FIC: Lost Without You (BB/OB)(Epilogue)
Title: Lost Without You (Epilogue)
Author: sassywitch
Beta hisniblets
Pairing: OB/BB, mentions of BB/DM
Rating: NC-17 for the series.
Summary: Orlando receives some devastating news and does his best to deal with it
Feedback: Feedback is my writers crack, which is not to be confused at all with plumbers crack.
Banner: By the amazing and talented loki_girl
Authors Notes: In this AU, Dom is less than the ditzy caring man we’ve all come to know through fic. If that has the potential to upset you please don’t go any further.
Author Notes 2: This is the end of this journey, however, I might revisit this AU. For what started life as a ficlet, this has grown to have a life all of its own. Thank you all for making this journey with them and me.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. These men whilst adorable and perfectly happy to slash themselves, their actual relationship is something that they only know.
Word Count: 3451
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1| Chapter 2| Chapter 3| Chapter 4| Chapter 5| Chapter 6| Chapter 7| Chapter 8| Chapter 9| Chapter 10| Chapter 11| Chapter 12| Chapter 13| Chapter 14| Chapter 15| Chapter 16| Chapter 17| Chapter 18| Chapter 19| Chapter 20| Chapter 21| Chapter 22| Chapter 23| Chapter 24| Chapter 25| Chapter 26| Chapter 27| Chapter 28| Chapter 29| Chapter 30|
Posted to: fellow_shippers, sassyfic
Perspiration cooled on golden-tanned skin as he rolled onto his back, one long arm pulling his lover against him as they both fought to catch their breath. Calloused fingertips traced the line of his ribs tenderly, his own hand brushing up and down the pale, freckled skin of Billy’s back as they relaxed against each other, their bodies temporarily sated. Tilting his head slightly, Orlando pressed a soft kiss against the top of Billy’s head.
“was a good idea to send the kids to Mama’s for the weekend.” He murmured.
Billy’s hand slipped down Orlando’s side to rest on lightly on his hip, his fingertips caressing the bare skin slowly.
“Seems like forever since we’ve spent the afternoon in bed.” Billy whispered, his lips pressing against the warm pectoral muscle beneath his mouth.
“We’ve got all night too.” Orlando growled, pushing Billy’s hand off his hip and against his growing arousal. “I’ve been waiting for this weekend all week,” Orlando spoke softly, “It’s all kinds of arousing knowing that I’ve got you all to myself, for two whole days, no work , no kids, not even any pets.” He arched his hips up into Billy’s slow touch. He bent his head to lick at Billy’s earlobe, “It’s made me hard every time I’ve thought about it.”
“You are…” Billy rolled onto Orlando his hips fitting into the space between his thighs, “incorrigible.”
Orlando looped his long fingers under Billy’s unshaven chin and tilted his face up, kissing him slowly.
“I think the word you’re looking for is insatiable.” Orlando groaned against Billy’s lips. “It’s been two weeks since we were even in bed at the same time, love.”
“I’ve tried to get home early.” Billy sighed, anticipating an argument. “But you know what night shoots are like.” He shrugged. “It’s been hard enough getting home for dinner.”
“I’m not complaining.” Orlando murmured. “I’m just saying I missed you. I know how hard you work, and I know our schedules don’t quite match and the kids are the really important ones at the moment, but can’t I miss the sexy scot that I love.”
“Only if I can miss my Brit. And you’re just as important as the bairns, but you understand when I can’t get to bed before you leave for work.” Billy dropped his forehead to rest against Orlando’s chest. “We wouldn’t be quite as busy if we’d said no to Arkady.”
“We couldn’t.” Orlando stated quickly. “He’s Katya’s brother, we would never have forgiven ourselves if we hadn’t said yes.”
“I know, and if she’d been with us for more than four months when they called it would have been easier. I love both our children, lad, you know that better than anyone, but it wouldn’t be nearly as hard on you if Katydid was settled more when we collected him.” Billy explained, “With all mah nightshoots, reassuring Katya and settling Kady in? I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting ye.”
Orlando pressed his fingers to Billy’s lips and his lips to his forehead.
“Shut up, Bills.” Orlando spoke. “I should never have said anything. You think I can’t see how thin you’re stretching yourself at home and then trying to get your band working all while you’re trying to get your film done. And that I’m a selfish prat for spending my own days at work, especially when I could take the kids to work with me, at least give you time to rest.”
“We discussed this already, Orli.” Billy sighed. “I’m fine, your career is important, I wouldn’t trade this experience, this life we’re making for anything. I thought you knew that.”
“I did. I do. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t regret things. Does it? And for the record, your career is just as important.” His thumb traced the faint dark circles under Billy’s eyes. “I know all you want to do is sleep and even knowing that I can’t help but want you.”
“I know that laddie, but I don’t have the paparazzi following me around do I now, so the bairns are safer with me fer now. And just because I’m tired it doesn’t mean that I don’t want you too.” Billy inclined his head to press his lips against Orlando’s, his tongue slowly flicking across Orlando’s bottom lip. “I love ye, there hasn’t been a day that’s passed that I have wanted to spend more time with ye. To have the time to just spend the night buried deep inside ye, or feel ye in me, or just be with ye like this instead of stealing an hour or two sleeping wrapped up together.”
“It’ll happen.” Orlando kissed the lightly graying hair at Billy’s temples. “We’ve made a good home for our kids, Bills.” He pressed his lips over Billy’s and kissed him slowly. “this weekend is for us. We only have to get out of bed for food.” He grinned widely before lifting his head to nibble at the curve of Billy’s freckled shoulder. “And I’m not even remotely hungry for anything but the man I love.”
Billy grinned, the tip of one finger swirling around Orlando’s dark nipple. “So ye’re saying we’re both hungering for the same thing?”
“I don’t know about you.” Orlando let his fingers slide down Billy’s back, until they cupped one firm, pale buttock. “I’m absolutely famished.”
“Aye, I quite fancy the buffet.” Billy chuckled letting his fingers trail across Orlando’s flat belly.
A faintly tinny Beatles tune began from the bedside table accompanied by the sound of Orlando’s cell phone vibrating across the rosy wooden surface.
“We should ignore it.” Orlando murmured, his fingers brushing through Billy’s hair, as Billy reached for the offending object.
“Aye, but we cannae.” Billy replied softly, “It’s ye Mama, she wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important, something may have happened to the bairns.” He pressed the phone into Orlando’s fingers.
Orlando accepted the phone and pressed the button to accept the call, his eyes concerned until he listened to his mother speaking, shaking his head quickly to ease the worry in Billy’s face, he smiled into the mouthpiece as his mother spoke to him.
Content that their family was safe, Billy turned his attention to his lover. Pressing his hands to the sheets at either side of Orlando’s torso, Billy lifted his own body far enough to be able to press his lips to the taut flesh just about Orlando’s navel. Kissing a slow path up Orlando’s body, Billy licked the sun tattoo and then lathed a long low lick across each rib, smiling at the indrawn breath his tongue caused.
Billy wasn’t prepared for the sudden movement from Orlando. He almost bit his tongue as Orlando reached quickly for the bedside table.
Frowning, Billy leaned away and watched as Orlando grabbed the remote control unit for their TV. Hearing Orlando bid his mother farewell and drop the phone to the bed, Billy’s frown deepened.
“What’s wrong?” Billy asked.
“Our daughter saw you on one of those scandal shows. When Ma looked she thought we should watch.” Orlando pulled Billy against him as he relaxed back against the pillows.
As the story started, Billy tensed against his lover, Dominic’s wife, her hair and clothing perfect, her make up marred only by the evidence of tears was sitting in a high backed chair, speaking to a popular reporter.
They lay back against the pillows, Orlando’s arms circling Billy’s body as they watched her speaking. She seemed almost to be speaking in a stream of consciousness, yet sometimes she spoke in response to the gently probing questions of the elderly woman. Both men watched as Dominic’s carefully constructed life collapsed around him.
“What is prompting you to do this?” the interviewer asked quietly.
“I can’t continue to stay with my husband in good conscience.” She answered, her eyes downcast, one hand pushing a lock of long russet hair behind her right ear. “Dominic, I’ve learned recently has been deceiving me since I met him. He’s not the good man I thought I married.” She paused, swallowing tearfully. “He’s determined to destroy the life of his ex lover and I can’t stand by and watch that.” She spoke quickly. “But there is another reason, I’m ashamed to say that I have almost as many secrets as my husband.”
“What would cause you so much shame?”
“Billie? Our daughter, is not Dominic’s biological child.” She murmured as fresh tears flowed down pale cheeks anew. “I’m pregnant and cannot any longer live the lie that I have been.”
“Can you explain that?”
“I know Dominic is not the father because we haven’t been intimate in more than six months.”
“So you’re having an affair?”
“We both have been.” She nodded sadly, “Since before our wedding. I will be petitioning Dominic for a divorce so I can marry the father of my children.”
“Are you free to divulge his identity?”
“Yes. He’s a photographer, You many have seen a lot of his work, he’s recently completed a spread in Vogue, he did my first professional photo shoot.”
“And Dominic? Do you think he will marry his partner?”
“It’s impossible for him. His lover is an ex cast mate. A man.”
The interviewer frowned tightly. “Mr Boyd? The man he’s been denigrating so loudly?”
“No.” she shook her head quickly. “Although I know they were lovers in the past.” She replied. “I don’t understand why he’s being so cruel to Billy. I like him. He’s a lovely man. My daughter was named for him. Billy has done nothing wrong, but Dominic is determined to destroy him because he has everything that Dominic wants.” She sighed sadly.
“Turn it off Orlando.” Billy spoke quietly. “I don’t want to see anymore.”
“Are you okay?” Orlando asked as he quickly punched the off button with his thumb and rolled to look at his lover.
“How can she do that to him?” Billy’s eyes were glazed as he looked into Orlando’s face.
“She playing the same game he is Bills, and she’s far better at it.” Orlando answered.
“She’s deliberately hurting him.” Billy answered.
“Have you forgotten that he tried to stop us getting and keeping our children? Or maybe even the fact that he deliberately hurt and used you for ten long painful years?” Orlando couldn’t stop the angry edge to his voice.
“Of course I haven’t.” Billy pulled away from Orlando enough to look into his face more clearly. “But he’s a human being. No-one should treat anyone like that.”
“You’re right.” Orlando exhaled slowly fear of losing his lover finally leaving him. “But Karma is a beautiful thing.” He pushed Billy onto his back, kissing him wetly. “My sexy tender hearted Scot, he’s only getting what he deserves for what he did to you.”
“It’s as much my fault as it is his.” Billy sighed, tilting his head to give Orlando better access to his neck. “If I hadn’t encouraged him for so long he wouldn’t have done it.”
Orlando kissed a line of soft open mouthed kisses across Billy’s hair covered chest. “See the way I see it. That puts him even more at fault. He knew damned well how you felt and he used that to his benefit. That makes him a selfish prick that gets everything he deserves.”
Billy’s fingers twisted lethargically in Orlando’s hair.
“Why are we talking about him when we’ve got the house to ourselves?” he murmured, he wanted to defend his old lover but couldn’t find the words wanting instead to give himself up to the pleasure of his mate.
Orlando smiled against Billy’s chest before he lifted himself onto his elbows and smiled brightly at his lover. “As you wish, my liege.” He murmured, sinking down to kiss him slowly.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Laying back on the deck chair on their back lawn, Billy settled into Orlando’s loose embrace as they watched their children playing on the swing set he and Viggo had just finished erecting.
“Never let it be said we aren’t construction workers.” Viggo laughed as he reclined on a matching chair.
“You looked more like miracle workers to me.” Orlando chuckled. “What do you think, Sam?” he tilted his head back to look into his heavily pregnant sister’s face.
“A little of both I think.” Sam answered tactfully as she sat on the edge of Viggo’s chair and pressed an affectionate kiss to his lips. “Never let it be said our husbands aren’t handy to have around.”
Orlando rubbed his fingers down Billy’s bare arm, “I never said he wasn’t handy to have around.” He smirked as he tipped his lips down to kiss Billy gently. His fingertips brushed across Billy’s pinkened skin as he did. “you need to put your shirt back on.” He murmured.
“Yes Mom.” Billy smiled, yet snuggled deeper into Orlando’s arms.
At the sound of a clearing throat both men looked up into Viggo’s and Sam’s faces, Sam’s eyes teary and Viggo making gagging motions.
“What!” they exclaimed in unison, their grins matching as much as their words.
Before either of their guests could answer their doorbell sounded.
“I’ll get it.” Orlando grumbled as he started to lift himself out of Billy’s embrace.
“Daddy.” Katya called, “push me, Daddy?” she extended her arms towards her parents as she sat on her new swing.
“You push our girl. I’ll get the door.” Billy replied as he stood and extended a hand to Orlando to pull him from the chair. “I’ve got to get a shirt anyway.” he shrugged.
Walking through the house, Billy smiled happily, singing softly to himself. The grin faded as he swung the front door open.
“What do you want?” he asked sharply, his fingers tightening on the heavy wooden door, ready to swing it closed.
“To apologize.” Dom stated quietly. He stood in front of Billy, his jeans wrinkled, his tee shirt crumpled and travel worn.
“Not accepted.” Billy took a deep breath and stepped back, his hand gripping the door until his knuckles whitened as he started to swing the door closed.
“C’mon Bills.” Dominic pleaded, his had snapping out to press his palm flat against the wood. “We had so much, please let me in.”
“Why?” Billy growled at him. “I’m happy now Dominic. I can’t trust you, not near my family.”
“Please Billy? I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Dominic asked softly, his head bowed submissively as he begged Billy.
“Oh fer fecks sake Dominic.” Billy responded pushing the door open wider, allowing the other man to walk in. “Explain to me why I’m letting you in.”
“We’ve got history Billy.” Dominic shrugged, “I’d be there if you needed me.”
Billy’s lips pressed into a tight line, his not often seen temper beginning to get the better of him. His hands closed into tight fists as he turned his back on the younger man.
“Excuse me for not laughing.” He ground out angrily, stalking through the house, he lifted his shirt from the back of one of the tall stools that lined the breakfast nook and slipped his arms into the sleeves.
“I know we’ve had our differences, Bill, but I’ve changed. I love you, Bills.” Dominic followed him.
Billy’s shoulders slumped as he heard Dom’s words. He looked up to see Orlando standing in the doorway that led from their house to their back lawn, watching them wordlessly. Glancing away from his all knowing brown gaze, Billy’s eyes shifted to Viggo who stood a short distance away and Sam who was occupying Katya and Arkady on the swings. His family stood before him, knowing that he had just heard the words he had waited what seemed his entire life to hear. Filled with trepidation his gaze flicked back to Orlando’s face. His partner’s face was inscrutable, his expression neutral, his eyes filled with love and hope and if Billy looked more than a little fear. Orlando’s faith gave him the strength he needed to deal with Dominic’s revelation.
Drawing a deep breath, Billy pulled himself to his full height, his shoulders straight as he turned to look at Dominic. For the first time since Dominic had entered their house Billy really looked at him.
The time since their last meeting had not been kind. Dom’s hair, now short cropped and his natural colour, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deeper, the blue gray eyes Billy had loved so much shadowed and ringed with dark circles. He had always looked so young and carefree, now he looked his age and then some. Months ago, Billy’s first thought would have been to embrace the younger man and try to make him better whatever way he could. Not today.
“Pulling out all the stops now aren’t we, Dominic.” Billy growled at him. “You could have said those words six months ago and I would have been in your arms and your bed quicker than you could blink those eyes.” He inhaled slowly, glancing back at Orlando quickly before he spoke again. “Not now. Now I know you. Even better than that. I understand you. You smug manipulative bastard. You’ll say whatever you need to if it means you get your own way.”
“You don’t mean that, Billy.” Dom stepped closer. “I know I did wrong, I know now I treated you like crap, I want to make it up to you. I want to be with you, Billy.”
“While you’re with your other lover?” Billy quirked an eyebrow at him. “You think I didn’t see the little woman’s interview? I’m done being the other man, Dom. I’m happy, happier than I ever was with you.”
“I’ve told him we’re done. You’re the one I really want, Billy.” Dom murmured, his eyes never leaving Billy’s face.
“Now tell me the true story.” Billy probed. “He’s had his fling and gone back to his girlfriend hasn’t he? You’re me for him aren’t you? An itch he can’t quite scratch but has to try. She on the road and wants him with her?”
“I don’t know.” Dom shrugged. “I told you. It was my choice.”
“And I told you. I’m not interested.” Billy stated, pressing his fisted hands to his hips.
“Please Billy, I’ll beg if you want me to. Please let me make it up to you.” Dominic replied, tears glistening in his expressive eyes.
“How exactly are you going to do that, Dominic?” Billy asked.
“Anything you want Billy. Anything. I want to make you happy. I need to know you love me. Please Billy?” Dom moved to stand in front of Billy and dropped to his knees holding his hands up to his old lover.
“For Feck’s Sake, Dominic. Get up.” Billy responded in exasperation. “You can’t do anything for me. Nothing. Do you understand me? I have everything I could ever want. I have two beautiful children, a man that loves me and that I love.” Billy paused, glancing towards Orlando as he spoke. “Thank feck, we’ll never be like we were.” Billy smiled thoughtfully. “You know why? We’re equals Orli and I, there is none of the crap that I endured with you. We love each other and we work.”
“We could have that too. I’ve changed Billy, honestly. Please believe me.” Dom begged as he pulled himself back to his feet.
“You want to make it up to me?” Billy asked.
“I want us to be happy, Billy.” Dominic nodded. “You and me. I know I can make you happy.”
“Good. Then get out of my home. I am happy and I’m going to stay that way, because I love my partner and I love my children and my life and I don’t need you fecking with that happiness again.”
“You don’t mean that Billy. You love me.” Dom looked at him, his expression disbelieving.
“I do mean it, Dommeh.” Billy sighed as Orlando stepped behind him and wrapped his long arms around Billy’s waist. “I hope that one day we can be friends again, but if we’re not, that’s okay too. I won’t risk my life here for you. Ever.”
“What can I do to convince you?” Dominic pleaded.
“You can get out like you were asked.” Orlando spoke, pressing a kiss against Billy’s head.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, Flower.” Dominic snarled angrily.
“If you were speaking to me, you were speaking to Orlando.” Billy replied smoothly. “Now get out Dommeh.”
Dominic’s gaze went from Billy to Orlando, to Viggo who had taken Orlando’s place in the doorway, before his shoulders slumped and he realized his failure.
“You know the way out, Monaghan.” Orlando murmured, watching him warily.
Dominic turned and walked slowly out of the house. The front door clicked closed behind him.
Viggo entered the room and passed the embracing couple wordlessly, nodding at Orlando as he did.
Orlando tightened his hold on Billy and pressed a kiss to his temple.
“You okay?” he breathed against the pale freckled skin.
“I am now.” Billy answered and turned in his embrace.
Author: sassywitch
Beta hisniblets
Pairing: OB/BB, mentions of BB/DM
Rating: NC-17 for the series.
Summary: Orlando receives some devastating news and does his best to deal with it
Feedback: Feedback is my writers crack, which is not to be confused at all with plumbers crack.
Banner: By the amazing and talented loki_girl
Authors Notes: In this AU, Dom is less than the ditzy caring man we’ve all come to know through fic. If that has the potential to upset you please don’t go any further.
Author Notes 2: This is the end of this journey, however, I might revisit this AU. For what started life as a ficlet, this has grown to have a life all of its own. Thank you all for making this journey with them and me.
Disclaimer: Not at all true in reality. These men whilst adorable and perfectly happy to slash themselves, their actual relationship is something that they only know.
Word Count: 3451
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1| Chapter 2| Chapter 3| Chapter 4| Chapter 5| Chapter 6| Chapter 7| Chapter 8| Chapter 9| Chapter 10| Chapter 11| Chapter 12| Chapter 13| Chapter 14| Chapter 15| Chapter 16| Chapter 17| Chapter 18| Chapter 19| Chapter 20| Chapter 21| Chapter 22| Chapter 23| Chapter 24| Chapter 25| Chapter 26| Chapter 27| Chapter 28| Chapter 29| Chapter 30|
Posted to: fellow_shippers, sassyfic
Perspiration cooled on golden-tanned skin as he rolled onto his back, one long arm pulling his lover against him as they both fought to catch their breath. Calloused fingertips traced the line of his ribs tenderly, his own hand brushing up and down the pale, freckled skin of Billy’s back as they relaxed against each other, their bodies temporarily sated. Tilting his head slightly, Orlando pressed a soft kiss against the top of Billy’s head.
“was a good idea to send the kids to Mama’s for the weekend.” He murmured.
Billy’s hand slipped down Orlando’s side to rest on lightly on his hip, his fingertips caressing the bare skin slowly.
“Seems like forever since we’ve spent the afternoon in bed.” Billy whispered, his lips pressing against the warm pectoral muscle beneath his mouth.
“We’ve got all night too.” Orlando growled, pushing Billy’s hand off his hip and against his growing arousal. “I’ve been waiting for this weekend all week,” Orlando spoke softly, “It’s all kinds of arousing knowing that I’ve got you all to myself, for two whole days, no work , no kids, not even any pets.” He arched his hips up into Billy’s slow touch. He bent his head to lick at Billy’s earlobe, “It’s made me hard every time I’ve thought about it.”
“You are…” Billy rolled onto Orlando his hips fitting into the space between his thighs, “incorrigible.”
Orlando looped his long fingers under Billy’s unshaven chin and tilted his face up, kissing him slowly.
“I think the word you’re looking for is insatiable.” Orlando groaned against Billy’s lips. “It’s been two weeks since we were even in bed at the same time, love.”
“I’ve tried to get home early.” Billy sighed, anticipating an argument. “But you know what night shoots are like.” He shrugged. “It’s been hard enough getting home for dinner.”
“I’m not complaining.” Orlando murmured. “I’m just saying I missed you. I know how hard you work, and I know our schedules don’t quite match and the kids are the really important ones at the moment, but can’t I miss the sexy scot that I love.”
“Only if I can miss my Brit. And you’re just as important as the bairns, but you understand when I can’t get to bed before you leave for work.” Billy dropped his forehead to rest against Orlando’s chest. “We wouldn’t be quite as busy if we’d said no to Arkady.”
“We couldn’t.” Orlando stated quickly. “He’s Katya’s brother, we would never have forgiven ourselves if we hadn’t said yes.”
“I know, and if she’d been with us for more than four months when they called it would have been easier. I love both our children, lad, you know that better than anyone, but it wouldn’t be nearly as hard on you if Katydid was settled more when we collected him.” Billy explained, “With all mah nightshoots, reassuring Katya and settling Kady in? I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting ye.”
Orlando pressed his fingers to Billy’s lips and his lips to his forehead.
“Shut up, Bills.” Orlando spoke. “I should never have said anything. You think I can’t see how thin you’re stretching yourself at home and then trying to get your band working all while you’re trying to get your film done. And that I’m a selfish prat for spending my own days at work, especially when I could take the kids to work with me, at least give you time to rest.”
“We discussed this already, Orli.” Billy sighed. “I’m fine, your career is important, I wouldn’t trade this experience, this life we’re making for anything. I thought you knew that.”
“I did. I do. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t regret things. Does it? And for the record, your career is just as important.” His thumb traced the faint dark circles under Billy’s eyes. “I know all you want to do is sleep and even knowing that I can’t help but want you.”
“I know that laddie, but I don’t have the paparazzi following me around do I now, so the bairns are safer with me fer now. And just because I’m tired it doesn’t mean that I don’t want you too.” Billy inclined his head to press his lips against Orlando’s, his tongue slowly flicking across Orlando’s bottom lip. “I love ye, there hasn’t been a day that’s passed that I have wanted to spend more time with ye. To have the time to just spend the night buried deep inside ye, or feel ye in me, or just be with ye like this instead of stealing an hour or two sleeping wrapped up together.”
“It’ll happen.” Orlando kissed the lightly graying hair at Billy’s temples. “We’ve made a good home for our kids, Bills.” He pressed his lips over Billy’s and kissed him slowly. “this weekend is for us. We only have to get out of bed for food.” He grinned widely before lifting his head to nibble at the curve of Billy’s freckled shoulder. “And I’m not even remotely hungry for anything but the man I love.”
Billy grinned, the tip of one finger swirling around Orlando’s dark nipple. “So ye’re saying we’re both hungering for the same thing?”
“I don’t know about you.” Orlando let his fingers slide down Billy’s back, until they cupped one firm, pale buttock. “I’m absolutely famished.”
“Aye, I quite fancy the buffet.” Billy chuckled letting his fingers trail across Orlando’s flat belly.
A faintly tinny Beatles tune began from the bedside table accompanied by the sound of Orlando’s cell phone vibrating across the rosy wooden surface.
“We should ignore it.” Orlando murmured, his fingers brushing through Billy’s hair, as Billy reached for the offending object.
“Aye, but we cannae.” Billy replied softly, “It’s ye Mama, she wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important, something may have happened to the bairns.” He pressed the phone into Orlando’s fingers.
Orlando accepted the phone and pressed the button to accept the call, his eyes concerned until he listened to his mother speaking, shaking his head quickly to ease the worry in Billy’s face, he smiled into the mouthpiece as his mother spoke to him.
Content that their family was safe, Billy turned his attention to his lover. Pressing his hands to the sheets at either side of Orlando’s torso, Billy lifted his own body far enough to be able to press his lips to the taut flesh just about Orlando’s navel. Kissing a slow path up Orlando’s body, Billy licked the sun tattoo and then lathed a long low lick across each rib, smiling at the indrawn breath his tongue caused.
Billy wasn’t prepared for the sudden movement from Orlando. He almost bit his tongue as Orlando reached quickly for the bedside table.
Frowning, Billy leaned away and watched as Orlando grabbed the remote control unit for their TV. Hearing Orlando bid his mother farewell and drop the phone to the bed, Billy’s frown deepened.
“What’s wrong?” Billy asked.
“Our daughter saw you on one of those scandal shows. When Ma looked she thought we should watch.” Orlando pulled Billy against him as he relaxed back against the pillows.
As the story started, Billy tensed against his lover, Dominic’s wife, her hair and clothing perfect, her make up marred only by the evidence of tears was sitting in a high backed chair, speaking to a popular reporter.
They lay back against the pillows, Orlando’s arms circling Billy’s body as they watched her speaking. She seemed almost to be speaking in a stream of consciousness, yet sometimes she spoke in response to the gently probing questions of the elderly woman. Both men watched as Dominic’s carefully constructed life collapsed around him.
“What is prompting you to do this?” the interviewer asked quietly.
“I can’t continue to stay with my husband in good conscience.” She answered, her eyes downcast, one hand pushing a lock of long russet hair behind her right ear. “Dominic, I’ve learned recently has been deceiving me since I met him. He’s not the good man I thought I married.” She paused, swallowing tearfully. “He’s determined to destroy the life of his ex lover and I can’t stand by and watch that.” She spoke quickly. “But there is another reason, I’m ashamed to say that I have almost as many secrets as my husband.”
“What would cause you so much shame?”
“Billie? Our daughter, is not Dominic’s biological child.” She murmured as fresh tears flowed down pale cheeks anew. “I’m pregnant and cannot any longer live the lie that I have been.”
“Can you explain that?”
“I know Dominic is not the father because we haven’t been intimate in more than six months.”
“So you’re having an affair?”
“We both have been.” She nodded sadly, “Since before our wedding. I will be petitioning Dominic for a divorce so I can marry the father of my children.”
“Are you free to divulge his identity?”
“Yes. He’s a photographer, You many have seen a lot of his work, he’s recently completed a spread in Vogue, he did my first professional photo shoot.”
“And Dominic? Do you think he will marry his partner?”
“It’s impossible for him. His lover is an ex cast mate. A man.”
The interviewer frowned tightly. “Mr Boyd? The man he’s been denigrating so loudly?”
“No.” she shook her head quickly. “Although I know they were lovers in the past.” She replied. “I don’t understand why he’s being so cruel to Billy. I like him. He’s a lovely man. My daughter was named for him. Billy has done nothing wrong, but Dominic is determined to destroy him because he has everything that Dominic wants.” She sighed sadly.
“Turn it off Orlando.” Billy spoke quietly. “I don’t want to see anymore.”
“Are you okay?” Orlando asked as he quickly punched the off button with his thumb and rolled to look at his lover.
“How can she do that to him?” Billy’s eyes were glazed as he looked into Orlando’s face.
“She playing the same game he is Bills, and she’s far better at it.” Orlando answered.
“She’s deliberately hurting him.” Billy answered.
“Have you forgotten that he tried to stop us getting and keeping our children? Or maybe even the fact that he deliberately hurt and used you for ten long painful years?” Orlando couldn’t stop the angry edge to his voice.
“Of course I haven’t.” Billy pulled away from Orlando enough to look into his face more clearly. “But he’s a human being. No-one should treat anyone like that.”
“You’re right.” Orlando exhaled slowly fear of losing his lover finally leaving him. “But Karma is a beautiful thing.” He pushed Billy onto his back, kissing him wetly. “My sexy tender hearted Scot, he’s only getting what he deserves for what he did to you.”
“It’s as much my fault as it is his.” Billy sighed, tilting his head to give Orlando better access to his neck. “If I hadn’t encouraged him for so long he wouldn’t have done it.”
Orlando kissed a line of soft open mouthed kisses across Billy’s hair covered chest. “See the way I see it. That puts him even more at fault. He knew damned well how you felt and he used that to his benefit. That makes him a selfish prick that gets everything he deserves.”
Billy’s fingers twisted lethargically in Orlando’s hair.
“Why are we talking about him when we’ve got the house to ourselves?” he murmured, he wanted to defend his old lover but couldn’t find the words wanting instead to give himself up to the pleasure of his mate.
Orlando smiled against Billy’s chest before he lifted himself onto his elbows and smiled brightly at his lover. “As you wish, my liege.” He murmured, sinking down to kiss him slowly.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Laying back on the deck chair on their back lawn, Billy settled into Orlando’s loose embrace as they watched their children playing on the swing set he and Viggo had just finished erecting.
“Never let it be said we aren’t construction workers.” Viggo laughed as he reclined on a matching chair.
“You looked more like miracle workers to me.” Orlando chuckled. “What do you think, Sam?” he tilted his head back to look into his heavily pregnant sister’s face.
“A little of both I think.” Sam answered tactfully as she sat on the edge of Viggo’s chair and pressed an affectionate kiss to his lips. “Never let it be said our husbands aren’t handy to have around.”
Orlando rubbed his fingers down Billy’s bare arm, “I never said he wasn’t handy to have around.” He smirked as he tipped his lips down to kiss Billy gently. His fingertips brushed across Billy’s pinkened skin as he did. “you need to put your shirt back on.” He murmured.
“Yes Mom.” Billy smiled, yet snuggled deeper into Orlando’s arms.
At the sound of a clearing throat both men looked up into Viggo’s and Sam’s faces, Sam’s eyes teary and Viggo making gagging motions.
“What!” they exclaimed in unison, their grins matching as much as their words.
Before either of their guests could answer their doorbell sounded.
“I’ll get it.” Orlando grumbled as he started to lift himself out of Billy’s embrace.
“Daddy.” Katya called, “push me, Daddy?” she extended her arms towards her parents as she sat on her new swing.
“You push our girl. I’ll get the door.” Billy replied as he stood and extended a hand to Orlando to pull him from the chair. “I’ve got to get a shirt anyway.” he shrugged.
Walking through the house, Billy smiled happily, singing softly to himself. The grin faded as he swung the front door open.
“What do you want?” he asked sharply, his fingers tightening on the heavy wooden door, ready to swing it closed.
“To apologize.” Dom stated quietly. He stood in front of Billy, his jeans wrinkled, his tee shirt crumpled and travel worn.
“Not accepted.” Billy took a deep breath and stepped back, his hand gripping the door until his knuckles whitened as he started to swing the door closed.
“C’mon Bills.” Dominic pleaded, his had snapping out to press his palm flat against the wood. “We had so much, please let me in.”
“Why?” Billy growled at him. “I’m happy now Dominic. I can’t trust you, not near my family.”
“Please Billy? I’ve got nowhere else to go.” Dominic asked softly, his head bowed submissively as he begged Billy.
“Oh fer fecks sake Dominic.” Billy responded pushing the door open wider, allowing the other man to walk in. “Explain to me why I’m letting you in.”
“We’ve got history Billy.” Dominic shrugged, “I’d be there if you needed me.”
Billy’s lips pressed into a tight line, his not often seen temper beginning to get the better of him. His hands closed into tight fists as he turned his back on the younger man.
“Excuse me for not laughing.” He ground out angrily, stalking through the house, he lifted his shirt from the back of one of the tall stools that lined the breakfast nook and slipped his arms into the sleeves.
“I know we’ve had our differences, Bill, but I’ve changed. I love you, Bills.” Dominic followed him.
Billy’s shoulders slumped as he heard Dom’s words. He looked up to see Orlando standing in the doorway that led from their house to their back lawn, watching them wordlessly. Glancing away from his all knowing brown gaze, Billy’s eyes shifted to Viggo who stood a short distance away and Sam who was occupying Katya and Arkady on the swings. His family stood before him, knowing that he had just heard the words he had waited what seemed his entire life to hear. Filled with trepidation his gaze flicked back to Orlando’s face. His partner’s face was inscrutable, his expression neutral, his eyes filled with love and hope and if Billy looked more than a little fear. Orlando’s faith gave him the strength he needed to deal with Dominic’s revelation.
Drawing a deep breath, Billy pulled himself to his full height, his shoulders straight as he turned to look at Dominic. For the first time since Dominic had entered their house Billy really looked at him.
The time since their last meeting had not been kind. Dom’s hair, now short cropped and his natural colour, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deeper, the blue gray eyes Billy had loved so much shadowed and ringed with dark circles. He had always looked so young and carefree, now he looked his age and then some. Months ago, Billy’s first thought would have been to embrace the younger man and try to make him better whatever way he could. Not today.
“Pulling out all the stops now aren’t we, Dominic.” Billy growled at him. “You could have said those words six months ago and I would have been in your arms and your bed quicker than you could blink those eyes.” He inhaled slowly, glancing back at Orlando quickly before he spoke again. “Not now. Now I know you. Even better than that. I understand you. You smug manipulative bastard. You’ll say whatever you need to if it means you get your own way.”
“You don’t mean that, Billy.” Dom stepped closer. “I know I did wrong, I know now I treated you like crap, I want to make it up to you. I want to be with you, Billy.”
“While you’re with your other lover?” Billy quirked an eyebrow at him. “You think I didn’t see the little woman’s interview? I’m done being the other man, Dom. I’m happy, happier than I ever was with you.”
“I’ve told him we’re done. You’re the one I really want, Billy.” Dom murmured, his eyes never leaving Billy’s face.
“Now tell me the true story.” Billy probed. “He’s had his fling and gone back to his girlfriend hasn’t he? You’re me for him aren’t you? An itch he can’t quite scratch but has to try. She on the road and wants him with her?”
“I don’t know.” Dom shrugged. “I told you. It was my choice.”
“And I told you. I’m not interested.” Billy stated, pressing his fisted hands to his hips.
“Please Billy, I’ll beg if you want me to. Please let me make it up to you.” Dominic replied, tears glistening in his expressive eyes.
“How exactly are you going to do that, Dominic?” Billy asked.
“Anything you want Billy. Anything. I want to make you happy. I need to know you love me. Please Billy?” Dom moved to stand in front of Billy and dropped to his knees holding his hands up to his old lover.
“For Feck’s Sake, Dominic. Get up.” Billy responded in exasperation. “You can’t do anything for me. Nothing. Do you understand me? I have everything I could ever want. I have two beautiful children, a man that loves me and that I love.” Billy paused, glancing towards Orlando as he spoke. “Thank feck, we’ll never be like we were.” Billy smiled thoughtfully. “You know why? We’re equals Orli and I, there is none of the crap that I endured with you. We love each other and we work.”
“We could have that too. I’ve changed Billy, honestly. Please believe me.” Dom begged as he pulled himself back to his feet.
“You want to make it up to me?” Billy asked.
“I want us to be happy, Billy.” Dominic nodded. “You and me. I know I can make you happy.”
“Good. Then get out of my home. I am happy and I’m going to stay that way, because I love my partner and I love my children and my life and I don’t need you fecking with that happiness again.”
“You don’t mean that Billy. You love me.” Dom looked at him, his expression disbelieving.
“I do mean it, Dommeh.” Billy sighed as Orlando stepped behind him and wrapped his long arms around Billy’s waist. “I hope that one day we can be friends again, but if we’re not, that’s okay too. I won’t risk my life here for you. Ever.”
“What can I do to convince you?” Dominic pleaded.
“You can get out like you were asked.” Orlando spoke, pressing a kiss against Billy’s head.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, Flower.” Dominic snarled angrily.
“If you were speaking to me, you were speaking to Orlando.” Billy replied smoothly. “Now get out Dommeh.”
Dominic’s gaze went from Billy to Orlando, to Viggo who had taken Orlando’s place in the doorway, before his shoulders slumped and he realized his failure.
“You know the way out, Monaghan.” Orlando murmured, watching him warily.
Dominic turned and walked slowly out of the house. The front door clicked closed behind him.
Viggo entered the room and passed the embracing couple wordlessly, nodding at Orlando as he did.
Orlando tightened his hold on Billy and pressed a kiss to his temple.
“You okay?” he breathed against the pale freckled skin.
“I am now.” Billy answered and turned in his embrace.