Mea Culpa

Mea Culpa

by Imogen

part 5

warnings: attempted suicide, domestic abuse, n/c, violence, language, slash

pairings: Viggo/Orlando, OC/Orlando, implied Orlando/Kate, possibly others.

thanks: lovely lovely Gwen, my beta

Feedback: a must, refusal is not an option. I don't do begging very well, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE???

Achive: sure, just let me know


chapter 5:


Orlando looked around. He should be happy; he should be having a great time. He wasn’t. The party was great, there was no denying that. Liv and Elijah had really outdone themselves and it was great to meet everyone again, so what was wrong? A five letter word was what was wrong.

V-i-g-g-o ... to be precise.

He knew he would turn up, why shouldn’t he? Apart from Elijah, he was one of the main characters after all. He couldn’t ask them to turn Viggo away; that was unfair and he wanted to see his friends. Right, breathe deep. He could do this, Mark was here beside him, just stay away from Viggo and everything would be fine. He was an actor for God sake, if something happened, jusll…all…act normal. Be cool, calm, collected. Just like Viggo. NO! NO NO NO!!!! Not Viggo. No Viggo. Definitely bad thoughts, he couldn’t go there. He’d pushed him to the back of his mind for so long now, why did it have to pop up now? He had Mark, after all. Of course he was here, somewhere. As long as he maintained a distance, things should be alright. He glanced at Mark who seemed slightly on edge.

He knew Mark didn’t likese tse things and he really appreciated him coming to this. Orlando smiled at him as he moved closer to Mark, showing his support. This was their first major, major outing as a couple. He’d met all his friends, obviously, but not the entire cast, and certainly not like this.

“So this is the reunion, huh?” Mark asked, eyeing around the place as he wrapped an arm round Orlando. Not bad, well, as far as these acting bashes went. Wasn’t really into them himself, never had been. Too many egos and too much falseness. He didn’t have time to sugar-coat things for spoilt celebs with their heads so far up their arses that clinical extraction was needed.

So far, he’d been pleasantly surprised. The cast were in normal clothes, no sparkling gowns or tuxes. No red carpets or caviar. They all seemed to know each other, laughing and messing around like a big extended family of sorts. Definitely not typical Hollywood behaviour and it made for a nice change.

He glanrounround the room, trying to spot any familiar faces. He already knew Elijah and Dominic, obviously. Orlando didn’t do anything without them and he sometimes wondered if they’d been more than friends in the past. He didn’t like that idea. He asked Orlando once, who’d laughed and insisted nothing had gone on and so he’d left it alone, but he still wonde... ... they were so close so…touchy-feely. Then there was Billy, who he’d met a couple of times. He seemed pretty down to earth, for a Scot anyway. Also a girl called Olivia…no Liv. She was definitely beautiful and Mark found himself wondering what being with a woman would be like. She looked so soft and inviting…had Orlando ever been with her? Probably. After all, he’d been with the blond chick before him, so he definitely liked girls. Mark had never been bothered with girls but with Liv...she was so girly, her laugh was infectious. In some ways she reminded him of Orlando. They could have been brother and sister, not just from their similar appearances but the way they interacted, all the little in-jokes and gestures. They seemed alright as people, but he didn’t like the way they touched Orlando; it was as if they wanted Orlando for themselves.

That wasn’t good, Orlando was his boyfriend. His. He was the only one allowed to touch and kiss Orlando. But he did like showing Orlando off. After all, Orlando was impossibly gorgeous, but he was also off the market. People should learn to keep their distance. He didn’t want Orlando getting any ideas; he wouldn’t tolerate infidelity from Orlando. It all started out innocently enough, kisses, hugs and before you know it, you’re in bed together. No, that wasn’t going to happen this time.

Certainly he loved Orlando, it was impossible not to. But Mark found himself beginning to question if he could trust, really trust Orlando. Infidelity was so common place now; no battbatted an eyelid if a married man when off with a one-nighter or fellow co-star. He prayed Orlando wouldn’t do that. He didn’t want to lose Orlando. Not only was he beyond amazing in bed, but it was Orlando as a person that called to him. There was something untouched and pure about him, almost as if he glowed. And the truly strange thing was that he was unaware of it, of his own magnificence, and that in itself was almost as appealing as Orlando himself. If he was a poet or a luvvie, he might compare Orlando to a beacon of light, but this was rather maudlin and Mark wasn’t one for fancy words or poetic phrases. Orlando wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met, and now that he had Orlando, he didn’t ever want to let him go.

Orlando had told Mark once that their group of friends were called ‘the fellowship’. What a word, fellowship ... he didn’t even want to begin to think about all the kinky things that must’ve gone on during that film. That many guys and nothing happening? Yeah right. No, Orlando would have to keep his distance from now on. Not tempt anyone, but then Orli (God he hated that stupid nickname, it sounded like some Disney sidekick) Orlando, rather, could seduce a nun, a pope and a saint all in one evening. The guy was walking sex; just looking at him gave Mark chills, strictly the good kind. Orlando just had to be careful that he didn’t encourage anyone. Mark didn’t really want to set ground rules, but he could see something would have to be done. Orlando was his and as long as he remembered that, things would be fine.

“Hey! Orli!! Orli, Mark! Over here!” yelled Billy as he waved frantically trying to catch his attention.

Orlando grinned at his friend. Taking Mark’s hand, he helped him navigate through the sea of bodies until he finally reached the quartet of hobbits. Without pausing, Elijah hugged Orlando enthusiastically before handing him a drink. The hobbits greeted Orli and Mark, in turn.

Dom noticed Elijah held back where Mark was concerned and frowned at his friend’s behaviour. He didn’t want another ‘Kate-redux’, thank you. After all his childish (and hurtful) behaviour, Elijah had actually come to like her and had spent hours with her discussing music, one of her main passions in life, which when coupled with her genuine affection for Orli (“no, she isn’t a gold-digger, a stunt girlfriend or a demon, Elijah,”) he had, albeit grudgingly, warmed to her and ended up giggling like a couple of kids, which, considering their respective ages, wasn’t far off the mark.

Dominic resisted the urge to poke Elijah in the back. It wasn’t like Elijah was being rude or snotty, exactly. It was…well…almost, wariness. To an extent, Dom could understand that. While Mark was relatively tall, he wasn’t a giant or a bodybuilder, but he definitely had some real strength. Dom had seen him working on Kingdom of Heaven when visiting Orlando, he’d been impressed, even mentioning to Orli that he wouldn’t want to get into a drunken brawl with Mark, at which they’d both laughed.

He couldn’t make Elijah like Mark, but surely Elijah could try being a little warmer. While Dom couldn’t deny that at times Mark appeared intimidating, he wasn’t going to bite Lij’s head off. Besides, Orlando had been with Mark for five…or was it six months now? That was plenty of time for Lij to get used to Mark. He really needed to grow up.

His mind drifted back to the conversation as Sean and Billy happily nattered with Mark about their latest projects. Orlando seemed decidedly quiet as Elijah babbled on about nothing to him. It was obvious his thoughts were somewhere else.

“Is this a private club or can anyone join?” came a voice from behind them.

Elijah stopped rabbiting for a moment and turned to find Karl grinning at them. Billy and Sean stopped talking as they greeted him warmly. Karl gave Orlando a brotherly squeeze before turning to Mark, his eyes clouding in slight confusion. Orlando quickly recovered from his momentary shock and stepped forward to make the necessary introductions.

“Karl, tis Mis Mark, my boyfriend. Mark, Karl. Karl played Eomer,” he added, not that it would mean much to Mark. He hadn’t watched the trilogy and had no intention of watching ‘grown men ponce around in tights’.

Karl’s warm smile seemed to ease Orlando’s mood. “So this is the illustrious Mark. Nice to meet you. The hobbits have been going on about you for a while. Shame we couldn’t meet sooner, really, but you know the fame game - never gives you a minutes peace.” Karl sighed slightly. Mark smiled politely “I can imagine, Orlando never stops working, I don’t know how you do it. Personally I don’t get the whole globe-trotting thing” Mark shrugged

“Ignore him Karl, he’s being deliberately stubborn. He’s really a big fan of the mile high club” Orlando grinned wolfishly at Mark, before planting a kiss on his cheek. Elijah’s mouth dropped at Orli’s lewd reply anlly lly let out a snort of laughter, while Dom and Sean struggled to conceal their sniggers. Mark said nothing, but smile and pulled Orlando closer to him, letting his lips brush Orlando’s. Looking at the two Karl felt a smile spread across his face, it was such a relief to see Orli smile again, a real one. He’d forgotten just how devastating that smile was, no wonder women went crazy (and a few men too) it was far too long since Orli had smiled or laughed, and Karl was more than a little relived that his favourite elf was clearly on the mend.

Sure, Mark wasn’t Viggo, but that was good. There was no tortured artist about him, no hang-ups or Deep Angsty Thoughts. Of course Viggo couldn’t change who he was, nor would Karl want him to after all Viggo was his friend as much as Orli was. Their break-up had shocked him, surely if Viggo and Orli couldn’t make it, no one could? Pushing his gloomy thoughts away he came to the conclusion that if Mark could make Orlando smile and laugh, then he would be Mark’s life-long fan. “So come Orli. Is it true?” he cajoled with a grin.

Orlando blinked at him for a moment, not sure what he was referring to.

“Depends what you’re talking about. There’s a lot of unsavoury rumours about our dear Orlando circulating on the net, something about a rubber duck and a mango last time I heard, which I won’t go into details about,” Dom grinned.

Utterly bonkers. Karl burst out laughing at that; he forgot how much he missed all of this.

Orlando smirked at him. “Those rumours were completely unfounded, Mr. Monaghan, and ah can categorically state ah did not have sexual relations of any nature with that duck, or the mango,” Orlando drawled in his best ‘Clinton’ accent, which was eerily accurate.

Krollrolled his eyes, enjoying the insanity of hobbits and the elf. “Please forgive them Mark. I hope they’re not always like this.”

“Karl Urban! I’ll have you know we’re nothing but completely discrete and sober around Mark,” Billy gasped, sounding mortally offended.

“We’re completely natural around Mark, aren’t we? Well…normal for us anyway,” Elijah grinned, an evil little smirk dancing around his lips.

Karl sighed, he’d obviously get no sense on this matter, but then he should’ve guessed as much.

“So Mr. Bloom, what does it feel like being nominated for an academy award?” Karl asked, his eyes dancing with mischief as he pretended to hold up a mike.

Orlando tipped his head to one side and pretended to ponder this question carefully.

“Well…it’s unreal. It’s amazing what a prosthetic hump-back can do for your carrier,” Orlando grinned. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet. I mean ‘Perfume’ was exhausting but it was so much fun. It doesn’t feel right to be awarded for having fun, kind of like being paid to…I dunno eat cake or something,” he shrugged. “Anyway, I doubt I’ll win. Have you actually seen who I’m competing against?”

“No one that you can’t beat Orli,” Karl said somewhat seriously. Honestly, Orlando didn’t give himself enough credit. He should really give himself a break. “C’mon Orli, I’ve seen the film, and read the book. The guy’s a psychopathic hunchback with an obsession sme smell. That’s a hard one to pull off. Give yourself a little credit; the academy thinks you do, and who are we to question their all knowing authority?” he grinned.

“He’s right Orli. What was it like under all that make-up and the fake back?” asked Elijah, genuinely curious. “I swear I would’ve never recognised you without your contacts out. Man they were freaky.”

“Hot, tiring, sweaty, defiantly not pleasant. I mean, Grenouille’s face alone took five hours, not to mention the whole hunchback and twisted limbs. I had to go back to physio a few times, as the back mould started causing a bit of a problem, but that was pretty much it. But it was great fun; we had such a laugh, although I don’t think I’d like to go through something like that for a while again. Next time it’s definitely no make-up and modern setting,” he vowed.

After talking for a while longer, Orlando and Mark moved away, leaving the hobbits to generate mindless chatter with Karl. Halfway across the room he was greeted by a streak of raven hair as Liv wrapped Orlando in a tight hug.

“God Orli! I’ve missed you so much. I’m so glad you could both come!” she squealed as she moved back slightly and hugged Mark as well, although not quite as enthusiastically as Orlando. She didn’t fancy accidentally cutting off Mark’s air supply.

“This is great Liv. I can’t believe you and Lij managed to organise all this. My hat’s off to you both,” he grinned, mock-bowing.

Liv dropped into a deep curtsey. “My thanks good sir. I can’t believe we actually managed to get everything done. Lij can be such a stubborn little ass at times. I believe he had a ‘vision’.” Here Liv rolled her eyes and Orlando chortled. Typical Elijah, he always went over the top. “As if that wasn’t bad enough, time was non existent because Lij’s director wanted him to do retakes, and my agent kept ringing. I was amazed we actually managed to get ten minutes together to organise this. Thank god for e-mail and phone!” She and Orlando laughed together. “Anyway, I’m so glad you guys could make it. I know this must seem really weird for you,” she offered to Mark, who simply shrugged, smiling slightly. He’d been noticed. Hooray.

“I don’t really mind. They’re Orlando’s friends and it wabig big movie,” he said somewhat diplomatically. Smart move.

Liv smiled at him. “Well thanks for coming anyway. You both look great, by the way. Nice outfit Orli, very trashy. You’ll be certified trailer trash in no time,” she grinned impishly as she deliberately looked him up and down. He actually looked fantastic, as usual – simple and casual, a style that always looked goodhim,him, but then, of course, only Orli could carry off.

Orlando looked at her in mock outrage. “Are you suggesting, Ms. Tyler, that I, who has impeccable taste, am actually lacking in the taste department?” he demanded, a demented grin on his face. This was what he needed, to just let go and enjoy himself. He’d forgotten how great it was to be around all the cast again. It was so easy to lose contact with them and that was the last thing he wanted. It was good to be childish and goofy. Perhaps it wasn’t considered dignified to be a goofball anymore, as he was, supposedly, a ‘bona fide star’ (whatever that meant) but to hell with it. No matter what people said, at the end of the day he was a nerd…geek…or whatever they were called. There was nothing he could do about it now. Shame.

“Oh and congrats on the Oscar nom, very much deserved. God that fireakreaked me out! I’ll have the Nazgul over that creep any day,” she grinned doing a theatrical shudder.

“I know what you mean. When Sam brought Gabriel and Alex up to visit on set one time, I was still in makeup and I think I scared Sam to death. It took her about five minutes to calm down. Of course Gabe thought it was ‘totally cool’ and Alex decided to see if she could pull out any of the hair. That kid’s got a really tough grip,” he chuckled.

Liv grinned at that image. She’d met Orlando’s three year old twin nephew and niece once and the boy was like an imp, if ry cry cute one. She was amazed at how much the boy looked up to Orlando as well as how much Alex seemed to resemble Orlando. Even Sam and her husband had commented on that. Seeing how gentle and patiently Orlando had been with the twins was heartbreaking, which reminded her of the news.

“How’s Roystie?” Orlando grinned. He’d definitely missed his elf princess. He’d missed Karl and Liv and Beanie. Oh hell, he missed everyone. It’d been three years since Lord of the Rings officially wrapped up and catching up was very much needed.

At the mention of her husband, Liv rolled her eyes theatrically. “First it was goingbe abe a European tour. That got cancelled so he promised to come to this. Of course then he had to go and get a cold. Well, he says flu. Absolutely typical, so he’s moping at home feeling sorry for himself, claiming he’s going to die and planning his will, etc., etc. Typical man,” she sighed. Orli merely raised an eyebrow but Liv waved it off. “I’m not counting you in that Orli, obviously.” (( I used cold instead of bloody cold because Liv’s not English and I don’t think she’d use their words ))

“Good to know,” Orlando grinned. “So how is life treating you, besides having a flu induced hubby?”

“I’m gonna do a new music vid with Dad. I think he misses me a lot. Then they’re the Gavincy campaign and the movie ‘Between Worlds’. Hopefully I’ll be getting the script soon since they’ve been ‘touching it up’ a bit. And…well, I…I’m going to have a baby,” she grinned sheepishly.

Orlando’s face lit up as he hugged her tightly. “That’s so great Liv! You’ll be an amazing mum! I’mhapphappy for you. Pass my congrats onto Roystie too. You’ll be great parents! When are you due?” he grinned. He’d meant every word. He knew Liv had wanted kids for a couple of years now, but something had always got in the way.

”I’m only a month along, so quite a while. I don’t know what the Gavincy people will say when they find out. God forbid I might put on some weight! Maybe they could airb all all the pounds off? Oh well, screw them if they’re not happy,” she grinned, a silly smile plastered on her face.

Mark hung back slightly. It always amazed him how openly affectionate Orlando was with his friends, even if he hadn’t seen them for months, as if they’d never been parted. Quite bizarre. He repressed a sigh. He wasn’t happy; he hated these ‘mingling things’. When there were just a couple of them, it was OK, but all this hyper energy was really too much. t wat was as if they had permanent megawatt smiles painted on, perfect white teeth always on display. He watched as Liv and Orlando talked easily, occasionally touching each other, laughing and just generally catching up. For the most part he ignored the conversation and glanced around the room. There were so many people here and he only recognised a handful at most, but Orlando seemed to know everyone. He smiled and hugged and laughed.

Mark cringed when he saw Orlando crushing Liv into a bear hug, and he could have sworn he heard the word ‘baby’ in their conversation. Hmm, so she was pregnant? Big deal. It wasn’t as if it was earth shattering news, was it? Women got pregnant all the time ... they got fat, weepy and a baby popped out. End of story. What was so damn fascinating about it?

Then Liv turned back to Orlando, and Mark. Good, she was addressing them both. The last thing Orlando wanted for Mark was for him feel ignored and isolated.

“What about you Orli, sweetie? Any thoughts on a family?” There was a brief pause as she looked between Orlando and Mark.

“I’d…ur… like to,” Orlando admitted quietly, fumbling over his words slightly.

Mark wasn’t happy. He hadn’t talked about it with Orlando, and didn’t intend to. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing to discuss. Children were not an option.

“We haven’t talked about it Liv. It’s a big decision and Orlando needs to focus his ationtion on his carrier, right hon?” he asked. Mark’s tone made it clear to both that tiscuiscussion was at an end.

That puzzled Liv. She knew Orlando desperately wanted a family, had wanted one for quite a while. Surely Mark could understand that. Didn’t he want kids? She found that strange. Kate and…Viggo…they’d both liked kids, loved them. Orlando had immediately taken to Henry on meeting him, and Kate obviously wanted to be a mum. Even when they’d split up they’d talked about children and Liv briefly wondered if Kate would ever surrogate for Orlando, although he’d never ask that of her. It just wasn’t his way.

She had no doubt Orlando would make an amazing father, whether he adopted or had a surrogate mother, but fatherhood was definitely not something he should miss out on. But then again, he and Mark hadn’t been together for very long so perhaps they needed more time together. After all, even having one child was a major decision and Mark would need to be fully behind the decision as well.

As for Orlando’s career, what did Mark mean by ‘focus’? He’d just been nominated for an Oscar for God’s sake. How much more did he need to focus on his career? God knows he’d nearly driven himself into the ground, working non stop, especially after…the break-up. She knew Viggo was here somewhere, but hopefully nothing would happen. Both were grown men and if they ran into each other (which she silently prayed to every god and deity that was known to man that wouldn’t happen), hopefully they woul civ civil. Wishful thinking, ex’s meetings were never pretty.

At that moment, she felt someone peck her cheek. Turning around, she grinned. “Viggo!!” she squeaked, sounding rather like Mickey (or rather Minnie) mouse on helium.

Flinging her arms round him, she suddenly remembered Orlando and Mark standing there and a horrible sensation washed over her. Ohh, this was not going to be pretty. Inwardly she cursed. Why now?! Of all the times Viggo could have come up to her, why was it when Orlando was with her. She felt his hug immediately loosen. Oap, ap, he’d seen Orlando and judging from Orlando’s suddenly stiff and tense posture, he’d most definitely seen Viggo. It was b to to happen some time, she tried to reason. They couldn’t avoid each other forever. Besides, it was about time they got some closure. It could turn out all right. Perhaps. Maybe. God they were screwed.

“Right! Great! I um…I think I’ll uh…go get some punch and have a talk to…ah Miranda. I think I could use some girly gossip. I’m sure you guys ton tons to talk about and reminisce over and stuff. Bye!” she garbled as she practically sprinted off in any direction that was far from the potentially explosive scene before her.

She loved Orli, she truly did. He was like a brother to her, and she loved Viggo. The last thing she wanted to see was two of her friends so unhappy and uncomfortable. Maybe it was cruel to bolt like that, but it would’ve been just too painful. Besides, as hard as it was for them, this was something Viggo and Orlando had to work out by themselves. They had a lot of issues, but hopefully would be able to work them out.

Spotting Miranda across the room, she quickly made a beeline for her, and gently tugged on Miranda’s arm, pulling her awaym thm the swell of bodies.

“What’s going on? Is something wrong?” Miranda asked, noticing Liv’s worried face.

“Yep. Viggo’s just run into Orlando. I was talking to Orli when Viggo came up and kissed me. He must not have seen Orli before, but when he did, they just froze.”

”So you just ran away, deserting them?” Miranda asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yep!” Liv sighed, as she moved over to the punch bowl and poured herself a large glassful. Times like this I almost wish I still smoked, she mused.

“Smart girl,” summarised Miranda, ta her her own glass from Liv. “I hope they’ll be OK,” she mused. “What are the odds of them both coming out alive?”

”Well, I’ve just met Mark.”

”Orlando’s Mark?”

”The one and same.”

“Oh God. This just gets better and better. You sure Kate didn’t turn up as well? It would be the icing on the cake. Those poor guys, it must be hell. Is he good looking?”

”Miranda! Yeah he is. Not like Orli, because he’s beautiful, and, well, Orli ... Mark’s more masculine, but he’s still got the goods. Lovely blue eyes, plus he can dress, naturally.”

“I just hope the Hobbits don’t see this. If they do, Viggo’s a dead man. I still wonder if Elijah’s trying to plot Viggo’s ‘accidental’ death. I think Beanie’s had to organise private security for him. You know how those Hobbits are tricksey creatures,” Miranda sighed, a slight smile on her lips.

“Jokes aside… I really feel for Orli. God, it must’ve been terrible for him.”

“I know. I feel really bad for bolting. He looked like he’d just been punched in the gut. I hope it’ll work out alright.”

”I’m sure it will; he’s got Mark with him after all. Viggo’s a grown man. He’ll behave himself,” Miranda encouraged, giving Liv a comforting hug.

“Oh…I’ve got some news to tell you-“ Liv began, a huge smile splitting across her face.

****

Viggo couldn’t believe his eyes. Orlando. Orlando was standing right there facing him. How could he have not noticed before? He tried desperately to stop his eyes from raking over Orlando, who looked like hs mas made of stone…no marble. A perfect, flawless sculpture. If Michelangelo could have seen Orlando…David had nothing on him.

It’d been two years since he’d seen Orlando, not much some would argue but to him it’d been an eternity. An eternal of hell. Everywhere he looked, there was Orlando, especially now with the Oscars coming up. But that was in the outside world. For Viggo, he could still feel him in his house, under his skin; it didn’t matter where he went, Orlando was there. He only to to look around the house for memories to flood back, and for that reason alone, he didn’t spend much time there now.

His eyes drifted away from Orlando briefly to the guy next to him. No doubt this was Mark. Orlando’s boyfriend.

Beanie had warned him ahead of time that they would be at the party. Viggo understood what he meant ... be prepared for the inevitable meeting and please don’t make a scene when that time came.

So this was Mark. Viggo hated him already. Well, despised would be more accurate. He was attractive. Thick dark hair, even darker than Orlando’s, freshly gelled into spikes, long enough to be edgily fashionable. He preferred Orlando’s curls, rich mahogany coloured. He had the most beautiful hair, and Viggo could have spent all of eternity stroking the silken curls. He’d spent hours caressing them when they used to lie in bed together.

Orlando was tactile, he loved textures, fabrics. He was always hugging people, kissing, touching things. He constantly played with his rings, tucking his flyaway hair; he used to brush Viggo’s hair out of his eyes, nuzzling his scalp, kissing it. Orlando had loved Viggo’s hair; he constantly ran his fingers through it, played with it, stroked it. He’d moaned when Viggo had cut it shortly before the ‘King’ premiere…God that had been an amazing night. No, focus on the present.

He tried to glance at Mark again without being conspicuous: full lips, deep blue eyes, good check bones, his clothes were tailored to fit, suggesting a well trained body, good confident posture. Yes, Mark was attractive, definitely, but not like Orlando. Mark’s was a more traditional attraction, it was easy to see ... more masculine. Orlando wasn’t so easy to define, he never had been. Mark was perhaps in his mid thirties, certainly no older than that, and maybe a few centimetres taller than Viggo, but not enough to be intimidating. He complimenOrlaOrlando well. They looked good together.

Orlando felt his heart pound. Not now, please not now! he begged. His prayers went unanswered, of course. They always did where Viggo was concerned. He didn’t look at Viggo, keeping his eyes firmly on his shoes. Trying desperately to get his breathing under control without anyone noticing, he slowly lifted his head. Liv was hovering close by, her face a mask of worry. Viggo looked gobsmaked, for want of a better word. He obviously didn’t realise Orlando had been talking to Liv – did he see him?? For some reason, Orlando found that idea comforting, that Viggo hadn’t planned this. He felt Mark move closer to his side, a reminder of his presence. He didn’t know whether to be relived or frightened. It was taking all his willpower not to turn and run. The silence was becoming excruciatingly painful.

“Are we going to have any introductions?” came… Mark’s?!? voice. Hmm, he was British, like Orlando. Well spoken too. No more Americans for Mr. Bloom then. No doubt he’d had enough of them.

The trance was broken and the ex-lovers managed to mentally shake themselves.

“Uh…Mark, this is Viggo Mortensen, Viggo…Mark,” Orlando said, trying not to stutter. The introduction confirmed what Viggo had assumed.

“So…you’re Orlando’s boyfriend?” Viggo managed. Right, be grown up and professional. He could do this, damn it! Did he really expect Orlando to stay single, pinning after him? A part of him wished exactly that. He didn’t want anyone else to share Orlando’s love. Viggo should have been disgusted with his selfish and rather primitive thoughts, but he couldn’t help it.

“Yep, lucky me,” Mark replied simply, unable to stop a small, triumphant smirk gracing his face. And you’re nothing but his infamous ex, he added mentally with a snort. The brilliant, multi-talented Mortensen. This was Viggo?!? What the hell had Orlando been thinking? The guy was at least twice his age. While perhaps he might have been considered good looking in a rather average, rugged kind of way, he couldn’t see anything remotely attractive or desirable in the man. Despite Samantha’s numerous attempts to explain why women found Viggo, or indeed, similar – more mature – men attractive (“the voice, it’s like sex, in a voice. Seriously, women love that,”) he hoped Sam was in a minority with her thinking.

Apparently, they’d dated quite a while ago, before Orlando had been famous. He knew Viggo had been Orlando’s first boyfriend, first everything really, from what he had heard. Just how young Orlando had been back then made Mark curious. What was Viggo? A perverted child snatcher? He didn’t know much, if anything, about Orlando’s relationship and Viggo and was content to keep it that way. He had no interest in Viggo, even less now that he’d seen the man. Who, as far as Mark was concerned, left a lot to be desired. He, in Mark’s opinion, looked like a retired hippy of some kind.

“I wouldn’t miss this, I mean it’s great to see everyone, y’know…catch up and stuff,” Viggo admitted, feeling beyond awkward, but wasn’t that how it was supposed to be between ex’s? “So…how are you?” Viggo asked. Ugh, this was horrible, stuffing his hands in his pockets, he felt like a disgruntled schoolboy.

“I…uh…I’m OK. Y’know, working a lot,” Orlando answered a small self-depreciating smile twitching his lips. “I actually met Mark on the set of one of my films,” Orlando added, not knowing quite where to look.

“Oh really? Good, good. I mean you can meet, um, special people on set. Which one was it? I’ve kind of lost track I’m afraid. There’s been so many, I guess I’m losing my memory.”

“You’re not that old Vig-go,” Orlando scolded gently. Oh God, he almost used Viggo’s nickname. He hoped that Mark didn’t catch that little slip up since he finished his name properly. He had to get away from here. Things were becoming too friendly, too familiar.

“We met on Kingdom of Heaven where I was the stunt co-ordinator. Orlando being a daredevil, wanted to do a load of stunts by himself. Ridley freaked out and made sure I looked after him, which I did,” he grinned, pulling Orlando even closer to him.

There was an underlying taunt in that, Viggo was sure. He wasn’t stupid; he knew a sign of dominance and territorial claiming when he saw one. It didn’t help that Orlando leaned into Mark, who again gave a satisfied smirk. He really hated Mark. Cocky, smug bastard. ‘Look after Orlando’? More like taken care of him when Viggo callously dumped him.

Fine, Saint Mark rescued Orlando from a broken heart. White Knight Mark. What a load of crap. He knew from Dominic and Elijah that it’d been American Kate Bosellworth…or something along those lines anyway, who’d helped Orlando, not Mark, who’d no doubt seen Orlando as a hot piece of ass. Damn, he hated people treating Orlando like a sex object, as if he had no depth or personality.

He should really stop giving Mark death glares; Orlando was bound to notice in a moment. Mark stared back at him, his lips twitching in a knowing smirk. Arrogant git…he knew!! God, he was still using Orlando’s ‘Brit swearing’. It seemed so much more civilised than American.

“How are you anyway? Any films lined up, or exhibitions and stuff?” Orlando’s voice shook him out of his daydream.

“No, I’m taking a break for a while, just living the simple life I guess. I’ve got a few scripts but I’m not really in the moor mor movies right now. Congratulations on the Oscar nomination by the way. Truly well deserved,” he added, turning to Orlando, looking at him properly for the first time. Did Orlando blush? God, he was still modest and shy about his work? Unbelievable. Orlando had given an earth shattering performance that no one could stop talking about. No doubt Orlando was still unable to accept the praise and credit that was being handed out. An Oscar was the least he deserved.

Orlando hadn’t moved an inch since he saw Viggo. While there wasn’t a big physical gap between them, he felt so distant, yet so close to him. This was unbearable, to be so formal and distant with Orlando, knowing what they had once shared, the intimacy, the love.

“Oh, thank you.” Again polite, restrained. “I saw your latest painting exhibition. I liked it, it was so beautiful. You really put your heart and soul into it and it shows, Viggo,” Orlando said, the earnest expression of his youth on his face, making Viggo’s heart ache.

Viggo was surprised. Why would Orlando see his paintings? He didn’t like painting anymore. It reminded him too much of Orlando. He hadn’t been happy with his last batch. They’d lacked originality or depth, in his opinion. There was nothing there to display his true feelings. But perhaps that was better. He sometimes wondered if he lost the way to feel when he’d lost Orlando.

Orlando had been his inspiration for so much of his work. The boy cried out to be worshiped; his flawless beauty begged to be captured forever on canvas, to be hung in a golden frame and displayed for the entire world to marvel at. Had Orlando been his immortal muse, in the truest sense of the word? Without him, Viggo found it more difficult to concentrate on his paintings. The smallest thing would bring back memories of him and Orlando together in his studio. For some reason Orlando had always been shy of Viggo painting him, almost as if he was unable to see, or appreciate his own beauty. Usually after making love, Viggo had felt an overwhelming desire to capture Orlando, on camera or by paint. To shout to wor world this angel was his. HIS.

His angel who was now with Mark.

Fuck. He couldn’t do this, didn’t want to. It was too civil, too sterile. This was becoming painful. Any minute now he was going to fling himself on Orlando and beg his forgiveness. He couldn’t do that, couldn’t do that to Orlando. Orlando didn’t need to have his ex boyfriend harassing him. He just had to walk away, while he still had some semblance of dignity, which was now hanging by a thread.

“I better get going. There’s still a load of people I’d like to see.” Viggo cringed at his words. Don’t make it sound too desperate to get away, he admonished himself.

Orlando looked crushed. “Right, yeah, you’re right. I mean, there are so many people here and stuff. It’s really good seeing them again.”

“How are the Hobbits anyway?”

“There all good. Dom and Billy have managed to sell their movie script. It’s going to start filming this autumn. So that’s really good. Dom’s doing some theatre work at the moment. I think he’s beginning to prefer that to films. Lij is well…Elijah. I’m sure you know about his movies. Sean’s spending some time with the family, taking a cr brr break for a while. I think they want to add to their family.”

“I’m glad they’re all doing ok. I’m sure they keep you in line, as much as they can anyway.”

”Yeah they’ve been keeping an eye on me. I think Dom’s taken up at least part time residence at my flat. It’s cool though, he’s got this ‘mother-hen’ attitude. So if Mum or Sam nagging me about sweaters isn’t enough, I get Dom as well,” he sighed good-naturedly and before he knew it, he smiled at Viggo. A real, full blown smile.

Viggo grinned. God he’d missed Orlando so much, not just as a lover but as a person. He was one of the most wonderful people he’d ever, and probably ever would, meet.

“I better start mingling more…I…it was good to see you Orlando,” Viggo said, gazing at Orlando for a moment. Orlando nodded and felt something stick in his throat. Viggo hesitated for a moment, before he gently squeezed Orlando’s shoulder and walked off.

“Orla I t I think we should go. It’s getting late,” Mark said, a distinct sound tinting to his voice. It sounded edgy, hard even.

Orlando still felt a bit dazed. Had Viggo just touched him? Mark took his arm in a none-too-gentle grip, which quickly brought Orlando back down to earth.

“Couldn’t we stay a bit longer? I still want to see Beanie Ian, and John,” Orlando said, feeling slightly put out. He also wanted to see Hugo and Miranda, and Cate if at all possible.

“Look Orlando. I don’t like this. It’s boring. I want to go home, right? I’ve done my duty and I’m tired so if you think we could get going, I’d greatly appreciate it, your highness.”

Orlando wasn’t sure he liked the mocking tone in Mark’s voice. Damn it. He didn’t want to go yet as they’d only been here a couple of hours. Did Mark understand he wanted to see his friends, some of whom he might not see for a while. He was such a killjoy. It wasn’t as if Orlando was out clubbing till all hours anymore. Most nights he was happy to stay in and watch TV, so why did Mark demand they leave?

“Look, I don’t want to be rude, I haven’t even said hi to all of the Fellowship yet.”

“You can send them an e-mail or something. I’m going home, now, Orli. Call a cab or something, I’m taking the car,” Mark growled.

Orlando had to stop himself from cringing. God, this was embarrassing. Mark was behaving like a spoilt child. There was no way Mark could drive, he was at least a few glasses over the limit, as well as pissed off. Pissed and pissed off did not make for a safe combination on the road.

He would never forgive himself if anything happened to Mark. It was safer for everyone if he drove Mark home. It didn’t stop him being annoyed, though.

“Fine! Stop making a scene. I’ll tell the Hobbits I’m off. Hold on.” Quickly darting over to the Hobbits, he grinned. No use letting them see how annoyed he was. Karl was still with them. Obviously he hadn’t been talking to Viggo that long even though it’d felt like an eternity. “Hey guys, I’m taking off. Mark’s had a few too many and I’m going to drive him back.”

”Awww Orli, you just got here,” moaned Elijah, pouting rather beautifully.

“It is kind of early, Orli” Karl pointed out, rather surprised. On the phone yesterday, Orlando had been so excited about the reunion, and now he was desperate to leave. Very strange. He didn’t think Mark was that drunk. He seemed pretty sober when he’d talked to him. Hmmmm.

Orlando grinned slightly. “Sorry Karl, I’m a bit tired myself. I’ve got to be in Japan in a few days anyway, so I could do with a bit of rest before I go off again.”

“Ahh, these jet setting types, so busy with their lives of luxury they forget the little people,” Billy joked. That worried Orli slightly, though he tried not to show it.

“Maybe I should buy a blond wig?” suggested Dom. “We’ll let you off this time, Prissy Elf, but only cause we’re feeling uncharitably kind. I expect a full report on my desk tomorrow. I’ll try to get some of the cast round tomorrow for us to meet up since I’m feeling so magnanimous,” Dom grinned.

“Thanks guys, you’re the best.”

“All in a day’s work, my dearest Legolas,” smiled Sean.

Glancing at Mark, who looked more than a little impatient, he quickly hugged the Hobbits and Karl before he set off, stopping at the door to let Pete know he was leaving, giving the portly director a quick hug in the process. By this time, Mark was practically shoving Orlando out the door.

“We all know that at least someone’s going to get some tonight!” came someone’s voice over the crowd.

Dom didn’t know who’d said it, but he wasn’t happy and didn’t smile as most people chortled. Viggo didn’t grin, nor did the Hobbits or the Rohan king. Viggo frowned. He’d seen how Mark had gripped Orlando’s arm on the way out, too tight. He had no right to be so rough with Orlando. The same as Viggo had no right to air those thoughts. Paws off Viggo, he’s no longer yours.

Elijah was worried. He hadn’t liked the look in Mark’s eyes. He’d been practically crawling out of his pants to get away. By the end of it, he’d looked positively fuming.

“Ehh…Mark looked a bit miffed, didn’t he?” asked Billy, not really expecting an answer. None of the group looked very happy.

Karl sighed. “Mark didn’t look that drunk to me. Maybe he was just tired or something, y’know? These things can be exhausting if you’re not used to them.” He sounded as if he was willing it to be the exptiontion but found it sounding false, even to his own ears.

“More like mega pissed off,” Elijah muttered. He’d seen how Mark had practically dragged Orlando outside. Yet another reason for disliking Mark. He didn’t care wham sam said ... something wasn’t right with Mark. He couldn’t explain it but the guy set him on edge. No, he definitely didn’t like Mark.

For once Dom didn’t glare at him. Elijah was right. Something didn’t seem right between them, Dom could feel it. He hoped he was wrong.

TBC in chapter 6