Seilschaft

Chapter Two: Abgrunde & Spalten
Author: Foofy
Rating: NC17
Summary: The revenge WARNING: DARK THEMES

*

Viggo had started with some simple stuff. He couldn’t really help himself, really. This was his friend, for god’s sake, this was a man with whom he had shared laughs, drank beer with, discussed situations and life in general. However, he was surprised at how easily the orders just dropped off his tongue, how quick the ideas came to him.

He had hoped it was the anger speaking, and there was still anger, he could feel it burning in the back of his mind. However, it wasn’t completely controlling, he knew that. It wasn’t anywhere near the intensity of when you struck out in anger, or the battle rage that sent the Greek warriors their victories. No, somewhere in his head there was a part of him enjoying this control, enjoying getting Sean to do whatever he wanted. Viggo wasn’t entirely sure whether to be pleased or scared.

He looked idly towards Sean who was staring at him with a murderous expression. And Viggo had a damn good idea he knew where that came from. Sean’s sense of pride and self respect was well known to the majority of the cast. He was a nice bloke, an easy going type of man, but insult him to the point of anger and watch the sparks fly. Viggo could only guess the damage that submitting to another man was doing to said pride, but by the soft growls that Sean made Viggo believed he could probably have a damn good guess at it.

There were certain things out of bounds, certainly. Despite the fact that they had relative shelter, it was still nowhere near warm despite the fire that he had built in the grate, and therefore Viggo had elected to make sure that Sean kept the majority of his clothes on. At least, for most of the evening anyway. His first order had simply been for the younger man to strip, and this had taken a remarkable amount of time as Sean had to fight his immediate reactions to strike out. Viggo had simply watched as the younger man’s eyes darted around the room as though to find an escape they both knew wasn’t going to be there. Finally, grudgingly, reluctantly, the clothes were shed.

It was hardly the first time that Viggo had seen Sean nude, but it was certainly the first time he had allowed to look at him in a sexual way. Sean had no shame in undressing in front of his trailer mates, casually stripping and dressing without fuss or embarrassment. And then, of course, there was the time when half the Fellowship decided to go skinny dipping in one of the lakes near the site they had been filming. But, ah, what a sight Sean made, almost made more attractive by the angry tension throughout his body. Sean made a damn good villain, something that Hollywood had also managed to discover. Viggo had smiled to himself. The cautious look on Sean’s face as a result of that little smile made Viggo realise exactly what he power he had.

Then there had been the photographs. This had taken a little more argument to get, and Viggo could understand Sean’s position. Should the photographs get into the wrong hands Sean was looking at needing some very fast explanations despite the fact that the majority of them were simply nude shots, enjoying the power and beauty of an adult male’s body. Certainly, a lot of them were considered erotic, but there was certainly an element of artistry in them that few could deny.

The last few would be a little more difficult to explain, he had to admit. But then again, Viggo wasn’t planning on anyone else seeing these photographs. The sight of Sean kneeling on all fours, head bowed, backside waiting for whatever Viggo decided, that one would probably be etched in his memory forever. Sean had protested when Viggo had ordered him to touch himself, as Viggo knew he would, a look of anger and shame crossing the younger man’s face, but he had done it. Ah, he had done it, and by the quickness of Sean’s erection Viggo wasn’t entirely sure he wasn’t the only one finding this just a teeny bit arousing. Viggo’s own crotch had been throbbing badly since the clothes had been dumped on the floor, but he wasn’t about to let that section of his body control his decisions. After all, if it was down to his sheer lust, they probably would have been finished by now.

Of course, Viggo didn’t allow Sean to reach a climax during this ‘play’. That wouldn’t be playing the game at all. Sean had stared at him with dangerous eyes, almost promising payback for all these indignities. However, that was then. This was here and now, and certainly, Sean did not have the upper hand.

It took Viggo a moment to voice the next order, but it was a growing need. The ache in his groin had begun to surpass any other concerns he might have had, and now, as the hut heated up from the small fire at the fireplace, there was actually a chance for relief. Sean was watching him carefully, as though expecting a physical blow.

“ Sean,” Viggo looked at him thoughtfully and stood up from his crouched position on the floor. “ Come here and kneel down,”

This was treated to a very suspicious glare, as though Sean had already worked out where this was leading. Quite probably he had, mused Viggo. It was hardly as though the man was unintelligent. And it was not a surprise when there was a slow shake of the head.

” No,” There was absolutely no doubt of the anger in Sean’s eyes as he looked at him. Viggo gave a long patient sigh, although keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the younger man. The mood Sean was in he could do anything, although Viggo didn’t think he could be that stupid. Even if Sean could get down the mountain by himself, additional injuries were not going to help. Sean couldn’t risk it.

Now, how much of the logical conclusion had managed to get through to Sean’s rage infested mind?

“ You know what? You disgust me,” Sean finally growled, shifting closer to the wall and no doubt the comforting feel of wood against his back. “ Was this simply to confirm what a bastard you actually are?”

Viggo cocked his head to one side, studying him without much interest. Or he hoped it looked casual anyway; Sean’s words were already beginning to grate. If he carried on like this a gag would be extremely welcome, although Viggo did have other ideas to use on that mouth of Sean’s. And how much would a gag lead on to other things…?

“ You finished yet or am I going to have to be subjected to yet more whimpering?”

“ Whimpering!” Sean was obviously outraged by this suggestion, his back straightening, the fear being pushed out of his eyes to make room for the fury. “ Don’t make me laugh,”

“ Wasn’t planning on it, I have to admit,” Viggo yawned and glanced back at the fire, which was burning merrily. The movement out of the corner of his eye automatically caused him to react, moving back suddenly and shoving Sean back on the floor, using the man’s own momentum. Sean, who had obviously given into his desires to hit him, hit the floor hard on one leg and all but skidded on the floor, pushing himself up immediately to rest on his knees, hand on floor to steady himself, green eyes raised to check whether a blow was coming.

Damn! He should have been paying more attention, Viggo scolded himself as he walked over towards him, knowing his own eyes flashed the danger that Sean’s were. He stood over him, arms folded, ready to move if Sean tried anything.

“ Not a good idea,” Viggo growled at him. Sean stared back at him sullenly. Viggo could imagine the fists clenched so tightly that red crescent shaped marks were being left in Sean’s palms by nails. Viggo dropped to a crouch in front of him, giving him a friendly smile before running a hand down the side of Sean’s face. Narrowed eyes watched him in suspicion and not a little caution.

“ Obviously you need reminding, Sean,” Viggo dropped his voice. “ You need me, and you need me alive and fit to go on the mountain side tomorrow. Unless, of course, you want to try and make it on your own, and even then you’ll need yourself to be fit and healthy. Bruises and broken bones are really not recommended in any book, although you’ll have to take my word for that, seeming you don’t appear to read any,” This was completely untrue, but at least it sounded good. And the man did have a nasty lack of survival information. “ If you want my help, you have no choice but to do what I say. Anything I say, I might add. And the more you fight, the more … *difficult* the tasks you must do,”

He scanned Sean in front of him, trying to judge his mood. Sean was incredibly difficult to read once he got annoyed; it was very difficult to assess the lower type of pissed off from the highest. Sean just looked furious.

“ You understand?” Viggo pressed. And Sean struck again. Viggo almost fell over backwards, his foot moving immediately up to kick out at him. Resist! And it was clear that Sean was trying to resist as well; at the sight that Viggo was about to fight back, the younger man had held his action, moving slightly backwards in a movement that reminded Viggo slightly of the way Andy Serkis moved when portraying Gollum with the hobbits, a strange, slightly hunched movement like a kicked dog.

The annoyed sigh that fell from Viggo’s lips was not in any way created. He stood, brushing himself off, one eye on Sean in case the younger man tried yet again. This was going to get old so very quickly…

“ Evidentially you don’t understand,” he said grimly. This was going to be a problem. An aggressive Sean was not someone he wanted on his hands at the best of times. A brief thought flashed into his mind to just give up now, to let it go. He had the photographs after all. But this little thought was soon trampled on by his anger and, let’s face it, his lust. Their friendship wasn’t getting back together again. Sean would have made sure of this. Viggo could only assume his accusations were some way of justifying Sean’s own actions, and for him to stick around the “seducer” really wouldn’t fit this timetable. However, here, now, Sean was his, to do with as he wanted to.

And god did that sound good. However, behaviour had to be improved.

“ You fucking bastard,” spat Sean in his corner. “ Just let me go!”

Okay, language could be improved too. Viggo sighed heavily. Sean was acting like a man threatened with death, an animal cornered and striking out as best they could. So, if he wanted the stakes raised, Viggo could cope with that particular bluff.

“ Let you go? Okay, Sean, let’s do that. Which of the many crevasses would you like to fall down in your bid for freedom? Which snow bridge will collapse under the weight of your feet? Without a partner to belay you, there wouldn’t even be the faintest chance you’d escape it. But it’ll be fun to watch, won’t it?” Viggo looked at him. Sean had fallen silent again. “ Or perhaps you’d like to reconsider your position?”

“ Fuck you,” said Sean bitterly, although his body no longer had that alert, tense look that spoke volumes about his intended action. Now there was the slightest slump in his posture, a man recognising the icy hand of Defeat. Death could wait. However, there was still the question of manners floating in the air.

“ Sean, next time you say that I’m going to hit you,” Viggo commented. It was said pleasantly. It was said in a normal level of volume. And, he was shocked to discover, it was actually true. Well, hit was a little strong. More.. humiliate. Yes, using something that had a little bit of a sting to it and a definite lack of breaking bones. Just a disciplinary matter.

Yep, if he said that to himself long enough he was going to believe it eventually.

Sean eyed him thoughtfully, obviously trying to assess whether Viggo’s words were true. He opened his mouth to speak, then shut it again slowly. Viggo’s hopes soared a little. Sean adjusted his position and glared back at him. Viggo was shocked to notice the man still had an erection. Did he have that all through the scuffles? Good lord, Sean’s body really wasn’t letting him get away with anything.

“ You wouldn’t dare,” Sean’s voice was odd somehow, a little more ragged. And it was an odd thing to say. If it was true about Viggo’s acts in their last sleeping hole, a little bit of rough play really shouldn’t be that surprising.

” Do as I say and I wouldn’t have to do anything,” Viggo smiled at him with a dangerous expression, feeling a little evil. “ Or do you want to be punished, Sean? Perhaps that’s what all of this has been about. You tricking me…,”

“ Bastard,” growled Sean with more venom than Viggo had seen before, as though a nerve had been struck with a sledgehammer. The belt was in Viggo’s hand before he really had time to focus. He was aware of green eyes suddenly much wider, Sean looking up at him with a look that spoke of insecurities. Viggo didn’t entirely blame him. Sean flinched as Viggo put a hand on his shoulder.

“ Okay,” Sean’s voice was almost a pant, the fear beginning to make a presence in his voice as Viggo knew it would. “ Enough.”

“ You going to –“

“ Yes. Whatever,” Sean caught the look in Viggo’s eyes and hesitated. “ I mean, yes, sure.” His green eyes flickered back to the belt with an odd expression. It wasn’t quite fear. It wasn’t quite daze. It was the type of expression that suggested almost some type of respect, although most likely the only respect that Sean was feeling at this point in time was the type that saved his skin.

Viggo stepped back, his back straightening. With the same grudging reluctance as before, Sean moved towards him, sinking back onto his knees. Up until that point, Sean had often glared his outrage directly at Viggo. Now his eyes were turned away, cast onto the floor in what Viggo considered a remarkably submissive gesture. His hand rested on the blonde locks, playing with his hair, running his fingers through it. Sean bore this all with resignation, his head not moving at all.

Viggo watched him for a few moments more, before dropping his hand away and unfastening his clothing. A long pause developed.

“ Sean,” And Viggo realised he didn’t need to say any more. Sean was already moving, as though resigned to his fate, releasing Viggo’s aching length from its prison. The older man moaned slightly as Sean’s hands brushed him, so similar to their first time together, before he was taken into the warmth of Sean’s mouth. Viggo’s hand returned to the blonde head, this time gently stroking him, his eyes slowly closing at the feel of Sean’s mouth working him.

To say Sean was talented was an understatement. To say that he was far too good for this to be his first time was another understatement. Certainly, there were naturals out there, but even they had caution, they had hesitation that they would catch their teeth or that they wouldn’t please their partner properly. Sean worked with none of these concerns. Funny that.

Viggo’s hand tightened in Sean’s hair, but this again didn’t sway him. He was sure he gasped Sean’s name as he came in his mouth so very quickly, but he certainly wasn’t focused on that part. His legs trembled as though a muscle had been overstrained, his breathing was fast and ragged. Viggo had felt sure that he was about to over balance, but had thankfully managed to save himself from that indignity.

Patting Sean on the head tiredly and without much thought, Viggo took a step backward to give the younger man some room, tucking himself back into his trousers. He glanced towards the fire, which, by this time, was roaring into life. The room actually felt much warmer, although it could certainly be improved. However, at least Sean wasn’t shivering like a dog left out in the rain.

His head still slightly bowed, Sean was watching him from under the blonde hair that had fallen across his face. Viggo looked at him thoughtfully, noting the stillness. Sean hadn’t moved from the last position Viggo had instructed, kneeling almost delicately, his thighs together, buttocks resting on his heels, his eyes burning across a message.

His erection, still proud and strong, spoke a different one.

Viggo smiled and wandered towards the little stove that the hut contained, rummaging through his rucksack before he reached it. He glanced over his shoulder as he picked up the little kettle.

” Tea?” he enquired. Sean stared back at him, his anger suddenly distracted by the question.

“ What?”

” Would you like some tea?” Viggo wandered towards the door and hesitated with his hand on the wood. He glanced towards the naked man thoughtfully. “ You might want to put on a few more clothes. Might get a bit of a draught out there,” he remarked helpfully. Sean shot him a look of pure murder and struggled to his feet, padding towards his abandoned clothes and pulling them on.

Viggo noticed that he wasn’t bothering with any underwear. Obviously Sean was more than aware that further games were likely to happen. Smiling to himself, he disappeared outside to obtain some snow for the kettle.

*

“ Is this how it’s going to be for the whole journey back?”

The kettle had boiled. The tea had been made. Sean was drinking his slowly, his back resting against the wall of the little hut, his eyes fixed on Viggo. Viggo, who had chosen the more comfortable wooden stool, glanced back at him without concern.

“ How it’s going to be?” he echoed mildly. Sean snorted softly.

“ You are well aware of what I mean. These .. demands,” green eyes glared at him. “ I wouldn’t put it past you to increase our journey simply so you had more ammunition to throw at me,”

Viggo was silent for a few moments. The man had a point. Up here Viggo held all the cards. As soon as they reached the safer levels, Sean would be able to break away and disappear to one of the main towns, where no doubt he would be hiring a car for the return journey. He shook his head.

” I’m not making our journey longer. I want to get down as much as you do,” his voice was more than patient.

“ I doubt it,” spat Sean. And Viggo knew he couldn’t let him get away with that. Not at this stage. Sean almost blanched as the older man carefully got up off the stool, and carefully put his mug down. The blonde sat perfectly still as he slowly approached him, noting the fact that Sean’s grip had clenched tighter on the mug handle to the extent that the knuckles showed white.

They looked at each other for a few moments, neither speaking or moving. Finally Viggo dropped to a crouch in front of him, their gazes locked. Viggo gave a friendly smile with a warmth he didn’t feel. This was a man who had obviously had male contact before, but who chose to blame Viggo for his desires. The anger still burned strongly.

“ You know, you could afford to be a little more polite,” he commented lightly. Sean said nothing, simply watching him for his next move. Viggo was faintly reminded of a snake waiting to strike, awaiting its victim – or in this case, predator’s – movement.

“ These demands, as you call it, will continue until I say so,” Viggo looked at him carefully for signs that Sean might finally break. Nothing. Sean might not be calm but a screaming bag of nerves he wasn’t. “ Although you have my word that nothing I ask of you will cause any danger to either of us in this journey. You state that I’m dragging out this journey. I point out the fact that our food is limited. I don’t fancy going hungry up here and I’m sure you don’t either. Just think about it.”

Sean watched him sullenly, a twelve year old cornered for a lecture by an elderly teacher. Viggo watched him for a few moments more, but the expression didn’t change. Finally Sean spoke, slowly, obviously unwillingly, but loud enough for Viggo to hear.

“ Can we get this over with, then?” That same reluctance. Viggo stared at him in surprise, not entirely understanding. Sean shrugged lightly. “ I assume you want to fuck me. After all, this is what it was all about, wasn’t it?”

Viggo felt the anger boil in his blood again. The sheer arrogance of the man was incredible.

” As you might recall,” he said coldly. “ I have been known to climb for fun as well as finding my next victim.”

Sean shrugged again, his eyes still fixed on Viggo. “ But that *is* what you want to do, isn’t it?” he pressed a little further. “ What all these *games* - and I use the term loosely – is about.” There was another one of Sean’s half laughs that was a strange mixture between mocking and nerves. “ God, Viggo, even when you rape someone all you do is talk, isn’t it? It’s amazing Aragorn ever moved away from the Council at Rivendell. If you had your way, they’d still be talking about it wouldn’t they?”

Sean cut off as Viggo leaned forward slightly further. And Viggo knew how angry he must look, for he could feel it racing through himself, far too powerful to be able to mask. Despite his words there was still that wary quality to Sean, as though he was attempting to provoke but still afraid of the results of his actions. But Viggo really didn’t care for that. What was important was the faintly nervous look that was passing the younger man’s face that soothed a little of the anger. But not enough.

God no, nowhere near enough.

“ I want you naked and on your hands and knees,” Viggo’s voice was cold. There was no trace of any question in his voice, no hint of weakness. “ And I want it done now.”

Sean looked at him in a strange way, but slowly nodded. Viggo rocked back onto his heels and stood up, taking a step away from Sean to allow the man to get up and out of his clothes. His jumper off, Sean’s hands rested on the top of his trousers, his eyes staring at Viggo angrily.

” Will this make you feel better, Viggo?” his voice was bitter. “ Make you feel big and strong?”

Viggo opened his mouth to speak, but Sean beat him to it. Shaking his head, Sean pulled off his trousers and took one last look at him.

“ Hope it was worth it,” he muttered, and dropped to the required position, head bowed again as in the photographs that Viggo had taken. However, Viggo had not been paying attention to the position. He had been paying attention to the fact that Sean had already been semi-hard.

Viggo paused only at his rucksack, taking the little tube of moisturising cream out from the outside pocket where he kept it for when his lips were chapped, or his hands had taken a knock from the rope. He could see Sean watching him, although the younger man looked back at the floor when he realised Viggo was returning his assessment.

He crossed the floor to stand behind him, again taking the time to appreciate the firm, well worked muscles, the smooth skin only marred with the occasional bruise from receiving an accidental connecting blow from an orc stuntman, or, occasionally, when he didn’t dodge in time during training. Sean’s legs were already parted, simply waiting for him. Viggo could see the steady rise and fall of Sean’s breathing, so carefully controlled. He could feel the faint trembling running through the man as Viggo rested his hand on the round backside before sliding it down to feel between Sean’s legs. The man jumped as though given an electric shock, a surprised and strangled gasp coming from his lips.

Definitely semi-hard. And more hard than not, as well.

Interesting.

“ For fucks sake, Viggo. If you’re doing this, do it, stop messing around,” Sean’s voice was ragged. There was a naked plea in his voice that was almost tangible. Viggo traced the sensitive areas around the blonde’s balls, cupped him carefully in his hands, giving sensation but never enough to be truly satisfying. He was rewarded by Sean’s faster breath, his body’s reactions, and his curses which progressed in crudity as time went on.

Viggo continued with his gentle touches, not answering. Sean’s voice had broken on a couple of occasions now, although it wasn’t clear whether it was distress or anger. Sean’s body, betraying him entirely, continued to respond to Viggo’s caresses.

“ You filthy bastard,” swore Sean, almost muttering, the venom hard enough as though trying to disguise the fact that his body was already playing to Viggo’s tune. “ Can’t do it, can you? Too weak, too feeble, too *old*-“

Viggo had already smeared himself with the cream, knowing he was definitely going to be caught short if his lips dried but not particularly caring. During Sean’s latest curse, Viggo simply lined himself up and pushed in, his hands spreading Sean to allow his smooth entrance into the man’s body. Sean cut off as though he had been shot, his back arched, a weak groan forced from him as lubricated erection stretched his unprepared dry muscles. Fully sheathed, Viggo waited, his own legs trembling from the pressure of keeping still. God, Sean was so tight around him. He could feel every tremble the man made, feel the man breathing, almost feel his heart beating. Each time Sean moved ever so slightly, waves of pure pleasure rippled through Viggo, forcing him to find even more untapped willpower to stay perfectly still.

“ Better?” he asked finally when Sean’s breathing began to lose a little less of its intensity.

Sean didn’t answer. Viggo smiled grimly to himself and moved slowly outwards, only to slam in again harder. There was a whimper from the man below him, Sean dropping his head even further, as though all the muscles in his neck had suddenly given up on him. Viggo thrust in again. And again. His hands were gripping Sean’s hips as though they were the source of his self control, fingers tightening on light skin, rising red marks. With one hand he raked his nails down the smooth plain of Sean’s buttock as he thrust into him again, knowing the red marks would be rising even though Viggo didn’t bother look at them. There was a gasp from Sean at this, then silence again.

The silence was broken as Viggo changed the angle slightly. Sean cried out, again weakly, as though the man was desperate not to show anything. Viggo narrowed his eyes slightly and hit Sean’s prostrate again, this time harder. Again the stifled cry, followed by a gasp that almost sounded like a sob. Viggo thrust in again, leaning over Sean’s body slightly in order to reach down, to gently cup-

“ No!” Sean almost bucked him off in his desperation. “ Stop it! Please!”

Startled and confused, Viggo stopped, his hand still. Sean was making quick, short breaths as though he was almost hyperventilating, although he managed to slow these almost as soon as Viggo straightened up again. Viggo was shocked again as Sean pushed back against him again, obviously trying to get him to continue with his own enjoyment, to finish. However, Viggo’s cock obviously didn’t care who was doing what; the delicious sensations began again, and this time in earnest. He could feel Sean clenching with his muscles, trying to speed up what was already fast approaching. Viggo could feel his body tense in preparation; Sean’s hips were subjected to further bruising and marks as his hands tightened their hold. Viggo was faintly aware that his grip must have been hurting the younger man, but Sean didn’t make a sound, not even when Viggo came hard inside him, a loud cry filling the hut.

Finally Viggo slid out of him, still breathless, and all but collapsed on the floor. Sean remained in the same position, his faster breathing the only indication of his condition. Viggo raised his head slightly and studied him.

” Sean, you can lie down,” he said softly. Sean slid to the floor like a newborn foal who had misjudged how to use its legs properly, still softly panting.

Viggo watched him. He knew Sean was aching, he had to be. He himself had felt how hard he was, how hot his skin. Sean had been flushed and aroused, and yet… what? Was he really still maintaining that this type of thing didn’t interest him?

Viggo pushed himself up a little further and hooked the bottom of his pack with his foot, pulling it towards him and getting out the sleeping bag that it contained. He was just aware of Sean watching him from his position on the floor, but didn’t bother to look directly at him.

“ You’d be better off lying on a sleeping bag,” he said casually.

“ Don’t tell me you’re still planning to do more?” Sean’s voice was definitely under stress. Viggo finally turned his head to survey him coldly. Frosty green eyes met his defiantly.

“ Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten who’s in control out here?” he replied softly. “ If I chose to, possibly. Depends how nice you are.”

There was a snort of disgust which stated exactly how ‘nice’ Sean was planning to be. Viggo straightened slightly and lifted his head. Wary silence met this move. The man’s self control had to be incredible…

“ Sean, roll over,” Okay, so they had managed to get to the same commands as you give a dog, but at least they were basic. However, it was at this point where Sean’s stubbornness appeared to get worse. Viggo couldn’t understand it. After the previous games, lying on your back should have been up there with the simple aspects.

Sean wet his lips before speaking. “ No.”

“ What?” Viggo frowned. Sean shook his head and didn’t look at him.

“ I said no.” Sean’s voice was soft, the aggression apparently having left him for a moment.

And yes, that had been what Viggo had heard. The older man paused, trying to work this one out. Perhaps Sean’s mind was running faster than his own, had already considered what the next step could be. Or perhaps he was just being stubborn again. Sean always did managed to portray a sense of defiance, but Viggo could have really done without it at this stage. For crying out loud, all he wanted to do was allow Sean a little release and now apparently even this was banned.

“ I don’t think you heard me correctly,” he said softly. “ Roll over. Do I have to remind you about the glacier descent we’re doing tomorrow? You know damn well you don’t have the experience to judge those snow bridges correctly. Get on with it.”

Sean finally gave him a glare, a hard dangerous one that was all the more intense through the obvious tension in his eyes. Obviously Sean hadn’t managed to recover properly. Viggo would have bet heavily on the fact that Sean would have been aching and uncomfortable. So why the daft bastard refused point blank to allow him to assist him… oh, it was probably a British thing or something. Viggo moved slightly to be able to kick him firmly in the thigh.

“ Do. It.” Viggo was beginning to get angry again. Sean all but ignored him, still lying on the floor where he had fallen. His eyes closed. He must have been cold, but Sean’s control over his body seemed to be impressive. Well, certain parts of the body anyway. Viggo kicked him again, harder.

Sean refused to budge. Viggo smiled grimly to himself and moved closer to him, lying next to him as though lovers sharing a moment. Viggo’s own top had not been taken off, and the warm fleece pressed against Sean’s side, Viggo’s legs hooked around Sean’s own. There wasn’t a murmur about this new position, but Viggo could sense the tension, the anger in the younger man. A faint smile rose to his lips.

“ You don’t seem to be doing as I say,” Viggo’s voice was a low sweet murmur in his ear. “ Now, that disturbs me slightly. You see, tomorrow I can’t have someone who won’t follow orders. It would be dangerous for both of us. You know the size of the crevasses. You know how easy it is to fall, to misjudge it. Without me to belay you, you would just fall to your probable death. If you’re lucky. If you’re not, you’ll just die alone and in pain at the bottom, another person broken by the mountain. It’s not uncommon, is it? Just falling from that great height, nothing to support you, the wind howling past your ears, the ground rushing up to meet you…,”

Viggo could feel Sean tremble underneath him and smiled grimly. Ah, the fear of heights was so ingrained in Sean all he had to do was remind the memories and the younger man would be his. There was a slight inward breath of air as though Sean was trying to calm himself down. Viggo’s hand gently stroked Sean’s shoulder, soothing, promising. Sean trembled again. Slowly his head turned to be able to look at Viggo, and Viggo could already see the fear in them, a fear that normally got trampled down by his willpower.

“ But I won’t let that happen to you, Sean. I’ll help you,” Viggo’s eyes scanned Sean’s. “ But I need you to do as I say, without question.” He waited a few moments to allow his words to sink in. Sean looked defeated, wretched. Viggo could even start to feel a shiver run through the younger man, and carefully held him closer to him, warming him. As soon as the bastard did what he was told to do, he could warm him properly. The last thing either of them needed was frostbite getting involved. “ Will you do that?”

Sean simply looked at him. For a moment Viggo wasn’t sure whether he was going to do anything, but then a sigh reached his ears. The blonde finally nodded and rolled out from under him, lying on his back, his eyes shut. Viggo couldn’t help but notice Sean’s fists were already clenched. Unsurprisingly, Sean’s arousal had died through his fear, but all it took was Viggo to carefully touch him and it was back in force. Sean bit his lip and kept his eyes shut as Viggo continued to caress him gently, playing with him, his body pressed against Sean’s side again, his fingers stroking sensitive areas, squeezing him.

Viggo was sure it had been at least several minutes now, and Sean hadn’t made a moan in all that time. However, it was not without its struggle. Sean’s eyes were all but screwed up in his desire to keep quiet, his muscles taut and clenched, breathing fast and quick. Viggo smiled to himself again and leant forward, his mouth so close to Sean’s ear that Viggo was certain that he would be able to feel the warm breath caress him.

“ Do you want to come, Sean?” he asked softly, still teasing with his hands. Sean’s hips had already started to move instinctively towards Viggo’s hand, seeking his release. Sean growled in the back of his throat but stayed quiet.

“ No? Not at all?” Viggo traced his finger over Sean’s length idly. There was another growl and Sean shifted positions, thrashing his head to one side. Viggo could hear the harsh panting now, Sean unable to keep himself quiet throughout. There was a small bright red bloodstain on his bottom lip where obviously his teeth had bitten a little too hard. Viggo carefully smeared it off with his thumb, Sean lying passively to allow him to do this although his body showed his tension.

“ Should be more careful, Sean,” Viggo pressed his lips to Sean’s throat and felt the younger man stiffen under him in outrage. “ Sure you don’t want to come?” he breathed. “ It’s not a crime to want to feel pleasure, Sean,”

There was a hiss through clenched teeth. If it wasn’t a crime, apparently it was to admit it. Viggo could almost hear the objections already. Sean, apparently, was straight. Straight men didn’t find sexual pleasure with other men. However, Sean’s current shield was obviously extremely heavy to bear.

“ Please,” Sean’s voice, when it finally came, was so soft that Viggo wasn’t sure he hadn’t imagined it. He moved his head and looked thoughtfully at Sean, who had his eyes shut tightly again as though this might in some way protect him.

” Sorry?”

There was another growl which was completely against the new rules of the game, but Viggo thought he should allow the other man some leeway. Viggo could only guess the level of anger that Sean would be feeling in forcing him to admit his desires, but he had a suspicion it might be powerful enough to level a few mountain ranges.

“ Please,” repeated Sean, and it was growled through his teeth. That was enough. Viggo smiled to himself and moved his hand to brush over the sensitive area. Sean instinctively pushed towards him before managing to grab hold of his willpower with both hands and forcing himself still. Still in denial, then. But ah, he was so close…

” How much do you want it?” Viggo purred in his ear. Sean opened his eyes and looked at him in angry realisation. Flashes of anger almost made his eyes greener.

“ What?” There was no mistaking the harshness of his voice. Viggo shrugged and moved his hand again. Sean’s eyes drifted shut for a moment, his breath hitching, before opening again and giving Viggo one of the fiercest looks he had ever known which wasn’t attached to a large predatory mammal.

“ Beg for me, Sean.” Viggo said softly.

Sean smiled, a sweet pleasant smile, his eyes looking directly at him. “ Go fuck yourself,” he said steadily. Viggo put on a mock surprised look.

” Why should I want to do that when I have you here?” he asked. “ After all, the only reason why we’re here is for me to use you, right?”

Sean’s eyes were full of pure murder, his teeth gritted. Viggo moved a little closer to him, dropping his voice to a dangerous level.

“ We’re not leaving here until you do,” he whispered in his ear. “ Beg, Sean.”

For a moment, Viggo didn’t think that Sean was going to do it. After all, this was clashing directly with his pride, regardless of how forced the situation. And it was damn clear how on the edge Sean was; Viggo doubted whether he would last even for a few seconds once Viggo touched him properly. Sean’s muscles were getting even more of a work out than the mountain had provided.

Come on you bastard. Beg for me.

Finally, Sean stared at him in hatred, looked away again and growled something to himself. Viggo watched him in fascination as the man finally spoke, tension and anger in every word.

” Please, Viggo. Touch me,” The words came out more like a line from a western or John Wayne movie; go ahead punk, make my day. However, they were out, and that was what really mattered. Sean was an actor, after all. He could improve on his diction easily, especially since every time he got angrier, his Yorkshire accent grew thicker.

“ Good, Sean. Good.” Viggo kissed his neck again, and noticed how the man didn’t bother to flinch any more. “ Now it needs to be just a little more believable,”

“ Fuck you,” snarled Sean.

” You already did that, Sean. This is my go now,” Viggo nuzzled Sean’s neck, breathing in the man’s scent, resisting the urge to pounce on him again. “ Say it again,”

Sean tossed his head a little more, but Viggo could see he was thinking hard about it.

“ Touch me,” he said finally, and the words were softer, the element of pleading that had been so lacking in his first attempt actually making an appearance. “ Please, Vig.”

Viggo could feel the desperation reach out to him, the plea. He nuzzled his neck again, affectionately, before allowing his hand to dip lower, working the man below him.

“ Good boy,” he breathed, but Sean obviously wasn’t listening to him. His body was tensed as though startled, his back had arched slightly. Sean’s breathing had returned to the heavy pants, the little frustrated noises forced from his throat. Viggo watched him carefully as his hand moved, stroking, allowing the friction that Sean wanted.

Sean let out a strangled groan and came, coating Viggo’s hand, his head tilting backwards as his release overcame him. After watching him recover a little, Viggo wiped his hand on his sleeve and moved away from the younger man, back to his sleeping bag and his pack.

“ You can go to sleep if you want. Or you can eat a little more. We’ll need your strength up after all,” Viggo looked back at him where an angry green glare was being aimed at him. “ For your climb, Sean. What else did you think I meant?”

There was a mutter. Sean eyed him again as though threatening him if he so much dared to go near him whilst he was sleeping, and turned to get himself organised. Viggo’s eyes drifted down to Sean’s buttocks where three long red scratch marks were clearly visible, as were the handprints at the side of his hips. His hand itched to get the camera, but he doubted whether that would go down well with the blonde.

After all, they had a long day tomorrow. Best to keep Sean vaguely on side.

Or failing that, under control.

*

Viggo was studying the map when Sean finally roused himself from sleep, his hair ruffled in all places, sleepy green eyes staring at him suspiciously as though surprised that Viggo was a good few metres away. Viggo pretended not to notice, and simply jabbed a thumb towards the little stove.

“ Tea’s waiting for you if you want some, Sean,” Viggo had decided to keep his voice neutral and calm for the morning. He really didn’t want Sean more uptight than he was going to be. He had routed their new path down to meet up with the glacier and their original path, although he could already feel Sean’s objections. Thanks to the new snow, the danger of avalanche was only too real. However, Sean wasn’t likely to be particularly calm on the path against the high rock wall. It was safe, but fear was a danger in themselves.

Viggo began to regret winding Sean up quite so much about the heights last night.

“ We should make good progress today,” he said as Sean sat back down, cup of steaming liquid in his hands. “ Weather’s holding, although I don’t like the look of the clouds in the distance. Might get a little hairy for the evening again, but hopefully by that time we should be out.”

Viggo paused at the look of discomfort on Sean’s face as he sat, then worked out the probable reason. Smiling inwardly to himself, Viggo turned back to his pack and started to organise himself. Thanks to the new snow, the snow bridges in the crevasses were likely to require a little more caution that he would have hoped for, but at least they would be moving. He twirled his axe in his hand and looked back at Sean thoughtfully.

This morning Sean seemed to be in a world of his own, although Viggo knew from experience that the man often needed ten minutes to clear his head from sleep before he even resembled an intelligent human. Sean’s eyes slid to him cautiously at the interest. Viggo had a suspicion the blonde was expecting him to start ordering him to strip, although that was probably Viggo’s own paranoia in full force there.

Finally he stood, waiting for Sean to ready himself.

And eventually, they were off, the vague comforts of the hut soon a distant memory.

*

“ I can’t!” The fear in Sean’s voice was almost primeval. Viggo cursed their bad fortune, and moved back, his hand tight on the rope that held his partner via the snow axe that was buried deep in the snow as their security.

” It’s okay, Sean. You can do this,” He knew the snow bridge would hold, could see it by sight that the snow was compacted enough to support their weight. However, what he couldn’t do anything about was the deep drop, seemingly to both sides. Sean had frozen, one foot in front of the other. Viggo could see the man stare downwards as though fixed by a snake’s hypnotic gaze, unable to break away.

Sean’s weight trembled, his sense of balance protesting at the position it found itself in. Viggo groaned to himself and took a little more of the weight. Sean had been going well, and Viggo had mistakenly assumed his nerve would hold, taking the drops a little faster than he would have liked. He had been keeping an eye on the weather, which had begun to threaten a little more speed to the clouds that were approaching, and not enough of an eye on his partner.

“ Sean. Come on. We both know you can do this,” Viggo’s voice was soft, persuasive. Sean finally broke the hold the chasm held on him, and looked back uncertainly. “ Trust me, Sean. I won’t let you down,”

There was a pause that felt like it lasted for centuries. Finally Sean’s foot moved under his own power, shifting his weight. Viggo let out a sigh of relief.

“ Good, Sean! Now keep going,” Ridiculously he felt almost proud of the man as Sean continued his way across, slipping once but still going, his stubbornness obviously being channelled to a whole new level. Through persuasion, encouragement and the occasional threat, the glacier was slowly conquered. Sean’s confidence began to grow a little more, and Viggo was startled hear a cheerful laugh and to see a happy grin aimed at him as soon as their feet had touched a safer level. Viggo grinned back, relieved, pulling the man into a quick hug.

“ Well done,” he whispered. However, the good humour was swift to leave. Sean hugged him back briefly before obviously remembering exactly who he was hugging, and pushed him away again. Viggo sighed to himself, and took a few steps along the path again. He paused when he realised that Sean wasn’t following.

Sean looked back at him steadily.

” I know where we are. It’s not too bad a trek back from here,” he folded his arms. Viggo frowned at him.

” We still might not beat the weather, Sean. It might be easier, but you know what it’ll be like if the snow hits. You wouldn’t be able to see anything,” Viggo eyed him. “ It’ll be safer if we travel together,”

Sean laughed again, a bitter laugh compared to the one of joy he had given at the bottom of the glacier. “ For who, exactly?” he shook his head. “ No way. You can go and I’ll follow, but I’m not travelling with you.”

Viggo growled through his teeth. Well, Sean was mostly right. There were several crevasses to tackle, but nearly all of them had thick, solid snow bridges that even Sean could recognise. The area wasn’t that prone to avalanches, although that was always more dubious in the bad weather. Nature had a nasty habit of not being predictable.

Shouldering his pack a little, Viggo continued on without a final glance backwards. If Sean wasn’t moving, there wasn’t a hell of a lot he could do about it, and if they wanted to miss the weather every moment counted. His boots trudged through the snow, the wind occasionally whipping the collar of his jacket but apart from that keeping out of his way. If Sean wanted to be like that, fine. See if he cared. Although if the bastard leaned a little too far to the east, he was likely to…

No. Stop thinking about it. Sean had all the equipment. He wasn’t a novice, despite his lack of assistance. He could work out where he was and where he was going perfectly. And, after all, it was hardly as though Viggo could hear a scream, could he?

Okay, when you heard a scream that was probably the point where help was probably going to be a little too late, but at least …

Viggo sighed to himself, and glanced around, trying to see Sean’s familiar red and blue jacket against the stark whiteness of the snow. His foot caught something. Viggo tried to find his balance and failed, one hand circling desperately, the other still caught in his jacket where he had been putting away the compass. There was a shout from behind him – okay, so Sean was following after all – before gravity and nature won. Viggo felt something all but rip in his ankle, and a fierce burning sensation raced up his leg as though someone had set fire to his sock. He tried to yell, but there was snow in his mouth, stifling his ability to make any noise whatsoever.

It fucking *hurt*!

“ Viggo!” A hand grabbed hold of his shoulder, not particularly gently either, and yanked him upwards. Viggo spluttered in the air and rolled over, his hands immediately reaching to his ankle which at this point was screaming at him. Sean stared down at him.

“ Are you okay?” It was said grudgingly, as though the man knew he shouldn’t be asking it in the script he had chosen for himself, but the automatic concern had won through. Not that Viggo was particularly focused on that. His whole foot felt like it had been chopped off.

“ My ankle,” groaned Viggo, finally forcing himself to touch it. It didn’t feel broken. Mind you, it didn’t feel like it was happy either. The likihood was he had sprained it or twisted a muscle, but that wasn’t the greatest thought when you were on a mountain side. The realisation struck.

There was no way in hell he was going to get to the cabin before the weather hit.

And, by the look on Sean’s face, the other man knew it as well. Sean was silent, his eyes on Viggo, before looking up along the path they had been taking thoughtfully and casually.

Viggo could almost read his mind. Obviously the ankle wasn’t going to be the largest agony today. First of all, he was going to have to…

“ Sean,” he tried to keep his voice level and calm. “ I’ll need your help to get down,”

There was a long, long pause. Viggo didn’t dare think of what would happen should Sean refuse. He forced himself up, snow showering on the floor from his clothing. The foot was gingerly placed on the floor. Agony and his ankle had another loud discussion. Viggo closed his eyes slowly. He could hobble, but that was it.

Great. Just great. His safety depended on a man who hated him. Well, at least he couldn’t be accused of wanting this particular problem. No one on earth would want to get this sort of position.

“ Yes,” Sean said finally, as though he had only just worked out the situation. His voice was almost sing-song “ I guess you do,”

There was another long pause. Viggo looked at him, wondering how deep the anger was rooted.

“ Will you stay with me?” he had to press it. If he had to try and get down himself, he needed all the time he could find to get a good position to hole up for the night, dig another bivouac and pray that the next morning would bring good weather and the possibility that he might, just might, have had a miracle on his ankle. Sean rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“ I could get to the cabin easily before the weather hit, Viggo,” the tone was thoughtful, as though the man was simply voicing his thoughts as they came to him. However, Viggo heard the warning.

“ Please, Sean,” He hadn’t wanted to start pleading him at this stage; god knows where it would lead them. But Sean was fingering the strap of his kit like he was about to walk off without a glance backwards, his eyes turned to the path that they would have been following had Viggo’s willpower had not failed him and caused him to look back.

“ Bad situation you got yourself in here, Vig,” Sean’s voice was almost chatty. “ If you’d have done this in say, another couple of hours, well, you might just have a chance that you were close enough to the cabin that people would find you. And you would have already gone past all the more risky aspects of the climb as well,” He shook his head sadly. “ Tough break, eh?”

“ What do you want?” Viggo’s voice was level and calm. His heart, however, was racing. Sean looked at him.

“ I’m sorry? What I want, Vig, is to get off this bloody mountain and have a hot bath and a drink of beer, preferably whilst watching the football. And I could still get that today, don’t you think?” the voice was dangerous. “ To stay here now, for what will be *another* night out on this bloody landscape, is going to really put me out. Unless, of course,” Sean’s head raised slightly to look at him. “ you want to make it worth my while,”

There was a long, long pause. Viggo tried to find his voice but couldn’t. His ankle throbbed badly from the sprain but he wasn’t even half focused on it.

“ And what,” he said finally. “ would that entail?”

Sean glanced towards the path again. Viggo couldn’t see it, but he was sure there was a grin hidden there, a large, toothy one that looked more at home on a Nile crocodile. His back stiffed slightly at the next question, the words said with a childlike cheerfulness.

” You still got spare film on that camera of yours?”

Ah, the balance of power. How swiftly you change your allegiances.

TBC