New Fic: Green Glass ~ chapter eight
2 Jun 2004 07:42 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bluespiritGreen 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 completely fabulous beta - the sparkly queen of clarity ~
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
xanthefic. This story would be nothing without her insight and support. ::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
chapter seven
Chapter Eight
The hot water beat down rhythmically against Orlando’s aching shoulders and he groaned aloud in pleasure; it had been a tough day and his muscles were definitely enjoying the soothing warmth of the shower spray.
As he rinsed the shampoo from his hair, a dreamy smile stole across his face as he thought of Sean’s surprise visit earlier in the day. It had been wonderful to see him so unexpectedly and they’d enjoyed a lovely lunch together - sitting and chatting and laughing. Orlando had never enjoyed being with anyone so much - just spending time together - Sean made it all so easy, seeming always to know the right thing to say or do. After they’d eaten, they’d walked back to the theatre and stopped in the small alleyway that lead to the stage door. Sean had held him close, away from prying eyes, and then kissed him; long, sweet, gentle kisses that robbed Orlando of breath and thought. He could have quite happily stayed in Sean’s arms forever, but all too soon it was time for him to go back to work. He floated into the theatre with the warmth and sweetness of Sean's kisses still lingering on his lips, and the sound of his quietly promised ‘see you later, sweetheart’ echoing in his ears. Dominic, of course, had taken one look at him and guessed exactly what had happened. Orlando had never really been able to hide his feelings and obviously looked as besotted as he felt. Laughing gently, his friend chided him for not introducing him to his ‘lover boy’, as Dominic insisted on calling Sean, and then made Orlando promise that he’d introduce them on Friday evening at the party. He’d sighed a happy little sigh and just nodded dopily, earning an ‘oh, you *have* got it bad, mate’ from a still-sniggering Dominic.
Adjusting the showerhead, Orlando angled the jet of water to sluice down his body and squirted some shower gel onto the washcloth. He began to swiftly scrub across his back and shoulders before moving down to his chest. His nipples peaked at the contact and he slowed his movements, gently swirling the soft, foamy cloth over the sensitive skin. Images of Sean played through his mind; Sean’s chest was broad – much broader than his own – and Orlando could imagine reddened nipples standing proudly from taut, bronzed pecs as he gently sucked on them, worshipping them lightly with his tongue and lips. Would Sean like that, the feel of Orlando’s caresses on his skin? Would he moan his pleasure in that throaty, dark purr of a voice and then pull Orlando’s mouth to his own, to consume him with kiss after fiery kiss?
Orlando’s breath hitched slightly and, lost in fantasy, he dropped the cloth, forgotten, to the floor. He began to play lazily with one nipple and then the other, mimicking the caresses that he was giving to his divine, dream Sean. In his mind, he traced a path across Sean’s sparsely furred chest, his fingers learning every nuance of the hard torso and moving lower to map each beautifully defined muscle of the taut abdomen. After careful, loving reverence, his fingers began to follow the enticing trail of fine darkly blond hair that arrowed smoothly southwards. The darker thatch of curls at Sean’s groin just begged to be touched and Orlando eagerly stroked his fingers through the wiry strands before moving on to capture his prize.
Sean’s cock was huge, hot and hard in his palm. The smooth skin was stretched tightly, heated blood surging beneath the surface, making the heavy organ pulse in time with each quickening heartbeat. Orlando wrapped his fingers around the impressive girth and slid his hand from root to tip. Sean moaned - a low, broken sound that inflamed Orlando’s senses and made him desperate for more. His hand moved again, gradually speeding up and pulling the turgid flesh in a delicious, prolonged rhythm. Panting hard, Sean finally crushed Orlando’s body against his as he moaned his release with a breathless cry of ‘Orlando….’
“Oh…*Sean*!” Orlando’s wrenching groan echoed around the steamy, white-tiled shower stall as his body shuddered to a climactic orgasm, ropes of pearly white fluid pulsing from him in arc after arc of pleasure. He pushed weakly against the wall with one hand to prevent himself from sliding to the floor, as his other soothed his still spasming cock through the aftershocks of release.
Shaking his head groggily, he gradually became more aware and took a deep breath as he stood up straight, rinsing away the remaining traces of his orgasm. In the past he’d always felt a little sad after losing himself in some fantasy but this time he smiled – now he had Sean and something about this tender, gentle man told Orlando that reality would be so much better than any fantasy could ever be.
~
Orlando hurried along the hallway and answered the door as the first peal of the bell was still echoing away into the night air. He was determined not to leave Sean – his *boyfriend* he reminded himself happily - waiting on the step this time, while he gawped like an idiot! However, his plan was very nearly scuppered straight away by the deliciously sexy sight awaiting him as the door swung open. Sean looked amazing; dressed casually but all in black – from his boots and jeans to his long-sleeved shirt, open enticingly at the neck. He was leaning provocatively against the porch wall, dangling a six-pack of beer from one hand. “I come bearing…gifts,” he smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling up in a way that made Orlando want to kiss him breathless. “Or beer at least, anyway,” he added with a throaty laugh that sent shivers down Orlando’s spine.
“Um,” Orlando swallowed before rescuing his lust-addled wits. “Come in, please.”
He moved aside to let Sean enter but the other man followed and stepped closer, placing a gentle hand at the back of his neck and pulling him forward for a brief but thorough kiss. “Hello, sweetheart,” Sean murmured. “I missed you.”
Orlando blushed warmly through a thoroughly pleased smile.
Sean stroked a flushed cheek and slung his arm affectionately around Orlando’s shoulders. “Come on, you! Let’s get this beer open and turn the telly on. We don’t want to miss the pre-match analysis, do we?”
“Heaven forbid!” Orlando joined in Sean’s easy laughter as they walked towards the living room. “Okay, the remote’s on the coffee table – just make yourself comfy and I’ll see if I can find a bottle opener. I’m sure there’s one somewhere, ‘cus I’ve seen Daisy using one.”
“See? I’m liking Dave even more, every time you mention him!”
Orlando was still giggling as he went into the kitchen and opened the cutlery drawer; he was pretty certain he’d seen a bottle opener in here. Rummaging around amongst the silverware, he jumped slightly as a strong arm slid around his waist, and then smiled at the quiet voice in his ear. “Easy, Orli. S’only me.”
Orlando turned around within the circle of the embrace and put his arms around Sean’s neck. “I thought that you were watching your ‘pre-match analysis’ or whatever it is.”
“Ah, well – that’s just a posh way of saying that it’s a bunch of blokes sitting around chuntering on about who they think’s going to win,” Sean laughed. “I decided I’d prefer to come and see if I could help you out.”
“Thank you.” Orlando pressed a shy kiss to Sean’s mouth. “I think I’m nearly done now though. Just need to order the pizza, what kind do you like?”
Smoothing a hand down Orlando’s back to rest at his waist, Sean shook his head. “I don’t mind, whatever you fancy, though I do like mushrooms if you’re okay with them?” His other hand stroked Orlando’s curls, gently running the soft strands through his fingers.
“Mmm, definitely. How about ham and mushroom…oh, and pineapple, of course. I *have* to have pineapple on my pizza.”
“Pineapple?” Sean asked with a raised eyebrow. “With mushroom?”
“Oh, it’s awesome, you have to try it. It’s like the best!” Orlando giggled at Sean’s bemused expression. “Seriously, it’s unbelievable, man!”
“Okay, I trust you - pineapple it is, then,” Sean said and grinned as he peered over Orlando’s shoulder and triumphantly plucked a bottle opener from the drawer. “You phone for the pizza, I’ll open the beer, right?” He added before placing a tiny kiss on Orlando’s nose.
“Right,” Orlando agreed, smiling as Sean walked back into the living room. He liked this easy domesticity between them - how in tune they were with each other– as if they’d been doing this for years. With a happy sigh, he reached for the phone to order their pizza…*with* pineapple.
~
“Mmm, that was lovely, thanks,” Sean said with a satisfied sigh as he finished the last slice of pizza. “And the pineapple was an inspired choice,” he grinned, saluting Orlando with his bottle before downing a mouthful of beer.
Orlando smiled, watching the way that the muscles of Sean’s throat danced beneath glowing golden skin as he swallowed. Every part of Sean was simply mesmerising. “Oh, you’re welcome. Of course, I did slave over a hot stove for hours, you know.”
“Well, you must be Michelin three star at least, I’d say!” Sean winked.
The pizza had been delivered early in the match and Orlando had giggled as Sean managed to eat, drink beer and still cheer enthusiastically for England as they scored two goals against Holland. It was now half-time and all that remained of their meal was a forlorn looking pizza box and a few empty bottles.
“Do you want another beer?” Orlando asked as he stood and cleared up the mess from the coffee table.
“No, thanks,” Sean said. “Not when I’m driving - you have another if you want, though. Oh, here, let me get those,” he added as Orlando tried to precariously balance the empties along with everything else.
They took the rubbish through to the kitchen and while Orlando rinsed the glass for recycling, Sean took out the rubbish and then went to wash his hands after the delicious, though slightly greasy, pizza feast they’d enjoyed.
Orlando finished tidying up and hearing animated cheers coming from the living room, poked his head around the door and grinned. “How about a cup of tea?” He laughed at Sean’s enthusiastic ‘*yes*!’ - taking it to mean that he did want tea as well as being part of an air-punching celebration as England’s goals were shown over and over in the half-time replays.
As he waited for the kettle to boil, he took his own turn to freshen up after their meal and was soon carrying two steaming mugs through into the living room. He put their tea on the table and sat down again next to Sean on the sofa.
“So, what’s happening then?”
“They’ve just kicked off for the second half - still two-nil to us,” Sean said, wrapping an arm around Orlando’s waist and pulling him to nestle closely against him. “I think you’ll get a much better view from here,” he murmured softly.
Placing an arm across Sean’s chest, Orlando rested his head against a strong shoulder and snuggled up to the warm body. “Mmm, I think you’re right, this is much better.”
They watched like this for some time, with Sean occasionally shouting out his support or smothering curses as the match progressed. Orlando wasn’t really following it all that closely, instead he just enjoyed cuddling up to Sean in a relaxed half-sprawl, happy to feel the comforting weight of the muscular arm holding him. It was amazing to think that Sean had come to mean so much to him in so short a space of time. It seemed ridiculous to even think about a time before he’d known Sean but they’d actually only been together for less than a week. How different everything was now – his every thought seemed to revolve around this strong yet gentle man who held him so safely within his arms. This was what he’d always been looking for, this was where he wanted to be.
“I like this,” he whispered, almost to himself.
Soft lips tenderly touched his ear in the sweetest of kisses. “Me too, sweetheart.”
Sighing happily, Orlando stroked his palm across Sean’s chest and smiled when he felt a hand begin to lightly play with his fingers.
“This is nice,” Sean said, outlining the wide silver band on Orlando’s middle finger. “And this,” he added, touching his chunky thumb ring.
“Oh, thanks. They’re not much more than like, costume jewellery really, but I like them, you know?”
“They look good on you,” Sean smiled. He delicately traced the chain just visible at the neck of Orlando’s tee shirt, his touch sensitising soft skin. “You like jewellery, then?”
“Um, yeah, always have,” Orlando murmured, distracted for a moment by the gentle fingers on his skin. “Erm, I’m a bit of a magpie, I think,” he grinned as lifted his charm necklace free of his shirt. “You know, collecting things?” He sorted through the small collection of items hanging from the silver rope-chain, pointing out various ones. “This is a crystal that I got years ago and this is a shell that my sister gave me.”
“And how about this?” Sean said, picking up a polished green stone. “This is unusual.”
Orlando smiled as Sean carefully examined the carved stone that shone with a beautiful warm gloss. “Oh, that’s so cool, man. It’s a piece of greenstone – from New Zealand - Craig gave it to me for luck. It’s only supposed to work if you get it as a gift though, not if you buy it yourself, you know?”
Sean gently brushed his fingertips across the assortment of items. “Looks like you have a lovely collection of memories here.”
“Yeah, I love my charms, they’re like little pieces of me, my life, you know?” Orlando nodded. “How about you? Are you into jewellery?”
Sean stroked his fingers along the long sweep of Orlando’s neck. “I am a bit, I suppose, though I tend to end up just wearing a watch normally. I did used to have an earring once, mind – back in my misspent youth!”
Orlando giggled. “Hmm, all the skeletons are coming out now! Let’s have a look - ” Leaning across Sean’s chest, he carefully inspected first one ear lobe and then the other, looking for signs of piercing. The skin beneath his fingertips was warm and soft - it was ridiculous, even Sean’s ears were sexy! “Oh yeah, I can see –“ As Orlando spoke, Sean turned his head, softly inviting lips coming to rest a mere whisper from Orlando’s own. The air between them suddenly seemed charged, expectancy hanging heavy in their mingled breath.
“Um, we’re missing your match….”
Sean smiled in what Orlando could only think of as a predatory way. “Sod the match.”
A small whimper escaped Orlando’s mouth at Sean’s low growl and his breath caught. Every part of his body that was in contact with Sean was alive with fire - with want - and his heart was thundering hard in his chest. Strong hands moved to cradle the sides of his face as Sean bought their mouths together for a kiss that was as natural, and as necessary, as breathing. Orlando parted his lips in welcome and Sean’s heated tongue slipped inside with a low, gravelly moan of satisfaction. Orlando sucked and teased it, at first shyly and then with more confidence at Sean’s encouraging sounds of pleasure.
One of Sean’s hands slid along the length of Orlando’s spine and grasped his bottom, holding him firmly against the hard heat of Sean’s muscular frame as the fiery intensity of his lips, mouth and tongue continued to turn Orlando to ash. Orlando gasped as heated lips kissed a torturous path along the tender skin of his neck before slowly coming to rest at his ear. Warm breath played across his sensitive lobe and butterfly kisses teased him with their fleeting touches. It was like breath-taking ecstasy and delicious torment in a single heartbeat.
“Sean….” Breath hissed from his mouth and his hands grasped Sean’s shoulders, delighting in the play of hard muscle beneath his palms.
Soft lips returned and captured his needy cry in a long, slow kiss that reduced him to nothing but desire and sensation. He lost all sense of time as his world contracted to simply the feel of Sean touching him, kissing him and of being held safe in those powerful arms. Strong hands soothed him with gentle caresses and he gradually became aware of Sean’s achingly tender whispers interspersed between the sweetest of kisses.
“Oh, sweetheart…so beautiful…my baby….”
Orlando was sure that he had never experienced a more perfect moment; he simply felt cherished beyond measure. He was captivated - enslaved by his emotions - but a willing captive. So this was what love felt like. This really was it; he was certain – he loved Sean completely.
“Sean….” He lost himself in the kiss.
~
The intensity of their kisses gradually diminished to tender, lazy cuddling and by the time they eventually looked up, the match was long over and Gary Linneker was discussing tactics and goodness-knows-what-else with the other studio pundits.
“Oops,” Orlando grinned in what he hoped was an adorable way. “Looks like we missed the end of the match.”
Sean hugged him closer and ruffled his wayward curls. “I think I can survive. Bet we enjoyed the match more than they did anyway, eh?” He winked as he placed a soft kiss to Orlando’s temple.
“Wow, I think I should be honoured, yeah?”
“Most definitely,” Sean grinned. “I don’t miss the footie for just anyone you know. I mean it’s not a matter of life or death – it’s more serious than that!”
Orlando looked bemused.
“Sorry!” Sean laughed, kissing his cheek. “Old football quote.”
“Oh,” Orlando laughed. “Okay, so I’m really going to take it as a compliment then!”
“Good – you should,” Sean smiled, stroking Orlando’s hair fondly. “Oh, by the way,” he added, “I forgot to mention it earlier - I’ve got our costumes – for Friday. But I’d really like to keep them a surprise, do you mind?”
Orlando was actually aching to know what Sean had chosen for them to wear but was charmed by his boyfriend’s eagerness. “Okay, I suppose I can wait for Friday – but I think you’ll owe me, man!”
“Oh, yes?” Sean’s voice dropped to a deep purr. “What do you want from me, sweetheart? How can I pay you back?”
“Um,” Orlando felt a warm blush flood his cheeks. “Erm, how about…kisses?” He said in a small voice.
“We can certainly do kisses,” Sean smiled, leaning close to capture Orlando’s lips in a brief promise. “That’s just a down payment, right? Until Friday.”
Orlando nodded and then stole another quick kiss. “Interest,” he explained with a shy smile.
Sean laughed and hugged him close. “Oh, I expect that I’ll owe a lot more interest by then. So what time’s the party anyway?”
“Mmm, I think Karl said to get there around eight thirty or so. I did originally ask Lijah but just got his usual manic sort of ‘oh, anytime you like, dude!’. So I asked Karl instead – he’s the practical one in that relationship!”
“And you said they live in the Docklands?” Sean asked. “Okay, so how about I get here about seven? That gives us time to change into our costumes and still have plenty of time to get there, even allowing for Friday traffic.”
“So, you’ll get changed here?” Orlando asked a little nervously, ducking his head against Sean’s chest. “With me?” He stumbled a little as he thought of his earlier fantasy - visions of a naked Sean making him suddenly breathless. And though he was eager to take their relationship to the next level, he was still rather anxious about the reality of it all.
Sean lifted Orlando’s chin and looked carefully into his eyes. “If that’s okay with you? I just thought it would be easier if I changed here, but I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable. I'll change in another room if that would be easier.”
Orlando melted at the compassionate and understanding green gaze. “No, it’s fine. Really, that’s great, it makes sense.”
“As long as you’re sure?” Sean’s voice was soft - he really was so incredibly thoughtful.
“Absolutely!” Orlando nodded. “And I’m really looking forward to the party.”
“Me, too,” Sean nodded, holding him close.
~
Orlando waved until the taillights of Sean’s sleek sports car disappeared from view and then went inside and closed the door.
He sighed dreamily as he headed for the bathroom. It had been a wonderful evening, from the easy-going sharing of pizza to the emotionally intense exchange of kisses - and the snuggling on the sofa had been just *so* lovely. Orlando hugged himself happily as he went about his nightly routine.
However, as he brushed his teeth, a thought began to nag at him. He’d had three official dates with Sean now – he couldn’t really count their first drink at the pub – and each time all they’d done was kiss. Well, ‘kissing’ didn’t really do it justice – Sean’s lips had managed to melt his brain and turn him upside down if he was to be completely honest! But that was beside the point – they’d only kissed, nothing more. And although Orlando was grateful that Sean was taking things between them slowly, he was also beginning to get worried, self-doubts quickly multiplying now that he was alone. Why *hadn’t* Sean tried to take things further between them?
Orlando didn’t have a lot of sexual experience; he hadn’t done much more than a few hand jobs really. He just didn’t feel comfortable sharing so much of himself and his emotions with someone he hardly knew, and so far he hadn’t found anyone that he’d made enough of a connection with to explore a relationship – until Sean, of course. He knew that some people might think his attitude towards sex was a bit old fashioned, but he couldn’t help it – that was just the way he was. However, since he’d met Sean he’d been thinking more and more about the idea of them making love together, he really wanted to experience this ultimate intimacy with Sean. He wanted them to move beyond kissing, to touch each other – intimate, passionate touches - and though he’d never had a cock in his mouth, suddenly all he could think about was doing that for Sean. He burned to feel all that power, the heat and pressure - he wanted to make Sean come and swallow him down. The intensity of his fantasies had even been a little unnerving as his imagination had moved beyond this – he found himself wondering what it would feel like to share himself completely with Sean, to take that final step. He'd been looking for the right person to share his virginity with, and now he was sure that he'd found him; Sean was that person. Sean was the man he loved, and the man he wanted to give himself to.
Suddenly a new doubt crept into his mind – supposing his inexperience was a problem? Supposing he messed things up because he didn't know what to do? And on top of all this was his other problem, as if being a panicked virgin wasn’t enough, of course. No, there was also the fact that he hadn’t actually told Sean yet – it was hardly something that could be easily dropped into conversation after all, ‘oh lovely linguini, Sean and by the way, I’m still a virgin and I think I’d like you to pop my cherry’! He had tried to skirt around the issue a little in past conversations and he thought that maybe Sean had at least got the idea that he wasn’t particularly experienced with men. He just hoped that this lack of experience wouldn’t be a disappointment to Sean, that *he* wouldn’t disappoint Sean. Maybe this was the reason that Sean hadn’t tried to take things further – was Orlando’s inexperience so blindingly obvious that Sean had recognised it and he was turned off by it?
Finishing in the bathroom, he walked into his room and started to change for bed, worry swiftly growing heavy in his mind. He stripped off his briefs and moved towards the bed, but stopped as he caught sight of himself in the mirror. Lifting his head, Orlando looked at himself squarely. What he saw didn’t fill him with hope. As a child he’d had the normal puppy fat but when he’d finally reached puberty his body seemed to shoot up at an alarming rate, leaving him tall and lean and with the feeling that his arms and legs were somehow too long for him. He felt that he’d never really managed to fill out enough since then – he was still slender where he should be broad and muscled. He looked closer and sighed, still seeing the gangly, somewhat awkward boy of his youth, gazing back at him with sad, dark eyes. He’d worked hard to be more poised and centred within himself – dancing had definitely helped and on-stage he could almost feel graceful – but now, looking at the face and body in the mirror, all he saw were his failings.
But *Sean* had called him graceful….
When he thought of Sean and what he could imagine of his body through glimpses of contour hugging clothes, he knew that he was much more manly than himself – he had a broad chest and strong shoulders, well-defined pecs and narrow hips that led to powerful, muscular legs. Not to mention the most perfect bottom on the planet, of course! In short, Sean had all the qualities that Orlando found attractive but was himself lacking. Shaking his head sadly, he pulled on his sleeping shorts and turned away from the mirror; he’d seen enough.
He knew that Sean liked him and found him amusing, even endearing, he’d certainly called him adorable on more than one occasion. But perhaps the reason that he’d done nothing more than kiss him was that he wasn’t really turned on by Orlando? What if Sean didn’t really fancy Orlando in that way - he just didn’t find him particularly sexy? Maybe he’d prefer someone who looked more like himself – a bronzed Greek god, not some gangly, gauche boy who tripped over his own feet and had trouble stringing a sentence together!
Orlando worried at the skin of his thumb, biting it nervously. The real problem was that he had so little experience with any of this, not just the sex side of it, that he had no idea what to do. He’d never had a proper relationship before, never been in love and to be honest it scared him to death. He was so sure that he was going to do something wrong and ruin everything, that was why he hadn’t actually told Sean that he loved him yet - he didn’t want to come across as some clingy, immature boy. Which also made the whole issue of telling Sean about his virginity so awkward. What if he told Sean that he’d been waiting for the right man and Sean thought that he was strange or got freaked out when Orlando told him that he thought that *he* was the right man? And even if all that went okay and they actually went to bed, what if Orlando was just completely rubbish? What if he just got too nervous and got it all wrong? Then Sean would realise that this was all a huge mistake and be completely scared away. Orlando blinked back a few tears as his fear and anxiety got the better of him. He felt so terribly alone.
He pulled back the duvet and was just climbing into bed when he heard the familiar sound of the front door closing and quiet footsteps in the hallway - Craig was home and it sounded like he was alone; Dave must have gone back to his own place.
Suddenly Orlando needed his friend very much.
“Craig?” His voice sounded thin and needy, even to his own ears.
“Sweet pea?” Craig called in a concerned tone and knocked gently on the door. “Can I come in?”
“Yes, please,” Orlando sighed and literally threw himself into his friend’s arms as he walked through the door. He was so glad that Craig was here.
“Orli? Orli-baby, what’s the matter?” Craig asked, hugging Orlando to him and smoothing a hand through his hair. “Come on, let’s sit down, okay?” He said, leading Orlando back to the bed and sitting beside him, cuddling him close. “There you go, sweet pea. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s happened, eh?” Craig’s voice was quiet and concerned, so very different from his normal flamboyant self that Orlando found himself choked with emotion.
“Hey, it’s okay, sweetie. Just take your time. Is it something to do with Sean? Did you two have an argument? Did he do something that you didn’t like? He didn’t hurt you, did he, baby?” Craig’s tone was starting to become sharper and with a hard edge of worry.
Orlando could have laughed at the irony of it – Craig thought that Sean had tried something on with him and that he hadn’t liked it.
“No, it’s nothing like that,” Orlando said in a small voice, shaking his head. “Oh, it’s just me, I’m sure. I’m an idiot….”
Craig grasped Orlando’s shoulders and gave him a gentle shake. “You are *not* an idiot!” He said sternly, a determined look in his normally laughing blue eyes. “Now, tell me - what’s the matter?”
“Oh, god – I really am an idiot to think that I had a chance with someone like Sean!” Orlando groaned and dropped his eyes. “It’s not what you think – in fact it’s quite the opposite. I don’t think Sean wants me, he’s not interested in me, you know – like ‘that’…in bed…I’m not very sexy or something.” He looked up in shock as Craig’s musical laughter filled the room. “*Craig*!”
“Oh, sweet pea, I’m sorry - but you have to know that Sean is crazy about you! I knew it the second I met him and saw the way he looked at you. And what about all those fabulous kisses you’ve told me about, eh? That doesn’t sound like a man who isn’t interested.”
Orlando had been bursting with excitement after his dates with Sean and had, of course, confided in his very best friend - he always talked to him about this kind of thing and Craig was so good at listening and offering advice when Orlando needed it. “Well, why hasn’t he tried to take things any further, then? We’ve had three dates, man and all we’ve done is kiss!”
“Well, I’m no expert but it sounds to me like you’ve found yourself a gentleman…so you know what that means….”
“What?”
“I think that your Sean is doing the chivalrous thing and courting you, sweet pea!”
“*Courting* me? What, like wooing me or something?”
“I think so.”
“But, but I’m not a girl….”
“I know that, sweet pea and I’m sure that Sean is perfectly aware of it too!” Craig said. “I don’t think he’s purposely treating you like a girl as such, but from what you’ve told me about the way he grew up and finally came out and everything, maybe this is just what he’s used to. And it’s not like this is a terrible thing, Orli. In fact, I think it’s quite sweet.”
“Well, yeah – but….” Orlando was simultaneously charmed by Sean’s gallantry and frustrated by his restraint – the man really was a white knight! “Look, I know I’m not that experienced but I definitely know that I’m ready for more.” He pouted.
“Well, maybe you have to let him know that too. He’s not a mind reader and from what you’ve said before, he obviously has some idea that you don’t exactly jump into bed with every Tom, Dick and Harry – “ Craig laughed as Orlando snorted at his comment. “So, he’s taking things easy, he doesn’t want to rush you. Have you actually given him any idea that you’d like to take things further, maybe even get naked with him?” He laughed. “Well, at least take off a few things for starters!”
“*Oh*,” Orlando ducked his head and cringed slightly, as he suddenly remembered his earlier conversation with Sean. “Actually, I, um, may have given him the wrong impression about that.”
“What did you do, Orli?” Craig asked gently.
“Well, like – it was tonight and we were discussing the party – Sean’s got our costumes by the way, I’m so excited to see what he’s chosen for us but he wants it to be a surprise! Anyway, he said that he’d bring them here on Friday night and that we could change here, yeah?”
“And?” Craig arched an eyebrow.
“Well, I got a bit flustered, you know? ‘Cus I got this image of Sean - all *naked* and *here* and….” Orlando tailed off, a little embarrassed.
“Sweet pea, it’s perfectly normal to imagine something like that. Lord knows, I spend half my waking hours imagining men naked! But I only *get* naked with my honey,” he added at Orlando’s scandalised expression. “But while you were gazing all goo-goo eyed at Sean - imagining all that hard, muscled, naked flesh - he probably got the wrong idea. He thought that you didn’t want to get changed with him. That you were upset about it, that it?”
Orlando groaned as he realised what he’d done and buried his head in his hands. “He did seem really concerned and asked if I was okay about it – said he could change in another room.”
“Well, there you go – you’ve been sending out mixed messages and your Sean is such a gentleman that he doesn’t want to rush you into something you’re not ready for. You know, I definitely like your Sean – he gets my ‘good enough for my sweet pea’ seal of approval!”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that, Craigsie but can we get back to the important stuff please? Like, what about, um…do you think that he wants to, um… you know?”
“Make love to you?” Craig asked kindly. “Sweet pea, the man would be a fool if he didn’t! But only when you’re ready, okay?”
“Yeah, I know.” Orlando nodded. “I mean, I am still nervous but I just know that I love Sean and want to share this with him – he really is the *one*. But what do I do now? To let him know that I’d like to do more…stuff? You know, to eventually make love? I’m so scared that I’ll mess things up or that I’m no good, you know?”
Craig placed a comforting arm around Orlando’s shoulders. “Oh, sweet pea, you’re going to be fine.”
“But I haven’t told him that I’m still a virgin and that I’d like him to be the one to make love to me that way. What if that scares him off?”
“You know, I think that it’ll take a lot to scare away your Sean but remember - this is a big step – don’t rush into it just because you think you have to or to try to please Sean, okay? From what I can see, he’s a good man and I think that he’ll respect you – no matter what you choose to do. Just take things slowly.”
Orlando nodded, talking things through with Craig made him feel much less anxious. “But I’m still not sure what to say to him, you know?”
“I know, sweet pea. Look, why don’t Dave and I go to his flat after the party and that will leave this place empty for you and Sean to have some privacy? Invite him in and take it from there. Just do what you feel comfortable with and see where it leads - don’t push yourself into something you’re not ready for, okay? You don’t have to do everything the first time.”
“Okay,” Orlando nodded. Craig was always taking care of him – he really didn’t know what he’d do without him. “But do you think he’ll actually fancy me? I’m not exactly He-Man, am I?”
“Oh baby,” Craig soothed. “You still don’t know how beautiful you are, do you? Come here with me,” he said, guiding Orlando to stand in front of the mirror. “Now look, *look*,” he added, standing behind Orlando and lifting his chin with a gentle hand. “Look how beautiful you are, sweet pea. You have the sweetest face and – “
“But I don’t have broad shoulders like Sean.” Orlando sighed as he looked at his reflection, sad brown eyes meeting Craig’s in the mirror.
“No, you don’t but yours are perfectly proportioned with the rest of your gorgeous body. Look at you - you’re tall and slender and what about these fabulous dancer’s legs?” Craig said firmly. “Not to mention a bum to die for! It’s as firm as a lovely ripe peach,” he winked, giving it a cheeky little pinch.
“Craigsie!” Orlando whined.
“Orli!” Craig whined back, hugging him to his chest and resting his chin on Orlando’s shoulder. “Seriously, sweet pea – you’re gorgeous. I mean your eyes are just amazing, as brown as – “
“Two Maltesers?” Orlando asked with a grin, hugging Craig’s arms as they rested across his stomach. He knew that his friend was trying to build his confidence and he did appreciate it.
“I love Maltesers!” Craig smiled, adding slyly, “and I bet Sean does too.”
Orlando turned around and hugged his friend. “Thanks, Craig – for trying to make me feel better.”
“But has it worked? ‘Cus I haven’t even mentioned your gorgeous, silky hair yet or your flawless, olive skin or – “
“Okay, okay!” Orlando laughed.
“But I do mean it,” Craig said in a more earnest tone. “You’re beautiful, Orlando – inside and out. And I’m sure that your Sean can see it too.”
“Thank you,” Orlando whispered, hugging his friend tightly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, you know? You’re so good to me.”
“Oh, sweet pea – you’re easy to be good to. Are you going to be okay, now? No more worrying tonight?”
“I’ll try.”
“For me?”
“For you,” Orlando nodded, climbing into bed. “I love you.”
“Love you too, sweet pea,” Craig said as he ruffled Orlando’s curls gently. “Sleep well,” he added, with a brief kiss to Orlando’s forehead.
“You too - ’night, Craigsie.”
“Sweet dreams, my little sweet pea,” Craig called fondly as he left the room.
~~
To be continued.
Note: The football quotation is by Bill Shankly. ‘Some people think football is a matter of life and death, I assure them it is much more serious than that.’
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2 Jun 2004 01:53 pm (UTC)I just swoon at sweet white knight Sean!!!
YAYA!!
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:10 am (UTC)I'm just so pleased that you're still enjoying it.
::hugs::
(no subject)
Date: 2 Jun 2004 05:25 pm (UTC)Is it Friday yet?
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:12 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:41 am (UTC)I want to read more! :)
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:48 am (UTC)::hugs::
And I *am* working on more. (ggg)
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:51 am (UTC)I think your Orli is soo cute. And the white shining knight, Sean! I can't wait for him to teach Orli 'the facts of life' *giggles*
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 03:22 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2 Jun 2004 08:43 pm (UTC)Thank you! *hugs*
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:15 am (UTC)::hugs::
I think that SeanandOrli are always just so sweet together...
(no subject)
Date: 2 Jun 2004 11:01 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:20 am (UTC)::hugs::
I must admit I'm looking forward to writing the next part - hopefully the fancy dress party will be a lot of fun!
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 01:35 am (UTC)Thank you, and obviously, MORE! :)
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 02:22 am (UTC)::hugs::
I have a very romantic view of 'my' boys and I'm so glad that you're enjoying it!
Chapter eight
Date: 3 Jun 2004 06:02 am (UTC)Looking forward to the next instalment. :-)
Cath
Re: Chapter eight
Date: 3 Jun 2004 06:33 am (UTC)And then I can make you some icons - Michael Kitchen anyone? (ggg)
Thank you *so* much for your lovely, lovely comments.
This did seem to be a chapter for food, didn't it? (I did actually get hungry writing the pizza scene!)
I'm so glad that you're enjoying it & thank you for all of your wonderful support!
::hugs::
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 10:21 am (UTC)I CANNOT. WAIT. for Friday!! I can't wait to see what the costumes are! I can't wait to see if they get naked! I can't wait to...to...basically, I just can't wait!!
You're amazing and I heart you.
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 11:32 am (UTC)I've had a lot of fun coming up with everyone's costumes (there were a lot of boys to dress for this party!) I hope you enjoy it all!
Thanks so much for the feedback - I felt like I really needed a bit of a boost today & this has really helped me.
::hugs::
(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 12:45 pm (UTC)Anytime, babe. :o)
(no subject)
Date: 4 Jun 2004 01:40 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 3 Jun 2004 09:50 pm (UTC)Hope to see more!! MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MOREMORMEORMEORME!
:)
(no subject)
Date: 4 Jun 2004 02:02 am (UTC)I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter!
Thank you for the fb!
(no subject)
Date: 7 Jun 2004 05:40 pm (UTC)This is fantastic as always. =)
Love how Sean's not trying to rush things and just let Orli take his time. And it's so adorable (and believable) for Orli to be worried that Sean might not feel the same way, etc.
*cuddles*
(no subject)
Date: 8 Jun 2004 12:32 am (UTC)::hugs::
I'm so pleased that this is working out okay - because obviously *we* know how gorgeous & adorable Orli is but he's so inexperienced with having a relationship that he just has no idea!
You've boosted my confidence no end - thank you! LOL!
(no subject)
Date: 11 Sep 2004 10:21 pm (UTC)Great work!
(no subject)
Date: 12 Sep 2004 09:53 am (UTC)Thank you again for your lovely feedback.