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Dante was a little shocked when Jeremy rolled over and embraced him, it seemed this guy always did the opposite to what he thought he would every time, always keeping him on his toes... and he rather enjoyed that side of him. Yet even as he thought that, he knew this little dance of their's would probably come to an end after tonight. It was for that reason that Dante didn't hold back, why he held Jeremy fiercely, trying to commit every inch of him to memory. The way he smelt. The way his voice sounded. The way he felt pressed against him. All of it.

"Just a little longer." So, Jeremy was going to leave after all. He smiled a little sadly against the guys shoulder but let the other find comfort in the embrace. It was hard for Dante not hold back the desire to hold the guy more tightly, to show that he meant something to him despite everything.... but he couldn't bring himself to do it. And not just out of fear of being rejected. He didn't want to add any more strain on to the load Jeremy was already carrying.

"I'm sorry for all of this... I shouldn't have come here." He shook his head softly, a silent way of saying 'No it's ok.' ... but Dante didn't speak, didn't dare, afraid that if he did things would change, that things would finally shatter between them. He prepared himself for Jeremy to move, but when the guy made no effort to he could no longer resist squeezing the guy a little, running a hand up his back, his neck, to bury it in his hair. He didn't really know what Jeremy was thinking.... but he wanted to steal this moment with him.

"A man I used to love called me today." Dante could hear the hesitation in the others voice, and part of him wanted to tell him that he didn't have to tell him, that he didn't owe him an explanation, especially not if he wanted to keep Dante at arms length..... but nothing came out. He remained silent. Listening intently to the others words.

Two men that he loved? His father... and a lover? Jeremy may have said 'used to love', but based on the reaction he was having, there was clearly some residual feelings that lingered. His brow furrowed a little, his curiosity and desire to learn more about the guy building by the second. And he couldn't help but wonder... Am I jealous?

At least until the subject was changed.

"When you saw me in the bar that night...and when you saw me at work...that is... Do I simply look like someone only to sleep with?"

Dante felt as if the guy had just presented him with a double edged sword. As if no matter what he said he was either going to get hurt or hurt the other. He wasn't sure what had possessed Jeremy to ask that, especially now, but he could tell that his answer would have some kind of effect on the guy.... What do I do now? Did Dante tell the truth and risk getting hurt? Or lie and hurt the other?

In the end Dante did the only thing his conscience would allow. Tell the truth. Though even with that decided the words didn't come easily. He held onto Jeremy, taking a deep breath to prepare himself for the storm he was about to unleash.

"No." He finally said, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "When I first saw you.... I.... well, I had to ask myself how I had pulled the hottest guy in the joint." He laughed a little nervously, suddenly wondering if he was being too honest. "That night I only wanted a fling, so I didn't look deeper..... but at work.... despite you being an arsehole to me at first.... well, I...." He scrunched his eyes closed, unable to stop himself from gripping the man tighter. "....I started to like you." Was he crying? He hadn't even realised that tears had started to build up. He took a deep breath before releasing the guy slightly and pulling back. A nervous sad smile in place. "Sorry."

With that Dante fell silent, only the tips of his fingers still touching Jeremy's warm skin. His heart was racing, and he prepared for rejection. At least this way, he thought, at least this way I won't have any regrets. I won't wonder... what if.... or if only.... He had shown his hand, the cards spread before him...

He forced himself to look away from Jeremy's chest and to into the guys eyes, moving a hand from the guys shoulder to where the tears had fallen from his eyes. "I wish.... I could make you stop hurting....." He whispered.

"Was that...you confessing to me? .... Jeez," Dante couldn't help but feel a little mocked by the other, though he supposed he shouldn't have expected any less. He had been too honest... so much for NOT giving the guy more to worry about on top of his current pain.

Unable to reply he pulled his hand away from Jeremy's face, only just resisting the urge to wrap his arms around himself. To pretend as if he didn't feel like he was crumbling inside.

"I...have a lot of issues right now. Trust issues, and such. You know, because of that man I brought up earlier. Could you possibly give me some time to think about my response?" An excuse? Dante wasn't really sure what he should do. Perhaps if he hadn't just confessed he would have pulled the guy close and kissed him.... it was clear he was hurting, and he couldn't help but feel guilty that he had caused some of that pain.

He smiled then, the kind of smile he put on his face at work when he was talking to a client. This was the only way he knew to try and distance himself a little.... if Jeremy wanted to turn him down, Dante would have preferred he just came out an said it; it was almost too cruel to give Dante a sliver of hope. especially if he was only going to shatter it later. So, he acted as if nothing had happened. Nothing had changed. Sitting up he pulled the duvet over his legs and rested his head on his knees. "I'm going to make something to eat. Would you like something?" His tactic was obvious, change the subject. He chuckled a little, though it was probably obvious he was nervous about something or other.

If Jeremy wanted time to think, that was fine with Dante, but part of him really didn't want to lie next to the guy while he did. Slipping out of the bed he pulled on his pyjama bottoms and walked towards the main room, pausing at the door; his hand squeezing the frame softly as he forced himself to say something. "Don't worry. I can forget... if that's what you want me to do." That, or he could transfer departments after all. With that he wandered into the kitchen, feeling surprisingly empty and cold. Numb.

Dante wasn't really that hungry, he was simply using the kitchen as an escape....and he knew that Jeremy probably knew that too. Still he reached into the cupboard and pulled out the jam and started to spread it onto some bread. Anything to keep his hands busy. To stop him making even more of a fool of himself.

He was just contemplating curling up on the sofa, when he heard rustling and footsteps coming from the bedroom. He froze. His heart banging so hard in his chest that he was sure it was accompanied by a marching band. s**t! He thought, there was no where to run if the guy came after him.

Dante didn't turn around when he first heard the other stop moving, he wasn't sure he wanted to see or be seen. At least until he heard the first painful words spill from Jeremy's lips. "His name was Jake."

That got Dante's attention as he turned slowly to look at the other... noticing the way he clung to the cover as if it offered protection... he had never imagined that Jeremy could look so... vulnerable, and it broke Dante's heart to see him like that. Still he hesitated, not sure how Jeremy would react if Dante moved towards him, if he held him.....

The story that followed nearly destroyed him... how could someone live through that and be as strong as Jeremy normally was....? He wasn't sure he could have done that. Anger bubbled up. Even though he knew nothing about this 'Jake' or the guy that had raped Jeremy... Dante did know that he wanted to hurt them for hurting the guy like this.

Dante had already started moving towards the other. Crouching in front of him, and gathering his fragile form into his arms. "Knowing that...can you still say you like me? Would you really want to try to get close to someone that f*cked up?" He closed his eyes, resting his head ear-to-ear with Jeremy. He stayed silent for a little while, giving himself some time to process everything.

Before too long he spoke, his voice calm and quiet, as if speaking too loudly would shatter what remained of Jeremy's fragile soul. "I'm stubborn, remember?" He wasn't trying to tease the other, but he knew he didn't want to see the guy cry any more, didn't want to see him upset, didn't want him to have to worry about anything ever again..... yet even as he thought that, Dante couldn't help but wonder if he was aiming for too much. Could he really offer forever? .... but he couldn't guarantee it, no one truly could after all.

"You're looking at the guy who went to work every day for a whole year...... pretending nothing was wrong, hoping everyone would one day forget... hoping they would stop looking at him like he was some piece of filth on their shoes. Stop trying to hit on him just because they saw him as a whore. As worthless." He held Jeremy closer, not wanting to let the guy go. Using him as his own security blanket. "You didn't deserve what happened." He said quietly, "...and I can't go back and change it...." He moved slightly then, placing a single kiss on Jeremy's forehead before resting his own forehead against it. "...but, it's not enough to scare me away either." He smiled softly then, a sincere fragile smile, looking down into the other eyes as best as he could. "There's something about you.... you always make me say things, that normally I wouldn't imagine saying out loud... you tease me... drive me insane and turn me in circles until I have no idea what I am doing anymore... you cook...." He chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood a little even as he continued to be serious. "...surprisingly well. You're not afraid to say what's on your mind. You're bossy. A slave driver.... but deep down... you're a nice guy." He closed his eyes, his smile fading a little before he spoke. "I like the you I see before me.... flaws and all.... you're past doesn't scare me away." If anything it draws me closer. He thought, though he didn't dare say that out loud.

He pulled his head back then, though he continued to hold Jeremy. "I don't know where.... this.... may take us..... or even if you want to try...." He paused a little, suddenly feeling as if he was lost. "....but, I do know I am not afraid to get close to you."

Despite his brave words, Dante knew that there was no guarantee that Jeremy would believe them or accept Dante. Still... he had come this far, there was no point pulling out now. Jeremy's words rolled around in his head; Knowing that.. can you still say you like me?. For that reason he spoke once more, "I like you."

"I'm not sure either, but if you're willing to give me a chance as something more than a one night stand...then I'm in it too." Those words surprised Dante, even as he let Jeremy squeeze him tightly. He fell into the embrace, letting the guy support him as much as he supported the other.

He smiled though, resting he head on whatever body part it could reach, listening to the their mingled breaths and fast heartbeats, just taking a moment to enjoy being wanted, to enjoy being held.... "Thank you. For caring about me." That almost broke him in half, the nuzzling that followed only increased the feeling that was building up inside Dante... as if this guy could actually treasure him... could actually stand by him through all the good and the bad.... was it too much to hope for? "You're welcome." He said, not really sure what else to say, just incase he shattered the moment that stretched between them.

"I hadn't planned this you know," He said with a slightly defeated yet playful chuckle, "I really had gone out looking simply for a good memory to wash away all the s**t that came before.... I never would have thought...." He didn't say anymore, not believing there was any need to, his arms tightened around Jeremy, he dug his fingers into his back, clinging on for all he was worth.

His mood sobered a little at the others next words; "...what are we going to do at work...?" He took a moment to think about it. He could see a few options, but he knew this wasn't something he could decide on his own. "Em... well, we act as if nothing is different. I don't mind taking orders from you, so that wouldn't be a problem for me. Though..." He said, trying to pick out the negatives and positives to each scenario. "I would probably get jealous if I saw anyone flirting with you." Remembering all too well how the mailman had tried to pick him up earlier that day. "Or, I could switch departments. I only just started so it would be logical for me to move, and if I did it now I could claim that I simply wasn't getting along with the job." Though that option meant their routines may differ and they could end up seeing less of each other. Though Dante did have a third solution, it was the one he liked least. "Or... I could accept..." He hesitated a little, "...em... some guy has been trying to get me for his staff since they day I resigned from my old company. The only reason I never accepted was because it sounded too good to be true.... come on, why would any one head hunt me specifically?" He blushed. Dante simply couldn't believe it, wondering if it had something to do with the rumours or not. "But he did say the offer was always there should I change my mind. I would end up as a PA though, so I would be on call a lot." He sighed in defeat, "What do you think?"

"I say we start with the first option for a while, and if that doesn't work out, we can try the second option...and if that still doesn't work out, then...I guess the third option can come into play. We'll just have to play it by ear, I guess,"

Dante nodded, agreeing mostly... though he hoped to come up with an alternative plan C, since he really didn't like the idea. Yet, he supposed desperate people did desperate things due to lack of choice. "Ok." he murmured.

Just holding Jeremy for a little while, he found himself snuggling up to him, almost as if he was trying to wear him as a second skin. Don't move too fast. He warned himself, even as he noted how nice it felt here.

"I should probably leave, huh?"

He looked up at that, a real smile played on his lips as he looked at his watch. They had a few hours that could be used for sleep before they needed to get for work. "You don't have to." He said, returning his attention back up at Jeremy, "If you don't want to be alone I don't mind you crashing." He placed his index finger on his own chin, pretending to think about something as a playful glint entered his eyes; "Of course, at this rate I am going to think you have moved in.... though if this is going to be a habit on a weekday you should probably consider leaving a shirt or somethi--" Wait?! He thought getting up suddenly from the guys grasp and rushing towards the bedroom. He rooted through his wardrobe until he found what he was looking for, a red shirt his father had bought him. Taking the thing he took it to Jeremy. "My dad seem's to think I am much bigger than I am...." He said with a roll of his eyes, "...but I didn't have the heart to throw it away. If it fits, you can wear it tomorrow... I've never worn it or anything, so you don't have to worry about that." He smiled softly, wanting to give Jeremy an out.... especially since things were moving so fast, things had changed so suddenly. "Or you can sneak off early to change at home. That or go home now. Your choice."

"Of course..." He started with a tilt of his head, "...if you crash I could make you breakfast this time."

Dante yawned a little, his adrenaline starting to crash and the tiredness starting to settle in.... and to be honest his chest and body were still aching.

Still he couldn't help but laugh a little at the way the guy was looking at the shirt. It wasn't as if the thing was diseased or anything.

"I really don't think I can pull this off,"

"Meh. I have no idea." He said honestly, he hadn't really seen the guy in anything other than suits... well, and his pyjama's; the thought of that made him want to chuckle again but he refused and pushed it aside.

Dante yawned again, sitting on the floor and bringing his knees up before resting his head on them and looking over at the other. "Tell me honestly...would I look strange in something like this at work?"

He smiled softly, "I... have no idea. I don't think it would look bad, wouldn't clash with your hair or anything.... but you will probably feel uncomfortable given the look on your face." He brought his arms up and rested them on his knees before he lowered his head back into position.

He tilted his head slightly and spoke softly, "Sorry... but I'm tired. I am going to have to crash." He moved, crawling the few steps betwene Jeremy and himself; closing the gap he placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Do whatever you want."

Dante didn't argue as the other decided to leave, that would have been pointless, and he suddenly felt so drained that the only real thoughts in his head were of sleep and his bed.

Waving good bye to Jeremy, he closed the door and took a moment to just breath... what had just happened? Things had changed so suddenly that his mind was having trouble keeping up.... had he really.... just started dating the guy? Ruffling his hair with his hand, he couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. Despite his brave words... could they really act as if nothing had happened at work?

Now, however, was not the time to think about this. So Dante did the only thing he could think of.... crawl into bed. He pulled the duvet and pillows around him, eventually settling on the half Jeremy had last been on, as if drawn to that spot. The smell of sex filled the bed, and he made a mental note to change the bedding in the morning... right now... he just wanted to.... sleep.

"z Z z Z z Z"

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The next morning flew by in a blur, Dante did all the chores at home before getting himself ready and rushing to work with the new prints in tow. He was still mad at Alex for not telling him the full truth about the printing error, but at least it was sorted now. As he rushed in he nearly collided with Jeremy, whose only acknowledgement was "Morning, newbie." Not really in a position to stop he waved over his shoulder and shouted back a "Good morning Mr Wilkinson." before hunting down Alex.

It didn't take long to find the guy, "Here." He said, handing over the reprints with a slight bow.

"Dante! You're a lifesaver." The guys grin had Dante smiling in return as he turned to leave, at least until a hand grabbed his upper arm. He turned to find Alex holding him. "Let me treat you to lunch or dinner or something as a thank you."

Dante didn't think that was a good idea, no matter how innocent the idea, so he politely shot down the offer and made his leave. Part of him was a little upset that he couldn't sit in on the conferences still, but his black eye was preventing that. The bruise was nearly gone now, but Phil and Jeremy had insisted that he was healed before attending any, which Dante understood.... he just couldn't shift the thought that he was missing out on a great opportunity.

Back at his desk he started to look at several of the new marketing contracts and designs, making comments on the files before replying to the sender. It didn't take long to discover a message from 'Jeremy Wilkinson'. He blinked at the screen, wondering if it was a general message or personal one. With a click the answer was revealed. "Should we tell Phil?" Dante suddenly felt worried.... he hadn't really considered what would happen should they tell anyone. Still, not wanting to simply ignore the message he typed back.



He tried to keep the message short and as unrevealing as possible, not wanting anyone who may stumble across the messages to instantly understand the context. With a sigh he settled back into work.