Posted: December 2003
Title: A Day in Wellington - Hope
Author: Estella Greenleaf
Type: RPS
Characters: V/O
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: All of this is completely false! It's a figment of my imagination.
Author's note: sequel to regret
Warning: Drabble, PWP

*****

It made no sense, to feel such pain over a simple dismissal after so much time apart. He knew it was over before his lover said the hurtful words; he knew the moment when his sensitive poet's touch grew cold. He should have recovered by now. After all, time was supposed to heal all wounds.

Yet, the bonds of love remained unbroken, enslaving his heart though his feelings no longer mattered. It was difficult, to maintain his joyous public persona through this heartache. But he was an actor, a star who was supposed to shine. He would be a professional and do his part in front of the adoring masses.

As the night wore on, it became easier to play his part in this charade. Being among friends was a soothing balm to his scarred soul. It helped, of course, that the source of his pain was no longer there to remind him of his loss. He joked and laughed with his mates, even flirted a little with one of Ian's friends.

But the lighthearted rapport soon came to an end. His heart lurched as a familiar sizzle coursed through his veins. Viggo's hand on his arm, a sensation he would never forget, no matter how he tried. He turned to offer a polite smile. He wanted so much more, to embrace the man who still held his heart. But he did not dare. It would hurt too much, to feel Viggo's warmth with the knowledge that the man was no longer his to love.

An awkward moment passed. His former lover reached out to gently cup his face. He braced himself for a 'headbutt', a greeting from the days when they were just friends, before love was professed and promises made. Instead, his beloved leant forward to press their foreheads together tenderly. As their breaths mingled in a traditional Maori greeting, Orlando understood: There was always hope where love remained.

*****

THE END

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