“Alright, you won. You got me to take the night off for you, are you happy?” Ella chirped with a raise of her eyebrows, a blush of her cheeks, and a coy smile with peach lip gloss to match. “I think you ought to tell me a very good joke and buy me another drink for it. One more drink, let me be very clear, my favorite little enabler. Some of us have to work tomorrow.”
“Very. It’s about fuckin’ time you let loose blondie.” Dominic commented with a small smirk. He liked Ella, though he often thought she worked too hard. Especially since she always did a good job of keeping up with his place. He thought she was due a nice night out for once. It was better than being cooped up inside all day. “I’m afraid I don’t know many jokes, though I’m capable of getting you another drink that’s for sure.” He commented as he hopped over the bar, showing off as he was finally healed from his broken ribs. Sure it still hurt like hell, but he was ready to get back into action again. “Only one? That’s no fun.”
Doug was quiet once Dominic started to speak, cracking a smile for a half second before he looked down at his hands in his lap. He took in a deep breath, but couldn’t seem to let it go after he’d taken it in. “Yeah. He is. I got used to him. It was a lot easier to be on his side than it is to be against it,” he said, his tone soft and a little uneven, “I think you look worse, actually.” The half-hearted comment was his attempt at humor, but it was also true, so Doug didn’t know how funny it was in the end.
The overwhelm he was feeling finally bubbled up to the surface, and though Douglas wasn’t a crier - he was starting to feel like he could in this moment, but he held himself back. “I think I messed up,” he began, voice shakier and shakier. His head fell into his hands, and that’s where the overwhelm finally caught up to him. “I should have just gone with him. I almost got both of us killed. If the police hadn’t shown up–” he paused, not handling the speculation of that low moment in the fight well, “ but he’ll be back. I know he will. He doesn’t give up.” His eyes welled up, and he seemed a little surprised by it as he wiped away a tear from his glassy eyes.
”Alphonse knows where Lilo lives. He knows where Max lives. I think even right now, he might even know where I am. When he comes back, I’m dead. You’re dead. And when Charles shows up–” Doug’s voice cracked, breaking underneath the thought of his ex-master finding out that he’d turned his back on him, “He’s not going to take me walking away very lightly. I messed up, and I’m really sorry.”
“I can see that.” The truth was evident in the way he looked like now. Beaten and bruised. Maybe even a bit mentally, he had never lost a fight before and he was beating himself up for it. Then again it was suspected from one of Charles’s boys. He just needed to get stronger, and soon at that if he wanted any chance at surviving again.
Dominic perked up at the reaction of Douglas letting his emotions take over. He wasn’t expecting him too, but his heart felt like it was being squeezed at the sight of Doug’s sorrowful eyes. “Hey--Hey..” Dominic spoke softly as he reached out and wrapped his fingers tightly around his upper arm. “You didn’t mess up shit. Charles and Al might’ve been your home at one point, but if that’s what you don’t anymore then fuck em’. I know that’s harder said than done, considering this whole situation is fucked...but I’m with you every step of the way.”
If Al knew where Lilo lived that there was a chance he knew where Belle lived too. “Then next time we’ll be prepared.” He spoke stern this time full of confidence. If there was to be a battle then they could only do one thing. Become better. “We’ll hide the girls if we have too, sure they won’t be happy about it but its for their own safety. I don’t know where but we can figure out the details later. We’ll get ready, whatever the costs. We just gotta’ focus on healing at the moment.” Even though he knew it was gonna hurt, Dominic leaned up slowly and wrapped his arm around Doug and pulled him close into an embrace. “It’s going to be okay.”
Landon wanted to hug him. Maybe he could have without being rebuffed but something kept him from it. Instead he just met his gaze, studying him as he spoke. โIt was inevitableโฆ. You know that right?โ He blurted. โWait. That came out wrong. What I mean isโฆ someone is always going to know something you donโt. How to fight or hunt. Iโm just glad it ended beforeโฆ.โ He couldnโt even finish that thought.
Domโs next words sent him reeling and he shook it off like a dog shaking water out of its coat. โWhat did you just say?โ He took his hand when what he wanted to do what squeeze him in a tight hug and chase away the pain, both physical and mental, that his friend was feeling. โLook me in the eye you fucker.โ He growled softly, not giving him an opportunity to look away. โIโm upset that youโre hurt. If Iโd have been there,โ like I should have been. โI would never have let it get this bad. I never want you to fail or get hurt. Do you hear me? Thatโs the last thing I could ever want. Youโre my best friend youโฆ. Youโฆ. Absolute jackass!โ
His hands were shaking as he let Dominic go; the display the most dominant thing he had ever done in regards to the other man. โNot that Iโve ever been very good at fightingโฆ.โ He admitted with a rueful laugh. โMaybe I should take classes or something if this is going to be your new fuxking normalโฆ.โ
๐ช
A bewildered expression took ahold of Dominicโs features as Landon explained that losing at some point was inevitable. Though he couldnโt even be upset, because he was right. Landon was usually always right.ย โI knew going into it that it wasnโt going to be prettyโฆI just thought I was stronger thanโฆโ He trailed off, exhaling through his nose as he looked down at his broken body.ย โThis..โ He motioned to his chest, before swallowing and resting his arms back atop the table again.ย โMe too.โ he replied solemnly.
โWhat did you expect me to say? You left.โ Dominic huffed, tilting his chin away for a moment. It was childish really. Gaston knew he wasnโt always a good friend, or person for that matter. It just hurt that the one consistent thing he had since childhood just decided to up and leave for New York one day. Dominic mightโve been good at bottling his emotions underneath his rough exterior but Landon leaving fucking hurt. Dominic met Landonโs eyes slowly like a child being scolded at by his mother. Some things really never did change.
He couldnโt remember if Landon had ever talked to him like this before, let alone call him a jack ass. Dominic watched with wide eyes as the other seemed genuine in his stance. Dominic paused before busting out in a loud chuckle, holding his stomach as he did.ย โFuck, Landon donโt make laugh, shit still hurts.โ He smiled for the first time since seeing Landon again.ย โGlad to see you finally grew a spine, proud of you.โ
Meeting Landonโs gaze, Gastonโs mask slipped for a moment as he grinned at the other.
Bella knew better than to ask and be rude but she couldn’t help herself. The guy looked pretty messed up. He’d already caught her glancing over at him while they both sat inside the cafe. “Sorry, I don’t mean to stare,” she said trying to ease into the question in the least awkward way possible. If she’d been with Bernadette and Bianca they already would’ve said it, though both in a very different manner. “Are you… Are you okay? Looks like a nasty cut you’ve got there.” She’d done a fair share of wound repair in her day between her and her sisters. It didn’t look infected but it certainly didn’t look good.
Dominic knew better than to be out an about right after a gruesome fight but he just wanted to feel an ounce of normalcy again. He didn’t felt too much like his old self. He had lost a major battle and the more he thought about it the more he began to mentally beat himself up over it. Plus there was the factor that Alphonse could come back, and how was he to fight with a broken rib? He wouldn’t be able to. The red headed strangers eyes were heavy on him. He was used to having all eyes on him, in other circumstances he would’ve loved it. However being in the physical state he was in at the moment it made him feel something totally different. He was uncomfortable. Was this how other people felt on a normal basis? Gross. “Just peachy doll. These cuts are nothing, I’ll be back to my handsome self in no time flat.” It was a lie, one even he couldn’t believe but he hated this vulnerability that Alphonse left him with.
Belle was always one to pass up a bar fight. She had no interest in archaic shows of strength and bluster and violence. This was to be no different, in the process of walking right on by - when she heard the conversations of those patrons spilling out of the door. Gaston being in fight, well, it did not shock her by any means. She had seen sides of him of late she had never seen before, but that was a far cry from her forgetting everything she had always known about him.ย
No, the part that surprised was, to put it bluntly, Gaston was getting his ass kicked. Badly.ย
For a moment she watched, debated, questioned the concern that was rising up in her chest, before her shoulders heaved in a frustrated sigh and she started in, making her way through the crowd that was trying to leave in a hurry. She could decide what it all meant later, but the obvious truth was that she did care and she did need to check on him and make sure he was alright.
Gaston was slumped against the counter when she spotted him, whoever had done the damage seemingly gone. She slipped up softly beside him.ย โGastonโฆโ She whispered softly. He seemed ready to fall over, and for all the good it would do him, she tried to prop him up.ย โIf you kept on fighting, you were bound to find someone bigger and stronger.โ She chided but he did not seem to hear her, his eyes finally glancing up her way and struggling to focus on her face.ย
She offered a smile as he spoke, waving off his concern.ย โIf you believe I am so shallow as to let seeing you like this change my opinion my you, you really overestimate my opinion of you.โ
โTruly, this seems fairly on brand for my opinion, perhaps less bloodyโฆ now, how about we get you home? If you could help carry your own weight through sheer pride, I would really appreciate it.โ
๐ช
Dominic was a bit surprised at Belleโs willingness to help. He knew this wasnโt her scene, the bar, the fights, the prideful displays of egotism. He was sure Belle checked off this match as another one of those instances.ย โI just didnโt want you to see me lose, at least when it was important for once.โ He trailed off with a hard swallow, it wasnโt the worry of Belle seeing him beaten up more so her seeing him at his most vulnerable. Gaston never lost. His fathers words echoed through his head as he tried to focus on Belleโs frame through the blur in his vision.ย โIf you canโt fight, youโre not a man!โ
He had to admit her words stung more than any wound he won in battle.ย โBelle--you donโt understand, this was different.โ It wasnโt until he said it aloud that he remembered exactly what was missing.ย โDoug?Where is Doug?โ He asked sternly, a sudden adrenaline rush overcoming his body as one arm covered his chest and the free one tried to pull himself across the bar with his elbow. He couldnโt see him, it didnโt help that the bar was left in an unrecognizable mess. Only finding broken glasses and wood strewn about the floor.ย Dominic didnโt even have the strength to hold himself up to find him either, falling to his knees in a rather loud thud. Dominic let out a loud groan as he propped himself up with his arms.ย โWe need to find him, theyโll kill him Belle!โ He didnโt mean to bark but his words had been harsh. Something heโd apologize forย later but for now he needed to know that his efforts of fighting back had been worth it.
Everything had happened so fast. Douglas reacted purely on instinct; his fight-or-fight kicked on whenever Alphonse was present, but this time, instead of reacting with flight, because he had back-up for once, the young werewolf was prepared to fight. The desire in him to backup Dominic against the alpha wolf override his fears and insecurities; if Dominic was willing to fight for him, he would throw down with him. It felt good. It felt right.
Douglas had experience with sparring and fighting. It was a mandatory regime for Charles’ wolves, even for the little one in the pack. But, being the youngest and the best tracker, the famous hunter was never willing to risk putting him in serious danger to need to use the skills practically. His fights remained mostly with the other pack members - but those were tough on their own. Alphonse was explicit about no hold backs on the kid when he pitted them against him until one of them broke Doug’s rib right before a big mission and Charles put an end to that unless he was present The favoritism protected him, but it also pissed off Alphonse and the rest of the pack, which only made his life harder when Charles wasn’t looking.
Doug had never fought Alphonse, though. Alphonse knew he could annihilate the kid - and quite frankly, he wanted to - and Doug was brutally aware of that. The only thing that had protected him for so long was Charles, but now with the young man vocally denouncing the hunter as his master, Alphonse saw his opportunity. Doug was a traitor now. He could kill a traitor.
Doug very quickly felt the no holdbacks from Alphonse. There were parts of the fight in the pub that felt like Dominic was just in his way of snapping Doug’s back in half. Alphonse was built like a brick house, his unrestrained punches hit like a wrecking ball, and most worrisome, he wasn’t afraid of playing dirty. When Dominic had taken a blow to the ribs getting in the way of Alphonse’s focus on Doug, Doug was able to pull himself up to his feet fast enough to throw his arm in the way of the werewolf’s teeth from ripping into Dominic’s shoulder. Adrenaline kept him going, he barely noticed the pain even went his arm stopped responding and was hard to throw a punch after.
Then things got a little tougher. Dominic had taken a lot of heavy blows. Doug got thrown around. He kept bouncing back, trying to use his speed and small size to his advantage, but one solid punch to the head discombobulated him. He fell backwards onto the ground, the bar spinning around him in a blur. He braced himself, anticipating the end for a half second when another body got in the way of Alphonse yet again.
They were running out of energy, out of steam - when police sirens could be heard screeching outside of the pub. Another few minutes, and the fight might have been done without a happy ending - but the police were not something that Alphonse wanted to deal with. Despite his raging desire to end both of their lives, he fled. The people in the pub saw it as a victory, that they’d won - but Doug wasn’t so sure.
Doug’s vision was blurry for awhile before he finally recovered enough to get his equilibrium back. He couldn’t be bothered to care about his injuries - he was alive, that was enough - but his concern immediately ran to Dominic. He’d taken a lot of Alphonse’s power hits, and being human, Doug knew that that couldn’t have been a good thing.
Doug followed Dominic and Belle to his home; both out of concern, and a little out of fear. Alphonse was still out there, and given his keen ability to find him, he was afraid of being alone. Even with Dominic downed, he still felt safer near him than he did alone. Even if he had no strength left, he at least had guns.
The moment Dominic was in better condition to talk, Doug glued himself to his side. He smiled immediately at him, still carrying concern in his eyes, but also an admiration of the man that had not only stood up for him, but fought for his freedom that he never thought he could have.
“Hey,” Doug said quietly, the cut on his lip cracking underneath the weight of his half smile, “You didn’t – you didn’t have to do that for me. But – thank you. Thank you. You saved me. In more ways than just one, I think.” He was still processing everything - he had a lot of anxiety about what could happen because of his rebellion, but right now, he tried not to think about it. All he knew is that he owed Dominic his life.
Dominic never backed down from an opponent, even if this one was physically stronger than him. He had never lost a fight before, but that was mostly due to him picking lesser fit men to brawl with. This time he knew what the costs were going to be as he stood between Doug and Alphonse. At least he was doing something that felt right. That was enough indicative for him to keep going.
As the fight stretched on it was clear that Dominic was only getting in the way. Alphonse seemed to want to kill two birds with one stone but it was clear to everyone in the pub that night that he wanted Doug above all else. With that knowledge Dominic tried to wedge himself between the two taking some shots that were initially aimed at Doug and took them straight to the jawbone. Alphonse’s fists felt like a ton of bricks but Dominic couldn’t back down now, he just needed to give Doug some time to re-cooperate from Al’s swings.
It seemed to work for awhile. Every time Dominic came back with a bloodier face than before. That was until Alphonse struck a blow to his ribs. That was enough to knock Dominic out of the game, he was only human after all. It didn’t matter how strong he was, these were two supernatural beings. Dominic stumbled back towards the bar, knocking over some stools and glassware with him. Falling to the floor Dominic watched as Doug gave him a worrisome expression. Dominic barely had any strength left but he used what was left of it to encourage the other. “Give em’ hell kid.”
The rest was a blur to Dominic after that, there were countless of punches that covered every inch of his battered body. His ears were ringing and he felt like he was sitting in a warm pool, which was just both their blood combined into one massacred mess. Dominic wanted to continue to fight back but his strength was gone, and Alphonse was much too strong. The blows hurt way more than he was willing to admit, it was nothing like the beatings he had gotten from his father when he was younger, this was excruciating pain. Now it was nothing but complete numbness. Only noticing the scenery had changed when bright red and blue lights infiltrated the room.
Belle’s voice. He could barely remember walking home with Belle and Doug that night but at some point he was lying somewhere comfortable. With the sound of Belle’s voice and Doug’s in the background. They were safe. So he finally allowed himself to black out to recover.
When Dominic finally came too he noticed Doug at his side. If Doug still looked beaten and bruised he could only imagine what he looked liked right now. “Hey kid.” Dominic replied in a swallow, his throat feeling extremely dry. Groaning slightly as he tried to adjust himself comfortably again. “No problem.” He replied, with that same charming gaston smile. “By the way, that Alphonse guy? Total douchebag. How’d you put up with that back home?” He joked, trying to lighten the situation some. “Tell me I don’t look as bad as I feel.”
Landon jumped when he heard his name spoken in that familiar voice. His heart jumped wildly as he looked up. He hated that the moment he laid eyes on Dominic he wanted to fall at his feet, to do anything for him. He reminded himself that that was the exact opposite of what he needed to do. Dominic Gaston didnโt give a shit about anybody else but himself and he, Landon Fowler could do better and deserved better too. He couldnโt be rude though. That wasnโt his M.O. instead he stood and turned to face him.
โHey Dom, long time no see.โ He paused when he saw the way Dom was standing, aware that something was incredibly wrong by his posture. All attempts at general niceties gone the moment he realized he was hurting. โHeyโฆ. Sit down before you fall downโฆ. Are you okay?โ He didnโt let the man tel him no, pulling the chair heโd just vacated out for him to sit. โI leave you for a little bit and you get into trouble. What happened? Are you ok?โ He dropped into a crouch, hand on the table.
He realized how easily he had just fallen into his same old routine in regards to Domโฆ. But the truth was, Landon was a nice person with a good heart deep down and he didnโt have it in him to be mean to anyone, no matter what theyโd done to him in the past or the present. Sometimes it was a strength and sometimes it was a pain in the ass. He wasnโt sure which it was right now as he squeezed his arm, his brown doe eyes full of obvious concern. โYouโre not immortal, Dom. You have to be careful.โ
๐ช
โYeah, long time.โ He murmured a bit bitterly. Dominic had never been the most liked man in townโat least not outside of the pub. However he never expected his childhood best friend to abandon him. Thatโs how it felt to Dom anyway. Though they were different in their physical and emotional capabilities they found each other for a reason. They were both outcasts in their own way.ย
He wasnโt expecting worry to take over Landonโs expression, but it had. Feeling like no time had passed between them as the other pulled his chair out for him.ย โBetter than ever.โ He commented sarcastically, grunting in pain as he did his best to lower himself into the seat. Dominic felt like an old man that needed helpโmade him feel vulnerable and admittedly a bituncomfortable. He had always been the strongest and most confident in every age group, and now he was the one left feeling defeated.ย โFight broke out at the bar. Cops showed up and everything. Not my usual scoreโฆthis one was different.โ He had done it to protect a friend, which was the most selfless thing the man had done in his life. Licking his dry lips, he tried clearing the lump in his throat.ย โI lost.โย
It was the first time Dominic had openly admitted defeat. Even in losses he took the beating with honor, always ready to hop back on his feet and try again.ย โI lost Landon.โ He repeated, lifting his chin up to meet the others gaze. He felt the genuinity of his concern, however he felt that Landon mightโve been secretly rooting for his downfall. Most people were waiting for it anyway.ย โIโm surprised youโre not throwing a giant parade, something likeย โoh how the mighty have falenlโ.โ It was Dominicโs own insecurity clouding his judgement.
Landon hadnโt abandoned Dom but he had taken a step back. In the time heโd been keeping his distance he had decided to change. Heโd cut his long hair short, heโd gotten some decent clothes, and had what heโd heard the kids call a โglow upโ. For the first time in a long time he was happy with himself. He still hurt when he thought of Dom but he figured it would hurt less and less as time went on. He couldnโt wait for that day.
He pulled up in front of Tianaโs place. He had been craving her key lime pie for ages and he had decided that while avoiding his friend was necessary, avoiding pie in any form wasnโt. He pocketed his keys and stepped inside the restraint; inhaling the scent of gumbo and other spicy foods that were favored by the residents of Prentiss before finding a seat at his favorite table for one.
He leaned back and pulled out his phone and scrolled through his Facebook, catching up on things heโd missed when heโd been busy earlier in the day. He felt comfortable in the buzzy half talk of the restaurant. He even ordered a second piece of pie; savoring every bite as he replied to some emails. He was so content that he wasnโt even watching who came in the door.
๐ช
It had been a week or two since Dominicโs encounter with Alphonse. In that time the pub had been shut down for re-construction to pay for the damages. Dominic had the money so he wasnโt really worried about the bar bouncing back. His main concern was Alphonse showing his face again. He needed time to heal before he could take another beating like that again. In the meantime he was on his way to Tianaโs to pick something up for him and Belle. She protested him moving so much and on his own, but he wanted to feel normal again. The pain at times was excruciating, but with some pain killers he was good enough to walk around for an hour at least. Even with medication he wasnโt willing to push it any further, in that regard he was willing to respect Belleโs wishes. He was too stubborn for his own good.
Walking into Tianaโs he didnโt pay much mind to the guests. Mainly focused on his task at hand and trying not to focus on the throbbing inside his ribcage. He didnโt have to stick around that long anyway, being that he already ordered his food for pick-up. Pulling his worn leather wallet from his jeans pocket he did his best to keep a straight face through the sharp pain in his chest. Handing the cash to the hostess she then went in the back to fetch his order. As he waited Dominic glanced around the restaurant, someone catching his eye who looked all too familiar. There were some differencesโฆ.the long hair had been cut, something else he felt had changed too. But there was no mistaking the man.
Dominic inched closer with squinted eyes.ย โLandon?โ He questioned, almost doubting if this was really him. He wasnโt sure how to feel. Annoyance or relief considering his absence. Either way there was still hurt feelings lingering.
Fuck. His head was spinning and his vision was blurred. Leaning against the bar holding his ribcage with his bloodied fist. Dominic was sure that one of them was broken. He couldn’t muster up the strength to move another inch besides it would be too painful otherwise. The bar had become a mess of drunken fools crowding together to cheer on their fight. He did the best he could do to protect Doug but it was obvious Alphonse’s rage was more focused on the other. They put up a hell of a fight though, doing his best to re-focus his vision. He couldn’t spot Alphonse anywhere. Maybe they had finally scared him off, for now. People were cheering so loud he couldn’t even hear his own thoughts. It was a victory but not one he really wanted to celebrate. He knew there was only worst to come. Trying to wipe the blood from his mouth only managed to smear it further. He wanted to know if Doug was okay but he was really in no condition to check, physically or mentally. Usually in fights, Dominic always had the advantage. Fighting lesser abled bodies, always guaranteeing him a win. This time was different. Alphonse was a trained killer and he knew how to take a punch.
Dominic tried his best to keep his wits about him but it was hard when everything around him started to fade to black. He closed eyes for a moment, trying to silence the world around him. and it almost worked. He could hear Belle, she sounded close but distorted. Of course he’d dream of her. Though when he opened his eyes he found it was no dream. He wanted to speak but he wasn’t sure how when his throat felt swollen. However the moment she got closer he mustered up the strength to speak through bloody teeth. “Beauty…” He muttered his fond nickname for her. “I don’t want you to see me like this..”
