vigorli

Title: Slippery Slope
Chapter: 16/?
Author: Rocketbalm
Pairing: OB/VM
Rating: R for language
Summary: Orlando gets a ‘job’ or three… Viggo muses over his reactions to living with Lando in such close proximity.
Word Count: This chapter 5,288. Overall 85,324
Content/warnings: None
X-Posted: Mirrormere, VOLA,

vigorli 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 16

Orlando bounced into the house, there was no other way to describe it -- he literally bounced. He started the day with a slight trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Viggo had given him directions to the RCMP detachment and he had set out with a change of clothes in his pack and more than enough time to arrive and change before he was suppose to meet with Corporal Enders and his parole officer. The day couldn’t have turned out more different than he expected.

Viggo was reading quietly on the sofa when Orlando bounded in and threw himself at the older man. “Holy Shit Orlando, give a guy some warning would you.” Finding himself with a lapful of wriggling energy.

“Couldn’t help it Vig, I had the best day! What are we having for dinner? I’m starved, completely famished. Who knew that riding a bike would give me such an appetite? Has Mike called?” He slid off of Viggo’s lap and mopped a bead of sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand and inadvertently pushed his damp curls into a crown of spiky barbs. Viggo smiled, amused by the stream of consciousness ramble that flowed so freely from the excited young man. He could smell Orlando’s sweat as it clung to his shirt from where the younger man had pressed against him; the smell was an intoxicating mixture of spicy deodorant and a masculine scent that was pure Orlando. Viggo felt the heat begin to pool in his groin and suddenly he was glad that his book covered any sign of his growing arousal. He almost snickered as he found himself grateful that he had chosen a hard cover with some weight behind it rather than a light paperback.

“Give an old man time to catch his breath before you bombard him questions, would you. Let’s see, I’d love to hear about your day, *after* you have a shower… I waited for you to start dinner… Yes, exercise works up an appetite… And finally, no, Mike hasn’t called.”

“Not bad old man answered them all *and* in sequential order!” Orlando teased. “So I stink do I? That’s the smell of hard work Viggo, you better get used to it!” Orlando’s face had split into a grin that lit up the room and warmed Viggo right through to his soul.

“Hard work huh, well I think I can get used to that. How about you get cleaned up, while I cook dinner and then you can tell me all about your day.”

“Thanks Vig, I’ll cook tomorrow, yeah.” Orlando was still grinning as he raced up the stairs. Viggo sat for a moment, smiling to himself and shaking his head in the wake of the fresh breeze that was Orlando.

Dinner was on the table by the time Orlando made it back downstairs, wearing a white t-shirt and baggy shorts with his hair damp, tousled and finger combed, looking sexier than anyone had a right too. Flustered, Viggo concentrated on opening the wine and serving the food. Smiling gratefully Orli surveyed the spread before him -- wild mushroom frittata, fresh buns and salad. “Wow, Vig, this looks amazing. Thank you.”

“Your welcome, it’s always a pleasure to cook for someone so appreciative. Come, sit.” He motioned for Orlando to sit across from him. “So tell me all about it. Have they got you working on a chain gang, picking up trash on the highway or something slightly more distinguished.” Viggo teased as they both began to eat.

“Vig it was soooo cool. I really didn’t know what to expect when I got there, but everyone was so kind – more than I deserved really. I met with my parole officer and he explained how the program worked; basically I have to serve at least twelve hours a week and no more than forty hours. The best part is he allowed me to choose which community programs I wanted to work with.” Orlando’s eyes shone with excitement as he remembered his day. Tasting the frittata, he made enthusiastic noises before continuing. “’s really good Vig.” Viggo smiled indulgently as he watched Orlando eat. “So first I narrowed my choices down to a few that I felt passionate about. But I didn’t know how to choose from there. I really wanted to call you, you know… get your opinion and stuff. Then I thought it would be better if I figured it out on my own, so I just started calling them up and asking questions, just to get a feel for what they were about. It was really hard to choose.” Orlando cleaned off his plate and sat back to watch his host. Noting how Viggo gave him his undivided attention, really listening to what he had to say. It made him feel warm knowing that there was a real connection growing between them. “Anyway, my first instinct was to help out at WAG…”

“Whistler Animals Galore, the pound?”

“Ummhmm. But I ended up ruling it out.” Viggo raised an eyebrow thinking it probably had to do with cleaning out animal cages, and shoveling poop for hours on end.

“It’s just… I love animals, especially dogs, yeah? I figure it would be really hard working with animals that had been abused or injured. That and I really miss my dog. It wouldn’t seem right to spend so much time with other animals and not him.” Orlando looked away sadly as he sipped his wine.

“I didn’t know you had a dog. Where is he… she?” Viggo asked curiously, noting how full of longing his young friend looked.

“He. Sidi. I found him starving in Morocco during Kingdom of Heaven. He came everywhere with me until Kate started giving me grief. Her precious pup couldn’t take Sidi’s… exuberance. Then when I really started feeling overwhelmed everything, I just couldn’t give him the attention that he needed. He’s been with my mum for almost a year now.”

Viggo sat silently for a moment, weighing his words very carefully as he watch the wistful expression across the table. “Wow that must be hard for both of you.”

“When I was back in England and I visited my mum, it took him a full hour before he’d give me the time of day. I think he feels abandoned. Not a very responsible owner am I?”

“I don’t know, I think you did the right thing, you rescued him when he was starving and you found a loving home for him when you couldn’t handle the responsibility.”

“I know, I just… I miss him you know.”

“Yeah I know. I had Brigit for sixteen years. Through everything that happened she was there for me, then last year she grew tired and eventually blind. In the end I had to put her down and that was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I always meant to get another dog, I just… well you know how it is. I never got around to it.” He smiled sheepishly at Orlando.

“Aww Vig, I’m so sorry. That must have been terrible for you.” Orlando reached across the table and squeezed Viggo’s hand in sympathy.

“Yeah, well it’s part of life, right.” Viggo paused thoughtfully for a moment. “You know… maybe, if you wanted… what I mean is… I’d be okay if you wanted to bring Sidi here. I’m sure he’d fit right in. I mean, only if you wanted to.” Orlando stared at the older man, trying to fully comprehend what had been offered.

“Truly Vig? You would do that? God, you’ve given me so much already. I’m…” Orlando could barely finish, the words catching in his throat.

“It’s your dog Lando. This house has seemed empty without Brigit. Besides, it’ll be nice to have someone to curl up with on the couch again, does he fetch slippers?” Viggo tried to make light of the offer not wanting to overwhelm Orlando or make him feel any more obligated to him. Looking up he saw Orlando grinning from ear to ear.

“If that’s your only criteria, I’d be happy to curl up at your feet on the couch, I’d even fetch your slippers for you mate, but I know you don’t wear them. I’m also house trained and I don’t shed… well not much anyway.”

“I’ve already adopted *you*, you crazy mutt. So… what do you say, is Sidi coming to stay?”

“I’ll have to talk to my mum and figure out what it takes to get him over here, he may be a world traveler but he’s never been to Canada… but yeah, I’d like that. A lot. Thank you.” He smiled shyly at Viggo and started to clear the table, feeling slightly awkward, not knowing what to do with all the feelings welling up inside him.

Viggo sat for a moment longer, giving Orlando some space before getting up and helping to pile dishes in the dishwasher. “So what did you decide on?”

“Well I ended up choosing three that I really thought I could give myself to.”

“Three, Christ Lando won’t you be spreading yourself a little thin? I know you want to get your time out of the way, but three?” Viggo was genuinely concerned some reasons more selfish than others. The sooner Orlando finished his community service, the sooner he would leave and that was a prospect that Viggo didn’t even want to think about. In the last five days, his house somehow felt warmer and full of life. There was laughter and silliness, as well as quiet evenings spent just watching a show together. The possibility of being alone again so soon, wasn’t something Viggo was ready to face.

“They’re not full time Viggo – one doesn’t start until the fall and the other two add up to about twenty hours a week. I’ll be fine really. I gave this a lot of thought. Trust me.” He gave Viggo’s shoulder a squeeze, smiling at the older man’s concern.

Viggo studied the confident person before him and concluded, not for the first time, that Orlando had truly changed in the last few months. “I do trust you Lando, I was just worried. Silly really, when I know you are more than capable of working things out for yourself. So tell me, what projects did you choose? I’d love to know more.”

Orlando acknowledged the shift in Viggo’s outlook and lifted himself up on the counter to continue the conversation. “I told you I love animals -- well I found one project that seemed a perfect fit; The Jennifer Jones Whistler Bear Foundation.”

“It’s a great program Lando, I support it myself.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. It’s so cool Vig, they want me to help them with presentations to the tourists each week; making visitors more ‘bear aware’. I never knew that the community was built in the black bear’s traditional territories or that they are lured into village by garbage and stuff. Once the bears get use to eating garbage they never leave an easy meal, which causes all kinds of problems. Look who I’m telling, you know all this already don’t you.”

Viggo nodded with a grin. “Yeah, well it would explain the bear proof garbage containers in the garage… I like your enthusiasm though. Sounds like you learned a lot already. So what else?”

“There’s one that was inspired by our weekend biking adventure; the Sea to Sky Trails Society. I’ll be helping with the upkeep of hiking and biking trails. It’s all done by volunteers; this group of young guys had this vision for a trail network, free to everyone and then set out to make it happen. They sound pretty cool, you know. That and I get to ride to whichever part of the trail we’re working on that day.”

Viggo was beaming proudly at the younger man’s eagerness. It touched his heart that Orlando was so interested in being part of the community and the people in it. “That’s great Lando, those guys are pretty hard core riders -- you’ll be leaving me in the dust in no time.”

“Aw come on old man, I’d still wait up for you… get you training wheels if I had too.” Viggo snapped his wet dishtowel at Orlando, making the younger man squeal and jump out of the way.

“Old man eh? I’ll show you who’s old.” He darted around the kitchen island chasing a laughing Orlando into the lounge. After a few circuits around the coffee table, feinting and ducking, Orlando caught him off guard by stopping abruptly, causing Viggo to run into the back of him, knowing the older man would be taken by surprise making it easier to turn the tables on him.

Running into the back of Orlando seemed to move in slow motion for Viggo. The initial impact caused him to steady himself by grabbing onto Orlando’s waist, one hand sliding unintentionally underneath the rumpled t-shirt, feathering across the soft golden skin, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. In an instant his mind and body registered that he was pressed up against a well muscled back, with Orlando’s firm round buttocks nestled against his groin, his faced pressed into the still damp curls at the nape of the younger man’s neck, breathing in the clean scent of freshly washed hair. As Orlando spun around to grab the dishtowel from him, Viggo realized how close they were standing, how good it felt and how easy it would be to cross a line he promised he wouldn’t. Giving up the dishtowel without a fight, he stepped back needing distance from the source of his temptation. It took Orlando a moment to recognize that the game had changed, that they were no longer playing, and that Viggo had withdrawn again.

“I… oh…” Orlando struggled with what to say. All that he wanted to do was assuage Viggo’s obvious discomfort but before he could say anything he felt a wave of embarrassment as he remembered how he practically ambushed Viggo into a kiss on the stairs the last time he was here and he wondered if Viggo felt that that was what he was trying to do again It didn’t matter that Viggo had kissed him back that time, or that it felt so amazing, the fact remained that Viggo wanted nothing more than friendship. As Orlando groped for something more intelligible to say, his phone started ringing.

“I better get that, it’s probably Mike.” Orlando turned to reach for his phone as Viggo reigned in the sensations that were threatening to over power his sense of reason.

Viggo wandered into the kitchen, giving Orlando some privacy and giving himself a moment to gather his thoughts. He was a little shaky after realizing how close to the surface his feelings for Orlando were. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and drank it down, letting the icy water slide down his throat in the hopes it would cool his overheated body from the inside out. It was becoming apparent that at some point he would have to be honest with Orlando, that his feelings for him were far more than that of a friend. Merely the thought of having that conversation filled Viggo with anxiety. Orlando had indicated that he wanted nothing more than friendship, what if he lost this amazing relationship just as it was beginning to get back on a solid footing. The thought of losing Orlando now, just crushed him. He felt like the line he had drawn was slowly slipping and there would come a time, when through lack of control, that he crossed it. He knew he would have to have a talk with Orlando before that happened. He looked out over the mountains and calmed himself, gaining back his control, knowing that tonight was not the night to have that discussion.

Viggo reached for one of his notebooks that were always scattered around the house for when ever inspiration struck. Settling himself down in his favorite chair he watched, amused, as Orlando spoke animatedly into the phone. In that moment, all the melancholy of the previous few minutes left him. Orlando was here, today and for the next while, and Viggo would enjoy every moment they would share. And one day, not today, but one day he’d let Orlando know how he felt and in his heart he knew that what ever came next he would deal with then. He would not waste the time they had together brooding over what might be or not be. He would do what he always did when he needed to sort things out; he would write, letting all his angst seep onto the pages instead of into his life.

Orlando was grinning wildly as he shut his phone and turned to face Viggo. “Now where were we… oh… I… uh…” Orlando stuttered, quickly remembering the awkwardness that had passed between them before the call.

Bemused, Viggo smiled and put his notebook down, standing to face Orlando. “It was nothing Lando, just an old man not used to sharing his space any more.”

Orlando quirked an eyebrow at the older man, confused. “Oh… I’m sorry. Is it too much, should I…”

“Whoa Lando. Everything is fine. I had a moment that’s all.”

“But…”

“No buts. In the few short days you’ve been here you’ve brought life back into this place, making it a home instead of just a house. I love the sound of your laughter reverberating off the timber when you’re happy; I love coming home knowing that there will be someone there to share my day with; I love the way you try so hard to be chipper in the morning when you would love nothing better then to crawl back into bed. You’ve given me something that I’ve been missing for so long. You belong here Lando, for as long as you like.” Viggo’s heart was full, while he hadn’t told Orlando exactly how he felt, he had given him some insight into his feelings, and it felt amazing to express that.

Orlando stood, eyes shining and a lump forming in his throat. Viggo wanted him to stay… for as long as he wanted. He felt the pricks of tears behind his eyes, and let them brim and threaten to overflow. He hugged himself, squeezing his ribcage tight, preventing himself from reaching out and grabbing Viggo. He needn’t have worried. Viggo smiled shyly and approached Orlando as if he were a skittish foal; he stretched one ink scribbled hand out and placed it on the other man’s shoulder. “We okay then?” He managed softly before Orlando wrapped his arms loosely around him, drawing them both into a chaste embrace.

“We’re more than okay, thank you.” They stood that way for a moment, absorbing each others warmth and basking in the bond they shared.

Viggo drew back first; casually resting his hands on Orlando’s hips. “So, was that Mike who called?”

“It was, but before I tell you about that I have to finish telling you about my day; then Mike’s call will make more sense, yeah?” Orlando grinned in that heart-stopping Orlando way.

“Sounds good Lando. How about I get us some ice cream and you get us some beer and we sit here where it’s more comfortable.”

Soon the two men were back in the lounge, beer and ice cream in hand. “So the last thing I’m taking on is one that’s really close to my heart.” Orlando began. “Starting in the fall I’m going to help out with an after school program at Millennium Place in the youth drama department.” Millennium place was a community centre for the arts in the heart of Whistler Village; and while it catered to everyone, it was a safe haven to kids who had no where to go after school while their parents worked. Often the children that participated were underprivileged and looking for strong role models. It would be a perfect fit for Orlando and Viggo knew it. His heart swelled once again with pride.

“Lando that’s so wonderful. I’m so happy you’re going to help out with the program, I know you’ll be perfect.”

“I’m so excited about it. I sat with the youth program director today and I was amazed at how great the need is in the community for something like this. I guess I never really thought about it. That people would be needy in such an affluent looking community.”

“It’s quite deceptive isn’t it? The sheer volume of lower paying jobs to make the resort run is astounding, yet there is little affordable housing to rent let a lone buy. Making ends meet for the working class in the town is very difficult. It’s like Whistler’s dirty little secret. I’m glad you’re going to be part of making a difference, Lando.”

Orlando grabbed the empty ice cream bowls to bring them into the kitchen. “Yeah, I am as well. Mike’s going to help out too.” Viggo looked over the back of the sofa as Orlando wandered back into the lounge, watching as the younger man’s eyes twinkled mischievously.

“Uh oh… what are you up to now.”

“Well Mike’s been telling me that the press want to know when I’m starting my community service so they can come and capture the moment, probably hoping I’m going to be humiliated to have them there. He’s been successful in putting them off so far, but now I figure that it’s time for me to start using the press instead of letting them use me!” Orlando vaulted over the back of the sofa, landing on beside Viggo with a graceful flop. “All three of these programs can benefit from any publicity they can get so I’m going to give it to them in spades. I’ve spoken with all of them and they are all excited by the prospect and just now I arranged it with Mike!”

Viggo grinned back at the sprawled figure on the other end of the sofa. “You’re really taking your life back aren’t you?”

“Uh huh… it’s kinda fun, you know?”

“They’re going to ask you some pretty tough questions though. It’s been, what, six months since they’ve lined you up in their sights. That’s a lot of ground to cover.” Viggo’s concern and overwhelming urge to protect was surfacing.

“I know. I’m just going to be honest. Well, as honest as I can be. There are obviously some things that are personal that I’m not going to get in to, but everything else, my recovery, my community service, it’s all fair game and the whole time I will be steering my comments back to the programs I’ll be working with. I think the hardest questions will be around Kate. I’ll have to be careful what I say about that. Mike’s already released a statement that by mutual agreement we are no longer together. The details I’ll be careful to avoid.”

“Ya know, it might just work.” Viggo settle back comfortably into the corner of the sofa. “So what’s first? When do you start?”

“On Wednesday I start my training in all things bear related and then on Thursday I’m going out on the trails with the maintenance crew and start clearing some new trails!” Orlando practically vibrated with the prospect of starting this new chapter of his life. Viggo sat back and enjoyed just listening to the passion that had returned to the young man.

The rest of the evening was spent talking about Lando’s new ‘jobs’ and pretty much anything else that came up. As the evening grew later, both men became more and more comfortable; eventually Viggo was sitting sideways on the sofa, one leg folded under the other and Orlando was sprawled with both legs on the sofa, toes tucked under Viggo’s leg. Long after their beer was finished Viggo made them each a cup of tea and so they sat, enjoying each other’s company until their comfort level increased and the conversation grew more personal.

“You know when I was in the centre, I thought about you a lot.” Orlando sipped his tea contemplatively. “I mean so many things I learned in there could have come straight out of your mouth. Actually, I think most of them have.” He smiled sheepishly. “You really inspire me Vig. I really look up to you and everything you’ve accomplished in your life; and all of it without selling out. You’re amazing, you know?”

Embarrassed, Viggo put his empty cup on the table, avoiding looking directly at Orlando. “I’m far from perfect Lando; I’ve made plenty of mistakes.”

“Yeah, but no more than the rest of us. You’re genuinely a good person and I can’t imagine that you’ve ever hurt anyone intentionally, done anything you really regret.” Viggo gave a heavy sigh, part of him not wanting to reply and burst Orlando’s bubble; the other knew it would be better for Orlando to know the truth.

“You’d be wrong. I have.” He responded quietly. Orlando tilted his head and looked perplexed not wanting to ask but wanting to know and Viggo gave him what he wanted. “Like everyone else, I’ve done things I’m not proud of, learned lessons the hard way. One that stands out happened a long time ago. I was young and stupid; not that that’s an excuse, it’s just a fact. You sure you want to hear this?” Orlando nodded and waited for Viggo to continue.

“I was a poor student in my third year of my degree, living and going to university in Vancouver when an older woman took a shine to me and, well we ended up being fairly close.” Orlando felt a twinge of jealousy that he quickly dismissed as he concentrated on what Viggo was sharing.

“She pretty much looked after me and paid for a lot of things, since I was, well, broke… and while not completely comfortable with it, I let her. I knew I wasn’t in love with her, though I did care for her very much.” Viggo reached over to the coffee table and fiddled with his empty cup before continuing.

“Anyway, we’d been together in some form or another for about six months when it happened. It was a week before Christmas that she gave me a gift that I knew meant much more than I could ever feel for her and I panicked.” Orlando inched closer, wanting to hear everything that Viggo said in his soft mumble.

“I was going home to the States to spend Christmas with my family, so I left without really dealing with the subject. I knew it hurt her but I didn’t know how to be honest with her. While I was away I freaked out and spoke with a close friend of mine about what I should do. He came up with a plan and I went along with it even though I knew it was horribly wrong.” Viggo hung his head, dealing with the guilty feelings the story brought back.

“I was supposed to be back for New Years Eve, we had plans, Lauren and I. Instead my friend called her and said we were heading to Whistler for New Years; that I needed to spend some time with the boys. He picked me up from the airport and we spent a drunken weekend skiing and carrying on. When it came time to get back to school, I couldn’t face going back to her and everything that I had run from. So I kept on running. I got special dispensation from the university to take a semester off and make it up in the summer and I stayed in Whistler. I worked as a “lifty” and lived in a house with 20 other people. Lauren was patient at first. She blamed herself for pushing me too fast and I let her take the blame. It was months later that I went with some friends to her house and got all of my things. She never said a word, or yelled or anything. I’ve always regretted the way I treated her. She’s a beautiful person and she deserved so much better than that.”

“Fuck Vig. Have you ever talked to her since?” Orlando had moved so the two were sitting facing each other on the sofa; Orlando’s knees folded up under his chin, touching Viggo and his feet under the older man’s bent leg, one hand resting lightly on his thigh for reassurance.

“I lost track of her for many years and when I realized that I wanted to talk to her, to right the wrong, I couldn’t find her. She must have gotten married and goes by her married name. I think about her often. I hope she’s had a happy life.” Orlando squeezed his thigh in sympathy.

“I’m sorry Vig. That must be hard.” Viggo raised his eyes and gave a wan smile.

“You know, it might just be better this way. If I had found her, what I could I have possibly said to her. I’m sorry? Would that even begin to cover it? In some ways I think if I got to speak to her it would have done more to alleviate my guilt than to give her closure. I’ve had to do a lot of thinking and resolving on my own; I’ve had to make peace with my actions without getting absolution from her. I learned a lot from that… That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to talk to her, given the opportunity. I just think that I learned a lot more having to deal with my actions on my own. Does that make sense?”

Orlando smiled, his thumb making small circles on Viggo’s thigh. “More than you know.” They sat like that for a minute, both lost in their own thoughts, when Orlando finally spoke. “Even your mistakes have such value. I learn so much from you everyday.” Viggo straighten his leg and reached for the hand on his thigh, pulling Orlando toward him, turning him slightly so that he lay beside him, both face up, Orlando’s cheek nestled into Viggo’s shoulder, side by each, half on, half under each other, in a careful embrace. “That goes both ways Lando. I learn so much from you too.”

The two men lay like that, not wanting to move in fear it would break the spell of contentedness. “Vig… You know before… when you said I brought life into your house, making it a home?”

“Umm hmmm…”

“This has always felt like home to me, ‘cause this is where you are.” Viggo’s heart pounded in his chest, sure that Orlando could feel it, if not hear it. Not knowing what to say he just gave the younger man light squeeze and after a time Viggo could hear Orlando’s breath become shallow and rhythmic; exhausted from his day, he had fallen asleep. Careful not to disturb the sleeping form curled beside him, Viggo kissed the tousled curls and breathed in their clean scent. He wondered what Orlando made of all this; positive that the younger man hadn’t missed his somewhat erratic behaviour. One moment shunning the touch of this beautiful creature and the next pulling him into an embrace that was as intimate as it was innocent. Viggo‘s head swam with thoughts and feelings until he felt as if he were drowning in conflicted emotion. Setting the turmoil aside, he concentrated on the warmth and feel of the relaxed body beside him, drawing on its strength and peace. Viggo realized that they would sort this out, where ever it may lead; they would figure it out together, slowly and with care.

TBC