Forever His

TITLE: Forever His ~ Making My Life (10/13)
RATING: PG-13 - patience, it'll go up sooner than you think.
SUMMARY: ndo ndo can try as hard as he likes, but Elijah will never be his.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Apologies for the length of this chapter - it was originally going to have Chapter 11's stuff in it as well, but at 13 pages I thought it'd be best to stop and start the other stuff in the next chapter (it'll make sense soon enough).


Making My Life


When Elijah and Sean returned to the set, they were eagerly greeted by Dnd Bnd Billy. Elijah couldn’t help but smile. “Whatever’s going on with Clea, it must be catching.”

Billy thrust an envelope at Elijah. “We were instructed to give this to you at the first possible moment.”

Elijah gave the Scot a confused look as he hesitantly took the envelope. “Who by?”

“You’ll soon find out,” Dom assured.

Elijah finally looked properly at the envelope in his hands. The front simply read Lij, but the writing was distinctive enough that he knew the author straight away. Unable to hide the delight in his voice, he whispered, “Josh.”

Billy smiled. “He was right. Your face really has lit up.”

Elijah blushed. “Why, what did he say?”

“We’re not allowed to tell you.” Dom shot a mischievous glance at Billy. “I dare say you’ll find out soon enough.”

Elijah turned to Sean. “Do you know anything about this?”

Sean shook his head, genuinely confused. “It’s as new to me as it is to you.”

“Well, I have a suggestion,” Dom offered. “You could try looking at the back of the envelope, for a start.”

Elijah nodded, smiling a little as he slowly turned the envelope over. The neat writing that had accompanied the CD had been used again.

Inside this envelope, you will find six notes. Each one has a time written on the outside, and it is important that you DO NOT open them until the time stated. Trust me; it’ll make more sense if you follow the times.

Intrigued, Elijah opened the envelope and pulled out the folded-up pages inside. The pages were nested, and the side that he could see was blank except for the 4pm at the middle of it.

The American looked up. “What time is it now?” he asked.

“Just gone half past two. Why?” Dom moved to try and steal a glance at the letter his friend was holding.

Elijah shook his head. “He’s trying to kill me, I swear. How am I supposed to wait an hour and a half?”

Billy smiled. “I don’t know, but I’m sure Peter will be eternally grateful to Josh for once again distracting your attention from the film.”

Elijah blushed. “I’ll concentrate.”

“When he has to,” Sean teased. “Just don’t expect to get much from him in between takes.”

“We’ve come to expect that anyway.” Dom smirked. “At least this time we know he’s distracted for a good reason.”

“What’s that?” Orlando had wandered over, curious as to what had gotten the group so excited.

Elijah instantly hugged the letter to him, almost as if to hide it. “It’s nothing you’d be interested in.”

Orlando raised an eyebrow but refrained from commenting. “I’ve just been sent to tell you that Peter wants you back at the set.”

Elijah nodded, putting the letter back into the envelope and searching for somewhere safe to keep

Sean gently teased it out of his hands. “I’ll put it in Sam’s pack. I promise I won’t let anything happen to it.”

Elijah reluctantly loosened his grip. “Alright. At least it’s not a scene that involves anything getting wet.”

“Well, do you want me to look after it?” Orlando offered.

Elijah shook his head. “It’s alright, Orli. I think I can trust Sean not to let anything happen to it.”

“Come on.” Billy gently took Elijah’s arm in order to lead him away. “If you’re going to be distracted, we can at least be on time starting.”

“I told you, I won’t be distracted!” Even as he said this, Elijah allowed the Scot to guide him.

Dom fell into step beside him. “I can’t say I blame you,” he muttered.

Elijah gave him a hesitant look. “You don’t think it’s harsh of me?”

Billy shook his head. “Not given the circumstances.”

“They’re right.” Sean had caught up and was walking beside Billy. “It’s none of his business, really.”

Elijah sighed. “I just…Josh and I are trying to work things out…and…even though I don’t know what he’s got planned…I don’t want Orli spoiling it for us.”

“Which is fair enough,” Billy assured him. “Just because he has to accept that you and Josh have worked things out, doesn’t mean he needs to know what you’re doing.”

“And he will have to accept it,” Dom joined in. “Because – without wanting to give anything away – the amount of effort Josh has put into all of this proves how much he loves you.”

Elijah smiled shyly at this. “I don’t need to know what it is to know that.”

Billy grinned. “Dear gods, help us. He’s going all soppy on us.”

As they reached the set, Peter looked up. “Ah, there you are. On time as well. What is the world coming to?”

“Are you suggesting we’re unreliable, Peter?” Dom teased.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Peter rolled his eyes. “Anyway, shall we make a start? Especially if you two want to go out again tonight.” He gave Dom and Billy a meaningful look.

Dom pretended to look shocked. “Are you suggesting that we’re out every night, Peter?”

“He has a point,” Elijah conceded. “You are out an awful lot.”

“Well you can’t talk, Mr Wood,” Sean teased. “I don’t think Clea told you to keep your night free for nothing.”

“I’m trying to forget about that for now.” Elijah pouted. “Otherwise you really won’t get me to concentrate.”

Peter raised an eyebrow. “Well before that happens, I suggest we make a start.”


~EW~*~JH~


“What time is it?”

The Hobbits were on a break, after their scenes had been filmed relatively quickly. They were now all gathered in Elijah’s smoking cor wan wanting to keep him as occupied as possible.

Sean glanced at his watch. “Five to.”

Elijah let out a frustrated sigh. “Four o’clock’s never going to get here!”

“It will,” Billy soothed. “You only have to wait another five minutes.”

Elijah threw the butt of his cigarette to the ground, immediately starting to get another out of the packet.

Dom laug “Yo “You really must be getting impatient. I’ve never known you to do that before.”

Elijah shrugged as he lit up the new cigarette. After taking his first puff, he replied, “You should be thankful it keeps me quiet. Unless you want me to spend the next five minutes asking the same question?”

“Four,” Sean supplied.

Dom pretended to consider this. “Fair point. Keep smoking.”

Billy shook his head. “And this is only the first note. I dread to think what he’ll be like by the sixth.”

“Hopefully by then it’ll no longer be our problem.” Dom gave Elijah a teasing look. “Once we’re done filming, we can escape.”

“And leave me to wait on this all by myself?” Elijah gave his friend a helpless look. “And there I was thinking you were my friend.”

Billy chuckled. “It’s the eyes again. I think there should be a law against eyes that persuasive.”

“So how do you plan on making eyes illegal, Billy?” Elijah demanded.

“I don’t,” Billy replied. “I just plan on making it illegal to use them as a weapon.”

Elijah plastered an innocent look onto his face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You know exactly what we’re talking about,” Dom returned. “You’re doing it now.”

Elijah smiled a little. “Well yeah…but it only works because you let it.”

Billy raise eye eyebrow. “Josh has had a year and a half to figure out how to resist and he hasn’t. What hope do we have?”

“The fact that you’re not dating me?” Elijah offered.

“One minute,” Sean supplied, before adding, “That’s a valid point.”

Dom smirked. “Note to self – never go out with Elijah,” he teased.

Elijah pouted. “I wouldn’t want to go out with you anyway,” he retorted.

Dom cocked his head to the side. “Not even if you were available?”

Elijah shook his head. “No offence, Dom…but you’re a little short for me.”

“Pot calling kettle!” Billy teased. “He’s still taller than you.”

“Only just,” Elijah protested. “He hardly towers over me.”

Dom glanced at Billy. “I hate to say it, but the kid’s got a point.”

“Alright, it’s four o’clock.” Sean handed Elijah the envelope. “Time for the first note.”

Elijah almost tore the envelope from his friend’s hand in his eagerness to open the first letter. Throwing his half-smoked cigarette to gro ground and stamping it out, he unfolded the first sheet from around the wad.

The twinkle in your eye makes my day…

So, hopefully you’ve had a chance to listen to the CD by now (if you haven’t, I’ll be having words with your director). hop hopefully you’ve accepted all I had to say about it. So I’ll continue as though this is the truth and pray I haven’t gotten it wrong.

I know the gap between notes is going to wind you up – you’ve never been one for waiting tong ong for something. Let me just assure you that from the next note onwards, you’ll be kept too occupied to clock-watch. And if your schedule really has picked up pace, I dare say you’ll be occupied enough during the time between this note and the next.

Until then, just know that I love you,
xJx

Elijah smiled to himself as he folded the note again. “He knows me too well,” he uttered, almost to himself.

Dom pouted. “You mean we don’t get to see?”

Elijah looked down. “I…I’d rather keep his words for myself…if you don’t mind?”

“Of course we don’t,” Billy replied. “We realise you have every right to keep this between you and him.”

Dom nodded. “We’ll get over it. So what’s your next time?”

Elijah glanced down at not notes still bundled together. “Six. So hopefully we’ll have a lot to do over the next couple of hours.”

“We’ll request it to Peter especially for you,” Sean teased.


~EW~*~JH~


As soon as Peter called a wrap for the day, Elijah raced over to Sean. “That was more than two hours, right?”

“Two and a half,” Sean replied, handing Elijah the envelope again. “I’m impressed that you were still concentrating be ene end.”

“I got kinda engrossed in the scene.” Even as he spoke, Elijah was pulling the next note free from the set.

He and Sean walked slowly back to the trailer, the younger man relying on his companion to guide him as he read through the next letter.

Your smile makes my week…

I checked your schedule, and it said that you should be done for the day round about now. As such, I’m assuming that you’re about to head back to the hotel soon. This gives you plenty of time to get ready for what I’ve prepared, so when you get back give yourself time to have a decent, relaxing bath. By the time you’re done, it should be time for note three (especially since you’re “so inept” with your hair).

Love you, babe
xJx

Elijah glanced up as he finished. “How quickly can we get back to the hotel?”

Sean glanced again at his watch. “If we leave now, we should get back without too many problems.”

Elijah nodded. “I just have to get something from the trailer first.”


~EW~*~JH~


It was five minutes past seven when Elijah finally opened the door to his hotel room. He knew the next note was set for half past, and that as such there was no way he would get the chance for the bath Josh had suggested. Hastily shrugging off his clothes, he resigned himself to having to leap into the shower instead.

Once he was done, Elijah walked back into the bedroom and checked the clock. It read 19:35.

Wrapping the towel tighter around him, Elijah moved to retrieve the envelope from his jacket pocket. Being careful not to drip on the paper, he unfolded the third note.

Your laugh makes my month...

Hopefully you’re now nice and relaxed, and any last thoughts about filming have left you. You know I’d have helped with the relaxing thing had I been there, but it isn’t time for that yet.

Now, much as I’d love for you to turn up in the state you are now, I don’t think it’s the wisest plan – so clothes are going to be necessary. If I might make a suggestion, you’ll want to go dark – and strike that balance between casual and smart that I know you can do so well.

Loving you always,
xJx

Elijah smiled to himself at this note, faintly aware of the mild flush that had crept up his cheeks. He looked down at thees tes that were still folded together – the next blank side read 8.15pm.

He stood up and walked over to the wardrobe, towel still held tightly around him. After throwing a pair of black trousers onto the bed, he began to rifle for the shirt he was certain he had brought to New Zealand with him.

As he searched, there was a knock at the door. Startled, Elijah called out, “Just a minute!”

He hastily pulled on some clean boxers and the trousers he had already chosen, before moving to open the door. He shrank back as he saw Orlando standing there. “Um…hi.”

Orlando forced himself not to stare at the smaller man’s bare chest. “I, um…I was just wondering if you were going to be out with us tonight.”

Elijah shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t.”

He moved back into the room, aware that Orlando would probably follow but more focused on his previous task. He headed straight back to the wardrobe, going through each individual item to try and find what he wanted.

Orlando stood just within the doorway, watching the other man’s hunt. “You going anywhere special?”

“Maybe.” Elijah forced a neutral tone. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready yourself?”

Orlando was about to answer when he noticed the sheets of paper on the bed. As he moved to take a closer look, he asked, “What are these?”

El ins instantly rushed to snatch the pages away. “These are none of your business. And before you get all upset about it, I haven’t even shown my ‘precious Hobbits’.”

Orlando nodded, instantly backing away. “That’s fine. I was only asking.”

Elijah sighed. “I kinda have getting ready to do. I suggest you go and do the same.”

Orlando moved to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Have a good night.”

“And you.”

Elijah watched the Brit walk out before going to the wardrobe for a third t His His eyes instantly fell on what he’d been searching for before. “There you are.”

He pulled out the black shirt, eying it over to make sure it didn’t need ironing. Deciding that it would be alright, he pulled it off the hanger and put it on. As soon as he did, the discussion with Orlando was forgotten as he instead thought of the memories contained in that one piece of clothing. As he slowly buttoned up the shirt, he felt a rush of excitement in anticipation of finding out what the mystery was all about.

He glanced again at the clock, which now read 19:55. Sighing to himself, he moved to retrieve his cigarette packet when his eyes fell on the CD. He picked it up decisively, knowing that it would certainly distract him.

Before long, the soft female tones of the song were blasting from his room as he stood by the window and smoked. He made a mental note to ask Clea about the band when he had the chance to.

He was so deep into his own little world that he didn’t even hear the knock on the door. He was only aware that he had company when he heard Dom say, “Seems a shame to distract him now.”

Elijah spun around. “Oh, hey guys. I didn’t hear you knock?”

“I’m not surprised,” Billy teased. “So this is the CD, then?”

Elijah nodded, blushing slightly. “What can I say? I like the song.”

“It’s nice,” Sean commented. “Who is it?”

“I don’t actually know,” Elijah confessed. “I was planning on asking Clea at some point.”

Dom cocked his head to the side as he listened. “I can’t say it does anything for me, but then I’m probably not getting the same message.”

Billy’s eyes finally rested on the young American’s outfit. “So you still have no idea where you’ll be ending up?”

Elijah shook his head. “He just said go for dark, and for a casual-smart mix.”

“When’s the next note?” asked Dom.

Elijah glanced at the clock – 20:05. “Ten minutes,” he replied.

Billy raised an eyebrow. “And there we were thinking that keeping you occupied for five minutes was bad enough.”

Elijah smiled as he moved towards the mirror. “That’s alright. I still have to sort this out.” He was already raking his fingers through his drying hair.

Dom smirked as he picked up the comb lying on the bedside table. “Would this help?”

“You know what, it might.” Elijah took the comb from the Brit. “See, told you I can’t fend mys myself.”

“You don’t really need to with Josh around,” Billy pointed out. “He wouldn’t give in so easily if he didn’t love doing it.”

“Hey, what did Orlando want?” Dom asked suddenly. “We saw him kinda lingering by your door.”

Elijah shrugged. “He just asked if I wanted to go out with you lot tonight. I told him I couldn’t, but he doesn’t know why.”

“But we told him you weren’t coming out,” Sean mused. “Why would he come and ask you again?”

Elijah shrugged. “Maybe he thought you were just saying it to protect me.”

“Maybe,” Billy agreed. “As long as he didn’t upset you.”

Elijah shook his head. “Not really. To be honest, I forgot about it almost as soon as he left.”

Dom smirked. “Does this mean that we could say anything to you now, and you wouldn’t care?”

“Don’t push it!” Elijah warned, though he was now focused on his reflection, trying to decide whether his hair was right.
Billy shook his head. “You are such a girl, Elijah. It looks fine.”

“But I don’t want it to look ‘fine’,” Elijah returned. “I want it to look perfect.”

“Surely Josh will think you look perfect no matter what?” the Scot argued.

“He is completely besotted with you,” Dom reasoned. “You could turn up looking like hell and he would see perfection.”

“That’s not the point, Dom,” Elijah replied, trying to ignore the blush that crept into his face. “He’s made all this effort; the least I can do is make some sort of effort myself.”

“Ignore him, Lij. He’s obviously just jealous that no-one has done something like this for him,” Sean teased.

Billy pretended to look horrified. “Sean! I told you not to mention anything about that!”

Dom stuck his tongue out at Billy. “Nice try. I appreciate the thought.”

Elijah looked over at the clock. “Finally!”

He moved to pick up the letters from where he had left them on the bed. He opened out the one with the current time on.

Your sweetness made my year… (and a half)

So, if I know you, you’ll be ready by now (or at least nearly ready apart from your constant fretting – don’t deny it!). And this probably means that the last half hour is going to be the worst for you. However, I have faith in the others enough to know that they won’t let you spend the entire half-hour checking the time.

This is just to let you know, a car will be ready and waiting for you at the time on the fifth note – so make sure you’re outside the hotel before then. The driver will know where to take you, so don’t worry – you’ll be in safe hands (because I would never risk anything happening to you – I love you far too much for that).

With all my love (and a little bit more),
xJx

Elijah bit his lip, charmed by what Josh had written. The others could see the joy in his face as he folded it up, looking a little dazed.

Dom smiled. “Whatever it was, it must have been good.”

“And he thought he didn’t deserve me…” Elijah was speaking almost to himself.

“So when’s the next one?” Billy d. “d. “And what are we going to have to do to distract you?”

Elijah looked at the sheets that remained folded. “Quarter to nine. He said there’ll be a car waiting outside so I have to be ready and waiting by then.”

Dom nodded. “That works. You can come and wait with us while we get ready. If you want to, of course.”

Elijah nodded. “It’s probably a good idea that I do. As long as -”

“We won’t make you late,” Sean assured. “We won’t be able to.”


~EW~*~JH~


Twenty-five minutes later, Elijah was stood outside the hotel with Sean. Dom and Billy had left them, since they wanted to go and check on the others going out with them.

Sean turned to Elijah, who seemed unable to stay still. “Are you alright?”

Elijah nodded. “I just…I’m really getting excited now.”

“That’s to be expected.” The older man smiled. “I suppose I don’t need to tell you to enjoy tonight?”

“I’m sure I will,” Elijah replied. “I hope Dom and Billy don’t end up driving you insane.”

“If they do, I’ll palm them off on Viggo.”

“Palm who off on me?” Viggo had spotted the pair outside and had gone to join them.

“Dom and Billy,” Elijah replied. “Well I suppose someone’ll have to take my place.”

“Yes, they did mention you weren’t joining us. Something to do with a certain boyfriend of yours.”

Elijah clearly reacted to this. “Who else knows?”

“Only Liv, and whoever else you’ve told. She ran into Clea earlier.”

“That explains her odd enthusiasm earlierean ean mused.

“She hasn’t told Orli, has she?”

Viggo shook his head. “I saw your reaction to him earlier, so I figured whatever was going on, you didn’t want him to know about it.”

Elijah let out a sigh of relief. “I don’t mind him knowing tomorrow…just not yet. Tonight, I want everything to be perfect.”

“And I’m sure it will be.” Liv came over and hugged Elijah. “You deserve it to be.”

“Thanks guys.” Elijah smiled. “Enjoy tonight.”

As he said this, a car pulled up. The window wound down and the driver poked his head out. “I’ve been sent to collect a Mr Wood?”

“That’ll be me,” Elijah replied, before turning to the others. “I expect I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Too right you will.” Liv smiled. “I hope you have your perfect night.”

“Thanks Liv.” Elijah returned the smile, before walking over to the car. Once he was settled, the driver pulled out and started to head down the road, looking as though he knew exactly where he was going.

Elijah’s focus moved to the note in his hand. He had left the others in his hotel room, not wanting to lose them, and so he was now left with two folded pieces of paper. The side facing him read 8.45pm (or whenever the car gets there) and so he unfolded it, putting the final unread sheet in the pocket of his jacket.

Your love made my life.

By now, you should be starting to make your way towards me. As such, I suspect I will be unable to keep still from waiting for you – and you will be unable to keep still from dying to know what’s going on. Patience, my love - you will soon find out.

Also by now, you will have all the pieces of the verse. I can’t remember where I found it, but I thought you’d like it. The last line was originally ‘friendship’, but we’ve shared so much more than that. And all of it’s true – if I had never met you, my life would be so much emptier. I never believed in soul mates before I met you, but now I know you are mine. And after everything that’s happened rece, I’, I’m even more certain of that fact.

Anyway, before I get too sentimental, I’ll sign off. Looking forward to finally seeing you.

Forever yours,
xJx

Elijah felt a lone, joyful tear slide down his cheek as he folded the letter again. He sat back in the car seat, anticipating his arrival at the mystery destination more than ever.