Slippery Slope 4/?
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vigorliTitle: Slippery Slope
Chapter: 4/?
Author: Rocketbalm
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: R-ish for sexual imagery
Summary: Orlando thinks about Viggo. Viggo thinks about calling Sean. Dom calls and all hell breaks loose.
Content/warnings: AU
Disclaimer: Blatantly not true, fiction
fic•tion (fik shen)
An imaginative creation or a pretense that does not represent actuality but has been invented. A lie. A literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact.
Chapter 4
Orlando woke and instinctively reached for the bedside table without opening his eyes. After fumbling for a moment he realized his pills weren’t where he always put them before going to bed. He cracked open one eye and was blinded by the filtered daylight that surrounded him. He pulled the feather duvet over his head and snuggled deep into darkness again. Slowly he let more and more light under the duvet until he could sit up and study his surroundings. He was lying in a stunning log hewn queen-sized bed, in what appeared to be, a tastefully furnished loft with vaulted ceilings held up by huge cedar logs. Beyond the railing of the loft were floor to ceiling windows looking out over a snow covered mountain range, still pink in the glow of morning. Somewhere on the floor below, soft sounds of someone puttering in a kitchen as the smell of coffee delicately wafted in the air. Viggo. Orlando smiled and lowered himself back to the bed closing his eyes remembering the soft spoken man who he had initially gotten off to such a rocky start with.
It had been a long time since Orlando found a man attractive, hell it had been a long time since he’d slept with a man. Not since *him*. Orlando shuddered briefly, thinking of the man who had, well, not broke his heart but something close. Blocking the image of *him* from his mind, he focused on remembering what it felt like to be with a man. Soft curves and wet warmth are replaced with firm muscles and hard columns of flesh. The rasp of stubble, cheek against cheek; the dance of two like bodies finding pleasure together; the slow, intimate slide into a narrow velvet channel and the splash of come, hot against skin as your lover unravels beneath your touch. Orlando hadn’t indulged himself this way for a long time.
Feeling the renewed interest of his morning erection, his thoughts drifted back to Viggo. Slowly he ran his hand down the flat of his stomach to the waistband of his boxers. Teasing the skin and the downy trail of hair the disappeared beneath the straining fabric before reaching in and gently stroking his heated length. Mmmm, he concentrated on remembering the details of the man that intrigued him. The blue/green/grey eyes that changed in intensity with every emotion; the scar that should have marred the beautiful lips but only made them more appealing, and the voice that could curl around you and wrap you in it’s warmth like a lovers embrace. Broad shoulders, sandy, slightly disheveled hair, crooked grin… Not that Viggo would want him like this if he was so inclined. It was nice to imagine though, having someone like Viggo care about you. Orlando began to stroke himself more firmly, swiping his thumb across the head, slicking the pearly fluid down his fiery shaft. His breathing grew heavy as he recalled the kind words and the cadence in which Viggo spoke, soothing him. He remembered the gentle hand snugging his coat up around him and pictured how that same hand would feel caressing the length of his body. Orlando’s hips twitched and rose in rhythm with his hand as he could hear Viggo softly humming downstairs like he had in the car last night. Fuck. Last night. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He had already fucked up. He knew he would, it was just a matter of time.
//What’s the matter Orli, can’t you keep your commitments… Grow up and stop being so selfish, this isn’t just about you anymore... You’re letting us all down Orli, we’re all here to do a job so suck it up…// *His* voice echoed in his mind.
Orlando clenched his fists, his softening erection forgotten as his throat constricted with shame. The memory came flooding back. The lighthearted way they had joked the night before about Orlando helping with his own bags as a condition for staying at Viggo’s. The combination of his pills, the beer and Viggo’s comforting voice had soothed Orlando to sleep in the car. Viggo had gently wakened him, guided him into the house and upstairs to the loft where his bags were neatly stacked and the bed was already turned down. Orlando vaguely remembered saying good night before stripping down and sliding between the sheets without even brushing his teeth. He felt his cheeks flush at the memory – another commitment broken. Something so simple and yet he had failed to follow through. He really couldn’t do anything himself anymore. The disappointment settled in the pit of his stomach and he reflexively his eyes scanned the room for his pills. Fear slid down his throat and mingled with the disappointment when he couldn’t remember where they were.
He dug through his bags for clean shorts and a pair of baggy jeans and made his way to the bathroom for a piss and to brush his teeth. He looked at himself in the mirror and tried to tame the anarchy of curls that framed his face and searched for the beauty that others claimed they saw. All he saw was plain old Orli. Fuck he needed his pills, suddenly remembering they were in his coat which must be downstairs somewhere with Viggo.
Orlando mulled the possibility of going downstairs undetected and look for his coat and pills to avoid facing Viggo. Fuck it, thought Orlando, he fell asleep for Christ sakes, it could have happened to anyone. He could have just left his bags in the car if he didn’t want to move them. If Viggo was annoyed then fuck him, he was Orlando fucking Bloom for not some kid from the streets he could talk down to. Orlando grabbed a wrinkled t-shirt from his bag and struggled into it still fuming. Determined to go downstairs and find his coat, Orlando took a last glance around when he noticed his cell phone carefully placed on dresser along with a muffin and glass of orange juice, fresh squeezed from the looks of it. Fuck. Orlando ran his fingers through his hair and sat down abruptly on the edge of his bed, feeling all the anger he had generated drain away.
Orlando’s shoulder’s slumped forward, his body losing all it’s rigidity. He shook his head as if to clear it. Since when did he go from zero to a hundred in a split second; where did all this anger come from; who the hell was he becoming? He felt a slight twinge in his back, and longed for his pills again. His eyes rested on the juice and muffin and felt a small smile tug at his lips. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something like that for him with out being paid for it. Grabbing the muffin and juice he made his way down the stairs.
Reaching the bottom stair he took in his surroundings not sure which way he should go. The open plan layout was stunning with it’s comfortable yet simple furnishings, beautiful woodwork and incredible view. Bookshelves were full and spilling their colourful contents onto low tables that were scattered throughout the living area. The log trimmed walls were mostly unadorned with a few large canvasses swirling with colour and texture the exception. A magnificent stone fireplace anchored one wall and the mantle was free from clutter but for two framed black and white photos. The casual warmth of the place made Orlando feel welcome yet an outsider all at once. It was obvious that the occupant was comfortable in their own skin, creating a home that was not for show but for enjoyment.
Hearing a clatter in the kitchen sink, Orlando slowly made his way over to the large wooden trestle table that dominated the dining area. “Hey.” He said softly as he seated himself in a Quaker style chair. Viggo turned from where he was facing the sink and smiled. “Hey yourself. Did my puttering wake you? The loft was the only spare bed I had that was made up and it’s kind of open so noises tend to carry.” He continued apologetically.
“No, no not at all. The loft is great, lovely really.” The two men fidgeted in the awkwardness of the moment. “Um, thanks for the muffin and juice. You shouldn’t have gone to any trouble.” Orlando said shyly.
No trouble, Orlando. I baked them yesterday morning and the juice, well I just felt like something special today.” Viggo sat across from him sipping his own juice and studying a lopsided muffin.
“I, um, I’m sorry I fell asleep, I mean, I did say I’d help you with the bags and I guess I wasn’t much help was I?" He said softly.
“Don’t be silly. If I really needed help I would have wakened you, besides watching you navigate my driveway for the first time in the daylight is going to be way more fun.” Viggo teased and was rewarded with a small smile from his guest.
“Still I feel badly for not helping.” He managed with a shrug. “Um, do you know where my coat is? I need something from it.” Trying to sound nonchalant.
“Your coat?” Viggo puzzled “It’s on the bench at the front door, but if you’re looking for your phone I left it on the dresser with your muffin this morning.”
“No, I um, got the phone.” Nervously patting his pants pocket. “It’s something else. I’ll just grab it and be right back.” Orlando felt awkward talking about his pills in front of Viggo. Almost as if he would disappoint the man if he took one. Finding his coat he rummaged through the pockets until he found the plastic container and nipped into washroom for some water. He knew it wasn’t possible but he could feel the relief wash through him almost immediately, knowing that the true measure of relief was still some minutes away.
He splashed some water on his face and flushed the toilet for good measure before joining Viggo back at the table. As Orlando approached the table Viggo could hear the tell-tale sound of the pills rattling in a container coming from Orlando’s pants, erasing any doubt what so ever of what it was that he had needed from his coat. Viggo’s own hand shook as he placed his juice back on the table, the fear of addiction wrapped itself around Viggo like a straightjacket making it hard to breathe. He stood up abruptly from the table and went back to the kitchen.
“So what can I get you for breakfast? Coffee, eggs, toast?” His voice unintentionally clipped as his mind raced toward what he really wanted to do which was call Sean and talk to him about Orlando and tell Orlando about Sean and not necessarily in that order.
Confused by the tone of the question, Orlando hesitated. “Um, coffee sounds great but not if it’s any trouble. I don’t usually eat much in the mornings so the muffin was fine for me.” He added softly wondering what he had done wrong.
“Coffee it is then.” Viggo said as he started to make a fresh pot. When he was done he came back to the table with two steaming mugs, a jug of milk and a bowl of sugar. “I wasn’t sure how you take it.” Viggo almost spilled the younger man’s mug, suddenly mesmerized by the richness of the mahogany curls glinting in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Smiling just a little, Orlando steadied the mug and said “Hey, I thought I was the clumsy one. And just black is fine with me.” Testing the scalding liquid with his lip before taking a sip. “I hope I’m not keeping you from anything. Um, if I am I can just read until the Dom and Elijah wake up. I’m sure they’ll be asleep for a while yet – they were at some gala or something last night.”
“Dom and Elijah?” Viggo swallowed hard, wincing as the hot coffee burned it’s way down his gullet. The names gave him a start. He hadn’t even thought to ask who Orlando might be staying with, the possibility that he would know his friends was so remote, yet here it was.
“Listen Orlando, I need to talk to you…”
“Yeah the Hobbits, Dom and ‘Lij….”
They both started speaking at once. Viggo knew he had to come clean now if there was any chance of Orlando still trusting him later.
“Viggo? What’s the matter? Did I do something?" Orlando’s voice rose and almost quavered.
“No, Oh god, no Orlando you’ve done nothing but be the perfect house guest, in fact I was going to say you can stay as long as you like.” He smiled encouragingly at the uneasy young man. “It’s me, I have to tell you something.” Viggo tried to play it as if it were no big deal but Orlando wasn’t buying it. His mind raced to figure out what Viggo could possibly have to tell him. “Okay.” He replied trying to slow down his heart rate.
“It’s about your friends…” began Viggo.
My friends, thought Orlando, what about my friends? Did something happen? Before he could get the words out there was a shrill chirp from his pants. Noticing it was Dom’s number he held up his hand and interrupted. “Hang on to the thought, Viggo.”
“Dom, you big poof, how come you’re up so early?”
Viggo looked away, cursing fate for being so generous while being so cruel at the same time. In his heart he knew that this conversation was not going to go well for him. The thought of not seeing Orlando smile and laugh as he was doing right now made his heart ache.
“Yeah I spent the night at Viggo’s, here in Whistler. Brilliant place man, I almost feel sorry for you having to stay in your hotel after being here.’ He grinned and winked at Viggo who looked like someone ran over his dog.
“That’s right, ‘the artist guy’” He rolled his eyes as if Dom was a little slow. Viggo could almost hear the conversation in his head and could tell by the confused look on Orlando’s face what was being said.
“Mortensen, that sounds about right. Why do you know his stuff?”
“You’ve met him. No fucking way.”
“Sean. Beanie, our Sean.” Viggo got up from the table knowing that there was not much he could do about it now until Orlando was off the phone.
“No he never told me that.”
“Yes, that is strange.”
There was a long silence, where Orlando just glared at him and listened to the conversation on the phone. Orlando felt the betrayal build, finally making him snap.
“Come and get me Dom. Now. I don’t care if you’re hung over. I’m going to go upstairs put on something warm and then I’m going to start walking. I can see the village from up here so I’ll let you know the streets I’m on while you get your arse over here. I’m not going to spend a minute longer than I have to with someone who deliberately lies to me.”
“No I didn’t sleep with him and I don’t care if you think I’m being rash. No I’m not going to ask him where he lives. I’m not going to speak to him at all. I’m going to get my sweater and my shoes and start walking and if you’re any kind of friend you’ll get out of that snug little bed you’re in and come get me.”
Viggo wrote his address on a slip of paper and slid it toward Orlando only to have it brushed off the table by the furious young man who was half way up the stairs before the paper came to rest on the floor. Viggo’s mind raced to find a solution not wanting to let Orlando leave – for many reasons, most of them not selfish. Thinking he might have an answer and praying it would work he pressed speed dial and waited.
[Viggo] “Sean it’s Vig. Listen I don’t have time to fully explain but I need your help”
[Orlando] “I can hear you, you know. And it’s not going to work, you can hang up now.” He shouted from the loft.
[Sean] “What the hell’s going on Vig? And who’s shouting in the back ground?”
[Viggo] “Sorry Sean, hang on a minute okay.”
[Sean] “Fine.”
[Viggo] “I know you can hear me Orlando, if I didn’t want you to hear me I would have gone into my office or my studio. And since you know who I’m calling why don’t you come down here and let him talk some sense into you.”
[Sean] “Orlando? My Orlando?”
[Orlando] “Fuck you Viggo. You have no right to try and tell me what to do.”
[Viggo] “Yes, your Orlando. It’s a long story but he’s here and he thinks I lied to him because I didn’t tell him that we're friends. That is once I figured out who he was. He’s about to walk out of here into two and half feet of fresh snow with less than appropriate clothing for the conditions. Insisting that he’s going to walk to the village. Knowing him better than I do, I’m guessing you’re having similar thoughts about how likely it is he’ll make it down the drive without breaking something. Please will you talk to him. Get him to wait here and if he really doesn't want to stay, Dom can come get him.”
[Orlando] “I’m not a child Viggo and Sean is not my father. So fuck off, both of you.”
[Sean] “Christ Viggo, I don’t know what the hell is going on or how the hell you met Orlando or even what the hell Dom is doing there. But I swear if you’ve done anything to hurt the lad, I’ll fly over there and personally kick your arse. That said, I can’t believe you would do anything unkind to anyone let alone someone I consider family so I’m guessing Orlando is either drunk – that can’t be right, what the fuck time is it over there? Morning right?”
[Viggo] “Nine-thirty in the morning. And I’d never hurt him, not intentionally at least.”
[Sean] “Is he on something? Can you answer that without being obvious.”
[Viggo] “No. Um, the usual? Hope that makes sense.”
[Sean] “The usual? That stuff for his back, is that what you mean?”
[Viggo] “Uh huh. That’s right.”
[Sean] “Fuck I was worried about that. I should have said something to him, I had a feeling he was relying on them too much. Before you put him on the line, did you lie to him Vig?”
[Viggo] “No Sean I didn’t. I didn’t tell him I knew you, I was about to when Dom called and then, well, he told him. I didn’t mean for this to happen, it’s a misunderstanding, silly really.”
[Orlando] “So what, now I’m a child and I’m silly. Well isn’t that brilliant, all I wanted was to get away from fucks that spread lies about my life and I end up here with some old cunt who takes pleasure in lying to me instead.” Orlando yelled as he made it back to the bottom of the stairs tugging on an impossibly tight chocolate-brown sweater.
[Sean] “Put him on.”
Viggo silently handed the phone to Orlando and waited for what seemed like an eternity for him to take it. Their eyes bore into each other; one pleading -- one resisting.
[Orlando] “Fine, but I’m still going.” He said petulantly. Viggo walked away giving the two friends some space. “Sean?” Orlando began tentatively.
[Sean] “Hey lad. What’s got your knickers in such a twist, eh? You’re scaring me with all that shouting. Where’s my easy going Orli… Hmmm?
[Orlando] “I’ve fucked everything up again Beanie.” His voice suddenly soft and childlike.
[Sean] “Go on lad, tell me what’s happened. How did you get to be at Viggo’s?” Orlando sat down on the stair and began to tell the entire story, his voice hitching as he held back tears. Pausing only to listen to Sean’s words of encouragement. After a while the conversation was less strained and finally a soft giggle emerged.
[Orlando] “Sean it is *not* funny.”
[Sean] “But it is Orli, arriving during gay ski week. Come on, surely you can see the humour in that.”
[Orlando] “Well a little.”
[Sean] “And then thinking Vig was a chauffeur. That’s hysterical. You’re lucky it was snowing or he would have picked you up barefooted and shirtless. Now lad, about Viggo, I’m going to ask you to trust me.”
[Orlando] “I don’t know Sean, I know what you’re going to ask and I don’t know if I can.”
[Sean] “Orli, I’ve not lied to you yet, through everything we’ve both been through together and I’ll not start today. I’m asking you to trust Viggo as you would trust me.”
[Orlando] “But Sean…”
[Sean] “No Orli, no buts. Stay there with Viggo. I trust Vig with my life and if I have to I would trust him with yours. He’s had a lapse judgment lad, that’s all. We’ve all done that, hell I’ve done worse before I’ve had my morning piss. He wasn’t trying to hurt you or treat you badly. If you give him the chance, you’ll not find a better friend.”
[Orlando] “Okay Sean. I’ll stay but I don’t think I can be his friend.”
[Sean] “That’s fine lad. Just don’t close that door too soon okay? Now give Dommie a call back and tell him to climb back into bed with our ring-bearer. He’s probably out of his skull with worry.”
[Orlando] “Okay Sean, I’ll call him.”
[Sean] “Now call me later all right, let me know how the skiing is when you get up the mountain. Okay?”
[Orlando] “Snowboarding.”
[Sean] “All right then, snowboarding. Now call Dom. I’m going to get back to my supper.”
[Orlando] “Thanks, Beanie.”
[Sean] “Anytime Orli, you know that. You’re family, right.”
[Orlando] “Right.” Wiping away a silent tear.
[Sean] “Bye now Orli, go give Dommie a call.”
[Orlando] “I will Seanie. Bye.” Orlando quietly hung up the phone and rested his head on his knees. With a sigh, he fished out his phone and dialed Dom. “Dom, it’s me Orli. I’m okay, you, um, don’t have to come get me.”
“No really, I’m fine.”
“Go back to Elijah.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
Orlando stared at the phone in his hands before wrapping his arms around his knees and burying his head, while his hot tears ran down his cheeks. He sat like that for several long minutes, remembering the sound of Sean’s voice and how it comforted him even if his words did not. The pad of bare feet walked slowly to where he sat. A jean clad leg nudged him slightly as Viggo sat beside him on the stair. He felt a warm hand softly rub his back for a few moments before curling around his waist. Viggo leaned into the awkward hug and whispered gently into his ear. “I’m so sorry Orlando.” Orlando lifted his head and looked into the stricken blue eyes of the man who he wanted so badly to trust. Then with great care he leaned his head on the older man’s shoulder and whispered. “Me too.”
TBC
Chapter: 4/?
Author: Rocketbalm
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: R-ish for sexual imagery
Summary: Orlando thinks about Viggo. Viggo thinks about calling Sean. Dom calls and all hell breaks loose.
Content/warnings: AU
Disclaimer: Blatantly not true, fiction
fic•tion (fik shen)
An imaginative creation or a pretense that does not represent actuality but has been invented. A lie. A literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact.
Chapter 4
Orlando woke and instinctively reached for the bedside table without opening his eyes. After fumbling for a moment he realized his pills weren’t where he always put them before going to bed. He cracked open one eye and was blinded by the filtered daylight that surrounded him. He pulled the feather duvet over his head and snuggled deep into darkness again. Slowly he let more and more light under the duvet until he could sit up and study his surroundings. He was lying in a stunning log hewn queen-sized bed, in what appeared to be, a tastefully furnished loft with vaulted ceilings held up by huge cedar logs. Beyond the railing of the loft were floor to ceiling windows looking out over a snow covered mountain range, still pink in the glow of morning. Somewhere on the floor below, soft sounds of someone puttering in a kitchen as the smell of coffee delicately wafted in the air. Viggo. Orlando smiled and lowered himself back to the bed closing his eyes remembering the soft spoken man who he had initially gotten off to such a rocky start with.
It had been a long time since Orlando found a man attractive, hell it had been a long time since he’d slept with a man. Not since *him*. Orlando shuddered briefly, thinking of the man who had, well, not broke his heart but something close. Blocking the image of *him* from his mind, he focused on remembering what it felt like to be with a man. Soft curves and wet warmth are replaced with firm muscles and hard columns of flesh. The rasp of stubble, cheek against cheek; the dance of two like bodies finding pleasure together; the slow, intimate slide into a narrow velvet channel and the splash of come, hot against skin as your lover unravels beneath your touch. Orlando hadn’t indulged himself this way for a long time.
Feeling the renewed interest of his morning erection, his thoughts drifted back to Viggo. Slowly he ran his hand down the flat of his stomach to the waistband of his boxers. Teasing the skin and the downy trail of hair the disappeared beneath the straining fabric before reaching in and gently stroking his heated length. Mmmm, he concentrated on remembering the details of the man that intrigued him. The blue/green/grey eyes that changed in intensity with every emotion; the scar that should have marred the beautiful lips but only made them more appealing, and the voice that could curl around you and wrap you in it’s warmth like a lovers embrace. Broad shoulders, sandy, slightly disheveled hair, crooked grin… Not that Viggo would want him like this if he was so inclined. It was nice to imagine though, having someone like Viggo care about you. Orlando began to stroke himself more firmly, swiping his thumb across the head, slicking the pearly fluid down his fiery shaft. His breathing grew heavy as he recalled the kind words and the cadence in which Viggo spoke, soothing him. He remembered the gentle hand snugging his coat up around him and pictured how that same hand would feel caressing the length of his body. Orlando’s hips twitched and rose in rhythm with his hand as he could hear Viggo softly humming downstairs like he had in the car last night. Fuck. Last night. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He had already fucked up. He knew he would, it was just a matter of time.
//What’s the matter Orli, can’t you keep your commitments… Grow up and stop being so selfish, this isn’t just about you anymore... You’re letting us all down Orli, we’re all here to do a job so suck it up…// *His* voice echoed in his mind.
Orlando clenched his fists, his softening erection forgotten as his throat constricted with shame. The memory came flooding back. The lighthearted way they had joked the night before about Orlando helping with his own bags as a condition for staying at Viggo’s. The combination of his pills, the beer and Viggo’s comforting voice had soothed Orlando to sleep in the car. Viggo had gently wakened him, guided him into the house and upstairs to the loft where his bags were neatly stacked and the bed was already turned down. Orlando vaguely remembered saying good night before stripping down and sliding between the sheets without even brushing his teeth. He felt his cheeks flush at the memory – another commitment broken. Something so simple and yet he had failed to follow through. He really couldn’t do anything himself anymore. The disappointment settled in the pit of his stomach and he reflexively his eyes scanned the room for his pills. Fear slid down his throat and mingled with the disappointment when he couldn’t remember where they were.
He dug through his bags for clean shorts and a pair of baggy jeans and made his way to the bathroom for a piss and to brush his teeth. He looked at himself in the mirror and tried to tame the anarchy of curls that framed his face and searched for the beauty that others claimed they saw. All he saw was plain old Orli. Fuck he needed his pills, suddenly remembering they were in his coat which must be downstairs somewhere with Viggo.
Orlando mulled the possibility of going downstairs undetected and look for his coat and pills to avoid facing Viggo. Fuck it, thought Orlando, he fell asleep for Christ sakes, it could have happened to anyone. He could have just left his bags in the car if he didn’t want to move them. If Viggo was annoyed then fuck him, he was Orlando fucking Bloom for not some kid from the streets he could talk down to. Orlando grabbed a wrinkled t-shirt from his bag and struggled into it still fuming. Determined to go downstairs and find his coat, Orlando took a last glance around when he noticed his cell phone carefully placed on dresser along with a muffin and glass of orange juice, fresh squeezed from the looks of it. Fuck. Orlando ran his fingers through his hair and sat down abruptly on the edge of his bed, feeling all the anger he had generated drain away.
Orlando’s shoulder’s slumped forward, his body losing all it’s rigidity. He shook his head as if to clear it. Since when did he go from zero to a hundred in a split second; where did all this anger come from; who the hell was he becoming? He felt a slight twinge in his back, and longed for his pills again. His eyes rested on the juice and muffin and felt a small smile tug at his lips. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something like that for him with out being paid for it. Grabbing the muffin and juice he made his way down the stairs.
Reaching the bottom stair he took in his surroundings not sure which way he should go. The open plan layout was stunning with it’s comfortable yet simple furnishings, beautiful woodwork and incredible view. Bookshelves were full and spilling their colourful contents onto low tables that were scattered throughout the living area. The log trimmed walls were mostly unadorned with a few large canvasses swirling with colour and texture the exception. A magnificent stone fireplace anchored one wall and the mantle was free from clutter but for two framed black and white photos. The casual warmth of the place made Orlando feel welcome yet an outsider all at once. It was obvious that the occupant was comfortable in their own skin, creating a home that was not for show but for enjoyment.
Hearing a clatter in the kitchen sink, Orlando slowly made his way over to the large wooden trestle table that dominated the dining area. “Hey.” He said softly as he seated himself in a Quaker style chair. Viggo turned from where he was facing the sink and smiled. “Hey yourself. Did my puttering wake you? The loft was the only spare bed I had that was made up and it’s kind of open so noises tend to carry.” He continued apologetically.
“No, no not at all. The loft is great, lovely really.” The two men fidgeted in the awkwardness of the moment. “Um, thanks for the muffin and juice. You shouldn’t have gone to any trouble.” Orlando said shyly.
No trouble, Orlando. I baked them yesterday morning and the juice, well I just felt like something special today.” Viggo sat across from him sipping his own juice and studying a lopsided muffin.
“I, um, I’m sorry I fell asleep, I mean, I did say I’d help you with the bags and I guess I wasn’t much help was I?" He said softly.
“Don’t be silly. If I really needed help I would have wakened you, besides watching you navigate my driveway for the first time in the daylight is going to be way more fun.” Viggo teased and was rewarded with a small smile from his guest.
“Still I feel badly for not helping.” He managed with a shrug. “Um, do you know where my coat is? I need something from it.” Trying to sound nonchalant.
“Your coat?” Viggo puzzled “It’s on the bench at the front door, but if you’re looking for your phone I left it on the dresser with your muffin this morning.”
“No, I um, got the phone.” Nervously patting his pants pocket. “It’s something else. I’ll just grab it and be right back.” Orlando felt awkward talking about his pills in front of Viggo. Almost as if he would disappoint the man if he took one. Finding his coat he rummaged through the pockets until he found the plastic container and nipped into washroom for some water. He knew it wasn’t possible but he could feel the relief wash through him almost immediately, knowing that the true measure of relief was still some minutes away.
He splashed some water on his face and flushed the toilet for good measure before joining Viggo back at the table. As Orlando approached the table Viggo could hear the tell-tale sound of the pills rattling in a container coming from Orlando’s pants, erasing any doubt what so ever of what it was that he had needed from his coat. Viggo’s own hand shook as he placed his juice back on the table, the fear of addiction wrapped itself around Viggo like a straightjacket making it hard to breathe. He stood up abruptly from the table and went back to the kitchen.
“So what can I get you for breakfast? Coffee, eggs, toast?” His voice unintentionally clipped as his mind raced toward what he really wanted to do which was call Sean and talk to him about Orlando and tell Orlando about Sean and not necessarily in that order.
Confused by the tone of the question, Orlando hesitated. “Um, coffee sounds great but not if it’s any trouble. I don’t usually eat much in the mornings so the muffin was fine for me.” He added softly wondering what he had done wrong.
“Coffee it is then.” Viggo said as he started to make a fresh pot. When he was done he came back to the table with two steaming mugs, a jug of milk and a bowl of sugar. “I wasn’t sure how you take it.” Viggo almost spilled the younger man’s mug, suddenly mesmerized by the richness of the mahogany curls glinting in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Smiling just a little, Orlando steadied the mug and said “Hey, I thought I was the clumsy one. And just black is fine with me.” Testing the scalding liquid with his lip before taking a sip. “I hope I’m not keeping you from anything. Um, if I am I can just read until the Dom and Elijah wake up. I’m sure they’ll be asleep for a while yet – they were at some gala or something last night.”
“Dom and Elijah?” Viggo swallowed hard, wincing as the hot coffee burned it’s way down his gullet. The names gave him a start. He hadn’t even thought to ask who Orlando might be staying with, the possibility that he would know his friends was so remote, yet here it was.
“Listen Orlando, I need to talk to you…”
“Yeah the Hobbits, Dom and ‘Lij….”
They both started speaking at once. Viggo knew he had to come clean now if there was any chance of Orlando still trusting him later.
“Viggo? What’s the matter? Did I do something?" Orlando’s voice rose and almost quavered.
“No, Oh god, no Orlando you’ve done nothing but be the perfect house guest, in fact I was going to say you can stay as long as you like.” He smiled encouragingly at the uneasy young man. “It’s me, I have to tell you something.” Viggo tried to play it as if it were no big deal but Orlando wasn’t buying it. His mind raced to figure out what Viggo could possibly have to tell him. “Okay.” He replied trying to slow down his heart rate.
“It’s about your friends…” began Viggo.
My friends, thought Orlando, what about my friends? Did something happen? Before he could get the words out there was a shrill chirp from his pants. Noticing it was Dom’s number he held up his hand and interrupted. “Hang on to the thought, Viggo.”
“Dom, you big poof, how come you’re up so early?”
Viggo looked away, cursing fate for being so generous while being so cruel at the same time. In his heart he knew that this conversation was not going to go well for him. The thought of not seeing Orlando smile and laugh as he was doing right now made his heart ache.
“Yeah I spent the night at Viggo’s, here in Whistler. Brilliant place man, I almost feel sorry for you having to stay in your hotel after being here.’ He grinned and winked at Viggo who looked like someone ran over his dog.
“That’s right, ‘the artist guy’” He rolled his eyes as if Dom was a little slow. Viggo could almost hear the conversation in his head and could tell by the confused look on Orlando’s face what was being said.
“Mortensen, that sounds about right. Why do you know his stuff?”
“You’ve met him. No fucking way.”
“Sean. Beanie, our Sean.” Viggo got up from the table knowing that there was not much he could do about it now until Orlando was off the phone.
“No he never told me that.”
“Yes, that is strange.”
There was a long silence, where Orlando just glared at him and listened to the conversation on the phone. Orlando felt the betrayal build, finally making him snap.
“Come and get me Dom. Now. I don’t care if you’re hung over. I’m going to go upstairs put on something warm and then I’m going to start walking. I can see the village from up here so I’ll let you know the streets I’m on while you get your arse over here. I’m not going to spend a minute longer than I have to with someone who deliberately lies to me.”
“No I didn’t sleep with him and I don’t care if you think I’m being rash. No I’m not going to ask him where he lives. I’m not going to speak to him at all. I’m going to get my sweater and my shoes and start walking and if you’re any kind of friend you’ll get out of that snug little bed you’re in and come get me.”
Viggo wrote his address on a slip of paper and slid it toward Orlando only to have it brushed off the table by the furious young man who was half way up the stairs before the paper came to rest on the floor. Viggo’s mind raced to find a solution not wanting to let Orlando leave – for many reasons, most of them not selfish. Thinking he might have an answer and praying it would work he pressed speed dial and waited.
[Viggo] “Sean it’s Vig. Listen I don’t have time to fully explain but I need your help”
[Orlando] “I can hear you, you know. And it’s not going to work, you can hang up now.” He shouted from the loft.
[Sean] “What the hell’s going on Vig? And who’s shouting in the back ground?”
[Viggo] “Sorry Sean, hang on a minute okay.”
[Sean] “Fine.”
[Viggo] “I know you can hear me Orlando, if I didn’t want you to hear me I would have gone into my office or my studio. And since you know who I’m calling why don’t you come down here and let him talk some sense into you.”
[Sean] “Orlando? My Orlando?”
[Orlando] “Fuck you Viggo. You have no right to try and tell me what to do.”
[Viggo] “Yes, your Orlando. It’s a long story but he’s here and he thinks I lied to him because I didn’t tell him that we're friends. That is once I figured out who he was. He’s about to walk out of here into two and half feet of fresh snow with less than appropriate clothing for the conditions. Insisting that he’s going to walk to the village. Knowing him better than I do, I’m guessing you’re having similar thoughts about how likely it is he’ll make it down the drive without breaking something. Please will you talk to him. Get him to wait here and if he really doesn't want to stay, Dom can come get him.”
[Orlando] “I’m not a child Viggo and Sean is not my father. So fuck off, both of you.”
[Sean] “Christ Viggo, I don’t know what the hell is going on or how the hell you met Orlando or even what the hell Dom is doing there. But I swear if you’ve done anything to hurt the lad, I’ll fly over there and personally kick your arse. That said, I can’t believe you would do anything unkind to anyone let alone someone I consider family so I’m guessing Orlando is either drunk – that can’t be right, what the fuck time is it over there? Morning right?”
[Viggo] “Nine-thirty in the morning. And I’d never hurt him, not intentionally at least.”
[Sean] “Is he on something? Can you answer that without being obvious.”
[Viggo] “No. Um, the usual? Hope that makes sense.”
[Sean] “The usual? That stuff for his back, is that what you mean?”
[Viggo] “Uh huh. That’s right.”
[Sean] “Fuck I was worried about that. I should have said something to him, I had a feeling he was relying on them too much. Before you put him on the line, did you lie to him Vig?”
[Viggo] “No Sean I didn’t. I didn’t tell him I knew you, I was about to when Dom called and then, well, he told him. I didn’t mean for this to happen, it’s a misunderstanding, silly really.”
[Orlando] “So what, now I’m a child and I’m silly. Well isn’t that brilliant, all I wanted was to get away from fucks that spread lies about my life and I end up here with some old cunt who takes pleasure in lying to me instead.” Orlando yelled as he made it back to the bottom of the stairs tugging on an impossibly tight chocolate-brown sweater.
[Sean] “Put him on.”
Viggo silently handed the phone to Orlando and waited for what seemed like an eternity for him to take it. Their eyes bore into each other; one pleading -- one resisting.
[Orlando] “Fine, but I’m still going.” He said petulantly. Viggo walked away giving the two friends some space. “Sean?” Orlando began tentatively.
[Sean] “Hey lad. What’s got your knickers in such a twist, eh? You’re scaring me with all that shouting. Where’s my easy going Orli… Hmmm?
[Orlando] “I’ve fucked everything up again Beanie.” His voice suddenly soft and childlike.
[Sean] “Go on lad, tell me what’s happened. How did you get to be at Viggo’s?” Orlando sat down on the stair and began to tell the entire story, his voice hitching as he held back tears. Pausing only to listen to Sean’s words of encouragement. After a while the conversation was less strained and finally a soft giggle emerged.
[Orlando] “Sean it is *not* funny.”
[Sean] “But it is Orli, arriving during gay ski week. Come on, surely you can see the humour in that.”
[Orlando] “Well a little.”
[Sean] “And then thinking Vig was a chauffeur. That’s hysterical. You’re lucky it was snowing or he would have picked you up barefooted and shirtless. Now lad, about Viggo, I’m going to ask you to trust me.”
[Orlando] “I don’t know Sean, I know what you’re going to ask and I don’t know if I can.”
[Sean] “Orli, I’ve not lied to you yet, through everything we’ve both been through together and I’ll not start today. I’m asking you to trust Viggo as you would trust me.”
[Orlando] “But Sean…”
[Sean] “No Orli, no buts. Stay there with Viggo. I trust Vig with my life and if I have to I would trust him with yours. He’s had a lapse judgment lad, that’s all. We’ve all done that, hell I’ve done worse before I’ve had my morning piss. He wasn’t trying to hurt you or treat you badly. If you give him the chance, you’ll not find a better friend.”
[Orlando] “Okay Sean. I’ll stay but I don’t think I can be his friend.”
[Sean] “That’s fine lad. Just don’t close that door too soon okay? Now give Dommie a call back and tell him to climb back into bed with our ring-bearer. He’s probably out of his skull with worry.”
[Orlando] “Okay Sean, I’ll call him.”
[Sean] “Now call me later all right, let me know how the skiing is when you get up the mountain. Okay?”
[Orlando] “Snowboarding.”
[Sean] “All right then, snowboarding. Now call Dom. I’m going to get back to my supper.”
[Orlando] “Thanks, Beanie.”
[Sean] “Anytime Orli, you know that. You’re family, right.”
[Orlando] “Right.” Wiping away a silent tear.
[Sean] “Bye now Orli, go give Dommie a call.”
[Orlando] “I will Seanie. Bye.” Orlando quietly hung up the phone and rested his head on his knees. With a sigh, he fished out his phone and dialed Dom. “Dom, it’s me Orli. I’m okay, you, um, don’t have to come get me.”
“No really, I’m fine.”
“Go back to Elijah.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
Orlando stared at the phone in his hands before wrapping his arms around his knees and burying his head, while his hot tears ran down his cheeks. He sat like that for several long minutes, remembering the sound of Sean’s voice and how it comforted him even if his words did not. The pad of bare feet walked slowly to where he sat. A jean clad leg nudged him slightly as Viggo sat beside him on the stair. He felt a warm hand softly rub his back for a few moments before curling around his waist. Viggo leaned into the awkward hug and whispered gently into his ear. “I’m so sorry Orlando.” Orlando lifted his head and looked into the stricken blue eyes of the man who he wanted so badly to trust. Then with great care he leaned his head on the older man’s shoulder and whispered. “Me too.”
TBC
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Date: 2005-08-15 04:47 am (UTC)Thanks
Cat
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Date: 2005-08-16 12:08 am (UTC)Cheers,
rb
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Date: 2005-08-15 04:49 am (UTC)Great chapter.
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Date: 2005-08-16 12:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-15 05:02 am (UTC)The rasp of stubble, cheek against cheek; the dance of two like bodies finding pleasure together; the slow, intimate slide into a narrow velvet channel and the splash of come, hot against skin as your lover unravels beneath your touch. Orlando hadn’t indulged himself this way for a long time.
This was a fantastic and HOT description of man-on-man ... I hope Orlando has plans to indulge himself in the future ... and with a specific person too. Now I'm also curious about how Viggo knows Sean (and why it's such a big deal to Orli.)
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Date: 2005-08-16 12:04 am (UTC)cheers,
rb
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Date: 2005-08-15 05:18 am (UTC)You're spoiling us, you know, posting these chapters so quickly. Before you know it we'll be thinking daily chapters are our right. We'll get surly and petulant if we don't get them. We'll whine. And pout. Not as prettily as Orli, but we'll pout nonetheless. We can be so demanding and ungrateful. *g*
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Date: 2005-08-16 12:07 am (UTC)Glad your demanding, keeps me on my toes an my writing as honest as it can be -- as for ungrateful, your taking the time to comment makes me grateful :-)
Cheers,
rb
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Date: 2005-08-15 05:52 pm (UTC)Thanks for this story.
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Date: 2005-08-16 12:08 am (UTC)cheers,
rb
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Date: 2005-08-15 06:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-16 12:10 am (UTC)cheers,
rb