Posted: August 2004
Title: Win A Date With Karl Urban
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

8/14, Karl's Mansion, Beverly Hills, California

"I'm not going!" yelled a very frustrated Karl at his manager and his agent. There was no way in hell they could make him go on a date with a random fanboy crazy enough to buy a $100 raffle ticket for a date with him. The guy might try to molest him or something.

"It's too late to back out now. We've worked really hard to set this up for you. God knows you need some good publicity after that ‘go go boys' incident," chastised Sean, the actor's agent, trying to guilt-trip their star into co-operating.

"Come on, Sean, you've been my age. I'm just trying to have some fun," whined Karl, turning his trademark sad googoo eyes on his agent. He knew Sean was the stricter of his two keepers; if his agent agreed to let him cancel, Dave wouldn't object.

Sean sighed, cursing his inability to resist his client's puppy look. He was about to relent when Dave shook his head at him. He knew his friend was a pushover where Karl was concerned; he was very surprised that Dave was determined to make the actor go through with this date.

Dave's piercing blue eyes bore into Karl's. He would have his client know he was serious. "Paying two complete strangers to have a three-way with you in the booth of a nightclub isn't fun, Karl; it's stupidity. Sean and I are tired of cleaning up your messes. It's time you learn that your actions have consequences. You're going on this date, and you'll play nice with this Mr. Orlando Bloom for the press, end of discussion."

Karl was completely stunned by his manager's harsh words. Dave was one of those people that he had always counted on to be on his side, no matter what. He couldn't help but be stung by his manager's ‘betrayal'. "Don't you dare lecture me, Dave. It's your job to take care of me; that's what I pay you for."

"Well, then, maybe I should quit," replied Dave quietly, answering Karl's heated glare with an icy look of his own.

The manager had been secretly in love with his client for years; that's why he paid more attention to Karl than all of his other clients combined. He'd hoped that maybe someday the dashing actor would learn to appreciate him and fall for him. But after five years of working together, despite the huge number of men and women Karl had slept with, the man still hadn't spare him a single ‘meaningful' glance. The incident with the ‘go go boys' was the last straw. From now on, Karl's just another regular client; Dave wouldn't make exceptions for the man anymore.

If Karl was surprised before, he was shocked to the core now. Dave couldn't possibly want to quit! The man was like family; he's the one Karl went to when he's lonely, after his bed partner of the night had gone home. Who's going to watch late night TV or play trivia pursuit with him if Dave's gone? As much as he hated going on this date, he would do it. He couldn't lose his manager. "Just hold your horses, Dave. I'll go on this stupid date."

Sean let out the breath he was holding. He couldn't believe what almost happened. It's totally out of character for Dave, who's normally pragmatic, cool-headed and head-over-heels in love with Karl. He would speak with his friend later on this sudden shift in behavior; it could be bad for business. But for now, he first needed to finalize the arrangement for Karl's date. "Great! The limo will come pick you up tomorrow at seven."

"Whatever, Sean. Just don't expect me to kiss the guy," replied Karl as his face transformed into a petulant pout.

"Cheer up, Karl. Maybe things won't be as bad as you think," laughed the agent as he patted his client on the back. Grabbing Dave's arm, he said, "We have a meeting with Ann Li about that part you're eyeing. Later, Karl."

*****

"What's that all about?" asked Sean as soon as they reached the limo he shared with Dave.

"I'm through, Sean. From now on, he's just a client, nothing more," replied Dave while he poured himself a whiskey from the drinks cabinet.

"That's what you say now, Dave. You don't get over a five year long crush in one day," chuckled the agent as he watched the younger blond's attempt to drown his sorrows with alcohol.

"I mean it, Sean. It's over. One more unreasonable, irresponsible, stupid stunt, and I'm gone," replied Dave resolutely, glaring at his friend for implying that he would change his mind.

"We'll see about that," smirked an unrepentant Sean. He knew his friend and his client well; now that Dave's retreating, Karl would definitely not let him go without a fight. Things would get pretty interesting around here soon.

*****

8/14, Airport, RockBottom, North Carolina

"I still can't believe I won," squealed Orli excitedly as he gave his sister a final hug before his flight to LA. He's beaten millions of hopeful guys and girls for a date with Karl Urban!

Sam smiled and said, "Yeah, you're sooooo lucky. Have fun in LA for me, okay. And I want all the details!"

"Sure thing, Sam," replied the young man before turning to hug Viggo goodbye. He was very pleasantly surprised that his boss had volunteered to drive him to the airport. He knew of all places Viggo hated, airports were near the top of the list.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" asked the artist, trying his best not to beg the youth to stay. He should *never* have given Orli that advance! No amount of ‘points' in the young man's heart was worth the agony of seeing, or more appropriately imagining, him in Karl Urban's arms. And knowing how touchy-feely Orlando was, Viggo knew it was bound to happen. He could see it now, the stupid accursed actor on the receiving end of a sweet lovely ‘flying Orli hug'. Karl Urban with his arm full of Orli... Oh, the pain, the agony!

Orlando noticed the strange expression on his boss' face, mistaking it for discomfort over their surroundings. "I'll be okay, Vig. Why don't you take Sam home for me?"

The artist had no intention of leaving so soon. There were much words of ‘wisdom' to be imparted before he could allow Orlando to board the plane to LA. "LA is a strange place, kiddo. You have to be really careful of the people there. You're such a sweet person; they might try to take advantage of you. Oh, and I know you think Karl Urban is a perfect specimen of a man; but men are men. If he said he loves animals or doesn't like watching sports, he's trying to sleep with you."

"Vig, Karl's a movie star! Why would he ever want to sleep with me?"

Viggo was tempted to say, "Because you are the most glorious of all of god's creations", but reckoned this wasn't the right time to spout poetry to woo Orlando. He would have to wait until the youth returned from LA. Maybe, by then, he would have written a real sonnet worthy to be used when courting his beautiful personal assistant. "You never know. Men can be as indecipherable as women at times."

Orli frowned in mock indignation as he batted Viggo lightly over the head. "Hey, I'm not that bad!"

The artist grinned mischievously before turning serious again. "Just remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It doesn't hurt to be too careful."

"Yes, dad!" replied the youth sarcastically as he turned towards the security checkpoint.

Viggo sighed exasperatedly, wondering if he should be discouraged by the pun. He didn't feel too old for Orli, but what if the youth thought so? Maybe he should give up and try to forget about his infatuation. It beat having to his heart broken by a firm rejection…

But when Orli beamed at him and Sam one last time before disappearing into the terminal, Viggo decided he was worrying too much. The young man wouldn't have spent so much time with him these past years if he thought Viggo was just a boring old geezer. There was still hope for him and Orli. He would concentrate on finishing his love poem; he would be wooing Orlando as soon as the young man returned.

*****

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