In The Bathroom

Title: Unwell
Series: In The Bathroom
Author/Email: eviltwin (tracey737uk@yahoo.co.uk)
Pairings: John Mayer/Orli Bloom
Rating: R
Summary: Orli isn't well so John takes care of him.
Disclaimer: I makes no claims as to the actual sexual preferences of the people I portrays. I makes no money from it either. It's all a load of fiction and a bit of fun.
Feedback: Is the ransom my bunnies are demanding for the return of my mind ;)
Archive: The Showcase ( www.dreamreaver.com/showcase )
Author's Notes: A little AU fic where John, a musician, and Orli, an aspiring actor, live together. All together now.. *droool*


John glances over at Orli and frowns.

"Okay?" he asks. His friend is sweating and looks quite pale, but he nods in reply. John turns his attention back to the TV screen, worrying. He and Orli have livegethgether for just over a year so he likes to think he is kind of attuned to what's going on. He gets up and goes over to kneel beside Orli's chair.

"I'm fine, really," Orli protests as John raises a hand to his face.

"You're burning up."

"I feel okay."

"You're not okay, Orl. I don't care how much you don't like doctors, you're going."

"I'll go in the morning. Maybe it's just a bug."

"Right."

"Since when do you care so much anyway?" Orli snaps.

John stares at him. "Since always," he answers, quietly, standing and going back to the sofa. He can feel Orli watching him but he doesn't look over, just stares at the TV.

"I'm sorry.."

"Whatever."

"John.."

"Forget it. Just suffer. I don't care anyway. Apparently." He gets up and heads to his room, picking up his guitar as he shuts the door behind him. He sits cross-legged on his bed and thumbs the strings. Fighting the urge to go back in and tell Orli just how *much* he cares about him.

He couldn't guess how long he sits there, or remember when he started writing down the notes he is playing and the words to go with them. He just hears the sounds of Orli being violently ill in the bathroom next door. He stops playing, listens a couple of seconds more before leaving his bed and hurrying into the hallway. The bathroom door is open; he sees Orli knelt by the toilet, bent over the bowl. "Orl?"

Orli finishes and looks up at him, miserable. "Sorry.." he mumbles. John steps inside and helps him up from the floor. He pushes down the flush and sits Orli on the edge of the bathtub, then pours him a glass of water. He holds the back of Orli's head while his friend drinks.

"I'm sorry John, " he says again.

"It's okay. You feelin' any better after that?"

Orli nods, slowly. "I don't smell too good though."

"You're right about that. Come on, move." Orli stands aside and watches John lean over and set a bath running. "This'll make you feel better."

"Thanks.." Orli's voice sounds strained.

John looks back at him. He looks exhausted, his head hanging forward, sweaty hair covering his eyes. "You look a mess."

Orli lifts his head and gives a weak smile. "Yeah."

"You want some help?" John asks, not thinking about, or caring what, Orli might think of that question. But Orli just nods again. He lifts his arms and lets John peel his damp t-shirt from his body. His skin is clammy and hot to touch. John tries not to think about touching it too much. He kneels on the floor and unzips Orli's fly, opening his jeans and pulling them down his legs. Orli leans a hand on John's shoulder as he lifs first one foot, then the other, stepping out of the jeans. John's heart is pounding now, his mouth is hot with saliva. He swallows and looks up. His hands shake as he reaches for the waistband of Orli's shorts.

"John..you don't..have to.." Orli's voice is trembling too.

"Goin' shy on me?" John says, desperately keeping his voice even. "It's not like I haven't seen one before."

"Yeah, but-" Orli stops as John pulls the shorts down, and he obediently steps out of them. Gulping again, John gets to his feet, avoiding looking at where he most wants to look. He helps Orli into the bathtub and shuts off the water.

"Are you staying?"

"If you want me to."

Orli nods. "Then would you...help me wash my hair?"

"You're really feeling that bad?"

Orli nods again. He lowers his gaze and John crouches beside the tub, reaches out to touch Orli's face. "Orlando.."

"Will you?"

"Of course. You know I'll do anything for you."

"I know..I'm sorry. About what I said."

"Don't worry about it."

"If I don't I'll feel guilty forever."

"Don't be an idiot." John can't help it. His hand moves up over Orli's cheek, his fingers comb through lank hair.

"John?"

"You need to wet your hair. If I'm going to wash it."

"Yeah." Orli scoops up some water in his cupped hands and bends his head to let it run over his hair. He does this several times, until his hair is dripping.

"Okay." John pours some shampoo into his hand and starts to rub it into Orli's hair, massaging his scalp. Trying to ignore the fact that he has his flatmate naked and wet just half a foot away from him. Orli's eyes close as John's hands run through his hair. He moans softly, making John stop. "You all right?"

Orli's eyes open wide; he stares at his friend. "What?"

"I said, are you all right?"

"Yeah. Keep doing that."

"Orlando." John moves back as Orli leans forward, resting his head on the edge of the tub.

"I have..a confession to make."

"Oh?"

"I nver told you that I'm gay, did I?"

John's breath leaves him in a rush; he feels like something hard has slammed into his chest. "No.." he manages.

"I hope it won't change things between us. That's all I wanted to say."

"If you want." John stops, dizzy with..whatever this feeling is.

Orli looks confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..if that's what you want. For nothing to change."

"That's it? That's your reaction?" His friend sits back, staring.

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

Orli shakes his head. "I don't..maybe you should leave me to finish this alone."

"I would, but you're sick."

"I feel a little better."

"I don't want to leave you on your own."

"I'll be okay."

"Why do you want me to go so suddenly?" John reaches over the edge of the tub, lets his hand drop into the water. Orli tenses visibly. His breath hitches when John's fingers brush against his stomach, touch the tip of his erection for a fraction of a second. "Because of that?"

"What the fuck, John?"

"I'm in just the same position." John leans across, drags his tongue over Orli's lips. Orli pulls away, gasping.

"John, what're you-"

"Relax. Just relax. Is that because of me?" he asks, looking down.

"Yeah. I'm sorry.."

John smiles, looking back up. He wipes away the soap that is dripping down the sides of Orli's face from his hair, pulls him close and kisses his mouth softly. "It's gonna change things between us," he whispers as he pulls away. "It's gonna change everything."

"I didn't..you never said you were-"

"I never knew I was. I just know I've fallen in love with you."

"John.." Orli pulls him back and attacks his mouth, parting his lips with his tongue and delving in. John closes his eyes at the feel of Orli's tongue sliding hotly against his. He brings his hands back up to Orli's hair, fighting to grip it in soapy, slippery fingers. Orli's head tilts back against his hands and he follows, not wanting to lose the contact. The rim of the bath presses hard against his chest, but it is nothing compared to the feel of Orli against his fingers, against his tongue.

That is what hurts him. It makes his heart pound painfully fast, makes his cock grow painfully hard. He has to let go, has to-

Orli pulls away from him suddenly, gasping for breath.

"Hey, are you all right?" John asks, panting himself.

"Hell, yes. I just..I need to say something to you.."

"I'm listening." He thinks he knows what Orli's about to say.


~tbc~