Disclaimer: I do not know Dom Monaghan, Elijah Wood, nor any of the people mentioned in this story. It's all lies.
Summary: Elijah overhears a Conversation between Ian McKellen and Peter Jackson that raises up his own insecurity. Can Dom convince him to stay in New Zealand or will there have to be a new Frodo?
Archieved: fellow_shippers and domlijah
Feedback: Yes please!
Notes: Sorry for the lack of updates on Something More and English Spice, but the muse has been very quiet on those stories as of late, so I come bearing a ficlet instead. I hope it makes up for it:)
This story is based from this article
Finding His Place
Elijah Wood had an exhausting morning. It had been a long, tiring day for the young actor. He had mainly spent it in meetings, talking over what was expected of him and his fellow co-stars. It was an experience that he really didn’t want to go through again. So far, He and Sean were the only Americans on the cast, not that it really made a difference. Everyone was so friendly and open, especially that one guy who played Merry…Dominic Monaghan, just Dom to his mates and co-workers. Elijah couldn’t help liking the guy…and the other one as well…Billy Boyd. Both were pretty friendly, but Elijah had a sense that those two had their own thing going. It was just the two of them and there was no room for a third.
It was really too bad because out of all of them, it was Dom that Elijah liked best…in fact…it was safe to say that Elijah had developed a very deep crush on Dom.
It hadn’t been all that long ago since Elijah found that he liked men more than women. He had a few minor crushes, but Dom was his first real one. He was all that Elijah thought about whenever he going over his lines. Elijah even dreamed of him. Normally, the young actor would have made a move already, but he didn’t want to step on Billy’s toes. By the look of things, Dom was with Billy and that was that. Besides, he needed all the friends he could get here. Why mess up a potential friendship over a crush that was most likely to fade away over time?
Today was one of those days where he had more spare time then ever. The meeting had wrapped early and he didn’t have to be in the trailer for feet until four in the morning, which in his opinion was fucking ridiculous. There were times when they wouldn’t even need to wear the damn hot abominations for a whole day, yet it was still a requirement to wear them. It was a pain in the fucking neck, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that he got to spend even more time with Dom he would be complaining loud and clear for everyone to hear.
Rubbing at his eyes, Elijah felt sleepy and a bit homesick. It was time to head back to the trailer that he had been sharing with Dom and Billy for over a week, with promises to give each hobbit a trailer of their own as soon as it could be arranged. Lighting up a clove, Elijah turned to leave when he heard two familiar voices coming from the office that Peter used for individual meetings with the actors and script revisions. It was in that office that Stuart Townsend had gotten the bad news that he was going home and some Mortensen guy was taking his place. That day had been a sad one for the cast, but it couldn’t be helped. Plus, it told everyone that no one was safe. They too could be given the ax if it was found that they just weren’t right for the part.
Frowning, Elijah stepped closer, cringing as he heard his mother’s voice in his head scalding him about eavesdropping, but curiosity killed the cat and he was a feline through and through.
Keeping to the shadows, Elijah positioned himself to listen in, praying that he wasn’t caught by any of his fellow cast mates. This would go down real well. Watch out for that ElWood. He listens in on conversations. He’s not to be trusted. That certainly would make a fucking impression on Dom, who he wanted to impress more than anything…even if he was with Billy.
Elijah recognized the voices immediately. One voice belonged to Peter Jackson, director of the movie and the man who had hired him on the spot, claiming that he was the perfect Frodo with those eyes and that voice. The next was Ian Mckellen…well, Sir Ian Mckellen. He was Gandalf and one of the many actors on this project that held Elijah’s complete and total respect. It couldn’t be easy for him, being out of the closet, yet he was and hadn’t seemed to have given it a second thought, so Elijah hadn’t either and neither have the other cast members, at least from what Elijah could tell.
“I’m sorry,” Ian sighed, sounding very determined to get a point across. “But I thought you would want my opinion on this matter before we get even farther into production. I just don’t feel that the kid is right for the part.”
Peter sighed, his voice tired and irritated. It was obvious to Elijah that the director had a very long day and wasn’t in the mood for this conversation. Elijah prayed that Ian didn’t push the exhausted Peter too far. He didn’t want to have to get used to a new Gandalf as well as a new Aragorn. That would be fucking too much. “Listen, the kid is perfect for the role. You haven’t seen him act. Those eyes, that voice, that’s what is needed in this part.” “He should be English. So should Sam. This Elijah is too pretty…too innocent and young. Sean…well he’s not a Brit now is he? Frodo and Sam should be portrayed by Brits with more experience and a bit more class, don’t you think?” Ian continued, unaware of Elijah’s presence and the rolling waves of shock and hurt that crashed into the young man at hearing those words.
Too pretty? Too innocent? Not enough class? Not British? Not right for the part of Frodo? Oh fucking hell! All of that crashed through Elijah’s mind repeatedly, drowning out Peter’s words as he told Ian that Elijah was an experienced actor, had more acting skill and grace than most people he knew, and that he was Frodo through and through, just as Sean was Sam and that there would be no more discussion about it. Elijah heard none of it. All he heard were Ian’s words, each playing on all the insecurity he had felt since sitting foot on New Zealand soil.
Ian…one of the people he had the utmost respect for, thought he wasn’t good enough. He thought he was too pretty, didn’t have enough class…was too young…fucking hell? How was he supposed to take all of that in? How was he supposed to feel other than hurt and angry? How was he supposed to be Frodo and act beside Ian and still give a stand up job when the other actor obviously had no faith in him? Most importantly…was Ian the only one who felt this way? Did anyone else feel that he was too pretty, young, and inexperience to effectively be Frodo Baggins, ring bearer of the fellowship? What if Ian wasn’t? What if others felt that way too?
Elijah’s chest felt tight and he couldn’t breathe. Just the thought of the others feeling the same way was too much to handle…it was bad enough that he felt unsure of himself in such a huge role…but to hear someone like Ian fucking Mckellen voice his doubts of Elijah‘s abilities…it fucking hurt and made the insecurities even deeper. Even more painful. Somehow, Elijah couldn‘t help thinking that maybe Ian was right. Maybe he wasn‘t right for the part…maybe he should go and tell Peter that he quit and leave New Zealand as soon as possible.
Biting back the whimper that seemed to get stuck in his throat, Elijah quietly exited the building and headed back to his trailer, hoping that no one was there. He wanted to be alone. After all, it wasn‘t as if he actually fitted in here in New Zealand. Stuart, gone. Sean had his wife and daughter. Ian obviously didn‘t respect him and was usually off talking to his lover on his cell when he wasn‘t off in a world of his own. Dom and Billy had their own little thing going with the two musketeer bit, Elijah doubted that there was room for a third. He really had no place here in New Zealand. No one who he could call his real friend…so why even bother being here? He certainly couldn‘t pull off Frodo. Besides he never read the book. .How could he be a good Frodo if he didn’t even know what the whole quest was about? Ian was right. He was nowhere near qualified to be Frodo. He was too young. He was too American. Heck, he may even be too pretty. There was only one thing he could do to rectify this situation. Give Peter his notice tomorrow morning and prepare to head back home. Maybe he could get a part on Friends or something…or hook up with McCauley Calkin and see if they could get a project of their own started? Just…do something…something that he could do…something where he wasn’t out of his depth.
Digging the pack of cloves out of his pocket, Elijah lit up. Maybe the familiar spiciness would calm him some. Maybe it’d make this decision seem all the more right…all the less heartbreaking. Maybe it would make this deep-seated loneliness go away. He doubted it would, but he had to hope. What was that quote again? With out hope, all was lost? Hmmm…fucking good quote. If only he could believe it, because right now, he felt that everything was lost and there would be no getting it back.
Relief flooded through him as he entered the trailer to find it empty. Dom and Billy must have gone and got an early start on the clubbing they seemed to enjoy. He remembered a few times being invited to join them, but he had declined. He shuddered to think of what would come out of his mouth once drunk and inhibited. Dom and Billy would know everything and what little friendship there was would be destroyed. He refused to let that happen…not that it mattered now that he had decided to leave.
At least now Peter can find a more suitable Frodo and Ian won’t resent him for ruining the movies. Now he could go home and pretended that New Zealand never happened. Now he can just go back to being boring Elijah who took parts in bad teen scream flicks and boring disaster films. Sighing, he sank down onto the loveseat and looked at the wall, seemingly unaware of the tears streaming down his pale face. If only this decision didn‘t hurt so fucking much.
. Fuck, this was pathetic! He shouldn’t be sitting here crying…He should be out somewhere…living the life of the elite of young Hollywood. He should be at The Viper, arguing with Leo about whether rap was music or not, or dancing with Josh and maybe getting a shag that very night. He shouldn’t be here in New Zealand, sitting in a trailer he shared with two other blokes, brooding over the fact that he just wasn’t good enough. This shouldn’t be his life….but it was.
Then there was Dom. Elijah will never see him again, most likely. He’ll never know how Elijah had adored him and hung onto each and every word each time they spoke to one another. He’ll never know that Elijah wanted more than simple friendship. He had wanted love…a love that would never be, thanks to his own inadequacy and fear, he may never know if he ever had a chance. It was just as well. It was less painful this way…well less painful for Dominic anyway. He’ll never have to know of Elijah’s feelings and how deep they had gone.
~*~
“Hi ho to the bottle we go!” Dom and Billy sang as they stumbled into the trailer, not yet drunk, but obviously planning to get there. It had been a long day for them too and neither were in the mood to spend the night cooped up in their trailer, going over lines. So the game plan was, come home. Make a lame attempt at learning lines, then go out and get ass over tit drunk. But all plans were put on hold when they spotted Elijah, silently sitting on the couch, in the dimly lit trailer with tears falling from his eyes, staring straight ahead at the wall. “What’s wrong with him?” Dom whispered, not wanting to disturb Elijah, his own heart aching for the young man. Whatever was wrong with the young American, Dom wanted to fix it somehow. He wanted to dry away those tears and make Elijah happy again. He just wasn’t sure if doing such a thing would be welcomed. Ever since he had laid eyes on him, Dom had fallen for Elijah hard. There was no one in the world like him. He really wanted to know him better, but every time they had invited him out, the younger man would decline. Dom was on the brink of thinking that Elijah just didn’t care for him…but then Elijah would look at him with those eyes, so bright and warm, telling him that Elijah did like them. He was probably just shy. Looking at the young man now, Dom needed to do something…immediately. He wouldn’t stand for a devastated Elijah. He couldn’t. First order of business. Fix it. Second order. Make whoever had done this to Elijah pay.
“Why don’t you ask him, mate,” Billy gently pushed Dom towards the couch. He of course knew of Dom’s feelings for Elijah and quietly encouraged his friend. He just wished that Dom would go ahead and make the first move instead of being so shy about it. “Bet he’ll tell you.”
Dom frowned. “You think so, mate?”
Billy just nodded. He’s seen the way Elijah looked at Dom and knew that there was more there than friendship. ElWood had it bad for one Dominic Monaghan, and Dom had It bad for Elijah, both were completely clueless. Maybe it was time for both of them to get a clue. “Yeah. I keep telling you that he likes you. Go talk to him. Then you both come find me and we’ll go out and drink ourselves under a table.” Dom just smirked and wondered if that’s all Billy thought about, besides the wonderment of being a part of one of the biggest projects in the world. He smiled and watched the older man disappear into his room and turned back to Elijah who was still staring into space, his mind obviously else where. Well, it was time to bring Elijah back to earth. Dom couldn’t help if he allowed Elijah to stay wherever he was at the moment. Taking a deep breath, he took a seat next to Elijah. “Hey there, Lijah. Looks like you’re having a bad day. Want to tell Ole Dom about it?”
~*~ Elijah hadn’t been aware of anyone entering the trailer until Dom sat next to him and requested to know what was wrong with him. Elijah had to admit that he was surprised. He hadn’t expected anyone to be concerned with him. They didn’t seem to be before…then again, he had never been upset enough before. Elijah looked at Dom and knew that he was going to have to tell him. There was no choice. Hmmm…it was only right anyway…it was only right that Dom was the first to know. After all, he was the person Elijah cared about the most.
“I…I…I’m quitting the project…I-I’m going home Dom. I was kidding myself thinking I could come here and pull off the lead role…I was a fool and a dumb one. For fucks sake! I haven’t even read the books so how am I going to pull this off? I can’t! So I’m throwing in the town and I’m going home so Pete can find someone more suitable for Frodo! Someone with style and class…something I obviously don’t have…”
Elijah waited for Dom’s reaction, sure that he would be in agreement with Ian somehow. After all, rumor had it that he had once auditioned for Frodo himself and didn’t get the part. So it would be understandable if he thought that Elijah wasn’t right for the part and should quit. Looking into those stormy eyes, he was astonished to see something there he hadn’t ever thought he’d see. Confusion and a hint of pain? Would it be painful for Dom if he left? If so, why? What did it mean? Elijah didn’t dare hope that Dom felt something other than a slight fondness for him. He couldn’t bare the disappointment if that wasn’t the case. No, it was pity. That was what he saw in Dom’s eyes. That’s all it could be. Pity and maybe a valiant need to convince Elijah to stay. To reassure him somehow, even though he knew that Elijah was right. The project was better off without him.
~*~
Dom for his part, didn’t know what to say. This was new and totally out of left field. The last time he had seen Elijah, which had been that morning at the cast meeting, he had been excited and full of anticipation for the coming months. Just watching him, Dom could see the positive energy just coursing through the young man. Now, there was no sign of that energy. It had been drained, and now Elijah seemed determined to leave them…to leave him. Sod it all to hell, he couldn’t let that happen. He just couldn’t. Friendship may be the only thing that could exist between them, but still Dom couldn’t let him just give up, just go home and waste his talent on some two bit movie that didn’t even deserve him and have him miss out on this amazing opportunity. It was Dom’s duty as a mate and a fellow actor to make sure that Elijah followed through on his potential…that he didn’t cut and run…that he stayed. Not for Dom himself…but for Elijah. So that one day, the young American wouldn’t wake up and be filled with regret that he had walked out on something that could change his life and career…something that could give him more than he dreamed.
“Lijah…I don’t understand…you’re quitting? But why? I mean…I don’t understand…”
“Quitting Dom. As in I’m giving up. As in I’m going home. As in…I won’t be here anymore. Someone else will. Someone more suitable…someone English, that can bring class to the Frodo-Sam dynamic…”
Fucking hell! The more Elijah talked…the stranger it sounded. Someone English? Someone that will bring class to the Frodo-Sam dynamic? That just didn’t seem like Elijah’s words but someone else’s…someone he was sure would have more tact then say it to Elijah’s face. What had happened? Would Elijah even tell him?
“Elijah…mate. That’s bullshit. What does being English have to do with being Frodo? As for class…why you have it in fucking spades! Who have you been talking to? Ian McKellen? Because that class line sounds like something…” Dom falls quiet as Elijah looked away, more tears falling from sad blue eyes…eyes that spoke of not only insecurity…but betrayal as well. Bloody hell! As much as he respected the older man, Dom wanted nothing more than to rip him from limb to limb for causing Elijah this pain that seemed to swallow his entire being. “Elijah…did Ian say something that would make you think such a thing?”
Somehow Dom already knew the answer to this…but he just needed to hear it from Elijah. He knew that Ian had some reservations about Elijah’s ability to effectively portray Frodo. He had over heard the man talking with an uncomfortable Sean Bean about it. Dom had quickly stepped in and dispelled those fears…at least he thought he had, just like he had thought Ian wouldn’t be so cruel to voice those fears in front of Elijah…obviously he had been wrong. He just hoped that he could change Elijah’s mind somehow and make him see that he was the right choice for the part. With those expressive eyes and the talent he had seen in movies like The War and Radio Flyer…there was no one else right for the part, British or American.
Dom had all the faith in the world in Elijah Wood. Elijah was Frodo. No one else. Dom would go to Peter Jackson himself if need be and fucking set the matter straight. Anything to keep Elijah here with him…and Billy. ~*~ Elijah was surprised that Dom had guessed so easily. He hadn’t thought that maybe Ian had voiced his concerns to anyone else, but obviously he had and obviously, much to Elijah’s surprise and relief, Dom didn’t agree. He’d probably never know how much his words meant to Elijah. He’d never know that above all others, his opinion mattered most. Elijah was almost tempted to stay…to prove to Dom that his faith wasn’t in vain…if only he could make that voice in back of his head shut up and block out Ian’s words. If only he had Dom’s confidence…but he didn’t, so he wasn’t staying and he doubted that Dom would be able to change his mind. Yet, something told him not to close Dom out just yet…this was the first time he had ever been alone with Dom…for at least this long anyway. Billy had always been nearby. This time, Billy wasn’t in sight, and by the looks of things, Dom wasn’t going anywhere. He was even holding Elijah’s hand, his thumb messaging the pale skin on the back of Elijah’s hand as he looked at him with that warmth in his eyes that Elijah was sure was pity.
“It’s not important,” Elijah found himself looking away, just to feel Dom’s hand on his cheek, warm and steady and gently holding Elijah still, so he couldn’t look away.
“It is important. It’s important because it hurt you and you’re wanting to leave us.”
Elijah sighed. He didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to have to relive those words…to feel that sense of betrayal and humiliation…but the words were there anyway and Dom was there now, holding his hand, a arm now around his slumped shoulders, holding him close. Elijah couldn’t help breathing in the scent of cologne and sweat and something else that was exclusively Dom. This was as close as he had ever been to Dom and he was in no hurry for it to end. Like this…Elijah felt safe, warm…he felt like this was where he belonged. Right here in Dom’s arms. Finally he had found his place…just when he had decided to leave. “It was after the meeting…everyone had gone…or so I thought. I…I heard voices in Peter’s office, so I went to check it out because I didn’t think anyone was there and…well, that’s besides the fucking point I guess…it was Ian and Peter and they were arguing. I stood where they couldn’t see me and I heard Ian tell Peter that Sean and I weren’t right for the parts…he said that I was too pretty, too innocent. He said Sam and Frodo should be Brits, someone who could bring class to the roles. He hates us…he hates…me,” renewed tears fell from Elijah’s eyes, his whole body tensed so much that he couldn’t even remain upright anymore. He found himself leaning into Dom’s embrace, his face buried in Dom’s chest as the other man’s arms tightened around him. “I don’t belong here Dom…I never did and Ian had just confirmed it.”
“Shhh, baby. Don’t cry. Listen, he doesn’t hate you…he just…he just can’t see what the rest of us see. He has this silly notion that it should be a British cast…like those one movies…Harry Potter I think it is. He can’t see that his ideal is not right for the movies,” Dom rubbed Elijah’s back, not loosening his hold on the sobbing boy in his arms. “As for not belonging…of course you belong. Everyone loves you Lij. Sean, Billy, Andy, and Orli…”
Elijah just couldn’t pay attention anymore. The feel of Dom’s arms around him took all his awareness, even though he knew that he should probably sit up…he should be a man about this and stop acting like a child that didn’t get his way, but he couldn’t. Someone that he had totally respected did not have a high opinion of him…someone that he would have to work closely with if he stayed. He couldn’t bear it. He just couldn’t. If he stayed, he would have to look Ian in the face and act like nothing had changed…but he couldn’t. He was too hurt…too devastated. He had no place here. But he didn’t want to leave Dom…or those arms that were convincing him that all was right with the world as long as they remained closed around him, keeping him safe from all obstacles and burdens…arms that promised to always be around him. He would have listened to them too if he wasn’t sure that this was all out of pity. Dom felt sorry for him. Plain and simple. He would comfort Sean like this as well…never mind that Elijah hadn’t seen him do this for Stuart when it became clear that the young man would have to leave. In fact, he had just patted the man on the back before returning to the space between Billy and Elijah, who at the time felt awkward.
Sniffing back the rest of his tears, Elijah sat up, about to pull away, but before he could, something totally unexpected happened…something out of the fucking blue…something that he had only dreamed about, but held no hope of actually happening. Warm soft lips pressed against his own, strong arms held him steady against a firm chest, the material of a woolen sweater bunching up a bit. The lips were soon gone, but warm breath brushed against his own lips as Dom still held him. “And I love you Lijah. You do belong here. You belong here with me…because I am in love you.”
“What?” ~*~ Dom stared at Elijah, shocked by his own actions and the resulting admission. This was not how he had planned for his declaration of love to go. There were to be flowers, music, and a candle lit dinner. Elijah was not supposed to be in tears because of soding Ian Mckellen, and he was not supposed to be planning to leave. It was supposed to have been a momentous occasion for them both, but like all his plans, it hadn’t turn out that way.
Elijah was in his arms, in tears seeking comfort, and Dom had taken advantage of that…he had kissed Elijah and admitted why Elijah should stay, why it was so important to Dom that he be here and become Frodo. He had given no thought to Elijah’s reaction at the time. He had only wanted to make the boy see that Ian’s opinion simply didn’t matter. He wanted Elijah to see that he belonged in New Zealand, simply because Dom was there…Dom, the man who loved him more and more each day and would do anything for him.
They just sat there and stared at each other, neither knowing what was to come. Dom wished that he could read Elijah’s mind. He wished that he knew what the boy’s first instinct was. He did know one thing. Elijah wasn’t up and running away screaming bloody murder. He was still in Dom’s arms, staring at him with wide blue eyes, filled with an emotion that Dom didn’t dare name, just in case he was wrong. Despite his growing unease, Dom remained silent and waited for Elijah. What happened next between them would be the young man’s decision.
Dom didn’t have to wait for long. Taking him by surprised, Elijah dived in for another kiss, this one more passionate than the first. Where the first had been mostly chaste, full of hesitant tenderness, this one was full of hot passion. Lips crushed, teeth clashed and tongues mingled in a dance that spoke of hurt, desperation, hope, and above all else, spoke of love. Dom’s arms tightened around Elijah as the boy climbed into his lap and pressed his body tightly against Dom’s, as if Elijah was trying to climb into Dom’s body where it was safe and warm. Where Dom could protect him from all things that sought him harm. Again, Dom was where he belonged. Dom was his home. Both of them knew it.
The powerful kiss ended after a few moments and Dom still held Elijah, who cuddled down with his head under Dom’s chin. Strong hands rubbed circles along his back, soothing away his hurt feelings and soaking him in the love he had felt for the past few months but was just too unsure to admit to…until now. It’s fucking amazing what the threat of losing the one you love can do. ~*~ Elijah didn’t know what to say. Never had he acted out like that…just crashing into Dom as if he was a plane and Dom was his island. This…this moment…it was all he had asked for and more. Dom loved him…he loved him and didn’t want him to leave…he wanted to be Elijah’s home…and Elijah wanted to let him. There was nothing that he wanted more. But there was only one problem…one issue that had Elijah reluctant to go further then they already had gone and still had him convince that it was best to leave while he still had friends here. Billy. What about Billy? He still had it in his head that Dom and Billy were together and if Elijah took Dom away…the project would surely be doomed. He couldn’t let that happen…he couldn’t destroy Peter’s dream just because he had found love with a costar that was already attached. “Dom…I…I feel the same way. I love you too…but…I have to ask. What about Billy? I don’t want to hurt him…”
He sat up and looked into Dom’s eyes who only blinked in surprise, probably coming to realize what he was doing. Elijah smiled sadly, knowing what a dilemma this was going to be…a dilemma that he was going to solve by doing what was best for everyone, including Dom, because Elijah knew that Dom wouldn’t be happy with him…not in the long run. There was no point in ruining a good a relationship just because he had feelings for an American that he would probably never see again once the movies were good and over.
“Billy? What does he have to do with this?” Dom frowned, obviously not getting where this was going.
“He is your boyfriend. I mean…I may have been out of the loop, but I’m not blind. You two are crazy about each other. Dom, I won’t ruin what you two have…I can’t. That’s why…”
Dom interrupted Elijah with a giggle and then an outright laugh that startled Elijah into shocked silence. He didn’t see what was so funny. He was only trying to do the right thing by giving up the one person the he had ever wanted…Dom should be commending him…not fucking laughing as if this was one big fucking joke! “Dom?” Finally Dom calmed down and ran a hand through Elijah’s hair as he stared at him with wide confused eyes. “Love, you have it all wrong. Billy and I were never together. We’re just best mates. Not to mention, he’s the straightest man I know. So you have nothing to fear, he’ll be thrilled. In fact…he’s been on my back constantly to tell you how I felt…I just didn’t have the courage…until now.” “Really?” Elijah didn’t dare believe it right off the bat. Somehow, it was all too good to be true. Dom was free to love and be loved. He wanted Elijah and Elijah could not only have him…but he could stay and do what he had to do to make Frodo his own, because with Dom by his side, and with all of Dom’s faith planted in him…he could do anything. Who fucking cared what Sir. Ian McKellen thought, nor Peter Jackson for that matter. He had Dom’s love and his faith and he thought that Elijah had what it took to make Frodo the role of the century
“Really, love. So you see, if nothing else, that’s why you have to stay. If you leave…well I’ll leave right along with you.”
“Dom no…I can’t allow that…”
“Well promise me. Promise me you won’t quit. Promise me that you’ll prove Ian wrong. Show him that you have more class in that lovely little finger then any older, British actor he could name. Show him up, baby. Make me, Billy, and Orli…all of us that believe in you…make us proud.” Elijah wiped away the last of his tears, all hurt now gone. What was left was love, hope, and determination to be the best Frodo he could be and do it with his Sam…and especially his Merry by his side. “I promise.”
A giggle escaped as Dom smiled and kissed his nose, then his eyelids, then back down to his lips where Elijah took the kiss even deeper by delving his tongue back into Dom’s mouth, where the tongues did a calmer dance that contained only love, peace, and the promise of forever.
“Aye, there you two are,” Billy came back, grinning from ear to ear. His smile grew even wider when Elijah and Dom parted to look at him, their eyes dark with desire and completion. “Just wondering if you two would want to join a bloke out for a drink at the pub. A nice waitress asked me to come back and bring my two actor friends with me…especially one Elijah Wood. Turns out she’s a big fan.”
Elijah balked. He was in no mood to meet with fans, or for loud pubs for that matter. He just wanted to curl up in Dom’s arms and sleep and forget about this horrible, yet wonderful day. Biting his lip, he was about to refuse when he caught the hopeful gleam in Dom’s eyes, begging him to accept. Begging him to make the two hobbiteers the three hobbiteers at last. The balk turned into a bright smile. There was no way he was going to say no to that. Getting to his feet, along with Dom, he took Dom’s arm and then Billy’s and grinned.
“Well, I can’t say no to a request from a pretty lady, can I? Of course I’ll come and then tomorrow night, we’ll go to a club I know not to far from here. Hey, we’ll even bring the Elf.”
Laughing the three actors walked out of the trailer, a night of fun on their minds when they ran into Ian, who appeared a bit surprised to see the three of them together. Elijah took a step back and resisted the urge to run away. He would have done just that, if it weren’t for Dom’s hand gently squeezing his, promising that it’ll be alright…that Dom was with him and wouldn’t let Ian step out of line. Mainly…lending Elijah the strength he needed to be strong.
“Ian!” Billy greeted happily, unaware of the building tension.
“Dominic, Elijah, Billy. What a surprise…I was hoping to speak to Elijah alone…” Ian began.
Elijah sighed. He didn’t want to do this…not today when he had discovered that his feelings for Dom was returned…when he had found his place at last. He didn’t want to have a discussion with Ian for a good long time. In fact…right now he just wanted to run and hide…let Ian have his way…but then he looked at Dom and was reminded of his promise. Probably sensing Elijah’s first response, Dom gently squeezed Elijah’s hand, giving him strength. He could do this. He could do it because Dom believed he could and that was all Elijah needed. He opened his mouth to tell Ian to get lost…but there was no need.
“Elijah’s heading out with us right now, Ian. It’s been a long day for all of us and now we just want to go and unwind at one of the local pubs. So, whatever it is, you’ll just have to wait until tomorrow when we’re all at the set. Sorry,” Dom forced a grin before moving past the older gentleman, pulling Billy and Elijah along with him, leaving Ian staring after them in shock.
“Dom,” Billy gasped, a bit surprised, but fell quiet when Dom threw him a glare.
“Don’t ask Billy. Let’s just say that Ian overstepped his bounds today and it’s best we give him some space for a bit. Right, Lij.”
Touched by Dom’s determination to protect Elijah from being hurt any further, Elijah just nodded and allowed himself to be led to a pub where he signed a book for a German girl named Britta, who babbled on about movies and fandoms and fiction and amused Dom and Billy when she insisted on giving Elijah a hug and having a picture taken. Then they proceeded on to their table, where they discussed their lives, what their hopes and dreams were, and what they planned for the future. Not surprisingly, Dom’s future plans were exclusively wherever Elijah planned to go after the movies were over and Elijah’s were the same.
At last, Elijah had found it. The place where he belonged. It was in New Zealand after all, as actor, friend, and lover. No one could even try to take it away…not even Gandalf himself.