He'd tried to smile, but the noise had been so loud that soon his head was pounding. Someone had handed him Tylenol, but so far it hadn't made a dent in his headache. He'd left the after-party as soon as it was 'safe', making a discreet exit after explaining the circumstances to Frank.

Sitting back against the headboard of his hotel room bed (driving home had been out of the question in his condition), Orlando stared at the images on the TV without actually seeing them. The sound he'd turned down until it was barely audible. There were days when he loved acting. When the thrill of being in front of the camera or walking into a theater premiere was magical. Tonight, for all his pride in his current film, Orlando couldn't muster any enthusiasm. One moment stood out above all the others to bring him unbelievable pain.

He sighed, rubbing his temples and brow in a vain attempt to thwart the recalcitrant throbbing behind his eyes. He felt like crying, but knew that would only worsen his problem. It was hell being separated. And not being able to talk to each other made it even worse.

Opening his new toy - a Sony TX series notebook which he'd aptly named Tex - Orlando checked his email. After much deliberation and lengthy talks with his Mum and sister, he'd finally taken the final plunge into technology. It didn't take long to finish reading the few emails he'd acquired, so he began to surf the net for information on Viggo.

He was still amazed by how many results were obtained simply by googling his own name or Viggo's. After narrowing the search to TIFF, Orlando found his pot of gold. Pictures were already surfacing of Viggo at the premiere.

"Damn, he looks gorgeous!" Orlando breathed, still trying to keep sound to a minimum. Viggo's blonde streaks had returned to their normal brown from less exposure to the sun. The white shirt brought out the sparkle in his blue eyes. The warmth from within them spilled out to the camera, and into Orlando's heart.

But looking at the images of the man he could not hold tonight only served to make him lonelier. Wiping away a tear he hadn't even realized he'd cried, Orlando set the computer aside.

He was about to shut it down completely when the 'ping' sound announcing new mail caught his attention. Opening the program once more, the return address caught his eye and he smiled genuinely for the first time that night.

Hey, Elfboy. Just got in. Have been thinking about you all evening. Stole out as quickly as I could so that I could get back to the hotel to email you and tell you that I love you. I imagine they are keeping you busy in L.A. Call me when you get this. I don't care what time it is; I need to hear your voice. Love, V.

Tossing the notebook aside, he picked his cell off the bedside table. Three quick jabs with his thumb - #86 - he was rewarded with ringing on the other end.

"I wish you'd wear you hair down again. It's very difficult to imagine running my fingers through it when you pull it back all the time."

"Hello to you, too," Orlando smiled into the phone. "Browsing the net at this late hour?"

"Well, not for very long. I just sent that email about ten minutes ago. I wasn't expecting you to be in yet."

"Yeah, well..." Orlando's voice softened as he searched for something to add.

"Missing me that much already?" Viggo's words were light, but hopeful.

"Always, love." There was a lengthy pause that only those who are in love and separated by miles or those who have been together for many years could understand. Words were not necessary. The sound of each other's breathing was enough.

Finally, Orlando spoke. "You looked amazing tonight."

"Wish I could say the same about you," Viggo sighed melodramatically before adding, "but you always look amazing."

Orlando grinned, his headache momentarily forgotten.

"I see you've decided to start kissing other men as well," Viggo said, and Orlando couldn't miss the taunt in his words. "But really babe, going for them so much younger?"

Orlando chuckled, "You're one to talk of cradle-robbing!"

"Touché," Viggo replied.

Another long pause, and Orlando could hear keys tapping on the other end. Orlando listened, content to watch the image of Viggo at the keyboard with his mind's eye. His thoughts turned back to what Viggo had said. Orlando knew Viggo didn't know how much that little boy had hurt him. Nothing physical, the kid had been an angel. And that was the problem.

"Vig?"

"Yeah?"

Orlando could tell he was distracted, but he had to get the words out. "Do you ever fancy us someday..."

"Having a kid of our own?" Viggo finished for him.

Every time Orlando thought he was on a path by himself, it never failed to surprise him that Viggo's path was the same. It was like that 'Footprints' poem. "Yeah," he mumbled.

"Any time you're ready, Orlando," Viggo said. His tone was soft, but there were words unspoken hanging in the air.

"The ball's in my court, yeah?" Once again Viggo was ready to give up everything for what Orlando wanted. Because Orlando was all he wanted.

"Always has been."

Orlando knew the words hadn't been meant to hurt him, but he felt the sting regardless. He needed to get off the phone now, before he said something that he'd later regret. "Well, I guess I should let you go. I have a headache and need some sleep before tomorrow. I know you have a busy few days as well. Love you, Vig. Bye."

~~~***~~~

Viggo listened to the silence from the other end, confusion creating a valley between his eyebrows. What had just happened? He mentally replayed the conversation and cringed. Nope, that hadn't sounded good at all.

Long ago, Viggo had told Orlando that he would kill time making his own movies until the Brit had the acting bug out of his system. Or at least the big time, ultra-commercialized bug. The private little independent films wouldn't care that its starring role was played by a gay man, and the theatre actually looked for them. Then and only then could they commit to the life that both of them wanted: coming out as a couple and settling down on a ranch somewhere in the world, perhaps drifting between a couple residences over the seasons.

Viggo hadn't given much thought to having another kid in the house; since Hank had graduated, his free time was pretty much his own and he was enjoying every minute of it. He knew that Orlando wanted kids some day, and being so much younger, Viggo couldn't deny him the thrill and joy of watching a life being born, or helping your five year old son swing his T-ball bat, or learning to ride a bike. Fundamental things that he'd found to be the most precious gifts in the world.

He knew Orlando was aware that Viggo waited on him alone. He hadn't meant his words to sound so callous. Pushing the speed dial for Orlando, Viggo heard it ring several times before the voice mail kicked in. He couldn't apologize on voice mail. The thought of apologizing over the phone at all turned his stomach. Orlando deserved better, and he would see that he got it.

~~~***~~~

Giving in to unjustified fears and self-pity, Orlando had cried himself to sleep. It made for a foul wakeup, but he'd survived worse. He glanced at the phone on the nightstand and saw the 'missed call' light flashing. Ignoring it for the time being, he made his way to the bathroom to catch a quick shower, stripping off his clothes as he went. If the clock on top of the TV was reliable it was nearly 6 AM. Four hours sleep would have to do.

The hot water relaxed and soothed him, making his thoughts flow easily. Thinking back on last night's phone call he realized how childish and irrational his insecurities were. Viggo wasn't making accusations or pointing fingers. He'd just stated a fact. Mortified at how terrible he must have made Viggo feel, Orlando turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, swiftly wrapping a towel around his waist as he padded back into the bedroom with water dripping from his hair.

He checked the phone and discovered with disappointment that it had been Viggo who'd tried to call him back. He was in the middle of giving himself a mental ass-kicking when the scent of food caught his attention. Curious, he looked into the front room of the suite and saw a breakfast cart just inside the door. Had he ordered breakfast to be sent up last night? He certainly didn't remember doing it, but his growling stomach decided the smell was too good to pass up any longer.

Lifting the silver lid he discovered bacon, eggs, and biscuits with a dish of gravy. Orange juice and coffee sat to the side, and Orlando greedily poured a cup of the hot beverage before fixing himself a plate. The plush chairs in front of the large windows looked out over the city and would be ideal for enjoying breakfast. Turning towards them, he stopped when he saw a jean clad leg and a worn black cowboy boot lazily extended out from the chair on the right.

Nerves made him cough, and a bare arm extended holding a long-stemmed red rose. When Orlando coughed again, a face leaned forward and smiled at him.

"You really should see someone about that cough, love."

"Vig!" Orlando nearly squealed, then looked around for a place to set down his plate and mug.

"Expecting someone else?" he asked nonchalantly, rising from the chair and taking the dishes from Orlando's hand to set them on the paper-strewn coffee table.

"Wasn't even expecting you," Orlando smiled, throwing his arms around Viggo's shoulders and hugging him close once they were safely empty. "What are you doing here? I thought you had conferences or something today?"

Viggo continued to smile as he placed a finger over Orlando's lips, effectively shushing him. "I have nowhere else to be today except with you." Leaning in, he softly placed his lips on Orlando's and was happy when the younger man returned the gentle touch with a firmer pressure.

When they pulled apart, Viggo's words were chosen with great care. "I wanted to apologize for last night. I never meant to insinuate that it was your fault we aren't together more often, or that your dreams are any less relevant than mine."

"I know that, Vig. With my headache and all, I overreacted. I'm sorry too." Orlando nuzzled the side of Viggo's face, causing the older man to chuckle as he reflexively turned into the touch. This time when their lips met, passion blossomed as if nurtured by a spring rain.

The rose still clasped in Viggo's hand fell to the floor seconds before those same fingers traced lines down Orlando's naked torso, stopping at the ridge of the towel around his waist.

Orlando's breath hitched when Viggo's fingers loosened the towel, letting it fall to the floor in a heap. "Viggo," he whispered between kisses, "You're still fully dressed."

"Not for long, my love," the Dane replied, attempting to walk Orlando backwards into the bedroom, but quickly deciding that lifting him up would be more efficient; he felt the familiar pressure of muscular legs clasp around his waist and a prominent poking in his stomach as he took the final steps to the bed.

He drank in Orlando's lithe form reclining on the mattress as he stripped off his Alatristé t-shirt, boots, and jeans. His eyes traveled down to his arousal, already weeping from the tip. "Excited to see me?" he asked with a smirk.

"You have a knack for stating the obvious, Mr. Mortensen," Orlando answered, stretching his arms above his head and arching his back, giving Viggo full view of everything he was about to receive.

"You are a banquet," Viggo declared as he crawled up Orlando's body, "and I intend to taste every inch of you."

Their mouths sealed briefly, tongues dancing and teeth nipping full lips, before Viggo pulled away to trail kisses over his lover's neck. Orlando moaned as Viggo sucked and bit, marking him in a way that was certain to require use of a pashmina later. He cried out in bliss when Viggo gave the same treatment to his left nipple and then his right, the feel of callused fingers skimming down his abdomen until they reached the nest of dark curls causing a ripple of excitement to run through him.

"Ah, Vig..." he whimpered as the fingers left the curls, caressing the silky skin of his thighs before coming to rest in the shadowed cleft between his legs. His legs parted in silent invitation. He'd been away from Viggo too long and now his body was running on autopilot. There would be no quiet coupling the first time.

He heard Viggo curse under his breath before his form vanished from the bed. "Forget something?" Orlando teased, watching him. Viggo gave him a look that said "Very funny!" before reaching into his jeans and retrieving a packet of lube.

"You should be thankful I remembered this at all," Viggo stated in the sexy hushed voice that set Orlando's hairs on end. "There was enough estrogen on that red carpet last night to make long-at-sea sailors run for cover."

Orlando giggled, "Oh, so should I be jealous then?"

Viggo nestled in between Orlando's thighs, his eyes locking with his lover's as his tongue licked from Orlando's balls to the tip of his shaft.

"Sweet Jesus!" Orlando cried, his eyes rolling back in his head as Viggo's mouth drew him in completely.

He suckled the shaft, intermittently swirling his tongue around the head as Orlando thrust shallowly into his mouth. Watching Orlando come undone was easily his favorite aphrodisiac. While his lover's attention was diverted, he thoroughly slicked a finger with lube and prodded gently at the puckered entrance. His ears were treated with a hiss of pleasure and then a garbled moan as he breached the aperture and began a subtle stroke inside the tight channel, all the while maintaining firm suction on the erection pulsing in his mouth.

"Vig... oh god, Vig!" Orlando's hips bucked wildly when Viggo's finger crooked to find his lightning button. Jolts of electricity seized him seconds before he cried out his release. His body went limp on the bed while his labored breathing returned to normal. He felt Viggo slink up his sated form, the insistent erection between his lover's legs refusing to be denied any longer.

"Come here, baby," Orlando cooed, welcoming him with open arms as his legs spread in blatant immodesty.

Viggo nestled into the embrace, squelching the ache in his groin long enough to kiss Orlando soundly. A moan reverberated through both of their chests as Orlando's cool fingers grasped his slick shaft and directed it where it needed to be. "Want you," Viggo breathed as he pushed against the taught ring of muscle.

"Want you more," Orlando sighed, relaxing himself further and welcoming his partner into his body. Biting his bottom lip at the sensation of fullness, he was unable to suppress the utterance of "Fuck!" when Viggo unerringly struck his prostate.

Viggo's only reply was a moan of approval, followed by his lips suckling Orlando's peaked nipples as he thrust slowly within the wet cavern. He felt the return of Orlando's impudence against his stomach and reached down to stroke it in time with his thrusts. "Faster, Vig," the voice below him pleaded, and Viggo complied, speeding his thrusts as well as his fist.

Orlando sought his lover's eyes and locked on. He wanted to watch Viggo lose control, abandoning that reserved veneer for the transcendent blissful expression only he could give him. "Come for me, lover." Orlando's whisper slid over Viggo's spine like warm honey as he pulled him down and ran his tongue lightly across Viggo's lips.

Viggo shuddered at the tender caress, his heart shattering with love as their bodies succumbed to the physical connection and exploded in unison. Joining their lips fully, Viggo poured his love out through the kiss, determined to let Orlando know that come what may, he would always be first in Viggo's heart.

After retreating to the bathroom for a washcloth and performing a courtesy cleanup, Orlando snuggled under the covers and into Viggo's waiting arms. They had time. If it all went to hell in a hand basket tomorrow, they'd do as they wanted and come out. He was tired of waiting, and he was even more tired of asking Viggo to wait indeterminately for their love to be 'allowed'. One way or another, things would have to change soon. Giving his soul mate a soft kiss, Orlando wrapped his arm around Viggo's waist and drifted off to sleep.

Viggo sighed as he felt Orlando's body relax into slumber. The waiting was the hardest part. He wanted Orlando by his side now, not years from now. He wasn't fool enough to hide his emotions from himself like he hid them from Orlando. But he would never deny Orlando his life or his dreams. Soon the man wrapped around him would discover there was more to life than fame and fortune. And he would be there to take his hand and guide him around their new world, in much the same way as he'd denied himself the position to influence Orlando's judgment in this world.

Right here in his arms was heaven, Viggo knew, and he would do whatever it took to maintain their heaven on earth.

~END~

Read the sequel Continental Breakfast - Sometime Later by Tularia