vigorli

Title: ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE & WAR CH.5: THE TRUTH BETWEEN THE LINES
Author:

vigorlilover
Beta'd By

realm_of_ylith (Partly, all remaining mistakes are my own)
Pairing: Vigorli, BanaBloom, Karl/Viggo (Implied)
Rating: NC-17 (Overall)
Warning(S): Angst, Violence, AU
Summary: Orlando has known Viggo since he was a child, he grew up in Viggo's neighborhood but as he got older his friendship turned into something more. There was another who was also in love with Viggo, Karl. Karl and Orlando vie for Viggo's affection for years. Karl finally wins Viggo's heart, but has he really?
A/N: Orlando is still 32, yes I know he just had a birthday. But since I started this story with him at 32, I thought it would have been a silly thing to change considering he just made 33. ALSO AFTER ADDING NEW MATERIAL, I HAD TO SPLIT CHAPTER INTO TWO PARTS BECAUSE ACCORDING TO LJ "CLIENT WAS TOO LARGE" but it's still one chapter p1 and p2 are up.
Disclaimer: Yes, I believe wholeheartedly Viggo and Orlando had this great epic love affair. But I don't have any proof what-so-ever, therefore, this story is a complete fabrication.
Feedback: Yes please, greatly encouraged.

Sean barely registered the phone ringing off the hook next to his ear as he tried to sleep. He fluttered his eyes, raising his head enough before letting it drop back down when he saw it was not going to stop. Begrudgingly, he reached over to grab his phone. “Hello,” he answered, half asleep and half annoyed.

“Have you seen him?” Viggo sounded frantic.

“Who, Viggo?”

“Orli!” he answered.

Sean laughed. “What, can’t keep track of your plaything?”

“SEAN!”

“Ok, ok, sorry. No, I haven’t seen him since last week at your
place.”

Viggo sighed, “I figured. He’s barely said two words to me since then.”

“Viggo, you know how he is.”

“Yea, that’s the problem. I know all to well how impulsive he is when he’s upset.”

“Viggo, he isn’t a child anymore. He knows how to take care of himself,” Sean said, starting to fall back asleep on Viggo.

“I know, Beanie. You’ll call if you hear from him?”

“Of course I will.”

Not five minutes after Viggo got off the phone did he hear Orlando’s car pull up. Viggo ran to the window, sighing with relief. He opened the door just as Orlando pulled out the key Viggo had given him. “Where the Hell have you been?” he bellowed.

Orlando jumped at first, then gave him a quick smile, pleased at the rise he’d gotten out of Viggo. He pulled his duffle bag over his head, then walked past Viggo into the living room.

“What does it matter? I would’ve thought you would have been busy babysitting Karl anyways,” he remarked sarcastically, dropping the bag on the floor.

“Cut the attitude. If you’re going to stay here, I want you to tell me where you’re going.”

Orlando rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

“Do you hear me?” Viggo shouted.

Orlando’s eyes flashed on him. “Last time I checked, Viggo, I was 32.”

“I mean it, Orli. As long as you’re here, I need know where you’re at and what you’re doing at all times.”

“Yes, dad, I won’t miss curfew again.”

“This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not trying to be, but you’re not my father.”

“That’s your problem, he was never around!" Viggo stated, immediately wishing he could take it back.

“What?! Who the Hell do to think you are, Viggo? Are you supposed to change that? It’s a little late don’t you think?”

Viggo stepped closer in an attempt to calm him down. He tried to grab his arms, but Orlando pushed back against his chest.

“No, Viggo, you can’t tell me what to do. Maybe that works with Karl, but I’m clearly not him. Like you’re always so quick to point out, we’re not together, so you no longer have the right to say what I’m doing or who I’m fucking because I know that’s what you think!”

Before Viggo could respond Orlando grabbed his bag and tore up the stairs, almost knocking Karl out the way as he did. When Orlando made it to the top of the stairs he turned back to Viggo.

“For the record, I went to the gym. Then I went and got this...” he said holding up Viggo’s painting he given to Orlando on his 18th birthday. “I wasn’t going to leave it at Eric’s.”

Viggo watched him turn and leave, kicking himself for his behavior towards him. Karl watched Orlando hurry into his room, then looked at Viggo who’s emotions were plain as day. Karl continued coming down the stairs as Viggo went to sit on the couch. Karl came to stand over to him.

“Why do you let him talk to you like that in your own house?”

“Karl please, not now,” Viggo implored weakly.

“What, Viggo? He can tell you to go to Hell and kiss his ass, but I tell you what a little shit he is being to you and I’m wrong. Well excuse me, I know where your priorities lie.”

Viggo rose from his seat, his eyes flashing angrily at Karl. “Will you please just let this go, Karl? He was upset and was just venting. Your jealousy is becoming annoying, and you have no reason to be, baby. I’m here with you, making love to you, not Orlando.”

“I wish I could believe that Viggo, but look at the way you drool all over him, that’s what is annoying. Not only that, it’s PATHETIC! He can do more damage with that little mouth of his then you give him credit for, and someone needs to teach him a lesson.”

Viggo didn’t like Karl’s tone. “Don’t you dare threaten him, Karl!”

“I just wish you cared about me that much.”

“Look, will you stop with the Karl vs. Orlando thing, because it’s not like that. How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not leaving you for him? I’m sick of fighting about him.”

“What did you think was going to happen when you moved your ex in our house, Viggo?”

Viggo sighed. “Whatever, I’m going to bed.” Viggo walked toward the stairs and looked back, “Are you coming up?”

“No. I told Eric I would help him with his car.”

“This time of night?” Viggo asked not shielding his annoyance.

“It just started acting up, and he has to get to work in the morning.” Karl replied opening the door.

“How and why is that your problem? You know how I feel about Eric!” Viggo reminded him,

Karl turned around and gave him a contemptuous laugh. “You know how I feel about Orlando, and he’s living with us. You got your friends, and I’ve got mine.”

Viggo threw up his arms. “Fine. Do what you want, I’m going to bed.” He said stalking to the stairs.

“FINE, I WILL!” Karl shouted after him, walking out the door and slamming it behind him.

Viggo sighed in agitation, feeling he was fighting a losing battle in trying to keep both Orlando and Karl satisfied. That was impossible without someone getting hurt, or both because now they were both pissed at him. Viggo put his face in his hands, shaking his head. He looked down the hall, he considered going to talk to Orlando, but in the end decided he should leave him alone both for Orlando’s sake and his own.

Viggo headed towards his room, but stopped when he heard a mixture of the shower running and Orlando humming. He started to continue to his room, but in the end couldn’t help peering in through the crack in the bathroom door. He pushed the door forward gently, hitching his breath as he caught sight of Orlando’s beautiful figure through the glass door. Viggo watched as the suds glided down his body, dropping like ice cream on the shower floor. Viggo watched him run his hands between his thighs, gently squeezing his cock. Viggo couldn’t help the
stiffness begging for release, and unzipped his pants to release his pulsing erection. Viggo closed his eyes, unable to keep Orlando’s innocent seduction at bay. Viggo wrapped his hand around his cock, his fingers delicately skimming up and down his shaft.

Orlando grabbed his towel from the sink. He wrapped it around his waist and twisted his curls in his hand to wring the excess water out. Viggo watched him hungrily as he dried off.

Viggo’s breathing became too heavy, and he was unable to stifle a moan just loud enough for Orlando to hear. Orlando immediately looked in the mirror, seeing Viggo’s arm moving and his eyes on him. “Viggo?” he called knowingly.

Orlando opened the door wider just as Viggo hastily put his cock back in his pants, zipping them.

Viggo tried to hide the evidence of what he was doing but Orlando knew better.

“Hey,” Viggo said innocently.

Orlando looked Viggo up and down, folding his arms with a small smile on his lips. “What are you doing?” he asked, letting his eyes linger on the front of Viggo’s pants before looking him back in the eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Viggo blurted out.

“For...” Orlando urged, leaning back against the counter.

Viggo lowered his eyes, unsure whether he should start with the way he treated him downstairs or for jerking off while he watched him in the shower.

“Do you want me to help you figure it out?” Orlando asked casually. He sauntered towards Viggo, cupping his groin when he reached him. “Do you, Vig?”

“Orli, please. I’m trying to apologize.”

Orlando slightly laughed. “There are plenty ways to tell me you’re sorry, and they don’t all have to be verbal.”

“Orlando!”

Orlando removed his hand and stepped back, his assertiveness turning to anger. He hopped up on the counter with a huff. “Fine, Viggo. What are sorry for? Yelling at me? Treating me like some idiot child? Spying on me? Or wanting to fuck me? Your turn, go.”

“Orlando, please… I’m not here to argue with you.”

“I know,” Orlando replied. “You’re here because you can’t stand for me to be mad at you.”

Viggo laughed and nodded, “No I can’t.”

Viggo made his way into the bathroom, now inches away from Orlando. He knew what he was setting himself up for, but was willing to take the chance. Orlando reached out to pull Viggo closer, Viggo easily
following his lead.

“How bad do you want me to forgive you, Viggo,” he asked, untying Viggo’s pajama pants.

Viggo took his hands away. “Orlando, please stop this!” he demanded.

Orlando saw his seriousness. “Ok, what are you really here to apologize for?”

“I was out of line downstairs with what I said. I didn’t mean it.”

“I know that, Viggo, I know you would never try to hurt me.”

Viggo could read Orlando like a book and vice versa. What he saw in his eyes made him wonder if Orlando really believed what he was saying or if he was just telling him what he wanted to hear. Before Viggo could start a discussion about it though, Orlando changed the subject.

“So, what else are you sorry for?” Orlando gave him a knowing look.

Viggo hesitated and sighed. “Ok, I shouldn’t have been watching you,
but...”

Orlando took Viggo’s hand, bringing it up to his mouth before giving his index finger its own personal tongue massage. “But what?” he murmured seductively.

Orlando was trapping Viggo in such a daze that he didn’t even notice he was now directly between Orlando’s legs. Orlando removed Viggo’s finger from his mouth, now running his hand under Viggo’s shirt, teasing his nipples.

“Orli, why do you have to make things so hard?” Viggo said, brushing his forehead against Orlando’s.

Orlando brushed his lips against Viggo’s.

“The problem is, Vig, I don’t think you’re hard enough.”

Orlando reached in Viggo’s pants, Viggo immediately lets his suppressed moan escape him and he fell against Orlando pushing him back against the mirror, Orlando trailed his tongue around Viggo’s neck while pumping his cock. Viggo held his hands against the glass
on each side of Orlando. Viggo rocked his hips breathing heavily as his thighs were pushed between Orlando’s.

“Orli please don’t torture me.”

Orlando ignored him, “Come for me, baby.”

Viggo wanted to so bad but he knew if he let Orlando win, he would once more be at war with himself and Karl, he’d promised Karl nothing was going on with Orlando and he wanted to keep it as best he could. He couldn’t let go with him, he’d already done too much.

He ran his down to Orlando’s hand that was already getting the remnants of pre-cum. Viggo took his hand away.

“NO! I can’t.” He stated pulling himself away from Orlando, turning around. “GODDAMN IT!” Viggo shouted. Orlando jumped.

He turned back to him, “I’m sorry, Orli, I can’t do this to you; to Karl, or to myself. It’s not fair, I’ve already made too many mistakes.”

Orlando pulled his towel closer together.

Viggo looked at him, “Why do you have have to be so beautiful?”

Orlando smiled, “I can’t help that, Viggo.”

Viggo patted his leg, “I know, hey get dressed and come downstairs, I’ll take you out eat, or we can go to that new 24 hour movie theater and check out that new DiCaprio flick."

“This time of night? Why don’t just have sex, I’m horny.” Orlando hopped off the counter.

Viggo laughed, “You’re always horny, see you downstairs.” He walked towards the door.

Orlando gave him a playful sneer. “Viggo I have one more question.”

Viggo turned around, “Yea.”

“Can you really go all night without this.” He said letting his towel drop to the floor.

“Orli...” Viggo breathed as he gripped the door handle, having to force himself to tear his eyes away from Orlando’s naked body.

“You see, Viggo, I haven’t begun to torture you, baby.”

Viggo let out a deep sigh, “Get dressed.” He turned and left the bathroom, even though it was not easy. He knew he should go take care of his throbbing erection before they left so he would be up for another battle with Orlando’s hormones.

Orlando smirked self satisfyingly and went to his bedroom so could put on his clothes and accompany Viggo.

*~*~*

Karl was sitting at the table, reading the morning paper when Viggo came down the stairs.

“Hey, I didn’t hear you come home last night.” Viggo said still his pajamas with a white dress shirt and a pair of black slacks on his arm.

Karl didn’t look up, “I’m surprised you noticed.” Viggo ignored him, sat his clothes on the couch and went into the kitchen to fix some coffee, he came back out and sat next to Karl.

“Karl, come on I was just saying when I went to bed you weren’t here and when I woke up you still weren’t here.” Viggo said placing his hand over his wrist.

“Oh and what time was that exactly?” Karl responded sharply.

“Karl don’t do this! Must we fight every second of every day?” Viggo asked, removing his hand at his frustration.

Karl rolled his eyes, “It seems so, don’t you get sick of trying to keep tabs on your boyfriend and your lover?”

“I’m not sleeping with him, DAMNIT!”

Viggo shouted just as Orlando stumbled into the living room, he was wearing a black and red Nike sweatsuit with his hair in a pony tail.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked cautiously, feeling tension rising upon his arrival.

Viggo and Karl were both silent, they glared at each other.

“Ok...” Orlando said nonchalantly. "Viggo what time does your showing start again?" he asked.

"3." Viggo replied.

"Ok I’ll be back before then but if not, good luck!"

Orlando went and grabbed his keys from the top of the TV and headed towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Viggo asked looking confused.

“Excuse me, daddy, I thought we established that I was an adult.”

Viggo cocked his head, “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Whatever, Viggo, it seems you...” he turned to Karl, “And mom got a lot of things to discuss.” he joked before laughing.

Karl rolled his eyes.

“Fine, Orli, go.”

“Thank you.” Orlando responded just to humor Viggo, because he felt he really didn’t need his permission.

The doorbell ringed. “I’ll get it.” He opened the door, “Hi, Beanie.” Sean smiled and looked inside to see Viggo and Karl.

“Oh look, you guys found your puppy.” Orlando glanced back at them, Viggo rolled his eyes and went back in the kitchen. Sean gently pinched Orlando’s cheek, “Just kidding. I was out for my morning walk and thought I’d stop by, where are you off to?”

“The store.” he said loud enough for Viggo to hear since he was so curious a second ago, “I’ll be back.” he called back into the house.

“We won’t wait up.” Karl remarked sarcastically under his breath.

Viggo came out the kitchen, “Orli.”

Orlando turned behind Sean, “What, Viggo?”

Viggo sighed, “Nothing just behave.”

“Yes father, I will be a good boy.” He said sweetly shooting Viggo with another dose of sarcasm .

Viggo shook his head but he couldn’t help but laugh. “Bye, Orli.”

Orlando chuckled, “Anybody want anything?”

Viggo and Sean shook their heads and Karl just ignored him. Sean closed the door behind him. Viggo looked at Karl briefly, then turned to Sean, “Can I talk to you out back?”

Sean nodded and followed Viggo into the back Yard. Sean turned around to face Viggo once they were outside, “What’s the matter?”

Viggo slid the patio door closed, “It’s Orlando.”

Sean nodded expecting as much. “What happened, he finally got you to sleep with him.” He said starting to laugh.

“No, but it took all I had no to sleep with him last nigh.” Viggo admitted.

“After he got home, when you were calling around town looking for him?” Sean asked making sure this is what Viggo was referring to since he was half sleep then.

“Yea, we got into an argument as usual but he is so damn cute when he gets mad.”

Sean smiled, “Yea, yea he is. So that’s why you almost gave in because he was mad at you?” Sean started laughing, “Wow, Viggo, you do have it bad.”

“No, but he has this way of making you feel guilty for being upset with him.”

Sean nodded, “You do have a problem on your hand, my friend, Orlando knows he's under your skin. If you’re going to stay with Karl then you have to get Orlando out of your system. And him living here is not helping."

“That’s it, I cant! I still love him so much. When I’m in the same room with him, it takes all I can not take him, touch him, kiss, make love to him all day.”

Sean held up his hand, “Ok, that’s too much information.”

“I’m sorry, Beanie, but you’re the only one I can talk to about this, you were there from the start. I love him, Beanie, I love being around him, I love being with him. ”

“That’s sweet really, so what are you going to do about it?”

Viggo looked into the crystal pool, seeing his reflection, “I don’t know.” He said softly. “I just don’t know.”

*~*~*

Karl was taking two pieces of toast from the toaster and put them on his plate. Orlando entered and sat two bags of grocery on the counter.

“Where is Viggo and Beanie?”

“Out back.” he responded unemotionally.

“So did you and my ex have fun last nigh?” Orlando asked, not hiding his sneaky pleasure as he leaned back against the counter.

“I’m sure not as much fun as you and my current.” Karl remarked nastily.

Orlando smirked, “Yea I’m sure you didn’t either.”

“You think you’re so hot don’t you, Orlando, think everybody wants you, including Viggo!” Karl stated, his blazing into Orlando’s.

Orlando laughed mockingly, “Because everybody does, especially Viggo!”

Karl smirked, “Maybe, but doesn’t it bother you that when you’re shaking that tight little ass in front of him, he’s only thinking about one thing.”

Orlando lowered his eyes.

“Yes, that’s what I thought, you want more then Viggo is willing to give. But the sooner you accept that Viggo is not coming back to you, the better off everyone will be.”

He brushed past Orlando, Orlando turned around to speak again, “The only person that needs to accept anything around here is you! I’m not going anywhere, Viggo loves me, he always has, he always will! Now doesn’t that fact unnerve you?”

Karl glared at him, his temperature flaring more and more by the second.

“Words of advise, Karl, never fall in love with a man who doesn’t love you.” Orlando spat angrily but confidently.

Karl’s dark eyes caused Orlando’s confidence to strip, Karl gripped Orlando’s shoulders so tight it placed a discomforted look on Orlando’s face.

“Look here you curly headed trollop, Viggo, is mine! You had your chance and you blew it, after what you did it’s a wonder Viggo even speaks to you. The days have dawned, Orlando, it’s me he comes to, it’s me under him at night.”

The words were cutting Orlando like a knife.

“Finally he gets knocked down peg." Karl said now pleased with himself. "Viggo mine, now and forever, Understand that!.” he snapped finally releasing him.

Before he could walk past, Orlando pulled him back,

“Understand this, he may be living with you, sleeping with you, fucking you.” Orlando paused smiling maliciously, “But he’s thinking about me. See what you fail to realize is even if Viggo only wanted sex from me, I still ignite the fire in him, something you will never do. We have that kind of passion. Tell me something does he call out your name at peek of your lovemaking?”

He got his answer from Karl’s silence, “Well he always calls out mine so pay attention next time to see if he’s trying to suppress it by biting his lip. I know you love him, how could you not? Viggo is a great man, far too good for you but that’s beside the point. He’s charming,
charismatic, handsome, sexy, amazing in bed. But you have
been tremendously fooled if you think Viggo was faithful to you your entire relationship, because along with all those things he has the need to make everyone happy. I’m in his heart, Karl, therefore, he will never be yours.” Orlando said proudly and happy he finally told Karl what he’s waited five years to tell him.

Karl heard enough, he lunged at Orlando...

*~*~*

Sean and Viggo turned towards the house when they heard fighting, “What the...” Viggo looked at Sean.

“Orlando’s back.” Sean added and they both ran in the house.

“KARL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” The two men entered the kitchen in horror to see Karl with his hands clamped around Orlando’s neck. Viggo and Sean rushed over to him, it took the both of them to break him away from Orlando. At his release Orlando kneeled down with one hand around his throat and the other holding onto the counter while he gasped for air. Sean hurried over to Orlando while Viggo pushed back on Karl.

“What the Hell is the matter with you?” Viggo demanded.

“Viggo I’m going to kill him if you don’t get him away from me!”

Sean tended to Orlando who was struggling to catch his breath.

Viggo glanced at Orlando. “Are you ok?” Orlando was at first too
shocked to respond.

“YOU’RE CRAZY!” Orlando finally managed to scream at him, “It’s no wonder Viggo never loved you, you’re impossible to love, you’re a maniac.”

“Orli...”

Viggo called out to silence him, before reverting his attention back to Karl.

“Karl are you out of your mind?” Viggo asked trying to keep face but he was both furious and terrified.

“Of course he is.” Orlando shouted.

“Orlando please, let me handle this.” Viggo said, Orlando shut up stubbornly.

“Come on, Orli.” Sean told him pulling him out the kitchen.

Karl’s gaze was on Orlando until he left the kitchen when Viggo ripped into him again.

Orlando and Sean heard the back and forth bantering all the way up the stairs. Sean noticed how quiet Orlando had gotten.

“He really scared you didn’t he?” He asked turning to look at Orlando. Orlando continued to walk up the stairs without responding, Sean followed him into the guest room.

“Karl are you mad? You could have really hurt him.”

“I am so sick of you acting like that little pain in my ass is some little waif that can’t get a scratch.”

“Karl, you’re the one out of control. You call that a scratch, you could have killed him.”

“Pity, ain’t it and if you and Indiana Jones hadn’t come in here and stopped me, that would have been one less problem in my life.” Karl responded with poisonous venom that was making the entire room suddenly go cold.

Viggo widen his eyes, feeling himself grow cautious, “That’s not funny.”

“Viggo do you have any idea what he was saying to me?” Karl asked
sounding like a child.

Viggo turned away and back to Karl, “I don’t care what he said, Orlando’s talk but you on the other hand attacked him!”

Karl began to lower his tone, “He is trying to still you away from me, can’t you see that?”

Viggo walked closer to Karl, “He has been doing that for years, Karl; coming up with every trick in the book and guess what I’m still here.”

Karl wasn’t sure how to take Viggo at this point, “Then why would you let him move in here?”

Viggo grew quiet, he didn’t know what to say to ease Karl’s frustration.

Karl looked at Viggo as he just realized something, “Oh my God.”

Viggo looked at him.

“You get a kick out of that little tramp pinning after you, that’s why you wanted him here.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, he’s my friend and friends help each other out.” Viggo said with as much conviction as he could proclaim.

“Right, you help him and he’ll let you help yourself right into his tight ass.”

Karl’s accusatory tone was beginning to make Viggo reservation collapse.

“Karl stop this, please. I’m not cheating on you. We’re friends, that’s it! Just like you and Eric.”

Karl laughed mockingly, “No, no, no, not like me and Eric; I’m not living with Eric, I’m not now or have I ever been fucking him either. Look you say you’re not leaving, you’re not cheating, prove it!”

“How?” Viggo asked softly.

“Make him leave.”

Viggo shook his head, “I love you Karl but don’t give me ultimatums, Orlando isn’t going anywhere!” he stated bluntly.

*~*~*

Sean had closed the door when he saw the fighting was upsetting Orlando.

“My mouth finally got me in trouble, huh?” Orlando said looking up at Sean, Sean took his hand off the door knob and came to sit next to Orlando on the bed. He put his arms around Orlando’s shoulders.

“Orli, you had to know this wasn’t a good idea, you knew there was going to be a lot of tension and Viggo is right in the middle. I know you love him but you can’t force him to leave Karl, everyone just needs a break. Hey, why don’t you come stay with me?”

“Isn’t your house being renovated?”

“Just the downstairs bedroom and bathroom, but you’ll be upstairs so you won’t be in the way and when I go out of town tomorrow you’ll have the house to yourself and if you get bored you can always invite Dominic and Lij over, I don’t mind.”

Orlando contemplated for a moment then looked back at Sean, “Beanie are you sure?”

Sean smiled, “Yes, Orli, of course I am.”

“Ok but I promised it will just be until I find my own place.” he said.

Sean squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “Take all the time you need, really.”

Orlando smiled and nodded, they looked up as Viggo came in the door.

Viggo looked at Orlando, “Can I talk to you?” He asked in a low voice.

Sean got up, “I’ll leave you two alone.” He said heading to the door, “I’ll wait for you downstairs.” Sean turned and left.

Viggo looked confused and turned from where Sean left to Orlando, “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be staying at Beanie’s until I find my own apartment.”

“Orli, you don’t have to leave.”

“It will be probably safer.”

“Ok, I get it, but Karl wouldn’t have hurt you, his temper just got the best of him.”

Orlando stood up, “Well he did, Viggo.” Orlando cried turning to look at Viggo, “So don’t defend him to me.” He managed to say, even though his voice was cracking.

Viggo reached out to hold Orlando’s arms that were shaking, “You’re shaking like a leaf.”

Orlando resisted Viggo’s attempt at comforting him, “What do you expect, I almost got the life squeezed out of me by that loon.”

“Orli I don’t...” Viggo paused looking down, not knowing what to
say anymore.

“You don’t what?”

Viggo looked at him, “I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

“Too bad!”

“Orlando please.” Viggo said making another attempt to come near him.

“Stop, Viggo, don’t! Go back down stairs and tame that lion of yours and leave me alone, I’m not your concern anymore, I’m leaving.” he said starting to walk past Viggo, he grabbed his wrist harder then he intended.

“What is the matter with you, I can’t make you happy, I can’t make Karl happy, I can’t make myself happy, it’s too much, Orli, I can’t do this anymore.”

“You’re hurting me!” Orlando cried looking at Viggo’s hand clamped around his wrist before he looked back up.

When Viggo saw the hurt in Orlando’s eyes, he released his wrist, Orlando quickly held it against his chest.

“Orli, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

“You don’t mean a lot of things, Viggo.” There was an awkward silence between the two of them.

“Look you don’t have concern yourself with me anymore, so you just have to worry about your happiness and Karl’s happiness don’t worry about me, there can’t be three people in a relationship so I’m out.” He was quiet, “Bye, Viggo.” Orlando turned to leave.

Viggo felt his heart breaking into a million pieces, it was daja vu all over again.

“I’ll bring the rest of your clothes over after my showing." Viggo called after him.

Orlando stopped in the door, “Good luck today, Vig, I mean that. But I can’t be near you right now.” he said as best he could without faltering before closing the door behind him. For Viggo it felt like Orlando was closing a door Viggo was no longer allowed enter. He walked to the window after hearing Orlando’s and Sean’s chatter, he watched them get into Orlando’s car. A part of him was waiting, maybe even hoping Orlando would look up and see him and he would run back to him, wrapping his arms around his neck like he’d done so many times before. But he didn’t, he didn’t even attempt to look back. Viggo watched them drive off.

*~*~*

Viggo was in the living room sitting on the couch with his head in his hands looking like he’d lost his best friend.

Karl came to the top of the stairs, “Are you coming to bed?”

“I’ll be up later.” Viggo said barely paying attention to him.

Karl sighed knowing why Viggo didn’t want to lay with him, even if he didn’t want to admit it. He turned and went back to the room without showing Viggo his silent fury.

Viggo had been feeling conflicted lately, more than when he made the decision to move on with Karl after him and Orlando broke up, even though he knew he wasn’t over him. He tried to stay focus, he wanted to love Karl but he knew that wasn’t going to happen as long as Orlando was still consuming thoughts and feelings. Whether he was here or not, Orlando would never be far from his heart.

*~*~*

TBC