Running on Faith - Chapter 8

[miwido.livejournal.com]

A/N:  I'm finally back and feeling much better.  Thanks for all your well wishes.  Here's a new chapter and hopefully I can get back to regular posting now.  Have a ton of work to catch up on - so I may not post as quickly as I did before.  Enjoy! 

Viggo spent most of the night watching Orlando closely. He sat in the chair next to his bed and held Orlando's hand almost all night. Viggo kept a close eye on him, watching to make sure he was comfortable and not in any pain. For the most part, Orlando rested fairly well. He only needed the nurse to come in around midnight to give him an injection for the pain. 

 

Orlando woke slowly, still feeling out of sorts. He wasn’t in very much pain now, but his body ached, probably from the uncomfortable hospital bed. He turned to look to his side to find Viggo leaned back in the chair, dozing. 

 

So it wasn’t a dream, it really happened. Viggo was here with him and Orlando was still so confused. He shifted around on the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position. With a million questions running through his head, Orlando drifted back to sleep.

 

The next time he roused, Orlando could feel Viggo’s fingertips carding through his hair. Instinctively he turned towards the touch, opening his eyes to find Viggo staring back at him. He was still holding Orlando’s left hand, and he lifted it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. Orlando didn't know what to do or say, his heart and mind were battling each other over the emotions coursing through him. On one hand he was elated; Viggo was here with him which meant that hopefully he believed him now. On the other hand he was angry, confused, and hurting. Viggo had doubted him, and Orlando had been isolated and alone. He didn't know where to begin, and he was grateful when Viggo spoke.

 

Viggo kept his voice soft and low. "Good morning Lan, how are you feeling?"

 

Orlando shrugged his shoulders, "Okay, I guess. I'm really sore this morning, but I guess that is to be expected."

 

Orlando lifted up the sheet to survey the damage. Concern washed over Viggo as he watched Orlando scowl. He was about to say something, when he heard Orlando murmuring quietly to himself. "When did they take it out?"

 

Viggo realized that he was referring to his catheter. "When they finished up your surgery, they went ahead and removed it."

 

Orlando nodded ever so slightly, relieved that they had taken it out while he was still under the anesthesia. He let out a deep breath, "Um, I…need to use the loo."

 

Viggo stood up and walked around the bed to the other side so he could help Orlando get out of bed. Orlando resolved himself that he needed help, and if he was honest, it felt damn good to have someone there with him. Viggo lowered the bed rail and then he kept himself busy with moving the IV pole closer to them so he could roll it into the bathroom. He started to lower the covers for Orlando and then he thought better. Viggo didn't know how Orlando was going to react, and he was afraid that Orlando was going to push him away. Even though he knew he deserved it, the thought scared him.

 

Orlando pushed the covers back himself and eased his legs over the edge of the bed, sitting up slowly. Viggo took his left hand to help steady him, his right hand resting gently at the small of Orlando's back. He guided Orlando into the bathroom, making sure that he didn't get tangled up in his IV line. Viggo didn't know if he should stay or not, finally deciding to step back a bit to give him some room but still close enough to help if Orlando needed it. 

 

While Orlando emptied his bladder, Viggo couldn't help but look at his body through the open back of his hospital gown. He could tell that Orlando had lost weight. Viggo longed to run his fingertips down the length of Orlando's spine, touching him like he used to. He started to reach out, and just at that moment Orlando flushed the toilet and turned to walk back into the room. Instead of getting back in the bed, Orlando walked around the bed and sat in one of the other chairs in the room. As Viggo was getting him a blanket, the door opened quietly and Orlando's doctor walked into the room.

 

Dr. Adams pulled a small stool in front of Orlando and sat down. He asked Orlando how he was feeling and if he was in much pain. After doing his initial assessment, Dr. Adams moved to the sink so he could wash his hands and get some disposable gloves. He turned to Viggo and politely asked him to step out of the room. Viggo’s eyes darted to Orlando's for just a moment. Orlando started to ask him to stay, but the words were caught in his throat. Viggo gave him a slight nod of his head before stepping out into the hallway.

 

The exam only took a few moments and Viggo was allowed to come back in the room. Dr. Adams handed Orlando a sheet of paper with instructions on how to care for his incision. He told Orlando that he was going to release him and he was to follow-up with him in 10 days. After asking if he had any questions, Dr. Adams stood up and shook Orlando's hand and then turned to shake Viggo's hand. After he left the room, Viggo sat down on the stool in front of Orlando. Orlando sat very still in his chair, staring down at his folded hands, unable to make eye contact with Viggo. Viggo reached out and caressed Orlando's cheek and then reached under his chin to tip his head up. They sat there for a few moments staring at each other, both of them unsure of their next step. The moment was interrupted suddenly when the duty nurse came in to remove the IV from Orlando's hand.

 

After she finished and Orlando had signed all the necessary forms, they were left alone once again. Viggo gently asked him if he needed help putting on his clothes. Orlando swallowed hard; needing the help but unsure if he could handle the feel of Viggo's hands on him. Finally he nodded his head and Viggo moved to help him start dressing.

 

After they summoned an orderly to wheel Orlando downstairs, Viggo went ahead of them and pulled his vehicle up to the front entrance. He helped Orlando climb into the passenger seat, and soon they were on their way. Orlando's nerves were back full force. He wanted to ask so many questions but didn't know where to start. He realized that Viggo was heading to his beach house and he relaxed a little. Orlando definitely didn’t want to go to Viggo’s house right now. They spent the rest of the trip in silence.

 

After they got home Viggo asked Orlando if he was hungry. Orlando shook his head, saying that all he wanted to do was take a shower and sleep.

 

When he got out of the shower, Orlando put on a t-shirt and boxers, feeling totally wiped out. He took a couple of painkillers knowing that they would work on him fast since he had an empty stomach. The house was totally quiet and for a brief moment Orlando wondered if Viggo had gone home. Orlando made his way down the hall and stood in the doorway to the den. Viggo was sitting in the corner of the couch, his legs stretched out in front of him. Viggo turned and looked up at him, and Orlando wondered how long they were going to stare at each other this time. He couldn’t suppress the sharp intake of breath when Viggo reached out his arms for Orlando. Carefully, Orlando crawled up between Viggo and the back of the couch, curling into his arms. He let his head snuggle in the crook of Viggo’s neck as he stretched out and found a comfortable position. The painkillers were relaxing him, and that coupled with the slow strokes of Viggo’s hands up and down his back, Orlando drifted off to the most restful sleep he had in weeks. 

 

TBC

 

 

 

Comments

[helineloro.livejournal.com]

They are sweet!
I understand that Orlando is now confused, but I hope him can understand and forgive Viggo, for not believe him.
Together they can overcome this moment, they just believe in their love.

I'm glad you feel better. ^ __ ^

Thanks!

[byalara.livejournal.com]

Yes! So sweet... :D

[veveri.livejournal.com]

It is not surprising, that both are not exactly comfortable with each other; Orlando being deeply hurt by Viggo´s rejection and condemnation and Viggo feeling very guilty and not sure if Orlando forgives him.
Thanks for the update!

[miwido.livejournal.com]

Thanks - it'll take some time and tears, but I'm sure they will be okay eventually.

[miwido.livejournal.com]

I have done so much to the poor boy, he needed a break. :)

[miwido.livejournal.com]

Neither of them know what to do right now. The talk is coming soon though!

[slashbycaranfin.livejournal.com]

Well they're already in a much more comfortable place emotionally now that they can connect physically again. I think they're going to be fine. Hope so anyway!

[woowoochow.livejournal.com]

so glad viggo stayed,orlando going to need his help and love,cant wait for more.

[miwido.livejournal.com]

Well now - I wouldn't say that. :) It's still gotta be a little bumpy, but they will get there. Finally was able to get next chapter posted. Thanks!

[miwido.livejournal.com]

Don't think he could have left his elf's side that night - but it won't always be easy. Finally have the next chapter up - Thanks for commenting and enjoy!