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"Does this mean you're going to start fantasising about me as a stripper?" He blushed at those words.... ok, originally he probably wouldn't have, but now that the idea was in his head.... very probably. Though it would likely be a 'private' showing that Dante imagined. I soooooooo admit tell him that, he thought.

"You're into roleplay and all of that, huh?"

"Ah...." He said in surprise, his eyes going a little wider at the comment. He couldn't think of a time he had ever 'played' those sorts of games in bed. And even if he had 'wanted' to, there was no way he would have talked himself into it. He shook his head slightly in denial and dropped his head before speaking again, the words slipping free as they made their way to embarrass the crap out of him. "....can't say I have ever tried that sort of thing." He gulped, "Though I don't see how that has anything to do with fantasising.... one's in your head and one's not." Oh dear God, please tell me I am not justifying the fact that I now have an image of this guy in a leopard thong dancing around in my head.

"I'm jealous of you not having a brother to lose," Talk about putting your foot in your mouth! s**t! Now Dante felt awful for bringing it up, he really needed to think a little more about the stuff he let slip past the guard of his lips; he really did want to upset the guy or say too much... and it seemed twice at least now he had done that. He had to admit that it was possible he felt a little too comfortable around Jeremy, as if he could pretty much say anything... was that false hope perhaps? When exactly had that feeling begun to nest in his head? After all, if you thought about it logically he had only known Jeremy for a few weeks.... and he was pretty sure there was 'oh so much' to learn about the other. Like, what idiosyncrasies did he have? Bad habits? Morning routine? Favourite food? Man.... so much he didn't know, would he ever get the change to learn them? Or would this little slice of, well, whatever it was.... would it soon crumble around them? Could something built upon desperation and want ever change into a solid foundation? It had Dante wondered what he would do if Jeremy slept with someone else? Sure, they had said they would date but they hadn't specified that they would be monotonous.... had Jeremy slept with someone else already? Or was he really 'just' Dante's? That was something he couldn't ask.... everything was too fresh, and this conversation had revealed that the guy had issues just like everyone else, maybe even more than most others.

"Your chance to do that might very well end up happening this weekend, hm?" He chuckled a little at that, he still hadn't completely decided if that was the right thing or not.... it would just be his Father after all, but then again given the fact he had no intention of going to Japan just yet, it really would like be the only 'chance' he got for a while. Man... why was he suddenly shaking inside? Was he really that scared of the reaction he got? Or was it simply that he was nervous after hearing how Jeremy had been practically tossed aside by his own Father? "Yeah.... maybe...." He found himself saying, not entirely sure how to reply to that. Dante guessed he would just have to go with the flow on that one, bullying himself up too much would likely lead him to stressing out so much about it that he chickened out or something.... after all, surely he didn't have anything to worry about? His father had never seemed to discriminate against his colleagues that were gay after all.

After his words about talking to Liam left his mouth he couldn't help but chastise himself, AGAIN! It had only been what..... ten seconds.... since he had made the promise to himself to be careful... maybe his foot should just rent a permanent room in his mouth? Would be far similar.

"My brother." Geese, Dante's heart was practically breaking for the guy. He really couldn't understand the heart wrenching sadness that the other was feeling..... losing his dog simply didn't compare, not really. Especially since even as a kid he had known that his dog wouldn't last forever, they had shorter life spans than humans after all... but your twin? Well, what reason did you have to ever think they would leave you. It was a credit to Jeremy that he continued to get up every morning, continued to function to a high level.... sure, it was clear he would never completely get over it.... but could blame him for that?

Looking over at the guy Dante watched as he became lost in thoughts, what was he thinking about? Part of him wanted to ask... except, it looked as if the guy was in pain. As if the tears he held back were nearly enough to flow from the floodgates. Dante didn't want to see him cry.... but what could he do? There was no taking away a pain this deeply sliced into your heart. What was worst? When Jeremy finally did speak all Dante wanted to do was scream 'NO' at him. Those kinds of thoughts were meant for the real world, those kind of regrets were enough to shatter even the strongest... the living could never compete with the dead. Yet, what could Dante do? There was no way of telling Jeremy that he was valued, that he was just as worthy of life as his dead brother.... he was sure the guy would never accept that.

Rolling to his side and wiggling across the bed, Dante found himself so close to Jeremy's side that he could feel the guys heat. Taking the arm that covered Jeremy's eyes he softly moved it aside, before silently leaning down and kissing each eye, and again, and again. Once done he rested his forehead on Jeremy's, lifting himself up on his forearm so he could see the guy properly... yep, tears... or at least the traces of them. Slightly salty in taste. He didn't say anything for a while, what could he say.....? What could anyone say? Defeated Dante realised there was only one thing wanted to say... and so.... he allowed himself to say it, knowing he would likely regret it if he didn't.... still, he hoped, no he prayed, that it would bring Jeremy more pain.

His voice was soft as he spoke, a near whisper as if even his tone demonstrated how fragile the situation was. "You deserve to live too..... you.... it's you I want...." Man! How selfish was he right now! Even softer he spoke once more, closing his eyes as if to compose his thoughts.... or maybe he simply trying to protect Jeremy from seeing how tormented he was. "I am sorry your brother died.... but.... you can't change it.... and there is no guarantee things would have been.... better.... even if he had lived in your place." Man, was he seriously choking up? "You know..... I don't think..... he would have wanted you to think like this." He said slowly, before pulling away. He was pretty sure he didn't 'deserve' to touch Jeremy right now.... even if he wanted to scope him up in his arms and just hold him in that moment. Would his touch even be accepted after that? Would the guy just storm out an leave now? Crap... what had he just done?

Sitting up, he brought his knees up towards him, resting his head on them for a moment. He needed to move, needed to get his hands busy before he did something worst. Sliding off the bed he decided he would put on his pyjama's, his suit was suddenly too tight, too hot, too much. Dante made quick work of grabbing his bottoms and a white tee-shirt before stripping and dragging them on. He kept his back to Jeremy, and only once he was done did he say. "Sorry.... I probably overstepped." His words were still quiet, as if all the strength had been drained from his body.

Sitting back on the edge of the bed he forced himself to look over at Jeremy, not wanting to 'close' off the 'safe zone' of communication they had developed between them. He watched the guy closely. Deep deep breath.

"How about you? What would your dream family be like?"

Quickly he answered, though his concern was far from them now.... it lay solely with Jeremy and thoughts of how he could 'mend' what he had likely just ripped to shreds. "Same parents.... just.... have my Father home more, at least when I was a kid. No fame, no business, no heir, no pressure." Saying it like that made everything sound so simple.

"Well I'll be sure to put on a show for you sometime."

"Oh god, don't tease me with that...." He found himself saying, a moment before he realised what he had just said and squirmed uncomfortably. Oops, had he really said that!?

Dante found himself chuckling a little as Jeremy tried to comfort him, he had never seen the guy stammer so much. "It's ok... forget about it." He said softly. Giving Jeremy's hand a little squeeze in an effort to try and reassure him.

"No, I'm sorry...I shouldn't have said that... I just got...carried away," He shook his head at that, Jeremy hadn't done anything wrong. You couldn't change how you felt and it was obvious the pain of his losing his brother still affected him deeply.

"It must have been really weird...living like that." He shrugged at that, trying to smile as he didn't want Jeremy to worry about him. "Maybe... I didn't know anything different though, except looking from the outside at others lives. I don't really know... I just know that... well, it would have been nice to have been given a few expectations that I could actually achieve, ya know?" He chuckled softly, "Not like I am going to be a good replacement for my father should he ever talk me into it....." Which Dante feared he one day would, he was rather weak against his father at times.... and didn't that just bode well for his 'business sharkness'... not! If he couldn't even stand up against his father, how would he ever do so in a professional capacity of that magnitude? Deep down Dante knew he feared failing, feared destroying what his father had built up. He just didn't think he could do it alone. Maybe that was another reason he had wanted a sibling.....?

"That's probably enough emotional bonding for one night." He nodded, "Yeah.... I totally agree with that." He found himself laughing a little, but the sound was dry to his ears.

"But I can't leave until I know you're feeling okay,"

"I'm fine... honestly...." Ok, not a complete lie, not the complete truth.

Words abandoned him though as Jeremy spoke once more, and instead of a verbal reply Dante turned towards the guy and kissed him. Running his fingers up Jeremy's arm before gently pressing them into the back of his neck. It was a slow kiss, and he didn't linger for too long before pulling back a little to just look at the man before him. Again he found himself being drawn in by those eyes. By the aroma that seemed to surround him, even the aura that seemed to shine.... despite everything that had passed between them this eve Dante still saw this man as one of the strongest he had ever met, high praise indeed.

"Do you want to stay the night?" He found himself saying, hand still gently holding the back of Jeremy's neck. "We don't have to have sex or anything. I...." He gritted his teeth for a moment, taking a moment to wonder why he was about to admit to his next words. "...would like to just hold you for a bit.... if that's ok." At least that, he thought to himself. Even if Jeremy didn't stay. Dante left the ball in Jeremy's corner, slowly retrieving his hand from enemy territory while he gave Jeremy the space to think and decide on his own. For some reason, as the moment of silence seemed to stretch on for an eternity in Dante's mind, he realised that the answer was probably more important than any other given this night. In that moment... it felt as if he was losing his mind. Trapped in a world of raw emotions and need... he didn't really understand any of it, a votex of swirling chaos that threatened to cave in at any moment and destroy what remained.

"Why not...?" Dante released a breath he hadn't even realised he had been holding, and when Jeremy moved into hold him there was nothing he could do other than allow himself to melt into the embrace. He was aware of Jeremy on so many levels in that moment, the hairs standing to attention on the back of his neck as his back was rubbed softly. It was... nice. Comfortable. Dante didn't feel like either of them were forcing this, which is why his own arms found their way around the guy, giving him a gentle squeeze as if to silently say 'I've got you too'.

When was the last time he had truly felt this content? If he was honest with himself... a long time. Perhaps that simply helped him to realise and appreciate it now.

He snapped from his thoughts as he felt hot breath on his ear. "Hey, Dante...?" He sucked in a breath, having the distinct feeling that the guy was up to no good.... "My stripper name is Ace." Yep, he was right, and as Jeremy's reward he managed to drag a moan from Dante. He was pretty sure his face was on fire, he so shouldn't have told the guy NOT to tease him with that, it was like handing him a gold plated invitation to watch him blush. Unable to stop himself and seeing no reason to resist, he allowed his head to flop slightly to the side so it was touching Jeremy's. "Tease." He breathed, well aware that his own reaction was far from innocent, which had probably been exactly Jeremy's intention.

Shifting a little he found himself looking Jeremy in the eyes before he moved in to kiss him, though this time he made no attempt to close his eyes... no... that wasn't his intention. His nipped at the guys lip playfully with his teeth. "Of course," He breathed, speaking against the guys lips so he could feel the vibration that followed every word. "....you have to earn such a sexy stage name." A challenge and a tease all in one.

Ok, so it seemed that Jeremy had managed to change his mood completely with what.... five words?! Wow, that had to be a record. Though Dante had to wonder if it was more to do with the man that said them rather than the words themselves.... it was unlikely that someone like Phil, for example, would have got the same response, if any from him.

"You should have known that from the start." And didn't he just! Away from work and behind closed doors Jeremy was probably the biggest flirt Dante had ever encountered, but that was actually part of what he liked about the guy. Made it easier to laugh at yourself and let things go.

"Of course, Mr. Andrews," Dante couldn't help but grin at that, watching the 'show' with unbidden delight.

TIME SKIP.

Things had progressed somewhat when Dante heard a knock on the door... at least he thought it was the door... he was a little distracted. Plus, it was possible it was next door... more than likely actually considering the fact that he rarely had people round, and there was no way Kyle would show up... he was the only one who did before they broke up. Pushing it off as nothing it wasn't until he heard a key scrap at the lock that he froze.

A key.... there were only four that he knew of. One that he had, the spare he had still to get from Jeremy, the one he had taken off Kyle that was currently sitting in a cup in the kitchen... and the one he had sent to his father as a 'just incase work runs late' sort of thing. "Stop." He hissed, practically jumping out of his skin as jumped off the bed. His eyes darted to the alarm clock... why would his father be here at this time?! It was far to late.... was it possible someone was trying to break in. Not wanting to risk it he turned his attention to Jeremy, his eyes almost pleading. "Hide." He wasn't asking this because he was embarrassed about the guy, simply that he didn't want his Father to walk in on them like this.... after all, he hadn't even told the guy yet.

"Dante?" Came a familiar voice. Yep, it was his old man. Man..... someone just shoot him already. Surely with this he had officially reached his quota for bad luck for the year and then some! He was really unlucky lately.

And on top of that. "s**t... where are my bottoms?" He said, wondering where the hell they had tossed them..... panic was threatening to set in as he finally laid his hands on them.

"You there son?" Dante could hear the distinct sound of bags being put down. "You got company?" He heard next... crap! The dishes. How the hell was he going to explain this... maybe he should just be honesty. Shouting back he knew he couldn't ignore the situation for much longer... thank god they had managed to close the door to his room over slightly before their little heart to heart. "Coming Dad... just give me a moment."

"You ok?" The guy asked, "You haven't called me Dad in a while." Crap... really? This was just going from bad to worst. It seemed his father simply knew him all too well. Dante was ever the open book. Roughly he straightened up the covers, hoping to at least mask what had just begun on the thing moments before. He wouldn't have bothered if there had been a toilet somewhere else in the apartment. Gosh, he had never seen that as a lacking point before. Determination set in as he slipped into his 'professional' persona, at least in that he could pretend to hold it together if nothing else.

Quickly he gave Jeremy a 'sorry' look before racing out to meet the last man on the planet he wanted to see right now.

Walking out he purposefully closed the door over to give Jeremy some more time. "I'm fine." He said softly, smiling softly at the man. All the while his thoughts were lingering on what had just been interrupted.... could his timing have been any worst?

"Why you all sweaty?" God! Why did he have to be as observant as ever, did the guy simply not need sleep? Or was he just totally in a different league to Dante on so many levels?

"Ah.... was... working out." Not a complete lie, he thought with a knowing smile. "Sorry... was just getting ready for a shower when you walked in, panicked." A reasonable excuse right?

"Ha! Trying to work off that cake of yours? You always did have a soft spot for the things. You should look after yourself better son, you won't be able to indulge so much forever." And why did those words hold a sense of foreboding? Dante watched as his old man sat on the sofa, and walked towards the table to grab the dishes and take them to the sink... maybe the guy had missed them? One could hope. "Drink?"

"Please." Dante tried to smile, though all he could muster was his 'plastic smile' that he reserved for clients. It looked real enough from the outside but didn't reach his eyes... would his father notice that too? "Tea, two sugars, milk." As if Dante needed reminding about how the guy took his tea.

Silence fell between them. "So... who is she?" Came the words that broke the silence, turning uncomfortable into torture. Where had that come from. Gawping a little he stood a little open mouthed at his father. "Eh... what?"

The guy laughed, and the noise did not bring Dante any comfort. "The girl. Two plates. Work out. And the fact that your eyes keep darting to the bedroom door as if you are hiding something." s**t! Was he really doing that? He looked away then, what the f*ck was he meant to do now? There was no way he could simply brush this away.... but this wasn't exactly the best time for honesty either. He had left a naked Jeremy in his room, and although hot the guy was nothing like any 'girl' his father would be expecting. He turned his back on his father, busying his hands as he tried to faint nonchalance. It helped that he couldn't see the man but his voice still shook.

"No idea what you're talking about." He lied, though he suppose he could justify it a little... after all... there was no girl.

He heard footsteps, and spun around to see his Father moving to the bedroom door. He didn't go in.... which was probably the only godsend in the situation, but Dante cringed all the same. Knock knock knock. "You can come out. I know you are in there." His father said, each word laced with the confidence and dominance that he held at all times. It was hard not to be intimidated by the guy. Dante was so not cut from the same clothe as the guy.

He gulped, knowing that he needed to run interference... and fast. And with each step towards his father, he decided... honesty would best sooner rather than later.

Taking his Father's hand he tried to move him away from the door a little. "Father, there is no girl." He blushed, dropping his eye contact. "There is however a man.... so... eh... yeah.... please just drop it." He gulped. This was not exactly how he had imagined things would unfold.

Silence. Utter silence. He looked up at his father, confused seemed to lace his features, and before Dante could react his father had pushed past him and entered the bedroom. What the hell was the guy going to do.

Following Dante found himself getting angry. This had nothing to do with his father! The guy didn't have the right to.....

What his father said next left Dante the one staring in confusion at the door. "Show yourself. I want to see the man that can make Dante finally stand up for himself." There was no disapproval that Dante could see.... just... awe.

Dante stood behind his father wondering what the hell was going on inside the guys head. He always did the opposite to what Dante predicted he would do.... and he was pretty sure one day the guy would literally sprout wings and fly off. What a sight that would be! He could just see the headlines now.... 'Andrews rises to new heights', and didn't it just sting a bit that it would never be him. No matter what universe Dante pictured he couldn't imagine one where he managed to surpass either of the men before him. Sure he was well trained, had some experience and worked fast and hard.... but just trying wasn't always good enough.

Breath stolen all he could do was watch the events unfold in slow motion. Each heartbeat lasting a century. First his father speaking, then Jeremy coming out of the closet... and boy was that just the most fitting symbol, then words exchanged. As always Jeremy seemed cool and composed, and Dante suspected that the guy wouldn't have messed up quiet as badly as Dante had mere moments ago in the kitchen... even if he couldn't actually remember looking at the door to his room. Man, was he not even in control of his subconscious now?

His mouth felt so dry as he waited that he couldn't speak, let alone actually muster enough brain function to figure out what was going on.

"Sorry. Had I known you would be arriving tonight, I would have left sooner. Good to meet you." Offering Jeremy a sympathetic smile when the guy glanced his way, Dante realised that he had no idea how to even start making this up to the guy! Talk about a buzz kill. Still, at Jeremy's words Dante found himself oddly ruffled the wrong way.... there was no reason why the guy should have left just because.... wait.... what was he thinking? He had been the one that asked Jeremy to avoid his apartment next week while had father was here, so why did he now feel as if this was exactly where Jeremy belonged and that his father was the intruder. He wrapped an arm around his naked torso, rubbing his upper arm as if the contact would ground him as well as give him a little comfort.

His father on the other hand had turned all business. "I am guessing I don't want to know where that hand has been....." Crude and blunt as always it was enough to make Dante want to be sick. "If I am not mistaken, you are Jeremy Wilkinson. Dante's new boss." Dante could see that sharp eagle gaze zone in on Jeremy until he was the sole focus... man, talk about extreme scrutiny. But wait.... "How do you know who he is? I never told you that...."

That had Colin turning to his son, a grin upon his features. "You didn't think I simply abandoned you when I left with your mother for Japan? We've been keeping tabs on you." He turned serious then, "But we shall talk about that later...." Dante felt a shiver run down his spine. They had been keeping track of him? Did that mean.... they knew Kyle had moved in with him.... and the drama at his last job.... and.... and.... everything? That was a strangely violating thought, and it pissed Dante off at the same time as make him want to vomit. His hands automatically fisted, hating that his father turned back to Jeremy almost as if he was dismissing him as insignificant. Maybe six years ago Dante would have stood for that.... but now.... no. He couldn't, especially not since his father was currently giving Jeremy that 'look' of his.

"So, Mr Wilkinson.... did you hire my son in the hopes that you could take advantage of the rumours and my na---" Dante didn't let his father finish that, instead he found himself pushing past to stand in front of Jeremy, turning and looking straight into his fathers eyes. His focus was straight and true, and the anger that was raging through him bubbled with such an intensity he was pretty sure the pair of them could probably feel it slamming into them in waves. "That's uncalled for. AND, has nothing to do with you." He knew his father's tone hadn't changed the whole time he had been speaking, unlike Dante's, and his logical brain whispered that that was probably because he was testing the pair of them in that strange strategic way of his. His father had always had a way of manipulating him for what he wanted.

"So, you do have a bite." His father said, his line of sight shifting from his son to the man behind him. In all the 'reports' he had received, none had mentioned such a change in Dante... was this 'Jeremy' the one to thank for bringing it out of him? After all, the son before him would be far more suited to taking over the company than the timid lad they had left behind all those years ago. Even though it had killed him to separate him from his mothers side.... perhaps this had been a good idea after all, chicks often did learn new skills away from the nest after all. Returning his gaze back to Dante, Colin smiled softly and held up his hands in defeat, actually feeling a little guilty that he would soon propose Dante marry the daughter of a powerful business that he wanted to snag, bag and tag! He found in this moment he was actually questioning if that would be the best thing.... there were other options after all. "Calm down Dante." The words dripped with the confidence and leadership that had made him famous. If Colin was honest with Dante he would reveal that his son actually hadn't looked at the bedroom door, that had simply been a tactic to gauge his reaction and discover if the 'company' was still here.... and like a fish, Dante fell for the bait. Hook, line and sinker.

Dante didn't calm down despite the order from his father, if anything that made him angrier... and the only reason he didn't explode in a way he had never done before, was because he didn't want to make a bigger fool of himself for one night. He was man not a boy now. Taking a deep breath he found himself speaking in a tone so calm it felt as if someone else was the one saying it, "Please go sit in the living room." He watched his father raise a brow, a trait he suddenly recognised as one he was prone to.... wow, they really were related, hard to believe at times.... what surprised him more was that his father actually went. Silence enveloped Dante for a moment, he stood still, eyes on the ground with his heart pounding so fast that he was pretty sure it was about to explode out of his chest, through the wall and into the apartment complex next door. "Sorry." He said turning to face Jeremy for a moment, he really didn't know what he should do... even as part of him wanted to drag the guy into his arms and just cling on to him for a moment, but this was his battle to fight.... so he left to find his father.

When Dante got there his Father was sat on the sofa with his tea in hand. With a gulp Dante forced his nerves down as best as he could and sat on the floor looking up at his father.... strange, it seemed he was always looking up at the guy... never able to reach the same level, never able to truly reach him, never to surpass him. "Why are you here? You weren't due until Monday... I arranged the afternoon off and everything so I could come get you." He admitted.

"I was free, and wanted to see my son. Is there something wrong with that?" That cold and calculating stare of his seeming to see straight through Dante. Then he raised his voice, "And Jeremy... don't even think about sneaking out now."

"Leave him alone." Dante said, perhaps a little weakly, but he really did mean it. He started fidgeting with his hands, suddenly feeling like a child waiting to be scolded.

"I won't impose tonight." That had Dante looking up at his Father. "I will go and rent a hotel room.... you and Jeremy have something to talk about." That had Dante quirking a brow of his own in response... what was the man talking about? He watched as his Father took something out of his pocket, it was an envelop.... it was held out towards him, and Dante hesitated taking it. There was that sense of foreboding again. Something was wrong... very wrong.... he could almost taste it, let alone feel it.

"What is it?" He found himself saying looking at the plain envelop with his name scribbled on the front.

"A marriage proposal. A very good match, she is Japanese and the daughter of one of the companies I plan to take over. This would make things easier."

Was he serious?! "No. No! NO! No f*cking way! ....forget it." Dante stood then, looking down at his father for the first time and dropping the envelop on the floor like the garbage it was. "You have to be kidding me!" He gaped down at the guy, disbelief evident on his features. Unable to look at him any more Dante found himself storming off, grabbing his shoes, wallet, keys and coat before slipping them all on and going to the door. He paused long to say... "Jeremy... let's go." He wasn't sure what he was planning to do... he was half naked with pyjama bottoms on, pissed off, and so close to hitting his father it wasn't even funny! He should have known that one day he would reach his limit and simply have enough of all the crap life seemed to determined to throw his way before exploding on the person unfortunate to get in the way.... the worst thing? All he could think about was... what if Jeremy sides with my Father? What if he doesn't want to leave with me? What if he actually thought this whole preposterous marriage crap was the right move? So many What If's that it was enough to drive Dante insane.

Leaning back on the sofa Colin took a sip of his drink. Interesting... he had never expected Dante to act that way. In truth he wasn't overly bothered by the proposal, it had been Dante's mothers idea and had sounded like a good idea at the time.... they hadn't known that their son had actually found someone he loved already; and as far as he was concerned that was the only thing that could explain why Dante was acting like this. Interesting indeed. The test had begun.... and now all he had to do was watch and see what would happen. Long gone was the boy that reacted exactly as he predicted....

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir!" Dante might have been amused at seeing Jeremy acting this way around someone if the situation hadn't been what it was, but in that moment all he could focus on was his Father....

------

It was so tempting to slam the door behind him when they left, but he resisted... not wanting to come across as a kid or disturbing the neighbours. How the hell had things gone from.... great.... to god awful! What were they? A bloody coin that flipped randomly sending their lives into total discord and disarray? It seemed a break could not be caught.

Man, it was cold, his coat offering little in terms of warmth. Still he trudged on, hands in his pockets and gaze focused ahead... the worst part.... the more he thought about it, the more he realised his father had been exhibiting all the tics and idiosyncrasy's that he had in the past.... which usually meant he was seeking the answer to something unspoken.... but what the f*ck did the guy want to know? Why not just come out and ask. He stomped his foot on the ground, still fuming, and for a moment almost forgetting that Jeremy was with him. The fact was, if Jeremy had refused to come to, Dante still would have left.... right now he was just not safe to be around.

"I suppose that was one way to come out of the closet... interesting reaction, too..." That had Dante stopping in his tracks. Oh god... he hadn't even thought of it that way! But now that he did he realised it was true, he had pretty much announced to his father he was gay.... not that it wouldn't have surprised Dante if the guy had actually already know. Watching him.... talk about creepy.

He sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. Looking over at Jeremy a moment he found himself hesitating... and then a thought came to him that changed everything. If you want something son, you have to take it with your own two hands... no one else can do that for you. The words his father had drilled into him time and time again came back, and Dante had to grin a little at the thought that this wasn't quite what the guy had had in mind when he said them. Fearlessly he walked towards Jeremy and wrapped himself around him, just taking a moment to hold him... forgetting where they were, forgetting what had just happened... just embracing someone and allowing the feeling of being grounded to seep into his very pours.

Shortly after he found himself laughing as he pulled back so that Jeremy wouldn't feel uncomfortable, it occurred to Dante he didn't know how the guy felt about the whole 'public display of affection'. "Yeah.... f*ck... did that really just happen...." Running his hand over his face he found his gaze lifting towards the sky. "B*stard." He had to let it go, he knew that.... "Hell of a story though hey...." He found himself saying, lowering his gaze back to Jeremy as he genuinely grinned over at the guy, "...how many guys leave the house half naked just to escape." He shook his head, every cell in his body still in disbelief at the whole situation... for some reason he just couldn't accept that that had just happened, was still happening... and where the hell was he meant to stay tonight? The last train had probably gone by now it was that late, which meant he had also given up Jeremy's bed for the night as well. What a great 'boyfriend' he was.

The wind picked up, and instantly Dante's teeth started to chatter. "F*ck. Cold." He complained, "Sorry... I keep swearing...." He realised he had probably said more of them in the past ten minutes than last three months, but surely he could be forgiven this once?

"And...." He started, looking away from Jeremy's face as he spoke, he wasn't sure he could bare to see the response to his words. "....Gosh... I'm really sorry you got dragged into this... please, forgive my father for being rude to you...." He dropped his gaze and grimaced, "...why am I still sticking up for the guy."

There were more important things to be doing than this right now... such as... either biting the bullet and returning to the apartment... or finding an alternative shelter for the night... and maybe clothes.... clothes would really be appreciated about now, not that you would likely find anywhere decent open at this hour. Yet, instead of all that he said... "Cake. I could so go a slice of cake." Cake equated to Happiness in Dante's mind, so it was only natural that that would be his 'go to' solution when everything else seemed to caving in around him.

Dante followed almost like a lost puppy.... he really was thinking straight, he knew that, but that also didn't change any of the facts. He fell silent, just mulling over things as he dug his hands deeper into his coat pockets.

At the store he went into autopilot until found the cakes, they weren't exactly the nicest looking things in the world but they would do. Maybe he should have grabbed the cake he had made before storming how... strange how hindsight always made you think of such silly things. "Coffee cake please." He found himself saying, part of him hoping that the slight rush of caffine might wake his brain up from this hibernating state it was currently digging.

Joining Jeremy, Dante fell silent, nibbling the cake while he gazed out of the window.

"I guess I don't know what to say for once," Again all Dante could do was offer a look of apology, his head tilted slightly. The same could also be said for Dante. Too much had happened to quickly for him to truly get his head around things.

A few more bites of his cake had Dante finally loosening up, better than any bottled medicine, but if this kept up he would be fat within a week. "I think he's testing me....." He said, his tone unsure, as if even he wasn't completely convinced by that. He sighed, looking up at Jeremy and trying to smile. In one way he had won right? After all... he was here with the guy that his father had obviously planned to push him away from with that whole 'wedding proposal'... who still did that sort of thing in this day and age? But what actually annoyed Dante the most was the thought that.... if his father knew already that he was gay, why had he tried to set him up with a woman? It was pointless to push a cart sideways after all.

Deciding he should probably elaborate on his uneasy statement he continued, "....his tone didn't change. He didn't sound happy or angry or... well anything, just that cold exterior of his...." He rolled his eyes as another memory from his childhood came back, Dante had hated seeing this side of his father.... and he doubted that would ever change. "I just can't figure out.... what he is up to. I'm always just a piece on a chessboard, being moved at the whim of it's master." He took a bigger bite of his cake then, always a good way of getting himself to shut the f*ck up.

"It's late... the trains have probably all stopped. Why don't we go try and find a hotel or something? Unless you want to risk facing my arsehole of an old man again." He laughed but it was a rather humourless sounding thing. "I'll pay of course, and if you want your own room... well, that's fine too." He took a deep breath, "Whatever you want." Dante was slowly starting to think normally again, the anger dispersing into something altogether different. And after everything he had put Jeremy thought to night... what with the questions and then the mess with his father... well, he certainly owed the guy more than he could even fathom right now. It was a wonder he wasn't running away as fast as he could.... the guy seemed altogether too cool and composed for Dante's understanding, but then again when your entire world seemed to be shattered how could you not not understand how anyone could be so... normal.

His phone went off then, a text from the ring tone. Taking it out he nearly tossed it out the window just at seeing the 'Father' in the sender box.



He blinked at his phone. Not really trusting his eyes right now. Even in a text message his father seemed to radiate an aura of leadership. The latter part of the text message surprised Dante, it was almost as an afterthought, separated from the rest of the message.... yet it was more the words that nearly brought Dante to tears. He passed the phone to Jeremy. Ok, well that decided where Dante would be sleeping tonight.... but Jeremy was free to choice, if he wanted to go somewhere else Dante would completely understand. In fact... he would even blame the guy if he disappeared from Dante's life completely after this... well, except for work. And god, the very thought of that was heartwrenching....