http://ex_salwood.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
ex-salwood.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fellowshippers2003-12-15 01:35 pm
ex-salwood.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2003-12-15 01:35 pm
World Trip - Chapter 19
Title: World Trip 19/?
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: R (for swearing and violence. SEE WARNING)
Summary: Dom and Lij cross the Aegean Sea… but there is an unwanted passenger also on board.
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS NON CON SEXUAL VIOLENCE
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 19 – Crossing the Aegean Sea
1 March 2005
He’s on the fucking ship……….
Elijah stared at the new entry that he had just made in his journal. He’s on this fucking ship…Jesus Christ… He glanced over his shoulder at Dominic, who was sleeping soundly in their bed. He then dropped his pen and placed his elbows on the small writing table. He rested his head in his hands as he continued to stare at his writing.
“Shit...” his voice was a loud whisper. “Fucking shit!”
Dominic mumbled something as he turned over under the bedcovers. Elijah knew he would wake any minute now, wondering why he wasn’t in the bed with him. But he couldn’t sleep. How could he sleep knowing that fucking creep was on board? Jesus…
Elijah got up and walked over to the large window at the end of their room. Dressed only in his boxers, and feeling slightly chilled, he looked out into the darkness. There was nothing out there but water, for miles and miles. No fucking escape, he thought, and cursed the fact that this thought should ever have to occur to him. This is a bloody small ship…fuck it! Oh Christ… Dom… he looked over at Dominic again, so blissfully unaware of his inner turmoil.
**
They had boarded this ship yesterday afternoon, and the sense of relief that had washed over Elijah as they slowly made their way out of the harbour was immense. Ahead of them lay seven blissful days of sea travel. Dominic was back to full health now, and Elijah could see the days and nights spent in their stateroom locked in each other’s arms, buried deeply inside each other. Yep, that had been his plan, and last night had been one long fuck fest. But this evening, after a day of doing nothing much but exploring the small luxury liner, and spending far too much time in one of the heated swimming pools, Elijah saw him. Saw the fucking cunt staring at him, and at that exact moment he felt an overwhelming sense of doom.
They had made their way out onto the large balcony area of deck 8. The meal they had just eaten had been superb. It wouldn’t be long before Dominic would regain all the weight he had lost when he was sick in Istanbul. The sun was setting and although it was a little cool they stood side by side looking out towards the horizon enjoying the gentle sea breeze on their faces.
There were a few other passengers dotted around the deck most of them in groups or in couples, but Elijah did notice one person standing on his own, looking their way. Elijah didn’t take much heed s at first; he was enjoying the feel of Dominic’s arm around him holding him closely against his body. Dominic, who was never one for public shows of affection, was certainly mellowing on this holiday, and Elijah was enjoying every minute of his newfound freedom to just not give a fuck.
Then a tinge of confusion crept into Elijah’s mind. Confusion and… and then recognition! Elijah whipped his head around to look at the lonely figure again. He was still there, arms folded looking directly at him.
Jesus Christ! Elijah looked away, his fucking heart was racing. Shit…
“Beautiful, isn’t it, Elijah?” Dominic hugged Elijah a little more closely to him. “I’m going to enjoy this cruise, I just know it.” Dominic turned to Elijah and tugged him in so that their hips touched. “Even though we didn’t get the balcony room, this…” Dominic waved his hand. “This is better, coming up here and looking out at the view, with you beside me. Fucking heaven.”
Elijah hardly heard a word Dominic was saying. Blood seemed to be coursing through his ears. He turned his head to glance back at Hasad to see if he was still there, and at the same time he felt Dominic let go of him.
“Ok, then Lij…won’t be long?” Then Dominic was gone.
“Dom?” The word didn’t come out. Elijah coughed and cleared his throat, and called again, hearing panic in his voice. “Dom!”
“Drinks!” Dominic smiled back at Elijah as he disappeared through the door.
“Drinks?” Elijah was confused. He looked back down the deck and fear suddenly gripped him. Hasad was striding towards him.
Elijah looked around wildly; there were plenty of people about, so the bastard wouldn’t be able to do anything. Not yet anyway. Not yet anyway? …Fuck… this is not going to happen… this is not going to fucking happen…
Hasad walked straight past Elijah, and then stopped. Elijah turned to face him.
“Boyfriend gone?” Hasad spoke quietly; he looked around him to make sure that no one was in earshot. “You come with me, and you will not get hurt.”
Elijah looked at him disbelievingly; although he was shaking on the inside he didn’t let his fear show. This bastard probably thrived on fear. “You’d better just fuck off, Hasad.”
“Come… now…” Hasad held out his hand.
Elijah couldn’t believe this guy. “You are fucking out of your mind.”
“You will come with me!” Hasad’s voice took on a menacing tone.
“I fucking will not!”
Hasad took a step closer, he was twice the size of Elijah, and Elijah knew that he would never be able to fight him off. Fuck it Dom. Where are you!
“I know your fucking sort…” Elijah used a condemnatory tone, and he spoke loudly. “I’ve been here before, you fucking pervert. Now fuck off and leave me alone!”
A few guests turned around to see the reason for the loud voices. Hasad backed off. He pointed at Elijah and narrowed his eyes. “I will have you…” Then he turned, walked away and re-entered the ship.
Elijah took in a deep shuddering breath and then exhaled loudly, he felt like he was going to be sick. Then he saw Dominic come through the doorway. He held two glasses of champagne in his hands.
He was grinning and looking so happy. Elijah tried desperately to calm his heart rate and he smiled at Dominic as he took his glass from him.
“To us…” Dominic clinked his glass against Elijah’s.
“To us.” Elijah whispered back.
**
Elijah walked back over to his journal, closed it and secured it. What else could he fucking write in it? He then poured himself a glass of bottled water and sat down in the dark, on the sofa in the sitting area of their room. His mind was working overtime. Hasad was fucking dangerous; he had figured that out already. Not like the others who had perved after him over the years. No, this lunatic was fucking serious.
It had happened to him many times in his past, men working on the films he was making, coming up to him making advances, and most of the time a simple brush off was all it took to send them on their way. Elijah was used to it. He never liked it, of course he didn’t, but it sort of went with the industry he was in. He often used to wonder why it happened, way back then when he didn’t even know he was gay himself. Did he give off signals or something? He would never know. But this unwanted attention from others had undoubtedly led him to develop a very wary nature. He became very reserved and began to guard his privacy with a passion.
Maybe that was why it took him so long to see that Dominic was the man for him. When they first met the chemistry between them was like nothing he had ever experienced, but he just didn’t know, he wasn’t sure… fuck it took him weeks to sort it out in his mind. But Dominic had never really pursued him (although he now knew how difficult it had been for Dominic too, during those early months in 1999), which had been the right thing to do. Elijah just had to work it out for himself, and for once in his life he made the first move, and was scared shitless when he did it, not really knowing what Dominic’s reaction would be.
Despite the anguish he was feeling Elijah smiled to himself at the memory of Dominic accidentally stumbling in on him taking a shower at his house that morning back in Wellington, after his 23rd birthday party. Elijah just did it. He took the initiative and lowered his bath towel… if you want me Dom, I’m here…
And Dominic did, but Elijah still had to coax him. And this made him realise that Dominic’s love was pure, and knowing that helped to lower his reserve… but obviously not entirely. Even now, after five years with Dominic he still held something back. He knew he was doing it, he could feel himself doing it. Not that he didn’t give everything to Dominic - he did - his heart, his soul, his love. But there was something… something he just couldn’t put his finger on… Elijah finished his drink and stood up.
“Hey… beautiful.” Dominic called quietly from the comfort of their bed.
Elijah looked over at Dominic… See…I never call you beautiful Dommie, but you are…you are perfect to me. And I never tell you that either. But you know what…I think those thoughts all the time. All the fucking time Dommie, I don’t know why I don’t say them. But I fucking love you… and soon Dommie, I’ll be able to show you just how much… and hopefully…well, maybe that will make up for all my shortcomings…
“What are you doing awake at this time?” Dominic switched on his bedside lamp and looked at his watch. “It’s two in the morning, Lij. Are you sick? Don’t tell me you’re going to be fucking sick too.”
“No…” Elijah slowly made his way over the cabin door to double check that it was locked and secure. “I just couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
“I’m missing you under here…” Dominic threw the bedcovers back. “Can’t sleep without my Frodo snuggled up against me!”
Elijah suddenly felt a lump rise in his throat. God he loved Dominic so much, and he really wanted to tell him why he was awake. But he knew he couldn’t… he just couldn’t. No way… Dominic would get hurt, physically as well as mentally if he found out. He would be on edge all the time, walking around frightened and scared, thinking that every person that they met was a threat. And depression would soon follow again, he just knew it. He couldn’t put Dominic through that. Hasad was a fucking brute, he knew, but Dominic’s safety and state of mind were more important to him than anything. Dominic was never going to know about this…
“Come on, I’m getting cold!”
Elijah made his way back to the bed and climbed in.
“You sure you’re ok, baby?” Dominic opened up one arm as Elijah nestled in against him. The warmth of Dominic’s body was like coming home.
“I love you, Dom.” Elijah whispered and was glad that Dominic couldn’t see the tear that escaped from his eye.
“Hmmm… love you too, Lijah.” Dominic smiled as he turned off the light, and then turned around to place his other arm around Elijah’s cool body.
***
Can’t hide in here, Dom will want to know what’s wrong. Elijah buttoned up a shirt over his t-shirt, and then pulled on his jeans. That fucking bastard is out there somewhere, fucking waiting for me. It’s only a matter of time, I fucking know it.
“Ok, Lij?” Dominic opened the cabin door.
“Is it clear?”
“What?” Dominic looked at Elijah with a puzzled expression.
“Nothing, sorry… I was thinking about something else.”
“Well, if we don’t hurry we are going to miss the last sitting for breakfast.” Dominic stood there holding the door open.
Elijah finished tying the laces of his trainers before joining Dominic. He was absolutely dreading this.
But breakfast passed peacefully and uneventfully and for that Elijah was grateful. He now fully intended getting off at every stop this ship made on route to Athens. It hadn’t been what they had planned, but there was no way he was going to stay on board with that pervert hanging about.
“More coffee, Lij?” Dominic asked as he poured Elijah a cup anyway.
“Thanks…”
“You’re very quiet this morning, Elijah. Are you sure you’re not getting sick?” Dominic looked directly into Elijah’s eyes. “You do look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep much last night…”
“I did, once I had you back in my arms. No problem…” Dominic grinned at Elijah. Never a problem when you’re with me, Lijah.
“Probably just getting used to the ship. That’s all…” Elijah put on his best reassuring voice. “Nothing to worry about.”
Dominic nodded and sipped his coffee.
“Oh… hello!”
Elijah saw Dominic look up and greet someone standing behind him.
Fuck…Elijah closed his eyes.
“May I join you?”
Elijah squeezed his eyes closed even more. He wasn’t going to open them. Fuck Hasad! Fuck him for bloody coming into his life.
“Lij?” Dominic looked at Elijah.
Elijah opened his eyes and blinked a few times. Hasad had pulled up a chair and was sitting only a couple of feet away from him.
“Good morning, Dominic isn’t it?”
Dominic nodded.
“And Elijah, good morning to you too. A beautiful morning it is. A day to spend outside. And tomorrow we dock at Rhodes. Maybe I can show you both Rhodes. It is a beautiful island. I know it very well. I have family who live there.”
Jesus Christ…Elijah stared into his cooling cup of coffee. How fucking convenient… you have family every fucking place we go. You fucking bastard…
“Sounds like a good idea. We hadn’t intended getting off the ship, had we, Lij. But if we had our own guide, well, I guess it’s an offer we cannot refuse. Hey, Lij?”
Can’t fucking refuse? He’ll lose you Dom, he’ll fucking lose you somewhere, and then he’ll have me, and I won’t be able to fight him off. Can’t you fucking see that?
“Lij?” Dominic prompted Elijah for an answer.
“No!” Elijah stood up and scraped his chair backwards. “No…” The he turned and ran out of the restaurant.
Dominic sat there, cup half raised to his lips, looking stunned. He placed his cup back down and then looked at Hasad. “Please excuse me, Hasad. There’s something up with him, I’m sure he didn’t mean to be rude.”
Hasad bowed his head as Dominic left the table, then he smiled as he helped himself to the remains of their coffee.
Dominic found Elijah out on the deck. He was sitting on one of the chairs, hands clasped firmly together looking down at the floor.
“What the fuck was that about, Lij?” Dominic was a little angry. “I mean how fucking rude can you get?”
Elijah stood up. “Dom…I…he…oh forget it…” Elijah pushed past Dominic and disappeared back inside the ship.
Dominic just watched him leave. What the fuck is going on?
Elijah walked. He needed to find somewhere safe. Safe… that’s a fucking laugh. Basically he was trapped, and there was fuck all he could do about it. And Dom… poor confused Dom. He couldn’t tell him, no way could he tell him. He knew what would happen, because it had happened once before. Dominic would end up getting hurt in more ways than one. Hasad was strong and would probably end of up fucking killing him, or at least seriously injuring him.
He couldn’t tell Dominic. Fuck he wanted to tell Dominic… Jesus!!! Elijah stopped walking and leant one arm against the corridor wall. Dominic would go mad if he found out. More than fucking mad… he mustn’t find out… not after what happened before…..
***
“Dom… Stop it!!” Elijah tried with all his might to release the tight grip Dominic had on the man’s arm. “For fuck sake, Dom!”
“You fucking come near him again, and I’ll fucking have you!” Dominic snarled into the man’s face blood mingling in with spittle flying from his mouth. “You fucking understand me, you fucking cunt!”
Elijah looked around the parking lot for help, but there was none about. “Jesus, Dom! Let him go!”
The man scrabbled back on the tarmac; his eye was already swelling with the blow that Dominic had landed on him earlier.
“You can keep the fucking fairy. There are plenty more on the Christmas tree.” The man managed to twist himself out of Dominic’s grasp. I doubt he’s much of a fucking lay anyway.”
“You bastard!” Dominic lunged at the man again and punched him hard in the stomach.
“Dom!” Elijah didn’t know what to do. He was frantic. This was supposed to be their romantic evening away from filming, a rare occasion when they didn’t have feet early the next morning. And it had been a wonderful evening too, until this stranger appeared and started making a nuisance of himself. The man had followed Elijah into the restroom, and bloody cornered him for fuck sake. Then Dominic had appeared and just went mental.
A siren was heard in the distance and Elijah knew someone had called the police.
“Dom!” We need to leave now!
Dominic stood over the man. “If I ever fucking see you again….”
“For fuck sake Dom…” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand and dragged him away to their car. Once they were inside Elijah turned to look at Dominic. This was a side of Dominic that he had never seen before.
Dominic could see the look on Elijah’s face. “He fucking touched you, Lij.”
Elijah pressed his lips together tightly as he felt tears well up, then he reached up to touch Dominic’s swollen lip, blood oozing over his finger.
“You’re hurt…”
Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand and pressed it against his bruised mouth, and kissed it. He knew that Elijah was shocked by his outburst, but he couldn’t help it. There was no way he was going to stand by while that freak pawed at Elijah. No fucking way… not in a million years.
“I’m sorry, Lijah.” Dominic kissed his hand again, leaving red smears over the pale skin. “I just love you so much… I can’t bear the thought of you being hurt.” I’d fucking die for you, Lij.
“It’s ok…really.” Elijah tried to sound calm. “Let’s just go back home…”
Dominic nodded as he started the car; he took one last glance at Elijah who was staring straight ahead. I just fucking love you, Lijah, that’s all. Then Dominic felt Elijah’s hand come to rest in his lap, and he thanked God that Elijah perhaps did have some understanding why he blew up this evening.
***
Dominic would freak out. He would go for Hasad, and he would get bloody hurt. Dominic couldn’t know about this. Elijah knew he would have to sort this out himself; he was going to have to confront Hasad one way or another. Fucking hell…
“Excuse me, sir. Can I help?” A steward stopped to speak to Elijah.
“Umm, no… no it’s ok. I’m fine.”
The steward nodded and then continued on.
Elijah took a deep breath; this was all up to him now. Christ he felt angry and he felt like crying, and he felt like fucking punching a hole in the fucking wall.
Time to go find Dom… tell him sorry… tell him that he felt a little unwell… time to lie through his fucking back teeth!
Dominic waited in their room. Searching the ship for Elijah would have been futile, so he decided to sit it out in their cabin while looking out at the sea. There was something wrong. Elijah was edgy, and quiet… too quiet. He was certainly not himself that was for sure, and he didn’t know why. What’s up baby, he thought. Why aren’t you telling me?
Dominic heard the door open, and looked around. It was the maid. She saw him and apologised for interrupting, but Dominic waved her in. Where are you, Lijah?
Elijah decided he needed some air first and he made his way up to the top deck. He pushed his way through a gate marked ‘no entry’. The breeze had picked up now that the ship was well on its way. In fact it was a little too cold to be outside without a jacket on, or at least a jumper. But he remained where he was. He needed a little more time to think before he returned to Dominic, even though he knew that he would be fretting about him by now. Sorry, Dom…
As Elijah looked down at the decks below he watched the other passengers going about their normal lives, unaware that he had been singled out, and singled out for what? Dear God…Elijah closed his eyes as his hands gripped the railing; he couldn’t see an end. If Hasad didn’t get what he wanted, he would follow them off this ship. He was never going to leave him alone… the fucking bastard… And Dom? God… Dommie… what if he decided to get Dom out of the way as well? Jesus…!
Then Elijah saw him, a dark figure mingling with the passengers three decks below. He looked like a fucking predator, stalking, seeking, hunting… planning his next move, whatever the fuck that might be. And then Elijah felt like screaming. The tension that had been building up inside him was reaching breaking point, and he almost fucking told Dominic about it. Shit!
“Can’t fucking tell, Dom!”
“Sir?” Elijah turned around quickly at the sound of the voice.
“This is a restricted area, sir.”
Elijah looked at the steward and almost felt like shouting at him. Can you fucking help me? I need someone to fucking help me…
“Let me show you the way down.” The steward smiled at Elijah as he opened the gate. “And... err… can I tell you what a pleasure it is to have you aboard, sir. I enjoyed the films… very much indeed.”
Elijah took a deep breath and tried to regain his composure. “Thank you.”
“No… thank you.” The steward closed the gate behind him. “May I ask, sir? Would you like to see the Bridge? I’m sure I can arrange it.”
“Bridge?” Elijah mind was elsewhere as he retraced his steps to the stairs leading to the lower deck.
“Yes sir… maybe even meet the Captain?”
Elijah stopped and looked at the man in front of him, but didn’t say anything.
The steward waited for an answer. “Sir?” he prompted. “Mr Wood?”
Elijah finally nodded. “Yes, thank you… I would like that, Dom too.” The Bridge had to be the safest place on the whole fucking ship. The bastard couldn’t get him in there.
The steward nodded. “I will arrange it. It was nice to meet you.” Then the steward turned and left Elijah alone once more.
Dominic looked at his watch; the mild anger that he felt when Elijah walked off was now turning into worry. Elijah never walked off, it just wasn’t his way. He was never over-dramatic, or over-emotional like himself. Where are you, Elijah? This isn’t fucking right.
Then Dominic heard the door open, and he was up on his feet. “Lij?”
“I need my jacket…” Elijah made his way over the wardrobe. “It’s colder out there today.”
Dominic stopped him and took hold of his hands and held them tightly. He looked into Elijah’s eyes. “What is it, Lij?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…” Elijah looked down at Dominic’s hands whose thumbs were moving in small circles across his palms. “You were right.” Elijah lied as he looked up into Dominic’s concerned face. “I don’t feel well. I’m sorry…”
“Hey, come on…” Dominic hugged Elijah to him, and then pulled back a little so that he could study Elijah’s face again. “I knew there was something wrong.” He pushed Elijah’s windswept hair from his forehead. “You don’t want to stay in, then? You want to go back out?”
Want to get off this fucking ship!
“Actually, it will be nice to stay in for a while. You’re going to stay with me aren’t you, Dom?” Elijah smoothed his hand over Dominic’s chest. “It’s just a headache, I’m sure it’ll pass quickly.”
“Want me to go and get you some tea?”
Elijah felt a sudden panicky feeling grip his chest, and then he nodded. “Ok…” He tried to sound calm. “That would be good.”
“Ok, then.” Dominic cupped Elijah’s chin and placed a warm kiss on his lips, before pulling back. “I won’t be long.”
As soon as Dominic left the cabin, Elijah locked the door behind him, and then turned and leant against it. Got to figure this out, got to think of something…Then the phone rang, scaring the shit out of him.
“Christ!” He glared at the phone and its flashing red light. Who the fuck can be phoning?
“God no…” Elijah approached the phone as it rang out again. It couldn’t be… He looked at the inanimate object, and paused again before picking it up, his hand was shaking. He placed the mouthpiece close to his mouth, took a deep breath and then whispered. “Yes?”
He sighed with relief when he heard the steward’s voice on the other end of the line. Would they like a tour of the Bridge tomorrow once the ship had docked at Rhodes?
“Yes…” God, yes that would be perfect… Elijah listened as the steward gave him a timetable to choose from, then he thanked him and hung up the phone. That just left three days to get through. And then what? Have the mad bastard stalk him through the streets of Athens?
***
“This is the life…” Dominic closed his eyes letting the warm water take the weight of his body. “Isn’t it, Lij?”
Elijah didn’t answer. The ship had left Rhodes a few hours ago, and he had enjoyed a Hasad free day. Well almost… because the bastard was now sitting on the other side of the pool watching him. Never taking his fucking eyes off of him for a second.
“Which stars to you think have planets orbiting around them, Lij?” Dominic was floating on his back looking up at the evening sky, which was rapidly turning darker and darker. One by one Dominic could see the stars starting to emerge as daylight gradually extinguished.
“Wonder if there are people out there?” Dominic kept looking up into the heavens. “People like us I mean…”
Elijah watched Hasad slip into the water. The bastard was coming. He was coming for him… Dom! Elijah quickly swam over to where Dominic was floating, and Hasad fucking joined them.
“Hasad!” Dominic brought his legs down and let his feet touch the bottom of the pool. “Did you get to see your family?”
Hasad smiled and nodded. “I did, thank you.”
“And they are well?”
“Very well…” Hasad looked at Elijah and moved in a little closer.
“That’s great.” Dominic grinned and then resumed floating on his back. “Just looking at the stars, wondering if there are people like us out there.”
Hasad watched Dominic as his attention reverted to the night sky. Then he swam behind Elijah, but Elijah turned quickly to confront him.
“Think of all the different species that could be out there.” Dominic kept moving his hands to keep himself afloat; Elijah and Hasad were now behind him as he drifted away. “Must be billions of them…”
Elijah could feel his heart hammering, and he swallowed hard. He couldn’t move quickly enough in this water without attracting attention. Hasad reached out for him, and Elijah tried to move backwards, out of the way, but Hasad caught his wrist, and it was a fucking strong grip. Elijah wanted to cry out, call for help, but he remained silent. Hasad pulled him in towards his body, and then held Elijah against himself, and Elijah thought he was going to be sick because of what he felt pressing against his stomach.
Hasad let out a low moan as he continued to hold Elijah, and rub himself up against him. But Elijah couldn’t struggle, because if he did then Dominic would look around and see what was happening. In fact any minute now, Dominic would see. He would fucking see, and then he would go ape shit.
“Stop…” Elijah whispered and tried to pull backwards. “Stop, Hasad… I’ll meet you… I’ll meet you somewhere. I’ll do whatever you want… just not here… please… please let me go.”
Hasad stared into Elijah’s face.
“Please… I don’t want Dom to see. I’ll meet you… I’ll find somewhere.”
Hasad gripped hold of Elijah’s wrist even tighter, and snarled. “I do not like to be fucked about.”
“No, I promise… anything you want… anything. I just don’t want Dom to know, he can’t ever know.”
Hasad hissed and then let Elijah go. “You fuck with me, and I will hurt you!”
Elijah nodded… he looked back at Dominic who was still floating on his back; totally unaware of what was happening behind him.
Elijah looked into Hasad’s evil face. He rubbed his wrist and prayed that it would not bruise.
Dominic ended his philosophical scan of the night sky and turned around in the water. He could see Hasad and Elijah talking together.
Elijah watched Dominic slowly begin to make his way over to them. He turned back to Hasad.
“Before we dock in Athens,” he whispered. “In the morning… I’ll find somewhere…”
“Hi guys…” Dominic stood up and pushed his wet hair back. “I think it’s time to eat.”
Elijah nodded, feeling sick to the stomach, with no appetite whatsoever.
“Would you like to join us this evening, Hasad?” Dominic asked as he took hold of Elijah’s hand under the water, and pulled him over beside him.
“That is most kind of you.” Hasad put on a smile. “I will be honoured.”
Elijah felt he was dying inside.
***
They docked in the morning. Elijah lay awake, in bed listening to Dominic’s gentle breathing. But then at least it will be over, he thought. By tomorrow night fucking Hasad will be a memory… or I’ll be dead.
Elijah tried not to listen to himself. He turned over and rested his head on Dominic’s shoulder. Dominic murmured something and shifted a little in his sleep, but didn’t wake up. Love you, Dom…whatever happens, I will always love you.
**
Still awake… Elijah turned to look at the small clock beside his bed, 4am. Jesus…now he knew what a condemned man felt like…
He quietly slipped out from the under the covers and got dressed. He had to go for a walk; he couldn’t just lie there waiting for daybreak.
The ship was quiet. Elijah went out on deck for a while, but it was too cold and very windy so he returned inside. He eventually found himself in the small 24-hour café. He ordered a coffee and sat down at a table. He couldn’t be long, Dominic would wake up soon. He always did if Elijah was missing from the bed… some sort of reflex action. Elijah almost smiled to himself at that thought.
“May I join you?”
Elijah looked around to see the steward who had organized their visit to the Bridge smiling at him. What was his name? Patrick… Elijah nodded.
Patrick took a seat. He was no longer in uniform, and therefore allowed to interact with the ship’s passengers. He looked at Elijah’s pale features and noticed the way his hand was shaking as he went to pick up his cup of coffee.
“I trust you enjoyed your visit to the Bridge, Mr Wood.”
Elijah nodded again but said nothing. Six hours until they docked…
“The Captain told me afterwards that he is a big Tolkien fan too. He is most pleased to have you aboard.”
Five hours away from… from… Elijah lowered his head and stared at the white linen tablecloth.
Patrick frowned slightly. “May I get you another drink, Mr Wood?”
Elijah didn’t answer. He could feel tears welling up, it was all so fucking hopeless… what was he going to do?
“Mr Wood? Are you alright?”
He wasn’t going to break down… he wasn’t… he had to keep it together…he had to…
“Mr Wood? Elijah?” Patrick reached out and touched Elijah’s gently on the arm.
Got to keep it together…Then Elijah broke down and began sobbing.
**
Dominic yawned, turned over and wrapped his arm around Elijah’s waist. He buried his face into the back of Elijah’s hair and breathed in the scent of his lover. Elijah turned so that he was facing Dominic and then he began to kiss him, he didn’t want to stop kissing him.
Eventually Dominic pulled back, and looked into Elijah’s eyes. “That was nice, very nice…”
Elijah didn’t reply. His mouth covered Dominic’s again and then he rolled their bodies over so that he was on top of Dominic. I love you so much, Dommie…one last time…
**
Elijah couldn’t eat his breakfast at all. He told Dominic that he had a headache again, and spent the time while Dominic was eating watching Hasad pacing at the far end of the restaurant.
Elijah left his seat, telling Dominic that he needed to use the restroom, and as he left the restaurant Hasad followed him into the corridor.
“Well?” Hasad looked to see if it was all clear before pushing Elijah against the wall, his hand gripped him tightly around the throat.
“Nine o’clock.” Elijah croaked. He could hardly hear his own voice.
Hasad let him go, and Elijah rubbed at his injured skin. “Nine o’clock, deck 7 restroom.”
“You had better be there or…” Hasad removed a small pocketknife from his inside jacket pocket.
Elijah closed his eyes and tried not to cry. You bastard, you fucking bastard.
“I’ll be there,” he muttered. “ I have to get rid of Dom first, but I’ll be there.” Elijah looked up into Hasad’s face; he saw no mercy there. “And then you’ll leave us alone?”
Hasad sniggered. He gripped hold of Elijah’s collar and tugged him forwards. “Nine o’clock.” Then he let him go and pushed him away as he turned and left.
Elijah felt his body sag. He looked at his watch. One hour. Please God let me get through this…
**
“That’s it.” Dominic zipped up his case. “Shall we go up on deck and watch the ship dock?”
Elijah nodded. He stared at his luggage sitting on their bed.
“Lij?”
Elijah snapped his head around. “Sorry?”
“Still feeling shitty?”
“A little…”
“Come on, the fresh air will do you good.” Dominic held out his hand and Elijah took it.
The decks were full of passengers watching the port of Piraeus as it steadily grew on the horizon. It was a stunning sight. Dominic and Elijah found a place to stand and Dominic quite happily put his arm around Elijah’s waist.
“Can’t say I won’t be sad to leave this ship, but it’ll be nice to put our feet on solid ground again, won’t it, Lij?”
“Yes, it will.” Gotta go Dom… got something to sort out…
Elijah pulled himself free from Dominic. “Need the restroom…” he lied.
“Again?”
“I know,” Elijah tried to smile. “Won’t be long. Save my place…” Love you Dommie…
“Sure…” Dominic turned to look at the view.
Keep calm… you can do this…you can, you know you can… it’ll soon be over…then you’ll never see the bastard again…
Elijah slowly made his way along the corridor to the restroom; he could see that the door was half open. He glanced at his watch. Nine o’clock. Dead on time. The bastard was probably in there waiting for him.Oh God… oh God…
Elijah hesitated by the door and then began to push it open. Then before he realised what was happening he was hauled inside and ended up on the floor. He looked up at Hasad looming over him.
“Now…” Hasad snarled. “I have you.” He picked up a wooden chair and placed it against the door, jamming it closed, and then he turned his attention back to Elijah.
“Get up!”
Elijah got up; he could feel his body shaking. I can do this… I can do this…
Hasad walked over to him unbuckling his belt.
Oh God… Elijah felt tears welling up… Oh God… Oh God…please let this work…
“Get undressed!”
Elijah swallowed hard as he began to unbutton his shirt, but his fingers wouldn’t obey him.
“I said get undressed!” Hasad lunged forward and ripped Elijah’s shirt open.
Please… please…
“Trousers!”
Oh God…
“Take them off, or I will tear them off!”
I can’t…
Elijah could feel tears spilling out from his eyes. You fucking bastard…
“Right!” Hasad pushed Elijah up against the wall and gripped his chin hard, letting his fingers dig into the soft flesh, deliberately inflicting pain on him.
“I will fuck you now, you little shit.” Hasad’s other hand fumbled with Elijah’s waistband. “I will fucking have you.”
He had to get away; he needed more time… Elijah bit down hard on Hasad’s hand, causing him to let go and howl with pain. The penalty for doing that was a blow to the side of his face. Elijah went reeling across the small room, landing in a heap by the washbasins.
Hasad went over to him. “Get up!”
Elijah was seeing stars. He could taste blood in his mouth and his shoulder hurt.
“Get up!” Hasad grabbed hold of Elijah’s collar and half dragged him up onto his knees.
Then to Elijah’s horror he watched Hasad drop his trousers. He could see his erection pressing against his underwear, and it looked fucking big. Elijah knew he was running out of time.
Come on… come on… where the fuck are you?
Hasad grabbed a handful of Elijah’s hair and yanked his head forward so that his face was near enough level with his groin.
Elijah felt like he was going to throw up.
“Now…” Hasad fumbled inside his boxers…
Jesus Christ…Jesus Christ…Not going to do this… not going to do this…you fucking bastard…
“No!” Elijah reached up and grabbed Hasad. He grabbed hold of his balls and squeezed and twisted them with all the strength that remained in his bruised body.
The sound that came from Hasad’s mouth was like that of a wounded animal, and he staggered backwards, but Elijah held on. He gritted his teeth as he got up onto his feet and continued to inflict the most horrendous pain on his attacker.
“You bastard… you fucking bastard… I hate you… I fucking hate you…I hate you!” Elijah’s fingers did not let go, and eventually Hasad could retreat no further and he slumped back against the wall and slowly slid to the floor.
Elijah let go and stood back. He looked down at the man before him, who was now moaning loudly. It was a horrible noise. Then Elijah looked about him, and then at his watch. Patrick where the fuck are you?
A loud hammering at the door made Elijah jump.
“Lij! Lij… what the fuck is going on?”
Dom… no… Dom go back.
“Lijah!!!” Dominic sounded hysterical.
Elijah knew that Dominic could probably hear Hasad. Dear God, Dom, why did you have to come looking for me?
“Elijah!”
Elijah heard a loud thump on the other side of the door. Dominic was trying to break it down.
“Dom… stop! Stop…I’m ok!” Elijah just wanted Dominic to go away. He mustn’t see him like this. “Dom, really… go back outside.”
“Open the fucking door Elijah!”
“Oh God…” Elijah knew he had no choice. He glanced down at Hasad who hadn’t moved, and then he removed the chair and opened the door.
“What the fuck…?” Dominic look at Elijah ripped shirt, undone jeans, split lip, bruised chin. “Lij?… Lij?”
“Dom, I’m ok…”
“Who did this? “ Dominic took hold of Elijah and pulled him into himself. “Oh God, Elijah… who did this, who did this baby?”
“I’m ok, Dom… it doesn’t matter.” Elijah felt himself beginning to sag in Dominic’s arms.
“Mr Wood!” Elijah looked over Dominic’s shoulder to Patrick who was running down the corridor with another steward in tow. “Mr Wood, are you ok. I’m sorry, I got held up. My God, we’re not too late are we?” Patrick came and stood behind Dominic and looked over his shoulder. “Are you ok, Mr Wood?”
Elijah nodded as he pulled himself free from Dominic. “He’s in there.” Elijah nodded over his shoulder.
“What?” Dominic pushed past Elijah and saw Hasad crumpled up on the floor. He looked around at Elijah he eyes filled with horror. “Fucking Hasad?”
“Dom… it’s ok. Leave it. It’s under control now.” Elijah looked at Dominic, and could see tears filling his eyes.
“Fucking Hasad?” Dominic looked down at the body again, and then he went for him. “You fucking bastard!” He started kicking Hasad who just groaned with each blow.
“Dom… stop it! I said it’s under control now.” Elijah desperately tried to pull Dominic away. “It’s sorted! I dealt with it, now fucking leave him alone.”
“Mr Monaghan, please…” Patrick and the other steward stepped in beside Dominic. They were both holding arm restraints.
Dominic looked confused. Elijah had only been gone for twenty minutes, how did the stewards know to turn up with arm restraints? How did they fucking know this was going to happen?
“Elijah, what the fuck is happening here?”
“Dom, it’s ok…” Elijah tried to sound reassuring. “Let them do their job.”
“How did they know he was going to be in here?”
“Dom, leave it…”
Patrick and the other steward hauled Hasad onto his feet. They hitched his trousers up and loosely refastened them after restraining his arms behind his back.
“Elijah?” Dominic could feel himself starting to panic.
“Are you sure you don’t want the police?” Patrick asked Elijah before leaving the restroom.
“No…” Elijah glanced up at Dominic. He looked furious.
“Well, rest assured, he will not get off this ship until we re-dock at Istanbul… and then.” Patrick looked at his helper for confirmation. “He may have difficulty walking for a few weeks.” And with that they hauled Hasad out into the corridor.
“Right, then…” Elijah didn’t look at Dominic. “I’d better get cleaned up…”
“Lijah…” Dominic grabbed hold of Elijah’s hand. “This was fucking planned?”
“Oh Dom… please… please, let’s just get off this ship. It’s all over now.”
“What’s all fucking over?”
“Dom…” Elijah closed his eyes and shook his head. Why did Dom had to fucking come looking for him? It was all planned out…ten more minutes and he would have been out of here, and Dom would never have known.
“Elijah, baby, please, please tell me… what did he fucking do to you?”
“He didn’t do anything.” Elijah was beginning to get angry now; this was not what he wanted to happen.
“He’s been with us all week.” Dominic looked directly into Elijah’s eyes searching for the truth. “Fuck Lij… Lij... tell me he wasn’t bothering you… touching you all week. Tell me that didn’t happen.” Dominic shook his head as everything was beginning to fall into place.
Elijah didn’t say anything, but his expression said it all.
“Baby, why didn’t you tell me…?” Dominic felt his eyes filling up again; he glanced down the corridor at Hasad’s retreating body. “You should have fucking told me, Lij. I would have sorted the bastard out, he had no fucking right, no right at all.”
“No…” Elijah shook his head, he could feel Dominic trembling. “No, Dom. That is exactly why I didn’t tell you. You would have ended up getting yourself fucking killed.”
“He fucking touched you.” Dominic ran his fingers down the side of Elijah’s face as he spoke. “The fucking bastard touched you, he fucking touched you, Lijah!” Dominic looked back down the corridor again. He wanted to smash Hasad’s head against the fucking wall. No one touches his fucking Elijah… no one! Then without warning Dominic suddenly let go of Elijah’s hand, and took off down the corridor.
“Dom!… No!” Elijah called after Dominic, and set off after him. “Fucking leave it, Dom! he shouted. It’s over… it’s fucking over!”
Patrick and the other steward turned to face Dominic; they could see pure rage in his eyes.
“Mr Monaghan, sir… we really have everything under control now.” Patrick looked beyond Dominic at Elijah’s limping form slowly closing the gap between them. “Leave him to us… he will be punished.”
Dominic wasn’t listening. Hasad and turned to face him, and he grinned at Dominic, and lick his lips before speaking.
“Your boyfriend sucks good!”
“You fucking bastard!” Dominic swung his fist at Hasad, but Patrick managed to grab hold of his arm, and held him back from launching an attack.
“Sir, please… please…”
Elijah finally caught up with them. “Dom, stop it! Stop it!”
But Dominic still wasn’t listening. He pushed Patrick roughly back against the wall as he pulled his arm free. He then turned to Hasad once more, the bastard was still grinning at him.
“I’ll fucking kill you!” Dominic snarled as he stepped in to attack again.
But Patrick and the other steward grabbed hold of Dominic and pulled him back.
“Fucking get off me! Get off me!” Dominic fought with all his strength to free himself from the restraint he was under.
“Dom!” Elijah was frantic, he had to stop this, had to snap Dominic out of this… this rage…
“You fucking bastards…let me go!” Dominic struggled harder to release the grip that was holding him back from the animal in front of him.
Patrick looked over at Elijah with a ‘We can’t hold him for much longer look’. Dominic was fucking strong, especially when he was this mad.
“Dom…fucking stop it! Stop…” Elijah grabbed hold of Dominic’s arm too, trying to get his attention. But it was useless. “Dom, you are going to get fucking hurt!” Elijah’s voice was now pleading. “Please, Dom. Let it fucking go!”
But Dominic wasn’t listening. Hasad was chanting at him, goading him, making lewd comments about what Elijah had done to him.
Going to fucking kill you, fucking kill you…Dominic managed to wrench one arm free…
“You are not my keeper!”
…You are not my keeper… not my keeper…
The words filtered into Dominic’s muddled brain.
“Dom, did you hear me?” Elijah shouted again he had grabbed hold of Dominic’s free hand, and had pulled him around to face him. “You are not my fucking keeper, now let it fucking go!”
It was instantaneous…Elijah watched the fight drain out of Dominic’s body like a candle flame being snuffed out. He knew those bloody words were going to hurt him. Fucking hell, but he had to stop this, he just had to, there was no other fucking way.
Patrick and the other steward let Dominic go. Patrick looked over to Elijah who nodded at him. It was time to go. The stewards took a firm hold of Hasad again and continued their journey to the bowels of the ship where they were going to lock bastard up. Patrick took one last glance back over his shoulder.
Dominic and Elijah were standing opposite each other.
“What? You said… what? ” Dominic felt those words as if they were a blow to his chest. “Not your keeper…I’m not your keeper?” Dominic could feel tears welling up in his eyes. “You know what, Lij?” His voice cracked with emotion, as he wiped his tears away. “You’re fucking right!” Dominic roughly pushed Elijah out of his way. “You obviously don’t need me…not any more…” Then he stumbled away, weeping, leaving Elijah alone in the corridor.
Elijah slowly returned to the restroom where he was assaulted, and dragged the small chair, which had so successfully kept Dominic out, but not for long enough, into the middle of the room, and then he sat down on it. Dotted around his feet were little white things. He bent down and picked one up and saw that it was a button from his shirt. He slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans, and then he, too, began to cry.
tbc
Author/Email: Salogel (salogel42@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Dom/Elijah
Rating: R (for swearing and violence. SEE WARNING)
Summary: Dom and Lij cross the Aegean Sea… but there is an unwanted passenger also on board.
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS NON CON SEXUAL VIOLENCE
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 19 – Crossing the Aegean Sea
1 March 2005
He’s on the fucking ship……….
Elijah stared at the new entry that he had just made in his journal. He’s on this fucking ship…Jesus Christ… He glanced over his shoulder at Dominic, who was sleeping soundly in their bed. He then dropped his pen and placed his elbows on the small writing table. He rested his head in his hands as he continued to stare at his writing.
“Shit...” his voice was a loud whisper. “Fucking shit!”
Dominic mumbled something as he turned over under the bedcovers. Elijah knew he would wake any minute now, wondering why he wasn’t in the bed with him. But he couldn’t sleep. How could he sleep knowing that fucking creep was on board? Jesus…
Elijah got up and walked over to the large window at the end of their room. Dressed only in his boxers, and feeling slightly chilled, he looked out into the darkness. There was nothing out there but water, for miles and miles. No fucking escape, he thought, and cursed the fact that this thought should ever have to occur to him. This is a bloody small ship…fuck it! Oh Christ… Dom… he looked over at Dominic again, so blissfully unaware of his inner turmoil.
**
They had boarded this ship yesterday afternoon, and the sense of relief that had washed over Elijah as they slowly made their way out of the harbour was immense. Ahead of them lay seven blissful days of sea travel. Dominic was back to full health now, and Elijah could see the days and nights spent in their stateroom locked in each other’s arms, buried deeply inside each other. Yep, that had been his plan, and last night had been one long fuck fest. But this evening, after a day of doing nothing much but exploring the small luxury liner, and spending far too much time in one of the heated swimming pools, Elijah saw him. Saw the fucking cunt staring at him, and at that exact moment he felt an overwhelming sense of doom.
They had made their way out onto the large balcony area of deck 8. The meal they had just eaten had been superb. It wouldn’t be long before Dominic would regain all the weight he had lost when he was sick in Istanbul. The sun was setting and although it was a little cool they stood side by side looking out towards the horizon enjoying the gentle sea breeze on their faces.
There were a few other passengers dotted around the deck most of them in groups or in couples, but Elijah did notice one person standing on his own, looking their way. Elijah didn’t take much heed s at first; he was enjoying the feel of Dominic’s arm around him holding him closely against his body. Dominic, who was never one for public shows of affection, was certainly mellowing on this holiday, and Elijah was enjoying every minute of his newfound freedom to just not give a fuck.
Then a tinge of confusion crept into Elijah’s mind. Confusion and… and then recognition! Elijah whipped his head around to look at the lonely figure again. He was still there, arms folded looking directly at him.
Jesus Christ! Elijah looked away, his fucking heart was racing. Shit…
“Beautiful, isn’t it, Elijah?” Dominic hugged Elijah a little more closely to him. “I’m going to enjoy this cruise, I just know it.” Dominic turned to Elijah and tugged him in so that their hips touched. “Even though we didn’t get the balcony room, this…” Dominic waved his hand. “This is better, coming up here and looking out at the view, with you beside me. Fucking heaven.”
Elijah hardly heard a word Dominic was saying. Blood seemed to be coursing through his ears. He turned his head to glance back at Hasad to see if he was still there, and at the same time he felt Dominic let go of him.
“Ok, then Lij…won’t be long?” Then Dominic was gone.
“Dom?” The word didn’t come out. Elijah coughed and cleared his throat, and called again, hearing panic in his voice. “Dom!”
“Drinks!” Dominic smiled back at Elijah as he disappeared through the door.
“Drinks?” Elijah was confused. He looked back down the deck and fear suddenly gripped him. Hasad was striding towards him.
Elijah looked around wildly; there were plenty of people about, so the bastard wouldn’t be able to do anything. Not yet anyway. Not yet anyway? …Fuck… this is not going to happen… this is not going to fucking happen…
Hasad walked straight past Elijah, and then stopped. Elijah turned to face him.
“Boyfriend gone?” Hasad spoke quietly; he looked around him to make sure that no one was in earshot. “You come with me, and you will not get hurt.”
Elijah looked at him disbelievingly; although he was shaking on the inside he didn’t let his fear show. This bastard probably thrived on fear. “You’d better just fuck off, Hasad.”
“Come… now…” Hasad held out his hand.
Elijah couldn’t believe this guy. “You are fucking out of your mind.”
“You will come with me!” Hasad’s voice took on a menacing tone.
“I fucking will not!”
Hasad took a step closer, he was twice the size of Elijah, and Elijah knew that he would never be able to fight him off. Fuck it Dom. Where are you!
“I know your fucking sort…” Elijah used a condemnatory tone, and he spoke loudly. “I’ve been here before, you fucking pervert. Now fuck off and leave me alone!”
A few guests turned around to see the reason for the loud voices. Hasad backed off. He pointed at Elijah and narrowed his eyes. “I will have you…” Then he turned, walked away and re-entered the ship.
Elijah took in a deep shuddering breath and then exhaled loudly, he felt like he was going to be sick. Then he saw Dominic come through the doorway. He held two glasses of champagne in his hands.
He was grinning and looking so happy. Elijah tried desperately to calm his heart rate and he smiled at Dominic as he took his glass from him.
“To us…” Dominic clinked his glass against Elijah’s.
“To us.” Elijah whispered back.
**
Elijah walked back over to his journal, closed it and secured it. What else could he fucking write in it? He then poured himself a glass of bottled water and sat down in the dark, on the sofa in the sitting area of their room. His mind was working overtime. Hasad was fucking dangerous; he had figured that out already. Not like the others who had perved after him over the years. No, this lunatic was fucking serious.
It had happened to him many times in his past, men working on the films he was making, coming up to him making advances, and most of the time a simple brush off was all it took to send them on their way. Elijah was used to it. He never liked it, of course he didn’t, but it sort of went with the industry he was in. He often used to wonder why it happened, way back then when he didn’t even know he was gay himself. Did he give off signals or something? He would never know. But this unwanted attention from others had undoubtedly led him to develop a very wary nature. He became very reserved and began to guard his privacy with a passion.
Maybe that was why it took him so long to see that Dominic was the man for him. When they first met the chemistry between them was like nothing he had ever experienced, but he just didn’t know, he wasn’t sure… fuck it took him weeks to sort it out in his mind. But Dominic had never really pursued him (although he now knew how difficult it had been for Dominic too, during those early months in 1999), which had been the right thing to do. Elijah just had to work it out for himself, and for once in his life he made the first move, and was scared shitless when he did it, not really knowing what Dominic’s reaction would be.
Despite the anguish he was feeling Elijah smiled to himself at the memory of Dominic accidentally stumbling in on him taking a shower at his house that morning back in Wellington, after his 23rd birthday party. Elijah just did it. He took the initiative and lowered his bath towel… if you want me Dom, I’m here…
And Dominic did, but Elijah still had to coax him. And this made him realise that Dominic’s love was pure, and knowing that helped to lower his reserve… but obviously not entirely. Even now, after five years with Dominic he still held something back. He knew he was doing it, he could feel himself doing it. Not that he didn’t give everything to Dominic - he did - his heart, his soul, his love. But there was something… something he just couldn’t put his finger on… Elijah finished his drink and stood up.
“Hey… beautiful.” Dominic called quietly from the comfort of their bed.
Elijah looked over at Dominic… See…I never call you beautiful Dommie, but you are…you are perfect to me. And I never tell you that either. But you know what…I think those thoughts all the time. All the fucking time Dommie, I don’t know why I don’t say them. But I fucking love you… and soon Dommie, I’ll be able to show you just how much… and hopefully…well, maybe that will make up for all my shortcomings…
“What are you doing awake at this time?” Dominic switched on his bedside lamp and looked at his watch. “It’s two in the morning, Lij. Are you sick? Don’t tell me you’re going to be fucking sick too.”
“No…” Elijah slowly made his way over the cabin door to double check that it was locked and secure. “I just couldn’t sleep, that’s all.”
“I’m missing you under here…” Dominic threw the bedcovers back. “Can’t sleep without my Frodo snuggled up against me!”
Elijah suddenly felt a lump rise in his throat. God he loved Dominic so much, and he really wanted to tell him why he was awake. But he knew he couldn’t… he just couldn’t. No way… Dominic would get hurt, physically as well as mentally if he found out. He would be on edge all the time, walking around frightened and scared, thinking that every person that they met was a threat. And depression would soon follow again, he just knew it. He couldn’t put Dominic through that. Hasad was a fucking brute, he knew, but Dominic’s safety and state of mind were more important to him than anything. Dominic was never going to know about this…
“Come on, I’m getting cold!”
Elijah made his way back to the bed and climbed in.
“You sure you’re ok, baby?” Dominic opened up one arm as Elijah nestled in against him. The warmth of Dominic’s body was like coming home.
“I love you, Dom.” Elijah whispered and was glad that Dominic couldn’t see the tear that escaped from his eye.
“Hmmm… love you too, Lijah.” Dominic smiled as he turned off the light, and then turned around to place his other arm around Elijah’s cool body.
***
Can’t hide in here, Dom will want to know what’s wrong. Elijah buttoned up a shirt over his t-shirt, and then pulled on his jeans. That fucking bastard is out there somewhere, fucking waiting for me. It’s only a matter of time, I fucking know it.
“Ok, Lij?” Dominic opened the cabin door.
“Is it clear?”
“What?” Dominic looked at Elijah with a puzzled expression.
“Nothing, sorry… I was thinking about something else.”
“Well, if we don’t hurry we are going to miss the last sitting for breakfast.” Dominic stood there holding the door open.
Elijah finished tying the laces of his trainers before joining Dominic. He was absolutely dreading this.
But breakfast passed peacefully and uneventfully and for that Elijah was grateful. He now fully intended getting off at every stop this ship made on route to Athens. It hadn’t been what they had planned, but there was no way he was going to stay on board with that pervert hanging about.
“More coffee, Lij?” Dominic asked as he poured Elijah a cup anyway.
“Thanks…”
“You’re very quiet this morning, Elijah. Are you sure you’re not getting sick?” Dominic looked directly into Elijah’s eyes. “You do look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep much last night…”
“I did, once I had you back in my arms. No problem…” Dominic grinned at Elijah. Never a problem when you’re with me, Lijah.
“Probably just getting used to the ship. That’s all…” Elijah put on his best reassuring voice. “Nothing to worry about.”
Dominic nodded and sipped his coffee.
“Oh… hello!”
Elijah saw Dominic look up and greet someone standing behind him.
Fuck…Elijah closed his eyes.
“May I join you?”
Elijah squeezed his eyes closed even more. He wasn’t going to open them. Fuck Hasad! Fuck him for bloody coming into his life.
“Lij?” Dominic looked at Elijah.
Elijah opened his eyes and blinked a few times. Hasad had pulled up a chair and was sitting only a couple of feet away from him.
“Good morning, Dominic isn’t it?”
Dominic nodded.
“And Elijah, good morning to you too. A beautiful morning it is. A day to spend outside. And tomorrow we dock at Rhodes. Maybe I can show you both Rhodes. It is a beautiful island. I know it very well. I have family who live there.”
Jesus Christ…Elijah stared into his cooling cup of coffee. How fucking convenient… you have family every fucking place we go. You fucking bastard…
“Sounds like a good idea. We hadn’t intended getting off the ship, had we, Lij. But if we had our own guide, well, I guess it’s an offer we cannot refuse. Hey, Lij?”
Can’t fucking refuse? He’ll lose you Dom, he’ll fucking lose you somewhere, and then he’ll have me, and I won’t be able to fight him off. Can’t you fucking see that?
“Lij?” Dominic prompted Elijah for an answer.
“No!” Elijah stood up and scraped his chair backwards. “No…” The he turned and ran out of the restaurant.
Dominic sat there, cup half raised to his lips, looking stunned. He placed his cup back down and then looked at Hasad. “Please excuse me, Hasad. There’s something up with him, I’m sure he didn’t mean to be rude.”
Hasad bowed his head as Dominic left the table, then he smiled as he helped himself to the remains of their coffee.
Dominic found Elijah out on the deck. He was sitting on one of the chairs, hands clasped firmly together looking down at the floor.
“What the fuck was that about, Lij?” Dominic was a little angry. “I mean how fucking rude can you get?”
Elijah stood up. “Dom…I…he…oh forget it…” Elijah pushed past Dominic and disappeared back inside the ship.
Dominic just watched him leave. What the fuck is going on?
Elijah walked. He needed to find somewhere safe. Safe… that’s a fucking laugh. Basically he was trapped, and there was fuck all he could do about it. And Dom… poor confused Dom. He couldn’t tell him, no way could he tell him. He knew what would happen, because it had happened once before. Dominic would end up getting hurt in more ways than one. Hasad was strong and would probably end of up fucking killing him, or at least seriously injuring him.
He couldn’t tell Dominic. Fuck he wanted to tell Dominic… Jesus!!! Elijah stopped walking and leant one arm against the corridor wall. Dominic would go mad if he found out. More than fucking mad… he mustn’t find out… not after what happened before…..
***
“Dom… Stop it!!” Elijah tried with all his might to release the tight grip Dominic had on the man’s arm. “For fuck sake, Dom!”
“You fucking come near him again, and I’ll fucking have you!” Dominic snarled into the man’s face blood mingling in with spittle flying from his mouth. “You fucking understand me, you fucking cunt!”
Elijah looked around the parking lot for help, but there was none about. “Jesus, Dom! Let him go!”
The man scrabbled back on the tarmac; his eye was already swelling with the blow that Dominic had landed on him earlier.
“You can keep the fucking fairy. There are plenty more on the Christmas tree.” The man managed to twist himself out of Dominic’s grasp. I doubt he’s much of a fucking lay anyway.”
“You bastard!” Dominic lunged at the man again and punched him hard in the stomach.
“Dom!” Elijah didn’t know what to do. He was frantic. This was supposed to be their romantic evening away from filming, a rare occasion when they didn’t have feet early the next morning. And it had been a wonderful evening too, until this stranger appeared and started making a nuisance of himself. The man had followed Elijah into the restroom, and bloody cornered him for fuck sake. Then Dominic had appeared and just went mental.
A siren was heard in the distance and Elijah knew someone had called the police.
“Dom!” We need to leave now!
Dominic stood over the man. “If I ever fucking see you again….”
“For fuck sake Dom…” Elijah took hold of Dominic’s hand and dragged him away to their car. Once they were inside Elijah turned to look at Dominic. This was a side of Dominic that he had never seen before.
Dominic could see the look on Elijah’s face. “He fucking touched you, Lij.”
Elijah pressed his lips together tightly as he felt tears well up, then he reached up to touch Dominic’s swollen lip, blood oozing over his finger.
“You’re hurt…”
Dominic took hold of Elijah’s hand and pressed it against his bruised mouth, and kissed it. He knew that Elijah was shocked by his outburst, but he couldn’t help it. There was no way he was going to stand by while that freak pawed at Elijah. No fucking way… not in a million years.
“I’m sorry, Lijah.” Dominic kissed his hand again, leaving red smears over the pale skin. “I just love you so much… I can’t bear the thought of you being hurt.” I’d fucking die for you, Lij.
“It’s ok…really.” Elijah tried to sound calm. “Let’s just go back home…”
Dominic nodded as he started the car; he took one last glance at Elijah who was staring straight ahead. I just fucking love you, Lijah, that’s all. Then Dominic felt Elijah’s hand come to rest in his lap, and he thanked God that Elijah perhaps did have some understanding why he blew up this evening.
***
Dominic would freak out. He would go for Hasad, and he would get bloody hurt. Dominic couldn’t know about this. Elijah knew he would have to sort this out himself; he was going to have to confront Hasad one way or another. Fucking hell…
“Excuse me, sir. Can I help?” A steward stopped to speak to Elijah.
“Umm, no… no it’s ok. I’m fine.”
The steward nodded and then continued on.
Elijah took a deep breath; this was all up to him now. Christ he felt angry and he felt like crying, and he felt like fucking punching a hole in the fucking wall.
Time to go find Dom… tell him sorry… tell him that he felt a little unwell… time to lie through his fucking back teeth!
Dominic waited in their room. Searching the ship for Elijah would have been futile, so he decided to sit it out in their cabin while looking out at the sea. There was something wrong. Elijah was edgy, and quiet… too quiet. He was certainly not himself that was for sure, and he didn’t know why. What’s up baby, he thought. Why aren’t you telling me?
Dominic heard the door open, and looked around. It was the maid. She saw him and apologised for interrupting, but Dominic waved her in. Where are you, Lijah?
Elijah decided he needed some air first and he made his way up to the top deck. He pushed his way through a gate marked ‘no entry’. The breeze had picked up now that the ship was well on its way. In fact it was a little too cold to be outside without a jacket on, or at least a jumper. But he remained where he was. He needed a little more time to think before he returned to Dominic, even though he knew that he would be fretting about him by now. Sorry, Dom…
As Elijah looked down at the decks below he watched the other passengers going about their normal lives, unaware that he had been singled out, and singled out for what? Dear God…Elijah closed his eyes as his hands gripped the railing; he couldn’t see an end. If Hasad didn’t get what he wanted, he would follow them off this ship. He was never going to leave him alone… the fucking bastard… And Dom? God… Dommie… what if he decided to get Dom out of the way as well? Jesus…!
Then Elijah saw him, a dark figure mingling with the passengers three decks below. He looked like a fucking predator, stalking, seeking, hunting… planning his next move, whatever the fuck that might be. And then Elijah felt like screaming. The tension that had been building up inside him was reaching breaking point, and he almost fucking told Dominic about it. Shit!
“Can’t fucking tell, Dom!”
“Sir?” Elijah turned around quickly at the sound of the voice.
“This is a restricted area, sir.”
Elijah looked at the steward and almost felt like shouting at him. Can you fucking help me? I need someone to fucking help me…
“Let me show you the way down.” The steward smiled at Elijah as he opened the gate. “And... err… can I tell you what a pleasure it is to have you aboard, sir. I enjoyed the films… very much indeed.”
Elijah took a deep breath and tried to regain his composure. “Thank you.”
“No… thank you.” The steward closed the gate behind him. “May I ask, sir? Would you like to see the Bridge? I’m sure I can arrange it.”
“Bridge?” Elijah mind was elsewhere as he retraced his steps to the stairs leading to the lower deck.
“Yes sir… maybe even meet the Captain?”
Elijah stopped and looked at the man in front of him, but didn’t say anything.
The steward waited for an answer. “Sir?” he prompted. “Mr Wood?”
Elijah finally nodded. “Yes, thank you… I would like that, Dom too.” The Bridge had to be the safest place on the whole fucking ship. The bastard couldn’t get him in there.
The steward nodded. “I will arrange it. It was nice to meet you.” Then the steward turned and left Elijah alone once more.
Dominic looked at his watch; the mild anger that he felt when Elijah walked off was now turning into worry. Elijah never walked off, it just wasn’t his way. He was never over-dramatic, or over-emotional like himself. Where are you, Elijah? This isn’t fucking right.
Then Dominic heard the door open, and he was up on his feet. “Lij?”
“I need my jacket…” Elijah made his way over the wardrobe. “It’s colder out there today.”
Dominic stopped him and took hold of his hands and held them tightly. He looked into Elijah’s eyes. “What is it, Lij?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…” Elijah looked down at Dominic’s hands whose thumbs were moving in small circles across his palms. “You were right.” Elijah lied as he looked up into Dominic’s concerned face. “I don’t feel well. I’m sorry…”
“Hey, come on…” Dominic hugged Elijah to him, and then pulled back a little so that he could study Elijah’s face again. “I knew there was something wrong.” He pushed Elijah’s windswept hair from his forehead. “You don’t want to stay in, then? You want to go back out?”
Want to get off this fucking ship!
“Actually, it will be nice to stay in for a while. You’re going to stay with me aren’t you, Dom?” Elijah smoothed his hand over Dominic’s chest. “It’s just a headache, I’m sure it’ll pass quickly.”
“Want me to go and get you some tea?”
Elijah felt a sudden panicky feeling grip his chest, and then he nodded. “Ok…” He tried to sound calm. “That would be good.”
“Ok, then.” Dominic cupped Elijah’s chin and placed a warm kiss on his lips, before pulling back. “I won’t be long.”
As soon as Dominic left the cabin, Elijah locked the door behind him, and then turned and leant against it. Got to figure this out, got to think of something…Then the phone rang, scaring the shit out of him.
“Christ!” He glared at the phone and its flashing red light. Who the fuck can be phoning?
“God no…” Elijah approached the phone as it rang out again. It couldn’t be… He looked at the inanimate object, and paused again before picking it up, his hand was shaking. He placed the mouthpiece close to his mouth, took a deep breath and then whispered. “Yes?”
He sighed with relief when he heard the steward’s voice on the other end of the line. Would they like a tour of the Bridge tomorrow once the ship had docked at Rhodes?
“Yes…” God, yes that would be perfect… Elijah listened as the steward gave him a timetable to choose from, then he thanked him and hung up the phone. That just left three days to get through. And then what? Have the mad bastard stalk him through the streets of Athens?
***
“This is the life…” Dominic closed his eyes letting the warm water take the weight of his body. “Isn’t it, Lij?”
Elijah didn’t answer. The ship had left Rhodes a few hours ago, and he had enjoyed a Hasad free day. Well almost… because the bastard was now sitting on the other side of the pool watching him. Never taking his fucking eyes off of him for a second.
“Which stars to you think have planets orbiting around them, Lij?” Dominic was floating on his back looking up at the evening sky, which was rapidly turning darker and darker. One by one Dominic could see the stars starting to emerge as daylight gradually extinguished.
“Wonder if there are people out there?” Dominic kept looking up into the heavens. “People like us I mean…”
Elijah watched Hasad slip into the water. The bastard was coming. He was coming for him… Dom! Elijah quickly swam over to where Dominic was floating, and Hasad fucking joined them.
“Hasad!” Dominic brought his legs down and let his feet touch the bottom of the pool. “Did you get to see your family?”
Hasad smiled and nodded. “I did, thank you.”
“And they are well?”
“Very well…” Hasad looked at Elijah and moved in a little closer.
“That’s great.” Dominic grinned and then resumed floating on his back. “Just looking at the stars, wondering if there are people like us out there.”
Hasad watched Dominic as his attention reverted to the night sky. Then he swam behind Elijah, but Elijah turned quickly to confront him.
“Think of all the different species that could be out there.” Dominic kept moving his hands to keep himself afloat; Elijah and Hasad were now behind him as he drifted away. “Must be billions of them…”
Elijah could feel his heart hammering, and he swallowed hard. He couldn’t move quickly enough in this water without attracting attention. Hasad reached out for him, and Elijah tried to move backwards, out of the way, but Hasad caught his wrist, and it was a fucking strong grip. Elijah wanted to cry out, call for help, but he remained silent. Hasad pulled him in towards his body, and then held Elijah against himself, and Elijah thought he was going to be sick because of what he felt pressing against his stomach.
Hasad let out a low moan as he continued to hold Elijah, and rub himself up against him. But Elijah couldn’t struggle, because if he did then Dominic would look around and see what was happening. In fact any minute now, Dominic would see. He would fucking see, and then he would go ape shit.
“Stop…” Elijah whispered and tried to pull backwards. “Stop, Hasad… I’ll meet you… I’ll meet you somewhere. I’ll do whatever you want… just not here… please… please let me go.”
Hasad stared into Elijah’s face.
“Please… I don’t want Dom to see. I’ll meet you… I’ll find somewhere.”
Hasad gripped hold of Elijah’s wrist even tighter, and snarled. “I do not like to be fucked about.”
“No, I promise… anything you want… anything. I just don’t want Dom to know, he can’t ever know.”
Hasad hissed and then let Elijah go. “You fuck with me, and I will hurt you!”
Elijah nodded… he looked back at Dominic who was still floating on his back; totally unaware of what was happening behind him.
Elijah looked into Hasad’s evil face. He rubbed his wrist and prayed that it would not bruise.
Dominic ended his philosophical scan of the night sky and turned around in the water. He could see Hasad and Elijah talking together.
Elijah watched Dominic slowly begin to make his way over to them. He turned back to Hasad.
“Before we dock in Athens,” he whispered. “In the morning… I’ll find somewhere…”
“Hi guys…” Dominic stood up and pushed his wet hair back. “I think it’s time to eat.”
Elijah nodded, feeling sick to the stomach, with no appetite whatsoever.
“Would you like to join us this evening, Hasad?” Dominic asked as he took hold of Elijah’s hand under the water, and pulled him over beside him.
“That is most kind of you.” Hasad put on a smile. “I will be honoured.”
Elijah felt he was dying inside.
***
They docked in the morning. Elijah lay awake, in bed listening to Dominic’s gentle breathing. But then at least it will be over, he thought. By tomorrow night fucking Hasad will be a memory… or I’ll be dead.
Elijah tried not to listen to himself. He turned over and rested his head on Dominic’s shoulder. Dominic murmured something and shifted a little in his sleep, but didn’t wake up. Love you, Dom…whatever happens, I will always love you.
**
Still awake… Elijah turned to look at the small clock beside his bed, 4am. Jesus…now he knew what a condemned man felt like…
He quietly slipped out from the under the covers and got dressed. He had to go for a walk; he couldn’t just lie there waiting for daybreak.
The ship was quiet. Elijah went out on deck for a while, but it was too cold and very windy so he returned inside. He eventually found himself in the small 24-hour café. He ordered a coffee and sat down at a table. He couldn’t be long, Dominic would wake up soon. He always did if Elijah was missing from the bed… some sort of reflex action. Elijah almost smiled to himself at that thought.
“May I join you?”
Elijah looked around to see the steward who had organized their visit to the Bridge smiling at him. What was his name? Patrick… Elijah nodded.
Patrick took a seat. He was no longer in uniform, and therefore allowed to interact with the ship’s passengers. He looked at Elijah’s pale features and noticed the way his hand was shaking as he went to pick up his cup of coffee.
“I trust you enjoyed your visit to the Bridge, Mr Wood.”
Elijah nodded again but said nothing. Six hours until they docked…
“The Captain told me afterwards that he is a big Tolkien fan too. He is most pleased to have you aboard.”
Five hours away from… from… Elijah lowered his head and stared at the white linen tablecloth.
Patrick frowned slightly. “May I get you another drink, Mr Wood?”
Elijah didn’t answer. He could feel tears welling up, it was all so fucking hopeless… what was he going to do?
“Mr Wood? Are you alright?”
He wasn’t going to break down… he wasn’t… he had to keep it together…he had to…
“Mr Wood? Elijah?” Patrick reached out and touched Elijah’s gently on the arm.
Got to keep it together…Then Elijah broke down and began sobbing.
**
Dominic yawned, turned over and wrapped his arm around Elijah’s waist. He buried his face into the back of Elijah’s hair and breathed in the scent of his lover. Elijah turned so that he was facing Dominic and then he began to kiss him, he didn’t want to stop kissing him.
Eventually Dominic pulled back, and looked into Elijah’s eyes. “That was nice, very nice…”
Elijah didn’t reply. His mouth covered Dominic’s again and then he rolled their bodies over so that he was on top of Dominic. I love you so much, Dommie…one last time…
**
Elijah couldn’t eat his breakfast at all. He told Dominic that he had a headache again, and spent the time while Dominic was eating watching Hasad pacing at the far end of the restaurant.
Elijah left his seat, telling Dominic that he needed to use the restroom, and as he left the restaurant Hasad followed him into the corridor.
“Well?” Hasad looked to see if it was all clear before pushing Elijah against the wall, his hand gripped him tightly around the throat.
“Nine o’clock.” Elijah croaked. He could hardly hear his own voice.
Hasad let him go, and Elijah rubbed at his injured skin. “Nine o’clock, deck 7 restroom.”
“You had better be there or…” Hasad removed a small pocketknife from his inside jacket pocket.
Elijah closed his eyes and tried not to cry. You bastard, you fucking bastard.
“I’ll be there,” he muttered. “ I have to get rid of Dom first, but I’ll be there.” Elijah looked up into Hasad’s face; he saw no mercy there. “And then you’ll leave us alone?”
Hasad sniggered. He gripped hold of Elijah’s collar and tugged him forwards. “Nine o’clock.” Then he let him go and pushed him away as he turned and left.
Elijah felt his body sag. He looked at his watch. One hour. Please God let me get through this…
**
“That’s it.” Dominic zipped up his case. “Shall we go up on deck and watch the ship dock?”
Elijah nodded. He stared at his luggage sitting on their bed.
“Lij?”
Elijah snapped his head around. “Sorry?”
“Still feeling shitty?”
“A little…”
“Come on, the fresh air will do you good.” Dominic held out his hand and Elijah took it.
The decks were full of passengers watching the port of Piraeus as it steadily grew on the horizon. It was a stunning sight. Dominic and Elijah found a place to stand and Dominic quite happily put his arm around Elijah’s waist.
“Can’t say I won’t be sad to leave this ship, but it’ll be nice to put our feet on solid ground again, won’t it, Lij?”
“Yes, it will.” Gotta go Dom… got something to sort out…
Elijah pulled himself free from Dominic. “Need the restroom…” he lied.
“Again?”
“I know,” Elijah tried to smile. “Won’t be long. Save my place…” Love you Dommie…
“Sure…” Dominic turned to look at the view.
Keep calm… you can do this…you can, you know you can… it’ll soon be over…then you’ll never see the bastard again…
Elijah slowly made his way along the corridor to the restroom; he could see that the door was half open. He glanced at his watch. Nine o’clock. Dead on time. The bastard was probably in there waiting for him.Oh God… oh God…
Elijah hesitated by the door and then began to push it open. Then before he realised what was happening he was hauled inside and ended up on the floor. He looked up at Hasad looming over him.
“Now…” Hasad snarled. “I have you.” He picked up a wooden chair and placed it against the door, jamming it closed, and then he turned his attention back to Elijah.
“Get up!”
Elijah got up; he could feel his body shaking. I can do this… I can do this…
Hasad walked over to him unbuckling his belt.
Oh God… Elijah felt tears welling up… Oh God… Oh God…please let this work…
“Get undressed!”
Elijah swallowed hard as he began to unbutton his shirt, but his fingers wouldn’t obey him.
“I said get undressed!” Hasad lunged forward and ripped Elijah’s shirt open.
Please… please…
“Trousers!”
Oh God…
“Take them off, or I will tear them off!”
I can’t…
Elijah could feel tears spilling out from his eyes. You fucking bastard…
“Right!” Hasad pushed Elijah up against the wall and gripped his chin hard, letting his fingers dig into the soft flesh, deliberately inflicting pain on him.
“I will fuck you now, you little shit.” Hasad’s other hand fumbled with Elijah’s waistband. “I will fucking have you.”
He had to get away; he needed more time… Elijah bit down hard on Hasad’s hand, causing him to let go and howl with pain. The penalty for doing that was a blow to the side of his face. Elijah went reeling across the small room, landing in a heap by the washbasins.
Hasad went over to him. “Get up!”
Elijah was seeing stars. He could taste blood in his mouth and his shoulder hurt.
“Get up!” Hasad grabbed hold of Elijah’s collar and half dragged him up onto his knees.
Then to Elijah’s horror he watched Hasad drop his trousers. He could see his erection pressing against his underwear, and it looked fucking big. Elijah knew he was running out of time.
Come on… come on… where the fuck are you?
Hasad grabbed a handful of Elijah’s hair and yanked his head forward so that his face was near enough level with his groin.
Elijah felt like he was going to throw up.
“Now…” Hasad fumbled inside his boxers…
Jesus Christ…Jesus Christ…Not going to do this… not going to do this…you fucking bastard…
“No!” Elijah reached up and grabbed Hasad. He grabbed hold of his balls and squeezed and twisted them with all the strength that remained in his bruised body.
The sound that came from Hasad’s mouth was like that of a wounded animal, and he staggered backwards, but Elijah held on. He gritted his teeth as he got up onto his feet and continued to inflict the most horrendous pain on his attacker.
“You bastard… you fucking bastard… I hate you… I fucking hate you…I hate you!” Elijah’s fingers did not let go, and eventually Hasad could retreat no further and he slumped back against the wall and slowly slid to the floor.
Elijah let go and stood back. He looked down at the man before him, who was now moaning loudly. It was a horrible noise. Then Elijah looked about him, and then at his watch. Patrick where the fuck are you?
A loud hammering at the door made Elijah jump.
“Lij! Lij… what the fuck is going on?”
Dom… no… Dom go back.
“Lijah!!!” Dominic sounded hysterical.
Elijah knew that Dominic could probably hear Hasad. Dear God, Dom, why did you have to come looking for me?
“Elijah!”
Elijah heard a loud thump on the other side of the door. Dominic was trying to break it down.
“Dom… stop! Stop…I’m ok!” Elijah just wanted Dominic to go away. He mustn’t see him like this. “Dom, really… go back outside.”
“Open the fucking door Elijah!”
“Oh God…” Elijah knew he had no choice. He glanced down at Hasad who hadn’t moved, and then he removed the chair and opened the door.
“What the fuck…?” Dominic look at Elijah ripped shirt, undone jeans, split lip, bruised chin. “Lij?… Lij?”
“Dom, I’m ok…”
“Who did this? “ Dominic took hold of Elijah and pulled him into himself. “Oh God, Elijah… who did this, who did this baby?”
“I’m ok, Dom… it doesn’t matter.” Elijah felt himself beginning to sag in Dominic’s arms.
“Mr Wood!” Elijah looked over Dominic’s shoulder to Patrick who was running down the corridor with another steward in tow. “Mr Wood, are you ok. I’m sorry, I got held up. My God, we’re not too late are we?” Patrick came and stood behind Dominic and looked over his shoulder. “Are you ok, Mr Wood?”
Elijah nodded as he pulled himself free from Dominic. “He’s in there.” Elijah nodded over his shoulder.
“What?” Dominic pushed past Elijah and saw Hasad crumpled up on the floor. He looked around at Elijah he eyes filled with horror. “Fucking Hasad?”
“Dom… it’s ok. Leave it. It’s under control now.” Elijah looked at Dominic, and could see tears filling his eyes.
“Fucking Hasad?” Dominic looked down at the body again, and then he went for him. “You fucking bastard!” He started kicking Hasad who just groaned with each blow.
“Dom… stop it! I said it’s under control now.” Elijah desperately tried to pull Dominic away. “It’s sorted! I dealt with it, now fucking leave him alone.”
“Mr Monaghan, please…” Patrick and the other steward stepped in beside Dominic. They were both holding arm restraints.
Dominic looked confused. Elijah had only been gone for twenty minutes, how did the stewards know to turn up with arm restraints? How did they fucking know this was going to happen?
“Elijah, what the fuck is happening here?”
“Dom, it’s ok…” Elijah tried to sound reassuring. “Let them do their job.”
“How did they know he was going to be in here?”
“Dom, leave it…”
Patrick and the other steward hauled Hasad onto his feet. They hitched his trousers up and loosely refastened them after restraining his arms behind his back.
“Elijah?” Dominic could feel himself starting to panic.
“Are you sure you don’t want the police?” Patrick asked Elijah before leaving the restroom.
“No…” Elijah glanced up at Dominic. He looked furious.
“Well, rest assured, he will not get off this ship until we re-dock at Istanbul… and then.” Patrick looked at his helper for confirmation. “He may have difficulty walking for a few weeks.” And with that they hauled Hasad out into the corridor.
“Right, then…” Elijah didn’t look at Dominic. “I’d better get cleaned up…”
“Lijah…” Dominic grabbed hold of Elijah’s hand. “This was fucking planned?”
“Oh Dom… please… please, let’s just get off this ship. It’s all over now.”
“What’s all fucking over?”
“Dom…” Elijah closed his eyes and shook his head. Why did Dom had to fucking come looking for him? It was all planned out…ten more minutes and he would have been out of here, and Dom would never have known.
“Elijah, baby, please, please tell me… what did he fucking do to you?”
“He didn’t do anything.” Elijah was beginning to get angry now; this was not what he wanted to happen.
“He’s been with us all week.” Dominic looked directly into Elijah’s eyes searching for the truth. “Fuck Lij… Lij... tell me he wasn’t bothering you… touching you all week. Tell me that didn’t happen.” Dominic shook his head as everything was beginning to fall into place.
Elijah didn’t say anything, but his expression said it all.
“Baby, why didn’t you tell me…?” Dominic felt his eyes filling up again; he glanced down the corridor at Hasad’s retreating body. “You should have fucking told me, Lij. I would have sorted the bastard out, he had no fucking right, no right at all.”
“No…” Elijah shook his head, he could feel Dominic trembling. “No, Dom. That is exactly why I didn’t tell you. You would have ended up getting yourself fucking killed.”
“He fucking touched you.” Dominic ran his fingers down the side of Elijah’s face as he spoke. “The fucking bastard touched you, he fucking touched you, Lijah!” Dominic looked back down the corridor again. He wanted to smash Hasad’s head against the fucking wall. No one touches his fucking Elijah… no one! Then without warning Dominic suddenly let go of Elijah’s hand, and took off down the corridor.
“Dom!… No!” Elijah called after Dominic, and set off after him. “Fucking leave it, Dom! he shouted. It’s over… it’s fucking over!”
Patrick and the other steward turned to face Dominic; they could see pure rage in his eyes.
“Mr Monaghan, sir… we really have everything under control now.” Patrick looked beyond Dominic at Elijah’s limping form slowly closing the gap between them. “Leave him to us… he will be punished.”
Dominic wasn’t listening. Hasad and turned to face him, and he grinned at Dominic, and lick his lips before speaking.
“Your boyfriend sucks good!”
“You fucking bastard!” Dominic swung his fist at Hasad, but Patrick managed to grab hold of his arm, and held him back from launching an attack.
“Sir, please… please…”
Elijah finally caught up with them. “Dom, stop it! Stop it!”
But Dominic still wasn’t listening. He pushed Patrick roughly back against the wall as he pulled his arm free. He then turned to Hasad once more, the bastard was still grinning at him.
“I’ll fucking kill you!” Dominic snarled as he stepped in to attack again.
But Patrick and the other steward grabbed hold of Dominic and pulled him back.
“Fucking get off me! Get off me!” Dominic fought with all his strength to free himself from the restraint he was under.
“Dom!” Elijah was frantic, he had to stop this, had to snap Dominic out of this… this rage…
“You fucking bastards…let me go!” Dominic struggled harder to release the grip that was holding him back from the animal in front of him.
Patrick looked over at Elijah with a ‘We can’t hold him for much longer look’. Dominic was fucking strong, especially when he was this mad.
“Dom…fucking stop it! Stop…” Elijah grabbed hold of Dominic’s arm too, trying to get his attention. But it was useless. “Dom, you are going to get fucking hurt!” Elijah’s voice was now pleading. “Please, Dom. Let it fucking go!”
But Dominic wasn’t listening. Hasad was chanting at him, goading him, making lewd comments about what Elijah had done to him.
Going to fucking kill you, fucking kill you…Dominic managed to wrench one arm free…
“You are not my keeper!”
…You are not my keeper… not my keeper…
The words filtered into Dominic’s muddled brain.
“Dom, did you hear me?” Elijah shouted again he had grabbed hold of Dominic’s free hand, and had pulled him around to face him. “You are not my fucking keeper, now let it fucking go!”
It was instantaneous…Elijah watched the fight drain out of Dominic’s body like a candle flame being snuffed out. He knew those bloody words were going to hurt him. Fucking hell, but he had to stop this, he just had to, there was no other fucking way.
Patrick and the other steward let Dominic go. Patrick looked over to Elijah who nodded at him. It was time to go. The stewards took a firm hold of Hasad again and continued their journey to the bowels of the ship where they were going to lock bastard up. Patrick took one last glance back over his shoulder.
Dominic and Elijah were standing opposite each other.
“What? You said… what? ” Dominic felt those words as if they were a blow to his chest. “Not your keeper…I’m not your keeper?” Dominic could feel tears welling up in his eyes. “You know what, Lij?” His voice cracked with emotion, as he wiped his tears away. “You’re fucking right!” Dominic roughly pushed Elijah out of his way. “You obviously don’t need me…not any more…” Then he stumbled away, weeping, leaving Elijah alone in the corridor.
Elijah slowly returned to the restroom where he was assaulted, and dragged the small chair, which had so successfully kept Dominic out, but not for long enough, into the middle of the room, and then he sat down on it. Dotted around his feet were little white things. He bent down and picked one up and saw that it was a button from his shirt. He slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans, and then he, too, began to cry.
tbc
no subject
no subject
*teary* I really shouldn't have read this before my exam, but oh, this was achingly beautiful and heartbreaking. This has got to have a happy ending, right?
no subject