This is just a two-shot that's been in the works for a while now, I actually finished it a while ago, but never got around to posting, so here it is.
There are a few, inexplicit, dark themes touched on in this story. But I don't think there's anything overly horrific. Also, this is a slash fic.
And finally, a huge thank you goes to the fantastic Rose (snowfilly) for beta-reading this for me.
Danny knew something was wrong the minute that Rusty walked into the apartment. The usual smile was absent, replaced by a frown. Rusty's choice of outfit was surprisingly subtle and he was ignoring the chocolate bar in his hand. And, when Danny raised his eyebrows, Rusty just shook his head and sighed.
"What's the matter, Rus?" Danny closed the distance between them and briefly touched Rusty's shoulder.
"I've been invited home for Christmas."
"So?"
"So, that means I've got to go."
"And that's a problem because-"
"You'll understand when you meet them."
"And how-"
"You're coming with me, right?" Rusty looked expectantly at Danny.
"Well, my family -"
"Because I went with you last year, and I really need-"
"Rus, there's no way I can come, I'm sorry." Danny looked away from the pleading eyes.
"Please, Danny. For me."
"No."
The moment the plane touched down, Rusty began to pale. He appreciated Danny's valiant attempts to pretend that he hadn't noticed. The airport was full of families, laughing children, people collecting for charities, and even a Santa. Rusty waited patiently until the luggage arrived, and then proceeded to make the arrival process take as long as possible.
"Delaying won't make it any-"
"I know."
"What's so bad about your parents anyway?"
"You'll see."
"Stop-"
"Okay."
Danny watched as Rusty went from nervous to totally freaked out in a matter of seconds. The taxi had turned into a pretentious looking street, which made Danny tug at his tie self-consciously. He had grown up in a rich area, but it had nothing on Rusty's.
"You okay?"
"Not really." Rusty squeezed Danny's hand, grateful for its presence.
"Rus, they're your parents, they-"
"Oh, they are."
The taxi pulled up and Danny handed over the money before pushing Rusty out into the fresh air. The house looked even more impressive up close.
Danny rang the door bell and glanced over at Rusty; taking in the sweaty forehead, the shaking hands, and the lack of food.
"Rusty, I'm here."
"Yeah, that's-" The door swung open before Rusty could finish.
He surveyed the teenager standing in the doorway. The stranger was well dressed, holding some sort of book, and had a startled look on his face. Danny was pretty sure it mirrored his own.
"Robert. We didn't think you would come." The teenager's diction was perfect.
"I did call to tell Mom I was coming, and-"
"You brought someone." The tone was condescending and superior; Danny decided to take action.
"Hi, Danny Ocean. You are?"
"William, of course." The teenager stepped aside and Rusty reluctantly made his way inside, letting go of Danny's hand as he did so.
"Who's William?"
"My replacement." Rusty paused in front of a solid oak door.
"What?"
"My parents adopted him after I left home."
"Oh."
Rusty took a sip of the whiskey and sighed appreciatively; his parents had always chosen the best brands. Across the room, Danny was in a discussion with his father. Rusty frowned; they seemed to be getting on.
"Robert, there's a few boxes outside that I need carried in. I-"
"I'll go and bring them in. Danny?" There was no way he was going to leave Danny alone with them.
"Sure, I'll help."
"No," his Mom sounded shocked, "Robert, he's a guest." The familiar look of disappointment was in his mother's eyes, and Rusty scowled.
"That's okay, Mrs Ryan. I don't mind helping." Danny spoke in his best business voice and he managed to usher Rusty out of the room before the retort escaped his mouth.
"Rusty. Why do I get the feeling-"
"There was no use telling you everything about my past. Here, this one's light." Rusty handed Danny a box, then picked up another one off the floor.
"So, tell me now." Danny stood in the doorway, blocking Rusty's path.
"My Mom's very socially aware. My Dad thinks I should have been more like William. William is the complete opposite of me."
"Hmm. William seems a bit…"
"Yeah. He's more socially aware than me."
"So how come they invited-"
"Maybe they're still hoping they can change me."
Danny heard the unspoken wish and rested his forehead against Rusty's, just for a second.
"Thanks. Let's get these boxes inside."
"Now, the guest rooms are made up, but there's more people arriving tomorrow. So, we can check you into a lovely little hotel just down the road." The last part of the sentence was directed at Danny.
"It's okay, me and Danny can share." There was no note of compromise in Rusty's voice and Danny was impressed.
"Danny and I," his Mom corrected, "and I'm not sure if that's the best solution. Your bed takes up most of the room, Robert."
"It's a double bed, Mom. Danny and I will manage."
"Well, if you're-"
"We're sure, Mrs Ryan." Danny smiled his best smile, grabbed his holdall, grabbed Rusty, and headed upstairs.
"Mmm," Danny pulled Rusty closer, "I've wanted to do this all day."
"Well, we'd better hope she doesn't-"
"I don't think she'll come in now, they went to bed ages ago." He began to rub Rusty's back, "Rus, you're too tense."
"Can't help it. They do this to me." The reply was punctuated with yawns.
"Sleep. Now."
"But-" Rusty looked at Danny, "Well. 'kay."
Danny didn't sleep. He couldn't; instead he lay awake, listening to Rusty's nightmares.
Hope you enjoyed it.