We Meet Again pt 3

�Dinner�s ready, Danny.�� Darren called from the kitchen.� He had set the small kitchen table, rather than the larger dining table. With candles, no less. And turned off the kitchen lights.� Much like their early meals had been when they were starting out, and needed to watch every penny.

�It really wasn�t necessary for you to do this, Darren.�� Daniel�s wide green eyes sparkled in the candlelight, reflecting his pleasure at the implied intimacy.

�But I wanted to.� Look, Danny.� I realize we didn�t exactly part on the best of terms, but I came back hoping we could put that behind us.�� Start over, sort of.� If you�d like to, that is.�

He sat a large steaming bowl of homemade minestrone down in front of Daniel, his eyebrows raised hopefully as his blue eyes shown with his longing.

Daniel�s green eyes met his, and he smiled shyly.� �I�d like that, Dazza.� I�d really like that.�

Darren returned his smile warmly, set down two bowls of salad, and sat down next to Daniel.

They ate in companionable silence while Darren wondered how to broach his concerns to Daniel.

�Danny, what happened with your production company?�

Daniel�s tense posture spoke volumes as he took a drink of tea.� �I� um� just had problems getting the connections going.�

A few moments of nervous silence followed.

�Danny, I� I�d like to talk to you about something. I hope you won�t take this the wrong way. *Please* hear me out. I-I�m worried about you, Danny.� You *know* I-I love you, Danny. I-I wouldn�t hurt you purposely.�

Daniel managed a small nod as his hands began to tremble.� Darren reached out hesitantly, placing his right hand over Daniel�s left; curling his warm fingers over Dan�s cold ones.

�Danny, the reason I had you come with me today is because I think you have a problem. Doctor Jacoby specializes in this type of problem; but he also specializes in children. He gave me the number of a doctor who specializes in adults, and I�d like you to see him.�

�Wh-what makes you think something is wrong, Dazza?�

�The way you reacted to those fans the other night? Your relationship with Michelle? The way you shy away from other people?� Danny, I think you have what�s called Social Anxiety Disorder.� JaJay agrees.� And it�s treatable, Danny. You probably won�t even need medication. It�s done with behavior modification.� At your own pace.� It�s always about what you want. What you feel you can do.� And I� I�ll be here for you, if you want me, Danny; because a solo career is nice, but� I miss you, Danny.� Something terrible.� You don�t have to agree right away. Just� just agree to think about it.� Please?�� Darren pleaded.

Daniel swallowed noisily. Slowly his dull green eyes met Darren�s anguish filled blue orbs. He shrugged slightly, not taking his gaze away from Darren�s.

�I-I�m willing to listen, Daz. I-it�s been hard� After��� Daniel ran his right hand over his face in frustration.� Darren gave his left hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.� �Your solo album is good.� So good I-I didn�t think you�d ever want to see me again, after� after��

Tears began spilling from the emerald depths of Daniel�s eyes.

�Oh, Danny,� Darren whispered. He brought his left hand up to Daniel�s right cheek, and tenderly brushed away the tears with his thumb.� �I was hurt at first, confused. It took a bit for me to sort it all out. But I never wanted to not see you again.� We had something special once.� I�d like to think we could have it again.�

Slowly Darren�s hand moved to the back of Daniel�s neck. He paused, indecision, pain, and need all combining on his face, in his eyes, and the lift of his brow.� Daniel�s tears slowed. His lips parted slightly, and Darren could hear his ragged breathing.� He pulled Daniel toward him, tilting his own head a bit. His eyes never left Daniel�s as their lips met.� His heart swelled as he tasted the sweetness he knew was Daniel.� He saw flashes of what they�d had in the past, and his eyes closed as their tongues twined and danced in remembrance.

Minutes later, or maybe an eternity later, their lips parted, and they both gulped air. Darren and Daniel gave each other shy, lopsided grins.

�I�m here for you, Daniel. Together we can get through this. Together we can begin again.�

Daniel smiled again. A relaxed smile that Darren knew meant he was happy for the moment.� �I�d like that, Dazza.�� He raised Darren�s hand to his lips, and kissed his fingers.� �I�d like that a lot.�

tbc