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fellowshippers2005-03-27 10:22 pm
wbearsmom.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2005-03-27 10:22 pm
Secret Admirer - Chapter 10
Title: Secret Admirer
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
wbearsmom
Pairing: BB/DM, EW/OB/VM implied
Rating: This chapter PG-13
Summary: The aftermath.
Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION.
Feedback: Much loved and appreciated.
A/N: No beta. 10 chapters plus prologue and epilogue.
Chapter: 10
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Dom could hear the whispers of conversation floating around him as he awoke. The voices were familiar to him, and he smiled as he opened his eyes. He looked around at his friends and wondered what they were talking about.
Elijah was the first to notice him. "Hey, Dom! You're awake!"
"Hey, Lij," Dom croaked out. It sounded to him like he had cotton in his mouth. The others greeted him as Sean went to get the doctor.
After a quick examination, during which Dom found out that he had been unconscious for two days, the doctor asked him "How much do you remember?"
Dom thought for a moment as the images began to form in his mind. "Well, I remember all the bugs on the set, and Peter running around screaming like a girl. I think I chased a spider." He paused as more memories surfaced. "Was I tied up?" He looked at his wrists, which were raw from the duct tape. "I guess so. I think I was in a room with a bunch of props. And that my head hurt worse than it does now. There was someone else there, but I don't know who. That's about all."
"Not bad," the doctor remarked. "It's common to have some memory loss with a head injury, even a minor one. You're a very lucky young man. You've suffered a severe concussion, a small skull fracture, two broken ribs, a punctured lung, lacerations and abrasions to your face and inside your mouth, and a large laceration on your hip. Some serious stuff, but nothing that won't heal. You'll rest here for a few more days, and then we'll see about sending you home." The doctor shook his hand and left.
The others gathered around Dom's bed again - Viggo and Orlando on one side, Sean and Elijah on the other. There was one conspicuous absence.
"Where's Billy?" Dom asked.
Elijah looked at Sean, who looked at Orlando, who looked at Viggo. "Well, uh, he's - at home, I think," Viggo stammered.
"What do you mean - 'at home, you think'. What's wrong? Why isn't he here? Is he okay?" Dom watched the others exchange glances again. "Dammit! Stop fucking around! I want to know what's going on!"
"We're not really sure ourselves," said Sean.
"Please, just tell me what you do know."
Viggo nodded. "Okay. Uh, Peter called all the crews and cancelled filming when you - disappeared. After we got our make-up off we were sent to sit and wait at the apartment with Billy.
"He was in shock. He told us that you had chased a spider out of the side door of the studio and that Julia had followed you out and kidnapped you."
Dom closed his eyes for a second. A few more unpleasant memories had come back at the mention of Julia. Dom shuddered a bit, then opened his eyes and nodded at Viggo to go on.
"We sat around for what seemed like forever waiting for news. We were just about to go out and try to look for you ourselves when we got the call that you had been found and that you were being taken to the hospital. We didn't know how badly hurt you were and Billy worked himself into quite a state until we got here. And when we were finally able to see you - even though we were told that you were going to be alright - Billy just broke down. Cried for, like, twenty minutes, saying it was all his fault. He was inconsolable. And then he just - ran out. We tried to catch him, but he was too fast. We haven't seen him since. He won't answer the phone or the door."
"But - how do you know - is he okay? If you haven't seen him -"
"The nurses told us he has been here every night, after visiting hours. They let him in because of the circumstances. He sits in the chair all night, holding your hand, but leaves before anyone else gets here," Sean explained.
"I wish he would stop blaming himself," Dom said softly.
"He will," Viggo responded. "When you've healed, and he realizes this situation is truly over, he will stop."
"Is it over? I mean, what about Julia?"
Sean answered again. "Well, she was arrested, of course. And from what I understand, when they took her in for her arraignment she got a bit - psychotic - in front of the judge. Claimed that him, everyone in the courtroom, and the entire police force were conspiring with you to keep her and Billy apart. She's in a secure psychiatric facility for evaluation. She's - uh - probably going to be there for a long time."
Dom nodded. "Good. That's good." A tear slowly rolled down his cheek. Then another. Before he could stop himself he was sobbing, face buried in Viggo's shirt, as his friends surrounded and comforted him.
*****
Billy hadn't slept in nearly three days. Every time he closed his eyes, images of his injured boyfriend and the abuse he had endured danced across his mind. The guilt Billy felt was intense; not even the message on his answering machine from Orlando telling him that Dom had woken up had alleviated his feelings.
He walked down the corridor to Dom's hospital room for his visit. It was late at night, as usual. He hoped that Dom was sleeping - he wasn't sure if he could face him yet. Billy peeked into the room and saw the younger man lying on the bed with his eyes closed. He breathed a sigh of relief and entered the room, intending to take his usual bedside seat.
Billy slid his gaze along his lover's sheet covered body as he approached. He watched the rise and fall of Dom's chest for a few breaths before looking at Dom's face. He froze as his green eyes met ocean blue.
Dom stared at Billy, saddened at the appearance of the older man. Billy was unshaven, pale and drawn, with dark circles under his eyes. Finally, after a few silent moments, Dom reached his hand out. "Billy -"
Billy grasped Dom's hand with both of his. Dom could feel him shaking as he moved closer and sat on the edge of the bed. Billy moved one of his hands up to Dom's face, touching the injured areas gently. "Oh Dommie - he managed to choke out before breaking down in a torrent of tears and apologies. "I'm so sorry, Dommie, so sorry. I should have stayed with you. I shouldn't have left you out of my sight. Please forgive me, Dommie. You're hurt so bad and it's all my fault. Please, please say you forgive me."
Dom pulled Billy down to lie on the bed with him, wincing a bit as some of his injuries and IV tubes were jostled. "There's nothing to forgive, love. This isn't your fault. It's nobody's fault. We all left our guard down."
"But I should have known better. Should have made the guards stay. Should have stopped her sooner."
"Billy, we tried. We tried, but she managed to stay ahead of everyone. She worked close with Peter and knew every move that was made. It was all her, and nothing you did would have stopped her. Please stop blaming yourself."
"You could have been killed! You could have died, and I would have died with you."
"But I didn't die. I'm still here with you. I'm here and you're here. We're safe now. It's all over, love. It's all over"
Billy was sobbing into Dom's shoulder. Dom wrapped his arms around him as much as his injured body would let him, and held him, kissing the top of his head and speaking softly until Billy's breathing evened out, with only the occasional hiccup from crying. Billy finally fell asleep, safely tucked into his lover's embrace.
In the morning their friends walked into the hospital room for their visit. They found the two men curled up on the bed together, still sleeping soundly.
*****
Peter and Fran threw a huge party when Dom returned to the set. Dom was touched at their gesture - until Peter told them they were being nice now to make up for the next few weeks' shooting schedule. There was a lot of time to make up. And make it up they did.
The rest of filming went smoothly and, before anyone knew it, principal photography came to an end. The cast went their separate ways, meeting several times over the next few years for pickups and promotional functions, and renewing their friendships at every opportunity.
Dom and Billy's relationship underwent a few changes over these years. Billy was shocked when Dom decided to move to LA instead of back to England. He didn't think their love could survive the distance. And it was difficult. There were problems, such as when Dom became depressed from the lack of work and resorted to drinking and smoking too much pot. Billy was the strong one then, giving Dom the unconditional love - and kick in the pants - that he needed.
And then there were the break-ups. Billy had dated Ali during one of these, but they both realized they preferred to be just friends. It was at her suggestion that Billy called Dom to try to work out their differences. Several long, tearful phone calls and many compromises later, the two men got back together. And found that their love for each other was stronger than it had ever been.
*****
In December of 2003 the entire cast came together one final time for the Wellington premiere of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. They were all gathered at Peter and Fran's house, having a party the evening before the premiere.
Everyone was sharing the latest news, updating each other on their lives - Viggo talked about "Hidalgo" and Henry; Orlando and Elijah discussed their latest movies; Liv gushed about marriage; and Dom mentioned a potential starring role in an American television series.
"And what are you up to, Billy?" Viggo asked.
Billy smiled. "Well, there's the Chucky movie, and a few British projects - film and theater. But what I'm really hoping to work on is a major project with Dom."
"We're still writing our movie, Bills," Dom remarked, rather confused. "It's not ready to be a major project yet."
"I'm not talking about the movie." Billy looked around at his friends, many of whom had become family to him. They all fell silent at the look on his face.
He turned back to Dom. "Dom, when I met you four years ago I knew you would be somebody important in my life, but I never dreamed that you would become so much of my life. You were my strength at a very low time in my life. I hope I have been as strong for you when you needed me to be.
"Now here we are, back to where everything started. Where you and I became 'we'. Where we fell in love. And I know I never want that love to end."
Billy got down onto one knee and pulled something from his pocket. "There is nothing in this world that I want more than to spend the rest of our lives together. Dominic Monaghan, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband? Will you marry me?" He held up the simple silver band.
Dom was breathless. He managed to gasp out a "yes" as Billy placed the band on his finger. He dropped to his knees and pulled Billy in for a passionate kiss, while their friends cheered in the background.
*****
December 10, 2006
On a warm Sunday afternoon in Wellington, during a 5th anniversary celebration of the theatrical release of the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Dominic Monaghan and William Boyd pledged their lives and love to each other in a beautiful ceremony attended by several hundred family members and friends.
Tears flowed freely as Dom, dressed in a black tuxedo with silver-gray accents, spoke the vows he had written. "A little over seven years ago, in 1999, a group of artists, of which I am eternally grateful to be counted among, met her in New Zealand to make a little film - well, three not so little films - not realizing how much of a life-changing experience it would be.
"Over these past years I have heard members of both cast and crew alike speak of what they took away from that time here, how they had grown professionally and personally, and the everlasting friendships that were made. And as I listen to everyone's stories I can't help but feel a little sad for them, because none of what they received even compares to what I got.
"Because I came away from here with your love, Billy, and there is nothing on earth that is greater than that love. And no matter what our future may bring, for better or worse as they say, I know I can face it all without fear as long as I can begin and end each day with you in my arms. I love you, William Boyd - my friend, my lover, my partner, my husband."
It took several minutes for Billy to compose himself before he could respond. "My Dommie - from the day you walked into my life I knew you were someone special. You radiate with such an energy that I have never seen in anyone else. It takes my breath away to remember when I first felt that energy focused on me.
"I was so ill and frightened that night, but when you wrapped your arms around me it was like being surrounded by a blanket of pure unconditional love, and my fears went away. I have never lost that feeling, and I know I never will.
"You mentioned 'for better or for worse'. I think we pretty much went through the 'worse' part already, so we have only the 'better' to look forward to. And each day I look to the heavens and say a word of thanks to my parents, for I know it was they who guided us to each other.
"I love you Dominic Monaghan - today, tomorrow and always."
To Dom, everyone else in the room faded away and there was only his Billy, who had never looked as beautiful as he was at that moment in his formal kilt - the ancient Boyd tartan - with tears streaming down his face. Somehow he managed to slip the platinum band onto Billy's finger, and he felt Billy repeat the movement with his band. Then, finally, he was able to pull Billy into his arms, their lips meeting for their first kiss as husband and husband.
*****
September 12, 2009
Billy and Dom stood on opposite sides of the bed, coaching Miranda as she breathed and pushed. Almost nine months earlier their dear friend had undergone in-vitro fertilization, donating her eggs and her womb to help Dom and Billy realize their dream of having children. A few eggs fertilized with Dom's sperm and a few fertilized with Billy's were implanted, and now Miranda was giving birth to twins.
The men gasped in wonder as the first head appeared, then suddenly the whole baby was there - a baby girl. Billy cut the cord and, after the baby was cleaned and examined, held his daughter and watched as his son was born. Dom cut that cord.
As Miranda drifted off to sleep, Dom looked in awe at the baby boy in his arms, and both men counted fingers and toes and marveled at the miracle of these tiny lives which were now theirs.
Author:
wbearsmomPairing: BB/DM, EW/OB/VM implied
Rating: This chapter PG-13
Summary: The aftermath.
Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION.
Feedback: Much loved and appreciated.
A/N: No beta. 10 chapters plus prologue and epilogue.
Chapter: 10
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Dom could hear the whispers of conversation floating around him as he awoke. The voices were familiar to him, and he smiled as he opened his eyes. He looked around at his friends and wondered what they were talking about.
Elijah was the first to notice him. "Hey, Dom! You're awake!"
"Hey, Lij," Dom croaked out. It sounded to him like he had cotton in his mouth. The others greeted him as Sean went to get the doctor.
After a quick examination, during which Dom found out that he had been unconscious for two days, the doctor asked him "How much do you remember?"
Dom thought for a moment as the images began to form in his mind. "Well, I remember all the bugs on the set, and Peter running around screaming like a girl. I think I chased a spider." He paused as more memories surfaced. "Was I tied up?" He looked at his wrists, which were raw from the duct tape. "I guess so. I think I was in a room with a bunch of props. And that my head hurt worse than it does now. There was someone else there, but I don't know who. That's about all."
"Not bad," the doctor remarked. "It's common to have some memory loss with a head injury, even a minor one. You're a very lucky young man. You've suffered a severe concussion, a small skull fracture, two broken ribs, a punctured lung, lacerations and abrasions to your face and inside your mouth, and a large laceration on your hip. Some serious stuff, but nothing that won't heal. You'll rest here for a few more days, and then we'll see about sending you home." The doctor shook his hand and left.
The others gathered around Dom's bed again - Viggo and Orlando on one side, Sean and Elijah on the other. There was one conspicuous absence.
"Where's Billy?" Dom asked.
Elijah looked at Sean, who looked at Orlando, who looked at Viggo. "Well, uh, he's - at home, I think," Viggo stammered.
"What do you mean - 'at home, you think'. What's wrong? Why isn't he here? Is he okay?" Dom watched the others exchange glances again. "Dammit! Stop fucking around! I want to know what's going on!"
"We're not really sure ourselves," said Sean.
"Please, just tell me what you do know."
Viggo nodded. "Okay. Uh, Peter called all the crews and cancelled filming when you - disappeared. After we got our make-up off we were sent to sit and wait at the apartment with Billy.
"He was in shock. He told us that you had chased a spider out of the side door of the studio and that Julia had followed you out and kidnapped you."
Dom closed his eyes for a second. A few more unpleasant memories had come back at the mention of Julia. Dom shuddered a bit, then opened his eyes and nodded at Viggo to go on.
"We sat around for what seemed like forever waiting for news. We were just about to go out and try to look for you ourselves when we got the call that you had been found and that you were being taken to the hospital. We didn't know how badly hurt you were and Billy worked himself into quite a state until we got here. And when we were finally able to see you - even though we were told that you were going to be alright - Billy just broke down. Cried for, like, twenty minutes, saying it was all his fault. He was inconsolable. And then he just - ran out. We tried to catch him, but he was too fast. We haven't seen him since. He won't answer the phone or the door."
"But - how do you know - is he okay? If you haven't seen him -"
"The nurses told us he has been here every night, after visiting hours. They let him in because of the circumstances. He sits in the chair all night, holding your hand, but leaves before anyone else gets here," Sean explained.
"I wish he would stop blaming himself," Dom said softly.
"He will," Viggo responded. "When you've healed, and he realizes this situation is truly over, he will stop."
"Is it over? I mean, what about Julia?"
Sean answered again. "Well, she was arrested, of course. And from what I understand, when they took her in for her arraignment she got a bit - psychotic - in front of the judge. Claimed that him, everyone in the courtroom, and the entire police force were conspiring with you to keep her and Billy apart. She's in a secure psychiatric facility for evaluation. She's - uh - probably going to be there for a long time."
Dom nodded. "Good. That's good." A tear slowly rolled down his cheek. Then another. Before he could stop himself he was sobbing, face buried in Viggo's shirt, as his friends surrounded and comforted him.
Billy hadn't slept in nearly three days. Every time he closed his eyes, images of his injured boyfriend and the abuse he had endured danced across his mind. The guilt Billy felt was intense; not even the message on his answering machine from Orlando telling him that Dom had woken up had alleviated his feelings.
He walked down the corridor to Dom's hospital room for his visit. It was late at night, as usual. He hoped that Dom was sleeping - he wasn't sure if he could face him yet. Billy peeked into the room and saw the younger man lying on the bed with his eyes closed. He breathed a sigh of relief and entered the room, intending to take his usual bedside seat.
Billy slid his gaze along his lover's sheet covered body as he approached. He watched the rise and fall of Dom's chest for a few breaths before looking at Dom's face. He froze as his green eyes met ocean blue.
Dom stared at Billy, saddened at the appearance of the older man. Billy was unshaven, pale and drawn, with dark circles under his eyes. Finally, after a few silent moments, Dom reached his hand out. "Billy -"
Billy grasped Dom's hand with both of his. Dom could feel him shaking as he moved closer and sat on the edge of the bed. Billy moved one of his hands up to Dom's face, touching the injured areas gently. "Oh Dommie - he managed to choke out before breaking down in a torrent of tears and apologies. "I'm so sorry, Dommie, so sorry. I should have stayed with you. I shouldn't have left you out of my sight. Please forgive me, Dommie. You're hurt so bad and it's all my fault. Please, please say you forgive me."
Dom pulled Billy down to lie on the bed with him, wincing a bit as some of his injuries and IV tubes were jostled. "There's nothing to forgive, love. This isn't your fault. It's nobody's fault. We all left our guard down."
"But I should have known better. Should have made the guards stay. Should have stopped her sooner."
"Billy, we tried. We tried, but she managed to stay ahead of everyone. She worked close with Peter and knew every move that was made. It was all her, and nothing you did would have stopped her. Please stop blaming yourself."
"You could have been killed! You could have died, and I would have died with you."
"But I didn't die. I'm still here with you. I'm here and you're here. We're safe now. It's all over, love. It's all over"
Billy was sobbing into Dom's shoulder. Dom wrapped his arms around him as much as his injured body would let him, and held him, kissing the top of his head and speaking softly until Billy's breathing evened out, with only the occasional hiccup from crying. Billy finally fell asleep, safely tucked into his lover's embrace.
In the morning their friends walked into the hospital room for their visit. They found the two men curled up on the bed together, still sleeping soundly.
Peter and Fran threw a huge party when Dom returned to the set. Dom was touched at their gesture - until Peter told them they were being nice now to make up for the next few weeks' shooting schedule. There was a lot of time to make up. And make it up they did.
The rest of filming went smoothly and, before anyone knew it, principal photography came to an end. The cast went their separate ways, meeting several times over the next few years for pickups and promotional functions, and renewing their friendships at every opportunity.
Dom and Billy's relationship underwent a few changes over these years. Billy was shocked when Dom decided to move to LA instead of back to England. He didn't think their love could survive the distance. And it was difficult. There were problems, such as when Dom became depressed from the lack of work and resorted to drinking and smoking too much pot. Billy was the strong one then, giving Dom the unconditional love - and kick in the pants - that he needed.
And then there were the break-ups. Billy had dated Ali during one of these, but they both realized they preferred to be just friends. It was at her suggestion that Billy called Dom to try to work out their differences. Several long, tearful phone calls and many compromises later, the two men got back together. And found that their love for each other was stronger than it had ever been.
In December of 2003 the entire cast came together one final time for the Wellington premiere of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. They were all gathered at Peter and Fran's house, having a party the evening before the premiere.
Everyone was sharing the latest news, updating each other on their lives - Viggo talked about "Hidalgo" and Henry; Orlando and Elijah discussed their latest movies; Liv gushed about marriage; and Dom mentioned a potential starring role in an American television series.
"And what are you up to, Billy?" Viggo asked.
Billy smiled. "Well, there's the Chucky movie, and a few British projects - film and theater. But what I'm really hoping to work on is a major project with Dom."
"We're still writing our movie, Bills," Dom remarked, rather confused. "It's not ready to be a major project yet."
"I'm not talking about the movie." Billy looked around at his friends, many of whom had become family to him. They all fell silent at the look on his face.
He turned back to Dom. "Dom, when I met you four years ago I knew you would be somebody important in my life, but I never dreamed that you would become so much of my life. You were my strength at a very low time in my life. I hope I have been as strong for you when you needed me to be.
"Now here we are, back to where everything started. Where you and I became 'we'. Where we fell in love. And I know I never want that love to end."
Billy got down onto one knee and pulled something from his pocket. "There is nothing in this world that I want more than to spend the rest of our lives together. Dominic Monaghan, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband? Will you marry me?" He held up the simple silver band.
Dom was breathless. He managed to gasp out a "yes" as Billy placed the band on his finger. He dropped to his knees and pulled Billy in for a passionate kiss, while their friends cheered in the background.
December 10, 2006
On a warm Sunday afternoon in Wellington, during a 5th anniversary celebration of the theatrical release of the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Dominic Monaghan and William Boyd pledged their lives and love to each other in a beautiful ceremony attended by several hundred family members and friends.
Tears flowed freely as Dom, dressed in a black tuxedo with silver-gray accents, spoke the vows he had written. "A little over seven years ago, in 1999, a group of artists, of which I am eternally grateful to be counted among, met her in New Zealand to make a little film - well, three not so little films - not realizing how much of a life-changing experience it would be.
"Over these past years I have heard members of both cast and crew alike speak of what they took away from that time here, how they had grown professionally and personally, and the everlasting friendships that were made. And as I listen to everyone's stories I can't help but feel a little sad for them, because none of what they received even compares to what I got.
"Because I came away from here with your love, Billy, and there is nothing on earth that is greater than that love. And no matter what our future may bring, for better or worse as they say, I know I can face it all without fear as long as I can begin and end each day with you in my arms. I love you, William Boyd - my friend, my lover, my partner, my husband."
It took several minutes for Billy to compose himself before he could respond. "My Dommie - from the day you walked into my life I knew you were someone special. You radiate with such an energy that I have never seen in anyone else. It takes my breath away to remember when I first felt that energy focused on me.
"I was so ill and frightened that night, but when you wrapped your arms around me it was like being surrounded by a blanket of pure unconditional love, and my fears went away. I have never lost that feeling, and I know I never will.
"You mentioned 'for better or for worse'. I think we pretty much went through the 'worse' part already, so we have only the 'better' to look forward to. And each day I look to the heavens and say a word of thanks to my parents, for I know it was they who guided us to each other.
"I love you Dominic Monaghan - today, tomorrow and always."
To Dom, everyone else in the room faded away and there was only his Billy, who had never looked as beautiful as he was at that moment in his formal kilt - the ancient Boyd tartan - with tears streaming down his face. Somehow he managed to slip the platinum band onto Billy's finger, and he felt Billy repeat the movement with his band. Then, finally, he was able to pull Billy into his arms, their lips meeting for their first kiss as husband and husband.
September 12, 2009
Billy and Dom stood on opposite sides of the bed, coaching Miranda as she breathed and pushed. Almost nine months earlier their dear friend had undergone in-vitro fertilization, donating her eggs and her womb to help Dom and Billy realize their dream of having children. A few eggs fertilized with Dom's sperm and a few fertilized with Billy's were implanted, and now Miranda was giving birth to twins.
The men gasped in wonder as the first head appeared, then suddenly the whole baby was there - a baby girl. Billy cut the cord and, after the baby was cleaned and examined, held his daughter and watched as his son was born. Dom cut that cord.
As Miranda drifted off to sleep, Dom looked in awe at the baby boy in his arms, and both men counted fingers and toes and marveled at the miracle of these tiny lives which were now theirs.