vigorli

Title: Alegría - Joy
Chapter: 1/14 +Epilogue
Rating: overall NC-17, I think.
Author:

tularia
Disclaimer: I don't know these men, wish I did. This is FICTION, ppl. Not even intended to be true.
Summary: Abuse can wreak havoc in our souls. Can Orlando find a way out?

BECAUSE A FRIEND ASKED ME I'VE NOW TRIED TO MAKE THIS EASIER TO READ. =D

The wind caught the branches in the trees letting yellowed leaves loose.
They flew through the air and slowly floated to the ground. Nature had started its preparations for the winter. A lonely figure was walking a dog in the middle of Buckinghamshire greenery. The collar of his jacket was pulled up, a thick scarf covering half of his face and hiding his identity. Dark sunglasses and a woollen cap covered a pair of dark eyes and short hair.
“Sidi, come on, boy,” he called gently as the dog stopped to sniff the railing of a bridge. “Time to go home.” A gentle pull and they continued their stroll.

Back inside the warm house they went up the stairs to wash the dog’s paws. The water felt nice and warm on his bare hands so Orlando thought he’d make himself a bath. When he got Sidi’s paws clean and dry, he filled the bathtub full of steaming water. While waiting for the temperature to cool, he went to give Sidi some food. Orlando shucked his clothing and stepped into the tub.

The water felt comfortable, it was relaxing his sore and tense muscles with its warmth. It also eased the kinks so much that he didn’t need to take painkillers for the night. It was a good thing because Orlando felt like he had been taking too many of them now that the weather had become colder. His back had just been sorer than normal.

Orlando took a sponge from the soap holder near the tub and lathered it. He found a better position by sitting up a bit and then he began washing himself.

Orlando had just put his soft bathrobe on when he received a phone call. Sitting down on his bed Orlando answered.
“Hello, elf boy. How are you?”
“Hey to you too, Vig. I just got out of the shower.”
“Let me guess. Your back was hurting again.”
“You know me too well, Vig.” Orlando laughed. Viggo’s heart was molten at the happiness in Orlando’s voice. “Anyway. I’m feeling fine. I’ve slowly tried to get used to living in silence now that In Celebration is over. My house is finally finished. What about you?”

“Well, I’m feeling okay too. I’m busy with work. There’s more to do than I think I’m able to. Or more than I want to. But I got myself into this mess. I had a short break of all the fuss and travelled to London. I went to see In Celebration. I was stunned by all of the performances, especially yours. On the other hand I’ve always known it, the talent you have.”

“You were here? You watched the show? And you didn’t contact me so we could have seen each other?!”
“I waited for you there, aside from the crowd, for a moment but when I saw the fans waiting for you, saw how you communicated with them all, I saw you are able to handle the fame and fans, I didn’t want to interrupt. And when the next chance came, it was too late, my flight was about to leave.”
“Right. I can’t be mad at you, filthy human.”
“I knew it!” Viggo stated starting to laugh.

“Tell me, oh Ranger of the North, why are you calling me now?”
“Partly because of our schedules. And I’m celebrating my birthday at my ranch in Idaho.”
“You? Birthday? You must be totally mad. You never celebrate your birthdays. You said so.”

“Well, I guess my mind can be manipulated. Henry is behind all of this. And if we think about this a bit more, this is a good opportunity for all of us to meet again, IF people are available. Of course I could have sent the invitation in a letter form but a call seemed to be a better option.”
“I’m glad you called, Vig, and I’d love to be there. You still have that papery crown?”
“Unfortunately, yes. In fact Henry has stored it somewhere safe and secret in his room. I can’t get my hands on it.”
“Brilliant! He can dig it back up.”
“No way.”
“Yes way. Prepare yourself for that.”

A long silence fell between them. Viggo was leaning against the armrest, his phone pinned between his shoulder and ear. He smiled. It was easy to talk with Orlando about anything, had always been. Orlando was, at the other end, thinking the same way. “What time is it in there?” he asked breaking the silence.
“It’s nearing three in the morning. Why?”
“You don’t seem the least bit tired.”
“I cheered up for the phone call.”
“Liar.”
“Darn, you caught me.”

As if on cue Viggo yawned widely. “I’ve been painting and calling other people about my birthday bash. Believe me, almost every other person I’ve called has been just as surprised as you.”
“I have no doubt about that. Oh, yeah. What would you like for a present?”

“A jar of English caramels.”
“Viiiiig, I’m serious!” Viggo burst out laughing again. The sound warmed Orlando on the inside as well.
“Honestly, it’s enough if you’ll be there. I won’t be celebrating because of the presents after all.”
“Fine. Anyone else coming?”
“This far only Liv has said she’ll be there.”
“Great. Count me in.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.”
“Yeah. It’s just... It’s such a long time to wait. And you know how impatient I can be.”
“Yes, I know.”
Orlando could nearly feel Viggo’s broad grin.
“Until then... it’s goodbye.”
“Yes. I’ll see you. And Vig...”
“Yeah?”
“Get some sleep, will you, before you fall asleep upright.”
“I intend to.”
“Good. Well, good night and sleep tight. I hope your phone bill won’t be astronomical.”
“Oh, yeah. I hope so. Good night to you too, or should I say good day. Bye.”
“Bye.”

Smiling and shaking his head Orlando closed the connection and stared at the screen for a few seconds before the light went off. He threw his phone onto his bed and went to get something to eat.