Summary – Doug is in love with Tom and wants to marry him
Summary – Doug is in love with Tom and wants to marry him. He decides to tell Tom, no matter what might happen to their relationship. However, Tom thinks this trip is going to be hell!
Dedicated and Written for Random Insights who correctly guessed the ending of "Penhall the Boss" or at least, got my little game right. – with much love -- Dizzy
The Legend of Bigfoot
"It doesn't exist!"
These three little words came from an expert in the field of logic and sense; that being Tom Hanson who usually wore his feelings on his shoulders which really didn't make much sense at all to Doug Penhall. Doug sighed at his partner. It had been little more than a week after Fuller had finally gotten back and Doug was regulated to the main office.
"Oh come on! It'll be fun! Think about it! Camping!" Doug made a noise much like he would as a McQuaid. Tom gave him a look. His arm still hurt from the knife fight he had had with Samuel Jordan. The ass-hole was in prison now and for that, Tom was glad for. But, Fuller had been on him to take a vacation, get some rest. Tom wasn't going too but he knew that if he didn't agree to this…silly plan of Doug's. He couldn't say "no" to his boyfriend.
"Okay, fine," he muttered. This made Doug kiss him soundly on the cheek before running off to get the paper work all settled. To his side, Judy Hoffs giggled.
"What the hell do you find so funny about this?" Tom gave her a look.
"Hanson! Doug just wants to spend some time with you, he was so worried at the hospital," she said.
"I know,"
"So, go have some fun…there'll be loads to do in the woods," she propped up an eyebrow suggestively, making Tom stick his tongue out at her.
--
Doug whistled as he loaded up the boot of the mustang. It probably wasn't the best car to take, but it was there and Tom loved to drive it. Doug had gotten a great deal on a cabin – it would take a day and a half to drive there – so he had two bag and some foot in the trunk. He put soda and beer in the back seat. He knew that the beer was for later, but it would be nice to have something to drink. He even got some bottled water for Tom. Who wasn't a huge soda drinker.
It was a light spring day that they chose to leave. The trees were just beginning to wake from the long winter sleep they were doomed for each year. This was the time of year Doug remembered going camping with his grandfather each year. It was nice to get away. Still, his Mom died, then he didn't see his granddad again. But, as he pushed these thoughts away, he knew he would enjoy this time with Tom. He fingered the box in his coat pocket – he wanted to make it legal. He wanted to be able to get a house with his partner and have kids and a dog…it would be great. He just had to ask.
It was at that moment that Tom stepped out. He had the apartment locked up tight; he rubbed his eyes as he gave Doug a look; "Did we have to get up this early?"
"Come on! The sun's up! Chop, chop!" Doug said. Tom groaned and made his way to the car. This wasn't going to end up good, he just knew it.
"Okay, let's go, and to think all I really wanted to do was sleep," he muttered as he slid into the driver side seat. Doug got into the passenger side.
"It'll be fun, and look what I picked up," Doug said. He held up a paper back book with a sketch of a huge hairy man. It was entitled "Big foot: Fact and Fiction"
"What the hell is that?" Tom asked, he took the book from Doug.
"What? I thought it was interesting,"
"Are you telling me that you're taking me on a bloody camping trip to hunt down a legend?"
"No!"
"Good, I'd have to throw it out the window then," Tom muttered but he gave the book back. It would at least keep Doug occupied.
--
"Listen here, Tommy: it say's "Bigfoot are not aggressive. They usually hide in the brush, or, if one is lucky enough to spot them, will only ignore the observer."
"That proves nothing, it's a bunch of bull," Tom sighed. They had been driving for half a day now and Doug liked to bug him with the whole Sasquatch thing.
"Oh, come on! We're pretty close to Canada, and they say that Big Foot lives round there, you never know, we might hit pay dirt!"
"I don't want to hit pay dirt,"
"Why not? Do you like living on a pension plan!?"
"No! but, being a cop has its advantages," Tom shrugged.
"Yeah, like being trained by an old army major,"
"He wasn't that bad,"
"No? no? what'd you do? Sleep with the man?"
"No!" Tom made a face.
"Good, I'd have to spank you,"
"We talked about that,"
"I know, I know," Doug grinned.
"Look, I'm just glad you're reading…no matter how weird the subject manner is. But, I am not going monster hunting," Tom pointed out.
"Okay, okay. Gee, I was just wondering," Doug said.
"Well, stop!"
"But, it's just so cool!"
"If you say one more thing about that hairy monster, I swear I'll throw you out of this car," Tom threatened.
"Okay, okay, sorry…"
"Good,"
--
Tom was tired, he hadn't let Doug drive the whole day and so when he pulled into the motel parking lot, it was with a sigh of relief. Doug had been snoring since seven that evening – and as the engine cut off – he opened his bleary eyes.
"Are we there?" he asked, stretching.
"No, I want to sleep and I can never do it in a car," Tom said as he hopped out and went to the office to book a room. It was Roach Motel for sure (even if the sign said Happy Trails Motel). It was dingy and dirty. Tom was sure he'd catch flea's. But he hardly cared.
"Here is your room key, the sheets are clean, if not, money back guarantee," the man smiled. Tom nodded his head. He'd have to remember that. The sheets couldn't be clean at all! He went back out to the car to get Doug. Their room was right by the office, thankfully. He and Doug dragged out their cases. The room was small, with one bed and a television and a small bathroom. It was meant for a one night stand.
"Nice pick there, buddy," Doug commented.
"It's just a place to sleep, nothing more," Tom muttered.
"Sure it is,"
"Look, can we go to sleep?"
"Yeah, yeah," Doug agreed. Tom didn't bother talking to his boyfriend any longer, He unpacked his toiletries and headed to the bathroom. Once Tom was safely ensconced in the bathroom and the water was running. Doug picked up the phone.
"Hoffs here,"
"Hey, look I…gotta ask you something," Doug said.
"Where are you guys?"
"Roach city, look – how would you ask someone to marry you?" Doug asked.
"Is Hanson there?"
"No! he's taking a shower,"
"Okay, I guess just ask him or something,"
"What?"
"You're talking about Hanson right?"
"Yeah,"
"He's blunt, just ask him," Hoffs replied.
"Wow, you're a help,"
"I try," with that Hoffs hung up on him. They were on vacation after all. Trying to find something to do, Doug found a local pizza place that delivered and an old horror movie on television. When Tom emerged from the shower, he propped an eyebrow at the choice of movie.
"I should have known, after reading about it, you just had to watch it," he sighed. Doug was stuffing pizza into his mouth, he was very involved in the movie.
"Ssshhh! Bigfoot just killed that girl!"
"Oh boy, and here I thought Nightmare on Elm Street was stupid," Tom grumped.
Two minutes later, Tom was asleep.
A/N – Okay, this was supposed to be a one-shot. But it didn't turn out like that. I've been trying to write this all afternoon and start my training for my stay at home job. So, as you are reading this. I am technically employed! Yay for me!
