'Black and White' - The White Bridge Crime Series 2 - LGBT, manXman

22

Dom wandered into the incident suite as Rex disappeared into Cole's office, looking tanned, relaxed and very satisfied.

Eli smirked at him.

"All shagged out?" He asked innocently.

Dom feigned shock.

"Bad language. From an English teacher? Never."

Eli laughed.

"You got back just in time. Things are getting... interesting."

"Oh... does this mean Rex has a girlfriend, finally? Perhaps he'll lighten up a little now." Dom grinned.

"Erm... not exactly," Eli said, wondering whether to mention his and Rex's... relationship. "I'll let Rex explain everything," he said wearily.

Dom nodded and turned towards Cole's office, when he stopped.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently. "You look... terrible."

Eli gave him a wan smile.

"It's been a long night. Rex had to go out when they found another body and... I can't sleep without him."

Dom looked confused.

"If he's not in the room, I can't sleep," Eli said. "He... makes me feel safe."

Dom smiled.

"Rex has that effect on people."

Eli smiled and nodded.

"I..." He hesitated, wondering whether or not to tell Dom.

"Adrian's at home, if you want to gossip." Dom smirked. "He's into the whole 'girl talk' thing."

Eli laughed, and impulsively reached across to hug Dom.

"Rex told me what happened when you two met. I hope you don't mind."

Dom shook his head.

"Adrian likes to talk about it, sometimes. I think it helps him cope."

Dom hesitated a moment, before taking a breath and continuing.

"I know that... none of us have been through what you have, so we can't really understand how you're feeling, but... after Jamie King kidnapped him, Adrian tried to make King believe he was falling in love again. It fooled King into keeping Aidy alive until he was able to get help. Adrian told me that during the weeks they were... together, he slept with King. It helped to keep up the illusion. I know it wasn't forced, in the same way as what happened with you, but... Adrian didn't want to do it. So, if you wanted to talk to anyone, he'd be a good person to speak to."

Eli nodded.

"Can I ask you something?"

Dom nodded.

"Does it... affect you? The way you see him? Knowing that he was... sort of, raped?"

Dom frowned thoughtfully.

"I mean, when you're... having sex-" Eli's voice dropped to an embarrassed whisper. "-are you aware of it?"

"I've not really thought about it," Dom said. "It happened, and we can both wish it didn't but it did. All we can do is move on, and not try to let it rule our lives."

"Do you think it affects Adrian?"

"Yes. Every so often, I catch him with the look in his eyes, usually after we've... finished. He looks sad."

"Why?" Eli asked, surprised. "He's got everything he could ever want; you, and Rachel. His restaurant's one of the best reviewed in town."

Dom smiled gratefully.