Into Another World - Sean's Story 22

Into Another World - Sean's Story

Part 22

Posted: September 28, 2007
Title: Into Another World - Sean's Story
Author: Ian Howe

*****

"He looks as if he just got laid!" Craig's eyes were glued to the large video screen. The other harem members agreed.

Ian chuckled and stroked Craig's hair. He'd already told Karl about Sean's reaction to the prostate stimulator they'd sent to the blond. He'd narrate the story to the others after the show. They'd love it and the Brit expected an orgy would follow. For now, he was content to pet the young New Zealander in his lap.

Well, he was almost content. Ian was a little worried about the other young man who was sitting next to him and biting his lip, his wide eyes fixed on the screen. Christian didn't look at ease, and Ian was determined to stay close in case his support was required.

A quick glance at the Sheik confirmed that Karl was also aware of the problem despite the blow-job he was just receiving from Eric. Viggo was busy rubbing the Sheik's chest, aware too that something was going on but leaving it to Ian and Karl to take care of.

Ian's eyes returned to the screen where the reporter had finished introducing Sean and the interview was about to begin.

Sean had already forgotten the name of the reporter. She was speaking so fast that he had to concentrate hard on what she was saying. A young blonde woman, giggling almost the whole time. Still, it was good to be back. This was the perfect opportunity to score on his public image.

"You're a ladies' man. My Mum absolutely loves you."

Inwardly cringing, Sean smiled politely. She was very young and he could afford to not get upset by the innocent arrogance of youth.

The talk turned to football. She told him she was Welsh and more of a rugby girl, then asked him which club he supported. Sean's enthusiasm matched hers now as he began to speak about his beloved Sheffield United.

However, she didn't seem interested in the club, but Sean was used to that. His smile didn't waver when she interrupted him and demanded to know which the club's colours were. Sean told her, and while she prattled on about red being her favourite colour, his thoughts began to wander.

She was Welsh. So was Christian. Did Christian enjoy rugby? Somehow, Sean couldn't imagine it, but, then again, there was so little he really knew about the young man. He imagined hearing the soft lilting voice...

"So I think I'm gonna fancy Newcastle from now on." Sean's train of thought was interrupted by the girl who looked at him triumphantly. "You just said you fancy Newcastle?"

His smile turned a little forced, and Sean corrected her gently. She didn't seem to mind.

"A few queries I wanna clear up with you." She bubbled something about his future plans.

"Oh yes, there are plans and I'm considering several scripts at the moment."

Without really listening to his reply, the next question came.

"Harrison Ford gave you the scar over your right eye while filming Patriot Games?"

"Yeah." What more was there to say? He tried to think of an interview where he hadn't been asked that question.

"Aw, it's quite a nasty one."

"Yeah." The scar hardly showed nowadays and Sean wondered what she'd say if he showed her the one on his leg. His imagination at her possible reaction almost made him miss her next query.

"And also, is it true that your contract stipulates that for any nude scene you require a bum double?"

Sean gawped at her, his mouth opening while his brain tried to process the question. Of all silly ideas...

"NOO! I've never used it." He shook his head and tried to chuckle, but it came out strained. "Bum double..."

"You've got a nice bum so you won't need a double."

Sean wondered if Christian would agree, did the younger man like his backside? The thought helped to bring his smile back, although the blond's main concern right now was to get through the rest of the interview as fast as possible. The gods alone knew what else this silly girl could come up with.

Apparently, the reporter had read his mind.

"Rumour has it that you're currently engaged in a steamy love affair with Orlando Bloom. Here we see a tearful goodbye scene at Heathrow airport a few days ago." She pointed at the monitor in front of them and Sean knew that the picture of Orlando giving him a bear hug appeared in full size on TV screens all over the nation.

Thinking quickly, Sean forced himself to stay calm. What was she doing, didn't she know that this could ruin his career as well as Orlando's? And why hadn't he noticed when the picture had been taken? Sean licked is lips nervously.

"Oh no, that isn't a tearful goodbye scene between lovers. Orlando is like this with everyone, and see," he pointed at a foot in the corner of the picture, "this is his girlfriend who picked him up at the airport. We'd met on a flight, had a natter, and he introduced me to her, that's all."

It was the truth and Sean knew that Orlando and his girlfriend would issue a press statement later, confirming it.

She caught herself immediately. "Well, we know that Orli is all touchy-feely of course, but what about you, have you ever been with a man?"

Sean felt the red creep into his face although his innards turned to ice. It was folly, he knew, but he suddenly made a decision. Ian had told him the others at the harem would watch this, and he felt like Christian could see him in that moment.

The reporter looked at him, suddenly scared of what she might have conjured up. Time stood still as everyone in the studio held their breath. Again, Sean's tongue flicked over his lips. He knew the women would love it, his 'tongue porn' as he'd once heard it described, and after the next sentence they'd hate him. Don't say it, Bean, the rational part of his brain tried to stop him but he shrugged it off. The quick-witted cameraman focused on Sean's face, sensing that something spectacular and unexpected was about to happen.

"I... I'm in love with a man."

The expected mayhem failed to rise. Instead, there was only a stunned silence. Even the reporter had run out of words and she simply stared at him, blinking in disbelief. Sean continued, his voice growing more confident.

"It isn't Orlando, and he doesn't know anything so please let him off the hook, will you?" Sean was genuinely concerned about his younger colleague's career.

The blond's voice grew tender. "I know that he's watching us now, from far away, and I'll take the opportunity to say what I should have told him long ago." Sean swallowed while the studio personnel stared at him in awe.

"I love you, Christian."

After a few more seconds of silence, somebody gave a time-up sign, and the director switched over to the next contribution. The interview was over.

Nobody tried to stop Sean when he made his way to the exit. He had barely arrived at his car when his mobile rang. It was Mel, telling him she was proud of him for his courage. She promised to make sure that Abby stayed in line, and that she'd support him regardless of whatever the press made out of his confession.

Christian had raised his hands to his face when the reporter had brought up Orlando. Craig's only comment had been, "Cute!", but the easy atmosphere in the hall filled with light bantering had been broken by a choked cry from Christian when Sean had declared his love.

"He... He can't... Why did he say that?"

Craig had immediately wrapped his arms around Christian and crooned soft words into the young Brit's ear.

Karl got up and addressed his valide, "I'll go make arrangements."

Ian bowed his head, and Craig handed Christian over to him, then left the hall with the others so that the two Brits were on their own.

"It can't work." Christian's head was burrowed into Ian's chest.

"I know, love, I know, but don't give up yet." Ian caressed the other's hair, trying to find words of comfort. They didn't come. He knew that Christian was probably right.

"I told him that I love him, Ian, and I do." Christian's voice was infinitely sad but calm.

"Of course you do, and so does he." The older man's heart ached. He'd known that Sean would come to accept his attraction to men, but his instinct and experience told him that the blond and the man in his arms were sexually incompatible in the long run.

Christian was a masochist and for him to be happy meant a partner who could take care of his needs. He was capable of enjoying tenderness, but pain, and to a degree, humiliation, was vital for him to find fulfillment. Sean on the other hand was probably capable of hurting Christian on occasion, but Ian didn't think he'd ever embrace it enough to share his life with the younger man. No, Christian needed a Dom and he knew it.

But wait, maybe there was a way. Ian perked up. Their thinking was based on Christian leaving the harem one day, probably soon, now that he was in love with Sean. Ian didn't give their relationship very long – not unless Sean could be persuaded to return to the harem. Karl had offered Christian the option to stay as long as he liked, and if taking care of his guest's needs involved finding a suitable Dom for Christian, Karl would do just that.

It could work. What Ian didn't see yet was how Sean could be made to return, but he'd speak with Karl. Until Pierce had destroyed their plans both Ian and the Sheik had been confident that Sean would at some point blend in with the other harem members. Maybe it wasn't too late? Christian would be a strong incentive for the blond to return, and once Sean was here on his own decision, given enough time to adjust, Karl's initial plan might still bear fruit.

Hugging Christian close for a moment, Ian kissed the young Brit's temple. "There might be a way for you to be with Sean, love. I have to speak with Karl."

Christian got up and smiled. "I'll be at the pool," he told Ian, and the older man smiled back. They'd find a solution.

Ian saw Christian off, then proceeded to Karl's study.

By the time Sean arrived at home, he'd spoken to Orlando, too. The young man had thanked Sean for defending him and wished him happiness with his lover.

Sean was happy when he parked his car on the kerb opposite his house. He knew he'd done the right thing for once. All he had to do now was to find a way to get Christian out of the harem. He'd make himself a cuppa, then phone the Sheik. Surely, Karl would listen if --

"You fucking nancy!" The punch hit Sean in the kidneys and he groaned in pain. Another punch followed and he struggled to stay on his feet. Turning around and trying to support himself against the car, a hit from a second attacker aimed for his liver region brought him to his knees.

Doubling over to protect himself, he got soon punched to the floor and then both men started to kick at him, hurling further abuse.

"Prancing pervert!"

"Fucking AIDS spreader!"

"Arse bandit!"

"Bloody Poof!"

"Paedophile cunt!"

Pain exploded wherever the kicks connected and Sean knew he'd pass out soon.

The blows stopped suddenly. Sean squinted his eyes and saw a man holding his two attackers by the scruffs of their necks. The newcomer looked huge and intimidating to him. Apparently, the two thugs thought so, too, because when the man hissed something at them, they took off as soon as he let go of their jackets.

"Whoa, mate, you don't look too happy. Can I make sure you aren't seriously hurt?" Speaking with a strong Australian accent, the man was not only tall but also handsome. Hazel eyes looked at him in concern, although laugh lines indicated a sense of humour. He had dark hair and his face turned asymmetric when he spoke.

The stranger squatted on the pavement next to Sean and began to pat him down, checking for broken ribs and other injuries. The man seemed to know what he was doing, so Sean let him proceed although he winced at being touched. His body was a mass of pain, and all he wanted was to be left alone and withdraw to his bed with a large whisky.

The man finished his cursory examination and gave a satisfied nod. "I'd say you'll live." He extended a hand to help Sean up.

Sean was grateful for the other's support. It took quite an effort until he finally stood on shaky legs. The man raised his eyebrows and Sean leaned on him and allowed the stranger to guide him towards his house.

"Name's Hugh Jackman, by the way, and Karl Urban asked me to keep an eye on you."

At any other time Sean would have bristled at the idea of Karl monitoring him, but right now he was glad for it. He fumbled for his key and sighed with relief when Hugh released him into one of his armchairs and instructed him to sit still and relax.

"I'll make us a tea and a stiff drink, and then we can talk."

It didn't take long for Hugh to reappear with the promised drinks. He helped Sean out of his jacket and shirt and took a closer look at the bruises that were beginning to form.

Hugh grimaced. "They've done a thorough job on you but the damage appears to be superficial. Tell me if the pain gets worse or you're feeling dizzy or anything." He cocked his head. "I'll stick around for a while, I guess."

Sean nodded, still dazed. "Who were those guys?"

Sighing, Hugh replied. "Gay bashers. Scum. They must have seen your interview and decided to make an example of you. I'm sorry I didn't react faster." He sighed again.

"I'm very happy you were there at all. I've no idea what I'd have done without you." Sean's eyes narrowed. "I'd still like to know why you were here. You said that Karl Urban sent you..." He swallowed. If Karl had sent Hugh, Hugh was bound to know he'd been at the oasis. "How much... What did Karl tell you about me?"

Hugh looked into Sean's eyes and replied in an even voice. "Karl said you honoured him by accepting his hospitality for some time. Being familiar with the amount of homophobia in Britain, he was concerned for your safety after witnessing today's interview."

"He got you here in no time." Sean was suspicious. What if the Sheik had staged the attack to lure him into trusting this man?

Sensing the other's unease, Hugh nodded. "Indeed, and it's a coincidence that I'm here at all. Karl has a large network of people working for him. Ordinarily, he'd have assigned one of his London contractors as a body-guard for you, but knowing I was in the vicinity he asked me."

Hugh leaned back and sipped at his tea. "See, I'm working for Karl. I'm taking care of his business, mostly in Australia and New Zealand, and he's asked me to handle a sensitive matter at the oasis."

Despite his curiosity, Sean didn't ask about the nature of this matter. It was probably better not to know so he only nodded at Hugh to continue.

"I flew via the States to take care of a few things, and, being rather tired after the flight, I decided to take a stop-over in London to get a decent night's rest." His face slipped into a lopsided grin. "Karl woke me from my beauty sleep and asked me to check up on a former guest who might have gotten himself in trouble by coming out as gay."

Hugh added dryly, "I'm gay myself, maybe that's why he asked me to look after you rather than somebody else. In hindsight, it was a good idea, I think."

Clenching his jaw, Sean agreed whole-heartedly. If not for Hugh, those bastards could have killed him, and the story added up. He knew that despite being a possessive son of a bitch Karl looked after those he cared for.

Suddenly, Sean yearned for the safety of the oasis, for Karl's protection, for the other slaves, and -- Christian!

He looked at Hugh intently.

"Did you just say you're travelling to the oasis?"

*****

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