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

32

Eli stumbled out of the courtroom and gulped a deep breath of air. He collapsed against the nearest wall, breathing heavily. He wrestled with his tie for a moment, struggling to loosen it, before two warm hands gently reached up and did it for him. He stared up at Rex in silence for a moment, before he flung his arms around Rex's neck and started to sob.

"It's alright," Rex murmured. "You did really well."

"Yeah?" Eli mumbled. "Didn't feel like it."

"Well, you did. The jury sympathised with you... I don't think they'll take very long making their decision."

Eli nodded blindly.

"Hey," Rex said gently, cupping Eli's cheeks in his large hands and kissing him tenderly. "Do you want to get something to eat? You look a little peaky, as my mum used to say."

Eli shook his head slowly, and stepped away from Rex.

"I have to go and see someone. I'll... I'll meet you at The Dinner Table later, alright?"

Rex looked like he was about to argue, but eventually just nodded agreeably.

"I'll see you later."

*

Rex waited at The Dinner Table later that night for Eli to join him.

Dom and Adrian were there as well, having arrived at about seven o'clock.

It was now almost eight.

Rex was about to order another drink, when he heard the front door opened and looked over expectantly. He smiled when he saw Eli enter the restaurant, huddled within his coat, his collar turned up against his neck.

"Hello." Rex leant across and kissed him gently. "Drink?"

"No. Come with me."

"Why?"

"I've got a surprise for you."

Rex was taken aback by the look of grim determination that suddenly came onto Eli's face.

"Alright."

Rex grabbed his coat and walked out to his car with Eli.

"So... what's going on?" Rex asked as they drove.

For a long while, Eli didn't answer.

"I've been going to therapy," he said finally. "For... four months now. Dom gave me the number of a support group which I've been going to, and I'm seeing a private therapist as well."

"Oh..."

Rex was surprised Eli hadn't told him.

"Is it helping you?" He asked quietly.

"I think so, yes... I sleep better now."

The car pulled up outside Dom and Adrian's house and Rex killed the engine.

"Perhaps... after the trial, we could start looking for a house. Really searching, I mean."

"I'd like that." Eli smiled across at Rex. "You're sure you want to?"

"Yes. You?"

"Yes."

They got out of the car and went inside.

Rex immediately smelt the scent of good food coming from the kitchen, and looked suspiciously at Eli.

"What?" Eli asked innocently. "I asked Adrian to make us dinner."