Page 44 of Rubbing One Out

Chapter 16

Dae shimmied his hips to the sound of “Rock DJ” and laughed when Hemmy attempted to do the same. The other man was bulkier and his attempts at sultry hip wriggling were adorable.

From the bar table, Ben watched them dance with a grin. He raised his beer towards Dae when he saw him looking. Dae focused on the music, trying to ignore the ache in his chest that told him tonight could be his last time on this earth for a long time. This could be the last time he saw Ben or any of his friends and enjoyed a beer while dancing in an incredibly packed establishment where a DJ wore an undertaker coat and a top hat. The quirks and vagaries of the human race never failed to tickle and entertain Dae.

“What’s up, sugarplum?” Hemmy did a particularly violent hip bump towards young women on his left side, who laughed and bumped him back. “You haven’t been yourself tonight.” He glanced over at the table where Ben sat. “Come to think of it, neither has he. You two had a fight or something?” His dark eyes shone with interest.

Dae shook his head as he danced around his friend—yes, Hemmy is my friend too—and ignored the blatant lip licking and come-to-bed eyes from the well-built man dancing next to them. “No fight. I guess we’re both a bit stressed right now. Lots going on, you know?”

Hemmy guffawed and performed an acceptable shimmy as he swayed towards the giggling group of girls dancing around him. “What the heck have you two lovebirds got to be stressed about? Ben’s been a different person these last few weeks. You’ve been good for him, my friend.”

Dae didn’t answer. His skin warmed from Hemmy’s description of him and Ben as lovebirds. It was lovely to know it wasn’t one-sided and people noticed. As for stress, Dae snorted as he once again pushed the overeager guy in his personal space away, with a fierce scowl. Hemmy didn’t know the half of it.

How about Ben having to make his wish, me being put back in a magic lamp, never to see him again, and having to live out the next five years on my own?

He mouthed at Hemmy, “I’m going back to Ben,” and left the other man enjoying being the centre of attention amid the adoring female circle of dancers.

Ben smiled at him when he sat next to him. He pushed a drink towards him. “I thought you’d be thirsty so I got you one of those white wines you like so much.” He reached up and pushed Dae’s damp hair away from his forehead. “Wow, you had some killer moves out there. I was about to come out and deck that guy trying to crowd you.” His tone was light but his eyes were stormy. “He seemed like a first-rate dick.”

Dae waved a hand. “Pah. I’ve handled worse. But thank you for offering to come to my rescue. My white knight.”

They smiled at each other, but Dae saw on Ben’s face what was no doubt reflected on his own. A mix of sadness, apprehension, and longing.

Ben looked at his watch. “Not that I’m in a hurry to see you leave, but it’s ten forty-five p.m. I know you said you had ‘til midnight. I’d like to get home and prepare myself for whatever’s coming. Fancy leaving?”

Dae nodded, a lump in his throat. “Yes, why don’t you call a taxi? I’ll go hug Hemmy and say cheerio.” He took a sip of his wine and glanced at Ben. “Have you thought about what you’re going to tell him when I’m maybe not around anymore?”

Ben shrugged. “The twisted truth, I guess. You had to go home to Scotland for some family emergency. I suppose I’ll have to play down your absence.” He offered Dae a twisted smile. “Let’s stay positive, though. My wish will work.”

Dae wasn’t so sure, but he nodded brightly. “Okay.” He stood. “See you in a bit.”

It took a minute, but soon he was on the dance floor, telling Hemmy he was on his way home with Ben. Hemmy’s grin was knowing—no doubt he thought the lovebirds were in the mood for some hanky-panky—but when Dae hugged him fiercely, almost choking back tears, he looked rather confused.

Dae strode back to Ben, who was now standing at the entrance. Together they exited the club into the chilled night air. Dae reached out and took Ben’s hand. They stood silently as they waited for the taxi.

After all, Dae thought gloomily as they finally got in the taxi and headed for home, what was there to say?

***

Ben stared down into his mug of hot chocolate, watching the frothy swirls on the top. He and Dae had come home, made something warm to drink, and then Dae had left to do whatever he needed to do to ensure his last-minute belongings were safe somewhere in what he called “the ether.” It was a sobering thought that this might be the last time Ben saw his lover’s crazily decorated bedroom, or the strings of brilliant, jewelled lights strung around the room, and the deep purple drapes keeping the outside from intruding when they were both cosily ensconced in bed, making a haven for the two of them.

It might be the last time I eversee him.

Ben couldn’t deny the pain pervading his whole body, and the prickling sensation at the back of his throat. It has to work, he thought determinedly. It’s my fucking wish and they have to grant it. That’s the rules.

When Dae came downstairs, his eyes looking a little red-rimmed, but with a forced sunny smile on his face, Ben’s chest ached. He dredged up a grin and patted the seat next to him on the couch.

“Sit down, and let’s do this.” God, I could put this off forever butthat’s not going to helpeither of us right now. “First I have to ask, are you completely sure you want to do this? If it works, I’m asking you to give up your Faeness and your family. Is this world truly worth it? Am I worth it? This is a huge sacrifice.”

Dae gave a jagged sigh. “I promise you I’ve done nothing but think about this. My mind is made up. I want to stay here with you.” He sat and took Ben’s hands in his. “It’s half an hour to midnight, so yes, we’d better do this.” He swallowed. “Are you ready to make your wishes?”

Ben took a deep breath and held both of Dae’s hands in his. “I’m ready. I have something else to say first.”

He gulped down his emotion. “These last few weeks have been incredible. I know it hasn’t been that long, but having you in my life has meant the world to me.” He paused as Dae’s eyes shone with unshed tears.

Hell, Ben’s eyes felt gritty and sore and he blinked furiously. “No matter what happens, I want you to know you’re a man I could fall in love with. Hell, I’m already a little bit there.” He took another deep breath. “If the worst happens, and you go back into the lamp, then if you ever find yourself back on Earth, you need to make me a promise to look me up.”

He tried to smile but it wasn’t quite there. “Wherever you find yourself next, I want you to make the best of it all, as I will. We owe it to each other to keep going and lead happy lives. Even if I will miss you like crazy.”