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Dante remained quiet as Jeremy wandered towards the 'dining' area of his open plan apartment before answered the phone, and from the initial tone the guy took it appeared as if it was a client after all, at least that was what he thought until he heard 'Phil'. It made Dante question why he had simply said he was 'out' rather than admit he was with him... was he embarrassed or something? Or perhaps there was a something going on between them again, a new worry or fear, and one that Jeremy had perhaps broken? Dante wasn't sure, sighing he moved to the kitchen and made himself a drink, careful not to get a mark his outfit, after all, it was going back in the bag since Jeremy preferred his original idea best.

Dante felt the hairs prickle on the back of his neck. "You're at my place? With your car? Do you still have the spare key I gave you?" Logically he knew it was irrational but he couldn't help but feel jealous. Dante had only ever been over at the guys place once, while the count for coming here was rising much faster... and Jeremy had still to return the spare key that Dante had given him that night... even if Dante was a little reluctant to ask for it back, part of him liking that the guy had it. Wow, he was just a man full of problems these days... worries and concerns about things that he likely wouldn't have batted an eyelid for. It was Jeremy's fault, at least he knew that much, the guy just had some aura around him that seemed to send Dante into a darkness so thick all he could do was guess and stumble as he tried to figure everything out and catch his bearings, a never ending battle that he suddenly felt he was losing.

Unable to hear the other side of the conversation was killing him, at least until Jeremy started to explain the whole situation, the way the guy said it had him blushing.... wow, was that how he saw it all? So matter-of-factly and simply. Bam, Bang, Boom. A list of sequential facts. Either way though Dante found himself off guard... Jeremy wanted a suit? Was this just a spare of the moment thinking since an opportunity had arose that would allow them to meet his father as equals, or was was it possible Jeremy still wanted Dante to change so that he could outshine him yet another area? MAN! All these questions and lack of answers were really starting to kill him. Tuning out the rest of the conversation he washed his glass and returned to his perch on the wall, his eyes unfocused as he 'stared into space', his mind as turbulent as any swirling nebula.

Dante was aware of the moment when the conversation had ended, even before the call out; "Never mind! Wear the suit!" He quirked a brow at that for a moment, so the guy did want them to look good together... why was it that Dante's mind always seemed to run to the wrong conclusion? It wasn't the first time he had done so in the last twelve hours alone. He was about to say 'ok', when the other piped up about Phil driving them. That had him blinking in confusion... why would Phil do that? It wasn't as if the place was far from here... but then again, it was a nice gesture and one that would give Jeremy a few extra minutes to get ready. "That's... nice of him." He said, smiling softly even as he crossed his arms and leaned on the wall, why was he suddenly feeling really nervous? From what he had overheard, at least of Jeremy's half of the conversation, the guy hadn't mentioned who his father was... and he was grateful for that... but for some reason Dante felt nervous that Phil would once again be present for something 'big' within their relationship.

It didn't take Phil long, and before Dante had even been able to open the door Jeremy was upon it and giving Phil a hug... yet again Dante found himself feeling jealous, and forced himself to look away. Running a hand through his hair and covering his eyes as he wondered what the hell had got into him today! He was acting crazy, even he was well aware that this was far from 'acceptable' behaviour.

Phil's words brought him out of his own mind and back to reality. "Man...wish I could meet the guy who could make Jeremy that nervous. You clean up nice, Dante," Jeremy was nervous? Dante found his eyes turning towards the toilet, guilt flushing through his features as he realised he hadn't exactly been taking the guys feelings into account after he had accepted... was that why he had reacted the way he had around the ironing board? The compliment was nearly lost on him but he nodded a soft thanks before turning his gaze to the guy.

"Something tells me, that today would not be the best day to introduce anyone else into this.... messy equation." He chuckled, though it was more for show than real humour. Yep, nerves were starting to get the best of him and his client personality was coming out a little more. He turned serious for a moment though, "I just hope my Father plays... fair." Something Dante knew he wasn't always known for, so driven was he that he would resort to several slightly underhanded actions to get what he wanted... all legal, all in his favour. It was as if his father was playing chess, and only he knew all the rules.

He listened to the exchange between the two buddies, wondering what could be considered 'too flashy', yet the moment Phil teased Jeremy about how everything was too flashy in his eyes he couldn't help but laugh again... it was so true. Looking back at it now it was rather humorous how he had reacted to his tie on the first day of working for him.... of course, at the time it had been utterly mortifying. Either way, he hoped to never repeat the experience.

The moment Jeremy walked back towards them for his big 'reveal' Dante found himself unable to do anything other than stare at the guy for a moment, at least until he smiled softly and chuckled, "Well.. I doubt even my Father will find fault with that. You look rather dashing." He teased, using a word he often heard when he had lived in England as a child. Despite his tone Dante actually meant each and everyone of those words.

"Looks even better than I remember!" Dante nodded at Phil's comment, even as another wave of jealous washed over him... sheesh, he really needed to find a way to control this and fast! It wasn't as if he and Jeremy weren't trying to get to know each other... after all, last night had been just that... but there was still so much Dante didn't know. What little bad habits did the guy have.... where did he retreat when he felt hurt or lost.... what was going through his mind when he gave everyone that 'stare' of his.... there were so many more questions as well. His jealousy only lasted for another moment however, quickly diffused into nothing but shame at having felt that way, when Phil's whispered words were spoke, "I hope you realise how much he likes you through this." That had him blushing a little... was that true? Did Jeremy's actions somehow show something that Dante couldn't see? He found himself nodding, though he really didn't have a clue were to start with that one.

Grabbing his keys, phone, wallet and watch; Dante put them in their correct places before silently following the pair to the car.... it wasn't what he had been expecting, yet the more he looked at it the more he could see the appeal to Phil, it was pretty much exactly like the guys personality.

Each moment that passed seemed to have his heart racing fasted and faster, and even as he found himself staring out of the window there was only one thing he could focus on.... was he really about to meet his father? With his lover? Who was definitely male and not what the guy had likely been expecting....? And worst of all, in a place where he was out of his comfort zone... the palace was Colin's domain, the guy had held so many parties and business meetings there before he moved to Japan that he had been pretty much labeled the 'king' of the joint.... he gulped, not realising for a moment that was with Jeremy and Phil still. "Sorry...." He mumbled, running his hair though his fingers again, "...eh... nervous." He admitted, though he hated the fact that Phil got to hear that too.

Jumping out of the car when they eventually stopped, Dante found himself frozen to the spot at the side of the huge beast of a car behind him. Taking a deep breath he composed himself, he was only going to see his father... nothing scary there, after all he had grown up with the guy looking after him, and it was likely that he knew Dante better than Dante even knew himself.... he looked over at Jeremy, finding the strength he needed from the action to bullying himself into action. Straightening up his suit and hair he held himself with pride and dignity, exuding everything he had ever been taught or forced to undergo doing his training and preparation to become his fathers heir. "Let's get this over with...." He said, looking over to Jeremy with a smile in his eyes even as the rest of his face remained stoic, he didn't trust himself to smile right now... it would lead to a leak on his barriers... and a smile could turn to a frown too quickly to measure.

"Let's." Dante nodded, smiling a little more when the guy held and squeezed his hand a little. Together, he thought.... they were going to do this together. After all, Jeremy didn't have to come. He didn't have to get involved at all if he didn't want to.... he simply could have washed his hands with Dante the whole situation, claiming it was too much and he had enough, both things Dante wouldn't have held against him. Yet he was here, and wasn't that just a huge surprise for Dante.... someone was actually standing beside him, rather than behind trying to push him into the fire.

He gulped again, unable to stop the reaction, his eyes had been set firmly on the entrance to the place.... at least until Jeremy spoke.

"So...I'm your... boyfriend...?" Dante's mind started doing some little 'fish' mouth movements, the action only just resisted from appearing on his actual face.... em... ah.... eh.... what was he meant to say, but as Jeremy continued and held his arm out to him Dante visibly relaxed. He couldn't take his arms off the 'wing' like appenditure.... no one had ever offered such before, sure he had held hands in public.... but....

"Or would this still be considered treating you like a woman?" The smile returned, as did a soft chuckle, and although words seemed to have escaped him he slipped his arm into the awaiting arm as his answer. Ok, so he did feel a little awkward, though perhaps he wouldn't go as far as saying it was due to 'woman treatment'; after getting to know Jeremy he realised the guy was this way naturally, he didn't distinguish between woman and men the same way Dante did.

He took a step, knowing that it should probably be Jeremy that 'lead' them but Dante simply wanted to get them moving in the right direction. "Boyfriend.... if you don't mind that is." Despite being asked it wasn't as if Dante could decide on his own, but he was assuming Jeremy wanted that too based on his earlier words and actions. The contact actually gave him a little more confidence, and he slipped into the persona of an 'Andrews' man easily as they walked to the desk to be served.

"Can I help you?"

"We're here to see Colin Martin Andrews." Each word was filled with the same command his father usually used, and he watched as the poor woman flinched a little.... this was why he hated it, he didn't have any heart for constantly coming across like this... it simply wasn't 'natural' to him.

Flustered the woman said, "May I ask who you are.... Mr. Andrews has left very clear instructions for today... eh...."

It was clear she wanted to say more, and Dante noticed how her eyes looked them both up and down before settling on Jeremy with a lock that could only be described as 'It's a shame you're gay', not hesitating he spoke once more... and boy did his words get her attention. "I am his son, and I would very much hate to have to wait much longer." Wow, what was all that about? Jealousy was simply an ugly beast in Dante today.... was he suddenly afraid that he would lose Jeremy or something? Not really surprising, but he was here next to him... Dante had to remember that too!

Again the woman seemed to get flustered, a look of shock covering her features as she searched Dante's face for the truth. Her eyes widened with recognition only a moment later. "Oh, I am so sorry Mr Andrews, I didn't mean to keep you and your.... guest... waiting." Moving from behind the desk she stepped beside them, "Right this way please."

s**t! Were they really doing this? Each step seemed almost like they were conquering a mountain, and as they were taken to a rather private looking booth he noticed that his father was already there. He scanned the area swiftly, and sure enough he noticed some of the original body guard unit his father had had dotted around them. Dante was only thankful they weren't sat directly next to the man, but it had Dante wondering what exactly these 'special' conditions were that he had requested of the place? The moment his father had spotted them was clear because his gaze became focused, and he noticed that he seemed to be drawn to the 'wing' of arms they had created. Dante's hand moved a little, gripping on Jeremy's forearm a little as if for strength..... his father rose only a moment later, and that was the biggest relief Dante could have got. 'Only rise for your equals, son, always remember that' So this meant that he saw Jeremy as 'equal' right? Or was this yet another trick to throw Dante off guard and out of sync.

A round of hand shaking took place between his father and... boyfriend... wow, it was nice even thinking the word. "I am glad you both finally made it." Colin said, patting his son on the shoulder before returning to his seat. He was rather shocked that they had linked arms, but the message was clear to Colin. Jeremy was standing next to his son. Boy, didn't that just make this all the more interesting. "Sit." He said, watching the pair, Dante seemed to turn to Jeremy as if to ask for permission... it was written in his eyes even if the rest of his face spoke of an indifference and confidence he obviously didn't feel.

Taking out the envelop again he put it on the table, "So, I am assuming you are going to decline this offer?" Perhaps it had always been cruel of him to bring an offer for a female partner to his son, but Colin had assumed there was a possibility his son could have been persuaded, at least until the obstacle of 'Jeremy' presented himself. Not waiting for anything more than a slight nod he found himself say; "So, as my heir what are you going to do instead?" He leaned back in his chair, "You do remember our deal after all, do you not?" What a despicable move, he thought.

Dante froze at those words. His father wanted him to do something? And the reminder of their deal had him squirming, he rearranged his hands so that they were sat on his legs, and only just resisted the urge to rub them up and down on the fabric... sweat marks was far from attractive. "I remember." He found himself saying, although now he felt terrible that he hadn't told Jeremy or at least given him some warning. He couldn't look at the man sat next to him, and as he lifted his gaze from the table and to his father he was about to speak again when the waitress came; "Can I take your orders, sirs?" Dante didn't look at her, didn't notice the look of awe at being around three rather attractive and well dressed males.

Without hesitating he ordered the same thing he always did when he was here, "I will have the fillet mignon please, medium rare, please place the salad in a separate bowl from the plate. For a drink, may I simply have a cold glass of lemonade. Thanks." Since he was looking at his father he didn't miss the smirk on the guys face at the way Dante had ordered, and it was clear he was thinking 'that a boy', yet, why did that suddenly make Dante feel really bad. Pulling his gaze away from his father and to the woman he smiled softly and gave her some attention, "Could you also bring the table a starter of your choosing." Talk about giving someone a stressful order but it was the only reason Dante could think of to talk to her and break out of his father's cage.

Colin spoke next, again not having to look at the menu. "Lobster Ravioli and the chef's choice of wine." He turned on his 'dashing' smile, watching the woman's face flood with colour as she blushed. Colin must have been a sadist or something, for he rather enjoyed making people squirm under his scrutiny. After he ordered he looked at Jeremy, curious to see what the guy did and ordered, unlike him and his son Colin was predicting he wouldn't know the menu... or maybe he was wrong, perhaps the guy had been here before.

Dante had felt Jeremy's stare at the mention of the 'deal', great, just another thing he would have to make up to the guy! This list was going to be so long that before long Dante would find himself in debt for the rest of his life.

He couldn't help but grin as the guy ordered a Chicken Alfredo for Phil, at least he was assuming that was the 'friend' he referred to. Once the waitress was gone it seemed it was back to business... no rest for the wicked.

"You were saying about a deal? Don't mind me." He wanted to wince again at that, he really should have told him... but when exactly was he supposed to have said it, he hoped that the deal was simply not something that Jeremy would get upset over when he discovered what it was. Or would he? It wasn't as if Dante particularly wanted to think about it. A deal formed from desperation.

Before he could reply however his father butted in, making the situation worst with a few well placed words. Dante really wanted to punch the guy for it. "Don't tell me Dante, you never told him?" The amused tut that came from the guy was the last straw.

He ran a hand through his hair, knowing he needed to be careful how he handled this situation. "I don't generally go around tell people you are my father... so how can you really be surprised?" He turned his gaze to Jeremy then, his eyes clearly saying he was 'sorry' for not mentioning it before hand, though he somehow managed to keep control of his tone and the rest of his features. Man, he really hated this. "When I was granted freedom, I agreed that I would return to my fathers side when he summoned me.... " He laughed a little nervously, wow, coming from his lips like that it sounded really lame... why had he agreed? "I was supposed to get experience of the business world outside of my fathers company, discovering the way people's mind work and the ethnic behind the decisions made. It was intended that I would find out weakness of the other players...." He looked back at his father, "But you know full well that I had no intention of playing 'spy' for you, didn't you?"

His father laughed then, "I did, but experience is experience at the end of the day. I must say it looks good on you, you have certainly changed... you actually stand up for yourself even when you aren't just playing the role you were trained for." In many ways Colin regretted what he had forced his son to endure, as a child he had taken away all the things that made up a true childhood and replaced them with lessons and training that would provide him with the skills to survive... the problem? Dante's personality was not naturally aggressive, he hesitated too much and hated hurting others. Yet, it seemed that given a reason he would stand up for himself.... his gaze fell to Jeremy then, his reason?

"Does this mean you are planning to end the deal?" Dante found himself saying? Extremely worried that he would suddenly be forced to do something he didn't want to. He lowered his gaze, feeling extremely guilty. "At first.... I just wanted to get away for a while, but.... I don't want to go back."

"Not an option." His fathers reply was immediate and quick, and was enough to have Dante wincing.

Colin's gaze turned to Jeremy, focused like an eagle watching it's prey.... he was curious to see how the guy would react to all this. "You do also realise Dante," Even as he spoke his gaze never shifted from Jeremy, "That you are responsible for producing an heir of your own?"

That had Dante blushing, how was he meant to produce an heir when he couldn't get it up around a woman? It just wasn't going to happen... plus, wouldn't that also mean letting Jeremy go? Was that why he had dragged him here? Was this the true reason for the marriage proposal? His father was trying to preserve his legacy?

Turning to Jeremy, he simply looked at the guy for a moment, and as he did a new determination flooded him. "It's not going to happen. As things stand at this moment...." He was a little reluctant saying this in front of Jeremy, after all things were still raw and fresh between them and he didn't want to drive him away by going to fast or getting too serious. "...I have no intention of leaving Jeremy, especially not for a woman." He looked away and to his father as he said that.

Colin's gaze drifted from Jeremy to his son as he informed him that what he wanted wasn't going to happen. Interesting, it really did appear his son had changed... though based on the way he couldn't currently look at him, it was clear it wasn't complete. Still, it was rather nice seeing him express what he felt rather than simply being a 'yes' man, as he often had in the past. Truth be told Colin was rather clueless with how to cope with his son, he had rarely been there when he was a child and when he had been... well, even he knew he had been strict on him. Still, he hoped his son at least had one or two fond memories of him... a picnic or something. Wow, even he was struggling to think of something.

His thoughts were rudely interrupted when the 'boyfriend' spoke, and although Colin didn't have any issues with the guy... he did find issue with what he said. No matter how old Dante got, the idea of him having sex -and with a man at that- was slightly more than he could handle, especially since he still saw his little boy whenever he looked at his son. Keeping his composure he simply made a "Hmmmm...." sound, and listened as Jeremy continued to speak. It was true that they did only need Dante's sperm to create an heir.

"Surely you can consider making arrangements for that?" Colin had been about to reply when....

"I don't like that idea either." Dante finally spoke up, his cheeks flame red and his composed exterior completely melting away under the weight of the conversation, still he was thankful that Jeremy had decided to hold his hand under the table.... it did make him feel a hell of a lot better. He opened his mouth to continue when the waitress returned... bloody timing! He didn't look over at her as she placed the dishes down, but he was pretty sure from her angle she could see pretty much everything... his blush... the held hands... yep.... just what he needed right now, another witness to his humiliation. Drinks and food on the table she scurried away as if on fire. In many ways Dante knew he shouldn't feel embarrassed at being caught hold hands, he had done a lot worst and nearly got caught at that... but the fact was he had walked into this place arm in arm with Jeremy. The problem wasn't so much the contact as the conversation. He didn't particularly like being talked about like this..... and the challenge between the two men he cared about was more than he could handle, plus... was it really necessary for Jeremy to be so explicit with his father about their private activities? After all his words practically dripped with 'I'm sleeping with him and don't intend to stop, what the hell you gonna do about it?'. Dante couldn't foresee this ending well.

Clearing his throat he forced himself to speak again, "What would happen to the child? I.... wouldn't want to... abandon them." He found himself saying, and didn't that just speak volumes for his own childhood and the isolations he endured?!

Colin held up his hand then, freezing the conversation. "I see." Picking up his knife and fork he started to cut into his ravioli and looked at Jeremy, "What is your intention with my son?" This time his words didn't show any disapproval, simply concern. "Can you really claim to care for him when you just suggesting making him into a stud?" Another low blow, Colin seemed to be full of them today... but his true intention was burning so bright within him that he couldn't stop himself. He needed to know what was going on and how much they cared for each other... and quick.

Colin had to admit that in Jeremy he saw many of the qualities he used to possess as a kid. One of them being intuition, he had indeed been considering the proposal, still was as a matter of fact. Still, it was rather refreshing watching someone have the guts to stand up to him... it really was rare that happened these days, only friends from the 'good old days' still treated him like a man rather than a giant.

Dante looked at Jeremy as the guy spoke to him, though he was struggling keeping eye contact, so instead looked at the guys neck while he spoke. Sure, it all sounded so simple.... but it was far from that. If he did this... he would have a child! A living, breathing, screaming, pooping child! What was he meant to do with it? It wasn't as if he could give up work to raise it, and wouldn't the surrogate mother want to be part of it all as well? Surely she would object to this whole situation? Too complicated, and although the idea of child didn't overly bother Dante he just couldn't see the reality of it working. For anyone.

Dante couldn't believe the direction the conversation was taking, and slight shock covered his face for a moment before he caught it. "My intention is to be with him as long as we can manage. And hopefully make him happy, since he has that effect on me," He turned back to Jeremy, watching as he spoke each of those words to his father. Was this really how he felt? Sure they had had a few 'serious' conversations but Dante had always assumed it was too early to get too 'deep'. Then again, it wasn't as if Jeremy was confessing his undying love for him or anything.

"I suppose my question is...why now? What's the urgency?" A good question, though Dante suspected he knew the answer to that one already. Once Jeremy was finished he gave him one last squeeze before releasing his hold, and the moment Jeremy let go Dante couldn't help but suddenly feel a little lonely. Why did it feel like Jeremy was retreating now? As if hoping that he wouldn't get hurt or rejected, but preparing himself for as if it was inevitable?! Dante's heart started to race, and it took him a moment to recognise that he had father had started speaking.

"Hmmmm.... so you believe you are the right person, at this time at least, to achieve this?" His father took a bite of food, reminding Dante that he hadn't touched his steak at all. Picking up his fork he attempted to each some of the vegetables but ended up just moving them around the plate. Should he say something? Probably... but what? What could he possibly say that wouldn't make the situation ten-times worst?

"It doesn't matter if he is or isn't the right person, as you put it," He was starting to get nervous, his words less strong the more he said, "... but he is the man I want there." Had he really just said that out loud? In front of Jeremy?!

His father looked at him then, and for the first time in years he watched as the guys expression softened, a far cry from the business persona he wore as a shield at all times, it was if he was telling Dante he was one of his weaknesses.... "That is all I wanted to know." Colin admitted, he sat back and rubbed the back of his neck, "As for the rush... I am going to retire soon. A promise to my wife, Dante's mother, that I intend to keep. Seeking my own slice of escape. So, Dante will need to become the head of the organisation sooner rather than later." He looked to Jeremy then, leaning on the table a little as his sharp focus returned, "I had originally wanted him to find a good woman to settle with, simply because I wanted him to have someone he could always rely on; I had already told her of his preference and she was willing to allow him his freedom in order to inherit the name..... it is clear, however, after seeing you two together that you mean more to each other than anything I can thrust upon him." He looked at Dante then, seriousness whispered and laced within each word and action, "I can give you six more months, then you will work with me for six more before I retire and hand everything over to you." He looked back to Jeremy then, feeling almost like a yoyo with all the back and forth. "No one is saying he has to go alone, but if you enter that world... you better be prepared for what you would be letting yourself into. The spotlight isn't always a pretty place, but Dante will need help...." He sighed, knowing all to well that most companies would likely eat his son alive the moment his true self slipped out.... but Jeremy seemed to bring something out of him, maybe his son could harness that feeling and use it with greater effect than anything he teach him?

Taking another bite of his food he wasn't at all surprised when Dante spoke up, "What are you trying to say?"

He was slightly hurt that his father was basically admitting to having bought him a woman who would simply act as a figure head.... did he think so little of him as a man? To Dante it was clear though that this was nearing the reveal, still, it was sad to consider that his father was retiring... and bloody scary that he would soon be the head of the Andrew's empire... it was enough to make him want to run away, something he had nearly done with all the 'produce an heir' talks.

"I am trying to say," Dante's heart was in his mouth as he listened, "That if you want it, I will accept and 'adopt' Jeremy as my second son, and together you can take over the company. As the true heir I would never simply take anything away from you, so this decision would be up to you."

What?! He was pretty sure he was gaping as he looked at his father... was the guy being serious? What about all marriage and making an heir talks? Had that simply been a distraction? Or were they all related? Dante was confused, and for a while he couldn't say or do anything but focus on breathing in and out. "Why?" He found himself saying, though he wasn't sure if it was really a question directed at the others or to himself.

"Because, you are my son.... I will not see you fed to the wolves alone."

Colin listened to Jeremy but turned his attention to his son, and the moment his gaze caught Dante's he nodded, hoping the other understood what he was trying to say. Eating his food a little faster than he would have liked he finished off the plate, placing his knife and fork side by side in the centre of the thing. "My son understands." Wiping his hands and mouth on the napkin he stood up. "I am sure you both have a lot to discuss. I shall take my leave... and Dante...." He turned to his son again, "I will come and see you on Monday."

With that Colin Martin Andrew's was gone. Leaving behind whispers and giggles in his wake from the other tables beyond the safety of the booth.

Dante sat back for a moment, simply unable to believe what had just unfolded. Yet side by side with the disbelief was guilt. He couldn't do this to Jeremy... no matter what... he couldn't drag him into a world that was cut throat and awful, especially not simply on the whim of an Andrew's man. Looking down at his food he was pretty sure it was cold by now, but it was still a good distraction while he tried to compose his thoughts. Cutting up the meat he started to answer Jeremy's questions, at least his understanding of them. "From what I gather... my father is leaving it up to me... I will not be marrying anyone, so you can forget that part...." His words were laced with a determination he hadn't known existed... but Dante had no intention of getting married, be it to a female or male partner. Least of all a 'pretend marriage' designed simply for viewing by the world. He sighed, taking a slice of meat and placing it on his tongue. As expected it melted, but Dante was too preoccupied to truly enjoy the sensation. "....I won't do that to you. Don't worry." He finally said, unable to look at Jeremy in fear he would change his mind, he was pretty sure looking at the guy would make him hesitate... and it was already killing him to do this.

What a hypocrite he was about to be! Moments ago making the bold claim that it was Jeremy he wanted beside him... it was still true... but what his father was proposing had not been factored into that. If he could let go of his fathers legacy and just live as Dante Andrews -nothing special- he wouldn't even be considering what he was about to do. Wow, was it possible to hate himself more than he did in this moment?

Despite having never said it, he had grown to love Jeremy.... the vulnerable side Jeremy didn't show others, the commanding and bossy side that made Dante feel strangely secure.... the way they held each other, the fact it was so easy to talk to him... all of it had made Dante fall head over heels before he had even realised what was happening. But right now, this wasn't about what he felt or wanted, no, this was about doing what was right for Jeremy... and Dante knew all well the way the world he would soon be returning to could be. Pretence, back stabbing, high class everything as you attempted to outdo everything and everyone else... yeah... he didn't want that for himself, there was no way he was going to drag and 'innocent' down with him.

"I don't have a choice," He said, almost as if he was trying to justify what he was doing to himself. "I belonged to that man the moment I was born.... and there is no changing that. I---" he hesitated, cutting the ties between them so swiftly was painful, and with each and every heart beat Dante felt as if he was ripping his heart out of his own chest with his bare hand, nails dug so deep in his leg that he was sure he was drawing blood. "I will become the head of the business, even if I don't want to.... " I will do it to keep you protected, he thought. Attempting to eat more of the food, it really was a shame to waste it.... but he knew he wouldn't be able to finish it all.

"Thank you." He said, sincerely meaning the two little words. Dante was sure he would never forget his short time with Jeremy.... and he was pretty sure that no one would compete with him in the future. Wow, a future without Jeremy... this morning he hadn't been considered such a thing, he had even practically begged Jeremy not to leave him the night before... now... he couldn't see a future with them together.

He slid around the booth table until he was sat opposite Jeremy, "Forgive me. I never meant for it to turn out like this... I really didn't want to hurt you, ever." His eyes spoke of the sadness of his heart, he stood up and bowed a little, the action mimicking that of his first day working with Jeremy. "Good bye. Please order what you will, my father's shall pick up the bill." He was close to tears, it was taking every effort to stop them forming in his eyes... he needed to leave NOW before he changed his mind. "Jeremy....." He couldn't say anything more, hesitating for a moment longer before turning to leave.

The moment his back was to the guy he was sure the tears would break free from their prison and roll freely down his cheeks as they made their escape.

So many emotions warred between him... and he had to wonder... was he doing the right thing? Probably not, but he supposed their was no going back now, was there? Maybe he should have asked for more time to think before doing something so rash.....

Part of Dante knew that Jeremy was right, he had been conditioned to think and feel a certain way. Despite his best efforts, it was hard to break out of that mind set. He didn't try to pull away from the grip, though he did refuse to look at the guy... what exactly would he say anyway? His mind went blank for a moment, and as far as Dante was concerned it was just the two of them, no one else in 'The Palace' actually made any impact on Dante.

"You can't just walk away like that!" Sorry. He thought, though he was unable to bring himself to say it out loud. What difference would it make, he didn't want to make Jeremy's life more complicated than it already was... he didn't think they would survive the media escapades should they come full frotal at them.... even in this day and age a high profile gay couple could cause quite a stir, and it may lose them business, although Dante wasn't overly bothered by that, he was more bothered by the fact it would likely pull them apart... or was that what he was afraid of? The fact that they wouldn't survive it all. The fact that he would probably end up with his heart ripped to shreds for the whole world to see.

"I....eh...." He couldn't bring himself to say more before listening to the rest of Jeremy's words. He tried to pull his arm free but failed, even as Jeremy said "Or is your own life really not worth it to you? Has that man really poisoned your mind to the point where you can't even make your own decisions??"

He sighed, the guy was right... he knew that, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it, shrugging his shoulders he still refused to look at the guys, several tears had already fallen from his eyes and now he was trying to stop the flow... he couldn't break down here, he couldn't show weakness in the 'kings' territory.... not in front of Jeremy.... not now..... yet even as he finally turned to face the guy he knew he had failed, the expression on his face clearly saying that he was lying and was hurting just as much by the words.

"I mean... come on. Are you really going to give up on me that easily?"

"I'm sorry...." He found himself say, not caring where they were as he moved towards Jeremy and buried himself into the guys firm chest, why was it here, with these arms surrounding him, that he felt whole? Why only with this guy..... he had known the moment he had started this quest that he had been opening a door that he would hate forever after closing in Jeremy's face... but was it possible to let this guy in? Who knew where they would be in six months... a year... three... no one could predict that far into the future, but Dante knew he had to think about it, if he was going to do as his father wanted -and right now he really couldn't see an alternative- then he needed think about these things.

"I...." He choked up, pulling away form the guy and unable to look him in the eyes, his gaze firmly set at the ground, even as his ears picked up the muffled whispers around them. "....don't want to see you hurt by the world I am from." He said honestly, though he knew it was unfair to not offer the guy the choice... he was smart and had the right to think for himself, but deep down Dante really only wanted to make things easier for Jeremy.

"Jeremy...." He muttered, sadness and tears dripping from his eyes, "....let's go...." He really didn't know what else to do, but right now... he just wanted to escape... and who better to do that with than in the strong arms of the man before him.

Reaching towards Jeremy, Dante found himself gripping onto his arm.... he was thankful the guy had stopped him, he was pretty sure this was something he would have regretted for the rest of his life!