Posted: November 2004
Title: Tonight and Always
Author: Estella Greenleaf
Type: RPS
Characters: V/O
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: It's all false!
Beta: The lovely Ceria
At my lovely beta's suggestion, I include this disclaimer: I used 'beloved' to refer to Orli quite often, as it is the most suitable word given the V/O relationship herein. This story is completely *unrelated* to the Doppelganger universe. I don't want any confusion; and I don't mean any disrespect.
Author's note: Please don't kill me for this angsty drabble. This bunny just wouldn't let me go! But hopefully, the angst makes the happy ending all the sweeter =)
Author's note: The piece itself, minus the header, is 496 words, talk about cutting it close!

*****

I could lose myself tonight, falling into you
I could feel my heart take flight, dreaming of your smile
I see heaven in your eyes; so please, say you'll be mine

It feels so good, falling into you, baby…
And it feels so good falling into you…baby, baby…

Weary azure eyes drifted shut as the music faded. The lyrics, set to images of his lost love, were poison to his senses. Long years had passed; yet, his heart never healed. It bled anew each time he saw his dark Adonis on screen, each time he was reminded that his vibrant angel was no longer his to hold.

A bitter chuckle escaped from his throat; he had no claim to sympathy. It was by his own hand that their love was relegated to no more than bittersweet memories. He was a veteran in the glittering world of public opinion and lies; he knew there was no love without sacrifice. He had to let go; it was the price for the young actor's dream of pursuing a place among the stars.

The incessant chirping of his cell phone roused him from his wallowing. A gruff hello greeted the caller before the rapid rambling of a frightened 'Hobbit' dominated the airwaves.

He held onto the phone, white-knuckled, as thoughts vanished into a dark void. The walls of his world collapsed around him; he couldn't breathe, couldn't speak. His angel was dying…

The call ended. He swallowed his nausea, forcing his limbs to move. On the verge of death, his sweet beloved had called out his name. He must answer the summons. He could not let his beautiful Orlando leave this world without knowing the depths of his love.

*****

Tears of relief flooded his eyes as the doctors gave their pronouncements: Orlando would live. Without a care for his pride, he begged them; he would give anything to sit by his angel's side. To his surprise, the doctors relented; quietly, they showed him the way to the one who held his heart.

All night, he watched over his injured beloved, holding the youth's slim hand. His persistence was rewarded when Orlando's eyes opened, misty coco orbs holding his own. "Viggo…"

How he had missed his angel's voice saying his name! Squeezing the young beauty's hand, he whispered, "Orlando…"

"You know, when I was shot, when I thought I was going to die, all I can think about was you and how much I wished I had fought harder to keep your love."

"You have my love, angel, you always will." He brought their joined hands to his lips for a soft kiss, a vow never to let go again. From this day forth, he would be Orlando's, if the young beauty would have him.

"I love you too, Viggo. Stay with me?"

Hope shone in coco orbs as his beloved made his proposal. With a lingering kiss, Viggo sealed their pact. "Tonight and always, angel; tonight and always."

*****

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Estella Greenleaf