Title: The Liberator
Part 24
Author: Angel Eterno
Rating: NC-17 - slash
Content: Slash, Romance, Abuse
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to WWF and Titan Sports. No copyright infringement intended.
__________________
Evening came, and it was time to leave Christian's hotel room and find somewhere to eat - Christian drove a short while until they came across a secluded restaurant situated in its own pleasant grounds out of town. Rob voiced his opinion that it might be quite expensive there, but Christian reassured him it would be fine - and anyway - he was paying. He needed to show his appreciation for what Rob had done for him. Rob shrugged: that was OK with him then - if Christian was happy, he was happy.
***~***~***
They finished up their meal; it had been a good one. The restaurant was small but cozy, it had warm terracotta walls with softly glowing lamps shimmering against them. All in all it was very inductive to a relaxing evening.
Rob leaned back in his chair with a sigh, announcing he was stuffed. Never before had he had such exquisite Tiramisu - and this place was definitely worth a re-visit whenever they were in this area again.
Christian smiled, and Rob was pleased to see he looked more relaxed than he'd seen him in a long time.
"How are your injuries?" Christian reached out to stroke the bruise on Rob's left cheek. Rob placed his own hand over Christian's:
"I'll survive - but at the time I felt like I'd just come out of a handicap tables and ladders match with the Undertaker, Austin, Big Show and the Dudley Boys all thrown in for good measure. Remind me never to upset you."
Christian couldn't help a chortle at this - which soon turned to a giggling fit he couldn't quite control: the combined effects of the alcohol and tranquil atmosphere bringing him a sense of euphoria and well-being he hadn't felt for years. He marveled on realizing ominous thoughts of Edge hadn't entered his head all evening - he could happily stay here in this place in time with Rob forever ...
Rob was yawning. He smiled apologetically.
"I'm sorry - I'm just still so tired ... would you mind if we paid and went soon?"
Christian nodded.
"Yes of course" and called the waitress for the check.
It didn't take long to pay, and soon they were outside again. The night had arrived fully now, with what seemed like a trillion stars twinkling happily above them as they walked to the car. It didn't take Christian too long to drive back. It was comforting to him to be "coming home" even if "coming home" meant a hotel room - knowing that he would spend the night with somebody who wasn't about to abuse him.
***~***~***
"But this is your bed!" Rob protested.
"It's OK - I want you to sleep there - you've got more bruises than me - I'll be fine right here. Look - there's a spare duvet up on top of that closet - I'll take that too. I'll be just fine, really. Besides - I'm not that tired yet, I thought I might read awhile - it always makes me sleepy."
"OK" Rob acquiesced, "If you're sure."
"I'm sure" Christian laughed. "Now get in and I'll come and tuck you in."
Rob's brown eyes were wide.
"You will?"
"Sure - now get in!"
Without further protest Rob pulled off his shirt and jeans, watched closely by Christian - who pretended not to once he was down to his boxers. Dutifully he climbed into the bed and laid down. He watched Christian walking across the room to switch off the main light, putting on the small lamp by the sofa; watched him walk through the door to the kitchenette, where he stayed for a couple of minutes ... he didn't see him come back though - he'd fallen asleep. He could feel something light moving through his hair, half-opened his eyes and saw Christian hovering over him, holding a mug.
"I'm sorry, Rob," he said softly, "But I made you some hot chocolate - I didn't realize you were already asleep so quick..." Christian shrugged and peered at Rob through the semi-darkness. Rob smiled and half sat up, smiling.
"Hey, thanks, Christian - that's really sweet of you."
With no more words he drank up all his hot chocolate and laid back down again. Christian took the mug from him and leant over the bed, planting a dove-soft kiss on Rob's forehead. Rob's eyes widened slightly.
"What's that for?"
"I did promise I'd tuck you in." Christian blushed, and Rob found that cute. "When I was little and my Mom tucked me in, I always got a goodnight kiss..."
"Mmmm - thanks ..."
Through half-closed eyes Rob watched Christian walk away to the sofa, where he curled up in the corner and opened a book. His lids getting heavier and heavier as sleep re-claimed him.
End Part 24