched Lynne and the medic put Elijah’s body on the stretcher. As Lynne performed a number of checks Dominic approached the stretcher and got down on his knees, and then gently, without a word he placed his pendant around Elijah’s neck and kissed him gently on the mouth. I love you…
tbc
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This is one of the best series I have ever read, one that I have followed since day one, and you darling Sal, are one of the most undersung writers in the genre!
Thank god I know what's up 'cos otherwise I would be crying even more than I am now. It has been a pleasure and a privilage to read this tale, fic is not the right word to describe it.
I am gonna fangirl you until the end of time I think, dearheart!!!!!
*hugs*
PS - will be emailing you a bit later!!!!
*more hugs*
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I don't think I ever want my WT dom and lij to be over!!!
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This is now the only Lij/Dom I can read, actually the only Dom I can read...
*thinks about The Wedding and smiles beautifically*
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please don't let him die
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Next chapter will be started on next week! Hang in there!
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THat is simply heartbreaking, but ever so beautiful :)
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How lovely to read your comments. This chapter was one of the easiest for me to write, because it has been with me for months and months!
But I feel sad now that I have written it, and I too don't want to see it end!!
*hugs*
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Seriously, I can't remember if I've ever posted a comment or not but you're story is absolutely amazing. If I haven't commented...then I'm meant to.
You're a brilliant writer and I have no idea how on Earth you thought up all the plot lines and things like that...You must have spent ages researching all the things that the countries are known for and everything. It's just really brilliant.
I love how you've protrayed Dom and Elijah's characters. Dom seems to have gone from someone who was a little scared to commit, to someone so much in love that he'd willingly die for Lij. (I loved the idea of the journal as well, it was so much more unique and a way of getting inside Elijah's head)
Just...yeah. Next chapter? Soon! I'm totally procrastinating right now (I'm supposed to be writing an Essay for Literature) but that last chapter just killed me.
I have carved you on the palm of my hand…
So beautiful. Oh god, I'm rambled on a bit here...it's almost as long as this chapter. So yeah *showers you with hugs and cookies as a bribe for the next chapter* ^_^
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I have enjoyed every second of writing it, and will be very sad when it is over.
Next chapter will be hitting my keyboard, next week.
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