Confessions - Part 14
Title: Confessions
Written by: viggorlibean3 & okinay AKA Gayla & Gwen
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Viggo/Orlando
Disclaimer: No harm, no foul
Warning: No disrespect intended to the clergy
Note: Co-writing exercise fueled by prompt ‘hands and knees’
Note2: The previous chapters have been locked. You'll need to join texas_slash to read the entire series as we post it.
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 |
Confessions - Part 14
Special Note: Major thanks to Ariel & Nancy for their input regarding the chain of events taking place where the Church is concerned. Some are factual, some we’re twisting to suit our needs.
“I love Orlando and want us to have a life together. Now, what do I need to do to make that a reality?”
Ian could tell that Viggo was very determined in his decision to choose Orlando as a partner. He only hoped that determination was enough to get him through the rocky road ahead. The older priest sat his cup and saucer on the low table separating him from the two men. “First of all, I want you to be completely sure that this is what you want, because once we set the wheels in motion, there will be no turning back.”
“I am, Ian,” Viggo said as he squeezed Orlando’s hand. “Orlando is the one my heart chose. He is my future, the one I wish to spend the rest of my days with.”
Ian nodded. “Very well, then. Normally, when one is contemplating their future with the church, they would request a leave of absence. Seeing as how you and I have discussed this matter for several months now, and you have chosen to walk a new path outside of the church, we can forego that step. Your next step would be resigning from your post.”
"What exactly does that mean?" Orlando inquired. He wanted to make sure he knew what Viggo was getting into, how it would affect their lives together.
“If Viggo were to resign, in the eyes of the church he would still be a priest, just not a practicing one. However, due to the nature of your relationship, the diocese may decide to suspend or remove him completely. Remember, young Orlando, that a priest may partake in a celibate homosexual relationship. In that aspect, Viggo could continue his vocation, if he chose to. Though from what Viggo mentioned to me yesterday, as well as his absence last night, I would be inclined to say that you have moved beyond that option.” The blush staining both men’s cheeks was all the proof Ian needed to confirm his assumption. “Now, I’m not saying that his suspension or removal will come to pass, rather that it’s an option the diocese has at their disposal. The fact that you have not carried on in secret and Viggo resigning his position prior to starting your relationship may lend weight to their final decision. Only time will tell.”
Fear gripped Viggo. He had heard about other priests being removed from their posts but had never really thought about it in relation to himself. Of course, he had never given the diocese a reason to question his loyalty to the church since he had made his vows all those years ago. Now, however, he felt heartsick at the thought of his and Orlando’s relationship being splashed across the front page of every newspaper in America, and beyond.
Viggo’s voice was shaky when he finally spoke. “So we hope for the best, yet prepare for the worst.”
“The worst being?” Orlando asked quietly.
“Our relationship being scrutinized by everyone, even though it’s none of their business,” Viggo answered. “The homophobic zealots around the world will latch hold of this and not let go until they have done everything in their power to belittle what we have found together. It won’t matter that I had been questioning my position within the church for months before I made the decision to resign. It won’t matter that I chose to resign before starting a relationship with you. They’ll take it and twist it to suit their purpose.”
Orlando did not like the sound of that one bit. What he and Viggo had discovered together was beautiful and pure, not tainted, as some would say. "Is there any possibility of avoiding all of that?"
"As I said, it might not come to that," Ian interjected. "The diocese may accept Viggo's resignation and that will be the end of it. He would be free to pursue his relationship with you. The only thing that would change would be his position within the church itself."
"Whatever happens, whatever choice you make, I'll stand by you." Orlando knew he'd already said similar words, but as Viggo and Father Ian discussed the possibilities, he wanted to make it clear he would do whatever Viggo wanted.
Ian smiled at the young man. "That is good to know, my son," he praised. "Viggo will need your strength and love to get through the coming weeks."
“And he will have it,” Orlando stated, his voice reflecting the love he felt for the man next to him.
The kindness Ian was showing Orlando brought a smile to Viggo's face. Any other priest in Ian's shoes would not have been as kind or sympathetic. He briefly wondered if something had happened in Ian’s past that allowed the other man to feel compassion for their situation.
“There are some things you will need to consider, Viggo, while your resignation request is being reviewed,” the elder priest noted, causing Viggo to nod.
Orlando held his breath, suddenly extremely nervous once again. He felt Viggo squeeze his fingers softly, silently offering him comfort while they waited to hear what Ian had to say next.
“Your lifestyle will change drastically. Since you will no longer be considered an active priest, your monthly stipend will end, and you will need to find a job outside of the church. You will need to seek other lodgings. The vehicle you currently drive belongs to the parish, which means you will have to make arrangements for other transportation.”
Orlando whistled softly. He knew that Viggo would have to give up quite a bit when he left the church, but this was like picking up and moving your life to a new place with nothing but the clothes on your back. He looked at Viggo, worried about what he would do, how would he make a living. Viggo looked back at him and smiled.
"I figured as much." Viggo spoke, looking back at Ian sitting across from him. "In all the years I've been a priest, I have helped other priests transition into a life outside the church. I know it's going to be rough, but I have faith that this is God's will. Plus," Viggo couldn't help but smile, never once taking his eyes off of Orlando. "I have something, or should I say, someone, special to help me get through all the rough times."
Reaching up with a shaking hand, Orlando laid his palm against Viggo’s cheek. “Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask.”
Viggo chuckled quietly. “Looks like I’m in need of a place to live as well as a job,” he said before taking Orlando’s hand in his and pressing his lips against soft skin.
Ian’s crystal blue eyes slid from the men seated across from him to the antique clock on the wall. “Gentlemen,” he said as he prepared to rise from his seat. “I am sorry, but I must cut our visit short and prepare for morning mass.”
“Would you like for me to assist you?” Viggo asked as he rose from the couch.
A weathered hand pat Viggo’s shoulder. “Thank you for the offer, but I think the two of you have a few things to discuss, do you not?”
Viggo turned to look at Orlando, who was still seated. “Can you stay or do you need to go?”
“I’m not going anywhere until we have everything sorted out,” Orlando said softly. There were so many factors to take into consideration, so many things they needed to discuss.
Ian chuckled quietly as he collected his cup and saucer and disappeared into the kitchen. It warmed his heart to hear that Orlando was dedicated to Viggo’s - and their - future. He quickly rinsed the cup and set it in the sink before slipping out the door and making his way to his office.
After Ian left the room, Viggo rejoined Orlando on the couch and noticed that the young man was fidgeting. "Okay, I know you have to have a lot of questions. I know I do as well. Might as well go ahead and start."
"Can I ask you something, Viggo?" Orlando fidgeted in his seat.
"Anything," Viggo replied, wondering why Orlando still seemed like he was on pins and needles.
“Umm... well, a couple of times today you've called me Angel... and I... well I like it, but wondered why you chose that nickname for me." Orlando chewed on his thumbnail, looking shyly at Viggo.
At first, the question surprised Viggo, since he had been ready to field questions regarding their future. However, he wanted to share what was in his heart with Orlando, wanted to let the younger man know how much he meant to him.
"Surely you know what you mean to me, Orlando." Viggo reached over to pull Orlando's thumb from his mouth, sliding his fingers through Orlando's. "You saved me when you stepped into the confessional booth. You're my saving grace. My own personal Angel." Viggo placed a kiss on Orlando's knuckles. "Is it okay that I call you that?"
Orlando could feel his eyes start to tear up. He swallowed convulsively around the lump that had formed in his throat while he had listened to Viggo’s admission. He gave a watery smile and nodded before wiping his eyes on his own shoulder.
“Come’re,” Viggo tugged on Orlando’s hand, effortlessly pulling Orlando into his lap. He used both hands to frame Orlando’s face, his fingers digging into the russet curls before leaning forward to capture the soft lips of his lover.
Their lips moved gently against each other’s, and it struck Orlando odd that there was no urgency in this kiss. It was a kiss of reassurance, a small, yet tender way of Viggo expressing himself, showing Orlando that he was desired, cherished, loved. He briefly wondered how long he would be able to handle this sort of kiss without his libido taking over, as it had the previous night and earlier that morning. No sooner than the thought had crossed his mind, his body decided that now was not the time to find out.
Falling into the role of leader once more, Orlando slid one hand into Viggo’s blond locks and the other beneath Viggo’s jaw, tilting the man’s head just a bit, allowing Orlando to delve deeper into the moist cavern. The sound that Viggo made when Orlando took over was a half-whimper, half-sigh, one that Orlando returned with his own near-growl.
Lust made itself known as Orlando settled himself in Viggo’s lap, their groins pressed together, making both of them want more of what they shared the night before. Viggo pressed himself up and against Orlando, gasping from the friction of his rapidly swelling cock pressing against the solid form of his lover.
Viggo’s hands slid from the riot of curls down Orlando’s chest. He smiled into their kiss when they brushed over the peaked nipples hidden by the gray t-shirt Orlando was wearing, causing the young man to arch into his touch. Deciding that he wanted to touch his lover properly, he reached beneath the hem of the shirt and stroked the warm skin of Orlando’s abdomen before gently tugging on the sparse trail of hair that ran from Orlando’s navel to the prize that Viggo had tasted earlier.
Orlando caught Viggo’s bottom lip between his teeth and sucked gently before pulling away, stretching the plump piece of flesh between them. He released Viggo’s lip and then soothed it with a quick lick. “It’s not nice to tease, Viggo,” he warned.
“You’re right,” Viggo said as he ran a thumb over Orlando’s left nipple. “It’s not nice to tease Viggo. Teasing you, though, is a whole different ballgame.”
“Wanker,” Orlando said with a chuckle before diving in for another kiss.
In the tiny part of Orlando’s brain that hadn’t been overwhelmed by his libido, he heard the sound of bells chiming in the distance.
“Fuck, you’re a great kisser,” he whispered against Viggo’s swollen lips. “Never heard bells before.”
Through the haze of lust that surrounded Viggo’s brain, he realized that he too was hearing bells, from a clock, perhaps? No, not a clock, he realized when the first verse of Holy, Holy, Holy filled the area around the church, signaling the start of morning mass. The chimes he had heard were the three resonating tones that prefaced the opening chords of the hymn.
So lost as he was from Orlando’s kiss, Viggo had forgotten that they were not in the privacy of Orlando’s apartment, but in the rectory’s living room. He quickly moved his hands to Orlando’s shoulders and pushed gently, trying to put space between them, though Orlando would have none of it. Each time Viggo pushed, Orlando used his position to its advantage, pushing Viggo back into the cushions. Finally Viggo turned his head, breaking the seal of their lips.
“Orlando, stop,” he said as he tried to pull himself together. If they continued, they would end up in a very uncomfortable position, embarrassing not only themselves, but Ian as well.
Dark brows furrowed as he looked at the flushed man beneath him. “Why?”
“Because, if we keep going, we won’t be able to stop,” Viggo said as he settled his hands on Orlando’s hips. “I don’t think Father Ian would appreciate walking in to find his couch being desecrated.”
Common sense warred with desire, though Orlando knew his lover spoke the truth. Reluctantly, he slid from Viggo’s lap and reclaimed the seat he had vacated earlier. “No,” Orlando said with a sigh, “I don’t want to anger the one and only person we have on our side.”
“Which brings up a very good point, actually,” Viggo said as he picked up his coffee mug and reached for Orlando’s cup and saucer. “Care to join me in the kitchen?”
“Sure.” Orlando followed his lover through the living room and into the small kitchen, taking a seat at the table. “So, what point did I unknowingly bring up?”
Viggo set the dishes in the sink and joined Orlando, taking the seat across from him. “Not everyone in the congregation will be as accepting of us as Ian appears to be. Are you going to be okay with that?”
Orlando reached out and took Viggo’s hand in his. “I really don’t give a rat’s arse what they think of me. Your feelings, on the other hand, are what we need to be concerned with. Are you going to be okay with the looks of disapproval we’re bound to get when we’re out having dinner, or if we go to the movies? Once you resign, I don’t want to hide what I feel for you. Actually, I don’t want to hide it now, but I know that I have to, at least until you or Father Ian makes the announcement.”
Viggo’s deep sigh filled the silent kitchen. “I wish I could say it didn’t matter, but it does, and it will, I’m sure. I just hope it doesn’t become an issue between us.”
Orlando rose from his seat and moved around the table to kneel beside Viggo, resting his hand on Viggo’s thigh. “Nothing will come between us, as long as we don’t allow it to. I love you and will be by your side through the good and the bad. Whatever comes our way, we’ll work through it.”
Viggo’s heart filled with love for the man before him. He never imagined finding someone as loving as Orlando. Sure, they had only been together for less than a day, but his heart recognized its soul mate, the one person who made Viggo whole.
He cupped the soft cheek and leaned down, brushing his lips against Orlando’s. “I love you, too, and the love we share will help us weather any storm that comes our way.”
Orlando knelt up and slid his arms around Viggo’s torso, lending his lover the strength he knew would be needed as they walked this new path together.
= = =
The sun was sitting higher in the sky when Viggo and Orlando made their way slowly back from the church. As they walked, they talked quietly, no longer touching except for the occasional bumping of shoulders. In many ways their steps were lighter, especially after confiding in Father Ian, yet they still had so much to talk about. Wanting to prolong their time together, they walked along the sidewalk, through the park and back around until they stopped in front of Orlando’s building.
“Do you want to come up?” Orlando asked as he fished his keys out of his front pocket.
Viggo was sorely tempted, but he wanted, no, he needed some time alone to think and reflect about everything that had happened within the past twenty-four hours.
“As much as I’d love to join you upstairs,” Viggo squinted into the sun that was peeking over Orlando’s left shoulder, “I think we need to spend a little time apart. Before you say anything, or think anything, I want you to know that I just need some solitude, where I can make absolutely certain that this decision that I’m… that we’re taking is the right one.” He could see little worry lines appear on Orlando’s forehead and wanted to make them go away. Leaning forward, Viggo pressed a quick, chaste kiss to Orlando’s forehead. “I love you, Angel. Please don’t forget that.”
“I love you, too, Viggo.” Orlando leaned forward a bit, before taking a step back to put some distance between them. “Call me when you’re ready for some company, yeah?”
“Okay,” Viggo replied. “See you this afternoon.” Viggo lifted his fingertips to his mouth, pressing a kiss to them then lifting them into the air as he backed up a few steps, turning finally to walk slowly across the street.
Orlando watched as Viggo made his way down the pathway into the vibrant park. When he couldn’t see Viggo any longer, Orlando turned and walked back into his apartment building… alone. The first time he’d been alone since Viggo had shown up at his doorway the second time the night before.
“God,” Orlando closed his eyes to pray as he rode up the elevator. “Please bring him back to me.”
= = =
Returning from her early morning walk, Ida Hamilton was pleased to see Father Viggo at her building for the second time in as many days. She had planned to visit the church later to run a few ideas by he and Father Ian that the Ladies’ Club had come up with for the annual fall bazaar the church held each October, but it looked as if she would be spared the trip.
“Father Viggo!” she called out. “Father Viggo!”
The elderly lady was a bit dismayed that the priest did not turn and acknowledge her. All the other times their paths had crossed in town he had always been cordial, offering her help with whatever task she was undertaking, whether it was loading groceries into her car or carrying her books to the check-out counter at the library. She wondered what had him so pre-occupied that he had failed to notice her calling out to him.
Opening the door to the building, she decided that she would mention this to Father Ian when she went to see him about the fall bazaar. If something were wrong, Father Ian would know.
Part 15
Written by: viggorlibean3 & okinay AKA Gayla & Gwen
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Viggo/Orlando
Disclaimer: No harm, no foul
Warning: No disrespect intended to the clergy
Note: Co-writing exercise fueled by prompt ‘hands and knees’
Note2: The previous chapters have been locked. You'll need to join texas_slash to read the entire series as we post it.
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 |
Confessions - Part 14
Special Note: Major thanks to Ariel & Nancy for their input regarding the chain of events taking place where the Church is concerned. Some are factual, some we’re twisting to suit our needs.
“I love Orlando and want us to have a life together. Now, what do I need to do to make that a reality?”
Ian could tell that Viggo was very determined in his decision to choose Orlando as a partner. He only hoped that determination was enough to get him through the rocky road ahead. The older priest sat his cup and saucer on the low table separating him from the two men. “First of all, I want you to be completely sure that this is what you want, because once we set the wheels in motion, there will be no turning back.”
“I am, Ian,” Viggo said as he squeezed Orlando’s hand. “Orlando is the one my heart chose. He is my future, the one I wish to spend the rest of my days with.”
Ian nodded. “Very well, then. Normally, when one is contemplating their future with the church, they would request a leave of absence. Seeing as how you and I have discussed this matter for several months now, and you have chosen to walk a new path outside of the church, we can forego that step. Your next step would be resigning from your post.”
"What exactly does that mean?" Orlando inquired. He wanted to make sure he knew what Viggo was getting into, how it would affect their lives together.
“If Viggo were to resign, in the eyes of the church he would still be a priest, just not a practicing one. However, due to the nature of your relationship, the diocese may decide to suspend or remove him completely. Remember, young Orlando, that a priest may partake in a celibate homosexual relationship. In that aspect, Viggo could continue his vocation, if he chose to. Though from what Viggo mentioned to me yesterday, as well as his absence last night, I would be inclined to say that you have moved beyond that option.” The blush staining both men’s cheeks was all the proof Ian needed to confirm his assumption. “Now, I’m not saying that his suspension or removal will come to pass, rather that it’s an option the diocese has at their disposal. The fact that you have not carried on in secret and Viggo resigning his position prior to starting your relationship may lend weight to their final decision. Only time will tell.”
Fear gripped Viggo. He had heard about other priests being removed from their posts but had never really thought about it in relation to himself. Of course, he had never given the diocese a reason to question his loyalty to the church since he had made his vows all those years ago. Now, however, he felt heartsick at the thought of his and Orlando’s relationship being splashed across the front page of every newspaper in America, and beyond.
Viggo’s voice was shaky when he finally spoke. “So we hope for the best, yet prepare for the worst.”
“The worst being?” Orlando asked quietly.
“Our relationship being scrutinized by everyone, even though it’s none of their business,” Viggo answered. “The homophobic zealots around the world will latch hold of this and not let go until they have done everything in their power to belittle what we have found together. It won’t matter that I had been questioning my position within the church for months before I made the decision to resign. It won’t matter that I chose to resign before starting a relationship with you. They’ll take it and twist it to suit their purpose.”
Orlando did not like the sound of that one bit. What he and Viggo had discovered together was beautiful and pure, not tainted, as some would say. "Is there any possibility of avoiding all of that?"
"As I said, it might not come to that," Ian interjected. "The diocese may accept Viggo's resignation and that will be the end of it. He would be free to pursue his relationship with you. The only thing that would change would be his position within the church itself."
"Whatever happens, whatever choice you make, I'll stand by you." Orlando knew he'd already said similar words, but as Viggo and Father Ian discussed the possibilities, he wanted to make it clear he would do whatever Viggo wanted.
Ian smiled at the young man. "That is good to know, my son," he praised. "Viggo will need your strength and love to get through the coming weeks."
“And he will have it,” Orlando stated, his voice reflecting the love he felt for the man next to him.
The kindness Ian was showing Orlando brought a smile to Viggo's face. Any other priest in Ian's shoes would not have been as kind or sympathetic. He briefly wondered if something had happened in Ian’s past that allowed the other man to feel compassion for their situation.
“There are some things you will need to consider, Viggo, while your resignation request is being reviewed,” the elder priest noted, causing Viggo to nod.
Orlando held his breath, suddenly extremely nervous once again. He felt Viggo squeeze his fingers softly, silently offering him comfort while they waited to hear what Ian had to say next.
“Your lifestyle will change drastically. Since you will no longer be considered an active priest, your monthly stipend will end, and you will need to find a job outside of the church. You will need to seek other lodgings. The vehicle you currently drive belongs to the parish, which means you will have to make arrangements for other transportation.”
Orlando whistled softly. He knew that Viggo would have to give up quite a bit when he left the church, but this was like picking up and moving your life to a new place with nothing but the clothes on your back. He looked at Viggo, worried about what he would do, how would he make a living. Viggo looked back at him and smiled.
"I figured as much." Viggo spoke, looking back at Ian sitting across from him. "In all the years I've been a priest, I have helped other priests transition into a life outside the church. I know it's going to be rough, but I have faith that this is God's will. Plus," Viggo couldn't help but smile, never once taking his eyes off of Orlando. "I have something, or should I say, someone, special to help me get through all the rough times."
Reaching up with a shaking hand, Orlando laid his palm against Viggo’s cheek. “Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask.”
Viggo chuckled quietly. “Looks like I’m in need of a place to live as well as a job,” he said before taking Orlando’s hand in his and pressing his lips against soft skin.
Ian’s crystal blue eyes slid from the men seated across from him to the antique clock on the wall. “Gentlemen,” he said as he prepared to rise from his seat. “I am sorry, but I must cut our visit short and prepare for morning mass.”
“Would you like for me to assist you?” Viggo asked as he rose from the couch.
A weathered hand pat Viggo’s shoulder. “Thank you for the offer, but I think the two of you have a few things to discuss, do you not?”
Viggo turned to look at Orlando, who was still seated. “Can you stay or do you need to go?”
“I’m not going anywhere until we have everything sorted out,” Orlando said softly. There were so many factors to take into consideration, so many things they needed to discuss.
Ian chuckled quietly as he collected his cup and saucer and disappeared into the kitchen. It warmed his heart to hear that Orlando was dedicated to Viggo’s - and their - future. He quickly rinsed the cup and set it in the sink before slipping out the door and making his way to his office.
After Ian left the room, Viggo rejoined Orlando on the couch and noticed that the young man was fidgeting. "Okay, I know you have to have a lot of questions. I know I do as well. Might as well go ahead and start."
"Can I ask you something, Viggo?" Orlando fidgeted in his seat.
"Anything," Viggo replied, wondering why Orlando still seemed like he was on pins and needles.
“Umm... well, a couple of times today you've called me Angel... and I... well I like it, but wondered why you chose that nickname for me." Orlando chewed on his thumbnail, looking shyly at Viggo.
At first, the question surprised Viggo, since he had been ready to field questions regarding their future. However, he wanted to share what was in his heart with Orlando, wanted to let the younger man know how much he meant to him.
"Surely you know what you mean to me, Orlando." Viggo reached over to pull Orlando's thumb from his mouth, sliding his fingers through Orlando's. "You saved me when you stepped into the confessional booth. You're my saving grace. My own personal Angel." Viggo placed a kiss on Orlando's knuckles. "Is it okay that I call you that?"
Orlando could feel his eyes start to tear up. He swallowed convulsively around the lump that had formed in his throat while he had listened to Viggo’s admission. He gave a watery smile and nodded before wiping his eyes on his own shoulder.
“Come’re,” Viggo tugged on Orlando’s hand, effortlessly pulling Orlando into his lap. He used both hands to frame Orlando’s face, his fingers digging into the russet curls before leaning forward to capture the soft lips of his lover.
Their lips moved gently against each other’s, and it struck Orlando odd that there was no urgency in this kiss. It was a kiss of reassurance, a small, yet tender way of Viggo expressing himself, showing Orlando that he was desired, cherished, loved. He briefly wondered how long he would be able to handle this sort of kiss without his libido taking over, as it had the previous night and earlier that morning. No sooner than the thought had crossed his mind, his body decided that now was not the time to find out.
Falling into the role of leader once more, Orlando slid one hand into Viggo’s blond locks and the other beneath Viggo’s jaw, tilting the man’s head just a bit, allowing Orlando to delve deeper into the moist cavern. The sound that Viggo made when Orlando took over was a half-whimper, half-sigh, one that Orlando returned with his own near-growl.
Lust made itself known as Orlando settled himself in Viggo’s lap, their groins pressed together, making both of them want more of what they shared the night before. Viggo pressed himself up and against Orlando, gasping from the friction of his rapidly swelling cock pressing against the solid form of his lover.
Viggo’s hands slid from the riot of curls down Orlando’s chest. He smiled into their kiss when they brushed over the peaked nipples hidden by the gray t-shirt Orlando was wearing, causing the young man to arch into his touch. Deciding that he wanted to touch his lover properly, he reached beneath the hem of the shirt and stroked the warm skin of Orlando’s abdomen before gently tugging on the sparse trail of hair that ran from Orlando’s navel to the prize that Viggo had tasted earlier.
Orlando caught Viggo’s bottom lip between his teeth and sucked gently before pulling away, stretching the plump piece of flesh between them. He released Viggo’s lip and then soothed it with a quick lick. “It’s not nice to tease, Viggo,” he warned.
“You’re right,” Viggo said as he ran a thumb over Orlando’s left nipple. “It’s not nice to tease Viggo. Teasing you, though, is a whole different ballgame.”
“Wanker,” Orlando said with a chuckle before diving in for another kiss.
In the tiny part of Orlando’s brain that hadn’t been overwhelmed by his libido, he heard the sound of bells chiming in the distance.
“Fuck, you’re a great kisser,” he whispered against Viggo’s swollen lips. “Never heard bells before.”
Through the haze of lust that surrounded Viggo’s brain, he realized that he too was hearing bells, from a clock, perhaps? No, not a clock, he realized when the first verse of Holy, Holy, Holy filled the area around the church, signaling the start of morning mass. The chimes he had heard were the three resonating tones that prefaced the opening chords of the hymn.
So lost as he was from Orlando’s kiss, Viggo had forgotten that they were not in the privacy of Orlando’s apartment, but in the rectory’s living room. He quickly moved his hands to Orlando’s shoulders and pushed gently, trying to put space between them, though Orlando would have none of it. Each time Viggo pushed, Orlando used his position to its advantage, pushing Viggo back into the cushions. Finally Viggo turned his head, breaking the seal of their lips.
“Orlando, stop,” he said as he tried to pull himself together. If they continued, they would end up in a very uncomfortable position, embarrassing not only themselves, but Ian as well.
Dark brows furrowed as he looked at the flushed man beneath him. “Why?”
“Because, if we keep going, we won’t be able to stop,” Viggo said as he settled his hands on Orlando’s hips. “I don’t think Father Ian would appreciate walking in to find his couch being desecrated.”
Common sense warred with desire, though Orlando knew his lover spoke the truth. Reluctantly, he slid from Viggo’s lap and reclaimed the seat he had vacated earlier. “No,” Orlando said with a sigh, “I don’t want to anger the one and only person we have on our side.”
“Which brings up a very good point, actually,” Viggo said as he picked up his coffee mug and reached for Orlando’s cup and saucer. “Care to join me in the kitchen?”
“Sure.” Orlando followed his lover through the living room and into the small kitchen, taking a seat at the table. “So, what point did I unknowingly bring up?”
Viggo set the dishes in the sink and joined Orlando, taking the seat across from him. “Not everyone in the congregation will be as accepting of us as Ian appears to be. Are you going to be okay with that?”
Orlando reached out and took Viggo’s hand in his. “I really don’t give a rat’s arse what they think of me. Your feelings, on the other hand, are what we need to be concerned with. Are you going to be okay with the looks of disapproval we’re bound to get when we’re out having dinner, or if we go to the movies? Once you resign, I don’t want to hide what I feel for you. Actually, I don’t want to hide it now, but I know that I have to, at least until you or Father Ian makes the announcement.”
Viggo’s deep sigh filled the silent kitchen. “I wish I could say it didn’t matter, but it does, and it will, I’m sure. I just hope it doesn’t become an issue between us.”
Orlando rose from his seat and moved around the table to kneel beside Viggo, resting his hand on Viggo’s thigh. “Nothing will come between us, as long as we don’t allow it to. I love you and will be by your side through the good and the bad. Whatever comes our way, we’ll work through it.”
Viggo’s heart filled with love for the man before him. He never imagined finding someone as loving as Orlando. Sure, they had only been together for less than a day, but his heart recognized its soul mate, the one person who made Viggo whole.
He cupped the soft cheek and leaned down, brushing his lips against Orlando’s. “I love you, too, and the love we share will help us weather any storm that comes our way.”
Orlando knelt up and slid his arms around Viggo’s torso, lending his lover the strength he knew would be needed as they walked this new path together.
= = =
The sun was sitting higher in the sky when Viggo and Orlando made their way slowly back from the church. As they walked, they talked quietly, no longer touching except for the occasional bumping of shoulders. In many ways their steps were lighter, especially after confiding in Father Ian, yet they still had so much to talk about. Wanting to prolong their time together, they walked along the sidewalk, through the park and back around until they stopped in front of Orlando’s building.
“Do you want to come up?” Orlando asked as he fished his keys out of his front pocket.
Viggo was sorely tempted, but he wanted, no, he needed some time alone to think and reflect about everything that had happened within the past twenty-four hours.
“As much as I’d love to join you upstairs,” Viggo squinted into the sun that was peeking over Orlando’s left shoulder, “I think we need to spend a little time apart. Before you say anything, or think anything, I want you to know that I just need some solitude, where I can make absolutely certain that this decision that I’m… that we’re taking is the right one.” He could see little worry lines appear on Orlando’s forehead and wanted to make them go away. Leaning forward, Viggo pressed a quick, chaste kiss to Orlando’s forehead. “I love you, Angel. Please don’t forget that.”
“I love you, too, Viggo.” Orlando leaned forward a bit, before taking a step back to put some distance between them. “Call me when you’re ready for some company, yeah?”
“Okay,” Viggo replied. “See you this afternoon.” Viggo lifted his fingertips to his mouth, pressing a kiss to them then lifting them into the air as he backed up a few steps, turning finally to walk slowly across the street.
Orlando watched as Viggo made his way down the pathway into the vibrant park. When he couldn’t see Viggo any longer, Orlando turned and walked back into his apartment building… alone. The first time he’d been alone since Viggo had shown up at his doorway the second time the night before.
“God,” Orlando closed his eyes to pray as he rode up the elevator. “Please bring him back to me.”
= = =
Returning from her early morning walk, Ida Hamilton was pleased to see Father Viggo at her building for the second time in as many days. She had planned to visit the church later to run a few ideas by he and Father Ian that the Ladies’ Club had come up with for the annual fall bazaar the church held each October, but it looked as if she would be spared the trip.
“Father Viggo!” she called out. “Father Viggo!”
The elderly lady was a bit dismayed that the priest did not turn and acknowledge her. All the other times their paths had crossed in town he had always been cordial, offering her help with whatever task she was undertaking, whether it was loading groceries into her car or carrying her books to the check-out counter at the library. She wondered what had him so pre-occupied that he had failed to notice her calling out to him.
Opening the door to the building, she decided that she would mention this to Father Ian when she went to see him about the fall bazaar. If something were wrong, Father Ian would know.
Part 15