Title: "Reunion" Pairing: Karl Urban/Orlando Bloom Rating: PG Summary: It's been a year. Disclaimer: Yes, indeed, they were at a premiere together. Don't think this was the way the evening ended. Notes: Written for the Contrelamontre 'last word must have some impact' challenge. New York City December 2002 So, you're here, you're finally here. It's all happening. All of the anticipation, the waiting, the patience, all paying off. You're here -- in New York fucking City -- with the crowds and the cameras and the reporters shoving microphones in your face, asking their asinine questions. And, fuck, but you've waited so long for this. Finally, it begins. You smile and wave and answer the questions as well as you can. You laugh at Dom's antics and think to yourself that you've really missed the cheeky bastard and his insane sense of humor. You trade hugs with Billy, chat a bit about new projects and how you both aren't going to play the Hollywood game -- then he's dragged off to talk to E! or maybe Entertainment Tonight, and here you are, in New York City, at the premiere -- the fucking premiere -- and all you can do is look around in wonder, in anticipation. You're not sure why until he shows up. Then it all hits you. Fuck, but he's even more beautiful than you remember. The last year or so has been really good to him. You take a half-step toward him before stopping yourself...no. This is public, it's over a year later, and, who the hell knows, maybe he doesn't want to acknowledge you. You'll respect that. Just as you respected the boundaries he put on your relationship the first time around. You weren't ready for anything more, anyway. Of course, that was a year ago. Then his eye catches yours, and you feel the impact clear to your bones. Your breath stutters, your body stiffens, and you can't look away. You notice he doesn't either as he makes his way toward you -- and you take the moment to study him. Really study him. He's still lean, still built, still on the skinny side, but he's grown into it. Now his looks suit him. You watch his graceful walk, notice the rolling gait in slender hips half-hidden by his full-length jacket. And can't keep the smile from forming when he's finally in front of you. You both stand and stare at each other for what seems like an eternity, both of you cataloguing the changes, the similarities. Both of you looking for, and finding, whatever it is you're seeking. Finally, he breaks the silence, and his lilting voice sounds amused. "You cut your hair." "You grew yours out," you reply, responding to his grin. You never could resist it. And then his arms are around your waist, and his breath is fluttering hot against your neck, and you feel his smile on your skin. Of course, you return the embrace, wrap him in your arms, hold that slender body close to you. Neither of you notice the flash of light bulbs, the din of the crowd, the small smirk Dom throws you. All you know is that, finally, you're here, in the right space with the right person. It is, you admit to yourself -- when you both finally pull back, arms still clasping, smiling deep into each other's eyes -- the real reason you lived in such anticipation. "What are you --?" "Hey, are you doing --?" You both stop, laugh, and you gesture to him. "You first, I insist." "It's nothing. I just...what are you doing after?" "After the premiere?" "Yeah." "Thought there was an after-party." The look he gives you is one of amused exasperation. "Alright, after that." "Why, you asking me out?" The flirtatious words are out before you can call them back. He just grins, slender finger running along the back of your hand. "Maybe. Will you say yes if I do?" "Ask me and find out." "You haven't changed, have you?" he smiles, but there's something in the question that pulls at you. You chose your answer carefully. "No," you finally answer, seeking his eyes with yours. "Not in any way that matters." "Good." His fingers brush yours again, and this time you curl yours around them briefly. "I was the one that needed to change, anyway." "We both made mistakes." And it was true, had been true from the start. No fault, just circumstance. You wouldn't change a thing. "Well, I'm through making them." And you really have to smile at that, because it's just so typical and so Orlando and you've missed him so fucking much. "Good for you, then," you state as you lean in to brush your lips across his cheek. His eyes don't leave yours as you pull back. But now you think you can read the look. "So, will you?" So many ways to answer that, so many ways Orlando could mean it. But, of course, he only means it the one way. And, in the end, you're done with teasing, tired of flirting, and dancing around what you really want. You're pretty sure he is, too, if the look on his face is any indication. And so you go with instinct, which seems to have worked out for you really well in the past, and pull him back for another hug. Only this one is different. Not a reunion of friends this time...but a reunion of lovers. He seems to get it, because his arms are tight around your hips -- possessive and sure. "Is this your answer?" he breathes along your ear. "Ask me again. Really ask." He pulls back slightly, close, so close, yet not close enough. You're not close enough, not deep enough inside him. "You wanna go out afterwards, Karl?" This time your answer is immediate. And the kiss you place on his cheek is a promise. "Yes." If you enjoyed this fic, please leave feedback here. Thanks!