"Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused!"

The words of Marley's ghost in A Christmas Carol seemed to mock Billy as he read them. He shifted in his seat, peering over the top of the old edition to see if the crew still fussed with the set. Satisfied of his not being needed for a considerable period of time, Billy looked back down at the page, re-reading the line.

Elijah's giggles as Viggo whispered something into his ear distracted Billy again. He glanced over at his castmates, amazed by how easily they seemed to be coping with being a couple. Viggo, the smooth operator, managed to tell PJ in such a calm, collected and reasonable manner that the director did nothing more than stammer a congratulations. Since then, the two men's behavior seemed not to have changed an iota, except for the soft conversations and occasional kiss.

"They're disgusting," Dominic said from Billy's left, slumping into his own chair. "If they get any mushier, I'm going to puke all over the stairs of Viggo's trailer."

"Bah humbug, to you, too," the sharp-eared Viggo said without looking away from Elijah. The younger man shot Dom the finger, which Viggo wrapped into his larger hand. "He's just not feeling the holiday spirit."

Dominic growled a response in German, one of the few languages you could get away with being vulgar in without Viggo understanding. He slumped further into his chair, his knees almost pressed into his chest. "Why should I be into the holiday spirit? Its fucking roasting here, and I can't go home... so what's so great?"

Billy tried to disappear into his book, as he felt Elijah's angry glare ricochet off Dom and reflect on him as well. He stared at Marley's speech until the words blurred into nonsense. Still, he could not move passed the line.

...no space of regret...

"Come on, Doodle," Viggo said softly, pulling Elijah to his feet before the younger man launched himself at Dominic. "He's just envious..."

Billy realized he had missed something as Viggo steered his lover away. Jon and Ian glanced severely at Dominic and then strolled off to continue their own conversation. He alone remained with the fuming Brit, as Bean and Astin were with their children. In a touch of holiday spirit, PJ allowed them to show their daughters around while on break.

"I am not fucking jealous," Dom said suddenly and viciously, proving to Billy how much he really was.

Billy set his book in his lap, still open to Marley's speech. He looked over at Dominic with his clear, green gaze, wondering at the source of this sudden anger. Did he covet Viggo or Elijah or desperately desire a relationship with someone similar to the one they now shared? The crisp pages of the book felt good under Billy's hands as he rested them there while he thought.

Dominic turned his head and caught Billy's eyes. He lifted his chin defiantly, which only made him look somehow lost and confused. "Have something to say?"

Nothing quite appropriate occurred to Billy, so he remained silent. He looked back down at the book, wondering if he should just close it and try reading again later. Again, his eyes mysteriously lit upon the same words.

...no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused...

"Would you like to spend Christmas with me, Dom?" he asked, the words spilling off his tongue. He dragged his eyes off the page and back up to Dominic. Billy knew a quiet sincerity plastered his expression and hoped Dom believed in its reality.

The edginess in Dom's eyes seem to fade a little. "You sure? I'm not the best company... I mean, I've been pretty much of a bastard for these past few days... you really want to deal with that, Billy?"

"You're my mate," Billy said, "even when you're being a total wanker." He slid off his chair, tossing the book on the seat and gave Dom a hug. A rather lingering hug. His back began to ache from the position necessary to maintain the hug, so he slid into Dom's lap instead.

"Uh, Bills?" Dom asked in a small and confused voice.

"Yeah, Dommeh?" Billy asked, pulling back just enough to make sure they looked into each other's eyes.

"What are you doing?" His voice rose into a slight squeak as Billy kissed the tip of his nose.

"Why were you angry at Viggo and Elijah?" Billy asked.

Blue eyes rolling in their sockets a little as Billy pressed closer, Dominic said, "They... they're... too good... wanted to be that good for someone."

"Why didn't you just ask, Dommie?" Billy nuzzled the pulse point of Dom's neck.

"Afraid... afraid you would not want me..." Dom stammered.

"Silly boy," Billy said with a grin, "don't you know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused!"

And before Dom could answer, he sealed their lips in the first of many kisses.

Slashababy 2004 Stories