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We Meet Again	By : LindaG Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Savage Garden Views: 2076 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the members of Savage Garden. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Disclaimer: I don’t own any former member of Savage Garden. Although I do own the characters I created to support them, so don’t steal them until my story is finished. No harm is intended by this bit of FANTASY. None of this is real. Thanks for reading.

We Meet Again – pt 9

Darren jolted awake at the sound of the sound of the doorbell. He looked over at Daniel. For a wonder, he was stilleepleep, though he shouldn’t be surprised. Daniel had been exhausted by the time Darren had been able to get him up to bed. Darren ran his hand over his tired eyes and hopped out of bed. He pulled on a pair of jeans, and wondered a moment whether a button-up or a pullover top.

He shook his head, trying to clear his muddled brain, and grabbed a long-sleeve blue pullover.

He left Dan’s room, and pulled the door shut behind him.

The doorbell rang again.

‘Who on earth could that – oh no.’

Darren hurried down the stairs, silent in his bare feet. Moving at an angle to the front door, he peered through the curtain, trying not to disturb it. News crew.

‘I’d have thought, as long as Daniel’s been out of the business, they‘d have forgotten where he lived.’

Obviously some industrious newshound had researched the last ten years to find Daniel’s address.

Of course, they couldn’t be certain it was Dan’s, but Darren didn’t want Daniel woken; so he couldn’t ignore them. It had taken too long to calm him down last night.

Mimicking Daniel’s actions of the previous evening, Darren unlocked the door and yanked it open.

“If you don’t mind!” He fumed, gracing them with his icy blue stare.

Cameras flashed, as the woman with the microphone began a slur of speech that didn’t register in Darren’s mind.

‘That would be just wonderful. I haven’t even brushed my hair this morning. I can just imagine what I look like.’

He pushed out the door, pulling it shut behind him.

A camera flashed again, and he stalked forward, yanking it from the woman’s hands. He fiddled with it until the back popped open.

The woman behind him began to protest as he turned on the next photographer.

The young man raised an eyebrow in question.

“Don’t challenge me.” Darren replied, his tone as cold as his glare.

The young man swallowed nervously. Stared at Darren a bit longer.

Darren put his hands on his hips, and spoke louder, his eyes never leaving those of the young photographer.

“There will be no pictures. There will be no interview. Or you will be receiving a visit from my manager, Leonie.” They couldn’t know she was still in the states. And her reputation on his behalf was well-known, to say the least.

“But Darren –”

He spun around on the news woman then. “No buts! You will comply with my request or you will suffer! Now. Get. Out.”

He turned again, and grabbed the young man by the collar.

“I. Want. That. Film.”

The color drained from the young man’s face, his hands trembled so badly he almost dropped the camera. He finally got the back opened, and removed the film. Darren grabbed it from his hands and released his hold on the shirt.

They began moving toward the company vehicles as Darren stalked behind them.

“I warn you. Nothing in print, radio, or on the telly.” He stood with his hands on his hips again, glaring again. Stood there as they
drove off. Stood there until he could see them no longer.

‘Damn.’ He ran a hand through his hair, and walked slowly back to Daniel’s house.

He had just stepped inside when he heard the ringtones of Star Wars. Normally it made him grin, but this time he closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer. He walked over to the foyer table and picked up his cell phone, glancing at the lighted display. Leonie. He wiped his face with his hand as he tried to calculate what time it would have been in San Francisco when Michelle had verbally eviscerated Daniel.

He beeped the phone on. “Hello?”

“Darren? Is that you?”

He grinned in spite of his worries. “Of course it’s me, Leonie. Who else would it be.”

“You don’t sound good, Darren… Listen, I got a call from an acquaintance in Brisbane. I’m on the first flight in the morning. Anything you need?”

He hesitated a moment. “Security?”

“At Daniel’s?”

‘So she remembers…’ “If you could, please.”

“I’ll take care of it. Give Daniel my love. Hugs. Bye.”

He beeped his cell phone off. Ran a hand through his hair again. They were supposed to see Dr. Willoughby today, but under the
circumstances he didn’t think it likely.

‘Well… he said either of us could call…’

An hour later, Dr. Willoughby and his friend, Ryan Bledsoe arrived on the heels of the security people.

Darren went out to meet them all.

“Colin. Good to see you again.” Darren smiled warmly at the stocky security chief as he shook his hand.

Colin stood eye to eye with Darren. Dark brown hair curled all over his head, and chocolate brown eyes seemed quite similar to the piercing gaze of a hawk. He was built like a U.S. fullback, nearly making three of Darren. His presence was one of energy in
check.

“Didn’t know you were back home, Darren. Should have called. Would have saved me from getting my ass chewed by Leonie.” He grinned good-naturedly as he finished. “My boys are refreshing themselves with the layout of the property here. Dan around?”

Darren winced, and nodded. “He’s asleep. Rough night.” He glanced at Paul, then looked back to Colin.

“This is Doctor Paul Willoughby and his –” Darren hesitated, uncertain.

“Associate.” Paul supplied with a kindly smile.

“Associate. Ryan Bledsoe. They’re allowed unimpeded access. No one else. ‘Cept Leonie, when she gets here,” he added with a pained grin.

“Problems?”

Darren nodded. “News. Oh, Ben or Lee may come by –”

“Don’t worry, Darren. We’ll take care of it.”

Darren nodded, his lips pursed in a slight frown. Then he turned toward Paul and Ryan, and managed a weak smile.

“Would you come inside, please? I’ve coffee ready and I can fill you in on what’s happened. I really need a cup right now.”

He led them into the kitchen.

“Please. Have a seat.” Darren spoke as he poured his coffee. “Coffee? Tea? Water? Soda?”

“Tea please.”

“Hot or cold?”

“Cold is fine.”

Ryan nodded agreement, so Darren poured two tall glasses of tea, and joined them at the table.

The silence grew as Darren toyed with his cup, sliding it back and forth on the table.

“Darren?” Paul questioned gently.

“I’m not sure if I should talk to you about… I mean, am I betraying a confidence?”

“Are you trying to help Daniel?”

Darren nodded. “Yes.” His voice was little more than a forced whisper.

“Then don’t feel guilty. I will treat it as a confidence. As I would with any patient.”

“Well, Danny’s had a bit of a setback.” His eyes flicked nervously from his cup to Paul’s calm hazel eyes, and back.

“Go on.” Dr. Willoughby said encouragingly.

“Last night, we saw Danny’s ex-girlfriend on TV. She basically told the world he’s gay.”

“Isn’t he?”

Darren stared at Paul questioningly. His mouth open slightly.

“He’s in love with you, isn’t he?”

“But we’ve both loved women.”

Paul shrugged gently, smiled compassionately. “A flavor of gay, bisexual. A tag that means something to one person; used as an excuse by another. Does he love you, Darren?”

Darren shook his head, trying to order his jumbled thoughts.

“Yes, he loves me. And I love him.”

“So, it would have been better had Daniel been the one to announce it, but it saves him from having to do it. All he needs to do now is smile and admit it.”

Darren shrugged. Nodded grudging agreement with what Paul said.

“Dan would probably agree, too, I suppose; but that’s not the real problem. Something happened between him and Michelle. He hasn’t been very forthcoming about it, but from what little he has told me, she was… quite verbally abusive. He can’t seem to get past it, and he won’t open up to me.” Darren took a sip of coffee.

“The things she said last night… worthless, pathetic, inadequate. God. If she said that to the media, there’s no telling what she might have said in private.” He sighed deeply.

Paul nodded silently.

“Things were getting better between us. Really looking good…” Darren’s hand gestured helplessly.

Paul put his hand on Darren’s arm. “That’s good news. Why don’t you and I go see Daniel? I’d like to talk to him.”

Darren looked at his watch. 10:15. Shrugged. “He might be up. I didn’t get him calmed down till almost two this morning.”

Darren led the way upstairs to Daniel’s room.

Knocked softly.

“Danny?” He opened the door slowly.

Daniel lay in bed, but turned toward him.

“Danny, Dr. Willoughby is here. He’d like to talk to you. Please?”

Dan nodded silently.

“Do you mind if I talk to you alone, Daniel?”

Dan shook his head, so Paul walked in and closed the door behind him.

Darren shuffled nervously in the hallway. Wondered if he should wait.

The doorbell rang.

‘Who?’

He sighed, and moved down the stairs. Saw Ryan standing in the kitchen doorway, his stance reminding Darren of the bouncers he’d seen in numerous nightclubs. He smiled in spite of his worries as he opened the door.

“Chris! John! Come in, please.”

Chris Jones stepped inside, and put her arms around Darren’s neck, drawing him in for a hug.

“It’s so good to see you, Darren. How long have you been here?”

“Few days. It’s good to see you too, Chris. John.” He held his hand out to Daniel’s father. “How did you get past security?”

“Colin’s mother, June Chandler, has been a friend for years. He knew who I was.”

Darren nodded. “Come on in the kitchen. I’ve got coffee ready.”

“Pardon me for saying so, Darren, but you look awful. And meeting us in your bare feet? Have you eaten?” Chris asked, concern plain on her face.

Darren shook his head. “No time.”

She put her hands on his arms, and steered him to a chair. “Sit. As of now, I’m in charge here.”

“Yes, Mum.” Darren grinned at her in spite of his worries.

“And who is this young man?”

“I’m sorry. Ryan, this is John and Chris Jones, Daniel’s Mum and Dad. This is Ryan Bledsoe. Associate, and — ?” He raised a brow in Ryan’s direction, and he nodded, smiling. “lover of Dr. Paul Willoughby. He’s up with Daniel.”

Chris stopped fluttering around the kitchen, and sat down next to Darren.

Darren took an intense fascination with his fingers. Staring at them, afraid to look up.

“So what Michelle said is true? Has he finally admitted it to himself,… and you?”

“Hunh?” Darren looked at her from under the hair drooped over his face, without raising his head; then back to his fingers.

“Mother’s have ways of knowing these things, Darren. Even when our sons don’t tell us.”

She stood up, squeezed his shoulders, and kissed him on the forehead. “Have you eaten, Ryan?”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

“Has Daniel eaten?”

“N—no.”

She began pulling pans out, and gathering up ingredients.

“Darren, there were news people at the house today.” Mr. Jones began. “Why don’t you tell us the facts?”

It wasn’t easy. But slowly, over the next thirty minutes, Darren explained everything that had happened since the night he’d met Daniel in the theater.

“Thank God you were here for him, Darren.” Chris said as she began filling the kitchen table with plates full of her efforts. “I’ve been so worried. He’s been so withdrawn. It scares me to think what he might have done if you hadn’t been here.”

“Well dear, now we at least know what we’re up against.”

Darren hazarded a look at John, his fears plain on his face.

But John just smiled and shook his head at Darren’s obvious assumption.

“Not you two being in love. Chris and I had discussed that possibility years ago. I’m talking about this anxiety thing. And Michelle. We’ve been suspicious of her for a while. Especially after Dan stopped his weekly visits.”

Daniel appeared in the doorway then, an awkward look on his face. Paul stood behind him.

“Morning, Mum. Dad.”

“Oh, Daniel.” Chris went over and wrapped her son in a hug, her head resting on his shoulder.

Slowly Daniel’s arms raised to go around his mother.

Darren saw tears in Daniel’s eyes. Wanted to go to him, also; but John stood up then, so Darren stayed where he was.

John put his left arm around his son, and his right arm around his wife.

“I’m happy for you and Darren, son. We’re behind you one hundred percent.” He looked at Darren a moment then back at
Daniel, a deep love in his eyes. “Now, come sit down. Your mother’s outdone herself with breakfast, and I think Darren needs you.”

He gave his son a fatherly slap on the back, then sat back down at the table.

Daniel smiled bashfully, and shuffled over to sit beside Darren.

Darren put his right hand behind Daniel’s head and pulled him in for a bittersweet kiss, filled with all his fears. He wasn’t sure if Danny wanted to, here in front of his parents, but he needed to.

He broke the kiss a moment later, and rested his forehead on Danny’s.

“I’m sorry.” He felt he needed to apologize.

Daniel picked up Darren’s left hand, held it in both of his, the thumb of his top hand making small circles on Darren’s wrist.

“Don’t be sorry, Dazza. It’s okay. I—” he looked at his parents a moment. “I love you too, Dazza.”

Chris smiled a radiant smile then, obviously relieved. John smiled also.

“Well! Let’s eat now.” Chris sat out plates and silverware. “Hi. I’m Chris Jones.” She held out her hand to the young man still
standing in the doorway.

“Paul Willoughby.”

“Have a seat, you two. Paul, this is my husband, John.” She set cups out then. Placed coffee, tea, and juice carafes on the table. “I know Ryan said you’d already eaten, but there’s plenty so help yourselves.”

Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and ham disappeared as everyone chatted casually.

“Daniel, I’m so glad you broke up with Michelle. When you first introduced her, I thought she was wonderful. But then you started to change and it seemed like I could never get you alone to talk to you. At first I thought I was just nervous because my baby was growing up,” she smiled dryly. “But when you stopped coming over I started to really worry. I came over several times, but she always told me you weren’t here.”

“She… um… she became quite controlling… I was afraid to say anything when you were here.”

“You were here? You knew?”

Daniel swallowed nervously, began to tremble. “I’m sorry, Mum,” he pleaded.

Darren put his right arm protectively around Daniel’s shoulders; took his left hand in his own.

“Daniel, remember what I told you upstairs?” Paul questioned gently.

Daniel began to sweat, though the kitchen was cool.

“I’m not angry, Daniel. At least not with you.” Chris spoke calmly. “But Michelle better hope I don’t see her.”

Daniel licked his lips, and Darren realized he was having an anxiety attack. Realized he had probably had one last night, too.

“Daniel.” Paul repeated firmly, and waited for Dan to look at him. “Remember what I told you upstairs?”

“That I’m not to blame for the way Michelle acted.”

“And what else?”

“That I have control over my thoughts and feelings, and I can turn away from them.”

“That’s right. And I know you can do it.” Paul encouraged him seriously.

“Of course you can, Daniel.” Chris said so matter-of-factly that Daniel couldn’t help the small smile of embarrassment that played on his lips.

“Well, Chris. We’ve seen and heard what we came to learn. You’ve fed your boy; so why don’t we leave him to relax with Darren?”

She made a show of considering. “We’ve still the dishes—”

“Darren and I will take care of them, Mum.”

“Are you sure, Dan?”

He smiled and stood up. “Yes, Mum.” He hugged his mother, and father.

He and Darren both showed his parents to the door.

“Thanks for coming over.”

“Just remember, Daniel,” his father said, “we’re happy for you and Darren. And we support you. And the next reporter that comes
over is going to get an earful.”

Daniel winced, murmured something, then smiled broadly at his parents. “I look forward to hearing or seeing that. Thank you both again.”

He hesitated at the door.

“Danny, why don’t you go get a shower. I’ll walk Chris and John out.”

“Thanks, Daz.” He gave Darren a quick kiss, then disappeared upstairs.

Paul joined Darren as he walked out with Daniel’s parents.

“I just wanted to reassure you. Your son is doing well, really. He embraces the concepts easily, and heartily. elieelieve with your support and Darren’s, he will recover fully. His was a special case, brought about by unusual circumstances, so I see no reason he should not recover quickly and completely.”

“Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate everything.”

Back inside, Darren sighed deeply, then walked into the kitchen. He started clearing the table.

“How are you doing, Darren?” Paul asked quietly.

“I—uh… fine. I think.”

“It’s hard when someone you love hurts.”

Darren nodded. Fighting tears.

“A bit overwhelming, holding strong for two, isn’t it?”

Thers brs began then.

Paul put his arm around Darren’s shoulders, and led him into the living room. Once there, he firmly pushed Darren down onto the couch. Then he sat down next to Darren, and put his right hand on Darren’s knee.

“I’m so afraid I’ll do something wrong,” the words tumbled out. “When he’s… last night I felt so helpless.”

“I understand you don’t want to appear weak to Daniel. And I can assure you, he doesn’t think of you that way. Just don’t try to hold it all in, okay? Ryan or I are always available. Anytime. Day or night. Remember that, Darren. It’ll be no help to Daniel if you have a breakdown or freak out. He’ll blame himself for either, and that’s what we’re working on next.”

“How so?” Darren asked as he sniffed, and wiped the moisture from his face.

“I’m going to tell you some of what he told me. I already told him you needed to know. Explained it so he would understand. Daniel feels responsible for the way Michelle treated him. There was some physical abuse, in addition to the verbal abuse.”

“What?”

Paul nodded. “Slapping and punching.”

“But – Danny would never –”

“And she used that against him. Until the night he called out your name when they were having sex.”

Darren rested his elbows on his knees then, and put his face in his hands. He wanted to cry, but he was too angry with Michelle.

“I—do you mind staying a bit longer? I’d like to step outside for a bit. Clear my head some.”

Paul nodded again, and smiled sympathetically. “Take whatever time you need, Darren. Ryan and I will be fine.”
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We Meet Again