TITLE: Heart and Shoulder (2/22)
AUTHOR: Elizabeth (sef7881@aol.com)
PAIRING: Viggo Mortensen/Orlando Bloom
RATING: PG-13
SUMMARY: Awards, after-parties, and affectionate boyfriends (Viggo's
POV)
FEEDBACK: Do you remember the taste of feedback, Mr. Frodo? Well,
I do -- and I love it. Give it to me, please!
WARNINGS: None
DISCLAIMER: I made this all up in my crazy little head. It's
FICTION
ARCHIVE: I'd be honored, just let me know where it's going
AUTHOR'S NOTES: In real life, Viggo's not nominated for a Golden Globe;
in fact, none of the cast members are. Putting aside that travesty,
the title of this series is inspired by a beautiful Heather Nova song of
the same name, which I do not own in any way, shape or form. A permanent
thank you to my darling Lostiawen for her support and beta skills
DATE WRITTEN: January 20th, 2004
The President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is talking
about what a wonderful year it's been for film and television, but I can't
pay attention to a word he says. Besides the fact that this speech
is the same drivel every year, I'm still getting over the fact that I'm
now Out with a capital O, having marched out of the closet with more confidence
than I ever thought possible. My life is now forever changed, but
if I'm supposed to be intimidated by that fact, then somebody should tell
me to stop smiling because I feel pretty damned happy at the moment.
Of course, conventional wisdom dictates that it's easy to be happy
when you have Orlando Bloom's hand held tightly in your own. Our
fingers lie perfectly entwined as his thumb idly strokes the back of my
hand, reminding me constantly of his presence. I feel like I must
be glowing somehow, as if some radiance is alighting me; surely the happiness
that's flowing through me is apparent to others.
As I look over at Orli, I can see that he has his own mile-wide smile
on his gorgeous face. His brown eyes are practically shining with
the same pride that's reflected in my own eyes -- pride in accomplishing
a monumental feat tonight by braving everyone else's opinions and simply
believing in our love. It sounds like it should have been so simple,
but coming out proved to be an obstacle that presented the biggest stumbling
block our relationship has ever had to deal with. The relief that
we both feel to finally be able to do something so simple as hold hands
in public is overwhelming, and I just wish that I had found the courage
to do this sooner.
It's pointless, however, to dwell on my past fears and doubts.
And no matter how people react to our announcement tonight, our future
seems to be brighter than ever. Liberated from the staggering burden
of hiding who we are and whom we love, Orli and I can now simply *be* without
having to worry at every turn about giving to much of the truth away.
But one of the best things about being Out is that I can now declare
to all and sundry that I love Orlando Bloom. I want people to know
how much I love his brilliant smile and his infectious laugh and his awful
singing voice. I want them to know how special I think his kindness,
intelligence, and warmth are. And even if I don't tell them how much
I love it when he twines himself around me after sex, or how I adore that
he still calls me his filthy human, or that he has a beautiful ass, they
can know that I love him beyond belief.
The ballroom we're sitting in fills with applause as the speech ends,
and the awards show goes to a commercial break. I take a small sip
of the wine that they're kind enough to give us, careful not to have too
much just in case I end up winning and have to make a speech tonight.
Giving an acceptance speech while drunk would *not* be a good idea.
Just to make sure that I don't get soused, I take a few bites of dinner.
That's the weird thing about the Golden Globes -- it's a cutthroat awards
show and a fun dinner party all in one.
"I thought that guy was never going to stop talking," Elijah groans
under his breath. All of the 'Lord of the Rings' stars are seated
together at one big table, and Pete and Fran are seated at the next table
with a whole bunch of New Line executives.
"It's a pretty pointless speech," I agree, watching out of the corner
of my eye how the light plays beautifully off of Orli's chestnut curls.
"So how long until the big awards start getting handed out?" Billy
asks impatiently.
"It should only be another seven hours or so," Bernard jokes.
"Oh, it really isn't that bad," Liv admonishes him. "Besides,
just get drunk if you're bored."
"A drunken Theoden -- that's just what we need," Orli snickers.
"What, like you're any better when you're under the influence of alcohol?"
I ask him with my eyebrows raised. "You're the goofiest drunk I've
ever met. You sing, you cry--"
"He takes off his clothes at the drop of a hat," Dom adds helpfully.
"I do that when I'm sober, mate," Orli says with a wink.
"Yes, we know," Ian laughs.
The commercial break ends and we all quiet down, politely applauding
for the next presenter. The award is Best Television Movie or Miniseries,
something that I frankly couldn't care less about. I sneak a glance
over at Orli, only to find that he's looking at me. The grin on his
face widens and I have to stop myself from laughing at how pathetic we
are -- we can't even go five minutes without exchanging love-struck looks.
Well, I guess tonight we're entitled to all the love-struck, mushy stuff
we want.
He mouths the words 'love you', and I squeeze his hand. In return,
he nudges his foot against mine before giving me a quick wink. When
I turn my gaze away to look back at the stage, I catch Ian's eye.
Our friend is obviously trying very hard to contain a huge grin, and when
we go to commercial break again a few minutes later, he chuckles and looks
directly at us.
"I believe that the two of you will always behave like you are on your
honeymoon," he says with a smile.
"Were they getting lovey-dovey again?" Dom asks.
"Quite," Ian tells him. "And it was all done through silent communication,
which makes it even cuter."
"Oh, sod off," Orli says through his furious blushing.
"I'm not mocking you!" our resident knight insists. "Honestly,
I think that it's terrific, especially tonight."
"Yeah, you know that we tease, but it's only because we love you,"
Sean says.
"You've always had our support, but you have it now more than ever,"
John vows.
"Thank you," I say softly.
"Anyone who screws with you has to answer to us," Miranda reminds us.
"And remember," Sean says, "I swing a mean frying pan."
Orli grins. "Well, that'll *definitely* keep people from bothering
us."
Sean nods. "That's me -- the official bodyguard of the 'Lord
of the Rings' cast."
*****
The "big awards" that everyone was waiting for have finally rolled
around. As we come back from yet another of the show's countless
commercial breaks, the ballroom breaks into applause when the too-chirpy
announcer tells us to welcome Nicole Kidman. I can't help but smile,
thinking about Nicole's random act of kindness on the red carpet, reaching
out to us at a time when it's doubtful that we'll be gaining a lot of new
friends.
Since she won Best Actress last year, Nicole gets the honor of presenting
the Golden Globe to whomever wins tonight for Best Actor in a Drama.
Which means that in a minute, I'll either be giving an acceptance speech
or putting on the face of a gracious loser. Frankly, I'm not expecting
to win; I'm up against competitors whom I'd wager on any day of the week.
These guys are the heavyweights, the standards, and I'm the requisite outsider.
I barely pay attention to what she's saying until she begins to read
the nominees' names. Then I hear Orli taking a deep breath, as if
readying himself for either delight or disaster. This is it.
The moment I've sort of been waiting for. After all, the actual awards
have taken a backseat to everything else that's happened with my life tonight.
"And the winner is . . ." All eyes are fixed on Nicole as she
opens the envelope and smiles. "Viggo Mortensen, 'The Lord of the
Rings: The Return of the King.'"
What?! I won?! That wasn't supposed to happen! There's
applause all around me and I can hear the 'Rings' theme playing as my cue
to stand and walk to the podium, but I'm too shocked to move. After
a split second, reality kicks in and I stand up, my body on auto-pilot
as I look around and choke back surprised laughter. This is one surreal
evening.
Orli is already standing up and wraps me in the tightest hug imaginable.
"I knew you'd win," he whispers fiercely. Not caring if it pisses
off any viewers or sponsors of the awards show, I pull away from the hug
just long enough to kiss him soundly on the mouth for all to see.
I can feel him smiling against my lips for a split second before he
kisses me back. Then I finally break away to give him another kiss
on the cheek, and see that he's literally beaming with pride. I didn't
think that it was possible for someone to beam with pride, but Orli is
doing it.
There's a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I turn around to see Pete
standing there with a grin from ear-to-ear. "Give me a hug and then
get on up there," he tells me. I gladly oblige, enveloping him in
an embrace before making my way up to the stage, still in shock.
I never win awards! Okay, there was that one award for a play I did,
but that was a *long* time ago. This is something major, and I have
no clue what the hell I'm doing as I walk up the steps of the stage with
the applause still going and the 'Rings' theme music playing in the background.
Nicole hands me the actual Golden Globe trophy with a smile, then gives
me a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations," she whispers.
"Thanks," I say with a grin. Then I realize something: I have
to make a speech. And I wasn't expecting to win, so I have no clue
what to say. Okay, you can do this. Just improvise. And
remember to thank Henry, or he'll kick your butt.
The music and applause die down as I step to the microphone to make
my speech, and I simply pray that I don't say anything really stupid.
Why didn't I plan for this? Now I'm totally screwed and I'll make
an ass out of myself. No, don't think that way! I should just
go with what I'm honestly feeling right now -- and *don't ramble!*
"Wow, thank you. I really wasn't expecting this at all, so just
bear with me if I sound a little nervous right now." Okay, they're
laughing, but I don't think they're laughing at me. "Thank you to
the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for this. Just to be nominated
in the company of such incredible actors is truly humbling, but to be awarded
this honor is extraordinary. I'd like to recognize my fellow nominees
for the brilliant performances they all gave." There's more applause
as people justly honor the other actors.
"Thanks to everyone who has helped me throughout the long journey of
my career," I continue. "That's way too many people to mention, so
I won't make a long list at the risk of forgetting someone or rambling
for twenty minutes." More laughter. "If you supported or helped
me, you know who you are -- and thank you very much. A special thank
you to my manager, Lynne Rawlings, for standing by me for a very long time.
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.
Fran Walsh, Philippa Bowens, Barrie Osborne, Bob Shaye, Richard Taylor,
Carolynne Cunningham, Mark Oredsky, Ngila Dickinson, Rick Porras, and half
of New Zealand. Of course, these movies would be impossible without
the vision and genius of Peter Jackson, and I bow to him for making this
incredible work of literature come to life onscreen so vividly. All
of my co-stars in these films are not only tremendous performers, but also
some of the best friends I have ever known. I'm proud to be a part
of the family we've created.
"As for my real family, thank you to my parents for forty-five years
of love and encouragement, and my brothers for always being there for me.
Also, my ex-wife, Exene, who is a wonderful friend and has always supported
me. And the two people I love most, my son, Henry, and my partner,
Orlando.
"Orli, thank you for making the last four years the best of my life.
You have changed everything for me, and I love you more than I could possibly
say. Henry, thank you for telling me to take the part of Aragorn
when it was offered to me. Really, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't
be standing here tonight -- and I know that you'll never let me forget
that. You're the most important person in my world, and if you're
half as proud of me as I am of you, then I know that I'm doing something
right. Thank you." And with that, I turn and walk off the stage,
escorted by Nicole, loud applause ringing in my ears.
*****
"Now *this* is an after-party!" Lij crows as he lifts his drink in
salute before swallowing it down.
"You're only saying that because we won," Andy laughs.
"And because the drinks are good," Lij argues.
"Yeah, remember not to get drunk," Sean reminds him. "The last
thing we want is you getting drunk off your ass and trying to give Renee
Zellweger a lap dance, or something."
"Hey, remember when I tried to give Viggo a lap dance at his birthday
party back in New Zealand?" Lij snorts. "Man, was that embarrassing!"
"Exactly my point," Sean reasons. "So limit yourself to around
two drinks tonight. Remember, Elijah -- drinking water can be fun,
too!"
"Poor Lijah can't hold his drinks," Orli teases from his chair, which
is pushed close enough to mine that he can drape his arms around me and
lay his head on my shoulder.
"Yeah, well at least I don't . . . uh . . ." I can almost see
the wheels turning in the hobbit's head as he searches in vain for an insult.
"Good comeback," Orli snickers.
Lij blushes. "I'm gonna shut up now."
"You do that," Orli says cheerfully. "I'm going to take a quick
break and run to the loo."
After giving me a lovely kiss on the mouth, he bounds out of his chair
with his usual unnatural energy. I can't help but watch as he makes
his way through the crowd of people until he disappears on his way to the
men's room. When I turn back to look at my friends, they're all smiling.
"What?"
"Nothing," Billy says with a grin. "We're just insanely happy
and proud of you, that's all."
"Because of this?" I gesture to the Golden Globe that's sitting
on the table.
"No, you dolt," Lij snorts. "Because you came out. And
because you saw it through instead of giving up."
"There's no way I could give up," I tell them solemnly. "This
meant making both of us happy, and when it came down to it, I realized
that there was nothing that could stop me from following through on my
promise to him."
"It was a promise for both of you, I think," Sean says. "You
both look so happy tonight, and that makes *us* so happy. We know
how long this road has been for you guys, but what matters is that you
stood by each other and you're still standing."
I smile. "Yes, we're standing just fine."
Dom puts a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. "And we'll
stand right beside you."
Billy nods his agreement. "And now that you guys are Out, we're
free to tell all the embarrassing stories about you two that we can think
of."
"Oh, I'm sure that some of mine and Orli's more interesting escapades
are bound to show up in your anecdotes now," I chuckle. "Just don't
reveal anything that would traumatize our mothers, okay?"
"Fair enough," Billy concedes.
Looking down at my glass, I'm somewhat disappointed to see that it's
empty. It's not like I'm planning on getting drunk tonight; I had
one glass of wine at the awards show several hours ago and one just now
at the after-party, so I think I'm allowed a third drink. Deciding
to get something other than wine, I excuse myself from our table and weave
my way through the maze of who's-who in Hollywood until I reach the bar.
"Can I please have a Scotch on the rocks?" I ask the bartender.
She nods with a smile, and I drum my fingers against the bar as I wait
for my drink.
It's extremely bizarre for me to be at an event like this. I'm
much more used to small gatherings with friends, gallery openings, or --
at the most -- movie premieres. But hobnobbing with a galaxy of gorgeous
stars isn't really my milieu, although a little voice in my head reminds
me that my boyfriend happens to be the most gorgeous star here, so maybe
I'm more at home than I think I am. Or maybe I should stop analyzing
this situation and drink my Scotch, now that the bartender has given it
to me.
"What are you doing over here?" Ah, and there's my gorgeous star
boyfriend, seeking me out with a grin on his face. "I went back to
the table and Andy said you were at the bar. Don't tell me that you're
drowning your sorrows in Scotch."
"What sorrows?" I laugh. I raise my glass and then take a drink,
leaning against him a little.
"The men's room here are really nice," Orli comments, leaning against
me.
"Mmm?" My response is muffled by the intake of a cold and refreshing
drink.
"They're not quite as nice as the bathrooms at the Oscars after-party."
"I wouldn't know. I've never been to the Oscars."
"Well, you'll be going soon enough," he says, that grin widening further.
"Oh, and by the way, you should know that Andy and Elijah are pretending
that your Golden Globe is the Ring and are reenacting the Smeagol-Deagol
confrontation."
I roll my eyes at the insanity that my friends possess, placing my
half-empty glass down on the bar. "Maybe we should go check to make
sure that Andy doesn't end up actually strangling anyone."
"Good idea." He slips his arm around me, ready to steer us back
to our table. But before we can go anywhere, Orli yelps in surprise
as someone hugs him from behind. I smile as I see who's dropping
in on us. "What the . . . Johnny?!" Orli asks in disbelief
as he spins around, breaking our contact.
"Nice to see you, whelp," Johnny Depp laughs.
"What are you doing here? I mean, I know why you're here, but
why are you . . . never mind, it's just wonderful to see you!" He
crushes Johnny in a hug, then pulls back and attaches himself to my side
again. "I was hoping to see you tonight, but everything's been positively
insane and I haven't had time to look for you. I'm so glad you found
me! How are the kiddies? How's Vanessa? Everyone's good,
yeah?"
Johnny laughs at Orli's babbling. "Everyone's doing wonderfully,
thank you. Vanessa is here, talking with a friend of ours, and I
spied you over here so I made a mad dash to come and say hello."
"My God, I feel like I haven't seen you in forever!"
"It's been a while," Johnny agrees.
"Fuck, where are my manners? Johnny, this is my boyfriend, Viggo,"
Orli beams.
"So I can see," Johnny says with a smile. "It's nice to meet
you, Viggo. Congratulations on your award."
"Thank you. It's really terrific to meet you," I tell him.
"Orlando's told me so much about you."
"Same here," he chuckles. "I'm amazed that I didn't pick up on
your relationship from how he talked about you. Score one for my
perceptiveness, huh?" Orli blushes and ducks his head. "But
seriously, it's terrific that you guys did what you did. That took
some balls."
"Thanks," Orli giggles.
"And Viggo, treat him right. He deserves it," Johnny tells me
solemnly.
"I will," I vow.
"He does," Orli assures his friend.
"Good." He gives Orli a hug, then shakes my hand and grins.
"Have fun tonight. Don't use that award in any unnatural ways, savvy?"
Then with a wink, Johnny is gone.
"He's a bit nutters," Orli explains as he fights back laughter.
"No wonder you're friends with him, then," I say.
We start to weave through the crowd, but Orli stops in his tracks when
he hears someone call his name. Turning around, he grins as Brad
Pitt pushes past partygoers, along with wife Jennifer Aniston, to reach
the two of us. I'm somewhat surprised when he embraces Orli tightly
and laughs; it's nice to know that straight male superstars like Johnny
Depp and Brad Pitt aren't shying away from a co-star who's just come out.
"Orli, it's *great* to see you," Brad enthuses.
"I'm so glad to see *you!*" Orli laughs.
"You remember Jen, of course."
"Of course." Orli hugs Brad's wife.
"Congratulations on 'Lord of the Rings'," Brad says. "I was thrilled
for you when it won tonight."
"Oh, thanks," Orli says with a blush on his cheeks. "Peter deserves
the praise, though."
"And Viggo, it's wonderful to meet you," Brad tells me, shaking my
hand firmly.
"It's wonderful to meet you, too," I say, smiling at him.
"Congratulations on your award. It's definitely deserved."
I blush. "Thank you very much."
"Orli's told me so much about you that I feel like I already know you.
He talked about you all the time."
"I did? Damn, I thought I was subtle," Orli laughs with embarrassment.
"You're many things, but subtle isn't one of them," Brad teases.
"I kind of guessed about your relationship from the way you raved about
him. Don't worry, I always thought it was sweet."
"Yeah, and what you two did tonight was wonderful," Jennifer adds.
"If you need anyone to back you up for any reason, we're on your side."
Brad nods his agreement. "Don't let anyone fuck with you," he
says. "You deserve all the happiness you can get, so don't allow
people to take it away from you."
"Thank you," Orli murmurs. "I really hope that this won't screw
up anything with 'Troy'."
"I can't imagine that it will," Brad assures him. "But if it
does somehow, I'll stand up on your behalf. Trust me, you two are
far from the only gay actors in this town, and you deserve a *lot* of credit
and support for taking the risk you did tonight by simply being honest."
"Well, we were tired of hiding," Orli tells them. "And we're
ready for whatever comes next." I nod in agreement to both of his
comments and twine my fingers around his.
"We wish you all the best," Jennifer says with a smile.
"And Orli, just give me a call if you guys need anything," Brad offers.
"Thanks," Orli says. "Really, it's so sweet of you to offer your
support like that."
"Yeah, it means a lot to us," I add. "Thank you."
"I guess we should all get back to mingling," Orli suggests.
"Brad, I'll see you soon."
"You definitely will," Brad says, grinning widely.
We say our goodbyes and I watch as one of Hollywood's golden couples
disappears back into the crowd. I'm a bit amazed by the show of support
that we've gotten tonight from people like Brad and Johnny and Nicole.
Sure, they're good people, but they're under no obligation to come over
to us and congratulate our decision to come out -- a decision which is
sure to be a subject of show business controversy tomorrow morning.
And they know that reporters are watching their endorsements of me and
Orli, whether it's on the red carpet or at an after-party where there are
magazine photographers and gossip columnists galore.
"Viggo? Earth to Vig," Orli giggles, snapping his fingers in
front of my face.
"Huh?" Yeah, that was eloquent.
"Want to make our graceful exit? It's almost midnight and I'm
getting knackered."
I look at him dubiously. "Orlando, you never get knackered, so-to-speak,
at a party."
"Okay, you figured me out," he sighs. Leaning in, he brushes
his mouth against my ear and kisses the lobe. "I just want to take
you home so I can celebrate your triumphant win by fucking you into oblivion,"
he whispers. "How does that sound?"
Damnit, how can he tempt me like that at a Golden Globes after-party
of all places?! I can't even moan my approval! I have to simply
swallow hard and nod my enthusiasm, probably making me look like an idiot,
but hopefully not a *horny* idiot.
"That sounds good," I say softly, shifting my weight a little bit.
"Let's, uh, go back to our table so we can say goodbye to our friends."
"And collect your award," Orli reminds me. "That is, assuming
Andy doesn't bare his teeth and start snarling 'my precious' when we ask
him to give it back." I laugh and follow him back to the table.
Luckily, Andy willingly gives up the 'precious' Golden Globe, and after
saying what feels like five hundred goodbyes, Orli and I are on our way
home. Once we're in our limo, relaxing against the leather seats
and in each other's arms, I put the partition up so I can kiss my boyfriend
thoroughly. He moans and melts against me, rubbing one of his legs
against my own.
"So did you mean what you said?" I ask, placing kisses along his jawline.
"Hmm?" Orli sounds slightly distracted, which lets me know that
I'm doing a good job at my task.
"Are you really going to fuck me into oblivion?" I whisper fiercely.
He draws in a sharp breath and nods fervently. "Definitely."
I grin. "Then I can't wait to get home."
Heart
and Shoulder Part 3
More
Viggorli
Back
to Random Insanity
