"Gonna come over again, Bay-boi?"
I want to, Denuck, I really do. Just tell me who Ben is and...
"Ben?! What do you mean?"
You called me Ben-boi once the last time...the first time I was over. I let it slide then, but it's been on my mind ever since. Look, just tell me it's none of my business and that's okay. Maybe you weren't into me and Bay and Ben are very similar...
"Not into you? I know what your name is, Bayler. And I know I slipped with that Ben-boi thing. I'm sorry."
When a hunky guy like Denuck sinks into himself like this, I have learned to rise within myself, and to let compassion flow. If you were with me I would hug you, Denuck.
"One time with you, Bayler, and I knew that Ben...he would have taken to you as I did. You remind me of him. Ben and I were tight for enough time that we were close to being a mated pair. He had a deeply troubled side to him that I never could reach. He had my heart, Bayler."
How was I like him, Denuck?
"Face to face and I'll tell you."
I kept thinking about what he said on the transport ride to his place. There was a tenderness and a hurt in his voice that grabbed me. I've had the hots for Denuck for some time...just thought I was another plaything to him. Maybe I was wrong. This time he stands in the doorway as I get out of the transport.
"Get in here, Bayler!"
Same place, different time. Denuck bear-hugs me as I walk past him, and just like before, the room goes black and I am out cold. No way to know how long I was out. Must have been a while, because I am awake now and this is definitely not Denucks' dark place. This place is wonderful! Trees and a garden. A small lake. I sit up and feel the soft grass beneath me. Everything looks crisp and inviting. The air is full of the scent of flowers and; and of...food. Standing now. Heading toward the cottage with its fairy-tale thatched roof. I feel like a character in a novel. Damn, I am hungry!
Doorways are starting to get to me. This door is open. Denuck? You in there?
"Get your ass in here, Bayler. Food is almost ready!"
Where are we? Why did you drug me again? This place is amazing. Hey, Denuck...is your hair growing in?!
"My place in the country that Ben and I set up. I drugged you to keep this place off the map for now. Thanks - I think it is special, too. Yes, I haven't shaved my head since...since I met you, Bay-boi. Any more questions, or can we sit and eat?"
The table is set for two. Light streams in from several of the canopied windows. The place is bright and cheerful, and I am very confused. We sit and Denuck stares me down.
"It's been a long time since he left me. Said he couldn't handle the joy for the pain that lingered within him. I couldn't reach him there to help. He left and took my joy with him, Bayler. He left and my own pain began."
So you shaved your head and moved to that dark place with no light?
"Yeah. That's when I started to try and fill my soul with as much physical stuff as I could stomach. At least when I was with a guy, any guy, I could take out my anger on him in a way that fueled both of our needs. I never hurt anyone, Bayler. Never."