| Title: Anniversary Author: Jo & Brenda Pairing: Joaquin Phoenix/Orlando Bloom Rating: NC17 Summary: Orlando helps Joaquin heal. Disclaimer: Never happened. Notes: Unapologetic fluff AU, based loosely on the LOTR Speakeasy characters. NOT canon. This never happened in that world. In this reality, River died during the 2nd Battle of the Marne during WWI.
"Good game today, kid," Coach Gibson calls out in passing, and Orlando raises his hand in a wave at the compliment as he finishes tying his tie. His hair's still damp from the shower. It had been a damn good game, too. He'd made a key double play in the 5th and had a triple that had driven in two runs - the first triple of his career. Too bad none of the family could be in town to see it, but he knows that 'Quin and Josh and his Mom'll all be thrilled to pieces when he calls later to tell them about it. And he'll be in New York for a six game series in a couple of weeks, they can celebrate properly then. "Coming with to Colosimo's to celebrate?" Grisby asks, settling his hat more firmly on his head as he stops in front of Orlando. "Dunno, maybe." Orlando finishes with his tie and reaches for his jacket. "Why, who's singing tonight?" "Some new bird named Cate -" "Mr. Bloom?" Grisby and Orlando both turn their heads when the locker room manager, Simmons peeks his head around the corner. "What is it?" Orlando asks. Simmons jerks his thumb down the hall. "Got a visitor out front." "A date tonight already," Grisby teases, and Orlando can feel the blush starting from his neck on up. "Not a lady," Simmons chuckles. "Kid ain't that lucky." "I'll...I'll be right there." Orlando shrugs into his jacket and gives Grisby a small shrug. "Probably some old businessman wanting an autograph for his daughter." "Dunno why he'd want yours, then," Grisby calls after him good-naturedly. Joaquin leans against the wall, smoking a cigarette. His tie is loose, his shirt a little rumpled, and he'd missed most of the game. None of that matters, a little voice in his head tells him. Shouldn't have come, should've stayed home. He takes a last drag off the cigarette and crushes it out beneath his heel. Immediately, he reaches for the pack to pull out another one and light it. When the door opens, he looks up and tries to smile. "Hey," he says, voice raspy and not quite slurred. His eyes roam over Orlando, drinking in the familiar, beloved lines, and it's all he can do to not pull Orlando into a tight hug. "'Quin?" Orlando takes a step forward, then stops, taking in Joaquin's disheveled appearance. Delight turns to concern in the space of a heartbeat. "What is it, what's wrong? Is everyone alright? You look..." He's afraid to touch Joaquin for the first time in years. "It's...today..." Joaquin tries to breathe, tells himself he can do this. But, oh fuck, it hurts. He feels his knees start to buckle, catches himself with one hand on the wall. "His birthday..." "Oh, shit..." In two steps, Orlando's there, arms going around Joaquin to hold him close. River's birthday and he's been so caught up in everything that he'd clean forgotten. Remorse and guilt sweep over him - 'Quin had needed him, man, and he hadn't been there. "It's alright," he murmurs, lips brushing Joaquin's cheek. He can smell the alcohol on Joaquin's breath. "I'm here, I got you." Joaquin clings to Orlando, cigarette forgotten as it falls to the concrete under their feet. "Need..." He chokes, voice too thick with emotion for him to speak. His fingers dig into Orlando's back as Joaquin tries to get closer. "Cold...'Lando..." "Shhhh, c'mon." Orlando's got an apartment three blocks away. It's small, but it does the job, and, most importantly right now, it's private. "Let's go back to my place, alright, we'll get you warmed up, we'll talk, we'll get drunk, whatever you need, alright?" He frames Joaquin's face between his hands, looking deep into bloodshot eyes, trying to instill strength, love, comfort, anything 'Quin needs from him. "I'm here, not going anywhere." "Missed you," Joaquin whispers. His hands curl around Orlando's wrists and hold tight. Right now, he doesn't care who sees. He needs to touch Orlando, needs to feel that he's here. When Orlando tugs him towards the entrance, Joaquin doesn't resist. He doesn't have the energy. "Missed you, too," Orlando replies, squeezing tight to Joaquin's hand. He catches sight of a few of the boys as he leads Joaquin out of the park and towards his place, and knows he'll have some explaining to do tomorrow. But he knows they'll all understand - family comes first. And Joaquin will always come first. "It's not far," he says, hurrying up the sidewalk as fast as he can, casting quick glances at Joaquin every third step or so. This isn't good, man, not at all. Joaquin looks pale, sick, frail like he had when they'd first found out that River'd been shot. Last year's birthday had been bad, sure, but at least Orlando had been there all day - he berates himself for not being around for this one. Playing ball's not worth it, not if Joaquin needs him. Orlando's talking, but his voice barely registers. Joaquin's feet move him along, but there's no direction, only Orlando guiding him. He shouldn't be here, shouldn't be dumping this on Orlando when he's got baseball to think about. The problem is, Joaquin didn't know where else to turn. The three day train ride from New York had been hell, he does remember that much. "M'sorry," he mumbles, holding Orlando's hand in a tight grip. "Sorry?" Orlando pauses in the act of opening the door to his building. "Don't be silly. Family, baby, always." No matter what else they are to each other, even if things between them ended tomorrow, Joaquin has to know that Orlando would still, always, do anything for him. He squeezes Joaquin's hand again. "Let's get inside, alright." "Yeah, alright." Joaquin stays close to Orlando as they climb the steps. He shivers a little, knowing he's far too cold for August. When Orlando stops to unlock the door to his apartment, Joaquin stands behind him, quiet and still. "C'mon," Orlando says, and tugs him inside, flipping the light switch as he locks the door behind them. The place is a littler messier than the last time Joaquin had come for a visit, but then, Orlando had been expecting that one, and had spent an afternoon cleaning. Joaquin's standing in the middle of the living room, looking a little lost, like he's never been here before, and Orlando's heart clenches again. Not right, should've been here... "Do you...do you want anything to drink or eat or anything?" He thinks he might have enough leftover lasagna that his neighbor had made for him. "Got any whiskey?" Joaquin looks around, noting how the apartment looks lived in this time. He should sit down, do something, but all he can do is stand there and ask himself why he's here. 'Lando doesn't need this, not now... Little bro, he loves you. Finally, Joaquin meets Orlando's eyes. "Food, too," he says, very quietly. "Maybe. Should eat, I guess." "Yeah, alright," and Orlando reaches out, steps forward, because he doesn't care why Joaquin's here or that it's for a fucked up reason, the wrong reason, he's just... "Missed you," he murmurs, burying his face in the crook of Joaquin's neck, breathing him in, arms tight around Joaquin's back. Past month's been murder. "Missed you so much," Joaquin whispers, and his voice breaks. Just like that, with Orlando's scent and Orlando's arms and Orlando's warmth surrounding him, all of Joaquin's carefully constructed defenses crumble. He feels the first tears, hot and scalding, slide down his cheek, and it's like a floodgate has opened. Orlando rocks Joaquin in place, murmuring to him, nonsensical words, soothing sounds. His tears mingle with Joaquin's as he turns his head, presses light kisses to Joaquin's damp cheeks. Here now, got you, love you... They've all been lost without River to guide them, but at least they still have each other. His legs won't hold him up any longer, so Joaquin sinks to the floor, pulling Orlando down with him. "Miss him," he manages to say, tears still streaming down his face as he twists and tries to crawl inside Orlando, tries to wrap himself in the love and warmth and security that Orlando offers. "I know, baby, I miss him, too." Orlando rests his back against the sofa, pulling Joaquin with him, tight and close, and whatever Joaquin needs, anything at all. Joaquin's trembling in his arms and it breaks his heart to see his brother - his lover - so lost. He knows what it's costing Joaquin to let him in like this. "He'd be so proud of you, you know," he says, pushing Joaquin's matted hair back from his forehead. "Just like I am." "Haven't done anything." Joaquin's throat is raw, but he forces the words out as deep, shuddering breaths wrack his body. "Not like you. Gonna be famous," he whispers, twisting a little more to curl around Orlando, head on his shoulder. "So're you," Orlando replies, even as he smiles at Joaquin's unshakable faith in him. The kiss he presses to Joaquin's forehead is heartfelt. "You've kept the family together and made something of yourself. Don't go knocking that, now." "Sound like him..." A few more tears slip free, trailing down to wet Orlando's skin just above his collar. Then Joaquin presses a soft kiss to Orlando's neck. "Almost didn't come." "Well, I'm glad you did." Orlando slips his hand down to cup Joaquin's cheek, wetly smearing over stubbled skin. "I'm sorry I didn't remember, I've been so busy...I mean, I know it's not an excuse, but...I'm sorry." "Don't." Turning his head, Joaquin nuzzles Orlando's palm, pressing a soft kiss in the center. "I know you'd've been home if you could. Got the team to think about now." He manages a small smile. "Why I came to you." "Good." Orlando nods, and rubs a light kiss across Joaquin's lips. "I'll always be here for you. No matter what or where I am or what's going on. I love you." "Love you," Joaquin whispers into the kiss, tugging Orlando down for another. It's slow and easy and sweet, and when they part, Joaquin has one hand tangled in Orlando's hair. "Keeping me sane, y'know." "Yeah?" Orlando can feel the blush creep across his cheeks again, but he's not embarrassed by blushing in front of Joaquin. "Dunno how much good I've been doing being so far away..." "Just knowing you're here when I need you," Joaquin murmurs, the backs of his fingers brushing Orlando's cheeks. That blush is still one of the sexiest things he's ever seen. "Hearing your voice on the phone...knowing you love me...does a lot, baby." "Well, I do." This is verging on dangerously girlish territory, but Orlando doesn't care. Joaquin doesn't look so haunted now; color's back in his cheeks. He runs his hands along Joaquin's back, pulling him even closer. "Hate not sleeping next to you every night." Joaquin nods, head resting on Orlando's shoulder again. "That big bed we bought is too big," he says, relaxing under the slow, lazy strokes of Orlando's hands. "Gets lonely." "Season'll be over soon," Orlando promises, and rests his cheek to Joaquin's hair. He loves his job, that he gets to go out every day and get paid to play the game he loves so much, but he's looking forward to the off-season and being with Joaquin. "We won't leave the bed for a week, I promise." "Gonna hold you to that," Joaquin smiles. He's got a calendar at home, each passing day marked with a big X, and he knows the exact date Orlando will be home to stay and not just for a quick visit before leaving again. "Everyone misses you." "I miss the family. Josh called the other day, told me Danny's sitting up by himself now. Bet he's so big." Orlando wonders if his nephew'll even recognize him when he gets back home. Joaquin laughs. "He's a mess. Josh shows him your picture all the time, and Danny squeals each time he sees it." Smiling, Joaquin curls in closer, remembering all the times he's held Danny and told him about his Uncle 'Lando. "Summer made him a little outfit to wear. Matches yours." "Sounds amazing. Can't wait to see everyone." Next road trip can't come soon enough, as far as he's concerned. Then he remembers that he'd been planning on calling everyone tonight, and he ducks his head, smiling up at Joaquin through his lashes. "Was gonna call you. I, uh, I hit my first triple today. Drove in two runs." There's a slow blink, then Joaquin grins wide. "Did you really? And I missed it!" His arms wrap around Orlando and Joaquin hugs him tight. "So damn proud of you, baby." Orlando returns the hug just as enthusiastically. He's giddy again, thankful that he's gotten Joaquin to smile. "1-2 count, and it was a slider, belt-high, and I just pulled it right into the right field corner." He knows he's babbling a little bit, but he doesn't think Joaquin'll mind. "Bet the crowd loved that," Joaquin says, ruffling Orlando's hair. He closes his eyes for a moment, smiling as he pictures the hit. "You score?" "Yeah, Sparky laid down this beautiful bunt, man, you should have seen it, and I beat the throw home," Orlando replies, ducking under Joaquin's hand. "Filthy as fuck from the slide, though." "It's baseball, 'Lando," Joaquin laughs, reaching for Orlando's hair again. "You're supposed to get dirty. Otherwise, you ain't playin' right." "'Course I'm playing right, I'm hitting .307," Orlando retorts, deciding fair's only fair, and surging forward to flip Joaquin on his back so he can tickle Joaquin's sides. Been far too long since they've wrestled like little kids. Joaquin just manages to squirm away, grabbing for Orlando's hands. "Least you ain't striking out like you used to," Joaquin says. He grins at Orlando's expression and makes another grab for his hands. "Been working with the Coach, and stop that, or I ain't feeding you a thing," Orlando replies, and manages to crawl on top of Joaquin. "Now that's just plain cruel," Joaquin says, but he smiles up at Orlando as he wraps loose arms around Orlando's waist. "I'm starving, and you're gonna deny me food." "Never claimed to be nice," and really, there's only so much temptation a man can resist. Orlando's never claimed to be a saint, neither. With another small smile, he leans down, lips parting as he lowers them to Joaquin's, the kiss slow, soft, and thorough. Been without Joaquin's taste for far too long. Joaquin's lips part easily under Orlando's, and he lifts his head a little. Their tongues slide together, teasing, playing, and Joaquin makes a soft noise in the back of his throat. When Orlando lifts his head, his lips are shiny and red, and it's all Joaquin can do to not roll him over and take. "Love you." "Love you more..." This time, the kiss is harder, demanding more, and Orlando's fingers move to unbutton Joaquin's shirt. Too long without this, and his body's letting him know. "Missed you so much," Joaquin whispers, nimble fingers pulling the tie from around Orlando's neck. He arches up into the hands that slide over his now bare chest. "Need you..." "Whatever you want," Orlando breathes, curling his tongue around Joaquin's in a slick slide. He shrugs out of his jacket, then helps Joaquin get him out of his shirt, humming in pleasure when their chests rub together. "Just you..." Joaquin's hands slide up Orlando's back, tracing lean muscles. "Only ever needed you..." He sucks on Orlando's tongue, fingers gliding over warm skin, rediscovering each spot that makes Orlando gasp. "Right here...always have me." Orlando means it with everything in him. He moans into the next kiss, impatient fingers fumbling with the buttons of Joaquin's slacks. Joaquin lifts his hips when Orlando directs him to, shivering a little as his slacks slide down his legs. He's so hard he's aching, just from a few kisses and touches, and it's hard to breathe, but in a good way. "Baby, please," Joaquin whispers, reaching for Orlando, skin pebbling as the material of Orlando's slacks rubs against him. "Shhhh..." Orlando smiles and sits up, impatiently tugging at his shoes and slacks until they're finally off, and he flings them aside. When he crawls back on top of Joaquin, they both catch their breath at the first feel of naked skin sliding together. "Right here, love you so much..." "God...love you..." Finally, Orlando is naked and Joaquin can touch him. His hands move, fingers sliding over every inch Joaquin can reach, and it's so close to perfect that he could weep. "Bed might be more comfortable," but if Joaquin wants to stay right here for the rest of the night, Orlando's not gonna complain. Hell, they could be anywhere at all, and as long as he's got Joaquin touching him, he wouldn't care. "Gonna keep me there all night?" Joaquin asks, smiling as he lifts up for another kiss. The bed sounds perfect. "Feed me in bed, all that?" "Anything you want," Orlando smiles. "Don't have batting practice until 2 tomorrow." He stands and holds out a hand. "We'll figure out what to do about dinner later. I just want you right now." His fingers slide over Orlando's, Joaquin's slightly smoother hand fitting nicely with Orlando's more calloused one. "Right here," he says, as Orlando pulls him up. "Thought I'd stay for a few days...if you don't mind." Orlando gives Joaquin a mock-sad look as he pulls him down the hallway towards the shadowed bedroom. "You have to ask? Hell, far as I'm concerned, you don't ever have to leave." "Have to," Joaquin laughs, following Orlando, admiring the way the shadows seem to slide over his skin. "Got a city to help run. I don't make money, you don't have a nice place to come home to in the off-season." "Be a shame to lose our house after we got it fixed up just right," Orlando concurs, hands sliding over Joaquin's chest as he pushes him down onto the soft, feather mattress. He links their hands together as he crawls on top of Joaquin, shifting and rubbing over as much skin as possible. "How's my bike?" "Purring like a kitten," Joaquin murmurs, doing a little purring of his own as Orlando rubs against him. "Just like you left it." "Good," Orlando murmurs, and traces his tongue over Joaquin's lips, encouraging him to open up. He can feel Joaquin's cock pressing against his hip, hard and insistent. "Want you..." "Then have me," Joaquin breathes, pressing up, rubbing against Orlando as he tries to ease a little of his ache. His fingers tighten around Orlando's, and just like that, the need is back. "Lay back, alright," Orlando whispers, trailing light kisses along Joaquin's jaw, need making his voice shaky. His fingers close over the small bottle of lotion on his nightstand - he's been too tired most days to even take care of himself, so the bottle's mostly full. "Wanna ride you, nice and slow..." Laying back on the pillows, Joaquin swallows and nods. "All yours," he murmurs, voice hoarse. His hands continue to slide over warm skin and hard muscle as he watches Orlando. "Love you so much, baby..." "Love you," Orlando replies, smile soft, breath catching as he scoots down on Joaquin's thighs, sliding a slick hand along Joaquin's length. Been a long month... "Beautiful, y'know that?" Joaquin's smile matches Orlando's, then he gasps softly as slick fingers tighten over him. His hips buck, and his hands fist in the sheets beneath him. It's been far too long since he's been touched like this, since Orlando's touched him like this. "Baby..." "Right here..." Orlando bites his lip as he steadies himself, then lowers his body on top of Joaquin's, breath leaving his body in a rush as Joaquin fills him, hard and beautifully perfect. Joaquin moans as Orlando closes around him, tight and hot and so fucking right. He whispers something, and even he isn't sure what he says as Orlando starts to move. All Joaquin can do is move with him, hands sliding along muscled thighs to frame Orlando's hips, steadying him. Nothing but time, and Orlando moves his hands over Joaquin's chest, sliding over muscle and skin, thighs flexing as he moves. "Missed this," he moans, looking deep into Joaquin's eyes, everything open, letting Joaquin see everything. "Me, too," Joaquin breathes. His eyes lock with Orlando's, and he pushes up, deeper inside. He doesn't even try to hide anything. Not here and not now. And not with Orlando. "Yours..." Time slows, the world around them falling away until there's nothing except this, Joaquin, thick and full inside him, hands sliding over his chest, the two of them moving together in perfect harmony. "Please," Joaquin whispers. He tugs Orlando down, lips sliding together in a slow, wet kiss. Each time with Orlando is better than the last. Joaquin doesn't know what he did to deserve this, but he won't question it. Orlando guides Joaquin's hand down to his cock, pace speeding up, hips pistoning as he tightens around Joaquin. He's not gonna last much longer - he never does the first time they're together after being apart - but he wants to bring Joaquin with him. Wants to watch as Joaquin loses control inside him. Joaquin's breath is harsh in his throat as his hand moves along Orlando's cock. He's close, so close, and he wants it to last. It's no use, though, not with the way Orlando tightens around him. "Love you..." Joaquin manages to say, arching up, orgasm slamming into him, and he just manages to keep his fingers snug on Orlando. A sharp gasp, a jerk of Orlando's hips, and he comes, spilling over Joaquin's fingers. He collapses on top of Joaquin's chest, feeling boneless, sated and sweaty. "Best ever," he murmurs, mouthing Joaquin's jaw. "Yeah?" Joaquin manages a weak chuckle, one hand trailing up Orlando's spine. He's too content -- too tired, really -- to move. Besides, he likes the way Orlando feels like this, plastered on him, pressing him into the mattress. "You say that every time." "Well, it's always true," Orlando mumbles, pressing small kisses to Joaquin's throat. Joaquin laughs, rolling until Orlando is on his back. "Don't hear me arguing, do you?" His smile is slow and easy as he lowers his head for another kiss. Orlando licks at his lips when he lifts his head, cementing Joaquin's taste in his tongue. "Feeling better?" he asks quietly. "Much better," Joaquin admits, just as quietly. He smiles and traces Orlando's jaw with one finger. It's amazing how much calmer he is now, here with Orlando. "Thank you." "Thank you," Orlando says, smiling a little. "Would have hated spending the day by myself...once I remembered, that is." "Couldn't be there with everyone else this year," Joaquin says in a rough voice, rolling off Orlando to lay beside him. "I just...I couldn't. Too much." "A few days away'll do you some good," Orlando replies, scooting closer until they're pressed side by side. "The family understands." "Rain's the one suggested it," Joaquin admits, smiling softly. "Said I oughta get out here so you and me could take care of each other." "I'll have to remember to get her something nice to thank her." "I already promised to take Danny for a night when I get home, give her and Josh some time alone." Joaquin grins and drops a light kiss on Orlando's nose. "Sometimes I think she knows me better than I know myself." "She's always been smart," Orlando replies, draping an arm across Joaquin's chest. No place else in the world he'd rather be, unless it's their bed in their house back in New York. "We're lucky to have her looking out for us." "Yeah," Joaquin murmurs. He pulls Orlando closer, breathes in the clean scent of his hair. This is exactly where he belongs, right here with Orlando. "Lucky to have all of 'em." "And don't forget that," Orlando replies, quiet and serious. "We all miss him, but we've still got each other. Best way to honor him is to stick together and be happy. You know it's all he'd want for us." "I know." Closing his eyes, Joaquin lets out a quiet sigh and manages a sad smile. "I miss him so damn much, y'know? Always thought he'd be there. I hear him sometimes, in my head. Talking to me, giving advice. Think he always knew. About you, I mean." "Wouldn't surprise me if he did." Orlando nudges Joaquin's head back to nuzzle his neck. Best taste in the world right there. "Nice that you still hear him. Sometimes I think I do, too...when I'm out playing. It's like...I dunno, sometimes he's guiding my bat or my glove." Relaxing under Orlando's lazy assault, Joaquin curls an arm around his back and smiles. "Probably is. Always said it was the best damn game in the world." He lifts his head long enough to kiss Orlando's forehead, then lets it fall back. "You know if he were here...he'd kick our asses for not telling the family sooner than we did." "I think telling everyone at Christmas was a fine time," Orlando grins, biting at Joaquin's earlobe. "I'll never forget my father's face," Joaquin laughs, fingers lightly digging into Orlando's ribs in retaliation for the bite. "Or the way he just shrugged after and said as long as we're happy. Can't believe Mama made us each promise to give her at least one grandbaby, though." "We're young, we got time." Orlando still can't imagine wanting to even be with anyone else right now, not even long enough to get a girl pregnant. Yeah, sure, he's had the odd handjob or blowjob when he'd gotten too lonely, but sex? "Plenty of time," Joaquin murmurs, rolling to nuzzle Orlando's throat and jaw. "Right now, though..." "Y-yeah?" Orlando's breath catches as clever lips find a sensitive bit of skin. He can't imagine ever not wanting this, not wanting Joaquin. "Think it's time I returned the favor," Joaquin whispers, tongue tracing the whorls of Orlando's ear, "and rode you." Orlando thinks that's the best idea he's heard all day; hell, maybe ever. "W-wouldn't...wouldn't say no..." "I was counting on it..." Joaquin leans in for another kiss, and he knows that this is exactly where he's supposed to be.
|