"Chicken cacciatore," she answered. "I take it you're hungry?" "Starving," he admitted as his stomach let out a loud growl. "Alright, then, up with you. You can eat in the dining room tonight." Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail, but strands had escaped to drift around her face, forming a halo in the light. It suited her, he thought, as did the loose, faded t-shirt that was two sizes too big for her frame and the faded, ripped jeans that clung to long legs. Even after several weeks in her almost constant company, Orlando was still amazed at how many different looks she had. "You're letting me walk?" he finally asked, wary. Katie nodded. "I'll help you, but it's time for you to start getting back on your feet." "I think I love you," Orlando replied, sincerely, certain that if he weren't already bound to Karl and Harry (and still in love with Dave and, well, still not interested in girls), he probably wound have gone to his knees and pledged fealty to her like some sort of knight back in medieval times. Just the prospect of being able to move around under his own power was almost too much to contemplate. Katie laughed as she wrapped an arm around Orlando's waist. "Don't go swearing your undying love to me right now. You're going to hate me by the time we get to the table, I promise." Orlando slowly made his way to his feet. Already, sweat beads were popping from his forehead. His legs felt wobbly, unstable, like a newborn colt's, and he had to lean heavily on Katie for support. "Christ," he muttered. "Light-headed?" Katie asked, eyeing him with professional concern. "No, just short of breath. And my legs feel like jelly." "That's normal. We'll give you a minute, then be off." "Two minutes?" He wasn't sure his knees, traitors that they were, would cooperate. Katie gave his waist a light squeeze. "As many as you need. Just standing up is an impressive feat right now, so you tell me when you're ready." Orlando nodded. Right, he could do this. When it seemed as if his body was finally willing to cooperate, he exhaled slowly. "Alright," he said, praying he didn't collapse with the first step, "I'm ready." "Just take it easy." It felt like the longest journey in the history of the universe (or, at the very least, his life) each step was more of a shuffle, and he had to rest what felt like every two feet. But finally, he made his way into the dining room, Katie still holding him steady and helping him keep his balance. He knew he'd have fallen flat on his ass long ago if she hadn't been around. "You're doing great," she encouraged, as he grasped the edge of the table and sank gratefully into one of the chairs. "Want some water?" Orlando could only nod. He didn't trust himself to speak through the burning in his lungs. Plus, he was too busy trying to figure out of if the trembling in his limbs was supposed to be a good sign or a bad one, and if he should tell Katie about it. He didn't want a relapse, but now that he'd finally gotten a taste of walking on his own again, as arduous as it had been, he wasn't about to give it up without a fight. Katie returned from the kitchen and set his glass in front of him, then took the chair next to him. She pressed two fingers to his pulse, and felt his forehead with her other hand. "How're you feeling, champ?" "Like I've run a marathon," he replied, deciding honesty was the way to go. Besides, in the last month Katie had been his nurse, she'd developed an uncanny knack for knowing when he was lying. "To be expected. You could probably use a go in the hot tub to loosen the muscles in your legs." Apparently satisfied with Orlando's vital signs, Katie dropped her hands. "Are you working with the free weights like I asked?" "Twice a day, arms and legs, and it's getting easier. Harry helps me," he said, then added, when she frowned, "He doesn't actually do anything, just watches me to make sure I'm doing it right." "And keeps you from overdoing it, I imagine." "Well..." Orlando just flashed a grin, deciding it was probably best to not answer that. It wasn't like she didn't already know. "Now about that dinner..." "Good, you're still hungry. A healthy appetite's a good sign," she said. "Stay here. I'll be right back." "Where would I go? I can't even walk on my own yet," Orlando sighed, giving her what he hoped was his best puppy-eyed expression. "Hurry back?" She just chuckled and ruffled his hair. "You really are far too adorable." Orlando amused himself by drawing circles on the table with his finger while he waited for her to return. She appeared just long enough to drop off salad and hot garlic rolls, the vanished back into the kitchen. For a few seconds, it was a toss up as to whether his manners or hunger would win out, but Orlando contented himself with snagging a tomato slice from the salad before scooping some into the waiting bowls. "I expected you'd have devoured the bowl by the time I got back," Katie teased, moments later as she set the pot in the center of the table. "I wanted to," Orlando admitted, taking a deep breath as steam wafted up from the pot. His stomach rumbled, and he could feel the blush sweep up his face. Katie just grinned before sitting across from him. Long minutes passed in silence as they ate. Then Orlando let out an appreciative groan and closed his eyes. "Remind me to have Harry give the chef a raise." "Oh, she didn't make this," Katie said, forkful of salad halfway to her mouth. "I did." Orlando blinked. "Damn, you can cook like this, as well as put up with my bitching? You really are a saint. How come you're single?" "Who said I was?" Orlando dropped his fork in shock. "You're not?" "And let all of this awesomeness go to waste?" she teased, flipping her ponytail in a perfect imitation of a runway model. "My mistake. So...are you seeing anyone I know?" "He's a head engineer for one of Harry's tech firms. Mortal," Katie added. "His name's Taye. We've been seeing each other maybe a year now?" "Huh," Orlando replied. He felt a little silly that he hadn't known. They'd spent so much time together, and it had never even occurred to him to ask if she was seeing anyone. Then again, he realized, he hadn't really thought to ask much about her at all. "Don't look so surprised," Katie said, clearly amused at his reaction. "I do have a life away from you, you know." "No, I know, you made that clear enough when you turned down the offer to move to the castle," Orlando said, then his brain caught up with what she had said. "Wait...Taye?" Now he remembered why the name sounded so familiar. He did know who Taye was. "Huh." "What?" "Nothing," he quickly replied. "Just wouldn't have thought he was your type. I mean, he's not even a vampire and...oh. Oh, okay, I get it." "I knew you were smarter than you looked." "So, you've got a thing against dating other vampires?" He had to admit, now that the seal had been broken, so to speak, he was desperately curious about her life away from her duties taking care of him. And that she was dating Taye, of all people. Taye just seemed so...light-hearted. Not a serious bone in his body. And he was such a, well, geek, complete with the nerd glasses. Even if he was ridiculously good-looking, with cocoa skin, a nicely muscled body and a smile that could stop traffic. "Not as such, I'm just not looking for anything long-term," she replied. "I like companions. They're fun, they don't expect anything, and they keep me feeling young." "You are young," Orlando pointed out, then added, "In vampire years, anyway. But, it makes sense. I think that's why Liv keeps all of her pretty boys around." "Liv? Oh, you mean The Elder? Gerry did mention once that she had a harem." "Who has a harem?" Karl asked, as he walked into the room, Harry right beside him. They were both still in their business suits and had their attachι cases, which meant they must have just gotten out of their meetings and headed straight home. Orlando just swallowed and stared. Even after a decade of living with Harry and Karl, the sight of them in suits never failed to rob him of the power of speech for a few seconds. "The Elder," Katie answered. "Yes, she does," Karl laughed, and snagged a roll from the basket. "Somewhere around twenty or so at last count." "And why," Harry said, deftly taking the roll from Karl after setting his case in an empty chair, "are we discussing Liv's harem?" "We were actually discussing how companions keep you feeling young," Katie said. "They're fun and hassle free." "That they are," Karl said, giving Harry a glare as he picked up another roll. "Was Orlando regaling you with stories of Jake?" "No, we were talking about her companion," Orlando said. "He works for you, Harry." "He does?" "It's Taye," Katie replied. "Diggs? Head of engineering at Jarvalus?" "The very same." Katie pointed a finger between Harry and Karl. "I take it you two are hungry?" "Do you have any more of whatever it is that smells so amazing?" Karl asked, comically waggling his eyebrows. He looked ridiculous, but completely endearing. "I made extra just for you two," Katie stated, and stood. "Let me go grab some more bowls." "Beautiful and talented and cooks." Harry let out a lusty sigh. "Are you certain you won't reconsider running off with me?" "Just as soon as you're ready to ditch this one and Karl and Monica, let me know," Katie winked, then left the room. Orlando sniffed, digging back into his food. "Monica will kill you," he said, not bothering to look up, "provided Karl and I don't first." "Child has a point," Karl grinned, dropping into a free chair. Harry took the seat next to him. "And Orlando hasn't even met Monica yet," Harry chuckled, shaking his head as he watched Orlando eat. "You must have been extra well behaved tonight for her to bring you in here for dinner." "Actually," Katie said, returning with bowls and silverware, "Orlando walked in here on his own." "She helped," Orlando mumbled. Katie sat back down, spreading her napkin over her lap. "Nonsense. I just made sure you didn't fall. You did all the work." Karl blinked, and even Harry looked startled. Orlando just looked at them, a small smile in place, as his bonds with them began to practically glow. "I'm so proud of you, little one," Harry said, tilting Orlando's chin up to give him a soft kiss. Karl followed with his own kiss a moment later. "Makes two of us." Katie looked at them. "He needs to start upping his physical therapy." "What can we do?" Karl asked, laying a hand on top of Orlando's, and picking up his fork with the other. "Help him get mobile again, make sure he starts walking regularly, make sure he continues to do his free weight exercises. Don't let him overdue it, but push him." "Great, you've given the drill sergeants all the incentive they need." "Oh, I don't doubt they're going to make you sweat," she told him blithely, ignoring the dirty look he gave her. "But they'll also be sure that you don't do more than you should, and we both know you'll try." "I " Orlando stopped in mid-word when Katie held up one hand. "Don't even go there." "Besides," Harry cut in smoothly, not even bothering to hide his amusement, the bastard, "the sooner you're up and running --" "The sooner I can have sex again!" Orlando interrupted. If he had to go much longer without, he was pretty sure he was going to lose what was left of his mind. It had been months. "Is that all he ever thinks about?" Katie asked, shaking her head. "Yes," Karl replied, just as quickly. "Which wasn't what I was going to say," Harry added. "One would think you'd be too busy trying to get your strength back than to worry about sex." "I can't believe you think that Orlando wouldn't automatically think about sex," Karl chided. "It's like you don't even know him, puppy." "Why can't I get my strength back by having sex?" Orlando suggested, giving his most winsome smile. "One thing at a time," Katie said, and patted Orlando's free hand. "In the interim, you can build your strength for the walk back to the library." Orlando groaned and dropped his head into his hand. "Can't Harry just carry me back in there?" "Oh, no," Harry said, "you got here under your own power, you can get back the same way." "Ugh." Karl chuckled, letting go of Orlando's hand long enough to grab another roll. "I'm sure you can persuade him to help." "That's a long walk," Orlando reminded them. And as proud as he was of making it to the dining room, he wasn't at all looking forward to the trip back. His legs were still slightly wobbly. "You can take as much time as you need," Katie told him. Not that it made him feel much better. "Feel free to lean on me whenever you feel like a breather," Harry added. "And, on that note, I really do have to be heading out." "You're leaving?" Orlando asked, certain he had to be frowning. "Hot date tonight," Katie replied, with a wink. "Besides, I trust the boys to take care of you until tomorrow." "I'm being thrown over for an engineering geek," Orlando said, trying to give her the most pitiful look he could manage. "You'll survive." Before he could say anything else, she pressed a quick kiss to the top of his head, gave Harry and Karl a quick, wide smile, and scooped up the empty dishes, then vanished into the kitchen. "You know," Orlando said, staring after her with a frown, "I think she's laughing at me." "I'm sure she is," Karl said, grinning as he forked up another bite of food. "I meant all the time," Orlando said, sticking his tongue out at Karl. "And I repeat, I'm sure she is." "I don't like you very much right now," Orlando grumbled. He just barely resisted the urge to cross his arms and full-on pout. "But you still love me, and that's all that matters," Karl replied, sounding far too agreeable for Orlando's tastes. "Wouldn't you rather be liked?" "Not really. It's so bland." "And Karl hates to be bland," Harry added, just before scooping up his last bite of chicken. "I don't think Karl could be bland if he tried," Orlando said, voice and face innocent as he watched Harry start to gather the remaining dishes. "I could if I wanted..." Karl trailed off, then frowned slightly. He looked at Orlando for a moment. "I think I've just been insulted." Orlando grinned and patted Karl's arm. "I still love you." "Don't encourage him," Karl said when Harry laughed. "So what's on the agenda for the rest of the night?" Orlando decided it was probably safer to change the subject before Karl could think too long on what he'd said. "Getting you back to the library for one," Harry said, starting towards the kitchen. "I'll need some help with that," Orlando pointed out, knowing it was cheeky, but unable to resist. "Don't expect us to do any of the work for you," Karl replied, with a lift of his eyebrow. "I'm not. I'm not," Orlando repeated, when Karl just looked at him. "It's just...it might take awhile. I'm not exactly moving at top speed." "None of us have anywhere to be," Karl reminded him, as Harry walked back into the dining room. "Ready?" Harry asked, looking between Orlando and Karl. "As I'll ever be," Orlando sighed, and accepted Harry's aid to get back to his feet. He couldn't help but be grateful that Harry immediately wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him. He had a feeling the walk back was going to take even longer. "You can do it," Karl encouraged, from Orlando's other side. "Just remember to breathe and take your time." "Don't have to worry about that," Orlando said through gritted teeth. He wrapped one hand over Harry's shoulder, reached out with the other to grip Karl's forearm, and took a deep breath. Then he took his first step. Oh, yeah, it was going to be a long walk. His legs trembled, threatening to give way, and each step was a monumental achievement as far as Orlando was concerned. "Let's...move the...library...closer to the...dining room," Orlando managed, huffing out each word as he concentrated on keeping his feet under him. "The stairs are going to kill him," Karl remarked. "Lucky for him, he doesn't have to tackle those tonight," Harry replied, tightening his hold on Orlando. "Don't...joke...around." Orlando struggled to remain upright as the door to the library inched closer and closer. "I would never joke about you climbing stairs," Karl said, then grinned. "And you're so worried about having sex." "Shut up," Orlando grumbled, wishing he had enough balance to elbow Karl in the ribs. Bastard. "Careful now. Concentrate or you'll fall on your ass." "Harry won't...let me," Orlando said, but he tightened his grip on Harry's shoulder just the same. He didn't think Harry would let him fall, but he'd learned long ago to never assume where Harry was concerned. Harry just smiled. "Do you need to rest a minute?" Orlando shook his head, then abruptly stopped he started to tip towards Karl. Who reached to catch him, Orlando noted. Ha. "No, just...get me...to the sofa." After what felt like an hour, Orlando sank onto the cushions with a grateful sigh. His shirt was drenched with sweat, his hair was sticking to his neck and forehead, but he didn't care. He flopped back on the pillows and closed his eyes. "Fuck me...that was not fun." "It'll get easier," Harry promised, and pressed a glass of water into his hands. "Drink." "Yes, Dad," Orlando sighed, but did as ordered. He felt better almost immediately, but definitely didn't feel up to moving at all. Maybe ever. The thought of simply living on the sofa was beginning to hold considerable appeal. "And you still think it's a good idea for me to head off?" he heard Harry say, and cracked open an eyelid. "Head off where?" "Harry needs a proper vacation," Karl shrugged. He'd settled onto the other sofa, managing to look both elegant and comfortable with his tie loosened and his feet bare. "I can't simply leave," Harry argued, sinking to sit next to Karl. "Why not?" Orlando asked, confused. Harry just returned his look calmly and didn't speak. Oh, Orlando thought, it was like that. "Did you see me walk?" "I saw that you needed a lot of help." Orlando rolled his eyes. He knew that he'd have fallen on his face without Harry and Karl to support him, but still. "I'm fine," he said, shifting until his legs were tucked under him (a feat that took a few tries). "Look, I don't need a babysitter, and even if I did, there's Katie. And it's not like Karl's going anywhere while you're gone a week or however long...right?" "No," Karl said, clearly amused, eyes shifting from Orlando to Harry. "I'll be staying here." "Then it's settled," Orlando said, crossing his arms and trying to keep his expression bland. "Where are you going?" Harry glowered at Karl for a moment before speaking. It sounded as though each word was being forced out of him. "I haven't seen Monica in awhile." "It's been over a year," Karl argued. "And I want you gone a month, not a week." "You can't expect me to disappear for a fucking month, old man." "I can, and I do. Orlando's out of danger, he's doing great, he's got Katie and me and everyone else, and it's time you focused on yourself for a change." "I am right here in the room, you know," Orlando said, not that he thought either of them even remembered it. "You miss her," Karl continued, like he hadn't even heard Orlando's protest. He didn't look away from Harry. "You know you do, and I know you do. You should take some time and be with her." Harry scrubbed a hand over his face. "It's not a matter of missing her company, you know this." "Then tell me what it is?" "It's " Orlando used what little strength he had to sail a pillow in Harry's direction. It flopped feebly into his lap, but Harry stopped and stared at Orlando. So did Karl. "Now that I have your attention," Orlando said, quiet, unsure what to say now, "um...Karl's right. You should take a month." "Orlando, a month is " "Four weeks, yes, not one, I know." If he gave Harry the chance, Orlando would never get a word in. "Do you miss her?" "No evading," Karl added. For a long moment, it looked like Harry was either going to ignore them or walk out of the room. Orlando hoped he wouldn't, because no way he had the strength to even attempt to go after him, and it wouldn't help Karl's cause if Orlando collapsed in a heap on the carpet. Finally, Harry sighed. "Yes." "Alright, then, problem solved," Karl stated, and gently cupped Harry's cheek, thumb brushing over dark bristles. "There's nothing wrong with admitting it or doing something about it." "Under normal circumstances, no," Harry answered, softly. "But this isn't normal." "It's as normal as it's going to get for a while," Orlando said. "If anything we do can be called normal." "See, even Orlando agrees. Do I need to call Monica and ask her opinion?" Harry's expression turned so foreboding at Karl's threat that Orlando swallowed before speaking. "I really am doing much better, you know. And if you dare say that you won't go because of me, I'll...I'll...I'll thrash you within an inch of your life." "And in what century would this thrashing take place?" Smug bastard. "I can be very patient," Orlando replied, lifting his chin. "You'll never see it coming." "Of course not," Harry said, in a mild tone that just made Orlando want to throttle him on general principle. "The point is, she's got an opening coming up," Karl said. "You should be there for it. You've never missed one." "No, I suppose I haven't," Harry replied, then his expression softened when he turned back to Orlando. "Are you certain you'll be alright?" Orlando resisted the urge to scream. Then he silently counted to ten. "With Katie and Karl watching over me, I can't be anything but alright," Orlando said, lightly touching their bond in an effort to reassure Harry. "And if you knew the shit that Josh and Dom and Lij give me if I even think about doing something I shouldn't..." "Not to mention Viggo," Karl added, with far too much glee. As if he could. "He's here at least twice a week," Orlando said, shaking his head at the idea. "I really do think he's going to put me to work for him." "Little one, it's already a definite," Harry said, as Karl stifled laughter. "I know." Orlando paused and chewed his bottom lip as he studied Harry. "Harry, love...listen. I'll be fine, and you really do need to take some time for yourself. And since you miss Monica..." "But for a month?" "I promise, I'll be alright. You don't have to be around every minute of my recovery, you know." Another pause, then he realized he had the side of his thumb between his teeth. Dropping his hand back to his lap, he tilted his head. "How did you meet her, anyway? You've never said." "If I remember correctly, it was Viggo's fault, wasn't it?" Karl asked, with a grin that Orlando knew meant trouble. "I wouldn't call it fault, precisely." At Orlando's pointed look, Harry just sighed again. "There was an urgent Council matter that needed to be resolved with the Vatican, and Viggo sent me to negotiate it because of my...religious background. Karl accompanied me to smooth things over with the Italian aristocracy. One of the families threw this lavish welcoming party, and Monica was a guest." "It was like witnessing a tornado when the two of them laid eyes on each other," Karl continued, in a gleeful tone, completely ignoring Harry's glower. "I don't think I saw you for a week after you hustled her away." "I did not hustle her away." "You hustled." "It was a mutual hustling," Harry countered. Karl switched sofas to sit by Orlando, and Orlando grinned at the stoic look that flashed across Harry's face. "In Harry's defense," Karl said, draping one arm along the back of the sofa and inviting Orlando to snuggle close, "I'm pretty sure Monica had him mostly naked before they reached a private room." "So tell me about that first time," Orlando said as he tugged the blanket up over him. When he looked back up, they were both looking at him with peculiar expressions. "What?" "You want me to tell you about my first time with Monica?" "Well, yes, I mean..." Orlando trailed off as what he'd said finally struck home. "Oh. Oh Lord." He was never going to learn to think before he spoke. "You know, that blush really is delightful," Karl remarked, tracing Orlando's cheek with his finger. "Shut up." "To answer your real question, I'd never met anyone like her," Harry said, with that same far-away look he got when her name came up. "Karl and I'd had our share of lovers by that point, but this was something different. She was different, from the very start." "Love at first sight," Karl supplied, then laughed when Harry shook his head. "Don't act like you're surprised I knew. Even if we weren't bonded, it was obvious what you two had was something more than just an itch to be scratched." "I've never even met her and I could tell you that," Orlando snorted. "Harry gets all soft and gooey when he talks about her." Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Gooey?" "Gooey," Karl reiterated. Orlando could feel the shudder of suppressed laughter ripple through him. "You could give marshmallows lessons," Orlando continued, with a wide grin. "I mean, you go from being this big and bad medieval warrior god to being, well, gooey." Harry opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Orlando asked, "So why didn't you ever, I dunno, develop something more permanent with her?" "You mean like the iunctum ceremony?" Harry asked, sounding puzzled. "Yeah, that. Whatever it is that Dave and Lawrence have. The vampire marriage or whatever." "You are joking," Harry stated, then frowned again when Orlando just sat there. "You're not joking." "I never joke about marriage," Orlando replied primly, hoping he didn't sound completely ridiculous. "Because in every sense of the word, I already am married. And have been for centuries." His gaze flickered to Karl, then back to Orlando. "Which is also why, if and when you and I are ready to take that step to become Sire and fledgling and you're a vampire again, I wouldn't go through the iunctum ceremony with you, either." //He says if we become Sire and fledgling like it's not already a done deal.// Karl choked out a laugh, and Harry gave him a puzzled look. Orlando just smiled, pleased that he'd been able to focus enough for Harry to not overhear his remark to Karl. Then he pushed himself to a sitting position and studied Harry. "What makes you think I'd want to go through the iunctum ceremony with you? For that matter, what makes you think I want to get married to anyone? Besides, if I married you, my Nan would have a heart attack, and she's far too old and frail for me to do that to her. See, this is a phase I'm going through." "Becoming a vampire or being pet to me and Harry?" Karl asked, looking amused and affronted at once. "Both." "I always did love your Nan," Karl replied, then fixed Harry with one of his serious looks that Orlando knew meant Harry wouldn't like whatever it was Karl was going to say (but he'd listen). "Puppy, I love you, you know this. But if the only reason you never went through the ceremony with Monica was for my benefit..." "No, that's not it." Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, then let out a slow breath. "It's not the only reason. I love her. I always will. What we have is...unique and I cherish it. But I don't want to go through the ceremony. And if I had ever wanted to, it would have been with you, not anyone else." "Fair enough," Karl said, sounding like whatever it was that Harry said a) wasn't a shock, and b) pleased him in some way. "You know I've only ever wanted you to be happy." "I know." Harry smiled softly. "And I am, I promise." "Thank goodness we got that settled," Orlando stated, with more than a hint of sarcasm. "Though don't even think you're kicking me to the curb if the two of you ever do decide to get married or do the iunctum thing or whatever." "Wouldn't dream of it," Karl smiled, pulling Orlando close again. "Good." For a moment, Orlando debated asking Harry to come sit with them. He decided against it when he realized it would be much harder to gauge Harry's reactions and expressions if he wasn't facing them. "So riddle me this...if you love her, why do you go so long without seeing her?" Once again, Orlando had the feeling that Harry didn't want to answer. But, after what looked like a silent conversation with Karl (Orlando could always tell when they were having one), Harry offered, "I don't normally go more than a few months without a visit." "I see." Orlando drawled out the word. "And she's been alright with you neglecting her to see to my recovery?" "She does have a life," Harry said, sounding a little more like himself. "It's not like she locks herself into a tower and pines for me whenever I'm not around." Karl let out an amused chuckle. "I'd like to see anyone try to suggest that she should, to be honest." "Right," Orlando muttered, with a grimace. "Brazen hussy. I remember." Karl brushed a kiss to Orlando's curls. "She really is a lovely woman, you know. There's no need to be afraid of her." "Of course she's lovely," Orlando said, almost wincing at how quick the words came out. "I mean, Harry wouldn't have been with her this long if she wasn't. And I'm not, y'know, afraid of her. Not really. Intimidated is a better word." "Whatever the word," Karl laughed, "there's no need. She won't eat you alive, and trust me when I say she's going to like you for the same reason you like her." Right, he knew that. He made Harry happy in ways that Monica (and Karl, really) couldn't. Made sense. Still though, as Lawrence had gleefully informed Orlando, Monica was apparently a hell of a lot of woman. And Orlando didn't have to meet her to figure out that she probably intimidated a lot of men. Rather like Katie, when he thought about it. He pondered that idea for a moment, then slid a look at Harry. "What?" Harry asked, wary as he eyed Orlando in return. "Oh, nothing, really," Orlando said, and smiled his most charming smile. "Just wondering why, since the two of you are so in love with each other and have been since practically that first meeting, well...why did the idea of having a child together never come up?" His bond with Harry went instantly cold as Harry's face shuttered. The only sign of emotion was a slight twitch along his jawline. Even his voice was frigid. "That's none of your business." Karl shook his head minutely when Orlando opened his mouth to speak. //Let me.// "Puppy," Karl started, but Harry shook his head. "No." He bit out the word. "I won't discuss this." "He has every right to hear it," Karl argued, and with a silent apology to Orlando, gently moved Orlando off of him so he could cross the room back to Harry. He slid to his knees in front of Harry and cupped his chin, ignoring Harry's unnatural stillness. "I know you don't want to go through that loss again. I don't either," he murmured, but loud enough that Orlando could hear every word. "But you can't blame him for being curious." "Don't, Karl." "Harry " "I'm sorry," Orlando said, hugging a pillow to his chest as he looked at Harry. "I didn't...I know you said you didn't want to again, but I meant before, y'know...when Lauren was still alive or before she was born, even. I just...I'm sorry." He stopped and looked down for a moment, trying not to think of how the bond felt just then. "Do you know I've never even seen a picture of her?" Karl turned to give Orlando a puzzled glance. "Lauren?" "Yeah." Orlando cleared his throat, half wishing the floor would open up and swallow him whole. "I mean...I'm sorry." "Don't be." Karl squeezed Harry's hands, and leaned in to give him a soft kiss. "You don't have to stay." Harry's mouth tightened, but he didn't move. "I'll be alright." "Wait here," Karl instructed Orlando (like Orlando was going to run off, seriously), then walked out of the room. A tense, uncomfortable silence reigned Orlando was afraid to actually look at Harry before Karl returned and dropped a photograph on Orlando's lap before returning to Harry's sofa to sit next to him. Orlando didn't move at first. Then he reached down and slowly picked up the photo. It was an old picture, showing a slender woman in what looked to be her fifties or early sixties. She had Harry's eyes and the same dark hair flowing in loose waves around her shoulders. And she was laughing. "She was beautiful," Orlando said, quietly, eyes glued to the photo. He set it back in his lap, but didn't look up. There were so many things he wanted to ask, to know, but he remained silent. He'd made such a mess of the conversation so far that he was sure Harry would kill him if he said anything else. "Orlando?" Looking up, Orlando found Karl watching him. Harry was looking in his direction, but Orlando wasn't entirely sure if Harry was looking at him. So he just smiled a little and tried to reach through the bond. "I'm okay, just...thank you. For showing me this." "I'm just sorry you never had the chance to meet her," Karl replied softly. "She would have adored you." "You think?" Somehow Orlando didn't think Lauren would have appreciated anyone who put that wounded look in her father's eyes. "Absolutely." Then Karl nudged Harry's shoulder. "Harry, why don't you go out with Dom and Sean tonight so I can get some quality time in with Orlando?" "Hmm?" Harry gave Karl a blank look, like he wasn't sure what Karl said or even where he was. "Go out with Dom and Sean?" "Excellent idea, I'm glad you thought of it," Karl smiled, and Orlando had to appreciate the cleverness in Karl's ruse. "I'll join you later, after I've got Orlando settled." "Alright." Harry stood, still looking a little lost, and kissed Karl goodbye before crossing the room to Orlando. "Enjoy your evening," he said. The kiss he bestowed on Orlando was soft, gentle. When Harry went to turn away, Orlando reached out and caught his wrist. "I love you," he said, trying to convey everything he felt through their bond. It must have worked, because the look in Harry's eyes faded a little. "Have fun tonight." Harry nodded. "I picked up those books you wanted," he said, dragging a fingertip along Orlando's jaw. "Make sure Karl gives them to you." He was out the door a moment later. For a long time, Orlando stared after Harry in silence. Then he slowly looked at Karl. "Is this where you carry me upstairs, tuck me in, and tell me what a prat I just was?" "No. This is where I come sit beside you and you ask me all of the questions I know you've been dying to ask," Karl said, and reclaimed his spot next to Orlando on the sofa. "I know you didn't mean to upset him, love. And he knows it, too." "He's never going to open up about her, is he?" Orlando asked sadly, picking at a loose thread on his blanket. "When prodded, he will. A little bit. The trick is knowing how to ask and when to ask. You'll learn," Karl added, placing his hand on top of Orlando's. "So how do I when to ask? And what to ask?" Orlando twisted his hand to lace their fingers together. "Y'know, he told me once that I reminded him of her, but every time I try to get him to talk about her..." "He freezes up." "Pretty much, yeah." Orlando sighed, then tipped over to rest his head on Karl's shoulder as he picked up the photo again. Lauren really had been lovely. "I wasn't trying to piss him off by asking about a baby. It just doesn't make sense to me that they've been together however long they have and feel the way they do about each other and the subject never came up." "That's because Monica's always known not to ask," Karl replied. "Born vampires are rare, and conceiving them isn't without risk." "And Harry didn't want to risk losing her?" Orlando guessed. "Harry's never dealt well with losing people he cares about." Karl's face shuttered for just a moment, then it cleared. Orlando wondered who he was thinking about. "Monica's adopted over the centuries, raised children a dozen times over, and Harry's always been involved in their lives, but it's not the same. Not for them." "No, I don't suppose it would be." Orlando kept studying the picture, searching for...he didn't know. A clue, maybe, some sort of sign about how he needed to approach Harry, to get him to talk. "It's not healthy, y'know, the way he keeps everything bottled up inside like he does." "I know." "I bet Lauren would have hated that he does it," he whispered. "I know I do. He doesn't always have to be the strong one. I mean...well...it's all tied up with that weird code of honor knight thing he has or is or whatever, isn't it?" "Partially," Karl said, so seriously that Orlando put the picture down again to give him a sharp look. "What's the other part?" "I..." For a brief moment, it looked as though Karl would say whatever was on his mind. But the moment passed, and Karl shook his head. "I can't," he finally said. "I'm sorry." "It's alright," Orlando shrugged, even though he was disappointed. "I know you two have your secrets, and that's fine." Mostly, he added to himself. "I just wish I knew how to get him to open up about her. Lauren, I mean." "He seems to do alright when asked specific questions about her," Karl said, seemingly relieved at the change of subject. "But it's not like he opens up on a whim about her, not even to me." "So how do you suggest I get him to open up to me? Because he's only ever talked about her once with me, and that was the night you left me on his doorstep ten years ago." "Well, you could " "And don't give me that crap about asking him specific questions," Orlando said, focused and barely hearing Karl's voice. "He's never even shown me her picture, even though I've asked if she looked like him." "Orlando, that " "I suppose I could ask Sean if you don't have any ideas. He's given me good advice recently where Harry's concerned." "ORLANDO." "What?!" Orlando snapped, then froze when he got a good look at Karl. "Oh, um. Sorry." "You've never asked me about her." "Well, no, I mean, she's not your..." His voice trailed in horrified silence as what he'd been about to say hit him. He wouldn't have blamed Karl in that moment if Karl had walked out of the room and left him. "Karl, I'm...I'm so sorry. I know, I mean, I know she was your daughter, too." He couldn't believe he'd been about to say something so callous, even unconsciously. "It's alright." Karl squeezed his fingers again. Thankfully, he didn't look upset. "But if you're more comfortable talking about how to bring up Lauren to Harry with Sean, I'll understand." "No, I..." Orlando stopped, mortified as he felt a flush sweep across his face. Even though Karl had never asked about the night he'd spent with Sean, the last thing Orlando wanted was for Karl to think he preferred to talk to Sean, especially about such a personal matter. "I don't. I'd rather talk to you." "Alright then," Karl said, and Orlando had the distinctly uncomfortable feeling that Karl was laughing at him. Orlando took a deep breath. "So, um, tell me what I should do. Because the last thing I want is for him to go all Ice King on me like he did just now. That was bloody scary." "Scary?" "Don't tell me you haven't felt it." Karl wrapped an arm around him to hold him close. "He really scares you?" "Well, yeah, I mean, he just...shuts down," Orlando shrugged, but snuggled into Karl's warmth. "It's like he's not there." "In some ways, he's not. But you have to keep pushing him. Allow him his space at first, but push later on. You know that." "I know. But how soon is too soon to push? And how long is too long? Because he does this every time I bring up Lauren. And the baby issue..." "Would it help to know that Lauren wasn't planned?" Taking note that Karl didn't answer the main question, Orlando looked at him again. "She wasn't? But I thought..." "No, she was an accident," Karl smiled. "A beautiful, joyous, well-loved one, but still an accident. Frankly, I'm not sure Harry's ever wanted to bring a child into this world." "So why do you think that is? Because I didn't have to see them together to know he was an amazing father." An elbow found Karl's ribs, shoving none too gently. "And answer the other question." "He's grieved long enough. We both have," Karl added, softly. "Now's the perfect time to ask about her." "It is?" Orlando asked, more than a little confused. "Right now, he would deny you nothing. Use that to your advantage." It sounded as though Karl was encouraging him to hit below the belt, so to speak. "Isn't that playing dirty?" Karl just grinned. "Since when do you fight fair, love? All of those charming smiles and eyelash fluttering and cozying up to either of us or Dave when you want something? What would you call that?" "That?" Orlando waved his hand in a lazy gesture. "That's just me following Viggo's advice." "Viggo's..." Karl burst out laughing, and the vibration of it rippled through Orlando, making him smile. "That's right, he did tell you that years ago, didn't he?" Orlando just gave him a smug look. "And you say I never take anyone's advice." "I stand corrected." Taking Karl's hand again, Orlando turned it over and traced the palm with his forefinger. "So why haven't you ever talked to me about her?" "Because you've never asked me, remember," Karl said quietly. "I " Fuck. Orlando briefly wished for the sofa to swallow him whole, then bit his lip and met Karl's gaze. "I'm sorry, you're right. Will you tell me about her?" He knew he'd said the right thing when Karl simply asked, "What would you like to know?" "Everything." "Tall order." "I've waited a long time. I have a lot of questions." "She was lovely," Karl said, and his voice got a faraway sound to it. "From the moment Harry and I found out Diane was expecting, we knew that the child would be the most important person in our lives. We'd made so many arrangements, changed our lives so we could settle in Spain to be near Diane, and when she died..." He let out a mirthless sound. "There we were, two vampires without a clue on how to raise a baby, and only Harry's promise to Diane on her deathbed to go on. I was terrified every day that I'd hurt Lauren by accident, that something would happen... But she'd always look at me with those big, beautiful eyes that held so much trust, so much love... I knew I'd give up anything just to keep her safe and happy." "I know how she must have felt," Orlando murmured. Then, in a normal tone: "So tell me about her childhood. Did she take after Harry, or Diane?" "A bit of both, actually." Twisting, Karl sprawled back on the sofa and pulled Orlando on top of him. Much better. Orlando stretched out, tangled their legs together as Karl rubbed his back. "Even as a small child, she was incredibly stubborn. If she didn't want to do it, God himself couldn't make her." Orlando snorted with laughter, pressing his face against Karl's chest to muffle it. "Sounds familiar." "I thought it might," Karl chuckled. "And she was fiercely loyal. Once she gave you her love, it was yours for life. Unless, of course, she felt you'd betrayed her." "Again, familiar." "Exactly." A soft kiss was pressed to the top of Orlando's head. "Stubborn, loyal, a keen mind and sharp wit, she got all of that from Harry. From Diane, well..." Pushing up a little, Orlando looked down at Karl. "What?" "It was more in the way she moved. The way she spoke. An innate sense of grace and poise coupled with this sort of careless generosity...Diane was very much the same way. I like to think she would have been proud of the life Lauren led, of the job Harry and I did raising her." "I'm sure she would have," Orlando replied, leaning up to nuzzle the hollow of Karl's throat. "Did she ever fall in love?" "Oh, several times," Karl chuckled, then grew slightly wistful. "But, much like Harry, she only bound herself to one man. She and Colin were married 53 years, and when he died, she never married again. Of course, by then, she had children and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to dote on." Orlando popped up so fast that he made himself woozy. Only Karl's grip on his arm kept him from falling off the sofa. "Harry has grandchildren?" "And great-grandchildren," Karl laughed. "There are several greats in there, actually. A whole brood of them." Stunned, Orlando stared, unable to think of anything to say. "He's never mentioned them," he finally managed. "No, he wouldn't. Mentioning them would mean talking about Lauren." "Stubborn bastard," Orlando muttered. "There is a part of him that wants to talk about her." Gentle fingers caught Orlando's chin. "Give him a little space for now. And when he's back from seeing Monica..." He drifted off, but the meaning was clear. "What about you? Why did you never have any children of your own?" "You mean, other than the fact that I'm a selfish bastard?" Karl grinned. Orlando balled his fist and hit Karl lightly on the arm. "I'm being serious." "So am I. I'm very selfish." Karl caught Orlando's fist when he balled it again. "But the other reason is that, other than possibly Liv, I've never been tempted to start a family with any of the women I've known over the centuries." "And what about Liv?" Once again, Karl's face shuttered for a brief moment, so fast as to be almost undetectable. "There was never discussion of it. Neither of us ever wanted that sort of bond between us." "There's something you're not telling me." "Clever child," Karl smiled, the expression faintly wistful, "there's always something I'm not telling you. But this time, I can't. Perhaps one day." Part of Orlando wanted to argue, to try to tease it out of Karl. But he just settled back down against Karl, refusing to give in to the impulse. He felt rather proud of himself. "So tell me about Monica." "What would you like to know?" "Everything," Orlando immediately replied. "I don't know why I asked. Alright, is there anything specific?" "Well..." Orlando bit his bottom lip and thought. Like with Lauren, he had so many questions, but didn't know where to start. "Well, Harry's shown me how he sees her. Tell me how you see her." "You don't like the easy questions, do you?" "Nope." Karl took his time answering. Orlando didn't press even if they hadn't had a bond between them, he knew Karl would want to choose his words carefully. "Well, obviously, she's very beautiful," Karl finally said. "And I don't mean in the classical sense, I mean, she's the sort of woman that stops traffic. But I honestly don't think Harry would have cared what she looked like. The second they laid eyes on each other at that party, I knew. I could feel it. Here was the woman Harry had been searching for, the one he was destined to find." There was no trace of jealousy in Karl's voice Orlando knew better than to expect it. But there was still...something. "Did that bother you?" he asked, quietly. "That she completed him in a way you couldn't?" "Only in the sense that I knew he could be at ease with her in a way he never could around me. At least, not until recently," Karl amended. "I do sometimes wonder what our lives would have been like had I been born a woman. How our bond would have been different. But no, it never truly bothered me. Monica and I have always understood each other. And I will always love her for the way she loves Harry." Orlando snorted. "If you'd been a woman, I doubt there would have been anyone else. And I'd most likely still be looking for a vampire of my own." "Oh, he'd have still found you. When it's meant to be, it happens. I doubt you'd have looked at me, though." "I might have," Orlando said, hiding his smile against Karl's shoulder. "A couple centuries down the road, once I wanted to do some of that 'exploring my options' thing you and Sean are always going on about." Karl kissed the top of his head, and Orlando could feel his amusement in the bond. "Cheeky." "Always." There was a long moment of silence as Orlando sorted out his thoughts, going over what Karl had said. "You know, I think the same thing a lot. About how things would have been different if I'd been a woman. Karl..." Karl waited, then he lightly nudged Orlando. "Finish." Orlando knew he should be quiet, knew what he was going to say would reveal more than he was probably going to like, but he also knew he couldn't back down now. "When I meet her...is she going to like me? And will she like me for me or because I'm Harry's?" To Orlando's relief, Karl didn't dismiss his fears or laugh. "At first, she'll like you because you're Harry's. She knows of you, of course, but I don't know how much Harry's told her or when. Their relationship is...well, let's just say they don't let the outside world in much when they have time together." "Too busy having sex?" Orlando joked, but Karl didn't rise to the bait. "Too busy rediscovering each other," he corrected. "But to answer your question, I don't know if she'll like you for you. I'd like to think she would, since I think she'll see many of the same qualities in you that Harry and I see, but your relationship with her will be for the two of you to work out. Just go into it with an open mind and remember that you already have one important thing in common." "I can do that. But I don't think the fact that we're both sleeping with Harry is going to give us much to talk about." "Oh, I think you'd be surprised," Karl said, with a low laugh. "There are a lot of similarities in the relationship the two of you have with him." "There are?" Orlando couldn't see it, but he was willing to concede that Karl probably knew more than he did. "And I'm sure she's just as curious about you as you are about her, with one difference." "What's that?" While he doubted she was all that curious about him, Orlando wasn't going to argue the point. "She knows when to ask Harry about you," Karl pointed out. "And she's patient about getting the answers." "I'm patient," Orlando said, ignoring Karl's muffled snort of laughter. He was patient. Well, at least, he was learning to be patient, and that was the important thing. He smothered a yawn and tried to crawl inside Karl's shirt. "I want to meet her." "Well, that's something you need to tell Harry, not me," Karl told him. "Unless, you want me there when you meet her, and not Harry." "Can I get back to you on that?" Orlando asked, only half-joking. He yawned again, inwardly cursing how weak he still was. "Take your time," Karl replied, stroking his hand along Orlando's back, the touch soothing. "You'll probably want most of your strength back and your wits about you the first time you meet her." "Probably," Orlando mumbled. He snuggled closer, letting his eyes drift closed. "Otherwise she'll eat me." "I doubt that'll happen." With a quick, smooth movement, Karl stood with Orlando in his arms. "Now, though, I think it's time you went back to bed." "You just wanna go out with Sean and Dom and Harry," Orlando said, words starting to slur. He wrapped his arms around Karl's neck, letting the easy motion relax him. "Should have them over for dinner. Y'gonna leave me by myself?" "Is that your delightful way of asking me to stay with you?" "Sorry." Orlando wasn't even sure he'd said it out loud. Talking was too much effort, anyway. //Stay. Please.// //Alright.// A moment later, he felt the give of the mattress beneath him, and Karl's lips against his cheek. //Go to sleep, little one. I'm not going anywhere.// //Love you.// He burrowed under the blankets, felt the mattress dip again as Karl settled beside him, and finally let himself drift to sleep, safe and secure, in Karl's arms. The rest of his questions (and he had a million) could wait until tomorrow. Onto Reunited
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