vigorli

Title: Slippery Slope
Chapter: 11/?
Author: Rocketbalm
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: R for language
Summary: Orli reflects, Mike conspires, and in the end… well you’ll have to read to find that out…
Content/warnings: AU, steeped in angst
Spoilers: None.
Posted: Mirrormere, VOLA and My LJ http://www.livejournal.com/users/rocketbalm/
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 11

Brian had pretty much left him alone to pack his bags at Viggo’s, only helping with things when Orlando asked. After he had all his bags packed and stowed in the Rover, he walked slowly through the house, running his fingers along every surface as if to infuse the memories into every part of his being. He paused and then sat on the stair where he had shared a kiss with Viggo. He had closed his eyes and tried to remember each moment -- Viggo’s startled look; his soft but firm lips that slowly yielded to his caress; the sharp intake of breath that allowed him access; the passion that built as each moan increased the intensity – he felt his tears pool and then slowly slide down in hot rivulets, dripping off his chin and onto his knees.

Everything that Brian had told him weighed heavily on his mind. His heart ached for Viggo and all he’d been through, and for all he himself had put the older man through. He felt empty and unworthy. He looked around the house that had become a home to him in less than a week and he saw life everywhere. There was the careful cluster of framed photos in the entryway; black and white snapshots, moments in time, of carefree friendships; Sean, Brian and smiling faces of people he didn’t know. The clutter of books, stacked haphazardly on low tables, bookmarked and waiting to be read, scattered with sketches or randomness scribbled on idle pieces of paper, lovingly tucked into volumes of inspiration. A well worn quilted throw, handmade by Viggo’s mum, using swirls of colour imitating Viggo’s artwork, slung across the back of the couch. The entire space was open and airy, yet intimate and inviting; it’s furnishings chosen to be familiar and comfortable, cradling the warmth friendship, just waiting for someone to share it.

He was shamed that he had taken so much kindness for granted. He hadn’t realized how much it had cost the older man to open himself, his home to him and still, there was so much he didn’t know, hadn’t thought to ask. Orlando was overwhelmed by his own selfishness. He ran his hand along the edge of the stair where he sat trying to remember when he’d become such an ass or maybe he’d always been that way.

Orlando remembered the day he was told he got the part on Rings, and his uncontained enthusiasm which was sprinkled with more than a little self doubt. On his arrival he had been welcomed by everyone and put at ease for the most part and completely in awe of the scope and vastness of the project. On the third or fourth day, he met Sean and they immediately bonded. Orlando smiled when he remember the moment of awe when he realized he was talking to Sean-fucking-Bean, Sharpe, 006, Mellors! The friendship began that day and soon after, as a cross between hero worship and sibling rivalry and grew to a profound connection between two very different men.

New Zealand was a full mosaic of memories and friendships. He had quickly hit it off with the Hobbits and spent many an evening drinking, dancing and out on the pull where ever they happened to be filming that week. He spent many more evenings with Sean, watching telly, talking about home and footie, love and relationships. Orlando smiled at how protective Sean had been, actually still was, seeing how open and, while not naive, definitely trusting he was; how he always wanted to believe the best in everyone. Sean had always tried to temper Orlando’s trust and enthusiasm and often failed. During one of their evenings of drinks and discussion, Sean broke down about his divorce and perceived failings as a father. Orli spent the night holding and comforting the older man and their bond grew stronger, each giving the other a badly needed shoulder to cry on or ear to bend. It wasn’t until three months into the shoot that Orlando gathered enough courage to talk to Sean about his growing confusion surrounding his sexuality. He recalled the mistake that could have cost them their friendship but only served to make it stronger; he drunkenly kissed the notoriously straight Sean. Sure it had been a sloppy, boozy smooch, but it held longing and passion that Sean had known meant more than inebriated goof. Although he was shocked, Sean had been gentle when he pushed Orli away and explained he just wasn’t wired that way and though flattered, couldn’t return any of the same feelings. Orlando only loved him more when his kindness and compassion soothed any of Orlando’s hurt feelings and the two of them spent the night talking; mostly about Orli’s fears surrounding truly giving himself to a man and not just playing at giving blowjobs. Sean became the big brother that Orli never had; his mentor and confidante.

Orlando began to realize that over time, how one sided their friendship had become; how much he had taken for granted – taking all that Sean had to give and giving him little in return since New Zealand. How could he have missed the signs that Sean had almost been killed? Looking back, he recalled conversations that were oddly subdued, where Sean listened to Orli ramble on about Pirates and Johnny but had not really participated in the conversation other than polite acknowledgement in the requisite places. Orli scrubbed his face with his hands, realizing how he had deserved everything that he had brought on himself. One of the worst things was now, that he really needed to talk to Sean, he couldn’t.

Sean had been kind but concerned; fair but firm the three times they had spoken since his arrest. He had understood to a point, though was very clear that he would not be put in the middle of any issues between him and Viggo. He cared for each of them and always had respected the conversations they had as private, refusing to be put in an awkward position by prying questions, no matter how desperate or close the friend was. Now that talking to Sean was no longer an option, he had no idea how to fix things; he just knew that he needed to.

Slowly he had gathered himself together, not wanting to leave but knowing he should. Orlando took one last look around, touching a spot of bright blue paint on a kitchen stool and wondered briefly how Viggo ‘s housekeeper got most of the random paint spots off things from Viggo’s hunger inspired trips to the kitchen after working hours on end in the studio… the studio! Shit! Orlando, clambered up the stairs two at a time, sock feet slipping and eventually wiping out, only preventing himself from slamming his chin on a the top stair by turning his shoulder at he last moment. Hauling himself up, Orlando rubbed his sore shoulder and burst into the studio, wild eyed as if what he was looking for might be already gone. His heart beat an unsteady rhythm in his chest as he slowly approached the workbench and touched the plastic that covered his unfinished sculpture. He had been making it as a thank you to Viggo, but it was only half finished and not glazed or fired. Making a split decision he placed the covered clay in an empty paint supply box and carried it from the studio, pausing only to take a final look around memorizing the room where he saw Viggo as limitless.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Orlando sat in Brian’s darkened guest room listening. He had heard Mike arrive and the murmur of the two brothers talking did little to persuade him to come out. It had been a really tough afternoon, not that he didn’t deserve it, he did. After all the horrible things he said to Viggo, all the condescending thoughts he had, he deserved every shitty thing that came his way; he always did.

//…You think you deserve better than this Orli? You don’t, you get exactly what you deserve and this is it...//

He waited for the first of many moments in the next little while where he would have to ‘face the music’ and the thought terrified him. He was still at a loss as to what to do. Dom and Lijah had offered to stay and extra day to be with him but he sent them away with thanks and the unlikely assurance that he would be fine. When the knock on the door came it startled Orlando, though he had been expecting it.

“Hey Orli, Mike’s here…” Brian said with an encouraging smile. “He’d really like to talk to you… figure out what is the best way to deal with this… situation.”

“Brian… is he mad? I mean I know he’s not happy, I just… well I don’t think I could take anyone yelling at me right now.” Orlando fidgeted with the bedding, and swung his foot nervously, looking more like a twelve year old than a twenty-something.

“Mike won’t yell at you Orli. He’s not happy but you guys’ll be fine. Besides, I’ll be back before you know it. Well, at least before he’d be able to kill you and hide the body anyway.” He didn’t even bother to smile at his own weak joke.

“Be back? Where are you going?” Orlando looked worried at the thought of being left alone with Mike.

“Just going to check on the restaurant and pick up some dinner for us. I’ll be back in no time. You’ll be fine… honest.” Brian reassured the younger man.

Orlando still looked uncertain as he stood with his arms wrapped around himself as if that would protect him. “YB, thanks for everything. I don’t know what I would have done these last two days without you.”

“You would have figured it out Orli. It’s time you started believing in yourself you know… Now come on, I’ll hold your hand while you go and face my big, scary brother.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian had left the two men to discuss things on their own, ignoring Orli’s pleading looks for him to stay. He did a quick check on the restaurant and picked up some pasta, salad and dessert, before he headed back. As he drove, Orlando and their conversation that afternoon were never far from his mind; he genuinely liked the younger man and still held on to the belief that there was a possibility for something wonderful to grow between the two lonely souls. Sitting in his own driveway he pulled out his mobile and called Viggo, wanting see how he was coping with the sudden emptiness of having Orli and all his things gone. The two men chatted for a few minutes, neither mentioning Orlando until the weight of unspoken words was too heavy to bear. “Seeing you today hit him hard, Vig.” Brian said. Viggo paused, struggling with what to say; still angry, yet he missed the young man incredibly.

“Yeah, well it wasn’t easy seeing him either.” Viggo said hurriedly.

“I told him.” Knowing that Viggo would understand exactly what he meant. There had never been secrets between the two men and Brian wasn’t about to start now, confident that he hadn’t completely over-stepped the bounds of friendship.

“Surprised it took you this long YB. Your restraint is remarkable.” Viggo’s voice snapped with annoyance, stemming more from the situation than with Brian. He knew that YB had his best interest at heart, even if he didn’t always approve of his methods.

“Yeah well I thought I’d let you have a shot at telling him first but the two of you communicate worse than any two people I know. Sean’s too honour bound to even consider divulging a confidence so I figured I might as well brave your wrath and be the one.”

“No one would ever accuse *you* of having too much honour… still I wish… I don’t know… I guess I wish I could have told him, you know.” Viggo said wistfully. “I wanted to explain, let him know I have some idea of what he’s going through…”

“Yeah I know. He was really shaken Vig… vowed to make things right. He really cares about you, Vig. I know they’re just words, I hope he can make good on them.” Brian said. Viggo was quiet for a very long time; Brian could almost feel the emotion crackle through the phone line. Viggo swallowed, hard. His eyes brimmed with unshed tears that he tried to blink away. “Brian… I…” He stopped and took a deep breath before starting again. “I just want him to be well and happy… whatever that looks like.”

“I know Vig… You gonna be okay? Want me to come by? Mike will stay with Orli so I could… if you want.”

“I just want to be on my own right now. I’ll go to the studio; let it all out on some unsuspecting canvass, I’m sure I have a whole show worth of angst stored up from this past week...” Viggo tried to make light of the situation but Brian wasn’t fooled. “Call me if you need anything and I’ll call you in the morning, okay?” The two men said there goodbyes and Brian sat for a moment before going inside.

Looking at his watch as he walked in the door, Brian figured Mike and Orlando had been talking for just over an hour, hopefully enough time to begin to figure out a strategy to deal with the media nightmare that was about to let loose. Not wanting to disturb them, he gave the two men a brief nod before making his way into the kitchen and unpacking dinner. He noticed that Orlando looked more anxious than when he left and Mike looked calmer. Whatever they worked out, it was something that made Orli uncomfortable, which, truly didn’t surprise him. Brian reheated the pasta and caught bits of the conversation as he worked.

“…With the media circling, and asking questions I think it’s our best option Orlando… Do you think you can pull it off?” Mike’s voice was pensive as if he tried to work out all the permutations and implications of a scheme that was not quite on the up and up.

Orli kept glancing toward Brian in the kitchen nervously, his voice unsure. “I guess I’ll have to Mike.”

Brian grabbed dinner and slid the plates and cutlery onto the table before returning for the wine and condiments. Slipping into the chair next to Orlando he smiled. “Whatever you guys came up with sounds like it needs some wine and food to wash it down. Wanna fill me in?”

In his haste for a drink, Orli knocked his glass over and spilled wine on half his dinner and himself. Jumping up, his chair clattered on the floor behind him as he rushed to the kitchen for a cloth. “Fuck…”

“Orli? Is everything all right?” Brian watched him analytically, trying to determine what had the brunette so spooked.

“I… Uh… I told Mike about Kate.” Orlando stood awkwardly, not wanting to sit down.

“Kate?” Brian motioned to Orlando to sit, who reluctantly righted the chair, subconsciously placing it closer to Mike and back to front before he straddled it as if that would provide some measure of extra protection.

Sensing that something wasn’t quite right, Mike jumped in to explain. “I didn’t know that she had tried to blackmail Orlando, and well it’s working in our favour now...”

“How will blackmail work in your favour Mike?” Brian did not like the direction this was taking at all.

Mike explained everything while Orlando fidgeted nervously with a napkin and Brian just stared unbelievingly. When Mike finished, he was confused by his brothers foreboding silence, and Orlando’s increased anxiety; thinking his plan was the best for both his client and the studios that paid him.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding right?” The words seemed to explode from Brian startling everyone including the speaker himself. “Orli? Tell me you’re not going to go along with this...” Brian’s eyes bore into the younger man, whose mouth open and closed several times without uttering a sound. “I can’t believe that this is what you came up with; what happened to ‘making it right’? Or was that just bullshit too Orli? What about Viggo? How the hell is going back to that bitch going to make anything better? She fucking blackmailed you Orli! Or are you conveniently choosing to overlook that particular criminal act? And you…” Glaring at his brother. “People, no not just people, *friends*, your friends, are not like pieces of fucking real estate that you can trade up or down on whim. These are real people, friends, with feelings and emotions! Jesus, who the hell are you? I don’t even know you anymore.” Brian’s palm came down hard against the table top causing the cutlery to jump and Orli along with it.

“Hang on a second here, Brian. I don’t know what Viggo has to do with this or what Orlando is supposed to be making right, I’m just doing what is best for Orlando and Orlando’s career. That is my *job*. So quit personalizing this, it’s business, with real people and their careers.” Mike crossed his arms defensively.

“Business!” Brian snorted. “Is that what this is Orli? Business? Well that’s good to know, I’ll tell Vig that when I see him next, sure that’ll make him feel much better about everything.” Orlando was crying quietly, his hands shaking so much that his glass chattered against his teeth as he downed the rest of his wine.

“Is someone going to fill me in on the whole Viggo angle, preferably before Kate gets here tomorrow… Mike waited in silence as Brian continued to glare at Orlando who refused to meet his gaze.

“What do you mean get here? You’ve already called her?” He looked from his brother to Orlando. “You’ve already agreed to this Orli? I can’t believe you’d do that.” Brian drank his wine and filled up his glass again, and stared down at the meals on the table, that were long forgotten.

“Look Brian, obviously I don’t know everything that’s gone on here. I know you’re upset but I want you to understand, this truly is the best of a bad situation. Kate’s agreed to come up and stand beside Orlando during a press conference. He’s going to be contrite – which he is – while he explains that he’s been distraught since their break-up and mixed his back medication with alcohol and did something really foolish. Having Kate there with him will give a sympathetic spin; it’s the best we can ask for really.” Mike reached over to rub Orlando on the back, afraid the younger man was close to losing it all together.

Brian looked incredulous. “So what you’re telling me is this whole thing is to save your image Orli? You’re willing to hurt people that really care about you so that you don’t look bad in the media. That is just fucked. But then again it makes sense doesn’t it. You’re basically getting back with this bitch that was willing to sell out your deepest secrets to get you to re-commit to a fake relationship so that people that you don’t even know, like you. I can see now how you would come up with this farce. That is well and truly fucked Orlando.” Brian sneered in disgust. Orlando’s eyes grew wide and he shook his head.

“Noooo… that’s not why. Brian, it isn’t. I…” Orlando looked to Mike for help.

“Fuck Brian, when did you become such a cutting bastard. This wasn’t Orli’s idea, it was mine. Yeah it helps his image but there are other things at stake here Brian. Do you realize that if the studios want they can fire and then sue Orlando for this little escapade? He’s contracted to Disney for Christ sake. He has an iron clad morality clause that has no wiggle room. I can assure you that being arrested, theft, drunkenness, reckless endangerment are not things that the mouse will look kindly on; a heartsick young man, torn apart for the love of his women, that they might buy. If I don’t spin this sympathetically in the press Orlando is finished. Not just his career, but financially. This isn’t about playing nice with others Brian, this business. I know you don’t want to see that but that’s what it comes down to. The fact the Kate tried to blackmail Orli is playing into our hands right now, we need to use it, and her. After this blows over and Orli can go back to being single, I will personally see to it that Kate has a hard time working in anything other than the worst of ‘B’ movies. But right now, we need her and I did what I thought was best for my client.”

Brian stood up slowly, he looked down at the two men, his voice was resigned. “I don’t want any part of this, whatever your reasoning. Do what ever you need to do but I don’t want *her* in my house. In fact I don’t think I want to be around either of you right now. I’m going to go spend the night with Vig, I take it you’ll be going tomorrow after the press conference?” Brian asked.

“Yeah, Kate flies out first thing and arrives here at noon, two o’clock press conference at the Chateau and then we’re heading back to Los Angeles tomorrow evening. I’ve arranged for a lawyer to plead no contest to the charges and that way Orli doesn’t need to be present. If he lays low for a month or two he should come out of it all right.” Mike watched his brother closely, still baffled by the undercurrent between the two younger men and how Viggo figured into the whole mess.

Brian left the table and made his way upstairs to get his overnight things, trying to figure what if anything he should tell Viggo. Throwing random things in a bag he wondered how everything had gotten so fucked up. Slinging his bag over his shoulder Brian headed downstairs toward the front door, he put on his jacket and looked back at Orlando. “You really think this is going to fix things Orli?”

Orlando looked back and shook his head. “Brian, I’m no good for him, I think we both know that. I need to fix myself before I can fix anything else.”

Brian thought about the words for a moment and finally nodded, before he slowly turned to the door and very quietly said, “Take care of yourself Orli…” The only sound that was heard for many minutes was the echo of the door closing behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mr. Bloom will make a short statement but he will not answer any questions.” Mike motioned for Orlando to stand and come to the podium. Orlando slowly stood, his legs barely keeping him up, and made his way to the cluster of microphones. Kate rose and stood slightly behind him and off to one side, looking concerned yet slightly triumphant, but only if you knew what to look for. Mike placed a hand on his back signaling that he should begin whenever he was ready. Orlando took a deep breath and told himself he could do this, he *was* an actor after all. He launched into his prepared statement, memorized in haste with his morning coffee. The words sprung forth, by rote, as he randomly scanned the crowd of reporters trying to make eye contact with them, conveying his remorse and contrition.

“…and so, distraught after my break up with Kate, I foolishly drank alcohol after I had taken some pain medication for my back…”

The door at the back of the meeting room opened, momentarily distracting him as his eyes were drawn to the movement. When Viggo stepped into the room and quietly stood just inside the door, Orlando faltered and his words dried in his throat.

He closed his eyes as tears prickled beneath his lids. Kate anxiously stepped forward and reached for Orlando. Orlando felt rather than saw Kate move forward and gave her a sharp shake of his head as if he wanted to continue unaided. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes and locked brown eyes with blue, as he strayed from his prepared statement and spoke from his heart, as much as he could, without giving away the farce.

“I… I realize that there are many people that I’ve disappointed and hurt. People that I care for deeply and I can only hope they will find a way to understand and some day forgive my actions. I have met so many wonderful people here in Whistler, people that have welcomed me and made me feel at home, I know I’ve betrayed their trust and I just want them to know…”

Before Orlando could finish Viggo dropped his eyes, opened the door and left, not wanting to hear words that were meant for him yet contrasted so sharply from the image of the lie that stood before him. As Viggo left, a sob tore through Orlando, overwhelming him with emotion and it was impossible for him to continue. Kate guided him back to his seat while Mike ended the conference as a flurry of flashbulbs captured the moment for prosperity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian opened the door to his house, its emptiness echoing the empty feeling in his heart. Not bothering to turn on any lights he threw his keys in the general direction of the table, only to hear them slide across the wood and hit something solid and wrapped in what sounded like a plastic bag. Groping the hallway wall for the light switch, his eyes protested the sudden invasion of light as he squinted at where he thought the table would be. A note was propped up against a plastic covered item. Scanning the note quickly, he began to unwrap the plastic sheeting the covered the object. Even unfinished it was beautiful. Careful not to alter it in anyway, he held it by the base and turned it on it’s axis to see it from every conceivable angle. From one angle it was a fluid shape, graceful in its composition which emerged out of a block of clay and from another angle you could see it was a soft edged silhouette of a bird taking flight, one wing still mired in the clay, not yet free from the artists grasp. It was stunning, carved into the base, beneath the bird was one word: “unfinished”.

Brian grabbed the note again to reread the words that he knew hadn’t changed since he read them last.

Brian,

I was making this for Viggo as way of saying thank you for everything that he had done for me. I realize now that he may not want it and I leave it up to you to do what you think is best with it.

Thank you for being the friend he needs and I hope that someday I will be able to repay the kindness you have shown me.

Orli.

Brian sighed, and put the note next to the sculpture wondering exactly what the best thing to do was and if he had the courage to do it.

TBC

The Chateau where the press conference was held, is also known as the “Chateau Whistler” once the premiere place to stay in the resort, still fabulous with several suites the have secure access -- very celeb friendly.