The David and James Story

The David and James Story


Pairing: David/James

Rating: NC 17

Author: You think anyone’s actually gonna admit to writing this shit?

Disclaimer: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know who the characters belong to.

This is AU. The people involved would never behave like this in real life…

Chapter 49

Midnight

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James was finishing off the last of the roasting pans when he heard the front door open. David was back. He put the pan on the rack on the draining board and dried his hands.

He waited a couple of minutes and then ventured into the hall. The door to the studio was open. He watched as David removed the dogs’ leashes and began to pet Bertha. The dogs’ affection for David was obvious as both wagged their tails furiously, vying for his attention.

“You love me, don’t you, Girl?” David said as he rubbed Bertha’s head behind the ears.

James cautiously moved into the doorway, his hand on the doorknob, ready to hide behind the door if either dog looked like rushing him.

“She’s not the only one,” he said.

David looked up, clearly startled.

“Shit! I didn’t know you were there,” he exclaimed.

“I’m sorry I’ve upset you, Davy. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong but whatever it is, can’t we talk about it… please? I love you, Davy.”

David settled the dogs and stood up, taking a couple of steps toward the door.

“Bed!” he said, looking over his shoulder at the dogs.

Both dogs climbed into their baskets.

“I’m really sorry, Baby,” he said as he reached the door.

James stepped back into the hall and David shut the door behind him.

“I don’t know what came over me… It’s just that she gets me so wound up…”

“Don’t you trust me?” James asked.

“It’s not that,” David said as he wrapped his arms around James and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Baby, you’re trembling!”

“Fritz was giving me the evil eye,” James explained. “I thought he was gonna throw himself at me like he did you earlier.”

David laughed.

“No, I’m the only one he does that to,” he chuckled. “As a matter of fact, it was me who taught him to do it…”

James glanced at the door to the studio, checking it was actually shut. He didn’t relish the prospect of an angry mutt launching himself into David’s arms when they were already full… of him.

“Come on. You need to sit down and I need to get a glass of water. We can talk in the kitchen… I shouldn’t have had so much to drink. I’m gonna be so dehydrated in the morning...”

They entered the kitchen aamesames leaned against the edge of the table as David got himself a bottle of mineral water from the fridge.

“Want some?” David asked, offering the bottle to him.

James shook his head.

“No, thanks,” he mumbled and he watched as David drank. He couldn’t believe how casual David was being about everything. Did their relationship really mean so little to him? Why wasn’t he showering him with kisses and telling him how much he loved him, begging forgiveness…

David continued to drink. He seemed determined to drain the entire bottle in one go.

James waited until he had David’s full attention before continuing, “I love you, David. Nothing’s ever gonna change that and I don’t know why you would think I have any interest in your sister. You’re the most important person in my life. I thought you knew that and I thought you felt the same way… or, have I misunderstood?”

David put the empty bottle down and moved to stand in front of him.

“I dnd Ind I love you too, Baby… but I couldn’t bear to lose you…”

David was wrapping his arms around him again, pullhim him close.

“You didn’t really think you were gonna lose me to your sister, did you?” James asked, reaching up to touch David’s face.

“You seemed to really hit it off with her. I didn’t know what to think.”

James pulled away slightly - just far enough to put some clear air between them but not so far that bodily contact was lost completely.

“You thought half an hour with her and I’d decide I wasn’t gay after all, is that it?”

“I guess I wasn’t really thinking… just acting like an idiot. I’m sorry, Baby.”

“David, how well do you know your sister?”

“What do you mean?”

“She doesn’t date any more… she hasn’t been on a date since grad school…”

“Hmph! She told you that?”

David was starting to smile.

“And it wasn’t just a line, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I never said anything.”

“No, but I could see the doubt in your eyes,” James said. “She told me every boyfriend she’s ever had tried to change her…”

David frowned.

“You know… wanting her to style her hair differently; wear a dress, high-heeled shoes, make-up; take an interest in football… She likes herself the way she is. She doesn’t want to change… She’s happy on her own. Her work provides all the fulfilment she needs…”

“She told you all that?”

James nodded.

“She’s never said anything like that to me.”

“That’s because you don’t give her a chance. You’re too busy competing with each other to actually hold a normal conversation…”

“She said that?”

“No, that’s my opinion having observed the two of you in the same room together… She’s not your enemy, David, but I can see why you don’t get on. You’re too alike. You’re both dedicated to your work, determined to succeed; you both have a terrific sense of humour; and, dare I say it, you both like to be the centre of attention…”

David looked thoughtful but at least he wasn’t arguing.

“… and, last but not least, you’re both tall, dark and good looking…”

James paused to check David’s reaction. He was frowning again.

“I like her because she reminds me of you, you idiot.”

James just stared at David as he processed what he’d said. It was clear the alcohol was slowing him down. Eventually David began to smile.

James pulled David into a kiss and began to relax as he responded eagerly.

Thank God!

James knew he’d almost blown it this evening. He didn’t know what he’d do if ever he lost David. It didn’t bear thinking about…

“Oh God, James… I love you so much… I thought I’d lost you tonight…”

“Never…”

The kiss resumed but then James had a sudden thought.

“Wait a minute,” he said, ending the kiss. “You’re not a Republican, are you?”

“Huh?” a befuddled David mumbled.

This time it was the blood rushing South that was hampering his thought processes.

“Are you a Republican?” James repeated.

“Good grief, no! Jon’s the only Republican in the family.”

“Just checking,” James replied with a grin. “I wouldn’t want us to fall out over politics…”

“We’re never gonna fall out… ever, Baby. Let me show you just how much I love you…”

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