Title: It wasn't supposed to be like this 4/15

[daisuke-yoshiki.livejournal.com]

Title: It wasn't supposed to be like this 4/15
Author: daisuke_yoshiki
Pairing: V/O
Rating: Overall NC-17
Summary: Orlando has amnesia. Viggo sees this as his golden opportunity.
Disclaimer: I don't know these people. I'm just making this up as I go.
Feedback: Thank you all for the lovely feedback thus far. More? ^.~



“Um, Vig? I think you should try sitting down for awhile, dude. You’re making the other visitors nervous.” Elijah chewed on his lower lip as he watched his friend pace back and forth across the waiting room.

Dom shifted in his chair. “Not to mention, drive the rest of us bonkers. Sit down, Vig.” He patted the empty chair between him and Sir Ian.

Viggo sighed and halted his steps. He turned and faced his friends, but made no move to sit down. “It’s been almost two hours since that nurse told us Orlando woke up! She said the doctor was with him and that we could see him soon. Why hasn’t the doctor come to us yet? What’s going on in there?”

Ian sighed. “Viggo, please calm down. Hysterics will get you no where. Come, sit down for a minute or two. You’ve been pacing since before that nurse came to us. Well don’t just stand there, my boy, sit!”

Viggo walked to the chair and glared at it like it was the most vile thing on earth. He shrugged and slumped into the surprisingly comfortable hospital chair. “Ian, what if he doesn’t want to see us? What if he’s still mad at us and refuses to let us see him? I was going to tell him that night, you know.”

“So you’ve told me. So you’ve told us all many times. Don’t worry so much about it. Orlando is a very loving person, but especially so towards you. There’s no way he won’t reciprocate your feelings. Trust an old man on this, hm?”

“But you weren’t there!” Viggo buried his face in his hands. “He told me to shut up and go away. He hates me, Ian. He must! I don’t blame him really. I’m the one who suggested it was best for us to be apart. I’m the one who never returns his calls when he’s in town. I’m the one who always makes excuses not to see him.” He choked back a small sob. “I’m the one who let him down on his birthday of all days.”

“What’s that now? Don’t you start with that again, Viggo! We all messed up on that. It’s no one’s fault alone. We’ve been through this at least once already!” Billy shook his head. “I mean, if you hadn’t been there then-”

“Don’t you even think it, Boyd! The man is upset enough as it is. No use making it worse by bringing in all the ‘What if’ crap.”

“I’m sorry, Dom. I just can’t help it. I’m just really greatful it didn’t end up like that.”

“Would both of you shut up?” Elijah nodded towards the door. “ I think that’s Orli’s doctor. Maybe we can go see him now!”

Viggo’s head snapped up, his bloodshot eyes seeking out the man who would finally let him see Orlando. As soon as he determined the doctor was indeed headed their way, he leapt out of his chair. “Well, doc, can we see him now? How is he? He’s going to be alright isn’t he?”

The doctor sighed. “Mr. Mortensen, I think you should sit back down for this. I’ll answer all your questions in due time.”

Viggo looked shaken, but did as he was instructed. “Please, sir, I just need to see him.”

“I’m sure you do. I’m sure you all want to. You will be able to shortly. Orlando’s getting a bath at the moment so he won’t be ready yet anyway. There are a few things I should let you know before you go in there. First I just need to say that he is in an extremely delicate state. If things get to overwhelming for him I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Good friends or not, I’m not going to allow anything to disturb my patient. Is that clear?”

When all the men nodded he continued. “He made it through surgery just fine. He’s already well on his way to recovery. He was fortunate in that he didn’t hit anything vital with that glass. He did, however, lose a lot of blood and is still weak. He is still in a great deal of pain, but the medication should aid that without knocking him out. If he starts to feel tired, let him be. Okay?”

All the men nodded again.

“Um, doc? What aren’t you saying? I can handle all this standing up, you know. There must be more in you made me sit down.”

“I wasn’t finished yet, Viggo. Please do not interrupt me again.” When Viggo averted his eyes he continued. “Now then. I questioned him about the incident, but he can’t remember a thing. In fact, he can’t remember a thing about that day at all. He can’t remember the day before either.”

“So you’re saying he’s got amnesia?” Viggo asked, eyes wide.

The doctor sighed. “Viggo, please!”

“Sorry” came the mumbled reply.

“As I was saying, he can’t remember what happened. However, not only does he not remember what happened that day, he doesn’t even remember that the 13th is his birthday. He doesn’t remember how old he is.”

“But, how? How is that possible?” Elijah’s eyes grew wide. “I thought he didn’t have any head injuries. How could he have amnesia?”

“While it’s true he suffered no cranial damage, he still underwent a pretty traumatic experience. I’m fairly confident his memory will return shortly.”

The room grew silent as everyone processed this information. When the doctor made no move to leave, Viggo looked up at him. The doctor was watching him intently. Finally Viggo broke the silence. “There’s more isn’t there?” His voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m afraid there is. Those are not the only things Orlando seems to have forgotten. He can’t recall his family either. I questioned him about his childhood and he can recall school events like they were yesterday. When I prodded him about his family though, he grew puzzled and could give me no answers. He knows his name is Orlando Bloom, but he can’t remember any other Bloom’s.”

Ian and Billy exchanged worried glances. Viggo looked ready to speak again, but the doctor held up his hand.

“There is more. This one is the most important part for you all. When I went in to see him he was watching “Witness” on television. He asked me about the man on the screen. When I looked it was you, Viggo. At first I thought he was asking how you were and all. But then he asked who you were.”

Viggo’s eyes grew wide in disbelief. The words echoed through his skull. He felt like he had just been punched in the stomach so hard his soul left his body. His breath caught in his chest and tried to take several gulps of air to keep from collapsing. The rest of the doctor’s words were lost on him. They didn’t matter anyway. Orlando had forgotten him.

Elijah gasped. “Forgotten Vig? But... why?”

“There’s still more. I questioned him about his career, too. He remembers doing Troy and Pirates of the Caribbean. He remembers all the cast and crew from those movies as well.”

“You don’t mean to say that Orli...” Billy struggled to find his words. He just gulped. “You don’t, do you?”

The doctor looked at each man in turn. “Gentlemen, I’m afraid I do mean it. Orlando Bloom has no recollection of ever working on any of the Lord of the Rings movies. He does not remember the crew. Most importantly, he does not remember a single one of you.”

Once again the room fell silent. Ian finally spoke up. “Can we still see him?”

The doctor nodded. “He knows you are all supposedly his friends. I did tell him you all were here. At first he was reluctant because he couldn’t remember you all, but then he said he’d feel just awful if one of his friends was in the hospital and he wasn’t allowed to see them.”

Dom chuckled, but it sounded hollow. “That’s our Orli, compassionate even to those he doesn’t know. Or remember.”

“Maybe seeing us will jog is memory! It could work, right?” asked Elijah, ever the optimist.

“It might.”

“Oh don’t lie to them, doc! It’s not going to work like that and you know it! He saw me in that movie and didn’t remember me. He’s not going to remember us just by having us walk in the room.” Viggo rose from the chair and pushed past the doctor and headed for the door.

“Vig, wait! Where are you going?”

“Where else? Orlando is willing to see us. I have to see him. The nurse told us where he was, so I’m going. Stay here and listen to more of that crap the good doctor decided to start sharing if you want. I’m going to see Orlando.”

The other men exchanged glances and rose to follow their friend. Ian turned to the doctor. “Thank you, sir, for everything you’re doing. Don’t think to badly of Viggo. This has been rough on him.”

The doctor sighed. “I can only imagine. For all your sakes I hope Orlando’s memory returns swiftly.”

“As do I, doctor. As do I.”



Viggo paused outside Orlando’s room. He wanted nothing more than to burst in and hold the man. He didn’t think Orlando would be up for a hug just yet, especially one from a stranger. He raised his hand and knocked tentatively on the door. When he heard a strained “Come in” he entered.

His eyes focused in on Orlando immediately. The man looked like shit. His hair was still damp from his bath and was shining that lovely shade of brown that made Viggo just want to run his fingers through it. The rest of him though? Orlando was so very pale, even more so than when he was in full Legolas costume. He seemed like he was fading away. He needed to eat more. Viggo shook his head. It had only been a few days since Orlando had eaten solid food. There was no way he lost THAT much weight already.

He stepped closer to the bed and looked into Orlando’s eyes. They were not the bright, shining brown he could lose himself for hours in. The eyes that stared back at him were dull, almost lifeless. There was not even a hint of recognition in them. They just looked at him inquisitively.

“I...I’m not sure where to begin here.” Viggo rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly nervous. “I guess I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

Orlando nodded then tipped his head to the side. “I’ve seen you before,” he rasped.

Viggo’s eyes widened. Did Orlando remember something after all?

“You were on TV before my bath. Vicky, uh, my nurse, was telling me about all the movies you’ve done. That’s so cool. And now you’re in my room? That’s incredible. Um..” Orlando looked down at his hands and bit his lip.

Viggo moved forward and sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to get closer than appropriate. He stretched out his hand and gently tilted Orlando’s face back up, looking him in the eyes. “What is it?” he murmured softly.

“Can I, um. God, this is silly.” His cheeks flushed a little. “Can I have your autograph, Mr. Mortensen?”

Viggo pulled his hand back, conscious of how long he’d let it linger on Orlando’s chin. Upon hearing those words, his heart felt like it fell to the floor.

He was saved from having to respond to that question by a knock on the door. Elijah poked his head in. “Can we come in too?”

Orlando looked over at the door. “Uh, yeah sure.”

Viggo rose and took his place at the foot of the bed. Elijah, Dom, Billy, and Ian lined up along the side. They all just stared at each other in silence. Dom finally started laughing. “God, Orli! You look like hell, man!”

Orlando chuckled too, though it was obvious to Viggo that it pained him to do so. “Yeah, I’m sure I do. So you guys are supposedly my best mates, yeah?”

Viggo cringed. Ian glanced over at him, worried. Elijah just nodded enthusiastically and promptly began to tell Orlando about all the fun times they’d had together.

Several hours passed before Orlando just couldn’t stifle a yawn. He felt so much better now that he’d talked to these guys. The three shorter ones were really quite funny. The old guy was really nice and great to talk to as well. The only one he wasn’t sure of was that guy at the foot of his bed. That man, Viggo he reminded himself, hadn’t said two words since the others had shown up. He looked like he’s lost his best friend in the world. That made Orlando sad. He just knew he was that friend. He didn’t need the other guys’ stories to tell him that. The shiver that went through him when Viggo barely touched his chin spoke volumes.

Ian watched Orlando yawn. “You must be tired. We’ve kept you a long time. If you’d like, we will come back tomorrow. We can all come back at once or one at a time. Whichever you’re most comfortable with. I know this seems like a bit much, but we’ll all help you though this.”

Elijah nodded. “You’ll see, Orli! You’ll remember us in no time! We’re gonna make you remember! Then we’ll get a certain someone to punish you for forgetting, right Dom?” He elbowed and winked at Dom.

“Course you’ll remember us in no time!”

At Elijah’s words, Viggo finally looked up from the floor between his feet. He wasn’t sure whether to be appalled, thrilled, angry, or what. He just felt numb. He snuck a peak at Orlando. He’s cheeks were dusted with a faint blush. Almost as if on cue, those brown eyes turned and gazed back at Viggo. He felt his heart beat quicken. It was with that timid, curious glance that he knew beyond any shadow of doubt that he would love Orlando forever.

Everyone save Viggo said their good nights to Orlando and either ruffled his hair or squeezed his shoulder. Finally Viggo and Orlando were alone again. Neither said a word and just stared at one another. Orlando tried desperately to find any clue what the other man was thinking. He felt really nervous and started picking at the lint on his blanket.

“Am I really that different from the friend you knew that you can’t talk to me?” He wasn’t sure if Viggo had even heard him, he spoke so softly.

Viggo thought his heart was breaking. Things were already not going well between them and Orlando didn’t even remember him. He sighed and moved around to the side of the bed. “Yes. And also no. You look the same, sound the same, laugh the same... But we were all really close because of the Lord of the Rings movies. You can’t remember that at all, so it’s like the bond is broken. You’re just not the same Orlando we all know.”

Orlando stilled his fingers. “I’m sorry.” He felt really bad now. Whatever had happened had broken friendship. He wanted to given them their friend back, he really did. But he also felt that their friend was not the same person he was now. If they got their friend back, what would happen to him? A tear slid down his pale cheek. “I truly am sorry.”

Viggo sat on the bed carefully. “Oh, Orlando, it’s not your fault.” He had an urge to wipe the tear away with his finger. When another one followed the first he had a better idea. “Things will be okay. You’ll see.”

With that he leaned forward and let the tip of his tongue brush away the tears. He heard Orlando suck in his breath. When the man didn’t pull away he pressed a light kiss to Orlando’s closed eye. Orlando turned to look up at Viggo, who hadn’t pulled away yet. Their lips met and both jerked back.

“Orlando, I’m sorry. That was an accident. Honestly!” Viggo wanted to flee before he could see the look of disgust on Orlando’s face. The old Orlando probably would have laughed at him and called him a perv or something.

Orlando just touched his fingers to his lips in surprise. His heart was beating so hard he was surprised Viggo couldn’t hear it. It made his chest hurt, however. Right now he didn’t care. “Um...Viggo... Before all this happened.... what was I to you?”

Viggo looked up slowly. “We were just good friends. That’s all.”

Orlando looked down at the blanket. “Oh. I see.”

Viggo winced at the tone of Orlando’s voice. He was doing it again, pushing the boy away when things started to go right. He studied Orlando for a few minutes in silence. “Orlando?” He paused until the man looked at him. “Just so you know, those guys can be a bit.. over zealous at times.”

Orlando smiled a bit. “Gee, Vig, I couldn’t tell..”

Viggo’s eyes widened just a little. Orlando had never called him “Vig” before... “Well I just wanted you to know that they’re going to be pushing you really hard to try and remember everything that happened.” When Orlando nodded again he leaned forward and pressed their foreheads together. “Just so you know, I’ve always been patient. Just ask anyone. I’m your friend, above all else. I’ve got all the time in the world for you.”

Having said that he stood. “You get some sleep now. I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you’re doing.” He reached down and brushed away a lock of hair that fell into Orlando’s eyes.

Orlando grabbed Viggo’s hand as it pulled away. He brought it to his cheek and nuzzled the palm. “I really am sorry I can’t remember anything. This has to be hard for you. I’m so sorry.”

Electricity shot through Viggo’s hand and straight into his heart. He used his captive hand to tilt Orlando’s face to his. He placed a quick yet firm kiss to the waiting lips. “Shhh now. Go to sleep. I do miss my friend, but I’m intrigued by what you are now that you don’t have those years of bonding to influence you.” He kissed Orlando again, this time just a little longer than the last. He pulled back and caressed the silky skin beneath his hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He turned and walked out of the room, flipping the light off as he went. He shut the door behind him. He let out a deep sigh and leaned against the door, eyes closed.

“What game are you playing now, Viggo?”

Startled, Viggo opened his eyes and glanced to his left. “I’m not playing games this time Ian. Before that’s all it was between us, just a game. Well I don’t want a game. I’m going to do it right this time.”

Ian sighed and shook his head. “Come walk with me.”

The two men walked in silence all the way out of the hospital. When the cool evening breeze hit their faces Ian finally spoke.

“I know how much you want this to happen, but you have to think about Orlando here. What happens when he remembers? What happens when everything you create from here on out conflicts with what he recalls? Maybe he doesn’t WANT this. So he’s forgotten us. That doesn’t mean he’s not still Orlando. What he felt before and what he feels now are still the same. Now, I’m not trying to discourage you, Viggo. Far from it in fact. I just want to warn you. You may think this is serious, but it’s still a game, a risky one at that. Just be prepared for the consequences.”

Viggo’s confidence began to shrivel. “So what should I do?”

Ian smiled and put a hand on Viggo’s shoulder. “Go home. Get some sleep. Come back tomorrow and just see what happens. The Hobbits are going to try to force is memories back. What you’re proposing is to force them to stay locked away forever. Just let Orlando decide. No matter what happens, just be there for him.”

Viggo nodded. “Thanks, Ian. And I will be there for him this time. I’m not going to lose him like that again.”


TBC