FIC: "Caretaker" 2/2 (Dave Wenham/Orlando Bloom, Katie McGrath) PG-13
Title: "Caretaker" 2/2
Authors: Brenda & Jo (azewewish & idiosyncratic)
Pairing: Dave Wenham/Orlando Bloom (Katie McGrath)
Rating: PG-13
Click here for full disclaimers and notes.
Back to Part One
Dave just laughed as Dom strolled into the room, Josh right on his heels. The two of them looked as if they'd been rummaging around in Josh's garden - both of them had grass stains on their jeans and t-shirts, and their faces looked freshly scrubbed of dirt.
"Marcus," Dave supplied, and smiled inwardly at Josh's classic double take when he spotted Katie. Child looked as if Christmas and his birthday had come early.
"Oh, well, he is a sexual freak, what'd you expect?" Dom mused, then lifted a hand in greeting. "Hello, Katie-love, ready to run off together yet?"
"As if you'd toss aside Sean to do that," Katie laughed, wiggling her fingers in return. "Orlando here doesn't seem to believe us when we say that Marcus has women."
"Marcus not only has women," Dom said, dropping into a nearby chair, "that slick bastard has a harem. And every single one of them hot enough to stop traffic."
"Hope you're not expecting me to take his word," Orlando said. He seemed to have settled down some as Katie rubbed his ankle in small circles. "Everyone knows Dom's a lying wanker."
"I'm Josh," Josh said before Dom could argue. He stepped forward and rubbed his hand on his jeans before offering it to Katie. "And you must be Katie, since these idiots are too rude to introduce us."
Orlando's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything. Dave put on what he hoped was his most bland look. "Katie's here to take care of Orlando while the Eternal Idiots get back to work," he said, knowing full well that both Dom and Josh knew exactly why Katie was there.
"A pleasure to meet you," Katie replied, giving Josh a charming, flirtatious smile as she took his hand. "Although now I have to have words with Karl about his greed in getting to all of the hot men before I have a shot at them."
"You could still go after Harry," Dom pointed out.
"Dom, my love, not even I'm arrogant enough to think he'd look at me when he's got Monica to keep his bed warm."
"Good point," Dave nodded, although he knew that, despite Katie's obvious beauty and Harry's considerable appeal, the two of them had fallen immediately into an easy friendship without a hint of sexual tension. Karl had admitted more than once he was completely baffled by it, as they were clearly each other's type. Dave had just accused him of being utterly biased. (Karl hadn't denied it.)
"You don't think he'd go for a threesome, then?" Josh grinned. "I know I wouldn't turn you or Monica down."
Katie tapped a finger to her lips as she pretended to give the matter some thought. "That's a good idea."
"Oi, can we stop talking about Harry's sex life for a minute, and you - " Orlando pointed at Josh " - stop flirting with my nurse. Go get your own if you want one."
"Are you getting possessive?" Dave asked, struggling to keep from revealing how endearing he found Orlando's attitude. He wondered if Orlando even realized that he and Katie were pretty much snuggled together like kittens by this point.
Dom burst out laughing. "Mate, you do realize Katie's a woman, yes?"
Katie leaned over to pat Dom's knee. "We did have that talk after he asked to see my knickers."
"Lucky bastard," Josh replied, with a wink as he flopped to sit, Indian-style, on the floor.
"I did not ask!" Orlando glared, but Dave noticed he made no effort to move his feet from her lap. "You're the one that mentioned I could have a look at them if I behaved, not me!"
"You did ask about her bra, though," Dave pointed out with glee, grinning wide as Dom pulled a throw pillow over his face to muffle his laughter.
"That's because her tits were spilling out all over the place," Orlando said, so indignant that he practically bristled.
"They were completely covered," Katie said, mildly, just as Josh said, "Of course, one does wonder why you were looking at her tits long enough to think they might spill out."
"Mate," Orlando said, giving Josh a flat look, "have you seen her tits?"
"Clearly not as well as you have, which is a total shame," Josh retorted, with a pointed look at the two of them on the sofa before grinning.
Dave gave up all pretense of not laughing, covering his face with his hands as Dom howled from behind the pillow. The fact that Orlando couldn't even see how he was contradicting himself made the whole thing that much funnier.
"Wait, so let me get this right," Josh said. "You're not into girls, but you think seeing Katie's frilly underthings is a good enough reward to get you to behave? Doesn't anyone else think that's a little weird?"
"It wasn't my idea to see them!" Then Orlando groaned, and rubbed his temples. "I don't like any of you anymore."
"It's alright," Katie soothed. "I don't mind being objectified by my friends."
"Does this mean I have license to ogle you whenever I want?" Josh wanted to know.
"Only if I can return the favor."
"Deal," Josh promptly replied. "Anything you'd like to see me in?"
Katie winked. "Those jeans you're wearing'll do just fine."
"This is not my life," Orlando declared, to no one in particular.
"'Fraid it is, love," Dave said, giving Orlando a commiserating smile. "And I expect full reports on the subject of Katie's lingerie while I'm stuck in London. With photos, if possible."
"I do a great sexy pose, if I say so myself," Katie said.
"I'm not here to satisfy your prurient fantasies," Orlando muttered, one hand covering his eyes. "Besides, she's my nurse."
"Exactly," Dave said, lightning quick and still smiling. "Which means you're in the best position to get a look at her knickers."
"Might even get to seem 'em wet," Dom offered, wiping away his tears with a little hiccup of laughter. "I mean, if she's to help you shower up and all."
"And your Blackberry does have a camera," Josh pointed out.
"That doesn't even make sense," Orlando groaned, peering at them from between his fingers. "She's in a better position to see mine than I am to see hers."
"You wear knickers?" Katie asked, with an innocent look that Dave knew was anything but.
"No! I don't wear any - " Orlando stopped in mid-word and frowned at her. "I don't even know why I talk to you people."
"Because we're your friends and we love you and that is our blood circulating in your veins, so you owe us," Dom replied.
"I hate it when you're logical."
"Besides," Josh continued, "Karl told me you're the reason he ran off with Harry tonight, so it's your fault that I'm lonely and in need of company and here with you instead of Karl."
"Do you even believe your own lies?" Dom asked, with a laugh.
"Hell no, but it sounds good."
Katie twisted to look at Orlando. "You ran Karl and Harry off? What happened?" She held up a finger when Orlando opened his mouth. "The truth, please."
Orlando gave her a mutinous look. She just returned the look with a calm one. The moment stretched out in silence, then Orlando looked away.
"We had a disagreement," he muttered, hands back in his lap as he focused on them.
Katie remained silent, just watching him, head tilted slightly. He shifted a little, stopped when her hand tightened on his ankle. "Orlando?"
Orlando let out a slow breath, but he didn't look up. "I had a temper tantrum and was a complete and utter cunt," he said, voice dropping to a near whisper.
Dave blinked, sure he'd heard that wrong. And he didn't even look to see if Dom's mouth was hanging open, because he'd heard the sound of Dom's jaw hitting the floor. Even Josh looked completely shell-shocked.
In fact, the only person that didn't look surprised by the admission was Katie. She just patted Orlando's knee. "I know you're frustrated. This is a long and slow recovery process. And I know Karl and Harry can get overprotective with their loved ones. But," she added, "this was something you chose. You accepted the risks and the recovery time."
"I know," Orlando answered, sounding as miserable as Dave had ever heard. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
"Sure it will," Katie smiled. "I can already tell you're stubborn like they are. But just remember next time that this is your choice, and there are certain things you have to suck up."
Orlando made a face, and settled against the pillows. Dave was pretty sure he'd forgotten that anyone other than Katie was even in the room. "I just feel so helpless," Orlando said. "I hate it."
"It'd be weird if you didn't hate it. But you have to listen to your body, and to me." Dave knew he wasn't the only person that had Katie's complete attention. "If you push this, you're going to do irreparable harm to yourself. Kidney failure, blood clots, heart disease, emphysema...your entire system is fragile right now and fighting to keep its balance. Let it. I'll be there with you every step of the way in your recovery, but you have to trust me that I know what I'm talking about. And trust Harry and Karl when they tell you not to go too far. We clear?"
"Has anyone ever told you that you're bossy?"
"Once or twice," Katie laughed. "You'll want to remember that."
"I'll try."
She looked at him for a moment, then shook her head. "Something tells me we're going to have more than one fight."
"It's almost like she knows him," Dom said.
"Shut it," Orlando growled, tearing his eyes from Katie to glare at Dom.
"I know patients," Katie laughed. "And I doubt that Orlando's going to be much different from Gerry...though, he might actually be better."
"Gerry...Gerard was your patient?" Orlando's head snapped around so fast that Dave wasn't sure he hadn't hurt himself from the way he swayed at the sudden movement.
"Of course. That's how we met," Katie sunnily replied. "But that's a story for another time. Now, I need to see to your menu, and you need to rest."
"But, I - "
She held up a hand. "No arguing. You can rest here if you like, but you will be resting."
"Fine," Orlando grumbled. "But I want it noted that I'm only doing this under protest."
"So noted," Katie answered, then slid Orlando's feet from her lap as she stood. "Now, you two, come on - " she beckoned at Dom and Josh " - let's let Dave and Orlando get settled. I might even let you both buy me a drink when I'm done with the chef."
"I know a great piano bar off Wilcox we could go to. The manager there's a friend of mine," Josh said, as he stood and stretched.
"Oi, don't go thinking you're gonna shag my nurse," Orlando piped up. "I know you musician types."
Dave chuckled as Katie planted her hands on her hips and gave Orlando an amused, exasperated look. "And I suppose I have no say in who I shag now that I've got you to look after?"
Josh just smirked. "Besides, as hot as she is, and you are supernova, don't get me wrong," he told Katie, before looking back at Orlando, "she's still a vampire that's not Karl, remember."
"Right," Orlando replied, with a sheepish expression. "I knew that."
"But, if something odd were to happen and I should happen to get so lucky," Josh added, "I'll make sure to tell you all the juicy details."
"No one's getting lucky today," Katie said, ruffling Orlando's hair as she walked past him on her way to the kitchen. "Now rest. David, if he's overtaxed himself when I get back tomorrow night, I'm holding you personally responsible. Come along, boys."
Grinning, Dave just sketched a salute and watched Orlando peer around his pillow until they were out of sight. Then Orlando's eyes found his, and a warm glow shot through him at the mischief dancing in those dark depths. "I like her," Orlando confessed in a loud whisper. "She can stay. But don't tell her I said that."
"Your secret is safe with me," Dave promised, holding a hand over his heart.
"Seriously, where did you guys find her? She seems so...I mean, she's not at all who I would expect Gerard to choose for a fledgling."
"That's because you don't know Gerry."
"I still can't believe he has a nickname." Orlando shook his head. "You're all messing with me. You have to be."
"You'll see," Dave replied, already envisioning Orlando and Gerard's next encounter. It was too bad he'd almost certainly be banished to London by that time. Maybe he could get Karl or Harry to record it. "But, to answer your question, what Katie said was true. Gerard had gotten very ill, and Katie was instrumental in nursing him back to health. They became very close - like siblings, one could say - and when she expressed an interest in The Gift, Gerry couldn't champion her petition to the Council fast enough."
"Huh." Orlando glanced once more in the direction she'd gone, then shook his head. "Still doesn't seem like the type Gerard would pick."
"And who does?" Dave was curious as to the answer, almost certain he knew who Orlando would say.
"Someone like...well, Marcus."
Dave barked out a laugh. Close, but not quite who he thought. God, he seriously could not wait to hear about that next encounter. "Pay attention when you finally get to sit in on the Council meetings," he said, still laughing. "The two of them don't much like each other."
"Probably because they're too alike," Orlando yawned, then frowned. "Why're you way over there? Sofa's big enough for both of us."
"You sure about that?" Dave expected things would be a little different between him and Orlando as long as Orlando was still mortal, and the last thing he wanted was for Orlando to feel obligated to try to make him feel better.
"Well, yeah," Orlando frowned, the space between his eyebrows wrinkling. "I mean, if we can't have sex, the least we can do is cuddle, right?"
"Orlando." Dave scrubbed a hand over his face, and gave Orlando a disbelieving look. "You're a true pet now. To two vampires. You shouldn't...we don't have a bond...you shouldn't want me."
Orlando shrugged, even though Dave could tell he was confused and trying not to show it. "Well, someone forgot to tell me about it, because I definitely still want you." He pulled the blanket back in invitation. "Now, are you going to get over here or are we going to argue about it? Because if we argue, then I'll be forced to tell Katie that I wasn't able to rest, and I don't think you want to face her wrath."
"That's blackmail," Dave laughed, but stood long enough to kick off his shoes before sliding behind Orlando on the sofa. Instantly, Orlando snuggled back against him and let out a small noise of contentment.
"Blackmail, bribery," and Dave could hear the amusement in Orlando's voice, "thought you knew me well enough to know that I'm not averse to using either. And we still have a bond."
"Orlando --"
"Tell me you don't feel it, and I'll call you a liar," Orlando said, a hint of steel creeping into his voice.
"No, I feel it," Dave said, voice soft, and he tried to wrap his head around the fact that he could feel something, even if it wasn't as strong as what they'd once shared. He put his arms around Orlando, frowning a little at how right Katie had been -- Orlando was too thin - and pressed a light kiss to Orlando's nape.
"Good," Orlando said, snuggling tighter against Dave. "Because I'd hate to have to tell Katie that you were arguing with me when I'm supposed to be concentrating on getting better."
"Speaking of Katie..." Dave lifted his head just enough to see Orlando's profile. "Care to tell me why you were flirting with her?"
"I wasn't."
"You were."
"Wasn't."
"Are you five?" Dave laughed, and squeezed Orlando's waist. "It's alright if you were, you know. She's a beautiful woman."
"Yeah, but it's not...I don't want to do anything with her," Orlando replied, and Dave could tell he was choosing his words carefully. "I liked her. She was funny. And she smelled nice."
"She smelled nice?" He knew he shouldn't tease Orlando, but some things were impossible to resist.
"Like flowers and sunshine," Orlando said, turning his face into the pillow for a second. It was just long enough to make Dave wonder if he was blushing. "But it's not...I don't...I mean..."
"Love, it's okay if you like her," Dave said, breathing the words across Orlando's ear, smiling at the resultant shiver. "It's even okay if, down the road, you want to do something with her. Who knows? By then, she might even want to as well."
To Dave's surprise, Orlando didn't say anything at first. He just chewed his bottom lip, and Dave could almost hear the thoughts whirring in his head. "I don't think so," he finally answered. "I mean, I didn't feel anything, y'know, like that. But...do you think she'd be up for snuggling?"
Trust Orlando, Dave thought to himself with an inward smile. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind. She's almost as tactile as you are."
"Yeah?" Orlando seemed to perk up at that. "That's cool. I mean, yeah."
"And don't forget to listen to her, either. Harry and Karl and Viggo wouldn't trust your recovery to just anyone."
"I will. I promise," Orlando stressed, craning his head to look at Dave when Dave gave a small snort of disbelief.
"See that you do. I won't be around to kick your ass if you need it." Suddenly, his impending banishment loomed large.
"I think she'll be able to do that all on her own," Orlando grumbled. Then he twisted a little, just enough to face Dave. His hand was warm when it came up to rest against Dave's jaw. "And I'll be coming to England at some point, love. I don't plan on giving you any reason to save up ass kickings."
"I know." Dave buried his face in Orlando's hair and held him tight enough for Orlando to let out a muffled protest. He eased up immediately. "Sorry."
"S'okay," Orlando said, one hand rubbing his ribs. "But I don't think she's gonna like it if you bruise me."
"No, probably not," Dave smiled, inwardly wincing at the possibility that he'd hurt Orlando. He had to remember Orlando was mortal now, and still recovering. It was hard, though, with Orlando warm and pliant in his arms.
"Just...go easy until I'm a vampire again, yeah?" Orlando smiled, leaning in to kiss the tip of Dave's nose. "Then I promise you can toss me around as much as you want."
"Sounds like something to look forward to," Dave replied, the tight band around his heart easing a little at the look in Orlando's eyes. "I do love you. Never doubt that."
"I never have." Then Orlando cupped Dave's cheek, and his smile was heartbreakingly sweet. "Just don't forget I love you, too. Mortal or vampire, Sire/fledgling bond, pet or not, it doesn't matter. I know what I feel for you."
"Okay." Dave could hear the shakiness in his own voice, but he didn't care. This was Orlando, and he deserved Dave's honest reactions and emotions. "Just take it easy. Harry's not going to even contemplate giving you the Gift again until you're fully recovered."
"Which is why I'm going to do exactly as Katie says," Orlando said, smiling at Dave's disbelieving look. "I am, I promise. The sooner I get well, the sooner he'll give it to me."
"Think it might take a bit longer than that." Regardless of what Orlando might think, Dave's money was always going to be on Harry giving Orlando the Gift on Harry's schedule. "But I'm going to enjoy hearing the creative ways you try to convince Harry."
Orlando sniffed. "I can do it."
"Oh, I know you can try." Dave grinned as he leaned in to rest his forehead against Orlando's. "And I thought you were going to do exactly as Katie said."
"I am!"
"Then why aren't you resting?"
"Because somebody keeps insisting on talking to me," Orland replied, with a lift of an eyebrow.
"Don't blame this on me." Their lips met in a brief, soft kiss. "Now sleep. I'm not going anywhere."
"Better not," Orlando stated, and closed his eyes, happily snuggling into Dave's arms. "Love you."
"Love you, too," Dave replied, and brushed another kiss to Orlando's forehead before closing his eyes. He would cherish every moment with Orlando he could get to shore himself for the long months (and possibly years) ahead.
***
Authors: Brenda & Jo (azewewish & idiosyncratic)
Pairing: Dave Wenham/Orlando Bloom (Katie McGrath)
Rating: PG-13
Click here for full disclaimers and notes.
Back to Part One
Dave just laughed as Dom strolled into the room, Josh right on his heels. The two of them looked as if they'd been rummaging around in Josh's garden - both of them had grass stains on their jeans and t-shirts, and their faces looked freshly scrubbed of dirt.
"Marcus," Dave supplied, and smiled inwardly at Josh's classic double take when he spotted Katie. Child looked as if Christmas and his birthday had come early.
"Oh, well, he is a sexual freak, what'd you expect?" Dom mused, then lifted a hand in greeting. "Hello, Katie-love, ready to run off together yet?"
"As if you'd toss aside Sean to do that," Katie laughed, wiggling her fingers in return. "Orlando here doesn't seem to believe us when we say that Marcus has women."
"Marcus not only has women," Dom said, dropping into a nearby chair, "that slick bastard has a harem. And every single one of them hot enough to stop traffic."
"Hope you're not expecting me to take his word," Orlando said. He seemed to have settled down some as Katie rubbed his ankle in small circles. "Everyone knows Dom's a lying wanker."
"I'm Josh," Josh said before Dom could argue. He stepped forward and rubbed his hand on his jeans before offering it to Katie. "And you must be Katie, since these idiots are too rude to introduce us."
Orlando's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything. Dave put on what he hoped was his most bland look. "Katie's here to take care of Orlando while the Eternal Idiots get back to work," he said, knowing full well that both Dom and Josh knew exactly why Katie was there.
"A pleasure to meet you," Katie replied, giving Josh a charming, flirtatious smile as she took his hand. "Although now I have to have words with Karl about his greed in getting to all of the hot men before I have a shot at them."
"You could still go after Harry," Dom pointed out.
"Dom, my love, not even I'm arrogant enough to think he'd look at me when he's got Monica to keep his bed warm."
"Good point," Dave nodded, although he knew that, despite Katie's obvious beauty and Harry's considerable appeal, the two of them had fallen immediately into an easy friendship without a hint of sexual tension. Karl had admitted more than once he was completely baffled by it, as they were clearly each other's type. Dave had just accused him of being utterly biased. (Karl hadn't denied it.)
"You don't think he'd go for a threesome, then?" Josh grinned. "I know I wouldn't turn you or Monica down."
Katie tapped a finger to her lips as she pretended to give the matter some thought. "That's a good idea."
"Oi, can we stop talking about Harry's sex life for a minute, and you - " Orlando pointed at Josh " - stop flirting with my nurse. Go get your own if you want one."
"Are you getting possessive?" Dave asked, struggling to keep from revealing how endearing he found Orlando's attitude. He wondered if Orlando even realized that he and Katie were pretty much snuggled together like kittens by this point.
Dom burst out laughing. "Mate, you do realize Katie's a woman, yes?"
Katie leaned over to pat Dom's knee. "We did have that talk after he asked to see my knickers."
"Lucky bastard," Josh replied, with a wink as he flopped to sit, Indian-style, on the floor.
"I did not ask!" Orlando glared, but Dave noticed he made no effort to move his feet from her lap. "You're the one that mentioned I could have a look at them if I behaved, not me!"
"You did ask about her bra, though," Dave pointed out with glee, grinning wide as Dom pulled a throw pillow over his face to muffle his laughter.
"That's because her tits were spilling out all over the place," Orlando said, so indignant that he practically bristled.
"They were completely covered," Katie said, mildly, just as Josh said, "Of course, one does wonder why you were looking at her tits long enough to think they might spill out."
"Mate," Orlando said, giving Josh a flat look, "have you seen her tits?"
"Clearly not as well as you have, which is a total shame," Josh retorted, with a pointed look at the two of them on the sofa before grinning.
Dave gave up all pretense of not laughing, covering his face with his hands as Dom howled from behind the pillow. The fact that Orlando couldn't even see how he was contradicting himself made the whole thing that much funnier.
"Wait, so let me get this right," Josh said. "You're not into girls, but you think seeing Katie's frilly underthings is a good enough reward to get you to behave? Doesn't anyone else think that's a little weird?"
"It wasn't my idea to see them!" Then Orlando groaned, and rubbed his temples. "I don't like any of you anymore."
"It's alright," Katie soothed. "I don't mind being objectified by my friends."
"Does this mean I have license to ogle you whenever I want?" Josh wanted to know.
"Only if I can return the favor."
"Deal," Josh promptly replied. "Anything you'd like to see me in?"
Katie winked. "Those jeans you're wearing'll do just fine."
"This is not my life," Orlando declared, to no one in particular.
"'Fraid it is, love," Dave said, giving Orlando a commiserating smile. "And I expect full reports on the subject of Katie's lingerie while I'm stuck in London. With photos, if possible."
"I do a great sexy pose, if I say so myself," Katie said.
"I'm not here to satisfy your prurient fantasies," Orlando muttered, one hand covering his eyes. "Besides, she's my nurse."
"Exactly," Dave said, lightning quick and still smiling. "Which means you're in the best position to get a look at her knickers."
"Might even get to seem 'em wet," Dom offered, wiping away his tears with a little hiccup of laughter. "I mean, if she's to help you shower up and all."
"And your Blackberry does have a camera," Josh pointed out.
"That doesn't even make sense," Orlando groaned, peering at them from between his fingers. "She's in a better position to see mine than I am to see hers."
"You wear knickers?" Katie asked, with an innocent look that Dave knew was anything but.
"No! I don't wear any - " Orlando stopped in mid-word and frowned at her. "I don't even know why I talk to you people."
"Because we're your friends and we love you and that is our blood circulating in your veins, so you owe us," Dom replied.
"I hate it when you're logical."
"Besides," Josh continued, "Karl told me you're the reason he ran off with Harry tonight, so it's your fault that I'm lonely and in need of company and here with you instead of Karl."
"Do you even believe your own lies?" Dom asked, with a laugh.
"Hell no, but it sounds good."
Katie twisted to look at Orlando. "You ran Karl and Harry off? What happened?" She held up a finger when Orlando opened his mouth. "The truth, please."
Orlando gave her a mutinous look. She just returned the look with a calm one. The moment stretched out in silence, then Orlando looked away.
"We had a disagreement," he muttered, hands back in his lap as he focused on them.
Katie remained silent, just watching him, head tilted slightly. He shifted a little, stopped when her hand tightened on his ankle. "Orlando?"
Orlando let out a slow breath, but he didn't look up. "I had a temper tantrum and was a complete and utter cunt," he said, voice dropping to a near whisper.
Dave blinked, sure he'd heard that wrong. And he didn't even look to see if Dom's mouth was hanging open, because he'd heard the sound of Dom's jaw hitting the floor. Even Josh looked completely shell-shocked.
In fact, the only person that didn't look surprised by the admission was Katie. She just patted Orlando's knee. "I know you're frustrated. This is a long and slow recovery process. And I know Karl and Harry can get overprotective with their loved ones. But," she added, "this was something you chose. You accepted the risks and the recovery time."
"I know," Orlando answered, sounding as miserable as Dave had ever heard. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
"Sure it will," Katie smiled. "I can already tell you're stubborn like they are. But just remember next time that this is your choice, and there are certain things you have to suck up."
Orlando made a face, and settled against the pillows. Dave was pretty sure he'd forgotten that anyone other than Katie was even in the room. "I just feel so helpless," Orlando said. "I hate it."
"It'd be weird if you didn't hate it. But you have to listen to your body, and to me." Dave knew he wasn't the only person that had Katie's complete attention. "If you push this, you're going to do irreparable harm to yourself. Kidney failure, blood clots, heart disease, emphysema...your entire system is fragile right now and fighting to keep its balance. Let it. I'll be there with you every step of the way in your recovery, but you have to trust me that I know what I'm talking about. And trust Harry and Karl when they tell you not to go too far. We clear?"
"Has anyone ever told you that you're bossy?"
"Once or twice," Katie laughed. "You'll want to remember that."
"I'll try."
She looked at him for a moment, then shook her head. "Something tells me we're going to have more than one fight."
"It's almost like she knows him," Dom said.
"Shut it," Orlando growled, tearing his eyes from Katie to glare at Dom.
"I know patients," Katie laughed. "And I doubt that Orlando's going to be much different from Gerry...though, he might actually be better."
"Gerry...Gerard was your patient?" Orlando's head snapped around so fast that Dave wasn't sure he hadn't hurt himself from the way he swayed at the sudden movement.
"Of course. That's how we met," Katie sunnily replied. "But that's a story for another time. Now, I need to see to your menu, and you need to rest."
"But, I - "
She held up a hand. "No arguing. You can rest here if you like, but you will be resting."
"Fine," Orlando grumbled. "But I want it noted that I'm only doing this under protest."
"So noted," Katie answered, then slid Orlando's feet from her lap as she stood. "Now, you two, come on - " she beckoned at Dom and Josh " - let's let Dave and Orlando get settled. I might even let you both buy me a drink when I'm done with the chef."
"I know a great piano bar off Wilcox we could go to. The manager there's a friend of mine," Josh said, as he stood and stretched.
"Oi, don't go thinking you're gonna shag my nurse," Orlando piped up. "I know you musician types."
Dave chuckled as Katie planted her hands on her hips and gave Orlando an amused, exasperated look. "And I suppose I have no say in who I shag now that I've got you to look after?"
Josh just smirked. "Besides, as hot as she is, and you are supernova, don't get me wrong," he told Katie, before looking back at Orlando, "she's still a vampire that's not Karl, remember."
"Right," Orlando replied, with a sheepish expression. "I knew that."
"But, if something odd were to happen and I should happen to get so lucky," Josh added, "I'll make sure to tell you all the juicy details."
"No one's getting lucky today," Katie said, ruffling Orlando's hair as she walked past him on her way to the kitchen. "Now rest. David, if he's overtaxed himself when I get back tomorrow night, I'm holding you personally responsible. Come along, boys."
Grinning, Dave just sketched a salute and watched Orlando peer around his pillow until they were out of sight. Then Orlando's eyes found his, and a warm glow shot through him at the mischief dancing in those dark depths. "I like her," Orlando confessed in a loud whisper. "She can stay. But don't tell her I said that."
"Your secret is safe with me," Dave promised, holding a hand over his heart.
"Seriously, where did you guys find her? She seems so...I mean, she's not at all who I would expect Gerard to choose for a fledgling."
"That's because you don't know Gerry."
"I still can't believe he has a nickname." Orlando shook his head. "You're all messing with me. You have to be."
"You'll see," Dave replied, already envisioning Orlando and Gerard's next encounter. It was too bad he'd almost certainly be banished to London by that time. Maybe he could get Karl or Harry to record it. "But, to answer your question, what Katie said was true. Gerard had gotten very ill, and Katie was instrumental in nursing him back to health. They became very close - like siblings, one could say - and when she expressed an interest in The Gift, Gerry couldn't champion her petition to the Council fast enough."
"Huh." Orlando glanced once more in the direction she'd gone, then shook his head. "Still doesn't seem like the type Gerard would pick."
"And who does?" Dave was curious as to the answer, almost certain he knew who Orlando would say.
"Someone like...well, Marcus."
Dave barked out a laugh. Close, but not quite who he thought. God, he seriously could not wait to hear about that next encounter. "Pay attention when you finally get to sit in on the Council meetings," he said, still laughing. "The two of them don't much like each other."
"Probably because they're too alike," Orlando yawned, then frowned. "Why're you way over there? Sofa's big enough for both of us."
"You sure about that?" Dave expected things would be a little different between him and Orlando as long as Orlando was still mortal, and the last thing he wanted was for Orlando to feel obligated to try to make him feel better.
"Well, yeah," Orlando frowned, the space between his eyebrows wrinkling. "I mean, if we can't have sex, the least we can do is cuddle, right?"
"Orlando." Dave scrubbed a hand over his face, and gave Orlando a disbelieving look. "You're a true pet now. To two vampires. You shouldn't...we don't have a bond...you shouldn't want me."
Orlando shrugged, even though Dave could tell he was confused and trying not to show it. "Well, someone forgot to tell me about it, because I definitely still want you." He pulled the blanket back in invitation. "Now, are you going to get over here or are we going to argue about it? Because if we argue, then I'll be forced to tell Katie that I wasn't able to rest, and I don't think you want to face her wrath."
"That's blackmail," Dave laughed, but stood long enough to kick off his shoes before sliding behind Orlando on the sofa. Instantly, Orlando snuggled back against him and let out a small noise of contentment.
"Blackmail, bribery," and Dave could hear the amusement in Orlando's voice, "thought you knew me well enough to know that I'm not averse to using either. And we still have a bond."
"Orlando --"
"Tell me you don't feel it, and I'll call you a liar," Orlando said, a hint of steel creeping into his voice.
"No, I feel it," Dave said, voice soft, and he tried to wrap his head around the fact that he could feel something, even if it wasn't as strong as what they'd once shared. He put his arms around Orlando, frowning a little at how right Katie had been -- Orlando was too thin - and pressed a light kiss to Orlando's nape.
"Good," Orlando said, snuggling tighter against Dave. "Because I'd hate to have to tell Katie that you were arguing with me when I'm supposed to be concentrating on getting better."
"Speaking of Katie..." Dave lifted his head just enough to see Orlando's profile. "Care to tell me why you were flirting with her?"
"I wasn't."
"You were."
"Wasn't."
"Are you five?" Dave laughed, and squeezed Orlando's waist. "It's alright if you were, you know. She's a beautiful woman."
"Yeah, but it's not...I don't want to do anything with her," Orlando replied, and Dave could tell he was choosing his words carefully. "I liked her. She was funny. And she smelled nice."
"She smelled nice?" He knew he shouldn't tease Orlando, but some things were impossible to resist.
"Like flowers and sunshine," Orlando said, turning his face into the pillow for a second. It was just long enough to make Dave wonder if he was blushing. "But it's not...I don't...I mean..."
"Love, it's okay if you like her," Dave said, breathing the words across Orlando's ear, smiling at the resultant shiver. "It's even okay if, down the road, you want to do something with her. Who knows? By then, she might even want to as well."
To Dave's surprise, Orlando didn't say anything at first. He just chewed his bottom lip, and Dave could almost hear the thoughts whirring in his head. "I don't think so," he finally answered. "I mean, I didn't feel anything, y'know, like that. But...do you think she'd be up for snuggling?"
Trust Orlando, Dave thought to himself with an inward smile. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind. She's almost as tactile as you are."
"Yeah?" Orlando seemed to perk up at that. "That's cool. I mean, yeah."
"And don't forget to listen to her, either. Harry and Karl and Viggo wouldn't trust your recovery to just anyone."
"I will. I promise," Orlando stressed, craning his head to look at Dave when Dave gave a small snort of disbelief.
"See that you do. I won't be around to kick your ass if you need it." Suddenly, his impending banishment loomed large.
"I think she'll be able to do that all on her own," Orlando grumbled. Then he twisted a little, just enough to face Dave. His hand was warm when it came up to rest against Dave's jaw. "And I'll be coming to England at some point, love. I don't plan on giving you any reason to save up ass kickings."
"I know." Dave buried his face in Orlando's hair and held him tight enough for Orlando to let out a muffled protest. He eased up immediately. "Sorry."
"S'okay," Orlando said, one hand rubbing his ribs. "But I don't think she's gonna like it if you bruise me."
"No, probably not," Dave smiled, inwardly wincing at the possibility that he'd hurt Orlando. He had to remember Orlando was mortal now, and still recovering. It was hard, though, with Orlando warm and pliant in his arms.
"Just...go easy until I'm a vampire again, yeah?" Orlando smiled, leaning in to kiss the tip of Dave's nose. "Then I promise you can toss me around as much as you want."
"Sounds like something to look forward to," Dave replied, the tight band around his heart easing a little at the look in Orlando's eyes. "I do love you. Never doubt that."
"I never have." Then Orlando cupped Dave's cheek, and his smile was heartbreakingly sweet. "Just don't forget I love you, too. Mortal or vampire, Sire/fledgling bond, pet or not, it doesn't matter. I know what I feel for you."
"Okay." Dave could hear the shakiness in his own voice, but he didn't care. This was Orlando, and he deserved Dave's honest reactions and emotions. "Just take it easy. Harry's not going to even contemplate giving you the Gift again until you're fully recovered."
"Which is why I'm going to do exactly as Katie says," Orlando said, smiling at Dave's disbelieving look. "I am, I promise. The sooner I get well, the sooner he'll give it to me."
"Think it might take a bit longer than that." Regardless of what Orlando might think, Dave's money was always going to be on Harry giving Orlando the Gift on Harry's schedule. "But I'm going to enjoy hearing the creative ways you try to convince Harry."
Orlando sniffed. "I can do it."
"Oh, I know you can try." Dave grinned as he leaned in to rest his forehead against Orlando's. "And I thought you were going to do exactly as Katie said."
"I am!"
"Then why aren't you resting?"
"Because somebody keeps insisting on talking to me," Orland replied, with a lift of an eyebrow.
"Don't blame this on me." Their lips met in a brief, soft kiss. "Now sleep. I'm not going anywhere."
"Better not," Orlando stated, and closed his eyes, happily snuggling into Dave's arms. "Love you."
"Love you, too," Dave replied, and brushed another kiss to Orlando's forehead before closing his eyes. He would cherish every moment with Orlando he could get to shore himself for the long months (and possibly years) ahead.
***