Affirmation Epilgue
Title: Affirmation (Epilogue)
Author: Vanessa
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: NC-17
Summary: When a tragic situation leaves Orlando broken and isolated will Viggo’s love and belief in him be strong enough to bring him back?
Feedback: Always appreciated
Warnings: Violence, Angst, and Character Death (Original Characters only).
Disclaimer: This is not true. I don’t know them, and I'm not making any claims about them in real life. It never happened.
Archive: Please don't.
Betas: The wonderful tamsu2002 & foxrafer
Author’s Notes: Well, here's the promised happy ending.
~*~
Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen, Chapter Seventeen, Chapter Eighteen, Chapter Nineteen
Banner by araestel.
The buildings and signs of Los Angeles crept by as the car wound its way towards the theater. Orlando pressed his face against the cool glass of the shaded window and watched as people went about their business, hurrying along with mobile phones pressed to their ears or calling out as they spotted the person they'd arranged to meet. Very few seemed to notice the limousine slowly moving along the busy streets. Los Angeles was home to too many stars and host to too many awards shows for a limousine to be an unusual sight to anyone but a tourist.
They moved slowly enough that Orlando was able to read almost all of the signs as they drove past. A deli was having a sale on turkey and three coffee shops in a row claimed to have the lowest price on lattés. The sign wars between mobile phone companies and Internet providers were equally amusing, and the corners of Orlando's mouth curled up into a slight smile.
"Anything interesting out there?"
"Not a lot." Orlando let the smile drop as he turned from the window. It had only been a momentary thing, and Viggo would know he was faking if he tried to hold it too long. "Nothing unusual." He shrugged and pressed his forehead against the glass again. It wasn't interesting, but at least it was distracting, and that was what he needed at the moment.
The leather seat creaked as Viggo scooted closer so their bodies were practically touching. "Are you all right?" he asked. With anyone else it would have felt like hovering, but with Viggo it was just him being there and offering comfort if it was needed.
Orlando turned from the glass again. "I will be, yeah?" He tried to smile, but Viggo's raised eyebrow let him know that he wasn't at all successful. "I'm just nervous, is all. I haven't felt like this since..." He shrugged. "Well, ever, I guess." Not even his very first premiere or the dreaded premiere of Return of the King, the one that had put him back in the public eye after everything had gone wrong filming this movie compared to what he was feeling at the moment.
Viggo found Orlando's hand and squeezed. "We can go home... or somewhere else... if you want. You're not obligated to appear."
"I know." Orlando returned the squeeze, clutching at Viggo's hand tightly. "I just... I need to do this."
It wasn't something he could explain, and Viggo didn't ask him to. He nodded his understanding and they spent the rest of the ride to the theater in silence, their hands clasped together.
All too soon, the noise from the crowd penetrated the sound resistant interior. Through the window, Orlando could see the fans packed onto the pavement, straining to see the red carpet over the mass of people in front of them. Here the limousine was noticed, and people twisted and peered, trying to find the angle that would let them see through the shaded glass to determine who was inside.
Orlando's stomach was lurching violently as he turned to Viggo, his press smile already plastered on his face. "This is it, yeah?"
"Yeah. You'll be fine." Viggo leaned in and kissed him gently, cupping one hand under Orlando's chin. When he pulled back, the press smile had been replaced by a genuine one.
The limousine came to a stop, the door opened, and they stepped out with their hands still intertwined. The roar of the crowd grew louder as Orlando stood in front of the limo, letting his eyes adjust to the sunlight and camera flashes. Fans chanted his name and reporters called for his attention, but all Orlando heard was Viggo's voice low in his ear. "I think they're happy you came."
"Aren't they always?"
"Brat."
"I love you too." He smiled sadly and squeezed Viggo's hand again before he started to make his way down the carpet. He never loosened his grip on Viggo's hand.
It was hard to decide who was harder to handle - the fans who were just excited to see their favorite stars and expected smiles and enthusiasm Orlando didn't quite have in him, or the reporters who kept asking difficult questions Orlando didn't want to answer. The only group he found easy to handle was the protesters, kept far to the back by security, waving their signs and shouting out whenever they thought they might be heard or caught on camera. They were easy to ignore, though some of their words - both about the decision to release the movie and his choice of lovers - hit Orlando hard and he found himself clutching Viggo's hand tighter.
The walk up the red carpet was long and slow. Orlando breathed a sigh of relief when they stepped inside the building and were momentarily shielded from prying reporters with their cameras ever ready to catch and analyze anything that might provide new Hollywood gossip. "I'm glad that's over," he muttered, pressing closer to Viggo.
Viggo just guided him away from the door, and Orlando knew that they were thinking the same thing. Only the first part was over, and before the evening ended, it would likely prove to be the easiest part.
They hesitated in the lobby, hovering near the doors that led into the theater itself. Orlando couldn't make himself go in, at least not immediately. It was too soon, yet he couldn't go back outside and face people again either. Not this time. So he waited, twisting his hands nervously together, and let Viggo try to calm him with soothing words and a hand on his back.
He was about to start pacing when the doors opened and two more people ducked inside the building. They were pressed close together and looked around the mostly empty lobby with wide eyes. One of them pointed, the other nodded, and they both headed over.
They were halfway across the room before Orlando recognized the couple as Kelly and James. His throat went dry and his mind blank. What was he supposed to say? The last time he saw them... he still couldn't really think about it. Orlando had been tied up with other projects and had done his post-production work separately, so he hadn't seen them since... since before.
Then they were there, shuffling awkwardly and exchanging formal, stilted greetings. It felt wrong, but Orlando didn't know what else to do. The bonds he had with Kelly and James were different from those he had with anyone else he'd ever worked with, and he didn't know what was appropriate for the situation. A handshake didn't seem like enough, but a hug could be intruding.
Kelly solved the problem by tugging on Orlando's offered hand and wrapping her arms around him as soon as he was close enough. "How have you been?" she asked, squeezing him hard.
Suddenly, the barriers were down, and Orlando wrapped his arms around Kelly, returning the hug. "I'm all right now." There was no need to go into the long months he'd suffered, not here anyway. "How are you? Both of you," he clarified, turning his head to look at James as well.
There was another awkward moment as Kelly stepped back and Orlando wasn't sure if he should hug James or not, but then James stepped forward and solved the problem with a swift, tight hug that was over almost before Orlando had a chance to return the gesture.
"We're good," James said as he slid behind Kelly, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head. "We're getting married next month."
"Are you?" Orlando admired the ring Kelly eagerly showed him and he then stepped back, his hand automatically seeking Viggo's. "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Kelly was all smiles now, practically glowing as she nestled comfortably in James' arms. "But you haven't introduced us to your friend."
"You've met Viggo."
"Not properly, I don't think."
That was true enough. When Viggo had visited Orlando on the set, they'd still been hiding their relationship and had taken care to appear as just friends in public. Ryan had been suspicious and had wrestled the truth from Orlando, but Orlando hadn't been as close to James and Kelly. They'd had no reason to suspect. He looked down and dug his right foot into the plush carpet. It seemed silly now. "Yeah, well..."
"We weren't advertising it at the time." Viggo stepped forward, pressing the length of his body against Orlando's and extending his free hand. "It's nice to properly meet you, though... and congratulations."
There wasn't time to say more, for the outside doors opened and people began entering in earnest. It was time to find their seats. Orlando's stomach flipped as they navigated down the aisle to their spot. The show was about to begin.
He wasn't ready to watch it.
~*~
Orlando shed his outer layers quickly, toeing off his shoes just inside the door and dropping jacket, shirt, and pants on the floor as he crossed the room. He collapsed face first onto the bed wearing just boxers and socks and heaved a heavy sigh. It was finally over. He'd survived the night and the whole long ordeal was completely behind him; instead of relief, however, he just felt complete exhaustion. He couldn't have moved if he'd wanted to.
He lay there for some time with his eyes closed and his breathing deep and even, before he felt familiar hands lifting his feet one at a time and gently removing his socks. He smiled and made a soft, contented noise meant to be a thank you, but it didn't even come close to resembling a word.
It didn't matter, though. Viggo seemed to understand. He slid soothing hands up Orlando's legs as he climbed onto the bed. "Tired?"
"Mmm hmm." It was all the noise Orlando had the energy to make.
"Sleep, then." Soft lips brushed against Orlando's brow and then Viggo was gone, the warmth of his body replaced by a soft blanket laid over him with care.
Orlando wanted to protest, wanted to ask Viggo to stay, but his mouth wasn't connected to his brain and his arms were too heavy to move. He heard Viggo click off the light and close the door and then the silence of the room was replaced by the surreal sounds of his dreams.
The moon was bright and high in the still-dark sky when Orlando woke. It cast soft light into the room, illuminating the undisturbed quilt and still-fluffed pillow on Viggo's side of the bed. Orlando frowned at the pillow, his brow furrowing in puzzlement as he sat up and glanced at the clock. It was well past the time Viggo should have joined him, and yet the other side of the bed was completely undisturbed.
Something wasn't right.
Orlando wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and shuffled down the hall. He wasn't awake enough to really lift his feet and stumbled several times over piles he habitually avoided when he was more awake. At least three of Viggo's precious stacks had been scattered by Orlando's clumsy feet before he made it far enough downstairs to see the light shining around the edges of the studio door.
His curiosity aroused, Orlando pulled the blanket tighter, rubbed his eyes, and set off at a more determined and coordinated pace. He made it to the studio without knocking over any more stacks of books or papers, but when he got to the door he hesitated.
They shared the studio, but whenever Viggo was working with the door closed, Orlando felt a strange hesitation to enter. He knew he was always welcome, and Viggo never made him feel as though he was interrupting, but before he entered he always felt like he would be intruding, like this was the time Viggo would get upset. It was ridiculous. There were as many of Orlando's projects in the studio as Viggo's and they often worked side-by-side, sharing the space comfortably, but it was a feeling Orlando had difficulty shaking.
Slowly, he opened the door and peered around it, blinking in the bright light. Viggo was at an easel, his back to the door with a brush in one hand and a palette in the other. The picture in front of him was as yet unidentifiable, though Orlando had no doubt that Viggo could see the whole thing in his mind.
Once his eyes had adjusted to the light, Orlando pushed the door completely open and padded across the room to Viggo, yawning loudly as he moved to alert Viggo to his presence. Viggo had put down the brush and palette by the time Orlando reached him, and when Orlando leaned his head on Viggo's shoulder, Viggo's arms immediately wrapped around his waist.
Orlando leaned into the embrace and nuzzled at Viggo's neck. "Missed you."
"I've been right here."
"I thought you'd be in bed by now."
"I was distracted." Viggo gestured at the canvas.
Orlando pressed his lips against Viggo's ear. "How about," he whispered, "I find something else to distract you?"
"You're tired." It was a half-hearted protest at best.
"I slept."
"But-"
Orlando stepped back and held out a hand. "Come to bed with me?"
Viggo didn't even glance back at the canvas. "Yes."
The bedroom was still dark, illuminated only by the moon. Orlando flicked on the bedside light, blinked to let his eyes adjust, and then pounced. The blanket fell from his shoulders to the floor as he pushed Viggo onto the bed, climbed on top of him, and pinned him with a deep kiss.
Viggo responded eagerly, tangling his fingers in Orlando's hair as he fervently returned the kiss. Their tongues danced; stroking, thrusting, entwining together as they slid between mouths.
Orlando moaned deep in his throat. This was what he needed. He ground his hips against Viggo, brushing their groins together, and gasped as the rough denim of Viggo's jeans rubbed him through his thin boxers. His cock hardened, tenting the loose cotton and pressing into Viggo as Orlando shifted, seeking maximum contact. His hands slid over Viggo's torso and his tongue slid further into Viggo's mouth and then...
...and then he was on his back, his hands pinned to his side and Viggo was grinning down at him.
"Eager?"
"Fuck yes." Orlando twisted, pulled one arm free, and fumbled with the button on Viggo's jeans. "You're wearing too many clothes. Take them off."
Viggo's raised eyebrow said all there was to say about Orlando's position and his ability to give orders at that moment, but he complied anyway, sliding off the bed and stripping quickly.
Orlando dropped his boxers onto the floor, pulled Viggo back onto the bed, and straddled him. "Now, where were we?"
"You were under me."
"I don't want to be. I want you under me tonight."
A smile slowly spread across Viggo's face. "Yes." He stretched out under Orlando, lifting his hips and brushing their cocks together for a brief moment.
Orlando leaned forward, sliding his hands up Viggo's chest. He brushed his fingers lightly over Viggo's nipples, tweaking them into hardness before he leaned all the way forward, pressing their chests together and putting his mouth by Viggo's ear. "I'm going to ravish you tonight."
Viggo moaned and squirmed. "Please."
Orlando sucked Viggo's earlobe into his mouth, nipping at it lightly and eliciting another moan from Viggo. "Patience, love," he murmured as he planted kisses along Viggo's jaw, working his way slowly towards Viggo's mouth. Tonight, Orlando needed this to be right. He wasn't going to risk ruining it by rushing no matter how nicely Viggo begged.
He kissed Viggo tenderly, taking time to savor the spicy taste of Viggo's tongue and the way Viggo's new stubble scraped his chin as their mouths moved together. The kiss started slow and sensual, but soon Viggo's fingers were scraping down Orlando's back and Viggo's tongue was thrusting into Orlando's mouth demanding more, now. Orlando was happy to comply.
"Please Orlando." Viggo thrust his hips up, seeking contact as Orlando slid down Viggo's body to kneel between his legs.
"Patience."
"No-"
The word ended in a strangled moan as Orlando slid his mouth around the end of Viggo's cock. He flicked his tongue over the end and Viggo's hips bucked, thrusting further into Orlando's mouth. Orlando grinned around the engorged flesh, his eyes glinting as he looked up at Viggo's face, then opened his throat and took the cock the rest of the way into his mouth.
"Orlando!" Viggo's head fell back to the bed. His back arched and he moaned deep in his throat as Orlando moved, sucking and scraping his teeth along Viggo's length. Viggo moaned and begged as Orlando lavished attention on the sensitive flesh, his pleas arousing Orlando as much as the sight of his naked body and the salty taste of his pre-cum.
Viggo tangled his fingers in Orlando's hair. "Stop. I'm not..." He didn't finish the sentence; he didn't need to.
Orlando pulled back, licked the drop of pre-cum from the tip of Viggo's cock, and then crawled up Viggo's body. He kissed his lover fervently, savoring the mix of tastes that was uniquely Viggo as he explored Viggo's mouth, claiming Viggo with the searing kiss. "Love you," he said, pulling back just enough to look into Viggo's eyes.
"Need you," Viggo moaned, his voice raw and aching, as he lifted his hips and brushed his cock against Orlando's. "Not going to last much longer."
Orlando's cock responded eagerly, bobbing against his stomach and oozing a tiny droplet of pre-cum. "Yes." They were both close.
The lube was within easy reach and Viggo bent his knees willingly, opening himself for Orlando's fingers. They both trembled with need as Orlando stretched Viggo, moving as quickly as he dared.
"Please, Orlando." Viggo shifted, pushing Orlando's fingers in further, and gasped. "Want you now." He held up the lube and beckoned for Orlando to move closer.
Orlando didn't need to be asked twice. He pulled out his fingers and scrambled up the bed until Viggo could reach his cock. The rough fingers gently stroking his sensitive flesh sent shudders through Orlando's body. He closed his eyes in bliss and then, all too soon, the sensation was gone.
He blinked and smiled at Viggo who was again stretched out beneath him, his knees bent and his body open and ready for Orlando. It was a sight that was impossible to resist.
Orlando slid between Viggo's legs. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, now... please."
As hot as Viggo sounded when he begged, Orlando couldn't wait anymore either. He lifted Viggo's legs to his waist, positioned himself, and thrust.
The sensation was overwhelming. Orlando could feel Viggo's body clenching around him, could hear Viggo's moans of pleasure and could see the pleasure and love in Viggo's eyes as they moved together. He called out Viggo's name, gasped in pleasure, and heard the sentiments echoed on Viggo's lips.
Each thrust, each moan, each call of his name brought him closer and closer to the edge. The pressure in his groin grew and grew until he could hardly stand it. He knew he wouldn't be able to hold back any longer and there wasn't time to say anything... nor was there need. Viggo was close too, barely holding back; Orlando could feel it and see it in his eyes. With a final thrust, Orlando let go, calling out Viggo's name as he spilled inside his lover.
Viggo's body shuddered and white cum splattered over their stomachs. Orlando collapsed forward, boneless, and lay limp on Viggo's chest.
"I love you." Viggo's chest rumbled as he spoke and Orlando grinned as he tilted his head up to look at Viggo's face.
"I love you too," he replied, lifting his head enough so that they could kiss, briefly and awkwardly given their positions, but that didn't matter. The night was already perfect.
~*~
The early-morning sun shone brightly against the thick curtains, making them almost seem to glow as bits of light slipped around the edges and outlined the fabric in an orange-yellow haze. Orlando blinked at it, decided it wasn't bright enough to disturb his rest, and buried his face back in Viggo's neck.
He was alone in the bed the next time he opened his eyes. The curtains had been smoothed and tugged so they overlapped each other preventing any light from seeping around the edges. He blinked, rubbed at his eyes, and peered at the clock.
It was later than he'd thought, later than he'd intended to sleep. It was no wonder Viggo was up; Orlando had intended to be up a few hours earlier, but his body had obviously had other ideas. As he sank back down into his soft pillow, Orlando was grateful for the extra sleep. The complete exhaustion he'd felt the previous evening was gone, replaced with relief... and a bit of sadness which was almost completely unexpected.
It had been hard watching the movie, reading the dedications, and seeing and hearing Ryan again. The sadness, however, had come and gone in the theater. At least, that was what Orlando had thought. He wasn't at all prepared for the twinge he felt in his chest as he thought about being completely done with the film that had so affected his life.
It was a bit disconcerting.
The door opened slowly and Viggo peered into the room. His body blocked most of the light coming from the hallway, but Orlando still blinked and shifted, seeking a position that would protect his eyes from the unexpected brightness. Viggo stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind him, and in the last of the light Orlando could see a frown on his face.
"Orli?" Viggo pitched his voice just above a whisper, making Orlando strain to hear it. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah." Orlando lifted his head and smiled at Viggo before letting it fall back to the pillow once more. He was awake, but he was comfortable and he wasn't quite ready to move yet.
Viggo breathed out a sigh as he walked to the side of the bed. "How'd you sleep?" Even in the dim light, Orlando could see the concern etched on his features and wondered briefly at the reason.
"Good." Orlando smiled at the memory of the previous night as he found Viggo's hand and tugged. "Come 'ere."
Viggo resisted, but only enough that he was able to maintain a bit of control. Shaking his head he stretched out atop the covers and opened his arms. Orlando scooted closer, resting his head on Viggo's shoulder and pressing as close as he could with the covers and clothes that separated them. Viggo pulled his arms shut, holding Orlando securely.
"Much better," Orlando stated emphatically as he let his eyes drift shut once more. Viggo kept the twinges of sadness away.
Viggo chuckled. "Are you planning on sleeping all day?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Well... I had plans... and some of them involved you."
Orlando opened his eyes and grinned cheekily at Viggo. "Do they involve me getting out of bed?"
"Brat."
"You love me."
"Yeah, I do." The words were followed by a soft, gentle kiss that left no room for any doubt about Viggo's feelings. Orlando moaned into the kiss and opened his mouth for more, but Viggo pulled back, kissed Orlando's forehead, and brushed a stray curl back into his hair.
Orlando pulled away so he could see Viggo's face better. "Vig?"
"Are you all right?" It seemed like a silly question, but Viggo's expression held no humor. He looked serious and concerned as he pressed forward without giving Orlando time to answer. "You were so nervous last night, but you didn't say anything after the movie. I thought we would talk once we got home, but you fell asleep and when you woke up..." He trailed off, smiling and shaking his head. "It was wonderful, but you still didn't say anything."
"I’m fine, really." Orlando leaned in and kissed Viggo gently. The small twinges of sadness were nothing compared to the overwhelming love he felt at that moment. "I promise. I'm mostly relieved, you know? It's hard to believe it's over."
"It is."
"Yeah." Orlando ducked his head. "I miss them, some. More last night than today, but still a little."
Gentle fingers lifted his chin. "You will. That's natural."
"I know. It's just... unexpected." He managed a small smile. "I'm all right, though. I promise."
Viggo's eyebrows crept upward. "And last night?"
"It was... something I needed." Orlando shrugged. "I don't know, exactly. I just, um, I needed to feel, you know? It was so overwhelming last night. I needed to feel and not think and..." He swallowed, catching his bottom lip between his teeth as he gathered the courage to press on. "I needed to know that it hadn't brought things back."
He was pulled close and held so tightly that Orlando wondered why he hadn't thought Viggo would fear the same thing. He should have known how frightened Viggo had been... and yet Viggo hadn't let a hint of it slip. He'd simply been there, supporting Orlando as it was needed.
Orlando tilted his head and sought Viggo's lips. "I love you."
"Love you." Viggo returned the kiss with fervor. When they broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.
"So..." Orlando stretched, letting the covers slide down and reveal his bare chest, and looked at his lover with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Care to elaborate on those plans you had for me today?"
Viggo growled and pounced, pinning Orlando to the bed.
It was going to be a good day.
Fin
Author: Vanessa
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: NC-17
Summary: When a tragic situation leaves Orlando broken and isolated will Viggo’s love and belief in him be strong enough to bring him back?
Feedback: Always appreciated
Warnings: Violence, Angst, and Character Death (Original Characters only).
Disclaimer: This is not true. I don’t know them, and I'm not making any claims about them in real life. It never happened.
Archive: Please don't.
Betas: The wonderful tamsu2002 & foxrafer
Author’s Notes: Well, here's the promised happy ending.
~*~
Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen, Chapter Seventeen, Chapter Eighteen, Chapter Nineteen
Banner by araestel.
The buildings and signs of Los Angeles crept by as the car wound its way towards the theater. Orlando pressed his face against the cool glass of the shaded window and watched as people went about their business, hurrying along with mobile phones pressed to their ears or calling out as they spotted the person they'd arranged to meet. Very few seemed to notice the limousine slowly moving along the busy streets. Los Angeles was home to too many stars and host to too many awards shows for a limousine to be an unusual sight to anyone but a tourist.
They moved slowly enough that Orlando was able to read almost all of the signs as they drove past. A deli was having a sale on turkey and three coffee shops in a row claimed to have the lowest price on lattés. The sign wars between mobile phone companies and Internet providers were equally amusing, and the corners of Orlando's mouth curled up into a slight smile.
"Anything interesting out there?"
"Not a lot." Orlando let the smile drop as he turned from the window. It had only been a momentary thing, and Viggo would know he was faking if he tried to hold it too long. "Nothing unusual." He shrugged and pressed his forehead against the glass again. It wasn't interesting, but at least it was distracting, and that was what he needed at the moment.
The leather seat creaked as Viggo scooted closer so their bodies were practically touching. "Are you all right?" he asked. With anyone else it would have felt like hovering, but with Viggo it was just him being there and offering comfort if it was needed.
Orlando turned from the glass again. "I will be, yeah?" He tried to smile, but Viggo's raised eyebrow let him know that he wasn't at all successful. "I'm just nervous, is all. I haven't felt like this since..." He shrugged. "Well, ever, I guess." Not even his very first premiere or the dreaded premiere of Return of the King, the one that had put him back in the public eye after everything had gone wrong filming this movie compared to what he was feeling at the moment.
Viggo found Orlando's hand and squeezed. "We can go home... or somewhere else... if you want. You're not obligated to appear."
"I know." Orlando returned the squeeze, clutching at Viggo's hand tightly. "I just... I need to do this."
It wasn't something he could explain, and Viggo didn't ask him to. He nodded his understanding and they spent the rest of the ride to the theater in silence, their hands clasped together.
All too soon, the noise from the crowd penetrated the sound resistant interior. Through the window, Orlando could see the fans packed onto the pavement, straining to see the red carpet over the mass of people in front of them. Here the limousine was noticed, and people twisted and peered, trying to find the angle that would let them see through the shaded glass to determine who was inside.
Orlando's stomach was lurching violently as he turned to Viggo, his press smile already plastered on his face. "This is it, yeah?"
"Yeah. You'll be fine." Viggo leaned in and kissed him gently, cupping one hand under Orlando's chin. When he pulled back, the press smile had been replaced by a genuine one.
The limousine came to a stop, the door opened, and they stepped out with their hands still intertwined. The roar of the crowd grew louder as Orlando stood in front of the limo, letting his eyes adjust to the sunlight and camera flashes. Fans chanted his name and reporters called for his attention, but all Orlando heard was Viggo's voice low in his ear. "I think they're happy you came."
"Aren't they always?"
"Brat."
"I love you too." He smiled sadly and squeezed Viggo's hand again before he started to make his way down the carpet. He never loosened his grip on Viggo's hand.
It was hard to decide who was harder to handle - the fans who were just excited to see their favorite stars and expected smiles and enthusiasm Orlando didn't quite have in him, or the reporters who kept asking difficult questions Orlando didn't want to answer. The only group he found easy to handle was the protesters, kept far to the back by security, waving their signs and shouting out whenever they thought they might be heard or caught on camera. They were easy to ignore, though some of their words - both about the decision to release the movie and his choice of lovers - hit Orlando hard and he found himself clutching Viggo's hand tighter.
The walk up the red carpet was long and slow. Orlando breathed a sigh of relief when they stepped inside the building and were momentarily shielded from prying reporters with their cameras ever ready to catch and analyze anything that might provide new Hollywood gossip. "I'm glad that's over," he muttered, pressing closer to Viggo.
Viggo just guided him away from the door, and Orlando knew that they were thinking the same thing. Only the first part was over, and before the evening ended, it would likely prove to be the easiest part.
They hesitated in the lobby, hovering near the doors that led into the theater itself. Orlando couldn't make himself go in, at least not immediately. It was too soon, yet he couldn't go back outside and face people again either. Not this time. So he waited, twisting his hands nervously together, and let Viggo try to calm him with soothing words and a hand on his back.
He was about to start pacing when the doors opened and two more people ducked inside the building. They were pressed close together and looked around the mostly empty lobby with wide eyes. One of them pointed, the other nodded, and they both headed over.
They were halfway across the room before Orlando recognized the couple as Kelly and James. His throat went dry and his mind blank. What was he supposed to say? The last time he saw them... he still couldn't really think about it. Orlando had been tied up with other projects and had done his post-production work separately, so he hadn't seen them since... since before.
Then they were there, shuffling awkwardly and exchanging formal, stilted greetings. It felt wrong, but Orlando didn't know what else to do. The bonds he had with Kelly and James were different from those he had with anyone else he'd ever worked with, and he didn't know what was appropriate for the situation. A handshake didn't seem like enough, but a hug could be intruding.
Kelly solved the problem by tugging on Orlando's offered hand and wrapping her arms around him as soon as he was close enough. "How have you been?" she asked, squeezing him hard.
Suddenly, the barriers were down, and Orlando wrapped his arms around Kelly, returning the hug. "I'm all right now." There was no need to go into the long months he'd suffered, not here anyway. "How are you? Both of you," he clarified, turning his head to look at James as well.
There was another awkward moment as Kelly stepped back and Orlando wasn't sure if he should hug James or not, but then James stepped forward and solved the problem with a swift, tight hug that was over almost before Orlando had a chance to return the gesture.
"We're good," James said as he slid behind Kelly, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head. "We're getting married next month."
"Are you?" Orlando admired the ring Kelly eagerly showed him and he then stepped back, his hand automatically seeking Viggo's. "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Kelly was all smiles now, practically glowing as she nestled comfortably in James' arms. "But you haven't introduced us to your friend."
"You've met Viggo."
"Not properly, I don't think."
That was true enough. When Viggo had visited Orlando on the set, they'd still been hiding their relationship and had taken care to appear as just friends in public. Ryan had been suspicious and had wrestled the truth from Orlando, but Orlando hadn't been as close to James and Kelly. They'd had no reason to suspect. He looked down and dug his right foot into the plush carpet. It seemed silly now. "Yeah, well..."
"We weren't advertising it at the time." Viggo stepped forward, pressing the length of his body against Orlando's and extending his free hand. "It's nice to properly meet you, though... and congratulations."
There wasn't time to say more, for the outside doors opened and people began entering in earnest. It was time to find their seats. Orlando's stomach flipped as they navigated down the aisle to their spot. The show was about to begin.
He wasn't ready to watch it.
~*~
Orlando shed his outer layers quickly, toeing off his shoes just inside the door and dropping jacket, shirt, and pants on the floor as he crossed the room. He collapsed face first onto the bed wearing just boxers and socks and heaved a heavy sigh. It was finally over. He'd survived the night and the whole long ordeal was completely behind him; instead of relief, however, he just felt complete exhaustion. He couldn't have moved if he'd wanted to.
He lay there for some time with his eyes closed and his breathing deep and even, before he felt familiar hands lifting his feet one at a time and gently removing his socks. He smiled and made a soft, contented noise meant to be a thank you, but it didn't even come close to resembling a word.
It didn't matter, though. Viggo seemed to understand. He slid soothing hands up Orlando's legs as he climbed onto the bed. "Tired?"
"Mmm hmm." It was all the noise Orlando had the energy to make.
"Sleep, then." Soft lips brushed against Orlando's brow and then Viggo was gone, the warmth of his body replaced by a soft blanket laid over him with care.
Orlando wanted to protest, wanted to ask Viggo to stay, but his mouth wasn't connected to his brain and his arms were too heavy to move. He heard Viggo click off the light and close the door and then the silence of the room was replaced by the surreal sounds of his dreams.
The moon was bright and high in the still-dark sky when Orlando woke. It cast soft light into the room, illuminating the undisturbed quilt and still-fluffed pillow on Viggo's side of the bed. Orlando frowned at the pillow, his brow furrowing in puzzlement as he sat up and glanced at the clock. It was well past the time Viggo should have joined him, and yet the other side of the bed was completely undisturbed.
Something wasn't right.
Orlando wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and shuffled down the hall. He wasn't awake enough to really lift his feet and stumbled several times over piles he habitually avoided when he was more awake. At least three of Viggo's precious stacks had been scattered by Orlando's clumsy feet before he made it far enough downstairs to see the light shining around the edges of the studio door.
His curiosity aroused, Orlando pulled the blanket tighter, rubbed his eyes, and set off at a more determined and coordinated pace. He made it to the studio without knocking over any more stacks of books or papers, but when he got to the door he hesitated.
They shared the studio, but whenever Viggo was working with the door closed, Orlando felt a strange hesitation to enter. He knew he was always welcome, and Viggo never made him feel as though he was interrupting, but before he entered he always felt like he would be intruding, like this was the time Viggo would get upset. It was ridiculous. There were as many of Orlando's projects in the studio as Viggo's and they often worked side-by-side, sharing the space comfortably, but it was a feeling Orlando had difficulty shaking.
Slowly, he opened the door and peered around it, blinking in the bright light. Viggo was at an easel, his back to the door with a brush in one hand and a palette in the other. The picture in front of him was as yet unidentifiable, though Orlando had no doubt that Viggo could see the whole thing in his mind.
Once his eyes had adjusted to the light, Orlando pushed the door completely open and padded across the room to Viggo, yawning loudly as he moved to alert Viggo to his presence. Viggo had put down the brush and palette by the time Orlando reached him, and when Orlando leaned his head on Viggo's shoulder, Viggo's arms immediately wrapped around his waist.
Orlando leaned into the embrace and nuzzled at Viggo's neck. "Missed you."
"I've been right here."
"I thought you'd be in bed by now."
"I was distracted." Viggo gestured at the canvas.
Orlando pressed his lips against Viggo's ear. "How about," he whispered, "I find something else to distract you?"
"You're tired." It was a half-hearted protest at best.
"I slept."
"But-"
Orlando stepped back and held out a hand. "Come to bed with me?"
Viggo didn't even glance back at the canvas. "Yes."
The bedroom was still dark, illuminated only by the moon. Orlando flicked on the bedside light, blinked to let his eyes adjust, and then pounced. The blanket fell from his shoulders to the floor as he pushed Viggo onto the bed, climbed on top of him, and pinned him with a deep kiss.
Viggo responded eagerly, tangling his fingers in Orlando's hair as he fervently returned the kiss. Their tongues danced; stroking, thrusting, entwining together as they slid between mouths.
Orlando moaned deep in his throat. This was what he needed. He ground his hips against Viggo, brushing their groins together, and gasped as the rough denim of Viggo's jeans rubbed him through his thin boxers. His cock hardened, tenting the loose cotton and pressing into Viggo as Orlando shifted, seeking maximum contact. His hands slid over Viggo's torso and his tongue slid further into Viggo's mouth and then...
...and then he was on his back, his hands pinned to his side and Viggo was grinning down at him.
"Eager?"
"Fuck yes." Orlando twisted, pulled one arm free, and fumbled with the button on Viggo's jeans. "You're wearing too many clothes. Take them off."
Viggo's raised eyebrow said all there was to say about Orlando's position and his ability to give orders at that moment, but he complied anyway, sliding off the bed and stripping quickly.
Orlando dropped his boxers onto the floor, pulled Viggo back onto the bed, and straddled him. "Now, where were we?"
"You were under me."
"I don't want to be. I want you under me tonight."
A smile slowly spread across Viggo's face. "Yes." He stretched out under Orlando, lifting his hips and brushing their cocks together for a brief moment.
Orlando leaned forward, sliding his hands up Viggo's chest. He brushed his fingers lightly over Viggo's nipples, tweaking them into hardness before he leaned all the way forward, pressing their chests together and putting his mouth by Viggo's ear. "I'm going to ravish you tonight."
Viggo moaned and squirmed. "Please."
Orlando sucked Viggo's earlobe into his mouth, nipping at it lightly and eliciting another moan from Viggo. "Patience, love," he murmured as he planted kisses along Viggo's jaw, working his way slowly towards Viggo's mouth. Tonight, Orlando needed this to be right. He wasn't going to risk ruining it by rushing no matter how nicely Viggo begged.
He kissed Viggo tenderly, taking time to savor the spicy taste of Viggo's tongue and the way Viggo's new stubble scraped his chin as their mouths moved together. The kiss started slow and sensual, but soon Viggo's fingers were scraping down Orlando's back and Viggo's tongue was thrusting into Orlando's mouth demanding more, now. Orlando was happy to comply.
"Please Orlando." Viggo thrust his hips up, seeking contact as Orlando slid down Viggo's body to kneel between his legs.
"Patience."
"No-"
The word ended in a strangled moan as Orlando slid his mouth around the end of Viggo's cock. He flicked his tongue over the end and Viggo's hips bucked, thrusting further into Orlando's mouth. Orlando grinned around the engorged flesh, his eyes glinting as he looked up at Viggo's face, then opened his throat and took the cock the rest of the way into his mouth.
"Orlando!" Viggo's head fell back to the bed. His back arched and he moaned deep in his throat as Orlando moved, sucking and scraping his teeth along Viggo's length. Viggo moaned and begged as Orlando lavished attention on the sensitive flesh, his pleas arousing Orlando as much as the sight of his naked body and the salty taste of his pre-cum.
Viggo tangled his fingers in Orlando's hair. "Stop. I'm not..." He didn't finish the sentence; he didn't need to.
Orlando pulled back, licked the drop of pre-cum from the tip of Viggo's cock, and then crawled up Viggo's body. He kissed his lover fervently, savoring the mix of tastes that was uniquely Viggo as he explored Viggo's mouth, claiming Viggo with the searing kiss. "Love you," he said, pulling back just enough to look into Viggo's eyes.
"Need you," Viggo moaned, his voice raw and aching, as he lifted his hips and brushed his cock against Orlando's. "Not going to last much longer."
Orlando's cock responded eagerly, bobbing against his stomach and oozing a tiny droplet of pre-cum. "Yes." They were both close.
The lube was within easy reach and Viggo bent his knees willingly, opening himself for Orlando's fingers. They both trembled with need as Orlando stretched Viggo, moving as quickly as he dared.
"Please, Orlando." Viggo shifted, pushing Orlando's fingers in further, and gasped. "Want you now." He held up the lube and beckoned for Orlando to move closer.
Orlando didn't need to be asked twice. He pulled out his fingers and scrambled up the bed until Viggo could reach his cock. The rough fingers gently stroking his sensitive flesh sent shudders through Orlando's body. He closed his eyes in bliss and then, all too soon, the sensation was gone.
He blinked and smiled at Viggo who was again stretched out beneath him, his knees bent and his body open and ready for Orlando. It was a sight that was impossible to resist.
Orlando slid between Viggo's legs. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, now... please."
As hot as Viggo sounded when he begged, Orlando couldn't wait anymore either. He lifted Viggo's legs to his waist, positioned himself, and thrust.
The sensation was overwhelming. Orlando could feel Viggo's body clenching around him, could hear Viggo's moans of pleasure and could see the pleasure and love in Viggo's eyes as they moved together. He called out Viggo's name, gasped in pleasure, and heard the sentiments echoed on Viggo's lips.
Each thrust, each moan, each call of his name brought him closer and closer to the edge. The pressure in his groin grew and grew until he could hardly stand it. He knew he wouldn't be able to hold back any longer and there wasn't time to say anything... nor was there need. Viggo was close too, barely holding back; Orlando could feel it and see it in his eyes. With a final thrust, Orlando let go, calling out Viggo's name as he spilled inside his lover.
Viggo's body shuddered and white cum splattered over their stomachs. Orlando collapsed forward, boneless, and lay limp on Viggo's chest.
"I love you." Viggo's chest rumbled as he spoke and Orlando grinned as he tilted his head up to look at Viggo's face.
"I love you too," he replied, lifting his head enough so that they could kiss, briefly and awkwardly given their positions, but that didn't matter. The night was already perfect.
~*~
The early-morning sun shone brightly against the thick curtains, making them almost seem to glow as bits of light slipped around the edges and outlined the fabric in an orange-yellow haze. Orlando blinked at it, decided it wasn't bright enough to disturb his rest, and buried his face back in Viggo's neck.
He was alone in the bed the next time he opened his eyes. The curtains had been smoothed and tugged so they overlapped each other preventing any light from seeping around the edges. He blinked, rubbed at his eyes, and peered at the clock.
It was later than he'd thought, later than he'd intended to sleep. It was no wonder Viggo was up; Orlando had intended to be up a few hours earlier, but his body had obviously had other ideas. As he sank back down into his soft pillow, Orlando was grateful for the extra sleep. The complete exhaustion he'd felt the previous evening was gone, replaced with relief... and a bit of sadness which was almost completely unexpected.
It had been hard watching the movie, reading the dedications, and seeing and hearing Ryan again. The sadness, however, had come and gone in the theater. At least, that was what Orlando had thought. He wasn't at all prepared for the twinge he felt in his chest as he thought about being completely done with the film that had so affected his life.
It was a bit disconcerting.
The door opened slowly and Viggo peered into the room. His body blocked most of the light coming from the hallway, but Orlando still blinked and shifted, seeking a position that would protect his eyes from the unexpected brightness. Viggo stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind him, and in the last of the light Orlando could see a frown on his face.
"Orli?" Viggo pitched his voice just above a whisper, making Orlando strain to hear it. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah." Orlando lifted his head and smiled at Viggo before letting it fall back to the pillow once more. He was awake, but he was comfortable and he wasn't quite ready to move yet.
Viggo breathed out a sigh as he walked to the side of the bed. "How'd you sleep?" Even in the dim light, Orlando could see the concern etched on his features and wondered briefly at the reason.
"Good." Orlando smiled at the memory of the previous night as he found Viggo's hand and tugged. "Come 'ere."
Viggo resisted, but only enough that he was able to maintain a bit of control. Shaking his head he stretched out atop the covers and opened his arms. Orlando scooted closer, resting his head on Viggo's shoulder and pressing as close as he could with the covers and clothes that separated them. Viggo pulled his arms shut, holding Orlando securely.
"Much better," Orlando stated emphatically as he let his eyes drift shut once more. Viggo kept the twinges of sadness away.
Viggo chuckled. "Are you planning on sleeping all day?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Well... I had plans... and some of them involved you."
Orlando opened his eyes and grinned cheekily at Viggo. "Do they involve me getting out of bed?"
"Brat."
"You love me."
"Yeah, I do." The words were followed by a soft, gentle kiss that left no room for any doubt about Viggo's feelings. Orlando moaned into the kiss and opened his mouth for more, but Viggo pulled back, kissed Orlando's forehead, and brushed a stray curl back into his hair.
Orlando pulled away so he could see Viggo's face better. "Vig?"
"Are you all right?" It seemed like a silly question, but Viggo's expression held no humor. He looked serious and concerned as he pressed forward without giving Orlando time to answer. "You were so nervous last night, but you didn't say anything after the movie. I thought we would talk once we got home, but you fell asleep and when you woke up..." He trailed off, smiling and shaking his head. "It was wonderful, but you still didn't say anything."
"I’m fine, really." Orlando leaned in and kissed Viggo gently. The small twinges of sadness were nothing compared to the overwhelming love he felt at that moment. "I promise. I'm mostly relieved, you know? It's hard to believe it's over."
"It is."
"Yeah." Orlando ducked his head. "I miss them, some. More last night than today, but still a little."
Gentle fingers lifted his chin. "You will. That's natural."
"I know. It's just... unexpected." He managed a small smile. "I'm all right, though. I promise."
Viggo's eyebrows crept upward. "And last night?"
"It was... something I needed." Orlando shrugged. "I don't know, exactly. I just, um, I needed to feel, you know? It was so overwhelming last night. I needed to feel and not think and..." He swallowed, catching his bottom lip between his teeth as he gathered the courage to press on. "I needed to know that it hadn't brought things back."
He was pulled close and held so tightly that Orlando wondered why he hadn't thought Viggo would fear the same thing. He should have known how frightened Viggo had been... and yet Viggo hadn't let a hint of it slip. He'd simply been there, supporting Orlando as it was needed.
Orlando tilted his head and sought Viggo's lips. "I love you."
"Love you." Viggo returned the kiss with fervor. When they broke apart, they were both breathing heavily.
"So..." Orlando stretched, letting the covers slide down and reveal his bare chest, and looked at his lover with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Care to elaborate on those plans you had for me today?"
Viggo growled and pounced, pinning Orlando to the bed.
It was going to be a good day.
Fin