Green Glass ~ a modern day fairy tale
by
Bluespirit

Fandom: Lord of the Rings RPS
Pairing: Sean/Orlando
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Love really is the sweetest thing.
Warning: An alternate universe romance.
Word count: 78 000+

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.

Notes:
Heartfelt thanks to my amazing beta Xanthe.  I simply couldn't have done this without her.

Chapter ten

Orlando turned up the volume of the hi-fi in the living room and Harry Connick was soon crooning away quietly, complementing the relaxed atmosphere created by the dimmed lamps and the warm glow of the fire.

However, Orlando was far from relaxed.  The blissful anticipation he’d felt in the car as Sean had kissed him, had quickly disintegrated now that he was alone.  Sean was only putting their shields and swords and whatnot into the hallway but suddenly Orlando was agitated about the night ahead, unconsciously twisting the silver band on his thumb around and around. 

He’d listened gratefully to all of Craig’s advice and was determined to take things slowly.  He trusted Sean and was certain that his boyfriend would never push him to do anything that he didn’t want.  But that wasn’t really even the problem; yes, he was nervous about taking this next unknown step with Sean but it was something that he desperately wanted to do - he’d been saving himself for the right man and Sean was that man, he was sure.  The problem was that the idea of making love with Sean not only attracted him intensely but it also terrified him.  This was such a momentous step, as far away from a couple of fumbled hand jobs in the loo of a club - his sexual repertoire to date - as he could possibly imagine.  Sean was clearly a confidant lover with many more years experience than he and Orlando was still incredibly worried about the fact that he hadn’t been able to tell him about how very little sexual experience he had.  What would Sean’s expectations of him be?  And how would Sean know what Orlando wanted?  He wasn’t sure that he could actually put it into words - he just knew that he wanted to experience everything with Sean, give himself to him completely.  He had told Sean that he didn’t really do the gay scene all that much but he still hadn’t found a way to let him know that he was still a virgin and that he wanted Sean to be his first.  And despite all of Craig’s platitudes, he was still terrified that Sean would expect him to know stuff and then find him lacking - or that he’d do something wrong or just end up being a complete failure and totally crap in bed.  This was his first real relationship - not only sexually but also emotionally.   He couldn’t face the thought of losing Sean, he just couldn’t; he loved him too much already. 

His increasingly frantic internal dialogue was cut short by a calm voice.

"This sounds nice."

Orlando turned around to see a smiling Sean standing casually in the doorway.  He’d taken off his chest plate to reveal the burnished tunic below, the contours of the shaped leather highlighting a wide, muscled expanse of chest.  Orlando felt his mouth go dry and tried to swallow around the lust swelling within him, his fears momentarily silenced by the vision of masculine perfection before him.

"Um, yeah," he babbled hoarsely.  "It’s one of Craig’s cds, um, I think Dave bought it for him last Christmas or maybe for his birthday, you know, um…it’s really good."  What was he supposed to do now? He nervously looked around the room and moved over to the mantelpiece.  "Candles!  I should, like, um, light some candles…for, you know, mood…atmosphere or um, whatever.  I know there are some matches here somewhere…." His hands were suddenly clumsy as he fumbled to open the matchbox.  "*Oh*, and a drink!  Wine, yeah?  I think there’s a bottle in the fridge, I can just - "

Orlando stopped abruptly when he felt gentle hands on his shoulders and warm breath ghosting across his ear.

"Calm down, sweetheart," Sean soothed as he moved in closer.  "Just take it easy.  You don’t have to worry about doing any of that - we don’t need it.  Unless you’d like a drink?"  He asked, rubbing Orlando’s arms reassuringly.

Orlando lowered his eyes, soft curls brushing his cheeks as he shook his head.  He really was an idiot.  What on earth did he think he was doing, trying to set up some big seduction scene or something?   Sean was so much more sophisticated than any of that.  He sighed as he felt the muscled heat of Sean’s chest press snugly against his back, the warm presence soothing away his embarrassment a little.  He was just nervous and trying too hard, that was all.

"Why don’t we start by making you feel more comfortable, eh?"  Sean said softly, working at the buckles of Orlando’s chest plate with light touches. 

The armour was swiftly removed, leaving the short tunic beneath and Orlando shivered slightly as gentle fingers traced across his biceps, carefully unhooking the etched silver cuffs before unfastening the leather vambraces from his wrists.  Sean’s deft touch was so reassuring and Orlando felt some of his anxiety fade.  But he was also hyper-aware of every place that Sean touched him, the slightest pressure to his skin arousing him more than he would ever have thought possible.  He flushed brightly as he felt his cock throb with heat and want - his conscious mind might still be agitated but it seemed that his body knew exactly what it wanted. 

When he was finished with the armour, Sean wrapped his arms around Orlando’s waist and pulled him back to rest firmly against his chest once more.  He pressed a tender kiss to the side of Orlando’s neck.

"That’s better, isn’t it?"  He whispered, feathering a line of tiny kisses from Orlando’s jaw to ear.  "I’m not sure how those Greeks ever got anything done, wearing that stuff all the time."

Orlando leaned back into the cradle of Sean’s strong body and rested his hands on Sean’s muscled forearms, giving himself over to the comfort of his boyfriend’s voice and touch.  "Mmm, much better," he murmured, lost in the sensation of Sean’s lips lazily nuzzling at his skin.  Sean squeezed him once and then turned him around, still locked within the circle of his arms.  "How about we sit down?"  He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly in the way that Orlando had already grown to love.  Sean brushed a gentle thumb across Orlando’s cheekbone and placed a kiss to his nose before slowly guiding him to sit on the sofa.  He sat beside him, sliding an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close, gently stroking the dark curls falling into the crook of Orlando’s neck.

"You are so beautiful," he said softly, his accent thickening slightly as he lightly ran the knuckles of his other hand down Orlando’s cheek.  "The way the firelight’s reflecting in your eyes…and the softness of your skin…." He said gently.  "It’s no good - I think I’m going to have to kiss you again," Sean smiled, holding his gaze until Orlando felt sure that he would die if he didn’t feel those soft lips on his own this second.

"Please…." Orlando moaned, his voice no more than breathless need.

Sean gathered him close for the kiss, and Orlando opened his lips to the gently questing tongue and sucked it into his mouth, welcoming the explosion of want that shuddered through him as he felt the insistent press of Sean’s mouth on his.  The kiss grew deeper as Sean teased his tongue across Orlando’s teeth and nipped lightly at his lips causing Orlando’s breath to come in short, needy moans.

Sean pulled his mouth away and Orlando gasped as he felt firm lips kiss a tantalising trail down his neck to the hollow between his collarbones, where a warm tongue traced patterns that made his skin come alive, hyper-sensitive to every heated breath and touch.

Sean moved away slightly and gently pushed Orlando back until he was half-reclining on the sofa, his head resting on the cushioned arm.  He laid a hand on the buckles at the side of Orlando’s tunic.

"Is this okay?" He asked softly.

Orlando moaned his assent, fumbling ineffectually at the buckles with passion-clumsy fingers.   His earlier anxiety had flown in the face of Sean’s touch and he longed to feel the heated expanse of Sean’s broad chest against his own.  Competent fingers covered his and quickly unfastened the buckles before lifting the leather away from his skin. 

Orlando lay in Sean’s embrace, now naked save for the black boxer briefs currently outlining his growing erection.  He looked up apprehensively as he heard a sharp intake of breath.  Sean was staring down at him, looking like sex incarnate, his golden body encased in leather - heat, lust and some deeper emotion flashing across his face and making his eyes grow heavy.

"I was wrong," he murmured.  "You’re not just beautiful…you’re exquisite…."

Orlando lowered his eyes, unable to comprehend the naked emotion in the searing, green gaze.  Sean wanted him - *really* wanted him?  He’d never thought of himself as the object of someone’s sexual desire before and to imagine that someone like *Sean* could see him in that way…it was amazing…and arousing beyond belief. 

"Simply exquisite…." Sean repeated, the deep growl of his voice making Orlando flush hotly.

Orlando’s eyes shot open at the first teasing touch of tongue to his nipple.  Sean was leaning across his chest - blond locks spilling onto Orlando’s skin, their silky slide aiding the softly lapping tongue that was currently driving him insane.

"More…please," Orlando sobbed brokenly, pushing his charm necklace out of the way and desperately lifting his chest towards Sean’s slick tongue.  He tentatively twisted his fingers in the soft strands of gold falling against him and was thrilled by Sean’s growl of approval.  He was desperate for more - more of those lush lips kissing and nuzzling at his flesh, more of the sharp teeth nipping lightly at the tightly curled bud of his nipple.  His body was burning and he had to cry out and release the emotion that was building inside him.

"Sean…." It was more a moan than a cry, as he no longer had any semblance of control, his whole being centred on the feel of the electrifying touches covering his chest.  Oh god, he wanted more, more of that hot mouth, more of that lapping tongue - just *more*, more of whatever Sean could give him.  Orlando was completely undone - it was as if he were being touched for the first time in his life - no one had ever made him feel this way, made him ache so sublimely with such a simple caress.

Sean slipped an arm underneath Orlando’s shoulders, while his mouth made a slow, sweet journey of kisses to his ear.  His other hand ghosted across Orlando’s chest, lightly retracing the still tingling path of heated lips and tongue and teeth.  Gentle fingertips circled one nipple as soft lips sucked his earlobe lightly, causing Orlando to arch in pleasure and reach blindly to hold Sean’s muscular shoulders. 

"S’okay, sweetheart," Sean whispered, his breath warming the delicate shell of Orlando’s ear.

Orlando’s body shuddered as he felt teeth nipping lightly at the skin of his earlobe and a bolt of yearning hit him low in the belly as Sean’s fingers plucked at the hardened flesh of his nipple.

"So beautiful…." Sean murmured, his words almost lost as he took Orlando’s mouth in another deep kiss, his tongue hot and heavenly as it plunged in, claiming and caressing.

Just when Orlando felt sure that he would explode from the feel of Sean’s fingers on his chest and the skilful tongue in his mouth, the hand slipped lower to stroke the soft skin of his abdomen.  Sean’s touch felt like a brand and a wave of arousal tore through him, the muscles of his stomach contracting and quivering in need.  The stroking stopped immediately and Orlando whimpered, his protest lost in the kiss.

"Are you all right, baby?"  Sean whispered, his palm rubbing soothing circles against Orlando’s trembling belly.  "Is this okay?"

Orlando looked up into Sean’s concerned gaze and nodded, his eyes wide and dark.  "Oh, yes…"

The smile that Sean gave him was beautiful and he fought to keep his eyes open for as long as possible as Sean leant down to take his mouth once more.

Orlando clung tightly to Sean’s strong shoulders, his fingers grasping at the bronzed skin, as Sean’s thumb delicately traced a circle around his navel, quickly dipping in and out before continuing to move lower.  His fingers stroked across the skin just above the waistband of Orlando’s briefs and he lifted his hips reflexively.

"More?"  Sean asked, as he carefully slipped his hand just under the elastic. 

Orlando was beyond the ability to speak, Sean’s touch was burning into his skin and his cock was physically aching with the need to feel that heat wrapped around it.  He nodded violently and pressed his mouth to Sean’s, his wordless whimper swallowed in the moist sweetness. 

Sean took control of the kiss whilst slowly easing the clinging fabric away from Orlando’s hard flesh and pushing the briefs down his thighs.  Orlando moaned as his cock sprang free of its confines and came to rest against the flat of his abdomen, a clear drop of fluid weeping from the tip.  Sean then slid his hand up the sensitive skin of Orlando’s thigh before coming to rest covering his cock.

For a moment, the hand was still, Sean’s palm lying lightly on the hard, reddened flesh, and Orlando felt sure that his heart would beat from his chest as the sound of blood thundered deafeningly in his ears.  His world contracted to the burning touch searing itself into his cock and the soft lips suddenly still against his own.

Then Orlando moaned, a low, aching breath of supplication as Sean wrapped his hand firmly around the turgid flesh and caressed it once from root to tip, the smooth skin of his palm sliding along with exquisite friction.  How could something so simple feel so good?  It was like fire was bubbling under his skin, scorching every nerve ending to ash.  He felt like he was losing himself in the flames and moaned helplessly as Sean began to repeat the motion, pulling and squeezing with just the perfect pressure, the perfect rhythm.  And all the time that Sean’s warm grasp was working his needy shaft and bringing him closer to ecstasy, gentle lips were feathering kisses across his mouth and face and neck.  Through his own laboured breath, Orlando could just make out Sean’s soft murmurings.

"That’s it, baby…you’re so beautiful…so perfect…oh, sweetheart…Orli…."

The way that Sean’s voice roughened and broke as he said Orlando’s name shot straight to his heart and he couldn’t help himself as his emotions burst free and he blurted out in a breathy rush,  "Oh, Sean.  I love you."

The skilful hand pleasuring him squeezed suddenly with just-sublime pressure and Orlando couldn’t hold back as his climax rushed forth.  Before he could even stammer out a warning, burning heat coalesced in his balls and he cried out hoarsely as ropes of milky fluid spilled across Sean’s massaging hand and pooled on the skin of Orlando’s quaking stomach.

Soothing fingers gently coaxed him through the final spasms of completion and he was panting harshly as hid his blushes in the crook of Sean’s neck, his traitorous body still shaking with the force of his orgasm.  Shame mingled with embarrassment and dread as his heated face pressed against the smooth, golden skin.  Oh god, what had he done?  Not only had he come before they’d even really got started - coming all over Sean’s hand at that - but he’d also told him that he loved him!  Sean was definitely going to think that he was just an immature kid and that would be it.  What on earth would he see in him now?  Orlando blinked his eyes quickly and ruthlessly forced back a tear.  That was all he needed - for Sean to see him sniffling like a baby!

Orlando felt Sean shift a little and pull his arm from under his shoulders.  So this was it, Sean had seen enough and was leaving.  Not that he could blame him - why would he want to stay?

Orlando jumped slightly when he felt a gentle caress to the side of his face and strong fingers lightly carding through his hair.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?"  Sean sounded so tender and concerned.

"Um, yeah," Orlando sniffed and tried to hide his tears.  "I’m sorry - I didn’t mean for that to happen.  I just got carried away.  S-sorry…."

Sean’s hand lifted his chin slowly but Orlando kept his eyes lowered.  He didn’t want to see pity or condescension in those beautiful, green eyes.

"Orli?  Baby?"  Sean asked carefully.  "What exactly are you sorry for?"

Orlando felt himself flush deeper.  "Um, sorry for, you know - that, what I just did and stuff…." He mumbled miserably as he reached behind himself to blindly grab a handful of tissues from the box on the end table.  He roughly wiped the still-warm fluid from his stomach before carefully cleaning Sean’s hand, all the time keeping his eyes down.  He just couldn’t bear to look at Sean when he tried to let him down lightly and make some excuse for having to leave early.  He was surprised when Sean’s fingers entwined with his own and stilled the movement.

"Orli, will you look at me please?"  Sean’s voice was so soft that Orlando dared a quick look and his eyes widened at the tender gaze bestowed on him.

"You’ve got nothing to apologise for, sweetheart," Sean murmured as he lightly brushed a tear from Orlando’s cheek.  "Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?  You know, that you enjoy yourself?"

"B-but, we didn’t have chance to, you know, do stuff and you didn’t, um, c-come," Orlando said, cheeks glowing with embarrassment.  "And I didn’t even get to see you naked!"  He pouted regretfully.

Sean laughed and kissed him tenderly.  "Who says we’re done yet, eh?  That was just for starters - I was thinking that this seemed a perfect time to perhaps move things to the bedroom.  If that’s all right with you?"

Orlando lay dumbfounded on the sofa - a moment before, he was sure that he’d ruined everything and here was Sean suggesting that this was just the start of their evening together.  He hadn’t ruined it - Sean still wanted to be with him.  He smiled shyly as he looked up into green eyes full of warmth.  "Um, I’d really like that…."

Sean gathered him close, wrapping him in a strong, comforting embrace and nuzzling at the skin of his neck before claiming Orlando’s mouth in a deep, sweet kiss.

"And Orli?"  Sean whispered as their lips slowly parted.  "I love you too, baby."

~~

Chapter eleven

Orlando hugged his arms around himself and sighed happily, a joyous smile lighting up his face and making his dark eyes shine.

Sean had said that he loved him. 

It was amazing…unbelievable…fantastic.

Sean *loved* him.

He just made him feel so special, so treasured - like he was the only thing in the world that mattered.

He sighed again dreamily.

Sean loved *him*.

He couldn’t quite take it all in - it was like a dream come true.  He had finally found the perfect man - his hero…his white knight - someone to love and who loved him in return.

‘I love you too, baby.’

He knew that he’d always remember the gentle way that Sean had said those words and the sweetest, softest of kisses that had followed.  He’d never be happier than he was right now - being with Sean was everything that he’d ever wanted, could ever have imagined; Sean made his life complete.

He looked around in a daze - he couldn’t actually remember moving from the living room but here he was in the bedroom.  Sean had gone to the bathroom and now Orlando stood waiting in the warm wash of light shining from the lamp.

Should he get into bed or would that look too forward? Considering what had just happened on the sofa and what he *hoped* was about to happen, perhaps worrying about seeming forward was a bit redundant now. 

He slowly slipped his thumbs under the waistband of his briefs and absently stroked at the soft skin beneath.  Hmmm, on or off? 

He began to ease the tight black fabric down the taut muscles of his thighs. 

But what if this made him look too eager? 

He pulled the fabric back up. 

But he *was* eager!  Admittedly, he was still a little jittery and nervous but he definitely wanted this to happen - whatever this next step might actually be.  Would Sean want to have full sex straight away?  Actual…penetration?  Orlando shifted slightly from foot to foot.  He knew that emotionally he wanted that - to share his body completely with Sean - he just wasn’t sure if he was quite ready physically.  He was still a little apprehensive and he didn’t know if he could just go straight for it.  But he definitely wanted to be with Sean tonight, of that he was sure.

Nodding his head decisively, he pushed the briefs down again. 

But what if this made him look slutty and gave Sean the wrong idea?  Would Sean think that he did this kind of thing all the time and not realise how very special this moment was for him?  Orlando had never actually shared a bed with a lover before and he wanted everything to be perfect.

The briefs returned to their original position.  

But getting into bed still wearing his knickers did seem a bit juvenile and at this rate they were going to go up and down more times than a fiddler’s elbow!

Taking a deep breath, Orlando pulled the briefs down his long legs and stepped out of them before tossing them into the laundry basket.  His already interested cock bobbed up, happy to be free of its snug confines, and he gave it a comforting squeeze as he quickly slipped under the covers to wait.  He sat against the headboard and draped the sheet across his lap, unconsciously biting at the skin of his thumb as he watched the doorway.  His emotions were seesawing rapidly - he was overcome with the joy of knowing that Sean loved him and he was filled with an intense anticipation of what was to come.  However, he was still nervous about his lack of experience and worried that he might let Sean down in some way - the fear of the unknown was definitely weighing on his mind.  This combination of feelings had his heart beating hard in his chest and yet every part of him was alive with expectation.

Sean entered the room and Orlando couldn’t contain the small gasp that escaped him.  He’d removed the moulded leather tunic and now stood naked, save for a pair of form fitting black boxer briefs that just skimmed the tops of his muscular, golden thighs whilst hugging the gorgeous globes of his bottom.  But what drew Orlando’s gaze was the way that the fabric also followed the contours of Sean’s obviously impressive cock - the partially swollen length of it highlighted magnificently by the light and shadow of the clinging cloth.

Orlando drew in a deep breath, certain that his overworked brain was ready to explode from the lack of oxygen this glorious sight was causing.  He managed to slowly drag his eyes away from the vision of Sean’s mouth-watering groin to take in the complete spectacle before him.  Sean was dazzling - quite simply beautiful beyond belief.  Every inch of his toned, tanned body was sublime - all chiselled definition and lush looking skin - a living work of art. His smooth, bronzed chest shimmered in the lamp’s soft glow, with just a light dusting of fair hair gracing the broad expanse and a darker trail disappearing enticingly beneath the snug briefs.

Orlando could do little more than stare, his eyes wide and his heart now beating even faster, as he watched Sean smile gently, the corners of his eyes creasing adorably, as he walked towards the bed.

"Is it okay if I join you?"  His voice was soft and deep, touching a place within Orlando that made him long to hear it over and over again - forever if at all possible.

Orlando swallowed and nodded, his eyes wide and dark.  "Yes, please," he whispered shyly as he moved over and lay down, lifting the covers a little in invitation.

Sean smiled and quickly removed his briefs before slipping into bed beside him.  Orlando had no more than a swift glimpse of a hard, reddened cock before the press of Sean’s naked body against his side made him flush hotly and lower his eyes.  Sean turned onto his side and Orlando could feel the hot length of the huge erection burning into his hip.  The immediacy and reality of what was about to happen hit him hard in the chest and he pulled away sharply, fighting for breath.  He needed to have some space and talk to Sean - explain things to him, before things went any further.  He just couldn’t think clearly with Sean so close and so naked - and so *big*.

"Orli?  Sweetheart, are you okay?"  Sean’s voice was concerned and Orlando forced himself to look up into the tender gaze.  "Am I rushing you, baby?  Because you only have to say and we can - "

"*No*!"  Orlando cried, worried that his worst nightmare was about to come true and that he was going to mess everything up and lose Sean because of his nerves and inexperience.  "I just - I just need to tell you something.  First, like, before we go any further, you know?"

"Okay," Sean said calmly, reaching out and stroking his fingers through Orlando’s dark curls.  "Is it all right if I do this?"

Orlando couldn’t help but lean into the gentle touch and smiled tentatively into reassuring green eyes.  "Please….  It’s just that, um, well you see…." Now that it came to it, he really hadn’t got a clue what to say.  How could he put this into words that didn’t make him seem like a complete idiot or that would scare Sean away?  "I’ve, um, never…really, well, you know, that is, I haven’t actually, like *properly*…um - "

"Orli, are you trying to tell me that you haven’t done this before?"  Sean asked gently, continuing to stroke Orlando’s hair soothingly.

Orlando felt himself blush violently and he lowered his eyes, nodding his head miserably as his cheeks burnt scarlet with embarrassment.  "Um, yeah - I’ve never really found the right person, you know and I was, um, like, *waiting* and I wanted it to be perfect and well…." His voice trailed off weakly as his emotions were stripped bare by this awkward confession.

"Baby," Sean said, gently lifting Orlando’s chin and smiling at him encouragingly.  "Are you a virgin?"

Orlando let out a huge breath.  "Y-yes and I didn’t know how to tell you, you know, and I’m scared that it’ll put you off me and that you won’t want me anymore and I mean why would you?"  He babbled nervously, becoming more agitated each second.  "I mean all I’ve ever done is a couple of hand jobs and I’ve got nothing to offer you at all, I don’t know anything.  I’m just some stupid virgin kid and you’re this incredible, amazing, gorgeous man.  Like, why would you even want me, but I love you *so* much and - "

His frantic rambling was suddenly cut short by a pair of soft but insistent lips and he felt himself pulled swiftly into strong, secure arms as Sean kissed him thoroughly.

"Um, you don’t mind then?"  Orlando managed to mumble through kiss-swollen lips when Sean finally released him several minutes, or possibly hours, later.  "You know, that I’m not very experienced and stuff - and that I’d like you to be the, um, you know - the *one*?"

"Oh, baby," Sean smiled gently.  "Why on earth would I mind?  This is something incredibly special and I know how important this is to you and it is to me too.  I’m honoured that you want me in this way and that you want me in your life.  You’re so precious to me."

 "I really do love you," Orlando smiled shyly and his voice wobbled slightly.  "I am a bit sort of nervous though, you know?  But I really want to do this - with *you*."  

"And I love you too, sweetheart," Sean said, cuddling him close.  "That’s why we’re not going to rush things.  We’re going to take things slowly so that you’re happy with everything we do.  There’s no need to be scared, baby.  Okay?  We’re not going to do anything that you don’t want to.  Just nice and easy, all right?"

Orlando’s smile broadened and he felt himself become a little calmer.  He should have known that Sean would look after him - he was always so thoughtful and caring - he really was the hero that he’d been waiting for all of his life.

"So, don’t worry - we won’t be tackling *all* of the ‘Gay Karma Sutra’ tonight," Sean said, his eyes twinkling merrily.

"No?"  Orlando giggled, as he relaxed and wrapped his arms around Sean’s waist, snuggling into his chest and breathing in the intoxicating scent of clean, fresh skin mixed with faint traces of warm leather.

"No," Sean whispered, leaning down and following the shell of Orlando’s ear with his tongue.  "Got to leave something for tomorrow night, haven’t we?"  He murmured wickedly before taking Orlando’s mouth in another kiss.

Orlando’s laughter was swallowed as their lips met and he felt himself harden once more in response to the hot, probing tongue now laying claim to his mouth. 

Sean broke away briefly to whisper, "Are you sure you’re okay?"

Orlando kissed his assent and moaned as Sean moved to lie on top of him, his hard, muscled body pressing Orlando into the bed with carefully restrained force.  He was amazed at how arousing the feeling was and revelled in the strength of the body covering his own. The touch of Sean’s heated skin to his was like a surge of electricity sizzling through him, setting his senses alight and making his heart thunder.

"Just tell me if I go too fast or you don’t like anything, baby," Sean murmured between kisses as he softly nuzzled along Orlando’s jaw and down the graceful sweep of his neck. 

Orlando was barely able to articulate a groaned, "Yes," as tiny kisses teased the sensitive skin behind his ear and moved to trail across his shoulder.

Sean moved his weight slightly to one side and Orlando moaned as the exquisite hardness of Sean’s erection dragged across his own rigid flesh, his cock pulsing at the stimulation and his hips jerking uncontrollably with want and need.

"Easy," Sean soothed as his lips moved down to flicker across the peaks of Orlando’s collarbones.  "Remember, there’s nothing to worry about - we’re taking it slowly, baby."

Orlando felt sure that he would go mad from the intensity of his desire.  Sean’s caring yet incendiary touches had chased away his worries and self-doubts and now his arousal was like a white-hot heat blinding him to anything else.  Despite having already come just a short time before, his cock was throbbing and weeping slick tears against his abdomen and he ached to feel Sean touching him there again.

Warm lips travelled to his nipples, kissing and sucking at each in turn.  "Gorgeous," Sean whispered as he lapped at the hard flesh and then pressed open-mouthed kisses across Orlando’s chest. "Your skin’s like satin - I love how smooth you are, no hair…just soft, soft skin."

Sean’s sinful, rumbling voice reverberated through him and Orlando reached up to grasp strong shoulders, needing the reassurance of the taut muscles beneath his trembling palms.  His body felt like it could fly apart at any moment and only Sean’s knowing touch could keep him in one piece.

"Shhh," Sean hushed gently, kissing a trail slowly southward to the silky-soft skin of Orlando’s belly.  "I’ve got you, baby.  I’ve got you."

Sean traced Orlando’s sensitive navel and his tongue dipped in and out slowly, causing Orlando to arch his back, blindly seeking more stimulation. 

"I want to touch you again," Sean said, feathering kisses towards Orlando’s groin.  "To taste you - is that okay, sweetheart?"

Orlando was beyond speech and could only push his hips towards the warm breath ghosting across the quivering skin of his abdomen.  He wanted anything, *everything* - completely helpless in the face of his own desire.  He whimpered as Sean simultaneously wrapped a hot palm around the base of his cock whilst taking the head into the furnace of his mouth.  He’d never felt such intense sensations in his life before.  Sean’s hand was rhythmically massaging with firm strokes and his tongue was lapping at the overly sensitised head, licking at his tightly stretched foreskin and placing tiny kisses along the length.  Orlando couldn’t separate the feelings; the ecstasy of the different touches was melding into one huge cascade of arousal that made every muscle in his body taut as a bowstring.  He’d never felt such intensity, such all-consuming pleasure before.

Sean then wrapped his lips more firmly around Orlando’s weeping flesh and took him in deeply, sucking with a wet heat and swallowing around his aching cock, all the time keeping up the perfect push and pull friction with his hand.

Orlando’s whimpers grew louder and he reached out helplessly, running his fingers through Sean’s soft hair and clutching at the rhythmically bobbing head as carefully as his passion-fogged brain would allow.  Sean moaned, the sound vibrating against Orlando’s cock and heightening his fervour.  He forced his eyes open and looked down but it was too much - the sight of Sean’s beautiful mouth stretched around his achingly aroused flesh was enough to push him plummeting over the edge.  He cried out helplessly as burning heat surged through his tightly drawn sac and his hips lifted reflexively, straining as his orgasm broke free, sending wave after wave of rapture through his body.  He was vaguely aware of a strong arm holding him down as Sean swallowed around his jerking cock, the sensation enhancing his climax beyond measure.

Slowly, Orlando became more aware and found himself cradled in Sean’s arms, a soothing hand stroking his brow and cheek.

"Are you okay, baby?"  Sean asked.  "You seemed a bit out of it for a second there."

Orlando smiled up dopily.  "Mmm, no, I’m fine - brilliant.  That was amazing - thank you," he murmured, struggling to lift his suddenly heavy head and press a kiss to Sean’s reddened lips.  As the kiss deepened, he realised that he could taste himself on Sean’s tongue and blushed warmly as he wondered what Sean would taste like.  He really wanted to find out.

"It was my pleasure, you’re so beautiful when you come," Sean smiled and lifted an eyebrow in concern.  "What’s the matter?"

"N-nothing," Orlando blushed a little more as he felt the hard, hot flesh of Sean’s erection against his thigh.  "Um, s’just that you haven’t, you know, c-come yet and you’ve made me, um, twice and - "

"Orli, don’t worry," Sean laughed and kissed his forehead.  "It’s not a competition, you know."

"I know," Orlando pouted a little and smiled as the laugh deepened.  "But I really want to do that, um, you know - I want to taste you too.  Is that okay? I’m just not sure exactly what I’m doing, though. "

The laughter stopped and Orlando looked up to see heat burning brightly in green eyes.

"Sean?"

"Sweetheart, I think I could come from just looking at you," Sean whispered, gently running a stray curl through his fingers.  "Anything you want to do is going to feel wonderful.  Just do what feels good, okay?"

Nodding shyly, Orlando pressed another kiss to soft lips before pushing Sean over to lie flat on his back.   He could do this - Sean trusted him and he wanted to bring Sean some of the amazing pleasure that he’d just shared with him.  He just hoped that he didn’t mess things up.

He scooted down and lay on his side, one leg draped over Sean’s - the glorious canvas of Sean’s body laid out before him.  He was a little nervous but also really aroused to think that all of this was his to explore and, incredibly, his own cock was beginning to pulse with desire again at the magnificent sight.  Remembering what Sean had done and what he himself had enjoyed, he began to kiss a careful, exploratory path from Sean’s neck to his chest, paying particular attention to the nipples standing hard above the muscled expanse of well-toned pecs.  He had never imagined how addictive the taste and smell of Sean’s skin could be and he eagerly sucked and licked at the soft skin, becoming bolder at Sean’s whispered words of encouragement and enjoyment.  It was amazing to think that he was the cause of this beautiful man’s pleasure - that he was the reason for the muted moans and sighs of arousal. Moving lower, he placed rows of tiny kisses to the washboard abs and neat belly button before following the dark trail of hair that lead beyond.  He stopped as he came level with Sean’s cock - it was huge, much thicker and larger than his own, and flushed a deep red.  It was pressed tightly against the flat of Sean’s stomach and there was a solitary, shiny drop of pre-come beaded at the tip. 

Orlando swallowed carefully.  Sean really was big and he had a moment’s disquiet thinking about the future and the possibility of taking this hard organ into his own body.  Would he be able to?  Would it even fit?  As his heart began to thump faster, gentle fingers stroked through his curls and he looked up into Sean’s tender gaze.

"It’s all right, baby.  You don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to."

But he did want to do this, to feel Sean in his mouth and taste him.  He was just getting anxious.  One step at a time, just concentrate on making Sean feel good right now.  "I want to, Sean. J-just tell me if I do something wrong, please?"  Orlando murmured.

Sean stroked his thumb across the soft skin of Orlando’s cheekbone and smiled.  "Adorable, completely adorable."

Sharing the smile and feeling more assured, Orlando bent back to his task and wrapped his fingers carefully around the hardness of Sean’s cock.  It was hot in his palm, deceptively soft skin stretched across turgid, heated flesh and he moved his hand tentatively, his confidence increasing a little at Sean’s swiftly inhaled breath. He extended his tongue and gently licked at the tip, capturing the teasing bead of fluid quivering there.  Taste exploded across his tongue and his moan mingled with that of Sean, who lay shuddering below him, clearly trying to lie still and not push into Orlando’s mouth.  Eager for more, he opened his mouth and sucked the head of the hard flesh, carefully licking and kissing at the engorged organ, delighting in the taste and texture that was Sean - this really could become an addiction.

He stretched wider, and mindful to keep his teeth out of the way, took more of the heated cock into his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue along its length.  Belatedly remembering his hand, he began to stroke from the root of the rigid flesh up to where his lips were sealed around it.  Sean’s hips began to lift up slightly and Orlando moved his head to accommodate the motion, revelling in the slip and slide of the heavy cock between his lips.  Unconsciously his own hips mimicked the movement and he moaned as his renewed erection rubbed against Sean’s firm leg. 

Continuing to worship the throbbing flesh, Orlando took a moment to glance upwards and nearly cried out as his eyes locked with heated green, Sean’s face glowing with an intense look of ecstasy.  It was unbelievable, he’d done that - he was the one making Sean burn like that.

"Orli, baby," Sean eventually groaned in warning, burying his fingers in Orlando’s curls.  "I’m close…pull away…you don’t have to…."

No - he wanted this, wanted it all.  Redoubling his efforts, Orlando took Sean in as far as he dared and was rewarded by a low, drawn out moan as Sean’s body tensed and then bucked - hot, salty fluid pouring down his throat.  He pulled back, choking just a little, and then swallowed, milking the heavy organ with his hand as Sean’s hips shook and trembled with each thrust.  Orlando had never felt anything like it and was overcome by emotion at the thought of sharing such an intimate moment with the man he loved.  The taste of the thick liquid covered his tongue and he licked the softening flesh reverently before finally letting it slide from his mouth.  It shocked him to realise just how aroused he was and he pressed his face to Sean’s groin, breathing in the heady aroma of sex and musk, as he pushed his hips rhythmically against Sean’s leg, his aching cock suddenly desperate for completion once more.

Orlando stifled a squeak as he was suddenly flipped over onto his back and held fast in Sean’s strong embrace.  He felt a large, warm hand take hold of his throbbing cock and a hot mouth seal over his own and quickly found himself pouring his essence across Sean’s expertly rubbing palm whilst moaning his climax into their fervent kiss.

With a feeling of déjà vu, Orlando slowly gathered his wits and became aware that he was lying wrapped in Sean’s arms, gentle fingers carding through his hair and soft kisses falling across his brow.

"Um, I think I was sort of out of it again," he smiled shyly.

"Just for a moment," Sean said softly.  "Thank you - that was beautiful.  *You’re* beautiful."  He added, pulling Orlando even closer and kissing him gently.

"So, I, um…it was, like, okay?"  Orlando asked timidly.  He thought that Sean had enjoyed their lovemaking but he was still a little anxious and eager to be *good* for Sean.  This relationship meant everything to him and he wanted it all to be perfect, in every way.

"Oh, baby," Sean whispered, settling Orlando’s head on his chest and wrapping him snugly in his arms.  "It was perfect - just like you.  I love you."

Feeling his eyelids grow heavy, Orlando pressed a kiss to the soft skin beneath his cheek.  "I love you too, Sean.  So very, very much."

~

Orlando woke up slowly and smiled as he felt a heavy arm draped around him and a muscular chest pressed firmly against his back.

*Sean*.

They were lying spooned together, their bodies fitting perfectly - like they were made for each other.  Last night had been the most amazing night of his life and he had a feeling that things would only get better as he spent more time with the man that he loved.  He really did love Sean with all of his heart and he wriggled happily as he remembered falling asleep in the comforting haven of Sean’s embrace.  It looked like he’d slept all night long wrapped in his lover’s arms.  And how exciting was that too - Sean was now his *lover*, they’d actually made love, not full sex exactly, but they’d shared something very special and intimate.  He was so overwhelmed and excited by all that had happened that he thought he might just burst with emotion.

It was still dark outside and Orlando could hear rain hitting the window, but here it was all warm and safe.  He snuggled back into the solid body behind him and blushed faintly as he felt Sean’s morning-hard cock strop against his bottom.  Shifting slightly, he rubbed lightly against the hot flesh and felt it slip easily into the crack between his cheeks.  The sensation of the heated erection moving across his boy-hole made his heart start to thump and his body flush hotly from head to toe.  His own cock thickened and though he’d never been touched like this before, and was still nervous, he was undeniably aroused at the thought of Sean taking him in this way, of sharing his body completely with his lover.  He knew that Sean was a compassionate and tender lover and that he’d take care to make it good for him, to look after him.  He ached to feel the press of thick flesh piercing him and laying him bare, the ultimate joining of his body to Sean’s.   He jumped slightly, startled from his fantasies, when a gentle hand steadied the rocking of his hips and warm lips kissed his neck.

"Good morning, baby," Sean murmured, his voice sexy and heavy with sleep.  "Let’s take things slow, remember?"  He added softly, wrapping both of his arms around Orlando and holding him still.

Orlando dropped his eyes.  "S-sorry," he said in a small voice.  He hadn’t meant to be a tease or to upset Sean.

He quickly found himself turned around and staring into loving green eyes.

"Hey, I’m not angry, baby," Sean said, giving him a soft kiss.  "You haven’t done anything wrong, in fact that felt wonderful.  I just don’t want to rush you or have things move too fast, okay?"  He squeezed him gently and gave him another kiss.  "Don’t ever think that I don’t want you, baby, because I do.  I think you can feel that," he added with a quick wink as he pushed his hips forward to press gently against Orlando’s, their hard cocks rubbing together deliciously.  "But we have plenty of time to do everything that you want - I don’t plan on ever letting you go."

Orlando sighed happily into the kiss that followed and wrapped his arms around Sean’s neck, pressing himself against his boyfriend’s hard body.  Sean *did* want him, he was just being considerate and careful, of course.

He felt his pulse begin to race as Sean reached down between them and took both of their cocks in his large hand, rubbing and stroking the heated flesh with a slow, arousing rhythm.  The feel of Sean’s hot palm and the rigid hardness of his erection moving against Orlando’s sensitive flesh were overwhelming.  It didn’t take long before they were both breathing heavily and Sean was scattering hot kisses across Orlando’s shoulders and neck, interspersing each burning touch with quietly murmured endearments and moans of pleasure.  Orlando could feel the hot length of Sean’s cock rubbing relentlessly against his own, the heavy friction of the slow push and pull driving him ever closer to completion.  Holding on tightly, he eventually cried out hoarsely as his climax erupted between them, his spasming cock doubly sensitised by the hot spurts of fluid coming from Sean’s own climax.

They held each other for a long time, exchanging slow, sweet kisses and tender words, until Orlando felt himself gradually drifting back to slumber. He woke drowsily for a moment to see Sean carefully wiping him clean with a warm washcloth.  He smiled lazily as Sean gently kissed him as he pulled the covers over him, cherishing the softly murmured ‘Go to sleep now, baby’, before he drifted off once more.

~

The next time Orlando woke, a faint grey light was struggling through a gap in the curtains and the clock said that it was after nine.  He turned over but found himself alone - a cold, rumpled space in the bed next to him where Sean should be.  He’d gone?  Left with no word?  Just as his panicking imagination began to run amok, he heard a clatter of crockery and looked up to see a beaming Sean walk into the room wearing Orlando’s bathrobe and carrying a tray that looked suspiciously like it was laden with breakfast.

"Good morning again!"  Sean smiled and put the tray down on the floor next to the bed.  "Hope you didn’t mind?"  He asked, indicating the blue terrycloth robe, as he slid it off his shoulders and hung it on the peg behind the door.  Beneath it he was naked and Orlando had a minor brain short circuit at the gorgeous sight, before hastily mumbling, "Oh no, no problem." The robe definitely looked better on Sean than himself, of that he was sure; but there again, Sean looked amazing in anything…and especially in nothing at all….

Sean grinned and slipped into bed, leaning against the headboard and immediately pulling Orlando to him, kissing him thoroughly.  "There, much better," he laughed and reached down to pass Orlando a mug.  "Your tea is served, m’lord."

Giggling at Sean’s infectious humour and relieved beyond belief that he was still here, Orlando took the tea and had a refreshing gulp before putting it down on the bedside table.

"Mmm, lovely, thank you.  So, what’s this all about?"

"Well," Sean grinned, placing a plate of hot buttered toast on his lap, "I just thought it would be nice to share breakfast in bed - after our little ‘early morning wake up call’."  He winked and held a piece of toast to Orlando’s lips, before taking a bite from it himself. 

"Thank you," Orlando laughed around a mouthful of toast, colouring faintly as he thought of their ‘wake up call’.  It was certainly something that he could get used to.

"Everything okay, sweetheart?"  Sean asked quietly.  "Remember, just tell me if we’re going too fast or I do something that you don’t like, all right?"

"No," Orlando said quickly, with a shy glance from under dark lashes.  "It was all incredible - unbelievable.  I love you so much."

Orlando thought he might melt at the heart-stoppingly tender look Sean gave him.  "I love you too, Orli." 

They shared the toast and, interspersed with slow, sweet buttery kisses, it was soon all gone as they lazily chatted about last night’s party, and this and that.

Orlando lay on his side, propped against Sean, with a strong arm holding him snugly and loving fingers tenderly stroking his shoulder. His own arm rested lightly across Sean’s waist and he ran his palm slowly up and down the soft skin of Sean’s flat stomach.  Sighing contentedly, he stroked a path up Sean’s arm to his shoulder.

"Hey!  You have a tattoo!"

Funny how he hadn’t noticed it last night but then his attention had been focussed in a slightly more southerly direction, of course.

"Yeah, got it years back," Sean sounded a trifle embarrassed.  "It were just a bit of fun, like."

Orlando leant across to examine the small patch of black ink more closely.  "'One hundred percent Blade’.  What’s that - ?  Oh!  Football - it’s your team isn’t it? The Blades."  He laughed, tracing the words with his fingertips.

"Yeah, there were a gang of us went and got ‘em.  Most got girlfriends’ names - that kind of thing.  Well, I couldn’t do that, could I?  So I got the Blades."

"Well, I think it’s really cool!"  Orlando laughed, placing a kiss to the neat lettering before settling back into Sean’s arms.

"Good," Sean smiled and hugged him close, before adding with a sigh.  "I’m afraid I have some things to do today, sweetheart, so I’ll have to be going soon." He kissed Orlando’s ear.  "I really wish that I didn’t have to but you know how it is. I was wondering if I could see you tonight, though?"

Orlando swallowed and pressed his cheek into golden skin.  He really just wanted to lie here all day with Sean, exploring this newfound intimacy between them, but he understood that Sean had stuff to do.  Probably work or something.  "That’s okay - I’d love to see you tonight.  What do you fancy doing?"  He blushed lightly at Sean’s frankly dirty chuckle and giggled.  "Besides *that*!"

"We could always go out, but to be honest I don’t feel like sharing you with anyone else."  He squeezed Orlando and kissed him softly on the temple.  "How about a quiet night in?  Will Craig be here or can we have some time to ourselves?  I could bring a take-away and we could just take things easy, if you like?"

"That sounds wonderful, I’d love that," Orlando murmured, snuggling more closely into Sean’s embrace.  He didn’t want to share Sean with anyone else either - he just wanted them to be in their own little world together.  "I’ll check with Craig but I can’t see it being a problem.  Actually, I think he said something about him and Dave having dinner with Karl and Lijah again, so that should be fine."

"Perfect, baby," Sean said, nuzzling gently at Orlando’s ear.

"Mmm, I like that," Orlando sighed.

"What?  This?"  Sean asked, nuzzling a little more.

"No, well *yes*," Orlando smiled.  "But I like the way you call me that, you know?  Baby."

"I’m glad, 'cus you are - my baby, my sweetheart, my Orli," Sean whispered softly.

This time Orlando felt himself melt completely - he loved Sean *so* much and just fell more deeply every moment that they spent together.  "I don’t have a special name for you though," he said a little sadly.

Sean lifted his chin until their eyes met.  "The way that you say Sean *is* special - to me," he murmured before taking Orlando’s lips in a gentle kiss.

~~

Chapter twelve

Orlando loaded the last of the laundry into the washing machine and flicked the switch.  The kitchen was soon gurgling and humming with the comforting white noise of the washer, as he filled the kettle to make a cup of tea.  Standing at the counter, he smiled as he thought back to the events of the morning before Sean had left. 

After a leisurely, cuddle-filled breakfast in bed, they’d eventually shared a wonderful shower together.  A naked Sean was impressive enough but a naked, *wet* Sean had simply taken Orlando’s breath away.  Between the sight of rivulets of soapy water cascading across firm, golden skin and the constant brain-melting kisses, it was a wonder that he hadn’t just keeled over on the spot!  Of course, Sean’s strong embrace, pressing their warm, naked bodies together, had helped him to stay upright - just.  Though when Sean had reached between them to rub their hard arousals in the palm of his hand, Orlando was certain that he would pass out or possibly just spontaneously combust from the heat coursing through his body at the explosive touch.  And then the firm hand stroking and massaging his bottom had almost finished him off completely!  How he’d managed to survive the fiery intensity of their combined, steam-wreathed climaxes was completely beyond him.  It was as if the droplets of shower spray simply evaporated at the first touch to their quivering, overheated skin and as fine tremors continued to shake him, he’d leaned heavily against Sean’s solid body and barely managed a croaked, ‘So, that’s why they call it a knee trembler then, yeah?’  Sean had laughed and replied with a decadently throaty purr, ‘I think it must be.  But don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ve got you.’

With a more than contented sigh, Orlando focused back to reality just as the kettle began to sing, and he busied himself with the intricacies of tea making.  As he was about to take his mug through to the living room, the sound of the front door closing and a familiar light tread in the hallway made him pause and call out, "I’m in here, Craigsie!"

"Sweet pea!"  Craig cried in excitement, entering the kitchen and sweeping Orlando up in a huge hug.

"And a good morning to you, too!"  Orlando laughed, kissing Craig sweetly on the cheek.  "Did you hear the kettle calling you or what?"

"Well, of course, I’m never one to turn down a cuppa but I must admit to having a few other things on my mind right now," Craig answered, looking around the room.  "Not that I’m ever one to intrude or anything," he continued, swatting Orlando lightly around the head when he rolled his eyes.  "But I am just a wee bit curious…oh, who am I kidding?  I’ve been driving Dave mad wondering how you are and what’s happened!  *So*, how’d it go last night?  Was everything all right?  Are you okay?  Where’s Sean?  What happened exactly?  What - ?"

Orlando laughed in delight and hugged his friend.  It was such a typically Craig thing to do - to come home to check that he was all right *and* to get the gossip!  "Oh, Craig - I don’t even know where to begin.  It was just amazing, like *incredible*, you know?"

"So?  Where’s the man in question?"

"He had to go, he has work or something, I think."

"But he stayed the night?"  Craig asked, stroking Orlando’s curls lightly.

"*Yes* and I’m seeing him again tonight," Orlando sighed happily.  "It was just so fantastic, so magical…just how I’d always imagined it would be…."

"*It*?  Do you mean that you - ?"

"Oh, *no* - not like, um, *it* it.  We didn’t exactly go ‘all the way’ or anything but what we did do was just so perfect…."

"Okay, my little sweet pea," Craig smiled, giving Orlando a quick squeeze.  "It sounds like we need to have a nice, long chat.  So pour me a cuppa and let’s go and settle down on the sofa.  *Doctor* Craig is now in session!"

~

They were sitting on the sofa and Orlando tucked his legs under him as he faced Craig and babbled on happily, eager to share his excitement and overwhelming joy with his very best friend.

"So then, um, after that little ‘misunderstanding’ we moved into the bedroom…."

"Misunderstanding?"  Craig asked, arching an eyebrow and smiling encouragingly.

"Well, just me getting the wrong end of the stick as usual and panicking, you know!  I was, um, like worried I’d messed it all up ‘cus of, you know, well, um…."

"Sweet pea, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  So you were a little bit quick off the mark and came before you intended to.  It happens to everyone and I can hardly blame you - Sean was incredibly hot in that natty, little leather number last night.  Very ‘Maximus’ in all the right places by the look of things!"

"*Oi*!" Orlando laughed at his grinning friend.  "Keep your eyes off my boyfriend, you - or I’ll have to tell Daisy!"

"Hmmm, who do you think was pointing out your petal’s attributes to me, eh?"  Craig teased.  "But getting back to last night  - it sounds like Sean was completely fine about what happened and so that’s good.  Did you tell him about not having too much experience, was he okay with that, baby?  ‘Cus I know you were really worried."

"Yeah, I told him - about being a virgin and stuff," Orlando murmured, his eyes drifting shut for a moment.  "I was so scared that he’d think I was, like, this totally immature kid, you know and that he wouldn’t want me - he’d realise that he’d made a mistake or something - but he was completely amazing, he made everything all right. Made *me* feel all right."  In fact, Sean’s response to Orlando’s confession was all that he could have dreamt of - the way that he’d seemed to realise just how important it all was to Orlando and then the gentle and caring way that he’d guided him through their lovemaking - it had all been like a wonderful fantasy.  But this was real - he was so incredibly lucky to have a man like Sean, to be *loved* by Sean.

"Good, I told you everything would be all right, didn’t I?  And about the other thing - remember that you didn’t do anything wrong, okay?  It just happens sometimes," Craig said, putting his arm around Orlando’s shoulders.  "So, then you moved to the bedroom - I take it that things went well?"

Orlando blushed warmly and ducked his head a little as he remembered the sight of Sean’s naked body and the feel of all that hard, bronzed muscle pressing him down against the mattress.  "Better than well.  Um, I did get a little bit spooked at first - just for a second - but Sean was just so cool about everything and, oh Craig - I’ve never felt anything like it!  What we shared, what we did - it was amazing, incredible.  I couldn’t believe it, you know, how good it all was?  How it felt?  He, um, well…he used his mouth - you know, down there?  Oh god, I thought I was going to die!"

"I know what you mean," Craig laughed and hugged Orlando tightly, who hid his burning face in his friend’s neck.  "It is a bit like ending up in heaven, isn’t it?"

"Completely, and, like, I was a bit shocked too, you know?  That Sean would do that."  For some reason, it had just surprised him that someone as overtly masculine as Sean would want to do that particular act.

"Well, did you want to do it to him, baby?"  Craig asked gently.

"Y-yes, more than anything," Orlando stammered in a small voice.  And he had - he’d been desperate to taste Sean and feel the fullness of that impressive cock filling his mouth, stretching his lips wide as the milky fluid spurted across his eager tongue and he swallowed it down.  He’d loved it.

"Then why should you be surprised that Sean wanted to share that with you too?  It can be a really special, intimate act and it sounds like Sean respected that.  He respected *you*.  It’s about wanting to make your partner feel good, plus it can be a real turn-on too."

Craig was right, of course.  Sean had been so gentle as he almost seemed to worship Orlando’s body, bringing him to the peak of ecstasy with his hands and lips and tongue.  "Yes, I hadn’t thought of it that way…he was wonderful - perfect - just amazing….  But you know what the best thing was?  Even with all the fabulous, um, sex and stuff?"  Orlando smiled shyly.  "It was Sean saying that he loved me - that was better than everything."

"Oh, sweet pea," Craig smiled, his eyes suspiciously misty.

"And then falling asleep in his arms, knowing *that* - that he loved me - knowing that I’d finally found my white knight, you know?"

"I know, baby," Craig whispered into Orlando’s soft curls as he hugged him close.  "I really hope this all works out just how you want it to.  You deserve it, you’re such a special person."

"Thanks, Craig," Orlando said, squeezing his friend before drawing back a little.  "But then after I fell asleep, you know what?  Sean was still holding me when I woke up.  That was the best way to wake up, ever! And then we, um, *properly* woke up - if you know what I mean?"  Orlando added with another faint reddening to his cheeks.  "And later Sean made breakfast!  He made tea and toast and we ate it in bed and just talked and talked…."

"That sounds wonderful, baby!  Great sex *and* he brings you breakfast in bed?  That man’s a keeper!"  Craig winked outrageously.

"Yeah," Orlando smiled dreamily, snuggling up against his friend.  "I think he is."

~

"Oh my god!"  Orlando hooted with laughter.  "Look at this one - Lij is trying to climb up Dave and bite his neck!  And Dave’s just standing there ignoring him and talking to Karl like nothing’s happening!  That is too funny, man!"

"I know," Craig laughed, shuffling through the photographs scattered across the sofa between them.  "And look at this one of Dom - what *is* he doing on top of the table?"

"Hmmm, let me see," Orlando said as he leaned across to take a closer look.  Craig had brought a stack of party photos home with him that Dave had printed out from his digital camera.  "Oh - he was pretending he was in the crow’s nest and trying to dance the hornpipe or something.  I’m not really sure but I just remember Bills cracking up and nearly wetting himself, he was laughing so hard."

"That boy is never right in all of this world - the hornpipe, I ask you!"  Craig rolled his eyes theatrically.

"Hey, I seem to remember a certain fabulous pirate getting rather frisky a time or two and threatening to keel haul anyone who didn’t cough up some ‘pieces of eight’ or a few kisses!"

"What?  I have no idea what you’re talking about, sweet pea," Craig said archly.  "You must be hallucinating - too much great sex clearly rots your brain!"  He sniffed before winking saucily.

"*Craigsie*!"  Orlando whined in protest, blushing faintly.  "Oh, look - here’s one of me and Sean," he added quietly, gazing intently at the glossy photograph in his hand.  "I don’t remember this being taken."  The picture wasn’t posed - the photographer, Dave presumably - had caught the two of them talking quietly, cuddled up in a corner.  Sean had his arm around Orlando’s shoulders and Orlando was hugging Sean’s waist, they were both smiling gently at each other, their eyes locked.

"That’s really lovely," Craig said.  "You make a beautiful couple."

Orlando stared at the picture - the look on Sean’s face was so intent, green eyes shining with emotion.  Oh, wow - love - it was *love* lighting Sean’s face, it had been there right in front of him all along.  Orlando sighed happily as he carefully put the photograph to one side and continued to rummage through the stack.  "Oh, look - here’s another copy of the same photo."

"Oh, that was me," Craig laughed.  "You know what I’m like with all this new fangled technology!  Dave was printing these out this morning with that funny little camera-printer-thingy machine and I was ‘helping’ but I ended up pressing a few too many buttons, I think!  Still, it all worked out for the best - now you have a copy and one for Sean too."

"Thank you," Orlando said, giving his friend a hug.  "I can give the other to Sean tonight when he comes around.  We’re having a quiet night in."

"Hmmm, is that my cue to make sure that Dave and I stay at his place tonight then?"  Craig asked with a grin.

"If you don’t mind?  I thought that as you were going out with Karl and Lij, and Dave’s flat is closer to theirs’.  Is that okay?  I don’t want to be a pest or anything."

"As if you ever could be! Of course it’s okay, sweet pea.  So what are your plans for this evening, then?"

"Um, well, just a take-away and then, um, you know…." Orlando trailed off shyly.

"Oh, I think I can guess what ‘you know’ is!"  Craig laughed gently.  "So, are *you* okay about this evening?  What you’d like to happen?  ‘Cus you know if you need to talk about anything - that’s what I’m here for."

"I know - thank you - I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes," Orlando smiled gratefully.  "I think I know what I want us to do, what I’d like to happen, yeah?  Um, like, I know that I love Sean - *really* love him - I’ve never known anyone like him before and I just want to be with him forever.  And he loves me too, so I want him to be the one, yeah?  I’d like us to do more…do *everything*, I want to share that with Sean…share my virginity."  He ducked his head a little in embarrassment.

Craig looked at Orlando for a long moment.  "Just remember that it’s a big step - okay, baby?  You’ve been saving this for a long time and I know that Sean is wonderful and that you love him.  But don’t rush into anything just because he says that he loves you, okay?"

"But he *does* love me, Craig," Orlando whispered, looking up from under dark lashes.

"I know, baby, and I’m not trying to rain on your parade or anything.  All I’m saying is to take things steadily and just do what feels right."

"It does feel right - I love him," Orlando said, lowering his head again.

Craig tapped his finger lightly on the end of Orlando’s nose.  "I know that, silly!"  He smiled, hugging Orlando close.  "I’m just fulfilling my job description as your big brother, okay?  Let me worry about you, that’s what I do!"

Orlando smiled and leaned into the embrace.  Craig was just reminding him to be careful and he could see his point.  He’d only known Sean for just over a week but it felt like so much had happened in that time.  From the first moment that he’d spoken to Sean - bathed in golden light in the alley behind the theatre - it was as if his heart had just *known* him, like he’d started to fall in love right then and there….

"I know you do, Craigsie and I love you for it."

"I love you too, sweet pea, never forget that.  I’ll always be here for you," Craig said before continuing with a theatrical sigh, "but that means that you have to be here for me too and so *you* have to help me explain to Dave why I’ve somehow managed to print out seven copies of the picture of his cute little naked bum that I took this morning while he was still asleep!"

Orlando giggled helplessly.

"I’m not exactly sure what he’s going to do with all of them, but then again - I’m sure that *I’ll* think of something," Craig added with a wink.

~~

Chapter thirteen

"Wow, I didn’t realise that a posh place like Roberto’s even did take-away!"  Orlando exclaimed as he helped Sean to unpack assorted foil containers and cartons from the insulated carrying box.  Sean had just arrived with their meal and after a brief but thorough kiss of ‘hello, I missed you’, they were busy in the kitchen sorting out the food.

"Actually, they usually don’t," Sean said, looking vaguely embarrassed as he began to serve out the various dishes onto the plates that Orlando had warmed in the oven.  "It was…a bit of a special favour for me.  I phoned Robby and asked him if he could sort something out."

Orlando’s eyes went wide.  "You *really* must be a good customer, man!"

"Well, I helped Robby out a while ago and so he seems to think that I warrant some special treatment or something," Sean murmured.  He looked adorably hesitant and Orlando couldn’t help but smile - Sean really didn’t realise how amazing he was at all.

"Oh, that smells awesome - I’m starving," Orlando enthused as the rich aroma of herbs and mouth-watering pasta sauce wafted over them.  "What did you do?  Save his granny from a burning building or what?" He giggled.

"Not exactly," Sean smiled, "it was his granddad."

"Wha-?  You’re kidding me, aren’t you?"  Orlando asked uncertainly, his hand wavering in mid-air on its journey to pilfer a piece of warm, buttery ciabatta.

"Yes, I’m kidding you, sweetheart!"  Sean grinned as he pulled Orlando in for a hug.  "It wasn’t anything as brave or glamorous, I’m afraid - just a business thing."

"Well, I wouldn’t be surprised," Orlando whispered dreamily, as he melted against Sean’s strong chest, his palms tracing firm muscles beneath soft black silk.  "You are a hero, after all…my hero…."

"Hmmm?  What was that?"  Sean asked as he pressed his lips to Orlando’s neck.

"Oh, nothing," Orlando murmured, losing himself in the sensation of the tender kisses being scattered across his skin.  "Just thinking out loud…." He arched his back a little as Sean nuzzled his ear and his breath became heavier as the exquisite sensations teasing his skin began to swamp all others.  He moaned in protest as Sean slowly pulled away.

"Sorry, sweetheart - but the food’s getting cold and I know that you’re hungry."

As if on cue, Orlando’s stomach made a low rumbling gurgle that had both of them laughing.

"Okay, looks like you’re right," he grinned.

"Don’t worry," Sean smiled, sprinkling a few more butterfly kisses on Orlando’s neck before letting him go.  "We’ll have plenty of time, *after* we’ve eaten…."

Pleased that he only blushed a little, Orlando nodded happily and led the way into the dining room.

~

The meal had tasted as wonderful as it smelt and the conversation whilst they’d eaten was light and easy going.  But now the meal was over and Orlando was starting to feel nervous.  He’d decided earlier in the day that he definitely wanted Sean to make love to him tonight - *fully* - he wanted to share his virginity and become one with the man that he loved.  The amazing intimacy and sense of being loved so completely that he’d experienced the night before had left him feeling certain that this was the next step, the right thing to do.  He didn’t want to wait any longer - he was ready to give himself to Sean now.  He’d discussed the matter with Craig during the afternoon and his friend had been incredibly supportive as usual - talking to him about both the physical and emotional aspects of this kind of lovemaking, putting Orlando a little bit more at ease about the whole thing.  It wasn’t like he didn’t know the gist of how it all worked or anything but it was much more overwhelming when he was about to try and put theory into practice.  And now that the meal was over and it was just he and Sean…*alone* on the sofa, he was beginning to feel unsure.  Not unsure of wanting to make love with Sean, but unsure of his own ability, all of the familiar insecurities weighing down upon him again, making him feel inept and scared that he’d somehow do something wrong and ruin everything, losing Sean because of his inexperience.  He jumped slightly, startled when Sean rested an arm across his shoulders.

"Orli?  Baby, are you okay?"  Sean asked mildly, rubbing a hand soothingly against Orlando’s arm.

"I’m fine," Orlando nodded, with a nervous smile.  "Do you want another glass of wine or a beer or something?"  He asked, quickly rising from the sofa and standing awkwardly in front of Sean, biting at the skin of his thumb without thinking.  "’Cus I can just go and get one or if there’s anything else -" Before he could finish rambling, a strong pair of arms encircled his waist and pulled him swiftly downwards.

"*Sean*?"

"Come here, sweetheart." The throaty rumble brushed across Orlando’s ear as he found himself sitting squarely in Sean’s lap, his legs sprawled across the rest of the sofa.  "I’ve got everything I need right here."

Orlando laughed despite his worries as Sean smacked a resounding kiss to his cheek.  He wriggled a little, getting more comfortable and blushed faintly when Sean groaned and he felt a growing bulge beneath him.  Lacing his fingers behind Sean’s neck, he giggled shyly.  "Mmm, okay - looks like you’ve got me then."

"Good," Sean growled with a wink, as he wrapped his arms possessively around Orlando.  "Because you know that I’m never letting you go."

Orlando sighed happily as soft kisses gently feathered across his cheek and he opened his mouth in welcome when Sean’s lips touched his own.  He whimpered as a warmly probing tongue laid claim to him - all of his senses alive with the feel and taste of Sean as the kiss deepened and Sean slid one muscular arm around his shoulders and held his waist firmly with the other.  He couldn’t be sure how long they kissed, their tongues twisting around and around each other as they shared air - all Orlando knew was that he was with the man that he loved and it was the only place that he ever wanted to be. 

Eventually the kiss became lighter and Orlando’s breath came in short, needy pants as Sean continued to bathe his face with the lightest of touches, soft lips gentle and barely there.

"I love you," Orlando whispered, suddenly finding his emotions raw and his voice cracking slightly.  "Thank you - for, for being here…for being with me."

Green eyes brimming with light and passion ensnared him, as Sean pulled back a little and looked into Orlando’s face.

"Oh, baby - I’ll always be here for you," he said softly, gathering Orlando to rest more securely in his lap and pressing a kiss to his temple.

Orlando snuggled into Sean’s arms and sighed happily, his worries fading.  This was perfect - being here with Sean, being *loved* by Sean - it was all that he’d ever dreamt of…he felt complete at last.  He was sure that there was no reason to worry about the night ahead - Sean would look after him and guide him, just as he had since the moment that they’d met. 

"Hey, you’re not going to sleep are you?"

Orlando lifted his head and looked into his boyfriend’s smiling face.  "No, I was just thinking how lucky I am."

"Think that I’m the lucky one," Sean said, kissing Orlando’s ear and stroking the smooth skin of his neck.  His fingers wandered lower and touched the silver rope chain pooled against Orlando’s chest.  "Oh, this reminds me - I have something for you."

Shifting slightly, he took something from his pocket without dislodging Orlando from his lap.  "I saw this and thought of you."  He handed Orlando a small, green velvet drawstring bag.

Orlando sat up a little and smiled shyly.  "Oh, wow…I, like, wow."  Sean had got him a present?  He was really touched and surprised, this was just so kind.

"You *can* look inside, you know."

Orlando blushed at Sean’s gentle laugh and dropped his head.  "S-sorry, I mean, um…*thank you*."   Looking up through dark lashes, he returned Sean’s warm smile as he pulled at the gold silk cords and opened the bag, tipping it forward until a small, shiny object dropped into his waiting palm. 

It was a ring.  Sean had bought him a ring and it was *beautiful*, a broad silver metal band with a sparkly inlay of pretty green glass.  It was exquisite but also quite masculine in its design and cut.

"I hope you like it?"  Sean sounded a little hesitant.  "It’s just that I saw it and I know you like jewellery - I thought that you could wear it or put it with the others on your necklace, whatever you like.  You mentioned that your charms were like little parts of your life and I was hoping that I could be…a part of your life."

Orlando stared at Sean, eyes wide and his lips forming a silent ‘oh’.

"I can take it back if you don’t like it, it’s not problem," Sean said quietly, his head dropping a little.

Reaching forward, Orlando placed his hand under Sean’s chin and lifted until he was looking into green eyes shining more brightly than the glass in the palm of his hand.  "Oh, Sean - I *love* it.  Thank you," he whispered against Sean’s lips, pressing a soft kiss to them before pulling away and slipping the ring onto the silver chain around his neck.  "And I love *you*, so very much…."

Sean smiled and stroked Orlando’s cheek and neck, his fingers finally coming to rest on the ring now nestling snugly against Orlando’s chest.  He looked into Orlando’s eyes and leant in slowly until his mouth was a whisper away from Orlando’s slightly parted lips.  "I love you too, Orli…."

Sean closed the distance between them and claimed Orlando with a deep, consuming kiss that only grew in intensity.  Sean’s tongue slipped easily into Orlando’s mouth and entwined with his, before retreating and coaxing it to follow into the sweet, hot cavern of Sean’s mouth.  Orlando tentatively pushed inside and moaned as Sean sucked, the sensation shooting directly to his groin, his cock filling and pressing against the stubborn denim of his jeans.

The hand at his waist pulled him closer to Sean’s solid body and the other slid down his back before resting against his bottom, strong fingers stroking and rubbing his cheeks.  Orlando groaned and twisted, trying to push his erection against the hard muscles of Sean’s stomach whilst threading his fingers in the short strands of blond nestling in the nape of Sean’s neck.

"Sean…." His voice was shaky and breathless, and his hands slipped onto strong shoulders as he felt Sean’s mouth pulling way from him.

"Sweetheart?"  Sean murmured throatily against his lips, scattering quick, hot kisses across his cheek.  "Would you like to move into the bedroom?"

Orlando’s breath left him in a rush as he tightened his hold on the broad shoulders and nodded quickly.  "Oh, y-yes…yes, please…." Before he could move, he felt a muscular arm under his knees and another around his back, as Sean simply stood up, lifting and holding him in a secure embrace.

"*Sean*!"

"Hmmm?" Sean whispered, nuzzling a path to the sensitive skin behind Orlando’s ear and then sucking the lobe gently into his mouth. 

"Just, just…um…what are you doing?"

"Shhh," Sean smiled as he moved smoothly towards the door.  "Let an old man show off a little, eh?"

So Sean was carrying him…to the bedroom….  Orlando felt his eyes drift shut as he rested his cheek against the soft skin of Sean’s neck.  Always the white knight….  Coherent thought became more difficult as warm breath tickled across his ear and turned his few remaining brain cells to mush. 

"Not…old," he managed to mumble as they entered the bedroom and Sean gently lowered him down, keeping a steadying arm around his waist as he swayed slightly as his feet touched the floor.

"Okay, sweetheart?"

"Wonderful," Orlando whispered as Sean held him close and kissed him.

"Let’s get you undressed, shall we?"  Sean said as he pulled back a little and began to slowly ease the tee shirt from Orlando’s body, warm fingers teasing his skin as they moved higher.  

Orlando shuddered as electrifying touches danced across his nipples and then the shirt was gone and Sean replaced his questing hands with hot, open-mouthed kisses, bending down to suck each nipple in turn.  Orlando moaned and reached weakly for the buttons of Sean’s shirt, his coordination faltering under the delicious assault to his senses.  Gentle hands stilled him as Sean lifted his head and smiled.  "That’s okay."

"But…I want, um, I n-need to see you."  Sean had the most incredible body and he needed to see it - in all its shimmering, masculine beauty.

"I know, sweetheart," Sean’s voice was soothing and yet incendiary, a low, sexy rumble deep in his throat.  "It’s all right, leave everything to me, okay?"

Orlando nodded and then groaned again as knowing lips returned to his skin.  "Mmm, ‘kay…."

Eventually, through a haze of touches and sighs and deep, breathless kisses, Orlando found himself lying naked on the bed.  His mind felt drugged with pleasure and every part of his body was alive as his skin sizzled with heat and want.  Struggling to open passion-heavy eyes, he saw Sean standing with his back to the bed and taking off his briefs, sinful black cotton that clung to his perfectly muscled thighs and bottom like a second skin.  He turned as he pushed them down and his hardened, red cock sprang free, painting his stomach with a swipe of shining fluid. 

Orlando swallowed and stared, his eyes suddenly wide open - Sean really was every bit as beautiful and impressive as he’d remembered.  His breath became short as he looked at the hard cock, glistening in the lamplight.  Would such a big thing actually fit inside him?  He really wanted to share this, give this to Sean but he began to panic, imagining trying to take something so huge into his body.  Would he be able to?  Surely something of such size would just split him open?  And he’d fail, be unable to give this special gift to the man that he loved.

"Orli?  Baby?"  Sean’s voice was concerned and suddenly he was in bed beside him, holding him close and safe.  "It’s okay, sweetheart.  Slow down, baby and take a breath.  Can you tell me what’s wrong?"

The soothing voice and caring hands stroking his shoulders and arms were like a balm and Orlando pressed himself to the golden body, gulping air and inhaling the warm, familiar aroma of the man who meant the world to him.  "S-sorry, oh god, I’ve done it again.  I’m such an idiot!"  He’d let his imagination run away with him again and now Sean would think he was some kind of weirdo, freaking out every time they went to bed together.  He tried to turn away.

"You’re not an idiot, sweetheart," Sean said simply, holding him firmly but tenderly.  "You’re wonderful and you’re mine."

Orlando looked up, his heart racing. "Do you mean that?  Am I really yours?"

"Yes."  One soft, loving, incredibly important word that made everything all right.

"Then make me yours, please," Orlando whispered.  "I want to - to do that, to *share* that with you.  Please?  Oh, Sean I love you so much."  And he did, he loved Sean and he wanted him.  He was still amazed that this incredible, charismatic, god of a man could even be interested in someone like him, but, unbelievably, he was - Sean loved him and wanted him too. 

"Shhh, baby," Sean took Orlando’s mouth in a soft kiss.  "Do you mean that you want to…?"

"*Yes*!  I want us to, you know - m-make love.  I want you…um, *inside* me…." His words faltered but in his soul he was certain, he really wanted to give Sean this - his virginity - to take Sean inside himself and share this most intimate of acts.  Not to prove anything, not because he thought he ought to - just because he wanted to, this felt right.

"Are you sure, sweetheart?  Because you know that I’d never push you."  Sean’s voice was so kind, so compassionate and his eyes shone with love.

"I know and that’s part of it," Orlando burst out, hurrying to try to explain as his thoughts came tumbling out in a rush.  "You never would - push, I mean - and that’s ‘cus you’re *you*.  You’re just, like, so perfect and amazing and I can’t imagine ever finding anyone else like you - anyone else that I’d want to share this with.  I know I’m still a, well, um, you know - a virgin and everything.  And I don’t have any experience or really know what I’m doing or anything but, but…I just love you so much, Sean!"

Gentle fingers stroked his curls and tucked a stray strand behind his ear.  "You know I love you too, baby," Sean said, serious eyes searching Orlando’s face.  "And that we don’t *have* to do this but - if you’re really sure - then I’d love to make love to you."

Orlando sighed in relief as Sean kissed him.  Sean loved him and wanted him - everything was going to be fine.

"I don’t want you to worry about anything, okay?"  Sean whispered, his words scattered amongst hot kisses that left Orlando’s lips tingling with sensation.  "We’ll go slowly and if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or don’t like, or *anything*, then just tell me.  Okay, baby?"

Orlando nodded happily, surrendering to the ever-increasing intensity of Sean’s kisses.  Strong arms held him and pulled him even closer and he gasped as the hot length of Sean’s cock pressed against his own, sending bursts of flame along every nerve.  His whole body felt like it was burning out of control and only the touch of glistening golden skin prevented him from blowing away like ash in the wind.

"Sweetheart?"  Sean licked the lobe of Orlando’s ear and eased back slightly to stroke at one quivering nipple.  "Do you have what we need?"

Orlando’s brain was awash with pleasure and want and he struggled to think clearly as the wicked tongue teased the shell of his ear before painting hot kisses on his neck.  "Um, w-what?"

"Lubrication?  Condoms?  Do you have anything, sweetheart?"  Sean asked with a patient smile.

"Oh! Um, yeah," Orlando couldn’t believe that he was blushing again.  "In the drawer of the, um, bedside table."

"Adorable," Sean whispered, kissing the soft skin of Orlando’s neck.  "Don’t move," he added, as he rolled over and opened the drawer, before moving back and placing a small bottle and packet under the pillow.  He drew Orlando back into his arms and kissed him slowly.

"Still okay, sweetheart?"

Orlando smiled and nodded shyly.

"Turn over then, baby."  Sean’s voice was soft but Orlando felt shocked by the sudden command and his body tensed as his mind began to race in panic.  That was it?  Sean wanted him to turn over and they were just going to go for it?  No more touches and kisses, just, just straight to the *sex*?   Roll over and stick it in and…?

Suddenly, gentle hands were stroking his arms and back as he was gathered into a tight, comforting embrace.

"Calm down, baby," Sean whispered into Orlando’s curls, his voice soothing and apologetic.  "I’m sorry - didn’t mean to scare you."

"N-no, I was just a bit surprised and…." Orlando trailed off awkwardly, unsure of what to say.  He didn’t want to seem like some stupid scared kid or a tease who said he wanted sex and then didn’t.  He just hadn’t expected everything to happen so quickly.

"Do you trust me, Orli?"

Orlando looked up, seeing the love and desire and care in Sean’s beautiful face.  "Yes.  I do - *really* - I’m just nervous."

"I know and it’s natural to feel like that," Sean pressed a kiss to Orlando’s brow.  "But I’m going to take care of you, okay, baby?  You’re so special to me and I’m going to make everything all right - make you feel good.  Trust me, okay?"

Orlando smiled.  "Okay."  And it was - he did trust Sean, it was just his erratic, roller-coaster emotions that kept upsetting things.

"Good - and remember that I love you, baby."

"I love you too," Orlando whispered brushing a shy kiss across succulent lips.

Sean deepened the kiss for a moment before moving away and smiling reassuringly.  "Can you turn over for me, baby?"

Orlando felt choked at the love radiating from shining green eyes and he nodded shyly.  Everything was going to be all right - Sean had said so.

"Good boy."

Orlando flushed at the praise, ridiculously touched by the simple words, and he ducked his head as Sean helped him to roll over onto his stomach.  Once settled, he pressed his face into the pillow and lay still, his body still a little tense.  He *did* trust Sean but he felt so exposed, lying like this with his legs wide open.  He jumped, startled when he felt a kiss pressed to his shoulder blade.

"Easy, baby."  Sean’s voice was quiet but filled with warmth and Orlando felt himself relaxing as a path of delicate kisses fluttered across his back and then meandered down his spine, to be joined by gentle hands stroking his sides and arms.  He felt the tension flowing from him and sighed blissfully as Sean moved to lie lower down on the bed, strong hands massaging his bottom and warm lips peppering kiss after kiss to his back. 

"All right, sweetheart?"  The words danced across his skin and Orlando felt his cock harden at the sensation.  He managed to nod and his erect flesh pulsed as warm chuckles teased the sensitive skin of his bottom.  "Good, we’re going nice and slow…no need to worry about anything."

The tender words were interspersed with kisses and Orlando sighed as Sean’s mouth gradually moved lower and the kisses began to cover the top and sides of his bottom. 

"Perfect," Sean whispered against his skin, "so soft and smooth.  You really are so very beautiful."

Orlando wriggled slightly, flushed with delight at the compliments and aroused by the way that Sean stroked and kissed his bottom.  However, his head left the pillow and his eyes opened wide in shock, when he felt Sean part his cheeks and lap gently at his cleft.

"O-oh!"  He couldn’t articulate beyond a wail as Sean carefully kissed and licked him, the feel of Sean’s warm tongue completely sublime.  He’d just never even thought or imagined this happening - Craig had certainly never mentioned *this* during their little chat, that was for sure.  His cock throbbed and his hips twitched uncontrollably as Sean murmured against his skin.

"Is this okay, baby?"

"U-um," Orlando struggled to find his voice.  Okay?  The feeling was so far beyond ‘okay’ that he couldn’t even begin to describe it, the incredible sensations and the *intimacy* were just breath-taking.  "Y-yes…." He could feel the curve of Sean’s smile against his skin and then all rational thought left as Sean’s hot tongue teased at his most private of places and Orlando wailed helplessly in delight.  The slick invader slowly pushed inside him and he could almost feel his quivering little boy-hole fluttering in ecstasy - the sensations were unbelievable, beyond anything that his passion-drunk brain could even begin to process.  Over and over, Sean licked and teased, pressing his tongue deep inside and kissing and lapping at his over-stimulated hole.

Orlando couldn’t help but push against the firm mattress below him, the friction delicious on his aching cock, as Sean’s clever tongue treated him to an experience beyond any dream he could ever have wished for.  His cock felt heavy, as if it were ready to burst and he tried to speak, desperate not to come too soon and ruin everything.  This was amazing but he’d told Sean that he wanted him to make love to him and he meant it.  He wanted to give Sean his virginity, to share in this ultimate form of lovemaking.

"S-Sean," his voice sounded rusty.  "I’m going to c-come…sorry, don’t want to spoil…." He felt a final nerve shattering lick and kiss to his boy-hole before he was turned over and his cock was suddenly engulfed by moist, pulsating heat.

"No!"  His agonised cry was in direct counterpoint to his traitorously thrusting hips, which were trying to push his cock deeper into the heaven of Sean’s mouth.  "I’m s-sorry…." He tried desperately to hold back the burning rush of ecstasy bubbling up through his balls.

Sean pulled back and smiled encouragingly, soft blond hair trailing across the glistening tip of Orlando’s aching flesh like a million tiny kisses.  "It’s okay, sweetheart - just relax.  It’s all going to be okay - come for me, baby…."

As soon as Orlando felt the returning heat and the swirling touch of Sean’s mouth and tongue, he lost all control and came - his body jolted with spasms of pleasure as orgasm raced through him, overloading his senses and making him helpless to resist.

Sean swallowed him down and pressed tender kisses to his still sensitive cock before finally sliding up the bed and taking him into his arms.

"Are you all right?"  Sean kissed Orlando’s temple and stroked his hair lightly.

Orlando struggled to open his eyes and focus, weak from coming and devastated that he’d ruined things again.  "I’m sorry, Sean," he said in a small voice, dropping his head, mortified as he felt the hot, hard length of Sean’s unfulfilled erection lying against his thigh.  "I’ve spoilt it, haven’t I?"

"Oh, baby," Sean murmured, scattering kisses across Orlando’s eyes, cheeks and lips.  "You haven’t spoilt a thing - I wanted you to come, to help you relax."  He nodded, as Orlando looked up.  "We’ve only just started…."

"I, I thought I’d spoilt everything."

"As if you could."  Sean squeezed Orlando gently and kissed him.  "I want you to enjoy this and it’s best if you’re as relaxed as possible.  If you’re tense then your body can seize up and that’s no good.  I don’t ever want to hurt you, baby - I only want it to be good for you."

Orlando blushed and dropped his eyes as he felt himself on the verge of tears.  What on earth had he done to deserve a man like this?  Sean was just so kind, so perfect and so incredibly beautiful.  He looked up shyly through dark lashes and saw the wide muscled expanse of his boyfriend’s tanned chest and hesitantly stroked his fingers along the strong arms holding him so tenderly.

"Sean?"  Orlando’s voice was hushed.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Will you make love to me, please?"

Sean smiled slowly, the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkling in the way that made Orlando melt.  "Forever, baby," he murmured and kissed him softly, warmth spreading through the press of their joined lips leaving Orlando light headed and reeling with the intensity of his feelings for this man.  Love was too slight a word - Sean was *everything* to him.

Sean eased away to play gently with the curls lying at Orlando’s neck before settling him back to lie fully on the mattress.  "Remember, you’re going to tell me if there’s anything that you don’t like?"  He said reassuringly.

Orlando nodded.

"Can you bend your knees for me, sweetheart?"  Sean asked, helping Orlando to open his legs a little and positioning his feet flat on the bed.  Sean lay on his side with one arm around Orlando’s shoulders and the other resting on his chest. "I’m going to stretch you - make sure that you’re ready for me, make you feel good, all right?"  He added as he reached across and retrieved the bottle of lubrication from under the pillow, breaking open the seal and squirting a little of the slippery fluid onto his fingers.  He smiled as he rubbed his fingers together.  "Just warming it up," he winked, making Orlando grin and relieving some of the inevitable anxiety that had begun to grow within him again.

Sean moved his hand lower and touched a single finger to Orlando’s hole, rubbing lightly and circling around it in a soothing motion.  "Feel okay, baby?"

Orlando’s breath caught in anticipation, a little nervous but more than eager to feel Sean inside him again.  The touch of Sean’s tongue had been amazing and he wanted more.  "Oh, yes…more...please…."

"Slowly," Sean whispered, watching Orlando’s face carefully as he eased just the tip of his finger inside.  "Still okay?"

Orlando nodded, he could feel Sean’s finger moving slowly inside him and he sighed as it gradually moved deeper, there was a slight feeling of fullness and something else - he couldn’t really describe it, it just felt ‘different’ but in a good way.

Sean kissed him.  "You’re so tight, baby - does this feel all right?"  He smiled as Orlando nodded again.  "Good, I’m going to add another finger, okay?  Just tell me if it hurts."

Orlando sighed and his eyes drifted shut as he felt Sean’s finger retreating from his body.  He heard the slick sound of lubrication and then moaned as the finger returned with another, the feeling much fuller and more satisfying this time.  He squirmed slightly as Sean moved his fingers deeper and opened them out, the action causing a stretch and heat in Orlando’s channel; there was an ache but a ‘good ache’ and he wanted more.  No one had ever touched him this way, in fact he’d rarely even explored this part of his body himself - for some reason he’d been hesitant to experiment - and now he hungered for Sean’s touch, filling him deep inside.

"Sean…." It was more of a sigh than a word but Orlando felt his lover’s hand still the moment he spoke.

"Baby?  Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yes, I just want you - I want you so much."

Sean seemed to sigh in relief and brushed a kiss to Orlando’s parted lips.  "I know, sweetheart and I want you too…but you’re so tight and I don’t want to hurt you.  Just trust me?"

Orlando forced his eyes open and gazed into the handsome face above him, lit with concern and love.  "Always - I’ll always trust you."

Sean’s smile was beautiful and Orlando wished he could keep his eyes open but he was distracted by the fingers moving so deliciously within him.  He felt them press more deeply and suddenly heat exploded inside him, an unbelievable wave of arousal and burning need sweeping through him and making him gasp out loud.

"Good, eh?"  Sean murmured as he probed the spot again.

"A-amazing," Orlando stammered, his body alight with sensation as he clutched at Sean’s shoulders in reaction to the heat blossoming from the intimate caress.

"Ready for more?"

"Please…."

Orlando moaned as the fingers withdrew but this time three returned, making the burning stretch in his passage more intense.  There was just an edge of discomfort, not quite bordering on pain, but this soon eased as the fingers moved and probed, stretching him slowly and carefully until he was panting and eager for more.

"Sean?"

"Soon, baby - just a little while longer."  Sean kissed him and continued to move his fingers, making Orlando’s hips lift from the bed and his cock throb and leak without a single touch.

It seemed that they lay like this for hours, with Sean frequently removing his fingers to quickly apply more lubrication and then easing them back inside Orlando’s body, probing carefully past the tight ring of muscle and deep into the heat within.  Orlando moaned helplessly as wave after wave of pleasure assaulted his senses and he clung to Sean, powerful muscles flexing beneath his palms as Sean worked his body expertly.  Finally, when his moans had turned to sobs of want, Orlando groaned as Sean removed his fingers and gathered him in for a long, deep kiss.

"You’re so beautiful…I want you so much.  Are you ready, baby?"  The voice was gentle and Orlando was amazed at his lover’s restraint as he felt the hot length of his erection pressed against him.

"Y-yes," Orlando sighed, aching to feel Sean inside him, making him his own.

"Can you turn onto your side for me, sweetheart?"  Sean asked, helping Orlando to lie on his side and pushing his top leg forward to rest on the mattress.  "Good boy, that’s it.  It’ll be easier this way, the first time…."

Orlando flushed a little as he realised that in this position his buttocks were parted and his boy-hole lay exposed, open to Sean’s gaze and touch.  It was ridiculous to get embarrassed now, especially considering the way that he’d been writhing on Sean’s tongue and fingers but he felt his face redden and turned to press his cheek to the cool cotton of the pillow.  He just felt so wanton, lying here open and waiting to be filled.

"Orli?  Baby?"  Sean spooned in close behind him and Orlando gasped as he felt the hard cock against his cleft.  "Are you okay?  Remember, you only have to say and we can stop…." Sean added, nuzzling gently at Orlando’s neck.

The simple tenderness of Sean’s words and actions overwhelmed Orlando and his emotions swamped him - he loved Sean and wanted this so very much.

"No, I’m fine.  Really - I want this, please?"

Sean kissed his cheek and then eased back a little.  "As long as you’re sure….  We’ll take it slow."

Orlando heard a wrapper open and the rustle of latex on flesh before the bottle opened once more and he heard the wet sound of slick fluid accompanied by a low sigh.  Then Sean’s slippery fingers were at his hole once more and he felt more lube circled around and pressed deep inside him.  After a few moments, the fingers were gone and he felt the blunt, hard heat of Sean’s cock resting against him as Sean moved to lie flush against his back.  His leg was gently pushed farther forward and Sean carefully positioned his cock against Orlando’s hole.

"I love you, baby," Sean murmured, his lips resting against Orlando’s ear.  "Are you ready?"

Orlando’s heart began to race and he was glad when Sean moved his free arm to lie under his waist, entwining their fingers together and squeezing comfortingly.  Hardly able to hear past the blood rushing through his ears, Orlando nodded and mumbled, "Y-yes."  He felt Sean guide his cock forward and begin to slowly push inside.

"Open for me, baby."

Orlando gasped and squeezed his eyes shut.  It *hurt* - Sean’s cock was enormous, so much bigger than his fingers, and he could feel the huge girth of it like a hot iron threatening to split him open.  He felt his own erection soften and he panicked as his body tried to clench shut and Sean began to withdraw.  No, he was ruining everything and he’d lose Sean!  And he really wanted this; it was just that it hurt so much…but he wanted this, he really did.

"No, p-please," Orlando cried in despair, holding onto Sean’s hand.  "Don’t leave me."  He could feel tears leaking from beneath his tightly closed lids.

Sean stilled and pressed his face to the soft skin of Orlando’s neck, whispering soothingly in his ear.  "It’s okay, baby.  I’m not going anywhere.  You just need to take a nice big breath for me, okay?  Do you think that you can do that?  Come on, baby - breathe."

Struggling to relax, Orlando did as he was told and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"That’s it!  Good boy - and another."

The next was easier and gradually Orlando found his muscles releasing their death lock and his body unclenching, as Sean gently encouraged him to breathe and relax.  Light kisses scattered across his cheek, wiping away his tears, and a soothing hand rubbed calming circles on his stomach as Sean continued his quiet litany.

"There we go - that’s it, sweetheart.  That’s it.  Nice big breaths…in and out.  Don’t cry, baby."

As his breathing evened out, Orlando realised that he could feel Sean’s hard cock still seated motionless within him and that the pain was gone, just a feeling of tremendous fullness and rapidly growing pleasure remaining.  He sighed happily and hesitantly tilted his hips, crying out as the hot length within him grazed his prostate and stars swam before his eyes.

Sean groaned, a deep, guttural sound laced with sex and need.  Orlando couldn’t believe the patience and restraint of the man - waiting for him whilst obviously hard and wanting the entire time; he really was perfect.

"Sean?"

"Better now, sweetheart?"  Sean whispered, his hand moving lower to stroke Orlando’s rapidly hardening cock.  "Do you want more?"

"Oh, yes…."Orlando’s words trailed off into a low hiss of desire as Sean pushed forward, his movements achingly slow until he finally sank the rest of his cock into Orlando’s welcoming body.  "O-oh, *Sean*…."

"You’ve got me, sweetheart, all of me."

Orlando couldn’t even begin to describe the feelings rushing through him.  He’d never dreamt, never knew that anything could be like this.  Sean was finally his, all of him - held inside his heart and now inside his body too.

"I can feel you filling me up, Sean," Orlando gasped, his voice rough with awe and passion.  "Oh, god - you feel so good.  Move, please?"

"Oh, Orli…baby."  Sean slowly drew his hips back and then moved smoothly forward, his hard length sliding in and hitting the sweet spot within Orlando’s body, making him cry out in pleasure.

"Sean!"

"It’s okay, baby…let me love you," Sean moaned, his voice breathless as he pumped his cock slowly in and out of Orlando’s trembling body.  "I love you, baby - you’re mine…."

Orlando’s breath failed and he clutched at Sean’s hand in his, desperately trying to communicate all of his love and helpless desire.  He’d never felt such pleasure, such mind-altering ecstasy before.  Last night had been phenomenal but nothing could compare to this - the feeling of being so totally possessed and loved and at one with another person, with *Sean*.  He could feel Sean’s movements speeding up and he relished all of the tightly leashed strength and force of the man making love so sweetly to him.  There was such power in Sean and yet he treated Orlando with so much care and love, bringing him more joy and passion than he’d ever thought possible. 

Sean was stimulating his prostate with every sure stroke now and Orlando could feel a fire burning deep within his body, the flames of desire flicking ever farther outwards and consuming all in their path.  Sean’s hand on his cock began to speed up, exquisite friction perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the hard flesh moving so smoothly inside him. 

Orlando groaned.  "Sean, oh, oh god - I’m so close."  Sean’s hand squeezed him more firmly and he felt the movement within his channel speed up, as Sean’s hips pressed snugly against his cheeks with every brain melting thrust.

"Perfection," Sean murmured, his voice cracking,  "absolute perfection.  Come for me, baby - let me feel you."

Pushing back to meet Sean, Orlando cried out incoherently as Sean’s cock buried itself even deeper inside him, triggering a flash-fire of ecstasy that tore through his body and charred every nerve with flame. 

"S-Sean…."

He had never known such intensity as his body tensed and his climax exploded, arcs of pearly fluid shooting from him.  A split second later, as his body shuddered in the aftershocks of pleasure, he felt Sean arch behind him and hold him even closer as his hips pumped forward and he cried out his own release.

They lay there for a few moments, both panting harshly from the ferocity of their completion until Sean hugged Orlando to him.

"Are you all right, my baby?"  His voice was hoarse but tender and filled with concern.

Orlando sighed dreamily and snuggled back into Sean’s embrace.  "I’m perfect…wonderful…amazing, thank you."

Sean kissed his ear and then carefully pulled away, his softening cock slipping free of Orlando’s body and leaving him with a strange sense of loss.

"Don’t go!"  He suddenly felt empty without Sean inside him.

"I just need to sort this out before it gets uncomfortable for you," Sean said, as he grabbed a handful of tissues and gently wiped Orlando’s bottom clean before disposing of the condom in the bin beside the bed.

Orlando blushed and rolled over, snuggling into Sean’s waiting arms.  "Thank you - that was just so incredible, I can’t even begin to say what it meant to me - how it felt."

"But I made you cry…I hurt you, didn’t I?"  Sean’s voice was tinged with sadness. "I know I did at first and I’m so sorry…I never want to see you cry, baby.  I know how important this was to you and I’m honoured that you would want to share this with me.  I just wanted it to be perfect - you are *so* special to me, sweetheart."

"No," Orlando whispered against his lover’s lips.  "Please don’t be sorry - you’ve just given me the most amazing experience of my life…thank you.  I couldn’t have wished for anything more, or for anyone else to share this with."  And it was true - he’d waited a long time for this and had built it up into an incredibly important and special thing and he hadn’t been disappointed.  In fact, Sean had exceeded any expectations that he’d had and had made him feel so cherished, so *precious* - he knew now that he would love Sean forever, there could never be anyone else in his eyes. 

Sean smiled drowsily and kissed him.  "As long as you’re okay - I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Sean - so very much."

Sean settled them down, pulling the duvet up and wrapping his arms firmly around Orlando.

Orlando touched the ring that Sean had given him, as it lay against his chest, the metal was warm from the shared heat of their entwined bodies and the green glass twinkled brightly in the lamplight.  "Thank you for this," he murmured, almost asleep, "and for tonight…for loving me…for *everything*…."

Sean reached over and turned off the light.

"Thank you, baby," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Orlando’s temple. 

~~

Chapter fourteen

Orlando woke to the most beautiful sight he was certain that he’d ever see - Sean’s face looking down at him, a small smile dancing playfully around the edges of soft, succulent lips.

"Mornin’."  Orlando smiled through a yawn and stretched his arms above his head.  It was warm under the duvet, a shared cocoon smelling faintly of a mixture of Sean and himself - comforting and arousing at the same time, as his thoughts drifted to their lovemaking of the night before. It had been amazing, perfect in every way - from Sean’s concern and care to his barely leashed passion and strength; bliss, absolute bliss.  Orlando had never felt anything like the sensations that Sean had coaxed from his body & was still astounded at the pleasure he’d felt, not just physical pleasure but a deep emotional joy that had rocked him to his core.  And it was all because of Sean, who was currently lying on his side smiling broadly at him - he was propped on one elbow with his head resting in his hand, looking completely and utterly edible.  The other hand stroked Orlando’s cheek lightly before he leant down and kissed him, just a brief brush of lips but to Orlando it was perfect.  He was waking up with the man that he loved, nothing could ever feel better than this.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Sean’s voice was still husky with the vestiges of sex and sleep.  "How’re you feeling?"

Orlando wriggled happily and pressed closer, his arms wrapping around Sean’s shoulders and urging him downwards, eager to feel that amazing body against him again.

"I feel wonderful," he whispered and kissed the lips barely touching his own.  "Thank you, it’s all because of you."  And it was - being with Sean, making love with Sean, was like a dream come true. 

"Thank *you*, baby."  Sean’s smile made his chest tighten, there was so much tenderness in the easy expression.

"So, um, what are you doing awake, anyway?"  Orlando asked with a mischievous smile.  "Couldn’t sleep?"

"No, I slept really well actually," Sean said, settling Orlando more comfortably in his arms.  "I was just enjoying watching you…you’re beautiful."

Orlando felt himself blush - it was becoming his natural state around Sean it seemed.  Well, that and being insanely happy and in love.  "You were watching me sleep?"

"Mmm," Sean nodded, placing tiny kisses on Orlando’s cheekbones and nose.  "You’re even more adorable than normal when you’re asleep, though I’m not sure how that’s even possible," he smiled.  "You’re so incredibly beautiful, you know."

Orlando sighed.  "You’re the beautiful one," he whispered in awe, sliding his fingers through the short hairs at the nape of Sean’s neck and then caressing broad shoulders.  "I look at me, yeah, and then look at you, and wonder what you can even see in me.  You’re just like this Greek god or something…."

"Greek god?" 

Orlando could hear the surprise and faint chuckle in Sean’s voice and ducked his head a little.  "That’s what I think when I look at you and not just ‘cus of the costume for the party, I thought it before then.  Or you’re like some hero, yeah?  Like this amazing warrior or a knight…my white knight…oh god, listen to me - you must think I’m *ridiculous*!" Orlando snapped his mouth shut, horrified that he’d let his thoughts run away like that.  He was just so caught up in the moment, in the afterglow of the most incredible night of his life, that the words just came tumbling from his mouth unchecked.

"Orlando."  Sean’s voice was gentle and there was no hint of mockery.  "I don’t think that you’re ridiculous.  In fact, I happen to think that I’m the luckiest man in the world, if you can think of me in this way.  And I’ll always try to be your hero, okay?  I’ll always be *yours*."

Orlando looked up hesitantly, peering through dark lashes to see Sean looking at him earnestly.  "Thank you," he whispered before smiling shyly again.  "You really are my white knight, you know.  Um, kiss me?  Please?"

"No need to ask, baby.  I *always* want to kiss you," Sean said and lowered his head, their lips just touching.

Orlando moaned as they shared warm breath and Sean moved to lie over him, his larger body a blanket of golden, silken skin and hard muscle, pushing him against the mattress.   Sean deepened the kiss, pressing his tongue into Orlando’s mouth and taking possession, as Orlando gladly submitted, clutching at Sean’s back and shoulders in delight.  All this strength, this potency - he could almost feel it vibrating under his palms; Sean really was magnificent.

He could feel the heat of Sean’s erect cock searing into his own and he bucked his hips upward, desperate for more, aching for Sean to consume him.

"S-Sean," he pulled his mouth away and almost sobbed out brokenly.  "I want you, please, I need you to make love to me…like, like last night."

He could feel Sean’s raggedly sharp intake of breath, as they lay wrapped tightly together.  "Are you sure, sweetheart?  I don’t want to hurt you, it may be too soon - do you feel sore?"

Orlando kissed him shyly.  "I can feel it a little bit, you know - like I know you’ve been there."  He lowered his eyes at the confession.  He could and he relished the sensation, the feeling that he and Sean had been connected so fully - that they’d been like one body.  "But it doesn’t hurt, I’m not sore - you were too careful, looking after me like you always do.  And actually, I, um, well…sort of like it, the feeling, I mean - ‘cus it reminds me of what we shared."

Orlando looked up in concern when Sean made no reply.  Had he said too much?  Was he being too clingy or needy?  What he saw made his heart beat a little faster - Sean’s eyes were shining with love and longing, and then he could see no more as his mouth was taken in the sweetest of kisses and his eyes fluttered shut at the intensity of emotions coursing through him.  He moaned as Sean pushed his tongue into his mouth and he sucked on it happily, all the while pressing his hips up against the hard body above him, his erection heavy with need.

Sean eventually pulled away and smiled, his lips a little swollen from their kiss.  "Let me just have a look and see that you’re okay, eh?  Put my mind at rest."

Orlando nodded, touched by the concern and rolled over at Sean’s gently urging hands.  He looked back over his shoulder and saw Sean carefully draw the covers down and expose his bottom.

"Open your legs a little, baby," Sean murmured as he slid down the bed to rest level with Orlando’s bottom.  "Little bit wider, that’s it."

Orlando flushed slightly as Sean slowly pulled his cheeks apart and touched a gentle finger to his sensitive hole.  "How does this feel?  Any soreness?  It’s not red."

Orlando wriggled at the touch as he felt his erection swell even more.  "Feels good," he sighed, pushing his cock into the mattress.  He groaned as he heard the now familiar sound of the top being flipped on the bottle of lubrication and lifted his bottom higher, blatantly begging for more.  "Please?"

"Just going to check inside first, okay, baby?  See that there’s no problem there."  Sean’s touch was gentle but sure as he pushed a single finger inside.  "All right?"

Orlando pushed back, trying to plunge the finger deeper.  "Better than all right…amazing."  He groaned as the finger slowly slid out, only to cry out in pleasure when two returned and Sean began to scatter tiny kisses across his cheeks as the fingers slowly stretched him from within.  There was no pain, even when a third finger slipped inside, just the well-remembered fullness and yearning for more, for Sean - inside him and making him whole.  He heard Sean moan, a soft growl of a sound that ghosted across the hyper sensitive skin of his hole, making him push back harder onto the thrusting fingers.  He would have loved to feel Sean’s tongue inside him again.  The sensation and sense of closeness had been breath taking but he was too far gone - he needed Sean’s cock, hard and hot and filling him up now!

"Sean," he moaned, looking back over his shoulder with pleading eyes.

Sean let out a shaky breath and shook his head.  "God, have you got any idea what you look like, sweetheart?  Lying there, so open, so needy - and what that does to me?  Knowing that you’re mine?  You’re like a fantasy come to life."

Orlando felt his mouth open, wordless in shock.  Sean’s face held such a look of hunger, of such naked want, but tempered and softened with love.

"I need you, Orli, want you so much - are you going to be okay?"

Orlando nodded eagerly, desperately trying to show in his eyes what his words couldn’t say.  Anything, everything - yours always, Sean.

"Sit up then, baby." Sean smiled reassuringly at Orlando’s surprised look.  "I want it to be easy for you, a position that you can control - just in case."

Sean tossed the remaining covers to the side and sat up with his back resting against the headboard.  "Come and sit here, baby," he said softly, patting his lap.  "Sit on my lap - this way we can be face to face and you’re in charge."

Orlando blushed as he straddled Sean’s lap, resting his hands nervously on Sean’s shoulders.  "Um, I don’t know about that," he whispered, burying his hot face in the smooth skin of Sean’s neck.  "I think I prefer it when you’re in charge." 

Soft lips kissed his ear and he felt Sean’s words murmured into his skin.  "It’s okay, baby - I’ll still look after you.  S’just in case you’re a bit sore - you can slow it down or stop, if you want to.  Hmmm?"

Orlando nodded and tried to relax, the muscles in his thighs taut and rigid with strain.  He felt Sean reach over and heard the sound of foil ripping as he put on a condom.  More lube was smoothed around his boy-hole and his breath hitched in delight as long slick fingers carefully checked his passage again.

"Can you lower yourself down, sweetheart?  Just take it slowly and tell me if it hurts…." Sean’s voice was low and soothing. "Remember, trust me, okay?  Nice big breath, baby."

Orlando took a deep breath, his face pressed tightly against Sean’s neck as he lowered himself to sit fully on Sean’s lap.  He felt the slippery, hot tip of Sean’s cock and careful fingers guiding it to his hole.

"Breathe, baby…that’s it, good boy."

Orlando felt a momentary sharp pain as his body was breached by the huge girth of Sean’s flesh, and sweat prickled across his skin. There was a still unaccustomed fullness as he slid gradually downwards, taking the hard length in slowly until he gasped as his cheeks finally came to rest on the straining muscles of Sean’s thighs.  Strong hands rubbed his back and shoulder blades as Sean whispered softly.  "There, you’ve got me - all of me."

Orlando couldn’t help the small sob that escaped him as his body finally relaxed and he felt himself filled by his lover.  "You’ve, you’ve got *me*, Sean."  His voice sounded hoarse and cracked.

Gentle hands lifted his head away from the haven of Sean’s neck and he looked into green eyes burning with love and passion.  "Yes, baby - I’ve got you."

From that moment their words became a jumble; disjointed phrases laced with endearments and whispered encouragement.  Orlando felt Sean’s heavy cock moving surely within the sheath of his body as he raised himself up and down to meet his lover’s thrusts, strong yet gentle hands cupping and stroking his bottom, encouraging each motion.  The sensations that he’d experienced the night before were there again, overloading his mind and stretching any semblance of coherent thought to the limit as his world contracted to the feel of the hot cock plundering his body and the fiery kisses threatening to suck his very soul.  His heart thundered loudly in his chest and he gasped for breath as he felt his arousal reaching the point of no return.

"Oh, oh god…’m gonna," Orlando could hardly speak as Sean’s cock hit his prostate squarely with every stroke, dragging across it as it pushed in and then again as it pulled out.  The rhythm was punishing, the speed of their movements picking up as their breath became shorter.  A firm hand wrapped around his cock and Orlando nearly screamed his pleasure into Sean’s kiss, his hips undulating as he writhed helplessly on the solid flesh within him.  Heat burned bright in the pit of his belly and raced through his body like a firestorm as Sean claimed his body - controlling every sensation - inside and out.  He bucked upwards once more, riding the hard flesh embedded within him before crying out as his orgasm broke free, countless waves of ecstasy robbing him of all sense save knowing that he was with his love. 

His head fell forward against Sean’s shoulder as he floated down from the peaks of completion.  Sean shuddered inside him and then moved in a bevy of short, fast strokes resulting in him arching and holding Orlando tight as he came with a low, deep moan of satisfaction.  Orlando gasped as he felt his own emotions running high and concentrated on clenching his internal muscles, trying to prolong Sean’s orgasm and enhancing his pleasure.

Gradually the breathy moans and sighs being whispered into his hair became discernable as soft words.  "That was beautiful - thank you, baby."

Orlando lifted his head and smiled brightly, unable and unwilling to contain his joy.  "I love you, Sean.  Just when I think that I can’t love you any more, then I do."  And it was true, the emotional connection he felt to Sean just seemed to grow stronger every day and their lovemaking only intensified it even more.

Sean returned the smile, the corners of his eyes creasing in the way that Orlando adored.  "Looks like we’re both addicted then, eh?"  He stroked a thumb gently across Orlando’s cheekbone before delicately tracing the contours of his lips.  "I love you, too."

Orlando shifted slightly, feeling Sean’s semi-softened flesh still safely inside him.  "I think I can live with this kind of addiction."

Sean tightened his arms and pulled Orlando closer until their lips touched.  "Good," he whispered and then deepened the kiss.

~

"Do you, um, fancy sharing the shower with me?"  Orlando asked.

They were currently spooned together, languidly swapping kisses and chatting lazily - a benefit of it being Sunday morning and not having any particular place to be.  They’d both drifted back to sleep after their earlier lovemaking but had eventually re-awoken and been content to just lie wrapped together enjoying the closeness; until they’d finally decided that perhaps they ought to get up and maybe have something to eat.

Sean pressed a kiss to Orlando’s neck, his nose pushing dark curls to the side as one kiss became several.  "Sounds perfect," he said as he rolled onto his back and stretched slowly, reaching his arms above his head, the muscles of his chest rippling with the movement.

Orlando turned and watched, enthralled by the unconsciously erotic display.  Sean had the most amazing body and it hadn’t really sunk in yet that he was free to touch and enjoy it.  He remembered the way that Sean had looked yesterday in the shower and suddenly he wanted to see all that water-slicked, golden muscle again.  He felt his cock stir in agreement and then groaned in frustration as the harsh sound of the telephone broke through his lustful thoughts.

"Craig?"  Sean’s question was filled with laughter as he lifted an eyebrow in the direction of the phone.

"*Craig*," Orlando sighed with a nod, though he couldn’t be angry.  He knew his friend was probably just checking that he was okay and it *was* after ten thirty - not exactly the crack of dawn.

"I’ll get the water running and you can join me when you’re done, okay?"  Sean smiled, kissing him lightly before getting up and heading towards the doorway.  "But don’t be too long," he winked, "I need you to scrub my back for me…and there may be a few other places that need special attention too…."

Orlando couldn’t help but blush as he laughed at Sean’s innuendo.  "I’ll be right there."   He was momentarily frozen as he watched the magnificent view of Sean’s naked bottom leaving the room, before the jangling of the phone interrupted his lustful thoughts again.  Shaking off the enticing image of toned, smooth skin, he lifted the receiver. 

"Hello?"

"Sweet pea!"  Craig sounded his usual exuberant self and Orlando smiled.

"Hey, Craigsie.  How are you?"

"Oh, I’m fine.  More importantly how are you?"

"You’re not even going to try to be subtle about it, are you?"  Orlando laughed, imagining his friend’s eager look.

"You wound me," Craig said, obviously trying to sound stern.  "Oh, of course I’m not!"  He relented.  "Subtlety?  Who needs it?  *So*? What happened last night?  Did everything go all right?  Are you okay?  Is Sean still there?  Come on, I need answers, sweet pea and I need them now!"

Orlando giggled and stretched to lie on his back, one hand rubbing across the soft cotton sheet, a trace of Sean’s warmth still lingering enticingly in its folds.  "Last night was fabulous, Craig - like some kind of fairy tale or something."

"Did you - ?"

"*Yes*." Orlando sighed happily.  "Sean made love to me and it was *amazing*.  Why didn’t you tell me how good it was?  You’ve been holding out on me!"  He teased.

"Oh, sweet pea," Craig sounded a little choked.  "I’m so happy for you.  Are you all right?  Do you feel okay?"

Orlando could hear the concern in his friend’s usually laughing voice.  "I’m better than okay - I feel wonderful.  You don’t have to worry about me, all right, Craig?  I’m fine, *honestly*."

There was a relieved sigh and then Craig said in his more usual chipper tone.  "That’s all I need to know then.  Well, when I say that," he added cheekily, "I mean that *and* all the lovely, juicy details when I see you, okay?  And what do you mean ‘holding out on you’?  I’ve done nothing but encourage you, I’ve -  "

"I know, I know!" Orlando interrupted with a laugh before Craig could launch into some protracted diatribe about his previous attempts to help Orlando’s pitiful love life.  "Anyway, how did your dinner with Karl and Lijah go?  Did you and Daisy have a good time?"

"Fabulous, sweet pea.  Though you’ll never guess what happened yesterday afternoon!"  Craig continued, warming to his tale.  "Karl and Lij had popped out and the cleaning ladies were due in - you know how huge that loft is and that they have this army of cleaners in after a party.  Anyway, it seems that as the cleaners arrived they disturbed someone trying to break in!"

"*What*?"

"I know and it gets better, well worse or whatever!  The person was dressed all in black, very James Bond, you know, and scarpered across the roof tops before the police could arrive."

"Was everyone okay?  Was anything taken?"  Orlando asked worriedly.  Karl’s paintings were worth a lot plus there were some pieces that he never intended to sell - ones that he’d done especially for Elijah; they were irreplaceable and held tremendous sentimental value.

"Everyone was fine and it looks like Raffles was interrupted before he could get started.  But the police say it was a fancy job - someone who knows security systems really well.  Like a professional cat burglar or something!  What about that, sweet pea?  It’s all *so* Cary Grant, I could die!"

"Wow, that’s unbelievable.  Thank goodness Karl and Lijah were out and no one was hurt."

"Orli?"  Orlando heard the gentle enquiry and turned to see Sean standing naked in the doorway, his arms folded as he slouched easily against the frame.  "Water’s running, sweetheart…."

Orlando could literally feel the blood rushing southward as he drank his fill of the gorgeous sight - long, lush limbs and burnished skin just aching to be kissed and worshipped.

"Um, Craig?  Look, sorry Craigsie but I have to go.  We can talk properly later, yeah?"

"Of course, sweet pea," Craig chuckled, a teasing leer in his voice.  "I presume you have something, or should I say some*one*, better to be doing right now?"

"Um, shower…um, Sean," Orlando managed to say, coherency fleeing once more at the sight of his boyfriend’s amazingly sexy body.

"Okay, I’ll talk to you soon.  Now shoo, off you go!  Go get your man!"  Craig laughed as Orlando mumbled a hasty ‘bye’ and put the phone down.

"Ready for that shower, baby?"  Sean asked with a wink.

Orlando found that he could do nothing but nod frantically as he scrambled from the bed and launched himself into Sean’s waiting arms.

~

They shared an incredibly sexy shower together; rubbing against each other under the pounding spray, before Orlando boldly dropped to his knees and worshipped Sean’s hard cock.  Sean came down his throat with a harsh roar and then pulled him up and kissed him with such hunger that Orlando came almost before the first sure touch to his throbbing erection.  He was convinced that the intensity of their passion must have pushed the temperature in the steamy cubicle up another good few degrees, at least. 

After that they dressed and had a lazy brunch that Sean whipped together from the contents of the fridge; omelettes and mushrooms with an assortment of hot, buttery bagels - the latter being Orlando’s contribution to the feast.

Next, they perused the Sunday papers, reading out interesting or amusing titbits to each other from the various sections, before abandoning this in favour of going back to bed.  There they spent the afternoon, alternating between periods of lush kissing and fondling, and long slow lovemaking, bringing each other to mutual completion with loving hands, mouths and lips. 

They finally tore themselves away from each other in the early evening and polished off the delicious leftovers from the previous night’s meal and then adjourned to the sofa for more cuddles, kisses and easy conversation.

"I really do love this, thank you," Orlando murmured, fingering the silver ring on the chain resting against his tee shirt.  "The glass is so pretty, I love the way it sparkles as it catches the light."

He smiled as Sean hugged him closer and dropped a light kiss on his ear.  They were lying on the sofa, Orlando between Sean’s legs, his back to his chest. 

"I’m glad you like it - I was hoping you would.  I just saw it and had to get it for you," Sean said, twisting a dark curl around one finger as he played with Orlando’s hair.

"I love the green of the glass - it’s so dark but with, like, little flecks of light in it.  It sort of reminds me of your eyes a bit," Orlando said, smiling shyly, still feeling rather unpractised at giving compliments to his beautiful boyfriend and nervous that he sounded like a complete idiot. "I love your eyes…."

Sean smiled and stroked his cheek.  "I thought perhaps you did."

"Yeah?"  Orlando was a little surprised; he couldn’t remember mentioning it before, except during his many ‘Sean really is so amazingly gorgeous, isn’t he?’ conversations with Craig, of course.

"Yeah," Sean agreed and kissed Orlando’s ear lightly again - it was obviously becoming one of his favourite habits and Orlando sighed happily.  He loved that they were developing their own little ways - they really were a ‘proper couple’.  "It was the first thing you ever said to me - in the alley by the theatre.  You just looked at me and said ‘green’, in an adorably breathless way.  I guessed that you meant my eyes."

"You heard me and remembered that?"  Orlando squeaked, twisting around and staring into the beautiful eyes in question.  He remembered the moment that he’d first seen them - Sean illuminated in golden light in the dark alleyway and looking like a bronzed god, there to make his dreams come true.

"I remember everything about you, baby - you’re special to me." 

Sean sounded so tender that Orlando couldn’t help but throw his arms around his neck and kiss him repeatedly.

"Oh!  I have something for you, too!"  He said suddenly, breaking away from the temptation of Sean’s lips for a moment.  "Though it’s hardly in the same league or anything.  It’s not like my fabulous ring and just say if you don’t want it.  I won’t, like, be offended or anything," he continued in a breathless ramble, as he leaned across and fumbled in the drawer of the end table, before lying back down on Sean’s chest, now facing his slightly bemused looking boyfriend. 

"This is for you," he smiled a little nervously, handing Sean the photograph that Craig had given him earlier.  "I think Dave took it and Craig made two copies and gave them to me and I just thought, um, well…" His voice trailed off as he realised how stupid he must sound.  Sean probably didn’t even want the picture of the two of them.  Before he could talk himself into a panic, he glanced up quickly to gauge Sean’s reaction and felt his heart beat a little faster; Sean was gazing at the photograph and a huge beaming smile was warming his face.

"I love it, Orli," he said, lightly tracing the outline of Orlando’s face in the photograph before placing it carefully next to his keys and wallet on the end table.  "Thank you.  It’s beautiful - just like you."

Orlando matched Sean’s smile.  "Oh, I *do* love you, Sean," he panted out between adoring kisses.  "And I’m sorry that sometimes I ramble on and then get all flustered and blush like a kid and make a fool of myself.  I want to change, to be what you want, be good enough for you - I really do."

Orlando gasped as Sean grasped his shoulders firmly, forcing him to look into serious green eyes.  "Don’t say that," Sean said in an emotion-cracked whisper.  "Don’t ever say that, baby.  Please don’t try to change for me.  I love you for *you* - not for who you think I want you to be."

Orlando blinked and nodded slowly.  Sean looked so upset and he hated to think that he’d caused this look of anguish on normally placid features.  "I’m sorry - I won’t…change, I mean."  Deciding that actions would definitely speak more loudly than words in this case, he pressed his body down against Sean’s and kissed him, determined to show his lover that he meant it.  As the kiss prolonged and evolved, Orlando felt Sean gradually take control and he sighed in relief when Sean eased them over, so that Orlando lay on his back, wrapped in the comforting strength of his lover’s arms.

Eventually the kiss became lighter and Sean pulled away.  "Sorry, baby - didn’t mean to get so serious like that.  It’s just that one of the things I love about you is the way that you’re so open and free.  You’re who you want to be and I don’t ever want you to lose that, okay?"

Orlando reached up and stroked Sean’s cheek, unconsciously mimicking the soothing gesture that Sean normally used to comfort him.  "I love that about you too, Sean.  You’re good and honest and I trust you - with all of my heart.  You’re my white knight, remember?"

A fleeting look of pain flickered across Sean’s face so swiftly that Orlando almost wondered if he’d imagined it.  Then he was pulled even closer into Sean’s arms and cradled in the haven of his warm embrace, light kisses scattered through his hair.

"Sean?"

"Sorry, baby," Sean smiled but his eyes were still a little haunted and Orlando ached to make things better.  What was wrong? Was it something that he’d said or done?

"What’s the matter?  Tell me, please?"

"It’s okay, sweetheart.  Look, I’m away again on business this week, I’m afraid."

"O-kay," Orlando nodded uncertainly, thrown by the rapid change of topic.  "I know you’re really busy with work.  When will I be able to see you again?"

"I get back Friday," Sean said, holding Orlando close.  "Is it okay if I see you then?  In the evening?  I think we need to have a talk."

A talk?  Orlando was suddenly much more worried.  What was the matter?  Why was Sean so serious?  "Sean?  What’s wrong?  Is it me?"

"Oh, *no*, sweetheart," Sean said, pressing a tender kiss to Orlando’s temple.  "Nothing’s wrong and there’s nothing for you to worry about, okay?  I just want us to talk about a few things and there isn’t really time now.  It’s getting late and I’ll have to be going soon, as I’ve got an early start in the morning."

"Oh," Orlando couldn’t hide his disappointment.  "I was, um, hoping you might be able to stay, you know, with *me*, here - tonight."  His mouth was quickly taken in a hot kiss and he moaned helplessly when Sean pressed his tongue inside and the kiss intensified.

"I wish I could stay, baby," Sean whispered as he peppered more kisses across Orlando’s cheekbones and closed eyelids.  "There’s nothing I want more than to just wrap you up in my arms and never let you go.  You do believe that, don’t you, Orli?"

Orlando slowly opened his eyes and gazed into the beloved face studying his own with such intensity.  There was something making Sean unhappy or uncomfortable, that much he knew, but he also knew that he trusted Sean and believed him when he said that it wasn’t a problem with them.  Whatever was wrong, he knew that he could rely on Sean to make it right.  Whatever it was that they needed to talk about on Friday, everything would work out fine - he was sure of it - Sean had said so.

"I believe you, Sean," Orlando nodded.  "I *love* you," he added softly before surrendering himself once more to the power of Sean’s kisses.

~~

Chapter fifteen

Orlando was curled up in the corner of the sofa flicking through the television channels.  It had been a long, tiring day at the theatre and he just wanted to relax and do nothing more strenuous than lift his mug of tea and hit the remote for the rest of the evening. Well, that and gaze at the photograph of himself and Sean that Dave had taken at the party.  It was now housed in a frame and currently stood gracing the end table, though he actually tended to carry it around with him, having it next to his bed or in his backpack.  Craig had smiled indulgently at him when he’d found out and ruffled his hair affectionately but Orlando was trying not to let Dominic see it - he knew the teasing that would earn him.  He realised that his behaviour might seem a bit silly or something that a teenager might do but he didn’t care - Sean was his boyfriend and he loved him.

He’d just paused on an old repeat of ‘Casualty’ when the telephone rang.

"If that’s Dave, tell him that I’m nearly ready - will you, sweet pea?" Craig shouted from down the hallway.

"Okay," Orlando grinned, rolling his eyes as he knew for a fact that Craig hadn’t even been in the shower yet and so wouldn’t be ready for at least another hour.  Luckily Dave was very understanding.

He muted the volume on the television as he reached over and picked up the telephone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, baby it’s me."

Orlando broke into a huge smile as he heard the beloved voice.  "*Sean*!  I wasn’t expecting to hear from you."  But he was suddenly incredibly glad that he’d rang.  It was Wednesday; only three days since he’d last seen Sean, but he was missing him terribly and literally counting the hours until they’d be together again.

"I know," Sean murmured, the softness of his words making him ache all the more to be held in his arms.  "I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get away at a time when I could catch you at home.  Things’re a bit mad right now."

"Oh, I’m so glad that you phoned - it’s really good to hear you," Orlando said, glancing at the photograph and letting the liquid honeyed growl of Sean’s voice roll over him.  "But is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything’s fine - just really busy.  But I wanted to talk to you…I miss you, sweetheart."

Orlando found himself blinking back an unexpected tear.  "Miss you too, Sean - I can’t wait to see you on Friday."

"Yeah - I can’t wait to see you, baby," Sean said and Orlando could almost see the gentle smile curl enticingly at Sean’s soft lips.  "I don’t know how it happened but it seems that I can’t do without you."

Orlando smiled and touched the silver and green ring nestled amongst his charms, rolling it lightly between his fingers as he spoke.  "Um, I feel the same way.  I’ve been thinking about you all week - at work, on the bus, everywhere!"

"Everywhere?"  Sean asked saucily.  "In bed too, eh?"

Orlando felt his cheeks redden and he groaned, "I can’t believe that you’re making me blush and you’re not even here!"  He grinned and joined in Sean’s gentle laughter before adding a little shyly, "I can’t help myself; when I get into bed I keep remembering what we did, um, how you made love to me…."

"Me too," Sean breathed.  "I wish I was there with you now."

Sean sounded so wistful that Orlando ached to snuggle up and kiss him.  "It’s just a couple more days then I’m all yours."

"I like the sound of that, baby," Sean whispered and then added quickly, "hang on a minute..."

Orlando could hear muffled laughter in the background and then a deep voice calling Sean’s name.  "I’ll be right there, Eric," Sean answered, obviously holding the phone away and then continued at normal volume, "Orli?  Sweetheart, you still there?"

"Yeah," Orlando said a little sadly.  "So you have to go, yeah?"

"Sorry, baby but I have to get back," Sean soothed, his voice gentle.  "Just when I thought I’d get to have phone sex with you too!"  He added with a chuckle.

"Um," Orlando gulped, his face burning as delicious visions of Sean talking him to orgasm suddenly flashed into his mind.

"Are you blushing again?"  Sean’s laugh was gentle and Orlando giggled.

"You know I am!"

There was more noise in the background and Sean said regretfully,  "I have to go - but Friday, okay?  I want to kiss that blush away…."

Orlando couldn’t help but smile at the tenderness in his boyfriend’s voice.  "Yeah, Friday.  I love you, Sean."

"Love you too, baby," Sean whispered.

Orlando sighed regretfully as he put the telephone down.  Speaking to Sean had just reinforced how very much he was missing him.  It was ridiculous really, considering that he hadn’t even known that Sean existed until a couple of weeks ago.  But things had changed so quickly and so monumentally since they’d met and now Orlando didn’t even want to think about being without him.  He shook his head and picked up the photograph, smiling at the tender way Sean was holding him and the way that their eyes were locked - oblivious to everything but each other.  It was only another couple of days and Sean would be holding him like this again.  Friday couldn’t come quickly enough!

~

Finally the week was over and Orlando sighed in relief when Jason called it a day and wished everyone a good weekend.

"So, we’re going to this club tonight," Dominic said as they left the stage and headed towards the dressing room.  "D’you fancy coming?"

Orlando stopped and looked at his friend who was clearly trying to smother a cheeky grin.  "Like you don’t know that I have a date tonight, Dommie," he laughed, bumping against Dominic’s shoulder and then sticking his tongue out for good measure.

"Really?"  Dominic said with exaggerated surprise.  "Well, I’m sure I’d have remembered if you’d mentioned it, oh like seven or eight…*hundred* times!"

"I haven’t!"  Orlando squeaked, grabbing for Dominic’s ribs and tickling him mercilessly whilst trying to fight off his friend’s counter attack.  They laughed their way along the hallway, earning indulgent grins and laughter from the rest of the cast as they passed by.

"Oi, now - that’s enough of that!"

Orlando and Dominic froze in their play fighting and looked up nervously at the deep commanding tone.

"H!"  Dominic groaned, "s’just you - you nearly gave me a heart attack, mate!"

Orlando smiled.  "Hey, Harry."

Harry Sinclair was the chief sound engineer, a huge intimidating figure of a man but with the heart of a teddy bear.  "Just warning you to start minding your Ps and Qs," he laughed.  "Better start practising your curtsies too, while you’re at it!"

Dominic looked confused.  "What do mean?"

"Ah, well," Harry said a little smugly.  "You know that new owner - the one who bought the theatre and all?  Seems that not only is he some rich, self-made man type but also that he’s got a title.  Got mentioned in the Honours List a few years back, I hear, for charity work and what have you.  The word is that he’s going to be making a surprise visit; so you’ll have to watch yourself, young Mister Monaghan - be on your best behaviour!"

"Really?  So he’s a lord or a Sir or something?"  Dominic asked, his eyes bright with interest.  "Blimey, we *are* going up in the world!  I wonder when he’s coming?  And maybe he’ll do something about security too, while he’s at it."

Orlando nodded thoughtfully as Dominic and Harry bantered back and forth.  There’d been quite an uproar at the theatre that morning due to an attempted robbery the night before.  Luckily the night watchmen had disturbed the thief before anything could be taken and the police had made an arrest.  Details were still sketchy and the thief’s identity had yet to be released but the word on the grapevine was that the man was a real professional as he’d been able to completely disable the whole security system.  The event had been the source of much backstage gossip and Dominic had been in his element, spending all day coming up with ever more ludicrous theories as to who the thief was and what he was after.

"Anyway, looks like it’s about time that you started minding your manners, eh?"  Harry laughed.  "Or you might find yourself out of a job."

"Me?  A little angel I am, H!  Just ask anyone."  Dominic held his hand dramatically to his chest when both Orlando and Harry burst into gales of laughter.  "I’m hurt," he groaned before adding with a grin, "Thanks for the goss, H!  You’re a star."

"Anytime, kiddo," Harry winked, cuffing Dominic playfully around the ear as he turned to walk away.  "Have a good weekend, lads."

"You too, mate," Dominic called as Orlando said his own ‘goodnight’.

"So," Dominic grinned as they entered the dressing room.  "The thot plickens, eh?  Good old Harry - he knows everything that goes on around here."

Orlando smiled at his friend and began to get changed.  "So, anyway, what about this club you’re going to, yeah?"

"Oh!  It’s some new place that Bills found out about.  It’s the dog’s bollocks apparently - definitely the place to be."

Orlando paused and looked at his friend questioningly.

"Yeah, I know what you’re thinking," Dominic grinned.  "That my cuddly little Glaswegian love machine isn’t exactly ‘all that’ when it comes to being in with the scene.  Have no fear; it was Elijah that told him about it.  So that means that it’s bound to be good, you know what a scene queen Lij can be!  Still can’t tempt you, matey boy?  Oh, of course not - you have a *date*."

Orlando shook his head and laughed.  He loved Dominic but he was such a tease sometimes.  "Sean gets back today."  He rolled his eyes at Dominic’s exaggerated look of surprise and continued. "He’s coming over and I’m cooking a meal for him."

"But you can’t cook, unless it’s toast!"

"I’m not that bad - oh, okay, maybe I am," Orlando laughed as Dominic rolled his eyes comically.  "But I want to make this evening special.  I haven’t seen Sean since last Sunday and I thought it would be nice to do a romantic meal."  He felt himself colouring a little but smiled even more when Dominic hugged him.

"Well, the way to a man’s heart *is* through his stomach. What about Craig?  Is he camping out at Dave’s for the evening to give you love birds some privacy?"

"No, Dave’s off on some stag weekend," Orlando shook his head and added, "It’s someone on his Sunday league football team that’s getting married and they’re all going to Brighton.  Craig’s going out with a bunch of people from work and then he’s promised to creep in so quietly that we’ll never even notice him."

Orlando grinned as Dominic snorted rudely.  "I know what you mean - Craig never does anything quietly," he laughed.  "But I love him and I’m not throwing him out of his own home.  He’s already been so good, letting us have the place to ourselves a lot lately."

"Yeah," Dominic said as he pulled on his jumper.  "How come you haven’t been to Sean’s place yet?"

"Oh, he’s decorating.  There was a leak or a flood or something and he says it’s still a mess."

"So, another night at Chez Bloom," Dominic grinned.  "What you cooking then, maestro?"

"Um, it’s some easy pasta thing that Karl told me about.  He says it’s really simple and doesn’t need a lot of preparation time or anything.  Which is good ‘cus I need to get back and make a start," Orlando said, looking at his watch.  It was after five and Sean was due at eight o’clock.

"I’m done now," Dominic said, hoisting his backpack onto his shoulder.  "I’ll walk out with you…give you a few tips on your cooking…."

Orlando shrugged into his coat and grabbed his own bag.  "Yeah, like you’re any better than I am, ‘rice boy’," he hooted, his face breaking into a broad grin.

Dominic groaned. "Look, how was I supposed to know that you had to add water to the pan too?"  He cried, chasing after Orlando as he ran giggling towards the door.

~

Orlando rushed back from the theatre, thankful that public transport was for once behaving itself, and quickly showered before putting fresh sheets on his bed.  He realised that this made him seem a little presumptuous but after nearly a week apart, he was fairly certain that that’s where he and Sean would eventually end up.  Well, he certainly hoped so anyway!  He purposely hadn’t changed the bed linen until now as he’d relished the faint trace of Sean’s scent clinging to his pillow, burying himself in the aroma every night as he thought of his lover.  But at last he would have the reality of Sean’s presence again and he could hardly contain his excitement.

He went into the kitchen and checked the recipe that Karl had given him, grinning at some of the scrawled advice and smiley faces added to the margin in Karl’s distinctive hand.  He gathered the various ingredients that he’d bought the day before and took a deep breath - he could do this!

~

Orlando straightened the cloth and stood back to admire the dining table.  He’d made a real effort to try to make things look elegant and romantic - the linen cloth and good silverware were on loan from Ms. Price-Dove and Craig had donated several candles to add to the intimate mood he was trying to create.  Their flickering light twinkled off the wine glasses and warmed the room with a seductive glow making everything look magical.  The aroma of the simmering pasta sauce filled the air and there was a good bottle of wine - something that Karl had donated - chilling in the fridge.  Orlando smiled; he was really pleased that all of the preparations for the meal had gone so smoothly.  He checked the table one more time and then went over to the hi-fi to put on some suitably low key but romantic music.  He nodded as he saw the Harry Connick cd and slipped it into the machine - Sean had said he liked this one.

He glanced around the dining room once more and then hurried back to the kitchen to check on the meal - it was almost eight o’clock and Sean would be here any minute.

~

Orlando lifted his head as he heard the sound of a key scraping in the lock.  The front door opened and then closed softly and he looked at his watch.  He knew that it would only be five minutes later than the last time that he checked - he was right, it was just after midnight. 

Craig’s familiar light tread approached steadily down the hallway.

"It’s okay, Craig," Orlando said quietly. "You can come in."

"Sweet pea?"  Craig’s artfully tousled head appeared around the dining room door and from the look on his friend’s face, Orlando knew the sorry sight he must make.  He was seated at the dining table, the candles long since guttered and burnt out and with the remains of the meal that he’d carefully prepared congealing unappealingly in the various serving dishes arranged on the table.

"He didn’t come, Craig," Orlando whispered, finding it hard to keep his voice steady.  "Sean didn’t come."

"Oh, Orli," Craig sighed, his voice sympathetic as he walked across the room and knelt down at Orlando’s side.  "I’m so sorry." 

Orlando nodded and tried to smile, failing miserably as Craig drew him into a tight hug.  "I don’t know what happened, Craigsie."

"He hasn’t phoned you?"

Orlando shook his head and blinked hard, resolutely trying not to cry.  "No and I couldn’t ring him ‘cus I realised that I don’t have his number.  I’d just never even thought about it before."

"Have you tried directory enquiries, sweet pea?  Get his number from them."

"I, um, I thought of that - ‘cus I was worried that something might have happened to him, you know?"  Orlando mumbled into the soft silk covering Craig’s shoulder.  "Then I realised something else."  He lifted his head.  "I don’t know his last name, Craig - Sean never told me his last name."

"Oh."

Orlando looked into Craig’s eyes, nodding at the love and pity that he saw there.  "You think that he’s dumped me, don’t you?"  He said sadly.

"I don’t know, baby," Craig said, gently rubbing Orlando’s back.  "I don’t know what to think."

"But I love him, Craigsie and he said that he loved me too!"  He couldn’t help the tremor in his voice as he cried out.  He believed Sean, believed *in* Sean.  He’d *trusted* him - with his body and with his heart - but now he was just confused and so very lost. 

There’d been something bothering Sean on Sunday evening before he’d left for the week; he’d seemed unsettled, almost haunted.  And he’d said that he had something that he needed to talk to Orlando about - was this what tonight had been all about?  Had Sean wanted to tell him that he didn’t love him, didn’t want to see him anymore?  But why hadn’t he come?  He'd said that everything was okay between them - if that was true then where was he?

Orlando’s emotions were pitching frantically and he didn’t know what he thought anymore.  One minute he was certain that Sean really did love him and that this was just some unfortunate mishap, some mistake, and that Sean would turn up with kisses and apologies and everything would be all right.  But then the next moment he was terrified that Sean had just left him, got fed up and decided not to see him anymore.  Or even worse; as he’d sat here all night long, alone and worrying, he’d even wondered if Sean had just been playing him along - playing the stupid, trusting virgin kid so that he could have his fun with him and then move on to someone else, someone better.  No!  He couldn’t really believe that of Sean.  This was *Sean* - his hero, his white knight.  The man who had made love to him so sweetly and with such care just wasn’t capable of behaviour like that; he was too noble, too *honourable* for that. 

But, but where *was* he? 

"I love him so much," Orlando whispered.

"I know, sweet pea, I know," Craig soothed.  "I just don’t know what to say to you right now.  I don’t know what to think," he repeated, tucking Orlando’s head against his shoulder and shushing him softly.  "I’m sure that things will look better in the morning.  Sean might ring or something."

"D’you think so?"  Orlando looked up hopefully.

"Who knows, eh?"  Craig said, clearly trying to sound optimistic.  "As the indomitable and fabulous Miss Scarlett O’Hara would say - ‘tomorrow’s another day’, sweet pea and we can try and sort something out then, okay?  But there’s nothing that we can do right now.  How about you get yourself into bed and I’ll clear up in here."

"No, I’ll do it," Orlando said wearily as he stood up and reached for a plate.  He felt so tired, the long hours of worrying and fretting taking their toll.

"Oh no you don’t," Craig said firmly, standing and taking the plate from his grasp.  "I’m invoking my ‘big brother’s right of supremacy’ here.  I’ll take care of this and you get to bed.  It’ll all seem different after a good night’s sleep - you’ll see."

Orlando lifted his head and pressed a gentle kiss to Craig’s cheek.  He really was the best friend in the world - god knows what he'd ever done to deserve him but he was so glad that he was here.  Somehow, just having Craig here to talk to made things a little bit better.  "The ‘big brother’s right of supremacy’?"  He said, attempting a laugh but the sound coming out more like a strangled sob.

"Absolutely."  Craig nodded with a smile, though his eyes were clouded with concern.

"As long as you’re sure?  Thanks, Craigsie."

"No problem - now off you go."

"Yes, *mum*," Orlando said, trying really hard to smile and not give his friend any more reason to worry.  "’Night."

"G’night, Orli."

~

Orlando lay on his side with his cheek pressed into his pillow, staring at the picture of himself and Sean that now sat on the bedside table.  He couldn’t sleep; all he wanted was to feel those strong arms wrapped around him again and to gaze into smiling green eyes.  He was sorry that he’d changed the bed now; he missed Sean’s comforting scent, the reminder of him - he missed *Sean*.

It was just after one and he’d heard Craig pass by on his way to bed a few minutes earlier.  He lifted the covers with a sigh and padded softly down the hallway, knocking tentatively on Craig’s bedroom door.

"Um, Craigsie?"  He fiddled anxiously with the frayed hem of the tee shirt that he slept in.

"Come in, sweet pea."

He pushed open the door and stood nervously on the threshold, chewing at his thumb, his eyes downcast and his shoulders slumped.  He felt so sad, so alone - like his heart was splitting open and he just didn’t know what to do with himself.

"Orli?"

Orlando sighed heavily and raised his eyes to see Craig holding up the covers and smiling kindly.

"Come on, sweet pea, in you get."

He gratefully climbed into bed and curled into the warmth and security of Craig’s welcoming arms, settling his head on his shoulder.  "Sorry, Craigsie," he sniffed, tears finally spilling over and soaking into the soft cotton beneath his cheek.

"Don’t worry, it’s only an old tee shirt anyway," Craig murmured, stroking Orlando’s arms and back.

Orlando laughed weakly in spite of himself and then buried his face further into Craig’s shoulder, huge sobs making his body shake.

"I l-love him, Craig."

"I know you do, baby.  I know you do," Craig whispered softly.  "Go to sleep now, eh?  It’ll all seem different in the morning, I promise."

~~

Chapter sixteen

Orlando sat at the kitchen table and stared blankly into his tea.  He hadn’t slept well and what little sleep he had managed had been disturbed by unpleasant dreams that he could no longer remember, save for vague memories of being alone and in a dark place.  Hardly surprising really but uncomfortable nonetheless.   He’d finally given up and crept out of bed at about five o’clock, trying hard not to wake Craig who was snuffling peacefully beside him.  He’d hoped that a new morning would put a brighter perspective on things but unfortunately it hadn’t; he was still upset and hurt that Sean hadn’t come last night but also confused and worried sick, not knowing what might have happened to his boyfriend. 

He huddled down into his bathrobe, still contemplating his mug, and tried not to wonder if Sean still *was* his boyfriend.  He also tried not to remember how very good Sean had looked wearing this robe or that, if he breathed in deeply enough, he could still catch the faintest scent of him trapped within the folds of the fabric. Not that he seemed able to ignore any of these or the hundred, thousand other Sean-related things that were whirling around in his brain.

He sighed and took a mouthful of tea.  It was cold.

He didn’t really feel like drinking it anyway; he was just going through the motions to give himself something to do, something else to think about instead of Sean.  Not that it was working, of course.   

Without thinking, he reached for his charm necklace and began to fiddle with the ring that Sean had given him, hooking it over his thumb and rolling it between his fingers.  He knew that Sean had wanted to talk to him about something, he’d said so on Sunday evening, and that whatever the something was, it was important.  Sean seemed very serious and quite troubled when he’d mentioned them ‘needing to talk’.

What did that mean anyway? Was Sean unhappy with their relationship, with him?  Sean had said not, but Orlando knew that he was young and quite immature compared to Sean.  He had thought that Sean actually liked that about him - liked the differences between them.  He was always calling him adorable and saying how much he enjoyed being with…how much he *loved* him.  Was that the truth or had Sean been lying to him all along?  Maybe he'd grown tired of him and wanted a convenient way out - well, not giving Orlando his surname or telephone number would certainly help if that was the case!  Or perhaps he’d met someone else?  Someone more experienced, more sophisticated - more like Sean himself?

Orlando felt cold inside.  He was terrified that his fears would be proved true after all and that Sean had left him because he was just a stupid kid who didn’t know what he was doing.  Why would Sean, the god-like figure that he was, even be interested in him - what on earth did he have to offer?  No, Sean would want someone better - more handsome and intelligent, funnier and more worldly…. 

Someone like this Eric person maybe, whoever he was; probably a six foot-five, tanned hulk with muscles on his muscles!

Orlando’s insecurities came rushing to the fore as he replayed his telephone conversation with Sean over and over in his mind.  He knew that he was obsessing but he couldn’t stop thinking about the familiarity with which Eric had spoken to Sean.  Who did he think he was anyway - with his deep laughing voice and his muscles and everything - making Sean end their call like that?  Was he a colleague?  A friend?  Or was it something more?  Was he the reason that Sean hadn’t shown up last night?  Had Sean left him for this other man?

He stifled a sob and shook his head, trying to clear his mind.  He was getting ridiculous and hysterical; he knew it but he couldn’t help himself.  It was just so soul sapping to be here and not know anything - not know what had happened to Sean and why he hadn’t got in touch.  His over active imagination was just running away with him, completely out of control. 

Or what if Sean had been on his way to see him and had been involved in an accident or got hurt or *something*?  It wasn’t like he could even phone the police or the hospitals to check.  What could he say, who could he ask for?  He didn’t even know his own boyfriend’s surname!

"Morning."

Orlando looked up in surprise.  He’d been so preoccupied that he hadn’t heard Craig come in.

"How are you feeling, sweet pea?"  Craig asked softly as he dropped a light kiss on to the top of Orlando’s head and hugged him briefly on the way to the counter.

"Okay," Orlando sighed and then shook his head.  "Pretty crap really."

"Yeah," Craig smiled sympathetically.  "Want some more tea?"

"Please.  This one’s gone cold," Orlando said, trying to smile.  He looked at the clock, surprised to see that it was nearly nine - he’d been sitting here for almost four hours.  Not that it had done him much good - he was still as hurt and confused as he had been when he sat down, perhaps even more so due to the wild thoughts running through his mind.

"How about some breakfast?"  Craig asked.  "I could whip up some of my world famous scrambled eggs?"

"Thanks, Craigsie but I don’t feel very hungry at the moment."  Orlando looked over at Craig as he bustled about the small kitchen, filling the kettle and getting fresh mugs from the cupboard.  "Do you think he’ll call…or, or maybe come round today?"  He knew that he didn’t have to elaborate on who the ‘he’ was.

Craig leant against the counter, a sympathetic look on his face.  "I don’t know, Orli.  I really don’t know what’ll happen.  It could be that he got delayed somewhere or that old banger of a car of his broke down or…"

"It’s a vintage Aston Martin, Craig - you make it sound like some old wreck," Orlando interrupted, unable to stop himself from defending the car - Sean had talked about its restoration with such affection and was clearly very attached to it.  "Um, well, it *is*," he added at Craig’s extravagantly raised eyebrows.  "So, you think that could be why he didn’t turn up last night?  His car broke down?"  He couldn’t keep the note of aching hopefulness from his voice.

"I don’t know, sweet pea," Craig said quietly, coming over to sit by him.  "I’m only guessing here.  But if that was the case, that he did break down, then I’m just wondering - "

"Why didn’t he ring me?"  Orlando completed his friend’s sentence and nodded sadly.

"Yeah."

"You do think he’s dumped me, don’t you?  Had his fun, popped the stupid, trusting little virgin’s cherry and then done a runner?"  Orlando said, becoming more distressed as he continued.  "You think I’ve been naïve and fallen in love with the first man that paid any real attention to me and now I’ve got what I deserve, don’t you?"

"Hey now," Craig admonished gently as he moved closer and wrapped his arms around Orlando.  "I haven’t said anything of the sort."

"But you’re thinking it, aren’t you?"  Orlando mumbled miserably as he slumped against Craig’s shoulder, all of the fight draining from him.

"No I’m not," Craig said.  "But I’m wondering if that’s what you think?  Hmmm, sweet pea?"

Orlando shook his head.  "Not really, not deep inside I don’t think that.  It’s just that I don’t know how I’m feeling or what’s going on, you know?  I mean, like, when I think about how Sean was with me and the things that he said - when he said that he loved me - then I don’t think that he could ever do anything like that."  He looked up and smiled tentatively.  "He’s a good man, yeah?  I love him and I really want to trust him but I’m just so confused.  And I keep wondering what it was that he wanted to talk to me about - it sounded important.  But he said it was nothing to do with me, that I hadn’t, like, done anything wrong or whatever.  And when he rang me on Wednesday night he was so sweet and funny and *loving*…." He paused and sighed, a sad, lonely breath of air.  "Oh, I don’t know - I’m all over the place and just keep talking myself round and around until I end up in a corner, you know?"

"I know, sweet pea," Craig smiled, stroking Orlando’s curls.  "Being in love can be a real bitch sometimes, can’t it?"

Orlando sighed again.  He lowered his head back to Craig’s shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist.  "Yeah, it can."

~

Orlando was sitting in the lounge trying very hard to concentrate on the inane showbiz gossip in Craig’s magazine and to not think about Sean at all.

He was failing miserably. 

He knew that having the framed photograph of the two of them on the end table wasn’t helping but he couldn’t seem to stop himself from looking at it.  He wasn’t just upset and confused - he was missing Sean as well.  All week long he’d imagined how they would celebrate Sean’s homecoming - a nice romantic meal and then a lazy weekend of being together and making love, just the two of them locked in their own little world.  He certainly hadn’t expected this - that he’d be sitting here waiting miserably for Sean to call or turn up or *something*.

He jumped, his heart pounding frantically as he heard the doorbell ring, its echoing peal sounding abnormally loud for some reason.  He was out of his seat before he even thought about it and virtually collided with Craig in the hallway as they both moved towards the door.

"Do you want me to answer it, Orli?"  Craig asked, touching his arm lightly.

Orlando shook his head.  "No, it’s okay, I can do it thanks," he said, trying to smile encouragingly though his mouth felt dry and his head was spinning at the thought that Sean might be standing on the door step.  "Honestly, I’m all right, Craigsie," he added at Craig’s worried look.

"Okay, I’ll just be in the kitchen if you need me."

"Thanks," Orlando smiled, a genuine smile this time as he realised again just how very lucky he was to have a friend like Craig.  The doorbell rang out again and he squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before stepping forward and opening the door.

"Hello, matey boy!"  Dominic chirped in a much too happy manner for eleven o’clock on a grey Saturday morning.  "Hope we’re not interrupting anything, after the big romantic night and all?"  He bustled into the hallway, brushing a quick kiss to Orlando’s cheek and dragging an apologetically smiling Billy behind him.

"Hey, Orli," Billy laughed gently, rising up on his toes to kiss Orlando’s other cheek in greeting.  "I told him we should’ve rung first, but you know what this mad boy’s like - something about some cds or something.  Hope you don’t mind us just popping round?"

Orlando shook his head and nodded towards the kitchen.  "Come on through.  Craig’s probably got the kettle on by now."

"Where’s Sean?"  Dominic asked, grinning madly.  "Don’t tell me he’s still in bed?  You haven’t worn that old man of yours out already have you, stud?"

Orlando felt his breath catch and fought back the sob that threatened to break free from his aching chest. He really didn’t want to have to talk about this again.   "No, nothing like that, Dommie," he murmured, his eyes downcast.  "Sean isn’t here.  He, um, didn’t come last night."

"*What*?"  Dominic asked in a surprised shout, as he and Billy followed Orlando into the kitchen, adding a distracted, "Oh, hey, Craig."

They quickly exchanged hurried hugs and kisses of welcome with Craig before Dominic continued.  "But what happened, mate?  I thought you were all set for a big homecoming meal and a wonderful weekend of shagging?"

"Dom!"  Billy’s voice held a note of warning as he shook his head at his boyfriend.

"Sorry, Orli," Dominic said softly, obviously realising how insensitive he may have sounded.  "I just thought that it was all arranged, you know?"

Orlando sat down and dropped his head, not wanting to see the pity on his friends’ faces.  "That was the plan, yeah but he just didn’t show up…."

"Well, has he phoned you?"  Dominic asked, as he and Billy sat at the table.

Craig brought a tray of mugs over, giving Billy and Dominic coffee while whispering softly, "Tea for you, sweet pea - not coffee."

Orlando looked up through dark lashes and smiled gratefully at Craig before looking over at his other friends.  "No, he didn’t phone and before you ask - I couldn’t phone him.  I don’t have his number," he said and then added, "and I don’t know his last name either."  He saw the sharp look exchanged between Billy and Dominic and nodded sadly.  "Yeah, I know what you’re thinking - that’s he’s strung me along and dumped me."

"We don’t think that, not really," Dominic said, his voice concerned.  "But it is weird, you’ve got to admit it - him just not showing up and not telling you his last name and everything.  Oh, but hey!  What about the ring that he gave you?  Why would he do that then - if you were just a one night stand or something?"  Dominic turned to his boyfriend.  "Remember, Bills?  I was telling you about the ring that Sean gave to Orli.  Orli - show Billy the ring."

In his heart Orlando knew that Dominic was just trying to be optimistic but he couldn’t help the little flare of hope that sparked within him.  Dominic was right - why would Sean buy him such a lovely gift if he didn’t care about him?  It might only be costume jewellery but Orlando loved it.  Feeling a little more positive, he slid the silver ring from his chain and passed it to Billy, the glass catching the light and making tiny shafts of dappled green dance across the tabletop.  "This is it.  Sean said that he knew that I like my charms, yeah and that they were parts of my life.  He said that he wanted to be…a part of my life," he said shyly, his eyes dropping sadly as he thought of Sean and wondered for the thousandth time where he was.

Craig shuffled his chair closer, dropping a kiss to Orlando’s cheek and giving his shoulders a quick squeeze.  Orlando smiled faintly and then looked across the table as Billy examined the ring closely.

"It’s really nice, yeah?"  Dominic said and then nodded proudly at Orlando and Craig.  "Bills knows loads of stuff about jewellery - his dad was a jeweller in Glasgow and Bills used to help him out in the shop when he was paying his way through Uni."

"I know it’s just silver and glass but I think it’s so pretty," Orlando said. 

"This *is* nice," Billy said seriously.  "But it’s not silver, Orli."

"Oh, well, I don’t mind that," Orlando said.  "It doesn’t matter that it’s not worth anything."  It was still worth everything to him - he really loved the ring because it was *Sean* who had given it to him.  He didn’t want to think about what he’d do if he never saw him again.  He wasn’t sure he’d be able to wear it with all of the memories that it carried - or that he’d be able *not* to wear it….

"No." Billy shook his head.  "I don’t mean that it’s just plated tat or something.  This is *platinum* and the stones look like emeralds to me."

"W-what?"  Orlando’s voice was faint and he would have laughed at the synchronised ‘what?’s from Craig and Dominic, if he hadn’t been so shocked.

"Yeah, this is a really high end ring, Orli - I’d say you’re looking at paying twenty or thirty at least."

"P-pounds?"

"Thousands," Billy said calmly.  "This ring is worth at least twenty or thirty thousand pounds, Orlando."

A minor uproar broke out in the kitchen as Dominic and Craig both exclaimed loudly and asked Billy if he was sure.

"Yes, I’m sure," Billy said as he passed the ring back to Orlando.  "It’s definitely platinum and I think they’re probably Columbian emeralds - this is a *really* expensive piece of jewellery."

"Um, I thought it was just glass, you know - pretty green glass," Orlando murmured, his voice almost lost in his friends’ excitement.  "But how…how could Sean afford something like this?" 

"Yeah, now you come to think of it," Dominic said with a shrewd look on his normally laughing face, "how *could* Sean afford this?  He said he was just a contractor didn’t he?  How would a bloody builder come by this kind of money - to spend on a present for someone he’s only known for a couple of weeks?"

"Dom," Billy said, the warning back in his voice.

"No, Bills - I’m right aren’t I?  How could Sean have the money to buy something like this?"

"What are you saying, Dom?"  Craig asked softly.

"Well, listen," Dominic said carefully.  "The bloke’s just supposed to be a contractor but he drives a fancy car and takes Orli to expensive restaurants and stuff, yeah?  Not to mention that," he added, pointing at the ring that Orlando was holding carefully in his palm.  "Then he’s always disappearing off ‘on business’ all the time but he doesn’t tell anyone his name or give Orli his phone number or anything.  Oh, and he’s never invited Orli to his house or told him where he lives, am I right, mate?"

Orlando nodded numbly.  He’d never thought that there was anything strange in it before but when the facts were laid out so barely, it did seem odd.

"Now all of this seems a bit iffy to me," Dominic said.  "I know I’m not the brightest bulb in the box at times but has anyone thought that this Sean may not exactly be on the up and up?  That he’s kept who he is a secret for a reason and that he’s probably up to no good?"

"Do you mean that he’s some kind of criminal?"  Billy asked, his tone mild but suggesting that he might believe it too.

"Well, yeah - maybe."

"And - what?  He *stole* the ring that he gave to Orli?"  Billy said.

"Probably," Dominic nodded and then added in a rush, his face bright with excitement, "Oh my god!  I’ve got it! It was probably Sean that tried to break into Karl and Lij’s place, ‘cus the police said it looked like someone who knew the alarm system and he’d been there the night before at the party.  And the theatre!  Sean had been there too.  He was probably casing the joint that first time we saw him!  That’s it - Sean’s the thief and he couldn’t come last night because…" He faltered as Orlando stared at him with eyes widened in horror.

"Um, well…"

"What, Dommie?"  Orlando said quietly.

"Well, if I’m right, then Sean couldn’t come and see you ‘cus the police caught the thief yesterday morning.  So that would mean that…Sean’s in jail."

"No," Orlando felt the blood drain from his face and shook his head.  "I don’t believe it.  Sean just isn’t like that.  He’s a good man!  He said that he *loved* me!  He wouldn’t do something like that.  What do you think, Craig?"  He looked at his best friend, willing him to have an answer that wouldn’t break his heart and tear his dreams apart.

"We can’t know anything for sure, baby," Craig said gently, wrapping an arm around Orlando’s shoulders.  "Dommie’s probably getting carried away."  He smiled kindly at Orlando and Dominic.  "But I just keep thinking to myself, what do you really know about Sean, hmmm?"

Orlando felt himself deflate, all of the worry and anguish of last night and this morning suddenly becoming too much for him.  Craig was right.  What did he really know about Sean?  Thinking back, he realised that Sean had never actually told him much about himself - certainly not details like what he did or where he lived.  Orlando had taken so much on faith, just assuming so many things and at the time the details hadn’t seemed all that important.  What did it matter if he didn’t know Sean’s last name?  Sean was just…*Sean*.  Then there were the times when his behaviour had seemed a little odd or off somehow - like when Orlando introduced him to Jason at the theatre and there was that weird, awkward moment, and then again when Billy was asking him about his work at the party.  In fact, now that he thought about it, Sean had always seemed uncomfortable when his work was mentioned, speaking in a vague way or changing the subject.  He'd just put it down to him feeling a bit embarrassed or something, or even a bit star struck by the theatre life.  But what if that wasn’t it at all and he just hadn’t wanted to talk about it because he wasn’t really a contractor?  Come to think of it, Sean had never actually said that he was - Orlando had just assumed it, putting two and two together and coming up with…what?  Twenty-two?  It was certainly starting to look that way.  So what did this all mean?  That Sean was really a thief?  And what did that mean for them and their relationship?  Had it just been a pack of lies all along? Had Sean not only lied about who he really was but also about what he felt for him?  Did he really love him, like he’d said he did - or was it just another line, another lie in a whole web of deceit?

Orlando shook his head.  He was so confused and his heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest and was lying exposed and bleeding on the floor.  Was this it then?  His hero, his white knight was really just some liar - a liar and a thief?  Could that be true?  Could that really be his Sean?

He felt Craig squeeze his shoulder gently.  "What do you really know about him, sweet pea?"

He took a deep breath and looked up into Craig’s compassionate blue eyes.  "I just know that I love him, Craig."

~

The flat was quiet at last. 

Billy and Dominic had finally left around one.  There’d been much more discussion, of course and the final analysis had been that none of them actually knew anything for sure.  Dominic had been contrite and apologetic for letting his enthusiasm get away from him and for upsetting Orlando.  Orlando had hugged him tight and told him not to worry and that he still loved him. There’d been hugs and kisses of support and as they’d left Billy had said that he’d ask around and see if he could find out anything more concrete.

Then Craig had wrapped Orlando in his arms and just held him while he’d cried quietly.

Eventually Craig had had to go to work.  He was only due into the shop for a few hours that afternoon and had offered to get someone else to cover for him but Orlando knew how importantly Craig took his role as manager and didn’t want him missing work on his behalf.  He’d finally managed to convince his friend that he’d be absolutely fine by himself for the afternoon and waved him off with a promise that he’d call if he needed anything.

So now here he was again, sitting curled in his favourite corner of the sofa and staring at the photograph of himself wrapped in Sean’s arms. 

Everything hurt - his body felt like one big ache and it was even painful to breathe.  He wouldn’t have believed that he could feel this way without at least being run over by a bus.  Well, maybe it was just his heart that had been run over - steamrollered into loving Sean and then just as quickly left bereft and aching when that love was snatched away.  But that was part of the problem, of course, he didn’t know if he *had* lost that love.  Did Sean still want him, need him, *love* him - like he wanted and needed and loved Sean?  And who, *exactly*, was Sean?  Who was the man that Orlando had fallen so deeply and irrevocably in love with?

His head throbbed painfully as the same unanswered questions repeated themselves over and over in his mind. He leant back against the cushion with a sigh, just willing it all to stop.  He wished that Sean were here and he could lose himself in those beautiful green eyes; his white knight would hold him close, kiss him softly and make the world go away.

The silence was broken by the raucous peal of the doorbell and with a strange sense of déjà vu, Orlando found himself automatically moving across the room. He stopped dead as conscious thought returned and he found that he was suddenly shaking, a tightly twisted claw of anxiety gripping at his stomach.  He took a deep breath in and then let it out slowly before repeating the action as he went into the hallway and walked slowly towards the front door.

Another deep breath and he was pleased to see that his hand only trembled slightly as he grasped the doorknob and swung the heavy oak door open.

Time seemed to still as he stared into luminous green eyes and then a voice like warm velvet whispered across his skin.

"Hello, Orlando."

~~

Chapter seventeen

Orlando couldn’t speak; he just stared.

Sean looked tired and a little dishevelled - there was stubble shadowing his chin and his clothes were creased - but at that moment Orlando couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful.  He knew that he should be angry - and he *was* - angry, upset and so very confused, a churning mess of emotions still bubbling inside him.  But right now the one overriding all else was a sense of intense and overwhelming relief; god knows where Sean had been but finally he was *here*, in one piece and looking at Orlando with such uncertainty and vulnerability that he felt himself melt, his hurt and anger subsiding for a moment.

"You’re late."  Orlando sighed, the tremor in his voice making him sound breathless.  He wanted to say so many things.  Where were you?  *Who* are you?  I love you…do you still love me…?  But all that he could manage for now was the softly phrased accusation, as too many feelings coursed through him, robbing him of eloquence.  Sean was here; everything else could wait for a little while until they could talk.

Sean nodded slowly and lowered his head, looking suddenly weary.  "I’m sorry."  He raised his eyes briefly and Orlando felt the force of his need like a tangible burst of energy.  "Is it okay if I come in - please?" 

Orlando nodded and managed to partially stifle a sob as his emotions threatened to break his hard fought for composure.  He stepped back but as Sean moved past him into the hallway, his resolve crumbled and he threw himself into Sean’s arms.  Sean immediately drew him close, holding him tightly and burying his face in the soft curls at Orlando’s neck.  Orlando trembled slightly and strong hands rubbed up and down his back as Sean mumbled soothing, incomprehensible words into his ear.  He wasn’t precisely sure who the words were meant to comfort as Sean seemed so relieved and *grateful* as he crushed Orlando to his chest.

Pressed against the warmth of Sean’s body, Orlando breathed in the familiar fresh scent of cologne and the underlying essence of what he’d come to identify - and love - as Sean himself.  He smiled as he rested his cheek against a firm shoulder; everything would be okay now - Sean was here.  But as he began to drift in a hazy, happy dreamscape his thoughts suddenly coalesced and he had a moment of startling clarity.  This wasn’t right - this wasn’t *real*.  It would be so easy to just play it safe and melt into Sean’s embrace, to carry on with the fairy tale romance that he’d built up in his head but it wouldn’t last.  It couldn’t - it wouldn’t be based on reality.  He couldn’t go on like this, just accepting and glossing over the cracks - he needed to find out the answers to all of the questions that were crowding his mind.  He might have fantasised that Sean was his hero, his white knight, but that was all part of the dream - the quest for happily ever after.  He’d had long hours to think about his relationship with Sean and to mull over the omissions and the things that didn’t quite fit, that weren’t quite right.  He could see now that his desire for the perfect man had clouded his mind and he knew that if he and Sean were to stand any chance of having a stable, lasting relationship then he needed to find out about Sean - the real man, not the god-like fantasy lover of his imagination.  But it was a scary thought.  What if Sean the man didn’t measure up to Sean the dream?  What if he was a liar and a thief like Dominic had suggested?  What about if he had just been using Orlando and didn’t really love him?

Orlando felt Sean’s hands holding him gently, stroking down his spine and then wrapping around his waist as he continued to whisper random, soothing noises against his ear.  Deep down he couldn’t believe that this man - that his Sean - was a bad person; surely he would have sensed something, despite being so wrapped up in his fantasies? 

He took a deep breath.  He didn’t know the truth about Sean - yet - but he intended to find out, he needed to.  He might not like the answers that Sean gave him, but he had to know.  He owed it to both of them if their relationship stood any chance of lasting. 

Taking another calming breath, Orlando composed himself and pulled away from the secure haven of Sean’s arms.

"We need to talk," he said softly, already missing the comforting security of being close to Sean.

Sean’s hands fell to his side. "Yeah, we do," he nodded and took a half step back, looking at Orlando with green eyes clouded with an emotion that he couldn’t quite define - resignation but something else too - it was almost like fear and Orlando felt a sharp stab of anxiety as he wondered what Sean was going to tell him. 

They moved into the living room and Orlando sat in his favourite corner of the sofa.  He tucked his legs underneath him and clasped his hands together in an effort not to fidget, though it didn’t stop him from reaching for the ring that hung around his neck.  Without thinking, he twisted it around and around, green stones twinkling in the wash of golden-hued firelight.

Sean stopped in front of the fire, near to the other end of the long sofa.  "Is it okay if I sit down?"  He asked, sounding a little unsure.

"Of course," Orlando nodded, recognising the need for space but saddened at the gulf - both physical and emotional - that now stretched between them.  It was all the more poignant because this was a place where they’d always sat entwined in each other’s arms.

Sean sat down, his elbows resting on his knees, and turned to face Orlando.  "I’m really sorry about last night, Orli - Orlando," he said quietly, looking intently into Orlando’s questioning eyes as if willing him to understand.  "I want you to know that I tried really hard to get here but in the end things were out of my control.  I am sorry."

Orlando could hear the genuine regret and sorrow in Sean’s voice but he couldn’t contain himself - he didn’t want platitudes, however heartfelt - he wanted answers and he wanted them now. 

"Because you were in j-jail?" 

He stumbled over the words.  He didn’t really believe it, even as the accusation tumbled from him but he was *so* desperate to know something, *anything* - any reason to explain Sean’s absence and his hidden identity.  Since Dominic had made the suggestion earlier, outrageous as it was, he couldn’t help but think that maybe - just maybe - it might be true.   Not that he *really* thought that Sean was a criminal but the facts were suggestive and maybe he’d needed the money or was doing it for some altruistic reason or something?  There were so many unanswered questions and unexplained circumstances that appeared suspicious when you looked at them in a particular light - like the timing of the robberies, Sean’s mysterious ‘job’ and the way that he was always so tight lipped about himself.  Plus Sean’s current appearance was certainly unlike his usual elegant, well-groomed self - he looked a little unkempt and like he hadn’t had a very good night’s sleep.  Well, that made two of them anyway but while Orlando had been tossing and turning in bed where had Sean been?  In a police cell?

"*What*?"  Sean asked, his face a mask of complete and utter astonishment.  "Was I in *jail*?"

Orlando nodded numbly.

"No," Sean said, reaching out towards Orlando and then letting his hand fall into his lap.  "I wasn’t in jail.  I was in Australia - well, on a plane trying to get home to you, actually."

Orlando thought that his head might explode as a rush of relief, mingled with shock and a healthy dose of embarrassment, rushed through him.  Oh thank god, Sean hadn’t been in jail, he wasn’t a criminal, he’d just been in -

"*Australia*!?  What the hell were you doing in *Australia*?"  He gasped, unable to stop babbling.  "But wait - so you’re not, like, a world class cat burglar or anything then?  And it wasn’t you who, um, broke into Karl and Lij’s place last week?  And you didn’t try to break into the theatre the other day?"

"No," Sean said slowly.  "I didn’t try to break into the theatre, Orlando - I *own* the theatre."

Orlando shook his head and giggled nervously.  "No, some incredibly rich bloke who’s like this multi-multi-zillionaire owns the theatre…Harry said so and…." His voice trailed off as Sean looked steadily at him, no hint of any joking on his beautiful face.

"But?  But?  That’s *you*?"

Sean nodded, his face revealing nothing.

Orlando felt curiously light-headed, as if he was hearing words but not really understanding their meaning.  "So, you didn’t steal this?"  He whispered, toying with the sparkling ring hanging from the chain around his neck.  "And you’re not a thief and…and you really do love me?"  Please, please….

"Oh, Orli - baby - of course I do," Sean said softly, opening his arms wide as Orlando threw himself along the sofa and into the longed for embrace.  Oh, thank you, *thank* you….

Orlando sprawled across Sean’s chest, burrowing into his arms and burying his head at his neck.  He was content for a moment to just *be*, to lie wrapped in strong arms and know that whatever else, Sean loved him. 

The silence was finally broken.  "You thought that I was a thief and had stolen the ring that I gave you?" Sean asked calmly.

Orlando felt his cheeks flame and pressed himself more firmly against the strands of golden hair brushing at his face.  "No, not really," he mumbled against the soft skin of Sean’s neck.  "It was just that Billy said it was really expensive and then Dom said some stuff about, like, how could you afford it and what if you’d stolen it, you know?  And there were all these things I found out that I didn’t know about you, like what your name was and where you lived or your phone number, stuff like that.  It didn’t seem to add up and everything was all just so confusing and I didn’t know what to think.  You didn’t turn up last night and I was so worried and upset and…."

"I’m sorry, sweetheart," Sean murmured, squeezing him tightly and pressing a kiss to his hair.  "I never meant for you to get hurt like this.  I wanted to talk to you - to explain things face to face and then there was a bloody electrical storm and the power was down - everything was delayed and I couldn’t get in touch with you."

As Sean scattered more kisses across his hair, Orlando finally began to piece together what Sean was actually saying, his rush of euphoria at finding out that Sean wasn’t a thief having temporarily robbed him of any coherent thought. 

"What?  Wait a minute," he said, lifting his head and looking at Sean.  "You’ve been in Australia this week?  I thought you said you had to go away for work!"

Sean smiled softly.  "It was work."

"But, but I thought you were in Llandudno or somewhere fixing a roof!"

"Llandudno?"  Sean looked bemused.

Orlando felt his blush spread to the tips of his ears.  "Oh, well I thought you were a builder-contractor sort of thing and had to go off on jobs and stuff like that.  And when I was a kid I had a friend whose dad was a builder and he was always going to places like Llandudno or Bolton or wherever, so that’s what gave me the idea….  Anyway, that’s not the point," he said, drawing a breath and trying to focus.  "You *own* the theatre?"

"Yeah," Sean nodded, stroking Orlando’s back gently.  "I think I need to explain a few things."

"Huh, you can say that again, man!"  Orlando said, rolling his eyes but snuggling more firmly into Sean’s arms.  Sean wasn’t a thief - thank god - but who on earth was he?  He owned the *theatre* for god’s sake?  Orlando just couldn’t get his head around all of this right now but he understood one thing - Sean was here and he loved him, everything else would come. 

Sean seemed a little more relaxed as he settled back against the cushions and wrapped his arms more securely around him.  "All right, let me try to explain things, okay?"  He continued as Orlando nodded.  "The day that we first met, I’d dropped into the theatre to see how things were going with the renovations and to have a quick word with Jason, if he was free - "

"Hang on!"  Orlando interrupted, sitting up and staring at Sean.  "You know Jason?  But what was all that funny business when I introduced the two of you?"

Sean gathered Orlando back into his arms.  "Yes, of course I know Jason, baby - I’m funding the show that he’s directing.  But I’ve known him for a while - we’ve been friends for years, in fact.  I’ve been interested in the theatre for a long time and we’ve met at various functions, you know how it is."

"So, you really meant it when you told me that you’d wanted to be an actor?"  Orlando asked quietly.

"Yeah," Sean sighed.  "But my dad took ill and I had to help him out with the business."

"So, what - your dad’s in the theatre business?"  Orlando asked, his brow wrinkled in confusion.

"No," Sean smiled kindly, "he was a welder.  Look, why don’t I tell you all about me and then things will be clearer, okay?"

"Okay, ‘cus at the moment my brain’s about ready to melt or something," Orlando said, trying to smile but feeling rather shaky and nervous.  He suddenly felt so lost again as he realised that he really didn’t know Sean at all.

"Sweetheart?"  Sean’s face was filled with concern and he stroked Orlando’s cheek gently.

"I’m all right," Orlando said, Sean’s touch making him feel a little better.  "Go on, please."

"All right, so I was at the theatre…."

"Hey!  But you haven’t explained that weird vibe when we met Jason that time you came to pick me up for lunch."

Sean nodded.  "Okay.  That was just me not wanting Jason to give the game away, so I shook his hand and pretended I didn’t know him - I’m just not very good at that kind of thing though, I’m afraid.  He didn’t half give me what for when I saw him later, I can tell you.  He thinks very highly of you and it seems he wasn’t very happy thinking that I might be messing you about.  But I wasn’t, Orli, I wasn’t deliberately messing you about," Sean said becoming more serious.  "I’d never do anything to hurt you but I’ve had some bad experiences in the past and didn’t want things to go wrong between us."

"What do you mean?"  Orlando couldn’t understand why Sean hadn’t told him the truth about who he really was.  Why would he feel he had to keep that from him?

Sean took a deep breath and then slowly blew it out.  "Okay.  I think I’m making a bit of a mess of this.  Let me start at the beginning.  I grew up in Sheffield and my dad had a small welding business.  I’d had ideas about going to drama school but my dad became ill and he needed me to help run things.  I wasn’t a very good welder," Sean smiled tightly and Orlando couldn’t help but cuddle up more closely, despite his insecurity and confusion.  "But it turned out that I did have a good head for business, steel in particular.  Before long we’d expanded and got into import and export, supplying shipyards around the world, that kind of thing.  Well, I won’t bore you with lots of tedious details but the business carried on thriving and growing and we diversified into a range of areas.  I’ve got divisions with interests in hotels, construction and various other things - "

"Including the theatre?"  Orlando asked.

"Yes, including the theatre," Sean smiled, dropping a kiss on to the top of Orlando’s head as it lay against his shoulder.  "But that’s really just a personal thing - a bit of a pet project of my own. I’ve been a patron of various arts programmes for years now and bought the Albery when I heard that it was in danger of closing completely."

"Is that why you didn’t tell me who you were?  Because you own the theatre and so that makes you, um, like, my boss?"  Orlando said quietly, lowering his eyes.  Did Sean see him as some kind of trophy or conquest or something?

Sean placed a gentle hand under Orlando’s chin and guided his head up until they were looking at each other. Sean’s eyes were bright with emotion. "No, it’s not that at all, baby.  Oh, I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am that I lied to you, sweetheart."

"You didn’t, um, *lie* exactly, I suppose…."

"Well, a lie of omission then - but it feels just as bad to me to know that I’ve hurt you in this way.  I’m not proud of my actions, Orlando but I need you to understand how it was for me.  I grew up with nothing, but by hard graft and a healthy dose of luck, I’ve become a rich man.  You don’t know how that can suddenly make you seem incredibly attractive to a certain kind of person.  It’s like having a big Pound sign flashing above your head and people come along in droves - not interested in me, just my money - "

Orlando pulled himself away from Sean’s arms with a harsh sob.  "Is that what you think?  That I just want you for your *money*?"  His eyes were wide with shock and he felt sick that Sean could even think such a thing.

"*No*!  No, baby - never," Sean soothed hurriedly, reaching to stroke Orlando’s shoulders.  "It’s just that the last time I was with someone, well…let’s just say that he hurt me very badly.  I found out that he didn’t care about me at all - he just wanted what I could buy him and the doors that I could open for him.  After that, I decided that I wasn’t going to risk being used like that again so now I just keep quiet about myself and who I really am - it’s got to be a habit, I suppose.  I haven’t even been with anyone for a long time - not since…him.  Then I saw you at the theatre and I couldn’t help myself - I think I pretty much fell in love with you the first moment I saw you standing on that stage - you were so graceful, so *alive*…"

Orlando sighed in relief, nodding shyly and moving closer, his hand resting on Sean’s cheek.  "I think I know what you mean - it was like electric, some kind of spark - the second I saw you too.  But, what about once you got to know me?  Why didn’t you tell me who you were then?"  Orlando still couldn’t understand why Sean had been so secretive.

Sean sighed.  "I wanted to tell you, to explain who I really was but things were going so well between us and I found myself falling in love with you.  How could I tell you then that I’d been lying to you all along - "

"Not lying!"

"Okay, hiding the truth from you, then.  I didn’t want to risk losing you - I couldn’t, you’d become too special, too *necessary* to me.  But then when you were talking about changing for me…."

Orlando looked up questioningly.

"Last Sunday evening.  You were talking about wanting to change - so that you’d be good enough for me - and I couldn’t stand that.  I’ve had people do that in the past - putting on an act, pretending and trying to be what they think I want them to be just so they can keep me - and my money - happy."

Orlando stroked Sean’s cheek.  "But I didn’t mean it like that.  Just that I know I can be a bit of an idiot, rambling on sometimes, and I wanted to be more mature, someone that you can love and be proud of."

Sean looked shocked, his eyes clouding with sadness.  "But I *am* proud of you, baby," he whispered, voice heavy with emotion as he pulled Orlando into his arms and pressed their mouths together in a hurried, hungry kiss. 

It was the first time that their lips had met and to Orlando the touch was magical, like finally coming home.  He ached for more when Sean pulled away from him again.

 "And I love you just the way that you are," Sean continued.  "I didn’t want to go on with this deception between us because I want this to work - for *us* to work.  That’s why I decided that I had to tell you the truth - even at the risk of you hating me for keeping it from you."

Orlando just shook his head, shocked at the intensity of Sean’s words.  He could never hate him.  Even in the dark hours of last night, with all the jumbled thoughts running through his head, he had never once *hated* Sean.  He’d been hurt, yes, angry, confused - even jealous - but he’d never once thought that he hated Sean.

"So that’s what I meant last week - when I said that we needed to talk.  I’d got it all planned out - I was due to get home from Australia yesterday morning and I was going to tell you everything last night over dinner."  Sean rolled his eyes and looked frustrated.  "But then there was a huge tropical storm that grounded all flights.  It knocked out the power and took out the communications systems too.  I’m not a great flyer at the best of times but I didn’t care - I’d have done anything to get home to you on time, Orli.  In the end everything was horribly delayed and I just got on the first plane that I could.  I’ve come straight here from Heathrow because I couldn’t wait another minute to see you and to try to explain, to apologise.  I knew that you’d be upset and wondering what had happened to me and so I just got here as fast as I could."

"Wow," Orlando whispered, letting out a sigh and trying to take in and process everything that he’d just been told.  So Sean wasn’t a contractor or a thief - he just happened to be the multi-millionaire who owned the theatre.  O-kay…. "That’s so not what I expected when you said that we needed to talk.  It’s, um, amazing…."

"Too much?"

"N-no," Orlando shook his head, trying to organise his thoughts.  "Well, yeah - kind of.  It’ll take a bit of getting used to, you know?  I mean, I just never thought - never imagined…I had this idea in my head, yeah?  And now things are different…."

"Too different?" Sean’s voice held an undercurrent of anxiety.  "Is it going to change things, sweetheart?  Do you still want to be with me?  Still want me?"

Orlando had never seen Sean like this - his white knight, his *hero* seemed almost frail.  No, *not* frail - just human, just a man….

"Want you?"  Orlando hoped that Sean could read the emotions that were overflowing from his heart.  "Oh, god, Sean - of *course* I still want you!  I want you because of the man that you are - the man that I fell in love with.  I don’t care if you own a hundred theatres or if you’ve got money or not!  It’s *you* that I want, nothing else matters to me."

"Orli…baby…." Sean smiled softly, utter relief evident in the warmth of his eyes.  "You know, I don’t think that I really had anything - anything that mattered - until I met you."

Orlando smiled in return, though a little tremulously as his emotions got the better of him at last and he felt his eyes grow hot with the prickle of tears.  "I just keep wondering why you want to be with *me*…."

"Oh, baby - you really don’t see how special you are, do you?"  Sean said gently.  "You know, I realised something on the plane coming home - I don’t think that I’ve ever told you just why I love you so much.  I mean there are obvious things - like how very beautiful you are - but even then, you’re just so natural and unaffected; completely unaware of the power that you have.  I’ve seen men - known some of them too - not half as beautiful as you are and yet they act like arrogant strutting peacocks, using their bodies like weapons to get what they want.  But not you - your beauty isn’t just on the surface, baby - it shines out of you with every smile and every breath.  You have this joy, this exuberance for life that makes me want to share it all with you, to see things through your eyes.  I know I’m older than you and may have more experience of the world but I was so tired and worn down with life before I met you, Orli.  I’d been hurt once too often and had closed myself off, almost convinced myself that I didn’t need love - didn’t believe in it anymore.  But then you came along and turned everything upside down - you made me feel again, baby - made me want to love and to be loved."  Sean stroked Orlando’s flushed cheek gently, laughing softly.  "I love the way that you blush and drop your eyes when you’re shy or embarrassed.  I love the way that you giggle and the way that your curls feel so soft when I run my fingers through them.  I love the way that you care about your friends and the way that they all adore you so much.  I love the breathy little sounds that you make when we’re making love together and the way that I can see every emotion that you’re feeling reflected in the depth of your eyes.  I love your kindness and innocence and generosity of spirit….  But most of all, baby, I love the way that you can smile at me and make me feel like I’m the luckiest man in the world.  And I think that I am - because *you* love me."

Orlando couldn’t help it as his tears began to flow freely.

"Ssh, sweetheart.  Please - I said that I never wanted to make you cry and I meant it.  I just had to tell you how much you mean to me," Sean said, holding him close and stroking gentle fingers through the dark curls tumbling across Orlando’s skin.

"S’okay, Sean - these are good tears," Orlando murmured, looking up through damp lashes into the face of the man that he loved beyond measure.

Sean’s eyes burned with green fire as he gently brushed a tear from Orlando’s cheek.  "So, do you understand? Are we okay now?"

Orlando smiled shyly.  "Yeah…better than okay, I think."

Sean leaned in closer until they were sharing breath.  "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too," Orlando whispered as his lips were taken in a long, sweet kiss.  He felt himself spinning out of control, losing himself in the power and joy of Sean’s mouth, giving himself completely to the moment, to the kiss - to *Sean*.  He may have built up a dream-like fantasy of his perfect lover but it looked like reality was actually so much better than anything his imagination could conjure.  Sean the man might be flawed but he was still Orlando’s soul mate.  Orlando realised that he now had a chance to love the real man, not just the dream that he’d placed upon a pedestal.  From now on he was certain that the bond they shared could only become stronger and their love grow deeper.  He was so lucky - not many people found that real life was actually better than their daydreams.

Eventually the kiss softened and Sean began to pepper tiny, butterfly pecks across Orlando’s lips, cheeks and temples.

"Hey, I’ve just realised something," Orlando murmured with a little grin, his lips still tingling deliciously.  "You *still* haven’t told me your proper name!"  He looked up sharply.  "It *is* really Sean, isn’t it?"

"Yes, that is my real name, baby," Sean laughed gently, looking slightly abashed.  "Sorry.  In all the fuss I forgot."  He sat up and moved back a little, extending his hand in a formal manner, though his eyes were twinkling and a smile played across soft lips.  "Hello, beautiful.  My name’s Sean - Sean Bean."

Orlando giggled, relief and joy and the aftermath of so much intense emotion making him suddenly light-headed all over again.  "Pleased to meet you," he said, taking Sean’s hand before throwing himself back into his arms.  "So, Mr Sean Bean - what happens now?"

Sean’s mouth caught his own in a lingering kiss before he eased their lips apart and smiled.  "Now?  Now, I love you forever.  If that’s okay with you, baby?"

Orlando gazed up at his lover, still seeing the handsome, almost god-like figure of his dreams but also seeing the caring, flesh and blood man of his reality.  That’s what Sean was; a real man - with flaws and faults just like anyone else.  But there was one thing about this man that was different, something that set him apart and made him unlike any other - this was the man that Orlando loved, the man that he intended to spend his life loving. 

He mirrored Sean’s tender smile.  "That sounds perfect…."

Sean pulled him closer and kissed him softly, warm tongue gently opening his lips and taking possession of his mouth. 

Orlando moaned and sucked on the tongue, his hands gliding into the hair at the nape of Sean’s neck and holding him tight. It felt like they were re-connecting, that the turmoil of the last twenty-four hours was truly over and that they’d come out of the experience even stronger.  He slid a little farther down on the sofa and felt Sean’s body blanket his own.  He moaned again as Sean’s weight settled fully over him and pressed him back against the cushions, all that hard muscle and heat focussed solely on him.  He couldn’t get enough and wriggled, desperate to feel Sean touching every part of him.

Sean lifted his lips a fraction.  "Okay, baby?"

"Mmm, definitely," Orlando gasped, pulling Sean even closer.  "I just need more, I want you - want you so much."  He wanted to feel Sean possessing him, re-establishing the bond between them.  After the roller-coaster that his emotions had been on, he needed this - to know that everything was finally all right and that Sean was truly his.

Sean kissed him again.  "Yeah, I know what you mean, baby.  God, I missed you so much this week and then last night - I wasn’t sure that I’d ever get to share this with you again."

"Make love to me, Sean…." Orlando whispered against the lips just a breath above his own.

Sean smiled into their kiss, tongue probing and licking at Orlando’s mouth.  "Yes, baby, *yes*.  But I think we need to move this to the bedroom, okay?"

Orlando pouted slightly.  He didn’t want to have to lose contact with Sean for a single moment and moving would mean just that.

"Do I have to carry you again?"  Sean teased, kissing the pout away.

Orlando giggled and shook his head.  "No, but you have to promise to keep kissing me the whole way there…."

"My pleasure," Sean smiled, kissing Orlando firmly and clearly sealing the bargain.

~

Amazingly, Sean managed to keep his promise and they made slow, kiss-laden progress to the bedroom, their bodies pressed closely together the entire way and their clothes somehow discarded haphazardly en route.

Orlando lay back on the bed and pulled Sean down with him, not wanting to be parted for even a second.  He had been afraid last night, afraid that he might never see Sean again and so now he wanted to relish every moment, every kiss and touch.  He never wanted to let Sean go.

"I love you, Sean.  I want you *now*."

"I love you too, Orlando," Sean whispered, scattering a trail of kisses across his cheeks and then sucking gently at a sensitive earlobe.  He reached across into the bedside table and retrieved a foil packet and the bottle of lube.

Orlando sighed softly in complaint as Sean slid off him and lay at his side.  He didn’t want to lose the feel of that beloved body covering every inch of his skin.

"Won’t be long…." Sean smiled, stroking Orlando’s chest and bending forward to lap lightly at a nipple.

Orlando gurgled incoherently as the soft lips then kissed their way across his breastbone and gentle teeth tugged at his other nipple.  And all the time, Sean’s hand moved lower, stroking his abdomen and teasing at the fine trail of dark hairs arrowing to his groin.

"Please!"  Orlando finally managed to moan, hands clutching at Sean’s head.  "I won’t last - I need you now, Sean."  After all of the emotional turmoil, Orlando just wanted to feel Sean in him, to reinforce that he was real, that what they had was real. 

Sean lifted his head and smiled up at Orlando.  "Okay, baby - I know.  Let me get you ready, okay?"  He reached for the bottle and coated his fingers with lube, rubbing them slickly together as Orlando opened his legs wider.

"Lift up, baby?"  Sean asked, helping him to bend his knees and guiding his feet flat on the bed.

Orlando smiled into the beloved face hovering above him and took a deep breath as he felt the first gentle touch to his waiting boy-hole.  Oh god, that felt good, so good - but he wanted more, he couldn’t wait.  He lifted his hips as the finger pressed slowly inside him and then moaned in delight as it twisted around, touching his gland and making him see stars.

Sean took his time, preparing him slowly, coaxing his body to open with another finger and then another until finally he was panting and eager for more.

"Sean…." He was ready.  He needed to feel Sean inside him now, to be touched as only Sean could touch him.  Being joined with Sean - sharing his body in this way - made him feel like they were the only two people in the world.  It was as if their love and passion drew them even closer together and that’s what they needed after last night.

Sean nodded, words unnecessary as he gently raised Orlando’s legs and took the weight of the trembling thighs across his well-muscled arms.

Orlando took a deep breath and then cried out in relief as he felt the hot, hard length of Sean begin to slide so very slowly into his waiting body.  The feeling was sublime - this was *Sean*, his Sean - the man that he loved, the *real* man, not the dream.

Sean pushed in further and an explosion of heat and pressure ignited starbursts behind Orlando’s eyes and had him teetering on the edge of completion before the turgid flesh was even fully seated within him.  There was nothing that could compare to this - to the feeling of utter bliss as their bodies came together to become one.

"Sean!"  Orlando’s eyes flew open even wider as Sean leant forward, the momentum causing his cock to drag sensation after sensation from Orlando’s prostate in scorching, sizzling waves.

"It’s okay, baby," Sean murmured.  He pressed his forehead against Orlando’s and stilled the movement of his hips as he breathed out heavily through his mouth, small puffs of warm air teasing at Orlando’s waiting lips.

Orlando tried to breathe deeply and slowly, concentrating on the exquisite fullness pulsing within him and the strength of Sean’s beautiful body poised above him.  He slid his hands up Sean’s arms, feeling the muscles bunched tightly beneath the tips of his fingers, and on to clasp the broad, bronzed shoulders above.  Moving carefully, wanting to prolong the sensations for as long as possible, he rolled his hips, lifting upward, seeking more of the heat and pressure that was Sean.

Sean let out a deep groan, raw with need and hunger, and thrust forward.  "Oh god, Orli…sweetheart…you feel so good - *too* good…."

Orlando shifted his weight and let his legs slide down a little, moving them to wrap around Sean’s waist, his ankles resting in the small of Sean’s back.  "I know," he breathed out as his hips began to pump helplessly, dragging his weeping cock across the hard planes of Sean’s stomach.  "So g-good…."

But Orlando knew that it wasn’t just the physical sensations that were overwhelming him - no, it was his happiness in finally *knowing* Sean, in knowing the man that he’d given his heart to. He felt complete.  Sean took command of the rhythm, slowly pushing forward and then pulling back until just the very tip of his hardness still pierced Orlando’s body.  The friction created across his prostate was like a constant ecstasy and he felt a deep, throbbing pulse of heat growing low in his belly. 

Eventually, Sean’s movements began to pick up pace, each delicious thrust adding greater fuel to the fire already burning within Orlando, pushing him closer and closer towards the inevitability of glorious orgasm.

"Orli?  Baby?  Are you close?"  Sean’s voice was strained, the tempo of his thrusts increasing and becoming ragged as his hips pistoned forcefully.

A strangled sound that Orlando hoped Sean would understand as a ‘yes’ broke free from his open, panting mouth and he clutched helplessly at Sean’s shoulders, his body moving in time with the penetrating force of the heavy cock within him. 

Sean was obviously fluent in ‘sexuallyoverloadedOrlando’.  He wrapped his arms around Orlando’s shoulders and reared up onto his haunches, pulling Orlando to sit smoothly astride his lap, legs open wide but still fully impaled upon his heaving cock. 

It was an unbelievable feeling. Orlando clung to shoulders pumped hard from exertion and cried out in delight as the change in position pushed the enormous hardness of Sean’s erection directly against his gland one last time and the blossoming heat within him burst forth in a cascade of ecstasy.  Orlando’s cock jerked against the sweat slickened muscles of Sean’s abdomen, painting them with ropes of milky fluid as his body shook helplessly with the magnitude of his completion.  He felt his channel contracting and spasming and cried out as Sean’s whole body clenched and he roared out his own orgasm, gasping Orlando’s name.

This was it - this was all that mattered.  He and Sean…together…forever.

~

A little while later they were entwined under the covers, skin pressed against skin from head to toe. 

Orlando touched his lips to the place where Sean’s neck met his shoulder, kissing the soft skin gently.

"Thas’ nice," Sean murmured, sounding almost asleep.

"Mmm, I think so," Orlando grinned as he lifted himself up to look into drowsy green eyes, half-hidden by drooping eyelids.  Sean was so very beautiful, especially in this rumpled, almost sleeping state and he was glad to see that the lines of exhaustion and anxiety that had been present earlier had now faded from his lover’s face.

"Time fo’ a nap…."

"Sounds good," Orlando agreed, settling back down into Sean’s arms. It was peaceful, just lying here, lazily wrapped together but as he dozed, warm and utterly content, something buzzed annoyingly at his memory, preventing him from drifting into a deeper sleep.  

"Hey!  Wait a minute!"  Orlando shouted, bouncing up from the pillow and nudging Sean more fully awake.  "I’ve just thought of something!"

"Hmmm?"  Sean smiled patiently as he struggled to wake up, his fingers reflexively reaching and stroking through soft, dark curls.

"So, you own the theatre, yeah?"  Orlando continued.   Sean nodded, though he was looking a little wary.  "But Harry said that the bloke who’d bought it was this dark horse, multi-millionaire, right?"

Sean looked a little abashed but nodded again.  "So?"  He asked softly.

"Well, H also said - and let’s face it, he knows *everything* that goes on at The Albery," Orlando paused for a quick breath, his hands still talking excitedly.  "H said that the owner had been mentioned in the Honours List.  So does that mean…?"  He trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Sean suddenly looked thoroughly embarrassed and his cheeks glowed pinkly in the lamplight.  Orlando was completely enchanted. 

"Oh, that - yeah," Sean murmured brokenly.  "I wasn’t really all that bothered but me mam were that made up over it.  Anyway, um, it was a KBE…so, well…I’m actually *Sir* Sean Bean now."

Orlando’s mouth flopped open and he couldn’t help the fact that he was gaping like an astonished fish.  Well, a fish that had just found out that his boyfriend was a Knight of the British Empire, anyway.

"Orli?"  Sean sounded uncertain.

Orlando’s mouth snapped shut and immediately transformed into the widest, happiest of smiles.  "Wow, this is, like, unbelievable, amazing!"  He grinned at Sean’s fuzzily confused look.  "You know what this means, don’t you?"

Sean shook his head, still looking delectably bewildered and Orlando just wanted to kiss him senseless.  "That fairy tales really can come true - you *are* my white knight after all…."

Sean smiled, chuckling as he pulled Orlando down for a thorough kiss that threatened to leave them both senseless.

"So, if you’re a knight - a *Sir* - what does that make me then?"  Orlando asked breathlessly a little later, his mouth pressed against succulent lips that were definitely just perfect for kissing.

Sean smiled again, the corners of his eyes crinkling adorably.  "Mine, baby - all mine."

~~

Epilogue

Orlando’s head was still buzzing.

Tonight had been the opening night of ‘Say it with Music’ and the performance had gone superbly, with virtually none of the hitches and hiccups of a usual first night and certainly nothing calamitous enough for anyone in the front of house to notice.

They’d received a standing ovation and had been called back for three encores and five curtain calls by the wildly enthusiastic audience.  At the final call Jason himself had stepped onto the stage and made a brief but very well received speech.  He’d thanked his cast and crew, obviously singling out the fabulous performances by his leading actors but also mentioning the dedication, hard work and tremendous effort of the whole team.  He’d also alluded to the unswerving support provided by the new owner of the theatre and had nodded towards the box where Orlando knew that Sean was sitting.  Then, just before the curtain had come down for the last time, some of the stagehands had brought on lavish bouquets for the leading lady and the other main players.  Orlando had been simultaneously delighted and embarrassed when a huge bouquet of long stemmed yellow roses had been presented to him as he stood with the rest of the chorus towards the back of the stage.  The audience had cheered loudly and he’d blushed scarlet as the rest of the cast joined in with the enthusiastic clapping and Dominic had added a few wolf whistles for good measure.  He hadn’t needed to read the small card and had just quickly glanced over at the shadowed figure in the box and smiled shyly in thanks.  When he had got backstage, he’d felt his eyes grow hot with tears as he read the simple ‘Yours forever, S.’ on the hand written note.

Then there had been a huge after-show party.  Sean had arranged the celebration at Brown’s for all of the cast and crew and their family and friends, along with well-known stars from the world of the screen and theatre who had also attended the opening night.  He’d hired the entire place for the evening and Orlando had found himself staring around in amazement at the sumptuous restaurant that he knew was the usual haunt of A-list celebrities and the like.  Flaming torches burned on the outside of the gothic style building and inside candles flickered on every surface whilst a small ensemble quietly played songs from the shows in the background, those from ‘Say it with Music’ being the most popular, of course.  His mum and Sam had driven up and brought his gran to see the show; she in particular had had a marvellous time being thoroughly charmed by Sean.  All of his friends had attended - Craig and Dave, and Dominic and Billy naturally, along with Karl and Elijah too.  It had been wonderful to share such a special evening with all of the people that he loved and cared about and Orlando hadn’t been able to smother a huge, dopey grin each time that he’d looked at them.

The room had been full to bursting with anticipation and excitement, and as the champagne had flowed freely the atmosphere had crackled with the buzz that they had a hit on their hands.  Then Jason had called for quiet and gathered everyone together before reading the early reviews from the trade papers out loud.

It was official - ‘Music’ was a success!  They had a one hundred percent, solid gold hit on their hands.

The news had been received with rapturous applause and the celebrations had carried on at full swing.

~

The party was finally winding down, the atmosphere now more laid back and mellow but Orlando was still a little hyped up. He could feel the effects of the adrenaline rush still bubbling through him after the excitement of the performance and the reaction to their fantastic reviews.  It had been such an incredible high - being on the stage in front of all those people and feeling all of that energy and emotion; he just couldn’t seem to come down.

He grinned as Craig sauntered over; he was wearing an amazing Armani suit and looked completely fabulous, heads turning in his wake.

"Having fun, sweet pea?"  Craig smiled, hugging him tightly and then draping an arm around his shoulders.

"Yeah, it’s awesome…this a really cool party.  I still feel a bit high to be honest - from the show and everything," he babbled excitedly.  "It’s so great that everyone made it too.   I’m really glad that you’re here, Craigsie."

"As if I was going to miss my little star’s opening night!  Like I said to you before, Brad Pitt could’ve been standing outside oiled and naked, shouting ‘take me now, Craig’ and I still wouldn’t have missed this!  Oh, you were fabulous, utterly fabulous!  I’m that proud of you, Orli."

Orlando ducked his head and laughed a little bashfully.  "I know - you’ve told me about twenty times already tonight.  I’m going to get a big head or something."

"Oh, you’re much too humble," Craig chuckled.  "If it was me up on that stage - being so marvellous and talented - then I’d be swishing around the place and making myself the centre of attention!"

Orlando could feel his eyebrows almost touching the top of his head as he stared at his friend and giggled helplessly.  "You mean that you don’t do that already?"  Craig did have a tendency to be a little…*dramatic* - even in his every day life.

"Cheeky!"  Craig laughed, squeezing Orlando’s shoulders briefly.  "But true," he added, causing Orlando to giggle even more.

"So where’s Daisy?"

"Torturing Dominic…." The grin that spread across Craig’s face could only be described as evil.

"What?  He’s not still teasing Dommie about him thinking that Sean was a master thief, is he?"  Dominic had been mocked mercilessly since everyone had found out about Sean’s true identity.

Craig’s grin widened and his blue eyes twinkled with mirth.

"Poor Dommie," Orlando groaned through his own smile.  "He got a bit over enthusiastic, you know?  He’s said that he’s sorry and that he wasn’t really thinking and, like, got carried away with his ideas about Sean - that’s all."

"I know.  I mean we all got a bit caught up in the moment just ‘cus we didn’t really *know* anything about Sean or where he was," Craig said.  "But Dom did go overboard with his whole Sherlock act.  And then his face when you told him about who Sean really was!  Oh, it was such a picture - I wish Dave’d had his camera. But then when you said that Sean was actually *Sir* Sean Bean and he *owns* the theatre - I thought poor Dommie was just going to explode or keel over on the spot or something.  You have to admit - it was hilarious."

Orlando giggled.  Dominic *had* looked funny - with his eyes opened impossibly wide and his mouth sort of hanging slack as he tried to speak. 

Actually, all of his friends had been very accepting when he’d explained about Sean and who he really was and why he’d kept his identity a secret.  It was obvious that they’d been worried when it seemed that Sean might have just dumped him with no word.  They were rather protective of him, Craig particularly, and so it was natural that they would be concerned.  But they’d quickly forgiven Sean once they could see how happy he made Orlando and now, of course, there was a lot of good-natured ribbing about Orlando finding himself a rich sugar daddy and the like.  But it was all in fun and he knew that his friends really cared about him and just wanted him to be happy and safe.  That didn’t mean that it wasn’t still really funny to watch Dominic being tag-team teased by Dave and Craig or Elijah and Karl.  He kept whining to his boyfriend for help but Billy seemed happy enough to just laugh along from the sidelines.  Dominic always ended up joining in too though, as none of it was done seriously.

"Ah, Dommie can take it. You know how he loves all of the attention," Craig laughed.  "Where is Sean, anyway?"

"Oh, he’s just gone to get us a couple more drinks but I think he’s got delayed talking to some bigwigs or something," Orlando said, indicating across the room to where he could see Sean standing with a small group of dignitaries.  As he looked, Sean turned his head and his face broke into a broad smile when he saw Orlando, giving him a quick wink. 

Orlando sighed happily as he gazed at his boyfriend.  Sean was dressed in a beautifully tailored evening suit and looked extremely elegant and handsome.  The flickering glow of the candlelight dusted his hair with golden highlights and his sweet, soft smile warmed Orlando to the core.

"Oh, bless…." Craig’s voice shook Orlando from his momentary daydreaming and he turned to look up shyly at his friend, who was watching him with a fond smile of his own.

"My little boy is all grown up with a gorgeous boyfriend of his own…." Craig chuckled softly before becoming more serious.  "I’m so happy for you, sweet pea.  You’re so special and dear to me, and you deserve someone who loves you as much as Sean obviously does.  I really think that you’re going to be okay…it looks to me like you’ve found your very own Prince Charming, eh?"

Orlando smiled.  "I think you’re right.  I’m so lucky, you know?  I have the best friends in the world *and* I have Sean."  He hugged Craig tightly.  "I love you, Craigsie - I really do."

Craig drew back a little and kissed Orlando’s cheek softly.  "And I love you too, sweet pea.  I’ll always be here for you."  Then he added with a mock glare,  "Don’t ever forget that, okay?" 

"Okay," Orlando giggled.

"Well, I’d better get back and see what my honey’s getting up to - apart from tormenting Dom to within an inch of his poor young life, of course," Craig winked, giving Orlando a final hug.  "See you later, sweet pea…."

Orlando smiled as he watched Craig walk away.  He’d meant what he said - he really was so lucky to have such good friends.  His smile grew broader as he felt a warm presence at his back and a familiar arm slipped around his waist.

"Here you go," Sean said, handing Orlando a fresh flute of champagne. "Sorry I’ve been so long - I got ambushed.  Are you having a good time, sweetheart?"  

"Amazing, totally amazing," Orlando nodded.  "It’s almost magical - like a dream.  I can’t quite believe that it’s all happening."  He took a sip from his glass.

He wasn’t just thinking about this evening though, wonderful as it had been.  Craig had said that he’d found his Prince Charming and maybe he was right - his life had certainly taken on an almost fairy tale quality in the few short weeks since he’d met Sean.  It had practically been turned upside down and now here he was, literally living his dream.  He was in a hit West End show and he’d found the man that he wanted to share his life with - his white knight - just like he’d always longed for.  Of course, Sean had turned out to actually *be* a real life knight and incredibly rich to boot - that was something that he certainly hadn’t ever anticipated - and so it was really no wonder that he felt a little over-awed.  After all, it was still an awful lot for a pikey boy from Canterbury to take in! 

Orlando had done a lot of thinking after the revelations of the previous week, trying to get his head around the fact that he was in love with one of the richest men in the country.  *Fifth* richest, to be precise, as he’d been even more shocked to hear when Dominic had asked Billy to look Sean up in some list of who’s who or whatever. Though the money actually meant very little to him - he’d never been particularly materialistic and he’d fallen in love with Sean when he had no idea about his true identity or his wealth and position.  He loved Sean for who he was - not for his money.  Sean would always just be *Sean* to him - not Sir Sean Bean, millionaire.

But it was still a lot to get used to and sometimes he felt sure that he must actually be dreaming - he was doing the job that he’d always wanted *and* he was currently snuggling in the arms of the man that he loved.  Oh, and Sean happened to be, like, completely drop-dead gorgeous too! It was weird to think that maybe real life could have the ‘happily ever after’ that he’d always wished for.

Sean nuzzled Orlando’s cheek briefly.  "You were outstanding tonight, baby.  I know I’ve already told you over and over, but I just couldn’t take my eyes off you - you had so much life and enthusiasm.  You were amazing.  I’m so proud of you and I know that you have a wonderful future ahead of you."

Orlando blushed warmly in delight and hugged him.  He’d been getting lots of compliments and congratulations as the party had progressed but none were more important to him than Sean’s softly spoken praise.  "Thank you.  This has been such a brilliant, amazing, unbelievable night!  Everything - the performance, the fabulous reception that we got from the audience and then this incredible party.  And the reviews, man!  I feel like I might be floating at the moment, you know - I don’t think that I’ve come down to earth yet!"

"I’m not surprised!  This has been a big night," Sean agreed, pressing a brief kiss to Orlando’s temple and pulling him more securely against his body.

Orlando simply melted into the embrace.  He loved the way that Sean was so comfortable with their relationship, even in a more public place like this.  It made him feel secure and helped to ease some of the self-doubts that surfaced occasionally when he thought about just how important and powerful Sean actually was.  His lack of self-confidence sometimes caused him to worry - not that Sean ever acted any differently from the way that he had from the first moment that they’d met.  He still treated Orlando like he was the most precious thing in the world… still made him feel cherished beyond measure.  And so he was slowly beginning to relax and feel more confident, Sean’s thoughtfulness and caring actions encouraging him along the way.

"Do you fancy a breath of fresh air, baby?"  Sean asked softly.  "There’s a roof terrace with a really good view of the city."

"Sounds lovely," Orlando smiled, suddenly glad to get away from the noise and hubbub.  They’d been mingling and chatting all evening, and while it was wonderful to be with his family and friends, he wanted Sean to himself for a little while.

Sean placed their glasses on a table and reached for his hand, holding it in his as he led the way across the room to a short flight of stairs.  Orlando smiled happily as they walked hand-in-hand onto the open-air terrace.

The terrace ran the width of the building and had some artfully lit ornamental shrubs and lattice work that provided privacy and screened it from any wind whilst still affording a stunning view across the twinkling vista of the city at night.  Large patio heaters took the chill away and more flaming torches bathed the scene in a warm, flickering light.  It was a beautiful winter evening - cold but clear and the odd bright star was just visible in the cloudless sky above them. 

They stopped in a well-sheltered spot with a perfect view across the rooftops towards St. Martins-in-the-Fields and Trafalgar Square beyond.

Orlando gazed out across the city. "This is beautiful," he whispered, as Sean stood behind him and pulled him against his chest.  He turned back when he received no response and saw Sean staring at him, eyes dark in the moonlight.

"Sean?"  His lover looked sad and a little pensive.

"I’m sorry," Sean whispered, his breath warm against Orlando’s ear as he drew him into his arms.  "It just struck me.  I mean, seeing you like this - looking so vibrant and beautiful and just so *happy*."  He held Orlando even tighter.  "I was such a bloody fool - I could’ve lost you.  I could’ve lost all of this…*us*…being together…."

Orlando pulled his head back a little, just far enough to look into Sean’s face.  He was coming to realise that he wasn’t the only one who sometimes suffered from self-doubts.  For all of his incredible charisma and strength, Sean could be quite vulnerable when it came to their relationship - he’d been hurt in the past and it had clearly been a big step for him to risk falling in love again.  Orlando knew that he still blamed himself for keeping his life a secret and for the fact that his deception had caused Orlando so much heartache and pain.  But he could understand why Sean had done it and, though he’d been hurt at the time, he was certain that their relationship was now stronger than ever.  It was strange but seeing Sean’s insecurity made him realise how unfounded his own worries were - just as Sean’s were too.

"But you didn’t lose me," he smiled, snuggling closer to Sean’s solid warmth.  "You haven’t lost *us*.  We’re here, together and I *love* you, okay?  You don’t have to think about it anymore.  I thought that I was, like, the ditzy, insecure one in this relationship, you know?  So that position’s already been filled, yeah?"  He teased gently, wanting to see Sean smile.  "You’ll just have to settle for being the strong, incredibly gorgeous heroic one with the amazing eyes, all right?"

Orlando grinned in delight as Sean laughed softly, a deep rich sound that filled him with joy.

"I don’t know about all that, sweetheart," he smiled, the shadows gone and his eyes shining with light and warmth again.  "But I’ll do my best to look after you and I never want to hurt you like that again, I promise.  I love you too much."

"Works for me," Orlando said softly as Sean leant down a fraction and pressed their lips together.  He moaned happily as the soft, yet insistent kiss possessed him and Sean’s delicious tongue slipped inside for him to suck and entangle.  Sean’s mouth on his felt wonderful and tiny goose bumps of pleasure skittered across his skin like the champagne bubbles that had danced across his tongue a little while before.

Sean’s hand dropped to his waist, holding their bodies closely together whilst his other tangled in Orlando’s hair, gently stroking his curls as they continued to kiss.

Orlando felt himself becoming lost in the sensations of Sean’s lips moving against his and the warmth and tenderness of the strong arms holding him so tightly.  His mind drifted blissfully. This was all that he’d ever wanted, had been searching for - someone to hold him…someone he could love.  Nothing else mattered - titles and money and power didn’t really mean anything unless you had someone to share your life with, someone to care for and who cared for you.  Someone like Sean….

Slowly the intensity of their kisses diminished until they simply stood together, lips barely moving, just pressed together as they held each other close.

Orlando shivered slightly.  He wasn’t really aware of the cold but he was only wearing his lightweight black silky shirt with his slacks, having quickly changed at the theatre before joining Sean and walking to the restaurant next door.

Sean smiled, shrugging out of his dinner jacket and slipping it around Orlando’s shoulders.  "Better, baby?"

The jacket was warm and smelled deliciously of Sean.  Orlando sighed dreamily, utterly charmed.  Sean was giving him his jacket - could he be any more caring and just downright romantic?  "See?  You *are* my hero!"

Sean kissed him briefly.  "As long as you think so, that’s all that matters to me."

"Definitely," Orlando nodded, cuddling up close again.  He knew that Sean was just a man - complete with faults and insecurities just like anyone else but despite this, or maybe because of it, he was still Orlando’s hero in so many ways.  He was a good man, decent and down-to-earth, despite the extent of his wealth and power.  He was very private and didn’t make a show of who he was.  In fact, Orlando had learnt in the past week, Sean was quite uncomfortable with so many of the ostentatious trappings often afforded a man in his position and much preferred to shun the spotlight and enjoy the more simple pleasures of life.   Orlando felt truly lucky to have met Sean and to be loved by him.

The sounds of taxi doors slamming and merrily shouted ‘goodnights’ drifted up from the street far below as the party obviously began to break up.

Orlando smiled.  "I suppose we should be getting back inside, yeah?  See to the rest of your guests and stuff?"

"In a minute maybe…then we can see about getting home.  Just want to hold you like this for a little bit longer," Sean murmured, slowly stroking his knuckles down Orlando’s cheek and neck and coming to rest at the silver chain lying against his chest. 

Orlando looked down at the ring that Sean had given him.  It was strange to think just how very expensive it actually was as it lay nestled amongst the other little charms and oddments that represented some of his fondest memories.  The platinum band glistened and the emeralds shone brightly in the glow of the torchlight, sparkling like green fire.  He touched it lightly, his fingers brushing softly against Sean’s as he linked their hands together, the ring smooth and solid between their palms. 

He’d loved this ring from the second that Sean had given it to him - loved it even though he’d thought it was just a pretty piece of cheap jewellery with shiny green glass for stones.  He’d loved it because of the look that Sean had worn when he’d said that he wanted it to represent his place in Orlando’s life - that *he* wanted to be a part of Orlando’s life.

"I do love this ring," he said softly as he looked up into Sean’s eyes.  "But it wouldn’t matter, you know - it could just be a piece of costume jewellery made of bits of green glass and I’d still love it.  None of that matters - the money and stuff.  S’just you and me, that’s all that’s important."  He reached his free hand up, burying his fingers in the soft strands of Sean’s hair and tugging him down gently until their lips were just a warm breath apart.

"I love you, Sean," Orlando whispered against the soft lips that he wanted to spend eternity kissing.  He squeezed their interlocked hands, feeling the warmth of the emeralds pressed between their palms.  "You know that we could’ve made it on green glass, don’t you?"

Sean’s smile lit his whole face and his eyes shone with love.  "I know, baby…I know…."

The End

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