Looking for Love

Posted: May 2003
Title: Looking for Love
Author: Dane
Type: RPS
Characters: Orlando Bloom/Colin Farrell
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: There was no intent on slander on my part on any actors mentioned in this story. It's plain fictious.
Summary/Notes: This was inspired by the song ‘I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Love' by Everything But The Girl.

*~*

I. Colin

Colin Farrell was one of those types that knew what love was but never really sought it out. He was an affable, offensive, drunken reprobate whom everyone just loved because he took his time just to talk and got to know you. He was never lonely. He had the love and support of family and friends. He dated beautiful women all the time and mostly with no strings attached. He never had problems with screwing with blokes either. More likely than not, you would find him hanging about at the local pub with the lads and giving a sympathetic ear to their woes and giving his back in return when he's not working on a movie. He loved his cigarettes, booze, women, and on occasion, his men, and he was unapologetic about it.

Therefore, you could imagine that Colin would be one of the last people on earth on believe in love at first sight.

In reality, Colin thought long ago that love wasn't for him. A fabrication that was a truth to everyone else's philosophy. So what that there wasn't anyone waiting in the sidelines for him, more so at home. He was happy as he was. He was content being a bachelor with his wild oats being sown as he traipsed through life. He knew it wouldn't last long but he was going to live like the damn world was his for the taking. Live long, die young, and all that crap!

It was strange to say the least that when Colin discovered the love of his life, it wasn't an earth shattering revelation or something equally cataclysmic as some romantic idiots say. There weren't any grand events that fate conspired to happen just so two unlikely individuals to meet. There were no cliché Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks scenarios to tell him that Cupid finally took notice and shot him through with a ballistic of arrows. No witty repartee on the first contact or some memorable banter worthy of some Hollywood plot device. It was innocuous enough. In fact, Colin met the person he was meant to live forever with at the train station.

Being an actor of some ill repute, Colin often had to resort to disguising himself if he wanted to travel like a normal person. He just wore fashionable everyday shades with his ball cap, and next thing you know he was your average Irishman traveling the United Kingdom. Incognito was a buzzword that internationally known actors respected. Reporters would pay their youngest son as a blood debt to whatever deity out there if only to find out just how he spent his time on an ordinary day.

On one such ordinary day, he woke up late with a hangover and had some toast for a weak breakfast. He ruminated on his itinerary for the afternoon and evening, and then realized that he had to leave for Canterbury later for the wedding of one of his closest friends the next day. He could have hired a car so he wouldn't have to worry but it's been a while since he actually felt like he was human (the price you pay for making five movies one after the other without any breaks), so he opted to take a late train out. Deciding to pack light and to just wing it, he ran out of his modest flat to buy a few essentials for his trip.

One taxi ride brought him to Harrods to buy a wedding gift, a bar set complete with ten bottles of wine, that will be delivered the next day in time for the wedding. He then headed for the Virgin Megastore for some CDs (some Everything but the Girl, Nickelback, and the Cranberries). Borders yielded a good stumble as he bought a few magazines and the new Nick Hornsby novel. Then, a cab ride to the shop around the corner from his flat so he could buy a few travel packets. He even signed an autograph or two while queuing in line, before heading off for home. After a three-hour nap, he zipped up his travel bag, flung his bagged tuxedo over his shoulder, and directed yet another cab driver to bring him to the train station.

Seeing that he was early for his train, Colin decided to wait a while at one of the cafes at the station that served decent sandwiches and coffee. He did skip lunch and now his stomach growled with the intensity of a bear awoken during hibernation. And then someone with a bright shirt fell down to the ground in front of him.

In hindsight, Colin wondered what drew his undivided attention on this person, a man no less. He was lanky and clumsy, which he noticed when the guy tripped over his luggage when he tried to reach for his dropped umbrella. He lacked any sort of fashion sense, especially with that terrible yellow shirt underneath his jacket. The man was smoking. (Colin knew he was being hypocritical but he never bedded anyone who smoked more than he did.) But then, Colin would remember his love's face.

If he were an artsy sort of person, he would have sworn that his soulmate was Renaissance painting that came to life. The high cheekbones and the messy curls were enough to make this man an example of Michelangelo's art. His eyes of chocolate were made to melt the ice out of anyone's heart, and his lips were made out of pure mischief. This young man had a lifeforce that drew everyone to pay attention.

So as it was, Colin stood up and approached the stumbled man on the floor. He offered his hand and asked, "Are you alright, mate?"

II. Orlando

If one were to dissect the psyche of Orlando Bloom, they would find that the young man from Canterbury was a closet romantic with an almost addictive need to fall in love. It happened more than a few times when he was in New Zealand shooting ‘The Lord of the Rings', probably the ‘gayest' movie of all time with its predominantly male cast. Seriously, who wouldn't fall for anyone like Elijah Wood (the kid with the bluest sky in his eyes north of Texas.), Sean Bean (if you've seen the Sharpe series, you would too), and Viggo Mortensen (there's something about those sensitive artist types). Orlando even gotten into a fling with Karl Urban (the quintessential Kiwi bad boy) and a doomed relationship with Dave Wenham (honestly, who doesn't love the sight of strawberry blonde hair).

His theory on love was basically like bungee jumping, you just did it and fell off a bridge, hopefully not breaking your neck in the process. Being afraid was not a term associated with Orlando.

Aside from being a one-step-forward kind of guy, Orlando was famous among his friends as a sensualist who reveled in everything his senses perceived, as waking up this morning showed. Instead of an alarm clock, he woke up to a pre-programmed radio that was set on a station that played feel good 80's music. He was a morning person and loved the feeling the fresh linens with its fresh smell. He quickly threw off the blanket and padded to his kitchen where he drank robust French roast coffee and ate some bread and strawberry jam. Opening the windows, he could smell the smog mixed with the scents from the bakery across the street and food cooking from his neighbors. From a distance, he heard the sounds of sirens and the rustling of people getting to work. The sun was shining and there was a breeze in the air that cooled his flat rather nicely. He decided then and there that he would have a lie-in and read Viggo's latest poetic masterpiece until after lunch. Buying things could wait until later.

After eating a salad and some of his mother's care package vegetarian lasagna, he left his place with high spirits and ticked off the things he needed before leaving for Canterbury. He first went to Notting Hill and found a Hall Mirror for his friends that were getting married. It was a good thing he remembered to buy it today otherwise he would have forgotten and his sister, who was coming with him to their wedding the next day, would have killed him. He then went to a nearby courier service so he could have it delivered just in time for the wedding. As a reward for a good find, he treated himself to a movie. He gleefully paid for his ticket when he saw that Beanie's movie with Christian Bale was showing. Two hours later, he went home and packed for his trip. Just after six, he closed up his apartment and took a taxi to the train station.

Another thing that Orlando was famous for among his friends was being a complete klutz. Somehow, while waiting for his train, his umbrella was caught on a passing trolley, making him lurch over his luggage and onto the dirty floor. The only cigarette he was smoking today fell off his mouth and onto the concrete in front of him. He prayed for God in heaven to make him disappear so he wouldn't have to die of embarrassment. He was saved from certain death by a sudden clandestine occurrence.

From the corner of his eye, he saw a pleasing sight. A man about his height was watching him from the nearby café. He was drinking what he presumed was coffee. Not that he could tell anything about the man except for his dark looks and piercing gaze. The man from the nearby café stood up and offered his hand to him. He then asked Orlando with a sinfully lilting voice, "Are you alright, mate?"

III. I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Love Until I Found You

For Orlando, he knew this man. Not in the familiar I-saw-you-once sort of way, but in a my-soul-knows-you sort of way. It was instant attraction for his part and he knew where he wanted this encounter to go. In his mind, he thought this might be the ‘ONE'. The one person who he was meant to be with. When he grabbed on to the stranger's hand to stand up, he felt electrified, as if he were struck by lightning. His body immediately felt the loss when they let go of each other.

Colin felt the connection but his thoughts were more on the line of ‘What the fuck!' He felt confused to what he was feeling in the presence of this guy. One part of his brain was afraid about what was happening to him. Another part wanted to know why his heart was beating like a drum and why did his throat felt like no words could come out. The only thing his mind allowed his mouth to say was, "Can I buy you some coffee?"

Both men were stunned; one was clearly surprised in a happy sort while the other was surprised in a bemused fashion.

"Okay," said Orlando. He smiled and held out his hand again. "My name is Orlando."

Colin grasped the hand and felt the electricity again. "Colin," he said softly, still not sure what was happening.

And so they started to talk. They talked while waiting for their train and well on their long journey. It was like they fitted well with each other. They both loved music and reading books. They loved to party and were pretty famous actors in the business. They swore too much and smoked too much as well. There were the differences but neither felt they were that big to affect their compatibility. Once they parted for the night at Canterbury, Colin felt suddenly incomplete and mulled over himself in his hotel room while Orlando slept blissful dreams in his mother's house.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, an epiphany jolted him awake. Shocked beyond belief, he dressed up and headed for the nearest bar to get smashed. When he woke up the next day, he moaned in pain, still remembering what he realized last night. For the first time in his entire existence, Colin Farrell finally fell in love.

Orlando, on the other hand, was sober and content, but his sister wasn't fooled.

"Okay Orli, who is it and does that person have a cute brother?" Samantha Bloom asked her brother over lunch.

"Geez," Orlando complained. "What are you? A mind reader or something?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm your sister. What do you expect? Now answer my questions. Whom have you fallen in love with and does that person have some gorgeous sibling? Your taste in men and women are delicious and exquisite, Orli."

Blushing about ten shades darker, Orli said, "I met someone on the train going here. Well, to be more specific, the train station really. He helped me gather my dignity off the floor when I tripped over my luggage."

Sam tsked. "Typical."

He gave her an annoyed look. "Anyway, he's an actor like me and we are planning to meet up at the wedding of David and Sarah. Judge for yourself when you see him." He smiled, knowing the reaction of his sister when she saw Colin. Pure scream mode. Ever since she saw ‘Minority Report', she's been saying how hot that guy with Tom Cruise was. Boy was she in for a surprise.

"Speaking of the wedding, we have to get ready. The ceremony is in two hours." She shooed her brother away. "Now, off you go. Shower and dress up for your man."

Orlando grinned, stole the last piece of pie and bounded upstairs.

Later that afternoon, Colin was late for the wedding. He felt terrible for having hangovers for two days in a row. He felt even more terrible not knowing what exactly what was happening. He saw Orlando from where he was sitting in the back and his heart fluttered like a schoolgirl with a crush. If he was going to survive the reception, he needed more alcohol.

At the reception, Orlando pointed out to Sam the guy he met on the train station and, predictably, she shrieked. He had to clamp her mouth and offered a silent apology to those around them. He then motioned Colin to join them and threatened his sister that if she didn't behave, he was going to make sure that their mother knew who really stole her heels 5 years ago. Colin sat on their table and enjoyed the Bloom sibling's company, despite his reservations. While Samantha was out dancing, Colin had to ask Orlando the question plaguing his mind since he woke up with that killer migraine from hell.

"Did you feel something when we first met yesterday?" he asked, quite unsure of himself.

Orlando smiled, thinking that this was a sign from God. "Yes, I did." He placed his hand on top of Colin's and felt a shiver race up his spine. From Colin's reaction, he could tell that felt it too.

"I was afraid of that," Colin said despairingly. He faced Orlando with an intense stare. He knew that he was scared about falling in love with this beautiful person before him, but he knew that he didn't have a choice in the matter. He may screw this one up but if he didn't try then he would be kicking himself in the arse for ages to come. With a cleansing breath, he confessed.

"Orli, when I first met you I felt confused by your presence. Shit, you scare the hell out of me but I wanted to be close to you. When we separated last night, I felt wrong that I wasn't with you. As I was going to bed, I realized that for the first time in my life I've fallen in love." He held his gaze on Orlando's chocolate eyes. "I love you, Orli. I found love at last because of you, you bloody arse."

A sense of happiness flared inside Orlando. He wanted this. It's been a while since someone special came into his life. He wanted forever and Colin maybe the one he spent it with. He grinned as he retorted. "And it's a very fine arse, thank you very much." And then he leaned in and kissed the Irishman to an inch of his life.

Colin moaned when those succulent lips touched his and Orlando's tongue deftly entwined with his. It was like heaven and earth meeting on the horizon. Yin and Yang. Ice cream and Hot Fudge. Strawberries and Cream. Fish and Chips. Fred and Ginger. Shakespeare Drama and Monty Python. You know, utter completeness that only made sense to the universe at large and to internet writers who wrote RPS slash. Orlando knew that being friends with Dom led to some very disturbing thoughts.

When Orlando pulled away, Colin had his lips apart and he was breathless. He opened his eyes and they were shining. Both smiled and held hands, nothing more was needed to be said that could be spoken later. The big band providing the music started to play some slow songs and Orlando turned to Colin.

"Dance with me?" he asked. Colin gulped, but allowed Orlando to pull him to the dance floor, surprising many guests. Whispers and astonishments were heard by both as they moved to the beat of the song. At the edge of the dance floor, Samantha smiled before drinking her glass of wine.

"People are talking about us, you know," said Colin softly to Orlando's ear.

The Brit smiled. "Let them. I finally found you so I don't think I'll be letting you go anytime soon. We'll take it slow, Colin, if you want. Trust me that this thing we have will be the stuff of legends and our happiness will be a wonderland of possibility."

Colin smiled nervously. "Nice picture you painted there."

"Thanks. Viggo's influence, I'm afraid."

"Well, I don't know about you but we still need a first date. I may not be romantic but I find myself wanting to woo you. May I take you out to the movies tomorrow and maybe some dinner afterwards?"

Orlando chuckled. "You're sweet. Can I call you ‘Honey' first?"

Colin whipped out his tongue. "Only if I call you ‘Baby'"

Orlando thought for a moment, thinking the nickname over in his head. "I don't mind." He then laid down his head on Colin's shoulders as the song continued.

Later, the groom threw the garter and Colin managed to catch it. The bride, after seeing that first dance between the two actors, purposely threw the bouquet at Orlando. Sam laughed her arse off and made sure that she got home with a friend while Orlando and Colin spent the night at Colin's hotel room.

Finding love changed Colin's life immensely. He was surer of the world, despite thinking that meeting Orlando wasn't that all a big deal but he cherished it anyway. Orlando stopped looking for it, sure of his affections with the burly Irishman. In the end, love finds you. You just never knew when to expect it.

*****

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Dane