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fellowshippers2003-12-04 04:01 pm
ex-salwood.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2003-12-04 04:01 pm
World Trip - Chapter 18
Title: World Trip 18/?
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: R (for tons of swearing and a sexual situation)
Summary: Dom and Lij in Istanbul
Warning: Some angst
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:LOTR Gutter
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 18 – Istanbul
Elijah signed off the Internet and gathered up all his printed e-mails. He glanced at them again quickly before folding them and placing them into the back of his journal. Sala had really come through for him. He had done a brilliant job finding all the information that he had needed. More than brilliant, actually… this whole idea that he had for Dominic was starting to come together now. But there were some major decisions that he needed to make over the next few days. Sala needed some answers, and soon, too, if they were going to actually pull this thing off. Elijah stretched and yawned. He needed time to look over all the information and details that Sala had sent him, and he didn’t feel like doing that in the small hotel library. And besides, he needed to get back to Dominic to see how he was fairing. He’d left him on his own for just over two hours now, and he may be awake and wondering where he had gone.
Elijah tucked his chair back under the computer terminal and thanked the member of staff who had helped him in the library. He then made his way to the hotel bar and bought two bottles of beer before making his way up to his room. He was beginning to feel hungry too, and he decided to order room service as soon as he got back and had checked on Dominic.
The room was still dark. The first thing that Elijah did as he opened the door was glance over to the large double bed. He was genuinely surprised to see it empty. Dominic was standing beside the bay window, his body silhouetted against the last rays of the dying sun. He was dressed only in his grey sweatpants, and he looked over his shoulder as he heard Elijah enter the room.
“Hey…” Elijah placed his journal and beer down on the writing table in the corner of the room, and then made his way over to Dominic. “You’re up. How are you feeling?”
Dominic still looked very tired and pale. “I’m getting there,” he said. “Gradually…” He smiled weakly at Elijah, who had come to stand opposite him, his eyes filled with concern. “You bought me some beer then?”
Elijah laughed gently. “I don’t think so.” He took hold of one of Dominic’s hands as he studied his lover’s face. “But do you think you could manage some tea? I was about to order some food.”
“Tea would be nice.” Dominic looked back out of the window across the Bosphorus. As daylight dimmed into dusk, twinkling lights began flickering on board the many small vessels floating on the calm dark water. It was a magnificent view by day or night, and in the distance Dominic could just make out the familiar call to evening prayer.
Elijah picked up the telephone and ordered some food for himself and tea for Dominic. Dominic hadn’t eaten anything now for three days, and the only fluid that had passed his lips had been bottled water, and even then that hadn’t been a great amount. Elijah had declared it his official duty to take charge of everything that Dominic ate or drank from now on, because they had only been in Istanbul for four days before Dominic got fucking sick again, the poor bastard.
***
They had arrived in Istanbul very late in the afternoon, and after an unnecessary delay with immigration regarding their visas, they finally arrived at their hotel, tired and extremely hungry.
As Dominic spoke to the hotel receptionist in the lobby Elijah looked at everything around him. Although this part of the hotel was not the palace - for part of the hotel in which they were staying in was indeed once a sultan’s palace – it certainly looked like one. After the confined conditions of the Orient Express this building seemed vast. Elijah sat on one of the many plush covered sofas that decked the large lobby. There was marble everywhere, and it gleamed. The floors were covered with a wonderful array of colourful rugs, and there were what looked like large copper urns placed alongside the many tall marble pillars, which stretched from floor to ceiling. Covering the walls were swathes of colourful silks, draping down in gentle folds. The whole place seemed truly regal. This may not be the palace, but it fucking feels like it.
“We’ll just be in time for dinner.” Dominic walked over to Elijah as he placed their room keys in his pocket. “A porter will take our stuff up to our room now. Come on, apparently the restaurant is this way.”
“Ok…” Elijah got to his feet. He had wanted to change first, get out of his suit and put on his trusty jeans and trainers, but he was famished, so he left his bags with Dominic’s as a porter arrived.
**
Their first whole day in this most fascinating of cities dawned wet and dreary, but at least it wasn’t cold. It wasn’t exactly warm either, but to Dominic it almost felt like a heat wave despite the rain.
Elijah had purchased his guidebooks before breakfast and before they had even finished their coffees their stay in Istanbul had been planned down to the last detail. And as always there were so many places to go to, and not enough time to do it in.
Their first day took them to Topkapi Palace. As Elijah studied his guidebook trying to figure out how old the palace was and when it had been built, and who had lived there, Dominic wandered out into one of the many courtyards. This place was massive. Elijah soon joined him and it was on this first day, that they began to appreciate just how different this country was, not only in its history and architecture, but also in its culture, and its religion, and in fact in its whole way of life.
“This is amazing…” Elijah kept on saying the same words over and over again, as they moved from one area to another. “Fucking amazing…”
Dominic took photographs where allowed, and the day passed very quickly despite the constant drizzle. They had visited many castles on their journey so far, but this… well… this … Dominic tried to think of some words to describe the palace that he was standing in. But all he could think of was the word ‘big’. He chuckled to himself at his lack of vocabulary as he took one last photograph of Elijah leaning against one of the hundreds of columns that were situated around this grandest of buildings. Awesome, Dom thought. Yeah, that was a good enough word. He smiled to himself as he slipped the camera into his jacket pocket. And if it were Elijah saying it, then it would be more like…‘Fucking awesome.’
**
Mosques. Elijah admitted that he had never been in a mosque before they came to Istanbul, and there were many to see in the city, the most famous of all was The Blue Mosque.
Two days ago they had visited several smaller mosques, some which would not have been open to the public a year ago. In fact security was still very high on entry to every tourist attraction that was open, a very sad sign of the world that they lived in today. And it had been an interesting day, but Elijah had to admit that he was looking forward to seeing The Blue Mosque, with its six towers, or minarets, or whatever it was that they were called, more than anything. The Blue Mosque and a cruise of the Bosphorus were going to be the highlights of this visit, he was sure of it.
They had risen early because they had been forewarned that the mosque got very busy. It was still used by the locals as well as being one of the major attractions in Istanbul. Even out of season it could get crowded. Within an hour of waking Dominic began to feel unwell, he couldn’t fucking believe it. Elijah was full of chatter as they got themselves ready and made their way down in the lift to the restaurant. Dominic decided not to say anything to Elijah; he could get through this day, he could… and then go to bed early, and Elijah would never know. There was no fucking way he was going to get sick again. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin things again for Elijah. He seemed to be getting bloody good at that.
They arrived at the mosque as it opened, but had to wait for morning prayers to finish. Elijah walked up and down outside as he waited, constantly looking up at all the domes and turrets. When he returned to Dominic’s side his eyes were full of admiration.
“Five hundred years ago, this was built… fucking incredible.”
Dominic nodded but said nothing, all he could think about was the awful way that his stomach was churning inside him. He just wanted to lie down, and he was beginning to think that he should have said something. He felt like shit, and the very thought of walking around that building, trying to look interested was not something that he could contemplate right now. He felt like he was going to bloody well throw up.
“Ok…here we go.” Elijah picked up his bag as he saw the tourists gathered outside make their way into the mosque. Dominic reluctantly followed. They both removed their shoes before entering and then went and stood and waited with the rest of the people for the guide to show up.
Dominic already felt like he needed some fresh air, which was ridiculous because this mosque, like all the others was very airy, not confined and small at all. He wanted to take his jacket off, but knew that it was forbidden. He had put a t-shirt on that morning because he had felt a little on the warm side, but in here you had to remain covered up.
Jesus, let this be a fucking quick tour… Dominic breathed in deeply hoping it would settle his stomach. It didn’t.
The guide finally showed up an hour after they had arrived, and by then Dominic seriously wanted to leave. He pretending to be looking at the intricate detail of the tiles that adorned the walls of the mosque, but in fact he was looking right through them, trying with determination to fight down the nausea he was feeling.
Christ…I am going to be fucking sick again…Dominic placed his hands on the cold tiles, and then leant his forehead against them. It felt wonderfully cool. A loud cough behind him made him jerk his head up, the guide slowly shook his head at him.
No fucking good… Dominic look around for Elijah but saw that he was talking quietly to someone as the group of people they were with slowly began making their way into the main area.
Shit… just want to go… Dominic stumbled as he made his way to catch up. Christ… he didn’t feel well at all…
Elijah looked around for Dominic and saw him lagging behind. “Dom?”
Dominic stopped and just looked at Elijah, the pain in his stomach was becoming unbearable.
“Dom!” Elijah hurried over to Dominic and caught hold of him as his body bent double.
“God…Lij…” Dominic groaned as he gripped hold of Elijah’s arm tightly. Then his stomach cramped, as the pain he felt intensified.
“Someone!” Elijah called out to the group who were still moving away.
The guide looked over as he saw Dominic sink to his knees, and then Dominic vomited onto the floor, over and over again. He felt like he was going to fucking die.
**
Five hours! Five fucking hours for the on call doctor to arrive. Five hours of Dominic puking his guts up in the fucking toilet. Elijah had been frantic with worry, and was constantly on the phone to the reception.
Where the fuck was he?
The guide at the mosque has been brilliant, despite Dominic leaving a complete mess behind him. He had arranged for another member of staff to drive them both back to the hotel. Elijah had remembered that the hotel had its own doctor, and that had to be a lot better than going to a Turkish hospital, which would probably have freaked Dominic right out.
And now here he was thinking that he had made a wrong decision yet again. Dominic would have been treated right away if he had taken him to hospital. Fuck it!
The doctor stood by the bed and looked at Elijah who was standing behind him.
“Food poisoning,” he told Elijah. “Very common with tourists to this city.”
Elijah looked down at Dominic, who was now sleeping.
“Always drink bottled water.” The doctor carried on talking.
We do…
“Only eat in reputable restaurants.”
Yes, I know…
“Do not use the public toilets.”
We don’t…
“Here…” The doctor placed a bottle of white medicine in Elijah’s hands. “He will probably sleep for a while now.”
Not fucking surprised… Elijah nodded. Dominic was exhausted. Over five fucking hours we waited for you to fucking come out you bastard, where the fuck were you? On call doctor, my fucking ass!
“I will call in tomorrow afternoon to check on him.”
Fine… “Thank you.”
“I have other people to see first.”
“Yes, ok.” Elijah just wanted the man to go.
The doctor looked at Elijah for a little while and could see the anger in his eyes.
“Mr Wood, I was aware of your call and came as quickly as I could.”
“Ok…” Elijah was not convinced.
“Good afternoon…” The doctor took his leave.
Elijah couldn’t believe that this was happening again. He stroked his hand over the side of Dominic’s sleeping face, and then he kicked off his trainers and crawled onto the bed beside him.
**
Dominic had slept for fifteen hours straight. Whatever the fuck the medicine was that the doctor had prescribed it had performed a bloody miracle. Dominic wasn’t sick again, although he had to contend with mild diarrhoea for most of the next day, but the doctor had warned him that that would happen.
Then the day after that he just felt drained, too weak to get up and go anywhere except to the bathroom and back. But he was up now… and feeling a little better.
**
“Want me to run you a bath, Dom?” Elijah walked back over to Dominic and took hold of his warm hands again. “I’m sure it’ll make you feel a lot better.”
“And smell better, no doubt.” Dominic removed one hand from Elijah’s clasp and ran his fingers through his greasy unkempt hair. He must look an absolute sight. Then he turned and walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. “I’m sorry, Elijah…” he began, his voice was very low. “I’m sorry for fucking everything up, yet again.”
“Hey, that’s crap and you know it.” Elijah went to switch on the table lamp, and then sat down next to Dominic.
Dominic took hold of one of Elijah’s hands and rested it in his lap. “What the fuck hit me, Lij?”
Elijah shrugged and then turned so that he could face Dominic. “It happens, Dom. Apparently half the foreign visitors to this country go down with some form of sickness within a week of being here.”
“You haven’t…”
“No… no I haven’t. Lucky I guess.”
Dominic looked up at the window again and then back to Elijah. “I threw up in a fucking mosque, Lij.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“But still…
“Dom… don’t worry about it…”
Dominic sighed heavily as he looked down at their hands resting on his lap, then a gentle knock on the door saw Elijah get up from the bed to answer it. It was room service.
“There you go.” Elijah placed a cup of warm sweet tea in front of Dominic as he took a seat at the table. “I’ll go start the bath while you drink that.”
“Thanks…” Dominic picked up the cup and began sipping it. He looked at Elijah’s journal lying on the other side of the table. Can’t believe you’ve kept that up, Lij, he thought. Then he looked around at Elijah as he joined him.
“God, I hope you’re better for the boat trip, Dom. I’m so looking forward to that.” Elijah sat down opposite Dominic and picked up one of his beer bottles.
“I know, Lij. Me too. And I should be, I fucking better be. I can’t believe this bloody happened again. I swear every fucking bug and virus can see me coming.”
Elijah smiled as he popped the lid off his bottle. “I guess you won’t forget to take your malaria tablets then?”
“Too fucking right, I won’t. Although I don’t doubt for one minute that there isn’t a bastarding mosquito out there with my name on it.”
Elijah laughed out loud. It was good to hear humour creeping back in. “I’ll fight the mossies off!”
“Don’t you fucking believe it, Lij. They sneak in when you’re not looking. Can’t remember how many times I got bitten in New Zealand.”
“I never did… get bitten that is.”
“Yeah, well… it’s a fucking conspiracy I tell you. I’m fucking doomed.”
Elijah smiled, and then took a mouthful of Turkish beer. “Well, want to know what I decided?”
“What?” Dominic pushed aside an old memory of being eaten alive on location in some remote part of New Zealand.
“I’m going to buy that carpet you wanted.”
Dominic laughed. “What made you change your mind?”
“I don’t know.” Elijah became serious for a moment. “Seeing you lying there sick must have softened my resolve.”
“So it’s got nothing to do with shagging on the carpet then, when we get back home?”
“You…” Elijah pointed at Dominic. “Are fucking insane Monaghan.”
“Me?” Dominic winked at Elijah as he poured himself another cup of tea.
***
The Grand Bazaar seemed busier than when they had visited it the day before Dominic got sick, and Elijah wondered if he would be able to find the exact booth where they had argued about buying a carpet.
The Bazaar was a labyrinth of streets lined with thousands of booth-like shops, selling everything you could possibly think of; every carpet shop seemed to look the same.
Dominic had wanted to accompany Elijah on the carpet quest, but it was out of the question. Although Dominic was certainly a lot better, and had managed to eat a small breakfast that morning, he was not in any fit state to battle against all the shopkeepers as they constantly tried to sell their wares. Nope, Dominic would be better off staying at the hotel and resting. That way he would hopefully be fit enough for the short cruise in two days time.
Elijah knew exactly which carpet to buy, and who to buy it from, if only he could locate the darn shop.
Two hours and now everything and everyone looked the same, and he was beginning to get pissed off with many of the shopkeepers refusal to acknowledge the fact that no he didn’t want to buy a fucking brass coffee pot or bloody Arabian style oil lamp. He just wanted to buy a fucking rug, from one fucking specific carpet shop. How fucking difficult was that? Jesus!
Then he found it. He couldn’t mistake it because of the name on the board above the shop. ‘Kiran’s’. It was the main reason they had stopped and gone inside in the first place. The shop owner recognised Elijah straight away
“Ahh… my hobbit friend, you have returned to buy carpet?”
Elijah tried not to roll his eyes in resignation as he nodded. “Yes… yes I have. The one my friend liked, the last one we looked at.”
“The last one?” The shop owner scratched his chin in a poor attempt to look confused. Elijah just knew he was going to get the full selling spiel once again.
“Yes, it was a dark velvety red one, with black patterns. The very last one we looked at.” But it was no use; Elijah knew he was in for a long stay.
The shopkeeper invited Elijah to sit down. “Hasad will make us some tea.” He indicated to the man standing towards the rear of the shop. “Now, let me show you what I have.”
Elijah sighed as the shopkeeper vanished for a moment to bring back the first of many carpets that both he and Dominic had looked at a few days ago. They initially entered the shop out of curiosity, and then Dominic suddenly went all domestic on him, and said that they should buy one of these carpets and ship it back home.
**
Elijah laughed. “Yeah, let’s ship one home.”
“No I mean it, Lij. It’ll look great in front of the fire place.” Dominic ran his hand over the pile of one of the carpets laid out in front of him.
“Dom, don’t be stupid.” It was dawning on Elijah that Dominic was actually being serious.
“It’ll look great, Lij. And it’ll be a fantastic reminder of our holiday.”
“Dom… we’re not shipping a fucking carpet back home.” Elijah glanced up at the shopkeeper as he dropped his voice so that only Dominic could hear it.
“Oh come on, Lij. Give a little won’t you? Just imagine what we could do on it.”
“Dom…” Elijah scowled at Dominic.
“Come on, you know you want to.” Dominic smiled sweetly at Elijah.
“No…” Elijah mouthed the word silently.
“This is a nice one.” Dominic stood up and walked over to the deep burgundy carpet that the storekeeper had just laid out. Hmmm… yes, he could just see Elijah writhing underneath him on this rug.
The shopkeeper watched the two men as they continued their argument.
“Actually, Dom.” Elijah tried putting on a superior voice as he walked over to stand behind Dominic. “Remember what we said, and we vowed to stick by it. No souvenirs, apart from photographs.”
Both of them naked on this Turkish rug…hmmm
“Dom…?”
Dominic looked over his shoulder at Elijah. “I bought you your bracelet.”
“That was my birthday present!” Elijah suddenly went on the defensive. “That doesn’t count.”
“Well, you could get me this for my birthday…”
“Dom, that’s months away.”
“Not really, by the time we get home it’ll be my birthday, and this rug will be waiting for me, waiting for us.”
“No!” Elijah’s voice was firm.
“Gentlemen, are you wishing to purchase?” The shopkeeper looked hopeful as he stood there waiting for an answer. He had been the very attentive to them, it wasn’t everyday a Hollywood actor came into his shop.
“Yes…”Dominic smiled at Elijah.
“No…” Elijah frowned at Dominic. “Out… now!” Elijah pushed Dominic towards the exit. “Excuse us,” he called back over his shoulder to the shopkeeper who had resigned himself to not making a sale.
Once outside, Dominic put on his most endearing pout.
“That won’t work…” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand, secretly relieved that Dominic was not as mad as he could be. “You know we can’t do it, Dom. It’s too much hassle.”
“Shame, Lij.” Dominic put his mouth next to Elijah’s ear. “I could really see myself grinding into you on that rug.”
Elijah shook his head. “The answer is still no.”
“Spoil sport.”
“Yep… now lets get fucking out of here. I’ve seen enough carpets to last me a lifetime.”
**
Hasad removed the empty teacups and asked the shopkeeper if he should make some more. The shopkeeper nodded.
“No, no really…” Elijah stood up. “I just want to buy the carpet, my friend is sick and I need to get back.”
Hasad looked from Elijah to the shopkeeper, and then back at Elijah.
“Please, I know exactly which carpet it is.” Elijah glanced up at Hasad as if looking for help. “The deep burgundy one… if you still have it can I buy it. Now… I really need to go.”
The shopkeeper nodded at Hasad who disappeared behind a door then returned a minute or two later with the carpet that Elijah wanted.
The bastards knew all the time which one it was, Elijah thought. Thank fuck, now maybe I can go.
“Your friend is sick?” The shopkeeper asked with genuine concern in his voice.
“Yes he is…” Elijah didn’t really want to talk to them about Dominic.
“This has stopped you seeing the city?”
“A little.” Come on; let me pay so I can get the fuck out of here.
“You have been to Topkapi Palace, that is a good place to visit?”
“Yes, yes…”
“And to Turkish Baths?”
“No, no we missed that.”
The shopkeeper nodded as he took Elijah’s credit card. “It is a shame to miss Turkish Baths. Perhaps Hasad could take you to them if your friend is still sick.”
What the fuck? I don’t bloody think so. “It’s ok, I’m sure Dom and I will get there before we leave.”
“And have you been to our Blue Mosque? It is most beautiful.”
“I’ve seen some of it…” Fucking hurry up…
“Only some?” The shopkeeper looked quizzically at Elijah.
“I intend to go back.” Elijah looked over at Hasad who was staring quite intently at him. “We both intend to go back.”
“Here.” The shopkeeper gave Elijah his card back. “Now, Hasad here will take you and your carpet back to your hotel.”
“What?” Elijah looked confused.
The shopkeeper smiled. “How did you think you would transport this? Hasad has a van waiting outside the Bazaar. Please go with him. And thank you very much for your business. It was very nice to see you again.”
Elijah suddenly was unsure what to do. He hadn’t thought about getting the stupid carpet back to the hotel.
“Please…?” Hasad lifted the carpet up onto his shoulder and indicated that Elijah should open the door. He did so, and then knowing that he had no other option, he followed Hasad to the waiting van.
The drive back to the hotel seemed longer than necessary, and for a while Elijah wondered where Hasad was taking him. He never said a word to Elijah as he drove through the narrow streets, although he did keep glancing across at him, and smiling.
Keep your eyes on the fucking road. Elijah felt uneasy as he gripped hold of the side of his seat as the van rocked and swerved over the cobblestones. This guy was beginning to give him the creeps.
Elijah wasn’t sorry when he finally saw their hotel come into sight. To say that he had begun to get a little worried during the drive back would have been an understatement. It was fucking obvious that Hasad had gone out of his way to make the journey longer. He got out of the van and waited for Hasad to unload the carpet.
“Thank you…” Elijah dug in his pocket for some money to tip Hasad. “Thank you very much.”
“You are welcome.” Hasad took the money from Elijah, and then closed his fingers around Elijah’s hand, and kept it there. “You want I take you to Blue Mosque?”
Elijah pulled his hand away quickly. “No… no thank you.” He looked at Hasad’s smiling face. What the fuck was that about?
“Ok... good day to you.” Hasad bowed very slightly and then got back into his van, and drove off.
Elijah watched it until it had disappeared out of view. Thank fuck he had gone, fucking creep. Then he went inside the hotel and asked for a porter to bring the carpet inside. Dominic could sort out the bloody shipping details; he’d had enough for one day.
***
Dominic boarded the ferry first with Elijah close behind him. It was a clear bright day, and he was so glad to be outside once again. He had seen enough of his hotel room to last a lifetime. They gave their tickets to the ticket collector and then made their way to the front of the ferry. The water was very calm, hardly a ripple. It was going to be a wonderful day.
Elijah unfolded the map of the Bosphorus that he was given when he booked the tickets. They had already decided on the two stops where they would disembark for a while before re-boarding the next ferry that came along. This was going to be a nice gentle relaxing day, and Elijah was so relieved to see Dominic looking really well again. He’d had a few tough days cooped up in their room, but now it was time for him to see a little more of Istanbul again before they left the country in two days time.
Dominic looked over the side of the railings down into the water far below. The last time they were on a boat was just before he fell sick the first time. I’m a fucking walking disaster, he thought to himself.
“Ok, Dom?” Elijah asked as he stood by Dominic. He wanted to slip his arm in around Dominic’s waist but knew that that was out of the question, so he made do with standing as close to him as he possibly could.
“I’m fine, Lij. Glad to be outside, feel the sun on my face again.”
“You’re looking so much better. It’s been fucking tough on you.”
Dominic shrugged his shoulders, and then placed his arm around Elijah and pulled him in tightly. “Nothing is so bad, as long as you are with me, Lij. You know that.”
“In sickness and in health?” Elijah spoke softly.
“Yeah, mostly bloody sickness on my part though.” Dominic half-heartedly laughed as he removed his arm from Elijah. He turned and leant back against the railing, closing his eyes as the sun gently warmed his skin.
Elijah remained where he was looking out at the water stretching away into the distance as far as he could see.
Dominic then turned back and leant his mouth in close to Elijah’s ear. “Christ, I could do with a shag.”
Elijah snorted out loud and then turned to face Dominic. Glad you’re back Dommie.
The view from the ferry was breathtaking as it slowly made its way up the Bosphorus strait. Many of Istanbul’s old monuments could be seen and Dominic busied himself taking as many photographs as he could. At one point he could make out the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and briefly wondered how their second visit to the place would go tomorrow. He couldn’t imagine for one minute that the tour guide would be pleased to see him.
They chose not to disembark until they reached the small village of Anadolu Kavagi, which was situated at the far end of the tour. They decided to find somewhere to eat, before exploring the fortress that overlooked the Bosphorus as it widened out into the Black Sea. When they eventually climbed to the top the hill the views were stunning, and the place was relatively deserted. In fact the only company they had were a few grazing cows.
As soon as they made their way into the inner fortress, Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand. No one could see them in here, not even the fucking cows, and he needed to kiss Elijah, kiss him right now. Feel his body against his own. It had been so long… Elijah was compliant as he dropped his bag onto the dusty ground. Dominic’s arms slid around him, and pulled him in tightly, and their mouths met tentatively at first before a desire took over.
Oh... Lij…Lijah…Dominic’s hands move up and down Elijah’s back as their kiss deepened. I want you so fucking much. He lowered his hand to Elijah’s groin and pressed it against the hardness he could feel developing there.
“Love you… love you Lij.” Dominic muttered the words as their mouths broke briefly before meeting once again.
Elijah wrestled with Dominic’s belt. It had seemed like an age since they had done this, a fucking age…And then he had Dominic in his hand, hard and hot, and within seconds he was on his knees taking him deep into his mouth, licking and sucking, enjoying the taste of Dominic once more.
Dominic came hard and fast, as Elijah remained latched onto him. “Oh... God…Lij… oh God…” His body jerked a few more times as he clutched Elijah’s head, not wanting that mouth to let his cock go - it fitted so perfectly. “Holy fucking shit, Elijah.” Dominic knew he was panting. “Christ, baby...there’s nothing fucking left in me…nothing. You fucking drained me.”
Elijah finally pulled back, emptying his mouth of Dominic. Then he looked up at him and smiled. “Now it’s your turn.”
“Oh God, yes…” Dominic rather shakily dropped to his knees as Elijah stood up. Elijah pulled his cock free from his boxers and Dominic took hold of it and pressed it against his cheek, enjoying the heat radiating from it. Then he opened his mouth and sucked it in…
**
“We’re going to miss it!” Elijah was running just behind Dominic. “It’s hours until the next one!”
“Come on, Lijah!” Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand as they ran down the rocky slope, leaving the Genoese Castle far behind them.
“If we fucking miss this, we’ll be stuck here after dark.”
“We won’t!”
“We fucking will…” Elijah knew that they were cutting it really fine. Please let the ferry be delayed… please… please… please.
They stumbled aboard with only minutes to spare.
“That was fucking close!” Dominic grinned as he tried to catch his breath. “Too close.”
“You’re not wrong.” Elijah stood next to Dominic as they watched the dock slowly slip away.
“But it was worth it… oh so fucking worth it, Lij.”
Elijah smiled as he looked at Dominic. Fucking totally worth it.
“I need a drink.” Elijah slung his bag down on one of the benches on the upper deck. “You?”
Dominic nodded as he sat down.
“Ok, I’ll be right back. Don’t go away.”
Dominic chuckled. “I’ll be right here, I’m totally fucked!”
Elijah let out a loud laugh at Dominic’s statement. Too fucking right, he thought. Then he turned and went in search of the bar.
They had planned one more stop off on the way back, but that had to be cancelled now due to their rather extended stay at Anadolu Kavagi.
Not to worry, Elijah thought as he made his way back to where Dominic was waiting. In fact he couldn’t wait to get Dominic back to the hotel, their earlier love making was just a prelude to what was to come that evening, he was fucking sure of it.
As he made his way back through the many sightseers on the ferry he could see that someone was sitting and talking to Dominic. As he approached the table that Dominic had commandeered the person he was talking to stood up and turned around to smile at him.
“Lij… Lij… look it’s the guy from the carpet store.” Dominic stood up and waved his hand in a sort of semi-introduction. “Hasad isn’t it?”
Hasad nodded as he stretched his hand out to Elijah.
Elijah suddenly felt his mouth dry up. He looked at Dominic who was smiling at him, and then back at Hasad who was waiting with his hand still offered.
“You remember, don’t you Lij?” Dominic sat back down.
Elijah swallowed hard as he stared at the man standing opposite him.
“Lij?” Dominic frowned at Elijah’s inaction.
Then Elijah quickly snapped to attention. He placed the two drinks down on the table and reluctantly shook Hasad’s hand. And just as he fucking guessed he would, the fucking creep held on to his hand for far longer than necessary.
Elijah pulled his hand free and wiped it on his jeans. What the fuck was he doing on this ferry?
“Hasad was telling me he had the day off, so he came on this trip.” Dominic took a sip of his drink. “It’s nice to know that the locals do that, isn’t it, Lij?”
Elijah didn’t answer; he wasn’t at all comfortable with fucking Hasad whatshisname hanging around their table. He just wanted to tell him to fuck off.
“You enjoyed the castle?” Hasad looked directly at Elijah.
Elijah almost choked on his drink. You were at the fucking castle?
“It is a beautiful monument, is it not? But not many people visit there this time of year. Only cows visit.” Hasad laughed out loud at his own joke. “It is very peaceful up there. Nice to be alone up there.”
“It is a beautiful place.” Dominic agreed, but felt a little disturbed by Hasad’s comments.
“I go there many times. But not today.” Hasad could see the worry in Dominic’s eyes and decided to play it cool. “Today I go see my brother in village.”
You were fucking there…Elijah suddenly felt sick. You were fucking there, you bastard.
Hasad looked at Elijah but received no eye contact back, and Elijah could feel Hasad’s eyes boring into him.
“May I buy you drinks?” Hasad asked as he stood up.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Dominic frowned at Elijah’s negative reply.
“No… no thank you…” Elijah stuttered. “This is enough.”
“Very well… excuse me gentlemen.” Hasad bowed as he took his leave, deliberately brushing himself against Elijah as he did so.
Fucking wanker… Elijah thought.
“Seems like a nice bloke.” Dominic took another large mouthful of drink.
Elijah said nothing.
***
The guide made Dominic feel very welcome on his return to the Blue Mosque. He asked how he was and if had he enjoyed the rest of his stay in Istanbul.
Puking aside, Dominic told him that he had, and he also apologised profusely for ‘making a mess’ the last time he was here.
The guide shook his head, no apologies were necessary, now were they ready to look at this wonderful relic of Istanbul’s past?
Dominic and Elijah joined the rest of the visitors as their tour began, and soon they were lost in the marvel of this outstanding building and its fascinating history.
“It really is fantastic, Elijah.” Dominic craned his neck back one last time to look up at the numerous domes in the ceiling. “Such a different way of life.”
“It is…” Elijah agreed as he followed Dominic’s eye line. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, not ever.”
“Yep, it’s pretty impressive alright.”
“Totally…” Elijah felt a little sad that the tour was over. But he’d seen it, and he was happy. Now all that remained for them both was to prepare to leave Istanbul tomorrow. They had agreed to leave all their cold weather gear behind. No sense in taking it with them any further. There shouldn’t be any more need of thermal underwear and jackets and boots, well not until they hit Russia towards the end of the year. Poor Dom… I bet he dreads the thought of that. Maybe we ought to change it, stay in the orient instead.
“Ready to go back to the hotel, Lij?” Dominic had put his hands in his jeans pockets as he rubbed one socked foot over the other.
“In a minute…” Elijah’s attention had been distracted as he noticed a familiar person hovering near the entrance to the mosque. Jesus fucking Christ…
“Lij?” Dominic looked over to where Elijah was looking, but the figure had gone.
“Nothing…” Elijah shook his head. “You go get the shoes, I’ll be right back.”
Dominic nodded as he made his way over to the shoe holding area. Elijah found the guide and asked where the restroom was. He was fucking busting, and didn’t think he could hold on until they got back to their hotel. The guide pointed the way, and Elijah made his way over there.
He was fucking here, watching me. Fucking bastard. Elijah looked at the tiled wall as he went about his business. What the fuck is up with him?
Elijah didn’t hear the restroom door open and close, so when he turned to the sink to wash his hands he was greeted by the sight of Hasad standing there with his arms folded, smiling at him. No not fucking smiling at him, more like leering…
“Fuck…” Elijah said the word to himself. Fuck… fuck… fuck…He looked over to the door and wondered how quickly he could cross the floor to escape. Hasad was a lot bigger than him, and he had no fucking doubt in his mind whatsoever, why the cunt was in there with him.
Elijah went to move; although he looked like he was in control he was fucking panicking inside. Hasad followed him.
Elijah stopped and turned to face the larger man. “Will you just fuck off! What’s your fucking problem?”
Hasad grinned at him, then in one swift move he went to grab Elijah’s wrist, but Elijah was quick and managed to dodge out of the way.
“Lij!” The door burst open. “You going to take all day?” Dominic stopped when he saw Hasad. “Lij?” Dominic looked at Elijah questioningly.
“Come on, let’s go.” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand and without looking back, led him out into the mosque. His heart was beating so fast he was surprised that Dominic couldn’t hear it.
“Everything alright, Lij?” Dominic handed Elijah his shoes as he sat down to put them on.
“Of course… why?”
“I dunno… I dunno…” Dominic shook his head. “Come on let’s get back to the hotel, I’m starved.”
As Elijah got to his feet he looked back over to the restroom and saw Hasad standing there staring at him. Thank fuck, I’ll be leaving you behind you fucking bastard. Suddenly their departure from Istanbul couldn’t come quick enough.
tbc
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: R (for tons of swearing and a sexual situation)
Summary: Dom and Lij in Istanbul
Warning: Some angst
Feedback: Yes please
Archive:LOTR Gutter
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 18 – Istanbul
Elijah signed off the Internet and gathered up all his printed e-mails. He glanced at them again quickly before folding them and placing them into the back of his journal. Sala had really come through for him. He had done a brilliant job finding all the information that he had needed. More than brilliant, actually… this whole idea that he had for Dominic was starting to come together now. But there were some major decisions that he needed to make over the next few days. Sala needed some answers, and soon, too, if they were going to actually pull this thing off. Elijah stretched and yawned. He needed time to look over all the information and details that Sala had sent him, and he didn’t feel like doing that in the small hotel library. And besides, he needed to get back to Dominic to see how he was fairing. He’d left him on his own for just over two hours now, and he may be awake and wondering where he had gone.
Elijah tucked his chair back under the computer terminal and thanked the member of staff who had helped him in the library. He then made his way to the hotel bar and bought two bottles of beer before making his way up to his room. He was beginning to feel hungry too, and he decided to order room service as soon as he got back and had checked on Dominic.
The room was still dark. The first thing that Elijah did as he opened the door was glance over to the large double bed. He was genuinely surprised to see it empty. Dominic was standing beside the bay window, his body silhouetted against the last rays of the dying sun. He was dressed only in his grey sweatpants, and he looked over his shoulder as he heard Elijah enter the room.
“Hey…” Elijah placed his journal and beer down on the writing table in the corner of the room, and then made his way over to Dominic. “You’re up. How are you feeling?”
Dominic still looked very tired and pale. “I’m getting there,” he said. “Gradually…” He smiled weakly at Elijah, who had come to stand opposite him, his eyes filled with concern. “You bought me some beer then?”
Elijah laughed gently. “I don’t think so.” He took hold of one of Dominic’s hands as he studied his lover’s face. “But do you think you could manage some tea? I was about to order some food.”
“Tea would be nice.” Dominic looked back out of the window across the Bosphorus. As daylight dimmed into dusk, twinkling lights began flickering on board the many small vessels floating on the calm dark water. It was a magnificent view by day or night, and in the distance Dominic could just make out the familiar call to evening prayer.
Elijah picked up the telephone and ordered some food for himself and tea for Dominic. Dominic hadn’t eaten anything now for three days, and the only fluid that had passed his lips had been bottled water, and even then that hadn’t been a great amount. Elijah had declared it his official duty to take charge of everything that Dominic ate or drank from now on, because they had only been in Istanbul for four days before Dominic got fucking sick again, the poor bastard.
***
They had arrived in Istanbul very late in the afternoon, and after an unnecessary delay with immigration regarding their visas, they finally arrived at their hotel, tired and extremely hungry.
As Dominic spoke to the hotel receptionist in the lobby Elijah looked at everything around him. Although this part of the hotel was not the palace - for part of the hotel in which they were staying in was indeed once a sultan’s palace – it certainly looked like one. After the confined conditions of the Orient Express this building seemed vast. Elijah sat on one of the many plush covered sofas that decked the large lobby. There was marble everywhere, and it gleamed. The floors were covered with a wonderful array of colourful rugs, and there were what looked like large copper urns placed alongside the many tall marble pillars, which stretched from floor to ceiling. Covering the walls were swathes of colourful silks, draping down in gentle folds. The whole place seemed truly regal. This may not be the palace, but it fucking feels like it.
“We’ll just be in time for dinner.” Dominic walked over to Elijah as he placed their room keys in his pocket. “A porter will take our stuff up to our room now. Come on, apparently the restaurant is this way.”
“Ok…” Elijah got to his feet. He had wanted to change first, get out of his suit and put on his trusty jeans and trainers, but he was famished, so he left his bags with Dominic’s as a porter arrived.
**
Their first whole day in this most fascinating of cities dawned wet and dreary, but at least it wasn’t cold. It wasn’t exactly warm either, but to Dominic it almost felt like a heat wave despite the rain.
Elijah had purchased his guidebooks before breakfast and before they had even finished their coffees their stay in Istanbul had been planned down to the last detail. And as always there were so many places to go to, and not enough time to do it in.
Their first day took them to Topkapi Palace. As Elijah studied his guidebook trying to figure out how old the palace was and when it had been built, and who had lived there, Dominic wandered out into one of the many courtyards. This place was massive. Elijah soon joined him and it was on this first day, that they began to appreciate just how different this country was, not only in its history and architecture, but also in its culture, and its religion, and in fact in its whole way of life.
“This is amazing…” Elijah kept on saying the same words over and over again, as they moved from one area to another. “Fucking amazing…”
Dominic took photographs where allowed, and the day passed very quickly despite the constant drizzle. They had visited many castles on their journey so far, but this… well… this … Dominic tried to think of some words to describe the palace that he was standing in. But all he could think of was the word ‘big’. He chuckled to himself at his lack of vocabulary as he took one last photograph of Elijah leaning against one of the hundreds of columns that were situated around this grandest of buildings. Awesome, Dom thought. Yeah, that was a good enough word. He smiled to himself as he slipped the camera into his jacket pocket. And if it were Elijah saying it, then it would be more like…‘Fucking awesome.’
**
Mosques. Elijah admitted that he had never been in a mosque before they came to Istanbul, and there were many to see in the city, the most famous of all was The Blue Mosque.
Two days ago they had visited several smaller mosques, some which would not have been open to the public a year ago. In fact security was still very high on entry to every tourist attraction that was open, a very sad sign of the world that they lived in today. And it had been an interesting day, but Elijah had to admit that he was looking forward to seeing The Blue Mosque, with its six towers, or minarets, or whatever it was that they were called, more than anything. The Blue Mosque and a cruise of the Bosphorus were going to be the highlights of this visit, he was sure of it.
They had risen early because they had been forewarned that the mosque got very busy. It was still used by the locals as well as being one of the major attractions in Istanbul. Even out of season it could get crowded. Within an hour of waking Dominic began to feel unwell, he couldn’t fucking believe it. Elijah was full of chatter as they got themselves ready and made their way down in the lift to the restaurant. Dominic decided not to say anything to Elijah; he could get through this day, he could… and then go to bed early, and Elijah would never know. There was no fucking way he was going to get sick again. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin things again for Elijah. He seemed to be getting bloody good at that.
They arrived at the mosque as it opened, but had to wait for morning prayers to finish. Elijah walked up and down outside as he waited, constantly looking up at all the domes and turrets. When he returned to Dominic’s side his eyes were full of admiration.
“Five hundred years ago, this was built… fucking incredible.”
Dominic nodded but said nothing, all he could think about was the awful way that his stomach was churning inside him. He just wanted to lie down, and he was beginning to think that he should have said something. He felt like shit, and the very thought of walking around that building, trying to look interested was not something that he could contemplate right now. He felt like he was going to bloody well throw up.
“Ok…here we go.” Elijah picked up his bag as he saw the tourists gathered outside make their way into the mosque. Dominic reluctantly followed. They both removed their shoes before entering and then went and stood and waited with the rest of the people for the guide to show up.
Dominic already felt like he needed some fresh air, which was ridiculous because this mosque, like all the others was very airy, not confined and small at all. He wanted to take his jacket off, but knew that it was forbidden. He had put a t-shirt on that morning because he had felt a little on the warm side, but in here you had to remain covered up.
Jesus, let this be a fucking quick tour… Dominic breathed in deeply hoping it would settle his stomach. It didn’t.
The guide finally showed up an hour after they had arrived, and by then Dominic seriously wanted to leave. He pretending to be looking at the intricate detail of the tiles that adorned the walls of the mosque, but in fact he was looking right through them, trying with determination to fight down the nausea he was feeling.
Christ…I am going to be fucking sick again…Dominic placed his hands on the cold tiles, and then leant his forehead against them. It felt wonderfully cool. A loud cough behind him made him jerk his head up, the guide slowly shook his head at him.
No fucking good… Dominic look around for Elijah but saw that he was talking quietly to someone as the group of people they were with slowly began making their way into the main area.
Shit… just want to go… Dominic stumbled as he made his way to catch up. Christ… he didn’t feel well at all…
Elijah looked around for Dominic and saw him lagging behind. “Dom?”
Dominic stopped and just looked at Elijah, the pain in his stomach was becoming unbearable.
“Dom!” Elijah hurried over to Dominic and caught hold of him as his body bent double.
“God…Lij…” Dominic groaned as he gripped hold of Elijah’s arm tightly. Then his stomach cramped, as the pain he felt intensified.
“Someone!” Elijah called out to the group who were still moving away.
The guide looked over as he saw Dominic sink to his knees, and then Dominic vomited onto the floor, over and over again. He felt like he was going to fucking die.
**
Five hours! Five fucking hours for the on call doctor to arrive. Five hours of Dominic puking his guts up in the fucking toilet. Elijah had been frantic with worry, and was constantly on the phone to the reception.
Where the fuck was he?
The guide at the mosque has been brilliant, despite Dominic leaving a complete mess behind him. He had arranged for another member of staff to drive them both back to the hotel. Elijah had remembered that the hotel had its own doctor, and that had to be a lot better than going to a Turkish hospital, which would probably have freaked Dominic right out.
And now here he was thinking that he had made a wrong decision yet again. Dominic would have been treated right away if he had taken him to hospital. Fuck it!
The doctor stood by the bed and looked at Elijah who was standing behind him.
“Food poisoning,” he told Elijah. “Very common with tourists to this city.”
Elijah looked down at Dominic, who was now sleeping.
“Always drink bottled water.” The doctor carried on talking.
We do…
“Only eat in reputable restaurants.”
Yes, I know…
“Do not use the public toilets.”
We don’t…
“Here…” The doctor placed a bottle of white medicine in Elijah’s hands. “He will probably sleep for a while now.”
Not fucking surprised… Elijah nodded. Dominic was exhausted. Over five fucking hours we waited for you to fucking come out you bastard, where the fuck were you? On call doctor, my fucking ass!
“I will call in tomorrow afternoon to check on him.”
Fine… “Thank you.”
“I have other people to see first.”
“Yes, ok.” Elijah just wanted the man to go.
The doctor looked at Elijah for a little while and could see the anger in his eyes.
“Mr Wood, I was aware of your call and came as quickly as I could.”
“Ok…” Elijah was not convinced.
“Good afternoon…” The doctor took his leave.
Elijah couldn’t believe that this was happening again. He stroked his hand over the side of Dominic’s sleeping face, and then he kicked off his trainers and crawled onto the bed beside him.
**
Dominic had slept for fifteen hours straight. Whatever the fuck the medicine was that the doctor had prescribed it had performed a bloody miracle. Dominic wasn’t sick again, although he had to contend with mild diarrhoea for most of the next day, but the doctor had warned him that that would happen.
Then the day after that he just felt drained, too weak to get up and go anywhere except to the bathroom and back. But he was up now… and feeling a little better.
**
“Want me to run you a bath, Dom?” Elijah walked back over to Dominic and took hold of his warm hands again. “I’m sure it’ll make you feel a lot better.”
“And smell better, no doubt.” Dominic removed one hand from Elijah’s clasp and ran his fingers through his greasy unkempt hair. He must look an absolute sight. Then he turned and walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. “I’m sorry, Elijah…” he began, his voice was very low. “I’m sorry for fucking everything up, yet again.”
“Hey, that’s crap and you know it.” Elijah went to switch on the table lamp, and then sat down next to Dominic.
Dominic took hold of one of Elijah’s hands and rested it in his lap. “What the fuck hit me, Lij?”
Elijah shrugged and then turned so that he could face Dominic. “It happens, Dom. Apparently half the foreign visitors to this country go down with some form of sickness within a week of being here.”
“You haven’t…”
“No… no I haven’t. Lucky I guess.”
Dominic looked up at the window again and then back to Elijah. “I threw up in a fucking mosque, Lij.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“But still…
“Dom… don’t worry about it…”
Dominic sighed heavily as he looked down at their hands resting on his lap, then a gentle knock on the door saw Elijah get up from the bed to answer it. It was room service.
“There you go.” Elijah placed a cup of warm sweet tea in front of Dominic as he took a seat at the table. “I’ll go start the bath while you drink that.”
“Thanks…” Dominic picked up the cup and began sipping it. He looked at Elijah’s journal lying on the other side of the table. Can’t believe you’ve kept that up, Lij, he thought. Then he looked around at Elijah as he joined him.
“God, I hope you’re better for the boat trip, Dom. I’m so looking forward to that.” Elijah sat down opposite Dominic and picked up one of his beer bottles.
“I know, Lij. Me too. And I should be, I fucking better be. I can’t believe this bloody happened again. I swear every fucking bug and virus can see me coming.”
Elijah smiled as he popped the lid off his bottle. “I guess you won’t forget to take your malaria tablets then?”
“Too fucking right, I won’t. Although I don’t doubt for one minute that there isn’t a bastarding mosquito out there with my name on it.”
Elijah laughed out loud. It was good to hear humour creeping back in. “I’ll fight the mossies off!”
“Don’t you fucking believe it, Lij. They sneak in when you’re not looking. Can’t remember how many times I got bitten in New Zealand.”
“I never did… get bitten that is.”
“Yeah, well… it’s a fucking conspiracy I tell you. I’m fucking doomed.”
Elijah smiled, and then took a mouthful of Turkish beer. “Well, want to know what I decided?”
“What?” Dominic pushed aside an old memory of being eaten alive on location in some remote part of New Zealand.
“I’m going to buy that carpet you wanted.”
Dominic laughed. “What made you change your mind?”
“I don’t know.” Elijah became serious for a moment. “Seeing you lying there sick must have softened my resolve.”
“So it’s got nothing to do with shagging on the carpet then, when we get back home?”
“You…” Elijah pointed at Dominic. “Are fucking insane Monaghan.”
“Me?” Dominic winked at Elijah as he poured himself another cup of tea.
***
The Grand Bazaar seemed busier than when they had visited it the day before Dominic got sick, and Elijah wondered if he would be able to find the exact booth where they had argued about buying a carpet.
The Bazaar was a labyrinth of streets lined with thousands of booth-like shops, selling everything you could possibly think of; every carpet shop seemed to look the same.
Dominic had wanted to accompany Elijah on the carpet quest, but it was out of the question. Although Dominic was certainly a lot better, and had managed to eat a small breakfast that morning, he was not in any fit state to battle against all the shopkeepers as they constantly tried to sell their wares. Nope, Dominic would be better off staying at the hotel and resting. That way he would hopefully be fit enough for the short cruise in two days time.
Elijah knew exactly which carpet to buy, and who to buy it from, if only he could locate the darn shop.
Two hours and now everything and everyone looked the same, and he was beginning to get pissed off with many of the shopkeepers refusal to acknowledge the fact that no he didn’t want to buy a fucking brass coffee pot or bloody Arabian style oil lamp. He just wanted to buy a fucking rug, from one fucking specific carpet shop. How fucking difficult was that? Jesus!
Then he found it. He couldn’t mistake it because of the name on the board above the shop. ‘Kiran’s’. It was the main reason they had stopped and gone inside in the first place. The shop owner recognised Elijah straight away
“Ahh… my hobbit friend, you have returned to buy carpet?”
Elijah tried not to roll his eyes in resignation as he nodded. “Yes… yes I have. The one my friend liked, the last one we looked at.”
“The last one?” The shop owner scratched his chin in a poor attempt to look confused. Elijah just knew he was going to get the full selling spiel once again.
“Yes, it was a dark velvety red one, with black patterns. The very last one we looked at.” But it was no use; Elijah knew he was in for a long stay.
The shopkeeper invited Elijah to sit down. “Hasad will make us some tea.” He indicated to the man standing towards the rear of the shop. “Now, let me show you what I have.”
Elijah sighed as the shopkeeper vanished for a moment to bring back the first of many carpets that both he and Dominic had looked at a few days ago. They initially entered the shop out of curiosity, and then Dominic suddenly went all domestic on him, and said that they should buy one of these carpets and ship it back home.
**
Elijah laughed. “Yeah, let’s ship one home.”
“No I mean it, Lij. It’ll look great in front of the fire place.” Dominic ran his hand over the pile of one of the carpets laid out in front of him.
“Dom, don’t be stupid.” It was dawning on Elijah that Dominic was actually being serious.
“It’ll look great, Lij. And it’ll be a fantastic reminder of our holiday.”
“Dom… we’re not shipping a fucking carpet back home.” Elijah glanced up at the shopkeeper as he dropped his voice so that only Dominic could hear it.
“Oh come on, Lij. Give a little won’t you? Just imagine what we could do on it.”
“Dom…” Elijah scowled at Dominic.
“Come on, you know you want to.” Dominic smiled sweetly at Elijah.
“No…” Elijah mouthed the word silently.
“This is a nice one.” Dominic stood up and walked over to the deep burgundy carpet that the storekeeper had just laid out. Hmmm… yes, he could just see Elijah writhing underneath him on this rug.
The shopkeeper watched the two men as they continued their argument.
“Actually, Dom.” Elijah tried putting on a superior voice as he walked over to stand behind Dominic. “Remember what we said, and we vowed to stick by it. No souvenirs, apart from photographs.”
Both of them naked on this Turkish rug…hmmm
“Dom…?”
Dominic looked over his shoulder at Elijah. “I bought you your bracelet.”
“That was my birthday present!” Elijah suddenly went on the defensive. “That doesn’t count.”
“Well, you could get me this for my birthday…”
“Dom, that’s months away.”
“Not really, by the time we get home it’ll be my birthday, and this rug will be waiting for me, waiting for us.”
“No!” Elijah’s voice was firm.
“Gentlemen, are you wishing to purchase?” The shopkeeper looked hopeful as he stood there waiting for an answer. He had been the very attentive to them, it wasn’t everyday a Hollywood actor came into his shop.
“Yes…”Dominic smiled at Elijah.
“No…” Elijah frowned at Dominic. “Out… now!” Elijah pushed Dominic towards the exit. “Excuse us,” he called back over his shoulder to the shopkeeper who had resigned himself to not making a sale.
Once outside, Dominic put on his most endearing pout.
“That won’t work…” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand, secretly relieved that Dominic was not as mad as he could be. “You know we can’t do it, Dom. It’s too much hassle.”
“Shame, Lij.” Dominic put his mouth next to Elijah’s ear. “I could really see myself grinding into you on that rug.”
Elijah shook his head. “The answer is still no.”
“Spoil sport.”
“Yep… now lets get fucking out of here. I’ve seen enough carpets to last me a lifetime.”
**
Hasad removed the empty teacups and asked the shopkeeper if he should make some more. The shopkeeper nodded.
“No, no really…” Elijah stood up. “I just want to buy the carpet, my friend is sick and I need to get back.”
Hasad looked from Elijah to the shopkeeper, and then back at Elijah.
“Please, I know exactly which carpet it is.” Elijah glanced up at Hasad as if looking for help. “The deep burgundy one… if you still have it can I buy it. Now… I really need to go.”
The shopkeeper nodded at Hasad who disappeared behind a door then returned a minute or two later with the carpet that Elijah wanted.
The bastards knew all the time which one it was, Elijah thought. Thank fuck, now maybe I can go.
“Your friend is sick?” The shopkeeper asked with genuine concern in his voice.
“Yes he is…” Elijah didn’t really want to talk to them about Dominic.
“This has stopped you seeing the city?”
“A little.” Come on; let me pay so I can get the fuck out of here.
“You have been to Topkapi Palace, that is a good place to visit?”
“Yes, yes…”
“And to Turkish Baths?”
“No, no we missed that.”
The shopkeeper nodded as he took Elijah’s credit card. “It is a shame to miss Turkish Baths. Perhaps Hasad could take you to them if your friend is still sick.”
What the fuck? I don’t bloody think so. “It’s ok, I’m sure Dom and I will get there before we leave.”
“And have you been to our Blue Mosque? It is most beautiful.”
“I’ve seen some of it…” Fucking hurry up…
“Only some?” The shopkeeper looked quizzically at Elijah.
“I intend to go back.” Elijah looked over at Hasad who was staring quite intently at him. “We both intend to go back.”
“Here.” The shopkeeper gave Elijah his card back. “Now, Hasad here will take you and your carpet back to your hotel.”
“What?” Elijah looked confused.
The shopkeeper smiled. “How did you think you would transport this? Hasad has a van waiting outside the Bazaar. Please go with him. And thank you very much for your business. It was very nice to see you again.”
Elijah suddenly was unsure what to do. He hadn’t thought about getting the stupid carpet back to the hotel.
“Please…?” Hasad lifted the carpet up onto his shoulder and indicated that Elijah should open the door. He did so, and then knowing that he had no other option, he followed Hasad to the waiting van.
The drive back to the hotel seemed longer than necessary, and for a while Elijah wondered where Hasad was taking him. He never said a word to Elijah as he drove through the narrow streets, although he did keep glancing across at him, and smiling.
Keep your eyes on the fucking road. Elijah felt uneasy as he gripped hold of the side of his seat as the van rocked and swerved over the cobblestones. This guy was beginning to give him the creeps.
Elijah wasn’t sorry when he finally saw their hotel come into sight. To say that he had begun to get a little worried during the drive back would have been an understatement. It was fucking obvious that Hasad had gone out of his way to make the journey longer. He got out of the van and waited for Hasad to unload the carpet.
“Thank you…” Elijah dug in his pocket for some money to tip Hasad. “Thank you very much.”
“You are welcome.” Hasad took the money from Elijah, and then closed his fingers around Elijah’s hand, and kept it there. “You want I take you to Blue Mosque?”
Elijah pulled his hand away quickly. “No… no thank you.” He looked at Hasad’s smiling face. What the fuck was that about?
“Ok... good day to you.” Hasad bowed very slightly and then got back into his van, and drove off.
Elijah watched it until it had disappeared out of view. Thank fuck he had gone, fucking creep. Then he went inside the hotel and asked for a porter to bring the carpet inside. Dominic could sort out the bloody shipping details; he’d had enough for one day.
***
Dominic boarded the ferry first with Elijah close behind him. It was a clear bright day, and he was so glad to be outside once again. He had seen enough of his hotel room to last a lifetime. They gave their tickets to the ticket collector and then made their way to the front of the ferry. The water was very calm, hardly a ripple. It was going to be a wonderful day.
Elijah unfolded the map of the Bosphorus that he was given when he booked the tickets. They had already decided on the two stops where they would disembark for a while before re-boarding the next ferry that came along. This was going to be a nice gentle relaxing day, and Elijah was so relieved to see Dominic looking really well again. He’d had a few tough days cooped up in their room, but now it was time for him to see a little more of Istanbul again before they left the country in two days time.
Dominic looked over the side of the railings down into the water far below. The last time they were on a boat was just before he fell sick the first time. I’m a fucking walking disaster, he thought to himself.
“Ok, Dom?” Elijah asked as he stood by Dominic. He wanted to slip his arm in around Dominic’s waist but knew that that was out of the question, so he made do with standing as close to him as he possibly could.
“I’m fine, Lij. Glad to be outside, feel the sun on my face again.”
“You’re looking so much better. It’s been fucking tough on you.”
Dominic shrugged his shoulders, and then placed his arm around Elijah and pulled him in tightly. “Nothing is so bad, as long as you are with me, Lij. You know that.”
“In sickness and in health?” Elijah spoke softly.
“Yeah, mostly bloody sickness on my part though.” Dominic half-heartedly laughed as he removed his arm from Elijah. He turned and leant back against the railing, closing his eyes as the sun gently warmed his skin.
Elijah remained where he was looking out at the water stretching away into the distance as far as he could see.
Dominic then turned back and leant his mouth in close to Elijah’s ear. “Christ, I could do with a shag.”
Elijah snorted out loud and then turned to face Dominic. Glad you’re back Dommie.
The view from the ferry was breathtaking as it slowly made its way up the Bosphorus strait. Many of Istanbul’s old monuments could be seen and Dominic busied himself taking as many photographs as he could. At one point he could make out the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and briefly wondered how their second visit to the place would go tomorrow. He couldn’t imagine for one minute that the tour guide would be pleased to see him.
They chose not to disembark until they reached the small village of Anadolu Kavagi, which was situated at the far end of the tour. They decided to find somewhere to eat, before exploring the fortress that overlooked the Bosphorus as it widened out into the Black Sea. When they eventually climbed to the top the hill the views were stunning, and the place was relatively deserted. In fact the only company they had were a few grazing cows.
As soon as they made their way into the inner fortress, Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand. No one could see them in here, not even the fucking cows, and he needed to kiss Elijah, kiss him right now. Feel his body against his own. It had been so long… Elijah was compliant as he dropped his bag onto the dusty ground. Dominic’s arms slid around him, and pulled him in tightly, and their mouths met tentatively at first before a desire took over.
Oh... Lij…Lijah…Dominic’s hands move up and down Elijah’s back as their kiss deepened. I want you so fucking much. He lowered his hand to Elijah’s groin and pressed it against the hardness he could feel developing there.
“Love you… love you Lij.” Dominic muttered the words as their mouths broke briefly before meeting once again.
Elijah wrestled with Dominic’s belt. It had seemed like an age since they had done this, a fucking age…And then he had Dominic in his hand, hard and hot, and within seconds he was on his knees taking him deep into his mouth, licking and sucking, enjoying the taste of Dominic once more.
Dominic came hard and fast, as Elijah remained latched onto him. “Oh... God…Lij… oh God…” His body jerked a few more times as he clutched Elijah’s head, not wanting that mouth to let his cock go - it fitted so perfectly. “Holy fucking shit, Elijah.” Dominic knew he was panting. “Christ, baby...there’s nothing fucking left in me…nothing. You fucking drained me.”
Elijah finally pulled back, emptying his mouth of Dominic. Then he looked up at him and smiled. “Now it’s your turn.”
“Oh God, yes…” Dominic rather shakily dropped to his knees as Elijah stood up. Elijah pulled his cock free from his boxers and Dominic took hold of it and pressed it against his cheek, enjoying the heat radiating from it. Then he opened his mouth and sucked it in…
**
“We’re going to miss it!” Elijah was running just behind Dominic. “It’s hours until the next one!”
“Come on, Lijah!” Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand as they ran down the rocky slope, leaving the Genoese Castle far behind them.
“If we fucking miss this, we’ll be stuck here after dark.”
“We won’t!”
“We fucking will…” Elijah knew that they were cutting it really fine. Please let the ferry be delayed… please… please… please.
They stumbled aboard with only minutes to spare.
“That was fucking close!” Dominic grinned as he tried to catch his breath. “Too close.”
“You’re not wrong.” Elijah stood next to Dominic as they watched the dock slowly slip away.
“But it was worth it… oh so fucking worth it, Lij.”
Elijah smiled as he looked at Dominic. Fucking totally worth it.
“I need a drink.” Elijah slung his bag down on one of the benches on the upper deck. “You?”
Dominic nodded as he sat down.
“Ok, I’ll be right back. Don’t go away.”
Dominic chuckled. “I’ll be right here, I’m totally fucked!”
Elijah let out a loud laugh at Dominic’s statement. Too fucking right, he thought. Then he turned and went in search of the bar.
They had planned one more stop off on the way back, but that had to be cancelled now due to their rather extended stay at Anadolu Kavagi.
Not to worry, Elijah thought as he made his way back to where Dominic was waiting. In fact he couldn’t wait to get Dominic back to the hotel, their earlier love making was just a prelude to what was to come that evening, he was fucking sure of it.
As he made his way back through the many sightseers on the ferry he could see that someone was sitting and talking to Dominic. As he approached the table that Dominic had commandeered the person he was talking to stood up and turned around to smile at him.
“Lij… Lij… look it’s the guy from the carpet store.” Dominic stood up and waved his hand in a sort of semi-introduction. “Hasad isn’t it?”
Hasad nodded as he stretched his hand out to Elijah.
Elijah suddenly felt his mouth dry up. He looked at Dominic who was smiling at him, and then back at Hasad who was waiting with his hand still offered.
“You remember, don’t you Lij?” Dominic sat back down.
Elijah swallowed hard as he stared at the man standing opposite him.
“Lij?” Dominic frowned at Elijah’s inaction.
Then Elijah quickly snapped to attention. He placed the two drinks down on the table and reluctantly shook Hasad’s hand. And just as he fucking guessed he would, the fucking creep held on to his hand for far longer than necessary.
Elijah pulled his hand free and wiped it on his jeans. What the fuck was he doing on this ferry?
“Hasad was telling me he had the day off, so he came on this trip.” Dominic took a sip of his drink. “It’s nice to know that the locals do that, isn’t it, Lij?”
Elijah didn’t answer; he wasn’t at all comfortable with fucking Hasad whatshisname hanging around their table. He just wanted to tell him to fuck off.
“You enjoyed the castle?” Hasad looked directly at Elijah.
Elijah almost choked on his drink. You were at the fucking castle?
“It is a beautiful monument, is it not? But not many people visit there this time of year. Only cows visit.” Hasad laughed out loud at his own joke. “It is very peaceful up there. Nice to be alone up there.”
“It is a beautiful place.” Dominic agreed, but felt a little disturbed by Hasad’s comments.
“I go there many times. But not today.” Hasad could see the worry in Dominic’s eyes and decided to play it cool. “Today I go see my brother in village.”
You were fucking there…Elijah suddenly felt sick. You were fucking there, you bastard.
Hasad looked at Elijah but received no eye contact back, and Elijah could feel Hasad’s eyes boring into him.
“May I buy you drinks?” Hasad asked as he stood up.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Dominic frowned at Elijah’s negative reply.
“No… no thank you…” Elijah stuttered. “This is enough.”
“Very well… excuse me gentlemen.” Hasad bowed as he took his leave, deliberately brushing himself against Elijah as he did so.
Fucking wanker… Elijah thought.
“Seems like a nice bloke.” Dominic took another large mouthful of drink.
Elijah said nothing.
***
The guide made Dominic feel very welcome on his return to the Blue Mosque. He asked how he was and if had he enjoyed the rest of his stay in Istanbul.
Puking aside, Dominic told him that he had, and he also apologised profusely for ‘making a mess’ the last time he was here.
The guide shook his head, no apologies were necessary, now were they ready to look at this wonderful relic of Istanbul’s past?
Dominic and Elijah joined the rest of the visitors as their tour began, and soon they were lost in the marvel of this outstanding building and its fascinating history.
“It really is fantastic, Elijah.” Dominic craned his neck back one last time to look up at the numerous domes in the ceiling. “Such a different way of life.”
“It is…” Elijah agreed as he followed Dominic’s eye line. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, not ever.”
“Yep, it’s pretty impressive alright.”
“Totally…” Elijah felt a little sad that the tour was over. But he’d seen it, and he was happy. Now all that remained for them both was to prepare to leave Istanbul tomorrow. They had agreed to leave all their cold weather gear behind. No sense in taking it with them any further. There shouldn’t be any more need of thermal underwear and jackets and boots, well not until they hit Russia towards the end of the year. Poor Dom… I bet he dreads the thought of that. Maybe we ought to change it, stay in the orient instead.
“Ready to go back to the hotel, Lij?” Dominic had put his hands in his jeans pockets as he rubbed one socked foot over the other.
“In a minute…” Elijah’s attention had been distracted as he noticed a familiar person hovering near the entrance to the mosque. Jesus fucking Christ…
“Lij?” Dominic looked over to where Elijah was looking, but the figure had gone.
“Nothing…” Elijah shook his head. “You go get the shoes, I’ll be right back.”
Dominic nodded as he made his way over to the shoe holding area. Elijah found the guide and asked where the restroom was. He was fucking busting, and didn’t think he could hold on until they got back to their hotel. The guide pointed the way, and Elijah made his way over there.
He was fucking here, watching me. Fucking bastard. Elijah looked at the tiled wall as he went about his business. What the fuck is up with him?
Elijah didn’t hear the restroom door open and close, so when he turned to the sink to wash his hands he was greeted by the sight of Hasad standing there with his arms folded, smiling at him. No not fucking smiling at him, more like leering…
“Fuck…” Elijah said the word to himself. Fuck… fuck… fuck…He looked over to the door and wondered how quickly he could cross the floor to escape. Hasad was a lot bigger than him, and he had no fucking doubt in his mind whatsoever, why the cunt was in there with him.
Elijah went to move; although he looked like he was in control he was fucking panicking inside. Hasad followed him.
Elijah stopped and turned to face the larger man. “Will you just fuck off! What’s your fucking problem?”
Hasad grinned at him, then in one swift move he went to grab Elijah’s wrist, but Elijah was quick and managed to dodge out of the way.
“Lij!” The door burst open. “You going to take all day?” Dominic stopped when he saw Hasad. “Lij?” Dominic looked at Elijah questioningly.
“Come on, let’s go.” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand and without looking back, led him out into the mosque. His heart was beating so fast he was surprised that Dominic couldn’t hear it.
“Everything alright, Lij?” Dominic handed Elijah his shoes as he sat down to put them on.
“Of course… why?”
“I dunno… I dunno…” Dominic shook his head. “Come on let’s get back to the hotel, I’m starved.”
As Elijah got to his feet he looked back over to the restroom and saw Hasad standing there staring at him. Thank fuck, I’ll be leaving you behind you fucking bastard. Suddenly their departure from Istanbul couldn’t come quick enough.
tbc