Overjoyed

Chapter 36 - We just want to get off

Author's Note : Basically just a bridging chapter to get where I want. Unprofessional, I know, I'm sorry! xx Tara.

Dan and I were cuddled up on the sofa, eating the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies I had made to cheer him up. “These are wicked!” Dan exclaimed, kissing the top of my head. “Thank you” I said, smiling up at him. “Thank you” he said softly, and I knew he was talking about what had happened earlier. “I’m your girlfriend, it’s my job to be there for you” I whispered. “No,” Dan said, shaking his head, “It’s because you’re amazing.” Taking a deep breath, I rose from where I was lying in his arms. Dan stared up at me quizzically. “I want you to see something” I whispered, pulling down my sweats and stepping out of them, “but you have to look closely.” He nodded, staring at my bare, milky thighs. I stepped forward so he could see them, thin brown lines, remains of what used to be scars from ugly, self-inflicted wounds. “You too?” Dan asked sadly. “Bullying, social anxiety and abandonment issues” I sighed. “I hope you know that I will never leave you” he whispered, gripping my thighs, pulling me towards him. His fingers dug into my flesh as he pulled me down on top on him. Dan kissed me roughly, tugging on my bottom lip, his tongue invading my mouth. He yanked my T over my head and attacked the clasp of my bra. Dan had never been rough with me before, but I guess that’s what so much raw emotion in one day will do to a man.

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The following afternoon, just after I had gotten in from the homeless shelter, Dan came bursting through the front door and ran straight to our bedroom before throwing his full weight down next to me, grinning from ear to ear. “What?” I asked, amused. “Guess it, it’s mental!” he said excitedly. “You’re gonna shave your head?” I asked, sticking my tongue out at him. “What? You don’t like all this? Can’t handle my finesse?” he asked sassily, shaking his gorgeous quiff around. “Then tell me!” I whined, running my fingers along his stubbly jaw. “We’re going on vacation my love, to South Africa” he beamed. “Really?” I asked, excitedly, “like with the guys? Are you touring there?” Dan shook his head. “Just you and I. We’re leaving this Sunday, for a whole week!” he said, his face lit up with childlike delight. I was in heaven. An entire week to spend with my Dan, all alone, in Africa – I couldn’t think of anything more perfect. Especially after the week we’d had, it came as a well-deserved break after facing all our demons like we had.