Bluespirit (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bluespirit) wrote2004-05-26 03:30 pm
bluespirit) wrote2004-05-26 03:30 pm
New Fic: Green Glass ~ chapter six
Green Glass ~ a modern day fairy tale
by
Bluespirit
Fandom: LotR RPS
Pairing: SB/OB
Rating: NC-17 overall
Warning: An alternate universe romance.
Summary: Love really is the sweetest thing.
Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. The author is not making any claims as to the real life sexualities or preferences of the people portrayed here. This is purely for entertainment, not profit.
Archive: Not at the moment – this is a work in progress and will be subject to a final edit once complete.
Notes:
1. My thanks as always to my wonderful beta
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
xanthefic, especially as she has so much going on right now. ::hugs:: I have of course continued to tinker so any mistakes are my own!
2. This is a work in progress and as such I’m only posting it here in my LJ at the moment. Once complete I’ll post it elsewhere. In the meantime, helpful feedback is very welcome, thank you.
The story so far:~
chapter one
chapter two
chapter three
chapter four
chapter five
Chapter Six
Orlando was jolted awake by the sound of the front door slamming. Peering blearily at his alarm clock he was surprised to see that it was after ten; he didn’t usually sleep this late. He turned over and pulled the covers snugly to his ears, not ready to relinquish the soft warmth of his bed just yet. He wanted to spend a few more minutes reliving his wonderful evening with Sean and, most importantly, The Kiss. He could almost feel those warm lips still pressing against his, the sweet intoxication of their mingled breath and the wonderful sense of completeness when Sean held him close.
However his plans for some lazy daydreaming were quickly interrupted by a gentle rap at his bedroom door.
“Knock, knock!” Came a cheery voice, swiftly followed by a grinning Craig poking his perfectly tousled head around the door. “Not interrupting anything, am I?”
Orlando shook his head sleepily and sat up against the headboard, rubbing heavy eyes. “No – s’just me, Craigsie. You’re back early, aren’t you? Where’s Dave?”
“Well, I was just checking - you never know - there might have been a certain ‘amazingly-eyed‘ someone in here with you!” Craig said, crossing the room and dropping gracefully on to the bed. “Dave’s off playing football or some such manly Sunday morning pursuit, so I’ve come home to see my little sweet pea.” He lay down on his stomach and rested his chin in his hands. “*So*? How’d it go last night?” He winked saucily. “Tell me everything – I’m all ears!”
“Oh, Craig, it was just fantastic,” Orlando sighed happily. “I think that last night may have been the most perfect night of my life.” He knew that he had a dopey smile on his face but he didn’t care. “I can’t even begin to describe it all to you, you know? And it’s not like it was just that it was an incredible restaurant or anything – which it was – it was amazing, man, like something out of ‘Hello’ magazine or something!”
Craig laughed and nodded encouragingly. “Go on – so he took you to a fabulously ritzy restaurant. What else?”
“It was just, like, how he treated me, you know? Like I was really special, like I was precious to him. And he was really interested in me too! It wasn’t like I was just some airhead or something. He listened to me and we talked and talked, just about everything, yeah?”
Moving to sit next to him, Craig put an arm around Orlando’s shoulders. “What do I keep telling you, sweet pea, huh? You’re beautiful –“ He held up a silencing hand as Orlando began to protest. “Oh yes you are - but you’re so much more than that, more than just a pretty face. You’re bright and funny and you have the kindest heart of anyone I know. It sounds like this Sean is smart enough to see it too, so that’s a tonne of brownie points for him!” With a hug and a teasing laugh, he continued. ”But is that all that happened? Haven’t you got any more gossip to feed your starving flatmate?”
“Well, I’m seeing him again this evening,” Orlando added with a dreamy smile. “There’s a Cary Grant retrospective at the Empire and he asked if I’d like to go. I think he said it’s ‘To Catch a Thief’. Is that the one with Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum that we watched last Christmas - when Dave fell asleep after all that Christmas pud?”
“No, you’re thinking of ‘The Grass is Greener’ and you know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat that much pudding…. Anyway, *this* one has the divine Miss Grace Kelly and it’s all set on the French Riviera. You’ll love it – it’s just your kind of thing.”
“Oh good, I *love* Grace Kelly – the fairytale princess who found her very own Prince Charming.” Orlando said with a fanciful, far away look. “So, he’s picking me up and we’re having an early dinner in town and then going to the cinema.”
“Mmm, that sounds wonderful and so romantic. This one may be a keeper, eh, sweet pea?” Craig smiled. “But are you sure that’s all you have to tell me? *Me*? Your loyal and caring friend, who’s been abandoned by his sport-mad man for the morning. Don’t you have any more juicy bits for my vicarious delectation and delight?”
“Well…I might have,” Orlando said coyly before giving in to joyous laughter. “Oh Craig, he kissed me,” his words spilled out in an excited rush, “and I think that I’m in love!”
Craig’s face was a picture of mixed emotions; shock, happiness and wariness all vied for attention, but before he could splutter the ‘what?’ forming on his cupid-bow lips, the phone rang and Orlando leaned across to pick up the receiver.
“Hello? Dom?” Orlando answered in a breathless, eager voice. “Oh *Dommie*, I think that last night may have been the most perfect night of my life….”
~
Orlando looked at himself critically in the mirror. Sean would be here in a little while and he wanted to make sure that he looked okay for their date. *Second* date, he reminded himself happily.
He hadn’t really been sure what to wear, but on Craig’s advice had opted for a slightly more casual look, as it didn’t seem like this was going to be such a fancy venue as last night. He was wearing a long-sleeved white cotton shirt over a pair of his smarter blue jeans, with a vintage leather belt. He’d always had a rather eclectic fashion sense and as a teenager he really hadn’t had much of a clue, his sister Sam often helping him to look ‘cooler’ by finding retro jackets and shirts for him at Oxfam. Now, of course he had his own personal fashion guru in Craig, who often helped him to stretch his rather meagre clothing budget by bringing home end-of-line designer bargains for him from the branch of ‘Paul Smith’ that he managed. Unfortunately, splashing out on his silky shirt the previous day had pretty much tapped out his finances. He really only had enough now for necessities, until payday on Wednesday at least, and so he just hoped that he had sufficient for tonight.
He really was lucky to have such a good friend as Craig. It was obvious that he was worried about Orlando’s proclamation that he’d fallen in love with Sean but he’d been very open-minded as they’d talked about it during the day. He’d warned him not to be too hasty but at the same time hadn’t dismissed Orlando’s feelings and Orlando *could* see his friend’s point; it had all happened very quickly. But the fact that he’d only just met Sean didn’t seem to matter to his heart; two days or two years – he knew it wouldn’t make any difference – his feelings for Sean, right from the first moment that he saw him at the theatre, were very real. He just knew that this was right - he loved the way that he felt when he was with Sean, the way that he made him feel about himself. He couldn’t really put it into words - he just *knew*. Of course the only thing was, did Sean feel the same way about him?
He glanced at the clock and had a minor panic – Sean would be here any minute! Checking his appearance one last time and folding his shirt cuffs back a little, he went into the living room to wait. Craig had insisted on staying to meet Sean this time and Orlando didn’t want to have to rescue his boyfriend from a grilling by his fiercely protective friend. He gave a happy little sigh as he thought of Sean as ‘his boyfriend’, even if it was just to himself.
“Are you okay, sweet pea?” Craig looked over from his seat on the long, comfortable sofa in front of the fireplace. “You’re not worried about this evening, are you? You look fabulous, by the way!”
Orlando sat beside him and rested his head on his shoulder. “Thank you, you’re so good to me. But I’m fine, really - fantastic. Just worrying that you’ll be getting the hot irons out and asking Sean what his ‘intentions’ are!” He said with a laugh.
Craig slung an affectionate arm around him and whispered in his ear. “Shhh, I’m saving them for later – I’ll just use the thumb screws to start.”
Orlando giggled and looked up into his friend’s smiling blue eyes. “Seriously, Craigsie - *behave*, okay?”
Craig attempted to look suitably chastised and made a quick salute. “Scout’s honour, sweet pea. You know me – I’m never one to poke my nose where it isn’t needed.” Ignoring Orlando’s spluttering ‘since when?’, he continued, “I just want a quiet little word with your Sean to make sure that he fully realises the consequences if he messes with my boy, okay?” Getting into his stride, he added in a horribly mangled Mafioso type accent, “if he hurts da sweet pea, he sleeps with da fishes - capishe?”
At this Orlando couldn’t contain himself and collapsed helplessly in a huge fit of giggles. “Stop it,” he hiccupped weakly through his laughter, waving his hands weakly in front of him. “He’ll be here any minute and you’ve made me into a wreck!”
Craig smoothed his fingers through Orlando’s curls as their laughter subsided and straightened his shirt collar with a little tug. “I just want you to be happy, sweet pea.”
Orlando hugged his friend tightly. “I know, Craigsie – I love you too.”
~
“So, that was Craig then,” Sean said with a smile, smoothly changing gear as they drove towards the city.
“Yeah,” Orlando grinned. Sean had arrived a few minutes early, looking amazing in a black button down shirt and black denims. He looked suave, perhaps even a little dangerous, and more drop-dead-sexy than before, as if that were actually possible! Craig was completely charming, of course, and had given Orlando a broad smile when Sean had helped Orlando into his coat. It looked like his friend approved.
“*Sweet pea*?” Sean’s voice sounded faintly stifled, as if he were trying very hard to smother a laugh.
Orlando briefly hid his face in his hands. “I know! It’s Craig’s special name for me,” he laughed. “Of course, it’s not as bad as Tigger!”
“Tigger?” Sean seemed to give up his attempt at hiding his amusement. “I think that sounds adorable and quite appropriate, actually. You can be a bit bouncy at times,” he teased fondly. “Who calls you that?”
“Dave…I think he does it in retaliation for me latching onto his nickname from back home in Australia.”
“And that would be?”
“Daisy!” Orlando hooted. “I love it, man. Like, who on earth would call a guy that looks as butch as Dave, Daisy, you know?”
Sean joined in the laughter. “It does seem a bit strange. How’d he get it?”
“Dunno – he won’t tell me – it’s a mystery.” Orlando grinned. “Says he wants to keep some of his secrets.” He noticed that Sean looked a little uneasy. Perhaps he felt uncomfortable with Orlando talking about his friends so much; he hadn’t really mentioned many details about his own life. “So, um, the film. What time does it start again?”
Sean seemed lost in thought for a moment. “Hmm? Oh, the film! Eight thirty. I thought we could grab something to eat first – there’s a little place I know not far from the cinema. Nothing too fancy, but good. Do you like Greek food?” He asked, regaining his smile.
Orlando nodded enthusiastically, happy that Sean was smiling again. “Fantastic, man!”
~
The meal had been excellent. The restaurant was a small taverna style place down a back street, not far from the Trocadero, and the food was delicious. Once again Orlando felt that he was really connecting with Sean as they laughed and talked, finding that they shared similar viewpoints about a range of different subjects. However they weren’t able to linger too long as the film was due to begin.
They left the restaurant and walked the short distance to Leicester Square, passing by the Swiss clock as it began its glockenspiel chimes. There was a queue at the cinema’s ticket booth and as they waited in line Orlando reached for his wallet. Sean placed a gentle hand on his arm.
“It’s okay, I’ve got this,” he said softly.
“But you paid for dinner *and* for the meal last night, which must have cost a bit – “
“I’ve got it,” Sean repeated more firmly, with a smile. “Look, I asked you out, remember? It’s my treat, please?”
Orlando sighed and held his hands up in the face of Sean’s determined look. “Okay, you win, for now,” he said. “But you have to let me pay next time, okay?” He hoped he wasn’t being too presumptuous and that Sean actually wanted to see him again.
He relaxed when Sean smiled and nodded, “Okay, next time.”
They slowly moved forward in the line. “Actually, I’m going to be away for a few days,” Sean said, an uneasy light in his eyes. “Some things to take care of - I’m afraid I won’t be back until Wednesday.”
“Well, how about we go out Wednesday evening, then? My treat?” Orlando said excitedly. “What do you fancy? There’s a great Indian place – “ He stopped as he became aware of the increasingly uncomfortable look on Sean’s face. He *was* being too pushy. Sean wouldn’t want to see him all the time, he probably didn’t actually want to see him again ever and was just being polite in an ‘I’ll call you’ kind of way. “But it’s okay, no pressure. Just whenever, yeah?” He finished quietly, his natural exuberance muted. He looked up when he felt a gentle pressure on his arm.
“I really do want to see you again, Orli,” Sean said, his soft accent soothing. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to think different. S’just that it’s *Wednesday*, you know?” He added with a vaguely sheepish grin as if that explained everything. On seeing Orlando’s continued puzzlement, he added, “S’England – playing Holland, away….”
Orlando couldn’t help the relieved laugh that bubbled out from him. Sean *did* want to see him again! In the space of a few seconds he’d gone from despair to utter hilarity. “Football? This is all about *football*?” He grinned, now he really did know how Craig felt.
“Erm, yeah, sorry…but it’s a qualifier…big match an’ all….”
Orlando was enchanted by Sean’s obvious embarrassment and leaning towards him he tucked an arm through his. “Well how about this,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper. “It’s televised, right?”
“Yeah,” Sean nodded, his face breaking into an optimistic smile.
“So how about you come round to mine and we’ll order pizza and watch your contest on the telly, yeah?”
“Match,” Sean corrected absently. “It’s called a match, Orli,” but he was smiling broadly. “That sounds really great, thanks – it’s a date!”
Orlando couldn’t help his own huge smile.
~
Orlando had really enjoyed the film, Cary Grant had been at his debonair best and Grace Kelly simply sparkled. But the part he’d enjoyed the most was just after the lights had dimmed and Sean had put an arm around his shoulders, murmuring quietly in his ear, ’Is this okay?’ Orlando had nodded happily, ‘Mmm, perfect….’
The traffic was light on their journey home and all too soon Sean’s sleek sports car was pulling up outside Orlando’s flat. He turned off the ignition and the interior of the car became still as the engine ceased its muted roar.
Orlando was suddenly shy. “Erm, thank you again for a wonderful evening, I really enjoyed myself.”
“It was my pleasure,” Sean replied easily.
“Um,” Orlando glanced down and twisted his seat belt in nervous fingers, “would you…like to come in for, um, coffee?”
“Orlando,” Sean said, his soothing tone making him look up. “Sometimes ‘coffee’ is just coffee, you know. Or…” He added with a smile, “…perhaps tea.”
“But what if I wanted it to be…more?” Orlando asked, his mouth dry.
“More?”
“Like…kisses?” Orlando whispered.
Sean smiled and his voice dropped to a purr. “I think we can do coffee and…kisses.” Green eyes twinkled with warmth as he escorted Orlando from the car.
It was a cold night and there was an early frost on the path. It shimmered palely in the moonlight as they walked to the front door.
“Hello! S’me,” Orlando called out as he unlocked the door. “Looks like Craig’s gone out,” he said as Sean followed him into the hallway. “I think he was going to Dave’s.”
Standing awkwardly for a moment he suddenly mumbled. “Right. Coffee! Erm, the kitchen’s along here or you can wait in the living room and I’ll bring it through if you like?”
“No, I’ll help,” Sean smiled. “Lead on, Macduff!”
Once in the kitchen, they found that they both actually preferred tea and so a pot was quickly made and poured. They carried their mugs through to the living room and sat down on the sofa. Orlando lit the gas fire and soon living flames were dancing in the hearth, casting a warm amber glow across the room.
“Mmm, nice cuppa,” Sean exhaled. “No matter how long I live away from Yorkshire there’s two things you can’t beat – a nice cup o’ tea and a good pint…and the footie, of course.” He added with a grin.
Orlando giggled. “Looks like I’ll have to start appreciating the finer points of the beautiful game then, well at least by Wednesday anyway,” he laughed. “Oh, that reminds me. Well, sort of – convoluted thought processes and everything but anyway – “ He took a breath at Sean’s uncomprehending stare. “Sorry, but I meant to ask you before - about Friday and, of course, you probably won’t want to and that’s okay, really and anyway, why would you? I mean I told Dom and Billy that but, like, anyway….”
“Orlando? Orlando?”
Orlando stopped talking, suddenly aware that Sean’s voice was a little more forceful than usual.
Sean started to grin. “*What* exactly have you decided that I don’t want to do on Friday?”
Flushing slightly, Orlando dropped his eyes and shook his head. “Sorry, man. I’ve done it again. I am *such* an idiot! I can’t even manage to string a sentence together….”
“Orli?” Sean spoke quietly. “It’s not the end of the world, sweetheart. What did you want to ask me?”
Orlando was sure that his heart was going to beat its way out of his chest in joy. *Sweetheart*? Sean had just called him sweetheart! He jumped slightly as Sean stroked his cheek with an achingly gentle touch.
“Sorry,” Sean said softly. “Too much?”
“Not enough….” Orlando whispered breathily as he felt Sean drawing him close. He was surrounded with the intoxicating aroma that was Sean, a breezy balm of aftershave warmed by the underlying evocative scent of the man himself.
Soft, skilful lips moved lightly over his, their gently coaxing touch opening his mouth to share a desire-laden moan. Orlando pressed closer to Sean and moaned again as he felt strong hands entwining in his hair, holding him still as the kiss became deeper and Sean laid claim to him with a controlled passion and hunger that almost stole his mind, let alone his breath. Kissing Sean was like unleashing a tornado of sensation, of want…his senses were filled to the brim and he felt himself falling into the kiss, falling into Sean. So much intensity, so much emotion in a simple meeting of lips.
Slowly, Sean began to pull back, soothing the ferocity of the kiss with tiny butterfly touches that ghosted across Orlando’s lips, tracing their contours as if rendering them to memory.
“Okay, sweetheart?” Sean murmured softly, holding Orlando securely in his arms.
Orlando nodded, tracing his palms across the muscles of Sean’s broad chest though wishing that the fabric of the shirt would magically vanish. He sighed happily as he felt Sean begin to stroke gentle fingers through his hair.
They sat like this for sometime, with Orlando comfortable in Sean’s arms, and swapped tender kisses as they talked quietly; content to just enjoy the intimacy of the moment, the warmth of the fire and each other.
Eventually Sean sighed. “I really have to be going, Orli,” he said regretfully. “I’m sorry but I have an early start tomorrow.”
Orlando gave a little yawn and pressed a light kiss to the chest beneath his cheek. “I know, but I’ll see you Wednesday, yeah?” He said as he sat up and reluctantly left the haven of Sean’s strong embrace.
“Definitely!” Sean said as he stood. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world – you, football and pizza, what more could a man ask for?” He laughed, bending down and placing a brief kiss on top of Orlando’s head. “Well, beer, of course but I’ll bring that!” He added with a wink.
Orlando stood and stretched, easing the kinks from his back. Sean immediately took him in his arms and began to rub expert fingers across his shoulders and down his spine. Orlando gave a very satisfied groan of approval.
“You like that?” Sean laughed.
“Oh man, you have the most amazing fingers!”
“Well, we’ll have to see what else I can do with them – another time….” Sean whispered in Orlando’s ear, causing him to blush.
“Sorry, I’m going to learn to stop doing that around you!” He said, lowering his eyes.
Sean lifted Orlando’s chin and looked at him with an emotion that Orlando couldn’t quite place as he lost himself in green depths. “Please don’t change for me,” he smiled. “I think it’s endearing, adorable in fact.”
Shaking his head, Orlando laughed. “I’m not sure I can stop it, anyway. You have this way of making me lose control I think.”
“Is that so?” Sean said thoughtfully. “I think I’d like to see you…out of control.” He laughed as Orlando blushed again. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop – I really do have to go, I’m afraid.”
Orlando followed Sean to the front door before exclaiming, “Oh! I forgot what I was going to ask you…before…you know?” He continued at Sean’s questioning gaze. “S’just that my friends are having a fancy dress party – this Friday. It’s for Halloween cus Lij is American and he thinks we should like, celebrate and anyway he and Karl, that’s his boyfriend – he’s not American by the way, he’s a friend of Craig’s from New Zealand –“ He stopped to draw breath. “So they said I should ask you to come along…so would you like to? Come to the party? With me, I mean?” He finished hopefully.
“Well, that was quite an invitation,” Sean laughed. “How could I refuse? I’d love to go to your friends’ party - with *you*. Do you have a costume already?”
Orlando grinned. Sean wanted to go to the party with him!
“Um, no – I hadn’t really thought of anything yet.” He said with a frown.
“How about I get us both something, eh?” Sean asked. “It’ll be my surprise.”
“Oh, man. That would be brilliant – thank you!” Orlando hugged Sean and then felt himself melt as Sean murmured softly in his ear.
“It’s my pleasure, sweetheart.”
With a final gentle kiss, Sean slowly released Orlando from his arms and stroked his cheek lightly. “See you on Wednesday, Orli.”
“Wednesday,” Orlando nodded with a smile.
~~
To be continued.
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Of course am terrified that you are going to break my heart somehow.. *looks at you with big green puppy eyes*
This is too good!!
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::hugs::
And I promise not to break your heart, okay? Honestly... (g)
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They are so cute, and Orli is adorable, and Sean is just the sweetest, and...and...and...
*bouncebouncebouncebouncebounce*
When is next chap coming? :D
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I'm so glad that you're still enjoying it!
::hugs::
I'm afraid I find it difficult to write Orlando as anything but adorable.... (g) And of course, Sean is just so *Sean*!
Oh - I'm halfway through the next chapter!
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They are so so cute and perfect and endearing and sweet...gah. Death by sugary sweetness. I can't wait to see what costumes Sean comes up with!! Ahhh!
This is so good, babe. Really. I'm really enjoying it. Thanks so much for sharing it!! *hugs!* ...you brightened my day with a swish of green...
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I can't help it - I'm just a romantic, schmoopy girl! (g)
I can't wait to see what costumes Sean comes up with!! Ahhh!
Well, I purposely wrote in the fancy dress party so I could use these costumes...
...you brightened my day with a swish of green...
Oh, I just love this - thank you.
Thanks so much for all of your support, it really encourages me so much.
::big hugs::
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And sean and his football reminds me about my ex boyfriend :P
But seanie is a lot better :P *lol*
Please, more soon!
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As the wife of a football fan I think I relate to Orlando! (ggg)
Love your icon, btw!
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You make me smile and melt, so thank you! :)
May I friend you?
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I do love my cute boys & so I'm pleased that you do too!! (g) And of course Craig & Dave are particular favourites.
Oh & please do friend me.
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