Foregone Conclusions

Another AFL fic. Sorry to everyone waiting for The Bachelor fic. It's coming, I promise :)

Justin stops stretching as Nick comes over and sits down next to him. He lies on the floor and watches Nick through hooded eyes. Nick sits with his legs crossed, blue eyes thoughtful as he looks down at Justin.

Justin moves one of his hands closer to Nick so that he's touching Nick's knee. If anyone was looking it would look like the innocuous touch Justin wants it to be. Nick breaks in to a small smile as Justin's thumb traces across his skin. There is so much noise in the room, everyone moving around, doing interviews and warm-downs. But none of it matters. It's just the two of them, in their own corner of the world. Their small touches saying more than words ever could.

---

He jumps off the bench and almost runs on to the ground before Joey pulls him back.

"Calm down, Justin" Joey says. "He's fine"

Justin shrugs off Joey's hand, watching Nick slowly getting back on to his feet. He looks dazed. Anyone would be if they'd just been smashed across the head. Justin can't help but smile as Nick pushes the trainers away with an impatient hand. He's fine, Justin knows. But he's be damned if his heart doesn't skip a few beats anytime Nick takes a hit.

---

It's Justin's turn to drive. Nick leans his head against the window and watches the city pass by with tired eyes. Match wrap up had taken several hours and despite being elated about the win, all he wants now is his bed. He opens his eyes as he hears Justin swear under his breath.

"hmm?"

Justin glances at him and the annoyance on his face vanishes in to a gentle smile.

"Nothing. Just idiots on the road. Go back to sleep"

Nick takes a deep breath and sits up on his seat. They're almost home, he can stay awake.

"Nick"

He wakes up blinking blearily at Justin, whose leaning across his seat.

"mmm?"

Justin smiles and kisses him lightly.

"We're home"

"Fell asleep" Nick murmurs, almost keening when Justin leans back and get's out of the car. But he's back soon after on Nick's side of the car and opening his door for him.

"Come on, let's get you to bed" Justin wraps an arm around him and gets them in to their house and up to their bed.

Nick falls on to the bed face first and hears Justin laugh but he really has no energy to do anything but lie here right now. He feels Justin pulling off his shoes and immediately curls up on the bed just as the second shoe comes off.

"What would you do without me, hmm?"

He knows Justin thinks he's asleep but he's not. And that is a question Nick tries to stay away from if he can help it. Justin gets in behind him soon after and wraps his arms around him. He can feel Justin's heart beat against his back and breaths. This is the safest place in the world for him. In Justin's arms. He twines his fingers with Justin's.

"Can't imagine my life without you" he whispers and feels Justin's arms tighten around him in response.

"Not going anywhere" Justin whispers, lips against the back of his neck.

"I know" Even if he can't see him, Nick can feel Justin smiling.

He falls asleep like that, wrapped up in Justin's arms. As he had so many times before and if he has his way, for the rest of his life.

Stilted breaths

Taking a mini-break from The Bachelor fic. This was inspired by the back page of the Herald Sun today :)

BJ watches them. Dal pinned to the ground by Armo and Milny. They're all laughing. Dal trying to squirm out of their grips. But he's not trying very hard. He watches Armo's hands sneaking under Dal's shirt, tickling him. Milny grips Dal's hands as they half heartedly try to push Armo away and Armo uses the opportunity to straddle Dal and BJ can see his eyes darken even from here. Armo runs both his hands under Dal's shirt, less tickling than exploring skin now. He leans forward and Dal stops trying to free his hands from Milny and stills. Armo leans close enough that BJ thinks he's going to kiss him. But he says something that doesn't carry in the wind and Dal laughs, Armo grins and gets off him as the coaches yell at them to stop fooling around and focus on the drills. Dal sits up and sees him watching and smiles. BJ looks away, fighting the rapid beating of his heart that has nothing to do with the training.

---

"He wants you" he says, pushing Dal back against the wall and kissing him hard.

"What?" Dal asks when they draw back, breathless.

"Armo wants to fuck you" BJ answers, not quite managing to keep the anger out of his voice.

Dal blinks.

"What, BJ?"

BJ growls, pushing closer and gripping Dal's hips tighter with his hands.

"He wants to fuck you so badly he nearly came when you let him get on top like that"

BJ watches the understanding dawn in Dal's eyes.

"We were just kidding around. He doesn't feel that way about me"

"Then you're fucking blind!"

Dal smiles then, like he understands and BJ doesn't want to admit that yes, he's kind of, sort of, most definitely jealous so he leans in and kisses Dal before he could put words to anything.

Dal's eyes are a shade darker when they pull back. He holds BJ's face in both his hands, thumbs stroking over his cheeks. He presses a gentle kiss on his nose. And BJ should want to pull back, get away but he doesn't. It used to surprise him that Dal could hold him like this.

"I'm yours"

Dal kisses him for emphasis, gently drawing him in.

"Yours"

Dal leans his head against his' and BJ breathes. He doesn't care that Dal can probably feel his heart beat a mile a minute. He could never fool Dal anyway, could never keep any secrets. It doesn't surprise him that he doesn’t mind. He doesn’t mind at all.

The Bachelor: The Rose Ceremony

The tale of our favourite bachelor continues!!!

Part II: The Rose Ceremony

Host: Welcome back to the show. We hope you're ready for a crazy ride, which is exactly what today's show is going to be! Our lovely bachelor, Billy is going to have some one-on-one time with all these hot blokes who are after his heart. And then, viewers! Then it's the rose ceremony. Will your favourites make the cut? Who will have their dreams of taking this beauty home, crushed? Only one way to find out! Let's get on with the show!

---

Billy: Hi Justin.

Justin: [Reaches out and takes Billy's hand in his'] Hi.

Billy: [Swallows] I...um...thank you for the roses.

Justin: [Raises Billy's hand to his lips] You're very welcome.

Billy: [Staring wide eyed] Uh...what're you...Justin, what are you doing?

Justin: Loving you [smiles].

Billy: *Sigh* [leans closer]

Justin: [Leans closer]

Greg: [Looming] Hey, Billy.

Billy: [Snaps back looking dazed] Wh...what?

Justin: [Glaring] Go away, Greg!

Greg: [Looms closer] I think it's probably my turn now.

Billy: Greg?

Greg: Get lost, Justin!

Justin: [Stands up and huffs] You can't stop me! [stalks off]

Greg: [Sits down]

Billy: What just happened?

Greg: Nothing much.

Billy: [breathes] How come you're here, Greg? Not that I don't want you here but I know you...

Greg: Someone's gotta looks after you. Can't have these boys taking advantage of you when you're so impressionable.

Host: [hissing] shut up, Greg!

Greg: [looks over at the host]

Host: Um...please stop giving things away and ruining the show?

Greg: [turns back to Billy] Listen, just...follow your heart ok? Look past all the bullshit and just go with your heart. [pulls Billy closer and kisses his forehead].

Billy: [smiles] I will.

---

Jarryd: [plucks a few strings on his guitar] I wrote a song for you.

Billy: [grins] Really?

Jarryd: Yeah.

[clears throat]

My gift is my song

And this one's for you

You can tell everybody

This is your song

It may be quite simple but

Now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is

Now you're in the world

[bows]

Billy: [laughs] Are you sure you wrote that?

Jarryd: I might have..borrowed some of the words.

Host: [coughs] All the words!

Billy: You have a great voice.

Jarryd: Thanks. I try. I used to do these jamming sessions with Krisnan and Feleti… [tears up] I miss those guys!

Billy: [pats Jarryd on the shoulder awkwardly]

Jarryd: [wipes at eyes] Sorry. It's just so hard you know…

Billy: Maybe you should...call them?

Jarryd: [sits up, brightening] Yeah! Thanks Billy. [walks off] Anyone got a phone?

Host: [head in hands] Noooooooo…

---

Ben C: I didn't think you'd sign up for this.

Billy: [embarrassed] I didn't.

Ben C: Oh!

Billy: Yeah. Someone signed me up for it. Man, the day I find out who that was!

Ben C: Not so bad is it? [smiles]

Billy: [dazzled] No...definitely not!

Ben C: [moves closer] Billy, you're gorgeous and funny and the kind of guy I'd love to take home to my parents. I hope you feel the same way too.

Billy: Oh Ben!

Living room: [loud crash]

Billy and Ben: [dash to the living room]

Host: That was the TV! How did you even- I mean it was hanging on the wall! What did you do??

Cam: [completely unapologetic] Greg pushed me!

Greg: [shrugs] Accident.

Cam: Hey Bills!

Billy: [gawks]

Host: I need a drink!

---

Billy: Coop...you're still not mad at me are you?

Cooper: Greg...er...talked to me. I just don't understand Billy, don't you value our friendship?

Billy: [Scooting closer on the couch] Of course I do! Coop...I'm sorry if I hurt you.

Cooper: [smiles] Are you having fun?

Billy: [grins] Yeah. Did you see the roses Justin got me?

Cooper: [smile fades] I did. I don't know what he thinks he's doing?

Billy: [frowns] What do you mean?

Host: [hissing] Shut up, Cooper!

Cam: [Appears out of nowhere and sits down between Billy and Cooper] Mind if I cut in?

Cooper: Ow! Damnit Cam! That was my hand!

Cam: Was it? Damn, and there I was thinking you were just happy to see me!

Cooper: [glares at Cam] Why did I even signup for this? [storms off]

Cam: [turns to Billy] Hey, Bills.

Billy: Umm…

Cam: [Flings an arm around Billy] How's the love life?

Billy: Cam...are you sure you're alright?

Cam: Fine. Fine. Why do you ask?

Billy: Nothing. No reason at all. It just seems a bit weird is all.

Cam: What's weird?

Billy: It's just I mean...I just feel like someone's trying to control things…I'm probably crazy though…

Cam: That is crazy Bills. This is all about you. And finding you the right man. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!

---

Billy: You're outside.

Johnathan: Yeah...I just wanted to get away from everyone. Have you noticed how Cam seems to be everywhere?

Billy: Yeah I have. It's sort of scary actually.

Johnathan:[shivers in the cool wind] Damn! Didn't think it'd get cold.

Billy: [takes off jacket] Here.

Johnathan: What about you?

Billy: [smiles] I live in Melbourne. I'm used to it!

Johnathan: [wraps the jacket around himself] Thank you.

Billy: [draws closer] Welcome.

Johnathan: I'm going to hate this game you know.

Billy: Why?

Johnathan: [touches Billy's face with gentle fingers] Seeing you with everyone else. It's going to kill me.

Nearby bush: [hisses] Yesss

Johnathan and Billy: [turn]

Bush: [mumble] Fuck!

Johnathan: [laughs] This is getting weirder by the minute!

Billy: Yeah. Wanna go inside?

Johnathan: [catches Billy's wrist] Wait.

Billy: [turns]

Johnathan: [kisses him softly] I am serious about this. [leaves]

Bush: [muffled cheering]

Billy: [freaked out]

---

Host: It's time for the rose ceremony. Billy, there are four roses on the table. That means you will have to say goodbye to three hopefuls. Choose wisely.

Billy: [tentatively picks up a rose and looks up] I just want to say I like all of you and even if you don't get a rose, that doesn't mean I don't want you in my life. [takes a deep breath]. Justin.

Justin: [saunters forward]

Billy: [smiles] Will you accept this rose?

Justin: If it comes with a kiss…?

Some of the other contestants: [growls] Justin, you bloody-

Billy: [kisses Justin lightly on the cheek]

Justin: [takes the rose] Fine! [walks back]

Billy: Ben C.

Ben C: Hi Billy

Billy: Ben, will you accept this rose?

Ben C: [smiles] Gladly.

Billy: [smiles] Thank you.

Ben C: [walks back]

Billy: Cooper.

Cooper: You didn't have to.

Billy: I need you here.

Cooper: [smiles] Whatever you need, Billy.

Billy: Thanks Coop.

Cooper: [Takes the rose and walks back]

Host: There is only one rose left. Who will it be? His Storm captain, Cameron? One of his best friends, Greg? Or will it be the musical Jarryd? Or the beautiful Johnathan?

Billy: [takes a deep breath]

Some of the contestants : Come on Bills!

Billy: Sorry Cam! But my mind is already made up. Johnathan.

Johnathan: Really?

Billy: Always going to be you.

Johnathan: Thank you.

Host: Billy, you have a few moments to say goodbye to the other contestants before they leave.

Cam: Nice work, Billy.

Billy: Really? You're not mad?

Greg: [puts an arm around Cam] We're proud. We know you don't need us to look after you. Just remember what I said, yeah?

Billy: Yeah [hugs them both]

Jarryd: Bye Billy.

Billy: I'm sorry, Jarryd.

Jarryd: No, talking to you...I realised what I needed to do. So thank you.

Billy: [grins] You called them?

Jarryd: I'm gonna go visit them in New Zealand.

Billy: That's great. Good luck.

Host: I'm sorry guys and that's it. If you don't have a rose, please make your way out to the limo waiting outside.

Billy: Bye guys!

Host: Billy has made his choice. Next time the boys will go on their first dates. Who will kindle their romance and who will make disastrous blunders? Has Billy found his true love? Did Cam really leave? Only one way to find out, keep watching!

---

Bonus online footage.

Host: We interviewed the boys to find out about what they're thinking at this stage of the competition.

Justin: Billy's hot! But that's just a bonus you know. This is a game and I want to win. It's as simple as that. Owww! Who threw that?

---

Greg: What?

---

Jarryd: It just seems a bit one sided. I mean, I'm here too you know!

---

Cooper: I love him. Whatever happens in this game, it won't change anything.

---

Ben C: Billy's lovely. I could definitely fall in love with him.

---

Cam: I have a plan.

---

Johnathan: There is only one reason I'm here. For Billy. I wouldn't do this for anyone else.

Shall be continued in The First Date!!

The Bachelor featuring Billy and the Kangaroos.

So was watching completely trashy tv the other day and was inspired :D

Host: Welcome all to the latest season of the Bachelor. This year we're with the Kangaroos and we've picked out one hot bachelor that everyone is going to be dying to woo. Yes, I did say woo. Because fellas, this beauty is all about the romance. So if you want in his pants you will have to do the whole roses, chocolate and the bedtime stories ritual. So without further ado, let's meet the boy with the smile, BILLY SLATER!

[Billy tentatively walks in to the room. Gives a nervous but bright smile to the camera]

Host: So Billy, tell us, how do you feel about having to choose your true love from amongst your peers? I mean, you know these guys very well. Will that affect your decision process?

Billy: Umm...I really am not sure how I got picked for this [looks around helplessly]

Host: I think someone might have 'volunteered' you. So back to the question, Billy, how do you feel about one of your teammates being your true love?

Billy: Well I ...it's certainly possible. I mean look at the team you know, it's quite an impressive line up.

Host: Do you have any favourites already or is that going to come with time?

Billy: Well...I suppose if I am going to be serious about this I probably shouldn't have any favourites yet. Yeah, I think I'll judge them all on their merit and see what happens.

Host: Thank you Billy. We'll catch up with you later in the show to see how you found the introductions.

---

Host: [whispering from behind the bushes] Here comes the contestants in their limo. Let's see how the boys go.

[Billy is shifting from foot to foot and tugging at his bowtie. He freezes as the limo arrives]

Ben Creagh: Hey Billy. [Looks around to the camera] Do I really have to introduce myself?

Billy: I already know who he is!

Host: [yells from behind bushes] Yes you do! Stick to the script!

Ben C: Hey Billy. I'm Ben C.

Billy: Hi Ben C. Where are you from?

Ben C: I'm from St George Illawarra. I play rugby for the Dragons, not sure if you would have heard about them.

Billy: [Stifling a laugh] Yeah I've heard of them. That's really awesome! You any good at it?

Ben C: [grins] A bit yeah.

Host: [Hisses] Time!

Billy: Alright Ben C. I'll see you inside.

[Ben C leaves]

Billy: [to the camera] I hadn't realised what a nice smile he has. Wow...

[The next contestant steps out]

Justin: [Is looking dashing in his suit. He's holding a bouquet of roses. Red roses] Hi.

Billy: [In a squeeing voice] Oh my god! You brought me flowers!

Justin: Oh yeah. [Hands them over] Hope you like them.

Billy: [Hugs them to his chest] I love them!

Justin: [Beams}

Billy: [Swoons a little]

Host: Time!

Billy: Thank you for the flowers!

Justin: They don't compare to you!

Billy: [swoons]

Host: Time goddamn it!

Justin: See you soon, Billy.

Billy: Yeah….

[Justin leaves]

Billy: Oh. My. God. Justin Hodges! Fucking hell!

[Another contestant steps out]

Billy: Cameron! You're in on this too?

Cameron: [coughs] yeah...in on this exactly what I am! How're you doing Bills?

Billy: fine. Great actually. This is fun. Justin got me a bunch of roses!

Cameron: [looks thoughtful] Justin, eh? Who would have thought?

Billy: Who would have thought what?

Cameron: Nothing, my lovely Bills, nothing. Why don't I go inside now and keep the lads company while you meet the rest of the boys.

Billy: Right-o. See you later, Cam.

[Time for the next contestant]

Billy: Man, are you wearing a hoodie?

Jarryd: If you truly love me, nothing else should matter.

Billy: Umm…

Jarryd: [Steps forward and touches foreheads with Billy]

Billy: Umm…

Jarryd: This is the traditional greeting of-

Cooper: This guy bothering you Billy?

Host: What are you doing? It's not your turn yet!

Cooper: [Glares at host] I'm not gonna sit in some limo and watch while my man gets forced in to unnecessary body contact!

Billy: Coop, he was only-

Cooper: You're going to take his side? I've been your friend forever and you take his side?

Billy: No, Coop-

Cooper: Whatever. I'm going inside. Clearly I'm not wanted here!

[Billy watches Cooper walk away with big sad eyes]

Jarryd: Bit dramatic, that one, isn't he?

Billy: Just a bit, yeah.

Jarryd: We good?

Billy: [smiles] yeah.

Jarryd: [smiles back] I'll see you inside.

[The next contestant steps out. The limo gives a little]

Billy: Greg! [Runs over ad hugs him]

Greg: Hey, babe.

Billy: Missed you, you know!

Greg: Sorry, Bills. How are you?

Billy: Good. But I think Coop is mad at me.

Host: Hey! This is not Dr Phil! Work out your problems on some other show!

Greg: [Looks in the host's direction]

Host: I mean...um...please stick to the script?

Greg: [Looks back at Billy] I'll talk to him.

Billy: Thanks.

Greg: See you inside Bills.

Billy: Bye Greg!

Billy: [watching Greg leave] This is actually quite fun!

[Last but not least, Johnathan Thurston steps out of the limo. He's wearing a white silk shirt, dark jeans. He has a single white rose in his hand]

Billy: Hi.

JT: Hi.

Billy: I didn't think you'd sign up for this.

JT: [smiles] Yeah… but I wanted to.

Billy: [smiles] Good

JT: [shuffling his feet] I know Justin got you a whole bunch of roses but I... [takes a deep breath] Here!

Billy: [Takes the rose] It's beautiful.

JT: Yeah?

Billy: Yeah. Thank you.

Host: [taking in the contestants staring in to eachother's eyes mesmerised] Oh dear god! Time!

Billy: [blinks]

JT: [blinks]

Billy: See you inside?

JT: You better!

Billy: [stares after Johnathan] Oh.

---

Host: So Billy, tell us. How did you find the introductions?

Billy: I know I wasn't very enthusiastic about this whole thing at the start but meeting the guys like that...I've never seen that side of them before. I have to say, I'm very excited about this now.

Host: That's wonderful. So do you have a favourite yet?

Billy: Well Justin with his roses stands out but … I think I'll wait until I actually get to talk to them and get to know them a little better.

Host: Very wise choice. So there you go. Billy is now going to get some one on one time with the boys to see where his heart will take him. Who will he choose at the first rose ceremony? Which unlucky contestants will get the hearts broken? And who's not in this for Billy? Keep on watching to find out!

Shall be continued in the Rose ceremony!