Thanks to ParisAmy and Jusmine for their reviews, not just for the last chapter, but for all of them. It's always good to know that people like my writing. The extra something at the end is for the both of you.
One
Rusty felt the accusing glare from across the room. He turned to see Tess, as he had known he would, on Danny's arm. Rusty grinned at Danny, laughing when he saw the way Tess hung on a little tighter. They approached him; Tess reluctant, Danny jubilant. Rusty turned away from a conversation about the pros and cons of modern art and began to talk about their latest con. All the while, Tess burned holes in his back with her eyes. But Rusty wasn't going to act sorry; he wasn't going to pretend that he wasn't Danny's friend, not for her.
Two
Isabel kisses Rusty's cheek; Danny scowls, then reminds himself that it shouldn't matter. Rusty is happy, he has who he wants. He's made his choice, he's chosen Tess. Rusty is perfectly within his rights to move on with this life. Rusty has waited long enough for him, it isn't right to expect him to wait any longer. Danny grabs Tess and makes his excuses. He really tries not to see the hurt look in Rusty's eyes; it's been a while since they've seen each other. He avoids telling him how much he cares. After all, why should he love him?
Three
The party is in full swing; Linus' birthday is a hit, and Bobby can't help but think about the past. In one corner of the room, Livingston introduces his wife to Saul. In another, Virgil and Turk are managing to hold a civil conversation. The poker game is in full swing, and as far as Bobby can see, Linus is winning, for once. He glances over at the photo of Molly, and wishes that she could be with them. The doorbell rings, Linus jumps up to answer it. Danny and Rusty stand in the doorway, together. Some things never change.
Four
The house is empty, Tess is gone. Danny thinks about flowers that he should have given her, romantic dinners that they should have shared. A part of him thinks that if he hadn't been so selfish, maybe she would have stayed. She'd told him he needed to change, but he hadn't listened. Maybe is he had, she wouldn't be gone. The door clicks closed behind him, he doesn't need to turn to know who's there. Maybe he should have made her laugh more, but as Rusty places a warm, comforting hand on his shoulder, he can't bring himself to care.
Five
Rusty Ryan. The name sounded perfect as it rolled off her lips. Lying stretched out lazily on the bed; he looked like a modern day miracle. He smirked slightly in his sleep, and the regret consumed her. Rusty would never settle down in one place with her; there was only one special person that he would do that for. She couldn't compete with Danny Ocean; the man who looked after Rusty's heart. Taking one last look, she closed the door behind her, fighting the urge to go back inside. Instead, she thought of his happiness, and turned and walked away.
Six
Rusty cautiously opened one eye, and then the other. The room was unfamiliar in a familiar kind if way, which probably meant a motel. He could feel a warm body pressed up against his, gentle snoring filled the air and he felt something which confirmed the fact that his bed partner was male. He turned, vaguely recognising the face, vividly remembering the night together and the promises made. His fingers rubbed at his lips as he tried to recall the man's name, he was almost positive that he'd found it out. Something fought its way into his mind. Right. Danny.