Return to Me by Azrielle

Darren had just gotten home from shopping when the phone rang. He unsteadily set the bag on the counter and dashed over to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, I'm at the airport." It was Leonie.

"Oh, good. Have a safe flight." He tried to sound happy.

"I will." There was a pause. "Are you sure you'll be ok? I don't want you to get lonely."

He dismissed the comment. "Nonsense. Have fun. In fact, I won't even miss you at all." He said with good humor. She laughed.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Well, all right then. I'll see you when I get back. Bye luv."

"Bye," He put the phone down and sighed. He was lonely already. The blinking answering machine light caught his eye and he pushed the button.

Beep.

"This is Leonie. I'm on my way to the airport--" He deleted it.

Beep.

"Darren, this is yourself. Don't forget to buy bread--" He deleted that one as well.

Beep.

"Dazza.... it's Daniel." There was a pause. "...Just calling to see how you like your new place.... Uh, I'll call you later."

Beep beep.

Darren sighed again, knowing he would be in suspense until he called. I could call him, but then I'd seem desperate....... Wouldn't I?? It's just a phone call between....... friends....right? He picked up the phone compulsively and dialed Daniel's number.

ring............ring.............ring..............ring............ He hung up.

"He's not even home." His mood was worsening and he flopped onto the sofa. What a day! I send Leonie on vacation, I'm bored, I haven't finished unpacking, Jonesy's not home....I'm hungry... He decided to make a sandwich: at least he could fix one problem.

After shuffling through the groceries, a frustrated hand slapped the counter.

"I forgot to buy bread!" Now he was completely miffed. He grabbed his coat and headed out the door.

"Finally..." Daniel breathed as he walked into his apartment. It had been a long day of rehearsing and revising and felt good to be home with his thoughts. But whenever he was alone, thinking, his thoughts turned to him.

Poor Daz.... alone in a new city...wait, he's probably at a club, or party, or something... He frowned and grabbed the phone, dialing Darren's number anyway. The machine picked up.

"Uh, hi, it's me again. I'll bet I just missed you. I'll try again this evening......bye." He put the receiver down and headed out his door. Tired as he was, he felt he needed some air and decided to go for a walk: he had thoughts to sort.

When Darren got back from the store for the second time, the light on the answering machine was blinking again. He pushed the button.

Beep.

"Uh, hi, it's me again. I'll bet I just missed you. I'll try again this evening......bye."

Beep beep.

"Shit!" Ok, I've got to calm down.... "Stress is bad...stress is bad...stress is bad..." He repeated the mantra and headed for the bathroom.

After turning on the shower he undressed and got in, hoping he could mellow out. He placed his hands in front of him against the wall and bent his head forward, letting the warm water run down his back and the sides of his face.

Once he'd had about one minute without any intruding thoughts, a thought intruded. And it was about Daniel.

God, I miss him! ...it's only been about a few months since I've seen him, but it feels like he died! I'm practically mourning! His thoughts got a bit more neurotic. What if something did happen? What would I do without him? He gave himself a mental slap. This was going too far. The day's events had put him on the edge, and the long-term absence of his best friend was about to push him over.

Daniel shoved his hands into his pockets and he wandered down the busy street, absently humming Santa Monica. All the people and voices surrounding him only made it feel more desolate. He roused himself from his thoughts and suddenly found himself at a payphone.

"Can't hurt to try him again..." He said to himself as he slid a few coins into the slot. "Come on, Darren, pick up..."

ring........ring.........ring........

Darren heard the phone ringing as he shut the water off. After grabbing a towel, he ran into the bedroom and picked it up before the machine did.

"Hello?" He said, a bit out of breath.

"Dazza!" The familiar pet name brought a smile to his face.

"Jonesy!"

"I'm glad I got a hold of you..." There was a small pause between them. "Uh, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, it has..." Darren wasn't sure what to say. "Any news?" He sat on the bed.

"Nothing big...I wanted to see how you were doing."

"I'm doin' good, you?" Daz tried to sound like he was doing well.

"Fine, I'm fine...a bit lonely." Dan admitted.

"Really?" He was unsure of Darren's tone. He hadn't meant to say in words how he missed him. Darren laughed.

"Me too." Dan was relieved. There was another pause. The two had so much to say, but neither knew how to say it.

"Hey, Dan,"

"Yeah?"

"If you're not busy...I mean, if you wanted to...maybe you could fly over here...help me get settled in..." Darren sounded unsure. Dan knew it had taken a lot for him to say that.

"Sure!" He tried not to sound too enthusiastic and cleared his throat. "When?"

Darren thought he'd at least think it over. His brain had to catch up.

"Uh, what day is it?"

"Thursday."

"How's Sunday?" Daniel didn't think he meant so soon, but loved the suggestion anyway.

"Sounds great,"

"Really?"

"Yeah, and I'll be just in time for your birthday,"

"That's right! I almost forgot......so I'll pick you up at the airport..."

"Yeah....I guess I'll see you later..."

"Yeah,"

"Bye."

"Bye, Jonesy."

Darren put down the phone down and sighed, this time contentedly. What I wouldn't give to see his face...I can't wait!...

Darren looked around the busy airport. 11:05 PM and no sign of him yet... He pushed through the crowd and managed to arrive safely at Daniel's gate. He felt oddly nervous, like he was on a blind date. His palms were sweating and he wiped them on his pants. Crossing his arms, he shifted from one foot to another.

After a few minutes of standing, he found an empty row of seats and picked up a magazine. Every five seconds or so, he'd lower the magazine to look for his friend. Although he was seated right near the gate, he didn't think any extra surveillance could hurt.

The suspense became too great, so got up and went to the ticket counter.

"Excuse me,"

The perky blond looked up. "Can I help you?" She said with a toothy grin.

"Yeah, do you know if the flight from Brisbane is late?"

"They ran into some heavy fog, and it won't arrive for another" She checked her watch. "Three to four hours." Darren's eyes widened. "Um, who knows, they might get here sooner. Hope this hasn't inconvenienced you."

"No, no, of course not," He went back to sit down. "I love waiting around in airports!" He mumbled. Being almost the only person waiting for this flight, he stretched himself out on the row of chairs and closed his eyes.

"Good night!"

"Thank you!"

"Fly with us again!" Dan exchanged smiles and handshakes with the flight crew as he left the plane. Finally, I'm off the bloody thing.....Seeing Daz will have made it worth the wait.

The people in front of him scattered as the "tunnel" opened at the gate and the rest of the airport. He lifted his head and stood on the balls of his feet to look above the heads in the crowd. What if he forgot?....what if he came and left after hearing it'd be late?...what if --

He looked down to see a sleeping Darren. He was sprawled out on uncomfortable-looking chairs in an uncomfortable-looking position. He couldn't help but smile. Awww, Kodak moment! He unzipped his duffel bag and took out a camera.. *Click* He quickly put it back, lest Darren wake up from the flash.

Dan went and knelt by the seat the sleeping figure's upper body occupied. I feel like Prince Charming.... He shook himself. Where did that come from?

"Dazza," He whispered and put a hand on his shoulder. "Dazza," This time louder, shaking his shoulder slightly.

"Hmmwhat?" Darren blinked and sat up slowly, examining his surroundings. "Oh...Jonesy!" He leaned over and wrapped his arms around Daniel's neck.

Now, Darren, being elevated and leaning forward, lost his balance and slid off the seat. Daniel, kneeling on the floor, was fallen on by a toppling Darren. They burst into laughter.

"Ow."

"Oops..." Darren stood up and held out a hand. Dan took it and, pulling himself up, looked right into a pair of shining, blue eyes.

"You're very unique, you know." Dan smiled and got an eyebrow raise in return.

"Am I?"

"I don't know of anyone who would, or could fall asleep in a New York airport. I've heard some horror stories, I'll tell you what," He put an arm around his mate's shoulder and leaned towards his ear. "It's good to see you again, Darren."

Darren shivered at the feeling of Dan's breath on his neck. "Same here." He felt somewhat disappointed when the arm left his shoulder to pick up a duffel bag.

"Shall we?" Darren just nodded, and they stepped into the traffic that was the airport.

"Here it is," Darren pulled out a key and opened the apartment door. He flicked on the light and stepped inside with a sleepy Dan following.

"Very nice," He yawned. "You'll have to give me a tour tomorrow...I need to sleep."

"I'll show you to your room," Darren took on the air of a busboy and walked down a hallway with the blond plodding behind.

"Umm...as for sleeping arrangements, I have one bed..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "We could alternate between the bed and sofa...flip for it...share it..." He swallowed and looked at Dan questioningly.

"Oh, Dazza, I'm tired, I don't care...I'll take the sofa for tonight. See you in the morning." He smiled weakly and yawned before finding his way to the living room.

Darren stayed in the hallway for a moment. "Right," He said to himself. "The sofa." For tonight... He yawned and headed towards his own room.

The buzzing and whirring of the cappuccino machine awakened Daniel. He slowly rolled off the sofa onto the floor. Darren heard the thump in the kitchen.

"I didn't mean to wake you,"

"I'll forgive you if you make me one," Dan mumbled groggily into the floor before getting up and trudging to the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. He watched his friend on the other side opening various cupboards and drawers looking for mugs. Once Darren found a couple, he filled them and came around to sit by his friend.

"Thanks, mate."

"No problem." They both took a drink. "How'd you sleep?"

"Oh, God, like a rock! I don't think I moved all night!" He turned his head from side to side. "I can barely move now; I'm so stiff," They laughed. I probably should have shared the bed with him...Dan smiled to himself.

I love his smile.... If the world was ending, or I was dying, the last thing I would want to see would be his smile.

Later that day, with Dan gone on a walk, Darren found some time to himself. He had pulled a large packing box to the center of the living room and was going to attempt to start unpacking whatever it was in this chosen box. While sitting cross-legged on the floor, he ran a knife along the strip of sealing tape and pulled the flaps open.

"Wow..." It was a box of photos and other memorabilia. Conveniently for him they were somewhat sorted, with childhood photos on the top, and the more recent one's at the bottom.

For the next hours he looked at every picture, forgetting that he was supposed to be doing work, completely lost in the world of what was.

"Darren, I'm back!" Daniel called out as he entered the flat. He'd been out sightseeing. "I'll be in the shower!" He said and went to the opposite end of the apartment that Darren was.

Darren had finally gotten to the bottom of the box and was looking through the pictures of the past seven to nine years or so. He went through the photos of himself and Daniel more slowly.

Daniel and me..a bunch of us in the days of Red Edge...snaps from the trip to Universal Studios...concerts...our old flat...Dan in bed with a pillow on his face...me napping on the couch...me looking angry or sleepy after being woken up...close up of the two of us...some of just Dan...

"God, he's beautiful," Darren whispered as he ran his fingertips across a photo. I can remember the exact moment I fell for him... His mind drifted all the way back to the day they met.

--He walked into the room holding his breath. There were butterflies in his stomach and a general nervous feeling throughout his body.

"You're... Darren?" One of the guys from the band asked. He looked tired or bored and seemed nonchalant about his presence.

"Y--" He cleared his throat. "Yes, yes I am."

"Well, let's hear what you can do," The guy said, psychically telling Daz that he was a waste of time. Another man sitting next to him nudged the first in the ribs.

"Oliver, don't be a dick." He looked a bit like the other, but was younger and very attractive. "Please, continue." He appeared to be much more interested in Darren's being there.

Darren took a deep breath and started to sing; not very confidently at first, but he gradually got into it. "The alarm goes off at seven, and you start uptown... to put in your eight hours for the powers that have always been... till it's five PM" Although his voice cracked a bit in middle, he finished the song with composure. He opened his eyes, not remembering when he closed them.

The nice man stood up and came over, smiling. "I'm Daniel," He extended a hand. "You did great," They shook hands. "Thank you for coming, and I'll call you," He winked.

"Jesus, you scared me!" He turned around to discover the blond wet, and wearing only a towel.

"What's up?" Dan crouched down and examined the photo-covered floor, picking one up now and then.

"I was...just going through this box..." He had to wrench his gaze from Dan's towel, up to his face.

Meantime, Dan had found a snap of the two of them; his arm around Darren's waist, Darren's arm on his shoulder, their heads together.

"Daz, can I have this one?" Dan asked a bit shyly. Darren glanced over at it.

"Sure,"

"Thanks..." His eyes wandered from print to print and a warm smile crossed his mouth. "We've sure had a lot of fun together, haven't we?"

"Yeah,"

"Speaking of fun, do you have any plans for tonight, Birthday Boy?"

Darren thought for a moment. "Nothing set in stone...maybe we could go to dinner."

"Sounds great. Anyplace in particular?"

"There's a nice Italian bistro just down the way," He offered.

"Perfect."

"I'll go make a reservation."

"I should probably get dressed..." He stood up and put on a serious face. "Or should I just put on a tie?" He made a gesture to his neck, then turned to the side as if Darren were a mirror. He straitened his towel as if it were a wrinkled skirt. Darren didn't even try to hold the laughter in and giggled so hard he got tears in his eyes.

"Don't get too dressed up, cause I'm just wearing what I have on," Darren gestured to his dark button-up shirt and loose black pants.

"You look great," Dan said with a smile as he exited.

Darren could not believe the splendid mood his friend was in. I don't remember him being like this since.......we lived in that flat. Darren's mind regressed to where he remembered Dan being the happiest for the longest amount of time. Dan had always wanted to write music and he loved doing it. Every single piece of music Daniel produced came straight from his soul, which Darren had learned from his friend. It was also the skill he admired most about him.

"Have you called the restaurant yet?" Dan called from the another room.

Oh, right, He found himself still kneeling on the floor in the puddle of pictures. "Uh, the line was busy: I'll try again in a minute!" He carefully scooped up the pics and set them back in the box. After pushing the box out of the way, he trotted to the kitchen phone.

Moments later, Daniel came out dressed in a beige, mock-turtleneck sweater and loose olive cargo pants. His hair had been somewhat combed, and the smile was still there.

Darren had dialed the restaurant's number, but after being mesmerized by Daniel's appearance, he was caught off guard when someone picked up on the other end.

"....can I help you?"

"Umm, hello?" Dan made a face at him. "Oh, I'd like to make a reservation..." He covered the mouthpiece and whispered, "What time?"

"Seven?"

"Seven.......uh-huh" He was nodding, and Dan impersonated him with exaggerated head movements and 'understanding noises'. Darren laughed loudly into the phone. "Sorry about that ....Hayes ......Thank you," He hung up and punched his friend in the arm. "You almost made me lose my train of thought!" Dan pouted. "Anyway," He said, ignoring the puppy eyes. "We've got a table at seven." He checked his watch. "Why don't we walk there? It's not too far." Dan quit the pouting and nodded.

The night was fairly warm as the duo stepped out into the streets.

"It smells like rain." Darren said softly.

"How can you tell? It smells like people and exhaust to me."

"Use your imagination...it feels like rain," He spread his arms to emphasize.

"Oh, Mr. Living Weather Station," Dan poked Darren in the side, causing his friend to jump away, giggling. He continued the assault, brushing his fingertips on any part of Darren he could reach.

"No tickling! We're in public!" Darren gasped. He took a few shuddering breaths and extended a hand. "Truce?" Dan took it and smiled kindly.

"Truce." They walked on for a few more blocks, taking in the sights and sounds of the buzzing metropolis.

"Here it is," Darren said as they approached the restaurant. Daniel stepped in front of Darren and held the door open for him.

"After you." He'd caught his partner off guard with the sudden act of coutesy.

"Thank you." He hesitated. I can't tell if he's being a flirt or a gentleman...I don't know how act! He walked to the desk.

"Name?"

"Hayes."

"Table for two?" Darren nodded.

"Right this way," They were shown to a table near the window at the front of the place. Dan absorbed the surroundings as he sat down, his eyes sweeping the room slowly. The color scheme was a burgundy wine hue and a rich hunter green. Candles glowed in the center of every table, and a chandelier cast a soft light throughout the room.

"This is really nice, Daz," He said softly. "Have you ever been here before?"

"No."

Dan gave him an odd look. "Why not?"

"I guess...I never had anyone to share this with." He smiled shyly. "You can't come to an atmosphere like this alone."

Atmosphere's right....this is so...romantic...I feel--

"What can I get for you two?" The waiter had arrived and interrupted Dan's thoughts.

During their meal, they talked like they hadn't seen each other in years. Darren shared every feeling he'd had since coming to the city. He made sure to let Dan know how hard it was for him to meet people and make friends, but how easy it was to turn his feeling into songs. Dan's heart nearly melted when his friend told of whole days spent in bouts of depression, not having anyone to relate to, feeling lost.

"Darren, I had no idea." Dan consoled, not knowing what to say to make him feel better.

"No, really, I'm fine now." He took a sip of his drink. "Leo came to visit for a while, and now you're here, and I'm really happy." He smiled genuinely. "What's been going on in your life?"

"Nothing nearly as emotional...I've just been rehearsing the band...writing...thinking of you, how either very lonely, or very happy you must be here...I don't know why I never called you before, Daz, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it, I could've called you...I just kept saying, Darren, this is your time for growth, you've got to be Ghandi and go on a social fast. Be strong, and write out the pain, use it." He took a breath and ran a hand through his short hair. "I had this idea in my head of how inspiring it would be to shut my self away..." He trailed off.

Dan was about to say something when the cashier brought the bill to Darren.

"No, no, that's for me," Dan motioned for the check.

"You don't have to--"

"Nonsense. It's your birthday!" Dan took out his wallet and paid in cash before getting up. "Come on," He beckoned to Darren with his hand. "I've got something to show you." There was a look in his eyes. Darren got up and left the restaurant with his companion, not knowing what to expect.

By the time they were outside again, the night had cooled off. Dan looked up, but when he didn't see any stars he suspected it was still overcast. He noticed Darren lagging behind and slipped his hand into his friend's, leading him along.

Darren held to the hand tightly and fell into stride with Dan. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Dan made a turn and they crossed the crowded street. "We're here," He'd brought them to a park. "I had a lovely walk through here this afternoon" He said quietly, as if to himself. "Everything is so green...the grass, the trees...well you could see it better in the daylight, but still..." They strolled along the sidewalk that wound through the park.

"It's very peaceful...like we're not in the middle of a city...like it's just us..." Darren breathed.

They'd come to a quaint wooden bridge that went over an artificial stream. Dan swung the arm that connected them as they walked over the bridge. For the first time he let go of Darren's hand to put both of his on the rail and look over the side.

Darren took note of the way Dan let go slowly, his fingertips grazing his palm. He had to hold in a soft moan. But, now, even though he stood at Dan's side, he felt somewhat incomplete.

"My hand's cold." Oops, I didn't mean to say that... Without hesitation Dan took hold of Darren's palm and moved a bit closer.

"Better?" he asked quietly. Darren nodded, enjoying the warmth and closeness. Dan slowly turned until they were face to face. What an angel...a seraph, so beautiful and innocent...those eyes...that mouth... He leaned forward slightly as if to tell Darren a secret, but stopped just centimeters away, their noses almost touching.

Darren held his breath, not knowing whether to move or not. He was almost positive he was going to be kissed, and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, thunder purred around them and an immediate downpour followed, as if a sprinkler system had come on. Darren opened his eyes as the rain began to pelt them.

Dan squeezed his friend's hand before backing up. "You were right; it's raining."

Darren let out the breath he'd been holding. "Yeah...it is...we should probably go." He was a little disappointed when Dan had backed away, but was glad he hadn't let go.

People were scattering to get out of the rain, holding magazines, newspapers, and if they were lucky umbrellas, over their heads. Cabs zoomed past, splashing in the rapidly forming puddles. Daz and Dan just walked along casually, seemingly oblivious to the torrent. Once they were absolutely dripping they picked up the pace.

"A little rain never hurt anybody, right?" Dan wiped droplets from his forehead.

"What?" Darren had trouble hearing with the rain beating down loudly on the pavement.

"I said, a little rain never--nevermind!" Darren looked at him blankly.

"What!?" Dan rolled his eyes and shook his head, hoping Daz would get the message. He just shrugged and was relieved to find that they'd finally reached his building. They ran inside.

"Oh, God, we're soaked!" Darren exclaimed, trying to fish a wet key out of his wet pocket. They'd received a few strange looks from people in the lobby, elevator and now in the hallway. A couple walked past and made sure there was enough distance between them and the drenched duo.

Dan gave them an up-nod.

"Pool party." He said, trying to hold back a smile. The man nodded in return and the woman didn't look back.

"Don't scare the neighbors, Dan," Darren had finally gotten the door open and they sloshed inside. "Shoes off: I want as little mess as possible." He said, removing his soggy footwear and socks. Dan followed his example and went over to where his bag lay by the sofa.

"I'm gonna go change...why don't you...light a fire?" Dan let it hang in the air while getting clothes out. He gave his mate a killer smile and headed towards the bathroom.

Why am I so cheeky tonight? If I were him, I don't know what I'd do with me...I just feel so confident...I think it's putting him off a bit though, like I just now started to feel like this...I want him to know I'm always this happy when I'm around him, but I... just can't seem to express it...maybe it's because we haven't been alone like this for a long time... Dan began to remember a scene from the past when it had just been the two of them: the scene when he realized he'd fallen in love.

--He'd been sitting at his keyboard for the better part of the day, trying to iron out an imperfection in a new song.

"Shit! This isn't working!"

"What isn't working, mate?" Darren padded in from the bedroom with his notebook. "New song?"

"Yeah," He pouted.

"It'll work out," Darren looked unsure for a moment, then opened the notebook. "I've got some new lyrics, wanna hear?" He grinned like an excited little boy.

"Sure," He patted the bench next to him and Darren came to sit.

"Give me a note," Dan played a random note.

"A little lower." He found a lower one. Darren hummed it for a second, then began to sing. "Universe inside of your heart...you've gotta let me know, so you can be free, baby...you've wanted it so much, and, now that it's over...you don't know what you want..." He cleared his throat. "I think that'll be the chorus...do you like it?"

"I love it!" Dan beamed. The tune had made shivers go down his spine.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Go ahead and see what you can do with it...it needs work," Darren smiled.

"Thank you, I've already got an idea" He smiled back.

"Dan, how long can it possibly take to change? You're not putting on a fashion show for the Queen!" Darren's voice brought him back.

"Uh, be right there!" He'd been standing in front of the bathroom mirror in sickeningly saturated clothes for who knows how long. The warm air gave his clammy skin goosebumps. He peeled off his sweater and pants, and quickly put on a T-shirt and sweats. After dropping the discarded clothes into the bathtub with a plop, he went out into the living room.

Darren was lounging on the plush white sofa, with a leg on the coffee table. He'd changed into attire similar to his own and positively glowed in the dim light of the hearth. The flickering embers reflected in his azure eyes. He was absently flipping the pages of a magazine. He lifted an eyebrow at Dan's tardiness.

"Took you long enough. Were you having a wank or something?" He smirked.

Dan lunged for a pillow and threw it at him.

"No!" He laughed as Darren got smashed in the face.

"Sure..." He rolled his eyes after removing the projectile and setting in a nearby chair. He gave Dan an apologetic look and beckoned for him to sit across from him on the couch.

"Whatcha readin'?" Dan asked as he got settled into the cushions, nudging Darren's shin with his foot.

"Cosmo." Dan shot him a look. "It's Leonie's!"

"Sure..." He mimicked the eye-rolling his friend had given him. "Anything interesting?"

"Let's see... 'Dating Do's and Don'ts'.. 'Lose 15 Lbs. Before Summer'... 'Guyspeak Interpreted'--"

"What's that about?"

"It's 'A Guide to Understanding Guys'." Dan looked interested so he continued. "Example: if a guy says 'I like that dark dress you wore last week' he means what?"

"He means he hates everything else in my closet, and I look fat if I'm not wearing a dress." He said in a serious tone with a smile on his face.

"No," Darren laughed. "He means he thinks you look sexy in anything dark, or a dress because it suits you." He said, as if explaining something to a child. "Next: if he says 'I'm hanging out with my boys tonight' he means..."

"He hates me and would rather watch sports and drink beer than be with me." Dan made a pouting face. Darren turned and moved closer to his friend.

"He means, he's going to drink beer and watch sports with his friends, you were right, but he doesn't want you to see him acting like an idiot."

Dan noticed Daz shift closer and decided to relocate from the corner, to the center of the sofa. They were now about shoulder to shoulder and he could feel the warmth radiate from the body next to him.

"If he says," Darren continued cautiously. " 'I like spending time with you' he means..." Dan couldn't tell if he'd read the question or not. It sounded like he was talking about himself in third person.

"You're my best friend, and there's no one else I'd rather be with?" He answered warily, making it sound like a question, waiting to see if he was "right". Darren affirmed the statement with a slow nod and moved in closer, their heads barely touching.

Dan gazed into Darren's eyes and felt like he was drowning. A sudden rush of emotion overwhelmed him. I love him...I've always loved him...he's the only one for me in this world...he's got to feel the same way, or I don't know what I'll do!...

"If he says 'I think...I want you to kiss me'...he means?" Darren whispered ardently, a tentative hand reaching up to gently caress his face.

"He means: kiss me...now," Dan replied confidently, leaning forward, causing the little space between them to vanish. They both closed their eyes, and their lips met in an innocent kiss. As innocent as it was, it was the most exquisite kiss either of them could ever remember. Their arms went around each other, and long moments later, they ended it in a loving and thoughtful embrace. Darren rested his forehead against his companion's.

"Were you going to tell me something tonight, on that bridge?" He asked quietly with a smiling playing on his lips.

"No, I was going to do this:" He leaned backward pulled Darren down with him, kissing him fervently at the same time. After the kiss ended, his said softly against his mouth, "Happy birthday, Dazza..."

Beep.

"Hey, it's Jonesy...I'm calling to wish you a happy birthday, and to say I'm sorry for not being able to be there yet. I've got a flight booked for tomorrow, so be patient...did you get the flowers I sent? If you didn't, then forget I just said that..." There was a small pause, and the next sentence was said in a delicate, affectionate voice.

"I love you..."

Beep beep.