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

*****

8/15, LA

Orli checked his reflection in the mirror and frowned. He looked so stiff in his ‘penguin' combo; in RockBottom, men's fashion had remained in the era where a suit meant black jacket, black tie, black pants and a white shirt. While it worked there, he knew it wouldn't cut it in LA. Even the hotel wait-staffs' uniform looked more extravagant than his evening formal wear. If only the prize included a shopping trip to a classy boutique! He could only hope he wouldn't be mistaken as a waiter at the fancy restaurant he was supposed to dine at.

A polite knock on the door startled the young man from his self-evaluation. But it couldn't be: Karl wasn't supposed to be here until 8pm! He hadn't even practiced what to say to the movie star yet! What if he made a total fool out of himself? What's he going to do?

Another knock interrupted Orli's panic attack. He knew he shouldn't keep his date waiting any longer. He took a deep breath and answered the door. Outside was the most gorgeous man he had ever seen; Karl was a million times better looking in person than on screen. Orli didn't even think such a thing was possible.

When Karl smiled at him, it took every ounce of Orli's will power not to swoon and fall into his arms. He did however let out a squeak, which seemed to be the only sound he could make under the circumstances.

Karl was surprised at how beautiful his date was. He had thought this Orlando would be a nerdy, ugly guy no one would ever want to date in real life. Boy, was he wrong! The youth had a face and body that any movie star wannabe would kill for: classical bone structures, expressive coco eyes, a mop of impossibly soft-looking curls and a long lean athletic form. He'd probably be an instant star after tonight's publicity stunt. Karl could already see it, tomorrow's entertainment headline, ‘A New Hollywood Sweetheart'.

Karl offered his date his trademark smile and got a squeak in reply. He found the response both endearing and reassuring. He had been afraid that Orlando would jump him; but now, he knew his virtue would be safe, unless he wanted otherwise. And though the young man was gorgeous, he wouldn't risk Dave and Sean's wrath. His keepers would probably skin him alive if he made a move towards an innocent small-town boy like Orlando. "Hi."

Finally, Orli was able to find his tongue. Unfortunately for him, his brain hadn't quite caught up. "Eight didn't you until I expect."

The moment Orli heard his own words, he tried to stop speaking, but his vocal chords seemed to have taken on a life of their own. "They think I stand of time your will are the great test films."
At this point, the young man slapped his hand onto his mouth and finally succeeded in silencing himself. Blushing profusely, he tore his eyes from his idol's handsome features to stare at the floor.

Karl didn't know what to make out of the youth's babble. Orlando didn't seem like the ‘all looks no brain' type to him, but one could never be certain these days. Keeping his ‘game face' aka trademark smile on, he said, "Shall we go?"

Orlando didn't trust himself to speak again. He simply nodded and took Karl's arm. Part of him wanted to bounce in joy; he was actually touching Karl Urban! Sam was going to be so jealous!
Karl glanced at the young man beside him. Orlando looked as if he was in heaven. The blissful expression brought a real smile to the actor's face. It had been so long since he had made any of his ‘dates' happy without throwing money or mind-blowing sex into the mix; it was satisfying, in a strange but good way.

After the short walk to the elevator, Orli had calmed enough that he was confident he could speak without mangling his sentences. Looking coyly at Karl, he repeated what he said earlier. "I didn't expect you until eight."

Karl chuckled, realizing now that Orlando wasn't stupid; he was just overwhelmed. Once again, the actor found this quite endearing. "There's less traffic than my agent expected. And what was the second thing you were trying to tell me? I can't quite decipher that myself either."

Orli couldn't believe it; Karl was teasing him. The only ones who ever did that were his family and his close friends. The actor was treating him more like a friend than a fan, a fact that he was very grateful for. It helped make his nervousness disappear. Grinning, he ‘unscrambled' his compliment. "I think your films are great. They will stand the test of time."

Flashing Orli a full-blown grin, Karl answered, "Wow, such a huge compliment and twice in a row too. I'm so proud of myself."

Orli laughed, all his unease forgotten. "Hey, I never thought you have such a big head. You're supposed to be humble and kind and sweet and perfect..."

"In your dreams, babe," retorted the actor cheekily. He ought to thank Dave for making him come. Orlando was beautiful, great fun to be with, and best of all, didn't expect any favors from him. Tonight was going to be great.

The elevator made a noise as they reached the lobby. Turning to his date, Karl said, "Ready to face the masses?"

Orlando already had his first run-in with the press. The reporters seemed nice enough; they just came and interviewed him. They didn't pry into his life or bother his family and friends. He was much less nervous about meeting the press than meeting Karl. With a smile, he nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Alright then, let's go," said the actor before setting his face once more in his trademark smile.

*****

Orli was blinded by the numerous camera flashes the moment he walked into the lobby. There were more reporters here than in Rockbotton a week ago. But then, he could imagine only the most ardent of entertainment reporters would fly all the way to a small town in North Carolina to interview him.

Orli offered the photographers a shy smile, making sure to turn his head in each direction to let everyone get a shot. This he learned from the award shows' red carpet; that's what all the stars do when photographers took their pictures.

Karl was amazed at how well his date was handling himself in front of the press. Orlando acted like a pro, completely unfazed, yet managing to look a little shy and completely natural. The young man had tremendous presence, that's for sure. Given some time and training, Orlando could probably give him a run for his money as the media's Golden Boy.

The reporters were beginning to shout questions at Orli when the limo driver cut through the hordes to remind the ‘couple' it's time to leave for dinner. He really could kiss the man for rescuing him. His time in the spotlight was quickly becoming overwhelming. Now, he understood where Viggo got his fear of crowds. Living with this sort of media blitz for prolong periods of time couldn't be good for a man's sanity. He was glad his boss had abandoned the circus that's LA to live in Rockbottom.

*****

Orli let out a sigh of relief as soon as they stepped into the limo. Noticing his date's predicament, Karl said, "You did great in there, babe. My first press conference, I almost had a panic attack. Good thing Dave was there to calm me down."

"How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"You know, live with the media circus, smile like that for them all the time. Don't you get tired?"

Orli's question resonated with something deep inside Karl's soul. True he loved the acting, but lately, he had been increasingly ‘dissatisfied' with his life. Other than Dave, and to some degree Sean, he didn't have friends; he had a staff, people who hung around him for money and sex. It was alright before, fun even. But now, the parties and the sex just weren't as good as they used to be. That's what the go-go boy incident was about; it was his desperate attempt to prove to himself that he still loved living on the wild side.

Orli noticed how quiet Karl had gotten. They were on their first date; he probably shouldn't have asked such a personal question. "I'm sorry, Karl, I didn't mean to pry."

"It's okay, babe. I should be the one who is sorry. We're on a date and I'm neglecting you," replied the actor with a small smile.

"Yeah, you better make it up to me," teased Orli in an attempt to lighten the mood again.

"I'll autograph your shirt. Maybe you can sell it on ebay for loads of money," replied Karl, now smiling fully. It's truly great to be around Orlando; the youth was as understanding as he was sweet and beautiful.

Orli laughed and said, "You aren't getting off that easy, mister. You'll at least have to sign a whole stack of napkins at the restaurant for ignoring me." This was truly his dream come true, going on a real date with Karl Urban, completed with the silly banter. If only they had more than just one night...

"Oh, my poor hand," sighed Karl dramatically, feeling happier than he had in years, ever since his first break in Hollywood. It's like there's some mysterious positive energy around the dark-haired beauty that made him feel at ease.

Their rapport came to an end when the limo came to a halt. They had arrived at the restaurant. Karl took Orli's hand as they stepped off the vehicle; this time it was of his own free will rather than because it was expected of him.

Orli was so unpretentious; it made Karl felt like his ‘own man' when they're together. It was great to feel this freedom again. Grinning at his date, he joked, "Let's go. I need to get started on signing those napkins if I want to finish before the restaurant closes."

Orli laughed, holding in his urge to bat Karl on the head like he would Viggo if his boss had made the same joke. As he looked at his hand in the actor's, he knew tonight would go down in history as the very best night of his life.

*****

Throughout the course of the evening, the warm bubbly feeling inside Karl's heart intensified. After the romantic candle-light dinner and a walk on the beach under the starlight, he decided he didn't want the night to end. He didn't care what his keepers thought; he would invite Orlando back to his house.

It wasn't so much that Karl wanted the dark-haired beauty in his bed; well, he wanted that too, but sex wasn't really the point. He just wanted to spend more time with Orlando, have some of the youth's positive vibe rub off on him. "Hey, you want to come see my house?"

For a second, Orli was too stunned to think. He had just been asked to visit Karl Urban's mansion! He hadn't even dream of that, and he had a pretty good imagination. He was about to blurt out "Of course" when his brain kicked back into gear, remembering what his mom always said about never going to the other guy's place on the first date.

But this wasn't just any first date; this was a date with Karl Urban, an event that would probably never be repeated. Besides, Orli was quite certain Karl didn't have any disingenuous intentions in mind. After all, the actor had admitted to liking sports and being allergic to cats during their conversation at dinner. And according to Viggo's logic, Karl wasn't trying to sleep with him.

In the end, propriety won. That wasn't entirely true, since the main reason for the decision was Orli's fear of doing something stupid that would annoy his date. He was naturally affectionate with all the people he liked; and Karl was quickly becoming number one of that list. He was beginning to have urges to hug the man from time to time, something that Orli was certain the movie star would not appreciate. It was best to call it a night, while things were going splendidly. "I can't. I promised my sister I'll call home tonight, you know, to report all the details."

Though Karl wasn't entirely surprised, he was more than a little disappointed by Orli's rejection. Doing his best job of looking understanding and cheerful, he said, "Right, guess we should head back then."

*****

The ‘couple' spent the ride back to the hotel in a charged silence. Orli felt bad for not accepting Karl's offer, while the actor debated whether he should kiss his date goodnight.

An hour later, when they arrived at Orli's hotel, Karl finally reached his decision. He wouldn't be kissing Orli tonight. He didn't want the young man to remember him as overly ‘amorous'. "I guess this is it then," said Karl, forcing himself to put on his trademark smile.

"Thanks, Karl. I had a wonderful time." Before Orli could stop himself, he gave Karl a peck on the cheek. It was the way he said goodbye to all his friends; it was so natural to him that he did it without thought. Without waiting to see Karl's reaction, he ducked out of the car and waved, "Night, Karl."

By the time Karl recovered from his surprise, Orli was already out of sight. Slowly, he reached up to touch his cheek; his skin still tingled from the youth's sweet kiss. He smiled and made his choice: he wasn't about to let the dark-haired beauty go yet. He would be paying Rockbottom, North Carolina a visit very soon.

*****

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