Sage can’t get what happened between him and Dominic out of his mind, but it is like the other man had forgotten what occurred between him. By the next day, he was ill-free, and back to his usual self. It made Sage a little disappointed because he thought that he was finally getting closer to Dominic, but it is like Dominic had put a wall between them again.
It has left Sage feeling a little frustrated…
He doesn’t like this one bit.
“Ah, my favorite star!” Director Hans chuckles as he approaches Sage, a man following close behind, “I know after Richard’s tragic accident we have been looking for different actors to replace him. It has taken a lot of trial and error, but I think we have found your new co-star. Sage, I’d like for you to meet Erik Lancelot, a new and upcoming actor who had been in the same place you were.”
Sage turns his attention to his new co-star, a slight smile on his face as he always wants to be friendly with his fellow coworkers. After Richard’s accident that left him incapable of being in the sequel, Sage had been sure that they would never be able to find someone to replace him.
What makes this guy so special?
… Sage had to admit that Erik does have the looks though.
Erik is about six-five, easily towering over Sage but nowhere near as tall as Dominic is. His short blonde hair is a golden mess on the top of his head, and his eyes are a weird color of green. They kind of remind Sage of moss, unlike Dominic’s beautiful green eyes that have always captivated him. He knows he shouldn’t be comparing, it’s not right, but he can’t help himself right now.
Pushing aside his rampant thoughts, Sage sticks out his hand for Erik to shake, “hello! I’m Sage, it’s a pleasure to be working with you. I know exactly what it was like being a new actor, so if you need any advice, I’m more than willing to help you out the best way that I can.”
Sage is taken by surprise when Erik takes his hand but does something completely unexpected.
Yanking Sage closer, Sage practically falls into him, tripping over his own feet at the sudden pull. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Dominic moving towards them, no doubt thinking that Erik is doing something bad. Sage honestly isn’t sure what Erik is doing until he feels fingers gripping his chin and forcing him to look up. His eyes widen in immediate shock and horror when Erik’s lips meet his in what he had to guess was supposed to be a passionate kiss, but all it did was make him want to puke. Sage remains completely still, feeling absolutely no sparks as this man kisses him.
What the Hell?
Just as Dominic is a few feet away, Erik breaks the kiss and pulls back. There is a lop-sided grin on his face, like a child getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Something about this guy is rubbing Sage the wrong way, but he is unsure if it is just because he kissed him for literally no reason.
“Wow, the chemistry between you is… We can work on it.” Director Hans finally pipes up, having watched the entire situation unfold with a shocked look on his face, “Erik, I understand you’re probably eager to show Sage what you can do, but please don’t be randomly kissing him. I’m sure it didn’t make him feel very comfortable.”
Erik’s eyes widen as he turns to Sage, practically pouting, “I’m sorry, Sage, I was just really eager to impress you. I hope that I can learn much from you.”
Erik still hasn’t let go of him, and it is making Sage even more uneasy, “yes, of course. I’ll do what I can to help you, but-“
Sage can’t help but be a little thankful as Dominic pulls him out of Erik’s grip, protectively keeping Sage close to his side. Sage misses the hatred that appears in Erik’s eyes, but Dominic doesn’t. Something about this actor is making Dominic on edge, and every fiber of his being wants to keep Sage as far away from him as possible.
“Wow, if you weren’t his bodyguard in real life, you would really fit the role, Dominic.” Director Hans teases him as he watches the tense exchange, no doubt getting amusement from it, “as much as I would love to see how this plays out, we have a movie to make. Erik, Sage, go and rehearse your lines, and we will start filming in about an hour or so.”
As Director Hans turns away, Erik looks towards Sage expectantly, “Sage, how about we…”
“He needs rest.” Dominic grumbles, cutting Erik off before guiding Sage away from that man.
Sage glances over his shoulder, wondering if they are somehow being a little rude, but the look on Erik’s face is enough to send a tremble of fear down his spine. He pushes it aside as if it is just his nerves getting to him, especially after everything that he’s gone through for the past few weeks. The stalker is still on the loose, and anyone new is making Sage’s skin crawl.
Why does it feel like Erik is being really fake though, Sage wonders to himself. Dominic doesn’t look happy either as he moves Sage to his dressing room, and away from the prying eyes of the stagehands. Sage can’t help but think that maybe Dominic is actually a little jealous right now because of how he is reacting, but that doesn’t make sense either. Erik is only an actor, and unfortunately kissing scenes do happen whether Sage wants them to or not.
“Are you okay?” Sage asks softly as Dominic closes the door behind them, locking it.
Dominic lets out a grunt but doesn’t bother to answer. He moves over and sits down on the couch, looking up at Sage expectantly. Dominic doesn’t have to say anything for Sage to realize what he wants as he walks over and sits beside him. Sage is nervously fiddling with his fingers now, feeling like Dominic is piercing him with his gaze.
Sage knows that they don’t have a relationship like that…
But why does Dominic come off as possessive?
Like he is protecting what is his?
“I didn’t like him kissing you like that.” Dominic grumbles, speaking the most number of words he has ever said to Sage before, “he did it without your consent, and you were not even prepared for it. I don’t like him.”
“I know what he did was the wrong way to go about things, but he will occasionally have to kiss me in certain scenes.” Sage explains, wondering if Dominic is going to loosen up shortly, “I appreciate you stepping in and getting me out of there. It was a little weird, but this is my job. If Director Hans likes him, I guess I need to trust his judgement.”
“I don’t like that actor.” Dominic mutters now, averting his eyes, “he’s fishy.”
Sage knows exactly what Dominic means, reaching out and placing his hand on his, “well, I guess it is a good thing I have you to protect me, right?”
Dominic’s gaze hardens now, and Sage knows that he is pursing his lips beneath that mask, “I worry I’m going to fail you.”
Now it is Sage’s turn to be completely confused at the situation, “what? Why do you feel that way? You’ve been doing a great job.”
“I haven’t been.” Dominic grumbles, avoiding Sage’s gaze now, “I allowed myself to get sick, and in turn it left you vulnerable. I know you were hiding something from me, and that you saw the stalker when you went out to get medicine for me. That is not what a bodyguard would allow… He could have hurt you, and I wouldn’t have known.”
Sage’s heart practically skips a beat because he knows that Dominic is telling the truth, but he didn’t see it that way, “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that. I was just worried you would continue getting worse.”
Dominic chuckles, but there is a dark tone to it that confuses Sage slightly, “oh trust me, that is nothing close to what I’ve been through. I would have been fine.”
Sage knows this has to do with the scars that cover Dominic’s body, and it makes him lick his bottom lip, “does… Does it have anything to do with the scars on your face?”
Dominic’s body tenses, and he finally turns to face Sage again, “what does it matter?”
Sage reaches out, noticing how his handshakes slightly, but he isn’t going to show Dominic that he is truly afraid, “I know you don’t trust me, but I would like to know more about what you’ve gone through. I think it would help me.”
“Help you?” Dominic growls, reaching up and taking Sage’s hand, but his touch is so gentle compared to his voice, “how could my scars help you?”
Sage wants to back down, but he continues to stare back at Dominic, “it will help make me understand you… I don’t want you to hide anything from me.”
Dominic just continues to stare at Sage like he is crazy, a weird look in his eyes. A part of Sage believes that Dominic wants to tell him but is holding back for whatever reason. Sage’s heart is beating a million times per minute, his palms clammy, but he isn’t going to back down. He needs to know everything because he wants to be close to Dominic…
It could be his downfall though.
“It’s a long story.” Dominic finally admits, reaching up with his freehand and removing the mask, revealing his scarred face, “you might not get much time to review your script. I can tell you later…”
“NO!” Sage quickly protests, seeing Dominic’s lips purse in a hard line, “I’d like to know now, Dominic… Please.”
For the first time, Dominic looks a little unsure, unable to meet Sage’s eyes. He worries about what Sage will think of him when he learns the truth, but he knows there is no going back now. He has to face the past, something that he has told very few people…
Sage is different though.
He’s not going to allow Sage to run away…
It’s not like he can.
“Okay, I will tell you everything.” Dominic promises, seeing Sage’s face light up, “the only thing I ask is that you let me finish before you run or ask questions.”
Sage simply nods.
Dominic draws in a deep breath and goes back to the night that changed his whole life.
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